Our friends Rachel and Noel have been inviting us to Madison’s Bistro Moderne since it opened early this year, but it wasn’t until last week that we found time to go. As appetizers were served and I munched on this thing they call “Speck and Goat Cheese Mousse”, I wondered why on earth we waited this long to try out Madison’s!
Madison’s Bistro Moderne, though it looks more like a fine-dining restaurant, is actually not one. They were very specific about going for a “casual” experience more than a fine-dining one, hence calling it a “bistro”. In spite of the posh interiors, anyone can come in and enjoy good food here, even while wearing slippers or shorts. (Yes, no dress code!) However, it may be wise to make reservations because the place is almost always jam-packed!
Don’t be surprised, also, if you find yourself sitting next to a high-profile persona as you dine at Madison’s. Case in point, Pops Fernandez and her friends entered the bistro and took the table next to ours. Why, hello there, do we know each other?
Moving forward. I feel the need to reiterate that describing food is not exactly my blogging forte, so don’t expect a professional-sounding food review. What I do love is keeping tab of my food trips, taking photos of food, and places, and interiors.. and making memories with people I love.
That being said, here are photographs of what we ordered!
Appetizer: Speck and Goat Cheese Mousse
Truffle Scent, Apple Mustard Chutney
—Can I just say, I can eat this Speck and Goat Cheese Mousse the whole day and still want more. First impressions last, and as the first dish served to us, this appetizer really did make a huge first impression! You. MUST. Order. This. When you visit Madison’s Bistro. I insist.
Pan Seared PolentaSausage in Tomato and Cheese Sauce
—This one is not yet in the menu so we played a little game called “Guess What’s In This Dish”. We got the sausages and the tomatoes right, no sweat, but that white thing was a little tricky. We guessed potato, or bread, or some kind of pastry, only to find out from the chef that it’s actually.. cheese. I love it when something tastes soooo good but you don’t know what it is.
Main Course: Confit Pork Belly
with Potato Gratin, Braised Balsamic Lentils and Thyme Jus
—My order, they say, is a best-seller, and I found out why. The serving was huge (I was so full after this one), and the pork was so juicy and tasty I don’t think I’ll ever eat pork the same way again.
One of their best-sellers: Pan Roasted Duck Breast (Bud and Rache’s orders)
with Orange Sauce, Caramelized Cauliflower, Bacon, Potato Gallette and Asparagus
—This one is not for the faint hearted. :)
Noel ordered a plate of delicious looking burger sliders with side fries, and I remember taking a picture, but I can’t find it in my phone, which makes me think that someone (most likely a little girl below 2 years old) played with my phone and accidentally deleted pictures. Guess who.
Anyway. I’m a dessert person, the total opposite of my husband who’s not very fond of sweets. So you can imagine my giddiness when these were served:
Panna Cota – Vanilla with Strawberry Consomme —to die for!
Pistachio – Mousse Tart with Mascarpone Cream
—this one is Rache’s order, but she let me taste it too and it’s soooo good.
The best part of the night, I have to say, is catching up with Noel and Rache. You probably remember them from this post, except that they’re married now. I haven’t been seeing these two a lot, but I love how we can always pick up where we left off.
I knew Rache since when she was a little girl, and I love how we, together with our (sanguine) husbands, find ourselves on the same page now, able to talk about married life, and career, and businesses, and music, and love, and God, and faith, in a level that not many people will understand.
You gotta love great food and great conversations, and that night we were full with both. :)
Full disclosure, Noel is a partner at Madison’s Bistro Moderne, and we celebrate with them for finding fulfillment and success in their married life, their business ventures, and their leaps of faith. :)
So yay, friends, go ahead and visit Madison’s Bistro Moderne! I guarantee you’re bound to find something you’ll eventually crave for from their menu, but promise me you won’t forget to order that Speck and Goat Cheese thing. Pinky swear.
MADISONS BISTRO MODERNE
G/F Shangrila-Hotel, Garden Way Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
Phone: (02) 631-4675 | Facebook Page
