The Next Chapter In A Family's Culinary Legacy Continues With New Dishes At Carmelo's Steakhouse

Since 1987, one name stands as the undisputed pioneer in the Certified Angus Beef steak dining experience. Today, Carmelo "Melo" Santiago's legacy continues with Carmelo's Steakhouse helmed by Chef Cristina Santiago. The upscale establishment maintains the same high standards and fine dining tradition honoring the founder's vision complemented by Chef Cristina Santiago's own unique and modern culinary style. Step inside Carmelo's Steakhouse and rediscover one man's legacy preserved and maintained for a fresh new chapter and a continuing story in the local dining scene...Opened back in 2024, Carmelo's Steakhouse in The Proscenium Retail Row marked yet another milestone honoring Carmelo "Melo" Santiago's culinary legacy as a fitting tribute to the growing number of restaurants that bears his name. This tradition is now passed on to the founder's daughter, Chef Cristina Santiago following the same culinary journey with even more flavorful stories to share. A modern and contemporary approach to flavors grounded on tradition becomes the foundation for the Michelin Selected Carmelo's Steakhouse's own identity, presented in a variety of dishes from their catering operations as well as new offerings from their a la carte menu. Read on for a tasty peek...Thirty-nine years since the first restaurant opened, Carmelo "Melo" Santiago redefined the local steak dining experience showcasing premium Certified Angus Beef. It's no surprise that his name continues to be associated with premium steaks to this day, celebrated in the countless restaurants that bears his name. Carmelo's Steakhouse in The Proscenium Retail Row is perhaps the most elegant and luxurious expression of the now iconic brand, solidifying one man's vision and legacy in the local culinary mainstream. Chef Cristina Santiago ensures her elevated expression of the brand remains consistent with the founder's vision, updated with a modern culinary style. And it seems to work, with Carmelo's Steakhouse's inclusion in the inaugural list of Michelin Selected restaurants in the country. The main dining area is the first link in a continuous loop of sensory layers that define your dining experience at Carmelo's Steakhouse. From the elegant space at the main dining area......to the intimate private room, Carmelo's Steakhouse is the perfect stage for a memorable feast. Throughout the elegant space, Chef Cristina Santiago creates both the mood and tone for a memorable experience. Inside the private room, a fitting tribute to the founder links Carmelo's Steakhouse with its past. One of Manila's enduring establishments, few have stood the test of time as gracefully as the pioneering local steakhouse brand (for more on the lasting legacy of the founder, see my post A Perfect CAB Lunch At Melo's from way back in 2012). And with Chef Cristina Santiago at the helm of Carmelo's Steakhouse, diners can expect even more exciting things ahead. The feast at Carmelo's Steakhouse began with an exquisite Amuse Bouche of Carmelo's Paté, Foie Gras Cornette, Salted Egg Shrimp, Braised Duck Bites and a savory Beef Wellington Tart. Each intricate nibble brings a medley of contrasting textures and pure, fresh flavors, teasing the palate in an impressive opening act. The beautifully plated Seafood Ceviche with succulent salmon, tuna and sea bass on flavorful fish stock enriched with leche de tigre and sweet nata de coco brings an elegant weave of clean flavors with each tasty bite. The buttery notes of salmon, the briny sweetness of tuna and the delicate richness of the sea bass infused with the bright vibrant hints of the leche de tigre combine for indulgent fresh flavors. You may also opt to pair the exquisite courses with the signature handcrafted cocktails from the bar, like the Tropical Burn with tequila, spiced mango and chili. The deep notes of tequila are perfectly tempered by the sweetness of mango with just a whisper of soothing heat to complete the flavors. A comforting bowl of Pumpkin Soup with crisp croutons warms the palate with its rustic richness. The sweet and earthy hints soon drapes the palate, warming it with subtle yet lingering flavors and an elegant silky smoothness.  Enjoy soothing sips of the refreshingly crisp Prism Fresca with its blend of gin, mint and citrus in between hearty sips of the Carmelo's Steakhouse's Pumpkin Soup for a winning pairing. For the savory mains, Carmelo's Steakhouse served its Chorizo Vodka Pasta and Wagyu Ribeye......as an homage to the timeless brand's steak heritage and tradition. Firm al dente noodles masterfully tossed with pan-seared chorizo in vodka sauce, each bite brings comforting even nostalgic flavors to the palate. But it's the char-grilled Wagyu Ribeye that clearly celebrates the heritage of Carmelo's Steakhouse. Like butter, each bite releases a juicy and rich burst of beefy notes. Perfectly seasoned, no sauce needed. Pair it with the bold notes of the St. Germain, an elegantly smooth concoction with rum, sparkling water and elderflower. One of the new dishes from Carmelo's Steakhouse's menu, the Lamb Brasato Ossobuco was then served. Oven baked and then slow braised until fork-tender and fall-off-the-bone in an indulgently rich red wine au jus on velvety mashed potatoes, the Lamb Brasato Ossobuco presents another colorful page in the continuing story of the local steakhouse brand. With no gamey hints just pure bold and clean flavors, the centerpiece dish is another worthy addition to the premium steak selection at Carmelo's Steakhouse. The savory richness of the lamb is perfectly complemented by the red wine au jus ably supported by the cast of smooth and buttery mashed potatoes and vegetables. Each component from the lamb and red wine au jus to the mashed potatoes and vegetables come together for a sumptuous dish executed with that distinctive "Carmelo's Way" touch.  But save room for dessert. The L'Amour is Carmelo's Steakhouse's very own version of the popular Burnt Cheesecake with biscuit crumble. The silky finish and flavorful creamy richness of L'Amour paired with biscuit crumble and fresh strawberries brings its own delectable play of decadent notes and textural contrasts for that picture perfect sweet ending at Carmelo's Steakhouse.... ...best paired with a freshly brewed Cafe Latte. From starters and appetizers to savory mains, cocktails and dessert, Chef Cristina Santiago preserves and celebrates the family's culinary legacy at Carmelo's Steakhouse. Building on tradition and updated with a contemporary flair consistent with "The Carmelo's Way," expect even more stories created by Chef Cristina Santiago at The Proscenium Retail Row...Carmelo's Steakhouse is located at the Second Floor, The Proscenium Retail Row, The Proscenium Residences, Rockwell Center, Estrella Street, Makati City. You can also visit their website, FB Page and IG Feed at https://www.carmelossteakhouseph.com/, https://www.facebook.com/Carmelos.Steakhouse/ and https://www.instagram.com/carmelossteakhouse for more information and updates or call 0915 903 8005 for inquiries. Dude for Food is now on Facebook and Instagram, check out the FB Page, IG Feed, Twitter and YouTube for regular updates on good eats. Better yet, click "Like" and "Follow" and enjoy the ride...just look for the FB and IG widgets on the right sidebar.