Desert Jewels - Frasers Hospitality

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30 | fOODiE fOCus Sampling freshly shucked oysters is one of the best ways to find out which type appeals to you most. As with wine, oysters are products of their terroir – they reflect the climate, water and nutrients of the place where they are raised. Pacific oysters are sweet and fruity with a more sharply pointed shell than Atlantics or European flats. They are the world’s most cultivated oyster, being farmed in places such as the bays and harbours around British Columbia in Canada, and southern Australia’s coastal waters. Kumamotos are the aristocrats of oysters: small – about two to three inches long – sweet and fruity, with a distinctive, deep and slightly scalloped shell. They were originally cultivated in Japan but have been introduced in the United States, where they are raised in waters off the West Coast. They spawn later than other oysters, which means they make for wonderful eating well into the summer months. Atlantic oysters tend to have a more briny taste than Pacifics, and about 85 per cent of oysters harvested in the United States and the Gulf of Mexico are Atlantics. True Bluepoints are cultured in Long Island, where they were first found, while Wellfleet oysters are grown in the northeastern part of Cape Cod. European flats are native to Europe (although they were introduced to eastern North America in the 1940s and 1950s as well), along the western and southern coast from Norway to Morocco, including most of the United Kingdom and the Mediterranean coast. Among the best-known type is Belon, grown in the Brittany region of France. European flats are known for their smooth flat shell and a seaweed taste with pronounced mineral notes. Their texture is meaty and almost ‘crunchy’. ThE WORlD iS yOUR OySTER Make sure you purchase live oysters for the best flavour. To shuck oysters, you’ll need a shucking knife and a dish cloth, and a hard stable surface to work on. Lay the oyster on its flat side so its delicious liquor stays in the cup of the shell. Cover your left hand with the dish cloth (to protect your hand if the knife slips) and hold the oyster so that the round side makes contact with the table. Grab the knife with your right hand and insert the tip into the hinge of the oyster, turning your wrist clockwise until the shell loosens. Photos: Getty Images About the size of a quarter dollar, the soughtafter Olympias are even tinier than the Kumamotos. They’re prized for their sweet, metallic flavour with notes reminiscent of celery salt. The shell is circular, somewhat smooth. It’s the only oyster native to the United States’ West Coast. Most Olympias served in restaurants are grown in British Columbia and the Puget Sound. Raw or cooked? Nutritionally, raw oysters are far superior to cooked. They’re packed with important vitamins, particularly vitamin B12, and minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, copper, manganese and selenium. A single raw oyster contains 55 per cent of the daily requirement for zinc (which partly explains its reputation as an aphrodisiac; zinc deficiency can decrease one’s sex drive) and yet with minimal amounts of fat and cholesterol. Six oysters on the half shell contain only 243 calories, and have less fat and cholesterol than poultry. Purists are passionate about eating their oysters raw, although they might allow a spritz of lemon juice, a dash of red wine vinegar and shallots or a few drops of Tabasco. However, other oyster preparations can be hugely enjoyable as well. Oysters can be steamed, grilled, boiled, breaded, fried, baked, added to soups and chowders. They can be added to stuffing, braised or turned into elegant appetisers. Oyster omelettes, which originated in Taiwan, are as homey and comforting as an oyster bisque, made with clam juice, rice, oysters, cream and brandy. A season to indulge Many years ago, it was thought that the best time to eat raw oysters were during fall and winter, or the “R” months (September through April). This was because they spawn during summer (May through August in most parts of the world), and spawning oysters are less flavourful, more watery than those harvested in cooler months. New oyster varieties, such as Kumamotos – which spawn in September and October and so are best in the summer – have put the old R rule to rest, so you can pretty much have your oyster forays at any time of the year. A great poet wrote that in spring, a young man’s fancy turns to thoughts of love. If so, this may be the season to indulge in oysters with reasonable abandon. In 2005, American and Italian researchers