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The Dolphin Island at Resorts World Sentosa [Singapore] is a relatively new attraction that opened its doors just 3 months ago. At the Dolphin Island, you can meet the magnificent Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and there are 6 types of Dolphin Interact Programmes that are available to give you the opportunity to meet the dolphins up-close and personal.
To celebrate our 3 years anniversary, I brought Jacqueline to the Dolphin Discovery Programme where we waded into the waist-deep waters of the dolphin lagoon to meet the dolphins.

The entire Dolphin Discovery Programme lasted 90 minutes and it includes 30 minutes of up-close and personal interaction with the dolphins. The Dolphin Discovery Programme is also suitable for non-swimmers as well.

Prior to the commencement of the actual interaction with the dolphins, we had to change into the wetsuits that were provided and when we put them on, we looked really slim because our fats were all tightly compressed!

After getting ourselves all changed-up, we had a compulsory safety briefing and there, we learnt some interesting facts about dolphins.

  • Fact #1: Dolphins are mammals.
  • Fact #2: Dolphins have hairs.
  • Fact #3: Dolphins will eat about 4-9% of its body weight in fish
  • Fact #4: Dolphins sleep with one eye open at the surface
  • Fact #5: Dolphins obtain their sources of water from the fishes that they eat

We even learnt how to differentiate between a shark and a dolphin just by observing the way shark and dolphin swim in the water!

The dolphins at Dolphin Island are well taken care off and they are not obliged to take photographs with guests if they are just not in the mood for it. With that said, our experience at the Dolphin Island was nothing short of an amazing experience.

Having gone through the safety briefing, we went down to the waters with our marine mammal trainer and started our interaction with the dolphins. As we were not allowed to bring our own image-capturing devices, there was an official photographer with us throughout to capture our special moments with the dolphins.

When the interaction with the dolphin started, we were introduced to Suria, a female dolphin whom had a child-like personality and she was really playful. We fed her some fishes, felt her smooth rubbery skin on our hands, and she even showed us some tricks.

For the Dolphin Discovery Programme, it will cost SGD$198 per adult [age 13-59 years old] and it includes an entrance ticket to Adventure Cove Waterpark and a Set Meal Voucher at Bay Restaurant. Children [age 4-12 years old] and Senior [age 60 years and above] will pay only SGD$188 for the experience. However, do note that children below 4 years old are not allowed to participate for safety reasons and guests must be at least 122cm tall.

Also, for the photographs that were taken, we had to pay SGD$150 for 75 photographs and it comes with 1 large photo print and 2 medium photo prints. That really cost a bomb so be prepared for it!

If you are interested to make a booking for the Dolphin Interaction Programme, you can send your enquiry on Dolphin Island’s Website. Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime experience to interact with a dolphin up-close and personal!

Here’s My Video Introduction to this Blog Entry on the 17th World Gourmet Summit 2013 Opening Reception that was held at the S.E.A Aquarium at the Resorts World Sentosa Singapore.

First and foremost, I would like to thank Rebecca for this really wonderful opportunity to cover the 17th World Gourmet Summit as her Co-Writer.

From World Gourmet Summit 2013

Although I have heard of the World Gourmet Summit before, I have never in my life attended the event and this opportunity to cover the event has given me tons of insights about what the World Gourmet Summit is really about.

This year, the opening reception for the 17th World Gourmet Summit was held at the S.E.A Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa Singapore and it was truly a remarkable experience as all the guests were treated to an array of delightful treats and beverages that were prepared by the various chefs and food & beverage partners.

From World Gourmet Summit 2013

The event started with a cocktail reception where guests enjoyed the tantalising canapés that were prepared.

As the canapés that were served didn’t have any labels or tags attached, I don’t really have the proper names, so kindly pardon me for that.

The canapés served during the cocktail reception are as follows:

Cheese served with Watermelon

From World Gourmet Summit 2013

Mini Pie with Ham and Tomato

From World Gourmet Summit 2013

Scallop served with Dragonfruit [my personal favourite]

From World Gourmet Summit 2013

The range of alcoholic beverages that were served during the cocktail reception.

From World Gourmet Summit 2013

Guests were free to mingle around with the Chefs during the cocktail reception and the atmosphere was one that was full of prestige.

From World Gourmet Summit 2013

After the cocktail reception, guests were ushered to the seating gallery and the emcee for the evening was the Flying Dutchman [a.k.a Mark Van Cuylenberg]. Mr Peter Knipp, a well-known figure in the Asian food & beverage and hospitality industry kicked off the event with his opening address. In commenting about the changing food & beverage industry, Mr Peter Knipp said that it is imperative that both the operators and consumers are careful about preserving their culinary culture and he added that he wants to share with them how to keep those traditions alive and relevant in this fast food society that we live in.

