The Real Thing Diner, Il Terrazo, Tomas Morato

C and I heard about this Coca-Cola-inspired diner and checked it out. The Real Thing Diner is only one of the unique restaurants sprouting around the Tomas Morato area.

Now, I don't drink soda, unless it comes with my personal selection of alcoholic drinks. I just couldn't stand its taste and texture, and it doesn't really quench my thirst. Glad to know that my taste at least tries to prevent me from getting diabetes in this case. But I know how soda can add flavor to some dishes, and I was curious to see if there is indeed a new diner in town, if you know what I mean. So we marched to the 2nd floor of Il Terrazo, which is proving to be a place to go to with all the establishments it has been adding to its roster.

I think I'm in a diner phase. I keep craving for burgers and real potato fries. We went to The Real Thing Diner pretty excited, and what greeted us were fancy interiors and a friendly staff, the most accommodating of them all were the owners. Perhaps the others can take their cue from them.

Buffalo wings is a must if it's on the menu. C and I can down an order each on the side, and we have been on the prowl for the best chicken wings around. I plan to come up with my own as well but that will take some time.

The Real Thing Diner's version is called Sarsi Wings. I can almost smell the carbonated beverage just by reading the menu. It arrived ahead of our other dishes, and we were quick to attack. The chicken was surprisingly good the first time. It was a consensus. After several more bites, though, we grew tired of the taste and reached a state of umay or suya, which must be due to the extra sweetness in the chicken's flavor. I guess if you're getting buffalo wings, don't have too many.

Next up is the Coca-Cola BBQ burger, which arrived together with the Coca-Cola Pulled Rib Sandwich. Out of overwhelming curiosity, we really targeted the Coca-Cola-flavored or inspired dishes.

Both came with wedges. C took care of the burger, while I was in charge of the sandwich. He didn't go crazy over the burger but he enjoyed it. When I tried it, what I liked a lot were the slices of bread. They were just how I like my buns: soft and savory.

The Coca-Cola Pulled Rib Sandwich didn't taste bad either. However, the bread slices were kind of soggy already as if it had been prepared way ahead of time. And similar to the burger, the meat's natural flavors weren't prominent.

We weren't able to finish everything because of umay again. Perhaps there's a little too much soda in the mix? But for the novelty of it, The Real Thing Diner is something one must try eating at. I personally enjoyed watching all the cute and clever Coca-Cola commercials from around the world being shown on the restaurant's two TV screens. C was happy about them too because of all the animation and effects. Why can't our local TVCs compare?

There were groups of friends, families, marketing and business people, and i-don't-know-who-else. I would've taken photos of the interiors, especially the Coca-Cola premiums collection, if there weren't too many busy people around. The diner's concept is pretty cool as it is, but I sure hope the food catches up a bit.

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Reminder: Joining the FlapJacks P1,000 gift card giveaway raffle is until ~~tomorrow~~Thursday only.

I'm (too) excited to find out who will win!