Wolfgang Steakhouse has finally arrived at the City of Firsts (a.k.a. Araneta Center), the 33rd store of the premier steakhouse in the world, the fifth branch in the Philippines and the first to rise in the north of Metro Manila.
Located on the upper level of the new and trendy Gateway Mall 2, Wolfgang Steakhouse follows the footsteps of its predecessor in City of Dreams offering its successful grill concept.
“It’s going to be the same format as COD but we are introducing a few more items here,” said Raymund Magdaluyo, the local managing partner of Wolfgang Steakhouse. “This is more like a steakhouse sports grill since it is situated right beside Araneta Coliseum.”
“And when you are next to a sports arena, you ought to have a line of sports food favorites, such as steak nachos, tacos, burgers, sandwiches, baby back ribs,” affirmed president and co-founder of Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Peter Zwiener, who arrived in Manila last 2 October accompanied by his dad, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse founder Wolfgang Zwiener. “But we still keep the same quality of products and continue to offer our wide range of premium steaks.”
Wolfgang Steakhouse in the heart of Quezon City, Magdaluyo shared, targets communities, residentials, schools and, of course, families who bond in malls.
“We are also catering to the high-end Quezon City market,” he added.
Peter and his partners met with the Aranetas more than a year ago and “Mr. (Jorge) Araneta really likes our brand,” recalled Peter. “It was a year in the making and it was built quite rapidly as soon as we decided to come here. Filipinos are steak eaters and this is probably the main reason we do so well.”
Wolfgang Steakhouse started in 2004 in New York City and it has since grown a lot in terms of opening branches all over the world and expanding its menu.
“We are now in restaurant number 33 worldwide,” stated Peter. “We are very happy to be finally part of Quezon City. Wolfgang is a premier steakhouse and we are proud of our USDA prime beef. Somehow, our new grill concept allows us to have a casual dining setting, without really sacrificing the elegant, classy feel of a steakhouse.”
Casual yet classy
Wolfgang Steakhouse at Gatemall Mall 2 is so far the smallest outlet compared to its four other branches in the country (Resorts World Manila in Pasay City, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City, The Podium in Mandaluyong City and COD in Paranaque City). It can only sit about 45 persons at the main dining area and 20 diners for outside seating.
However, the restaurant retains its elegant contemporary interior with subdued lighting, plush interiors, dark wood floors and an entire wall display of wine and spirits, giving it a chic yet timeless ambience.
“We still carry the same look like our signature tiles on the ceiling and the same type of lamps. We are always wood focused. But, for the bar here, instead of a wooden top we changed it to a marble top for that casual, sports bar vibe,” said Peter.
Classic steaks
Food-wise, Wolfgang Steakhouse has two kinds menu – the All-Day Menu, which has the identical set of dishes for all stores, and the Grill Specials, wherein all the grill specials and new dishes are offered, such as Corned Beef Reuben Sandwich, Mixed Crostinis, Skirt Steak Tacos and Grilled Barbecue Baby Back Ribs, to name some.
Of course, the center of attention remains to be the classic steaks and meat, delicately prepared, incredibly good and worth going out of your way to try and savor.
Satisfy your steak craving with the USDA prime dry-aged porterhouse steak. The generously portioned steak has real depth and a more pronounced degree of ageing that yields to a knife. This is expertly prepared to its required doneness while retaining the integrity of its natural flavor and juices.
The meats pair perfectly with the steakhouse staples of creamed spinach, mashed potatoes and creamed corn.
The different cuts of meat from prime New York sirloin and filet mignon to ribeye steak and flank steak do not disappoint. Each has wonderful marbling with the juiciness of the meat that coat your tongue in every bite.
Other must-tries on the menu include Lomo Saltado, Wolfgang’s Tomahawk Steak, Grilled Barbecue Short Ribs, Dry-Aged Pastrami, Beef Filet Roast, Grilled Lemon Caper Chicken and the Grill Sets (Taste of New York, Taste of Manila and Wolfgang Lite).
While deciding on what cut to order, awaken your taste buds with a choice of whites and reds that can be ordered either by the glass or by the bottle. A comprehensive list of full-bodied cabernets, Bordeaux and other varietals is available.
With the new branch also comes new cocktail drinks, including Guava Caipirinha, a refreshing fusion of cachaça and ripe guava; and Lilikoi Margarita, a vibrant blend of passion fruit, zesty lime and the smoothness of Don Julio Blanco tequila.
Not a meat eater? The restaurant also offers fresh Fish of the Day (like grouper) prepared like sashimi — thinly sliced, cooked with olive oil and garnished with lemon on top.
After the carnage, treat your taste buds to something sweet, such as the Key Lime Pie, New York-Style Cheesecake and Chocolate Mousse Cake.
After opening in Quezon City, Peter and Raymund announced that another Wolfgang Steakhouse will soon open in Boracay early next year at Megaworld’s Belmont Hotel. The steakhouse, overlooking the beach, can accommodate about 40 to 50 diners.
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Araneta City is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on non-show days and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on show days. Call 7001-1131, 0977-4120670 or 0961-9103730. Visit www.wolfgangssteakhouse.ph.