My first Thanksgiving at Burgoo

Burgoo. An American mid-western stew with Irish origins which is popular in Kentucky. There is also a Burgoo festival where families showcase their different variants of burgoo. Burgoo is usually composed of deer, squirrel, or anything they hunted down. Not to be mistaken with burgers.

Burgoo is a Filipino-owned restaurant that serves American dishes. Opened sixteen years ago when Tomas Morato. Since then, Tomas Morato boomed with more restaurants and active night life. I am joining a Thanksgiving lunch at the branch in Podium.

Upon entering the establishment, it is noticeable that their tables are covered with a big layer of paper. While waiting, you can create your own graffiti or art until your food arrives. Each table has random crayons you can use. I can imagine comic book artists doing their thing. Burgoo provides a fun atmosphere and you can see it on the display on the walls.

I was invited by Ms. Joy Melad, in-house PR consultant and Managing Director of Specialty Restaurant Groups, Mr. Albert Alavera as our host.

Our first course was the burgoo stew. Since we don't have deer or squirrels here, the burgoo stew is mixed with pork, beef and chicken. Filipinos may find it new since it is not originally served with rice but you should not think of carbs since the food here are quite a mouthful. The burgoo is probably the best stew I've had since I like dishes served with tomatoes.

Shrimp & Ribs Platter P995.

Our next course was the Chicken Caesar's Salad. I never thought that Caesar's can be good with lots of shrimp and it is just as I like it. After the salad, we are now having their bestseller; the Shrimp & Ribs Platter. Just like any American home cooking, it also comes with corn and fries. The ribs are delicious because of the marinade.

If this won't get you stuffed, the main course is just halfway. Among their pastas, one of their bestsellers is the Chicken Dianne Pasta. It was named for its Dianne sauce. Burgoo is the only restaurant that serves pasta with Angel's Hair.

Just when we are about to give up, we just had to make room for dessert. I am glad I didn't skip the dessert or I will regret it. We are having three of their bestselling cakes. The cakes are not outsourced elsewhere and baked new everyday. I got to taste all three, The Chocolate Cake, Mississippi Mud Cake and the Raspberry Cheesecake. What's good about the Chocolate Cake is that it is rested on caramel syrup on the plate. I consider the Raspberry Cheesecake as my favorite but the Mississippi Mud Cake is ideal for children.

Burgoo is a sister company of Gumbo and is part of the Specialty Restaurant Groups who owns both restaurants. As I said earlier, it is an original Filipino owned restaurant and all of the branches are company owned. Also mentioned earlier that it provides a fun atmosphere and it is available for different event functions.

Be sure to try out the Burgoo Marvelous Combo which includes Extra Supreme Nachos, Country Style Fried Chicken, Tomato-Basil Spaghetti for only P999(save P526 from P1,525). Good for five people and it is served with Coca Cola.

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