BBB: Big Better Burgers

Who wouldn't be tempted to try out a fast-casual food station when it proudly banners a combination of these three very enticing words -- bigger, better and burgers? Definitely not my date and I. So when we were given an opportunity to eat at this burger joint earlier this week, we went ahead and paid it a visit with our big, growling stomachs.

Big Better Burgers is actually not that new to us. We've already tried out some of their burgers over a year ago. However, we never knew back then that BBB is actually a venture of chef-cum-entrepreneur Eric Teotico, with his siblings Chiqui Teotico and Nanette Teotico Soriano. Being a family-owned business, BBB wanted to deviate from the regular American burgers which are often big and juicy, but bland. So to cater to the Filipino palate, they have experimented and tediously tweaked their patties to make big, juicy, tender, pure beef, and grilled burgers that both young and adult Filipinos can enjoy.

Big Better Burgers' flagship store in SM North Edsa Annex exudes an inviting casual vibe despite having just a small area. Photos of scrumptious burgers line up on its red and off-white walls, effectively attracting any unwary visitors. The soft lighting also gives a sense of comfort to diners, as well as aide to budding food photographers. And fear not of uncomfy fast food chairs, 'cause BBB has wooden ones with cushion to cradle your bottom as you enjoy any of their meaty treats.

And of course, matching this simple yet quite nicely decorated space is BBB's pride -- their burgers. So without further delay, our group composed of fellow bloggers and OpenRicers got ourselves digging in to what Big Better Burgers can offer.

We first got to sample their line of premium burgers starting with the Mushroom Loco (P152) which had one-third pound of grilled beef patty, lettuce, quezoloco and button mushrooms in burgundy sauce, sandwiched between beautifully-grilled country style buns. Although the mushroom and grilled patty combo is already quite common in most of Metro's burger joints, I really liked how BBB's tasted. The beef patty was indeed juicy and meaty, tender and well-seasoned. But, what I find more special was actually the bun. It was quite similar to a Pinoy favorite -- the pandesal. BBB's though was a moist and less powdery version which oozes with a nicely-charred flavor.

Next served was this unique Japanese-influenced variant, the Shiitake Teriyaki (P152) which also had one-third pound of grilled beef patty, along with shiitake mushrooms, grilled onions and teriyaki sauce. Although I did enjoy the bun encasing the uncommon combination of fillings, I found this burger a little too sweet for my taste. I like shiitake mushrooms, but maybe the flavor was just too foreign for my taste buds. However, if you're a big fan of sweet teriyaki sauce, you might enjoy this.

We also got to try BBB's Double Dare with Cheese (P186), another burger in the premium line. However unlike the previous two, this one didn't have just one but two grilled beef patties, as well as cheese, lettuce, tomato and dill onion mayo. If you like your burger a little conventional, then this is the way to go. It had just the right fillings but bigger and better than other burgers.

Although I'm a cheese lover, BBB's 3 Cheese Explosion (P173) was not so memorable for me. This burger had mozzarella, quezoloco and cheddar cheese tucked with the meaty and juicy beef patty. However, I find the whole ensemble a little creamy for my liking.

I am a fan of fish fillet, and BBB's Fish Fillet Sandwich (P130) did not fail to impress. Sandwiched between the grilled country style buns are crispy fish fillet, lettuce, red cabbage, dill onion dressing and tartar sauce. Although I've only tried the clown's and BK's versions, I can say with full conviction that Big Better Burgers' is definitely tastier and more filling. They also offer a choice of teriyaki, barbecue, mushroom or tartar sauce for added variation.

You can't expect a burger joint to offer their meaty specialties without any sidings, so to go along with our big and better burgers are servings of BBB's Fries (P55) and Wedges (P60). Although most burger spots make use of commercially-available frozen fries, BBB only uses freshly-cooked sidings. It was a surprise too that their fries had the skins on, definitely the ones I prefer the most.

Although BBB prides itself on their burger offerings, the fast-casual restaurant also wanted to cater to different Filipino palates. So along with their meaty treats, they offer 3 pasta dishes topped with their signature beef patties in a meat ball form. We were fortunate to have the chance to taste all 3 of them, and first on our table was the BBB Meatballs in Wild Mushrooms (P115). The cream-based sauce coating the almost-al dente pasta was quite good. However, I personally didn't find the meat balls complementing the wild mushrooms sauce, and vice versa.

It was a different story with this BBB Meatballs in Fresh Tomato (P115) pasta dish. Most of my companions find this pasta ordinary. However, I quite like it. I might be partial here 'cause I really dig tomato-based pastas, but what got me was the nice blend of sourness and slight kick of the red sauce. The meatballs also go really well with this pasta dish. Or maybe, we are just used to see meatballs on tomato-based sauces than on cream-based ones.

The BBB Meatballs in Pesto Sauce (P99) was hands down, the most loved by our group among the pasta dishes we got to try. Although not a usual combo, the meatballs worked really well with the basil, parsley, arugula pesto sauce over a nicely cooked pasta. The dish was just oozing with herby goodness and we got to finish the whole serving in just a few minutes. Despite being the cheapest among the 3, it was one of the highlights.

Along with the pasta dishes, Big Better Burgers also cater to the rice lover in every Pinoy. Two of the newest items on their menu are the Grilled Chicken in Rum N' Herb Butter Sauce (P110) and Quarter Pound Sunshine Rice in A1 Sauce (P105). Both rice dishes were good as they were served with juicy and meaty patties with equally flavorful sauces. Between these 2 though, our group loved the former more. The herby flavor of the Grilled Chicken in Rum N' Herb Butter Sauce was so tasty and just delicious that I've vouched to order this item on my next BBB trip.

Another memorable rice dish for my date and I was the Chicken Mushroom Rice (P125), a dish of crispy chicken fillet topped with mushrooms and burgundy sauce over salpicao rice beautifully garnished with garlic bits. The chicken fillet was simply flavorful and very moist. But, what was more special on this plate was the salpicao rice which tasted so savory. I can eat two cups of it even without any viand 'cause as the famous line goes, "kanin pa lang, ulam na."

THE VERDICT

Big Better Burgers is really one must-try spot for both burger fans and non-lovers alike. Although they don't use fancy, foreign beef patties, each bite from their well-seasoned meaty treat was an explosion of a tasty and juicy carnivorous experience. I am not really a burger connoisseur and I personally cannot say their patties are the ultimate best in town. However, with a wide variety of burger choices, you can definitely find something your taste buds will crave for. Yes, they have Jalapeño, bacon, mushroom and teriyaki just to name a few. The pasta and rice dishes are also nice additions on their offerings that my date and I will surely be having again soon.

Taste - 4/5
Ambiance - 4/5
Service - 4/5
Price - 4/5
Overall Value - 4/5

Big Better Burgers, SM City North EDSA - Annex
UG/F Annex, SM City North EDSA, North Ave. cor. EDSA
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Philippines
(02) 332-6578
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