Imagine yourself sitting by the beach enjoying a drink as you listen to the soothing sounds of the waves splashing by the shore.

You’ve put on your best tropical outfit, laid down on the sand to watch the sunset, and gone full-on Jimmy Buffett mode with not a thing to worry about as you live the vacation vibe. It’s a blissful scenario and it’s one that often comes to mind when enjoying a good surf-and-turf meal. Surf and turf is a type of meal that pairs seafood with any sort of red meat. Think lobsters, oysters, or shrimp alongside a juicy steak or smoked ribs. Its popularity increased in the ‘60s right along with the surfer rock genre popularized by the Beach Boys and Dick Dale. SURFIN' USA The Beach Boys are credited as one of the bands that popularized the surfer rock genre in the '60s
While its origins are often up for debate, many credit Ruth’s Chris Steak House, a restaurant located at the iconic Seattle Space Needle, as one of the first to serve such a mix with its combination of filet mignon and lobster. Locally, a new joint has opened up to give lip-smacking surf-and-turf delights to our shores. Rob’s Ribs, Oysters, and Bourbon Shack has opened at the Newport Mall in Pasay City. With Chef Robby Goco at the helm, Rob’s offers a bold approach to new American all-day casual dining. CHEF IN CHARGE In creating Rob’s extensive menu, Robby Goco was inspired by the classic gumbo and barbecue combo plus Italian hole-in-the-wall concepts in California
It’s easy to spot Rob’s with its bar up front, giving passersby a good look at the bartenders skillfully mixing up all sorts of drinks. An enticing array of fresh seafood is also on display to provide guests a sampling of what’s to come. Its an intimate space where guests can easily mingle. You’ll find yourself feeling free to share all your thoughts with your pals while sipping on some of Rob’s signature bourbon cocktails, a perfect starting point before diving in to taste the seven seas with their many seafood offerings.' BOTTOM’S UP Rob’s Highball is one of many special mixes on the bar list
To start, consider enjoying a light serving of raw delights from the Raw Bar with the Italian *sashimi* platter. It consists of fresh tuna, hamachi, and tanigue drizzled with olive oil and topped with capers to give it a zesty twist. Soft to the bite, each piece leaves you wanting more as its flavors burst in your mouth. The platter is best complimented by the crab and shrimp salad with a side of Louise dressing. FOR STARTERS Enjoy a whole platter of Rob's Italian *sashimi* complimented by the crab and shrimp salad for a taste of the seven seas
There are plenty of meals that can serve as the perfect stepping point to the main course. For those who enjoy a good soup, try the gumbo! It’s a pleasant mix of crabmeat and Andouille sausage with a special sauce that holds just the right amount of spice to kickstart your tastebuds. You can never go wrong with a serving of local Aklan oysters or if you’re craving a more international taste, there’s also imported French, Irish, or Japanese oysters. FRESH CATCH Diablo Oysters and Chipotle Bourbon Oysters deliver a spicy kick
AWWWW SHUCKS Roasted bone marrow, six pieces of garlic herb butter oysters, and sourdough
If you’re daring enough to test your cholesterol levels, the “Awww Shucks” meal consisting of roasted bone marrow with six pieces of garlic herb butter oysters is heart-stoppingly good! Chef Robby jokes that this is a dish that only those below 30 can enjoy as he serves it by spreading the bone marrow on sourdough toasts and topping it with oysters. TIME FOR SOME RIBS Bourbon baby back ribs served with a special BBQ sauce and some sides
KING OF THE SEAS Lobster Makaronada consists of fresh spicy lobster served alongside pasta with a bourbon tomato sauce
For the main course, it’s best to top all the seafood with a smoking hot BBQ tray. Choose from either signature smoked chicken inasal, beef short ribs, or pork ribs. The ribs break easily from the bone and have just the right amount of crunch to compliment their rich, smoky flavor. It’s easily one of the best dishes to wrap up such a wonderful dining experience. AN INTIMATE SPACE Rob’s Ribs, Oysters, and Bourbon Shack is now ready to serve you the best surf-and-turf meals

*Rob’s, located on the 2nd floor of Newport Mall in Pasay City, is open weekdays from 11 a.m. to midnight, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., and is. Call 09457269984.

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