Limwood Lifestyle June 2021 Issue 3

JUN | 2021 SEVENHILL CELLARS How a Jesuit community established the first winery in the Clare Valley The Lifestyle Network Through the Grapevine Fun. Food. Facts. Omakase: New Age Outsourcing A Sommelier’s Take on the Taste The peculiar berry, of Decision-Making Superiority Complex Strawberry

HEALTHY | HEARTY | HEAVENLY Premium Wines, Gins, Spirits & Gourmet Food from Award-Winning Wineries & Distilleries and Passionate Family- Owned Producers

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Greetings! It is a particularly sad time for us in Singapore put, I do believe that there is a god out there PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK as we entered semi-lockdown on 16th May, just but I just haven’t figured out which one it is yet! about a year after we went into full lockdown for All that said, I have seen the power of faith and 2 months in April and May 2020. respect people for their individual beliefs. Just as I say a prayer at times, be it to not one god in As the pandemic rages on, my thoughts particular. are once again with the health workers and all the incredible people who are on the front lines In this issue, I am excited to share the (public transportation drivers, grocery supply remarkable history of a Jesuit-owned winery staff and many more) and yet remain dedicated from Clare Valley in South Australia. In our to their professions despite the risks involved. I feature article, we take you through their say a little prayer in my heart for them. humble origins and celebrate their remarkable achievements since their founding in 1851. We are Frankly, I do not subscribe to a particular proud to show our support for this not-for-profit religion. Being raised in a multi-cultural society winery: All proceeds from their wine sales goes and a father who is Buddhist and a mother who towards works of charity and compassion. How was born a Catholic but is now, a Christian, I fantastic is that? have been surrounded by the plentiful “options” available. As much as I respect aspects of the Happy Fathers’ Day to all the outstanding theory of evolution, even the minutest atom or all Dads out there and may we show them our love matter, must surely originate from somewhere and appreciation for all that they do! or something. Our existence is too incredibly wonderous to be explained by a scientific thesis Cindy Casey Henwood (imagine how long that one might be?). Simply Editor-in-Chief 2 | Limwood Lifestyle

Contents JUN | 2021 Limwood Lifestyle 04 | Highlights & Insights SEVENHILL Jun 2021 – Sevenhill Cellars CELLARS A Journey from Oppression to Compassion 3issue How a Jesuit community 14 | Fun. Food. Facts. – Strawberry established the first 28 winery in the Clare Valley The Lifestyle Network Through the Grapevine Fun. Food. Facts. Omakase: New Age Outsourcing A Sommelier’s Take on the Taste The peculiar berry, of Decision-Making Superiority Complex Strawberry Cover image: Shutterstock Photo Description: St. Aloysius’ Church in Sevenhill, Clare Valley, South Australia. 14 PUBLISHER Limwood Lifestyle 16 | The Lifestyle Network limwoodlifestyle.com [email protected] – Omakase: New Age Outsourcing Phil Henwood of Decision-Making 04 MANAGING DIRECTOR 19 | Healthy. Hearty. Heavenly. Cindy Casey Henwood – Mexican Chicken Stuffed Peppers EDITOR-IN-CHIEF – Indonesian Nasi Goreng (Fried Rice) Geoffrey Lim – Raspberry Pink Velvet Cake with Raspberry CREATIVE DIRECTOR Cream Cheese Frosting Deryk Low 26 | Cellar & Bar We are working hard to be – Through The Grapevine accurate, but these are DIGITAL AND CONTENT LEAD Have Your Say! unusual times, so please – TGIF! Cocktail always check with the Kanjal Rivichandran James Bond’s Vesper Martini respective locations directly – A Wee Dram before making your plans. MARKETING AND ADVERTISING LEAD Lagavulin 16 Year Old Lynne Jong 30 | Spin The Globe GRAPHIC DESIGNER & VIDEO EDITOR – Tokyo, Japan Limwood Lifestyle is a monthly publication. All rights to this publication are reserved and no part may be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publishers. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this newsletter is accurate and up to date, the editorial committee will not be responsible for errors made as a result of information received. Opinions expressed are that of the writers or sources and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the publishers. Limwood Lifestyle | 3

ALL PHOTOS: SEVENHILL CELLARS HIDGEHPLAIRGTHMTSEN&TINHSEAIGDHTS Sevenhill Cellars – A Journey from Oppression to Compassion How a group of Austrian exiles made their way to South Australia, established a Jesuit community in 1851 and founded the first winery in the Clare Valley. 4 | Limwood Lifestyle

