COCONUTS CRITIC’S TABLE — The first time I went to Robinsons Magnolia was for the opening of Yabu: House of Katsu.
At the time, most stores in the mall were still being prepped to be launched. Admittedly, I wasn’t really looking forward to checking out this mall again because it’s far from my house. And since malls basically offer the same typical stops, I thought, why go all the way here, when I can just visit malls nearby?
But one Sunday, my friends called for a quick get-together here. I must say, I didn’t expect it’d end up looking posh, with an interesting array of shops and restos that are quite uncommon. One of those places is The Clubhouse, this branch being the first and only. The foodie in me, who’s always raring to try out new hangouts, got so thrilled upon seeing its unfamiliar signage and chic interior.
One can get into The Clubhouse either through the door just by the mall’s façade, or through a narrow hallway inside sandwiched by fashion boutiques. If you won’t look for it, it’d be a challenge to spot it because of its relatively hole-in-the-wall location.
My excitement was sustained upon entering The Clubhouse and getting comfy with my friends on the big wooden benches with orange cushions. My eyes were immediately busy surveying the warmly-lit interior: one wall is with stained bricks and framed vintage photographs and another is with rustic floral wallpaper with shelves of ceramic plates and pretty knickknacks leaning on it.
When the menu was handed over, we couldn’t help but love the unassuming short bond papers containing the printed list of menu items, attached to the clipboard. Despite the lack of photos, the menu can really whet one’s appetite through the descriptions. “Eggs-plotion,” anyone?
“Comfort Goodness All Day, Everyday” is how The Clubhouse describes their menu which features bits of influences from European (Bagel and Lox – P285), Spanish (Garlic Shrimp and Chorizo – P285), Mexican (Nacho Platter – P185), Italian (Four Cheese Lasagna – P235), Korean (Kimchi and Bulgogi Bibimbap – P185), and Filipino (Tuyo Rice Bowl – P185 and Vigan Longganisa Hash – P225) cuisines.
The Clubhouse also rides the wave of the breakfast resto trend in the metro, strengthening their brekkie offerings and serving them till 3PM. Must-tries include their take on the well-loved Eggs Benedict called Benny’s Classic (P225 – single / P315 – double) and Eggs Atlantic, smoked salmon slices and sautéed spinach topped with poached egg and covered in caper-hollandaise sauce (P275 – single / P425 – double).
Owned by a barkada whose aim is to provide a venue which serves like a neighborhood hangout for friends to chill out in, The Clubhouse fittingly offers different types of food for different types of individuals.
I’m so glad that I was with my friends when I discovered this place, because its laid-back atmosphere is really conducive for endless chikas and food sampling. It’s also worth mentioning that service is good; the staffers are polite and attentive.
We ordered the following: Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana (P245), Beef and Mushroom Salpicao (P295), Smothered Pork Chop (P295), and The Sunrise Burger (P365). Exaggeration aside, we loved all our orders. I wish we could’ve been more experimental with our orders, but just the same, we were able to taste and experience the comfort goodness the resto claims to give.
The Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana certainly wasn’t scrimped on tomato sauce and cheese; they complemented the breaded chicken breast well. The Smothered Pork Chop has a delicious gravy sauce topped on a creamy mashed potato and tender meat. The Beef and Mushroom Salpicao was tender, juicy, and flavorful, and it tasted even better with the Garlic Parsley Rice (P45). The Sunrise Burger features a well-cooked patty that’s both crunchy and juicy; the addition of a sunny side up egg gives another layer of flavour, with the runny yolk providing a velvety texture.
If your get-together with friends at The Clubhouse is a night out, it’d be a blast to match your food with the imported beers they’re offering, like Stella Artois (P120), Hoegaarden (P150), and Guiness (P170). Then end your meal on a sweet note with a dessert from the resto’s array of cakes, pies, croissants, cookies, muffins, cupcakes, and cake loaves.
The Clubhouse is located at Upper G/L Robinsons Magnolia Town Center, Hemady St. cor. Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City; open from 10AM to 10PM (Monday to Thursday) and 10AM to 11PM (Friday to Sunday)
Coconuts Critic’s Table reviews are written based on unannounced visits by our writers and paid for by Coconuts Manila. No freebies here.
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