Breakfast at Grills and Sizzles: A Morning Ritual of Mine I'd Begrudgingly Share

In a city that never seems to sleep, breakfast is often an afterthought. A quick cup of coffee, a hurried piece of pandesal, maybe a protein mix chugged in one long drink. But there’s a small corner of the world where breakfast is a distinctly pinoy art form, where the first meal of the day is revered, not rushed. That place is Grills and Sizzles, a family-owned gem tucked away at the corner of Examiner and Times streets in Quezon City -  a go-to haven for those who understand that mornings are meant to be savored.

Walking into Grills and Sizzles feels like stepping into someone’s home, and in a way, it is. The cozy, homey ambiance is more than just decor; it’s an invitation to relax, to slow down, to take a moment. The warmth of the wooden furniture, the smell of freshly brewed coffee hanging in the air, the soft hum of conversations—this is where you start your day right.

The breakfast buffet, though not the largest you’ll find, is well-curated and stocked with the kind of dishes that make you feel like you’re back in your lola’s kitchen. Beef tapa, tocino, longganisa, fried bangus, etc —the classics, the staples seen on many a Pinoy family's tables, these are the dishes that have stood the test of time. Each one is prepared with care, seasoned just right, and cooked, as they say, to absolute perfection.

But Grills and Sizzles doesn’t just stop at the usual suspects. They’ve got a few surprises up their sleeve, like tuyo—salty, sun-dried fish that pairs perfectly with eggs and a heap of garlic rice. And then there's the steamed Pinoy veggies: talong, sitaw, and okra, all served with a delish bagoong sauce that’s salty, sour, and savory, a burst of umami that ties everything together. It’s an unusual selection, sure, but it’s also a reminder that breakfast doesn’t have to be predictable and mundane.

For those looking to start their day on a healthier note, there’s kamote—sweet potato, a humble but satisfying option. There’s also the veggie salad, greens punctuated with salted eggs and drizzled with a sweet-savory sauce that’s so good it should be bottled and sold. It’s a breakfast that nourishes the body without skimping on flavor, proof that you don’t have to choose between eating well and eating healthily.

And then, of course, there’s the dessert. Because no breakfast—no meal, really—is complete without something sweet as a recap. Grills and Sizzles offers palitaw and biko, two Filipino delicacies that are simple and nostalgic, the kind of desserts that remind you of younger days at your family home. The palitaw is chewy -as it should, coated in coconut and sprinkled with sesame seeds and sugar, the biko rich and sticky, both the perfect way to end the meal.

All of this is washed down with bottomless brewed coffee, while not too bitter, its strong enough to jolt you awake and keep you going. The staff are warm and friendly, they seem to know most diners by name, greeting them like old friends. It’s clear that most of the customers here are regulars, long-time patrons who’ve made breakfast at Grills and Sizzles a ritual, a part of their daily routine.

And why wouldn’t they? The parking is easy(and free!), the food is good and hearty, the coffee is endless, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. In a world that’s constantly, frenetically rushing forward, Grills and Sizzles is a reminder to slow down, to take a moment, to enjoy the simple pleasures of a good morning meal, alone, or with a treasured friend or lover. Breakfast here isn’t just a meal that I strongly encourage you share. Brekky here is a worthwhile experience, one that leaves you feeling full in more ways than one.

While I'm a bit worried that many of you will start going there for breakfast, and ruin my parking chances and peace, I, in good conscience, cannot just keep this secret to myself. Also, the owners are great friends of mine. ;)   So if you ever find yourself in this part of QC, in the morning, hungry for a great breakfast, do yourself a favor. Skip the fast food drive-thrus, ignore the trendy cafés with the overpriced breads and pastries(bad for you anyway), and head on over to Grills and Sizzles. Because breakfast should be more than just fuel; it should be something worth waking up and making the trip for.

Tony Agudo - 09.01.2024