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Oak & Smoke: A Culinary Fusion of Fire and Flavor
Nestled in the bustling heart of Salcedo Village, Oak & Smoke (O/S) is a restaurant where contemporary design meets the primal allure of open-flame cooking. Located on the ground floor of Pacquiao Mansion, this dynamic dining space is the brainchild of culinary power duo Chef Anna Bautista and Chef Sean Jorgensen. With its origins rooted in smoked meats, Oak & Smoke has evolved into something much more sophisticated—a fusion of Southern U.S. flair and Northern Californian finesse, offering a unique blend of flavors that is both exciting and approachable.
A Collaborative Design Vision
The dining experience at Oak & Smoke extends beyond the food, seamlessly integrating with the restaurant’s interior design. For this, the chefs turned to Andrew Trinidad of Headroom CDV Co., who helped craft a space that mirrors the culinary philosophy of the restaurant—strong, bold, and balanced.
Trinidad recalls the brief he received from the chefs. “They wanted a sharp, contemporary restaurant that complemented their cuisine,” he says. “Sean’s cooking style is rugged, while Anna’s is more refined. The design had to reflect both these personalities, creating a balance between masculine and feminine elements.” This duality is evident in every aspect of the restaurant’s interior, from the dark hues of blue, gray, and wood that dominate the color palette to the floral patterns subtly woven into the menu and floor tiles.
The focal point of the restaurant’s design is a striking nine-meter-long chandelier that runs through the middle of the dining room, pulling the eye upward and lending the space a sense of grandeur. “The chandelier’s shape mimics the flow of smoke, tying the design back to the restaurant’s concept,” explains Trinidad. The inclusion of visible firewood in the open kitchen’s gallery walls further emphasizes the central role of fire in Oak & Smoke’s culinary identity.
The Alchemy of Design and Cuisine
One of the most unique aspects of Oak & Smoke’s design is how it enhances the dining experience, rather than simply complementing it. “We designed the menu first, then thought about how the space should look,” explains Jorgensen. “The design is really a reflection of the food. It’s approachable, but there’s still a level of sophistication.”
This approach is particularly evident in the restaurant’s layout. The open kitchen gives guests a glimpse of the culinary action, while the bar—strategically placed at the far end of the dining room—allows patrons to take in the entire space as they enjoy a cocktail. “The original plan was to have the bar near the entrance,” says Jorgensen, “but we quickly realized that it would be too cramped. Moving it to the other end made the space feel more open and inviting.”
A Dining Experience Like No Other
From the moment guests step into Oak & Smoke, they are met with a sensory experience that goes beyond food. The warm, wood-filled interiors, the open kitchen showcasing live cooking, and the thoughtfully curated design elements all work together to create a dining environment that feels both intimate and grand.
With its evolving menu, carefully crafted interiors, and commitment to creating an approachable yet sophisticated dining experience, Oak & Smoke is set to become one of Salcedo Village’s most beloved dining destinations. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual weeknight dinner or celebrating a special occasion, Oak & Smoke offers a unique fusion of flavors and design that leaves a lasting impression.
Read more about Oak & Smoke by ordering your copy of BluPrint Volume 2, available via the sarisari.shopping website, Shopee, and Lazada. E-magazines are available for download via Readly, Press Reader, and Magzter.
Photography by Ed Simon.
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