Embarking on a collaborative journey with ARTiSTORY and the British Library, Fairmont Singapore introduces a captivating themed high tea experience titled Adventures in Storyland. You are invited to immerse yourselves in the timeless magical world of Cinderella. Published in 1919, Charles Seddon Evans took the original French tale ‘The Little Glass Slipper’ and expanded it into a full-length children’s novel. Illustrated by the renowned artist Arthur Rackham, known for his silhouette drawings, this retold narrative is now cared for by the British Library (shelfmark 12410.r.5.) and is enriched by over 40 captivating illustrations.
From 1 March to 30 April 2024, you can indulge in an artistic and whimsical culinary experience with beautifully crafted savoury and sweet treats inspired by the classic tale of Cinderella. Available at ANTI:DOTE daily from 3pm to 5pm, and additionally on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 2pm, this enchanting high tea will take you on a delightful culinary journey of story-telling through the art of gastronomy.
William J. Haandrikman, Managing Director at Fairmont Singapore and Swissôtel The Stamford, shares: “Following the success of last year’s high tea series celebrating some of the world’s greatest artists, we’re excited to unveil this culinary homage to such enchanting literature in history. We’ve created the perfect marriage of ANTI:DOTE’s elegant culinary creations with Cinderella’s well-loved story, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience this wonderful presentation. We thank the British Library and ARTiSTORY for their valued partnership”.
Caroline Brown, Director of Commercial Services at the British Library, echoed: “As the national library of the United Kingdom, we strive to make our intellectual heritage accessible to everyone, for research, inspiration and enjoyment. Bringing the beloved story of Cinderella and its illustrations to life through an engaging high tea experience is a fantastic way for the British Library to reach new audiences and we are delighted that ARTiSTORY and Fairmont Singapore have been inspired by the Library’s collection in this way.”
Fei Yu, General Manager of APAC and Greater China at ARTiSTORY said, “ARTiSTORY’s mission is to celebrate and elevate the power of art in shaping narratives, fostering cultural understanding, and inspiring creativity across diverse communities worldwide. We look forward to welcoming guests to experience Adventures in Storyland, a collaboration designed to spark joy.”
Step into a transformed ANTI:DOTE with tones of gold, pink and black, offering a tribute to Charles Seddon Evans’ rendition of Cinderella from the British Library collection, and the enchanting illustrations by Arthur Rackham. From the outside, you will see scenes from the fairy tale on the full-length glass windows of ANTI:DOTE; setting the stage for an enchanting experience within. Upon entering, be greeted by a large storybook photowall with details of the high tea experience and illustrations from the book.
Crafted by Chef de Cuisine Jacky Lai and Executive Pastry Chef Yong Ming Choong, the menu focuses on capturing the essence of Cinderella’s story. Begin with savoury delights – finger sandwiches which transport diners to the magical carriage and enchanting ball where Cinderella and the prince first meet. ASC Certified Smoked Salmon, Roasted Pumpkin and Trout Roe, MSC Certified Boston Lobster, Finger Lime in a Charcoal Brioche, and Quail Egg and Truffle in a Butternut Bun.
Adding a touch of sweetness, the Granny Smith Apple Pie with Olives, captures the grandeur and indulgence of the palace ball. The crisp tartness of Granny Smith apples pairs with olives for a refreshing twist, enriching the pie’s flavour. ANTI:DOTE’s signature Duck Confit, enhanced with rich cured egg yolk and refreshing green peas, evokes scenes of the enchanted gardens in Cinderella’s story. The cured egg yolk adds savoury sophistication, mirroring Cinderella’s narrative depth.
The array of sweet treats is balanced with delightful flavours. Begin with the Apple Sablé Tart, in the shape of the Prince’s Castle, and the Pumpkin Cinnamon Tea Cake, artfully designed to resemble Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage. The Apricot Confit, reminiscent of a clock striking midnight, is accompanied by caramel crémeux atop a sea salt biscuit. The Passionfruit Macaron, adorned with tropical fruit flavours and stamped with the book’s logo, is a splendid sight.
The Yuzu creation, hand-cut and layered with meringue and sparkling sugar to resemble Cinderella’s glamorous glass slippers, offering both a feast for the eyes and the palate; While the Cinderella model features flavours of black sesame and mandarin orange marmalade. The Nespresso Coffee Hazelnut Choux, presented as the Prince’s crown, offers a rich complement to the high tea selection, and house-made chocolate-shaped pink diamonds mimic the most prominent hue in Rackham’s illustrations. Completing the treats are ANTI:DOTE’s signature Madagascar Vanilla Scones, served with Devonshire cream, citrus butter curd, and strawberry marmalade.
You can choose to complement their high tea experience with a specially handcrafted cocktail or mocktail inspired by the classic fairy tale. Concocted by ANTI:DOTE’s Lead Mixologist Marlon Aseoche, the beverages evoke magical memories and transport one back to the heart of Cinderella’s story. Indulge in the Carriage Pumpkin Sour Cocktail ($22), the perfect pairing with the sweet selections, featuring burnt butter-washed vodka, calvados, and pumpkin-spiced cordial, resulting in the perfect balance of sweet and sour with a hint of spice.
Next up is the magical Royal Ball Mocktail where the colours of the mocktail represent the pink hues from Rackham’s illustrations while the garnish symbolises the flowers from Cinderella’s garden. This mocktail offers a harmonious mix of Seedlip Grove, blueberry syrup, non- alcoholic sauvignon blanc and sage soda.
The high tea experience is priced at $68++ per adult with two non-alcoholic beverages and $35++ per child (6 to 12 years old). Additionally, National Library Board, Singapore app users can enjoy 10% off the high tea menu when they present their eCard upon payment. Reservations can be made at +65 6431 6156, email at [email protected] or online at www.antidotebar.sg.
