Summer never ends—at least for The Grill Shack it doesn’t. For those missing grills by the beach, The Grill Shack is where to be—its simple yet delectable dishes are meant to satisfy your protein needs and summer dreams.

Taste

The first bite of any dish on the menu is a ride of tenderness. This is no easy feat, especially when cooking meat. The patty from the burger steak is charred to perfection, as the mushroom sauce serves as a glistening counterpoint to the blackened crust, creating a delectable sight. Taken as a whole, the dish is a tour de force of umami delight, hitting that perfect balance of salt and pepper that complements the fluffy java rice.

As for the pork barbeque, it surprises your taste buds with its slight tartness and sets itself apart from most renditions of this beloved staple. The tenderness makes up for the minute lack of seasoning, and the slightly tangy sauce that dresses the meat adds a pang of freshness.

To top it all off is the chicken barbeque—The Grill Shack’s coup de grâce. A bite of the chicken is a vibrant tropical burst. The generous use of pepper complements the red barbeque sauce, whose fruity undertones really hark back to memories of summer.

Given the level set by the mains, the sides are left with the daunting task to elevate the meal even further. Fortunately, for the most part, the sides do an amicable job. The stars of the show are the balsamic mushrooms, which are best paired with the chicken. After the first bite, the mushrooms explode with acidic fervor, as you can really taste the balsamic vinegar that has seeped into the mushrooms’ fibers. The fries, on the other hand, don’t exactly break the mould, but they revel in their seasoning and crunch. Sadly, the onion rings can’t garner the same praise as the other sides. The stale texture of the breading and the rawness of the onion leave a lot to be desired. The Grill Shack ties it all together with cinnamon-filled cookies that provide a sweet contrast to the largely meaty affair.

Concept

The Grill Shack’s attempt to bring summer to JSEC has proven to be a successful one. Its brand of summer, as outlined by the owners, is that of vibrancy and color. This shows in the whole aesthetic of the stall, which wouldn’t look out of place along the shores of Boracay or Palawan. Most importantly, the theme is embodied in their food. The tangy, fruity leanings of the cuisine really gives a tropical kick to the whole experience.

Value for money

At Php 90 for any of the dishes (Php 120 if you want the combo), there are certainly more filling options in JSEC for the same price. Regardless of the relatively small portions, each mouthful carries its weight in quality, so the price is justified for the most part. It must be said, however, that Php 30 for a cookie is a bit steep for the size you get.

Final verdict

Although not perfect, eating at The Grill Shack is easily a worthwhile experience. Its unique take on grilled meat is sure to satisfy any Atenean craving the good vibes of summer time throughout the school year.

Rating: 4/5