Japanese chef Hiroki Samata cooks Saga Wagyu beef at Hotel Okura Manila

Travel by taste to the historical Saga Prefecture in Japan through a six-course dinner at Hotel Okura Manila featuring the globally esteemed Saga Wagyu beef, elevated with authentic sake pairings. Four kitchen masters, including guest chef Hiroki Samata of the Federal Meat Academy of Japan, collaborate in curating a tasting menu that traverses through different interpretations of the premium beef.

For starters, Saga-Gyu is made from the finest breeds of Japanese cattle raised on fertile farmlands within the prefecture. These black-haired cattle are perfectly nurtured by the region’s mild climate, clean air, and fresh water. The highly maintained standards, from being raised in agricultural-association-designated farms to rigorous grading processes, places Saga beef among the best of over 200 beef brands in Japan carrying a grade of 4 (or A4) by the country’s meat-grading standards.

In addition, its characteristics of tsuya-sashi, or marbling, are so outstanding that the cross-section shades are reminiscent of cherry blossom flowers. With a rating of 7 (the highest within the range of A4-grade meat), the marbling becomes a symphony of flavors when cooked.

With its arrival in Newport World Resorts, foodies are in for a culinary treat. The dinner features Yawaragi chef de cuisine Jerrymie Tamayo as he prepares the amuse-bouche, salad and soup, Yamazato Japanese executive chef Keiichiro Fujino prepares the entrée, Hotel Okura Manila pastry chef Vi Serrano steps in for the dessert, and finally, Hiroki Samata gets his hands on the appetizer and the main course.

Samata brings in years of skills sharpened by experience as a master butcher and faculty member of The Federal Meat Academy, located in Gunma, Japan, that advances the appreciation and knowledge of all skills associated with the processing and marketing of various kinds of meats.

The courses are paired with premium sake for a superior dining experience. Drinks include a sunflower- and strawberry-flavored cocktail from the historically rich Amabuki Junmai, the award-wining bottles from Tenzan Sake Brewery, Shichida Junmai.

This gastronomic event is happening tonight, March 18, Saturday, at 7 p.m. at the dining venue Yawaragi in Hotel Okura, right within Newport World Resorts. Limited seats are available. Prices start at P 9,100++ per person.

For inquiries and reservations, call 85318-2888 or 0917-842-9067. This event is made in partnership with Mayon Consolidated, Inc.  and Philippine Wine Merchants.