Words by Louise De Luna (@louisedeluna)
Barbecue is better the second time around (or was it love? But barbecue IS love) as shown by Pitmaster’s Smokehouse BBQ. Opening their doors for the second time last December 9, this smokehouse has reclaimed its rightful place as one of the best smokehouses in town.
Owned by Chef Raffy Sunico and Mr. Ben Donato, Pitmaster’s boasts not only of their mouthwatering pork ribs and beef brisket but also of using all locally sourced ingredients and wood (mahogany!) while at it.
READ: 5 Unlimited Food Promos You Have To Try
Spacious, bright and comfy – the perfect space to enjoy ribs!
The moment we entered the restaurant, I was pleased to note its large space, great lighting, and quirky signages. (Perfect for your IG posts!) Aside from this, they have two large televisions constantly streaming different sports games that will keep you occupied while waiting for your order.
Not that you have to wait long! Service was quick and the staff where was very friendly and accommodating.
Pulled pork w/ Kesong Puti (P165)
Weird? Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it! I’ve never even thought of this combination, but now I can’t imagine pairing pulled pork with anything else. Rolled and deep fried to perfection, Pitmaster’s still manage to retain the pulled pork’s taste. And paired with kesong puti? Bliss.
Crunchy nachos topped with melted cheese AND smoked pulled pork! Yum-yum.
For appetizers, they also have deep fried Chicken Skin (P145)–perfect for those who loooove spicy food–and my personal favorite, Pit Nachos (Grande, P320/ Solo, P200).
If you’re not up for a heavy meaty meal though, Pitmaster’s also offers several delicious sandwiches.
Grilled Smoked Cheese w/ Bacon (P260)
Cheese & bacon. The two keywords to my heart. This sandwich can be good enough for two people since it’s so filling with its creamy cheese, smoked bacon, and side of fries. (But really, you’d want it all for yourself!) There’s even a hint of cinnamon in the bread for a touch of sweetness.
As filling as the appetizers and sandwiches are, you can’t visit Pitmaster’s without enjoying their best-selling dishes: Pitmaster’s Smoked Ribs (2 pcs: P270/ 3 pcs: P400/ Half rack: P800/ Full slab: P1,600) and their Black Angus Brisket (150g: P400/ 300g: P800/ 500g: P1,300).
So soft, you can literally pull the bone off and without disturbing the meat!
Other than school, sleep and work, what else do you see yourself doing for seven straight hours? Can you imagine prepping meat for seven hours? How about 15 hours? No? That’s exactly what Pitmaster’s does for their customers. Their team smokes their ribs for five hours, their brisket for nine hours and, braises each for two hours and six hours respectively.
(If that’s not a labor of love, I don’t know what is.)
Generous portions, good enough to feed a family of five
Pitmaster’s dedication shows in the taste and presentation of their meat. I was able to pull apart the meat with my fork without any pressure, and when it touched my tongue I was just sent straight to carnivore heaven (as a friend dubbed it).
The meat itself is already heaven-sent but to accompany their meat, Pitmaster’s also offers their own three different sauces; Apple (sweet), Hazelnut and East Capitol (spicy). They plan to sell it in bottles soon!
The only acceptable sides: delicious side dishes!
Of course, we’re a country that loves our rice. Thus, Pitmaster’s also offer Kimchi Rice (P65), Pepper Rice (P60) and Chimichurri Rice (P50). A personal favorite of mine would be the Chimichurri Rice with its poached egg that gives the rice a creamy texture.
And if you’re feeling extra cheesy try their Elote (P90)–corn with cheese and chili powder–and 4 Cheese-Mac N’ Cheese (P120).
Try playing ‘GUESS THAT BEER’ with your friends!
What’s a meal without drinks? Pitmaster’s also has a bar that serves different liquor and wine, but what makes them unique is their very own crafted flavored beers you won’t be able to find anywhere else! I was pleasantly surprised to find that their Banana and Toasted Marshmallow beer tasted like real banana and real toasted marshmallows. (Without a weird aftertaste!)
If you’re into sweeter tasting beers, they also have Brown Sugar Cinnamon, Salted Caramel, and Hazelnut beer.
And if you’re more of a wine person, try their Sangria. Its fruity notes will kick you off to a good night out.
Needless to say, Pitmaster’s is back. And it’s not going anywhere soon. Catering to families, friends, and working individuals, Pitmaster’s is constantly expanding and improving their service, currently through the development of their menu and deliveries! (Yes, they deliver!)
Still not convinced?
This Valentines season, they’ll be having a promo for couples. From February 14 to 19, couples will be treated to a meal package for two for P699! And drinks? They gotchu, fam, with P214 per two glasses of wine and–get this–unlimited wine for P299! That’s one hell of a celebration!
Pitmaster’s PH
Facebook page: facebook.com/PitmastersPh/
Instagram: pitmastersph
Address: 64 East Capitol Drive, Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City
Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 11 am – 12 mn
–
Photos by Gian Latorre (@gianlatorre)
Video by Patricia Mananghaya (@patriciamananghaya)
