Ibayo by Barrio Fiesta: A Fresh Catch

Hey, yuppies! Thinking of going out this weekend for a scrumptious seafood meal and after-dinner drinks?  Well, here's a nice catch.

The recently opened Ibayo at San Miguel by the Bay is a refreshing sight amidst the other restobar giants hogging the leisure strip by the bay.  As its name -- Ibayo, meaning "the next town" or "on the other side of", it is an alternative destination to seaside's famous "paluto" restaurants.

Upon entering, you'll be adorned with bright colored paintings on the wall, Filipino-inspired wooden interiors and comfortable seats that could very well represent classic but chic Filipino dining experience.

While there is a wide choice of familiar Barrio Fiesta dishes to choose from such as the best-seller Crispy Pata and the famous Mama Chit'sSpecials, the menu is highlighted by the Ibayo signature dishes including Ibayo White Adobo, Ibayo Crispy Catfish and Ibayo Firesticks.

Save room for dessert! Turon ala Mode, Putubungbong and the creamy, soft Maja Blanca works well with Ibayo's fresh fruit juices and shakes.

And to complete the Ibayo experience, it is highly recommended for one to try the Ibayo signature cocktail drinks.  Most interesting are the Ibayo Sunset, Skywalker, Two Alpha and Mango Bongo.  A bar chow menu including reinvented Filipino favorites like Inihaw na Liempo, Grilled Tuna Belly, Sizzling Mushrooms, Pork Barbeque and Sizzling Corn that will definitely satisfy your short cravings are also available.

This modern bistro style restaurant was put to life by the third generation members of Barrio Fiesta, brothers Tyrone and Tristan Ongpauco.

If you have a hard time choosing from the merry mix of flavors, the best suggestion would be to bring friends... and then you can share.

Chic & Cheaps Scores:
Food:  4/5
Place:  3/5
Service:  Fast, hospitable.  All guests are greeted with crackers.
Budget Guide:  Mid-range (P200 and up); cheaper than Barrio Fiesta
Accepts Credit Card:  Yes.
Address:  Bldg. G Unit 7-8 San Miguel by the Bay Seaside Brgy. 076 SM Bay City, Central Business Park 1-A Pasay City
Business Hours:  Weekdays:  3pm to 12mn
                             Weekends:  3pm to 2am


ANN RECOMMENDS:

Seafood and Carbs Galore...

Barrio Fiesta Rice

Best Kare-Kare I've ever tasted...

Seafood Kare-Kare

Crispy Pata

Adobo without soy sauce? Hmm... but still yummy!

White Adobo

My personal favorite...

Turon ala Mode

Not your ordinary Maja Blanca

Maja Blanca

So refreshing... taste of mango is prominent in this drink unlike the other mango shakes...

Mango Shake

Concocted by one of the resto owners... sweet and refreshing fusion of mango, pineapple, orange, rum, and grenadine.

Ibayo Sunset

For reservations, you may contact Monia Asuncion at 0906-5002782.

Thank you very much for the Ibayo experience Ms. Abby, Sir Artie, Mark Gosingtian, and the Ongpauco brothers.  Not only did I get to savor Ibayo's delectable dishes but also I did met the famous food bloggers whom I look up to. (",)