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HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS Our Heritage and Humble Beginnings 1. (previous page) The lush landscapes of It all began when a group of Austrian Jesuits fled their country to the fertile Clare Valley escape the ravages of political and religious oppression. The group on which the founding of 130 Catholics led by Franz Weikert, a Silesian farmer, travelled to Jesuits settled and Australia with a vision of establishing a community where they can established Sevenhill. enjoy religious freedoms. 2. Visitors are welcomed to explore They were accompanied by two Jesuit priests, Father Aloysius Sevenhill Cellar’s Kranewitter and Father Maximillian Klinkostroem, who served as underground wine chaplains to this founding group of immigrants. cellar. 3. Jonathan and Will taking a walk The immigrants settled near the township of Clare and the through the heritage Jesuits, impressed by the fertility of the local soil, purchased vines of Sevenhill. 100 acres of land in 1851, naming it Sevenhill after the Seven Hills of Rome. Sevenhill Cellars was established to provide sacramental wine in the emerging Catholic parishes around Australia, beginning Sevenhill’s respected tradition of Jesuit winemaking. The underground cellar was excavated by hand and the winery 2 6 | Limwood Lifestyle

3 “We are all given gifts When Location Counts and talents by God and coming to Sevenhill Situated about 130 kilometres north of Adelaide, the Clare gave me the chance to Valley has an international reputation for its premium use them all.” wines, with the area considered the home of Australia’s finest Riesling. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are also – Brother John May considered exceptional in the region, exhibiting the full varietal qualities of these wines. building was constructed from stone quarried on the property. Clare’s ability to produce wines of great integrity is linked strongly to its favourable climate and topography Local stone was also used to build the Cellars and for growing grapes. The region receives good winter Sevenhill’s two other significant landmarks - St Aloysius’ and spring rains, with an annual rainfall of 700mm at Church, of which building commenced in 1864 and, Sevenhill and the valley’s elevation (400 metres above after several delays because of funding shortfalls, was sea level) ensures cool nights, a critical factor during substantially completed in 1875. The College building, the hot summer months of the ripening seasoning and which operated as South Australia’s first Catholic harvest. secondary school from 1856 to 1886, was built in 1854 and housed the Jesuit community and trainees as well. At Sevenhill, they combine these natural advantages with a commitment to low yields from their 90 hectares of vineyards that produce some 20 varieties of grapes. This approach means that their winemakers work with fruit which are rich and concentrated, qualities that flow through to the elegant flavour and structure of their wines. Limwood Lifestyle | 7

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS Brother John May, SJ AM Jesuit Winemaker Emeritus Brother May’s journey towards his vocation as a Jesuit brother began in the 1940s when he became an Altar boy at St. Mary’s Church in North Sydney. He was a daily Mass attendee for 9 years, serving the 06:30 am Mass. During that period, Jerry Golden Stone set up the sodality for young men, starting out with 8 young men between the ages of 15 to 18 years. The Jesuit life appealed to him because of the wonderful example set by the Priest in the parish but the Priesthood did not interest him particularly then because he did not consider himself a good student and was hopeless at Latin. Over the years and whilst still involved with 4 8 | Limwood Lifestyle

the sodality and serving at the Altar, John L. May felt like In 1963, by order of holy obedience, Brother May was he was searching for something more meaningful in life. dispatched to Sevenhill, known as the foundation of the Society. He spent 7 years with Brother John Hanlon SJ, During one of his visits to church, he came across a then winemaker of Sevenhill Cellars. pamphlet entitled “Lay Brother”, a vocation giving a small account of various religious orders who have brothers Brother John May is as surprised as anyone that as members of their order. One was a story about a he became a winemaker. Before his arrival at Sevenhill brothers’ vocation written by a Jesuit. Here he was, all Cellars, the young carpenter was a badge-wearing his adult life in a Jesuit parish and the existence of the member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association Jesuit brother was news to him. and had never touched a drop. Within six months of his arrival at Sevenhill, and after prayer and discernment, he He followed his calling and offered the work of his returned the badge. hands to the Lord. By February 1949, he was accepted as a postulant. For the next 14 years, John May served as a When Brother Hanlon passed suddenly in 1972, carpenter doing maintenance in Jesuit houses. He was Brother May took over the role of Winemaker and given the gown on 23 August 1949 and took his first vows Manager. He did not just take the lead job in his stride, he two years later. made changes, expanded Sevenhill Cellars into a modern high-tech operation and helped put Clare Valley on the 4. A view of the tourist map. topography and heritage vines of Sevenhill. His stewardship saw the emergence of Sevenhill’s reputation for quality wines, the growth of its Cellar Door and visitor recognition of Sevenhill as a notable location of religious and heritage character. Brother May’s contribution to the wine industry was recognised as one of the initial inductees to the Clare Valley Wine Hall of Fame in 2014 and with life membership of the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia in 2004. He was admitted as a member in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours’ List in 2016 in recognition of his significant service to winemaking and through contributions to professional associations, to regional tourism and to the Catholic Church in Australia. “We are all given gifts and talents by God and coming to Sevenhill gave me the chance to use them all,” Brother May said. The last in a long line of Seven Jesuit winemakers at Sevenhill Cellars, Brother John May retired in 2003, assuming the title of Jesuit Winemaker Emeritus and is very much a part of Sevenhill. Limwood Lifestyle | 9

