My family and I grew up appreciating Pinoy food from Barrio Fiesta. It’s one of the local restaurants that we frequent for much needed comfort foods like Kare-Kare, Crispy Pata and other native dishes.
It’s good to know that the 3rd generation members of the Barrio Fiesta restaurant chain brought out innovation in introducing IBAYO, a bistro style food place that’s so true to Barrio Fiesta’s classic taste done with a modern twist.
IBAYO, literally meaning, “the next town,” offers new and exciting line of signature food and cocktail redefining the classic Filipino dining experience.
clockwise : My 5-year-old son, Gabby enjoying his Ripe Mango shake, fellow blogger-friend, Elna’s Sago’t gulaman fish bowl, and my glass of Four Seasons. (see menu at the end of the post for cocktail bar list).
21 July 2010, Wednesday 7PM. –I was one of the invited guests who graced IBAYO’s bloggers’ night. And since I’m stretching and literally counting my days before I go to my new work place in Penang, Malaysia next week, I maximized the event by enjoying it with my kid.
Upon seeing some familiar faces, Gabby and I sat down with Elna and her sister, Che. It was fun meeting the faces behind the blogs I follow. Soon after our acquaintance, the introduction to Ibayo and the people behind it was done. Then, they announced that it’ll be an ORDER-WHAT-YOU-WANT dinner. It sounded like music to our ears! LOL! 
Take a peek at some of those dishes we feasted last night.
After browsing the menu, I spotted immediately dishes I favored. One of them was Mama Chit’s special.
MAMA CHIT’s SPECIAL : A feast in a bilao as how their beloved Mama Chit would prepare it. A mini fiesta in itself.
CRISPY PATA, anyone? Forget hyperlipidemia while you indulge once in a while, LOL!
clockwise : Ibayo Firesticks (zesty jalapeno & cheese rolled up and lightly fried to a spicy, exciting challenging appetizer), Paella Negra (paella cooked in squid ink), Pinoy version of escargot a.k.a. Ginataang Suso, and a personal favorite, Seafood Kare-Kare (mussels, crabs, shrimps, and fish fillet and veggies simmered in creamy peanut butter sauce).
Among the native delicacies perfect for dessert or merienda, I chose another favorite, Maja Blanca. Their version doesn’t disappoint; I like it.
Gabby had his bowl of Special Halo-halo that he didn’t finish because the serving is huge for his appetite.
All in all, I appreciate people behind IBAYO for being so brave on trying to reinvent a Barrio Fiesta’s tradition. Ibayo is highly competitive with the other food places that offer Filipino cuisines. Foods on the menu are great and reasonably priced. Service is surprisingly quick. Staff is accomodating and friendly.
Two thumbs up for Ibayo!
For more details on Ibayo, visit my other blog, Docgelo’s Eyes
Ibayo is located at Bldg G Unit 7-8, San Miguel By the Bay, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.
Special thanks to the owners of Ibayo, Mr. Ramon, Tyrone and Tristan Ongpauco and and to Ms. Abigail Delos Santos and Eventus Kinetix for the invite.
Click each menu to enlarge.
OPINION COUNTS…