Gumbo: Discounted Steak Dining

If you're a regular reader, you'd know by now that I am hooked in getting money-saving resto deals from group buying sites. So having chanced upon a Gumbo deal at Deal Grocer, who am I to not be enticed?

It has already been more than 2 years since I last experienced a wonderful dinner at Gumbo, with a steep price tag attached though. But with Deal Grocer's offer for Gumbo's Grilled Angus Ribeye Steak (8 oz.) with 2 Choices of Sides, I saw a good opportunity to pay Gumbo a sooner visit.

Gumbo is a casual dinning restaurant that I've always associated with fancy feathers and jester hats. For years, I have always got a promo coupon from their hatted staffs whenever I pass by any of their branches. However, as colorful as the staffs' heads are, entering their restaurant is a different story. The SM The Block branch of Gumbo welcomes its diners with a cozy bistro ambiance. Their interior exudes a warm atmosphere with a brown and olive green color scheme over a dim lighting -- comfy and classy!

We were warmly greeted by the waiters and even the managers. And it's really a delight to dine when restaurants aren't jam-packed, as all the attention is yours. (KSP much?)

Gumbo boasts of its New Orleans flavors. However as much as I'd love to order seafood and their famous Jambalaya, my date and I deemed it unnecessary since both of us are to enjoy not 1, but 2 steak plates of our own. (Yes, I always buy 2 coupons! *wink*) After presenting our vouchers, we ordered for additional Buffalo Wings (P345), and 2 Bottomless Iced Teas (P80 each).

While waiting for our appetizer, the waiters were kind enough to give us a complimentary bread, along with a plate of beautifully caramelized garlic in olive oil. The bread was good, and although the garlic plate didn't look appetizing, it was an instant foodgasm for us! The cloves of garlic were slowly and gently roasted giving off a delicate sweet flavor which we loved.

Not long after finishing the bread and garlic, we were served our Buffalo Wings (P345).

Buffalo Wings (P345)

These Buffalo Wings are on the pricier side for a plate of 6 pieces (3 chicken wings cut in 2s). However, it tasted really good! The chicken wings were cooked thoroughly, and the sauce coating them is spicy and a little sweet -- perfect for the blue cheese dip!

We were halfway in finishing the Buffalo Wings when the manager himself served us our Angus Ribeye Steaks (P1,084 value per plate). I got a Medium-Well Grilled Angus Ribeye Steak with French Fries & Mixed Vegetables, while my date had a Medium Grilled Angus Ribeye Steak with Mashed Potato & Coleslaw.

We had a little miscommunication 'cause I originally ordered my steak medium, while my date should have it in medium-well. They have probably mixed our orders up, but we didn't notice it until our plates were half empty. We didn't complain though since I can always snatch a bite from my date's plate.

8 oz. Medium-Well Grilled Angus Ribeye Steak with French Fries & Mixed Vegetables (P1,084 value)

Despite the mix up, I still loved the plate I got. My medium-well steak was cooked nicely and the meat was very juicy and very tender. (I would've loved it more though if I got my steak in medium.) The steak sauce, although not as tangy as I want it to be, was still very savory and complemented the steak very nicely. My side dishes, french fries and mixed vegetables, also came in generous servings without sacrificing the taste. The french fries were crispy and well-seasoned, while the mixed vegetables were a perfect companion to my steak.

8 oz. Medium Grilled Angus Ribeye Steak with Mashed Potato & Coleslaw (P1,084 value)

My date was very fortunate to have gotten my choice of steak doneness. His was a soft and slightly pink meat, juicier and more tender than mine. (He should be thankful for the mix up since he got to eat the better steak!) The coleslaw that came with his steak tasted good. (No further description since we're not too fond of veggies.) While the mashed potato, on the other hand, was creamy and very filling even without the gravy.

Our steaks were very filling and taste-satisfying. Some may argue that the best way to enjoy steak is to get them rare. Although I want to have a taste of the perfect steak, I think I'll have to save that for a fine dining steak restaurant.

After paying the bill (for the wings, iced teas and service charge), the manager gladly gave us a promo coupon -- order a max. of 2 entrées in their grande size and pay for the price of petit. Great deal!

THE VERDICT

Our discount dining experience at Gumbo was truly a night to remember. The food was great, service was prompt and courteous, the ambiance was cozy, and the price we paid wasn't as steep as its original value. (I got each voucher for only P625!)

So the next time there's a deal for Gumbo, we'll make sure to grab the opportunity.

Disclaimer: Some media personnel were with us. This might (or might not have) affected the service we received.

Taste - 4.5/5
Ambiance - 4/5
Service - 4.5/5
Deal Price - 4/5
Original Price - 3/5
Overall Value - 4/5
(Note: Overall Value rating is for the discounted voucher amount we paid.)

Gumbo, SM North The Block
2nd Lvl. The Block, SM City North EDSA,
North Ave. cor. EDSA
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Philippines
(02) 442-0106