It was late in 2023 when I last dined at Chili’s, and it was in their Greenhills branch. Quite popular among my friends and I, as it was one of the first outlets of the American chain. Yet it was always renovated always organized and clean, so coming back to it was always quite welcome.
Nostalgia on a Platter: Greenhills & Greenbelt Memories
Their Greenbelt branch, on the second floor of Greenbelt 5, was my other favorite. Always full of people munching and drinking. Yes, those flavored Margaritas, endlessly accommodating. And there were the cocktails, always buy one, take one. There was the International Burger Day, once a year. Which turned much of the mall into one long queue going to Chili’s. Those foodie memories. Especially the Country Fried Steak, which is such a unique American diner classic. Two pieces of steak, battered like fried chicken, and then cooked perfectly, crispy and crunchy.
That last item is now called Country Fried Chicken. The substitution unnoticeable, except for folks like me, who loved everything about it. In particular, the white gravy that doused the whole dish, including the grains of corn. Delicious still, and yes, I’d be hard pressed to complain about it these days.
Surviving the Greenbelt Evolution
I was concerned when the construction of the rest of Greenbelt began a couple of years ago. Worried that even my beloved Chili’s would be torn down. But here’s the good news: Greenbelt 5. The newest of the malls of Greenbelt, will not be touched. Saving Chili’s, which is at its far end, from obliteration. Chili’s really is forever, and more so, when we recall the very first Chili’s in the country. Which opened its flagship in the very same mall, way back in 1996.
Familiar Comforts & Warm Welcomes
Upon entering Chili’s Greenbelt last week, I wasn’t surprised that the layout hadn’t changed. The bar seats were aligned, the TV sets were playing the latest Brad Pitt film. And the servers and managers were all smiles, warmly welcoming me back to the restaurant. The ambiance was as friendly as ever. I noticed that the little things hadn’t changed. Every table had a full bottle of Heinz Ketchup, ready for the fries. Exactly as I remembered from three years ago.
The Main Event: The Ultimate Bacon Burger
And as I had done all those years ago, I perused the menu hungrily, and went straight for the burgers. My choice was the Ultimate. The Ultimate Bacon Burger! Double Bacon, Cheddar, Pickles and Lettuce, Red Onion and Tomatoes, Jalapeno Aioli. With two sauces for good measure: Spicy Buffalo and Honey-Chipotle. It was a flavor bomb. Every ingredient complementing the next. Each emphasizing the concentration on the beautiful beef and bun. I had a magnificent Root Beer float to chase it all down. Flawless.
Riding the Heat Wave (With a Side of Ranch)
On the side, I had a new item on the menu, The Heat Wave Wings. Chili’s signature wings tossed in a bold blend of sweet honey and tangy sriracha, and it was served with house-made Ranch dressing. The very same condiment that’s driving all the World Cup fans wild. Apparently, outside of the United States, “Ranch” doesn’t really exist, and it was a good reminder of the simple recipe of mayonnaise and sour cream. And yes, the heat wave was intense!
The Grand Finale: Country Fried Perfection
I was full, practically after all those, but I had to have my grand reunion with the Country Fried Chicken. I waited patiently, and when it arrived, I looked at it the same way I looked at my Christmas gifts on the morning of December 25. It looked exactly the same, the chicken fillets substituting perfectly for the steaks. Which I didn’t miss this time. Yes, it was perfect. Any fan of meat would love this very American dish of Chili’s. It was wonderful.
It was more than a reunion, it was more like a rediscovery of all my favorites. Still waiting for me to order them once more, and it didn’t matter whether it was three years or three weeks or three days. Chili’s is forever.
