Food Review: JILL'S @ the Fort Strip - 80's Harmony at Play

Rediscovering a place is truly quite an adventure.  Through its food, music and ambiance, we get to know a place in a more intimate way, I would say.  Such was my experience with Jill's  at the Fort Strip in BGC.

Jill's is an 80's themed bar that I have encountered around June of 2014 and has revisited just this year.  Under new leadership, it has maintained it's 80's ambiance through its music and good service.  But what do they have that other's don't?  Is the food remarkable?  How about the drinks, is there something worth coming back for more?  Come and join me as I tell you my food adventure.

When we talk of bar's, drinks would be the first thing that would come  to our minds right?  That is true but for a foodie like me, food would be the very first thing that I would like to try.

They have a number of foodie worthy to be sampled on.  And all goes well with your chosen drink, alcohol beverage it may be or not.  From sausages to seafood to meat, all of it well thought off and prepared to make your dining, and drinking, a pleasure.

Let us start with their Hungarian Sausage.

It may look like your regular sausage when served.  It is one big sausage, cooked and sliced for your eating convenience.  Served with two dips, mayo and ketchup, with a serving of fries at the side, you would say their is nothing special with this offering.  True . . .but only to a point.  The magic of this dish is not when it is still freshly served.  The flavor of the sausage would still be sweet when eaten upon serving but when you let it cool down then it changes flavor.  The sweetness that you initially taste changes to that spicy flavor that we are all familiar with this type of sausage.  You don't need the dipping sauce  . . .what you need is a cold drink!  Is it too spicy?  Not really, but it sure will tickle your palate.

Their Beef Tenderloin Salpicao is a juicy, garlic-y treat!  Served using a square plate, this dish is bathing in garlic!  You see minced garlic topping the meat.  You see cloves of garlic cooked to tenderness with the meat. Flavored lightly dish, making the sweet flavor of the garlic rise to the front and mix with the meat.






When mozzarella is made into sticks, either you have a flavorful dip or a flavorful coating to make a kick; such is the case with the Mozzarella Sticks with Anchovies and Olive Dip.  Eating the stick alone is not spectacular but when dipped into the anchovy and olive concoction then you have the saltiness and sourness that gives it identity BUT there is more!  Ask for a serving of ketchup and you will discover another level of flavor.  That sweet, tart flavor that ketchup's are known for gives it another dimension when mixed with the dip!

Who would not want nachos?  It is one staple food when group binge is at call.  It has the flavors that you want plus the crunch and spice.  If you want it a bit spicier, asked for additional minced jalapeno. Definitely perfect for a night of relaxation with friends!  Beer or wine, I leave that to you.














This two next offerings is a must for wine drinkers!

Spinach Artichoke Dip with Chips is light, creamy and has a certain sweetness that will result to artichoke's treated right.  I like the thickness and flavor of this paste. The only drawback, during the time it was served to us, was the thick hard crusty bread that went with it.  If the bread was a little softer, then it would be more enjoyable - sourdough perhaps?

Pulled Pork Adobo Bruschetta, a delight!  When I first ordered this plate, I know it would be gourmet-like in terms of serving - 5 pieces of bruschetta topped with pulled pork with a sliver of cheese on top and a side serving of green mango strips.  The adobo flavor is sweet (please remember that we have regional flavors and cooking style when we talk of adobo) and has enough juice to soften the bread, making it easier to bite but maintaining the crusty edge.  The green mango strips is there to break the richness of the meat but for me, instead of eating it separately I topped it on the meat.  That sour note coming from the mango gives the meat flavor a new dimension. You get a sweet-sour taste combo and a soft-crunchy texture in your mouth.







A bar would always have this two meat offering, no matter what - chicken wings,gambas and pork leg!

Cucumber Jalapeno Wings

The Cucumber Jalapeno Wings and the Pineapple Sriracha Wings is a definite must for groups, big or small it may be.  They both has spice and cooling factor but comes in different order.  With the former, the cooling comes first because of the cucumber, while with the later it is the spice that kicks first. Don't be deceive with that green topping on the Cucumber Jalapeno Wings for that is minced cucumber and jalapeno combined. The Pineapple Sriracha Wings come with a dipping sauce that helps control the heat further.  I wonder how it is if yogurt was used?

Pineapple Sriracha Wings

Jill's Shrimp and Squid Gambas is good!  The way the squid was handled shows how good the hand of the chef and his team.

Crispy Pata is always a crowd favorite!  Cooked right and you definitely have a winner.  In the course of being a food blogger, I sure have tasted crispy pata in various flavors - Jill's Crispy Pata is cooked right!  The meat is tender, the skin is crunchy and the tendons are soft enough that you will literally fight over it.  Is it the best in the market?  Not yet BUT it sure is in the running for being one of those you won't be ashamed off to share with friends.

They also have pasta that you can sink your teeth on.  Out of the four pasta offerings, I was able to try two and it was worth the time and palate.  Waco's Pasta (bacon, mushroom and tomato cream) and Penne Pesto Cream are good entries in their pasta selection.  I like the flavor on the pesto but I wish they could control the oil level.



The Smoked Cheddar Burger  and the Squid and Egg over Garlic Rice are a plate wonder!  The burger is juicy!  The bun is of the right type, not too soft.  The dressing is not overpowering  that makes you lose the meat's natural flavor.  It is one good burger!

The Squid and Egg over Garlic Rice is the perfect after drinking food I found to far!  The squid meat is cooked right, still tender and definitely NOT gummy.  The sauce has a little kick that goes well with the garlic rice.  Remember how I described their salpicao? That is how their garlic rice is too - rich in garlic flavor!  The egg . . .the egg . . .when that rich creamy egg flavor is mixed with the rice and the squid, the flavor!  Like what I say, any food with egg or cheese or both is perfect!

What is a bar if it doesn't have good drinks right?  Well, Jill's happen to have the best BBZ (Beer Below Zero) in town and a red wine to boast!  They also make a mean cocktail - zombie, margarita, long island iced tea, and the likes,  that you can try and enjoy.  For non-alcoholic people, then you should have the Iced Tea Frappe - it's iced tea blended.

Drinks:

Long Island Iced Tea

Zombie

Vino Blanco (White Wine)

Vino Tinto (Red Wine)

I have talked about the food, how about the service and the place? The place is relax, a perfect place to chill out and ease the stress out of the working day.  The people know what they do, guys and girls he created them though this is the only place that I know off that the bouncers smile and are attentive to the need of the crowd.  So if you are near the area, enjoy good food and great drinks with 80's music.   Forget the distance, go here and enjoy the night (and perhaps the noon also)!

Jill's  is located at the Fort Strip near Guordo's and Heaven.  With seating both inside and outside, you can still enjoy the 80's music as you chill out with your friends or simply want to spend the time as heavy traffic occurs in the metropolis.  For me, this is a near 4 out of 5 stars.  It's a good place to hang-out alone or with friends - definitely with friends!