Inhaltsverzeichnis für August 2018 in epicure

Gluten-free food you’ll love Coeliac diners will certainly appreciate the full gluten-free menu by The Butcher's Wife, which replaces Open Door Policy. The bold concept overhaul by Spa Esprit in partnership with consultant chef Diego Jacquet fills a much-needed gap in the market; gluten-intolerant diners can enjoy comfort food like Caputo-Flour Focaccia ($9) and Cod a la Plancha on Seaweed and Buckwheat Risotto ($32) with peace of mind. Argentinian head chef Diego Carlos Quispe brings some Latin American touches but truly excels in fresh creations, such as the chilled almond soup with crab, apples and coriander ($17) and chestnut flour pappardelle with braised ossobucco ragu ($25). 19 Yong Siak Street. Tel: 6221 9307 Hearty European classics The menu at House of Mu, a casual bistro, reveals a strong European slant…

Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort has relaunched its rooftop venue, Sunset on Seminyak (S.O.S). With the resort’s proximity to Double Six Beach, guests can enjoy beautiful sunsets from the comfort of S.O.S.’s lawn, restaurant or beachfront pool. Before the sun worshipping begins, kick off with an afternoon tea (Rp300,000 per couple) featuring tasty bites such as the Prosciutto Wrapped Grissini and Strawberry Pavlova. Then, continue with S.O.S cocktail selections like Freshly Roscha (Rp125,000) to accompany your cool dip in the pool. End the evening with sharing dishes like the juicy 250 Day grain fed Beef Tomahawk (Rp1,567,000) for two. Jl. Abimanyu (Dhyana Pura), Seminyak, Bali 80361. Tel: +62 361 737773 An Asian-inflected brunch takes place every Sunday at Andrawina Restaurant, Rumah Luwih, a luxury colonial resort. The restaurant is decorated in…

SKIN INC One of the earliest players on the local beauty scene, Skin Inc was often mistaken as a Japanese brand, thanks to its minimalist packaging and sophisticated formulas. While their products, indeed, hail from Japan, the brand is very much Singaporean. Renowned for its range of customisable skincare combining beauty and technology, Skin Inc was founded a decade ago by Sabrina Tan, 44, who worked in IT for 11 years before venturing into the beauty business. Hence, it’s no surprise her products boast innovations such as encapsulating active ingredients in seaweed globules that burst upon contact with skin, thereby ensuring optimal freshness and efficacy. The brand has since garnered a celebrity cult following – Olivia Culpo and South Korean actress Son Ye-jin are fans – and is now available…

BASILICO Level 2, Regent Singapore, A Four Seasons Hotel, 1 Cuscaden Road. Tel: 6725 3232 Housed within Regent Hotel is its flagship Italian restaurant Basilico, which just celebrated its 10th anniversary in July. Northern Italian chef Luca Beccalli creates sumptuous classics, such as the Bombetta alla Locorotondese of Wagyu beef stuffed with Pork Pancetta and a Spaghetti alla Napoletana with Pinot Grigio wine sauce. There’s also a Canapes Package, featuring Deep-Fried Arancini, to go along with their extensive menu of cocktails and wines. 18% off total bill for UnionPay Platinum or Diamond Cardholders OSO RISTORANTE 27th floor, Oasia Hotel Downtown, 100 Peck Seah Street. Tel: 6327 8378 You can always count on chef-owner Diego Chiarini to whip up authentic Italian dishes with a contemporary twist, be it for a family…

With Singapore’s sophisticated cocktail scene, it’s getting harder to impress drinking aficionados, but Nouri’s restaurant and beverage manager Matthew Chan has done it. A year after opening, the bar programme finally takes off, putting Chinese nu er hong, Korean baekseju and Indian thandai in the spotlight. Served in traditional ware, An Ode to celebration ($22) cleverly matches huangjiu’s strong nutty notes with fresh grapefruit and osmanthus syrup for a full-bodied tipple. The bar bites menu from chef-owner Ivan Brehm is on point. Think handmade cheong fun with crab and grouper ($22), and Wagyu and kimchi nduja on toast ($14). 72 Amoy Street. Tel: 6221 4148 Ardbeg’s global ambassador, Hamish Torrie was in town to launch Southeast Asia’s first Ardbeg Embassy at The Grande Whisky Collection at ION Orchard. There are…

