Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2022 - January 2023 i epicure

FOR THE PARTY HOST Holiday parties are back, which means lots of cooking, dining and entertaining. These gifts are for hosts and hostesses who have been gracious with their home again and again. *Prices are correct at time of printing. FOR THE SPIRITED CONNOISSEUR From age-old sips to buzzing new varieties, these alcohol-themed selections will impress even the most serious drinker with absolute style. FOR THE LUXE LOVER Make a grand gesture this season with these luxuries (read: a splurge). Your loved ones will thank you. FOR THE HOMEBODY Stay home, get cosy and enjoy some well-deserved me-time. FOR THE GO-GETTER Of all the wireless gadgets and connected gizmos out there, the following (useful) gifts are tuned to busy bees who could use a little help in their day-to-day routines.…

It was early spring in Margaret River, and woodland flowers were blooming despite an unseasonal cold snap the week we arrived. This premium wine region is located 3.5 hours’ drive south of Perth in Western Australia, and for 10 days in October, it plays host to a new event, Fine Vines Festival. Little wonder that the town and roads felt slightly more bustling than usual. “Bustling” may be a slight stretch – Margaret River and its 213,000 hectares of pristine environs are so spread out that you can hardly believe it attracts 1.5 million visitors annually. As new visitors soon discover, it comprises multiple districts which requires a bit more strategy if you want to fit all 100-plus cellar doors into your visit. FESTIVAL KNOW-HOW There are a few drawbacks…

Singapore got a taste of Westholme Australian wagyu at this year’s Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix. Hailing from Queensland, Westholme is reputed to be the pinnacle of Australian wagyu and is found on the menus of some of the world’s top restaurants. Its herd are descended from the finest Japanese pedigree cattle, and are raised with care on pristine northern Australian rangelands. For three adrenaline-packed days at the Formula 1 Paddock Club™, patrons were treated to star-studded epicurean experiences by specialty concept restaurants and world-renowned chefs. They flocked to each of the restaurants helmed by award-winning chefs such as Neil Perry, Wolfgang Puck, Nobuyuki Matsuhisa and Jean-Georges Vongerichten, forming long queues as they waited patiently to dine inside. While the gastronomic line-up featured a range of signature haute cuisine, it…

Mention Langkawi and a few things come to mind: relaxing holiday resorts, lush tropical rainforests, beautiful beaches, and eagles. The eagles are actually one of the first things I notice as I walk along the private beach at The St. Regis Langkawi. They soar in the distance, their outstretched wings catching the light breeze to glide gracefully above the Andaman Sea. It is a magnificent sight, made even more so with the surrounding mountains and forests, a luxury resort behind me, and oceanfront restaurant Kayuputi in the near distance. Luxury dining over water Kayuputi is where I am having dinner and drinks today. Hotel staff take pains to highlight that the award-winning fine-dining restaurant was designed by famed American architect and interior designer Bill Bensley, and point out the eclectic…

It’s been a long time since fine dining has been about food alone. Today’s experience is about the chef, his story, the ingredients and provenance. Given Asia’s rich culinary heritage and the growing abundance of local ingredients that pair well with western cuisine and palates, there is a growing number of high-profile chefs opening their outpost restaurants in Asia, transforming cities like Singapore and Bangkok into culinary powerhouses on par with New York, London, and Paris. Case in point, three-Michelin-starred restaurant Zén (part of The Frantzén Group run by Swedish celebrity chef Björn Frantzén of three-Michelin-starred Restaurant Frantzén in Stockholm) is further expanding its footprint in Singapore and is slated to open its casual restaurant and cocktail bar outpost Victoria by mid-next year at the Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall.…

After a $7 million revamp, Palais Renaissance welcomes shoppers with a luxe new look and exciting multi-sensory experiences. The mall now features sleek French-inspired design cues and artisanal marquetry, and a new alfresco dining area fronting Orchard Road. Enjoy a refreshed retail experience with a curated tenant mix that spans across F&B, lifestyle and wellness. About 75 percent of tenants are exclusive to Palais Renaissance, which means you have a chance to discover unique brands and products not available elsewhere. New dining concepts include seafood restaurant Esturary; Caviar, reservations-only Ishinomaki Dégustation; and Cakebar. Find out more at Palais.sg. Stand to win a $200 mall voucher! There’s a total of 10 to be won! Look out for the giveaway details on epicure’s Instagram and Facebook pages. WIN! ALL ABOUT THAT STEAK…

In case you haven’t noticed, Christmas, New Year’s Day and Chinese New Year all fall within the months of December and January. This means it’s a busy time for all, whether you are a frazzled parent buying gifts for loved ones, a workaholic trying to clear year-end projects, or a shop owner targeting deal-hunting customers. The chefs helming at InterContinental Singapore’s restaurants are no different, and are already kicking into high gear in anticipation of guests looking for that perfect family gathering or festive celebration. This season, guests can expect a bold and grand White Gatsby Christmas and a slew of merry feasts and dining offers. Perhaps the most iconic treat of all is the yule log where executive pastry chef Desmond Lee and his team present not one but…

