Latest news with #culinary
Independent Singapore
6 hours ago
- General
- Independent Singapore
Maid says, ‘My employer asks me to cook fancy meals like in a restaurant, but there's only 1 cabbage in the fridge, and they refused to give me a grocery allowance'
SINGAPORE: In yet another episode of 'MasterChef: Minimalist Edition,' a foreign domestic helper in Singapore has shared her culinary conundrum: being expected to whip up restaurant-worthy meals… with nothing but a lonely cabbage and some soy sauce. In a Facebook post that's equal parts humour, frustration, and quiet resilience, the helper wrote: 'I want to ask, any idea how to cook a fancy meal like a restaurant but there's only 1 cabbage in the fridge and no garlic. just left the soy sauce in the kitchen 😫😕🤔… every time I asked for groceries allowance, the answer, just says later and later until the fridge so shining bright 🌞 like every time I opened the fridge I can see through heaven 😀😆😂.' She added that she had spent significant effort learning to cook various Asian dishes during her training, only to be given an empty fridge and a vague 'later' every time she asked for a grocery allowance. Photo: FB/Direct Hire Transfer Singapore Maid / Domestic helper Cue the comments section—where fellow helpers chimed in with wit sharper than a chef's knife. 'Want to eat nice meals but don't want to spend money,' wrote one, summing up what many seemed to feel. Another maid shared her experience: 'In my employer's house, they only have light soy sauce but expect me to cook very nicely. If I ask to buy things to make good food, she says, 'I don't like to put this.' How to get a good taste of cooking without putting ingredients? Just put light soya sauce?!' It seems there's a culinary epidemic in Singaporean households—expecting Gordon Ramsay-level plating on a cup noodle budget. One helper didn't mince words: 'Some employers thought helpers are magicians like abra ka dabra boom shakalakala 🪄.' Another offered dark humour with a side of stark reality: 'And the helper was also very tired thinking what she should cook… including herself, no food to eat. When your medical [report] comes, found out that you don't have enough food, so MOM calls your employer to ask why your weight is down 👎😂… at the end still helper's fault 🤣.' Not all comments were snarky, though. One helper shared a heartening story of creativity and appreciation: 'They only had tomatoes in the fridge, so I felt like I joined MasterChef. I made tomato rice—just rice, tomatoes, salt, pepper, and whatever else they had. They enjoyed it. I was the one who got shocked—little effort, big appreciation.' She concluded with a life lesson that could probably be embroidered on an apron: 'Wherever we are, whatever we do, effort and presence mean a lot to people who really appreciate you.' That's not to say appreciation is always on the menu. One commenter offered a satirical suggestion to deal with picky employers: 'Make a heart shape with the cabbage and pour soya sauce in a star shape and serve them.' That's gourmet minimalism at its finest. The underlying frustration, of course, isn't just about a lack of groceries. It's about unrealistic expectations. Many of these helpers left their families behind to provide essential support to Singaporean households, only to be met with micromanagement, miserliness, or both. Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) advises that domestic helpers must be given proper food and care. Starving your employee—whether through neglect or penny-pinching—isn't just unethical. It's illegal. At the heart of it all is a simple truth: good food requires ingredients. And good help deserves basic respect. Until then, perhaps it's time some employers learn what real magic looks like—turning cabbage and soy sauce into dinner, night after night, without a word of thanks. Now that's a miracle! In other news, another helper said that, 'If Sir gives me food on my plate, she [my employer] will tell him it's too much, and she will lessen and choose what she wants to take out.' Her description of her employer's behaviour — along with a laundry list of grievances — sparked an outpouring of support, shock, and dark humour from other helpers and even employers in the group. You can read her full account over here: Maid says her employer has '5 helpers, but still complains that all the work done is wrong and that she's feeding us too much'
Daily Mail
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Michelin-starred chef 'shuts down restaurant' in 'the finest dining room in London' after just six months
