#podiumsocial

Guests were given a map and a wristband which gave us access to all five restaurants at Podium Social. Each one offered a sample of their menu and beverages, so it was really a festive evening going around from one place to the next.

Along the way, cocktails and refreshments were also spread out along the floor. We started with some glasses of Chandon Garden Spritz then some Hennessy cocktails.

We were welcomed by Malvin Ang, owner of Brotzeit Philippines which we were happy to support once again with their newest branch opening here at Podium Social.

Brotzeit occupies the biggest area among the restaurants at Podium Social, and it is really well deserved as they continue to be the most popular German restaurant and beer garden in the country today.

I really love this new spacious branch which really feels more like a German beer hall that just a restaurant. The place gives a lot of good vibes and energy for the guests who want to relax and enjoy drinking and eating with their friends.

Brotzeit was conceived in Singapore in 2006 and now operates across the Asia Pacific region. It aims to introduce authentic Bavarian cuisine accompanied by world famous quality German beer in a chic and contemporary setting.

One great feature of Brotzeit Ortigas is their al fresco dining area which offers a great view of the Ortigas skyline.

For tonight's launch, Brotzeit gave guests a taste of German cuisine with their Assorted Sausage Bites, Pretzels, Brotzeit Brot, Kasespatzle or Cheese Spatzle Bites, and my favorite that night, the Smoked Salmon and Black Forest Rosti. These were served together with glasses of their Premium German beers.

After indulging in German delicacies, we hopped over next door to H Proper Coffee Roasters to try some of their offerings.

H Proper Coffee Roasters is a third-wave specialty café & roastery which started in Cagayan de Oro City and has now opened several branches in Metro Manila.

We tried a few of their samplers including the H Proper Bistro Sliders, Dragon Fruit and Malasugue Ceviche Bites, Sweet Potato Fries, and Croquets Fundidas. They also served some of their featured beverages like the Cold White Brew, Cold Black Brew, and Passionfruit Nitro Iced Tea.

Another restaurant which recently opened at Podium Social is Osteria Antica from the Wildflower Group.

Osteria Antica brings an authentic taste of Italy to the heart of Ortigas CBD. It offers beautifully designed interiors featuring distinct sections for formal dining, casual meals, and a welcoming bar, all complemented by stunning city views.

Savor handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and fine Italian wines in an inviting space designed for every occasion. They offered their Sausage and Margherita Pizza plus a sample of their Agnolotti Pasta for guests that evening.

One of the most exciting new restaurants to open in Makati is Restaurant Aurora owned by Divina Law founder and managing partner Atty. Nilo Divina. They then opened their second concept Bistro Aurora here at Podium Social.

Bistro Aurora features Asian comfort food with a twist. One will find a more relaxed ambiance that is warm, bright and inviting. The signature dishes of Aurora, together with new and exciting flavors made exclusive for Bistro Aurora is what makes this new home special, prepared with the same care, attention and love that have earned Aurora its title of Tatler Dining’s Best New Restaurant for 2024 and its place on the prestigious Tatler’s Dining 20 list.

We grabbed some chairs by the counter and proceeded to sample some of the flavors that made Restaurant Aurora so popular.

We had the Salmon Avocado Toast Bites, Tamarind Glazed Pork Skewers, Seafood Nori Roll, and Chicken Poppers with Sambal Cream Sauce. They also served a few of their specialty drinks and mocktails like the Strawberry Fizz, Oolong High, and Kaya Toast.

Soon to open in August is Lazy Suzy which gave a small preview of their bar chows and drinks. They served Saamjang Tuna tartare, Sichuan Sesame Soba, and Molo Crisp with shiitake mushrooms. They also offered their Golden Gai cocktail with gin, yuzu, and ginger beer.