Bigo’s a fresh alternative to chain restaurants

In a city that seems to attract chain restaurants by the score, Bigo’s Bistro offers Warner Robins another alternative. This farm-to-table eatery may not be much to look at on the outside, but you’ll be transported once you try the food.

Our charming server brought us freshly baked bread while we selected our entrees and answered our every question. We chose the crab cakes for one appetizer and our server suggested the seafood nachos for another. The crab cakes, while small, were full of meat and very little breading; the nachos had a superb sauce, but the chips could have used a trip into the oven first.

The most satisfying entree seemed to be the 6-ounce filet au poivre with creamy brandy sauce for $21. Cooked perfectly with a pink center and a light crust, the steak was satisfying without being heavy. Other hits included the Gruyere mac and cheese with grilled chicken and the bourbon grilled salmon.

I asked if I could order a shrimp po boy from the lunch menu and was told, “Of course!” A challah roll filled with perfectly fried shrimp and a too-pickley remoulade, it was a good deal for $8.50 including a lovely fresh side salad. Future visits for me will include the herbed goat cheese stuffed chicken with chili cilantro sauce or the Asian sweet and salty Scottish salmon with kohlrabi slaw. On Saturdays, they host a simple but hearty menu with items like a turkey hash and croque monsieur, with nothing more than $8.

Everything is fresh and delicious, the service is personable and informative, and the owners are local and talented. Once you find it, you’ll want to come back and become one of their many regulars.

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This story was originally published November 23, 2016 at 2:00 PM with the headline "Bigo’s a fresh alternative to chain restaurants."