Fireworks from gourmet masters

Celebrity chefs will showcase their goodies at the second edition of the picnic- themed Epicurean Market

David Thompson and David Myers will show what they are offering at their restaurants and Christopher Christie (above) will present a workshop for eco-conscious foodies. -- PHOTO: MARINA BAY SANDS
David Thompson and David Myers will show what they are offering at their restaurants and Christopher Christie (above) will present a workshop for eco-conscious foodies. -- PHOTO: MARINA BAY SANDS
David Thompson and David Myers (above) will show what they are offering at their restaurants and Christopher Christie will present a workshop for eco-conscious foodies. -- PHOTO: SAM POLCER
David Thompson (above) and David Myers will show what they are offering at their restaurants and Christopher Christie will present a workshop for eco-conscious foodies. -- PHOTO: MARINA BAY SANDS

Marina Bay Sands integrated resort is holding the second edition of its gastronomic festival Epicurean Market from Sept 12 to 14, together with its Formula One festivities.

Aside from browsing a variety of gourmet goodies at the picnic-themed event, foodies can also get sneak peeks at what Australia-born chef David Thompson and Los Angeles chef David Myers will have to offer at their upcoming restaurants in MBS.

One of Thompson's dishes from his new Long Chim restaurant, which is slated to open by the last quarter of the year, is charred rice noodles with squid, celery, chicken, spring onion and Sriracha chilli sauce.

Thompson, whose Nahm restaurant in Bangkok currently tops British trade publication Restaurant magazine's list of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, says: "Long Chim means 'come and taste', and that is exactly the sort of atmosphere and food we're going to create at MBS. Long Chim is all about great tasting street food that is affordable and accessible. I hope Singaporeans will agree."

Visitors to the event can also have a taste of Myers' new California and Asia-inspired restaurant, with dishes such as steak tartare; green papaya and coconut shooter; and prawns with passionfruit and salted creme fraiche.

He used to run the now-defunct restaurant Sona in Los Angeles and now focuses on his outlets in Tokyo, David Myers Cafe and Sola patisserie.

On the new restaurant, slated to open next year, the chef says: "The concept will be centred on the idea of small bites and plates that are meant to be shared. The menu will be inspired by my travels in Asia and developed with a modern California edge. Our cocktail programme is being designed by a team from Tokyo and New York, which I believe to be the most progressive cocktail hub in the world."

Other celebrity chefs returning to showcase dishes from their restaurants include Tetsuya Wakada of Waku Ghin, Justin Quek of Sky on 57 and Nancy Silverton of Mozza.

While meals at their restaurants can easily set you back by at least $100 a person, prices for Epicurean Market's tasting portions range between $2 and $12.

Tickets cost $22 each and allow access to the event for all three days. Each pass also includes two wine glasses by Schott Zwiesel (valued at $37).

Payment for the food and other gourmet produce from the Fresh Food Market can be made with cash or credit card.

On top of their dishes, the celebrity chef booths will also feature exclusive items that are otherwise not available. Steakhouse Cut will offer a special steak seasoning, while Mozza will sell spice rubs and Waku Ghin will debut 10 to 12 Japanese pastries.

Other highlights include the first Mystery Box cook-off on Sept 13, between executive chefs Jonathan Kinsella of db Bistro Moderne and David Almany of Osteria Mozza. They will each prepare a dish in 45 minutes using ingredients from a mystery box.

Children can join db Bistro Moderne's executive pastry chef Benjamin Siwek for a Junior Pastry Academy session or head to the kid-friendly zone with culinary-themed craft workshops.

On the more interactive environment this year, MBS' executive chef Christopher Christie, who will be presenting a sustainability-themed workshop for eco-conscious foodies, says: "We're creating more cook-offs this year as chefs are competitive and passionate by nature and will jump on any chance to create more fireworks.

"To challenge our restaurants and partners to sell exclusive items, we have also put together interactive activities. For example, at Mozza, guests can learn how to create their own hand-made pasta and buy the spice rubs to allow them to replicate some of Mozza's signature dishes at home."

euniceq@sph.com.sg

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