G.U.S. NITPICKS!! (v. 5)

NAKS, RACKS is BACK(s)!!!


Racks restaurant started sometime during my college days, and for a few years, it was quite a hit. Their ribs were very good and offered great value for money, until they opened too many branches left and right, and fell into hard times. Also, food quality went way south. Eventually, most of their branches were closed down.

Reading thru the papers recently, i was rather amused that the Prieto group (the people who run Shakey's Pizza, Dunkin Donuts, Tia Maria's in this country) acquired the rights to Racks resto and planned to open new branches, etc.....Huh? Adding another moribund brand to their lackluster roster, what for?

Well, after a rather ho-hum concert last night (no offense meant, R.T.), we decided to get a late dinner and stumbled upon the newly re-opened Racks in El Pueblo. The place looked bright and inviting for us hungry souls. . .in fact, i would say the lighting seemed rather too bright.

It turned out to be S.'s first time to eat at any Racks branch, as they never had a branch in her part of the world. Kawawa naman talaga yang promdi na yan (it's pitiful how she has been deprived her entire life :D)

Anyway, their menu hadn't changed much, save for some new items added (wasabi mashed potatoes, anyone?). Prices seemed on the reasonable side, at PHP185 - 250 for a set meal of ribs, coupled with side dishes, etc.

The boneless ribs were as good as advertised, and their famed BBQ sauce (i tried the extra hot one) packed quite a kick. Abovementioned wasabi mashed potatoes were flavourful, too.

On the debit side, the clam chowder S. ordered had a lot of small, round potatoes at the bottom. Hmm. . .and her baked beans were a little too spicy for comfort.

Meanwhile, R.T. was way too busy wiping his plate clean to make much comment. Well, he's as carnivorous as they come, so he was obviously satisfied.

Their staff were eager to please, and fairly knowledgeable of the menu offerings, too.

All in all, a good meal was had by us 3. And the average bill per person was a little below PHP300. Quite reasonable, and multiple return visits are in order!!!! [clap clap clap]