Wines News & People
A Preview of 2009 World Gourmet Summit
Article by Daniel Lim
Photos: Jeri Soh (Jericho Photography), and Eric Lim (LightTalks).
Above: The Press Conference
As above: The press conference for this year’s World Gourmet Summit held on the 61st floor of UOB Plaza, with refreshments from Si Chuan Dou Hua, on Thursday 19th March 2009.
Singapore – Despite the global financial crisis and its impact on consumer spending and the fine wine market, wine lovers and gourmands alike will find that, even in these difficult times, the 13th World Gourmet Summit promises a rich and interesting line-up of events which cements its position as ‘an international gastronomic extravaganza’. The 2-week festival is scheduled to be held in the city state from 19th April to 2nd May 2009.
The event is co-organised by the Singapore Tourism Board and Peter Knipp Holdings Pte Ltd. Peter A. Knipp, its CEO, spoke with confidence and ease as he addressed the attending media and trade invitees. “We have a long term vision for this event as it showcases Singapore’s gastronomic strengths. We are affected by economic conditions like everyone else, but we have more interest this year. While we lost some partners and sponsors, we also won some.” Peter has forecasted a 30% revenue drop for the 2009 event, but he has taken steps to “adapt prices to deal with the financial turmoil. In times like these, we will face the challenges and come out stronger. This is a Singapore-staged event, and it belongs to Singapore,” he added proudly.”
Peter’s shared confidence was also echoed by the following industry players. “I think it’s going to be very successful, and the awards will motivate people in the industry to improve and excel. Additionally, it’s an event where food and beverage professionals look forward to participate in annually,” said Rachel Aw, a Sommelier with La Strada, part of the Les Amis group of restaurants.
“We are proud to be a partner and the World Gourmet Summit is excellent for Schott Zwiesel to showcase its products. This gourmet initiative has put Singapore on the world map, and I believe it will continue to do so for many years to come,” says Christophe Oudin of Zwiesel Asia Pacific.
The list of nominees to the event’s 2009 Awards of Excellence (wine-related only), is as follows:
Restaurant of the Year:
Iggy’s (French),
Garibaldi (Italian),
Au Petit Salut (French),
Oso Ristorante (Italian).
Asian Restaurant of the Year:
Majestic (Cantonese),
Hua Ting (Cantonese),
Chef Chan’s (Cantonese),
My Humble House (Chinese Fusion),
The Song of India (North & South Indian).
New Restaurant of the Year:
Gunther’s (French),
Prive (Western),
Long Beach @ Dempsey (Chinese, Seafood).
Sommelier of the Year:
Alessandro Calabro from Garibaldi,
Timothy Goh from Les Amis,
Rachel Aw from La Strada.
Old World Wine List of the Year:
Les Amis (French),
Raffles Grill (French),
Iggy’s (French).
New World Wine List of the Year:
mezza9 @ Grand Hyatt (International Cuisine),
WineGarage (Western),
The Cellar Door (Australian and New Zealand).
Wine Retailer of the Year:
Denise the Wine Shop,
Culina,
Vinum Fine Wine Merchants.
Wine Distributor of the Year:
Culina,
Top Wines,
Hock Tong Bee.
Results for the above nominations will be announced on Saturday 25th April 2009.
There are numerous dinners and educational seminars running throughout the week of 20th to 29th April 2009. Call the World Gourmet Summit Reservations at +65 6270 1254 for menu and event information, or email at: info@worldgourmetsummit.com, or visit them online at: www.worldgourmetsummit.com.
Here’s a brief event capture of World Gourmet Summit’s wine-related activities:
Spanish Wine Masterclass
Monday 20 April 2009, 6:30pm to 7:30pm @ The Sentosa Resort & Spa.
S$98.00 (HK$503.00, RMB443.00)
With top wines from Spain’s Priorat to be moderated and tutored by Clos Figueras Europvin’s Christopher Cannan.
Château Léoville Poyferré Wine Masterclass
Wednesday 22 April 2009, 6:30pm to 8:00pm @ The St Regis Singapore.
S$128.00 (HK$656.00, RMB578.00)
Previewing 8 wines with the winery’s owner and vintner Didier Cuvelier.
Chianti Classico Wine Fair
Sunday 26 April 2009, 3:00pm to 5:00pm @ The St Regis Singapore.
S$58.00 (HK$297.00, RMB262.00).
Ticket prices is redeemable if you purchase an unspecified purchased at this event.
Chianti Classico Symposium
Sunday 26 April 2009, from 5:00pm to 6:30pm @ The St Regis Singapore.
S$98.00 (HK$503.00, RMB443.00).
The session is led by wine connoisseur Dr NK Yong, Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, wine reviewer Daniel Thomases as well as participating Chianti winery representatives.
Castello di Ama Wine Masterclass
Monday 27 April 2009, 6:30pm to 7:30pm @ The St Regis Singapore.
S$108.00 (HK$488.00, RMB554.00)
Introduction by Opus One’s winemaker, Michael Silacci.
Opus One Wine Masterclass
Wedndesday 29 April 2009, 6:30pm to 8:00pm @ Swissôtel The Stamford.
S$128.00 (HK$656.00, RMB578.00)
Introduction by winemaker, Micheal Silacci, with wines from 6 different years and vintages (1986 to 2005).
Wine Dinners paired with cuisine from famous chefs include:
Spanish Gala Dinner
Monday 20 April 2009, 7:30pm to 11:00pm @ The Sentosa Resort & Spa.
S$248.00 (HK$1273.00, RMB1121.00)
Parker Coonawarra & Yering Station Wine Dinner
Tuesday 21 April 2009, 7:30pm to 11:00pm @ Iggy’s The Regent.
S$268.00 (HK$1375.00, RMB1211.00)
Château Léoville Poyferré Wine Dinner
Wednesday 22 April 2009, 8.00pm to 11.00pm @ The St Regis.
S$428.00 (HK$2198.00, RMB1936.00)
Germany’s Robert Weil with Rougié Foie Gras
Thursday 23 April 2009, 7:00pm to 11:00pm @ Privé in Sentosa.
S$188.00. (HK$965.00, RMB850.00)
Champagne Devaux Dinner
Friday 24 April 2009, 7:00pm to 11:00pm @ the Swissôtel The Stamford.
S$188.00. (HK$965.00, RMB850.00)
Seafood Brunch with Champagne Deveaux
Sunday 26 April 2009, 11.00am to 3.00pm @ Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant.
S$148.00. (HK$756.00, RMB667.00)
Iconic Wine Dinner with Chianti Classico Wines
Monday 27 April 2009, 8:00pm to 11:00pm @ The St Regis.
S$628.00. (HK$3244.00, RMB2839 .00)
Opus One Wine Dinner
Wednesday 29 April 2009, 8:00pm to 11:00pm @ Swissôtel The Stamford.
S$428.00 (HK$2198.00, RMB1936.00)