For decades, we've grown to love Racks for living up to its promise of delivering the best ribs in town.  Then surprise surprise, a new cooler and younger brother called Rackshack comes along. 

Like all younger brothers, there's a bigger pressure of living up to the expectations set by its older brother. 

With a brighter and hipper vibe and long tables allowing for social eating, it bears no influence of its older brother.

Aside from the name, I bet you couldn't tell just by the looks of the place right?


To properly differ from its good and stable older brother, it also offers booze to heighten the social and dining experience. 

Food

Ridiculously Good Appetizers

♥ Ridiculous Nachos (365 php)

Being born after an older brother, Rackshack sure knows that sharing is caring!  It offers appetizers that are fun to enjoy with company like the Ridiculous Nachos...

Onion Strings (135 php)

Onion Strings...

Skinny Fries (95 php)

and Skinny Fries.

Street Corn Salad (195 php)

Its salad isn't as grand but it is more affordable than what Racks has to offer.

Pork Ribs in Hoisin Sauce (Sampler Only)

Rackshack offers 5 sauces: Mother Sauce (signature house blend), Spicy Mother Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Carolina Gold (mustard base) and Kansas Sauce (sweet and spicy).  I

♥ Creole Garlic Shrimp (Sampler Only)

 I enjoyed the Creole Garlic Shrimp.

Crack Fried Chicken (Half 345 php)

If I recall correctly, Racks also has an item similar to the Crack Fried Chicken.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
So that's what you can expect from Racks cooler and younger brother Rackshack.  Should we welcome it with open arms and love it just like its older brother?   Hmm... I wouldn't want to spoil it so I'll be honest with my opinion that it has yet to convince many that it can deliver consistently like Racks was able to.  But price-wise, it is a bit cheaper.

Having a heavy craving for meat that needs to be satisfied, I somehow ended up at Fat Daddy's Smokehouse in UP Town Center Katipunan.

It's been a long time since I've gone back to UP Town Center and it was so much different from my last visit.


I initially intended to explore more of it.  But, the menu at Fat Daddy's is so extensive that my dining experience was already more than satisfying.


Fat Daddy's occupied a huge portion of area space at UP Town Center.  It has a nice western vibe.


The displays are cute.  They also sell merchandise in case you're interested.

Food

Starters

♥ Hot Pork Poppers (175 php)

Before you proceed to the heavy course, Fat Daddy's recommends you to have some starters first.

♥ Crispy Fried Pickles (185 php)

I also recommend that you don't skip this part because their starters are really good and fun to munch with your companions while waiting.

♥ Fried Chitlins (185 php)

 I can't keep my hands of these Fried Chitlins!  It's so addictive you'll forget about guilt. =p

Set Meals

♥ Smoked Pork Ribs, ♥ Smoked Beef Brisket, Smoked Pulled Pork, Smoked Hotlinks and Smoked Chicken BBQ with coleslaw, pickles on the side an our choice of side: Mashed Potatoes

I think we got to  try every meat dish and sides on the menu.  My top picks are: Smoked Pork Ribs, Smoked Beef Brisket, Smoked Chicken BBQ and Mashed Potatoes.

Sides

♥ Hot Mess (170 php)

I really love the Hot Mess.  The texture of the mashed potato is comfortingly smooth and the savory flavor complements it well.
 

♥ Mac and Cheese (170 php)

The Mac and Cheese is also one of the best I've had!  

Desserts

♥ Pecan Pie (250 php)

I know it is a difficult thing to do but definitely save room for desserts!  This Pecan Pie is the best pecan pie ever!!!

Peach Cobbler (250 php)

The Peach Cobbler is a bit sweeter than the Pecan Pie.  

♥ Bacon Smore's Dip (250 php)

If you're with a group, a must order is the Bacon Smore's Dip.  It comes with a chocolate lava inside.

Drinks

♥ Lemonade (150 php)

To refresh and cleanse your palate, the Lemonade is a great choice.  Although if you're saving, I think you should just skip this because the price is not reasonable.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Overall, Fat Daddy's is the place to go to when you're craving for smokey and savory meat!  Better bring your food squad because its best to share so you can try all their variants and see which fits your liking like we did.  I think the only thing that will hinder students from frequently revisiting this place is the pricing.  It is a bit beyond a student's staple allowance.

Tagaytay City has become more than just a chill place for people who seek relaxation.  It has now become a food haven.  Aside from the famous established food joints, there are new food places to visit like Meer Cafe.


With Tagaytay City being more commercialized, I really noticed that most restaurants have a high price point. 


When I went to Meer Cafe, I had that impression too because of its chic and cozy ambiance. 


The mismatch tables and chairs offered a cool vibe.  While plush lofts and seats offers a comfortable stay.

Food

♥ Buffalo Chicken Wings (85 php)

Wow!  We were really surprised by their menu.  Everything was under 100 php.  Of course, I was skeptic.  I would think maybe they lacked in taste or the portion is so small.  But, upon trying our first order: Buffalo Chicken Wings, I knew I hit the jackpot by trying out Meer Cafe.

Hot & Spicy Tofu (65 php)

And, the menu had a wide selection.  They even have healthy and vegetarian dishes.

Pasta / Noodles

♥ Pad Thai Noodles (65 php)

Could you believe that their Pad Thai Noodles is only 65 php?   Mind you it is good!  The only thing I could find here that could use an improvement is too lessen the sweetness a bit.

Slider (85 php)

Kids will surely enjoy these Slider.

Lunch x Dinner

♥ Crispy Pata (325 php)

And, surely everyone will love this huge Crispy Pata.

Salad

♥ Chicken With Mango Salad (95 php)

The Chicken With Mango Salad is so fresh!


Chefs Special

♥ Budhas Delight (85 php)

The Budhas Delight is my veggie choice.  This is really a delight to all whether Budha, Buddha, me or you.

♥ Baby Back Ribs (175 php)

One of the must order and incredibly affordable is the Baby Back Ribs.

Dessert

♥ Sizzling Chewy Brownies (60 php)

I don't blame you for over ordering because many will fit your budget but save room for dessert!

Panna Cotta

Cakes

♥Blueberry Cheesecake (1,133 php)

Meer's Blueberry Cheesecake is hands down one of the best cheesecakes I've tried!

♥ Blueberry Cheesecake (1,133 php)

Drinks

Iced Caramel Macchiato (65 php)

The drinks are instagram-worthy but they are also as sweet as they look.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
If you're in Tagaytay and looking for a satisfying meal that guarantees that you won't break the bank even when you're in big groups, Meer Cafe is the best option!  I don't think you can find an incredibly delicious yet affordable meal like this in Tagaytay and more so in Metro Manila.