You've got to rest a while and prepare yourself in order to find out how different one chicken recipe is from the rest of those served via fast food and by many other mainstream food providers.
We’re talking about the vastly enjoyable culinary ingenuity known as inasal. Like many successful recipes, inasal, traditionally, was passed on from generation to generation. And this particular inasal variety of Bacolod Chk-N-BBQ House seems to have the staying power of the pedigree. To this day, it is still genuinely the original inasal from Bacolod, as introduced in 1976 by the Bernabe family.
Mr. JV Mercado, the comely Store Manager of the Bacolod Chk-N-BBQ House in Crosstown Mall, along Santa Rosa - Tagaytay Road, exuded with much confidence about their products, and simply flashed a feel-at-ease welcoming smile as he proceeded to explain how Bacolod Chk-N-BBQ House's chicken is meticulously worked through to achieve that distinct taste for which the establishment became famous for.
For one, JV says "it is not hurriedly prepared". The marinated inventory is delivered at the branch. The formula, of course is uniform throughout all branches as is true for franchised food stores. "Annatto" or "achuete" is the trademark ingredient that renders its unique flavor to the recipe. But to arrive at that winning taste, a bit of patience is required through some wait. JV enthused smilingly that they " appreciate their customers for their patience ". As in fine dining, you've got to pay a little time, of course, and incidentally waiting is not so much of a chore, due to some ambient music played in the store.
The place is actually conducive for bonding of family or friends, and while at it perhaps have a chat on Filipino food and culture. The put-together narrow but thick wood planks at the base of the ordering counter stamps a native character and would do the mood some good.
Bacolod Chk-N-BBQ House's chicken certainly has its own merits. The smell is not cluttered but just speaks of well done grilled chicken meat which is pleasant in itself. It is not fatty. There is no brushed oil cosmetic appeal. The thin skin of the chicken is well integrated into the meat and so you hardly notice it and enjoy it together with the lean chicken meat. There is harmony of flavor as you chew and savor, which is the best part of this gastronomic experience. Just looking at the chicken, one would surmise that the lot used for the recipe is among those purposely raised for this particular food joint. In other words, the chickens must have had the correct feeding formula for contract growers to achieve certain qualities as to leanness and other desired characteristics that make them palatable on the table.
The modest bowl of soup served with the value meals is actually from the stock of another Bacolod Chk-N-BBQ House favorite, the La Paz Batchoy. Mind you, the place isn't just loved for their inasal. There is quite an impressive range of Filipino comfort foods that's picked from the menu daily by loyal patrons, including molo soup, kare- kare, sinigang, sisig, pusit (which JV confessed as his favorite) and bangus. Pinoy desserts? Of course...from halo-halo to leche flan, and even some native refreshments like sago gulaman.
At the particular branch in Crosstown Mall, there are others stuff for sale displayed on the ground floor, like chocolate powder for breakfast, chicken oil and crunchy snacks that could whet ones appetite just by looking at them, and other such food items.
The place can also cater to parties. The first floor can seat more than 20 people. The second floor has almost double the ground floor area for a roughly 40 - seat capacity and would be ideal for a small close family and friends reception or bonding. Bacolod Chk-N-BBQ House also serves beer-all you can for a modest 300 PHP. As for food orders, nowadays, if you catch the offer, there is 50 percent discount for your order from 1:30 to 5:00 pm.
The kitchen staff and the servers have that genuine goodwill smile and courtesy to welcome the clients and make them stay for more. Relaxed and peaceful dining awaits everyone here. And, chances are, you'll want to come back again... and again.
