In August, we brought you the news about Carbon Steak, a new concept slated for the East Town neighborhood at 725 N. Milwaukee St. Behind the steakhouse is Volante Group, a new family-owned and operated hospitality company founded by Balbir Singh, 40-year hospitality veteran and founder of Maharaja Indian Restaurant.
The steakhouse, which was designed in collaboration with Kahler Slater, is expected to host their Grand opening weekend Dec. 8-9.
Guests can expect a boldly designed restaurant showcasing what Volante describes as a "luxurious and sensual ambiance."
“A darker, intimate tone complemented by a soft feminine undertone, fused with floral elements, was the type of aesthetic we were passionate about exploring,” said Prince and Sunny Singh of Volante Group.
“Combining modern and elemental features that pushed the boundaries of hospitality design was truly exciting, and the outcome exceeded our expectations.”
Renderings reflect the vision for the restaurant, which features seating for 116, a cocktail lounge area and a mezzanine that overlooks the entire restaurant.
The aesthetic is built on a color palette of lavender and charcoal, augmented by dark wood and pendant lighting meant to imitate the reflective qualities of diamonds. Even more, the lights reflect from beneath a canopy of cascading purple wisteria on the restaurant's ceiling.
Meanwhile, purple ranunculus along the walls advances the floral theme, offering a cozy, earthy vibe in the otherwise vacuous space.
The bar area features shimmering draperies, textured wall paneling and banquette seating.
On the menu
At the helm will be Corporate Chef Thomas Quinn, formerly of Mastro’s in Chicago and The Hampton Social in Chicago, Nashville, and Orlando who will work alongside Sous Chef Juan Carlos Guerra, formerly of Flemings Brookfield and Carson’s in Milwaukee and Chicago.
Guests can expect a menu featuring both American classics and globally inspired composed plates along with quality USDA prime cuts, authentic Japanese Wagyu, and roasted seafood towers. But seasonal vegetarian and plant-based options will also play a prominent role on the menu.
Carbon's Director of Operations will be Andy Kulakowski, a USMC Veteran and Certified Sommelier whose career has included work with Paloma Resort Properties in Lake Geneva, Geneva Chophouse and Onesto.
Kulakowski will oversee the beverage program at the restaurant, including the wine list, which will showcase wines from across the globe. The restaurant will also feature house specialty cocktails and a multitude of zero proof options.
Beginning Dec. 8, Carbon will open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner service. Weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays will follow. Reservations for the restaurant can be made online or by phone at (414) 763-7770.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
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