found that spring is the time of year when shellfish has higher levels of the amino acids that increase aphrodisiac quality. STEAMED OySTERS WiTh GiNGER Ingredients: 1 dozen oysters (on the half shell) ½ cup finely chopped green onions ½ cup finely chopped fresh ginger 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped ½ cup butter Salt and pepper to taste Melt butter, and then add onions, ginger, garlic, salt and pepper. Set aside this mixture. Steam oysters in a large pot for 10 minutes. When oysters are done, add one spoonful of the mixture to each individual oyster and serve hot. Opening spread: One of the best ways to discover the oyster’s rich flavour is to eat them raw, cold and straight off the half shell. Facing page: Like wine, oysters are products of their terroir – they reflect the climate, water and nutrients of the place where they are grown. Left: Oyster omelette, a popular Chinese dish fraser cachet fraser cachet
32 | frasEr DiffErENCE A fun welcome! Making children feel just as welcome as their parents is of paramount importance to all Fraser staff. At the Fraser Kids Club, new friends are made and new adventures are undertaken daily. The facilities at our Kids Clubs range from a fully equipped indoor playroom and/or an outdoor playground, a wading pool, water features, and external activities such as moviescreenings, sightseeing trips and even charity drives. Playgrounds and toys aside, we know what makes children go giggly and happy – a series of enjoyable activities and facilities! At Fraser, our very own Kids Club sees to it that your little ones are well taken care of and are fully entertained during their stay in our properties * . From babysitting to sightseeing, an array of kid-friendly services is available round the clock to ensure parents and kids of a comfortable and hassle-free stay. The moment our young guests step into the property, they will be given a welcome package containing one of Fraser’s plush duck toys, named Luc and Lucia. A jigsaw puzzle, age-appropriate cutlery and some yummy treats such as gummy bears and berry juice are also inside the starter kit. And what’s a Kids Club without fun facilities? Fraser properties are equipped with amenities such as indoor playroom, outdoor playground, ‘kids only’ pools and water features that promise kids a frolicking good time! In addition, our friendly staff organises sightseeing trips to the quirky and historical corners of the neighbourhood; screenings of animated films and other all-time favourite children’s movies; as well as games and charity drives. Our educational and recreational activities are highly recommended for those looking for meaningful ways to make the most out of their kids’ stay at Fraser properties. For a list of exciting activities, please refer to Fraser Times on your coffee table or approach our front office for more details. * Kids Club is available in select properties. Check with our reservations officer upon booking fraser cachet Top to bottom: Luc and Lucia plush toys; kids’ swimming pool at Fraser Place Robertson Walk, Singapore; Indoor Kids’ Room at Fraser Place Urbana Langsuan, Bangkok. EastEr Egg Hunt Colourful egg-shaped chocolate are up for grabs – if you can find ‘em! You can also win cute bunny soft toys in our Easter photo contest. arts & Crafts Let your creativity go wild in our arts and crafts session every fortnight on weekdays. Cooking & Baking ClassEs Polar bear cupcakes and smiley cookies, anyone? We’ll teach you how to whip up these tasty treats. MoviE nigHts Relive Po’s adventure in Kung Fu Panda or the comic stories of Shrek at Fraser Place Robertson Walk ** . From Easter Egg Hunt to art workshops, our Kids Club has a variety of activities for children of all ages Little ones, listen up! Join us in these exciting activities from March to June: tours Take a day tour to Marina Barrage ** and Fire Station Open House ** ** Available at Singapore properties only
Page 1 and 2: issue 10 Desert Jewels Doha and Dub
Page 3 and 4: Cover photo: Sand dunes and skyscra
Page 5 and 6: 4 | ChECk-iN Dazzling modernity and
Page 7 and 8: 8 | prOpErty viEWiNg Golden living
Page 9 and 10: 12 | thE COLLECtiON fraser cachet M
Page 11 and 12: 16 | prOpErty viEWiNg NEO-NANJING A
Page 13 and 14: 20 | frEE spirits A fraser cachet s
Page 15 and 16: 24 | frEE spirits Kayak with sea se
Page 17: 28 | fOODiE fOCus fraser cachet Pho
Page 21 and 22: 36 | sCENE aND hEarD Breaking new g
Page 23 and 24: 40 | My WOrLD For Eddie tsao and hi
Page 25 and 26: 42 | aWarDs & DirECtOry Awards & Ac
Page 27: FRAseRs HOsPITALITY PTe LTD 491B Ri

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