12 years of gastronomic excellence at Solaire Resort Entertainment City

March 23, 2025

Solaire Resort Entertainment City celebrated its 12th anniversary with an event that left an impact on Manila’s culinary scene. For the third year in a row, Solaire brought in one of the world’s top Michelin-starred chefs to Manila for an unforgettable gastronomic celebration. Three culinary icons—Chef Jun Yukimura, Chef Sun Kim, and Chef Heinz Beck—graced some of Solaire’s signature restaurants, offering guests a dining experience that was as much about the journey as it was about the destination. From the precision of Japanese cuisine to sophisticated Italian dishes and innovative Korean flavors, Solaire’s anniversary celebration became a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for guests to witness these chefs and indulge in their unique dishes.

Guests were welcomed by an elegant and warm ambiance, complemented by welcome drinks inspired by the distinct cuisines of each chef. At Yakumi, guests enjoyed exceptional concoctions by award-winning mixologist Shingo Gokan, including the Ancient Tomato Tree—a twist on his signature cocktail. Waterside offered something refreshing, where guests could choose between an oolong tea paired with soju or a mocktail with oolong tea and pineapple. Finestra Italian Steakhouse’s standout drink, the Esposito, like a margarita, proved to be a crowd favorite. They also indulged in a classic prosecco rosé or the Bella Luca mocktail, a delightful blend of passion fruit and jasmine. Every sip offered a glimpse into each chef’s unique visions.

The umami of flavors from each dish at Yakumi were devoured by each guest. Three-Michelin starred chef Jun Yukimura’s attention to detail ensured that his 9-course menu provided an unforgettable experience. It featured a delicate Hokkaido Sea urchin caviar, followed by his signature cold soba noodles topped with bottarga powder. The clean and briny flavors of the flounder Japanese cockle and pike conger had a velvety texture. The snow crab, tender Kinross lamb chop had a harmonious blend of sweet and rich flavors, and the white fungus’ silky broth had a freshness to it. The tender wagyu beef shabu-shabu melted in your mouth with a savory hot broth. This was followed by steamed green beans rice, and a refreshing pineapple sorbet for dessert–a perfect sweet ending to a spectacular evening.

Chef Sun Kim gave guests the opportunity to feel the essence of Meta through his inventive dishes at Waterside. He crafted a 6-course menu that reflected his culinary journey, infusing his Korean heritage with elevated global flavors. This featured the artistry of Tea Master He Jia, who curated tea pairings that beautifully complemented the dishes, adding an extra touch of refinement to the experience.

The meal began with a delicate sashimi of tuna, paired with cuttlefish, seaweed, yuzu, and myoga, a refreshing, light dish to start the course. The Hokkaido scallop with rice, parsley, and aged soy sauce was a dish that balanced delicate sweetness and brine. The third course, a reinvention of Chawanmushi with spanner crab, seafood broth, and chili oil, captivated diners. The bold umami flavors of this dish set the stage for the showstopper that followed–the Jeju abalone porridge. Infused with lily bulb, kamtae, and chicken heart, this dish was a crowd favorite that carried the essence of Chef Sun’s signature style.

The Miyazaki grilled wagyu beef had a rich, savory taste, served with celtuce, onion purée, and a mushroom ragout that complemented the tender beef in perfect harmony. Dessert was in the form of sweet corn, local to the Philippines, with caramel and popcorn ice cream. He Jia’s infusion of black tea and rose petals rounded out the experience, offering a fragrant, delicate conclusion to the meal.

From an elegant dinner to an indulgent brunch affair, Finestra Italian Steakhouse had the honor of hosting three-Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck, owner of La Pergola in Rome. He believes that your food is your medicine, and that your medicine will be your food. He makes sure he doesn’t overpower his dishes with the flavors he puts into it. This allows guests to enjoy gourmet experiences while they maintain a balanced lifestyle. Chef Heinz’s 6-course menu was expertly paired with exceptional wines from the prestigious Gaja Winery in Italy’s Langhe region.

The evening began with fresh marinated amberjack, accompanied by celeriac water and oxidized chocolate, offering a tantalizing preview of what was to come. The next course, scampo paired with sweet peppers, green gazpacho was a standout with its delightful coconut aroma and perfectly balanced, light flavors. Guests then savored al dente Sedanini pasta with red shrimp and smoked aubergine coulis, followed by a rich pumpkin risotto, elevated with amaretti, artichokes, balsamic vinegar, and a generous helping of black truffle—its fragrance filling the air as guests eagerly awaited its first bite. The dish offered a delightful contrast of textures, from sweetness to crunch, making each mouthful a sensory delight. The pistachio-crusted veal, served with a puree of dried fruits, brought a refreshing twist, with the savory meat harmonizing beautifully with the subtle sweetness of the fruit. For dessert, an exquisite red fruit ice sphere tea cream, garnished with crystallized raspberries and dark chocolate, delivered a burst of flavors, leaving guests with smiles and contentment.

Finestra Italian Steakhouse offered a new interactive set-up of the Sunday brunch. The kitchen counter offered roast beef, a table filled with desserts from cakes to gelato, and a seafood tower was served on each table. It was a feast for the senses. To top it all off, Chef Heinz’s exclusive dishes were served, and it was the perfect way to enjoy an afternoon with family and friends.

Solaire Resort Entertainment City’s 12th anniversary celebration was nothing short of amazing, offering extraordinary experiences, not just about food but also celebrating the union of cultures and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

For details and more information, check out https://sec.solaireresort.com/ or Solaire’s Facebook and Instagram pages.