MANILA -- For 10 years, German beer bar and pub Brotzeit was the place to meet, eat, and drink in Ortigas. When their lease was not renewed, they prospered elsewhere in BGC and over in Alabang.

The new “beer garden in the sky,” as owner Malvin Ang describes it, at The Podium is a welcome return of Brotzeit to the Ortigas area.

 Brotzeit opens at The Podium. Jeeves de Veyra

Ang gushes over the support of The Podium and SM Malls. Since this is a beer garden, it is expected to be open until late. A dedicated express elevator located near the ADB Avenue entrance zips guests up to the 6th floor from the ground level that can service guests so merriment can extend until the wee hours of the morning. 

Best seats in the house. Jeeves de Veyra 

The space is fitted out with benches and communal tables, complete with those iconic round black chandeliers overhead to give that authentic bier garten feel. In my opinion, the best seats in the house are those by the window, which offer scenic views of the Ortigas Business District cityscape.

Beer is the star in any beer garden. Brotzeit is no exception with Paulaner, Weihenstephan and Schneiderweis on tap available in pints or steins.

Even the recommended cocktails are made with beer. Beer mixes are available with fruit soda, or even vodka, for people who want to get tipsy a little quicker.

Remember the shandy? It’s really just equal parts pilsner and lemon lime soda. It is also known as a Radler, a special beer concoction for German cyclists. The better version is the Russon, a sweeter version with full bodied Wiehenstephan wheat beer.

 Rossun and Radler. Jeeves de Veyra 

The Podium is within walking distance of many offices in the area. Thus, the restaurant has options for a German breakfast or lunch.

A personal favorite of mine at Brotzeit is this traditional German breakfast.It's a simple soup with weisswurst, herbs, and peppercorns. Light enough that you don't get bogged down but protein packed to get you through the day.

Rosti with bacon and egg. Jeeves de Veyra 

The Swiss and Germans do love their rösti – shredded potato that’s deep fried into a pancake. For breakfast, try out the Valais Rosti with bacon, cheese, and egg,

The classic Reuben sandwich. Jeeves de Veyra 

For lunch, try the sandwiches with Laugenbrotchen -- dense bread that is similar to the ones used for pretzels. The Reuben, in particular, is stuffed with pastrami, Emmenthaler cheese, and apples though I'd recommend adding some pickles for a kick of brightness. The spiced fries on the side really make this a filling plate.

 Pork Stew. Jeeves de Veyra 

For those who just simply can’t live without rice, they do have rice entrees like this rich Reisfleisch Klassisch, or pork stew on rice.

Schwienshaxe. Jeeves de Veyra 

Brotzeit regulars swear by the Schweinshaxe, the German version of crispy pata that’s marinated in beer and oven baked until golden brown, crispy, and delicious. This comes as a lunch entrée with rösti or as part of Brotzeit’s Signature Platter. 

 Signature Platter. Jeeves de Veyra 

The Signature Platter also comes with ribs, all of Brotzeit’s sausages (that you can also buy in take-home packs) -- Kasekrainer (four cheese), Nuremberger (grilled pork), Huhnerwurst  (spicy chicken), Knoublockwurstel (garlic pork), Bauernwurst (farmers sausage), and Thuringer (smoked beef and pork) -- with a side of mashed potato, pickles and sauerkraut. One would wish for garlic rice with this.

This is the biggest Brotzeit to date, and it’s not even fully open yet. An expanded al fresco area is expected to open later this June. 

The new Brotzeit is located on the 6th floor of The Podium in the Ortigas Business District and is open every day from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. They can also be found at Shangri-la at the Fort, and Alabang West Parade.