It was a night full of music, magic, dancing and delectable eats as Bourbon Street - home of the best ribs this part of the country, moves to a better and more upbeat location in Iloilo’s nightlife centrale.
While the original branch is still open until the end of the month, the branch at The Avenue Complex still exhibits the Bourbon flair. Trendy yet formal setting that easily turns into a bar as the night deepens. The cool lighting fixtures on the ceiling and the bar were plus points too. The barrels act as both ornament and lighting diffusers giving the restaurant a modern rustic feel.
As invited guests started to pour in and settled inside out, Professor James – a street magician, went from table to table showing a variety of mind-boggling tricks mostly involving cards. Outside a cool stage was set-up in front of The Avenue to usher in guests to the complex at the same time serve as the performance area for the band.
In one corner, inside the bistro, was the “bites” buffet and first to catch attention were the little hamburgers popularly known as Sliders. Petite sirloin of beef gratinated with mozzarella cheese served with the house special dressing and special bun. Small as they seem yet packed a big taste that one can have three in just one sitting.
Next to it was Southwest Salad. A mix of citrus marinated beef, greens, tomato confit, roasted bell pepper and French vinaigrette – all in a crisp edible cups. These “micro portions” were made especially for this type occasion since the regular serving is much bigger.
There was a platter of Korean Fish Cake but what’s on top was actually the one I was craving for – kimchi! It’s Bourbon’s house recipe for a “freshly-made” kimchi that is usually served with the dish, Korean Sizzling Fish.
But everybody’s favorite turned out to be the Angus Beef Hotshots. Aside from the eye catching display, the label which says “Angus Beef” was a magnet. Savoury beef slices sitting on a bed of cucumbers, chilies, onions and spices were too irresistible that every body took more than one shot.
Completing the bites buffet selections were corn on the cob and chicken fingers. Drinks also came in eye catching cocktail mixes and more interestingly names like Blue Sapphire, Virgin Killer, Sex in the Bahamas and Mabuhay Manila.
A series of fire dance performances from Iloilo Fire Fantasy ignited the scene for a few minutes to the delight of the crowd. And that in turn started the real concert provided by the The Scopes Band that ended past midnight. Now that’s a party only Bourbon Street can give!
While the original branch is still open until the end of the month, the branch at The Avenue Complex still exhibits the Bourbon flair. Trendy yet formal setting that easily turns into a bar as the night deepens. The cool lighting fixtures on the ceiling and the bar were plus points too. The barrels act as both ornament and lighting diffusers giving the restaurant a modern rustic feel.
As invited guests started to pour in and settled inside out, Professor James – a street magician, went from table to table showing a variety of mind-boggling tricks mostly involving cards. Outside a cool stage was set-up in front of The Avenue to usher in guests to the complex at the same time serve as the performance area for the band.
In one corner, inside the bistro, was the “bites” buffet and first to catch attention were the little hamburgers popularly known as Sliders. Petite sirloin of beef gratinated with mozzarella cheese served with the house special dressing and special bun. Small as they seem yet packed a big taste that one can have three in just one sitting.
Next to it was Southwest Salad. A mix of citrus marinated beef, greens, tomato confit, roasted bell pepper and French vinaigrette – all in a crisp edible cups. These “micro portions” were made especially for this type occasion since the regular serving is much bigger.
There was a platter of Korean Fish Cake but what’s on top was actually the one I was craving for – kimchi! It’s Bourbon’s house recipe for a “freshly-made” kimchi that is usually served with the dish, Korean Sizzling Fish.
But everybody’s favorite turned out to be the Angus Beef Hotshots. Aside from the eye catching display, the label which says “Angus Beef” was a magnet. Savoury beef slices sitting on a bed of cucumbers, chilies, onions and spices were too irresistible that every body took more than one shot.
Completing the bites buffet selections were corn on the cob and chicken fingers. Drinks also came in eye catching cocktail mixes and more interestingly names like Blue Sapphire, Virgin Killer, Sex in the Bahamas and Mabuhay Manila.
A series of fire dance performances from Iloilo Fire Fantasy ignited the scene for a few minutes to the delight of the crowd. And that in turn started the real concert provided by the The Scopes Band that ended past midnight. Now that’s a party only Bourbon Street can give!
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Thank you to Ms. Arvi Sumayo of The Avenue for some of the photos
Thank you to Ms. Arvi Sumayo of The Avenue for some of the photos