The home of bigger burgers

When it comes to accurate food descriptions from restaurants’ names, only a few present theirs as honestly and succinctly as the up-and-coming Big Better Burgers.

The franchise is said to have improved upon America’s fast-casual restaurant format. In other words, it’s a cross between quick, dependable service — characteristic of fast food chains — and a meal-conducive, welcoming setting that leans more towards upscale eateries. If you happen to walk past any of BBB’s branches, the openness of their arrangements and the loud colors will definitely invite you for a closer inspection. A quick glance at the initials on the restaurant sign will then compel you to look into the place some more (especially in Cubao, since you may also notice that the very next restaurant's initials read as KKK, for Kainan sa Kalye Kanluran). Inside, the tables are effectively positioned to host a good amount of customers without sacrificing the diners’ privacy. The intense, dominant red on the walls make the place look fresh and vibrant, besides being the most potent color to induce hunger psychologically. But the red dominance is perfectly evened out with the cleanliness of white-bordered drawings, the enormous and enticing sample pictures of burgers, and a non-confrontational, readable menu above the counter. You’ll understand any claims and titles made about their culinary candor as soon as your order emerges from the kitchen’s exchange window. Then again, appearances can deceive, right? Well, the distinct charbroiled taste of the uncommonly large patties will have you discarding any doubts immediately. The value meals and rice options cannot be questioned either. Prepared over an open flame and sandwiched by their special doughy country buns, the burgers may be limited in variety, but each order seems to be of an entirely different theme. Unlike other burger joints, they do not resort to nuanced flavors for marketing purposes. The only burgers that might have a similar main ingredient would be the equally excellent Mushroom Loco (button mushrooms) and the Shitake Teriyaki Burger, both well worth P147. All patties outside of the value meals weigh a third of a pound. And if that’s not enough for you, then you can try to conquer the Double Dare Burger — a whopping two 1/3 lb. patties prepared with the classic lettuce, onions and tomatoes combination. All the other burger variations cater to a certain flavor. Cheeseburger enthusiasts may try out the 3 Cheese Explosion for a truthfully cheese-explosive bite, without making use of fancier types of cheese. Those with stronger thresholds for spice can opt for the Hahalapeno Burger which, also happily affordable at P147, flaunts a piquant-ness that a few may not find as funny. Health-conscious eaters will not feel left out either, as the Fish Fillet Sandwich is of a quality and quantity that easily satiates your seafood predilection. And, of course, what burger franchise does not have a bacon-laden burger? At P150, the Bacon Barbecue Burger does its job in pampering meat eaters. If you really can’t forego eating rice at BBB, then you’ll be happy to know that their premium rice meals are just as great as everything else on the menu. It helps that all the rice meals are actually similar burger preparations, just served with rice. There’s still a 1/3 lb. pattie and its attendant ingredients, simply served with rice. Ranging from P110 to P130, the Teriyaki Rice, One Third Bistro Rice, Southern Comfort BBQ Rice, and Fish Fillet Rice all make the grade in being value-for-money. Ladies who don’t want to get their hands greasy can also settle for pasta. With varying sauces — tomato red and white carbonara-style, among others — the pasta is topped with two small patties that substitute for meatballs. It’s an elegant dish that your female partners will not mind gorging on. And I’d hint towards the white sauce. If you happen to be low on cash, in a rush, or just not up to eating such quantities, BBB’s value meals are the perfect alternative. One can avail of the Ala Pobre Rice (P82) — a quarter-pounder with buttered rice and garlic toppings; few things seem to come close to it in terms of price, size and taste. The actual BBB Value Meal, though at a relatively steep P135, is comprised of a regular BBB quarter-pounder, some fries and iced tea. Finally, another reason to visit BBB is the Burgers and Fries Festival sponsored by the US Potato Board. Diners can avail of special twisted fries mixed with mojos, and certain US-themed burgers until June 15. Just ask the waiters for more details as it’s not on their regular menu. If you're looking for luscious, honest-to-goodness burgers that don’t rely on somewhat manufactured tastes, then the homemade feel that BBB exudes is just for you. They truly are bigger, better, and difficult to outdo. And surely they will rank among Manileños' top 5 burgers for quite some time. - GMANews.TV Bigger Better Burgers has branches at SM Cubao, SM North EDSA, SM Fairview, and Shoppes @ Victoria (Timog corner Panay Ave.) Delivery service is available through the Cubao and Timog branches.