Biga on the Banks
203 S St. Mary’s, (210) 225-0722, biga.com
Ask serious, local food folk which restaurants have the best overall service and these names consistently appear: Bliss, Boudro’s and Chez Vatel Bistro. Also touted, and getting the nod for sheer longevity of its core staff, is Biga on the Banks; some of the servers and managers have even been there since the original location on Locust Street. It’s difficult to mention all, but here are some on the management side: Jon Baumgartner, Michael de la Vega and Missy Ramos. On the floor: Chris Sanders, Gigi Gallegos, Ben Vargas and Cesar Martinez. And behind the bar, Bronson Ketchum and Kim Woods. Many diners ask for favorites by name; one group was even inspired to write a poem, massively excerpted below:
“Ode to Biga”
… Your hostess greeted us kindly
Your chef’s menu was divine
And it’s hard to say what we loved more
Our server, Chris, or the wine! ...