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS Jonathan O’Neill Will Shields General Manager Winemaker Jonathan has over 20 years’ experience Sevenhill Cellars opened a new in the wine industry, most recently as winemaking chapter in January 2019 Angove Family Winemakers’ regional with the appointment of Will Shields. export manager. Will has more than 25 years’ experience as a winemaker, with major stints in Jonathan spent 11 years with the Western Australia’s Margaret River long-standing South Australian wine region and New Zealand. business, developing markets in Asia and Europe and taking on a trading His love of wine was sparked from role managing vintage sales as well. his upbringing in the Hunter Valley Prior to this position, he worked for 10 where his parents owned Oakvale years at Plantagenet Wines in Western Vines. Will studied at South Australia’s Australia’s Great Southern region where Roseworthy College, before earning his he was responsible for the winery’s stripes in Western Australia, receiving sales and marketing and helped more a string of accolades – as many as 50 than double the business during that awards – during his time at Vasse Felix decade. and Clairault. Jonathan has an Associate Diploma After nearly four years in New in Wine Marketing, an Agricultural Zealand at The Wine Portfolio, Will Business Degree and a Master of returned to Australia in 2016, joining Business Administration, all gained at Kirrihill Wines in the Clare Valley. the University of Adelaide. Allowing fruit to express itself is at the heart of Will’s approach to winemaking, 10 | Limwood Lifestyle using a soft hand to achieve balanced, elegant wines.

Our Wines & Old Vines because they capture the exceptional qualities required to make this elegant duo - The St. Francis Single- The first grapevines were planted in 1851 and just 5 years Vineyard Riesling is produced with fruit from the Weikert later, the first wines of Sevenhill were produced. In 1858, Vineyard, a small plot of 0.82 hectares planted in 1978 Sevenhill went on to win the first prize at the Auburn and The St Ignatius, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Agricultural Exhibition. The first of many firsts, for Clare Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, again recognises the Valley’s first winery. Jesuits’ founder. Sevenhill’s wine selection offers diversity of styles Their premium wine is the Brother John May Reserve and are handcrafted by their Winemaker, Will Shields. The Release. This flagship wine is made from Sevenhill’s Inigo range honours St. Ignatius, the Jesuits’ founder best parcel of fruit and only from the finest years. It and his tireless work to improve the lives of others. The honours the distinguished career of Sevenhill’s Jesuit Inigo range features classical Clare Valley single-varietal Winemaker Emeritus, Brother John May, SJ, who wines, including Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, planted these low-yielding vines in his very early days Pinot Gris and Shiraz. at Sevenhill. The wines in their Saints range are made from the carefully selected parcels of Sevenhill fruit, chosen 5 5. Winemaker Will Shields in the heritage wine cellar excavated by hand. Limwood Lifestyle | 11

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS 6. Experience the warm hospitality at the Sevenhill Cellar Door. 7. Sevenhill Cellars 2021 Vintage Report with Winemaker Will Shields. The Sevenhill Experience premium St. Ignatius blend and John May Shiraz. This will provide you a sound appreciation of Sevenhill, the first Anyone visiting Sevenhill cannot help but be impressed and original winery in the Clare Valley. by the sense of history that is evident everywhere. Entering the property, you pass the historic St Aloysius’ Will Shields has been instrumental in refining Church and College building before reaching the winery Sevenhill’s wine styles and is delighted to be working with and cellar door. their old vines. The oldest vines on the property are 160 years old and the majority of Sevenhill’s vines are 70+ After tasting their extensive range of wines at years of age, which creates wines of amazing complexity their Cellar Door, you are encouraged to explore the and cerebral intrigue. underground cellar, which is still used to store their 12 | Limwood Lifestyle

2021 Vintage Sevenhill recently completed it’s 170th vintage which the Cellars will celebrate with an event later in the year. The wines from the 2021 vintage are looking fantastic and Will’s video here will outline some of the highlights of the vintage. 7 Looking Beyond 2021 The winery is incredibly excited to be releasing a new range of wines later this year, which will showcase some of the exceptional vineyard parcels Sevenhill has in its humble possession. These are all very small batches and include the following wines: Sevenhill Spire’s Lament Viognier Sevenhill Quarry Road Cabernet Malbec Sevenhill 27 Miles Riesling Sevenhill Thatch and Clay Touriga 6 Sevenhill Open Range Grenache Footnote As the only remaining Jesuit-owned winery in Australia, residing Jesuits are actively involved in Sevenhill’s ongoing development in partnership with lay staff who share the ethos of building the Jesuit Mission to support works of charity and compassion throughout Australia. Sevenhill Cellars is a Not-For-Profit winery. All proceeds from the sale of their wines goes towards the Jesuit Mission in support of their works of charity and compassion. Limwood Lifestyle | 13

FUN. FOOD. FACTS. Strawberries are not true berries, like blueberries or even grapes. Technically, a berry has its seeds on the inside. To be über technical, each seed on a strawberry is considered by botanists to be its own separate fruit! STRAWBERRIES Belgium has a ARE MEMBERS museum dedicated OF THE ROSE to strawberries. In FAMILY. A the gift shop at Le STRAWBERRY Musée de la Fraise PLANT SMELLS (The Strawberry AS SWEET AS Museum) where you THEY TASTE. can buy everything from strawberry jam to strawberry beer. The strawberry plant is a perennial. This means if you plant one now, it will come back next year and the following and the year after that. It may not bear fruit immediately, but once it does, it will remain productive for about five years. 14 | Limwood Lifestyle

