MARVIN Agustin does not lose sight of his humble beginnings. Alanah Torralba
I IMMENSELY enjoyed food and wine-tasting at my good friend Marvin Agustin’s newest restaurant, which is a French-American bistro called Roux by Chef J. Margate, in Greenbelt 3.
Marvs is mighty proud of chef Joseph, a Filipino who made it big in New York. He used to be the chef of the fifth best restaurant in the world, Eleven Madison Park. No wonder all their dishes are too sumptuous for words. Their cocktails are concocted by their Russian mixologist and are served from farm to bar, a cool concept that Marvs adapted from the United States.
I teased Marvs, can he still keep track of the number of restaurants and bars that he owns? He is so hands-on at Roux because it’s his new “baby.”
The nice thing about Marvs is that he does not lose sight of his humble beginnings when he worked as a waiter and bartender. It shows in how he treats his staff because he can relate with them. Marvs has not only found the right ingredients, but also the perfect recipe for success.
Here’s my one-on-one with Marvin:
What are your fond memories of the days when you were a waiter?
I loved those days! Families would go to the resto and look for me and they refused to eat when I wasn’t around! And because I make the best margarita, they would go to the resto with Coleman jugs and take home my margarita or bring it to their parties.
If you were a dish, what would you be and why?
Dry-aged prime steak of Wolfgang’s Steakhouse! As I age, I like perfecting things.
What’s more fulfilling, being an actor or restaurateur?
I get different levels of fulfillment from them. As an actor and chef, it’s more personal. But as an entrepreneur, it is about creating a better business environment and opportunities for Filipinos.
What dish do you cook when you want to impress a girl you are dating?
I grill at home.
Tell us the latest about your twins.
They are hyper and inquisitive, but they are growing up to be mature and responsible.
What do you love about being single?
I can work late…
What will it take for a girl to make you want to get hitched?
I don’t have requirements. She just has to be loving and caring to my kids.
What’s your favorite memory of the late Rico Yan?
All our trips abroad, [and] when he’d advise me about business and life. He was a great friend!
What’s your recipe for happiness?
The ability to choose for yourself… making the right choices in life will lead you to it.