Tabla de contenidos para September 2019 en epicure

"Language is wine upon the lips"─ Virginia Woolf An occasion for wine is often an anticipatory one. It accompanies fine food, good company, comfortable surroundings, and often stimulates entertaining conversation. People who enjoy wine in silence are few and far between. It is an art form that is drinkable and requires an immediate sensory release upon tasting. “Oh, that’s nice” is quite adequate. Or you could be more voluble like our wine editor, June Lee, who holds a WSET Level 3 and is a Certified Specialist of Wine, and shares more descriptive musings on fruit, acidity, tannin or finish. Of course, one doesn’t need any kind of qualification to enjoy a bottle. Every drinker has a story to tell about their most memorable encounter, be it a first bottle that…

A fine read that beckons wine lovers and fans of Italy alike, Italy’s Native Wine Grape Terroirs puts a fresh spotlight on every Italian indigenous grapes from Aglianico to Zibibbo, as well as details their myriad producers and people. An endeavour 15 years in the making, this is the unbelievably comprehensive follow-up of Ian D’Agata’s previous book, and showcases his easy, conversational style without sacrificing all the technical, factual and geeky information sought by wine aficionados. From half-hectare parcels of Picolit in the town of Savorgnano, to parsing the distinctive differences of Moscato crus, every page reminds you of why we celebrate la vino vita. Published by University of California Press. Available from amazon.com, US$50. Franschhoek, Douro Valley and Medoc are better known as the picturesque wine regions of South…

Central Region, Chile Chile is Cabernet country, with the grape occupying the majority of its plantings. With a wine industry that took root long before phylloxera struck Europe and was then never affected, Chile’s vineyards are free from the disease and not replanted with American rootstock like many of Europe’s vines. Notes Jancis Robinson, “Chilean Cabernet, most of it still ungrafted, has a particularly direct, fruity flavour, and can be enjoyed when only a year or two old. Some wines have a vague whiff of milk chocolate about them, followed up by something ever so slightly salty on the palate.” Quality producers pursue a mid to long ageing style that’s as engaging as examples from the Old World with all the energy of the New World. Napa Valley, U.S.A. Fine…

Singapore will be a big discovery for me. I’ve heard brilliant things about the dining scene, so I expect to discover lots of wine through restaurants. Pinot Palooza is happening in November, which I want to attend. I am already in touch with a few Singapore-resident professionals – including fellow MWs Tan Ying Hsien and Annette Scarfe – so I trust they will introduce me to more things. I am keeping my wine in a friend’s London cellar. The funny thing is that British wine professionals constantly complain about how high wine tax is in the U.K. I guess everyone thinks their own country’s taxes are too much! I will just have to get used to Singapore prices. My favourite aspect of seven years in wine retail was working with…

Ask any top-notch steakhouse around the world what’s the secret to its success and one of the answers will always be this: premium U.S. beef. It’s no secret that U.S. beef delivers flavour, tenderness and juiciness in a way that is arguably equalled by no other meat. The figures speak for themselves: 25.8 billion pounds of U.S. beef were produced in 2018 alone. With over 80 purebreds (the three primary categories are Bos Indicus, Bos Taurus Continental, and Bos Taurus British a.k.a. Angus), cattle production takes place in all 50 states of America. Due to their massive pastures, the majority is bred in Texas, Nebraska, Iowa and Winconsin. Calves are raised on a cow-calf farms, where they are weaned at six months. They are then placed in feed yards for…

Stepping into Olivia Restaurant & Lounge on Keong Saik Road is almost akin to visiting a rustic Catalonian home, and rightly so. Decorative art pieces and ceramics from Barcelona adorn the walls juxtaposed with ochre and brown toned wood elements and linen backed seats, evoking the unique aesthetic of a homely Catalan terrace. It is here that Alain Devahive, who used to work for Ferran Adrià at the world renowned elBulli restaurant, cooks up familial style meals that exude Mediterranean soul. Although not a must-have for every meal in Barcelona, Devahive insists that Catalonian cuisine is particularly adept for wine pairings. The multitude of complex flavours that can be found in Catalan food, thanks to the rich biodiversity of regional produce, makes for a good complement to Olivia’s extensive list…

