Grind Bistro + Cafe: Grind Burger, Matcha Shake (reservation through BigDish!)

Grind Bistro and Cafe

It was in the Valero Eat Street III: Holidaze that I've first learned about BigDish. They had a booth set up there where I got a Php500-worth of voucher. BigDish is a free application (available in iTunes and Google Play) that lets you reserve tables in their partner restaurants and enjoy as much as 50% discount on your bill -- all in the convenience of your mobile phone. No minimum spend, no need for credit card, no reservation fee.

I tried it myself and it was really hassle-free, to think it was just a spur of the moment that I thought of using the app and the voucher.

Booking a table:

Downloading the application is FREE. Just search for BigDish - Restaurant Discounts in Google Play or iTunes
From the BigDish app, you can already search for or choose among their partner restaurants you would want to make reservations with. Partner restaurants include Smith Butcher and Grill, Foundry by Smith, California Pizza Kitchen, Bondi & Bourke, Black Sheep, El Chupacabra, Hooch, IHOP, and a lot more (more partner restaurants listed at bigdish.ph)
From the restaurant page, you can view the corresponding discount based on the time you wanted to book. Off-peak hours have larger discounts
Reservation can be done on the same day (at least 30 minutes before your target time), or as long as 30 days ahead

Reservation confirmation

Aside from seeing the reservation confirmation in my app, I also received SMS and e-mail in less than 10 minutes. The notification is sufficient as it has a Reservation Code, Date and Time of Reservation, Number of Seats, and of course, the Discount.

When I arrived at Grind Bistro + Cafe, I just mentioned that I made a reservation through BigDish and that I'd be using a voucher. They immediately acknowledged and even confirmed my name. I didn't have to show my reservation confirmation, though it will be very useful during peak hours.

more seats outside

Grind opened its first branch, Grind Bistro, this year in Net Park Bonifacio Global City, while the second, Grind Burger, is in SM North EDSA. Just before the year ends, a third branch opened in SM Aura Premier. Grind Bistro + Cafe lies somewhere in the middle of the first two stores in terms of ambiance and food offerings.

inside

Casual but not grungy, come as you are in this small yet welcoming cafe. The main area can seat around 40 diners, but the extension outside - in the middle of the mall - gives a more comfortable and airy dining experience. The famous burgers as well as some of the best selling bistro dishes are here -- add to that some new items exclusive to this branch.

Meal for one

Here's what I got with my Php500-voucher. And yes, I had to cash out a bit despite the 10% BigDish discount.

Matcha Shake (225Php)

Matcha Shake

Grind's milk shakes are crazily overflowing but they have crazier shakes called Earthquakes! Imagine your milk shake topped with a slice of cake, a brownie or cookie, sprinkled with candy bits, and drizzled with syrup all over. It's twice the price of their regular shakes and I find it too much for me so I went for the simpler Matcha Shake. I have no regrets, though, as it is rich, creamy, and yummy! Very milky too but not overshadowing the distinct matcha taste.

Grind Burger (395Php)

100% USDA beef, brioche from the oven, vine ripe tomato, iceberg, sweet onion, American cheese, and Tiny's secret sauce

Grind Burger

Since it's my first time to visit this restaurant, I went for the signature Grind Burger. I expected it to be bigger given the price, though it's enough for a normal eater. What makes it worth the price is the ever juicy medium-cooked patty. Really no extenders and with every slice, juice is oozing out. The cheese is also a plus together with the secret sauce of complementing hint of spice. It can get messy to eat but that's the fun in it! I also like that it comes with potato chips as siding versus the usual fries.

Overall, it was a smooth and satisfying dining experience at Grind Bistro + Cafe. Staff were great and attentive, and I enjoyed the shake and burger I ordered.

BigDish made this experience even better. Now, there's no need to call or go directly to the restaurant just to make reservations, or wait for discounted deals online. Not only I get to reserve table conveniently, but I also get to have discount! For sure they'll have more partner restaurants in the near future.

Grind Bistro and Cafe
3F SM Aura Premier, C5 corner 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
+63917 863 7275