Trying Out the Ribs Michael Scott Was Singing About | Chili’s Cebu Takeaway Review

My dear husband is the biggest fan of The Office that I know. So, when I told him that Chili's just opened the store here in Cebu, he was so thrilled since Chili's does not have a restaurant in Canada that he really pushed me to try them out. This meal was really dedicated for him and to get the most out of it, I decided to write a review to immortalise the (little bit expensive) experience.

>> Scroll down to skip The Office reference

If you're not familiar of The Office, it is a comedy that is a comedic caricature of probably the worst people anyone who worked a corporate job might have met or worked with. In the heart of it all is the most obnoxious boss, Michael Scott the regional manager whom in my opinion is really wild blend of all the unhinged bosses in the world while at the same time probably being one of the best characters in TV history. 

In an episode, Michael Scott and his boss Jan Levinson were taking a client out for a dinner meeting with the hopes of closing a big sale. Instead of the Radisson, Michael took them to Chili's (an obvious informal counterpart) where he miraculously had the same weird vibe as the client. Here's a video of them singing about the baby back ribs:

Honourable mentions...

I got two other things which are the quesadilla and the Chili's rice from this order which are also worth talking about. Spoiler alert, I was head over heels for these.

Chili's Rice

Chili's Rice, Php 80

I usually just skip over the rice I order from most places when I write about them, but for this I'll make an excemption. I ordered this as a side for my ribs because my Asian soul just had to. I didn't think this would wow me that much and definitely is not good on its own (this is not a regular "fried rice"). However, this is nothing less of a perfect match to the ribs. It has a little bit of kick in flavour though nothing that disrupts or even at the very least interrupt the flavour of the ribs or whichever main you might choose to have this with.

Chili's Rice Rating: ★★★☆☆

Bacon Ranch Quesadillas

Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, Php 585

Before anything else, I'd clarify that I've never had any experience on authentic Mexican quesadilla which is a shame because I just know the authentic version would knock me off my feet. Having said that, I am reviewing this dish as its own and in no reference to any authentic versions.

Now I can confidently say that I absolutely loved these! The bacon ranch quesadilla from Chili's are the best quesadillas I have had in the city. I honestly had low expectations because I'm used to the so-so quesadillas experience in the past. I thought they were going to pass off as a quick snack or appetisers so I was extremely surprised that this could be a full meal!

Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, Php 585

The filling is very thick and seasoned to perfection...and that cheese. They absolutely did not skimp out on the quantity and that quality of that cheese. I have been constantly thinking about this dish ever since I first tasted it.

Bacon Ranch Quesadilla Rating: ★★★★★+★★

And for the main that made Michael Scott's heart sing...

Chili's Baby Back Ribs (Original), Php 955

Chili's Baby Back Ribs

Oh dear, was this a huge slab of ribs. 

I was scared that I would not like this because it could have meant that I would be having to finish the size of it until supper because it was expensive. No one wants to eat a nearly thousand peso dish in misery.

Well, Michael Scott did not disappoint. This was an exquisite slab of ribs. Like the bacon ranch quesadillas, this also toppled over all the rest of the ribs I have tried in the city and even the one I had in a pricey restaurant in Toronto.

Chili's Baby Back Ribs (Original), Php 955

The meat was so tender that I didn't even use a knife to eat it! I was just going at it effortlessly and it almost melted in my mouth each time. Additionally, the side of sweet corn and fries are also very tasty.

From experience, the ribs I tried are always either too sweet or too smokey. I think the other flavours might be, but this original flavour was the perfect in between. There is a good balance of sweetness, spice and smokiness. I didn't feel even just a little bit fed up or umay even if I had this for both lunch and supper.

I highly recommend this dish. It's good for sharing, but you really don't have to if you don't want to. 😉 

Original Ribs Rating: ★★★★★

In conclusion...

I must say I had my doubts and I couldn't be happier that I was wrong. Chili's was a big surprise for me and still has me on a chokehold. These are my constant cravings. This is probably at the top range of my list of favourites here in the city.

Disclaimer: As you can tell by my not so poetic description of the food that I am not a food critic/expert nor have I ever claimed to be one. This is out of personal experience. Your experience and preferences may differ from mine. This review is not written with the intention to harm any individual, group or business. This review is not sponsored nor is it in any other type of x-deals.