#applebeesph

Applebee’s started its operations in the U.S. in 1980 and is currently the biggest casual dining restaurant chain in America. It now has over 2,000 outlets in 16 countries worldwide. Applebee’s was brought to the country by Global Restaurants Concepts, Inc., the same company that manages other popular brands such as California Pizza Kitchen and IHOP.

Accompanying me for lunch that afternoon was Bob Vallar, Marketing Manager of Applebee’s Philippines who showed me how Applebee’s continues to provide a fun dining atmosphere where guests can #CelebrateEverything in the company of family and friends.

The restaurant is actually brandishing a new look for its menu which comes straight from the USA containing their new brand promise of Serving Up Good Times. It’s not just the menu cover, but also the delicious dishes inside which make each visit to Applebee’s a cherished occasion.

I started with a few of their new appetizers that can be shared and passed around the table while waiting for your main entrees.

The Spicy Shrimp Salad (Whole-₱765 / Half-₱445) is a healthy and tasty starter that will give salads a good reputation. It comes with fresh greens, cucumbers, feta cheese, toasted almonds, spicy grilled shrimp and grilled watermelon cubes in a creamy mint yoghurt dressing. The shrimps give it a savory taste while the grilled watermelon offer a smokey combination that is quite unique for a salad. This is just a half portion but it is good enough for two.

Another new appetizer is their Southern Beef Brisket Quesadilla (₱525) with its shredded slow-cooked seasoned beef brisket tossed in a chipotle lime salsa & jalapeno dressing then topped with assorted cheddar cheese. These are then placed inside a warm flour tortilla wrap and served with two kinds of sauces.

But this new pair at Applebee’s is destined to be a popular choice for those who want to have a great time bonding over good beer and good food.

The Fried Sweet and Spicy Pickles (₱195) are lightly breaded, crispy fried sweet and spicy pickled cucumber slices served with a jalapeno dip on the side. I think this is the first time for me to eat fried pickles but this was a big revelation. The thin slices are deep fried with a special batter that makes it very crunchy. It actually tastes similar to the Mojos from Shakey’s but with a sweet explosion coming from the pickles.

The best beverage to pair with the fried pickles would be a tall mug of lager from Engkanto Brewery. Led by its founder, Ian Paradies, who I also met that afternoon at Applebee’s, Engkanto Brewery is positioned to be one of the fastest growing local breweries with its commitment to provide Filipinos with a new generation of high-quality craft beer.

Applebee’s is partnering with Engkanto Brewery to offer these refreshing beverages on their new menu as well. Initially available only at their BGC branch, diners can order a glass of Engkanto Lager (₱180) with its 5% ABV (alcohol by volume) plus Cascade, El Dorado and Amarillo hops. Another stronger option is the Engkanto Pale with its 6% ABV.

If you are looking for more bar chows to go along with your Engkanto beers, the Calamari (₱395) is also a new item on the menu that will surely whet your taste buds. These lightly breaded crispy squid rings are served with lemon aioli on the side.

Applebee’s is also offering some new pasta dishes on the menu like the Grilled Sausage Marinara Pasta (₱495). This meaty dish come with grilled Schueblig sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, sun dried tomatoes and spaghetti sauteed in a savory marinara sauce. Other new creamy pasta items you can try include the Spinach Artichoke & Grilled Chicken Cavatappi and the spicy Firecracker Shrimp pasta.

For ladies like me, Applebee’s new seafood creations are the perfect answer for a flavorful lunch while still watching the calories. The Teriyaki Balsamic Glazed Salmon (₱675) is a sweet and exciting rice dish with its Ocean fresh Norwegian Pink Salmon basted in a sweet teriyaki balsamic glaze. It is served with Mexi-rice and green bean crispers on the side.

For those who want to try something different, go for the Beetroot Curry Salmon (₱695) which has a more earthy and exotic taste with its predominant red beet root flavor and hints of curry. It is topped with colored tortilla strips and fried onions then served with dried fish coriander rice and Greek yoghurt.

