Marco Polo Ortigas’ The Crafted Table: Elevating every bite

Marco Polo Ortigas recently unveiled their new lunch and dinner specials under the guidance of their newly appointed Chef Alex Ensor, a New Zealand–born culinary leader with nearly three decades of experience across Australasia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

The dining concept is a thoughtful blend of à la carte and buffet offerings. Guests select a main course and dessert à la carte, complemented by a buffet of sides carefully curated to pair with the mains.

Available Monday through Wednesday for lunch and dinner, the concept was designed with both business lunches and quick midweek dining in mind, reflecting Chef Ensor’s philosophy of elevating comfort food through craftsmanship, balance, and quality ingredients.

Diners begin with a curated selection of cold dishes, soups, and freshly baked artisan breads before enjoying a main course prepared à la minute.

During our tasting, we sampled four of the main dishes: Norwegian salmon fillet, organic chicken breast, Iberico pork loin, and the star of the menu, steak au poivre.

Generous in portion, each dish is satisfying enough for more than one person. The salmon was fresh and flavorful, while the chicken was juicy and paired beautifully with a medley of sausage, butternut squash, and pickled onions, creating a harmony of textures and flavors. The Iberico pork loin was rich and decadent, and the steak was tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked, accompanied by crisp, golden fries.

The dessert that comes with the menu were just as impressive. À la carte choices include the Burnt Basque cheesecake, creamy and perfectly balanced with fresh fruit; a silky, subtly sweet crème brûlée; and a soft, smooth cheesecake slice topped with fresh fruit that is a perfect meal ender.

From the buffet, the flourless chocolate cake stood out, topped with delicate dark chocolate shavings. As Chef Ensor shared, the buffet desserts are all sugar-free, crafted thoughtfully for guests mindful of health concerns like diabetes.

With its combination of carefully crafted mains, complementary sides, and indulgent desserts, Marco Polo Ortigas’ new offerings promise a dining experience that is both comforting and elevated — perfect for a midweek treat.