Melanie Lee discovers two new cafes in Singapore that bring in new flavours and ideas to what café culture is all about.

Italian Aperetivo

While Italian culinary influences can be found in practically any part of the world, authentic Italian lifestyle cafes are few and far between. Sapore Italiano, set up by renowned Italian F&B consultant Pietro Mazza with over 30 outlets around the world, has finally made it to Asia with its sensual red presence nestled within Singapore’s bustling Raffles City Shopping Centre. Its Milanese bosses Andrea Mazza (son of Pietro) and Sebastiano Galantucci are absolutely passionate about exuding the “true Italian flavour” with the introduction of aperetivo, a seemingly simple ritual of pre-dinner drinks and nibbles, but really a venerable social institution that they believe should be spread worldwide. “It is not just about eating and drinking, it’s about meeting together, chatting and laughing and maybe sometimes arguing,” says Sebastiano as he makes his rounds bantering with customers. It is here that you will find a wide range of Campari cocktails alongside traditional Abbondio Italian sodas, unique and freshly brewed coffee drinks such as marocchino, freshly-made artisan gelati topped with ornate fruit carvings and an authentic range of Italian street food such as ribollita (Tuscan soup made with bread and vegetables) and farinata (crispy pancake from Liguria). Oh, and Sapore does not just cater for aperetivos, but is open from morning till midnight serving the “usual” Italian fare of pastries, pastas and pizzas on top of all their specialties – after all, it’s all about spreading quintessential Italian hospitality.

Sapore Italiano
Raffles City Shopping Centre
#01-15
252 North Bridge
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 6333 4236

Tea with Old Time Glamour

Once seen as the choice beverage for the boring, tea is steadily upping its hip factor through clever brand positioning by companies such as TWG Tea (The Wellness Group). Playing on the romantic and exotic images evoked by 19th century colonial trade, their vast selection of teas are bestowed with whimsical, charming names such as Weekend in Shanghai (precious green tea embellished with ripe red berries, swirls of mystical blossoms and a hint of mint) and Rose Boudoir (rich and malty blend of black teas…luscious hints of vanilla and sweet spices with rose overtones). If you find their vintage-inspired product packaging entrancing, wait till you step into TWG Tea’s latest salon-cum-boutique at Ion Orchard – an extremely pretty 200m2 tea haven adorned with Italian marble flooring, dark and rich woods, antique Russian samovars and ornate mirrors. In essence: a most befitting pit stop for the fashionistas who have diligently done their shopping for luxury brand goods at Ion Orchard. It is impossible not to feel indulged in this lavish café where the whole idea is to make you see tea in an entirely new, classy light. While the usual scrumptious scones, macaroons and other dainty patisseries are served alongside their gold teapots, there’s also an all-day dining menu offering tea-inspired dishes such as braised lamb chop served with a rich gravy infused with Moroccan mint tea and the TWG Tea salad that comes with a green tea infused vinaigrette. As such, there’s really no excuse to limit ourselves to only drinking  tea during teatime!

TWG Tea Salon & Boutique
Ion Orchard
#02-21
2 Orchard Turn
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 735 1837
Web: www.twgtea.com

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