Steph Zubiri: Cooking in high heels

MANILA, Philippines - I’ve always had a love affair with food,” says Steph Zubiri. The young chef, who at 25 currently helms her own company as CEO and works as executive chef of Modern Epicurean Kitchen, says, “As early as three years old, I used to cook in my Little Tykes kitchen, be a little pest in our kitchen and help my mom make her fresh pasta.”

A few years later, she’d progressed to more progressive fare. “At nine, I went to Italy and tried white truffles for the first time. It was like the world stopped moving. I used to carry a small bottle of truffle oil in my pocket and drizzle it on everything! And I knew that no matter what job or career I had, I would never stop cooking and exploring the senses.”

Aside from a degree in history and geography at Université de Paris IV La Sorbonne, as well as courses at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, Steph appears to be proudest of her, well, shoe collection.

“I’m like Imelda that way,” she says with a laugh. “I don’t know what it is, but I just love them.” Her collection of Louboutin, Miu Miu, Marni and Gucci heels is nothing to sniff at. Vintage Ferragamo and Chanel pumps, inherited from her mother, fill her shoe-lined walk-in closet.

STAR takes a tour of the high-stepping chef’s wardrobe.

PHILIPPINE STAR: What’s the highlight of the year — as early as it is — been so far?

STEPH ZUBIRI: Just working the whole first three months nonstop, getting calls and repeat clients. My business is slowly taking off and I can’t wait to see how it grows!

If you weren’t a chef, what would you be doing?

I’d definitely be working in sustainable development! In an international organization or a large NGO. I used to work in UNEP as an intern for close to eight months part-time while studying. Or maybe in foreign service.

After Manila, where would you like to live?

I love Europe! It’s so central and so easy to travel around! The food, the ingredients! 

What’s your favorite time of day?

I love the morning and waking up early, being happy and sunny!

When are you happiest?

When I’m surrounded by my family and loved ones.

When are you at your loneliest?

I never feel lonely because I know even when they’re not with me, I have my family that’s just a call away.

When are you at your most glamorous?

Wearing my highest heels and my mom’s nice jewelry!

When are you at your frumpiest?

When I’m exhausted on a Saturday or Sunday and I decide to boycott the shower and wear my pajamas the whole day!

What is the most unlikely place you’ve purchased a favorite find?

My mini-chandelier in my powder room from the segunda mano in Makati Cinema Square! Love that place!

What’s your favorite piece in your wardrobe?

My plain black Louboutin pumps. They go with everything! Even jeans and a T-shirt or shorts and a sando. Worth every penny and still alive after walking and dancing them to death for four years!

What is your favorite recent purchase?

My Bulgari B Zero 1 ring that I wear all the time. And my gold lionhead/dragon ring from the Paris flea market. I kind of like power rings.

What do you regret buying the most?

No regrets! If I’m not happy with my purchase, I know someone else will be.

How would you define your personal style?

Eclectic and appropriate. There’s always an outfit and a mood for everything! There’s sort of a ’50s classic with a Woodstock bohemian twist and disco glamour. Go figure! I love everything! Why do I need to have only one style? One thing is certain: I always go for well-cut and figure-flattering.

What do you feel best wearing?

Nice shoes.

What is your no-fail outfit?

Jeans and a nice black ruffled Robert Rodriguez top. Or, if more formal, my black Hervé Leger.

Whose closet would you most like to raid?

Serena van der Woodsen from Gossip Girl!

What five pieces define your everyday style?

Jeans, a great watch, my rings, nice shoes and a rubber band around my wrist to tie my hair!

Most unforgettable present you’ve received?

A wonderful education from my parents.

Most outrageous purchase?

My Miu Miu shoes with the sparkly heel that I bought during my lunch break during my UNEP internship. I just had to have them! (Laughs) Not outrageous in price but very spur-of-the-moment.

Best sartorial advice from your parents?

From my mom: Great fabric and great fit are the most important, so I always tailor my clothes to make sure they fit perfectly!

My dad: Shoes and belt do need to match. Call me old-fashioned but they should.

Who, in your opinion, is emblematic of classic style?

I love Old Hollywood glamour and the sexy and feminine styles of Ava Gardner, Sophia Loren and Brigitte Bardot.

Trend you love?

I don’t really follow trends. They just seem to recycle over and over again.

One you despise?

I just never understood Crocs. Thank goodness they’re making new styles!

Tell me something most people don’t know about you.

I’m a super farm girl! There’s nothing I love more than being in Bukidnon on our farm with the animals and the greenery. I love how food grows. I love animals!

What would you never be caught dead in?

Wow. Many things, but really, probably no Crocs.

Would you ever consider plastic surgery?

Hmmm, I’m happy the way God made me, but I wouldn’t mind some help once gravity starts to pull my face down!