Rockwell's Newest Steakhouse Is Carmelo's Steakhouse
The Proscenium Retail Row in Rockwell is home to Carmelo's Steakhouse, a unique concept that reopened after the unexpected death of its proprietor, Carmelo Santiago. It was formerly a steak house and dessert shop. After her father passed away in 2021, chef Cristina Santiago—who owned her own company, Sweet Bella—reopened the eatery.
Using gold chain links suspended in lighting fixtures, she remodeled the interior to break the traditional stereotype of being stuffy and dark. Based on Cristina's refined vision and faultless execution, the new Carmelo's Steakhouse features a music area with a digital fireplace, high-cushioned seats, and a dedicated space dedicated to her father. It is pleasant and comfortable, evoking memories of dining with family in the small dining room.
Cristina is demonstrating her dedication to her father's heritage with the opening of the new Carmelo's Steakhouse.
Best-selling steaks from Australia and the United States are available at Melo's Steakhouse; Cristina's father has insisted on using the same suppliers for 37 years, which has guaranteed their popularity.
The recipes on Carmelo's Steakhouse's menu that feature her father's recipes are some of the best representations of his straightforward, uncomplicated style, which Cristina characterizes as a very classic guy. The Gambas (P850), which is sautéed shrimp cooked in olive oil, garlic, green, and red chili, the earthy and peppery Carmelo's Paté (P320), and the Classic Caesar (P420), which is made of romaine lettuce, homemade croutons, anchovies, a drizzle of olive oil, and grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, are just a few examples of the delicious dishes that these ingredients can be combined to create.
Cristina made a variety of dishes to suit the current tastes, such as the Truffle Buratta Farfalle (P1,200), which consists of al dente bowtie pasta tossed in an umami-rich truffle sauce and served with fresh burrata on top, which, when mixed in, makes the pasta even more decadent; the Octopus Ala Plancha (P850), which centers around a smoky octopus and is served with a velvety cauliflower puree and gremolata; and the Tuna Tataki (P400), which employs succulent Ahi Tuna with housemade white miso.
Of course, Cristina’s award-winning and father-approved Sweet Bella desserts are also on the menu. There’s the refreshingly fruity Pearl (P400) which has this sweet and tart guava mousse layered with fresh mango coulis; the Madam Butterfly (P400), an elevated chocolate cake with ganache and Scarlet coulis; and the Angelina (P550)—which Cristina shares was her dad’s favorite—that has a hazelnut praline almond crust topped with a smooth hazelnut mousse, served with raspberry coulis and edible red magnolia flowers.
Cristina wants to use her father's teachings—such as quality control, regularity in inspection, employee development, and efficient guest relations—to become the greatest steakhouse in the Metro. Cristina is committed to upholding and carrying on her father's legacy in spite of the obstacles.
A variety of meats are available at Carmelo's Steakhouse, including the medium-rare Wagyu Grade 6 Ribeye (P580/oz), which is accompanied with soup and side dishes. The seafood is also excellent, including Octopus Ala Plancha, Tuna Tataki, and Fresh Oysters (P400) that are sourced locally. Although the seafood at the restaurant is served as appetizers, if you order enough (double or triple), it can be served as a main course.
The place is at 2F, The Proscenium Retail Row, Makati City, Rockwell
Every day starting at 11:30 a.m. till 11:30 p.m.
Via Spot.ph