Never did I expect to be shortlisted as one of the lifestyle bloggers in ION’s search for the ION Insider, especially since my blog is still in its fledging state. A chance to attend exclusive events, be the first to find out about newly launched products, or share my experience about newly opened shops? Count me in already! Hence, I was super excited and privileged to attend the ION Insider Workshop two weeks ago–the first official blogger event since my blog’s inception.
The morning kicked off with a cozy get-to-know-you session hosted at Bécasse Bakery (owned by Jones the Grocer), a Parisian styled artisan patisserie and bakery. While we (eight other lifestyle bloggers and myself), were given the low down on the day’s programme and what to expect, we were very generously served with the ‘High tea’ menu, consisting of a mixture of sweet and savory treats. It was also really interesting to have Fiona, the Sales and Events Manager, patiently introduce each dish in detail (I like to know what I’m eating)! This is something I’ve observed in all of the authentic French restaurants I’ve been to. It’s very obvious to me the serve staff take huge pride in their jobs, and come across as very passionate and knowledgeable in answering all questions.
High Tea Set
Savory (from right): King Crab Brioche Sandwich, Crab Rillettes on Baby Lettuce, Croque-monsieur (Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich), and Foie Gras Mousse Toast
Sweet (from right): Banana Tart with Salted Peanuts, Raspberry and Chocolate Feuilletine, Hazelnut Cappuccino Crème Pot, Macarons (choice of Salted Caramel or Coconut-pineapple), and Scones with Jam and Crème Fraiche
This delicious High Tea set is available from 3-6pm daily. Bécasse Bakery offers the perfect respite for your tired feet (and wallet!) from the expensive, cardiovascular exercise that is shopping. You’ll also be able to pick from a selection of teas; Chai, Chamomile, English Breakfast, Peppermint, French Earl Gray, and Forrest Berries (my choice, I just love anything with berries).
As someone who doesn’t usually partake of breakfast, I was pretty satiated at this point… But the food just kept on coming! Next we were served four popular dishes from the breakfast menu (avid Brunch-a-holics, you’ll appreciate that Bécasse Bakery offers an all-day breakfast from opening).
Breakfast Menu
From top to bottom: Mixed Berry French Toast (served with Poached Pear, and Fresh Ricotta), Croque Madame on Brioche Bread (served with Truffle Oil Baked Eggs), Pulled Chicken Crepe (served with Fresh Spinach and Wild Mushrooms), and Egg Royal (served with Smoked Salmon, Baked Spinach, and Hollandaise Sauce)
Out of everything I sampled from the High Tea set, I particularly liked the Scones with Jam and Crème Fraiche, baked to perfection with a lovely crisp crust and a soft, buttery middle. Scones are a classic choice on any high tea menu, and although it might be considered simple fare, can be difficult to perfect. So you can assume that if the Scones are good, your dainty finger sandwiches and delicate cakes will be excellent too. Another winner for me was the Raspberry and Chocolate Feuilletine, which had a mousse-y soft texture ending with a thin, crispy bottom layer. The tartness of the raspberry balanced the chocolate splendidly, though towards the end it did get a little too sweet for my taste (I don’t have much of a sweet tooth). Lastly, I believe the Hazelnut Cappuccino Crème Pot too deserves a mention. Nutella lovers, you won’t be able to resist this one! It tastes exactly like Nutella in frothy liquid form.
From the Breakfast Menu, the most outstanding dish to me was the Mixed Berry French Toast, served with Poached Pear, and Fresh Ricotta. I typically try to avoid eating French Toast, because the amount of oil the toast absorbs makes me feel really sick afterwards. However, this dish took me by surprise because the French Toast had a very airy, light texture similar to waffles. Absolutely yummy. The taste of eggs wasn’t too overpowering, with the garnishing complementing the toast completely. This is a dish I’m definitely coming back for!
To summarize, Bécasse Bakery is a great place to catch up friends or if you just need a pit stop to re-energize. Tucked away from the busy lower few levels, there’s no need to shout across the table just to make yourself heard. With everything made fresh daily, you can be sure you’ll only be subjecting your palette to the highest standards dictated by internationally experienced chefs.
All you’ll be missing is the smell of garlic and onions mixing in the air, and the Eiffel Tower glittering in the distance…
Bécasse Bakery is located at:
2 Orchard Turn
ION Orchard, #04-27 – 32
Tel: (65) 6884 5365
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Breakfast came to an end all too soon, and we were transported back from our imaginary stint in an elegant Parisian cafe back to reality. It was time to head over to Crate&Barrel. Here’s some interesting tidbits of information about Crate&Barrel:
- Created by Gordon and Carole Segal, the first Crate&Barrel store opened its doors in 1962
- The first store was an old elevator store located on Wells Street, Chicago
- Having invested all of their start-up fund into inventory, Gordon and Carole made the decision to use what they had. The crates and barrels which the first shipments arrived in were given a second lease of life and turned into store fixtures (I love the idea, so industrial and raw!)
- Hence, the name Crate&Barrel. Not just clever word play, but a name based on necessity
We were greeted at the entrance of the store by Crate&Barrel’s Marketing team–two very bubbly and friendly ladies–Wan Jun and Joyce. As we toured the store excitedly, Wan Jun and Joyce took turns explaining the different offerings and seasonal items. It’s truly a joy to have such an animated presentation, especially in the morning, don’t you think? You could really tell how much they love and believed in their own products!
** Sidenote: Don’t you think Wan Jun kind of looks like Aimee Song of Song of Style, with short hair? It’s also really coincidental that Aimee is also in the Interior Design business.
