Rain poured incessantly from mid-afternoon to about 9PM last Friday. Traffic along Buendia and Ayala Avenue to The Fort was really bad. So the unfortunate thing happened: I did not make it in time for the highlight of food entrees prepared for us by Chelsea Grand Café in Serendra. Instead, I joined the bloggers and moved to desserts quickly as I arrived at the venue. This was better than missing out on Chelsea’s great bites on the whole. 🙂
Review of Chelsea Grand Café (Serendra, Bonifacio Global City)
Ambiance: ★★★★★
Whenever I go to Serendra, I have a habit of checking out the restaurants from the outside to have a “window-shopping” view of those chic hot spots. And boy, there are always things happening in Chelsea Grand Café. This place is hardly empty and it looks like a beehive of glam-up people meeting and dining to enjoy its bright and inviting interiors.
The name “Chelsea” was inspired by the Chelsea Market in New York. I’m not sure if the ambiance also has a semblance, but I can assure that the ambiance here in Chelsea Grand Café is laid-back, casual and light. Various food items for sale are displayed on the divider in the middle of the dining area.
This restaurant grants customers privacy and welcomes them with companionship as they need it most. It is where you can complete your dining experience with a homey environment and take your time to relax after a busy day in the center of the city.
Service: ★★★★★
I have a few favorite destinations in this upscale “food court” in Serendra, BGC, Taguig, including Mamou, Balducci Ristorante and Deli, and Sentro 1771 not only because of good food but also because of great customer service. Chelsea by Raintree Restaurants is one that I can certainly add into the mix. Service provided has been sincere and friendly, not to mention quick.
Food: ★★★★★
Eating desserts first was weird but it was a good try. Why not, right? 😛 My meal started with the Chelsea Peach Melba (250). Looking gorgeous, the treat had the combination of colors which appeared as sunset in a jar. It was made with peaches wrapped with a thick layer of cream, strawberry sauce, mantecado, toasted almonds, and cookie crumble. I liked that their version of the peach melba was not too sweet. Adding hints of cinnamon and pairing it with warm buttermilk biscuits would be nice!
Over the peach melba, I preferred the Baked S’mores (PhP 275) more, which was soooo good. It had the combination of a warm brownie topped with toasted mallows, mantecado ice cream, nuts, and graham crackers. Dense and fudgy but not thin, the s’mores absolutely did not taste like an average brownie. Very filling.
I asked the waiter for the best recommended drink and he offered the Strawberry Mint (PhP 195). Every sip was refreshing. The flavors of strawberry and mint together had a delicate sweetness that was not overwhelming or sickly.
Finally, for my main course, I ordered the Char-Grilled Norwegian Salmon (PhP 595), which had salmon as its star, with salsa verde, toasted pine nuts, glazed country vegetables, olive oil and mashed potatoes on the side.
The salmon’s freshness was excellent. I loved how it was cooked and seasoned perfectly. On another note, the small squares of vegetables had a faint taste, so I didn’t understand if they were put into the same plate just for decoration.
Price for Value: ★★☆☆☆
No doubt about it—Chelsea serves food at astronomical prices! This establishment pretty much becomes attractive when feasting on some celebrations or impressing a date. Its menu features items that are all good options for any meal if you’re okay to set back at least PhP 500 per person. I consider returning for another visit to let my family also try their food but will reserve it for a momentous occasion.
group pic with bloggers
//I felt quite rushed for coming late but still thank Aldous for the invite. 😛
[schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/raintreechelsea” name=”Chelsea Grand Café” description=”Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Philippines” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 901-5817, (02) 909-7011 or (02) 909-7012″ rev_body=”Operating hours: 8AM to 11PM” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-09-01″ user_review=”17″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]
Chelsea will be opening Chelsea Kitchen in SM Megamall Fashion Hall soon!
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