Epicurean Market 2014 @ Marina Bay Sands - 10 pairs of tickets giveaway!

Food lovers in Singapore have it good. Many famous or celebrity chefs are coming to Singapore, either to open shop or for the various food events. Even food trucks from US (The Lime Truck) are having charity appearance and managed to raise quite a bit of money for a local charity.

Early last year (Jan 2013), there was the first ever Epicurean Market organized by Marina Bay Sands. I remembered being there and walked around, bought some food, tasted some food, got up close and person with celebrity chefs, attended Masterclasses etc. It was one memorable event. You can read about it here.

Then I wondered it's been more than a year, when's Epicurean Market for 2014 coming?
Then I see adverts and emails coming. They have shifted it to September. That's less than 1 month away.



Just 2 weeks ago, I was on an airplane and I saw this page on the airline's inflight magazine. It's a reminder that I have 10 pair of access tickets (valid for 3 days access) to give away.

But first.. these are (what I have been told) the Top 10 experience at Epicurean Market for this year:

1) Mystery Box cook-off between celebrity chef restaurants (13 September)
If you have watch the cooking shows on TV, you would know about mystery box challenges. Watch for the first ever, a mystery box cook-off between executive chefs Jonathan Kinsella (db Bistro Moderne) and David Almany (Osteria Mozza). The chefs will have about 45 minutes to whip up a dish each in this cook-off and a trio of judges will select the winner. 

2) LOUIS XIII de Rémy Martin tasting (12 September)
Discover the king of Cognacs, LOUIS XIII de Rémy Martin, made available to the public for the first time ever. Created in 1874, LOUIS XIII is an exceptional blend of 1,200 eaux-de-vie aged over 100 years, with each decanter highlighting the passionate work of four generations of Cellar Masters. Experience the LOUIS XIII with an amazing dessert pairing. Ticket for this exclusive masterclass is priced at S$50 (original ticket value of S$350) with a limited capacity of 40 participants. Limited-edition tickets have been packaged for this exclusive session, at $73 per person (includes the $23 ticket access to Epicurean Market for three days). The tasting is held on 12 September 2014, 4-5pm.

3) Learn to make handmade pasta from the experts at Mozza’s booth
Drop by Mozza's booth and you will not only taste fresh handmade pasta, you will also dip your hands into fresh dough and make pasta. Learn from the masters at celebrity chef restaurant Mozza to make your own orecchiette by hand. The orecchiette is the most typical pasta shape of Puglia, a region of southern Italy. Its name comes from its shape, which resembles a small ear.  

4) Uniquely Epicurean takeaways
Pick up unique items at the celebrity chef restaurant booths as they present exclusive items that are otherwise not available for sale. Guests can get to buy items such as special steak seasoning from CUT by Wolfgang Puck, spice rubs from Mozza and a specially-created db Singaporean chilli sauce by db Bistro Moderne. Waku Ghin will also debut Japanese pastries in addition to their award-winning cuisine.   

5) Great FIJI Water Race at Epicurean Market (13 September)
The Great FIJI Water Race will be held at Epicurean Market on Saturday 13 September and it is a race for adventurous foodies. I have participated in a Great FIJI Water Race before at another event and it's really fun! Participants will be racing to complete tasks and challenges at the different zones within Epicurean Market. For example, one task involves celebrity-chef spotting, taking the photos and putting them on Instagram to earn points. Other tasks will test their wine knowledge or ability to create coffee art in the shortest amount of time. The winner of The Great FIJI Water Race will walk away with the grand prize of S$2,000 cash, one year’s supply of FIJI Water and two nights stay at Marina Bay Sands.

6) Celebrity chefs autograph sessions

Get one-on-one time with renowned chefs such as Tetsuya Wakuda, Nancy Silverton and Justin Quek as they autograph cook books for fans and give personal tips. The cookbook signing sessions will take place right after the celebrity chef’s masterclasses at the chef’s booth. This should be interesting. I love Masterclasses and autograph sessions! The photo above was a Masterclass I attended last year. 

7) Vermouth and Aromatized Wine - The Perfect Aperitif (13 and 14 September)
Take a peek into the fascinating history and origins of vermouth and aromatised wine as Marina Bay Sands’ mixologist Lucas Swallows demonstrates how to create light, aperitif style drinks using top Italian and French aromatised wines. Guests will also learn how to store and utilise these premium spirits at home.

