Table of contents for January 2020 in epicure

Man Fu Yuan at InterContinental Singapore offers eight prix-fixe menus for Chinese New Year, but the one of note will be their Bliss eight-course menu ($1,388/10 people). Start with Harmony Yu Sheng, topped with salmon and crispy fish skin before moving on to Double Boiled Chicken Soup with Fish Maw and an indulgent Braised Abalone and Sea Cucumber dish. The menu also features two Man Fu Yuan signatures: Tea Smoked Duck, and Sauteed Whelks and Scallops in X.O. Sauce. Available till 8 February. Level 2, 80 Middle Road. Tel: 6825 1133 For a Japanese-style celebration, head over to Pan Pacific Singapore’s Keyaki. The Keyaki Garden Pavilion Luncheon Package ($2,888/10 people) will be held in Keyaki’s lush Japanese garden, surrounded by sculpted greenery and a koi pond. The special Wafu Yu…

Up on the 60th storey of TOP of UOB Plaza lies a best-kept secret that should be shared – Tian Fu Tea Room adjacent to Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant. The intimate teahouse (there is also an outlet at PARKROYAL on Beach Road) offers an alternative to the slew of Western high tea salons in the market and stands out for its premium range of Chinese teas. Over 30 varieties of green, red, yellow, white and flower teas are offered here, and are served in their own unique teapot and cups – not one set will be repeated. Plus, a resident tea specialist is on hand to provide tea knowledge and tasting notes. Tea aficionados will appreciate its Imperial High Tea, available daily from 2.30pm to 6pm. The food menu…

The ever-perennial question of “where shall we eat?” is difficult to answer, especially in a food-obsessed country like Singapore. Shopping malls are hunting ground for foodies and it can be even harder to answer this question when you’re faced with Suntec City’s 141 F&B outlets. Now, you can browse the mall’s restaurants by category (Local, Halal, Japanese & Korean, Asian & Chinese, Western, Sweets & Cafes, and Liquids) with epicure’s handy The Fab Foodie Guide, complete with sumptuous images to entice finicky diners. Be it breakfast, lunch, dinner or after-work drinks, there will always be an option to satisfy your needs. Craving for Local? Satiate the belly with Peranakan dishes from HarriAnns Nonya Table or go Halal with PappaRich Malaysian Delights. Better yet, what about a steaming-hot plate of Original…

Will Harlan has grown up under so many expectations that a lesser person might have caved, but it has only made him tougher (if more reserved). He’s in good spirits in Singapore while on an official visit to promote Promontory wines, quoting 18th century empiricist David Hume and sharing dreams of long meditative rides on his Ducati ’09 (among them, a motorcycle trip from North to South America). FREE WILL OR DETERMINISM The lanky Californian nearly didn’t join the company started by his father, H. William “Bill” Harlan, who turns 80 this year. Harlan Estates, established by Bill in 1990 as a ‘first growth’ Californian estate, is one of the true icon wines of Napa Valley — lush Cabernet Sauvignon, small production and allocation-only, with an out-of-bounds tasting room that…

I started to eat a plant-based diet myself when I was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2014, and became unbelievably intrigued with the power of fruits and vegetables. I spent a lot of time learning about and understanding their nutritional values and more, and the way they work in the body when consumed. And over the years, London’s plant based scene has evolved into something exciting – more and more restaurants that are not even plant based are adding interesting plant menus to their restaurants. It’s so fast and progressive here in the city that the vegetable scene just keeps on getting better. GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK CUB in Hoxton is my new favourite and they do a fantastic vegan menu. A collaborative project between Ryan Chetiyawardana and executive…

epicure is available at the following: Onboard Singapore Airlines (SIA) as an inflight magazine Airport Lounges/Airline Offices Air France-KLM British Airways Cathay Pacific CIAS DBS Asia Treasures DNATA Lounge Emirates SATS Premier Lounge SIA KrisFlyer Gold Lounges SIA SilverKris Lounges Thai Airways Deluxe Rooms & Business Centres of Hotels & Resorts in SINGAPORE Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa Amara Singapore Capella Singapore Carlton City Hotel Singapore Carlton Hotel Singapore Concorde Hotel Singapore Conrad Centennial Singapore Fairmont Singapore Four Seasons Hotel Singapore Furama City Centre, Singapore Furama RiverFront, Singapore Goodwood Park Hotel Grand Copthorne Waterfront Grand Hyatt Singapore Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy Hilton Singapore Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong Hotel Jen Orchardgateway Singapore Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore InterContinental Singapore JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South…