From World Gourmet Summit 2013

Julia Bertram whom is the 64th German Wine Queen also addressed the guests with a short speech. What was really interesting to note about Julia Bertram is her extensive knowledge of wine-making despite her young age! Many people would probably not be able to guess her age but she was only 22 years old when she was crowned the 64th German Wine Queen last year in September!

From World Gourmet Summit 2013

As I was part of the media, I had the rarest of opportunities to attend an exclusive press preview with the Michelin-Starred Masterchefs & Artisans. Was I nervous? Yes! In fact, before the press preview commenced, I could feel the immense pressure building up as I didn’t quite know what I should ask these top-notch chefs & artisans!

Time was extremely limited during the press preview. All the chefs and artisans were seated at different tables and the media had only 3 minutes maximum to interview all of them. Time was certainly insufficient because alas, I only managed to sit in for three interviews.

From World Gourmet Summit 2013

The first interview that I sat in was with Chef Matt Moran and Chef Dallas Cuddy.

From World Gourmet Summit 2013

About Chef Matt Moran:

From World Gourmet Summit 2013

Chef Matt Moran is a celebrated Australian chef, restaurateur, and co-owner of a number of successful restaurants in Australia. Chef Matt Moran is also a member of the International Culinary Panel for Singapore Airlines and has also appeared on a number of TV shows such as Masterchef, Junior Masterchef, and My Restaurant Rules, all of which has elevated his culinary skills to a global stage.

About Chef Dallas Cuddy:

From World Gourmet Summit 2013

Chef Dallas Cuddy is currently the Head Chef of The Prime Society in Singapore. Prior to his current position, Chef Dallas Cuddy had an extensive culinary experience in both Australia and also London. While he was the Head Chef at Verge [a restaurant that he owned in Melbourne that served Japanese, Modern Australian food], Chef Dallas Cuddy won the Two Chefs Hats awarded by The Age Good Food Guide and the Top 100 Best Restaurants in Australia from 2007-2012 awarded by the Gourmet Traveller Australia.

At the time of writing this blog entry, Chef Matt Moran and Chef Dallas Cuddy are up and about creating a special degustation menu which will be paired with the exquisite wines from Beringer at The Prime Society.

The second interview that I sat in was with Chef William Ledeuil, Chef Susur Lee, Chef Ken Ling, and Chef Martin Foo.

From World Gourmet Summit 2013

About Chef William Ledeuil:
Chef William Ledeuil won the Le Fooding Prize of Honor in 2009 and was pronounced Chef of the Year by the Gault Millau Guide in 2010. He is greatly influenced by Asian flavours and he personally believes that a cook should let imagination and sensitivity run free while respecting the classic base of a recipe.

About Chef Susur Lee:
Chef Susur Lee is an internationally-acclaimed Chef from Canada and is regarded by food critics and gourmands around the world as a culinary genius. In January 2010, Chef Susur Lee teamed up with the Tung Lok Group to open Chinosis by Susur Lee in Resorts World’s Hotel Michael.

About Chef Ken Ling:
Chef Ken Ling oversees the kitchens of the swanky Chinosis by Susur Lee at Resorts World’s Hotel Michael and the artistic My Humble House at The Esplanade. With an impressive 29 years of culinary experience, Chef Ken Ling has had the honour of cooking for some of the greatest world leaders such as Singapore Prime Minister, Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Former US President, George W. Bush, and celebrities such as Jackie Chan, Stephen Chow, and Gong Li.

About Chef Martin Foo:
Chef Martin Foo has more than 21 years of culinary experience and he is the Executive Chef of Tóng Lé Private Dining. Prior to joining the TungLok Group, Chef Martin Foo was the Assistant Head Chef at Lei Garden.

During the interview, I could tell that Chef Susur Lee is really into social media. In fact, he shared with us why he felt that Bloggers play an important role in the food & beverage industry and even extended invitations to Bloggers Melissa and Esther, for the Citibank Gastronomic Jam Sessions where he will be showcasing his culinary expertise together with Chef William Ledeuil.

What I Found Out During the Interview:

1. Chef Susur Lee and Chef William Ledeuil will be showcasing their culinary skills and expertise at the Citibank Gastronomic Jam Sessions on 20th April 2013 at the Alkaff Mansion from 4:45pm to 5:30pm. The price for the Citibank Gastronomic Jam Sessions is $70+ for a 1 day session and it is inclusive of a lunch degustation that is provided by Alkaff Mansion. If you’re a Citibank cardholder, you can get a 10% discount off.

