Indholdsfortegnelse for May 2015 i epicure

The mille-feuille has many names: vanilla slice, Napoleon or custard pastry. Its exact origins are a little hazy, but its form is almost always standard, comprising three layers of puff pastry (pâte feuilletée) alternating with two layers of pastry cream (crème pâtissière). Vanilla-specked custard is a sure sign of a superior mille-feuille, as is laminated pastry that resembles a sheet of ‘a thousand leaves’. Different versions may carry a dusting of icing sugar or cocoa, crushed nuts, or a glazed top in alternating white and brown fondant. TIONG BAHRU BAKERY The Vanilla mille-feuille imagined by French master patissier Gontran Cherrier proves that sometimes, less is more. His take on the classic dessert, also known as ‘A Thousand Leaves’, is resplendent in its simplicity and just right in its proportions –…

Too many hotel developers these days shun the opulence of old to embrace a safer, or if you will, a more vanilla interior. But every so often, architectural gems like The Reverie Saigon eschew clean lines and neutral palettes in favour of ornate furnishings and vivid hues to conjure a transcendental grandeur reminiscent of palaces from the Italian Renaissance. “Most hotel brands endeavour to exude a ‘home away from home’ feel with their interiors. However, with The Reverie, we set out to present travellers with a design experience unlike our guests’ homes because isn’t that really the point of travelling?” points out the hotel’s head architect Kent Lui, whose impressive portfolio includes the Hong Kong International Airport and Hong Kong’s renowned International Finance Centre. Adds Herbert Laubichier-Pichler, the general manager…

EPIC CURE 1 fresh plum 30ml cointreau 3 30ml Botanist Gin 60ml apple juice 10ml yuzu juice garnish cointreau-carbonated plum rosemary 1 teaspoon avruga caviar (optional) • Muddle fresh plum in a shaker, then add the rest of the ingredients except garnishes. • Shake and strain into glassware.…

A day trip to the central foothills of the Gianyar regency will not suffice. Ubud has so much more to offer – from meditative sunrise mountain peak views to villages known for intricate silver-smithing and the delicate craft of egg painting. For food lovers, the action lies around Monkey Forest and Jalan Raya Sanggingan, home of the original Naughty Nuri’s pork ribs and other epicurean stars; while history buffs can study four-century-old architectural remains such as ‘elephant cave’ Goa Gajah. BEAUTIFUL PLATES Three highlights of Mozaic Restaurant Gastronomique are its ingenious ‘modern international Balinese cuisine’ by food auteur Chris Salans, lush grounds, and emphasis on touch-feel-taste. As each course arrives, you are directed to interact with a platter of local ingredients – the centrepiece of every patron’s table. Examining the…

A larger-than-life monkey mascot sits languidly at Conrad Bali’s lobby. For a lone traveller in a foreign country, he is a welcome sight; for doting couples, a perfect photo-op; and for families, a gleeful distraction during the business of checking in. Thoughts of home – from the friendly but not intrusive service, to the cosy and warm tones of the room – come to mind when at the luxury Nusa Dua property. 3 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CONRAD BALI ¬ Spa guests have exclusive access to the 25-metre private pool within the facility ¬ Tired of the gym? Fitness buffs can stay active with beach volleyball, tennis lessons and water aerobics classes ¬ The resort has five choice wedding venues: the Infinity Chapel, Water Garden, Floating Garden, Beach Bale and…

Hooked on showjumping as a child since learning to ride on a neighbour’s horse, Edwina Tops-Alexander now jets around the world to participate in equestrian competitions. Most recently, the petite 40-year-old and her mare Lintea Tequila came out tops in the CSI5* Grand Prix of Al Shaqab held in Doha, Qatar. Though the Sydneysider now calls Monaco home, the stylish showjumper (she’s dressed by Gucci and is an ambassador for Jaeger-LeCoultre) trains in her husband and former Olympic gold medalist equestrian Jan Tops’ stables in the Dutch countryside. How did you discover your passion for horses, and eventually, showjumping? I love animals, especially dogs. I learnt how to train dogs as my mother did, but I realised that I could also train and compete with horses and have them as…

