Gourmet Japan brings a Japanese epicurean festival to Singapore

A special sake-and-food pairing will be prepared by Singapore's only certified sake sommelier, Nobuhiko Sano, at this gourmet festival celebrating Japanese culinary delights.

In a joint media release, SPH and Sphere Exhibits announced a unique epicurean experience awaiting the sophisticated diner of Japanese food and beverage, Gourmet Japan, set to happen from July 16 to August 20.

Recognising the status and influence of Japanese cuisine in Singapore and Asia, the inaugural Gourmet Japan will celebrate and showcase the food, culinary talents and produce of Japan in new and exciting ways. The month-long Japanese gourmet festival will feature both local and international culinary stars at some of the best restaurants and other food and beverage establishments in Singapore.

Starring Executive Chef Sebastien Lepinoy from Michelin-starred Cépage. One of the highlights of the festival will feature Sebastien Lepinoy, Executive Chef of Hong Kong’s 1 Michelin-starred Cépage. Chef Lepinoy, a protege of legendary chef Joel Robuchon, will use French culinary techniques to prepare the best seasonal Japanese produce at Au Jardin by the Les Amis Group at the exclusive “Best of Japan” dinner on August 1.

For diners who can't get enough of Chef Lepinoy's food, he will also use seasonal Japanese produce to recreate some of his signature dishes for in a special three-day dinner showcase at Au Jardin from August 2 to August 4.

With Singapore’s only certified Sake sommelier – Nobuhiko Sano. Fans of Sake and Shochu should not miss the exquisite “Sake and Shochu” dinner prepared by Chef Moon Kyung Soo, Resident Chef of Mikuni at Fairmont Singapore on July 31. Chef Moon’s signature creations will be complemented by a selection of fine Sake and Shochu for a memorable dining experience. Singapore’s only certified Sake sommelier, Mr Nobuhiko Sano, will be on hand to share interesting information and tips on enjoying Sake with diners. 

Pairing traditional Japanese food with the finest wines. At Gourmet Japan, interesting food and wine pairing comes in the form of the “Omasake Wine Dinner with Coldstream Hills” with Andrew Fleming. To be held at Nadaman at the Shangri-La Singapore on July 25, the dinner for forty guests will feature an authentic Japanese menu specially crafted by Resident Chef Koichi Ota. Each dish will be paired with the finest Coldstream Hills wines, presented by the estate’s chief winemaker Andrew Fleming.

Another highlight of Gourmet Japan will be held on August 8. At the Modern Japanese meets “Luxury of Whites” Dinner presented by Grand Vin, Chef Laurent Peugeot from France will prepare an exquisite menu with his trademark culinary style of redefining dishes by fusing French and Japanese cooking techniques and ingredients. The dinner will be held at French-Japanese fine dining restaurant, LP+Tetsu, his first restaurant collaboration outside France, and will be complemented by a selection of fine white wines.

Fusion cuisine again comes to the forefront in the “Gems of the Japanese Sea” dinner with Champagne Nicolas Feuilatte at Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck at Paragon on July 26. Diners will be served the freshest seasonal seafood from Japan prepared using Cantonese culinary skills and techniques. The meal will be completed with the pairing of fine French vintages from Nicolas Feuillatte and Palmes D’or champagnes.

Highlight on Japanese Whiskies and Beers. For lovers of whiskies and beers, Gourmet Japan will also feature a tasting of premium Japanese whiskies and prestige Japanese beer. 

On July 18, the “Suntory Whisky Flight Experience” at the Grand Hyatt’s 10 Scotts will please whisky connoisseurs with the best whiskies by Suntory – Yamazaki, Hibiki and Hakushu. Mr Mike Miyamoto, a whisky specialist and distiller who is also the General Manager of Suntory, will be sharing his insights of the various whiskies and the art of whisky appreciation. Only 25 places are available for this rare and intimate whisky experience with Mr Miyamoto.

For those who have an exclusive liking for Yamazaki whisky, the “Sundown Session with Yamazaki” on August 16 at The Fullerton Hotel’s Landing Point will be the perfect evening event to spend with fellow whisky lovers. Mr Jamey Merkel, brand ambassador of Suntory will also be mingling with the crowd and sharing tips on enjoying whisky.

On August 2, San-Sui Sumiyaki & Bar at One Fullerton will be a haven for 80 beer lovers. Patrons to the “Suntory The Premium Malt’s Evening Indulgence” will get to enjoy free flow of Japan's No. 1 premium beer Suntory The Premium Malt’s, with a spread of Japanese inspired canapés including Binchotan charcoal grilled yakitori, sushi and more.

Complementing the various events of Gourmet Japan, a selection of 30 Japanese restaurants will also be offering special set lunches and dinners exclusively for the month under the Taste Japan dining offer.

As the presenting partner of Gourmet Japan, JCB will be offering its card members a 20 per cent off all event ticket prices as well as the Taste Japan dining offer featuring specially created menus.

Reservations and ticketing for the Gourmet Japan events will start from 12 June 2012.

The inaugural Gourmet Japan is organised by Sphere Exhibits Pte Ltd and Poulose Associates, with presenting partner JCB International Co., Ltd. More than 30,000 food and wine lovers are expected at the various events.

Mr Chua Wee Phong, Chairman of Sphere Exhibits, said: "With the success of the Asian Mastersgourmet and lifestyle festival, we noted that there is a growing trend of Asian gourmands. In particular, Japanese cuisine has always been favourite with the Asian palate and we have have some excellent Japanese chefs and dining establishments here in Singapore. We felt it would be a great idea to have a festival that showcases Japanese food in interesting styles or paired with quality wines, whiskies and beers to make it a new experience for diners."

Mr Kimihisa Imada, Deputy President of JCB International Co., Ltd, added: "JCB is delighted to partner with Sphere Exhibits to present the inaugural Gourmet Japan 2012 to bring the best of Japan culinary experience to customers. Singapore is an important market for JCB in Asia Pacific given its key role as the regional hub for trade and leisure. Sponsoring this event is a demonstration of JCB's firm commitment to further develop our business in Singapore".

Reservations and ticket purchases can be made through the official website: www.gourmet-japan.com or through the hotline at (65) 6319 2153.