Dining news: Mabrewhay craft beer festival, Manila Natural Wine Fiesta, Helm’s Harry Potter menu and more

The Manila Natural Wine Fiesta returns for its third edition on May 17 and 18, 2025, at Open Space, Legazpi Village, Makati. Choose between two tasting sessions: 1pm to 4pm or 4.30pm to 7.30pm and explore the world of natural wines. Attendees at Manila Natural Wine Fiesta will receive a tasting glass which they can use to sample a diverse selection of natural wines from eight leading importers, including Bombvinos, (Super)Natural Wine, Some Love Wine Store, Gran Hacienda Wines, Rouge, Anybody Wines, Wine FM Live and Good Morning Wines. To complement your wine, pair your glasses with a selection of bites of food prepared by Sunday Street Co. and chef Luis Locsin.

The Mabrewhay Craft Beer Festival 2025 will take place from May 16 to 18 at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati. It is a free, three-day event that celebrates the Philippine craft beer scene, featuring over 60 unique brews from renowned local breweries such as Engkanto, Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits, Papa Bolo, Nipa Brew and more. Beer-lovers can look forward to a variety of activities, including beer-tasting masterclasses, homebrewing demonstrations and the Brew King Philippines 2025 competition, where festival-goers will vote to crown the best “Tropical Fusion Ale”. There will also be engaging live performances by local artists like Anima Tierra, of Mercury and DJ sets to help set the mood. On top of that, there will be attractions suitable for kids too like a frisbee bootcamp, cornhole games and even a photography workshop by Fujifilm Philippines to boot.

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Brunch is Now Served at M Dining. Elevate your weekends with the newly launched brunch menu at M Dining, available every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 2pm. Designed to delight, each dish is crafted with the finest ingredients and thoughtful technique. Highlights include crab and egg benedict, creamy scrambled eggs with foie gras and shortribs and indulgent biscuits with sausage, gravy and fried eggs. Whether you’re easing into the day or celebrating something special, brunch at M promises a refined, unforgettable experience.

Project Vino Reserve on the ground floor of Proscenium Retail Row, now welcomes guests for their new weekend brunch with a tasty menu crafted by chef Carlos Tigas. Served every Saturday and Sunday starting from 11am, stop by to indulge in a comforting meal to kick off your weekend. Dig into delectable brunch bites like a croque madame, rosti and bacon or pancakes with red wine syrup. With creations that are both savoury and sweet, there is something for everyone in the family to fall in love with. As the cherry on top, pair your brunch with a cheeky mimosa or bellini.

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The Wholesome Table launches first-ever fully plant-based menu. Perfect for the summer, this menu features seven flavour-packed dishes designed for vegetarians and vegans. Curated by founder Bianca Elizalde and head chef Onie Castillo, the new seasonal lineup highlights layered, satisfying meat-free creations that celebrate fresh, wholesome ingredients. Available at all branches, this limited-time menu is a vibrant invitation to explore conscious, flavour-forward dining—perfect for those looking to eat cleaner without compromising taste.

Chef David Amoros of El Born, Mitsukoshi is known for his delectable Spanish fare, prepared with soul and impressive know-how. While his savoury creations do turn heads for their beautiful, balanced flavours and use of texture, it is El Born’s burnt Basque cheesecake that has caused quite the unexpected buzz. Due to increasing popularity, they have launched a range of special flavour variations (while the classic remains a favourite) and have even branched out to open a cheesecake-only shop in Mitsukoshi too. As of late, the team has revealed their newest outpost, now at The Grid Food Market in Rockwell (stall 15).

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Chef Kazunori Kuramochi of Kazunori, Hideaki Aoyama of Ramen Marudori and Takuto Kato of Yakitori Suijin will join forces to present a unique six-hands tasting menu on May 23-25. Expect a finessed menu that expresses the delicious refinement of Japanese cuisine. Course by course, these culinary artisans will show off their unique expertise in their craft, from sushi to noodles and yakitori.

On May 21, 2025, at 6pm, Lobby 385 will host a one-night-only tasting event featuring a bold collaboration between chef Kalel Chan and Adobros, Australia. The dynamic Filipino-Australian chef duo Michael Pastrana and Morris Danzen Catanghal of Adobros, Melbourne will be showcasing their flavours to Filipino diners through a menu rooted in Filipino heritage and fired by global creativity. Diners can expect flame-kissed dishes with inventive takes on classics that they know and love.

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One World Deli, a speciality food grocery in the Philippines known for their artisanal produce, is now open in Alabang. They offer a curated selection of premium ingredients and beverages sourced from both international purveyors and local artisans. Catering to culinary enthusiasts, it provides not only high-quality products but also cooking inspirations, including recipes and food stories too. One World Deli supports responsible production practices and aims to build a food community that values mindful eating. Now, residents in Alabang can look forward to having easy access to all that One World Deli offers and more. 

Alabang West Parade welcomes Cangrejos Locos back to the fray. This modern Spanish restaurant, known for its vibrant paellas and tapas, has reopened. Led by chef Robby Goco, the restaurant offers a menu featuring Barcelona-style paellas and a must-try fideuà. At the newly opened branch, you’ll have a full view of their open kitchen, able to watch as the busy team whips up your favourite Spanish dishes. While there, don’t forget to order Spanish wines, and cocktails like sangria or a pomada.

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Kiwami in Alabang reopens, donning a bold new sleek look to match their BGC brand. Re-named Kiwami Master Kitchens, all outlets have been redesigned and upgraded. Now in Alabang, the location has expanded to include even more features and exclusive food offerings too. The refreshed concept introduces standout additions, including Koyo, a sushi and handroll bar led by NY-based chef Mark Manaloto, and must-try hibachi sharing plates by Sydney-based chef Max Smith. 

Helm by Chef Josh Boutwood introduces a new tasting menu inspired by the Harry Potter saga, offering a whimsical culinary journey through the wizarding world. Each course is a creative interpretation of iconic elements from the series, blending imaginative storytelling with Boutwood’s brilliant handle on flavour and masterful cookery. Located at The Shops at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati, Helm continues to push the boundaries of fine dining through this magical experience, dosed with Boutwood’s playful whimsicality.

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