The neon image of its namesake lights up Goldilocks. Around dinner time, a similar crowd swings through for take-out meals. But this branch of the Goldilocks franchise, based in the Philippines, doesn't serve ordinary fast food. Goldilocks delivers real home-style Filipino grub in its spotless and spacious dining room. Cushionless booths and dinettes separated by small plant islands square off the place to decent effect.
Diners line up along the counter, cafeteria-style, and place their orders.
Many dishes suffer from too much time on the steam table, followed by a forced microwave rejuvenation, so the best time to sample Goldilocks' bounty is at lunch, when most of the food is cooked fresh. Goldilocks woks up a huge variety of true Filipino fare at rock-bottom prices. In addition, its bakery displays all sorts of toothsome sweets, including eclairs, fruit tarts and birthday cakes. Though definitely an acquired taste, the dish is a big Filipino favorite, and a must for the curious. Cooked with fish or shrimp extracts, these sauces acquire a deeper flavor than Western stews, which rely more on herbs for taste.