WCN Editor with Elbert Cuenca in the Reidel Room
Jake Sanders. Editor
Elbert’s Steak Room and Riedel Room: Hidden Gems in Makati
part 1 of an ongoing saga
In the bustling heart of Makati, where the skyline competes for attention, Elbert’s Steak Room quietly establishes itself as a haven for meat lovers. Founded by the unassuming Elbert Cuenca in 2007, this steak sanctuary operates on a unique philosophy: low visibility, low profile—exceptional steak, folks! Picture this: a small, cozy restaurant where the sights are set low but the stakes (pun intended) are high. Elbert started as a personal Mac trainer, converting students into loyal friends and, eventually, customers. One even became a partner, proving that word of mouth is the best marketing strategy—unless you’re a steakhouse in a city where the competition is fierce. “Good friends are like fine wine; they only get better with age,” Elbert might say, channeling his inner George Burns.
In a twist of fate, Elbert’s establishment became a speakeasy by accident. According to a Singaporean journalist, he inadvertently fathered the speakeasy concept in Asia. Talk about a legacy!
The first Cigar Divan/Single Malt bar in Makati was a place called Forth and Tay at the New World Hotel in Makati. At some point, some of the partners there broke away from the business and set up Kiplings at the Mandarin Oriental, also in Makati. Kipling’s was legendary as it became pretty much the only game in town (Forth and Tay eventually closed down). It had a good run of until the entire hotel had to shut down in September of 2014 due to a planned demolition.
Before Elbert’s, the cigar scene was dominated by Kipling’s at the old Mandarin Oriental prior to being demolished. A classy lounge run by the Scottish Barbara, who believed in serving beer in wine glasses just to keep things fancy. It was the only game in town for fine cigars and whiskey but if you also wanted a steak?, that was off the menu. When Kipling’s closed its doors in 2015, it left a void in the hearts of its patrons—cue the mourning period and the “Kipling refugees” seeking solace in Elbert’s offerings. With a cheeky nod to Kipling, who once said, “The strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack,” Elbert embraced the challenge. He inherited a third of Kipling’s clientele, quickly establishing himself as the go-to spot for steaks and cigars. “The coast is clear, my friends! Welcome aboard!” he might exclaim, echoing Hemingway’s love for camaraderie.
Elbert’s vision took a hit during the pandemic—two years of lockdown turned the steak house into a cold cuts haven. Yet, amidst the chaos, opportunity knocked. In 2022, he re-emerged stronger, bolstered by the presence of Luigi, who brought a touch of Italian flair to the smoking room. With a top-notch air purification system reminiscent of something from a sci-fi movie, the place was designed to keep the air fresh while patrons savored their cigars.
As for the ambiance, think of it as a blend between a classic steakhouse and a cozy speakeasy. The Riedel Room, a plush venue for cigars and nightcaps, is the second of its kind in Asia and features Riedel glass tasting experiences. Elbert has a knack for creating a soothing environment. “Every great meal needs a great setup,” he’d say, drawing inspiration from Hemingway’s belief that “the best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.” Elbert started Riedel Room in November of 2013 as a bar to compliment the private dining room.
Dining at Elbert’s isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s worth every peso. With a menu that boasts prime cuts like the tomahawk and double gold filet mignon, it’s an experience where the staff anticipates your every need before you even know it yourself. “The amuse-bouche, salad, and soup just appear—it’s like magic!” one patron quipped, raising a glass of their top-shelf cocktails that could rival those in London.
For anyone craving a sophisticated night out, Elbert’s Steak Room and Riedel Cigar Lounge is the perfect hideaway. Located at 3A Sagittarius Building III, 111 H.V. Dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati, it’s a place where the steaks are high, the cigars are premium, and the laughter is plentiful. So, why not indulge in a culinary adventure that promises to be as unforgettable as a quote from Kipling: “The road to a friend’s house is never long.”
Hours: Open from 11:30 AM to 3 PM prime rib lunch service
5:30 to 10pm for steak dinner service
Riedel Room opens at 5pm till the wee small hours
Contact: +63 917 529 9392
Menu: steakroom.com
In the heart of Makati, where the towers rise tall,
Lies a haven for meat lovers, a sanctuary for all.
Elbert Cuenca, the humble, with a vision so bright,
Crafted a steakhouse, a beacon of culinary delight.
Founded in two thousand and seven, low profile, yet grand,
With a philosophy simple—exceptional steak, hand in hand.
In a cozy retreat where the stakes are set high,
Elbert turned friends into patrons, as time slipped by.
Through whispers of friendship, like fine wine they grew,
Each slice of the tomahawk, a taste to pursue.
In the shadows of giants, where competition is fierce,
Elbert’s charm and his steaks would every appetite pierce.
A speakeasy by chance, with a legacy unfurled,
In the realm of cigars, a new chapter swirled.
Kipling’s once ruled, with its elegance and grace,
But when it fell silent, Elbert filled that space.
With laughter and whiskey, and cigars in the air,
He welcomed the “Kipling refugees” with a flair.
“The coast is clear, my friends!” he’d jovially cheer,
For in his warm embrace, all found solace near.
Though the pandemic sought to dim his bright flame,
Elbert rose from the ashes, undeterred by the game.
With Luigi’s Italian touch, and air fresh as dawn,
He crafted a haven where patrons could yawn.
The Riedel Room beckoned, plush and refined,
A sanctuary of taste, where great moments aligned.
“Every great meal needs a great setup,” he’d say,
Drawing inspiration from Hemingway’s play.
So raise your glass high, for the man with the steaks,
In the bustling of Makati, where history wakes.
Elbert Cuenca, the master, in shadows and light,
A toast to the visionary, who makes every night bright.
Luigi the Reidel Room Lounge Lizard
by Jake Sanders
In the heart of the Reidel Room, where the city lights gleam,
Lies Luigi, the lounge lizard, in a smoky dream.
With a cigar in his grasp, he lounges with flair,
A dandy in leisure, with naught but cool air.
He watches the world through his emerald gaze,
As the night wraps around him in a velvet haze.
With stories of old, he regales the crowd,
In the whispers of starlight, he speaks soft and loud.
“Ah, my friends!” he declares, with a grin full of charm,
“Life’s but a fine smoke, let it do you no harm.
Join me, dear comrades, let’s savor the day.”
