Not too many people in the Philippines probably know as much about quality beef and how best to bring out its flavor than this Argentine. Apart from knowing his way around the kitchen, the man also happens to know his cows, having been exposed to farm life at an early age in his native country.
Cooking show Solane Kitchen Moments reveals a side of entrepreneur-cum-celebrity Nico Bolzico that’s far from his usual comedic nature. While most see him on Instagram as the witty and loving husband of Filipina-French actress Solenn Heussaff, the YouTube series by LPG brand Solane shows a man who is very passionate about his work while going the extra mile for the environment.
Despite differences between the Filipino culture and Argentina’s, Bolzico feels right at home here becasue of the two countries’ shared love for food. “We come from cultures where food plays a key role in our lives. It’s become the center in gatherings, meetings, and family meals,” he stated in a separate interview.
Growing up in a farm, where he was introduced early on to eating beef, it doesn’t come as a surprise that one of his earliest businesses in the Philippines is importing beef from his birthplace. Named Bolzico Beef, the shop’s mouthwatering products are sourced from grass-fed cows. Grass consumed by cattle is replanted, and each animal is raised with great care for about three years. And these premium beef cuts star in the dishes Bolzico whips up on Solane Kitchen Moments.
The first dish, Balsamic Bolzico Beef, is an inviting appetizer that’s kept simple with only four ingredients and the knowledge that the tastiest meals don’t need to undergo too many procedures as long as their ingredients are top-notch. Meanwhile, Bolzico Beef Bolognese, is a pasta dish that, according to him, is yet to be seen in any restaurant here in the country. Unlike your usual bolognese, unconventional techniques keep the beef flavorful and the tomatoes fresh – just the way the Argentine beef lover likes it.
Aside from bringing the best beef products into the Philippines, Bolzico has a bigger vision. As part of his dedication to be carbon neutral, he is leading massive efforts that allow cattle raised locally to be on par with or even better than imported beef. “The less steps from the farm to your plate, the better,” he says on Solane Kitchen Moments.
As a restaurateur with just a passion for good, low-impact food, Bolzico also expresses his gratitude for Solane’s program, “I love the freshness of the show. [It] brings in people who are not cooks and [allows them to] share recipes that mean a lot to them but haven’t had the opportunity to share them.” He was even able to show off an impressive kitchen trick that he learned from his brother-in-law Erwan Heussaff.
For more of Bolzico’s kitchen techniques and sustainable approach to food – head over to the Solane Kitchen Moments YouTube channel.