Chic pool parties Perth’s newest hotspot is the urban chic HYDE brand, which originates from Los Angeles. A collaboration between Accor and sbe Entertainment Group, Hyde Perth Kitchen & Cocktails is located in the shiny new The Adnate Hotel. The restaurant features a small outdoor pool complete with sun loungers and DJ decks. Inside, a Calcutta viola marble island bar enhances the relaxed breezy image, blending the indoor and outdoor space seamlessly. For food, look forward to a variety of Mediterranean snacks, from house-made dips and braised brisket pita pockets to a selection of wood fired pizzas and summer-inspired salads. There’s also a bottomless fries option, with five varieties of Mediterranean flavoured fries. Award-winning bartender, Tim Phillips-Johansson crafts a comprehensive drinks list that reflects the venue’s sense of adventure. Get…

The official opening of Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana in 2017 at the heart of UNESCO-protected Old Havana is a big deal – it has encouraged Geneva-based luxury hotel group, Kempinski to open its third property in Cuba, Gran Hotel Bristol, in 2020. However, in June, President Donald Trump rolled back on Obama’s Cuba policy and tightened restrictions on travel and trade between the two countries. He reinforced the ban on Americans transacting with businesses owned by Gaviota, the Cuban military’s tourism arm. This makes it illegal for U.S. citizens to stay at some 50 hotels owned by the Cuban government. While it’s still too soon to say if these changes will have a major impact on Cuba’s travel industry, for the rest of the world, the majestic Gran…

JANUARY 2020 S$8.50/Rp85,000/US$6.50 epicureasia.com 2018 ASIA PACIFIC PUBLISHING AWARDS FOOD MEDIA OF THE YEAR GOLD 2018 MPAS AWARDS FOOD MEDIA OF THE YEAR GOLD 2018 MPAS AWARDS ILLUSTRATION OF THE YEAR SILVER VOTED NO 1 F&B MAGAZINE BY MARKETING MAGAZINE FEATURE “Besides the monumental launch of certain protein alternatives, I believe we will see more recognition towards vegetables and they will increasingly become the focus of restaurant menus. For the past few years in Esquina, we’ve made it a point to feature five dishes where vegetables are the key ingredient and we plan to increase this ratio even further this year. This doesn’t mean that the dish is vegan or vegetarian, although some are, but the vegetable is the highlight. Apart from this trend, I think value-for-money dining will be…

MF Bar by Burger & Lobster at Raffles Hotel Singapore is a handsome standalone indoor al fresco space where 69 guests can opt to dine and drink away from the main dining hall. MF refers to Mayfair, the chain’s first location in London. Order the outlet-exclusive and supremely indulgent uni, caviar and lobster roll ($50), while perusing the range of house cocktails by Atlas Bar alumni, Alastair Tan. The Matcha Pandan Martini ($22) is pulled together charmingly with vodka and soy milk. Try the BBQ Whiskey Sour ($22), which is smoked with charred lapsang souchong for a convincingly stiff sour. #01-25 Raffles Arcade, 328 North Bridge Road After leaving Smoke & Mirrors, Yugnes Susila has struck out on his own with Elephant Room, a bar atop Burnt Ends which pays…

Thinking of going clean and green as one of your New Year’s resolutions? Pinki Beans, the new online retailer, specialises in bringing in only vegan and cruelty-free products that are good for the environment and the soul. These include Happy Cashew’s range of vegan cream cheese ($12/120g) and “matured” cheeses ($18.90/100g, 21.90/150g) in flavours like herbs de provence, smoked pepper and fenugreek; Chocolate Banana or Coconut Almond granola bites and organic chocolates from Veganz; and spreads and pates from Vitaquell. #06-13, Midview City, 18 Sing Ming Lane. Tel: 8912 0405/4813. Online: pinkibeans.com UNESCO World Heritage Site Machu Picchu is a must-visit for those visiting Peru, and there’s no better way to journey to the ancient ruins than by Belmond Hiram Bingham. Travel in style through the Sacred Valley, with the…

