It was a month of wait since I first started craving to eat at Elbert’s Steak Room. I’d always have to take a rain check since my schedule has been pretty tight these past few months. Last Thursday I wanted to treat Bubba to a lunch there. I sent an SMS asking if they were fully booked that day. They weren’t but I had a meeting at 2pm. I figured that I could not go to Makati at 12nn and be back in Ortigas by 2pm, not even if I rid us of parking issues and take a cab. I wanted to risk it (salivating over the thought of cheese steak) but the look at Bubba’s face said I shouldn’t.
I planned to visit Elbert’s June 25. I had marked it on my calendar last week. Not even rain could stop me.
Bubba invited me to have lunch together Monday, June 23. My eyes immediately lit up as I read his SMS. I cannot wait anymore for 2 more days. I. Simply. Must. Eat. At. Elbert’s. When he got to the office though, he was thinking of grabbing a bite within the area. He was not too giddy about the idea of making our way to Makati. When my face fell, he reconsidered. Good thing because I cannot make my hazel eyes go doe like Puss in Boots.
It still had to be a quick lunch since travel time took some of our lunchtime. We arrived at 1220pm and I still had to be back by 2pm to prepare for my 3pm meeting.
Housed in the unassuming Sagittarius building along De La Costa St, an ominous red door greets you at a dark corner of the 3rd floor. The big fantastic red door opens to a bar, where the owner sits comfortably in front of his Mac book. Bubba’s pupils dilated at the sight of the Mac book. He was muttering that it was Mac something –okay, okay I have hearing impairment when I’m hungry.
Rich earth tones create a feeling of intimacy in this dining room that has several divisions. We were seated near the glass pane window. Black leather upholstered wall separates the right area. Graceful chandeliers, handsome wood tables complete the comfortable setting that captures the elegance of a private club.
Bubba and I ordered their lunch set menu that costs PHP 550++ per head. A choice of either their green salad or soup of the day starts your meal. There are 5 choices for entrée. I ordered the Philly Cheese Steak while Bubba groped on what to order. I told him to get either the House Burger or Beef Stroganoff.
On the Table
Warm bread shaped like a bloomed flower and a ramekin of butter are presented by the server who are professional and knowledgeable. Butter as if on queue melts as it touches the bread. Interestingly shaped like a flower, pick the petal piece by piece as one wants more of the warm slices. House water has lemon fritz and Bubba didn’t like that there is a bitter aftertaste of the water so he asked for one without.
Pumpkin Soup (2)
Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich
Sautéed slices of USDA Prime Grade ribeye on a soft baguette smothered with sautéed onions served on a white plate. You can choose to get Provolone, Cheddar or Cheese Whiz. It was served with Pommes Frittes that are slim cut fries. I love nibbling on the crunchy and soft fries.
Beef Stroganoff with Pasta
Sautéed and braised tenderloin tips with a brown sauce, mushrooms and sour cream. It was served with an olio pasta on the side. The brown peppery sauce was really flavorful and I didn’t fight the urge anymore to swipe my leftover baguette over the sauce. The only complaint of Bubba was that the beef had a lot of litid more than the meat. I shrugged it off since out of the 4 bites I took from his plate, I only had one chewy bite of litid which is so forgivable for me.
Owner Elbert Cuenca keeps a watchful eye on all the events at the Steak Room and I heard that his brother manages the kitchen. As we made our way back to Ortigas and Bubba to ABS, my thoughts are “I can sleep better tonight.”
On the next visit, I am definitely eyeing (and already dreaming about):
House Burger
Freshly ground 100% USDA beef mixed with bone marrow
With Gruyere or Provolone cheese served with pommes frittes
Disclaimer: Since I have recently been disappointed at the PHP 1700 steak I had at a joint in Serendra, it might take some time (after my trip to Macau perhaps?) for me to invest that much on a 14-ounce red meat.
Elbert’s Steak Room is located at 3/F Sagittarius Building III 111 H. V. de la Costa Street Salcedo Village, Makati City (near Kitaro). Make your reservations at 3393363/09153151813. Check their menu @ www.steakroom.com
Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/487