CHOCOELF Cafe CHOCOELF is an award-winning homegrown artisanal chocolate-maker, well known for specialty chocolates and no-sugar-added confections. It also serves coffee, gelato and more at their South Bridge Road cafe. www.facebook.com/Chocoelf 232 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058781 1-For-1 Craft Chocolate Tart Valid from 1 October 2022 to 30 September 2023 Offer is for dine-in only, from Mon to Fri. Not valid on eve of and on public holidays, and any special/festive occasions. Not valid in conjunction with other offers, discounts, vouchers, or promotions. Payment must be made using a DBS or POSB Credit/Debit Card. Limited to one redemption per Cardmember per day. Dillydeli It’s a familiar colloquial term that often has a less-than-positive connotation for taking your own sweet time, but Dillydeli hopes to provide an alternative experience and space…

Tucked away in a quiet residential area of Telok Kurau is a kitchen where chefs are busy slicing and dicing, and guests are eagerly awaiting for the next special dish. It’s a hive of activity during meal times, but this is no ordinary space. Kolabo – a play on the world “collaboration” – is a private dining studio where aspiring and professional chefs can bring their fresh ideas to the table, express their creativity and present their cuisines. Kolabo was set up in September 2021 by founders Joan Tan and Robin Teo, the same team who also run Japanese fresh seafood supplier Soshinsen. Teo, who is also Soshinsen’s strategy and commercial lead, says, “We particularly enjoy working with passionate chefs who have dreams of starting a restaurant in the future…

Bali and Jakarta’s F&B scenes are bursting at their seams. As Indonesia’s leading gastronomy hotspots, both destinations are competitively offering new things to ravenous foodies and discerning imbibers. The pandemic did not dampen the appetite – instead, it has intensified the desire to try something new. epicure explores both destinations’ new F&B programmes and innovations. Jumeirah Bali is having a bustling year. Since opening its doors in April, Bali’s latest all-villas resort’s most recent offering is AKASA, a flamegrilled restaurant with a brazen Asian twist. Led by chef Joan Achour who derives her inspiration from Thai, Japanese and Korean cuisine, discover wholesome dishes such as flame-grilled Tuna Tartare with Nepalese Timut pepper, Lamb Rack in yakiniku sauce, and a selection of premium cuts served with eight precious peppercorn sauce options.…

For the holidays, one show-stopping dessert rises above the rest: the yule log. It is also a favourite playground for patissiers to display their finest ideas and technical skills. We try to find the gold standard here, all made with chocolate by Cacao Barry. The brand offers chefs a diversified range of cocoa-based products, chocolates, nut and praline products, as well as textural items. Make these sweet treats an indispensable and highly anticipated final touch to your holiday feast. PARKROYAL COLLECTION MARINA BAY But maybe it’s the crispy base, or the complex flavours, or just the familiar taste. Whatever it is, it’s extremely hard to not go back for another helping of this Mexique 66% Chocolate Log ($75) by Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay. When it comes to the cocoa flavour…

“The experience is an expectation, while great food is a given,” says Chef’d Club’s founder “The and chef, Ashish Poddar – who prefers to be known as Ash. And that casual intimacy is what his private dining service is all about – giving clients a level of bespoke hospitality that mainstream restaurants would not provide, while serving progressive plates that are never the same. After, food makes up only half of the “score” when creating quintessential dining moments – the rest is attributed to service, plating, opulent surrounds, and quality time with fellow diners. Case in point: A discerning client who wanted to do something grand for her husband’s 40th birthday. Ash recalls that the theme had to be silver, white and black, while the food had to be French…

How much do we know about South African wines? Beyond Kanonkop and pinotage, not much, says Cherie Ball. A boutique wine merchant, Ball co-founded Wine to Share and exclusively imports South African wines. In the last 20 years, her portfolio has grown from four to 18 producers, including Mullineux & Leeu, Naude, and Thorne and Daughters. “The average Singapore consumer still has traditional South African wines in mind - the Bordeaux-style blends, bold cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, an almost off-dry style pinotage seem to have good mass appeal,” says Ball. “There’s very little awareness of Method Cap Classique (South African sparkling wine made in the Champagne method or of Chenin.” Unanimously, consumers know of South African wines as “great value for money”, but that’s where it usually stops. Not many in…

The Writers Bar at Raffles Jakarta is the address of epicure’s most recent get-together in the city. With its artful take on old-world glamour, the discreet venue features an elegant space to sip classic cocktails and catch up. A songstress and her band serenaded forty guests during the enchanting afternoon. Invited guests, which included the city’s prominent hotel and F&B professionals, were welcomed by Dewi Prasodjo, regional business director, and Eve Tedja, associate editor. After two and half years of social restriction, it was a momentous occasion to finally be able to meet each other. A bar cart with an attentive bartender made its rounds to serve the guests Negronis and gin and tonics. Delectable Raffles Afternoon Tea creations from pastry chef Putra Anom were lavishly displayed on the tables…