Buy your ticket first to dine at NEXT....Chicago

Next, a newly opened ‘spin-off’ from Alinea, Chicago is set to woo you over with their wow aftertaste. Branded with a novel ticketing system which you have to purchase your ticket online first prior to actual dining.

What makes Next stand out from the rest of the world is its very own seasonal menu which will change every 3 months to continuously bring patrons to the next level of anticipation. The first menu creation (April-June 2011), Paris 1906 – Escoffer at the Ritz, was inspired by Auguste Escoffer’s cuisine classique; beautifully and meticulously executed by Head Chef cum Owner, Grant Achatz and Executive Chef, Dave Beran. Each course comes with a wine pairing by the in-house sommelier, for e.g. White Burgundy to marry with Filet de Sole Daumont or a Sparkling Ginger-Elderflower-Pineapple concoction for non-alcoholics.

What also accompanies this dining package is their excellent customer service; wait staff are well-versed in the menu and proactive in making the diners feel at home. A patron, Ms Caroline M from Chicago was handed a ‘Tide Stain Remover Pen’ discreetly on a plate to remove the duck sauce stain on her dress while another patron, Ms Liz, also from Chicago was given a packet of Kleenex Tissue paper when she unexpectedly sneezed during the course of her dining. When I read these reviews (www.yelp.com/biz/next-restaurant-chicago-2), I was so blown away and convicted by the full goodness of purchasing this Next ticket. The feeling is akin to scoring Charlie’s golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory! This golden ticket indeed comes with good strings attached which have attracted much heartbeat across the globe.

If you have not had your fill of epicurism, you can always proceed to its adjacent lounge, Aviary. Simply let the maitre d' know and he will get you a table next door without any reservation. Aviary is also co-owned by Chef Grant Achatz & Business partner, Nick Kokonas. A bar distinguished for its 21 specialty-handcrafted cocktails which vows to woo you further more.

So what’s next? Find out more from www.nextrestaurant.com or watch their Paris 1906 Practice Dinner & Aviary’s Opening!

Molecular Gastronomy

What molecule….what gas? I beg your pardon? That was my first thought when I came across this term. It sounded so scientific and profound to me...

Molecular Gastronomy is a scientific study of choosing, cooking and consuming food. You can consider it a brainchild derived from the teamwork of scientists and chefs. One party studies the science of produce and culinary processes while the other party prepares the final product on a dish by incorporating the findings of the scientists into their culinary.

Take for example, our beloved Eggs; do you realize that different cooking temperatures will affect its outcome? We can have poached eggs, hard-boiled eggs, coddled eggs, scrambled eggs and etc…all depends on which cooking temperature you are using.

According to Wikipedia’s records: “The term "Molecular and Physical Gastronomy" was coined in 1992 by Hungarian physicist, Nicholas Kurti and French physical chemist, Hervé This. It became the title for a set of workshops held in Erice, Italy that brought together scientists and professional cooks for discussions on the science behind traditional cooking preparations. Later, American Food Science Writer, Harold Mc Gee joined the duo in their activities.”

To me, molecular gastronomy is akin to a chef-d'oeuvre; a harvest reaped after much experiments, research and investigations. Very often, molecular gastronomy is associated with fine dining restaurants which are most probably Michelin Star-awarded. That explains why you will see the dish is being presented like “an edible painting on a ceramic canvas” when you dine at such restaurants. The art of haute cuisine is a must for all to taste at least once in their lifetime!

Below are 2 video clips from Alinea Restaurant, Chicago, USA; rated 3 Stars (Michelin Guide) & voted as 6th Best Restaurant in the world by Restaurant Magazine 2011. Enjoy as they show you what Molecular Gastronomy is all about!

             PS: You can play both video clips at the same time!

Wine Served in a Milk Bottle.......Paris, France

If you are feeling nostalgic about your babyhood and fancy an adult-content drink such as wine in a milk-bottle. Plus you wanna express your art of graffiti on the restaurant walls, climb over the communal table to feast fondue with your loved ones…Then try paying Refuge Des Fondus a visit. If you are bringing your baby along, I am sure your baby will be just as equally amused as the parents and thinking in bewilderment, “Daddy & Mommy, Let’s Bottoms Up!” (Address: 17 Rue Des 3 Freres, 75018, Paris, France Tel: 01 42 55 22 65)

Dick's Last Resort............U.S.A

Surprisingly, this restaurant’s concept is famous for its infamous rude and shocking customer service. They started off with a high-end approach but ended up in bankruptcy. Out of all wits, they decided to use the opposite approach instead. Conceivably, that is how the name came about, Dick’s Last Resort! They intentionally trained their wait staff to be ‘obnoxious’ when serving their guests, such as deliberately throwing the napkins at the patrons. They also make their patrons wear 2 feet high paper hats with caustic remarks scribbled on it!

(“Boy or Girl?” on an adorably cute boy, “Retired Pole Dancer” on a docile-looking granny, “Accepting Hair Donations Here” on a bald-headed dude….) Please bear in mind that they are doing all these acts purely to inflict humor and create fond memories for the guests.

I think this is a very good concept, especially for those patrons who are extremely stressed out or uptight about the mundane of life. This is the right place for them to unwind and loosen up. You can call it ‘retail therapy’ perhaps? You are also welcome to give the wait staff a tit for tat to entertain them back! But once when you step out of the restaurant, Life still goes on! You have to behave yourself…

"If I have a chance to visit USA, Zon’s Last Stop got to be at Dick’s Last Resort!!!" (For more info on this restaurant chain, visit http://www.dickslastresort.com )

Fusion Tableware at The St.Regis, Singapore

Notice the western & eastern cutlery displayed on the table? (Fusion Tableware)... Also not forgetting the ‘highlight of the table’ which is the individual dishware for containing the varied condiments! (Double click for better view)

In the olden days, during a Chinese Banquet, food was always served in a platter and placed in the center where every guest would help themselves to it. Condiments such as soya sauce, chilli sauce, vinegar and etc were placed in common containers for the guests to scoop/pour themselves.

Later, the ‘system’ changed and improved slightly. Food is still being served in a platter but a waiter will be allocated to each table to serve the food individually. Now, it seems to have reached the peak in terms of efficiency and hygiene quality. There is no more platter placed in the center. All dishes will be served in individual portions. In addition, the condiments are served in individual dishware as you can see in the picture. The restaurateur has made it more convenient and favorable for all guests. Dining has become so much easier and exclusive for each guest. The only thing lacking or which they cannot do for us is feed us the banquet fare!!!

"Mr YouTiao" went for Makeovers!.........Singapore

Mr YouTiao has revamped his image (original flavour) to churn out 5 NEW makeovers and they are Almond Youtiao, Green Tea Youtiao, Onion Youtiao, Sesame Youtiao & Sunflower Seed Youtiao respectively. So far no one has done it, except Mr YouTiao, Singapore. It is definitely a wise move to bring novelty to all the dough-fritter lovers out there.  My fave is Green Tea Youtiao! As you chew on it, it will exude the fragrance of lush green tea. Bravo!

Currently, they have 2 outlets which are located at:

Square 2, #02-08/09                      Century Square

10 Sinaran Drive                            B1-18, 2 Tampines Central 5

Singapore 307506                         Singapore 529509

PS: You can try the "Sampler Set" which offers you their assorted 6 flavours + 1 cup of coffee/tea for SGD4.50 only!

Wedding Bells Ringing at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore

Today, I went to attend my dear cousin’s wedding at the abovementioned hotel. It was a 7-course lunch affair! We started off with ‘Lobster & Prawn Cocktail served with seafood roll', followed by 'Shark’s Fin double-boiled with chicken & conpoy', 'Scallop stir-fried with XO sauce & served with deep-fried yam apple', 'Whole Duck roasted with in-house special sauce', 'Cod Fillet baked with teriyaki sauce', 'Ee-Fu noodles braised with shredded mushrooms & chives' and completed with a westernized sweet delight, ‘Hazelnut Royaltine.’ I thought the dessert was an unusual complement to the preceding 6 Chinese dishes.

On top of that, each guest received either a heart-shaped paperweight or a metal ruler (with the words ‘Love Rules’ inscribed on it) for a souvenir. Quite unusual gifts too, compared to the prevalent ones such as wedding cakes, chocolates or miniature glassware! These 2 unique highlights of the event caused such a stir in my brain to pen it down right away. This is what I called an ‘unusual yet unique unification.’ To round it up, I hereby wish the couple eternal bliss and many offsprings to come!

                            “Let Love Rules your Heart”

Doc Fish Cafe...............Korea

How about dining with your buddies or loved ones when in the process of your feasting, a school of Dr Fishes are also enjoying their meal through feeding the dead skin off your feet. You can treat it as a prior pedicure step. I am sure ladies who do pedicure regularly can relate to this scenario.  Some patrons find it amusing as if ‘someone’ is constantly tickling their feet!

I have managed to track down one awesome website from Korea.( http://www.restree.net )They have a lot of services under one roof such as manicure/pedicure, a book gallery, a café which serves fantastic food & desserts and fish spa. Remember to check it out when you visit Korea!

In Singapore, which I came to find out recently that there is also such a similar concept known as “Kenko Reflexology & Fish Spa Internet Cafe.”

Their outlets are located at:

Marina Bay Sands 

2 Bayfront Ave

#01-15 Singapore 018972

Tel: 65 66887811

           &
313@Somerset

313 Orchard Road

#04-22 Singapore 238895

Tel: 65 68870303

You can surf the net and sip a cuppa while doing your fish spa therapy. However, you are charged separately for the trio or I called it ‘3 in 1’ session which will last for 30 minutes. (They only serve hot or cold beverages; no food sold unfortunately.)

For half an hour, you can totally let down your feet, rehydrate yourself, get some research done impromptu or watch a short film… Why not? Singaporeans are well known for multi-tasking and striving to live up to their efficiency!

PS:Those feet featured in the video clip do not belong to me!

Flying Chicken in the Air..................Thailand

Instead of Superman flying in the air, it is Superb BBQ Chicken! You get to see the whole chicken on fire, catapulted through the air while a ‘waiter cum acrobat’ riding on a unicycle will catch it to present on your table. So thrilling yet so tempting, I mean the BBQ Chicken, of course!

(For more info, visit http://www.ka-tron.com/)

Mr Monkey is your Waiter............Japan

Imagine being seated in a Japanese restaurant and came along a macaque monkey to serve you a hot towel before ordering your drinks. While another monkey serves you your order…how amazing that would be! The waitstaff are in fact well-trained monkeys that are so committed to deliver the best customer service as well as entertainment along the way. Please do not be mistaken that their owner is abusing them for free labour. You can see through their ‘attitudes’ that they enjoy mingling with the guests and take pride in their ‘jobs’. Moreover, the owner, Mr Kaoru Otsuka loves them very much and treats them like his own flesh and blood!  (Address: 栃木県宇都宮市御幸本町4688 TEL: 028-662-3751; Located in the city of Utsunomiya, north of Tokyo; a 15 minute taxi ride from Utsunomiya station)



 PS: Pls find out more before planning your visit due to the recent  Fukushima Nuclear Plant accident.