We’ve noticed that every time we visit a Real American Country Kitchen Style restaurant (let’s just call it RACKS, as it’s called anyway) we receive a customer feedback form. We don’t know if everyone is given a customer feedback form by RACKS or we simply look like a bunch of souls who look like perfect candidates for RACKS’ target demographics. We can always politely refuse to answer but we feel this is a disservice to future consumers. Maybe we can be excused if we write down what we need to say? So here goes:
Love the Ambiance
Ambiance is part of the eating experience. The new RACKS exudes a relaxed atmosphere like one is dining out in the countryside. There’s enough space between simple tables, with the space highlighted by the bright, warm light and the white floor. The ambiance is so relaxed, we’re sometimes tempted to put our feet up and chill.
It wasn’t always that way, of course. We’ve seen and experienced those dark ages of RACKS. Through the years leading to 2006, RACKS was at the height (or lowest level?) of its decline. It wasn’t cool anymore. It was like someone with all hope sucked from his/her body, within a few sighs from becoming a zombie. The last man standing, so to speak, was the lonely RACKS restaurant in El Pueblo, Ortigas. We’ve heard that somebody bought the restaurant in 2006 and started to revive it. We later learned that the Prieto family, them guys of Shakey’s and Dunkin’ Donuts, came to the picture.
Add More Coloring Sheets
From the first time we’ve experienced RACKS after its re-emergence, we’ve noticed only one type of coloring sheet for kids. Inferness, not many restaurants offer activities for kids while the food is being prepared — only the more sensitive restaurants who care about family dining. RACKS is one of those few restaurants. And this, in our book, entitles RACKS to our support (at least by going back as often as possible).
Of course, we run the risk of being charged with “give them a hand and they will demand the entire arm.” Give them one coloring sheet and they’ll ask for more. Maybe so. But would it be more fun if there’s a variation of the coloring sheet for the kids? It’s like a magical destination that not only serves good Fish & Chips for the kids, but also, more than that, surprises the kids with new “while-u-wait” activities. It doesn’t have to be more complex than a coloring sheet. It’s a perfect occasion for the young ones to show off their coloring skills learned in school. It’s a perfect time for parents to take a breather while the kids are busy coloring (trust us, you won’t realize how priceless that is until you start taking care of kids). So, yes, asking for variation in the coloring sheets is not asking too much.
Love the Fish and Chips
Some people, specially if these “people” happen to be kids, are picky with their food. The kids we constantly tow love Fish and Chips. Not all Fish & Chips, and among the readily available plates, their favorite is RACKS. Don’t ask us why.
Love the Ribs
This one, the RACKS Classic Pork Ribs, you can ask us why we like it. It’s the “best ribs in town,” reads the bold claim of RACKS. We are still to explore the more notable ribs in town, a monumental project we plan to undertake once we’re retired from our day jobs.
The 1990s saw the rise of RACKS to 30 branches, the most popular place in town where foodies and casual diners can enjoy pork ribs with soft, delicious meat that falls off the bone without any fight. This is one of the endearing qualities of RACKS Classic Pork Ribs — the ONLY item in the RACKS menu that we order (Fish and Chips for the kids).
How about the other items? Not a problem, though, because we’ve asked the community to tell us what they want to say to RACKS. Dio said, “Love the super hot bbq sauce and their family meal, super suit. Parang every time na umuuwi kami eh kumakain kami sa racks. Pati mac n cheese and the ribs and the pork and the chicken…ayan, nagutom tuloy ako.” Sounds like she has covered the entire menu?
For the first time, we’ve ordered dessert in RACKS — Mississippi Mud Pie. We don’t know how a mud pie should look like but this one looks like a pie prepared and served on delicious chocolate mud. Pretty much a pretty mud pie. It’s a single-person serving but the two of us didn’t have the heart to finish the single mud pie. Not because we’re not capable of doing so; it’s just sinfully delicious.
Keep it Up
Answering our call for inputs, Marian said, “Better service at SM megamall branch please. Laging nagturuan kasi mga waiting staff dun kung sino naka-assign sa table….it took eons for them to refill your glass of water.” Maybe somebody already told RACKS about this problem because it seems they’ve done something about it. The last RACKS branch we visited was the SM Megamall branch and the crew took a more active role in asking us if we need more water. The food was served quickly, with a warm smile. Greatly appreciated (we’ll appreciate it much better if you guys do something about the pork ribs that was not in its usual tender self).
Creating something, like a good dining experience, is difficult. We understand. But we feel that the more difficult task is keeping up or maintaining the great experience, although we have this feeling that “keep it up” also means find ways to innovate and make it even better. Tall order? Maybe.
But it must be done and it looks like RACKS is dead serious in doing it. Keep it up, guys.