A Michelin-starred chef has shut down his restaurant in the finest dining room in London after just six months. Victor Garvey at the Midland Grand, based out of the St Pancras London hotel near the famous train station of the same name, only opened in February. But it now appears to have served its last diners, after stopping taking bookings and staff telling The Caterer it closed its doors on July 15. The eponymous American chef had only just replaced Irish cook Patrick Powell's The Midland Grand Dining Room in the five-star hotel's 65-seater dining room. It came after he won his Michelin star, the highest culinary gong, in 2021, for his Californian restaurant SOLA in the capital's Soho area, which opened in 2019. It is as yet unclear why the restaurant appears to have closed without warning, with the website down and guests unable to make bookings. Mr Garvey, working out of what is widely considered one of London's most opulent dining spaces, charged an eye-watering £139 for a seven-course tasting menu. There was also an even more lavish 14-course tasting experience, alongside the normal a la carte menu, The Standard reports. Dishes included red tuna, with white peach, roasted leek and a green almond sorbet - as well as a lobster served out of its shell with its own roe, along with spiced carrot. The two businesses that have most recently occupied the restaurant space were called after the building's original name - The Midland Grand Hotel. The Grade I-listed Gothic revival building in central London is one of the most iconic sights in the capital - with a restaurant space equally as impressive. Upon taking over the historic dining room earlier this year, Mr Garvey said: 'A dining room of this stature deserves a menu that matches its grandeur.' Calling the space 'one of the best dining rooms in the world', he described the menu as 'honouring the foundations of classical French cuisine while embracing modernity'. When the restaurant launched, he told The Caterer: 'A chef only gets an opportunity like this, where they are offered a big dining room, once or twice in their life. 'It happened to Joël Robuchon, to Alain Ducasse, all the big guys, and I'm very excited.' He had explained the menu as a reinvention of traditional French dishes: 'We're making it sexier, we're making it lighter.' Mr Garvey described being approached by St Pancras London hotelier Harry Handlesman to take over the space. 'He wanted to have a Michelin star here and for it to be one of the best restaurants in the world and one of the best dining rooms in the world', he explained. 'I thought - I'm pretty sure I can do that.' The restaurant's adjoining Gothic Bar currently remains open. The apparent closure of Victor Garvey at the Midland Grand will be a shock to food lovers across the capital, after it received glowing reviews from the country's top critics. Giles Coren said: 'Victor is doing fancy French now, and quite brilliantly, of course.' The chef's predecessor Mr Powell was behind the room's relaunch in April 2023 but he left just over a year later, in July 2024. He said at the time: 'The time has come for me to move on and I am hugely excited for the future and my next chapter.' Mr Powell also left his restaurant Allegra, in London's Stratford area, at the same time, which he also worked on with St Pancras London hotelier Harry Handlesman. The Irish chef is currently working as culinary director at French and New York-inspired restaurant One Club Row in the capital's Shoreditch area. The building is more than 150 years old, with several hotels having been run out of it over the years. The Midland Grand Hotel was designed by English architect Sir Gilbert Scott - also behind the Albert Memorial in London's Kensington area - and built in 1873. But it shut down in 1935 and was nearly demolished in the sixties - before it was reopened as The Renaissance in 2011, after being used as railway offices. The restaurant was relaunched as The Gilbert Scott and run by British celebrity chef and MasterChef: The Professionals judge Marcus Wareing until the pandemic. The building is now known as the St Pancras London Autograph Collection hotel and managed by Marriott International. But the name change came only last month, when Marriott transferred the hotel from its Renaissance brand to its Autograph Collection. The dining space appears to have closed only just over a month after this rebrand. Renaissance hotels aim to give guests 'curious, unique and local experiences', according to the brand's website - while Autograph ones offer a distinctive interior. As part of the rebrand, the hotel's 254 rooms and suites have been undergoing extensive renovation since January. Marriott boss Sandra Schulze-Potgieter explained at the time: 'St Pancras London is exactly the kind of property Autograph Collection was created to celebrate - rich in character, rooted in place, and full of story. 'This new chapter brings that story to life in a way that feels both intentional and unforgettable.' Mr Garvey was born in New York to an American father and French-Spanish mother, moving to Barcelona aged six. He has worked in restaurants across Spain and in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Tokyo and Copenhagen before arriving in London.