Applebee’s is also launching its new line of Local Favorites featuring homegrown dishes that have become culinary favorites. The Applebee's Pork Liempo Adobo (₱485) is highly recommended with its succulent pork belly steak drizzled in a tasty soy-vinegar sauce that Filipinos love, then topped with crispy fried onions. It even comes with almond rice that contains real almond bits. This ended up being my favorite dish of the afternoon and is great for that quick lunch meeting or for even a longer dinner with the family. Other Local Favorites include the Fiesta BBQ Pork Liempo with a sweet and savory Asian barbecue sauce and the Grilled Chicken with its Pinoy style chicken barbecue.

Don’t forget about the burgers! I usually order their Triple Bacon All-In burger but Applebee’s latest burger creation is their meatiest burger yet! The Triple Meat All-in Burger (₱795) packs a big punch with its USDA beef burger patty that comes with double smoked bacon and shredded beef brisket. If those three meaty items are not enough, they are also combined with cheddar cheese and honey barbecue sauce all inside a toasted brioche bun then served with fries.

This giant burger will definitely satisfy even the biggest of carnivores. After all those treats, there’s still more waiting because Applebee’s also has a few new desserts items available. The Banofee Cheesecake (₱350) has a thick toffee cheesecake on a coffee graham cracker crust drizzled with dulce de leche and hot fudge sauces then topped with fried banana chips. You can also try their new Hot Fudge Sundae or the S’Mores Creme Brulee for a sweet ending.

There are definitely more reasons to come and celebrate everything at Applebee’s with these exciting new creations. I was only able to try less than half of the new items so I am surely coming back to Applebee’s for more Good Times. 

APPLEBEE’S GRILL & BAR

30th Street corner 9th Avenue, W Global Center, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

801-9662

www.facebook.com/ApplebeesPH

Since Applebee’s is on the second floor, guests can use the elevator near Dairy Queen or just climb the stairs to get up to the cozy restaurant. IHOP, a sister company under the Global Restaurants Concepts group, will also have its own staircase access to Applebee’s once it opens later this year.

Applebee's Grill & Bar brings together a lively bar & grill experience offering hand-crafted drinks and innovative appetizers and entrees featuring bold flavors and fresh ingredients. With more than 2,000 locations in 15 countries, Applebee’s is one of the world’s largest casual dining brands which has now established itself in the Philippines. 

The al fresco dining space facing the City Walk 1 activity area is best for those barkadas or groups who want to have a few rounds of beers or cocktails before or after their office hours.

Applebee’s believes that we should #CelebrateEverything and there is always a reason to eat out and celebrate with your family and friends. The spacious dining areas cater to small groups who want a casual and friendly environment overflowing with great food and drinks.

I was happy to drop by at Applebee’s for a late afternoon get together with some of my blogger friends to see the new branch. This is actually bigger than their branch in Bonifacio Global City and I will surely find myself hanging out at this place more often.

Everything looks so pretty at Applebee’s, not just the interiors and food, but also their beverages. I had the Blueberry Cheesecake Milkshake (P195) for myself but those who want something more exciting can go for the Perfect Patron Margarita (P495) with its combination of Patron Silver, Patron Citronge, and lime juice. This is served in a big shaker so you can actually get around 3-4 servings, if you can handle it.

Their Cocktail Menu also includes the Berry Sangria (P250) with its fruity flavors, but beer drinkers should order the Coronarita (P395) which has a whole bottle of Corona beer dunked into a huge margarita glass. Applebee’s also boasts of a Happy Hour menu with beer & specialty cocktails at only P89 each!

I ordered their Soup of the Day (P165) which was Broccoli Soup, something warm to get inside my tummy before we proceeded to feast on Applebee’s delicious lineup.

For our appetizers, the Double Crunch Bone-in Wings (P395) is always a sure winner with its double fried wings and a choice of honey BBQ, Sweet & Spicy, Classic Buffalo or Korean BBQ sauce.

One of the signature appetizers at Applebee’s is the Sriracha Shrimps (P445). This has crispy shrimp coated with rich and creamy Sriracha chili-lime dip. It has that little spicy kick that everyone enjoys.