You have to pity Nice. Overshadowed by megawatt Riviera neighbours like aristocratic Monaco, red-carpet Cannes and Champagne-soaked Saint-Tropez, France’s fifth largest city is often written off as a dowdy haven of retirees. Yet Nice packs most of its neighbours’ lures – year-round sun, Mediterranean Sea, Belle Èpoque and Art Deco architecture – with the bonuses of an atmospheric old quarter, an evolving restaurant scene, the Riviera’s best museums and some high profile public works. Place Garibaldi, the central square, has been pedestrianised and spruced up, while the formerly lacklustre port area is filling up with the city’s coolest restaurants and bars. And thanks to the new Promenade du Paillon, Nice has an alluring public park in its heart. A city for all budgets, Nice now buzzes with an energy and…

Berry Bros. & Rudd 88B Amoy Street Tel: 6709 0100 Burberry #02-16/17/18 ION Orchard Tel: 6509 9326 Chanel L1-59 & B1-135 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands Tel: 6645 1950 Christofle Hilton Hotel Singapore Tel: 6733 7257 Chanel Cosmetics #B1-134 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands Tel: 6645 1970 Dior Beauty Robinsons Raffles City Tel: 6338 7782 Elizabeth Arden Robinsons Raffles City Tel: 6336 1554 Escentials #03-02/05 Paragon Shopping Centre Tel: 6737 2478 Edit Lifestyle Tudor Court Tel: 6836 5686 Ethan’s Gourmet #B1-01 Entrepreneur Centre Tel: 6372 8809 Grand Vin #08-139 TradeHub21 Tel: 6465 3081 Giorgio Armani #01-19 & #02-09 ION Orchard Tel: 6304 1368 Guerlain TANGS Orchard Tel: 6733 3270 Hermès #B1-41 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands Tel: 6688 7111 Hai Choo Wines & Spirits #06-119 Enterprise Hub…

HASHIDA GARO It’s not immediately apparent, but behind Kenjiro ‘Hatch’ Hashida’s austere demeanour is a hidden street artist with a real flair for desserts. While Hashida Sushi may not have been the place to showcase these secret talents, his new outlet Hashida Garo provides him with an arena to express them to full effect. Hashida Garo will boast an exclusive range of Japanese macaron flavours: sakura, gotcha, hojicha and yuzu, plus sweets that include pliable pillowy fresh mochi; fumanju, Kyoto wagashi made with raw wheat gluten filled with sweet bean paste and wrapped in sasa bamboo leaf; and chocolate daifuku stuffed with azuki paste. The café-meishi (casual café) is a slight misnomer, for there’s still refined offerings in the form of abalone chawanmushi enriched with fish bones, collagen, and dried…

19 Boon Tat Street. Tel: 6221 3703 Food: 7/10 Service: 8/10 Ambience: 6/10 Average dinner bill for two, with drinks: $180 Must-tries: the beautifully charred red snapper and béchamelsweetened Maine lobster. Yet another small plates joint, yet another opening at Boon Tat Street. FYR Cycene Ond Drinc’s (pronounced FIRE Kitchen and Drink) décor goes for rustic with a touch of industrial – a stacked log façade, distressed woods and exposed bulb chandeliers, with murals dominating the back wall. On paper, it sounds like another wannabe trying its luck with the most recent trends. But before you dismiss the casual outfit, give it a try – their dishes are adventurous, refreshingly localised and put their Josper charcoal oven to good use. The menu isn’t lengthy, but it’s enough to pique our…

Easy drinking This Gewürztraminer blooms with nuances of rose petals and Turkish delight, with balanced notes of lychee, making it ideal for ladies with delicate palates or just starting on their wine journey. Nederburg’s Heritage Hero The Beautiful Lady 2012 is inspired by Ilse Graue, the wife of winemaker Johann who bought Nederburg in 1937. Her rose garden still occupies pride of place in the estate, and she was acknowledged as the mother to all on the farm. Pair this with Thai or Indian curries, or Cantonese seafood. $59 from Isetan. Alternative pick Kevin and Diana Cullen – or just Di – were pioneering winemakers in Margaret River, and popular members of the community. Their daughter Vanya, a gifted biodynamic winemaker, has honoured them with two flagships worthy of their…

Jaelle Ang, 35, may be a mother of two, but you’ll never find toys strewn across the cavernous living room of her loft-style two-storey pre-war shophouse at Emerald Hill. “The children can wander and play anywhere in the house, but they must keep their books and toys away in the concealed storage that we designed,” explains Ang of her immaculate home, which she shares with her husband of five years – talented fine art photographer and tech and property investor Yian Huang – and their two young daughters: Ying, aged three, and Xuan, aged one. She’s no tiger mum, but Ang’s high-flying position as the head of development for Country Group Development PCL – a Thai luxury real estate developer responsible for projects such as Capella Hotel Bangkok and Four…