8) Junior Pastry Academy with Executive Pastry Chef Benjamin Siwek, db Bistro Moderne (14 September)
Aspiring junior bakers can take part in an interactive workshop with db Bistro Moderne’s Executive Pastry Chef Benjamin Siwek as he leads 25 children in a Junior Pastry Academy session, guiding them to create delicious chocolate chip cookies and marzipan animals. The pastry class is open to children aged 5-10 years old. Pre-registration is required, email dbreservations@marinabaysands.com to register.  Train your children to cook, and they can cook for you instead!

9) The art of cocktail tasting and setting up a home bar by Proof and Company Spirits (12 and 14 September)
Learn the art of cocktail tasting and setting up a personalised home bar in style with two award-winning head bartenders, Joe Alessandroni and Zdenek Kastanek from Proof & Company Spirits. Through these two master classes, guests will learn how to assess the balance, flavour, ingredients and overall quality of cocktails, as well as learning how to build a home bar by selecting spirits, bar tools and other necessities.  

10) Go Green at Epicurean Market
In line with Marina Bay Sands’ eco practices, Epicurean Market will feature sustainability activities. Guests can bring home chili seeds and nurture them to start a little herb garden at home. The seeds, available at the RISE booth, are packaged with an easy-to-follow chili-dip recipe. RISE will also offer their own concoction of green juices (kale, spinach, wheatgrass, celery, cucumber, green apple and ginger) for the health-conscious. Paper, plastic and food waste will be segregated for proper recycling and processing after the event concludes.

Visit the MBS Website at http://www.marinabaysands.com/ for more details and also the latest update. You can also follow their Event Facebook page or follow them on Twitter or Instagram to keep up to date of the event. The hashtag is #EpicureanMarket


Now.... the Giveaway:

• For the giveaway, 10 persons will get 1 pair of 3 day pass worth $46 dollars each (2 x $23).
• You just need to shout out why you should be picked at the Epicurean Market Giveaway link at https://www.facebook.com/keropokman.com 
• Contest is for readers who will be living in Singapore only.
• Closing date is midnight 31 August 2014.
• 10 random pick from the list of people who show enthusiasm in wanting to win it in their comments.
• If the winners do not reply within 48 hours, new winners will be picked. 

Terms and conditions:

Marina Bay Sands Pte. Ltd. is solely responsible for contacting the winners. No refunds are allowed and the prize is not exchangeable for credit, cash or in kind. If unclaimed after the redemption period, the prize will be forfeited, and the winner shall have no further right to claim it thereafter.

Winners of the Epicurean Market Ticket Giveaway are not eligible to win the same prize in similar contests hosted by Marina Bay Sands Facebook, blogs, magazines and online publications.

Café Fest @ The Waterfront Promenade, 6 - 7 September 2014. (Win a pair of Cafe Fest pass too!)

If you are a café hopper and always wished the cafés were all located nearer so that you can save on traveling time.  On 6 and 7 September 2014, you will be able to cafe hop 12 homegrown cafes at the same venue! For these 2 days, you don't need to travel from East to West of Singapore to drink all the caffeine you need!

Before I go on and on.. here's the pictorial summary of the whole event, courtesy of the organisers.



If you are wondering and want to know what cafes will be there, here's some of it: OZ Specialty Cafe, Jimmy Monkey, I am, Maison Ikkoku, Cake Love, and Toby’s Estate to name a few. For more updates, check out www.cafefest.sg

It's free entry to the venue, but if you want to purchase coffee and food, plus sit at the seats provided,  you need a Café Fest Pass. With the pass, you also get to purchase food and drinks up to 25% off the usual price in their own cafe.

You can purchase the Café Fest Passes online at www.cafefest.sg If you hurry, you can purchase it at an early bird price of just $20.



Giveaway!

Thanks to the organisers, Keropokman.com readers stand to win a pair of Café Fest VIP Passes. (VIP ones, not just the ordinary passes)

How do I win it?

1) Like the Cafe Fest Singapore Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/cafefestsg

2) Drop a comment at Keropokman.com Facebook page, so that your name will be in the lucky draw. Tag a friend and you get an extra chance in the lucky draw.

Who can join the lucky draw and when is the contest ending?

The lucky draw is open to anyone who will be physically be in Singapore on 6 and 7 September 2014.

The contest closes at 11pm on 10 July 2014 Singapore time and 1 winner will be picked.

How do I collect the prize?

You will collect the prize from the Cafe Fest organisers directly at the venue.

Philips AirFryer is 3 years old! + AirFryer Giveaway!

