By Joel Pinaroc

Mang Jimmy‘s, an eatery at the MWSS compound in UP Diliman near Katipunan Avenue, remains an institution when it comes to how to best serve sizzling food, fast, and efficient, without straining one’s budget.

For quite sometime now, Mang Jimmy’s continues to provide a unique, and satisfying way to give diners money-for-value items, that are simply unbeatable.

If not for the long queue of vehicles outside its premises, first time visitors will not immediately notice Mang Jimmy’s.

Mang Jimmy’s sizzling menu include meat, fish, and chicken

Mang Jimmy’s define the very meaning of home-cooking, this is because the restaurant, or simply the “karinderya” is located inside Mang Jimmy’s own backyard.

Once inside however, don’t be surprised to see the place filled to the brim, particularly during lunch time.

Unpretentious and simple defines Many Jimmy’s. The absence of fancy tables and decors add a more simplistic touch to the place. The mismatched chairs and tables, the plastic table covers, with a smidge of “toyo,” “patis” or the in-house sauce, only adds to the homey atmosphere.

Perhaps the only indulgence, when it comes to décor and interior design, is the relatively huge and seemingly misplaced bird cage, located right smack in the center of the dining area.

Diners can freely select a nice eating spot, order that sizzling item and the generous serving of rice. Note that Mang Jimmy’s does not serve rice by the cup; it is served by the plate. And groups and families can order a liter-sized soda to go with the food.

Catering primarily to students at the nearby University of the Philippines in Diliman, Mang Jimmy’s is now one of the favorite eating places of families and groups all wanting to have a taste of their sizzling goodies.

The place is also a favorite of groups, particularly those coming from a morning of badminton or basketball in nearby Katipunan, wanting to fill up on lost calories.

And only at Mang Jimmy’s can diners in groups can actually get a free sizzling ulam with a unique group “package.”

For instance, if you’re a group of 4, it is best to order 4 sizzling items. You get a free sizzling dish plus 2 plateful of white rice, or if you’re a group of 8, you can order 8 sizzling items and get 2 free items, plus 6 plates of rice.

And there are similar group promos, even for smaller groups.

Eating with a friend is similarly cost-effective, because ordering two sizzling items get you another order for free, plus a plate of rice.

What’s Cooking?

First-time diners can’t go wrong at Mang Jimmy’s, simply because almost all of the items are satisfyingly good.

Only at Mang Jimmy’s can diners order sizzling and piping hot salmon, tuna, tapa, and Mang Jimmy’s very special sisig, at very reasonable prices.

The sizzling line-up is quite long, catering to the customers’ individual favorites.

Mang Jimmy’s sizzling salmon, strips of oily salmon belly, is perhaps one of the very best this side of Quezon City. Carefully presented and cooked just right in butter and browned garlic, the dish would tempt even the toughest diet-conscious individual into ordering rice to go with the dish.

Or the sizzling tapa, marinated pork in generous serving. Or the sizzling combo of tapa and sisig, served side-by-side.

Budget-conscious customers need not worry, because almost all the sizzling items are priced the same.

And Mang Jimmy’s is perhaps one of the few places where making sure the customer goes home full and satisfied is absolutely essential.

If you’re not satisfied with the food or service, which is highly unlikely, you can always have a chit-chat with Mang Jimmy.
You can find him often doing the rounds, serving customers, and even taking orders.

For information: Call Mang Jimmy’s at this tel. numbers: 9272909

Tags: Mang Jimmy’s Eatery, Manila Grill Restaurants, Manila Dining Guide, Philippine Restaurants