Was tipped about a new restaurant in the Ortigas area in the old place of Fully Booked at the back of Edsa Shangri-la Hotel and was delightfully surprised.
They haven't opened yet! They are opening on April 23 (if I overheard right - I don't go to openings). They are on soft opening now. But it looks very promising.
The place has the feel of a fine dining French resto with white linen on the tables and ceiling to floor grey curtains. The dining area has only two rows of tables, creating intimacy without sacrificing space. It's easy to relax and you may be inclined to start with a glass of Bordeaux Blanc.
While you wait for your orders, they offer a wide array of breads. Make sure to try the garlic rolls, which are sooo soft.
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| Bad ass bread boy ;) |
Make sure to start with the Speck. It's an Italian cured meat.
Speck is made exclusively with the best and leanest legs of pork (during the smoking process that fat content would not only tend to become too strong, but also turn rancid), from recognized and monitored breeders. (http://www.prosciuttopedia.com/en/article/55-speck)They roll the speck to create a tube and stuff it with goat cheese. For contrast, they put an apple mustard chutney on top. It is absolutely heavenly. So good it makes you close your eyes and smile :)
We followed this up with a sinful foie gras appetizer. Another lovely starter. This came with a few slices of duck ham. It looks like prosciutto but it's duck! When you order this, make sure to have the foie gras, brioche, duck ham and slice of orange all in one bite!
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Their manager Stephen Roberts, hailing all the way from Texas, whom we chanced upon at the deli before we sat to down to order, recommended 3 things: the black cod, the pork belly (highly recommended) and a special of the day, beef ribs. So of course we had all three! Plus the duck that is the favorite of our friend, The Maldives Diva, who discovered this place.
Black Cod
The first thing you notice about the cod is how big of a slab they serve you. They are not stingy! Next thing I noticed is how the fish meat is so juicy. That it lies on saffron sauce and is complimented by a carrot pudding (very creative) does not take the limelight away from the glory of the fish. This was my favorite dish of the evening - a mean feat, considering it was up against pork belly!
Pork Belly
This was also stellar, because of or in spite of all that fat! We wanted it divided three ways and the waiter had to bring it back to the kitchen to make sure it wasn't cut sloppily. This is served with lentils and crusted potatoes. Make sure to eat this immediately so that the skin will still be crunchy. "Dumidikit ang taba sa ngipin!" observed the Maldives Diva.
Short Ribs
This dish, while off the menu ie a special for the day, met the approval of the Queen of Private Dining. "Ang lambot," she noted. "Alam mong matagal niluto." True enough when you bite into the slow roasted beef, you will notice how tender it is. It was presented on a bed of spinach and potato roesti. Another winner.
I was too stuffed for dessert but my friends had a kind of molten lava cake that they call the Peanut Butter Fondant. I had to pass on this one although The Maldives Diva loves it. Instead, I enjoyed this lovely tea. I usually opt for coffee but this was exceptionally good, very fragrant. And you don't see this brand in other restaurants.
If you come early, stop by the deli next door. They have unique items like pesto cheese and Vilux mustard. They also make their own sausages and if you come for lunch, they offer sandwiches using these homemade sausages.
You might chance upon these guys. If you're nice to them they may just allow you a bite of the sausages and cheese!
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| Stephen Roberts (can you see the resemblance to Julia?) and Giovanni Sias. The main men. Madison's, Ortigas. |
Madison's
Edsa Shangri-la (at the back), Ortigas
Reservations recommended. Call 631 4675.
Major credit cards accepted.
Price points: we paid around P5,500 for all that plus a bottle of red so around P1,500 per head including wine. The servings are generous.
Parking options: Edsa Shang's hotel valet parking (what I did - but it cost me P375!!!). Shangri-la Plaza mall parking across the street.
Wheelchair accessible.
Open daily from 11 a.m. UP TO 1 AM. Last call for dinner 10pm. Bar chow available until 1 a.m.
OPEN HOLY WEEK!
