It’s the last Sunday of the year.
Since I recently started a new chapter in my life, I encouraged our family to come up with new traditions.
If we have extra cash after we attend the Sunday worship service, we usually dine out.
But if we don’t, we’re still very happy to share a meal from our favorite chef Mommy Glo.
December 30, 2018.
After the Sunday worship service, we found ourselves strolling around the nearby mall as we thought of a good place to eat.
I was expecting to go to the same old restaurant we usually go to. It has good food and delicious desserts that are reasonably priced — a great deal especially for a family as big as ours.
To my surprise, my husband turned to Gringo, a new restaurant at this newly opened area of the mall.
I’ve noticed that place before.
I always assumed they offer great food because every time I’d get the chance to pass by that area, I often see a long line of people waiting outside to be seated.
But this Sunday was different.
Even though it was already lunch time, our timing was perfect.
There was no line outside and we were immediately seated as soon as we got there. (Thank God! 😊)
We had no idea about the taste of the food nor the serving size, so we ordered the “safe” options.
We had nachos, chicken fingers for the kids, baby back ribs for my husband, and a pitcher of lemonade for everyone.
Starters: Nacho Grande
The appetizer was served first.
I confess…
I am a bummer for nachos!
This is one of my safe choices and standard order. If we’re trying a new place out, I’d definitely want to know their rendition of nachos.
They served a big plate of nachos that goes with two small buckets of spicy sauce. I must say that as far as the overall rating for this place goes (ambiance, cleanliness, and quality of food – taste and serving size), it’s still five stars out of five for us – my husband and me.
Rating for Nacho Grande
Cost: ₱265
Taste: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ of 5
Quantity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ of 5
Value for money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ of 5
Main Meal: Baby Back Ribs
A very special treat for a very special person – my husband. 😍
He wanted to try the half order of baby back ribs with two sides (he chose Mexican rice) to see if it’s worth the bucks.
So far, my husband said that the meat is soft and juicy. The flavor was just right. But they could work on the serving size.
The Mexican rice was a bit spicy but flavorful enough to grant my husband’s “approval.”
And the verdict?
Rating for Gringo Baby Back Ribs (half rack) with 2 sides
Cost: ₱365
Taste: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ of 5
Quantity: ⭐⭐ of 5
Value for money: ⭐⭐⭐of 5
Kids Menu: Chicken Tenders
Next, the kiddos.
Like me, they’re not so much into venturing unfamiliar territory when it comes to food (not unless highly recommended by us – their parents). 😉
They would order items they’re most familiar with. In this case, chicken tenders.
In the children’s minds, they’re imagining getting something like the chicken fingers of T.G.I.F – big chicken fillet strips with crunchy breading that go with honey mustard sauce and A LOT of fries.
When the food arrived, the plate contains several strips of chicken fillet with fries on the side.
Naturally, the kids all dove in and ate the fries first so we had to order another serving of french fries for them.
Rating: Chicken Tenders
Cost: ₱135
Taste: ⭐⭐⭐ of 5
Quantity: ⭐⭐⭐ of 5
Value for money: ⭐⭐⭐ of 5
There’s a funny story behind this extra serving of fries.
We asked one of the servers for a separate order of french fries. The server leaned closer and asked again. We reiterated our order.
I think ten minutes have passed and still, no fries.
Since the kids are still hungry, they patiently waited for the fries to be served.
A server came and served a bowl of rice.
I asked my husband if he ordered a cup of rice. When he said no, I knew that in the middle of a noisy restaurant, the other server didn’t hear us clearly.
So, we waited again.
At last, after what felt like forever, the bowl of french fries came. But I didn’t think it was worth the wait.
Rating: French Fries (solo order)
Cost: ₱60
Taste: ⭐⭐⭐ of 5
Quantity: ⭐ of 5
Value for money: ⭐⭐ of 5
I thank God for the beautiful smiles of the servers who attended to us.
If not for the long waiting time for the french fries, I’d say the service was great and the ambiance was good for families who want to enjoy good food and have a great time together.
So, below are more ratings for Gringo, in general.
Cleanliness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ of 5
Ambiance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ of 5
Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ of 5
Here are more photos of the place.
I couldn’t find a website for this restaurant so I checked zomato.com for the branches, just in case you’re craving for cajun/creole, Latin American food and tex-mex.
SM Megamall – Third Floor, Mega Atrium, SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
Legaspi Village – Ground Floor, OPL Building, C. Palanca Corner De La Rosa Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City
SM City North EDSA – Ground Floor, The Block, SM City North EDSA, Bago Bantay, Quezon City
Bonifacio Global City (BGC) – The Fort Residences, 2nd Avenue Corner 30th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
SM Mall of Asia (MOA) – Ground Floor, Mall of Asia Arena Parking Building, J.W Diokno
O Square – Ground Floor, Parking 1B, O Square Greenhills, Ortigas Avenue
UP Town Center – Ground Floor, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
Festival Mall – Third Floor, Expansion Wing, Festival Mall, Filinvest City, Muntinlupa
SM City Sucat – Ground Floor, Mall A, SM City Sucat, San Dionisio, Parañaque
Ayala Malls the 30th – Lower Ground Floor, Ayala Malls The 30th, Meralco Avenue, Ugong Pasig City
Ayala Malls Feliz – Third Floor, Ayala Malls Feliz, Dela Paz, Pasig City
Robinson’s Galleria – Level 3, Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas, Quezon City
There you have it! A new family tradition for a new chapter of our lives.
Thank You, Jesus!
Thank You, my Jesus, for the opportunity to create wonderful memories in our family! We thank You for the financial provision You have blessed us with that we are able to enjoy good food at a new restaurant as we end our year.
I hope and pray that during these times of prosperity, our children will appreciate Your goodness and faithfulness in our lives. It is my prayer that You use my husband and me to be role models who have grateful and content hearts as we intentionally share Your goodness in our lives. In Jesus’ Name. Amen
How about you?
What are your family traditions as the year ends? Did you start a new one? Please share your family traditions with us in the comments below. You’ll never know who you’ll inspire in starting one. 😉
Coffee Sessions with Mama Sel 