Subic Eat-outs: Seafood by the Bay and Gilligan's

As we traveled towards the hotel from an exhausting tour at Zoobic Safari, we passed by Gilligan’s Subic right beside Subic Park Hotel where we stayed for the night. We’ve always had high praises for this hip diner, its affordable and delicious food offerings and huge servings. Jigs and I used to eat at their Malate branch almost every week during Sunday drink-out dates; Chicken Pork Sisig and Pork Strips (with that mouthwatering gravy) comprise our favorites.

The regrettable Crispy Pata

For lunch, they offer a combo platter for a group of 6 which consisted of unlimited rice and around 6 viands at P1,600+ (and we had quite a hefty amount of left-overs for take out.). Not bad.

But while the rest of Jigs’ family seemed to enjoy the fare, Jigs and I were wondering what the heck happened to Gilligan’s. The food was just downright blah.

Chicken Pork Sisig. Can’t say I enjoyed this one.

The Chicken Pork Sisig was not at all what we expected. It lacked the crisp pork skin and meat and the savory mayo-like flavor that was so distinct of GIlligan’s Malate. The Crispy Pata meat was dry, bland, and unfortunately, wasn’t crispy at all. Kare-kare tasted like the chef ran out of peanut butter while preparing it.

Kare-kare. Must be missin’ peanut butter?

Everyone liked the Humba though. Jigs and I preferred the Fish fillet with fries and the Bulalo. Okay, I’m actually being kind of being nice about the Bulalo, because I’ve tasted better. But it was above average to say the least, and I give them credit for that.

Humba

Bulalo. Above average at best.

Maybe it was that we had such high expectations being regulars. Or maybe it was an isolated case. Given that, I wouldn’t go back to this particular branch unless I’m just gonna order beer and fries.

Fish fillet with fries. The sole redeeming plate on the table.

We couldn’t say anything bad about the service, as the waiters were attentive and accommodating, without being intrusive.

For dinner, we traipsed the glitzy boardwalk and headed towards Seafood by the Bay along Bayfront Road, a seafood restaurant that boasts fresh seafood paluto. The resto also has some rave online reviews to boot.

Contrary to expectations, food choices were next to nothing. Prawns were out of stock. Crabs were out of stock. Same for papaya. Even chicken was out of stock! I’m actually surprised the restaurant hasn’t gone out of business yet. For such a pricey dining spot, one would definitely expect tons of variety and value for money.

Wala akong mapili. Kasi wala lahat ng nasa menu. Haha.

Beef with broccoli. A bit sweet.

After a lengthy deliberation, we ended up with buttered shrimps, beef with broccoli, fried tanigue and sinigang na Tuna. And it was a good thing that despite of the slow service and the lack of variety, food was gooood. Or else everyone would have gone bonkers.