Blueberries Go Big campaign was launched during the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council Trade and Media Dinner at The Split last April 15, 2026. The dinner was an eye-opener, showing that Blueberry can be more than just a healthy snack—whether enjoyed frozen or fresh from the USA, they can also be incredibly delicious and versatile in a variety of dishes.
We were especially excited for the dinner as Chef Kalel Chan of The Raintree Group led the kitchen, crafting inventive Japanese dishes featuring Blueberry.
USA BLUEBERRIES-THEMED DINNER
BREAD: USA Blueberry Walnut Sourdough with Yuzu Butter Au
The Blueberry Sourdough was an instant hit, with guests raving it was even better than raisin bread and urging Chef Kalel Chan to sell it at The Split.
Beringer Chardonnay opened the evening, sparking conversation with its crisp, refreshing taste.
BITES
Maguro, Shake & Hamachi Sashimi with USA Blueberry
4 kinds of fresh sashimi-grade tuna, shake, hamachi and ika opened the bites, paired with …
Smoked Blueberry Soy Sauce
…smoked blueberry soy sauce and wasabi. It is so good it deserves to be bottled as a signature sauce.
Tamago Sashimi
Japanese-style scrambled eggs lightly infused with blueberries for a subtle berry twist.
Kani Aburi Spoons
Uni, Ika Iced Candy
Torched shrimp with blueberry paired with uni ika ice candy added a playful contrast in textures, with the ice candy cleansing the palate for the next course.
ROLLS
USA Blueberry Belly Dragon Roll
I loved this roll stuffed with uni, topped with blueberry mayo, and finished with avocado and ikura.
USA Blueberry Salmon Tuna Dynamite
Torched salmon roll topped with blueberry for berry sweetness to balance the cheese.
ENTREE
Spicy Seabass Salkyo Yaki, Hot Buckwheat Soba, Shimeji with Hajikami
The entrées stood out—the seabass was marinated in blueberry miso mirin for a day, then served with buckwheat soba in hot broth.
INTERMEZZO: USA Blueberry Kaffir Lime Shooters
Wagyu Beef Cheek with USA Blueberry Anticucho sauce,
Braised Daikon Katsuboshi with Lotus Chips
Loved the blueberry anticucho sauce—it added a sweet berry note, while the braised daikon cut through the richness, with sweet potato for starch and lotus chips for texture.
SWEETS
USA Blueberry Ume Japanese Cheesecake
Dessert is a light Japanese cheesecake with blueberries in the middle for a berry sweet ending.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The dinner showed how blueberries elevate dishes beyond dessert—adding depth, balance, and creativity—highlighting Chef Kalel Chan’s talent for turning simple ingredients into memorable experiences. Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and helpful for blood sugar control, blueberries are also highly versatile, from wheat bread and soy sauce to seabass marinades and steak sauces. Everything that night was remarkable, and I love how blueberries aren’t limited to dessert. Always impressed with Chef Kalel’s creations—he’s one of Manila’s most talented chefs working magic with ingredients like blueberries. Congrats!
Live an Awesome Life with Christ,
Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: This article was written entirely by a human—reflecting my own biases, opinions, and insights—with grammar and clarity checked using AI assistance.
p.s. Thanks to Herpin Rochet Jateng, U.S. Diplomat for Agricultural Trade and Diplomacy, for sharing insights on key consumer trends and why USA is a key import partner for Manila.
