WGS's International MasterChef Dinners Returns! With the First of Many at voco Orchard Singapore!
After a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19, the first of many International MasterChef guest stints as organised by the World Gourmet Summit finally arrived, starting with the arrival of International MasterChef Mehmet Gok’s stint in Opus Bar & Grill, located in voco Orchard Singapore. Chef Gok, who is hosted there from the 24
th to the 28
th of May, commenced his visit in Singapore with two lavish dinners thrown in collaboration with the Embassy of Turkey, Turkish Cuisine and Turkish Airlines.
The dinners, conceptualised by Chef Gok and Executive Chef Shannon Batten of voco Orchard, took place at Opus Bar & Grill and welcomed guests such as His Excellency Mr Mehmet Burçin Gönenli, the ambassador of Turkey to Singapore and his wife, as well as the Acting President of Turkish Airlines. The guests got to enjoy a five-course meal full of Turkish food, all of which showcases Chef Gok’s love for his home country as well as give Singaporeans a brief introduction to the country of Turkey.
Highlights of the menu include the Turkish Tarhana soup, a soup that’s near and dear to the hearts of Turkish people. Traditionally made in the summer using older vegetables such as garlic, onion, bell peppers and made into a dough that gets sundried and then grated into a powder and made with fermented milk, the result is a comforting hot soup that warms with its heartiness and gives a tangy aftertaste that doesn’t overwhelm the palate. Another great highlight? Chef Gok’s great basil crispy cheese in filo pastry, with fresh black figs and truffle honey. Figs, as it happens, are one of Chef Gok’s favourite foods, and the ezine cheese, made with goat and sheep’s milk, is a dish that he feels represents some of the best produce Turkey has to offer, including truffles, which has a large production line in Turkey.
With wines imported from Turkey for this dinner, the mood throughout the dinners was jubilant, cheerful and filled with laughter from the many diners who had been waiting for this moment to get a taste of international cuisine in Singapore. Many left the restaurant with bright smiles and much joie de vivre.
Of course, this is only the first of many International MasterChef dinners that will be to come at the World Gourmet Summit. Catch Chef André Magalhães, chef/owner of Taberna da Rua das Flores, as he collaborates with Chef Tiago Martins of TUGA Singapore to bring his take on Portuguese food.
From the 7
th to the 9
th of June, see a strong focus on local seasonal products that translates to a more modern interpretation of Portuguese cuisine, paired with wines and port from Portugal like the Branco da Gaivosa, the Quinta da Gaivosa, and the Hugo Mendes line of wine.
It’s a night at the exclusive area of Dempsey where for just one night, Chef Magalhães and Chef Martins will show you a slice of their beloved country under the canopy of stars amongst the velvet skies