Strawberries are the only fruit that Click to view our wear their seeds on the outside. The Fun. Food. Facts. Video! 200average berry is adorned with some Native The ancient Americans ate Romans thought of them. No wonder it only takes one strawberries strawberries bite to get seeds stuck in your teeth. long before had medicinal European powers. They settlers arrived. used them to As spring’s treat everything first fruit, they from depression were a treat to fainting to and eaten fever, kidney freshly picked stones, bad or baked into breath and sore cornbread. throats. Strawberries are Strawberries contain high levels believed to help of nitrate. This has been shown to reduce the risk of increase blood and oxygen flow to heart disease and the muscles. Research suggests that certain cancers. people who load They are low in up on strawberries calories and high before exercising in vitamins C, B6, have greater K, fibre, folic acid, endurance and potassium and burn more calories. amino acids. THE PERFECT TEMPERATURE FOR STRAWBERRY PLANTS IS BETWEEN 12.78 to 25.56ºC Limwood Lifestyle | 15

GGLN Omakase: New Age Outsourcing of Decision-Making 16 | Limwood Lifestyle

PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK Diners in Singapore can merely toss an Where it all began, an imaginary pebble in the vicinity of the city Omakase sushi set. centre and you are guaranteed to hit an Omakase restaurant. But what is Omakase? realised my haircut has been Omakase for the better Why the craze behind its emergence as the go-to part of a decade, without too many reported issues. I am customer proposition for restaurateurs and chefs? And sure many of us use Omakase regularly. One purchase whilst equally adored by diners. that springs to mind as a regular Omakase purchase is I am sure most readers are at least mildly familiar with specifically French wine. However, this is not surprising the word, “Omakase”. Omakase is the Japanese word for given the sheer number of Chateaus exporting their “Chef’s choice” or “Leave it up to you”. This word is better clarets to the international market. My wife is a massive known as a popularised dining proposition, deferring Omakase cocktail fan. Our go-to seating location is the menu decisions over to the chef’s selection for your always at the bar, front and centre, chatting with the dining experience. mixologist and watching the action. I have come to Whilst researching the history of Omakase for this realise the notable purpose of this preferred seating column, I was surprised with its origins being relatively location is for ease and speed of Cindy’s Omakase infant. Omakase dates back a short skip and a jump cocktail ordering. to the 1990s. This concept emerged as the preferred offering in sushi restaurants, mainly due to the chef’s My personal consensus of Omakase in our daily lives desire for offering only the freshest fish purchased that is concrete. 21st Century life appears to be growing morning from the market. If looking at freshness and busier, so why not leave the wining, dining and haircut seasonality of produce in isolation, this style of dining (this takes trust) up to the professionals. After all, aren’t offering makes complete sense. After all, restaurants surprises fun? can adorn the most stylish decor, the most astute service team and all at great prices. However, if the produce is not fresh, your business life cycle clock just skipped a few beats. I have always boldly stated that the food and beverage industry in Singapore regulates itself. Quite simply, if a bar or restaurant does not tick all the right boxes, time and time again, then your days are unfortunately, numbered. On the contrary, if you are consistent in all facets of service, atmosphere and food quality with a “reasonable” price tag, the market is your oyster, with longevity (and survival!) being the prize. I believe it is evident to most that one of the keys to a great meal is the quality and freshness of produce. But how do restaurants better manage costly perishable ingredients with unknown customer volume? The answer is, offer Omakase! The concept of Omakase is rapidly emerging within other purchasing decisions outside of dining. I recently Limwood Lifestyle | 17

Connecting the World Of FOOD, BEVERAGE, LIFESTYLE, PRODUCERS, DISTRIBUTORS, OPERATORS & ENTREPRENEURS. GGROUURPMIEEST 18 | Limwood Lifestyle

PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK Limwood Lifestyle | 19

HEALTHY. HEARTY. HEAVENLY. HEALTHY Mexican Chicken Stuffed Peppers These protein-packed Mexican chicken stuffed peppers are a great paleo substitute for Taco Tuesday. 20 | Limwood Lifestyle