Inspired by the island’s traditional villages, INAYA Putri Bali reflects the rich culture and best of Balinese craftsmanship. The hotel reception, for example, is built in the shape of jineng, the traditional rice barn storage. With 455 spacious rooms, suites and luxurious villas the hotel can certainly accommodate a large wedding party. Extend your honeymoon to enjoy a stay at the One Bedroom Villa, complete with a private pool and exclusive access to the river pool. Situated on Nusa Dua’s tranquil bay, the hotel enjoys direct access to a pristine white sandy beach. The same beach makes for the perfect setting for your dream wedding, where you can say your vows under the shade of trees. The resort provides a team of professional staff members to ensure a smooth ceremony.…

A gem on the southwest coastline of the island, Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran offers 117 generously sized rooms, suites, penthouse, and villas, and boasts leisure features such as a 1,300 sq m organically formed saltwater lagoon, the Serenity Spa, a casual all-day dining restaurant, bar & lounge, and a café. The white sandy Jimbaran Beach is just a few steps away, making the experience of staying at Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran a relaxing one. Book the resort’s iconic rooftop Celebration Pavilion and let the sunset sky and the ocean become the backdrop for your special day. There are three wedding packages to suit your requirements. The Simply Chic Wedding is perfect for the couple who wants to keep things straightforward. It includes a three-hour use of the Celebration Pavilion and…

Weddings are no longer the cookie-cutter affairs of yesteryear. These days, every couple has their own idea on how their nuptials should look like, especially if it’s a destination wedding in a gorgeous locale like Bali. On top of choosing the venue, gown, floral decorations and getting down to the nitty-gritty, contemplating catering options can be a finicky situation. While some couples are looking for a grandiose affair with multiple plated courses and butler-served canapés, others may be adopting a more laid back approach, with an open buffet lineup and an array of energetic live stations. Should the food comprise of a smattering of international dishes or should it be focused on regional offerings? There are many factors to consider when deciding on the food that is to be served…

Designed for bon vivants who share the belief that food is the ultimate universal language, epicure is on an enthusiastic quest to seek out the latest dining trends, sniff out remarkable wine vintages and uncover the dynamics and intricacies of the local and international culinary scene. Each month, the magazine profiles celebrity chefs and winemakers, showcases exclusive recipes for entertaining as well as highlights the latest destinations for well-travelled foodies These insightful articles are complemented by lush, captivating photos to stimulate the senses. Get 12 issues for $82, 24 issues for $143 Free delivery to your doorstep every month Download a free QR Code Reader from your app store and scan the code on the left to save up to 30% on your epicure subscription.…

Crystal Jade’s traditional mooncakes come with a proprietary low-sugar white lotus paste. Choose between the single ($62/four) and double ($68/four) yolk options, White Lotus Paste with Melon Seeds ($58/four) and its best-selling Assorted Nuts with Chicken Ham ($68/four). For the undecided, their Eight Mini Treasures ($68) contains eight miniature Oolong Pu’er and Black Sesame Lotus mooncakes. Available until 13 September. Online: estore.crystaljade.com Peach Blossoms introduces five flavours this year. Beyond the classic white lotus paste, the restaurant is known for its signature Charcoal Black Sesame Paste with Melon Seeds and Gold Dust ($68.80/four). The gold dust and cross-section of nutty black sesame paste dotted with melon seeds makes it almost too pretty to eat. Joining the lineup is the new Caramel Lotus Paste with Sea Salt and Macadamia Nuts ($68.80/four).…

At its peak, Saint Louis was known as the greatest shoe distributing center of the world; forty-eight million pairs of shoes were shipped out in 1906. Fast forward to today, the Missouri capital has transformed into a metropolitan city filled with skyscrapers, open malls and the world’s tallest man-made monument, The Gateway Arch. Located in the heart of Washington Avenue Garment District, The Last Hotel is a showcase of historic details and modern interiors; the building was originally a shoemaking company called International Shoe Company. Built in 1909, the iconic building sports elaborate stone carvings, ornate metalwork and terrazzo floors all in the neoclassical and Art Deco styles. This architectural legacy comes alive at The Last Hotel. “Our hotel is stitching itself into the fabric of St. Louis by celebrating…