Forbes
17 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
8 Iconic Summer Wine Pairings To Try Before Season's End
getty According to the calendar, we're nearly halfway through summer. The season of outdoor grilling, fresh tomatoes, and oysters on the half-shell beckons some epic wine pairing opportunities. In case you've fallen behind, we're here to provide you with some inspiration and to assure you that there's still time to explore these perfect summer pairings. From lobster rolls and Chablis to tomato sandwiches and rosé, here are eight quintessential summer culinary and wine pairings you need to try at least once. Oysters and Albariño Nothing evokes summer more than a waterfront seat with oysters on the half-shell and a bottle of Albariño on ice. The white wine's savoriness and crisp palate stands up to briny oysters and complements the simple accoutrement of a drizzle of lemon. Bottles to try: DO Ferreiro Albariño 'Cepas Vellas' and Foral De Melgaco Alvarinho Vinho Verde Fish tacos and Champagne Purists may flinch at swapping a margarita for a flute of Champagne when pairing their fish tacos, but try it once and you'll see why it works so well. Whether the fish is fried or grilled, Champagne refreshes the palate in between every bite, thanks to its bubbles and acidity. The slight residual sweetness in Brut styles can also balance any hot sauce or jalapeno toppings, unlike tequila which can amplify the heat. Bottles to try: NV M. Brugnon Selection Brut Champagne and NV Lucien Roguet No. 1 Tradition Grand Cru Champagne Lobster roll and Chablis New Englanders know there are two different types of lobster rolls — Maine style is served lightly chilled with mayonnaise versus Connecticut's warm and buttered roll. For fans of the latter, Chablis is an ultimate pairing due to its medium body that stands up to the viscous butter with a flinty finish that accentuates the lobster's salinity. Bottles to try: Louis Jadot Chablis 2023 and Joseph Drouhin Chablis getty Burgers and Malbec Grilled meats, like burgers, 'offer smoky, caramelized flavors that pair beautifully with bold, expressive wines,' shares Juan Diego and Nicole Canahuati of Arcano in Miami. They suggest a Malbec for its richness that can handle the char and spice while still offering a smoothness that is expected with summer sipping. Chill it for 15 to 20 minutes before serving as 'a slight chill enhances fruitiness and refreshment without muting the flavor,' suggest Diego and Canahuati. Bottles to try: Maal Biutiful Malbec and Susana Balbo Signature Malbec Tomato sandwich and Provence rosé Tomato sandwiches are refreshingly sweet, juicy and bursting with the soul of summer. It's a combination that deserves a wine as akin to sun-fueled days as a Provencal rosé. The pairing is delicate yet complex as the red berry notes and floral hints mingle with the sweet acid left behind by the tomatoes. Bottles to try: Château La Coste Rosé Côteaux d'Aix-en-Provence and Domaine du Cassis Rosé Bagnol getty Veggie kebabs and Sauvignon Blanc Vibrant peppers layered between yellow squash and zucchini are a light yet flavorful weeknight summer meal. The aromatic wine enlivens the mellow notes of the squash while the pyrazines (a green pepper taste) in certain Sauvignon Blancs are a match for the similar flavor of the bell peppers. Bottles to try: Cloudy Bay Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough and Frog's Leap Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley Pasta salad and Sangiovese A chilled, creamy pasta salad is an easy dish for a warm, summer evening. The temperature contrast is what makes this dish so appealing; to further that contrast, try adding in a slightly chilled red wine like Sangiovese. The Italian wine is an inherent favorite for pasta dishes but is particularly perfect for pasta salad as it offers enough structure to stand up to any bits of bacon or salami in the mix and a fruitiness that stands out against the mayonnaise or light cream sauce. Bottles to try: Chiara Condello Romagna Sangiovese Predappio and Castellani Sangiovese Peach cobbler and Sauternes A summer meal isn't complete without a seasonally-appropriate dessert, and for something as sweet as a peach cobbler, a wine that's sweeter is necessary. This sweet wine from France presents a zingy acidity and weight that can frame the syrup-texture of stewed peaches so that the wine tastes surprisingly dry in comparison—leaving you wanting a sip after every bite. Bottles to try: Château Laribotte Sauternes and Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey Sauternes
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Must-visit foodie spots you can fly to from Manchester Airport with cheap flights
