Italians call their food “cibo”. For an ordinary Filipino, food is often referred to as “chibog” (or tsibog). A snack food commercial once gave our colloquial “chibog” a hip form ”bogchi” with a deeper meaning. It has become a Pinoy’s style of eating marked by sharing of good food and relishing good times together whatever the occasion is.
I don’t know if the Italian “cibo” and Filipino “chibog” have etymological connections at all. If there is one thing that connects us to our Italian counterparts, it is our shared passion for delicious food.
So when Cibo Restaurant was brought into our shores ten years ago, most Filipinos did not have trouble adopting to the new dining experience. It has become another avenue to explore…and we’re not disappointed.
It is said that Cibo’s owner, Margarita Fores (of the Araneta clan), would take occasional trips to Italy to research and sample their regional dishes. Obviously, she took home with her a variety of Italian recipes that brought about the extensive menu line — from simple appetizers, salads & soups, pasta & pizza varieties, heavy rice meals to tempting desserts.
My personal favorites in their seafood pasta line is Penne Alfonso and in the rice meal category Porchetta (roasted pork with 3 dips — apple & peach, tomato and a brown sauce that is typical of lechon sauce). For soup, you can never go wrong with their foamy squash soup. If it’s pizza, I go for Patate (an 8-slice thin crust pizza with potato topping).
Average dining budget per person could range from P400 - P500. WithIn this reasonable budget, you get to experience Italy — hefty servings of delicious Italian cuisine, excellent service and a cozy and stylish dining ambience that is remarkably Italian.
Visit Cibo branches in Glorietta, Mother Ignacia, QC, Shangri-La Mall, and Gateway Mall. Soon to open in TriNoma.
one of those old reliables:)