Much has been said about the W Retreat & Spa Bali - Seminyak being one of the trendiest and most gorgeous hotels in the Seminyak region. But it’s only when you check into the swanky address, located along the already vivacious Petitenget stretch, that you realise it’s no exaggeration. Eclectic is the thought that comes to mind as you step onto the beachfront property which juxtaposes elements of traditional Balinese mythology with modern aesthetics. The iconic outdoor pool area, WET, is a fine example; it seamlessly transforms the organic form of rice terraces into curvaceous bodies of water; while within earshot, international DJs masterfully man the decks at the three-storey WooBar. 3 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT W BALI ¬ ‘Whatever/Whenever’ — they mean it. Buy gig tickets or even engage…

Checking in at Banyan Tree Ungasan, I was promptly welcomed by a Balinese blessing ceremony – a rite that cleanses both the body and spirit. It is a pleasant surprise to first be presented with a canang, or floral offering, sprinkled with holy water and have grains of rice gently pressed onto the forehead and frangipani flowers tucked behind each ear – symbols of peace and prosperity – before being personally escorted to your tranquil sanctuary. A terrazzo stone pavement set over a lotus pond leads to the spacious Pool Villa that would be my home for the next two nights. Relaxation opportunities await within: a generous marble bathroom with a sunken bath, the inviting verdant gardens and pavilion, and the highlight – a private infinity pool (from 10 metres)…

Arriving straight from Ubud’s bustling town centre, our car sped past the winding plantation roads of Payangan village to reach Alila Ubud just before noon. I had missed the spectacular sight of the sun’s first rays arising from the resort; the experience I hear is best witnessed at the Terrace Tree Villa, a sustainable 120 sq m abode of recycled teak perched atop an expansive jungle canopy. It is a feast for the eyes: waving fields of alang alang, sculptured rice terraces, a passing creek and sightings of endemic wildlife – seen even from the balmy environs of the indoor bathtub. Elsewhere, things at Alila Ubud seem to slow to a serene pace, a welcomed opportunity to get acquainted with the resort’s hallmark 25-metrelong infinity pool and its sweeping ravine…

The last thing you need upon your return from a holiday is feeling the need for yet another getaway. Enter the Conrad Bali, which offers instant requiescence. From the time you arrive, you’re transported to nearly seven hectares of lush greenery. Fronted by 350 metres of beach, the luxury resort sits in a serene haven of alternating azure blues and greens. Check into your private sanctuary in a secluded wing of the Conrad Bali, where 55 suites await. Each boasts a minimum space of 110 sq m surrounded by tropical gardens, reflective pools and ponds. You might be in a foreign place but bespoke amenities – choice of music, pillows and custom itineraries – will make you feel like you never left the comforts of home. Relish in personalised service,…

Riez is a landlocked and relatively unknown ancient Provençal village that sits snug in the Gorges Du Verdon canyon, where the rivers Colostre and Auvestre of Digne-les-Bains prefecture meet. It’s a serene idyll characterised by old stone and pastel-hued 14th century medieval architecture with winding, narrow streets. Romans were one of the earliest settlers here and built a temple of Apollo. But all that remains of the structure is four towering Corinthian columns, looking very out of place in a field, which has led some to call the village Riez-la-Romaine. NATURE’S BEST With a population of 1,850, the compact town is a far cry from the usual southern France hotspots where tourists, restaurants and bistrots abound. But that’s not to say that we don’t get visitors. In the winter months…

DEVODIER PROSCIUTTO DI PARMA HAM This distinguished Prosciutto is aged to perfection by the Devodier family, where the long seasoning process is aided by the perfect balance of elements in the underground cellar. $14.80 per 100g, Huber’s Butchery. SERVE IT UP: Bring out the natural flavour and aroma of this rosy pink ham by pairing with creamy burrata and honeyed figs in a bruschetta or salad. MOUNT COOK ALPINE KING SALMON Highly prized amongst the salmon breeds, the King Salmon thrives in the Alpine waters of New Zealand, keeping their flesh lean with a low fat content and a distinct texture. When cooked, the salmon presents firm, dense texture with an aromatic, sweet flavour. $10.90 per 150g, The Barbie Girls SERVE IT UP: Using a simpler touch of en papilotte…

