Tipple

“Work is the curse of the drinking classes.” — Oscar Wilde

Maison Belle Époque: A Marriage of Perrier-Jouët and Art Nouveau

Nicholas Ng
Jardin | Perrier-Jouët | Food For Thought

A visit to Maison Perrier-Jouët offers an immersive experience that intertwines the rich heritage of champagne craftsmanship with a profound appreciation for Art Nouveau. Founded in 1811 by Pierre-Nicolas Perrier and Rose-Adélaïde Jouët, the house is situated on Épernay’s Avenue de Champagne, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Maison Belle Époque, the meticulously restored former family residence, now serves as a living gallery, showcasing one of Europe’s most extensive private collections of French Art Nouveau. Continue reading →

A Celebration of French Art De Vivre: The Grand Voyage Martell Experience

Nicholas Ng
Signature Martell par AM 3 | Grand Voyage Martell Experience | Food For Thought

The Grand Voyage Martell offers an unparalleled exploration of Maison Martell’s rich history, craftsmanship, and culinary excellence in Cognac, France. This meticulously curated experience allows participants to delve into the heritage and artistry of the world’s oldest major cognac house, founded in 1715 by Jean Martell. From exclusive tastings to bespoke dining, the Grand Voyage  Martell is an immersive journey celebrating the French art de vivre. Continue reading →

The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024: Handshake Speakeasy Crowned

Nicholas Ng
Group Shot | World's 50 Best Bars 2024 | Food For Thought

For the first time in the history of the World’s 50 Best Bars, a bar from Mexico has ascended to the pinnacle of the global cocktail scene, claiming the coveted top spot. This monumental achievement was announced during the prestigious annual awards ceremony which this year took place in the vibrant city of Madrid, Spain. Amidst fierce competition, Handshake Speakeasy, located in the heart of Mexico City, was crowned The World’s Best Bar for 2024, marking a historic moment not only for the venue but also for the Mexican bar industry. Continue reading →

Taipei Bar Guide: Taiwan Can Drink

Nicholas Ng
Taiwan Can Drink Group Shot | Taipei City Guide | Taiwan Can Drink | Food For Thought

Taipei’s bar scene is quickly gaining international recognition, offering a blend of innovation, creativity, and local flavours. From cosy speakeasies hidden behind unmarked doors to futuristic bars pushing the boundaries of mixology, the city has something for every cocktail lover. The vibrant bar culture is fuelled by passionate bartenders and unique venues, each with its own style and signature drinks. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail connoisseur or someone simply looking for a fun night out, Taipei’s bars promise an unforgettable experience. Continue reading →

From Fast Cars to Fine Bubbles: Alexandre Mea’s Champagne Carbon Story

Nicholas Ng
Alexandre Mea Champagne-Carbon | Alexandre Mea | Champagne Carbon | Food For Thought

Champagne Carbon, with its striking carbon fibre bottles, has carved a niche in the luxury champagne market. Alexandre Mea, Founder and CEO, blends his family’s deep-rooted winemaking heritage with cutting-edge design and a passion for innovation. He shares on how his background as a test driver inspired the brand’s identity, how five generations of craftsmanship influence their champagnes, and what makes their bottles more than just packaging. Continue reading →

Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024: Bar Leone Roars At The Top

Nicholas Ng

The 2024 edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards was held at the Rosewood Hong Kong on 16th July 2024, with Bar Leone from Hong Kong securing the first place. This prestigious event celebrated the finest in the Asian bar scene, showcasing a diverse range of talents across 18 destinations in the region, with some of the highest we’ve seen from Malaysia and Indonesia. Continue reading →

The Exquisite Charm of the Caviar Martini

Nicholas Ng
Trigona | Luxe Libations - The Exquisite Charm of the Caviar Martini

The caviar martini, a drink that whispers luxury and elegance, is not just a cocktail but an experience that tantalises the senses. Imagine the crisp clarity of premium vodka mingling with the rich, briny essence of caviar. This decadent blend, first crafted in 1925 by Henri de Sauze at La Coupole in Paris, has become a symbol of sophistication in the world of mixology. From the exclusive Connaught Bar in London to the innovative Bar Trigona in Kuala Lumpur, the caviar martini continues to captivate those with a taste for the extraordinary. Dive into the world of this opulent cocktail and discover why it’s a favourite among the elite. Continue reading →

Perfect Champagne Vintages For Drinking and Aging

Nicholas Ng
Champagne Perfection - Perfect Vintages to Savour Today and Age for Tomorrow | Food For Thought

Champagne represents the pinnacle of celebratory drinks, embodying luxury, elegance, and centuries of winemaking tradition. For enthusiasts and collectors, choosing the right vintages to drink now or to cellar can be both a delightful and strategic endeavour. This guide explores ten of the best champagnes in the world, highlighting vintages ideal for immediate enjoyment and those perfect for aging. Continue reading →

Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week 2024: The Complete Event Calendar

Nicholas Ng
| Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week 2024 | KLCW 2024 | Food For Thought

It’s finally here! From 24th to 30th April 2024, Kuala Lumpur will host its inaugural Cocktail Week (KLCW), marking a vibrant celebration of mixology that blends the traditional with the contemporary. This landmark event aims to promote the city’s burgeoning cocktail culture, providing a platform for local and international bartenders to showcase their skills and for enthusiasts to explore the art of cocktail making. Here’s the complete event calendar. Continue reading →