Ateneans are no strangers to flavored chicken wings, with many willing to go the distance to Regis or UP Town Center for a wings meal. Going toe-to-toe with the likes of Frankies and B. Wings, Tenders, Love, and Chicken (TLC) Diner attempts a budget-friendly version convenient for every student—and, to be fair, it does deliver.

Taste

TLC Diner features three flavors of chicken and three dips. Each chicken tender is marinated and fried before being served with one’s choice of dip and a hefty amount of white rice. This can also come with a side of fries or mojos—both of which are deliciously crispy enough to juxtapose the somewhat sodden texture of the chicken.

Rightfully the stall’s bestseller, the Buffalo Chicken wins. Luscious and meaty, the dish packs spices for a mild heat that even sensitive tastebuds can enjoy. The Blue Cheese Dip adds a richness that best offsets this zesty flavor, and each bite holds a satisfying crunch. All this makes for a good rendition of a classic diner dish.

On the other hand, the Hickory Barbecue Chicken is smoky and tangy, dripping with sticky marinade. It explodes with so much flavor that the dulcet tones of the Honey Mustard Dip only serve to amplify the dish’s taste, resulting in an overly salty dish.

Thankfully, the Garlic Parmesan Chicken fares better—crispy and succulent, with aromatic herbs that mellow the sharp cheese. Yet, no hint of garlic is found in the Garlic Aioli Dip—just an overpowering taste of mayonnaise instead of what’s supposed to be a traditionally egg yolk-based sauce.

Concept

Flavored chicken-and-rice meals are nothing new to JSEC. While TLC’s decor screams American diner-style food, its offerings burst with strong and sweet flavors that only white rice can balance—making the resulting meal fit for the Filipino palate. Nestled in the far left corner of JSEC, the stall’s design, with its predominantly darker shades and minimal decor, is a far cry from the brighter colors on its Facebook page. While TLC could do more to catch the eye, its menu does hold its own against the wings chains it wishes to emulate, thanks to its customizable dips and flavors. 

Value for money

TLC’s pricing is somewhat costlier than most JSEC fare, with solo meals at Php 110 and combo meals at Php 130—the latter simply provides an option for fries or mojos. However, relatively large servings of rice and chicken make up for the price. On the basis of serving size alone, you get your money’s worth, along with well-thought-out flavors and dips.

Final verdict

For Frankie’s aficionados and rice meal enthusiasts, TLC Diner is for you. The dishes  may be on the pricier side of JSEC, but the serving sizes make up for it. Though not the most original of concepts, the stall has marinades and glazes that pack strong flavors, and the variety of dips allow for an exciting new meal each time. 

Rating: 4/5

Editors’ Note: In the interest of fairness, Vantage writers only reviewed food that was offered by the stalls during their respective taste tests.

Photos by Trina Camacho