I remember back in February, while I was confined for a minor medical procedure at the Antipolo Doctors Hospital, Alex mentioned to me that he ate at a steak and ribs place just in front of the hospital. He promised to take me there and he did. I loved the place not only because of their juicy steak but also because of its colorful, yet homey, vibe. The place was Beeffalo by Hotrocks Antipolo. Fast forward to October, and I finally get to try dining at its original branch, Beeffalo by Hotrocks Marikina, and I was even more satisfied.
The city of Marikina has become famous for its hole in the wall food spots but we seldom get the chance to dine there. I was kind of surprised that Beeffalo was located right at the end of Gil Fernando Avenue, a long road that stretches back to Marcos Highway in Cainta where we live. My first visit was for an intimate dinner with a couple of food bloggers and the owner, Mr. Louie Abad. I arrived at sunset which was perfect because I came to fully appreciate the beauty of the place.
Sir Louie was a gracious host who warmly received us just like we’re old friends catching up on each other’s lives. I learned that he normally does that as he personally manages the place with his wife,
Girlie, and good friend,
Caren Diaz.
Beeffalo was an offshoot of Louie and his partners’ first food venture simply named HotRocks, a hole-in-the-wall barbecue joint with branches in Pasig and Libis. When the restaurants closed, they were determined to give the business another try but at a different location. Thus, Beeffalo by Hotrocks was opened in October 2013.
I learned that they were one of the first one to build a restaurant in the area. It had less foot traffic then as almost all of the surrounding lots were vacant. But the area is really lovely and just right for al fresco dining. It’s breezy especially at night, thanks to the big trees and greenery nearby.
So for starters, we were served with sinfully good
Barbecue Platter (Php 195) that consisted of pork
isaw, tenga, and
bulaklak….
…the
Croquettes (Php 145) filled with potato, bacon, cheese, and Jalapeño…
… a big plate of
Taco BBQ Salad (Php 275) that’s enough to serve 3 to 4 persons…
and a plate of thin-crust
Margherita (Php 155) biscuit pizza.
Then, I had a bowl of warm
Roasted Tomato Soup (Php 75) while my companions had
Seafood and Corn Chowder (Php 95) and
Broccoli-Cheese Soup (Php 120).
For the main dish, we had a rack each of
Jack Daniel’s Country Style Pork Ribs (Php 430) and Beeffalo’s tender and juicy
Baby Back Ribs (Php 765). I was actually amazed at how affordable the two dishes were compared to other restaurants that serve the same. The taste was not even compromised considering how inexpensive it was.
We were also served
Grilled Blue Marlin (Php 225) and
Pork Liempo (Php 195).
But the main surprises of the night for me were the
Sizzling Beef Ribs (Php 330) which was a deconstructed beef sinigang
, and the
Lamb Adobo (Php 260).
The night was still young then and I was in the presence of happy people so I gave in an tried a glass of
Mojito (Php 160). Uhmmm… wait, I think I had two. LOL! I liked how it tasted.
Swabe and not too strong.
And finally, the desserts came in to cap the night. My friend and I shared a slice of
Dulce de Leche Cheesecake (Php165).
Meanwhile, the others had
Turtle Pie (Php 165),
Banana Creme Brulee (Php 145),
Coffee Jelly Creme Brulee (Php 65), and the humongous
Jar of Monkeys (Php 145), a 3-scoop icecream bucket filled with bananas, crushed pineapple, nuts, mini mallows, and chocolate and strawberry syrup.
I knew I had to go back and have the boys dine with me at Beeffalo. So the following weekend, just in time for my son’s card-giving day celebration, we went back. It was around lunch time when we arrived so I finally had the chance to fully appreciate the restaurant’s indoor rustic furniture. It was really fun reminiscing how it was when I was a little girl just by seeing the old thingamajigs on display.
My son was actually the one who did all the picture-taking of the furniture and appliance on display.
Parang museum lang, haha!
And as I expected, the boys loved the place as I did the first time I went there.
We will definitely be back, probably for dinner, so the boys can also experience dining al fresco. Our tummies were filled and our hearts were filled even more with the memorable stories we shared over lunch. I can truly say that, whether dining out with friends or with family, Beeffalo by Hotrocks Marikina is the place to be.
Beeffalo by HotRocks is open Sundays to Thursdays (11am to 11 pm and Fridays and Saturdays (11am to 12mn). For inquiries, call Beeffalo Marikina 0939 -1130772; and Beeffalo’s Antipolo branch (5341160)
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