Hercules Couple Opens Filipino Restaurant In Pinole

After three years of starts and stops and ups and downs, Abby's Grill and Restaurant has become a reality.

Hercules resident Donimique Paclibar and his wife Abby Odiamar-Paclibar survived a series of setbacks to finally open their new dining spot, which emphasizes Filipino cuisine. The restaurant held a quiet "soft" opening on Oct. 30 and will have a grand opening from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 18.

The couple overcame failed attempts to negotiate with the city's redevelopment agency for financial assistance and the withdrawal of one partner and two contractors. The couple also had health problems with an infant son that temporarily delayed their plans.

For more than a year, the empty storefront at 2320 San Pablo Avenue had a temporary sign announcing a pending opening. The couple finally found a reliable contractor and new partners willing to invest in the restaurant with them.

"This has been three years in the making, this is our baby," said Paclibar, who is a registered nurse. His wife runs Flawless Faces Skin Care in Hercules.

Earlier this year, the couple found interested and dedicated partners to invest in the enterprise. Rowena Darwin and Bobilla Libang, of Walnut Creek, appreciated the persistence of the couple to press forward.

"It's Dominque and Abby who really pushed this through," said Darwin, who is a lawyer. "If it wasn't for their hard work and faith I don't think we would have been interested. It was really their character."

She also noted that chefs Adonis Mendoza, Noel Samonte and Joy Jajick have extensive training in fine cuisine and they worked for months, basically for free to ensure that the restaurant opened.

The restaurant looks simple from the brick exterior facade in Old Town, but inside there is a handsome wooden decor with a lot of natural sunlight. Serving lunch and dinner for less than $10 a plate, it's a spacious setting for family dining. Kids meals are $4.95.

"We want to make sure our customers get the 5-star feel without the 5-star price," Dominique said. "Number one is the service."

Special offerings include adabo braised beef short ribs, a crispy leche flan dessert with ice cream and calamansi juice, a refreshing Filipino lime-lemon beverage.

The partners said they worked hard for the diverse influences in Filipino cuisine — the dishes and spices — to be evident on the menu and on the plates.

"We want to introduce everyone to Filipino food," Paclibar said.

The walls currently feature photographs of the Philippines from Vallejo artist Mel Orpella, family photos and some crayon drawings from Darwin's daughter. 

After three years, the door is open, but the owners have more work ahead. They have meticulously nurtured the menu by testing dishes and ingredients and will continue to adapt.

"It's our way of showcasing our cuisine's diversity," Darwin said.