MAKATI CITY — For two days in May, Paseo de Roxas exchanged its usual fast-paced business atmosphere for the relaxed ambiance of a French street fair. The Embassy of France to the Philippines, together with Ayala Land and Taste of France, brought Goût de France (Good France) to the Makati Street Meet on May 16 and 17, 2026. The event transformed part of Makati’s central business district into an open-air culinary destination filled with crêpes, pastries, cheeses, wines, and live cooking showcases. More than 20 food and beverage stalls served everything from flaky croissants to chilled rosé wines, while chefs from leading culinary schools prepared dishes live before enthusiastic festivalgoers.
Culinary Demonstrations From Top French Institutions
Among the event’s biggest attractions were the live cooking demonstrations led by chefs from two prestigious culinary institutions: Enderun Colleges’ École Ducasse and Le Cordon Bleu Ateneo de Manila. Chef Marc Chalopin of Enderun presented “Scrambled Eggs in an Eggshell, Smoked Salmon & Salmon Roe,” showcasing elegance through simplicity. Chef Nicolas Pasdeloup followed with a “Rum Baba with Tropical Fruits,” combining classic French pastry techniques with tropical local flavors.
Meanwhile, chefs Cyrille Soenen and Regis Dore from Le Cordon Bleu Ateneo de Manila introduced a playful fusion dish: “Hotdog Sisig” served in soft potato bread, which quickly became a crowd favorite. Chef Julien Bispo completed the culinary showcase with layered verrines featuring ricotta, amaretto, coconut, roasted pineapple, and dacquoise.
A Taste of Paris in the Heart of Makati
Sunday’s festivities featured the lively Course des garçons de café, a traditional waiter’s race where café servers balanced bottles of Evian water while racing through Paseo de Roxas. The event recreated the spirited café culture of Paris and entertained festival attendees throughout the afternoon. As evening arrived, the celebration continued at Ayala Triangle Gardens with outdoor screenings of Ratatouille and The Taste of Things, turning the venue into a picnic-style cinematic and gastronomic gathering. Live performances by accordionist Eric Soulard, the Didactic Doodling Guitar Trio, and a Côte d’Azur-inspired DJ set provided a continuous soundtrack of French and jazz music throughout the event.
French Dining Experiences Continue Nationwide
The celebration extended beyond the weekend itself. From May 16 to 31, participating French and Filipino restaurants nationwide offered special French-themed menus, including several establishments recognized by the Michelin Guide. Diners were given the opportunity to continue exploring French cuisine even after the Makati Street Meet concluded, with participating venues including the Champagne Room at The Manila Hotel and Mireio at Raffles Makati, along with restaurants in Cebu City and Palawan. Admission to the Makati Street Meet remained free, while the Embassy of France to the Philippines encouraged the public to check its official Facebook page for updates on participating restaurants and future editions of the festival.