Prep + Cook Time: 40 min Serves 4 SOURCE: CLEAN EATINGMAG Ingredients Method – 2 tbsp Extra Virgin 1. Prepare seasoning: In a small Olive Oil dry skillet on medium-low, toast cumin seeds for 1 to 2 minutes, – ½ cup chopped Yellow until fragrant, shaking skillet Onion occasionally. Remove from heat; cool 2 minutes. Transfer seeds – 4 Cloves Garlic, minced to a spice grinder; grind to a – 1 Jalapeño or Serrano powder. Transfer cumin to a small bowl and stir in remaining Chile Pepper, seeded seasoning ingredients. and chopped – 1 kg ground Chicken or 2. In a large skillet on medium, Turkey heat oil. Add onion, garlic, and – 1 400g can unsalted chile; cook, stirring, 2 minutes. fire-roasted Diced Add chicken; cook until no Tomatoes, with juices longer pink. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp – ½ cup chopped fresh seasoning mixture (reserve Cilantro, divided remaining mixture for use in – 4 Red, Yellow and/or Meal Plan); stir well. Stir in Orange Bell Peppers tomatoes and bring to a boil. – Lime wedges Reduce heat; then simmer, uncovered, 5 to 7 minutes Seasoning or until most of the liquid has evaporated. Stir in ¼ cup – 1 tbsp Cumin Seeds cilantro. – 4 tsp Paprika – 1 tbsp granulated Garlic 3. Meanwhile, cut bell peppers in – 1 tsp dried Oregano half vertically (from stems to – ½ to 1 tsp ground bottoms). Remove and discard stems, seeds and membranes. Cayenne Pepper, In a large pot, blanch peppers optional in boiling water, 2 to 3 minutes – ½ tsp ground Cinnamon or just until tender; drain. Fill – ¼ tsp ground Saffron peppers with chicken mixture. 4. For each serving, arrange 2 pepper halves on a plate. Sprinkle with remaining ¼ cup cilantro and serve with lime wedges. Limwood Lifestyle | 21

HEALTHY. HEARTY. HEAVENLY. Prep + Cook Time: 25 minutes Serves 4 Ingredients Method – 500 g Rice 1. Blend and fry chilli paste – 50 g Dried Red Chillies a. In a food processor, blend dried red chillies, garlic, and red onions. b. Add 1 tablespoon of oil into a pan over medium heat. (soaked in hot water and c. Once the oil is hot, fry the blended ingredients until fragrant. then drained) – 4 cloves Garlic 2. Sauté chicken and vegetables – 2 Red Onions a. In the same pan, add chicken breasts and liver, sauté until – 4 tbsp Cooking Oil – 50 g Chicken Liver (diced well-mixed. and blanched) b. In a separate pan, fry the chicken gizzards and then add to the – 50 g Chicken Gizzard (diced and blanched) pan with the rest of the chicken. – 100 g Chicken Breast (diced c. Add sliced cabbage and spinach leaves and quickly sauté until and blanched) – ½ cup Cabbage (thinly sliced) wilted. – ½ cup Baby Spinach – 3 Eggs 3. Season and cook the rice and eggs – 50 g Spring Onions a. Add rice, 3 tablespoons kecap manis, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 – 3 tbsp Kecap Manis (Sweet Soy Sauce) tablespoon white pepper and 1 tablespoon salt. – 1 tbsp Fish Sauce b. Fry on high heat and toss until mixed well. – 1 tbsp White Pepper c. Whisk eggs together in a bowl. Push all the ingredients to the side, – 1 tbsp Salt – 2 tbsp Shallots (fried) then add eggs directly to the pan surface. d. Scramble the eggs over high heat to make runny scrambled eggs, then mix together with surrounding fried rice. 4. Plate and Serve! a. Season to taste, then remove from heat. Add spring onions to garnish and mix. Serve with fried shallots. Make sure you HOT Try to use cold and a day old rice: Using rice that is hot SOURCE: ASIAN FOOD NETWORK use kecap manis TIPS and freshly cooked can affect the stirring and frying (sweet soy sauce): process. Hot rice tends to get stickier when it is stir Thicker and sweeter than fried in the sauce. Using cold rice allows it to normal soy sauce, the kecap caramelise and retain the flavours and colour of the kecap manis. manis is a distinct feature of If you are using hot rice, you can spread it out evenly on a tray and the Indonesian Nasi Goreng. refrigerate it for a couple of hours to dry off the surface of the rice. Using kecap manis will give your Nasi Goreng the sweet and savoury flavour. 22 | Limwood Lifestyle

HEARTY Indonesian Nasi Goreng (Fried Rice) The traditional Indonesian Nasi Goreng is a popular recipe that has many variants in today’s cooking culture. A classic dish, the Indonesian Fried Rice incorporates the flavors and ingredients of ‘sambal goreng’ with fried rice. Limwood Lifestyle | 23

HEALTHY. HEARTY. HEAVENLY. HEAVENLY Raspberry Pink Velvet Cake with Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting Topped with fluffy meringues and edible flowers, this pretty-in-pink raspberry velvet cake is about as springy as it gets.

