An Afternoon of "Speed-dating" at Discovery WGS (World Gourmet Summit)

 

We walked in and did not know what to expect at the Discovery WGS Meet the Stars Media exclusive held at Chijmes Hall.

 

The PR staff briefed us on how the event was going to be. Here you see the chefs from the various countries seated at their own tables. We, the media, were given 4 minutes at each table to have a one to one question and answer session with the chefs. I call this truly up close and personal. The chefs are all so charismatic. As one who loves to cook, the sessions gave me an insight and slightly more understanding on the different types of cuisine and ways of preparation.

 

Below : Group picture of the Masterchefs who are here especially for the @worldgourmetsummit. They will be whipping up unique Masterchef dining delights menu from 16 April to 20 April.

 

 

Chef Akira Back (chef standing beside the lady in red) @akirabacksg @jwmarriotsg

He takes traditional Korean food and modernised it. A modern look but still maintaining the authentic Korean taste. (Apologies... did not manage to take individual picture of Chef.)

 

Lady in Red : Tequila Ambassador Miss Alba Aviles at @elmeromerosg
Her specialty in preparing tequila to pair with Mexican food.

Chef Kevin Thornton @mo_Singapore : Chef Kevin hails from Ireland. One of his specialties is pigeon smoked in hay and age old bog oak. He is also quite passionate in photography. Very charming in person.

Lady in the middle : Chef Patrizia di Benedetto @gattopardo_ristorante_di_mare who is also a Michelin star chef. From Sicily, she will be featuring seafood and burrata. Self taught chef who rose to what she is today. A very humble chef.

Chef Artur Moroz (on the right) @wooloomooloosteakhousesg from Poland. Will be presenting goose that was airflown from Poland.

Chef Ryu Tae Hwan @morselsingapore with Chef Petrino Loh
Specialise in Korean food.  We had many questions on the Ginseng Chicken  soup. We learned that the soup is made using fresh ginseng from Korea thereby the aftertones of the soup is more robust.

After the sessions, we were treated to Mexican canapés and drinks.

 

 

It was a very unique experience at this "Speed-dating"sessions with the Masterchefs. Never have I come close to so many at one place and gained abit of culinary know from all of them.

 

For more deets, please head on to this website : www.worldgourmetsummit.com

 

Thank you @miss_teatime_sg for bringing me along and @heatbranding for hosting.

 

 

 

A Peranakan Popiah Buffet

 

The entrance to The Peranakan. Bright décor that screams nonya heritage.

 

 

 

A table setting with gorgeous handcrafted plates.

 

Hot lemongrass tea being served in dainty teacups.

 

Popiah buffet table. The condiments consist of julienned cucumber, beansprouts, lettuce, hard boiled eggs, prawns and the cooked shredded turnips. Sweet sauce, garlic and sambal chilli for slathering onto the popiah skin.

 

 

 

A do it yourself popiah. Go crazy and be creative. Add little or more ingredients or how fat or how thin you want your popiah to be.

 

 

 

 

 

Meesiam is also included. The gravy is sweet sour and tangy. For more kick, slather the sambal chilli and toss into the gravy. A fantastic combination.

Chendol is a must. This is legit. The gula melaka (brown sugar) had a aromatic smoky aftertaste. We were told by Chef Raymond that it was cooked over charcoal in Malaysia. A yummy sweet ending to our buffet. Nice to know, seniors can enjoy free chendol just by showing their senior card.

 

 

And of course, not forgetting, a traditional cup of kopi-o. (coffee black) to end the meal.

 

 

 

Milk tea is also available if you are not a coffee person.

 

The Nonya Popiah Buffet is only available every Saturday and Sunday from 1430 to 1730 hours.
Cost is : $28++ per person

Location : The Peranakan
422 Orchard Road
Level 2 The Claymore
Singapore 238879

Website : www.theperanakan.com

This was an invited media tasting.

Thank you @chubbybotakkoala for the invite and @theperanakan for hosting us.

Attended with: @ivan_teh_runningman @jellymagically @rain498 @littletinysun @tiara_star @o_oican

 

 

Surfing and Turfing at Royale Mercure Bugis

Have a taste of both worlds. In this new offering by the Royale, enjoy meats and seafood at the same place. The Surf and Turf buffet started from March and will end its run on 27 May 2018.

 

Interior of the Royale

A welcome platter consisting of beef sliders, clam gratin and black pepper crabs, served just before one starts the buffet proper. My favourite was the crab. Spicy black pepper engulfed the crabs leaving a tingling sensation on the palate.

Zooming in on hot food. This is the crayfish lor mee. Half a crayfish and pieces of fish cake. The gravy had a herbal twang. Add the sambal chilli and alittle vinegar, it is comfort food. This was the first dish I had and probably my favourite.

Potatoes Dauphinoise. Creamy with a distinct taste of baked cheese. For cheeselovers out there, this is a must try.



Sirloin steak that was so tender. Dark brown gravy with a tinge of saltyness and hint of herbs and spices. If you pair this with the potato dauphinoise, it is like a  match made in heaven.

 

 

Mongolian style slow braised lamb leg with red sago, rose wine and spices. I do not eat lamb but from what I heard from my dinner companions, it was braised wonderfully and had a strong hint of the spices.

 

Spare ribs that are tender with a sweet and sour finish.

Baked seabass

Various varieties of sushi to satisfy your tastebud for Japanese.

Not forgetting breads. The crispy baguettes for dipping into gravies or just have it on its own with butter and jam.

Sweettoothers, feast your eyes on the various desserts. Chocolate fondue. Marshmallows and fruits for one to dip into the flowing ever running chocolate sauce.

Puddings, cakes and fruits are also available at the dessert table. 

 

Duration : 8 March to 27 May 2018
Dinner :
Thursday to Sunday 18:00 to 22:00 hrs
Lunch :
Saturday and Sunday 12:00 to 1430 hrs
Price : S$58++ for adults; $29++ for child

There is a one for one promotion if you make your booking through Hungrygowhere or click on this link :
<a href="https://www.hungrygowhere.com/singapore/royale-bugis/"><img src="https://www.hungrygowhere.com/hungrygoback/royale-bugis/small/up/4/ea9d0900/"></a>

Royale Restaurant
122 Middle Road Level 3 Mercure Singapore Bugis
Singapore 188973

Tel : +65 6884 6884 (for reservation) +65 6521 6030 (for enquiries)
Website : http://www.mercure-singapore-bugis.com/restaurants-bars/royale


This was an invited tasting. Thank you @mercuresingaporebugis for hosting us.