Applebee’s has a lot of Asian-inspired dishes like the Pot Stickers (P325) which are fried wontons filled with shrimp and pork and served with Thai peanut and soy dumpling sauces.

But if you can’t decide which appetizers to get, then go for the Appetizer Sampler (P495) where you can choose any three from their selected appetizers menu including Chips & Salsa, Double Crunch Bone-in Wings, Pot Stickers, Boneless Chicken Bites, Green Bean Crispers, Cheese Quesadilla, and my favorite Wonton Tacos. These are crunchy, ultra-crispy wonton taco shells which are made in-house using a mold that they imported from Guam, then stuffed with spicy chicken, coleslaw, and cilantro. I just love these babies and I would travel all the way to BGC before just to get them.

For the health-conscious buffs, they also have a few salad items like the Fiesta Chicken Chopped Salad (P325). This comes with chopped lettuce tossed with black bean corn salsa, roasted red peppers & onions, tortilla strips, white cheddar and Spicy Jalapeno dressing topped with chimichurri-glazed grilled chicken.

But for the weight-watchers and calorie-counters like me, Applebee’s offers an Under 600 Calories section on their menu which can make our lives so much easier. These are comprised of healthy and tasty selections that will fill you up without weighing you down, like the Savory Cedar Salmon (P650) with its Cedar seasoned salmon, spring vegetables, steamed potatoes and creamy artichoke. I couldn’t believe that this is really below 600 calories because it is quite big and filling. Now, we don’t have to suffer for our figures!

Burger lovers, on the other hand, will definitely enjoy munching down the Cowboy Burger (P525), a true Western burger topped with crispy onion strings, melted white cheddar cheese and smoked bacon served on a toasted brioche bun with honey BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles.

I wasn’t really on a dieting mood that afternoon because I wanted to have again their signature Pork Ribs (P950-full rack / P650-half rack). These barbecue pork ribs are marinated in Applebee’s special house blend then served with corn on the cob, french fries and coleslaw with a choice of Honey BBQ sauce, Smoky Chipotle, Spicy Sweet Asian Chili and Korean BBQ sauce.

They also have a great selection of steaks including the Shrimp & Parmesan Sirloin (P1200) - a 7 oz. USDA Sirloin topped with sauteed shrimp in Parmesan sauce. This is also served with seasoned vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes.

If you want your steak sizzling, then get their Sizzling Entrees like the Bourbon Street Steak (P995) which has a sizzling Cajun-spiced 7 oz. steak served with sauteed onions & mushrooms and crispy potatoes.

Applebee’s has a few new desserts on the menu so I had to try them for myself. The Black Forest (P295) is a big glass mug filled with brownie chunks, vanilla ice cream, Grand Mariner cherries and strawberry jam topped with whipped cream and a Maraschino cherry then garnished with a hot fudge and pecan nut brim. Something lighter, but only by a little bit, is the Fluffer Nutter (P295) which has peanut butter, vanilla ice cream, bananas, hot fudge and pecan nuts topped with a melted marshmallow cloud. 

Better yet, get one of their dessert favorites like the Butter Pecan Blondie (P325) baked with nuts and topped with ice cream, glazed pecans and cream cheese sauce served on a sizzling plate. Spread the good news, Applebee’s Grill & Bar Eastwood City is now open to serve you good times with great All American food, tasty premium cocktails, spirits, as well as opulent desserts for the perfect endings to your meal. It’s time to Celebrate Everything at Applebee’s!

APPLEBEE’S GRILL & BAR

Eastwood City Cyberpark, Libis, Quezon City

www.facebook.com/ApplebeesPH

Applebee’s is reknowned as a celebration destination, a place where you can spend happy moments with friends and family. Applebee’s believes every little occasion is a cause for celebration as long as it is important to you. In this same celebratory spirit, Applebee’s Philippines launches their all new Cocktail and Beverage selections which will give you even more reasons to cheer.

