Next stop on our Eatigo adventure was Kabisera at Bonifacio High Street where we had booked a table at 7 p.m. for 10 percent off.
Chef Timothy Neil Abejuela was waiting for us. Tim, executive chef for Max’s Group Inc., has spent the past year or so giving Kabisera his touch. “We’re always trying to improve our menu,” he said.
Kabisera offers an extensive array of Filipino dishes—food that both Filipinos and foreigners enjoy.
We enjoyed classic favorites like sisig and chicharon bulaklak along with the Street Food Basket and Pingka Fries (crispy sun-dried salted reef swordfish). Tim said, “When foreigners order it, they’re like, ‘What is this? These aren’t fries.’ They dip it in the vinegar and they end up finishing it.”
We loved the Lechon Pugon and Balbacua (a spicy thick beef brisket and ox tail stew) too.
“Our Gising Gising is lovely. People come in and it becomes their instant favorite,” Tim said. Yes, that’s what happened to me.
The Kilawing Tuna, Kilawing Salmon and Bulalo Steak are a must. The Adobo Back Ribs is a hit with everyone, Filipino or not. Foreigners enjoy eating the fork-tender dish without rice. “They have it with beer or whiskey.”
Yes, people go to Kabisera to drink, too.
“Every Monday and Tuesday we have P80 Jägermeister and Jose Cuervo Gold shots. And on Wednesdays and Saturdays, we have all you can drink margaritas and mojitos,” Tim said.
We ended our meal with the rich and decadent Ube Tartufo.
For Tim, bringing Filipino food to people from all over the world is a life advocacy. “I always want to be someone who gives them something familiar while staying true to our roots, our flavor.”
Rue Bourbon
Our last stop was Rue Bourbon in Bonifactio Global City (BGC)—10 percent off on Eatigo—which was a revelation.
If, like us, you’ve thought of this place as an after-dinner and drinks place, you’re making a mistake. The food is really good, too.
We had the Mardi Gras Nachos and Pulled Pork Quesadilla. The servings are perfect for sharing. But the Shrimp and Sausage Diablo is so flavorful you might not want to share.
You have to try the ribs too. Carlo Subijano, managing partner, agrees that first-timers should order the ribs. “And the nachos and the Calamari n’ Fries. We’re also known for our thin crust pizzas.” We tried the Six Cheese and the New Orleans Garden Pizza.
Carlo said that the Salpicao with Garlic Rice and Shrimp Newburg Pasta are also bestsellers. “There’s something for everyone.”
Rue Bourbon is known for its Caramel Beer but you’d be remiss if you don’t try their other drinks.
“The apple and cucumber beer are staples. We also added flavors like Toasted Almond, Roasted Hazelnut and Speculoos,” Carlo said.
His favorite? “Watermelon.”
There are all kinds of cocktails, too. “We’re known for our Flaming Lamborghini and Gunpowder shots. They’re deadly,” Carlo said. We tried the Cotton Candy Margarita, too, and loved it.
Nondrinkers have plenty of options including the Yema Smoothie that our table fought over.
Rue Bourbon has a lot of regulars, giving it the feel of a friendly neighborhood bar. Beyond the food and drinks, there’s another reason people keep returning.
“We’re known for very good service. We encourage our staff to become friends with the guests. The staff are the stars of the show talaga.”
In fact, guests even ask the staff to play matchmaker sometimes.
Carlo said, “The people come back here because they love the ambiance, it’s always a good vibe here. I see a lot of singles hanging out at the bar. They come and they know they’re gonna meet someone new.”
Events are held regularly including “Magic Mike”- inspired nights, game and quiz nights and comedy nights.
Rue Bourbon’s six branches—Eastwood, BGC, Tomas Morato, BF Homes, Salcedo and Ortigas are all on Eatigo. “We’ve been getting reservations through Eatigo. It’s very good exposure for us, we’re thankful for the tieup.”
The next morning, I received messages from Eatigo. “We hope you enjoyed your deals. Would you mind telling us how your experience was?”
Well, it’s the next day and I was still full and, if I were to be completely honest, slightly tipsy. So I would say that my Eatigo experience was pretty damn good. In fact, I can’t wait to do it again. I’m eyeing 50-percent off at Fireside next.
