Breakfast at IHOP

Pancakes, waffles, French toast and crepes...classic breakfast comfort food. And no one does it better than IHOP.  

Seeing the familiar IHOP logo just brings back so many pleasant memories as I remember some of my most memorable dining experiences in the states. And seeing it here, at The Fort, makes it all the more special. Two days before the formal opening, IHOP invited the media as well as bloggers for brunch to sample their signature made-from-scratch breakfast favorites. Color coding or not, I was there. Early. 

An iconic brand with over 1600 restaurants globally, and a growing presence in Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and the Middle East, its newest restaurant at The Fort represents IHOP's initial foray in the competitive Asia-Pacific market. IHOP, with InterDine Corp, a wholly owned subsidiary of Global Restaurant Concepts, Inc., the same group that brought CPK, P.F Chang's and other US restaurant brands, is set to open a total of twenty IHOP restaurants in the Philippines over the next five years. And true to IHOP's tagline, IHOP is set to "spread happiness" with its expansion in the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific region.

Entering IHOP, I was led to the second floor and was immediately impressed with the spacious dining area, the comforting earth tones and the familiar IHOP coffee pot in each table. And I still couldn't believe that IHOP was really here, until I had my first cup of IHOP's Never Empty brewed coffee. Nice.

Archie Rodriguez (L), President and CEO for Global Restaurant Concepts; Ana Hernandez, IHOP Director, International Marketing; and Griffith Go, CFO, Global Restaurant Concepts welcomed the media and bloggers for a preview of IHOP's popular dishes.

Like all IHOP restaurants, each table is set with IHOP's signature syrups, the Old-Fashioned maple, Strawberry, Blueberry and my personal favorite, Butter Pecan.

As we settled in, we were served IHOP Splashers (P 175), sparkling and fruity beverages before the meal. Available in Tropical Island Twist  (L), a blend of lemonade, lemon-lime soda and tropical mango syrup, and Splashberry (R), a cool mix of IHOP's fresh strawberries, lemon-lime soda and premium orange juice.

Then the classic breakfast dishes IHOP was famous the world over arrived, beginning with the New York Cheesecake Pancake (P 285), two fluffy buttermilk pancakes loaded with creamy, rich cheesecake pieces and topped with fresh strawberries, powdered sugar and whipped cream. The fluffy consistency of the buttermilk pancake was comforting, and familiar at the same time. And no one does pancakes like IHOP.

Next, IHOP's CINN-A-STACK Pancakes (P 235), two buttermilk pancakes layered with cinnamon roll filling and topped with cream cheese icing and whipped cream. The sweet cinnamon and rich cream cheese really worked well together, and adding some Butter Pecan syrup completes the dish.

IHOP's Funny Face (P 165), chocolate chip pancake with powdered sugar, maraschino cherries and whipped cream. Fun and playful, tasty and flavorful, what's not to like? A Buttermilk Pancake version is also available. IHOP's pancakes really hits the spot, living up to my expectations. But there's more...

After another cup of coffee, we were served more of IHOP's breakfast favorites. The Stuffed French Toast Combo (P 365), cinnamon raisin French toast with a sweet cream filling, topped with whipped cream and your choice of strawberry topping, warm blueberry compote or cinnamon apple compote. Each order comes with a side of two eggs, hash browns, and a choice of two bacon strips or two pork sausage links.

This is definitely a level up to the usual French toast. The rich filling and fruit topping combine for a burst of flavors with every bite. Sweet, rich and indulgent, guaranteed to keep you smiling all day.

The Cinnamon Apple Stuffed French Toast is my personal favorite, with the apples adding a light sweetness, just perfect with another cup of coffee.

Pair your Stuffed French Toast with two sunny side ups, hash browns and two strips of smoked bacon, and you have a winning IHOP breakfast meal.

Then, there are IHOP's signature omelettes...

The Spinach and Mushroom Omelette (P 265), loaded with French Spinach, mushrooms, onions and Swiss cheese rolled in a fluffy omelette and topped with rich hollandaise sauce and diced tomatoes, a cool all-vegetable omelette.

The Big Steak Omelette (P 325), with tender strips of steak, hash browns, fresh green peppers, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, and Cheddar cheese served with a side of salsa, for those who prefer a meatier breakfast.

IHOP also serves specialty crepes, like the Garden Stuffed Crepes (P 325), two crepes stuffed with Swiss cheese and eggs scrambled with fresh spinach, mushrooms and onions, topped with rich hollandaise sauce and diced tomatoes...

...and a sweet Strawberry Banana Danish Fruit Crepes (P 265), two crepes filled with a combination of strawberries and rich sweet cream cheese topped with strawberries, fresh bananas and whipped cream. Dessert for breakfast? Why not.

Then, there's always the classic buttermilk pancakes, with a scoop of butter. Pour on some of IHOP's Butter Pecan syrup and you have IHOP's all-time favorite.

And no meal at IHOP is complete without the iconic Never Empty Coffee Pot (P 125 per person), available in regular or Decaf. 

The IHOP staff ready to serve you, and just like IHOP's tagline, eager to "spread happiness."

Pancakes, French toast, omelettes and crepes...and there's so much more to try at IHOP like their equally famous waffles as well as their lunch and dinner menu. Nothing can be so comforting as breakfast food, and IHOP delivers on all counts. IHOP serves breakfast daily starting at 6am, so you have the whole day to get your favorite IHOP breakfast dish. And like you, I wouldn't mind having breakfast food anytime of day.

Special thanks to (L-R) Archie Rodriguez, Global Restaurant Concept Inc. President and CEO; Ana Hernandez, IHOP Director, International Marketing; Griffith Go, Global Restaurant Concept Inc. CFO and Manuel Zubiri, Global Restaurant Concept Inc. Vice Chairman for an awesome brunch.

 IHOP is located at W Global Center, 30th Street corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City or call 687-5611 to 16 for inquiries. 

Dude for Food is now on Facebook, check out the FB Page for regular updates on good eats. Better yet, click "Like" and enjoy the ride, just look for the FB "Like" widget on the right sidebar.