The Epicurean Market 2016 is well underway, and teeming throngs of foodies have already started to explore the offerings of some of the best restaurants in Singapore.
For those who are still on the fence on whether to attend, or if you want some ideas on what to check out, here are some highlights that you definitely won’t want to miss.
Food Galore
If you’re looking at the best food that you can get, consider the Maryland Crab Cake from CUT. Made from fresh blue crabs, this little package is crisp on the outside but succulent on the inside- great for a few bites. If you’re still game for some seafood, be sure to get the Marinated Botan Shrimp from Waku Ghin. A plump, juicy prawn is served with sea urchin and Oscietra Caviar. The result is a satisfying creamy dish bursting with flavours from the sea.
Long Chim’s Miang Prawn is also a nice little treat. Marinated toasted coconut, fried shallots, toasted peanuts and dried shrimp are wrapped in a betel leaf. A spicy little number, but absolutely exploding with layers of flavour. Extremely tasty- and definitely something that you will pop into your mouth one after another.
The Lewellyn’s Southern Fried Chicken by Yardbird was by far my favourite. A succulent chicken thigh is brined for 28 hours, then fried to crispy perfection. This comfort food from the Southern USA is served with a savoury waffle, spiced watermelon to cut the grease, and a sweet bourbon maple syrup that’s good enough to drink on its own. Absolutely fantastic meld of sweet-savoury flavours and a very satisfying juicy texture. I’d eat it all day.
Drinks
It wouldn’t be much of an Epicurean experience if all that fine food wasn’t matched with equally great drinks. This year, there are over 30 retailers showcasing dozens of wines from all over the world -at very affordable prices. Be sure to check out the red Swinney Tirra Lirra 2013 from TTG Wines. A New World wine from the Southern region of Australia, it blends Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache varietals into a tantalising red wine full of leather, smoke, blackberries and earth. With a medium body and intensity, it makes for very comfortable drinking. If you’re more of a white wine drinker, also consider the Swinney Ingenue Riesling 2013. Flavours of grapefruits, lime rind and green apples make for a crisp, refreshing drink.
Merchants Wine is also offering their wares at the show- and has brought in a new Cabernet Sauvignon that’s to die for. Apparently, the vineyard, by virtue of fantastic terroir, produce some of the best Cabs in the world- and I can definitely believe that. The Fermoy Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 has a beautiful, rich flavour of earth, herb and peppermint. Rich and complex, it’s a wine that sings on the tongue. Definitely worth checking out- and getting a few bottles of.
Stalwart Australian producer Penfolds is also here. With wines to meet all price points, be sure to enjoy the Bin 51 Eden Riesling and the Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz, both available by the glass. The former is suffused with tropical fruit flavours- pineapple and lychee stand out, and the latter is full of forest flavours- blackberries, blueberries and even some cherry flavours. Also look for Straits Wine, which is offering some interesting biodynamic wines- the most notable of which is Ochota Barrels.
If you’re looking for something other than wine, Sheppy’s is also here with some fantastic English ciders. Made entirely from actual apples, the cider is light and refreshing. I particularly enjoyed the variations- with elderflowers, and with raspberries. The elderflower cider is full of natural floral fragrance that reminds one of a nice summer day, and the raspberry cider has an amazing layered flavour- fresh apples, followed by tart raspberry, then with overripe apples. Absolutely refreshing.
If you’re into spirits, definitely look for Proof and Company’s booth- which is like Toys R Us for spirit-lovers. For the launch of their retail brand EC Proof, they have brought in over 150 different spirits of all sorts- Mezcal, Calvados, Cognac, Tequila, Gin, Liqueurs- you name it.
Also look for Diageo’s booth, featuring Singleton whisky, Tanqueray gin and Ketel One Vodka. The Singleton area features some new VR sensory technology- changing your surroundings is said to increase enjoyment of whisky. Find out if that’s true for yourself!
Things to learn
If you’re a drink-geek like us, then the Signature Series Masterclasses are for you. I’d particular suggest the Douglas Laing Malt &Grain Whiskies Masterclass, helmed by Keeper of the Quaich Jan Beckers. If you’re interested in something a little off the well-trodden path, then Redefining Ports- featuring Graham’s Ports is for you. It will provide you a journey into the traditions of port, exploring its flavour and pairings.
Of course, you must not miss Five Decade of Penfolds Grange- A Journey through time and greatness. Featuring five decardes of the world- acclaimed Penfolds Grange, you get to taste some truly excellent vintages- including wine all the way back from 1978!
Getting Tickets
Tickets are available here. Priced at $35, these 3- day passes include a pair of Schott Zwiesel champagne flutes worth $46 and entry to the After Parties on Friday, 12 August and Saturday, 13 August from 10 pm to 2 am. You can get the tickets at MBS itself. The market will also have an extended opening from 12pm to 10pm on Friday and Saturday.
Join the conversation online with #EpicureanMarket and #MarinaBaySands.
