Applebee's Grill & Bar New Menu 2017

Applebee's Grill and Bar Launches New Menu in the Philippines with All NEW Appetizers, Salads, Pasta, Mains, Burgers, Handhelds, Local Favorites, and Desserts!

At Applebee's Grill and Bar, where there's always a reason to celebrate, the next wave of celebrations is about to begin with the launch of their NEW Menu replete with NEW Appetizers, Salads, Pasta, Mains, Burgers, Handhelds, Local Favorites, and Desserts. What's more, they are tossing in a bit of local flavor into the celebration pot with their All New Local Favorites infusing the Applebee's celebration culture into Philippine homegrown culinary favorites!

"Applebee's Grill and Bar is all about having fun, enjoying great food, sharing a few laughs over drinks with friends and family, and focusing on what's really important: creating memories with people that truly matter in our lives. At Applebee's, we encourage people to #celebrateeverything as this provides us an opportunity to take stock not only of our own accomplishments, but the significant milestones of people nearest and dearest to our hearts. With how hectic and fast paced our lifestyles are now, it's important for us to take these breaks and stop to smell the roses so to speak. And at Applebee's, we provide you with that oasis you need to relax, enjoy yourself, and leave your cares outside the door." reflects Bob Vallar, Marketing Manager of Applebee's Philippines.

"Simultaneous to the launch of our NEW Menu items for Applebee's Philippines, we are likewise rolling out our new look menu straight from the USA containing our New Brand Promise: Serving Up Good Times. And of course, a big part of that promise is a delicious array of NEW dishes that our NEW Menu is absolutely loaded with." adds Vallar.

A great meal always commences with an auspicious start and the same will hold true when you get things going with Applebee's All New Appetizers broken down into Team Beer - Fried Sweet & Spicy Pickles, Bacon Jalapeno Potato Croquettes, and Calamari; and Team Cocktails & Wine - Southern Beef Brisket Quesadillas. But don't take their word for it, try and pair them out for yourselves!

Along with the appetizer, they served one of the country's premium local artisan beers from Engkanto Brewery. We tasted the Lager and Pale which were both perfect with the Applebee's new appetizer as well as the other dishes.

Engkanto Brewery is positioned to deliver to Filipinos an obtainable craft beer that is brewed with high-quality and natural ingredients.

One of the Applebee's NEW Appetizer is the Southern Beef Brisket Quesadilla. This mouth-watering quesadilla is a shredded slow-cooked seasoned beef brisket tossed in a chipotle lime salsa & Jalapeno dressing, topped with assorted cheddar cheese in a warm flour tortilla wrap. This flavorful quesadilla will surely win your heart.

Southern Beef Brisket Quesadillas (Php 525)

For ladies who lunch, their NEW fresh seafood & fruit salad creation will provide the perfect flavor accompaniment to animated girl talk tackling a whole range of juicy issues and the latest current events. Their NEW Grilled Watermelon and Spicy Shrimp Salad has fresh greens, cucumbers, feta cheese, toasted almonds, spicy grilled shrimp, and grilled watermelon cubes in a creamy mint yoghurt dressing.

Grilled Watermelon and Spicy Shrimp Salad (Php 765/Full, Php 445/Half)

Grilled Watermelon and Spicy Shrimp Salad

Pasta lovers will have additional reasons to celebrate with Applebee's All New Pasta dishes. If you adore creamy pasta dishes, try either their NEW Spinach Artichoke & Grilled Chicken Cavatappi with chicken breast, cavatappi pasta, & grilled vegetable relish in a Sriracha Parmesan Cream Sauce. If tomato based pasta dishes are more your thing, try their NEW Grilled Sausage Marinara Pasta with grilled Schueblig sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, sun dried tomatoes, & spaghetti in a savory marinara sauce.

Spinach Artichoke & Grilled Chicken Cavatappi (Php 495)

Spinach Artichoke & Grilled Chicken Cavatappi 

Applebee's also boasts all NEW Seafood creations: Sizzling Skillet Shrimp Fajitas, Teriyaki Balsamic Glazed Salmon, Beetroot Curry Salmon, and Hand Battered Fish & Chips.  For Applebee's NEW salmon dishes, you could either go the sweet route with the Teriyaki Balsamic Glazed Salmon or the earthy & exotic flavor route with the Beetroot Curry Salmon with predominant red beet flavor notes and hints of curry. For seafood perfect for sharing  with your buddies over a couple of beers, choose between their sizzling Skillet Shrimp Fajitas with shrimp, lettuce, sour cream, pico de gallo, Mexi-rice, sauteed onions & peppers, and white cheddar or the Old English Fvorite Hand Battered Fish & Chips served with coleslaw & lemon aioli on the side.