2. Chef Martin Foo and his talented culinary team from Tóng Lé Private Dining will be preparing a dinner menu to match the well-loved Louis Roederer Champagne tomorrow, 18 April 2013, from 8pm to 11pm at Tóng Lé Private Dining, TungLok Group. The price is $388+ for one person.

The last interview that I managed to sit in was with Brian Lynn [a wine maker from Majella Wines] and Robert Rees [consultant from Wine Exchange Asia].

From World Gourmet Summit 2013

What I Found Out During the Interview:

1. Brian Lynn and Robert Rees will be guiding wine enthusiasts through the various distinct qualities which Merlot, Shiraz, and Cabernet bring to the blended Bordeaux-style of wines. In addition, they will be sharing various tips on managing the individual wine proportions in order to bring out the best aspects of a customised bottle of Bordeaux. Apart from this illuminating wine experience, guests will also be treated to a special tapas-styled communal dining prepared by the master of Gastrobotany, Spanish Masterchef Rodrigo de la Calle, along with Celebrity Chefs Scott Webster and Douglas Tay of Osia. This event will be happening tomorrow from 8pm to 11pm at Osia, Resorts World Sentosa Singapore and will cost $188+ per person. If you’re a Citibank cardholder, you are entitled to a 10% discount.

Unfortunately, due to limited time, the press preview ended rather early and the media were ushered to the seating gallery. After the various tokens of appreciation and awards were given out, all the guests were invited to the S.E.A Aquarium where the real excitement begins.

From World Gourmet Summit 2013

I was so mesmerised by the tranquil beauty of the fishes and again, it was my first time at the S.E.A Aquarium.

From World Gourmet Summit 2013

There was this small corner where guests could feel and touch the starfish. If you’re wondering how starfish feels like, it is quite rough-feeling on the surface.

From World Gourmet Summit 2013

This should be a squid though I can’t confirm as I was too busy snapping photographs without looking at the explanations.

From World Gourmet Summit 2013

The jellyfishes are really beautiful but they can be rather deadly as well. I once had the experience of being stung by a jellyfish in Bintan and it was certainly an unpleasant experience.

From World Gourmet Summit 2013
From World Gourmet Summit 2013

Huge giant crab.

From World Gourmet Summit 2013

The fishes are really so colourful! It is like a myriad of colours just drifting around in the water.

From World Gourmet Summit 2013
From World Gourmet Summit 2013

Yes, this is what I am talking about. An exclusive dining ambient setting of the S.E.A Aquarium.

From World Gourmet Summit 2013

Here are some of the delightful treats that I had for the evening. Again, I didn’t manage to check out the food tags but they were absolutely delicious.

From World Gourmet Summit 2013
From World Gourmet Summit 2013
From World Gourmet Summit 2013
From World Gourmet Summit 2013

Crispy Duck Skin with Glutinous Rice

From World Gourmet Summit 2013

Beef Slice

From World Gourmet Summit 2013

Codfish

From World Gourmet Summit 2013

Some Japanese Fish

From World Gourmet Summit 2013

This has got to be the most interesting dish that I had for the night, mini soft shell crabs.

From World Gourmet Summit 2013
From World Gourmet Summit 2013
From World Gourmet Summit 2013

And yes, the alcoholic beverages were free-flow. Champagne, white wine, red wine, whiskey, vodka, you name it, they have it, they serve it! Since I drove to the event, I decided that Movenpick’s Ice-Cream was going to be the best way to end my evening on a rather sweet note.

From World Gourmet Summit 2013

Well this very much concluded the 17th World Gourmet Summit Opening Reception. However, if you’re interested in attending any of the World Gourmet Summit Culinary Events, do check out the World Gourmet Summit’s Website for more details here: http://www.worldgourmetsummit.com/wgs2013/files/general/20130328_eventbooklet.pdf

Apart from the main World Gourmet Summit Culinary Events, Partner Restaurants of the World Gourmet Summit are also featuring activities that will elevate your dining experience into an unforgettable and enriching affair. Check out the range of activities that Partner Restaurants of the World Gourmet Summit are having here: http://www.worldgourmetsummit.com/wgs2013/main.php/event/featureactivity

If you’re an ultimate foodie, don’t miss this chance to catch your favourite chefs at the World Gourmet Summit 2013. Seats for most events are either Sold-Out or are Selling-Fast, so whip out that Citibank Credit Card of yours and start pampering yourself with nothing but the finest food cooked by the world’s finest chefs!

The World Gourmet Summit will be taking place in Singapore from 16 April 2013 to 26 April 2013. Once again, I want to thank Rebecca whom Blogs at www.rebeccasaw.com for this really wonderful opportunity to co-write with her about the 17th World Gourmet Summit 2013.

Bon Appétit!