Nestled amid swaying coconut trees and the ethereal black-sanded Saba Beach, Rumah Sandiwara is part of caSabama, a gated community of five freehold houses on Bali’s eastside. The waves crash on the beach in the distance as guests enter from the pool deck, which connects to a capacious open-air living room. Like the rest of the house, it is furnished with customised furniture pieces. Crafted from teak and local suar wood, they were designed by homeowner Ian Chee and handmade by his favourite craftsman from Sayan, Ubud. An architect with VX Design & Architecture, Chee’s studio has created numerous residential and commercial projects in London, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Hence, it was only natural for him to conceptualise the design of his stylish abode. Showcasing Bali’s indigenous…

Vienna is Wien, and wine is wein, in German. And there really isn’t any better way to get to know this city than through a glass of its own high quality grapes. My first glimpse of Vienna’s Innere Stadt (old city) confirms all its tropes – grand Baroque and Jugendstils (Art Noveau) mansions, Habsburg Empire palaces and Neoclassical elegance. It lives up to its glittering reputation, from City of Music to City of Wine, having the most number of wineries still in production within its city limits. Befittingly, one of the world’s finest cellar collections is located in the only existing portion of 15th century medieval town fortifications. Palais Coburg (palais-coburg.com), now a luxury hotel residence, was built before the town walls were demolished in the 1800s as the city…

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 Airways CIAS DNATA CIP Lounge Emirates SATS Premier Clubs SIA KrisFlyer Gold Lounges SIA Silver Kris 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 Hotel Grand Hyatt Singapore Hilton Singapore Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City CentreHoliday Inn Atrium Hotel Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong Hotel Jen InterContinental Singapore JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach Klapsons, The Boutique…

Counting calories? Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant unveils two new low-sugar snow skin mooncakes for the occasion. Enjoy the refreshing low sugar white lotus paste with orange praline mooncake, or the low sugar white lotus paste with hazelnut crunch mooncake featuring a chocolate centre packed with crunchy hazelnut pieces (each at $60 for six). Housed in a classic red and gold box, it's an ideal gift for your folks. 317 Outram Road, Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium. Tel: 6733 0188 Kids will clamour for Crystal Jade’s Disney's Mickey and Friends' limited edition musical carousel mooncake tin. The rose gold tin lights up to the tune of Mickey Mouse March and features drawings of Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Disney and Goofy on a carousel ride. A two-tier dessert tray reveals eight mooncakes in two…

Riverside reverie Located along Huangpu River, The Bvlgari Hotel Shanghai is the latest glamorous address heating up Shanghai’s dining and drinking scene. Of the six signature dining venues, Il Ristorante – Niko Romito stands out for contemporary Italian fare by award-winning chef Niko Romito (of three Michelin-starred Reale). Expect Broken Pasta with Octopus and his take on the classic Tagliatelle with Ragu to go along with exclusive limited-edition autographed bottles of Podernuovo a Palazzone Di Giovanni Bulgari (250 bottles available; price upon request). The adjoining Il Bar offers The Bvlgari Aperitivo (free with every drink order) and the brilliant skyline and riverbank. For a cocktail with a local twist, sip the Shi Ku Meng (price upon request), a concoction of of yellow rice wine gin and Dubennet Lillet, which is…

Red hot chilli pepper Green when it is young and red when it ripens, andaliman pepper (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium) is a singularly unique ingredient from Batak cuisine. Closely related to Sichuan pepper, it is loved for its dazzlingly spicy, sharp lemon-y and tongue-numbing notes. It grows on the north Sumatran highlands and it is said that the best quality andaliman pepper comes from Samosir, an island in the middle of Toba Lake. The warmly numbing yet oddly pleasant sensation is addictive, and pose a challenge for a few brave chefs who tinker with it in their contemporary approach to Indonesian cuisine. From the aromatic arsik carp to the savoury pork and blood saksang stew, the pepper is one ingredient that makes a Bataknese dish complete, says Nusantara by Locavore’s sous chef…

