Table of contents for February - March 2022 in epicure

Majestic is an apt word to describe The Apurva Kempinski Bali. Dramatically sprawled on the southern slopes of Nusa Dua, this enchanting beachfront property has cemented its reputation as a destination of luxury and refinement. The resort has always been a proponent of Indonesia’s rich culture. By bringing the archipelago’s colourful heritage through architecture, design, and craftsmanship, The Apurva Kempinski Bali revives the historical grandeur of Majapahit Kingdom and the vernacular culture of Bali, imbibing them with contemporary flair and thoughtful modernity. From the resort’s 250-step walkway inspired by Pura Bersakih (known as the Mother Temple of Bali) to the dramatic Javanese pendopo-style lobby, it aims to incite pride and reinterprets Indonesia through a modern lens. With 457 well-appointed rooms, suites and exclusive villas, guests are spoilt for choice. Whether…

We now know that gut health plays a very important role when it comes to overall optimum health and well-being. But what is it about having a healthy gut that makes the difference? Did you know that the human microbiome (the bacteria essential for breaking down nutrients) plays an important role in regulating our immune and inflammatory response, fighting infections and in preventing illness, even if there are no visible digestive symptoms? Diet and gut health are interlinked, so how do you ensure that you keep your gut in top shape? Bhavani Suryavanshee and Manisha Thakkar, founders of Nature Nudge which makes fresh fermented probiotic drinks and foods, explain: “Your body is an ecosystem in which good bacteria are a vital element. The bacteria in our gut support several bodily…

The entire concept of “healthy wine” is equivalent to low-fat wagyu beef or environmentally friendly aircon. For many decades, all wine was viewed as intrinsically healthy – thanks in part to the theory that, as part of a Mediterranean lifestyle, wine promoted longer life. Today, however, the emerging category of so-called “healthy” or “clean” wines implies that other wines are bad for you – and indeed, many of these new brands market themselves on that premise. There is a significant market of drinkers for whom health plays a major role in decision making. Anyone prioritising their health deserves to be taken seriously, but many of the claims made by healthy wines are somewhat flexible with the truth. For a balanced view, let’s consider the principal factors in the debate around…

COMO LAUCALA ISLAND Accessible by a 50-minute private air charter from Fiji’s Nadi International Airport, the 12-squarekilometre private island is made of rainforest, volcanic mountains, blue lagoons, mangroves, and unique biodiversity. Twenty-five residences are thoughtfully placed on the island’s private beaches or atop hills, guaranteeing privacy and unforgettable views. Whether it’s a Peninsula Residence situated on a rocky perch that comes with access to a private beach set within a cove or an overwater villa that floats above a lagoon, there is a suitable accommodation to every whim and fancy. The residences are designed in a relaxed South Pacific style, fusing local sensibilities with COMO’s contemporary flair. The island offers a myriad of facilities as well as land and water activities. Experience the thrills of playing at a18-hole David McLay…

As much as we love pastries and desserts, getting them to turn out the way we envision them to be has always been a struggle. Apart from searching for the right appliances and grabbing the right tools, grasping the right timings has also proved to be an Olympian task. Tefal’s latest baking appliance could be the answer. Featuring five intelligent baking programmes for brownies, muffins, meringues and more, the Tefal Cake Factory Delices automatically adjusts time and temperature to help you get that perfect dreamy confectionery, fit for social media or even those displays at the mall. Its smart temperature control tracks and adjusts the heat curve of the bake as it forms so you always get the right texture on your desserts and that gooey lava centre in your…

In April 2016, the Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) declared a national war on diabetes. With more than 400,000 diabetics in the country, it was time to get serious as the disease could lead to a host of problems throughout the body. How? Our body produces insulin to break down sugars like glucose and sucrose. Cells have insulin receptors on them which ensure our cells get the right amount of sugars they need. The problem is that if we continually consume high amounts of sugar, we get repeated high insulin spikes. Over time, the insulin spikes cause our insulin receptors to get worn out and not function well. When this happens, our cells aren’t able to absorb the sugars they need, and we end up with too much sugar in…

‘WORLD’S MOST REMOTE RESTAURANT’ COMES TO SINGAPORE If you can’t travel to the “World’s Most Remote Restaurant”, then let it come to you. From its current home in Leynavatn in the Faroe Islands (located between Iceland and Norway), two-Michelin-starred restaurant KOKS will be in Singapore for their first full-length Asian residency at Grand Hyatt Singapore from 23 January to 18 February. For a limited period only, immerse yourself in the full KOKS dining experience led by executive chef Poul Andrias Ziska. From the rare produce flown-in specially from Faroe Islands, to music and ambience, diners can expect some of the restaurant’s signatures such as the fermented ocean perch with fermented lamb intestines and cheese, and cod filet with fermented cabbage and caviar. Prices start from $228++ for lunch and $458++…

Friends Wok & Bak Kut Teh Friends Wok & Bak Kut Teh is a new concept by First Gourmet, located at 100 AM mall. The menu offers Zi Char favourites such as Assam Fish Head, Thai-style Steamed Sea Bass, Prawn Paste Chicken, San Lor Hor Fun, Salted Egg Prawns, and many more. To offer customers an all-day dining experience, Friends Wok & Bak Kut Teh’s menu also includes freshly-made fried snacks like Butterfly Bun and Ham Chim Peng. www.firstgourmet.com/fbkt 1-for-1 on Selected Dishes Valid from 1 November 2021 to 31 October 2022 Valid on Monday to Friday, except eve of Public Holidays and Public Holidays. Applicable to dishes from the Zi Char menu and Premium Side Dishes only. Complimentary item should be equivalent or of a lower price. Pavilion Banana…

