Charm RUSTIC
Interiors inspired by the American country coalesce with modern comfort food to create a nostalgic dining experience
QUEZON CITY
The Clubhouse
Floral wallpaper, wooden tables, steel chairs, a brick wall, and glass doors will greet you once you enter The Clubhouse. It might seem too ambiguous—and ambitious—for a mix of materials, but somehow—and also spectacularly so—they all work together. The restaurant's design runs parallel to the minds of the people behind it—a group of friends with varying interests and personalities, all from around the area, wanting to create a place that can be a comfortable and welcoming hangout.
Running with that idea, these friends produced an incredibly diverse menu that displays a mix of different cuisines and influences. The Clubhouse's fare ranges from breakfast food, bar chow to desserts and even beer. Filipino dishes share a space with Korean and American dishes. One of the proprietors, Sharlene Tan, explains that while the food might not be strictly authentic, they still taste good.
Served with a side of thick-cut fries and some salad, the Eggs Benedict (P225 for single, P315 for double) is sure to be a hit with breakfast lovers. For a time-tested classic pairing, try the Soup and Salad Combo (P245), which features a Grilled Four Cheese Sandwich with a bowl of Velvety Tomato Soup.
Fans of Korean cuisine will surely love the Kimchi Bulgogi Bibimbap (P185)—a wonderful alchemy of three Korean favorites in one bowl. Those looking for pub grub will not be disappointed with the Awesome Threesome (P475)—half a pound of chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, and onion rings served with three kinds of dip: marinara, honey mustard, and garlic aioli. Pair it with the imported beers and sodas that The Clubhouse also serves.
For dessert, try the Cookie Cups (P50) which are available in popular variations like Nutella and Speculoos. For a special twist, get them A la Mode (P85) for that perfect combination of hot and cold sweetness. Don't forget to have some tangy Dalandan Iced Tea (P75 for a glass, P170 for a pitcher), which is specially brewed by The Clubhouse.
GrandMomma's Kitchen
Inspired by her time as a student in Massachusetts, Angel Pelayo has developed both the menu and the interior design of GrandMomma's Kitchen. Elements of white picket fences, lemonade stands, and mom-and-pop stores mark the interior of the restaurant, and the menu screams of country-style American cooking. With this concept in mind, GrandMomma May emerged fully grown from Angel's imagination, and now serves as the main character in the narrative that is GrandMomma's Kitchen. And every time Angel thinks of something to add to the menu or the decor, she often asks herself: Is this something GrandMomma May will have in her home? Is this something she'll cook for her grandchildren?
American flavors dominate the menu, and GrandMomma's Kitchen prides itself in slow-cooking everything. "We don't do shortcuts. Almost nothing is canned. We want to present complex flavors," Angel explains. As such, almost anything can be paired with something within the menu.
Pancakes, the quintessential breakfast food, is given a unique twist with the Black Forest Pancake (P255)—a stack of delightfully fluffy, chocolate-flavored pancakes topped with cherry syrup, chocolate shavings, and whipped cream. If you prefer something with a bit more density, try another breakfast favorite, the Berry Duo a la Mode (P185)—French toast served with blueberry and strawberry jam, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and served with a side of honey.
By far, the most unique item on the menu is the Peach, Bacon and Spinach Pizza (P215). Tangy, salty, and creamy flavors all come together in this thin-crust pizza topped with cream cheese, wilted spinach, crisp bacon, and refreshing slices of peach. Another hit is the Fish Florentine (P215), which has breaded cream dory fillets, smashed potatoes, and spinach, served with bechamel sauce.
Other GrandMomma's Kitchen bestsellers include Broccoli Alfredo (P175) and Ol' Fashioned Pork Chop and Apple Sauce (P255), so don't forget to try those as well.