The Art Of Champagne Tasting

If there is one champagne house that has its roots in artistic collaboration, it would have to be Perrier-Jouët. Ever since it was founded in 1811, Perrier-Jouët Champagne has been cultivating its taste for artistic creations. In 1902, artist Emile Galle, leader of the Art Nouveau movement, designed a bottle decorated with elegant Japanese enameled anemones. The bottle was used for the launch of Perrier-Jouët most prestigious cuvee, the Cuvee Belle Epoque. It is now one of the most recognised champagne bottles in the world.



Faithful to its artistic tradition, the champagne house partnered with French designer Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance to create a unique champagne tasting table: The Perrier-Jouët Flower Table. Having a specially designed ice bucket no longer cuts it and pales in comparision to this exquisite table.



The Flower Table was first unveiled in April 2010 at the International Design Exhibition in Milan. It traveled to the finest establishments of Paris and Rome, and now made its debut in Singapore.

Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance is a French interior designer/artist who was initially trained in metal sculpture at the Paris School of Art & Design, before he moved on to study Art Deco furniture. Hence, he is the perfect artist to create the Flower Table, given his understanding of Art Deco designs and sculptural forms. The Flower Table is designed with the philosophy of creating a unique tasting experience that touches all the senses, inviting one to share a spontaneous and intense moment.

As Cellar Master Hervé Deschamps says aptly: “It’s fascinating to see how oenology, art and gastronomy combined together to reveal the style and elegance of the Perrier-Jouët Champagnes. The experience is simply sublime”.

In Paris, Perrier-Jouët invited 3-star Michelin French Chef Anne-Sophie Pic in Paris to come up with some culinary delicacies to enhance and complement the sensory experience. In Singapore, Chef Julien Bompard from Le Saint Julien has been invited to create special amuse-bouches to complement the range of Perrier-Jouet champagnes.

Limited in quantities worldwide, with only 25 tables signed by the designer, one signed Flower Table will be displayed exclusively at Le Saint Julien from 10th February through 15th May 2011. To celebrate the launch, guests will get to enjoy complimentary amuse-bouches specially created by Chef Julien to accompany a glass of Perrier-Jouet champange.

For a virtual "Flower Table" experience, please visit www.perrier-jouet.com.

Lessons From The Sartorialist (Part 4)

I couldn't resist a quick post on the 5 looks that I saw on The Sartorialist just minutes ago. Inspirations for my wardrobe this week.

Look #1 - Modern Day Red Riding Hood

Ain't this cute with subtle innocent sensuality? Love the touches of red accent.

Look #2 - Menswear Inspired

I am so wearing this look. Time to start wearing my Thomas Pink shirts and ties again.

Look #3 - The Future Is Bright

I love that all the colours in this palette are perfectly in harmony. I need a pink jacket. This will be a great look for me in Paris.

Look #4 - The Heroine's Maxi

Maxi skirt is back again this season. I shall look for a nice one at H&M when I am in Zurich this Thursday.

Look #5 - Leather, Fur & Maxi

Speechlessly amazing look. Love the way the textures blend together. Brown distressed leather, Chanel fur, long black maxi. Fashion genius!


For more looks, check out http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com

I Lock You

While researching for trendy shops in Paris, I chanced upon this nifty device on L'Eclaireur's website. I Lock You is a revolutionary anti-theft device that can also be worn as a piece of jewellery. With a name like "I Lock You", it can actually have a poetic meaning of locking the love of someone. For me, I will wear it as a bracelet and use it as a bag lock when I am dining out.

This is how it works... but I don't seem to quite comprehend it. I will ask the shop assistant to demonstrate instead.

I am so buying all the 4 available styles when I head to Paris in March. It is an ingenious device that is practical and elegant. Quite a steal at 25 Euros... and it will ensure my bag won't be stolen.