These new beverages were designed to pair perfectly with Applebee’s existing roster of delicious appetizers and full flavored Entrée selections! They first presented their new Tropical Cocktail Celebrations like the Mangorita (P350-carafe) on the left with its fruity mango-infused margarita. One carafe is enough to satisfy an entire table but if that’s not enough then go get another round. 

The King of the heap is definitely the new Coronarita. Just one look at this cocktail and you know they are not kidding around. This is their Classic Margarita with a bottle of Corona premium Mexican Cerveza flipped over and dunked in. The trick is how to drink your Coronarita. Using your straw, drink from the glass first from the bottom upwards to get a combination of all the beverages in one gulp. Watch the Corona beer empty into your glass as you sip through your delicious Margarita!  

Other new Tropical Cocktail Celebrations include the Vodka Citronade (left), a refreshing vodka cocktail served with Absolut Citron, and the Watermelon Celery Fizz (right) which is a fruitier combination. These cocktails are available from P150 upwards and you can also make it a double shot for only an additional P40.

For their new Pep Tonics, Applebee’s added some healthy ingredients with some delicious cocktail mixes to give you a little vim & vitality as you wind down and destress. The Cucumber Cooler (left) combines gin, mint, & lemon lime with refreshing cucumber slices. On the other hand, the Gingerella (middle) combines gin, lemon lime, & grenadine with fresh pineapple juice and soothing ginger bits. If you need to brighten up your day, then go for the cocktail named Sun is Shining (right) with lemon, ginger, honey and vodka. 

If you are looking for a more wholesome beverage, you don’t have to worry because they also have their new Sweet Adventures non-alcoholic beverage selections. The Blueberry Cheesecake Shake boasts an indulgent medley of cream cheese, milk, blueberries, whipped cream and cake that kids and adults will surely enjoy. They also have the Strawberry Banana Colada which blends ripe banana, pinacolada, strawberry fruit and puree in a fruity and refreshing mocktail combination. 

Cocktails and beverages are always better when accompanied by delicious food so we ordered some of Applebee’s irresistible appetizers like the Sriracha Shrimp (P445). These fiery shrimp tidbits are amazingly good!  They do seem too spicy for my palate but spicy-food lovers will definitely enjoy devouring these with their ice-cold beers and beverages.

Chicken wings are also popular appetizers and you can try their Double Crunch Bone-In Wings (P395). These are double fried wings with your choice of honey barbecue, sweet and spicy, classic buffalo or Korean barbecue sauce.

But the item I was really looking forward to trying is their signature Wonton Taco (P225). These are spicy chicken-stuffed wonton shells topped with cole slaw and cilantro. 

The taco shells are made in-store from scratch and these are really thin and crunchy. I love the light tangy barbecue sauce used on the chicken that comes with a mild kick which is just right for me. I enjoyed this so much that I finished an entire piece immediately and they had to order a second round for the group, haha. Of course, I had another piece for myself.

Applebee’s also has a unique lineup of burgers which include the Mexican-inspired Quesadilla Burger (P525). This has Applebee’s signature Mexican ranch sauce with pico de gallo and shredded lettuce served in a unique Jack and Cheddar quesadilla. The fusion of American and Mexican flavors make this a must-try when you visit Applebee’s. It comes with a serving of fries on the side.

If you want something more traditional, then get the Triple Bacon All-In Burger (P495). This big classic American burger comes with barbecue bacon ranch and cheddar cheese served on a toasted brioche bun. It also comes with a serving of fries on the side. You can’t go wrong with bacon!

We also tried the Fiesta Lime Chicken (P395) with its grilled chicken done fiesta-style and topped with zesty lime sauce, Mexi-ranch and Jack cheddar. It is also served with crisp tortilla strips, mexi-rice and freshly-made pico de gallo.

For heavy eaters, you may want to order from their selection of steaks which include the Blackened Ribeye with Red Wine Mushrooms (P1650). This USDA ribeye steak has a touch of blackened seasoning and is topped with Shiitake and button mushrooms. The beef is cooked in red wine and finished with a rosemary au jus then served with crispy potatoes mixed with fried onions and peppers.