I am a bit bias when there's a product with my name on it. Yes, my name is Philip and I get excited when I see new kitchen or household gadgets with my name on it.

My toothbrush is a Philips, my shaver is a Philips, my vacuum cleaner is a Philips. LED lights at home are Philips. Electric kettle is Philips. Rice Cooker is Philips. Yes even my pressure cooker at home is Philips (yes, there's electric pressure cooker and we bought it last year). Juicer is a Philips. Food processor also a Philips. The list goes on...

Anyway....

It's Philips Airfryer's 3rd Birthday and there are now 3 different Airfryers. The original Viva Collection Airfryer, the Viva Collection Digital Airfryer and the bigger 1.2 kg capacity Avance Collection Airfryer XL. 

For Philips Airfryer's 3rd birthday, Philips will be celebrating with everyone by having a Airfryer food truck going around Singapore.  On the truck are crispy bites that you can try, cooked using the Airfryer of course.

Many people have questions and you only read what others say, good or bad. Why not go visit the trucks to touch it, feel it, taste the food cooked by it? See if it's suitable for you and your family depending on your kitchen size or family size.



The trucks will be stationed from 11 am to 8 pm at the following venue:
- 10 April (Thu) : AMK Hub
- 11 to 13 April (Fri - Sun) : Knightsbridge (Orchard Road)
- 14 to 16 April (Mon - Wed) : One Raffles Place

Visit them and get goodie bags too!


GIVEAWAY:
Instagram followers of Keropokman stand a chance to win a Philips Viva Collection Airfryer (RRP: SGD 409) if you do the following:

• Head down to the locations above and take a selfie with the Philips Airfryer Truck.
• Upload to Instagram and tag @keropokman + hashtags #PhilipsAirfryer and  #KeropokmanPhilipsAirfryer by 20 April 12 noon.
• I will pick one winner and the winner collects the prize from the Philips Experience Showroom (Toa Payoh Lorong 1) 
• Giveaway for Singapore based Instagram users only.

So easy!

If you want to find out more about Philips Airfryer (the detailed specification and different models) or any of the product I own above, you can visit:
http://www.philips.com.sg

For the Birthday Specials visit this link: http://www.philips.com.sg/e/promo/promotions/household-products/philips-airfryer-birthday-treats-.html

OpenRice 2014 Calendar Giveaway.

Almost everyone uses a digital calendar for most of their appointments, but I insist on having a desktop physical calendars on my office desk to refer for dates.

If you are like me, prefer to have a copy of a desktop calendar to refer, I have 25 copies of OpenRice desktop calendars to give away.

Have you heard of OpenRice? It's a platform for users to review the places they have dined.

It was founded in Hong Kong in 1999, and has been in Singapore for a while. Available online and also as Mobile Apps, it's on of the many food Apps I have on my mobile phone.



The giveaway:

To get the calendar:

- 15 random readers who have liked https://www.facebook.com/keropokmancom and drop a comment that they want the calendar gets a chance to be picked. 

- 10 random followers of Keropokman on Instagram who drop a comment that they want a copy on the giveaway post will also get a chance to be picked.

Open to Singapore residents only. The winners will be picked on 26 Dec 2013.
I will contact you for your Singapore address and mail the calendars to you.

All the best!

Asian Masters, the 4th Edition : 1 Nov - 7 Dec 2013 + Giveaway

The Asian Masters, one of Singapore's popular Gastronomy Experience for Asian Delights is back from 1 November to 7 December 2013. This is its 4th Edition and things are getting very exciting. It's one of the many events for you, if you love experiences that excites both your taste-buds and sight.



This year's there are two guest chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants, one each from Hong Kong and Japan. Chef Mok Kit Keung and Chef Hajime Yoneda will be here to create spectacular gastronomic treats for their guests. This will be their first time at Asian Masters. Joining them for the first time are celebrity Chef Chumpol Jangprai, known as the Iron Chef of Thai Cuisine, and Chef Alex Kang from Korea.

You can read more about the various events at https://www.facebook.com/asianmasters
It's going to be a long read because there's so many exciting things!

Readers of Keropokman.com, here's a treat for you.


One of the highlights of Asian Masters is the Masterchef Workshops. You get to see the Masterchefs prepare food right in front of you and you can get up close and personal to them.

See them cook, grill them with questions as they grill food in front of you. You can see the list of Masterclasses above and readers of Keropokman.com will win 2 pairs of passes (worth $50++ per pair) for a culinary workshop held by Chef Samia Ahad of Coriander Leaf.

The Sunday Times Masterchef Workshop by Chef Samia Ahad of Coriander Leaf



I am sure you have seen her many times on TV and probably ate at her restaurant.
Now to attend her Masterclass.

The details of the Masterclass:

Date: 17 Nov 2013 (Sat)
Time: 12 pm
Venue: TOTT Cooking Studio, 896 Dunearn Rd, Singapore 589472.

Chef Samia Ahad of Coriander Leaf's Menu:
1) Hainanese US Chicken Rice
2) Marinated US Turkey Breast with Fresh Green Herbs


For a chance too win it, continue to https://www.facebook.com/keropokmancom to enter the contest.

Entries close at 11.59pm on 3 Nov 2013 (Sunday).

Gusto Italiano 2013 Giveaway - 2 pairs of passes to Chef Mario Caramella's culinary workshop.

If you are a fan of Italian cuisine, you will be glad that there's great offerings now at the inaugural Gusto Italiano. There's going to be lots of 'Eataly' Dining Promotions, Italian Culinary Masters Worshops, Italian Wines Pairings etc.

Readers of Keropokman.com, here's a giveaway for you!

If you have been following me on Instagram, you would know that I like attending culinary workshops. I find myself always so excited when I am at a class. It's also very enriching to learn from the masters themselves. They have so much tips to offer you. Looking at this list of "Flavors of Italy Culinary Workshops" listed at their website, there are 4 workshops a day on the weekend of 21 and 22 September 2013. I am going to the one by Chef Mario Caramella. He was previously at Forlino and now at "inITALY Ristorante". He's going to prepare 2 dishes: Dish 1 - Chitarra Antica Cocco Spaghetti With Shiro Lobster, Botarga, Broccolini, Garlic and Chilli Dish 2 - A Carbonara Recipe, With Burrata

The organisers of Gusto Italiano 2013 are giving readers of Keropokman.com a pair of tickets (worth $50++ per pair) to 2 winners. All you need to do is just fill up this FORM HERE! They will take care of all the logistics and contact you if you are a winner too!

Here are the details:

Gusto Italiano Culinary Masterclass by Chef Mario Caramella of inITALY Ristorante
Date: 21 Sep 2013 (Sat)
Time: 12 pm
Venue: TOTT Cooking Studio, 896 Dunearn Rd, Singapore 589472.
Entries close at 11.59pm on 31 Aug (Sunday).

I'll see you there if you are the lucky winners!

  *****

Looking through the interesting line up, I am also going to "Gifts of the Forest with the wines of Fontodi".

Chef Beppe de Vito of ilLido will be featuring a range of ingredients from his home region. Take a look at the menu that's been published. It looks like my kind of food. I think you would be quite tempted too! Date: 11 September 2013 Time: 7pm Venue: ilLido

If you want to read more, you can visit http://GustoItaliano.com.sg/
Prefer getting Facebook updates instead? Visit https://www.facebook.com/GustoItalianoSG

Epicurean Market, A Taste of Marina Bay Sands Giveaway

Here's another Christmas Giveaway!

Have you read or heard about it?

Marina Bay Sands is organising the Epicurean Market, a Taste of Marina Bay Sands.

Epicurean Market is Marina Bay Sands' inaugural three-day gourmet food and wine appreciation event that will bring together the finest in culinary delights and vintages, from the region and beyond.

You can expect samplings from the restaurants of acclaimed chefs and 80 establishments, with personal appearances by Celebrity Chefs Nancy Silverton, Daniel Boulud, Tetsuya Wakuda, Justin Quek and Hide Yamamoto.




Some highlights:

• Appearances by Celebrity Chefs Daniel Boulud, Tetsuya Wakuda, Nancy Silverton, Justin Quek and Hide Yamamoto
• Food Sampling and Wine Tasting
• Masterclasses and Workshops* by Renowned Chefs
• Live Entertainment, Beer Garden and VIP Lounge
• All tickets include S$30 Epicurean Market vouchers to spend at the event

* Registration is required, available on first-come-first-served basis.
 
Visit the MBS Website at http://www.marinabaysands.com/ for the latest update. You can also like the MBS Facebook page or follow them on Twitter to keep up to date on the details.


