For those having a big appetite, there's a burger joint that invites you to Eat Like a King. Jones Cafe at Casa Plaza is now enticing passers-by with their appetizing menu that includes the World's Gigantic rectangular burger! It was a few months ago when their first branch opened along Solis Street, sharing space with Griller's Oyster House. Had so many plans to visit the place then but it took this second branch, which is 5 days old and an impromptu decision, for me to finally meet and greet Jones Burger!
The on-the-spot "Lamon-Wednesday" session a few hours ago had us enjoying their royal-size Jones Burger with Bacon, a serving of Special Carbonara, a plate of Potato Coins and Peach Soda. This order which the four of us finished with no morsels left totaled a little more than PhP500. As we were all new to the joint, it took us longer to choose from the menu. But the staff proved very helpful by suggesting what could be shared and their best sellers. Even the owners (I just assume), went out of their way to ensure that we were comfortable enough. It was two thumbs up for the service today!
And we ended up getting a taste of this royal size Jones Burger with Bacon. It wasn't really the size I was expecting to be the GIGANTIC but it was big burger. It just lacks the wow-factor of being really BIG. Or maybe our order is different from the the one they claim to be the "World's Gigantic Rectangular Burger"!
After the usual "clicks and flashes", I finally got to taste the burger, which when divided into four, becomes really "not that big". I swear I can finish one burger - alone, with room still for a pasta and some fried potatoes on the side. At first, I though they placed pork strips in the burger but it was later revealed to be two strips of bacon. My mind is "focused" that bacons are colored red thus the non-recognition at first.
The burger all in all was good but it doesn't have that wow-taste-factor that would make you rave on the spot and exclaim "wow". The patty with all the works created a palatable blend but one that has no distinguishing flavour from other burgers. Like the time I had my first Burger King burger, I really tasted a big difference from all other burgers. Anyway, I finished my portion in about three big bites and on to the next item on the table ...
The moment this Special Carbonara was delivered on our table, it smelled really good. the aroma was so inviting that I'd really want to grab and eat all of a sudden. But that's a no-no for food bloggers - pictures firsts even though how hungry you are.
And it was really good! The sauce was savoury and perfectly seasoned for my taste buds. The bacon, this time easily recognized, was perfect that it provided the right crunch and flavour to complement the other ingredients. I really loved this Special Carbonara and would love to have this again. But the Meatball Spaghetti looks really inviting ...
They're called by different names but almost they are the same - fried "breaded" potato slices and it goes by Potato Coins at Jones Cafe. And I really loved them! I can eat the whole order, maybe with lots of hot sauce, and still have room for more. Maybe it was the fact that is was really hot off the fryer that even a few minutes of photo shoot, it was still hot and that made a big difference. This is the perfect side and I want more...
And we got a complimentary Potato Fries as part of their soft opening promo. And they're almost as good as the Potato Coins but I'm still leaning towards the latter. It was my first time to have a Peach Soda and it was something different, but it would have been much better if it was ice cold, though served with ice, the later portions were not that cold (and we forgot to order more ice).
All in all, it was a satisfying gastronomic afternoon at Jones Cafe. It satisfied my curiosity at the same time my tastebuds on what they had to offer. And will I comeback again? Of course, they have still have many interesting items on the menu and I have to satisfy both my appetite and curiosity. Besides I really have to prove that I can finish that "gigantic" burger with pasta and fries - ALONE!
Jones Burger has two branches in Iloilo City. One is along Solis Street - a stone's throw away from SM Delgado (it's inside Grillers Oyster House) and the newly opened branch beside Casa Plaza. You can contact them through 329-5983 and they also deliver, just call 393-0087. They are also on Facebook - Jones Cafe.