Bigby’s Iloilo took us to a gastronomic journey with their food and travel-inspired interiors.
Bigby’s Cafe and Restaurant, known for its sumptuous food in big servings, is back in Iloilo City with the opening of their 11th store at Festive Walk Mall.
First introduced 20 years ago in Cagayan de Oro City, the Bigby’s concept is all about creating an atmosphere fit for an adventure through different cuisines of the world.
In its Iloilo store, the concept has evolved into a fun dining ambiance with its highly-Instagrammable interiors of various wall posters and decors which are apparently inspired by one’s travels around the world.
A day before it’s much-awaited comeback, franchise owner Bep Chavez invited us Iloilo bloggers, social media influencers and other lifestyle writers for a fun-filled media event.
“We’re so happy to bring back Bigby’s again here in Iloilo, after 8 to 10 years,” well-travelled Bep exclaimed.
What to eat at Bigby’s
Of course, the highlight of the event is what made Bigby’s an institution: the wide-array of wittingly-named dishes in generous servings. Here’s what we had in our gastronomic journey.
CDO SINUGLAW: Bigby’s award-winning sinugbang baboy and isdang kilawin recipe.
NEW ORLEAN’S SHRIMP PLATTER: Honey Cajun Shrimp in a bowl with a mound of shrimp spiced rice.
DEAP SEA PASTA: Garlic shrimps and rich crab fat sauce on spaghetti noodles that’s served sizzling hot.
CREPE SMORGASBOARD: Golden crepe filled with ham, chicken, shrimps, sausage and mushrooms in creamy white sauce. Served with rice.
CHIX AHOY! Fried boneless chicken steak smothered with garlic gravy.
KIMMY CHUNKY STEW: Korean-style beef stew served with rice.
TIKI WACKY SALAD: A chunky salad treat with tomatoes, yellow mango, grapes, walnuts, cheese, croutons and creamy chicken salad on top of romaine lettuce.
TUNA MISO: Grilled tuna belly glazed with miso, served with Chahan fried rice topped with bonito flakes and sauteed garlic spinach.
GRILLED RODEO CHOPS: Marinated pork chops grilled nice and easy, served with rice and gravy.
ROSEMARY O’ ROSEMARY: Chicken marinated in olive oil, garlic and rosemary herb.
And of course, their best-seller, RACK-A-BYE BABY RIBS: Finger-licking goodness of premium cut smoky barbecued pork ribs.
We ended the sumptuous feast with the following desserts:
COOKIES N CARAMEL CHEESECAKE: Creamy-rich baked cheesecake with caramel swirl and cookie bits.
MIDNIGHT DREAM CAKE: Moist, dark chocolate cake served with mocha and toffee sauce.
Surprise of the night is The TITANIC! That’s 30 scoops of ice cream on a bed of chopped fruits topped with brownies, chocolate chips, cookies and cones then smothered with toffee sauce.
Aside from these gastronomic treats, those in attendance enjoyed each other’s company with an exciting trivia games ended by an auction of prized items. You really could tell that everybody had so much fun during the event!
I brought the family at the Bigby’s Iloilo few days after, and we tried some more of their great-tasting food and experienced their excellent service. The crews were all smiling and accommodating, and very attentive to the needs of their customers.
No wonder that Bigby’s Cafe has been a recipient of multiple recognition such as the ‘Kumbira’ culinary competition Grand Champion for multiple years, and the Most Outstanding Business Enterprise Award in the brand’s hometown CDO.
Bigby’s Cafe and Restaurant is located at 2nd level, veranda area of Festive Walk Mall Iloilo. Store hours is from 10 AM to 10 PM daily. You may follow their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigbysIloilo/; Twitter @Bigbys; Instagram @BigbysPH; or visit their website at www.bigbyscafe.com.
