I cannot remember the books I’ve read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me…”– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Since time immemorial, good food and a good read have been inseparable. A scone or a cookie in one hand and a good book in another with the occasional sip of a warm beverage, inspire writers and readers alike – blurring the lines between reality and imagination as the senses, united with the mind, bring individuals into a world as real as one would like to, escaping reality and making imagination real. Bliss.
Such is the intention of Pan Pacific’s new ‘Imaginary Friends’ afternoon tea which is inspired by characters in Singapore author Melanie Lee’s whimsical and satirical take on the human persona within us – all but embodied as Quirky Animals, Emo Fruits and the occasional Ego-laden Stationery – just to name a few in ‘Imaginary Friends: 26 Fables for the Kid in Us’.
Let the Imaginary Friends bring you on a delightful afternoon tea with a difference!
With an afternoon-tea menu that takes reference from characters in the book, the connection with ‘Dan the Dowdy Durian Man’ or ‘Ming the Morose Mandarin’ will be further strengthened as you internalized (pun intended) the characters.
These unique and tasteful canapés, cakes, chocolates and scones are the proud creations of Pan Pacific’s very own pastry chef, Mr. Lim Chang Chek whose inspirations came from having read the stories himself. He painstakingly experimented with tastes and flavours that marry fruits, veggies and pastry art to a create a unique afternoon tea spread that would tickle our taste buds and stir our imagination beyond the book. On this note, we find it extremely heartening and refreshing to see such wonderful support towards local literary works!
Chucky White Flour Cookies with Orange and Chocolate Chips (based on Chucky the Clever Calico Cat)
Mandarin Orange Cupcake (based on Ming the Morose Mandarin)
Seaweed Scones (based on Olivia the Overachieving Octopus) and Durian Puff with Spiked Meringue (based on Dan the Dowdy Durian Man)
Bitter-sweet durian puree encased in buttery, pillowy puffs and covered in green, durian-infused meringue. Who can resist?
The book and the menu items have much in common, like the book, the high tea surprises with its eclectic and delectable mix of flavours that are unique and unforgettable. Like the book, it provides a myriad of possibilities for interesting conversations with your companions. This festive season, come meet the Imaginary Friends and let them feed you in more ways than one.
Tea-infused Chocolate Praline (based on Timmy the Tenacious Teabag)
Grape and Leek Panna Cotta (based on Greta the Grouchy Grape and Lucy the Lively Leek)
Cheesecake with Turkish Delight (based on Freda the Friendly Froyo)
Meet the Author at Tea!
Attend book reading sessions with Melanie on 6 and 20 December 2014 at 3:00pm and hear the stories come alive!
Girl friends and afternoon tea go hand in hand! Melanie’s in black cropped jacket, in the centre.
Highlights include
- Octopus Mirin Quiche with Bonito Flakes (really yummy!)
- Seaweed Swiss Roll
- Grape and Leek Panna Cotta
- Durian Puff with Spiked Meringue
- Tea-infused Chocolate Praline
Dana giving chef Chang Chek, the creator of the Imaginary Friends Afternoon Tea, thumbs up!
For dining reservations or enquiries, please visit the Pan Pacific website. You may also call the dining concierge at +65 6826 8240 or email [email protected].
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