West Virginia Executive Spring/Summer 2020 | Page 122

[ lifestyle ]
In the
Chef ’s Corner
The Wonder
Bar Steakhouse
MAGGIE HATFIELD
NIC OLIVERIO
The Wonder Bar Steakhouse has been a
Clarksburg, WV, staple for more than 70
years. The restaurant’s rich history in the
community began on February 14, 1946,
when John and Betty Folio first opened its
doors. The establishment remained in their
family for many years as new generations
continued in the tradition of creating a
unique dining experience that became
widely loved throughout West Virginia.
In 2012, Daniel Watts, Manny Alvarez
and David Alvarez decided to purchase
The Wonder Bar Steakhouse to keep that
unique experience alive.
Once this trio obtained ownership, they
rolled up their sleeves and got to work on
their renovation plans. They added two
private rooms and an additional dining
room that can be closed off for large
groups or private events along with an
outside fire pit area, which has become a
favorite spot for diners to enjoy an afterdinner
cocktail and a fine cigar. The new
addition that gets the most attention,
though, is the outdoor dining patio that
overlooks the city of Clarksburg.
“This is the most requested dining
area from May through October because
the sunsets are spectacular,” says Watts.
The owners also added a 2,000-squarefoot,
state-of-the-art kitchen, including
new freezers and coolers and a large
prep area opposite the cook’s line, which
has allowed the restaurant to expand its
menu. Watts credits the great success the
new owners have experienced to their
employees.
“Our success is purely the result of
having great people working here,” he says.
“Our general manager, Susie Mellie, has
been a part of The Wonder Bar Steakhouse
for more than 25 years and is truly the face
of the restaurant. We have a tremendous
number of employees who have been
working here for 10, 15 and even 20 years
that make the experience what it is. We
couldn’t be what we are today without
our employees’ dedication, commitment
and passion.”
Watts believes the qualities that make
The Wonder Bar Steakhouse stand out
among its competition are history and
reputation.
“Our culinary team works hard at
ordering the best products available on
a weekly basis, and it shows through the
comments we receive from our guests on
how much they’ve enjoyed dining with
us,” he says. “To me, quality is everything,
and it is something I personally
preach to my team every day.”
Watts stands behind the first-class
service and food The Wonder Bar Steakhouse
boasts because he is a long-time
customer himself.
“My wife, Gina, and I have been dining
here for the past 17 years, and it’s always
held a very special place in our hearts,”
he says. “The friends we’ve come to know
over the past seven years of owning the
restaurant have become a huge part of our
lives. The Wonder Bar Steakhouse is home
to so many of our regular customers just
as much as it is home to us.”
When patrons choose to spend an
evening out at this establish ment, they
have many delectable items to choose
from on the dinner menu. To kick off their
dining experience, guests can select from
appetizers like the meatballs and ricotta,
crab dip au gratin and roasted red pepper
dip. With exquisite main dishes such as
the pan-seared Scottish salmon; a nineounce,
center-cut filet mignon; and chicken
parmesan, customers are sure to leave full
and happy. The Wonder Bar Steakhouse’s
sides and extras, like the six-cheese macaroni
and cheese, old-fashioned pan-fried
potatoes and spicy zucchini and squash
are a great addition to any meal. This
fine dining destination also offers soups,
salads and a raw bar for its guests.
The Wonder Bar Steakhouse is not only
known for its high-quality steaks but for
its expansive wine list as well. Watts meets
with wine representatives from nine different
distributorships throughout West Virginia
on a weekly or biweekly basis to taste
new wines. The Wonder Bar Steakhouse
offers several wine dinners throughout the
year for its guests to enjoy, and Watts selects
wines from a different region from
around the globe for each meal.
“This gives our guests the opportunity
to try wines that maybe they’ve not been
exposed to in the past,” he says.
The Wonder Bar Steakhouse is located
at 1012 Wonderbar Road in Clarksburg.
The hours of operation are Monday-
Saturday, 5-10 p.m. To make a reservation,
call [phone] or visit www.
wonderbarsteakhouse.com. •
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE