On Friday, 14th March 2014, the Mezzanine floor of Moovina at Plaza Indonesia, transformed into a special venue for the Secret Dining Event hosted by Singapore Tourism Board (STB), who's celebrating its 50th year anniversary this year. Not quite young in human years, but STB is still one of the most dynamic and admirable tourism boards I have ever known.
The invitees to this event were each handpicked by STB and they come from various professions and jobs. At my table, seated about a dozen of hungry food bloggers in Jakarta and at other tables, I saw other bloggers like fashion, travel, lifestyle, etc as well as some local celebrities, editors from various media, and there was the champion of Masterchef Indonesia Season 1.
Before the first course was prepared, guests were treated to various fine Amuse Bouche, as you can see in the following photos.
4 course dinner by Chef Ryan Clift
Chef Ryan Clift, a British lad who started his life in the culinary world since 14 years old back in his hometown in Wiltshire, England. He opened Tippling Club in Singapore back in 2008 and ever since then, Tippling Club soared among the top restaurants in Singapore and claimed various accolades such as Miele Guide's Top 20 Restaurants in Asia, and this year, his restaurant made it to the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list and directly to #23. The tattoed chef himself flew down to Jakarta and got his hands dirty as he prepared each plates served to the guests that evening.
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| Sea Grapes |
1st Course: Baccaloa, Parsley Root, Garlic Soup, Sea Rosemary
This is my favourite of all the 4 courses by Chef Ryan Clift. Who would ever guessed that garlic soup could appear and taste like milk? Heaven!
This is my favourite of all the 4 courses by Chef Ryan Clift. Who would ever guessed that garlic soup could appear and taste like milk? Heaven!
2nd Course: Snow Crab, Celeriac, Vinegar
3rd Course: Foie Gras, Cherry, Spiced Wine, Brioche
4th Course: Wagyu, Burrata, Fruit Tomato, Artichoke, Sea Grape
Dessert Table by Pastry Chef Janice Wong, entitled "Art of Chocolate"
Unlike Ryan Clift, it's an entirely different story with the 2 times winner of Asia's Best Pastry Chef award, Janice Wong. As a Finance and Economics graduate, Janice changed the course of her life when she enrolled in the pastry program at Le Cordon Bleu, Paris and the the rest is history.For the special event, Janice herself prepared the dessert table since noon and it was a massive surface of edible sweets, even the handwritten "parchment" is actually made of chocolate and is 100% edible. They are not just good to looks at but also taste good and one could never guess what awaits in each bites. It is this ability to get a person excited about dessert that not many other Pastry Chefs possess. Kudos to Janice Wong! Let's feast our eyes on the beautiful artworks by Janice Wong and her team. Who knew art could be so enjoyable (literally).
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| Chocolate and macadamia bars, chunky and not too sweet. I could never find these in any stores! |
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| Left: White chocolate spheres, stacked to a towering height Right: Salted caramel pannacotta-like dessert. This is one of my favourites. |
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| Left: Passionfruit Rose - beware, this sparkly and chewy devil is so sour, it'll jolt you awake! Right: tye-dye gummy sheets, each colours taste of different flavours! |
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| Oh, this is just the first round haha! |
Cocktails by Mixologist Zachary Connor de Git
Bartender / Mixologist Zachary Connor de Git, an Australian-born master of elixirs who was nominated "Bartender of The Year" by Australian Bartender Magazine, now is an inseparable part of Tippling Club. Only someone like him could be a match and collaborate with Ryan Clift's extensive 30-course tasting cocktails-pairing menu!
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| Foreground: Gringos Garden Background: Pinya |
Oh, how it made me miss my Singapore culinary adventures! Every mealtime would be a different story, every dish a surprise, reminds me picking up fresh Italian coffee and pastries for breakfast at Gastronomia Holland Village, hearty lunch made lovingly by talented chef/owner of Eight Cafe & Bar at Bukit Pasoh, quickie tea time and instant dessert fix at Sweet Spot, Marina Bay Sands, dinner with mindblowing view and artisanal cuisine prepared by Chef Julien Royer at JAAN, before finally ending the night with molecular/progressive dessert with wine pairing at Janice Wond's 2:am Dessertbar, Holland Village.
Basically what we experienced at the Secret Dining Event was just a tiny glimpse of what awaits in Singapore. The little red dot packs a lot of punch and possesses so many culinary indulgences waiting to be discovered. It has something for everyone, street food lovers can flock to the legendary hawker centres and markets, fine dinings, specialized niche dining venues and master classes for the more adventurous foodies. Just for your information (I'm a fact freak, sorry haha), there are some mighty exciting culinary events taking place in Singapore, which are open for public, as follows (click on each to the direct website, where you can find more information):
- Singapore Restaurant Week (15 - 23 March 2014)
- World Gourmet Summit (26 March - 5 Apr 2014)
- Singapore Food Expo (29 May - 2 June 2014)
I'm checking the soonest flight to Singapore now as I'm writing this post (LOL!). So who's going with me? :D
Basically what we experienced at the Secret Dining Event was just a tiny glimpse of what awaits in Singapore. The little red dot packs a lot of punch and possesses so many culinary indulgences waiting to be discovered. It has something for everyone, street food lovers can flock to the legendary hawker centres and markets, fine dinings, specialized niche dining venues and master classes for the more adventurous foodies. Just for your information (I'm a fact freak, sorry haha), there are some mighty exciting culinary events taking place in Singapore, which are open for public, as follows (click on each to the direct website, where you can find more information):
- Singapore Restaurant Week (15 - 23 March 2014)
- World Gourmet Summit (26 March - 5 Apr 2014)
- Singapore Food Expo (29 May - 2 June 2014)
I'm checking the soonest flight to Singapore now as I'm writing this post (LOL!). So who's going with me? :D
38 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore
Ph: +65 64752217
21a Lorong Liliput
Holland Village, Singapore
Ph: +65 62919727
Open Hours: 6 PM - 2 AM (Monday - Saturday, closed on Sundays)
Open Hours: 6 PM - 2 AM (Monday - Saturday, closed on Sundays)
Customize your travel & experiences in Singapore, find out the latest updates for events, happenings and venues at www.yoursingapore.com or http://yoursingapore.com/live , it is an official website managed by Singapore Tourism Board which provides a comprehensive and updated contents related to tourism in Singapore and its attractions. #OnlyinSG
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I hate you and everyone who made it to this event. I love Ryan Clift's creation. Tried Tippling Club before and it was amazing. You guys are lucky, El!
ReplyDeleteSo which event in Sing have you went? Are you going to FHA that's happening now?
Ruby | Wanderbites.com