Teriyaki Balsamic Glazed Salmon (Php 695)

Teriyaki Balsamic Glazed Salmon

There are handhelds aplenty with Applebee's All NEW Sandwiches, Tacos, & Burger! The Nashville Fried Chicken Sandwich is Nashville hot sauce brushed breaded chicken with coleslaw in a Brioche bun.  The Southern Beef Brisket Sandwich is shredded Southern style beef brisket served with a jalapeno dressing on the side. You can either go soft with their NEW BBQ Beef Brisket tacos of shredded beef brisket, honey BBQ Sauce, Mexi-ranch dressing, coleslaw, & cilantro in a warm flour tortilla wrap or hard with their NEW Cheeseburger Tacos o grilled ground beef with cheddar cheese & pickle relish in crispy corn tortilla shells.  Applebee's latest burger creation is their meatiest yet! Their NEW Triple Meat All-In Burger packs a lot of heat with their USDA beef burger patty, double smoked bacon, shredded beef brisket, cheddar cheese, & honey BBQ sauce in a Brioche bun.

Triple Meat All-In Burger (Php 795)

It's been two years in the making but Applebee's will swear you'll find it's well worth the wait with the introduction of their All NEW Local Favorites! Their NEW Applebee's Pork Liempo Adobo is succulent pork belly steaks drizzled in a tasty soy-vinegar sauce topped with crispy fried onions. It's a fiesta on your plate Filipino Style with their NEW Fiesta BBQ Pork Liempo drizzled in a sweet & savory Asian BBQ sauce topped with colored tortilla strips. And it's good old Pinoy style Chicken BBQ with their NEW juicy Grilled Chicken served with Mexi-rice.

Fiesta BBQ Pork Liempo (Php 495)

Fiesta BBQ Pork Liempo

As all good things must come to an end, make it as sweet as possible with Applebee's All NEW Desserts! Dig in to their NEW Banoffee Cheesecake of toffee cheesecake on a coffee graham cracker crust drizzled with Dulce de Leche & Hot Fudge Sauces topped with fried banana chips. And feel like a child again with their NEW Smore's Creme Brulee or sugar glazed chocolate creme brulee topped with banoffee crumble & toasted marshmallows.

Banoffee Cheesecake (Php 350)

Smore's Creme Brulee (Php 375)

"Our NEW dishes for Applebee's Philippines are a combination of Applebee's USA recipes and original creations we developed locally. We took it as a singular challenge to develop NEW dishes bearing the Applebee's culinary imprint while also creating festive, unique, & unforgettable dishes that will make people swoon as they savor their different layers of flavor. For us, it was all about fashioning out dishes that people will crave for again and again because after all, a satisfied craving is always a reason to celebrate." muses Applebee's Philippines Executive Chef Aldrin Ortile.

"We are particularly proud of our all NEW Local Favorites as we took the homegrown local flavors of our ubiquitous adobo and BBQ and we gave them the Applebee's celebration treatment, so to speak, and we can now call them our very own.  You guys will absolutely love our NEW Applebee's Pork Liempo Adobo, our NEW Fiesta BBQ Pork Liempo, and our NEW Chicken BBQ."

About Applebee's

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. All Applebee's retaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated to serving their communities and offering the best in food and drinks with neighborly, genuine service. With  more than 2,000 locations in 49 states, Guam, Puerto Rico and 15 countries, Applebee's is one of the world's largest casual dining brands. Applebee's restaurants are franchised by Applebee's Franchisor LLC, a subsidiary of DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), and its affiliates. Applebee's Philippines now has 2 branches: at Bonifacio Global City and their newest branch in Eastwood City.


For more updates, follow Applebee's Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.


Applebee's Grill and Bar Eastwood City
Unit 1 Eastwood City Walk 1,
188 E. Rodriguez Avenue Jr.
Bagumbayan, Quezon City
Operating Hours:
Sunday to Thursday 11 AM – 12 MN
Friday & Saturday 11 AM – 1 AM

Applebee's Grill and Bar Bonifacio Global City
Ground Floor, W Global Center
9th Avenue Corner 30th Street
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Telephone No: (02) 801.9662
Operating Hours:
Sunday to Thursday 10 AM – 12 MN
Friday & Saturday 10 AM – 1 AM

SMDC Wind Residences Staycation

Few months before my son's birthday, hubby and I started scouting for a nice place to stay for our Tagaytay trip. It was our first time to travel in Tagaytay for just the three of us. We usually go there with our families, relatives and friends. We were excited since we have all of our time to do whatever we want.

