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As part of the Araneta City Seafood Festival happening this August, World Cellar at World Kitchens, Gateway Mall 2 joins the month-long celebration with an exclusive wine dinner on August 20, 2026. The next in World Cellar’s series of exclusive wine dinners features an omakase-style dinner created by Japanese Chef Masaki Watanabe, who is well known in the industry as the “Tuna King.” Chef Watanabe is not just a master sushi chef; he is trained in both the art of Japanese fine dining and classical French culinary techniques. He also leads the two show kitchens at World Kitchens—Unagi Yukimitsu and Kuro Maguro—where guests can experience his signature craftsmanship and passion for Japanese cuisine firsthand.
For this special evening, Chef Watanabe invites guests to surrender to an intimate omakase experience—a thoughtfully composed five-course journey where Japanese culinary tradition meets the elegance of carefully selected wines and sake.
The evening opens with a study in restraint and precision. Delicate slices of kombu-cured salmon reveal layers of subtle umami, while salt-cured tuna tartare gains an unexpected touch of richness from mascarpone cheese. Paired with the vibrant freshness of J. de Villebois Sauvignon Blanc, it creates a refreshing beginning that hints at the craftsmanship to come.
Comfort arrives in the second course, but with unmistakable refinement. A miniature bowl of ramen, built on a delicate chicken broth and perfumed with fragrant yuzu, captures the soul of Japanese cuisine while remaining light and elegant. Bolla Pinot Grigio echoes those bright citrus notes with crisp orchard fruit and floral aromas.
As the evening unfolds, the flavors grow deeper and more expressive. Saikyo miso-grilled tuna engawa showcases one of the fish’s most prized cuts, the fatty muscle that runs along the fin, beloved for its buttery texture and rich flavor. The gentle sweetness of Kyoto’s famous Saikyo miso caramelizes beautifully over the grill, inviting two equally compelling wine companions. San Felice Chianti Classico DOCG 2021 offers lively cherry fruit and vibrant acidity that refreshes the palate, while Bouchard Père & Fils Bourgogne Pinot Noir La Vignée 2021 brings silky elegance and delicate earthy notes that mirror the dish’s quiet complexity.
Those same wines pair seamlessly with a beautifully executed tempura course featuring prawn, eel, and seasonal vegetables. Light, crisp, and never heavy, the tempura demonstrates the Japanese philosophy that frying should enhance rather than conceal an ingredient’s natural character.
The finale is pure indulgence. A petite rice bowl topped with luxurious otoro and velvety foie gras celebrates richness without excess. Rather than competing with these decadent flavors, Dassai 45 Junmai Daiginjo elevates them with remarkable finesse. Its delicate aromas of melon, pear, and white blossoms are cleansing and refreshing, extending the experience long after the final bite.
More than a wine dinner, this omakase is a conversation between cultures. Japanese technique, European wines, and one of Japan’s most celebrated premium sakes come together in perfect harmony, demonstrating that exceptional pairings are about balance, respect, and shared craftsmanship.
Experiences like this reflect World Cellar’s vision of making wine more approachable through thoughtful pairings and memorable dining. Each month features a different cuisine and a carefully curated selection of wines, inviting guests to discover new flavors with every visit.
Beyond its curated collection, World Cellar champions wine culture in the Philippines through accessible Wine 101 classes every Friday and monthly themed wine dinners, encouraging guests to discover new varietals and pairings. Recognized with the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator, World Cellar is located within the award-winning World Kitchens, a dining destination honored by the 2025 Retail Asia Awards, Marketing Excellence Awards, Retail & Leisure International (RLI) Awards, and Cosmopolitan Lifestyle Awards.
