IHOP Philippines, OPENS in Fort

February 25, 2013 by Janey

Last Sunday, it was bonding day with my little brotha and I decided to bring him to IHOP for brunch. Since I never followed through after our initial runs of jogging, I finally decided to just do the next best exercise… EAT. Now, who’s with me? Raise your hands up! Aye Aye!

We get to IHOP by 1130am and the line was way too long, it was discouraging. I still went up to the reception and decided to leave my name and number, unfortunately, they don’t take your numbers to advise if your table is free. They want you to wait outside their store under the scorching heat. Fine, I ask how long the waiting time usually takes… Non-committal answer of “we are not sure.” I prodded and was told, “for hours.” Now, I don’t know if that meant “four or for” (I didn’t beg anymore to feel their excitement or eagerness to serve us) but regardless, hours with an “s” meant at least 2. I wanted to set a good example to my bro and show exemplary patience. Maybe next time.

I am crazy but not THAT crazy. We left and had lunch at a different place. Since my Frisbee friend Jed invited to try out IHOP with him, I decided to give it another try. This time, we targeted an early morning visit. There were plans of running and doing leg work that will help my Frisbee game, but sometimes, the next best thing is best… what else? The very nobility this blog stands for. EATING.

We got there around 730am on a Thursday, yesterday, and again there was a queue, not as long as Sunday’s, but means I’ve got to practice patience. And honestly, I don’t like waiting. Good thing I’ve grown more patient these recent years. I asked how many minutes and I was told, “not sure but probably an hour.” Not very encouraging still but I stayed and told Jed I can wait half an hour. 15minutes later, we were told we have a table.

On the Table

Big Steak Omelet Php 325

Tender strips of steak, hash browns, fresh greens, peppers, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes and cheddar cheese. Served with salsa and a small plate of regular pancakes on the side.

You can substitute it with other famous pancake flavors for P50 more. I wanted the regular but requested for blueberry compote (additional P55) on the side, which they obliged. I tell you, service inside was way better than at the welcoming station, it was friendly and efficient.

This was my order and it came out smelling really appetizing. I break the omelet easily and find generous pieces of mushrooms but steak slices could’ve been more. Steak was tad bit overcooked but still soft to the bite. Wish it were sliced thinner or smaller complimenting the size of the other ingredients. Colors were popping out and flavors were there too.

The pancake on the side was fluffy and tasted delicious even if it was just classic pancakes. IHOP serves you on the table at least 4 kinds of syrup: Traditional, Butter Pecan, Blueberry and Strawberry. I tried all four and loved the butter pecan syrup best.

I love blueberries. Fresh strawberries too. Pretty happy with their BB compote.

Cinnamon Pancake Php 285

Buttermilk pancakes flavored in cinnamon and topped with whipped cream and powdered sugar

This was Jed’s order and I had to take a taste since I also like Cinnamon. The buttermilk pancakes were also so fluffy and each bite is enjoyable, with that cinnamon taste and smell profiling these golden breakfast discs.

I was eyeing the Stuffed French Toast Combo (Php 365) and wanted to order one with Blueberry compote. It is French toast with a cream filling, crowned with whipped topping. You can choose between strawberry topping, warm blueberry compote or cinnamon apple compote. The great part of this combo is the fact that it’s served with another plate of breakfast goodies namely, bacon, sausage links and hash browns. Great greeting the morning with a taste of savory and sweet!

Overall, IHOP was good and people are willing to line up for it, but I don’t know if it’s that good for me to line-up or wait again in line for. Waiting kills the buzz.