Prep + Cook Time: 3 hours Serves 10 - 12 Ingredients Method Raspberry Pink Velvet Cake 1. Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C. Grease and – Cooking Spray flour 3 (8-inch) cake pans. Whisk together – 3 cups Cake Flour, spooned and flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. leveled, plus more for pans 2. Beat butter and sugar on medium speed with – 1 tbsp Baking Powder an electric mixer until light and creamy for 1 – ½ tsp Kosher Salt to 2 minutes. Add 1 cup raspberries and beat – 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter, until smooth for 15 to 20 seconds. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until blended after each at room temperature addition (mixture will look curdled). Beat in – 2 cups Granulated Sugar vanilla. Reduce mixer speed to low and beat – 4 cups fresh Raspberries, divided, in flour mixture and buttermilk alternatively, beginning and ending with flour mixture, plus more for decorating just until flour is incorporated. Mix in food – 4 large Eggs colouring, if desired. Divide batter among – 2 tsp pure Vanilla Extract prepared pans. – ¾ cup Buttermilk – 3 drops Pink Food Colouring, optional 3. Bake until a wooden pick inserted in the – 3 tbsp Seedless Raspberry Preserves centre comes out clean, 23 to 25 minutes. – Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes, – Meringue Kisses and edible Flowers, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely. for decorating 4. Toss together preserves and remaining 3 cups raspberries in a bowl. Place one layer on Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting a cake plate and top with ½ of the preserve – ½ cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, mixture; repeat one more time. Top with remaining cake layer. Frost top and sides of at room temperature cake with frosting. Decorate with meringue – 4 oz (120ml) Cream Cheese, kisses, edible flowers, and raspberries. at room temperature 5. To make the frosting, beat butter and cream – ¼ cup fresh Raspberries cheese on medium speed with an electric – 1 tsp pure Vanilla Extract mixer until creamy, 1 to 2 minutes. Beat in – ½ tsp Kosher Salt raspberries, vanilla, and salt, until raspberries – 3 cups Confectioners’ Sugar are broken down, 15 to 20 seconds. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add (Icing Sugar) confectioners’ sugar until blended and smooth after each addition, 45 seconds to 1 SOURCE: COUNTRY LIVING minute. Limwood Lifestyle | 25

CELLAR & BAR PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK 26 | Limwood Lifestyle

THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE The Taste Superiority Complex Arrogance and pretension can turn people away from wine, but it doesn’t have to be that way. When you like a wine, you like a wine and it is good for you. By FatsoSomm Wine tasting is extremely the biggest and boldest Napa Cabernet HAVE subjective. Even among to accompany spicy food. Definitely not YOUR professionals, one taster may something any sommelier I know would pair, feel wine X is superior than and the first time it happened, I was a bit SAY wine Y, while the person sitting next to him worried the wine and the food would lose. But or her feels the exact opposite. This is what it worked for them. Joseph’s Bio makes wine and other drinks, exciting. Every – person has their own unique profile of what Our taste profile is not superior to anyone. they enjoy. It is then often bewildering that In sociological terms, taste is a combination FatsoSomm’s there seems to be such a rigid “right” way of factors, from cultural upbringing to Joseph is an of understanding flavour profiles in a place socioeconomic circumstances to how much award-winning like Singapore. One would think that a city as access to different products we had in our sommelier and diverse as any on the planet would have only youth. If, as younger people, we had the former beverage one way of describing and talking about wine. chance to drink Cru Classe Bordeaux or director in San This is certainly not the case with food. Grand Cru Burgundy, then likely this would Francisco. His last The flavour profile of those living here is leave an impression that these wines are wine list at Rooh, one of the most unique and diverse I have superior to others. Comparing wines from an upscale modern come across. Pinpointing a specific flavour one region, with a sense that one region is Indian restaurant, profile seems counterintuitive, and almost superior, is the opposite of snobbery, it is was named one of a waste of time. But at almost every tasting stupidity. Snobbery, at some level denotes the top wine lists in or dinner I go to, there is a specific flavour knowledge. Burgundy is not better than the city. He is also profile that must be met, and wines must pair Oregon Pinot Noir and neither is Napa better a member of the with uber traditional French ways of thinking. than Bordeaux. But for each individual, their Port Brotherhood Not all wine is Bordeaux or Burgundy. And taste profile may lead them to enjoy one and a Certified unlike the very loud high-end drinkers in region over another. And this is what makes Sommelier with the Singapore, wines outside the “brands” of wine so exciting. Court of Master Europe can be just as good. Sommeliers of the The French model, while useful, works Is your sense of taste better than your United States. He mainly for European cuisine and flavours. friends’? Maybe, but it is still only your profile. is a consultant in But there are certainly outliers. Once, I drunk Let us always remember that each culture Singapore, offering with a Frenchman, a 20 year old Brunello di has their own descriptions of things. In Rajat wine tastings, Montalcino with caviar and we were taken Parr and Jeremy Mackey’s “The Sommeliers workshops, event aback by how solid the pairing worked. Yes, Atlas of Taste” they remind us that in planning, concierge caviar and tannins worked. In my experience, Japanese, there are hundreds more words to services and a having run an upscale Indian restaurant describe tastes and flavours than in English, myriad of wine in San Francisco, many Indians ordered and most likely that many more than French, related activities. so let’s not just assume the Eurocentric understanding of flavour is always best. fatsosomm.com Limwood Lifestyle | 27

CELLAR & BAR TGIF! COCKTAIL James Bond’s Vesper Martini Every James Bond fan knows this recipe as the first martini that Bond ordered in Ian Fleming’s 1953 book, “Casino Royale” (or the 2006 movie). Named after the seductive double agent Vesper Lynd, it is possibly the most famous drink order in history and extremely precise. 28 | Limwood Lifestyle