Despite having only five hours of sleep, not a single strand of hair was out of place when we met Anne-Sophie Pic, the much lauded female French chef, who was in town in June to launch La Dame De Pic, Raffles Singapore. The 50-year-old was up all morning replying emails and keeping in touch with her culinary teams from around the world. With 10 restaurants and seven Michelin stars under her belt, that’s a lot of work cut out for Pic; it’s a responsibility she takes in her stride since she took over the family’s restaurant business in Valence, France, in 1997. Pic now runs the restaurants with her husband, David Sinapian, as part of the Groupe Pic enterprise. After her father Jacques Pic’s sudden passing in 1992, Anne-Sophie Pic…

CRISTAL 2008 The long-awaited Cristal vintage 2008 is here, having been held back two years longer than previous vintages due to its slower evolution. This bottle’s blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay has a dosage of 8g/l, the lowest for Cristal since it was first introduced in 1876 (originally for the Tsar of Russia). The cuvée comes from grapes that enjoy longer hangtime for more fruit maturity, imbuing layers of pear, brioche, toasted almond and kumquat, with loads of acidity that will balance out as it ages. It’s a stellar vintage, similar to the 1988 and 1996, which will hold for a couple decades. $380 from Grand Vin HIGHLIGHTS » Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, Louis Roederer’s chef de cave, has spent 30 years with the firm, and calls the 2008…

With 1,200 islands, year-round dry, sunny weather and more than 130 resorts to choose from, it’s hard to think of a more tropical idyll than the Maldives. Cerulean waters, powder white sand dunes and ombre sunsets make the island nation an aspirational spot for honeymooners yearning for romantic seclusion and a dreamy escapade for leisure seekers looking to disconnect from the world. Even the most Instagram-worthy photo of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi can scarcely prepare you for the staggering expansiveness of the newly opened resort. A two-year project in the making, the 122 all-villa paradise - each with its own pool - spans three interconnected islands in the South Malé Atoll. To explore the entire length of the resort – all three and a half kilometres of it - will…

Astrategic location and attractive wedding packages make Aryaduta Bali an ideal venue to celebrate your nuptials, especially when your celebration involves a large number of com guests. With 178 rooms in six categories and proximity to Kuta’s attractions, Aryaduta Bali provides an ideal getaway for your wedding guests. A dedicated wedding specialist will assist you to prepare for the big day. Whether you wish for a highly personalised small outdoor reception at the garden or a grand affair in the hotel’s ballroom, the resort will turn your fantasy into reality. For couples who wish to celebrate their heritage and culture, opt for Ananda wedding package. Apart from a traditional themed wedding ceremony, the package includes a two-night stay at Deluxe Premier Room for the bride and groom, special room rates…

Whether you are celebrating your union on the beachfront lawn or the dramatic Balinese stage, Bali Mandira Beach Resort & Spa has the right wedding venue and package to offer to couples. Add a dedicated team of wedding planners who is ready to assist you, and you can relax and enjoy one of the most important days of your life. Book the Serene Wedding which is designed for an elopement ceremony for two. For an intimate blessing ceremony involving closest family and friends, opt for the Splendid Wedding. The Enchanted Wedding offers more inclusive perks, such as a three-night stay at the Private Pool Villa for the couple and a romantic dinner. Afterward, head to Salazon for the dinner reception. Renowned for its woodfire grill and Asian-inspired fare, the restaurant…

“I desire only the long ecstasy of wine, and desire not to awaken.”– Li Bai If, however, you are more of a Soros than a drunken poet, and look at wine as an investment, then ignore the red-nosed platitudes and focus on the black tipped profits. The key to gain is to buy quality, and in oenology, many argue, that would be the King of Grapes, the Pinot Noir. If the Pinot Noir is the king of grapes, then the Burgundy terroir is its Camelot. The top bottles in the world come from hallowed and tiny grounds of Burgundy: think Domaine Romanée Conti’s trifecta of the Échezeaux, La Tache and Richebourg vineyards. Wines here sell for astronomical sums, and only go up; the rarest is the 1945 Romanée-Conti, of which…