2021 will be remembered as a year of closures and restricted openings. It was also a year of creative ventures which saw two wine-centric bars open, conceptualised by Singapore’s top chefs and seasoned sommelier teams. Wine at these venues is not stuffy, but approachable and unencumbered, and ranges from orange to blush, natural to classic. For nosh, expect top-notch plates, designed with wine in mind and served in a casual-chic setting. CLUB STREET WINE ROOM In the heart of ever-evolving Club Street, chef-owner Andrew Walsh of Cure fame has opened his fourth venture, a chilled and approachable wine room. Operations manager and seasoned sommelier Amir Solay helms the eclectic wine programme with a selection of off-the-beaten-track wines and a smattering of classics thrown in for good measure. Expect to find…

NEW BALANCE ALL-TERRAIN 57/40 Improved and reinvented, the New Balance 57/40 is all about cultivating both mind and body, taking on mental and physical wellness with an all-terrain performance capability. The 57/40 comes with either Cordura’s tear-resistant nylon, Gore-tex’s waterproof yet breathable membrane, or 3M’s reflective material in its feature set – perfect for getting out there, exploring and taking in the wonders of nature. RRP $179, available at selected New Balance Lighthouse and Experience stores, and on their online store. FORME STUDIO Forme Studio is a home gym and personal trainer packed into a sleek six-foot smart mirror. With its life-sized 43-inch 4K touchscreen display, workout to personalised programmes that are fully customisable with hundreds of classes across dozens of categories, and over 30 professional instructors on hand to…

One of the island’s most dramatic dining destinations is hidden within the soulful village of Payangan, Ubud: The Kelusa at Samsara Ubud. True to the old adage about the merit of a journey and not merely the destination, a trip to reach the romantic boutique resort is a lush invitation to explore the heartland of Bali. Picture stunning views of green rice fields, bamboo forest, quaint villages, and swaying palm trees until you reach the restaurant. Named after the village where the restaurant is located, The Kelusa recently went through a transformation. Graceful draperies frame the verdant view of the hill from the restaurant’s dining areas which consist of cosy semi-outdoor and al fresco seating. Designed to appeal to the senses, tactility pervades the interior through its thoughtful use of…

Chinese New Year is about new beginnings, looking ahead and having a fresh start. For Si Chuan Dou Hua (Top of UOB Plaza)’s executive Cantonese chef Hoo Chee Keong, it’s all that and more, especially when it comes to food. From thoughtful details to the careful plating and presentation of each dish, these are the little joys in life worth celebrating. Take the exclusive Fugu Yusheng on its festive menu for example. More than just your typical festive salad, Hoo has incorporated fresh edible flowers such as ulam raja for a tarte mango flavour, and Szechuan leaves for a spicy kick. Meanwhile, the fugu (pufferfish) sashimi is artfully arranged as a tiger in an obvious nod to the Year of the Tiger. “Last year was rather pessimistic with people living…

JADE Start the auspicious feasting with the Premium Gold Rush Salmon Yu Sheng ($688, minimum three days’ advance order). The dish is arranged into an endearing image of a playful tiger that’s guaranteed to garner plenty of oohs and aahs. Champagne jelly, shallot oil and kumquat dressing elevate the fresh ingredients to achieve a balance of rich and refreshing flavours. The Gold Rush Salmon Yu Sheng (from $108) is a visual delight too, presented alongside a hand-drawn tiger and an auspicious Chinese calligraphy greeting – a signature finishing touch by executive chef Leong Chee Yeng. www.fullertonhotels.com TABLESCAPE Here’s a modern take on the classic yusheng. Forgoing the typical salmon sashimi is the Tablescape Abundance Yu Sheng with Lobster and Octopus ($118 for four to eight persons). Boston lobster (cooked in…

The last two years have kept 67 Pall Mall’s founder and CEO Grant Ashton busier than expected. As the pandemic lulled business in London and delayed the Singapore club opening, Ashton found time to fine-tune the nuts and bolts of the Singapore outpost, deliver online wine tastings to his 4,000 strong London members, and make strides towards international expansion. He recently opened a new branch in the ski town of Verbier, Switzerland and set plans in a few other cities – Burgundy, Bordeaux, Mumbai, New York, Berlin – in motion. Melbourne, Shanghai, and Tokyo are next on the expansion plans. In the little time he had to spare, he launched a dedicated wine TV channel. As he says, it’s not been a cheap year, but “it’s not been a disaster.”…

An exceptional restaurant or bar does more than just provide good food and service. It provides an experience where it engages all your senses and surrounds you in a unique, unforgettable dining environment. To recognise the best interior design projects and talents in the Asia Pacific, including F&B design, 153 awards were given out across 31 categories at the 8th Design Excellence Awards 2021 by the Interior Design Confederation Singapore (IDCS). The virtual ceremony on 3 December honoured the best and brightest in the industry in two tracks: the Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) for completed built projects by industry professionals; and the Spatial Design Awards (SPADE) for completed academic projects by design students. The IDEA for Best F&B Design span three categories: under 2,000 sq ft, 2,001–5,000 sq ft,…