Few properties exude whimsicality and opulence quite like Wynn Palace. Enthroned in the midst of the bustling Cotai island, the Forbes Five-Star award-winning ultra-luxe integrated resort enchants with a captivating floral theme. A palette of sumptuous gold and vermillion is accentuated by Jeff Koons’ bouquet of high-chromium Tulips, kinetic centrepieces of peonies, roses and hydrangeas by renowned floral couturier Preston Bailey, and a leisurely SkyCab ride flanked by a pair of golden dragons for an unparalleled view of the iconic Performance Lake and Cotai. The je ne sais quoi extends to Wynn Palace’s 1,706 rooms and suites. Each residence is decked out in eclectic oeuvres and floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping views of Cotai’s dazzling skyline and the mesmerising son et lumière display of the Performance Lake. Top it off with…

Popularly acclaimed Rang Mahal raises the bar on traditional Indian cuisine with a new menu showcasing innovative dishes by award-winning chef Milind Sovani. Sovani has introduced a healthier and lighter spin on Indian culinary classics, with some dishes featuring Ayurvedic herbs and spices. Start the meal with the gigantic Roomali Masala Papad, where papadum is topped with a potpourri of lentil crispies, onion, tomato, chilli, sev and special spice blend. The new Tomato Saar, Mulethi Herb Foam is a light tomato soup starter complemented by the Ayurvedic sweet liquorice root foam, known for its antioxidant properties. Next is the Tandoori Fondue – An Ensemble of Kebabs, which consists of a sharing platter of succulent spiced chicken kebabs accompanied with garlic naan cubes and a cheese-tomato makhini dipping sauce. Diners will…

Chicago is often referred to as America’s Second City, but it doesn’t play second fiddle to New York. Known for its long sporting and architectural history, the metropolis is also well-loved for its museums, jazz festivals, and of course, food. Many of Chicago’s signatures actually originate elsewhere, giving rise to its reputation as having one of the most eclectic ethnic and culinary makeups among all the American states. The locals don’t always use the actual official names to refer to their neighbourhoods which can add to the confusion. For instance, you could live in West Town, but still say that you live in the East Village area of the Ukrainian Village. And if you’re from Lake View, you could be from East Lake View, Boystown, Wrigleyville or DePaul. With its…

Vienna Hotel Rathaus Wein & Design could hardly be more perfect, in terms of its central location and furnishings. A historic townhouse in Josefstadt puts the focus on both wine and design, where each of its 39 rooms feature an Austrian vintner along with design touches. Be sure to snag the only Junior Suite, a 35 sq m retreat outfitted by Scandinavian Design House with an incomparable Hästens box spring bed and the best city view on the top floor. Its dedicated wine bar features over 400 wines, with a vintner focus each month. Start your day right with the full Viennese breakfast. Coffee and kipferl (a croissant-like morning bun) is de rigeur, but don’t miss the regional cheeses, pastries and sweet homemade pies and jams. The hotel can also…

Morpheus Luxurious retreats are aplenty in Macau, but with the unveiling of Morpheus in June, Cotai now exudes new lustre. Designed by the late Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning architect, Zaha Hadid, the hotel is an arresting sight within City of Dreams, an integrated resort. The stunning free-form geometric grid surrounding its exterior does more than paint a pretty picture. It negates the need for obstructing structures that would clutter the interiors, giving famed interior designer Peter Remedios the dream canvas for its 770 rooms, suites and two-storey sky villas. The capacious rooms not only offer commanding views of the city but are also decorated with art pieces from acclaimed contemporary artists, KAWS and Jean-Michel Othoniel. Other pampering amenities include a gravity-defying Sky Pool which stands 130m above ground and a two-storey…

