Daily TribuneThe two-Michelin-starred chef from Meta in Singapore masterfully bridged the gap between East and West, blending Korean traditions with global influences.
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Chef Jun Yukimura, chef Heinz Beck & Chef Sun Kim cooking at the kitchen of Waterside restaurant.
Photographs by Patricia Ramirez, Cicholas Price, Ted Montelibano and Jelene Galvan
Seafood Tower.
Astice in crosta piccante su guacamole.
Guancia di vitello con vignarola al pesto con gamberi rossi Veal cheek, mixed spring vegetables.
Risotto alla scapece con frutti di madre Scapece style risotto, assorted seafood.
Solaire Resort Entertainment City, on its 12th anniversary, once again elevated the standard of fine dining. This special milestone was not just a celebration of time, but a moment to honor the very essence of culinary artistry. To commemorate this remarkable milestone, the resort brought together three Michelin-starred chefs, each a titan in their own right, for a series of gastronomical masterpieces that dazzled the senses and left a lasting impression.
Chef Jun Yukimura, the virtuoso behind the three-Michelin-starred Azabu Yukimura, was the first to ignite this culinary odyssey. He presented a meticulously crafted nine-course Kaiseki dinner at Yakumi, showcasing his mastery of Kyoto cuisine. Each course was a poetic blend of tradition and innovation, further enhanced by the perfectly paired premium sakes and cocktails from world-renowned mixologist Shingo Gokan. Signature creations such as Hokkaido uni with Ise lobster jelly and wagyu shabu-shabu with sansho pepper flower highlighted the depth of chef Yukimura’s expertise and the rarefied ingredients he champions.
Following this, chef Sun Kim captivated guests with a stunning six-course tasting menu. The two-Michelin-starred chef from Meta in Singapore masterfully bridged the gap between East and West, blending Korean traditions with global influences. From the delicate amuse-bouche of tuna and cuttlefish sashimi to the indulgent Miyazaki grilled wagyu beef, chef Kim’s offerings were a harmonious exploration of flavors that spoke of his culinary vision and creativity.
The final chapter of this extraordinary journey was written by chef Heinz Beck, whose innovative approach to fine dining has earned him acclaim worldwide. Known for his health-conscious yet indulgent dishes, chef Beck’s creations were a revelation. Paired with a curated selection of wines from Premium Wine Exchange, his menu pushed the boundaries of flavor while staying true to the art of fine dining. Even as someone with little affinity for seafood, we found ourselves pleasantly surprised by the unexpected mastery in each bite. It was clear that great chefs can transform even the most challenging ingredients into unforgettable experiences.
The evening’s menu was a symphony of flavors, starting with marinated amberjack, celeriac seawater, and oxidized chocolate — a dish that artfully combined unexpected elements, with the chocolate dust lending a surprising sweetness that complemented the salty seawater. The hidden celeriac slice added an earthy crunch, reminiscent of Filipino favorites like singkamas and gabi.
The second course, scampi with sweet peppers and green gazpacho, beautifully fused the flavors of Southeast Asia and Europe, enhanced by the addition of coconut oil. It was a dish that straddled cultures, with the prawn providing a sweet creaminess that seamlessly integrated into the broth.
The pistachio-crusted veal with dried fruit was another standout, its buttery crunch elevated by the intensity of the herby Dagromis Barolo 2020 Gaja wine. And then came the pumpkin risotto, every bite was a revelation, with its combination of amaretti, artichokes, balsamic vinegar, and black truffle. The dish was so sublime that it seemed impossible not to exclaim at its deliciousness.
As the events unfolded, from 28 February to 16 March, it became clear that this was more than just dining, it was a testament to the power of food as an art form, a celebration of mastery and a tribute to the ongoing pursuit of excellence. Solaire Resort’s 12th anniversary was a defining moment in its journey, where world-class chefs came together to create an experience that transcended the ordinary. Each dish was a step further in Solaire’s mission to redefine the culinary landscape of the Philippines.
This extraordinary series of Michelin-starred feasts were more than just a celebration of time — they were a celebration of food’s ability to bring people together, create unforgettable memories and elevate the very essence of dining. Here’s to Solaire Resort’s continued success, and to the chefs whose brilliance turned a milestone into an experience that will be cherished for years to come.