Ingredients Method – 90ml Gin 1. In a cocktail shaker, combine – 30ml Vodka gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc or dry – 15ml Lillet Blanc, or dry vermouth. vermouth 2. Shake well and strain into a – Lemon peel, for garnish chilled cocktail glass. 3. Garnish with a large piece of lemon peel. Serve and enjoy. How Strong Is a Vesper Martini? It’s said that vodka in the ‘50s was often bottled A WEE DRAM at 100 proof and that Gordon’s was 94 proof The Vesper Lagavulin 16 Year Old at the time (it’s since been reformulated). is a fascinating Bottling Note Factoring those numbers in, the Vesper cocktail. Compared to the could easily be a 39 percent ABV gin martini, it has a slightly A much sought-after sweet, bitter taste contributed single malt Scotch (78 proof) cocktail. That’s equivalent to by Lillet, while the vodka tames whisky with the massive peat-smoke a straight shot of most vodkas on the the gin’s botanicals. It’s a that is typical of market today. It’s also worth noting that drink that both gin and vodka southern Islay, while drinkers can appreciate and offering up richness this recipe creates a nearly 5-ounce drink fun to tweak to your and a dryness that turns it into a truly with proper dilution, which is almost double personal taste. interesting tipple. The 16 year old has truly the average alcohol-only martini. become a benchmark Islay dram from the Vesper Martini Origin Story Lagavulin distillery. If you are looking for a SOURCE: AUSTRALIAN WOMEN’S WEEKLY This drink is purely fictional. It was served far more often as the series food pairing with this created by the author in his first book progressed. beauty, try intensely- about the now-famous British Secret flavoured salty Intelligence Service agent and has The Vesper martini is interesting blue cheeses, which also become known as the “James because it combines gin and vodka complement the intense, Bond martini.” As any devotee of with Kina Lillet (commonly substituted peat rich, sweet and the books or movies knows, Bond with Lillet Blanc or dry vermouth). It’s salty character of this is very fond of fine cocktails, and a very potent mix, and Fleming (er, Lagavulin wonderfully. this was certainly not the last drink Bond) is very particular about two in the series. In fact, the Vesper ingredients: Kina Lillet is no longer Limwood Lifestyle | 29 received just that single mention, available, and the gin has changed and the vodka and gin martinis were significantly since the ‘50s, so the original formula requires adaptation.

SPIN THE GLOBE PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK 30 | Limwood Lifestyle

Tokyo, Japan Shining a spotlight on a hot favourite travel destination, from 1 its storied history to the bustling metropolis it is today. Limwood Lifestyle | 31

SPIN THE GLOBE Edo, or modern-day Tokyo, came to 2 PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK prominence in 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu established his feudal dynasty (the Tokugawa political system of a modern state. Shogunate) in the area. During his rule (also Then, the Great Kanto Earthquake happened. known as the Edo Period), Edo flourished as it became the cultural and political centre of Japan. On 1st September 1923, this horrific earthquake This is despite the formal capital of Japan, where and accompanying 40-foot-high tsunami claimed the Emperor resided, was in Kyoto during the period. over 140,000 lives and along with the ensuring fires, This demonstrates the lengthy duration of power and devastated Tokyo and nearby, Yokohama. authority of the various Shogunates in ancient Japan prior to the Meiji era (1868 to 1912), when imperial rule After this devastation and the conclusion of the was restored. One of the Emperor’s first moves was to ensuring World Wars, Japan finally began to focus on relocate to Edo and rename it Tokyo, where it becomes their development into the bustling metropolis it is the official capital of Japan, as it remains till this day. today. With cutting-edge building technology in this For 55 years, Tokyo thrived as it opened its doors earthquake-prone region (withstanding the shocking to the world and vice versa. During this period, there 11th March 2011 Great Tohoku Earthquake, the most was massive infrastructure development as the first powerful earthquake ever recorded in Japan) and stoic telecommunications line was opened between Tokyo resilience, the people of Japan and Tokyo have, literally and Yokohama and the first steam locomotive operating and figuratively, soared towards the skies. as well. Notably, the promulgation of the Constitution of the Empire of Japan in 1889 transitioned Japan to a Tokyo is, and will always be, an iconic city. Where the food is fantastic, the drinks keep flowing and the people are charming. No matter how many times one visits Tokyo, one will always like to return because there is just so much more to see, experience and chomp your way through!

