Carmelo’s Steakhouse, nestled at Rockwell’s Proscenium Retail Row, recently unveiled a selection of dishes tailored for hearty gatherings. At the event, hosted by Chef Cristina Santiago, the steakhouse showcased a festive menu where its signature steaks stepped aside to make way for new culinary highlights.

The evening began with the Mushroom Vol Au Vent, a delicate starter featuring creamy mushroom filling nestled in golden, flaky puff pastry. Chef Cristina, who has long envisioned adding this French classic to her fine dining menu, noted that it’s “a great way to whet the appetite while waiting for the main course.”

Among the main dishes, the Roast Turkey was a standout. Slow-cooked to lock in its juices, the tender meat delivered both flavor and finesse. Chef Cristina explained the care taken in sourcing the turkey, saying, “We only use top-quality turkeys from the United States to ensure the best dining experience for our guests.”

Also on the table was the family recipe for Roast Beef, which Chef Cristina described as “marinated with secret ingredients handed down for nearly 40 years.” The beef was slow-roasted to achieve its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, a hallmark of the Santiago family’s culinary heritage.

The Paella Valencia, a vibrant dish brimming with fresh seafood and bold flavors, added a communal charm to the meal. Its moist texture and savory taste left a lasting impression, as Chef Cristina shared, “This paella has always been a holiday favorite among our family and friends.”

Desserts took center stage to close the meal, with the L’Amour Cheesecake earning particular praise. Creamy and soft, the burnt Basque cheesecake provided a well-balanced sweetness that left many reaching for seconds. “I had a taste and texture in mind,” Chef Cristina said of the cheesecake’s creation. “It took a couple of tries to perfect it, but the result is exactly what I envisioned.”

Also notable was the cocktail pairing, a refreshing complement to the evening's dishes, and the desserts, including the Nutella Croissant and Pain Au Chocolat, which delivered both decadence and nostalgia.

In addition to its celebratory menu, Carmelo’s Steakhouse offers gift boxes featuring signature treats like Carmelo’s Paté, Sweet Bella’s Hot Chocolat, Queso de Bola Ensaymada, and Cheese Rolls—perfect for holiday gifting.

Carmelo’s Steakhouse continues to honor the legacy of its founder, Carmelo Santiago, while adding Chef Cristina’s personal touch to its offerings. As Chef Cristina remarked, “It’s the holiday season, and food always brings people together.”

For reservations, contact 0915-9038005, or visit Carmelo’s Steakhouse at the 2nd Floor, Proscenium Retail Row, Rockwell, Makati.