Is this the most magical, “mental” multicourse dining experience in the city? (Spoiler alert: yes, it is!)
The Magic Table has finally arrived in Metro Manila, launched on January 15 at Penthouse 66, Grand Hyatt Manila—and it’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about dining out. I had the pleasure of catching the epicurean excitement on the second night, post-launch, and I can say with certainty: it’s an alimentary adventure that transcends the traditional dining affair. This isn’t just about a great meal; it’s about immersing yourself in a world where food, illusion, and storytelling come together to create something truly magical.
I first caught a glimpse of The Magic Table during the press preview in late 2025, and I was eager to see if it would live up to the hype—and I am thrilled to say that the real deal is every bit the sumptuous spectacle I had hoped it would be. “The reception has been amazing so far. People really appreciate when the magic ‘happens.’ Everybody loves magic and nostalgia, and people are now looking for a different dining experience beyond the typical tasting courses,” Grand Hyatt Manila’s Director of Food & Beverage, Mark Hagan, affirmed as we chatted in the hotel lobby after dinner.
What you get at The Magic Table is an extraordinary blend of culinary excellence and mind-blowing illusions—brought to life by none other than The Clairvoyants – Thommy Ten and Amélie van Tass, the renowned mentalism duo from America’s Got Talent. And if you’re wondering whether magic can really be part of an upscale multicourse menu, the answer is a resounding yes. “This is something that the whole family can really enjoy. The food, the projections, the service, the host…all these things bring a lot to the table. I compare this to going to the theatre—and it’s around the same price, but you get a lot of food here and a show,” Hagan added as we shared a laugh.
Marvel at mind-melding (mouthwatering) moments
From the moment you step into the space, you’re not just a guest watching the magic unfold, you’re part of it. Every aspect is infused with illusions that play tricks on your senses, and the bounds between reality and the otherworldly blur in most delicious ways. The table itself becomes the stage, and you—yes, you—become part of the show.
Thommy and Amélie—best known for their jaw-dropping performances on Season 11, aired in 2016, of the popular NBC reality TV show—are the masterminds behind this event. They blend their mentalist and illusionist skills seamlessly with the dining experience, turning the table itself into the stage. You won’t just be watching tricks unfold—you’ll be a participant in the performance. They manage to blur the lines between reality and illusion in ways that will make your head spin (and your taste buds tingle).
Dishes that’ll make you believe in Grand Hyatt’s culinary magic
But let’s not forget an equally spellbinding side of the sorcery: the food, prepared by the culinary team at Grand Hyatt Manila. Guests can pick from four specially crafted menus, each paired with creatively concocted cocktails with mocktail options.
I had the privilege of tasting their Wizard’s Essential Menu (₱8,500 net per person) and each dish was a work of culinary magic, crafted with the same precision and mystery as the mentalism itself.
Here’s a rundown of the five courses (and yes, I relished every bite):
A Spell of the Forest
A fanciful forest of mushrooms, the stipes of which were actually delicate, light wafers filled with oh-so hearty, smooth and creamy porcini mushroom pâté, topped with mushroom caps. Earthy yet airy, paired with hazelnut soil, fig, lemon, pistachio, and Manuka honey. This whimsical woodland wonder proved a super satisfying way to whet our appetites.
Enchanted Shell
Butter-poached Hokkaido scallops, cloaked in a golden herb crust. With fleshy sun-dried tomato and swathed in a velvety crustacean bisque, this dish was an alchemical creation, straight out of a potion master’s cauldron. This pushed the parameters of palate-pleasing perfection, with its exquisite flavors and textures. Loved it.
The Alchemy of the Sea
Crab meat and codfish brandade, paired with sake-marinated ikura and avocado. The flavors move effortlessly between fresh and rich, smooth and briny—a perfect augury of the ocean’s secrets. It’s a taste of the deep that balances full-flavored and fresh in sheer culinary conjuring.
The Order of Fire
While most guests had the Mulwarra Tenderloin Beef Wellington with bone marrow & café de Paris butter, for a primarily plant-based, seafood flexitarian foodie like me, the final dish magically morphed into a meatless meal: Char-grilled Aubergine & King Oyster Mushroom with caramelized red onion and mojo verde. Smoky, savory, and succulent—this was packed with robust flavor and richness that felt as indulgent as any prime cut of meat.
The Final Illusion
A chocolate and hazelnut sphere, the ultimate dessert illusion. Cracking it open revealed layers of espresso mousse, chocolate brownie, cherry sorbet, and bourbon sauce. Every bite disclosed a new dimension of deeply delish decadence. Just be warned: the espresso mousse might leave you wide awake long after you’ve finished your last bite. (Trust me, I may or may not have been buzzing into the early hours.)
This is dinner, but not as you know it
Another fascinating facet of The Magic Table is the technical wizardry. Throughout the meal, hi-tech 3D light projections (programmed in Germany) immerse you in a world of illusions, spinning stories and tricks that enhance the flavors and the feelings, alike. I wasn’t just sitting at a dinner setting; I was at the epicenter of enchantment, where even the simplest forkful was part of a carefully choreographed show. The table projections melded the meal, mentalism, and mind-blowing mystery.
Each course invites you to suspend your disbelief and give in to the sheer drama and delight of it all. The projections, the food, the performances—they all bind together to create something you’ve never experienced before. This dinner isn’t just something to be consumed—it’s something to be felt.
Is it worth it? For sure.
I don’t want to give too much away. This is something to actually participate in, if possible. With only 40 seats per show and a two-hour run time, you’ve got two chances to catch the magic: 6 PM or 8:30 PM, from Wednesday-Sunday every week . Seats are set in groups of four or eight, ensuring everyone gets up close and personal with the immersive projections. Dress smart-casual or business-casual, as chic or edgy as you want—this is no ordinary night out, and your attire should reflect the vibe.
Oh, and it’s worth mentioning that, yes, show buyouts per night are most welcome. Think: intimate parties, milestone occasions, small corporate affairs, and the like. The Magic Table is a lip-smacking, mind-melding, super fun way to celebrate your special event. Moreover, with ample prior coordination with the marketing team, your corporate logo or custom art can be programmed into the table projections. How cool is that?
If you’re looking for a regular, run-of-the mill dinner where you go back for seconds and thirds of each dish, this isn’t it. But if you want an unforgettably unique, sensory-altering experience where food and fantasy collide in the most spectacular way—you know where to go.
Book now, and make it an evening to remember.
#TheMagicTable
#TheClairvoyants
#GrandHyattManila
#DiningWithIllusion
#CulinaryMagic
#MentalismWithYourMeal
#FoodAndIllusion
#FiveCourseEnchantment
#ExpatEats
#ExpatPH
#ExpatPhillipines
