Eating has always been considered a communal affair and there are dishes that are best enjoyed within a group; these include servings of oysters on a half shell or smoked meats such as brisket and ribs. These dishes always stir a sense of conviviality, making them perfect for friends and family who want to eat together.
Rob’s, a newly opened restaurant in Newport World Resorts takes this to heart as it serves up the best from the land and the sea with its menu that features oysters, smoked meats, and a selection of Southern soul food classics.
The brainchild of Chef Robby Goco of Cyma, as well as Raymund Magdaluyo and Leina Bolinas of Excello, the company that brought Wolfgang to the Philippines, Rob’s is a love letter to the Southern USA. The restaurant features Barbecue platters with smoked beef brisket, pork BBQ belly, bourbon baby back ribs, and giant beef short ribs, all using a house-blend coffee rub. “We found that coffee is really good at absorbing the smoke flavor and produces a very good bark,” Chef Robby explained.
The meats are best paired with selections from the raw oyster bar. Here, diners can choose between local Tabak oysters, or imported French, Irish, or Japanese oysters. Chef Robby explained that oysters will have different flavors depending on where they are harvested, from briney to sweet.
For those who want their oysters cooked, Rob’s also offers grilled and broiled options, from the fiery Diablo and the smokey Chipotle Bourbon, to the classic herbed garlic butter and Oysters Rockefeller. But for those who want to take it up a notch, the Awww Shucks delivers with aplomb. Here, 6 pieces of Garlic Herb Buttered oysters flank a sizable hunk of roasted bone marrow and served with sourdough on the side.
For those who want dishes that warm the heart as well as the stomach, the gumbo and the pan roast are the go-to orders. Behind its unassuming appearance is an explosion of flavors that will have diners chowing down in no time.
In addition to an already rumbling selection of gastronomic standouts, there is also an offering of small bites, such as oyster bar fried fresh sardines, fried calamari style baby squid or Chipriones, burnt ends, the yummy dynamite shrimps, and the irresistible lightly salted fried vannamei shrimps.
Wash all the food down with a selection of cocktails or a serving from the numerous bourbons available at the bar. The Hot BBQ sour can be both a meal and a drink with its savory flavor and warming spice while the Smoked Sagada Sour leans into the smokey aspect. For those who want something refreshing, the Rob’s Highball is a fruity surprise with its use of elderflower liqueur and passion fruit syrup.
In the hustle and bustle of metro living, taking the time to relax is a luxury that is taken for granted at times. But at Rob’s, customers are enjoined to slow down and enjoy good food with good company. Diners might come in expecting only to enjoy good food, but Rob’s aims to have them leave with smiles and fond memories as well.
