Going for Comforting Local Flavors at Applebee's...

Applebee's may not be the first name one thinks of when it comes to traditional Filipino flavors, but think again...

Applebee's adds its own flavorful punch to comforting local favorites reinventing the traditional Adobo and BBQ with the unique Applebee's touch in a new and exciting menu. From appetizers to salads, mains and pasta dishes to desserts, the new menu offers bold and vibrant flavors to supplement its regular line-up of signature dishes. And here's two inventive takes on classic local dishes that should be on your list on your next visit to Applebee's...

Chicken barbecue and rice, it's one of those familiar local dishes that's been part of the culinary mainstream for generations, and Applebee's takes on the classic dish with a fresh perspective. The new Applebee's Grilled Chicken combines smoky, tart and sweet notes in a seamless blend with tender and juicy chicken served with Mexi-rice for a complete meal. It's chicken barbecue with that Filipino spin upgraded with Applebee's flair for a refreshed rendition of a traditional favorite. Juicy chicken capped by a lightly crisp and charred outer layer with rice, it's your favorite chicken barbecue rice meal reinvented. The bbq glaze and fresh herbs add flavorful notes to a dish that's familiar yet refreshingly new and different. Days after trying out Applebee's new menu, I'm back for more (for more on Applebee's exciting new menu, see my previous post, A New Menu and More Reasons to Celebrate at Applebee's...).

The Applebee's Pork Liempo Adobo (P 485) has everything you love in a classic adobo and more, including two hefty slabs of tender and juicy pork belly glazed with the comfortingly familiar soy-vinegar marinade and served with Brown Garlic Almond Fried Rice for a perfect pair. The crisp onion rings add flavor and textural contrasts while the pickled shallots tempers the savory richness of the pork belly for balanced flavors. The nutty almonds complete the dish. It's adobo just the way you like it with a solid pair of pure pork love. Tender and juicy, each bite releases the delicate yet rich notes of the pork followed by hints of soy, vinegar, and garlic, the components of the traditional adobo. Fresh, new and inventive, and this one works for me.

For dessert, cap your feast of local-inspired flavors with a classic Applebee's dessert...

The tempting and decadent Triple Chocolate Meltdown (P 375) with its sinful moist chocolate cake filled with thick, creamy and velvety smooth chocolate fudge topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate syrup gives you pure chocolate bliss three times over for that perfect ending at Applebee's. Just perfect. Applebee's is definitely serving up good times, and the new menu is just one of many reasons to celebrate everything...at Applebee's.