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<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2016/lifestyle2/05/31/gringo1.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Gringo specializes in grilled chicken and ribs. Handout photo</div></figcaption></figure></div><p>MANILA – The man behind Tokyo Bubble Tea and Honeybon has a new restaurant concept – and it’s not Japanese.</p><p>Located at The Block at SM North EDSA in Quezon City, Gringo is a South American restaurant serving grilled chicken and ribs in a homey setting.</p><p>Contrary to what most people think, Gringo is not the name of the owner of this restaurant – he is a fictional character, a man who “likes hosting get-togethers” and “cooking up a mean Mexican-Latin feast.”</p><p>Restaurateur Reagan Tan said this is their way of standing out from the sea of chicken and ribs concepts in Metro Manila.</p><p>“Iyong personality kasi ng brand is very important,” Tan told ABS-CBN News and selected members of the media during the launch of Gringo. “Nowadays kailangan may emotions, may feelings ang brand kasi ang dami nang ribs, ang dami nang chicken [restaurants].”</p><p>“Si Gringo, ang personality niya is everybody’s welcome. Iyong vibe at design ay na-create because of that inspiration.”</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2016/lifestyle2/05/31/gringo2.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Gringo is named after a fictional character who likes hosting get-togethers. Handout photo</div></figcaption></figure></div><p>Gringo’s first branch at The Block can accommodate 45 customers at a time, a number that Tan considers quite small for the concept.</p><p>He said they have plans to open bigger restaurants at Burgos Circle in Taguig and at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong.</p><p>“Sa Burgos Circle, 60-seater kami, then for Megamall, baka umabot kami ng 120 seats. Malaki ‘yun, eh,” Tan said. “Our target opening is August at Megamall and June sa Burgos Circle.”<br/><br/><strong>The food</strong></p><p>Tan, who describes himself as a “non-practicing chef,” developed the recipes for Gringo, just like in their other concepts.</p><p>He said he thought of serving chicken and ribs instead of burritos saying that Filipinos don’t usually eat the latter on a daily basis.</p><p>“Iyong burritos kasi usually hindi inaaraw-araw ng Filipino, so we launched a South American concept with chicken and ribs para pwedeng araw-arawin,” said Tan, who studied culinary arts in Canada before opening Tokyo Bubble Tea.</p><p>Gringo’s chicken comes in two varieties – Original and Southern Spice – while the ribs are served in the restaurant’s signature barbecue sauce. These are best enjoyed with side dishes such as beans, potato salad, fries, Mexican rice, and even a serving of okra.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2016/lifestyle2/05/31/gringo3.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Gringo’s chicken comes in Original and Southern Spice. Handout photo</div></figcaption></figure></div><p>While these two are the stars in Gringo’s menu, this place also has something for everyone – nachos, tacos, burritos, boneless catfish with salsa, and baked mussels with cheese, among others.</p><p>Most of the dishes are made for sharing and the flavors bright and just right for Filipino palates, all without sacrificing authenticity.</p><p>But perhaps the best thing about Gringo is its prices – your P300 can certainly go a long way.</p><p>Taking all these into consideration, Gringo is the new kid on the block that is definitely worth a visit.</p>

The man behind Tokyo Bubble Tea and Honeybon has a new restaurant concept – and it’s not Japanese. 

New eats: Gringo at The Block, SM North EDSA

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New eats: Gringo at The Block, SM North EDSA

ABS-CBN News

Published May 31, 2016 11:23 AM PHT

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Updated Jun 04, 2016 09:31 AM PHT

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