Press Release
Citadines Bay City Manila proudly launched the refreshed menu of its signature dining destination, Bay City Café. An exclusive event titled “Plate & Palate: Tradition Meets Today’s Table” was held last October 3, 2025, to bring together media, influencers, and partners to an evening of culinary innovation and cultural celebration. More than just a menu launch, guests were taken on a gastronomic journey that spotlighted the rich and diverse Filipino cuisine, infused with regional influences and modern flair.
Curated by Citadines’ Executive Sous Chef Jeff Reyes and a team of award-winning chefs, the new menu draws inspiration from the culinary heritage of the Philippines’ vibrant cities. Each dish is thoughtfully reimagined using contemporary techniques and elevated presentation, offering a fresh and refined take on beloved Filipino flavors.
“Our new menu bridges tradition and innovation but also honors our roots. We wanted to embrace the evolving tastes of today’s diners, tell the story beyond the plate, and bring people together through food,” said Chef Jeff Reyes.
Below are some of the highlighted recipes by Citadines’ Executive Sous Chef Jeff Reyes and team:
LAING WITH CRISPY PORK BELLY (BICOL)
Laing is a classic Bicolano classic made with dried taro leaves and simmered in rich coconut milk. Bay City Café gives the dish a flavorful twist by topping it with crispy pork belly and camaron rebosado.
OSSO BUCO KARE-KARE (PAMPANGA)
This version of Kare-Kare is inspired by the Kapampangans’ passion for bold flavors, featuring tender beef shanks braised to perfection, served in rich and savory peanut sauce with vegetables and shrimp paste.
RELLENONG PUSIT (TAWI-TAWI)
Grilled seafood has long been part of the culinary heritage of the Southern islands. Grilled squid stuffed with savory vegetables and spices is Bay City Cafe’s tribute to the coastal flavors of Tawi-Tawi.
SISIG TORTANG TALONG (NORTHERN LUZON)
Recently hailed by TasteAtlas as the world’s second-best egg dish, the humble tortang talong takes on a flavorful twist with Bay City Café’s grilled eggplant omelet, topped with sizzling sisig, the iconic pork dish from Northern Luzon.
LUZVIMIN ESPESYAL
A symphony of regional desserts, all in one plate, this dessert combines “sapin-sapin” from Luzon, “puto maya” from Visayas, and “putli mandi” from Mindanao.
Ascott Bonifacio Global City and Citadines Bay City Manila General Manager Rennan John Reyes said: “Bay City Café continues to rise as one of Pasay’s premier dining destinations. As the flagship restaurant of The Ascott Limited Philippines’ growing food & beverage portfolio, it stands as a testament to our commitment to culinary excellence and cultural storytelling.”
The café remains a gathering place where locals, travelers, and guests come together to share meaningful meals and experiences. With a refreshed menu and a new chapter, Bay City Café reaffirms its place as a vibrant culinary destination, where time-honored Filipino traditions meet innovation to delight today’s contemporary diners.
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