As part of the month-long Araneta City Seafood Festival this August, World Cellar at World Kitchens, Gateway Mall 2 will host an exclusive wine dinner on August 20, 2026, featuring an intimate five-course omakase experience by Japanese chef Masaki Watanabe, known in the industry as the “Tuna King.”
A master sushi chef trained in Japanese fine dining and classical French culinary techniques, Chef Watanabe leads World Kitchens’ two show kitchens, Unagi Yukimitsu and Kuro Maguro. For this special dinner, he brings his signature precision and passion for Japanese cuisine to a carefully curated menu paired with selected wines and sake.
The evening begins with kombu-cured salmon and salt-cured tuna tartare with mascarpone, paired with J. de Villebois Sauvignon Blanc. The delicate opening highlights the subtle umami and freshness of the ingredients while setting the tone for the courses ahead.
The second course offers a refined take on comfort food with a miniature bowl of ramen made with delicate chicken broth and fragrant yuzu. Bolla Pinot Grigio complements the dish with its crisp fruit and floral notes.
The menu then moves into richer flavors with Saikyo miso-grilled tuna engawa, a prized cut known for its buttery texture and richness. The sweetness of Saikyo miso caramelizes over the grill, paired with San Felice Chianti Classico DOCG 2021 and Bouchard Père & Fils Bourgogne Pinot Noir La Vignée 2021.
The same wines accompany a light and crisp tempura selection of prawn, eel, and seasonal vegetables, highlighting the Japanese approach of enhancing rather than overpowering the natural flavors of each ingredient.
For the finale, a petite rice bowl topped with otoro and foie gras delivers an indulgent finish. Dassai 45 Junmai Daiginjo balances the richness with delicate aromas of melon, pear, and white blossoms, creating a clean and elegant conclusion to the meal.
More than a wine-pairing experience, the dinner brings together Japanese culinary craftsmanship, European wines, and premium Japanese sake. The carefully considered combinations highlight the shared principles of balance, precision, and respect for ingredients across different culinary traditions.
The event reflects World Cellar’s commitment to making wine more approachable through thoughtful food pairings and memorable dining experiences. Its monthly wine dinners spotlight different cuisines alongside curated wine selections, giving guests opportunities to explore new flavors and varietals.
Beyond its wine dinners, World Cellar promotes wine appreciation in the Philippines through Wine 101 classes held every Friday and monthly themed events. The establishment has also been recognized with the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator.
Located within World Kitchens, World Cellar is part of the award-winning dining destination recognized by the 2025 Retail Asia Awards, Marketing Excellence Awards, Retail & Leisure International (RLI) Awards, and Cosmopolitan Lifestyle Awards.
