(SPOT.ph) You know them, you love them, you haven’t gotten sick of them and you hope it never happens—same, friends, same. But the team behind 8 Cuts knows that this relationship is a two-way street, and sometimes one must go the extra mile to spice things up. For The Moment Group’s seventh anniversary, they’re pulling out all the stops.
Let’s start with the elephant in the room because it’s good to clear the air: The Meathead (P199/one-fourth pound, P265/one-third pound) was technically already on the menu. Hopefully, the few who did know about the secret menu understand why this had to be pushed out into the light. That stack (yes, stack) of caramelized onions mingling with the signature cheddar is just too good to keep hidden away.
Another new item on 8 Cuts' menu is the Salt and Pepper Thigh Poppers (P215). The dip on the side is a luxury, not a necessity, and that truly speaks to the level of flavor you’re dealing with. We’re not sure how these are both crunchy and soft, but it’s just one of those mysteries of life you have to be alright with not solving. (Pro tip: All the Thigh Popper flavors are also available in Wings form. Get going.)
But perhaps the real testament to 8 Cuts’ dedication to getting things right is the Heavyweight Fried Chicken (P220/two pieces, P299/three pieces). The Moment Group marketing officer Gio Arceo was pretty hands-on when it came to this bird learning to fly, and it shows: When you cut into it, you can hear it before you actually feel it. The flavor isn’t dependent on the breading, and the balance of firmness and tenderness in the meat says that there’s definitely an acidic marinade at play–whether it’s buttermilk or pickle juice will remain unsolved. Served with the same kind of rice as the hit Burger Bomb, this iteration of the classic dish just might kick your old favorites to the curb. But that’s really up to you.
One of the new main courses is the Bigger-Than-Your-Face Fried Pork Chop(P265), which is all that it promises to be and more. Crispy, thin-yet-tender, and just begging to be dunked in the accompanying gravy, there’s nothing wrong with this little number unless you’re looking for something that screams “extra.”
Allow us to make a case for the updated section of the menu, the Daily Steals, available every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. One of our favorites from the selection is the Thigh Breaker (P325), which is just as dangerous as it sounds. It’s the Thigh Poppers and your choice of Skinny Fries or Onion Rings on that familiar golden rice. The House Salad on the side is not to be ignored, either. It is flavorful and fresh, with the advantage of saying, “I ate salad naman, eh!” to justify everything else you’re shoveling into your mouth.
But the Gut Buster (P365) is kind of where it’s at. Take the Heavyweight Fried Chicken, the Burger Bomb, more of that House Rice, and your choice of Skinny Fries or Onion Rings, and you’ve got a giant plate that’s clearly meant to soothe many of life’s ills. And we all know we need something like that.
8 Cuts has even expanded their dessert menu with milkshakes that will, in fact, bring all the boys and girls to the yard. Strawberry Fields (P230) is your classic 50s date drink for sure, while the Ube Shake (P155) is directly inspired by their sister establishment, Manam. The flavors are subtle, so they’re not too rich to fully gulp down–thank goodness for that.
Perhaps we spoke too soon when we said that the Gut Buster was made for the imminent letdowns of human existence, because the No Mo’ Heartbreak (P285), made in collaboration with another little sister, Mo’ Cookies, is a beautiful mess of ice cream, praline-toasted nuts, and a selection of Mo’ Crumbs. It’s about as sweet as you think it is, but with all those textures, it doesn’t get boring in the least.
That’s just a few of the things they’ve got going on from here on out, so we highly suggest taking your time checking the menu. We know many of you have a go-to order, but 2020’s just around the corner; perhaps it’s time for a change. It’s clear 8 Cuts thought so.
Photos by Majoy Siason
See a list of 8 Cuts Branches.
