[My Top Five SPOTs in Trinoma] #4: TGI Friday's
There was that time, back in the mid 90s, when dining out with the barkada in the newly opened TGIFriday's branch in Glorietta was considered Über cool. We would order a Friday's Three-for-all and a Mushrooms, Chicken, Mushrooms, which is my personal favorite, all to share. These paired with a glass of bottomless iced tea..
and there was also that never ending contest for the boys on who can get the most refills to make their P45 worth it. Sadly, with the rise of more American fun dining restaurants in the Metro, TGIFriday's slowly took the back seat. No more long waiting hours, no more polos (the mint with the hole) served at the waiting area, more restaurant choices for diners and more tables available whenever you'd get that sudden craving for yummy potato skins and mozzarella sticks.
Luckily, we were given the chance to be re-acquainted with the TGIFriday's experience during the bloggers' tour in Trinoma and once again during the 2nd leg, the venue I will disclose later on. Ü
The operators of TGI Friday's gave the restaurant a new upgraded look with a life sized mannequin of Elvis in one branch and an astronaut in another waiting by the entrance to welcome diners in. I also noticed the shift from the vintage American feel to a more modern, classic design that shows elements of the 70s up to the future.
I was feeling a bit woozy from all the dishes served in the previous stops that I was silently praying for something healthy. "A salad would be great", I thought.
Thankfully, my wish was granted when we were served with a platter of their famous Caesar Salad (P245) and the Friday's Three-for All.
As my companions began to dig into the Friday's Three-for All, I paid more attention to the salad. This no-frills salad is served on a bed of Romaine lettuce with crouton, parmesan cheese shavings, and their signature Caesar dressing, I'd say Friday's Caesar is one of the best that I've tasted. Not too creamy, not too dry...it's just right.
The Friday's Three-for-all, on the other hand, is a perfect choice for those who would like to have a little of everything. It consists of four pieces of potato skins, four pieces of (yummy yummy) mozzarella sticks and four pieces of spicy buffalo wings! What I love about this dish are the three types of dips served with celery sticks to act as spoons. It's always fun experimenting which dip would go best with either the skins, sticks or the wings.
During our visit, a group of friends were also there to celebrate the birthday of one of their companions. In true Friday's fashion, the entire crew began to cheer and sing their signature birthday song while presenting the celebrant with a complimentary cake. It reminded me of the times when my friends and I would spend our birthdays at Friday's and we would also get the same not-so-surprise treat from the crew, even to the great embarassment of the blushing celebrant.
TGI Friday's is here to stay. It will always remain as the best barkada hang-out when they're looking for a fun place where they can enjoy the great food and laid back ambiance match with the best and most enthusiastic service crew in this part of town.
TGI Friday's is located at the 4th level of Trinoma Mall in QC and at the Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
