Start spreading the news...
I remember the first time I stepped into Sardi’s with my friend Angelique. It was almost impossible to get a table at this New York pre- and post-theater spot whose waitlist is about six months. (They all say that.) But with a little ingenuity and confidence, my friend, who is a simple looking but beautiful Asian woman, said to the maitre d’, “Hi, I’m Lea Salonga, and we would like to get a table for two, please.” And the red carpet was rolled out, ushering us to the best seats in the house, in full view of the chi chi theater crowd that had gathered before rushing to catch the latest that Broadway had to offer.
These days, we won’t need to namedrop nor rush to finish our food because the curtains rise at exactly 8 p.m. I narrated the Spectacular! Spectacular! Supreme opening night of Madison Grill, the newest, singular sensation of a restaurant to open at the tantalizing TriNoma Mall right in the heart of our very own broadcast district, Quezon City. As such, leading the cast of characters gathered by the First Family of gastro-tainment, Arnold and Ruth Co — the same peeps who brought to our shores Häagen-Dazs, Max Brenner’s Oliver’s Supersandwiches, Tea & Therapy — were Boy Abunda, Korina Sanchez, Vicky Morales, Gina Lopez, Quezon City Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista, Nai Raiva, Missy Ayala, and Rajo Laurel. They didn’t do a Broadway song and dance number, but better. Instead of the tried and tested (yawn, yawn) ribbon-cutting, this stellar Madison lineup gathered to create and slice their own Yummy! Yummy! pizza creations. One of the highlights of this hot spot is that you can make your own pizzas (throw it all in, and voila!) — and that was just the prologue, uh, appetizer, I meant.
The playbill read Wagyu, Angus beef, Kobe and Australian, as stations featured one act after another, more meat than all the A-list guests could handle. A-list meant the top broadcasters and stars from both TV networks and gastro-style society denizens all gathering for Arnold and Ruth’s newest baby. When Arnold and Ruth invite me to dine, I drop everything because if there’s one couple who knows their food, it’s them. They just so happen to also be my friendly neighbors —I am such a lucky duck! — so they are just a knock, knock, and a bell away. Seeing them and their three amazing kids make me want to have kids right now, so I can pamper them with TLC and the best food that I can smother them with. Amazing Race Asia’s dynamic duo and protein lovers (Isn’t it obvious?) Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez happened to be there as well, and I overheard Marc ask Ruth about her exercise regimen: “I don’t exercise at all,” says the lady behind Häagen-Dazs and all the other mouthwatering brands mentioned above. She may not exercise, but she knows how to feed. She’s a food lover’s best friend.
Broadway back-to-back
Therefore, the must-go-to restaurant now, and I say this with all mouthwatering enthusiasm after testing and tasting all of the restaurant’s specialties — is Madison Grill at TriNoma, glitzbiz central’s prime restaurant stop. All thumbs up!
Outside the sprawling garden space, Ana Fegi and Diane Elise had a back-to-back showdown of Broadway hits as event director Audie Gemora gamely applauded these Broadway belles as they serenaded the namedroppable guests who were all to happy to “steak out” — with steaks that melt in your mouth — make their own pizzas, and indulge in delectable seafood. Aside from the Ayala bigwigs and TV network execs I spotted, I also saw kids having a grand time at Madison. Maricel and Anthony Pangilinan’s kids and Julius and Tintin Babao’s families were like having an advanced Sunday brunch with the fam as they enjoyed one treat after another. Red Cross chief advocate Rosa Rosal was also there, but I forgot to ask her if she likes her steaks medium or well done.
I gave chef Sau del Rosario a grand standing ovation — good thing I could still stand after everything I ate — before Madison’s signature desserts were served, because I was already so full by that time. At least it gave me time to breathe and observe the warm interiors of the place, which interior designer Ivy Almario created, beyond rare — it was well done — fun!
For Arnold and Ruth, it’s always Act 1. Act 2 promises to be even more exciting — Madison is definitely a highlight — as they just recently opened Scoozi, Cantina Italiana at the RCBC Plaza, and Zing!, a fresh juice bar with good, healthy mixes. Bravo, bravo! More, please! More!
Now excuse me as I put all this protein to good use.