But my all time favorite at Applebee’s will always be their Honey Barbecue Pork Ribs (Half-P650 / Full-P950). These barbecued pork ribs are marinated in Applebee’s special house blend then grilled to achieve that perfect smokey flavor. It is served with corn on the cob, french fries and coleslaw with a choice of honey barbecue sauce, smokey chipotle, spicy sweet Asian chili and Korean bbq sauce. 

For that afternoon, we were also able to try the Smokey Chipotle Pork Ribs which comes with a little more spice but packs a lot more flavors. I was so full from eating the juicy steak and ribs but we were not done yet. 

Children will also have a great time at Applebee’s with their Kid’s menu. Any kid or child-at-heart will surely marvel at their Teddy “Bear”ger (P195) especially when it comes with this cute face. This is made with a 3-oz. juicy beef patty that comes with a slice of American cheese, lettuce, tomato slices and honey barbecue sauce served with a side of fries. Pair it with the Cookie Milkshake Monster (P125), a thick and creamy milkshake with chunks of Oreo cookies, topped with blue fluffy cream and marshmallows. The only problem will be how to convince the kids to eat these instead of just looking and playing with them. Who would want to eat a cute teddy “bear”ger?

There is still room for desserts and we had the Mango Banana Rum-A (P250) which is a rum-infused mango and banana crepe topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream and honey roasted pecans. This one is quite sweet with just a little hint of rum but better watch out for the kids as they might sneak up and grab a few bites of this. Give them the Triple Chocolate Meltdown (P295) instead with its moist chocolate cake and fudge-filled center served with vanilla ice cream and hot chocolate fudge.

I had another fantastic afternoon at Applebee’s and my only regret is that I don’t get to visit here too often because it is quite a distance from where I live. But the good news is that their second branch will be opening very soon at Eastwood City, possibly as early as March, so now I will have more reasons to celebrate at Applebee’s. 

Of course I couldn’t resist taking a photo by the Applebee’s photo wall. Global Restaurants Concepts has indeed scored a coup by acquiring the local Applebee’s franchise. Applebee’s started its operations in the U.S. in 1980 and is currently the biggest casual dining restaurant chain in America. If you haven’t dined at Applebee’s yet, it is somewhat similar to TGI Fridays or Chili’s which are the more well-known restaurants here. Expect the local dining scene to heat up with the entry of Applebee’s Philippines.

The event started with the official blessing of the outlet with the participation of the management and guests.

Instead of a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, the owners of Applebee’s Philippines had a barbecue cookout to commemorate the opening of this much-awaited brand.

Each Applebee’s outlet has its own Bar area and this is what greets you once you enter the restaurant. The ground floor actually has a more relaxed and informal setup, with wooden accents and comfortable sofas and chairs arranged for casual conversations with drinks and light appetizers. This is a great place for those late night hangouts with friends or officemates.

The stairs leading to the second floor is littered with posters on the walls so do take time to read these interesting items.

The second floor is where diners and those looking to satisfy their cravings should head to. This space has bigger tables suited for groups and families but you can also take the smaller tables by the windows for a more intimate dining experience. There are several LCD screens around the floor showing movies and sports which gives the restaurant a lively vibe.

Applebee’s also has an open kitchen where you can see the cooks and servers preparing your orders.

Applebee’s has an extensive menu of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to quench your thirst. Try the Strawberry Lime Margarita (P150) with its strawberry puree, house tequila and margarita mix. Or go for their fresh fruit shakes like the Mango Shake (P175). Refillable Iced Tea and Sodas (P95) as well as coffee, teas, beers and other cocktails are also available.

You can start your dining experience at Applebee’s with an order of their Onion Rings (P295). These huge onion rings are golden fried with thick coatings of bread crumbs and served with honey barbecue or ranch dressings. I like these types of big onion rings and they are great to nibble on while waiting for your main orders.

Chicken wings are also a popular American appetizer and you can try their Double Crunch Bone-In Wings (P295). These are double fried wings with a choice of honey barbecue, sweet and spicy, classic buffalo or Korean barbecue sauce.

