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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!

Whether you’re serving your National Service [NS] or have previously served NS, this is an important announcement for all you National Servicemen out there so please read the following information carefully and take the necessary actions to safeguard the rewards that you are eligible for!
Due to your unwavering dedication and service to the Nation, the Ministry of Defence [MINDEF] will be giving you the opportunity to enjoy SAFRA Benefits with your family members.

From now till April 2013, please look out for your NS45 eligibility letters in the mail [yes, snail mail] because you’ll get to enjoy shopping, F&B, IT/gadgets and travel benefits at 5,000 outlets islandwide! Make sure you register for your NS45 SAFRA Vouchers by 28 February 2014 as the Vouchers are only valid until 30 March 14 [I know you have till 2014 to register but it is better to register for them early so that you can get the vouchers early and use them early].

From NS45 SAFRA 2013

Here is a table showing you the amount/value of SAFRA Vouchers that you may be entitled to.

From NS45 SAFRA 2013

In addition, as you have seen from the table above, National Servicemen who are currently serving Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS), or who have completed their ORNS training cycle in full, will also be offered a free SAFRA Membership for one year. Now, being a SAFRA Member is AWESOME because you and your family members will get to enjoy tons of additional privileges and benefits on top of the vouchers that you will be receiving.

To find out what are the various privileges and benefits you get as a SAFRA Member, check out the following link:
http://www.safra.sg/Indulge/Overview.aspx

As I am entitled to SGD $80 worth of SAFRA Vouchers and a free one year SAFRA Membership, here’s what I would do!

1). Since Baby have always wanted to check out the Adventure Cove Waterpark and S.E.A Aquarium at the Resorts World Sentosa, I might use the Vouchers to offset the price of 2 Admission Tickets for the Adventure Cove Waterpark and S.E.A Aquarium at the Resorts World Sentosa. So instead of paying SGD $116, I just have to pay SGD $36!

From NS45 SAFRA 2013

OR

2). To celebrate our monthsary, I might plan a romantic date by using the vouchers to treat Baby and myself to an awesome movie experience at Shaw IMAX which cost SGD $46 and use the rest of the vouchers for a sumptuous-licious dinner at Rocku Yakiniku Japanese Charcoal Grill Restaurant.

Shaw IMAX

Rocku Yakiniku Japanese Charcoal Grill Restaurant.

OR

3). Use the Vouchers to treat my family members to a sumptuous-licious dinner at SAFRA Toa Payoh’s Kkongdon Korean Barbecue Restaurant.

OR

4). Organise a Karaoke Singing Session with my Army Buddies at SAFRA Toa Payoh’s KBOX and talk about the good ol’ army days.

[Credits to Street Directory for the Image]

There are certainly so many things I could do with the Vouchers and it is really hard deciding what I should do with it.

Maybe I should just go for Option 1 and then following which, treat my family members to a sumptuous buffet dinner at Park Royal On Beach Road Hotel because SAFRA Members are entitled to one complimentary buffet lunch or dinner with every 3 paying adults; and then after which, gather a few of my Army Buddies for a Karaoke Singing Session and utilise my SAFRA Membership at SAFRA Yishun’s Party World KTV to enjoy a 20% discount off the total bill! Now that’s more like it because I get to kill 3 birds with one stone on a single day!

Buffet Dinner at Park Royal On Beach Road Hotel
[Image Courtesy of Keropok Man]

Party World KTV!
[Image Courtesy of The Best Singapore]

Should I proceed with this plan, I would get to spend some quiet time with Baby and show my appreciation to her for being through thick and thin with me when I enlisted for NS till the day I ORD-ed, and now, serving my Reservist. Also, I could express my gratitude to my family members for their constant support of encouragement during my time as a National Serviceman Fulltime [NSF]. Last but not the least, I get to catch up with my Army Buddies and chill-out with them while singing Karaoke. So, the NS45 SAFRA Vouchers does comes in handy and so does the complimentary 1-year SAFRA Membership.

Anyway, SAFRA does brings NSmen closer together, check out some of the activities and things that you can do at SAFRA via the following link: https://awinsomelife.org/2012/10/28/safra-toa-payoh-openhouse-2012/

So, what are you waiting for?

Hurry over to http://ns45.safra.sg/Home.aspx and register for your NS45 SAFRA Vouchers now!