Your foodie news around the world The trappings of any Unlisted Collection, a Singapore-based hotel group by Loh Lik Peng, are not hard to miss: slightly off-the-grid address, sensitively restored heritage buildings, and thoughtful designs. The group’s newest project and first in Australia, The Old Clare Hotel, sports the same telltale signs. An adaptive conversion of the iconic Clare Hotel and former Carlton & United Breweries administration building, it now stands grandly as a cornerstone of the eclectic Kensington Street precinct in Sydney. And like all its siblings that came before it, dining plays a key role in drawing in the discerning guest. The Clare bar flushes right in with the hotel’s semiindustrial look and traditional barber shaves, welcoming its guests as it did in its heyday as a boisterous…

Land Rover’s New Discovery Sport is the culmination of nearly 70 years of off-road expertise. the intelligent terrain response® system lets you tackle all types of road surfaces. whether it’s grass, gravel, mud, rut or sand, the system automatically calibrates throttle, braking and traction for a smoother, safer drive. chef-owner of brasserie gavroche and café gavroche, frederic colin, appreciates the premium SUV’s safety features and roomy 5 + 2 seating configuration (he has two young kids after all), but it’s the years of perfected know-how that he most resonates with. drawing a similar parallel to his timeless cuisine, the 41-year-old car lover says, “It takes time and passion to hone something that doesn’t just look good on the surface, but works like a dream too.” 5 + 2 seating The…

When Rosé arrives, the sentiment goes, it must be spring. And there’s no better place to appreciate this light, summery tipple than in sun-drenched Provence, the world’s largest wine region specialising in dry rosés. Just ask Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, whose Château Miraval project was sold out within hours of its first 6,000-bottle vintage in 2013. Bordered by the Rhone River to the West and the Cote d’Azur on the East, Provence contains nine wine appellations, including AOC Bandol, the most internationally recognised. It is the closest wine region to the Cote D’Azur, the region more popularly referred to as the glamorous French Riviera. The region, like many others in France, has a long winemaking history said to stretch back some 2,600 years. Explains Celine Gaultier, marketing manager at…

Mayer Marketing adds another nifty appliance to its range of quality kitchen products with the Bamix. Don’t be deceived by its surprisingly compact design – versatility is the calling card of the Swiss-made device. It boasts multiple functions such as mincing, chopping, whisking, mixing and puréeing at a flick of a switch, made possible with its fitted multi-purpose blades. Perfecting a soufflé or yielding an unbelievably silky mash is that much easier with the Bamix’s two different speed settings for whisking and beating at varying strengths. If you’re looking just to fulfil basic culinary needs, opt for the Bamix Magicwand EO160, which is available in red, green and black, orange, white, anthracite or aqua. It comes with a new soft grip switch, 160W AC motor, multipurpose blade, whisk and beater.…

As you speak to Jean-Philippe Patruno at tapas hangout UNA (Spanish for ‘one’ and Latin for ‘together’), where he is the executive chef, you might be thrown for a moment by his French accent. He is the product of a trifecta of culinary cultures. Although he identifies himself as a Marseillais from the French Riviera, in truth, he holds nary an ounce of French blood. The outgoing chef was born from an Italian father and Spanish mother who met in Grenoble in southeastern France and later moved south to Marseilles; his grandparents on both sides had packed their bags and children from Corata in the Apulian Bari province and Murcia in southeastern Spain respectively to Grenoble during wartime. His mixed heritage was an encumbrance to his culinary career – “I…

“How do I love thee?” a printed carpet in Pullman Jakarta Indonesia’s Poetree event space proclaims. Accompanying Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s poem is a centrepiece alabaster tree illuminated by gentle spotlights – a contemporary example of how art now dwells in the newly-renovated ‘bleisure’ (business meets leisure) upscale hotel. In the lobby, traditional wayang kulit (shadow puppets) motifs adorn twin sweeping staircases clothed in a red carpet, while the long foyer now leads to little alcoves such as the stylish connectivity lounge and three dining outlets. The Le Chocolat lounge, patterned in rich hues of red, black and gold, offers customisable signature hot chocolate beverages, handmade pralines and truffles. Move on to the Kemixtri gastro bar – all dressed-up in dark wood accents and natural lighting, for world cuisine and in-house…