It's summer, and if you're looking for a new place to explore that offers plenty of culinary delights, look no further. Manchester Airport has rounded up some of the key spots all foodies should explore. From Tuscany to Singapore, there are plenty of places you can indulge in – let's take a look. Best foodie spots with flights from Manchester Airport Prices are correct at the time of writing. San Sebastian Flights: Fly to Bilbao with easyJet from £55pp return Manchester Airport said: 'This small coastal city in Spain's Basque region has made a name for itself in the world of gastronomy, with the highest concentration of Michelin star restaurants in the world. 'If you don't have the budget for fine dining every night though, try out the local pintxos bars – a Basque version of tapas. 'San Sebastian's Zurriola Beach, facing out into the North Atlantic with choppy waves, is one of Spain's best beaches for surfing.' To get to San Sebastian, it takes just over an hour from Bilbao. Tuscany Flights: Fly to Pisa with Ryanair from £49pp return The airport explained: 'Some of Italy's most famous gastronomic exports hail from this region, including pappardelle pasta, Florentine steak and Chianti wine – but you'll find favourites from across the country in the open-air eateries that line the streets of cities like Pisa and Florence. 'If you're looking for a quieter time away from the hustle, head to Montecatini Terme, a picturesque spa town outside Pisa beloved by celebrities including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Audrey Hepburn.' Lyon Flights: Fly to Lyon with easyJet from £56pp return Lyon is described as France's culinary capital, with 20 Michelin-starred restaurants, and is home to a number of famous chefs. Manchester Airport added: 'Rustic eateries are popular with the locals and you'll find plenty to get your mouth watering on a budget too, with hearty dishes like coq au vin complemented by local cheese and charcuterie among the best France has to offer.' Singapore Flights: Fly to Singapore with Singapore Airlines from £672pp return The airport said: 'Singapore is a melting pot of cultural influences from across Asia and beyond, with large Chinese, Indian, Southeast Asian and European communities living side by side – so it should be no surprise that its cuisine is something of a fusion of flavours. 'The city is well known for its 'hawker centres', which can be best described as indoor street food markets, with an eclectic mix on offer. Best sellers often include dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, chilli crab and fish ball noodles.' Mumbai Flights: Fly to Mumbai with IndiGo from £425pp return Manchester Airport said: 'The Gateway to India is a large triumphal arch on Mumbai's waterfront, but in many ways it's a metaphor for the city as a whole – and that makes Mumbai a great starting point for a tourist wanting to throw themselves into the world of authentic Indian food. 'People from across the country are drawn to Mumbai, the financial capital – and that means you can find markedly different cuisines here – from Keralan coconut milk-based curries, to Rajasthani thali and Punjabi and Kashmiri dishes, which often dominate the menus of Indian restaurants and takeaways in the UK.' New York City Flights: Fly to New York JFK Airport with Aer Lingus from £340pp return You can look forward to plenty of 'outstanding' food in the city that never sleeps. Manchester Airport said: 'You can find outstanding food here 24/7, with influences from communities that have settled over the past three centuries, from German and Italian to Mexican and Arabic recipes. 'New York's most famous dishes take these inspirations and create something original, however – like buffalo wings, cream cheese bagels, clam chowder and pastrami on rye. Manhattan's Lower East Side is considered the centre of the city's food scene.' Do I need travel insurance? Krakow Flights: Fly to Krakow with Ryanair from £62pp return Manchester Airport explained: 'Pierogi dumplings, kielbasa sausages with mustard, and Zurek soup, served in a hollowed out loaf of rounded bread, are all iconic Polish dishes and few cities do them better than Krakow. Its charming, cobblestoned Old Town is the perfect setting for sampling what Poland's culinary scene has to offer. 'The Jewish Quarter, which has been rebuilt and reinvigorated since the horrors of World War II, hosts restaurants and bakeries serving the traditional fare of the country's Jewish community – and many of these dishes, like jam-filled doughnuts and bagels, are now globally renowned after being introduced to the US by Polish Jewish immigrants. 'The factory of Oscar Schindler, made famous by Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List, is at the heart of the Jewish Quarter and well worth a visit while you're here.' Recommended reading: 9 East Asian destinations you can fly directly to from Manchester Airport Manchester Airport to offer direct flights to 'best-kept secret' spot in 2026 Cheap last-minute summer holiday spots you can fly to from Manchester Airport The airport also suggests foodies should fly to Munich (easyJet flights from £78pp return), Casablanca with Royal Air Maroc from £210pp return or Istanbul with easyJet from £71pp return. Or head to Dubai with Emirates from £605pp return, or choose Thessaloniki with flights from £126pp return. How early should you arrive at Manchester Airport before a flight? The airport encourages passengers to arrive 'at least two hours' before their flight leaves. To get a more specific arrival time, the airport says passengers must follow the guidance issued by their airlines.
South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
What to do in Hong Kong, July 20-26
From now until early December, Lobster Bar & Grill is inviting a rotating roster of chefs to put their spin on its Sunday roast menu. On July 27, chef Marcello Scognamiglio of Trattoria Felino shows off his culinary chops with a starter, a roast dish and a dessert, in addition to the traditional English roast by Lobster Bar's chef Cary Docherty. Chefs from Estro, Leela and Roganic are scheduled to follow in the coming weeks.