The newest wine bars At the freshly revamped 15,000 sq ft Culina at COMO Dempsey, the vinous selection comes from their 30-plus agencies, which includes the likes of Taittinger Champagne, Ruffino, Louis Jadot and M. Chapoutier. There are 15 wines available by the glass, which changes every two months, while a Sommelier’s Selection served using Coravin rotates monthly – the premium selection sees Cakebread Cellars Benchland Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 ($56/glass), for example. A complimentary Open Wine Tasting takes place every Thursday evening, with a different featured label every week. Block 15 Dempsey Road. Tel: 6474 7338 Grand Cru, Wine Concierge blazes onto the scene, incorporating a retail space, a concierge service, and an extension called Grand Cru at South Courtyard for enjoying wines by the glass or a bottle from…

RYAN CHEUNG, chief executive officer and co-founder of PressLogic What is the business model of Press Logic? PressLogic is a technology start-up that uses data-driven analytics system combined with in-house formulas to push results in various social media platforms. We use data to build highly effective media networks in the digital world. Our clients include City University of Hong Kong, Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong and Cloud Expo Asia. Were there any difficulties faced in building the company? In the beginning, no one was willing to engage our unique date-driven analytic service. We pressed on for two years before we decided to step into the digital media and content marketing businesses. That move paid off. We have now successfully raised Series A+ funding of U$10 million from…

Have you ever loved a wine so much, you wished you could enjoy it all the time? This is possible with niche perfumes that evoke the olfactory bouquet of iconic wines, and spirits, from Chardonnays to Cognacs. Cross-pollination between the worlds of wine and spirits with that of perfume is only natural – smell, is after all, such an integral part of the tasting experience. Just ask Ryan Clift of Tippling Club, who debuted a perfume-themed cocktail menu of 12 drinks with enticing monikers, such as Blush of Rose, Sandalwood and Bloody Cologne earlier this year. According to Clift, each drink features the “top notes, mid notes and base notes” structure of a classic fragrance. Much like how bartenders may use a perfume’s fragrance structure in their cocktails, so too…

Once upon a time, vinophiles were characteristically divided into Old World and New World wine drinkers. Strictly geographic, these distinctions referred to the traditional winegrowing areas in Europe and everywhere else, respectively. Today, style is the most common denominator in deciding what you want to drink – whether an ‘Old World’ style Pinot Noir with lighter body, herb and mineral nuances, or a ‘New World’ style Pinot Noir with fruity, full-bodied extraction, for example. But these are not necessarily made in their traditional territories anymore, and the new generation of wine drinkers is increasingly looking around for novel experiences. Dr. Jackie Ang, founder of Cherwell Wine & Spirits consultancy and a Stage 2 Master of Wine candidate, explains why his fellow millennials might be more willing to look beyond the…

Westland Distillery www.westlanddistillery.com Where » Seattle, Washington Origins » Co-founded in 2010 by then 21-year-old Matthew Hoffman. Rémy Martin acquired the business in 2017 with Hoffman staying on as master distiller. Terroir » Westland pays great attention to its provenance, using water from Cedar River Watershed, sourcing malt from the state, and practising a no-interference natural maturation in the relatively humid warehouses. Expressions » Taking his cue from beer making, Hoffman uses Belgian Saison Brewer’s Yeast and makes a 5-Malt Barley Bill that’s roasted for a flavour range that’s not typical in single malts, giving rich chocolatey, ripe fruit and coffee notes. This malt bill underpins their core range of American Oak ($135) and Sherry Wood ($150), while the Peated ($150) also contains heavily peated malt (55ppm). The peat is…

