Not So Tender at Tender Bob’s

July 25.  After the Poohkwang show, my mom suggested to have dinner at Tender Bob’s.  I really like Tender Bob’s (Link: https://www.janedchua.com/2008/05/06/mr-t-bob/) ever since I was in college and first tried their potato skins in their foodcourt branch in Greenbelt 3 (before it was renovated).  Being a frequent customer, the attendants there befriended me.  The crew was really nice that I even brought them food once in a while –same thing I do with the counter girls from Wrapwich every time I watch a movie.  Since GB 3 renovated, I have not heard from them since.  Maybe 2 years later, Tender Bob’s opened a food court stall in Glorietta 4 and I ordered my usual favorite.  Somebody from the crew said hi.  I barely remembered the face but he told me he worked for the GB3 branch before.  The service has always been great –fast and friendly.  I can’t say the same for the consistent poor service at their Greenhills branch.

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That service at Tender Bob’s almost ruined my dinner.  Good thing I eat fast.  *Chuckles*

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Seriously, the last bad incident here was a few months ago when I asked to be transferred to a booth area once it was available.  There was an empty booth area but there was a reserved card on top of it.  My scoliosis was acting up that night and my back was in pain.  I wanted to be seated where I can rest my full back.  15 minutes later, nobody has occupied the empty booth area.  Another booth table opened up and I was waiting for them to transfer us after getting it cleaned.  They didn’t.  I had to call the attention of the wait staff.  10 minutes passed by and still they haven’t gotten back with an answer if they can transfer us.  I called their attention again and they said they couldn’t transfer me anymore because the newcomer is getting it.

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After finishing our meal, I had to call the attention of 2 wait staff who already drew my ire.  They were just waiting for me to finish what I had to say.  I had to call the attention of the manager, who wasn’t much of help either as he looked lost as to what to do.  2 months ago, my mom invited to eat here.  Bubba and I looked at each other and I shrugged.  Service was bad again.  Drinks took a while to get to us and other little strains but we overlooked it as we just enjoyed each other’s company, making fun of Joyce.

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When my mom said T-Bob’s, I was really about to say no.  But gave it another try since she was paying anyway.  I really regretted not saying no as the whole dining experience is ruined by slow, inefficient and frowning service.  Bob, the waiter, who continues to get dismal ratings from diners, still disappointed me with not getting back to us with another bowl or the drinks.  When Bubba asked him to wrap our untouched mushroom soup and potato skins, he gave a look and a curt nod that says “what an additional work for me.”  Bubba is naturally patient especially with poor customer service.  He doesn’t want to waste time being nit picky, but when I saw his face and he muttered, “wow, sorry ha.” I knew he was disappointed by Bob’s attitude.  That was the last straw for me.  When Bob gave us our bill, I had to point out to him that dining there with him around frowning at every customer makes for bad dining experience.

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I was hoping to say something like, “I’m sure you’re having a rough day as I am, but I came here today cause maybe just maybe I can get some friendly smiles from here, cause I heard service was pretty darn good here.” But I realize, I’ve never heard of any one say that T Bob’s has good service.  Tsk-tsk, that Bob guy is a poor representation of Tender Bob’s, to think that he carries the same name. 

On the Table: 

Mushroom Soup (2) PHP 100

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 Potato Skins PHP

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 Porterhouse Steak Hungry Serving PHP 270

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 Tenderloin Steak Hungry Serving PHP 270

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 3 Cheese Burger PHP 190 (?)

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I was so disappointed that I forgot to even say anything about the food.  The Porterhouse I had this time around was tender and cooked just the way I want it -Medium-well.  My mom very much enjoyed her Tenderloin steak.  Bubba finished his 3 cheese burger without even letting me have a taste. 

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/522/08_0725-_Tender_Bobs_GH

Mr. T- Bob

Sunday dinner was spent at Tender Bob’s.  We were planning to hit Steak Town in QC, but the hungry pangs made us end up in Tender Bob’s in Greenhills.  Tender Bob’s very first branch was in Greenbelt 3 before when it still had its food court.  It was pretty strong then as people kept piling up in front of their counter.  I remember I used to love ordering the spaghetti, roasted chicken and potato chips from Tender Bob’s. 

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 On the Table: 

Potato Chips (I forget the actual name) PHP 145 ++

Obviously it was popular on the table and to me too as it was finished before I can take a snapshot of it.  Serving is good size and comes with sour cream (which used to be thicker before) and cheese dip.  I love ordering this and bringing it to the movie as my nibbles.

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Lean Tenderloin Steak PHP 270 ++

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Porterhouse Steak PHP 270 ++ (2)

Joanne and I ordered 1 Porterhouse Steak each.  Hers was hard to cut into but mine was okay.  The steak is about 5 oz and for PHP 270, you’d expect it to be ordinary.

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Chicken Steak PHP 165 ++

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Breaded Chicken Steak PHP 165 ++

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All steak orders come with vegetables (which are bland and unseasoned) and one order of side dish, which can either be fries, mashed potato, garlic or java rice.  It was once a favorite fast food outlet for me.  But Tender Bob’s is not how I used to remember it, at least not with the food.  I also used to like the burgers from Tender Bob’s because their beef patties are of premium quality.  I’m not sure if that has changed over the years with the cost of prices nowadays.

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Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/431/08_0503-_Tender_Bobs