Tastesetters Victors Night celebrates innovations in the F&B industry, reveals food trends forecast

MANILA, Philippines — Tastesetters brought together culinary experts and enthusiasts to celebrate the innovations that continue to push the food and beverage industry forward at the Yuchengco Museum last April 11.

Tastesetters believes that food is a work of art, which is why they have chosen the famed Yuchengco Museum to be the setting of the event. By putting together complex flavors and intricate plating techniques, gastronomic masterpieces were created to surprise and delight the senses.

They also partnered with local artists Mario “Ram” Mallari Jr., Nina Bantoto and Bimbo Yance, bassist of The Dawn, who generously exhibited their skill and expertise that commemorate the creativity that food and art share. 

Upon arrival, guests were greeted with cocktails at the outdoor reception area. Sweet and savory creations were served to set the tone for the evening—Manong Sorbetero’s Adobo Caramel Sorbetes with Pork Floss and Kare Kare Sorbetes with Tulip Dark Chocolate Paste and Jif Crunchy Peanut Butter.

Appetizers such as Palabok in Pani Puri—using San Remo Angel Hair Pasta with Clara Olé Cream-based Pasta Sauce Crab Flavor, Kinilaw na Hamachi at Scallops with TABASCO Sriracha and US Beef Belly Kansi were impressive teasers for the feast to come.

At the main hall, the event started with Tastesetters displaying their expertise by speaking on the food and beverage innovations that they spotted. In the past years, they identified emerging trends that eventually made it big in the scene–like the dominance of matcha, return of black-colored dishes, craze for Korean cakes, and more. This year, they presented various upcoming innovations that they think will excite and inspire chefs and diners alike.

First is Gastronomic Artistry, which is the theme of the event. This interprets the plate as a blank canvas that encourages chefs to create illusions, illustrations and even sculptures that turn dishes into awe-inspiring masterpieces. 

The second looks back on how Korean culture has increasingly influenced local industries, notably through its cuisine. Samgyeopsal and bingsu have become favorites, while ramyeon and kimchi are now pantry staples for Filipinos. The Next K-Wave