Home to the new and trendy – boutiques line the streets of Jalan Laksmana, Oberoi and the eponymous Jalan Raya Seminyak, while the nearby Petitenget and Kerobokan areas house a wealth of high-end restaurants, cafés and a steady stream of recent openings – Seminyak is like a bustling metropolis within Bali that is constantly marching to its own vibrant beat. By day, its pristine beaches are primed with a mix of luxurious hotels, elegant clubs and eateries, designed to offer the most stunning glimpses of the daily display, while nightfall brings the pulse of beachfront chill-out venues to the fore. It is hard to believe that just a decade ago, glamourpuss Seminyak was borderline backwater – which shows how fast and how far she’s come. BREAKFAST & BRUNCH Thanks to…

Elegantly designed both inside and out, KU DE TA’s indoor bar and dining areas transition into an outdoor dining deck that extends into manicured gardens and beyond, to the beach. Although renowned as a sunset venue for its sexy cocktails and gorgeous patrons, KU DE TA also draws an early crowd. As early as 8am, sun worshippers snag reclining day beds and nurse a hearty breakfast with spectacular views of the glistening Indian Ocean for company. Lunch sees an impressive turnover of tapas, but it’s not till the sky turns a burnt orange that the real action begins. An international coterie of DJs turn up the vibe with their dulcet tunes while mixologists shake up tantalising cocktails with a deft hand. If nursing a few delicious drinks has you working…

Bali has been a hotbed for the entry of new, hip resorts in recent years, but an ability to fuse luxury with genuine warmth is what keeps guests returning to the indomitable Banyan Tree Ungasan. Here, every one of the 73 pool villas is set in its own landscaped garden with outdoor jet pool, outdoor shower, marble bathroom and Balinese bale or outdoor pavilion complete with daybed. Perhaps what’s more impressive is the private infinity pool that beckons outside each accommodation, spanning a minimum of 10 metres in length – arguably the most expansive in Bali. As pioneers of the tropical garden setting concept, Banyan Tree continues its advocacy for all things natural at its in-house Banyan Tree Spa. The ‘high touch, low-tech’ approach brings an adroit human, healing touch…

Set in a tranquil oasis between Kuta and Legian beach but also close to the heart of Bali’s shopping and nightlife areas, the Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana is the ideal retreat for families as well as the party set. Sybarites can veg out at The Tjakra-7 Spa, a fully equipped wellness centre with a hydro vitality pool that promises to lower body acidities, release muscle tension and improve body circulation. But with a slew of Asian therapy treatments that incorporate Tibetan singing bowl and Kerala Indian shirodara rituals, even gym rats will find restoration and rejuvenation here. Guests with separate interests can reconvene at the resort’s food and beverage establishments to feast at Sembilan, a contemporary Balinese restaurant; The Deli, an upscale brasserie featuring French and international delicacies; or knock…

MARSEILLES The second most populated city of France and the birthplace of L’Escolo de la Mar – the oldest folk dance in France – Marseilles presents an enthralling mix of culture and cuisine. CHECK OUT: Sacred Music Festival WHEN: 7 May to 5 June 2015. WHAT: Started by Jeanine Imbert, a councillor from the Marseille Conservatory and Fine Arts School, the Scared Music Festival is dedicated to the art and performance of religious music, with the hope of reigniting an ancestral heritage for Marseilles through a series of quality concerts. Housed in the historical relics of Marseilles’ churches, the festival immerses visitors in the breathtaking beauty of architecture while delivering pitchperfect acoustics. St. Michael the Archangel Church 1, place de l’Archange 13005, Marseille CHECK OUT: Les Halles de la Major…

This ethereal looking teapot and cup from the Kumo Tea Collection is the brainchild of Takehide Sano of Italian-based Studio Sano and hand blown from frosted borosilicate glass by renowned glass artist Massimo Lunardon. No two pieces are exactly the same, just like the uniquely shaped clouds which inspired the design. S$533 for teapot, S$67 for teacup. Francophiles, add this to your calendars. Voilah!, a French festival put together by the Institut Français de Singapour and French Embassy, celebrates 50 years of diplomatic ties between our two countries from 4 May to 21 June. Set to be a yearly affair, there will be an exciting line-up of activities to take part in, whether it’s a rendezvous with Claudie Haigneré, a former French minister, astronaut and scientist (5 May); perusing The…