I fell in love with these small porcelain plates with colorful vegetables and puns emblazoned on them. My favorite’s the one with the carrot, “I don’t Carrot all”. At just SGD4.95 per plate, they’re such a steal. Even if you don’t use them for serving purposes, they look great on display. Wan Jun and Joyce must be psychics because they had a little surprise prepared for me at the end!
This folding BBQ Charcoal Grill is such a godsend. Streamlined, and extremely lightweight, it’s easily assembled and disassembled, folding into a thin profile for maximum portability (literally like a metal bag, go check the store out if you don’t believe me!). Retailing for SGD99.95, this is a must-buy for those who don’t have access to a BBQ pit or rather not go through the hassle of booking a public one. Perfect for private pool and garden parties.
While we’re on the topic of parties… These funky little plates will come in handy at your next rowdy (or not?) get-together. Made of plastic, they’re kid-proof and drunk-proof. No more clearing up the broken pieces of your plate and heart off the floor. Win-win situation, non?
If you quite fancy yourself a budding Mixologist, you’ll definitely spend some time in this section. From Boston Shakers, strainers, measuring instruments, to every type of glassware you’ll possibly ever need to live your dream. This is your playground. I really liked the Jules Glasses, starting at SGD4.95. They’re a dimpled, moulded glass which really looks like the old-school vintage glasses my grandparents used to have. The other thing that caught my attention was this huge glass drink dispenser! It’s totally on my wishlist for my future home, I can already visualize it sitting pretty on my kitchen counter.
We moved on to colorful placemats and serveware galore. With such bright colors, how can one not be happy just looking at them? I especially loved the ‘Birds of a Feather’ display, they’d fit right in at a themed restaurant in Jurong Bird Park. Imagine the delight of having guests over for dinner with such a gorgeous table setting. A definite conversation starter!
The next section is dedicated to those who feel more comfortable in a kitchen than anywhere else. Even if you’re not–I promise you–your inner Gordon Ramsey or Martha Stewart will be released.
Here you’ll find everything you need to become your very own domestic goddess and cook up a storm! From the premium quality cast-iron cookware brand Le Creuset to Pastry Blenders and rotating Spice Jar holders, there’s a little something for everyone. The Popcorn Popper will come in handy when you’re having friends over for a little home theatre session. While I absolutely can appreciate the convenience of microwave popcorn, I get really annoyed when 1/4 of the bag remains unpopped. Here’s hoping this Popcorn Popper priced at SGD49.95 will perform better than that.
I’ve also got my heart set on acquiring the Vitamix Blender, sitting in all its glory in the middle of the display. I much prefer smoothies to juices, because drinking a smoothie keeps me full longer and I’d still be consuming all the fibrous goodness! However, at SGD1299.95, it’s sadly out of my budget right now. I’m definitely going to be the proud owner of a Vitamix Blender some day though.
As I spent the remaining time wandering through the store, I came across a couple more design inspirations for my future home. I really liked the marble table set up against the blue wall and the white flower wreaths. The color combination is reminiscent of Tiffany & Co, and gives off the welcoming feel of Spring.
Lover of all things aged leather, I could not take my eyes of this comfy, plush armchair. It would make such a good companion to the Chesterfield sofa (pictured below) I already have at home. I could spend all day curled up with a good book and a cup of hot tea. You will literally sink into the buttery leather, and develop a sudden magnetism towards this seat. Trust me. Another upside? It rotates! So if you place everything you need within reach, you really won’t have to get up at all. Couch potatoes are you reading this?
As I hinted above, the good folks from Crate&Barrel gifted me with a set of these ‘punny’ plates! Thank you so much, I really do love each and every one. I posted the image above on my Instagram, and a couple of my friends have purchased them. Good things must share, spread the love, peas on earth (pun totally intended!).
I’ve already put them to good use. Presented on my favorite ‘carrot’ plate, was my dinner a few nights ago. A very yummy vegan Soba Salad with vinaigrette dressing! I spiced up the recipe with the addition of chili padi which I cannot live without. Looks good doesn’t it?
In summary, Crate&Barrel has a lot to offer with its quality designs at exceptional prices. Who says simple household items need to be dreary and boring? The amount of thought going into the design and manufacture is really impressive, with the general tenet being ‘style meets functionality’. With the warm lightning and neatly arranged products in different sections, it’s a breeze and pleasure to shop. Prices are shown very clearly, so no more hunting for missing price tags (a huge turn-off for me when shopping!).
Themes also change every season, with this season being–Garden Party. This is pretty obvious in the splash of bold colors brightening up the storefront’s display, shown in my first few pictures. You’ll have no excuse to keep coming back every season to check out what’s new! One other plus point? Crate&Barrel is located more conveniently as compared to IKEA, the other popular choice for furniture and homeware.
I’m also planning a visit to CB2, Crate&Barrel’s sister store with a more industrial concept (the look I’m thinking of styling my future home towards). Think concrete floors, exposed ceilings, and raw brick walls. Anyone want to come with?
Crate&Barrel is located at:
2 Orchard Turn
ION Orchard, #04-21 – 22, #03-25
Tel: (65) 6634 4222
CB2 is located at:
178A Orchard Road
Peranakan Place Complex
Singapore 238845
Tel: (65) 6732 5333
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my ION Insider experience so far, and are excited to visit Bécasse Bakery and Crate&Barrel. I will cover the other two shops we visited–VOM FASS and Penhaligon’s–in the next post. Watch this space!
