What is it with Outback that makes you want to back out? The price? The food? The ambiance? Hmm…

Years ago, my family first experienced different sorts of steak from Outback’s Glorietta branch. We all ordered the best from their menu. Disappointing, the expression from the faces of my parents. My parents had several reasons for not going back to Outback. One of the main reasons I believe was the price that’s quite expensive for their steak. I would have to agree on that. Given that the quality of meat was higher than its competitors, the price was still not justifiable. From then on, I’ve had the image of Outback being too pricey and out of my pocket budget.

Weeks ago, I was informed of what’s latest at Outback for lunch. With my previous experience, it is my concern to find out how Outback evolved from that time to the present. I didn’t expect a full u-turn from my last experience but I was expecting a slight improvements with their menu including prices.
I went back to Outback Glorietta, not with my family but with O. For your benefit, I’ll be sharing this list of Outback lunch specials and the “what-abouts” of this comeback experience.

The Food:

To begin my meal with Spinach Artichoke Dip won’t stop me from eating. My insanity on spinach, thinking I’ll be a Popeye someday, is still glued to me since my childhood. Years back, I was addicted to watching Popeye cartoons on Cartoon Network. The plot is very obvious, once Popeye eats Spinach all problems are gone in a snappy yet creative way. That childhood show was a big influence until now making me believe Spinach will keep me stronger and stronger physically. Hehe. I guess Popeye is the reason behind my fixation on munching on these tortilla chips with Spinach Artichoke Dip. It is creamy with a pinch of saltiness and blends of artichokes, Parmesan cheese and Monterey Jack.

I wanted to take this home with me and save for our next movie marathon at home.

Goodness! Oh not goodness, it is greatness! Outback’s Kookaburra Wings is one of the best tasting wings here in Manila! I super kadooper had my fingers and eyes on these wings after I got tired of eating Spinach Artichoke Dip. If I compare this to Chili’s, Outback’s chicken wings is way better. Don’t get me wrong, Chili’s chicken wings is a favorite of mine. Although I found a new favorite, this Outback Kookaburra Wings that drove me and O crazy. We both agree that the skin has that crisp and savory flavor that kept us wanting more. Its bleu cheese dip, a classic choice, didn’t go any wrong as expected.

Complimentary Bushman bread with a strike of butter can start your Outback lunch if you don’t want to add extra appetizers aside from your main dish. Always (not sometimes) served freshly baked. If yours isn’t, don’t even think of complaining ok? It’s for free, a complimentary bread. Better than having no bread and butter at all!

For a little extra, a bowl of sweet chocolate that matches your Bushman Bread. We went all out and tried our bread with this chocolate spread.

Penne pasta and spinach (ooh my favorite) baked with hearty marinara and topped with buttery, garlic breadcrumbs. Children would eat anything cheesy and with tomato sauce. This pasta is one of the options you or your child could order for lunch. If you ask me to compare with other Italian restaurants, Outback’s version is only above average. Excellent is not an adjective though the word ‘delicious’ and ‘inviting’ applies after trying it. Nothing extra fancy but the taste of full packed delicious pasta is in one plate already.

Outback’s location is near Makati guys and girls who work around the area. During lunch breaks, Ayala malls is where their direction heads. Office guys and girls won’t spend a bulk of their salary on just one meal over lunch. Price is a major factor. Price wise, I’d go for Chicken Fried Chicken. Take a look again, it’s only Php199 and you get that quality tender chicken hand-breaded and fried crisp. The white gravy and mashed potatoes add more reasons for how valuable this fried chicken plate is.

Simple as fish fillet lightly seasoned and grilled, topped with spinach and mushroom marsala sauce. On the side, you see mashed potatoes and fresh veggies that keeps you in shape despite your passion for eating carbs. Again, only Php 199 that leaves you with a satisfying lunch.

A reason to go back to Glorietta, Alabang or Libis branch of Outback is this. The Baby Back Ribs, which I have tried before. Somehow changed the way it used to be years ago. Glad they did, or else… The premium meat and succulent flavor didn’t give me a reason to pause and get my fork on other dishes. The bones look big but the meat look brawny that makes you want to jump in for every bite.

Fire grilled teriyaki marinated steak, onions, red and green peppers. Horizontally layered steak lying on a bed of seasoned rice with your choice of one side dish. A replica of mediterranean kebab only this one’s finer. The sweetened meat isn’t as sweet as how Teriyaki meat should be. The way it was seasoned was very light, I like it actually.

Victoria’s Filet (Php 599) Rate: 5/5

Outback’s most tender and juicy 6oz. thick cut filet. This filet defines the name steakhouse, Outback’s flagship. Grilled to perfection, this is one of my favorites among Outback’s lunch specials. Taste is commendable; medium cooked steak perfectly fits my style.

We used to back out from Outback because of their too pricey steaks. Now, you can grab an excellent piece of steak for only Php599. Not bad right? So much changed from my Outback experience yeaaars ago!

Tender black pepper crusted steak bites seasoned and seared. Pepper filled dishes are not my first line of choice, I could take a small portion but not be enticed to finish an entire plate. By looking at it, I was scared to endure the peppery flavor of this steak. What went wrong is, after getting a bite, I automatically loved the black pepper flavor that didn’t sting my taste-buds. Despite its peppery flavor, it managed to be not stingy and complimented all ingredients as a whole.

A wonderful combo of banana, toffee, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, nuts and cinnamon. Too tempting to resist. After savory lunch meals, this Banana Nut Cake tops it all as you end your Outback lunch break.

A chocolate lover cannot say ‘no’ to this Chocolate Thunder from Down Under.
Another irresistible dessert from Outback. Fresh baked pecan brownie crowned with rich vanilla ice cream, drizzled with Outback’s classic warm chocolate sauce and finished with chocolate shavings and whipped cream on top. For some, it may be a little extra sweet but for those who understands the chocolate language, sweetness is not an excuse to say ‘no’ to this.

Oozing with chocolatey goodness! I can’t even stand looking at it without tasting it.

One round of fresh lychee shake for me wasn’t enough. Due to series of plates I had, I was inclined to having 2 rounds of fresh lychee shake. Freshness of lychee fueled my fruit tank in my belly.

A sports bar, a steak house or a huge shack? Whatever it is, the ambiance of Outback seemed very relaxed to me. The wooden interiors with television showing sports gives me that relaxing feeling. Whether for lunch or for dinner, their steak is suitable to this kind of ambiance.

Outback has 2 floors by the way. First floor is the territory of the whites and the 2nd floor is more like for everyone. Hehe. We aren’t in the US but there seemed to be a distinction between the 2 floors of Outback. I guess the white Americans love to station on the first floor with their hubbies. It’s more of a sports bar type than a restaurant. So if you want to dine in with your family or friends, choose to be seated at the second floor for a more relaxed ambiance.

Overall, Outback proved that it’s a place you won’t need to back out. There was so much improvements from my years back experience with my family. They lowered on their prices, a more affordable menu with high quality of meat. The approach of Outback is more friendly now. It captures the market of all kinds of people who want to enjoy steak at a minimal and more affordable price, now that they are spreading the news of their lunch specials. I’m surely heading back for their steak and chicken wings, my new favorite!

Cheers,

---

Location: G/F Glorietta 4, Ayala Ave cor. Pasay Road, Ayala Center, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Website: http://outback.com.ph/

Budget: PHP300++

Rating: