Left: Matt Atlard (The Topless Baker), Right: Andres Fatso’s Sweet Love Rose Macarons
Returning for a second year of gastronomic greatness, The GREAT Food Festival (TGFF) is a food-lover’s paradise. From 27 – 30 September , Resorts World Sentosa plays host to a number of food and drink centric events and activities. Here’s our roundup of five things you must do at TGFF.
1. Dessert masterclasses with your favourite celebrity chefs
Rollin’ Sweet Times at TGFF gets even sweeter with the addition of masterclasses from social media stars Matt Adlard, otherwise known as the (cute) Topless Baker, and Andres Fatso. Self-taught Youtube star Adlard will be conducting classes on how to make a Lemon Buttercream Flower Cake and a Nutella Affair – a fondant cake and macaron workshop…though it’s likely he won’t be topless. Australian baker Fatso (famous for her pretty desserts and viral soda-bottle shaped cakes) will demonstrate how to make her gorgeous Sweet Love Rose macarons – definitely IG worthy.
Masterchef fans will have something to look forward to, as acclaimed patissier Philip Khoury, who helmed R&D at fan-favourite Adriano Zumbo, will be presenting his award-winning tart (he was named Savour Patissier of the Year in the tart category for 2018) for the first time in Singapore.
2. Meet celebrity chefs and taste their food
Mamma Mia! Meet the Cerea brothers from Fratelli Trattoria
At the Star Chef Arena, you’ll be spoilt for choice with over 40 tantalising new dishes from Michelin-starred chefs such as Richard Van Oostenbruge of Amsterdam’s one Michelin-starred Bord D’Eau, Australian chef Dylan Jones of one Michelin-starred Bo.lan (Thailand), Susur Lee of Tung Lok Heen and Top Chef Canada fame, the Cerea brothers from Fratelli Trattoria (normally based in Italy at three Michelin-starred Da Vittorio), and Cat Cora of Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora. Cora was the first female inducted into the American Academy of Chefs Culinary Hall of Fame.
Prepare to feast on dishes like Capellini topped with Mentaiko and Nori, ‘Chilli Crab with Sakura Ebi Spring Onion Pancake’ and ‘Tonno Tataki, Bagna Cauda, Crumble di Pistacchio.’
READ MORE: 13 MOUTH-WATERING MATCHA DESSERTS & DRINKS FOR GREEN TEA LOVERS
3. Taste 6 exclusive drinks by award-winning bartenders at DIAGEO World Class Bar
Beat Singapore’s heat with a refreshing Ketel One Dutch Mule at TGFF
It’s not all about food – indulge in some tipples at the Bull Ring tent at the Star Chef Arena where the DIAGEO World Class Bar is. Organised by premium alcoholic beverage company Diageo (some brands under their stable include Baileys, Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Tanqueray and Pimm’s), the bar will feature six exclusive concoctions by Diageo World Class Bartenders.
Indulge in a summery Ketel One Dutch Mule (Ketel One vodka, ginger beer, lime and Angostura Bitters), a Zacapa Manhattan – a Guatemalan twist on the classic cocktail, or a good ’ol Bulleit Old Fashioned.
READ MORE: 9 BEST BARS IN SINGAPORE WITH GREAT DRINKS AND ATMOSPHERE
4. Feeling fancy? Take part in a wine appreciation masterclasses
If cocktails are too pedestrian, why not up your wine game with an in-depth masterclass at The Cellar, TGFF’s newest thematic zone. Award-winning author, wine critic, judge, and Master of Wine Jeannie Cho Lee will be your instructor, as you sample wines from nine countries across the globe, paired with fine meats and cheeses. Lee’s passion for wine led to her helping to launch a Master of Science/Postgraduate Diploma in International Wine Management at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2015.
5. Thai-riffic food as Michelin-starred chefs collaborate
Thairiffic fine dining with Tastes of Siam
Normally when we hear about collaborations, it’s four-hands. This time, it’s a six-hand collaboration with Tastes of Siam, an exciting concept kitchen experience that showcases the best of Thai cuisine, from the hands of renowned chefs. Chef Dylan Jones of Bo.Lan, chef Num of SAMUAY & SONS (which he co-owns) and chef Khanaporn Janjirdsak of Trang Ko’e have planned a mouthwatering menu of Isan-style chicken wrapped with steamed cabbage accompanied by larp dipping sauce, silky Thai rice noodles with Sriracha pineapple, dried prawn floss and chilli accompanied by simmered prawn dumplings, and a fiery steamed minced pork with southern preserved shrimp topped with cucumber & red chilli.