One bite of succulent, velvety wagyu steak can fill you with delicious delight. The word wagyu refers to Japanese beef cattle. "Wa"’ means Japanese or Jjapanese-style and "gyu" means cattle. Wagyu is also known as Kobe beef as the cattle was once exclusively raised and bred in Kobe, Japan.

However, because land and grain, (which are important in raising cattle) are costly in wagyu’s native land, beef production houses in Kobe have been contracting out to other producers to custom raise their cattle for them. Among the most trusted sources of wagyu are Australia, and the U.S.

Wagyu beef is revered for its high degree of marbling, the fine textured fat contained within the muscle, which enhances flavor, juiciness and tenderness and makes for that melt-in-your-mouth gustatory sensation. While culinary experts rave about the meat’s gastronomic quality, nutrition and diet experts say that wagyu is a good source a great source of essential vitamins, nutrients and higher concentrations of unsaturated (healthy) fats including Omega 6 and Omega 3 oils. This delectable beef has the potential to help reduce heart disease, diabetes, asthma, Alzheimer’s, reduce body fat gain and increase immune response.

Wagyu is graded based on the freshness of the meat, its color, texture and brightness as well as the quality and pattern of the fat, known as the marbling grade. Wagyu meat could be classified as Grade A, Grade B and Grade C, while the marbling grade rates from 1 to 10. The higher the meat grading and marbling grade, the better the quality of the wagyu meat.

In the Philippines, when craving for superb wagyu, diners troop to Melo’s restaurant, where they can choose from an ambrosial selection of the Ribeye, 6 oz. Ribeye and Prawns, 24 oz Cowboy Cut, 8 oz Tenderloin 8 oz Striploin , 18 oz t-Bone and the 24 oz Porterhouse. The heavenly Melo’s wagyu experience could even be elevated by topping the steak with its original luscious concoctions: hollandaise, gravy, béarnaise, green peppercorn, choron or balsamico sauce.

Melo’s restaurant is truly a steak lover’s haven because aside from serving the finest wagyu, it was the first to introduce certified Angus beef in the country way back in 1987. Melo’s restaurant imports authentic high grade meats from an exclusive supplier that’s why its steaks are nothing less than superb. Add to that the culinary passion and expertise of the Santiago family, whose forerunners are committed to serving the best steaks and other scrumptious dishes as well as desserts. Each item in Melo’s menu never fails to indulge one’s palate and satisfy even the most voracious appetite. Melo’s is located at 22 Jupiter Street, Bel-Air Village, Makati City; 58 Sgt. Esguerra St. Q.C; and 41 Precinct, Westgate Alabang Muntinlupa City.