217 – On Breakfasts And Safe Havens: Denny’s, Eastwood Mall

There’s this scene in the movie adaptation of Mitch Albom’s The Five People You Meet In Heaven, which starred Jon Voight as the protagonist Eddie. In the course of meeting the titular five people, Eddie encounters his father peacefully enjoying a meal inside a diner. He tries to get his father’s attention, to no avail. Eddie’s old man is oblivious to his son’s presence. A well-dressed woman named Ruby eventually appears and introduces herself to Eddie, telling the son that his father is safe and at peace in this diner. Apparently, Ruby is the eponymous owner of the carnival where Eddie worked all his life – Ruby Pier – and the diner is a haven for all the souls of those who perished whilst working there.

The diner as a safe haven for everyone, always open for those who crave comfort food. This is how the newest branch of Denny’s in Eastwood Mall presents itself if you ask me. Denny’s aims to replicate the diner experience it is very much known for in the United States, being an American restaurant concept brought here by The Bistro Group. The joint’s third branch replaced Johnny Rockets’ original spot at the ground floor – which was incidentally another diner, but looked more like the diners of 1950s America with jukeboxes, milk shakes, and all. Denny’s is among the few food spots open 24/7 in Eastwood City to accommodate the BPO workers and expatriate families in the district.

Sunlight-facing table sets.

Single seats for solo diners.

A cup of coffee, or an image of it, as soon as you enter.

My favorite spot in this restaurant.

Looking outside.

This section is usually filled with expats in the morning.

“The diner is the world’s smallest neighborhood.”

What makes a diner a diner?

Good food, good friends, good times.

Warm, wooden interiors welcome diners as soon as they enter. Coupled with speedy service from the waitstaff, patrons are sure to feel at home; kudos to the attentive and responsive Denny’s staff! (The Bistro Group constantly puts a premium on excellent service, if I may note.) I’m not surprised with the number of foreigners that usually have breakfast here. It means that the restaurant must have really good food, if even picky foreigners stop by to eat! The menu items here tend to be on the more expensive side, but the serving sizes are worth the price. Whether you like pancakes or waffles, breakfast plates or main courses – Denny’s always has something for everyone at any time of the day.

Now, let’s proceed to the most awaited part of this entry – the food! Here are some of the offerings Denny’s has in store.

Hot Chocolate (P120): Basic hot chocolate with whipped cream on top.

Hot Tea (P95): Kudos to Denny’s for having Dilmah Tea selections. Milk and sugar to match your tea (if you take English breakfast) are available upon request.

Cafe Mocha (P105): A mix of coffee and chocolate with milky foam on top.

Brewed Coffee (P75 for single serve , P20 for additional refills): Denny’s standard brewed coffee. You’re better off ordering the unlimited coffee for P95.

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks (P295): Breaded and fried cheese sticks served with marinara sauce. It looks simple in this initial version.

Here’s how Denny’s improved the plating for the mozzarella sticks a few months after! It now has tortilla strips and parsley on top.

Clam Chowder (P145): Thick and hearty clam soup with a slice of garlic bread, just like how they serve it in New England.

Garlic Rice (P75): The Filipino standard “sinangag,” which pairs perfectly with other viands,

Ham & Cheese Omelette and Waffle (P355): Commendable omelette, as Denny’s didn’t scrimp on the filling. The waffles were too heavy, however.

Chicken Tenders with Rice and Egg (P145): This was one of the old budget offerings Denny’s had for the lunchtime crowd; unfortunately, it was removed from the menu.

Pork Chop and Eggs (P225): One of Denny’s Filipino favorites, this pork chop dish is cooked medium rare and topped with a tomato salsa. The gravy pairs well with this!

Cajun Shrimp Skillet (P405): Shrimp sauteed in a Cajun spice mix, served on top of dirty rice with a side of tomato gumbo and a lemon wedge. The flavor might not appeal to some who haven’t tried Cajun-spiced food yet.

Bourbon Chicken Skillet (P375): Chicken fillets marinated in Cajun seasoning and topped with barbecue sauce, served with dirty rice and vegetables.

Compared to when I first tried it, this iteration of the Bourbon Chicken Skillet looks rather dull and lifeless.

Puppies Sundae (P175): A simple yet fitting end to a good breakfast. Three pancake hush puppies coated in cinnamon sugar, served with ice cream and whipped cream and finished with a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

Do check out Denny’s official website and their Facebook page to stay updated on their latest promotions and offers. Until the next review, bon appetit!

Denny’s
G/F Eastwood Mall,
Eastwood City, Bagumbayan,
Libis, Quezon City 1110