Chelsea Market Cafe at the Podium

Chelsea Market Cafe has been serving great food in their Serendra for quite a while already so people in the Ortigas area were eagerly awaiting their opening as soon as the sign came up in front of the Podium. This branch still maintains the open kitchen area as well as the large windows which bring in lots of natural light for that nice relaxing atmosphere.

Complimentary appetizer of Focacia Bread and Roasted Garlic drizzled with Olive oil was served. I liked the flavorful bread and the light olive oil on top. I stayed away from the garlic since I’m not too fond of them unless its incorporated into a dish.

Appetizers were Chesapeake Bay Style Lump Crab cakes (P450), served with con salsa and tartar sauce. I love crab cakes and this is the best I’ve had so far. This dish must be served because the crab cakes are very big and full of crab, no hint of extenders. A perfect appetizer for the lazy crab lover. (hahaha)

Molten Cheese Risotto Balls (P295) were up next. The crunchy exterior belies a creamy soft interior filled with risotto. The spicy jalapeño cheese sauce gave a nice little kick that compliments the balls perfectly.

Summer Squash and Goat Cheese Soup (P250), did not get to taste this one.

Char-Grilled New Zealand Lamb Ribs (P695), with Mint Cucumber Orzo. This ribs were fall off the bone tender while still maintaining the gamey lamb flavor that not all people like.A squeeze of the lemon on top of the lamb meat, add to that the roasted “fire” sauce produces a wonderful mix for the taste buds.

We also had Crisp Citrus-Rosemary Roasted Pork Belly (P495), served with mashed potatoes. The pork was not oily since it was not fired like the lechon kawali but still has the crispy skin I like but should stay away from. I also like mashed potatoes that are made from real potatoes and has bits and pieces of potatoes mixed in giving it a different texture from the smooth mashed potatoes.

Irene had the Grandma’s Crispy Duck Confit and Mushroom Risotto (P575) served with peppercorn sauce. She liked this dish a lot. I had a little taste of the risotto and it was creamy and the arborio rice was cooked perfectly al dente. The duck skin was crispy but maintains the soft meat inside.

For dessert, we had a Banana crunch torte (don’t know if its the correct name). We got this for free since we had an Enjoy card and this was the privilege. I love bananas and although this had a little chocolate on top, it just enhanced the whole thing. I loved the whole pieces of bananas nesting on banana puree which serves as as a glue to hold it all together.

Don’t be put off by the prices since all their dishes are meant to be shared and are made with top quality ingredients. So go and check Chelsea Market Cafe for wonderful food, great service and a relaxing atmosphere.

Chelsea Market Café
G/F The Podium,
San Miguel Ave.,Ortigas Center, Pasig
914.0005/06

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