HERMANOS: Bar & Grill

Spotted a must try food hub – the HERMANOS:  Bar and Grill. Another new-fangled spot in the metro that will assuredly give you a diverse range of food options. This resto is just few blocks away from my office, which is particularly situated along the University Avenue in Juna Subdivision, Ecoland Drive, Davao City. I have heard a lot of good words from the people who tried it and in spite of their resto just being recently opened, there have been a lot of reviews blasting on my newsfeed and this truly excited me to give it a try. 

The PLACE:

Nothing much to lure you on the resto’s interior design because it seems unfinished and there’s no stuff placed yet on the wall deck and the wall per se is a bit bland in color, and the outdoor tables needed little by way of shelter, but I could see the effort made which somehow may be what the proprietors probably want it to look like, I believe. Though it feels fresher,  it’s slightly underwhelming. I’m just not sure though how the place looks like at night since they’re open until late in the evening.

The FOOD:

Likewise for the menu. At first glance it didn't appear to try to break into new ground and my attitude then was, it doesn't need to, they’re all just the same anyway. But HERMANOS substantiates itself in some degree, the vibe and the taste  will give you enough reason to come back.

As much as I would love to order everything that is on the menu, I wish I could, but I can’t. So I have just ordered a few of their Off-The-Grill best sellers and here’s what I can say:

To start with, there is the HERMANOS’s Three-way Rice Unlimited. This new offering is a hit as it gives the diners' a preference of which kind of rice they want to go with their meal, it could be Garlic Fried Rice, Java Rice and or the plain regular rice. Availing the Rice Unlimited offer does not bind you to only one type of rice but actually  entitles you to switch between the different rice types depending on your choice. See how awesome that is?  To enjoy three way in one seating only and to note that you’re not paying extra to have this; the Three-way Rice Unlimited is already packed with their Off-The-Grill meal.

Grilled Spare Ribs is finger licking good, well cooked and tender. Every bite will smash your mouth with juices from the inside and the softness of the meat will linger inside your mouth pleasuring your taste buds. I love how playful the sweetness of the grilled ribs despite its rustic bittersweet appearance after being grilled.

On the other hand, Chicken Inasal is like the usual inasal that you find anywhere else. Somewhat basic but what makes it distinct from the others is perhaps the seasonings that you can still taste due to the meat being overly marinated before it was cooked. It’s actually a good feedback though,   the only problem  is that at some point, you can no longer taste the chicken itself but just  regular meat coated with spices.

My favorite among all is the Pork Liempo. I love how they perfectly serve it with the right amount of fat and oil brimming from its tender meat and the crispiness of the skin is just beyond words. It’s a totally mouth-watering crusty piece of heaven that may look rock-hard yet  mushy and lip-smacking to gnaw at. If my cardiologist is reading this post now, he’s probably going to kill me because of this indulgence and/or negligence. Haha!

Adding to my list that are must to try: Croquetas, Potato Wedges, Calamares and Nachos – prices range from 80php to 130php. They have burgers too... that's my next target on my next visit.

BOTTOMLINE:

To be honest though, I am not really after the design since it is just a plus point for me, as long as you deliver great service.  The place is really clean and the food is scrumptious – am hooked. Moreover, I love how HERMANOS put a clever idea on three-way rice option; I can’t imagine life without extra rice and getting this kind of choice feels like I’m in a cloud nine. Haha!  Likewise, everything on the menu is reasonable priced, well-cooked and well-presented that you essentially get more than what you pay for. The staff on the other hand are all friendly, attentive and polite.

HERMANOS needs a little push on their media presence since everything is turning digital. Also, a little modification on their running selfie promotion. And how about adding me to their team online or just these hashtags perhaps: #EatAtHermanos #HermanosBandG #ChillAtHermanos?

Overall, I’m giving HERMANOS Bar & Grill a good score of 4.3/5, cheers!