Don’t think that Applebee’s serves purely American food as you can also spot several Asian and international-inspired dishes on the menu which were adopted from their other international branches. The Pot Stickers (P325) are fried wontons filled with shrimp and pork and served with thai peanut and soy dumpling sauces. These are quite tasty and actually filling if you eat more than a few pieces.

Applebee’s also has a few salads for the health-conscious diners. The Fiesta Chicken Chopped Salad (P325) has chopped lettuce tossed with black bean corn salsa, roasted red peppers and onions, tortilla strips, white cheddar and spicy jalapeno dressing then topped with chimchurri glazed grilled chicken. I like salads that have meat on them and this is one salad that I do not mind eating.

On the other hand, the Oriental Chicken Salad (Half P295 / Full P450) is an Asian-inspired salad with its fresh Asian greens, rice noodles, almonds and Oriental vinaigrette. But the important part is that you have a choice of fried chicken tenders or oriental grilled chicken to top the salad. It’s actually quite different to see noodles on a salad so this one is a unique creation.

They also have the Pasta Aglio (P345) which is the classic spaghetti tossed in spicy garlic and extra virgin oil mixed with shiitake and button mushrooms, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes and served with a side of toasted bread.

Another American favorite is the Chicken Tenders (P375) with its crunchy breaded chicken fillet served with corn on the cob, fries and coleslaw. This is one treat that everyone from young to old will appreciate.

But my favorite dish at Applebee’s is definitely their juicy and tender Pork Ribs (Half P650 / Full P950). These barbecued pork ribs are marinated in Applebee’s special house blend then grilled to achieve that perfect smokey flavor. It is served with corn on the cob, french fries and coleslaw with a choice of honey bbq sauce, smokey chipotle, spicy sweet Asian chili and Korean bbq sauce.

The pork ribs are sweet and tender, with the slightly charred portions offering a more intense flavor. I just couldn’t get enough of these ribs but I had to make room for the other delightful treats still to come.

Burger lovers will have a lot to variety to choose from on the menu but the most exciting burger would have to be the Cowboy Burger (P525). This is a true Western burger topped with crispy onion strings, melted white cheddar cheese and smoked bacon served on a toasted brioche bun with honey barbecue sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles. That is one big meaty burger that even a cowboy might have a hard time finishing. The burger patty is done medium well and it retains that strong beefy flavor. Try this and you won’t regret it.

If you are looking for a different type of burger, then order the Mexican-inspired Quesadilla Burger (P525) which has Applebee’s signature Mexican ranch sauce with pico de gallo and shredded lettuce served in a unique Jack and Cheddar quesadilla. I have never seen a burger quite like this and it is indeed refreshing to see these unique items at Applebee’s Philippines.

Kids and children will also have a great time at Applebee’s with their Kid’s menu. I’m not sure if these designs are part of the regular kid’s menu but I found them really cute and fun. Any kid will surely enjoy eating their Cheeseburger and Oreo Cookie Shake if it comes with these hilarious faces. Applebee’s is a great place for family get-togethers as they have items targeted for everyone.

For desserts, I tried their Churros S’mores (P245) which are Churro twists topped with cinnamon and served with a toasted marshmallows and chocolate dip. While the churros are pretty standard, those toasted marshmallows are what makes this item worth ordering. Better yet, try the Mango Banana Rum-A (P250) which is a rum-infused mango and banana crepe topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream and honey roasted pecans. This one is amazing with just a little hint of rum but better watch out for the kids as they might sneak up and grab a few bites of this.

Applebee’s Philippines is definitely a great new addition to the restaurant scene and Filipinos can finally taste what they have been serving in the US for the past 35 years. Congratulations to Mr. Archie Rodriguez, President and CEO of Global Restaurant Concepts, Inc. for adding another gem to his stable of premium restaurant brands. A second branch is in the works at Eastwood City so we definitely have many more reasons to celebrate!

APPLEBEE’S GRILL & BAR

30th Street corner 9th Avenue, W Global Center, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

www.facebook.com/ApplebeesPH