Loading ...Wow! December’s turning out to be quite productive for Davao Delicious, isn’t it?? Well, the Christmas season is indeed a time for feasting, so I’ve been finding myself eating out a lot with friends this month.
When Gerry’s Grill opened two years ago, it made quite a splash in the local restaurant scene because it was one of the few franchises (apart from the fast food chains) that ventured early into Davao City. However, I’m ashamed to say I’ve only been there once, and only very recently. Winston, in his eagerness to maximize his stay in Davao while he’s back from Manila for the holidays, called up the usual food trip gang yesterday, and Andrew suggested we go for Gerry’s because it’s one of his favorites.
Gerry’s Grill is located in Gaisano Mall of Davao, but the restaurant has a dedicated entrance, so they can close later than the mall. When you walk in, you’ll instantly feel at home because of the very Filipino décor (and the soothing sound of the mini-waterfalls). The crowd is a bit off-putting when the place is full, but that can’t be helped. At least they have good music, and the staff seemed well-mannered and eager to serve.
Meal fit for foodie bloggers
The three of us had an exceptionally pleasing meal! Afterwards, I was not only satiated but lusciously satisfied. For me, nothing beats excellent Filipino food, and Gerry’s Grill is certainly a place for just that. It’s not inexpensive — our tab was ₱948.00 — but the quality of their food and the service that you get are worth every centavo. I like restaurants that serve family portions (makes my life easier when ordering… hehehe!), so I let Drew do the honors.
Adobo Shreds
For abre gana (I really like this term for “appetizer”), we had a dish of Adobo Shreds (₱175), which really does the job of opening up your taste buds for more good food! Gerry’s adobo shreds dish is like mahu or the Indonesian delicacy called abon, which mixes really well with hot, steaming rice. The photo doesn’t do it justice, though. In real life, the adobo shreds look a lot more palatable. It’s something you’ll find hard to stop eating once you start.
One Filipino dish I’d long been craving for is the kare-kare. Growing up, I used to enjoy it at two places only: my cousin’s house and a hotel in Davao (sadly closed already).
Hearty kare-kare!
Most restaurants that serve it in Davao simply can’t make the kare-kare I grew up with. But at Gerry’s Grill, I’ve rediscovered that long-lost taste. Their Kare-Kareng Baka (₱235) had all the ingredients I look for, and the sauce was simply delicious. It probably wasn’t made from scratch, they probably used a ready-mix, but it was finger-lickin’ good. One order serves three to four people.
The bagoong that the kare-kare comes with, however, was a bit of a downer. My favorite bagoong is the kind from Balayan, Batangas. The kind they serve at Gerry’s, according to the staff, is made of alamang, and it tasted sweetish. It wasn’t bad, but the kare-kare would’ve been perfect if they had Balayan bagoong. (On second thought… if there had been my favorite bagoong, I would’ve wolfed down more rice than I should!)
Crispy Tadyang
Another choice item on the menu at Gerry’s is the Crispy Tadyang (₱230). We had that, and it was just enough for three guys. The meat was tender, and grilled just right. If you haven’t tried Gerry’s crispy tadyang, you’re missing out. ‘Nuff said.
Baked Scallops
Those three dishes were all that we thought of ordering, but the waiter guessed — correctly — that these were three hungry boys, and suggested the Baked Scallops (₱175). Yummy! Creamy and fantastic! I was thinking of getting another serving, but we’d already ordered so much…
Gerry’s Grill – Davao, a branch from Metro Manila, is quite a big place. They even have an upper-floor function room that’s ideal for birthdays and other celebrations. There’s also an al fresco area with several tables. The restaurant is at the ground floor of Gaisano Mall of Davao, J. P. Laurel Ave., Bajada.
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I loved the scallops. It was my first time to try them at Gerry’s. I can’t believe I didn’t order them before! Whose birthday is coming up next?
Yeah, I agree with you, Drew! The scallops is one of their best offerings. Simply delicious!
Thanks for visiting my blog, Tess. I liked reading about your travels, too!
Migs’ birthday is coming up next…
Hi Blogie and Andrew – I am curious about birthdays. In the Philippines, if it is somebody’s birthday, and he goes out for a meal with his friends, who pays? In my culture, the friends would pay for the meal of the celebrant. I heard though that here it is the birthday celebrant who pays. Not sure if it is correct though.
@Mindanao Bob — If it was the celebrant who did the inviting, then he/she picks up the tab in most cases. But if it was an impromptu thing, then it wouldn’t hurt for you to offer to share with the bill. Hmmm… it’s a rather complicated dance, and one that can’t be explained briefly.
Still, the tradition is that it’s the celebrant who treats his friends out. So, Migs, Gerry’s Grill on your birthday?
Hi Blogie – Thanks or sharing that. Where I come from, the birthday celebrant would never be expected to pay! It’s always interesting to learn cultural information like this.
waaa.. I love the Scallops. I heard masarap yung sisig nila, let’s try it next time.
I have tried it three times and all three times it was a disaster. Once I went because I had not been before and the food was terrible, service worst and did not like the cock roaches crawling on the wall next to our table. The second time was a birthday party and the third time an anniversary these two times I had no say in where we would meet up. The second and third experiences were just as bad. In fact the last time guest were complaining and asking others in the taxi what they thought of the place and of five people five NO VOTES. The If I had been paying I would have ask to speak to the manager. I am sorry this place is not good enough for JoJo my Pug dog!
@Thomas J Martin — Hi there! I’d heard similar complaints before about Gerry’s Grill, and that’s why for the past 2 years I stayed away from the place. However, when my friends invited me to have dinner there, our experience was totally different from what I was expecting.
How long ago was that when you last went to Gerry’s? Maybe they’ve already made efforts to improve.
About three months ago was my last time in the restaurant. I hope they have cleaned it up and have better wait staff because they sure needed it.
When I was there, the place was nearly full, and yet the waitstaff were efficient and friendly. Maybe it was my lucky day, maybe they’ve shaped up… Why don’t you go and give it just one more try?
Okay I gave it another try last Thursday. The place was clean and I did not see any critters. The food was okay and I suppose for that kind of place which I see as more of a party place with friends than fine dining it was okay. Our waiter was the pits. A young lady was going to wait on us and he pushed her aside. I guess he thought the tip might be good. He took the order and off he went to never return to the table again except to bring the bill. The other wait staff was very good and that is who we relied on for water, etc. The manager did come to the table and ask if everything was okay twice. I was very polite and said nothing, lied and said all is fine, did not want to complain. Everything was okay except our waiter. I would have to say I would not turn anyone away from there and I will go if invited, but it would not be a restaurant of my choice.
Thanks for your feedback, Fr. Tom! Always a pleasure when I see your comments on my blog.
I was able to eat there twice ( once during our admin meeting and the other during a family gathering). The food for me is not quite impressive but the service I would commend.
love Gerry’s crispy tadyang, chopsuey and inihaw na tuna! also the squid dishes…
My father likes this place a lot – so we eat here quite often. But I find Ahfat, even Marina Tuna, more satisfying. Food-wise, price-wise.