The ironic thing about visiting The Shrimp Shack at Market! Market! in Bonifacio Global City is that I rarely eat shrimp—not because I don’t like it, but because I have little patience in peeling them. I always end up either breaking the whole thing, or eating a piece of skin I missed out on removing.
But being a fan of restaurants like The Old Spaghetti House, Grilla, and most especially Potts Point Cafe, all of which are ran by their hardworking marketing manager, Ace Azarraga, I couldn’t say no to his invite. Besides—I had the Cupcake who could help me peel the shrimp anyway. (Just kidding. I peeled the shrimp all on my own.)
The first time I heard of The Shrimp Shack, I expected the restaurant’s theme to be somewhere in the line of Uncle Porter Ricks’ home in Flipper. (Does anyone remember this movie starring Elijah Wood?) But surprisingly, the theme was more Hawaiian—with surf boards mounted on the walls.
We were served loads of food. And I mean, too many of them! (Ace is really generous that way.) We started with Hawaiian Chicken Salad and Water Chestnuts (Php 140), Shrimp Popcorn (Php 195), and Tomato-Cheese Fondue Nachos (Php 145).
The Shrimp Popcorn was an unusual combination, but it made for a good, light snack! I also couldn’t stop picking on the nachos, especially with its rich, cheesy dip.
For the main course, we were able to pig out on their U.S. Angus Cheese Burger (Php 265), Shrimp Po-boy Sandwich (Php 185), Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti (Php 220), Garlic Shrimp Scampi (Php 185/Php245), Angus Pot Roast Beef Belly (Php 285), U.S. Angus Burger Steak (Php 255), Soy Glazed Chicken BBQ (Php 155), and Macaroni Salad (Php 45). Whew! That’s a mouthful—literally and figuratively speaking.
Of these dishes served, my favorites were the U.S. Angus Burger Steak and the Soy Glazed Chicken BBQ. Yes, to my delight, shrimp delicacies weren’t just their specialty! They offer a wide variety of food choices, which makes the restaurant a friendly place for families. There’s just something for everybody.
Knowing Ace, there had to be dessert involved—and I was right! Butter Mud Pie (Php 130) and Apple Crisp ala Mode (Php 130)—which stuck to its pan like glue, but only because it was loaded with caramel.
Pigging out at the Shrimp Shack was one of the longest lunches I’ve ever had, but I’m not complaining. With the restaurant under the same group as The Old Spaghetti House, you’re guaranteed to get not just good food—but also value for your money.