We tried Airbnb, Facebook, OLX and others until we found this lovely pad at SMDC Wind Residences. We booked the unit through direct contact with the host since it is much cheaper compared to Airbnb which includes cleaning fee and service fee.

Luckily, they were still on a promo durnig our stay so, we only paid Php 1,899 per night. The hosts were kind and accommodating during our conversations (like asking everything we need to know about their place). We even have common friend in Facebook so it made us more comfortable. We paid half of our rate through bank deposit and paid the other half when we checked out.

After the caretaker gave us the key and explained everything we need to know about the unit, we settled and took rest. The pad was well-kept except for the sofa bed in the dining area which needs to be upholstered. It has a complete kitchen wares which was very good.

Let me share some of our photos of SMDC Wind Residences...

We will share our photos for our Sky Ranch fun family bonding on my next post. ;)

Thanks for droppin' by!
God bless

Bag of Beans Twin Lakes Tagaytay City

This year we celebrated my son's third birthday in Tagaytay and for our first stop, we had lunch at Bag of Beans Twin Lakes branch.

This branch is so homey and cozy. The scenic view of Taal and the mountainous area of Batangas makes the place more relaxing. 

Hubby ordred the Omelette (Php 340) from the All Day Breakfast. It's a three-egg omelette folded over cheese, mushroom and onions. He opted for sausages over bacon and it was also served with bread and butter.  

I had Grilled Pork Chops (Php 350) since we had chicken the day befre and I was also craving for some pork chops which was really good and satisfying. I love pairing mashed potatoes in my pork chop as well. Yum! 😍

For our dessert, of course, our fave Blueberry Cheesecake (Php 160). 

After our lunch, we headed to SMDC Wind Residences were we had our staycation and I will share it on my next post. 😊

Thank you for droppin' by! 😘

God bless!

In Crust, We Trust: CPK Cements Its Pizza Authority With National Pizza Days 2017!

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK), the undisputed authority in innovative & adventurous California style pizzas always served with a distinct California vibe, is celebrating National Pizza Days this August 15 & 16, 2017 (Tuesday & Wednesday) now on its 6th year run! On these days, guests who visit any of CPK's six (6) locations in Metro Manila can avail of their BUY 1, GET 1 Free Pizza Promotion: choosing among an exclusive selection of five NEW Premium pizzas that embody the spirit of California Cool & Creativity that the brand is synonymous for. Serving fresh, premium quality ingredients in season and hearth baked on top of CPK's proprietary recipe hand-tossed dough are the hallmark of all CPK pizza creations.

Whereas the theme of National Pizza Day 2016 was bringing back old favorites, CPK is introducing five NEW artisanal pizzas you can choose from for the National Pizza Day 2017:

Ham + Mango Cucumber Pizza

Sweet seekers will love the delightful combination of Mango puree & house made Mango Cucumber Salsa balanced out with the diverse flavors of smoked ham, creamy Mozarella cheese, and farm fresh Arugula leaves.

Pizza Italiano

You'll be busting out with your Italian accent with their Pizza Italiano with Pomodoro, Mozarella cheese, and select Italian herbs & spices topped with ham, rustic pepperoni, bell peppers, fresh tomatoes, and parmesan cheese.

Cheese Triplets Pizza

Cheese lovers will swoon when they get a bite of CPK's NEW cheese Triplets Pizza, generously topped with creamy Mozzarella, Velveeta, and Queso Quesadilla cheeses.

Asparagus + Chicken in Spinach Artichoke Sauce Pizza

Fans of CPK's legendary Spinach + Artichoke Dip will be elated to discover that they turned it into a pizza and then some with their Asparagus + Chicken in Spinach Artichoke Sauce Pizza: Spinach Artichoke sauce with Mozarella cheese, grilled chicken and asparagus spears topped with chopped parsley and croutons for an added crunch.

Primavera Delight Pizza

As a lighter option for ladies who lunch, the NEW Primavera Delight Pizza blends of roasted squash puree, Mozzarella & Queso Quesadilla cheeses, grilled zucchini, red onion, broccoli, button mushrooms, carrots, and fresh tomato sauce topped with Parmesan cheese.