Check it out on http://leclaireur.com

Hello MR PORTER

Hot off the press. Listen up, ladies and gentlemen, MR PORTER is ready for transactions. Ladies, you may know Net-A-Porter, and now MR PORTER will be your best online destination for fashionable gifts to deck your man in (or simply for yourself). As for men, MR PORTER will be your best shopping mate as he has tricks up his sleeves to share with you.



So, what's sartorially hot about this site? Everything! From the clean and easy design interface to appeal to men, to the cool brands being stocked. I'm talking about brands such as Valextra, Cutler & Ross, John Lobb, John Smedley, Charvet, Ralph Lauren Purple & Black Labels. *I am weeping as I am overwhelmed by fashion ecstasy*















Damn, the men even got their own wardrobe manager? Where's my personal shopper function on Net-A-Porter? This is truly a case of "The women don't get it". What fashion injustice! I admit... I am suffering from a case of true fashion envy now.


Check in tomorrow on my top picks for him and for myself. Shopping online knows no boundaries. I shall conquer even on the masculine site. *wicked fashion laugh fades out...*

www.mrporter.com

Take It With A Pinch of SALT

I had high expectations literally, when I heard I was going to have lunch at Salt grill by Luke Mangan located at the ION Sky, especially after reading the impressive reviews by the Singapore media. Located on levels 55 and 56 and at an impressive 218 metres, ION Sky offers an unrivalled 360-degree view from the highest point on Orchard Road. It houses an observatory, an event space, and the Salt grill.

Everything was good until we were showed to our table. The restaurant was empty except for two tables that were occupied when we arrived at noon. We asked for table by the window and could not have gotten a worst table. This window table at a corner offered no view as it had frosted stickers covering the clear windows. I let it go since we made the reservation last minute.

This breathtaking, picture-perfect view was the main salvation of the restaurant. However, it is not the view from where we sat. We had to walk over to the observatory side to check out the amazing view.


After much finger pointing to the menu items as the waiter didn't seem to know the menu well, we managed to get our orders across to the clueless waiter. Me and my fiance both opted for the pan-fried foie gras with pear puree and brandied cherries and a slice of toasted brioche. For our mains, I went for Wagyu beef tenderloin with Cafe de Paris butter, while he chose NZ long line snapper fillet with roasted tomatoes and capers.


Maybe my expectations were too high, but I thought the presentation was blah and not of fine dining standards. The foie gras looked pathetic in comparision and worst of all, it was cold inside. The cherries were alright but I thought they should have their pits removed.


The presentation for the long line snapper didn't fare any better. It was messy but we were glad it tasted good.


This is my S$90 Wagyu tenderloin. Seriously, the presentation looked sad. It was supposed to be served with green beans but I asked them to change it to fries. After much "negotiation", they said ok. I mean, it is only fries we are talking about here, not even truffle fries. For the same quality of meat, I would rather dine at Prime Society at Dempsey or db Bistro at Marina Bay Sands.


If you are wondering why there aren't dessert pics, it is because I don't want to be disappointed further. Would I go back to dine again? Highly unlikely, but I thought maybe I should give it a second chance like how Wong Ah Yoke (food critic at Straits Times) always does. I would definitely recommend this place for drinks and the amazing ambience, but not for the food.

The Key Master

The key (literally) to a woman's heart is one contained within the famous blue box. Tiffany is the undisputed key master. With Valentine's Day being less than a week away, this entry might be helpful to men out there looking for a gift.

With over 140 styles of key pendants to choose from, not to mention 22 types of chains and cords, the final combination possibility is rather exponential... and makes it easier for you to find the right key.

I love edgy jewellery and my choice of key is the titanium key. Black, sleek and ultra light weight (being titanium), I chose the black silk cord to wear with it. I was pleasantly surprised to find the price to be an amazing S$300 (for just the key). It proves the fact that it doesn't have to be something expensive to win a girl's heart.

Here are some other designs that I like. Perhaps a key for Valentine's Day every year? Perhaps to graduate from silver to gold, and finally to attain the diamonds encrusted ones!

Check out the full range at www.tiffany.com