Eli Dhiansan“Where do we eat? Kahit saan.”
That’s the million-dollar question among diners today that probably gave birth to the concept of food parks. Not everyone in your group shares the same meal cravings as you do. I suddenly remembered our group: I and my friend love to eat pasta, unfortunately, the other one likes her meal with a generous serving of rice. The other one is a lacto-vegetarian. Imagine just how long it takes for us to decide where to eat! Thank goodness that the same millennials of today reinvented the way food and ambiance should be enjoyed, thinking of guests’ comfort above all else. Grub Hub is hard to miss along the traffic intersection of Visayas Ave. corner Congressional in Quezon City.
Photo by Eli Dihiansan
Traversing along Visayas Ave. coming from Quezon City Circle, you will be greeted by a large billboard that says “Do You Make Good Food?” and beside it, food stalls available inside. That’s your cue. A glimpse at your left side and you will see the gigantic Grub Hub signage. While waiting for my date, I stood in the side of the open car park and was quick to realize their car park can accommodate at least 10 cars, with ample space in between for people to walk into, up to 20 cars, the maximum capacity. There’s a caller waiters with boards walking to and fro bearing the plate number of the car owner they are looking for. There’s another caller that guides diners on their way in and out.
The night is young at 7:30 on a weekend, and I can see all sorts of crowd getting inside: group of young people, families, old people catching up for old time’s sake. Grub Hub definitely know how to attract various markets for a unique casual dining experience.
Photo by Eli Dihiansan
Walking into the entrance feels like browsing the menu with your feet instead with your eyes, while looking at a place to settle down. There’s a thumping speaker at the entrance, so if you are the type who wants to catch up on stories, walk further and settle down in a quiet place. The place is divided into three parts: the first part is the open bar, that’s near the speaker. The second part is the air-conditioned area, which consists of families and grandparents having their dinner, and the third and last part, the al fresco dining area.
Photo by Eli Dihiansan
First part and third part dining area.
Photo by Eli Dihiansan
Top view of al fresco dining area.
I and my date settled on the al fresco dining, and I allowed him to scout first. When he came back, I scouted for the rest. Here’s what we ordered: Crablets, Pinoy grilled platter (ok I just made this one up I don’t know what it’s called), Bagnet (cue in Maja Salvador’s eat-your-heart-out bagnet scene in I’m Drunk, I Love You), Beef tortillas, and that’s it. Yes, we are a couple of hungry piglets. We just wanted to try anything and everything but these is what our stomach can stomach.
I must say, the crablets caught me by surprise. Seldom do I find crablets in a menu, let alone in a food park. I had to convince my date to buy us a serving because well, it’s crablets. And they taste really crunchy! The sinfully tasting bagnet is also too much for us. I thought their serving is small, only to realize later on that the plate where they placed our order is too big. We didn’t even finish the whole order. Meanwhile, The Pinoy platter is a win! A cup of rice just won’t do.
Photo by Eli Dihiansan
Food is great. With about 15 or 16 food stalls inside, Grub Hub got everyone’s meal cravings covered: from Italian pasta and pizza, American burgers, Mexican nachos, Chinese dimsums, Japanese sushi, Pinoy street style favorites, and so much more. Yes, when I say Pinoy street style, Mang Larry’s Isawan of UP is here! Definitely one of the reasons why you need to come to Grub Hub.
What I personally lament, is their policy of no service water. That means you really have to order a drink and as a person who seldom order beverages at a restaurant, this is a let-down. Bottled waters are being sold, but if you can get it at no extra cost, why not. Fortunately, I have my own bottled water with me.
From where we were sitting, I get to enjoy the gigantic mural that perfectly encapsulates the chill vibe of the area. It also doubles as a backdrop for any stage events. Probably on special occasions a band can serenade diners. With the starry night sky and the cool wind brushing our faces, this is a great way to cap off my weekend.
Photo by Eli Dihiansan
To amuse diners, a number of artists expressed humor and creativity. I believe each side is perfectly situated for diners to take selfies beside it.
Photo by Eli Dihiansan
And that’s my bloated date. Obviously in a state of food coma. “We Do Good Food” is an understatement. They do GREAT Food.