"CPK popularized California-style pizza and has been at the forefront of unique and innovative pizza creations highlighted by fresh & seasonal ingredients. Just like the iconic Original BBQ Chicken Pizza CPK invented in 1985, these NEW pizzas that will take centerstage for our National Pizza Days 2017 Celebration epitomize the same essence of California creativity & culinary innovation." stated Bob Vallar, Marketing Manager of Global Restaurant Concepts, Inc. (GRCI) the first company to franchise CPK outside of the United States of America. 

"We would like to invite everyone to join us for this awesome 2-day pizza extravaganza. We derive our greatest pleasure in wowing our guests with eclectic flavor combinations that awaken & invigorate their palates as we constantly push the envelope with our indigenous pizza creations.  Incidentally, our National Pizza Day 2017 will kick-off our celebration of our 20th Anniversary in the Philippines so watch out for more surprises coming your way over the next several months."

The Smoke Has Cleared, A Victor Has Been Crowned 

As an added treat to our guests in National Pizza day 2017, the Grand Prize Winner of CPK's recently concluded Pizza Wars Competition (annual Pizza Chef Competition) will be made available to them. The Garlic Cream Cheese & Sausage Pizza is a singular treat combining our Garlic Cream sauce with Smoked Sausage, Mozarella, Fontina, and Parmesan Cheeses, and fresh mushrooms drizzled with a sweet Balsamic Glaze. What's more, when you buy this CPK Pizza Wars grand prize winning pizza, you will still be able to avail of any one (1) of the five (5) NEW featured pizzas for free.

For more information, visit www.cpk.com.ph follow them on Facebook & Instagram @cpkphilippines, or visit any if their following branches:
• 2nd level Alabang Town Center
• Ground Level W Global Center, BGC
• Ground Level Promenade 3, Greenhills San Juan
• Ground Level SM Mall of Asia
• Basement 1 Century City Mall Makati City
• 2nd Level Shangri-La Plaza Mall East Wing Mandaluyong City

About California Pizza Kitchen

In 1985, California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) opened its first restaurant in Beverly Hills and introduced diners to innovative California-style pizza. Since then, CPK has launched what has become a global brand known for creative California cuisine. Today, CPK is approaching 300 restaurants in 16 countries around the world. Dedicated to a unique dining experience, CPK is now introducing its Next Chapter featuring reimagined menus, open kitchens, amd unique renovations in all restaurants across the country. For more information on California Pizza Kitchen, visit cpk.com.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What are National Pizza Days?

National Pizza Day (NPD) is an annual CPK Philippines event wherein guests are treated to buy 1, get 2 free pizza promotion. It will be held on August 15 & 16, 2017 (Tuesday & Wednesday) at all six (6) California Pizza Kitchen branches in Metro Manila.

2. How does it work?

On the designated National Pizza Days, guests can enjoy a free pizza for every order of regular or thin crust pizzas. The free pizza can be chosen from the roster of NEW premium, limited edition pizzas created specifically for those days. This limited time promotion is valid only for dine-in and take-out transactions. There will be a 10%d packaging charge for take-out transactions. Reservations and delivery will not be allowed for this promotion. In addition, this promotion is not valid in conjunction with other existing promotions, discounts, gift certificates, Metrodeal vouchers, and the Global Privilege Card.

3. What are the five (5) free pizza choices?

The five (5) pizzas you can choose from are as follows:
 Ham + Mango Cucumber Pizza
 Pizza Italiano
 Cheese Triplets Pizza
 Asparagus + Chicken in Spinach Artichoke Sauce Pizza
 Primavera Delight Pizza

Choose one for every order of a regular or thin crust pizza. As such, if you order five (5) regular hand tossed or thin crust pizzas in one go, you can immediately get all the five (5) featured pizzas for free!

4. Can I purchased any of these five (5) featured pizzas ala carte?

These NEW pizzas are not available for regular purchases. To try them, guests would have to purchase a regular hand tossed or thin crust pizza.

5. What are the payment options for National Pizza Days?

Both cash & credit card payments will be honored in availing od this promotion. However, gift certificate payments will not be accepted for those who wish to avail of the promo. Should you wish to use your GCs on these days though, you will not be entitled to a free pizza for your regular hand-tossed or thin crust pizza purchases.

