World Gourmet Summit (WGS) 2018 Opening Reception & Awards of Excellence (AOE) Presentation Ceremony @ One Farrer Hotel & Spa – Singapore

World Gourmet Summit (WGS) 2018 festival with the theme of ‘The Discovery WGS’ lasts from 2nd to 29th April and foodies can expect plenty of gastronomic experiences during this period. The opening reception on 3rd April kicked off with the presentation of the 18th AOE to various individuals and F&B operators in Singapore and around the region. After the presentation ceremony, attendees were treated with an array of tantalizing tasters prepared by chefs from different establishments.

 

 

World Gourmet Summit (WGS) 2018

 

During the ceremony at the World Gourmet Summit (WGS) 2018, over 30 awards were handed out for broad categories such as the Chefs Awards, Hospitality Awards, Service Professionals & Establishment Awards, and Wine & Spirits Awards. And the interest for the average person on the street like you and me – Where should I go to eat and which chef should I be looking out for in the coming year?

 

The answers:

Gattopardo Ristorante di Mare (Restaurant of the Year), Punjab Grill (Asian Cuisine restaurant of the Year), Bakalaki Greek Taverna (New Restaurant of the Year) and La Terre (Bar of the Year).

 

Angus Chow at Boruto (Chef of the Year), Joseph Sergentakis at CE LA VI (Asian Cuisine Chef of the Year), Andrea De Paola at Osteria Art (Rising Chef of the Year) and Kirk Westaway at JAAN (Chefs’ Choice Award). For the ones with the sweet-tooth, Leonard Yue at Swissotel The Stamford (Baker of the Year) and Winnie Goh at Mandarin Orchard Singapore (Pastry Chef of the Year).

 

Opening Reception

The food prepared by guest chefs from participating restaurants and establishments was amazing considering that most of them had to prepare them on the spot with make-shift mini ‘kitchens’.

 

If the opening reception is an indicator of what is to come during the WGS festival, I am definitely looking forward to them with all my sensory wide-open.

 

World Gourmet Summit (WGS) 2018 Opening Reception & Awards of Excellence (AOE) Presentation Ceremony - National USDA Prime Rib Eye

 

National USDA Prime Rib Eye with garlic mash/rosemary crumble (Wooloomooloo Steakhouse)

 

World Gourmet Summit (WGS) 2018 Opening Reception & Awards of Excellence (AOE) Presentation Ceremony - Kuhlbarra Barramundi Ceviche with lime/pomegranate/coriander

 

Kuhlbarra Barramundi Ceviche with lime/pomegranate/coriander (Wooloomooloo Steakhouse)

 

World Gourmet Summit (WGS) 2018 Opening Reception & Awards of Excellence (AOE) Presentation Ceremony - Braised Beef Chuck Roll with Barley Risotto and Mix Mushroom in pot wine sauce

 

Braised Beef Chuck Roll with Barley Risotto and Mix Mushroom in pot wine sauce

 

World Gourmet Summit (WGS) 2018 Opening Reception & Awards of Excellence (AOE) Presentation Ceremony - Blini with Kaluga Queen Caviar on Sour Cream & Chives

 

Blini with Kaluga Queen Caviar on Sour Cream & Chives

 

World Gourmet Summit (WGS) 2018 Opening Reception & Awards of Excellence (AOE) Presentation Ceremony - Crispy Dragon Beard Kuhlbarra Barramundi, Szechuan Pickled Chilli Sauce

 

Crispy Dragon Beard Kuhlbarra Barramundi, Szechuan Pickled Chilli Sauce (Blue Lotus Chinese Grill House)

 

World Gourmet Summit (WGS) 2018 Opening Reception & Awards of Excellence (AOE) Presentation Ceremony - Cold Somen Noodles with shallot vinegar/spring onion/sesame

 

Cold Somen Noodles with shallot vinegar/spring onion/sesame (Dolce Vita, Mandarin Oriental Singapore)

 

World Gourmet Summit (WGS) 2018 Opening Reception & Awards of Excellence (AOE) Presentation Ceremony - Chinese Style BBQ Iberico Pork

 

Chinese Style BBQ Iberico Pork (Dolce Vita, Mandarin Oriental Singapore)

 

 

The Discovery WGS – Gourmet Events (2nd to 29th April)

 

One-off Gastronomic Specialties

Unique events that occurs almost every single day during the period with more information found here, http://www.worldgourmetsummit.com/wgs2018/main.php/calendar/#mainactivities

 

Masterchef Dining Delights Promotion (16th to 21st April)

Visiting Masterchefs from Asia, Europe and America will be whipping up a meal for limited days at host establishments to offer their distinctive culinary skills. Some of the Masterchefs are Michelin-starred (Kevin Thornton and Patrizia di Benedetto) while others are notable chefs back in their home countries. Some names to look out for are Raymond Blanc, Ross Lusted, Artur Mroz, Yaroslav Artyukh and Akira Back.

Each event presents a specific Masterchef’s dishes solely and pre-booking is recommended on http://www.worldgourmetsummit.com/wgs2018/main.php/calendar/#masterchefdining

 

WGS celebratory menu

More than 30 partnering restaurants are dishing out special menus in celebration. More information can be found here on the participating restaurants and respective menus, http://www.worldgourmetsummit.com/wgs2018/main.php/calendar/#celebratorymenu

 

 

NAHMJ Verdict

 

Well into its 22nd year, the WGS opening and accompanying 18th AOE ceremony were well-organized with ample consideration for guests’ motivations. Definitely looking forward to more years to come!

 

 

*Disclaimer: This was a media invite.