A balancing act At Singapore’s only French craft bar – attached to Restaurant Jag, Yong Siang or Y.S. takes note of the flavour profiles of over 40 herbs from the Savoie, chef Jeremy Gillon’s hometown. Thym citron, or citrus thyme, is a highly aromatic thyme hybrid with notes of lemon, which pairs well with fruity Chardonnay juice and zesty yuzu in this long, chilled and highly refreshing cocktail. Thym citron gin • Combine 10g of dried thym citron or similar herb of your choice to 700ml of gin. Infuse for 24 hours and it’s ready to use. THYM CITRON • 40ml thym citron infused gin• 30ml Alain Milliat Chardonnay juice• 20ml yuzu sake liqueur• 15ml thym citron syrup• 3 dash Angostura Bitters• 1 bottle soda garnish • slice of dehydrated…

Les Ravioles These ravioli use French ingredients but are folded like Chinese dumplings (jiaozi) The snails give a firm, juicy and chewy texture, while the onion foam and zucchini add a sweet and bitter flavour for balance. Serves 10 Prep Time 1 hour + 30 minutes resting + 3 hours simmering Cook Time 8 minutes dough • 10g salt• 200g flour• 130g warm water » In a bowl, mix salt and flour before adding in warm water, drizzle by drizzle. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes. » On a flat surface, roll the dough into a long stick and cut into 5cm rounds. Flatten the cut-out dough. onion foam • 250g onions• 1 litre milk• 15g French butter » In a pan, sweat the onions until translucent before adding…

Finding love on the dance floor sounds a lot like a song, but it was the case with the lovely Russian and Swedish couple, Anna Suprun, 37, and Rachid Malki, 40. The professional ballroom dancers met in Norway almost 20 years ago. They were competitors and dance partners before they dated. Together, they danced, taught and competed around the world until they finished their competitive careers in 2015 and settled down in Hong Kong in 2018. On a spontaneous trip to Madrid last year, Malki proposed to Suprun while they were boating on a lake. Needless to say, she said yes, and the rest happened in Bali. Why did you choose Bali as your wedding destination? We have never been to Bali before we decided to get married there. All…

The beauty of throwing a wedding in Bali lies in its geographical diversity. You can choose to get hitched in a tropical jungle or at a coconut-fringed white sandy beach. In the hands of the experienced management of Adiwana Hotels and Resorts, the group offers three outstanding properties where you can mark your special day. Cross the sea to Lembongan Island for your wedding at Adiwana d’Nusa Beach Club and Resort. Aside from having 56 rooms and pool villas, the beachfront resort can also host a wedding on its immaculate lawn, which is large enough to accommodate up to 100 guests. The catering comes from the Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar. For a private riverside blessing ceremony, look no further than Adiwana Svarga Loka. Nestled on the banks of Campuhan River,…

Whether your dream is to have a fun-filled wedding by the beach, an outdoor ceremony in a lush tropical garden or an opulent reception in a ballroom, the dedicated wedding planning team of Ayodya Resort Bali is ready to assist you. Designed in the style of a Balinese water palace, the 537-room resort offers a quintessential Balinese experience. The resort has created five Aksamala Wedding Packages to suit your requirements: Blessing for Two, Dewa Dewi, Ramayana, Ayodya, and Pandu Kunti. Blessing for Two is tailored for the couple who wishes to elope. The package includes fresh flower decorations, a champagne toast, a bamboo rindik musician and two Balinese flower girls to accompany the bride as she walks down the aisle. Dewa Dewi is suitable for a small ceremonial celebration and…

From the oversized fabric chandelier, vivid emerald green tiles in the open kitchen underneath the skylight, and an eclectic mix of curios, flowers and botanicals, Rishi Naleendra’s new venture with general manager Gareth Burnett, Cloudstreet is bigger, glossier and more dramatic than Cheek by Jowl, his now-defunct restaurant, could ever be. The 40-seater restaurant, which includes 12 chef's table-style counter seats and a private dining room, champions ingredient-driven cuisine that takes influences from disparate cultures. Through either a five-course lunch ($118/person) or seven-course dinner ($198/person), experience Naleendra's culinary philosophy through dishes like Coffin Bay oysters with coconut milk, finger lime and betel leaf oil, and a meticulously plated venison tartare with cashews and fermented plum. 84 Amoy Street. Tel: 6513 7868 Patient Wolf Distilling Company, an independent boutique gin producer…