MAKATI CITY — Two culinary forces will converge at NIKKEI Rockwell for a single evening this August 19, 2026, as the restaurant hosts “CROSSING TIDES,” a rare collaboration dinner. The event pairs Executive Chef Richie Buenaventura with Chef Shun Sato of Zagin Soba for a menu that fuses Japanese‑Peruvian tradition with artisanal Japanese craft.
A Meeting of Two Culinary Worlds
The dinner brings together two distinct gastronomic philosophies under one roof. Chef Buenaventura’s Nikkei style blends Japanese precision with Peruvian ingredients, creating dishes that are at once familiar and startlingly fresh. Chef Sato arrives from Zagin Soba, known for his mastery of traditional Japanese techniques and bold international influences developed across kitchens in Sydney, London, and Hong Kong.
Their joint tasting menu remains a closely guarded secret, but hints suggest a sequence of courses that will highlight the chefs’ shared respect for premium ingredients. The collaboration is designed to be an intimate affair, with only two seatings available, ensuring each guest receives a deeply personal dining experience.
An Intimate Affair with Two Seatings
Reservations are strictly limited to two time slots: a 6 PM and an 8:30 PM seating. The fixed price of ₱3,500 per person covers a multi‑course menu that promises to take diners on a journey across continents and culinary traditions. Guests are encouraged to book early by contacting the restaurant directly at 0916 636 9817.
The dual‑seating format allows the kitchen to maintain exceptional quality and pacing throughout the evening. Each table will witness the chefs’ creative dialogue, as dishes are presented and paired with a curated selection of beverages. The intimate scale turns the dinner into a collector’s item for Manila’s food lovers.
The Chefs Behind the Menu
Chef Buenaventura leads the Nikkei Restaurant Group and has spent years refining the Japanese‑Peruvian cuisine that defines NIKKEI Rockwell. His approach draws on sustainable seafood and bright, citrus‑forward flavors. He trained under Japanese sushi masters and has become a leading voice for Nikkei culture in the Philippines.
Chef Shun Sato’s journey began in his family’s izakaya in Sendai, Japan. After nearly two decades in top kitchens—including two‑Michelin‑starred Yoshii in Sydney—he founded Zagin Soba in Manila. His cooking balances precision, warmth, and a deep respect for noodles and broths. Together, the chefs represent a fusion of roots and global experience.
A Rare Opportunity for Food Enthusiasts
Collaboration dinners of this caliber are uncommon in Metro Manila, where pop‑ups and one‑night events often sell out within hours. “CROSSING TIDES” offers a chance to experience Nikkei cuisine through a new lens, layered with Chef Sato’s Japanese sensibilities. The pairing is designed to push boundaries while remaining deeply satisfying.
Seats are expected to fill quickly, given the chefs’ loyal followings and the exclusive nature of the event. Diners seeking a memorable evening are advised to call the reservation line as soon as possible. NIKKEI Rockwell promises an unforgettable night where two tides truly meet at one table.
