Hala Bira Bira: Eat's Dinagyang (Food) Festival once again

While waiting for the sights and sounds of the final days of the 2010 Dinagyang festival, locals and visitors will enjoy the delectable aromas and flavors of local delicacies as the food festival starts today.

The food festival initiated by the Iloilo Hotel Resort and Restaurant Association (IHRRA) is also considered an attraction of the Dinagyang festival. The food festival is located at Delgado Street, City Proper.

Some 28-30 IHRRA members will offer their best menus during the four-day food festival. The food festival is only limited to hotels and restaurants. The association is strictly observing the procedures in the conduct of food festival, said Happy Abenir, IHRRA president.

The food festival will formally start after a cutting of ribbon to be led by Mayor Jerry Treñas. The short program will begin 5:30 in the afternoon.

Abenir said they have made innovations by adding additional forms of entertainment to attract customers. Bands coming from Manila and raffles will be held at the food fest area. “The food festival should be a place for the family.”

The IHRRA members are given the chance to present their specialty especially local delicacies. Grilled or barbecued chicken and variety of seafoods are part of their menu, said Abenir.

There are 30 ways in making barbecue chicken. It is up for restaurants or hotels to prepare it to suit the palate of their customers, she said.

Grilled or barbecue chicken, squid and pork, steamed oysters and prawns are common foods sold by the participating hotels and restaurants apart from liquors.

Abenir added that occupants are also required to collect all empty bottles on customers’ table. It should be kept under the table before serving another round of drinks for the customers. This would be done to thwart throwing of bottles. Untoward incidents using bottles should be prevented.

IHRRA member hotels and restaurants are also required to cut the pointed ends of barbecue sticks, said Abenir.

Number of policemen and security guards would be around at the food festival area to ensure safety and protection of the customers. The association has increased the number of policemen and security guards, said Abenir.

The association likewise requested for the presence of the Explosive and Ordnance Division (EOD) to check and monitor the presence of explosives.

Article courtesy of TheNewsToday

IHRRA food festival starts today

By Maricar M. Calubiran

Note: Photos are from last years food festival

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