Following it’s successful Van Gogh edition earlier this year, ANTI:DOTE welcomes its third instalment of the Season of Impressionists afternoon tea series, led by French Impressionist painter, Claude Monet — a suffusing swash of flavours that perfect capture the impressionist wonder of the artist’s works.
Afternoon teas are the embodiment of sweet. Sweet affairs with your favourite desserts and floral teas, enjoyed with loved ones during the magical window of quiet that sits at the cusp of day and dusk. It’s often good enough as a standalone event, but theme it around the dreamy paintings by impressionist artist Claude Monet and you get a rather sophisticated experience of why the dukes and duchesses of the past so loved this midday affair.
Since this is the third instalment of the collaborative project between ARTiSTORY and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, ANTI:DOTE has already got quite the hang of translating art into food. The wildly successful Vincent van Gogh afternoon tea and Hokusai high tea have set high standards for this new instalment, and Executive Pastry Chef Yong Ming Choong and Senior Sous Chef Jacky Lai have definitely met the challenge.
Before the suffusing swash of flavours that turn Claude Monet’s paintings into ambrosial flavour bombs, the painter’s visionary Impressionism takes centre stage from the very moment guests arrive. A large photowall featuring Water Lilies greets onlookers, while additional variants from this iconic series are displayed throughout ANTI:DOTE — offering a glimpse into explorations of reflections and lilies. Renditions of Charing Cross Bridge, which the artist painted from his room at another established Fairmont property — The Savoy in London — and various mini-artworks also adorn the space, a large mirror wall at the entrance adorned with Monet’s famous quote, “The richness I achieve comes from nature, the source of my inspiration.”
The extensive epicurean lineup starts off with a well curated savoury section, starting off with references to the yellow sunlight dancing on the water through a lavender-tinted fog, Chef Jacky’s interpretation of Charing Cross Bridge being realised in the rich flavours of a Pork Pie with the tangy notes, of cauliflower piccalilli and purple mash. Eliciting rustic charm, earthy delights abound in the next bite that references Woodgatherers at the Edge of the Forest, where Sous Vide Chicken is paired with forest mushrooms and truffle. One of the main highlights from the savoury department is a sandwich that brings together a delightful combination of Tomato Concasse, kalamata olive and olive caviar, which is reminiscent of the vibrant reds and greens in Field of Poppies Near Giverny.
On the other hand, the sweet faction presents desserts that are edible masterpieces in both look and taste. An interplay of sweet and tangy is shown in a Granny Smith Confit, which is served with fragrant basil cream that nods to Monet’s garden landscapes. The Matcha Ganache envelops a mint sable cookie for a deep yet refreshing treat, while the Clafoutis is adorned with vanilla and apricot for a delightful crisp and creamy custard-like finish. An afternoon tea signature, ANTI:DOTE’s Vanilla Scones, is also served with strawberry marmalade, lemon butter curd and clotted cream — a classic that undeniably stands the test of time and place.
For a continuation through Monet’s world, guests can opt to add up to two amuse bouches to their. A must-have is the Meadow at Giverny, which offers a sensorial adventure with delicate cured scallop, elevated with the tang of white ponzu and sudachi set atop a crisp rice cracker. Simple yet divine, this was a satisfying hit through and through.
On the liquid end, a selection of well-composed cocktails are on hand to complement the bites. Unstoppable Bloom is an earthy libation featuring yam shochu, elderflower, coffee, sesame and homemade smoky honey miso. The Farandole, with shiso gin, yuzu, lychee, lotus root and honey beer, offers a refreshing finish. Alternatively, guests can choose to enjoy the non-alcoholic Dancing Lily which swaps The Farandole’s gin and beer for Lyre’s London Dry and honey soda — the perfect alternative for teetotallers.
The Season of Impressionists – a Claude Monet-Inspired Afternoon Tea runs from now to 30 October 2023, on Mondays to Fridays from 3pm to 5pm; Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 2pm and 3pm to 5pm respectively over two seatings. It is priced at S$68++ per guest, S$75++ with the addition of one amuse bouche, and S$85++ for both. Prices are inclusive of a choice of one alcoholic or two non-alcoholic beverages from the Claude Monet Afternoon Tea menu. An option to further elevate the experience with free-flow tipples for two hours is available from S$75++ per guest for Henriot Brut or S$90++ per guest for Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial.
Once you’re done with this story, click here to catch up with our September 2023 issue.
RELATED ARTICLES
The AI-fication Of Facial Treatments
