SingaporeMotherhood | Family Fun

August 2018

Once Upon a Ginger Chicken: 11 Reasons It’s How You Want to Celebrate National Day 2018

We tried it first to bring you all you need to know about Eatigo Sedap Society’s first pop-up theatrical dining experience, Eatigo Presents: Once Upon a Ginger Chicken.

When an invitation to the media preview of something called Once Upon a Ginger Chicken arrived in my inbox, the title was enough to make me chuckle. I had to find out more. It turns out that restaurant reservation platform Eatigo teamed up with local theatre company, Skinned Knee Productions, to present a theatrical dining experience. Hmmm…a combination of theatre and food? In celebration of the Singapore Story? Okay, can!

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1. The whole concept is exciting

The story takes place over three acts complemented by a three-course menu, all designed to celebrate the Singapore Story. It’s rare to find immersive experiences that fuse dining and theatre to begin with, and especially so in Singapore. Eatigo Sedap Society is touted as a series of pop-up dining experiences that celebrate the delicious in unexpected ways. My colleague and I were definitely looking forward to its first instalment, as we made our way to the venue.

(See also: 14 Must-have Singapore Gifts to bring that #WeAreSingapore spirit Home this National Day 2018)

2. It’s like Back to The Future, Singapore-style

Eatigo Presents: Once Upon a Ginger Chicken - act

Skinned Knee Productions is a homegrown professional theatre group that focuses on staging modern tales in non-traditional spaces. In this case, they’ve brought the stage into the dining room and we loved it! The storyline took us on a journey through our nation’s past to our present, and then to an imagined future. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but suffice it to say, just like the classic Michael J. Fox movie trilogy, it was fun, funny and really quite cool!

3. All three courses are excellent

Eatigo Presents: Once Upon a Ginger Chicken - red snapper

Of course, the part of the experience that Singaporeans typically care most about is the food. Eating is our national pastime after all. And we’re glad to say that the foodies in us weren’t disappointed at all. Singaporean Executive Sous Chef Kevin Liew is the talented guy who conceptualised the menu in close collaboration with the theatre group. Read on to find out more about what he served up.

4. Act 1 “1932”

Eatigo Presents Once Upon A Ginger Chicken - samsui ginger chicken

We’re transported back to 1930s Singapore, where we’re introduced to Mei Chun, a young Samsui Woman. She waxes lyrical about how to make her favourite hometown dish, and right on cue, a mosaic of Sakura chicken, pickled cucumber, confit plum tomato and micro cress is served. As we savoured the tender Ginger Chicken, Mei Chun falls in love with suave errand boy, Ah Long. It’s adorably sweet and delightfully savoury all at once!

(See also: National Day 2018: Best Fireworks Views + Fun Family Activities)

5. Act 2 “2018”

Eatigo Presents: Once Upon a Ginger Chicken - beef short rib

We find ourselves in modern Singapore, and Mei Chun’s daughter is perplexed at her granddaughter’s choice of career. The great-grandchild of the Samsui Woman who poured the concrete our country founded on is a sassy social media influencer! I tuck into Rendang of Beef Short Rib, finding it as flavourful as the family drama that ensued. My colleague went with the other choice of main course, Curry Crusted Red Snapper Loin. Also excellent, although I’m still slightly partial to the beef.

6. Act 3 “2147”

Eatigo Presents: Once Upon a Ginger Chicken - dessert

The final act sends us far into the future, where technology rules and virtual assistant Alexa has evolved into the humanoid helper Alexis. As we discover if our protagonists are happier or worse off, our decadent third course is served. The 66% Valrhona Chocolate platter comprised whipped ganache with chocolate, coral sponge, crispy Nougatine, and my personal favourite, the raspberry truffle. Make sure you pop the whole thing into your mouth, so you don’t waste any of the explosive flavour!

7. There are surprises around every corner

Eatigo Presents: Once Upon a Ginger Chicken - dance

These range from the opening act that begins outside on the terrace to the excellent – and delightfully cheesy – song-and-dance numbers. But we really don’t want to spoil the surprises ahead of your own experience. Instead, let’s just end off with what you need to know to get in on this awesome experience yourself…

8. It takes place in a really lush location

Eatigo Presents: Once Upon a Ginger Chicken - outside

The unique theatrical dining experience is hosted at the charming Kwee Zeen restaurant at Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa. The hotel has a shuttle bus that runs from Vivocity (the pickup point is located outside the Jumbo JPOT Restaurant). Click here for the shuttle bus schedule. If you’re driving, point your GPS app to 2 Bukit Manis Road, Singapore 099891.

(See also: National Day 2018: 53 Fab Feasts and Shiok Staycations because #WeAreSingapore!)

9. The next day isn’t a school or work day (for most of us)

There are just two dates/times available for this special pop-up event:
Wednesday, 8 August 2018 at 7pm-9pm
Thursday, 9 August 2018 at 5pm-7pm

10. Value-for-money (we think) and kids are welcome too

Tickets go for $65 per person, to be paid when you arrive for the event. Considering that you get a delicious three-course meal in a fancy resort restaurant on top of an entertaining performance, we think it’s worth it, don’t you? The same price applies for children – we feel that kids as young as four years old will appreciate the interactive experience.

11. Booking tickets to Eatigo Presents: Once Upon a Ginger Chicken is really easy

Eatigo Presents: Once Upon a Ginger Chicken - poster

Bookings are available exclusively via www.eatigo.com or the Eatigo app (available for both iOS and Android devices). Simply search for “Eatigo presents: Once Upon a Ginger Chicken” and choose your preferred date. Enter the code “SECRETEATS” in the voucher code field and click “Reserve”. You’ll then receive an email confirmation and an Eatigo representative will also give you a call to confirm your participation.

All in all, we really enjoyed the whole experience and we’re sure you and the fam will too. Here’s a final tip: Don’t let them take away your dish of chilli sauce after the first course; it makes for an excellent dip for the keropok that’s served as an appetiser from the start! By the way, seating is limited to 50 diners per evening, on a first-come, first-served basis, so quick go reserve your tickets now. Don’t say bojio!

#EatigoSG #OnceUponAGingerChicken #EatigoSedapSociety

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Eatigo Presents Once Upon A Ginger Chicken - featured

Once Upon a Ginger Chicken: 11 Reasons It’s How You Want to Celebrate National Day 2018