From eating food that’s not only healthy but ethically- and sustainably-sourced too, food matters really matter and should be on top of everyone’s list.
Words: R. Rajendra
DADDY COOL!
Make Dad real happy this Father’s Day by treating him to a relaxed meal with his loved ones at Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur and Four Points by Sheraton Penang. At Le Meridien, the Sunday Brunch or, the International Buffet Dinner priced at approx. USD46++ at Latest Recipe is the perfect choice, while over at Favola, a hi-tea spread (approx. USD28++) on June 14 will set him up in good spirits. At Four Points by Sheraton Penang, a lip smacking brunch at The Eatery (approx. USD22++) or a satisfying dinner (approx. USD30++) is just what the family needs to celebrate Dad on his special day! www.lemeridienkualalumpur.com and www.fourpointspenang.com
TOWNHOUSE MAGIC
The owners / operators of some of the most successful F&B venues in New York such as The Double Seven, Lotus, Buddha Bar and Mansion have ventured across the ocean to bring the excitement to Bali with the unveiling of Townhouse. A gourmet café, organic juice bar, photo gallery, restaurant, lounge and rooftop garden, this hip venue located along Jalan Laksamana offers stunning sunset views from the rooftop deck. The latest addition, CANVAS Bistro, completes the complex and offers a new and fresh take on the F&B and entertainment scene in Bali. thetownhousebali.com
THE PALEO DIET
The caveman sounding title may seem a tad frightening, but a paleo diet is basically going back to basics and eating food in its whole and original form – not processed or modified. The premise is that humans have biologically adapted to whole foods over the past 200,000 years surviving on food that is naturally occurring, while agriculture, industrialisation and modernisation came about only in the past 10,000 years or so. Humans haven’t fully evolved to handle processed foods compared to natural foods. Going on a paleo diet simply means eating healthy, sourcing food that is grown organically and doing away with anything that isn’t natural or naturally occurring. Think of what a caveman would’ve eaten and you’ll get a rough idea. Learn more about the paleo diet at thepaleodiet.com.
EDUCATED CHOICES
When it comes to eating healthy and ethically sourced food, consumers are often bombarded with new terminology. Here are some terms you need to understand to improve your eating habits.
FREE RANGE
This means that the animals were bred in their most natural state, where they get to roam, scavenge and eat in an open space. The animal is not confined, and should have easy access to space and light for at least half of the day.
ORGANIC
Food labelled as ‘organic’ refers to food that has been grown using only natural resources with no introduction of pesticides, synthetic fertilisers, genetically-modified organisms and ionizing radiation. For meat, poultry and dairy products, antibiotics and growth hormones cannot be used.
SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD
This refers to marine products that are harvested in a manner that doesn’t endanger or reduce the species’ ability to maintain its population, and without adversely impacting the ecosystem and other species.
FOOD MILES
Directly related to carbon footprint, Food Miles indicate how far your food had travelled from source to plate. The farther the distance, the more harm you are doing to the environment via pollution emitted by ships, aircraft and trucks transporting the food. This also refers to food waste that you produce and send to landfills.
POP-UP PLEASURES
Immerse yourself in history while enjoying fine food at some of the most iconic landmarks in Singapore with STORIES: A Pop Up Restaurant. The brainchild of My Private Chef, this dining programme kicks off at Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, and will travel to other equally interesting venues in the future. Priced between SGD188 and SGD248, the event takes place over four days from June 26 to 29, 2014 and will be helmed by a celebrity chef for each chapter with menus drawing their inspiration from the history and spirit of the venue. www.myprivatechef.com.sg
FINISHED WITH FINS AT STARWOOD!
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is announcing a total ban on shark fin dishes across its 1,200 hotels around the world! Fully committed to good stewardship of the planet, the group will also remove whale and sea turtle meat from its restaurant menus. Realising the importance of protecting marine species, which are intrinsically tied to the survival of the rest of the species that inhabit this planet, a complete elimination of these items will be carried out by the end of this year. This exclusion of threatened seafood species from the group’s F&B venues is an important component of Starwood’s ‘Sustainable Food & Beverage’ policy. www.starwoodhotels.com
GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Bali from Kuala Lumpur and various destinations. For flight info and lowest fares, visit www.airasia.com.
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