WHERE TO VISIT / THINGS TO DO A Meiji Jingu B Tokyo Cruise (Shrine) suijobus.co.jp/en meijijingu.or.jp/en Many visitors are familiar with the train network, Conveniently located just a including the ubiquitous 4 minute’s walk from Harajuku Shinkansen (bullet train), Station, Meiji Shrine is an and buses but discover C Hamarikyu oasis of calm right in the heart Tokyo in a different way Gardens of one of the most bustling by travelling with Tokyo tokyo-park.or.jp/teien/en/ districts of Tokyo city. Cruise! hama-rikyu Built in 1920, this Shinto It is a fantastic shrine is dedicated to Emperor alternative from getting Located at the mouth of the Meiji and Empress Shoken from point A to point B or Sumida River, Hamarikyu for their contributions to simply enjoying a round-trip Gardens was once a the modernisation of Japan. leisurely cruise with drinks residence of a member of Situated on 70 hectares, this and meals onboard. As you the powerful Tokugawa shrine is surrounded by over traverse along the Sumida Shogun family and after 100,000 trees which were River, look out for notable which, the Imperial family of planted during the shrine’s Tokyo landmarks and savour Japan. It has been opened construction and were donated the beautiful scenery. to the public since April 1946 from regions across the entire when the Imperial family country. gave it to the City of Tokyo. 3 Wander around the 1. A lady in a traditional distinctively Japanese Japanese kimono with landscaped gardens and the backdrop of Senso- feel the troubles of the ji Temple in Asakusa. world slowly melt away 2. People and vehicles in this beautifully serene alike waiting to cross environment. Spanning over at this very busy 250,000 square metres, junction in Shibuya. nature lovers will have plenty 3. The very cool of ground to cover and spaceship-shaped immerse themselves in. cruise ships are designed by manga artist, Reiji Matsumoto. 4. The beautiful tea house in the middle of Shio-iri Pond within the gardens. Limwood Lifestyle | 33

SPIN THE GLOBE WHERE TO EAT B MToonnRCohpeproTnogni C Omoide Yokocho seryna.co.jp/en/ timeout.com/tokyo/restaurants/ monchertonton/roppongi where-to-eat-at-omoide-yokocho-in- shinjuku Located in the “Embassy 5 District” of Tokyo city, Nothing beats a down-to-earth Japanese this gem of a restaurant culinary experience as dining at an A Sushi at Tsukiji has been serving up the Izakaya, which literally means “stay- Fish Market uniquely Japanese form of drink-place”. They are generally unfussy savorjapan.com/contents/ cuisine that is Teppanyaki dining establishments, some of them discover-oishii-japan/15- (“Teppan” means “Iron essentially a hole-in-a-wall for no more unmissable-sushi-spots-in-tsukiji- plate” and “Yaki” means than 5 to 6 pax and many family-owned the-worlds-largest-market “Grill”). and operated. While the inner market where the The chefs entertain you But my, the food is simply incredible! seafood market is (with the famous their sublime cooking skills Frankly, it’s hard to have a bad meal in tuna auctions) have moved to with all due respect to the Japan as the Japanese take immense pride Toyosu, the outer market which quality of the ingredients. in the dedication to their craft (food and houses the restaurants and retail A meal here is not just drink particularly included). have remained at their original incredibly delicious but location in Tsukiji. aesthetically appealing as Once again, there are simply too many well – If you are up for a treat, great options so we recommend that you There are simply too many this is it! walk along Omoide Yokocho and decide fantastic options to choose on whatever you want. There are plenty of from in this area so we will Izakayas - while many have a menu with not limit ourselves to a single a bit of everything, some specialise in recommendation. If there is a line Yakitori, Ramen, Tempura, etc. outside, that tends to be a really good indication for a fantastic meal! 6 5. Sashimi Moriwase, PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK a selection of the seasonal best from the sea. 6. View of foodie street alley in Omoide Yokocho. 7. Sunset view of Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge spanning it. 34 | Limwood Lifestyle

7 WHERE TO STAY A Park Hyatt Tokyo B TInotkeyrocoBnatyinental C OYunesnenShRiynojkuaknu hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/japan/park- interconti-tokyo.com/en uds-hotels.com/en/yuen/ hyatt-tokyo/tyoph shinjuku An exceptional stay and Occupying the top 14 floors of the 52-storey experience await from the Hankering for an authentic Shinjuku Park Tower, this luxurious hotel moment you arrive at this Ryokan experience whilst offers up magnificent views of Tokyo city 5-star hotel. Service is in downtown Tokyo? Fret and even Mount Fuji in the distance! All impeccable from the incredibly not for here is this gem of guestrooms are appointed with original well-mannered staff and there a place, right in the heart artwork, exquisite woods, fabrics and books are plenty of fine-dining options of the famous Shinjuku for reference and pleasure. within the hotel if you do not district. feel like heading out for a meal. Designed as a private urban residence They even have an Onsen by Pritzker Prize-winning architect, the late The size of the rooms (Japanese hot spring) Dr. Kenzo Tange and interior designer, John are fairly generous, by on-site, with the water Morford, the hotel is distinguished in its Tokyo standards, and very transported from Hakone, a modern interior design, private art collection, comfortable. Request for a room popular area noted for their acclaimed restaurants and renowned spa and facing Tokyo Bay and wake onsen springs. What a treat fitness centre. up to a wonderful view each indeed! morning. Trivia: Park Hyatt Hotel is one the filming locations for the movie, “Lost in Translation”. Limwood Lifestyle | 35



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