Blancpain Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar Chinese astrology converges with Swiss precision watchmaking in Blancpain’s 2020 limited edition Traditional Chinese Calendar timepiece. There are just 50 exquisite pieces produced, featuring a white gold oscillating weight engraved with this year’s Zodiac animal, the Rat, representing the first animal in the Zodiac cycle. The complex mechanism seamlessly blends two different time-keeping systems, with one for the Gregorian calendar and another for the lunar-based Chinese calendar. Beyond synching the two calendar systems, the horological gem also displays the moon phases, Ten Celestial Pillars and Five Element Chart, and Chinese Zodiac calendar (complete with matching animal decal at the 12 o’clock position), on its white Grand Feu enamel dial. Also available in unlimited red gold version with a guilloché oscillating weight. Price available on request.…

Bruce Gosper, Australian High Commissioner to Singapore » WHERE TO EAT There are lots of eateries highlighting Australia’s multi-cultural community. Sahra By The River is a favourite; it offers fresh Lebanese food and a beautiful position on the river. Or try Butter Parramatta – you can never go wrong with fried chicken and a glass of bubbly. Feeling a little homesick? Temasek Restaurant serves authentic Malaysian-Singaporean dishes like Chicken Rice, Laksa and King Prawn in Singapore Chilli Sauce. » WHERE TO DRINK A watering hole worth a visit is Nick & Nora’s. Located on the 26th floor of V by Crown building, you can expect a stunning view of the Blue Mountains and Harbour Bridge while sipping on tasty tipples, such as Seductive Senorita. A floral concoction of Tanqueray 10…

V-ZUG’s kitchen appliances may be tailor made for home kitchens, but they certainly stand up to the rigours demanded by fine dining restaurants. Case in point: V-Dining, V-ZUG’s first fine dining restaurant located at Scotts Square. All the restaurant’s dishes and ingredients are prepared using V-ZUG appliances, such as the Combair ovens and induction hobs, and their latest Herbs and Spices high tea menu is no different. Conceptualised by head chef Lee Jing Peng and pastry chef Joe Leong, the eight-course weekend high tea menu, served from 3 to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays, is certainly one for the senses. epicure guests in attendance started the repast with glasses of Crémant de Loire and a tour of the V-Zug showroom. They got the chance to take a closer look at…

With its elegant fountains, Balinese statues, red-bricked architecture, and hand-crafted wooden joglos, Taman Bhagawan at Tanjung Benoa, Bali exudes the beauty of Indonesian culture. The beachfront venue was the gorgeous backdrop for epicure’s appreciation party on 21 November 2019. Key players in Bali’s hotel and restaurant industry came dressed in bright coloured kebayas and batik shirts to join the wonderful Indonesia-themed evening. Guests were welcomed by refreshing Rosellytini cocktails and tasty canapés of Creamy Mushroom Vol Au Vent, Indonesia’s favourite snacks Perkedel and Pastel, as well as Smoked Salmon Blini, all served in a steady stream by the gracious team from Vivre Catering. epicure’s senior publisher, Cecilia Goh; regional business director, Dewi Prasodjo; associate editor, Eve Tedja; and finance controller, Angie Garnaen hosted the evening. A handsomely set white open…

ASIA OCEAN SPRING RESORT CHENGDU, CHINA The hotel is located in Chengdu Triathlon Park, offering boutique accommodation with a fascinating view of idyllic landscapes. All 66 rooms are well appointed with modern amenities in new Asia Style and include 42 villas with private hot spring pools. THE SILVERI HONG KONG – MGALLERY, HONG KONG The Silveri Hong Kong – MGallery references the silver mine resources in east Lantau, as well as the shimmer of water that surrounds the verdant island. Silver is used as a design element throughout the hotel as accents to underscore the refined luxury that the property encapsulates. FAIRMONT JAIPUR, INDIA Rooms at Fairmont Jaipur are bespoke residences that exude classic heritage influences with four-poster beds, camel bone inlaid furniture, walk-in bathrooms with the distinct pink city…

Dining out is a fuss-free way to celebrate Chinese New Year, but a sumptuous homecooked feast is hard to beat. Master chef Goh Chee Kong of Min Jiang Dempsey demonstrates two dishes that will be perfect for a sit-down affair. Few ingredients best represent the opulence of Chinese New Year like abalone, and Goh ups the ante by pairing it with an unctuous black truffle braising sauce that’s brimming with earthy aromas. To counteract the strong notes, he serves the abalone on a pillowy cloud of cooked egg whites. The secret to the egg’s light texture? Goh deep-fries the egg whites in low temperature oil instead of stir-frying them. The suspension of the whites in oil as the egg curdles results in a lighter bite. He then rinses the cooked…