It isn’t easy to emulate village living in the Seychelles while still offering uncompromising comfort and luxury. However, thanks to the skilful professionals at reputed Singapore-based architectural and design firm, eco.id Architects – responsible for award-winning resorts such as W Maldives - Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, which opened its doors this March, delivers an immersive Seychellian experience that transports guests to a quintessential tropical paradise nestled amid nature. Located on the outer edge of the Indian Ocean archipelago, Desroches is a 35-minute flight southwest of Mahé – Seychelles’ main island and capital. The only resort on Desroches Island, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island is the hospitality group’s second opening in the country (Four Seasons has a resort on Mahé as well). With just 71 bungalows,…

Each year, epicureans in Singapore will be spoilt for choice when the Mid-Autumn Festival rolls around as F&B establishments vie with each other to launch the most creative packaging and delicious mooncake flavour. While others typically offer gift boxes that double up as jewellery cases or lanterns, Crystal Jade’s collaboration with Disney’s Mickey and Friends goes a step further and comes in the form of a limited edition Disney musical carousel mooncake tin ($88 including eight mooncakes). Plug the stunning rose gold tin to an attached USB cable and the whole device immediately lights up from within. As the carnival-like tune of Mickey Mouse March plays in the background, you can admire specially-commissioned drawings of Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Disney and Goofy on a carousel ride. What’s more, housed inside the…

I take the train 100km from Vienna to the well-manicured town of Deutschkreutz, population 3,000, where Silvia Heinrich has personally come to pick me up. With a wide smile and sunkissed countenance, she bounds up in her Converse All-Stars to the obvious only Asian at the station. Winemaker, field hand, single mother, daughter, designer, marketer, adminstrator – name it and she does it all, with barely six hours sleep a day. It's a privilege to spend the next 24 hours staying at J.Heinrich, before a hectic weekend begins at wine show VieVinum 2018. “A feeling from the heart” In the cosy winery grounds, I meet Silvia's parents, Gerte and Johanne Heinrich, from where the wine got its name. Silvia is considering a name change to just Heinrich, although many already…

It's not often that a hotel is equally well equipped for both business and leisure visitors, but DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru has the equation well thought out. The DoubleTree by Hilton brand, which has 500 hotels in 40 countries around the world, has created a loyal international following for its unique accommodations and full-service facilities, accompanied by warm brand hospitality. Business travellers, who make up the bulk of weekday guests, are well-catered for with amenities such as speedy Wi-Fi connection and 10 modern meeting spaces. The Executive Lounge is a favourite place to unwind, where they can enjoy pre-dinner cocktails and canapés and also the excellent city views from the 29th floor. Each of DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru’s 333 rooms and suites is stylishly updated, with a walk-in…

There was something special in the air at this year’s edition of VieVinum, and it wasn’t just the unusually hot weather that steam-bathed the attendees at Hofburg Palace. Spotted among the crowd was Raimonds Tomsons from Riga, who was awarded best sommelier in Europe and Africa in 2017 and will be competing for the world title in 2019. The lanky Latvian was on the hunt for natural wines. The fair hosted 15,000 attendees from over 45 countries, who were there to meet and taste wines from some 550 Austrian winegrowers. The impressive organisation included 1,150 invited professional wine trade guests of the Austrian Wine Marketing Board (AWMB). Flying in from Hong Kong was Sarah Heller MW who was there to joinly present the Almásy Collection together with Matthias Krön and…

Irish beers and barbeque await those attending The Big Grill Festival (from €18/S$28 per person). Happening from 16 to 19 August at Herbert Park, Dublin, the annual event celebrates some of the world’s best pitmasters and Ireland’s craft breweries. Expect a spectacular showcase of slow-roasted Killenure Dexter steer, an Irish cow bred in the parish near Killenure Castle, by Mario Portella of Churrascada (Brazil). There's also a six-course journey into Argentinian asado with Rama Basilio and Andy Noonan returning to head a private 20-seater chef’s table experience, Offside. Complementing the affair is a bevy of ales and ciders, from the likes of Irishtown Brewing Co. and Kinnegar Brewing, and a cocktail bar filled with Dingle Gin and Jameson Irish Whiskey. biggrillfestival.com The Bodrum EDITION is hotelier Ian Schruger's most stunning…