Today, I went with some friends to lunch at SM Megamall. It’s not my usual hangout, but it was the midpoint between me and my friends from way back. When they said they wanted to meet at Megamall, I immediately agreed and instantly remembered Bigby’s Cafe and Restaurant. Incidentally, Bigby’s Cafe is a famous restaurant chain that started in Cagayan de Oro City in Mindanao then expanded to Cebu and Bacolod cities in the Visayas. I urged my friends to dine there while catching up on old times. True enough, Bigby’s had great food which perfectly complimented our conversations.

We started with their soup of the day. I forgot what they called it but it was pretty much like minestrone to me. Deliciously tangy and the bread was came with it was so good. I felt full after having soup but I knew there was more coming. So we had a few more laughs and ordered the main course.

Noreen must have been really hungry because she managed to finish one order of Fisherman’s Catch (“…seafood sampler of one big portion of tortilla-crusted dory fish, squiggly rings and two sticks of fire-grilled boomerang shrimps. Served with rice.”) Definitely meant for sharing, but Noreen didn’t need anybody’s help in finishing this one.

She says it went well with the Yellow Mango juice. I tried. I guess this juice goes well with anything.

Merce and I had Pescado Al Fresco which is “pan-seared cream dory fillet with pesto in a pool of onion jus served with rice on the side.” Those straws on top are actually shoestring potatoes. Healthy and delicious!

Cathy had one of Bigby’s signature dishes, the Rack-a-bye baby, “finger-licking goodness of barbecued pork ribs served with buttered corn and carrots and rice…” A very large order but Cathy didn’t seem to have trouble downing this one.

Incidentally, there are other great-tasting and affordable items on the Bigby’s menu that you might like to check out. Like the Tijuana Quesadilla

You’ll love the Salsa

The Food Trip Platter which is “loaded with Tijuana Quesadillas, Dippy Doodle Doo and Chili Flappers. Plus some BBQ fries too!”

The Midnight Dream Cake, “moist dark chocolate cake served with mocha and toffee sauce.” This is really good. It beats some of Manila’s best cakes that I know. Really!

Their Fudgy Sensation is simply a warm brownie in a cup topped with vanilla ice cream. Loved this one too!

And the mother of all desserts, the Titanic. See the picture and know why.

We had a good time at Bigby’s Cafe. Seriously, you should consider dining out at this restaurant because the prices are much lower when compared to most internationally renowned restaurants. Most meals don’t go beyond P400 (US$8.50), while the large platters do not go beyond P700 (US$14.90). It’s a great alternative to the more expensive American diners which serve food in large portions. Remember, everything at Bigby’s is meant for sharing. It’s something that even ordinary office workers can afford. Visit Bigby’s Cafe and Restaurant now at the 3rd floor Mega Atrium at SM Megamall.