Paradise awaits meatlovers in Angeles, Pampanga
Prime grade steaks served not just with the sides but with a smile.
This is the kind of “steak-cation” that steak lovers will enjoy at Clark, the newest investment hub, tourist and family destination, and soon, a Singapore-like modern metropolis in the heart of Angeles, Pampanga.
All that a steak lover ever needs to do when craving for the juiciest, most tender, perfectly seasoned, flavorful, melt-in-the-mouth Angus, Wagyu, and other varieties of beef (in all the cuts one wants—ribeye, tenderloin, striploin, filet mignon, brisket, etc.) flown in fresh daily from the US, Australia, and other steak capitals of the world, is to draw a map and chart a path toward more than 21 restaurants that offer the most delicious steaks inside Clark.
Steak Crawl will take you and your appetite to Clark Development Corporation’s (CDC) brand of “steaks-perience” in several international hotel chains and restaurants within Clark.
Clark, a sprawling complex of more than 30,000 hectares, has 140 dining establishments you can choose from for a gastronomic treat. And more dining establishments are set to open.
With Clark International Airport bringing in hundreds of tourists, both local and international, and cargos of steaks, it is no surprise that Clark is slowly gaining a reputation of being the next best steak destination in the country.
CDC vice president Dennis Legaspi said the Steak Crawl was conceived out of a recommendation from former Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Benjie Defensor for CDC to “draw a map where to eat steak in Clark” instead of doing it in a runabout manner.
The “steak map” we followed just recently brought us to these places.
With Clark International Airport bringing in hundreds of tourists, both local and international, and cargos of steaks, it is no surprise that Clark is slowly gaining a reputation of being the next best steak destination in the country.
Olive Restaurant - Hilton Clark Sun Valley
If you are hankering for a huge slab of Australian Black Angus OP Rib (aka Tomahawk or Cowboy Steak), the king of all steaks, absolutely juicy and succulent, this is the place for you. Executive chef Robert Davis pairs your steak with grilled asparagus and mushrooms, fried sweet potatoes, and smashed potatoes—his own version of roasted marble potatoes smashed, mixed with bacon bits and other lip-smacking ingredients. The location is a bonus with the greens outdoors melding into the dining area. Plus, the staff are cheerful and helpful, led by their very hands-on and efficient GM Denise Molintas.
*****
Cafe Midori - Midori Clark Hotel and Casino
The US ribeye steak here is tender and succulent and the sides are artfully presented that you end every meal with a sigh of satisfaction. The cakes and bread at the café are also a feast to the eye. The hotel’s Toscana Dining offers the best Chinese dimsum too. Midori’s sales and marketing director Sophia Lin is always around to make sure your dining experience is superb.
*****
Smoki Moto - Clark Marriott Hotel
The best view, romantic ambiance, but most of all, the Wagyu steak here must be the most tender, delectable, and flavorful, that the ladies at the tables next to ours had no choice but to say “yes!” to the marriage proposals of their boyfriends. If you want a different kind of “high” with your steaks-perience, a live band, soju bombs, and delicious Korean food complete with ample side dishes, this is your place. Nica del Puerto of the Marriott’s marketing and communications team gets the finger heart for this dining experience.
Amare by Chef Chris - Royce Hotel
This a gem among the dining places in Clark serving authentic Italian dishes and perfectly-cooked and flavored steaks. Chef Kristine Lou Baltazar makes the best Rollizza or rolled pizzas with alfalfa sprouts, arugula, and four kinds of cheeses.
*****
Galactic Dough Pizza House, Big Bang, Loop Bites, Sub Zero - Aqua Planet
If it’s pizza or hamburgers, fries, ice cream, as well as all-American, Asian, and fusion treats you are craving for, these are the go-to places. Located inside one of the biggest and most modern water theme parks in Asia, Aqua Planet offers 36 different slides and attractions.
Burn off the calories inside Clark Safari and Adventure Park by hopping on ATVs, go-karts, and safari tours. You also get the chance to feed the baby tigers and have your photos taken in several themed booths.
Clark International Airport is also a major gateway located inside Clark.
Steak Crawl runs until October in time for Oktoberfest. There will be a two-day “steaksperience” from Oct. 29 to 30.
Add to your list of to-visit and to-experience places the Clark Museum, the Dinosaur Islands, distinct street food from the culinary capital at Mangan Tamu, Decawake Clark Cable Car, Clark International Speedway, Clark El Kabayo Riding Stables, biker-friendly routes, and choose from four courses to play golf—Air Force City Golf Club, F.A. Korea CC, Clark Sun Valley Resort, and Mimosa Golf Club.
CDC is the implementing arm of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to manage the Clark Freeport Zone. It is now headed by veteran government official, former Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairperson Agnes Devanadera, who took over from retired P/Gen. Manuel Gaerlan.
For steaks and smiles, make Clark your next stop. visitclark.com.