6. Are there time restrictions for this promotion on National Pizza Days? 

There are none. The National Pizza Day Promotion is valid all day from opening to closingin all six (6) branches from August 15 to 16, 2017. Come early as cool surprises await early birds!
Official store hours on National Pizza Day 2017:
CPK Alabang 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
CPK Century City Mall 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
CPK Shangri-la Edsa Plaza 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
CPK Bonifacio Global City 11:00 am - 12:00 am (midnight)
CPK Promenade 3 Greenhills 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
CPK SM Mall of Asia 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

7. Can I purchase other items on those days aside from pizza?

Yes you may as the rest of our regular items are available at regular prices on both days.

8. Where are your CPK branches located?

• 2nd level Alabang Town Center
• Ground Level W Global Center, BGC
• Ground Level Promenade 3, Greenhills San Juan
• Ground Level SM Mall of Asia
• Basement Level Century City Mall Makati City
• 2nd Level Shangri-La Plaza Mall East Wing Mandaluyong City

9. Do you have any other offers on National Pizza Days?

Aside from the free NEW premium pizzas, the framd prize winning pizza from the recent 3rd Annual CPK Pizza Wars Competition will be available on those days: the Garlic Cream Cheese & Sausage Pizza. When you buy this pizza at its regular price, you will be entitled to choose ine2 (1) free pizza from our NEW premium pizza choices.

It's the year of Garlic Cream Cheese Pizza at CPK's Pizza Wars 2017

I remember last year when I was invited at the CPK Pizza War 2016, it's the California Pizza Kitchen's annual in-house Pizza Chef competition held at their branch in Shangri-La Plaza Mandaluyong. Now, the legacy continues to evolve on its third year run.

"California Pizza Kitchen has distinguished itself as a pizza authority attributable to its wide selection of innovative and artisanal pizzas. But more importantly, the secret behind the success of CPK here is, of course, the people behind it. Which is why, apart from showcasing the talents of our pizza chefs who are equally passionate about food as we are, we wanted to challenge them to take their culinary skill set to new heights. And sure enough, they have proven to be up to that challenge," said Bob Vallar, Marketing Manager of Global Restaurant Concepts, Inc. (GRCI)

"Here at CPK, we believe that there is a story behind every pizza. More than anything else, CPK Pizza Wars represents this - where the unique stories of our pizza chefs, more specifically with how their respective love affairs with food began within the context of their own upbringing, and utilizing this as their inspiration behind their all original pizza creations. The common thread here for all the talented finalists is that they find joy in what they do best in the kitchen and it shows. This just strengthens our commitment to take care of our people and nurture their innate culinary talents so that they too can be part of our celebration of California creativity, imagination, and passion." expounds Ms. Grace de Leon, CPK Philippines Regional Operations Director

The competition went through several rounds of heated competition, beginning with in-store elimination rounds. Each branch sent their own pizza champions to the semifinals, to compete with each other for the approval of judges Robert Vallar, Marketing Manager of GRCI, Chef Aldrin Ortille, GRCI Executive Chef, and KJ Calsarin, GRCI Training Manager. Of the semi-finalists, only three chefs were chosen to compete in the final round of competition. The finalists were:

 Danny Fernandez of CPK Greenbelt 5

Chef Danny's Thai Beef Pizza

Jay Mar dela Paz of CPK Promenade Greenhills

 Chef Jay's Chicken Banh Mi Pizza

 Rommel Panaligan, CPK Alabang Town Center

Chef Rommel's Garlic Cream Cheese Pizza

After several rounds of competition, Rommel Panaligan of CPK Alabang Town Center won his own creation Garlic Cream Cheese Pizza. As per Chef Rommel, it is a traditional pizza pasta with 3 different cheese and sausage. He was also the first winner of CPK Pizza War 2015 with his very own creation of Farmer's Pizza. Chef Rommel received Php 25,000 cash prize and his winning pizza will be featured in August 2017 as part of California Pizza Kitchen's annual celebration of National Pizza Day. His Garlic Cream Cheese Pizza will also be included in CPK Philippines' new menu which will be launched by next year.

The winner was voted from the polished palates of judges Archie Rodriguez (CPK President & Chef Executive Officer), Griffith Go (CPK Chief Financial Officer), Celebrity Chef & Philippine Culinary Icon, Sandy Daza and Social Media Guru & Foodie Extraordinaire Spanky Enriquez.

For more information, visit the official website at www.cpk.com.ph and follow their social media sites via California Pizza Kitchen Philippines on Facebook and @cpkphilippines on both Instagram and Twitter.

Reunited with College Beshies

Last week, I had the chance to meet two of my college friends from Dominican College in San Juan. Thanks to my hubbylove who took care of our babylove that day. My boys had a great time with their father and son bonding while mommy was out.