All about that steak

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener, world-famous for its tender and juicy steaks, opened its second location in the Philippines at the newly renovated The Podium, Ortigas Center in Mandaluyong City. 

Established in New York, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse is one of the best in the world and has locations in the US, Japan, Korea, China, Hong Kong and Singapore. In February 2016, it opened its first location in the country at the Newport Mall in Resorts World Manila.  

Wolfgang Zwiener certainly knows what it takes to serve some of the best steaks in the world. He opened Wolfgang’s Steakhouse after having worked for more than 40 years as head waiter at the legendary Peter Luger  Steak House in Brooklyn, New York. It was there where he learned the dry-aging process of USDA Prime quality beef, which would eventually evolve into Wolfgang’s unique philosophy for excellence.

Wolfgang’s son Peter Zwiener flew in for the opening of the steakhouse’s The Podium branch.

This new location can accommodate up to 80 guests and offers dining on the main floor or the mezzanine level. It also features a lunch menu that includes medallions of filet mignon aux poivre, medallions of filet mignon with mushroom sauce, and the Taste of New York, which is a four-course meal composed of Caesar salad, USDA Prime dry-aged sirloin (400 g.), mashed potatoes, creamed spinach and Wolfgang’s New York Cheesecake. For dinner, the famed porterhouse is definitely a must-try.

I’m so lucky that Wolfgang’s second branch is near me! Its third location is set to open soon at One Bonifacio High Street Stock Exchange building.

(For more information, call 505-6272, e-mail [email protected] or  visit www.facebook.com/WolfgangsSteakhousePH/.)

Person of passion

Photographer Mark Nicdao recently held a photo exhibit titled X-Ray at the Autostrada showroom in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The exhibit was supported by Maserati.

The exhibit was inspired by Nicdao’s travel around a scenic country for work. With that eye-opening experience, he was moved to go on a spiritual journey.

“In this line of work, we, photographers, sometimes fall into the slippery pit of being able to look but not see. In that work trip, it was easy for me to slip into the rituals of the job. Going on that trip turned things around for me as the grand natural beauty of the place made me see and feel again what passion is,” Nicdao explained.

The 26 untitled photographs featured in the exhibit were taken while Nicdao was on a bus and in motion. “I wanted to leave things simple. Words can be a distraction and I would prefer that the photo be appreciated and interpreted by the audience,”  he added.

Autostrada’s Jason Soong said, “Passion is what drives us to do better, to do greater things and spurs us into action. We proudly support our fellow ‘Person of Passion’.” Autostrada is the exclusive and only licensed distributor of Maserati in the Philippines.

The ‘People of Passion’ are also advocates of the Hope in a Bottle campaign, which aims to build more classrooms for public schools in far provinces and areas that are survivors of natural disasters. Nanette Medved-Po heads the foundation. * 

(Visit @maseratiphilippines and @hopeinabottleph on Instagram and GenerationHope.ph.)

Spotlight on Filipina beauty

As the official makeup sponsor of this year’s Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant, Ever Bilena treated the 40 lovely candidates to an afternoon of glam session with makeup artist Toni Aviles.

“As beauty queens, you need to have an impact. Start by being confident, having a charming smile and connecting with people around you,” Aviles told the lovely candidates.

After the photo session, the candidates paraded before the panel of judges led by Ever Bilena CEO Dioceldo Sy, COO Silliman Sy and marketing manager Olive Padilla.

At the end of the event, the judges chose Catriona Gray as Ms. Ever Bilena; Muriel Orais as Ms. EB Advance; Michele Gumabao as Ms. Blackwater; and Vickie Rushton as Ms. Careline.

The Binibining Pilipinas 2018 Coronation Night will be held on March 18 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.