It’s very easy to miss it, unless you’re in the market for a Ferrari. It’s located on the second floor of the Ferrari showroom on EDSA, and demands a bit of hit or miss searching. So park, look for the side entrance, walk in and you’ll see a tiny sign on the wall for Seventeen Steakhouse. Inside, you’ll find a small elevator that will bring you to the destination. And upon entering, you’ll swoon.
Ambiance and Concept
It’s unlike most of the new breed of steakhouses: it’s size of the dining room is just right, no need for unnecessary clutter, and it’s quite dark. There are small lights on the tables, the better to appreciate the showcase of steaks and sides to come. Needless to say, the dimness of the ambiance makes the steakhouse romantic, and even sexier to behold, the darkness.
The menus are quite easy to read though, just two pages in this new restaurant. But they cover everything, from appetizers to pastas and risottos, all the way to the grills. The wine and beverage list is another menu entirely though, and there’s a wine room, should you decide to select the wines directly.
It’s surely a very cozy, relaxing restaurant. And no surprise, its first incarnation was some sort of speakeasy. But then, the owners noticed that perhaps, a more elegant dining destination was to fill up the space. “17” by the way, refers to the favorite number of the owner’s youngest son, who also takes care of everything in Seventeen, along with two young executive chefs, Third Vano and Debbie Garcia. Chef Third handles the steaks, and Chef Debbie takes care of desserts and yes, marketing. It’s a perfect pair, and yes, their youth adds to the intrinsic sensuousness of the place.
First Courses & Appetizers
The meal started with an amuse-bouche, a bite-sized hors d’œuvre, and the house bread. Both very good beginnings to what promised to be a grand meal. Both were made in house, special mention to the excellent quality of the bread. Pacing of the meal was also quite civilized, everything arriving at just the right time. And the Caesar Salad came next, not in a bowl, but beautifully presented with all the bells and whistles, the fresh baby romaine lettuce on a white serving plate. It was followed by my favorite soup, the creamy and smoky, and irresistible Bacon Soup! What a nice way to highlight my favorite piece of pork!
After a few minutes, the two appetizers followed: the Hot Crab Dip, shredded crab folded in cheese, and served with toast; and my favorite, the Roasted Bone Marrow! This was to leave your concerns at the door special. The marrow effortlessly slid off the bone, unto the toasted baguettes, and the roasted garlic spread upon it. It was more than special, it was epic indeed. I thought it was time for the steaks, but the chefs had one more surprise, the Grilled Hokkaido Scallops served with brown butter. Now scallops are definitely my number one favorite seafood. I remember my days in Tacloban decades ago, when I would gorge on them. These were Tacloban-worthy.
The Unforgettable Pasta
And I was quite full, but there was one more in store, the Rigatoni alla Vodka. I knew this was going to be a meal never to be forgotten, but this pasta dish was truly unforgettable. The sauce was at par with the best I’ve ever had, a velvety vodka and cream sauce, finished with chili. From the first to the last bite, it was a completely memorable pasta, one that I would gladly venture once again to Seventeen to enjoy.
The Main Event: Australian Wagyu Ribeye
And at last, the steak. I was served an Australian Wagyu Ribeye, and let those words settle into your eyes and down to your belly. The picture I took is exactly the way it was served. It had perfectly crisp edges, and the perfect meaty middle. Enjoying it was slow eating at its peak. The aroma I can still smell, and its beautiful colors were hypnotic. It seemed like the best steaks I’ve had in all the city’s steakhouses, all combined into one flawless piece of steak. Truly magnificent.
I refuse to gatekeep Seventeen Steakhouse, although I am tempted to do so. But I need to share this with the true steak lovers in our city. It’s truly one of the most perfect pairs: steaks and a dark room, to be enjoyed by you and your significant other. Together.
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