This is a ticketed event. Here are the ticketing details:

• Early Bird Ticket – Available till 2 January 2013
  1-Day Access Pass: $49 (includes $30 Epicurean Market Vouchers)
• General Admission – Available from 3 January 2013
  1-Day Access Pass: $59 (includes $30 Epicurean Market Vouchers)
• Epicurean Market + Artstage Package – Available now
  1-Day Access Pass to Epicurean Market + ArtStage: $67
  (includes $30 Epicurean Market Vouchers and a 1-day pass to each event)
• VIP Package
  3-Day Access Pass: $95 (includes $30 Epicurean Market Vouchers and access to VIP Lounge)

Ticket prices quoted exclude booking fees.Tickets may be purchased at:

Marina Bay Sands Box Offices or via the Marina Bay Sands Hotline (+65 6688 8826)
More details and other ticket options can be found on this link.

The kind folks of MBS has extended 3 pairs of tickets to readers of Keropokman.com

 
The giveaway will be a random selection of 3 readers who put their name / drop a note on the Marina Bay Sands Epicurean Market Giveaway link on the Keropokman.com Facebook page.

Contest ends 31 December 2012.
Head on to the Keropokman.com Facebook page now.

Wishing you all the best!




Terms and conditions:

Marina Bay Sands Pte. Ltd. is solely responsible for contacting the winners. No refunds are allowed and the prize is not exchangeable for credit, cash or in kind. If unclaimed after the redemption period, the prize will be forfeited, and the winner shall have no further right to claim it thereafter.

Winners of the Epicurean Market Ticket Giveaway are not eligible to win the same prize in similar contests hosted by Marina Bay Sands Facebook, blogs, magazines and online publications.


Update: 
Winners have been picked.

Details at the Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/keropokmancom/posts/416400405096745

Zinio.com Magazine Subscription Giveaway

It's been a busy month at my 'day job' so I have been slow in postings.
To make up for the slack, here's a giveaway for my readers.

I have 10 free magazine subscriptions to give-away from Zinio.com
Not familiar with Zinio.com?

Zinio has thousands of top magazines from around the world and you can browse and purchase subscriptions or single issues instantly from your computer or mobile device to read wherever and whenever you like.

Their explore section lets you read - even without a subscription - thousands of articles from your favorite magazines and share them with friends.


The above is the screen capture of their current offer.

If you go to http://www.zinio-deals.com/december12/ you can see a lot of magazines that are going for 50% off at the moment. The offer ends Jan 7!

If you are looking for Christmas Baking, Christmas Gifts, Christmas Party and other Christmas ideas, they have a special offer too at http://www.zinio.com/holiday2012

I used to borrow the magazines like MacUser and MacWorld from the National Library. I could guess when the magazines will arrive and will be the first to borrow them when they were 'brand-new'. At times, I don't get it because it was such hot items.
I wanted to find a way that I can get the magazines and keep it as well. I got my very first iPad in 2010 and I also discovered Zinio! At that time, the prices were in £ and USD. It was still cheap though. I paid £12.72 for Macworld for example.

You know how much it costs when Borders (when it was still around) and Kinokuniya. (even after the member's discount that I still have).



Here's a screenshot of my account that I can see when I log in.



Zinio has changed a bit since and is looking sleeker than ever. Here's a screen shot of how Zinio.com looks on the Apple iOS app now.

It's also available for Android devices. Search for Zinio in the Apple App Store or Google Play.

I recommend that you download it. You can read samples of magazines too if you are not ready to buy them. Some articles are quite interesting.



Screen shot of part of my Dec 2012 Magazines.

After I got married, the wife and I are buying even more magazines and started to share magazines as well.  We each have an iPads and each of us read 'our' magazines on our iPads. We use a single account so that both of us can read other magazines that the other person buys.

My magazines are: Esquire, MacLife, Mental_floss, Dwell, Maxim, Nylon Guys.
Her magazines are: Whole Living, Woman's Day, Good Housekeeping, Eating Well, Home & Decor.
Our shared magazines are: Appetite Asia, Delicious (Australia), Epicure, Food Network, Saveur.

We used to buy the physical copies, but it costs us quite a bit and we had to be selective so that it's within our budget. Now, with so many, it costs less than the 4-5 magazines we used to buy!

If you would like a subscription to your favourite magazine, here's what you do:

Step 1:
Leave a comment below, stating your title you want.
The first 10 who leave a comment and tell me what magazine you would like will get it.

Step 2: 
Email me at keropokman @ gmail.com your name and email address and title you want. Zinio needs this info to let you redeem the electronic magazines.


You need to complete BOTH Step 1 and Step 2.
(Step 2 is to prevent your email address from being exposed to the world.)

Enjoy this giveaway and Merry Christmas!

[Disclosure: I did not receive any monetary gains from this giveaway.]