Baguette
Forget your low-carb diet for an afternoon. Grab at least one, preferably two, wholemeal baguettes ($2.40) from La Tanglin Boulangerie. We’d be lying if we said they’re as good as they make ‘em in Paris, but there’s no arguing how healthy they are.
Cheeses
A surpisingly decent variety of French cheeses can be found at Tanglin Market Place. An all-round crowd-pleaser, you can’t go wrong with a mild and creamy camembert ($7.29 per 100 grams). Also try a slightly tangy ash-coated chèvre (goat’s cheese; $7.59 per 100 grams) and, for true blue cheese lovers, a pungent and robust Roquefort ($8.69 per 100 grams).
Tapenade
If you’re looking for this Provençal specialty, you’ll be pleased with the offerings at Littlé Provence. Both green and black olive-based spreads are sold, but our choice has to be the basil-accented black olive tapenade ($9.90). It has a nicely herbaceous fragrance and sumptuously briny taste.
Pâté and Rillettes
Arguably two of the most calorie-laden, decadent things you can devour, but still entirely worth it. Help yourself to Feyel’s duck pâté and rillettes ($17.95 and $20.25 respectively) from Tanglin Market Place.
Fig jam
A sticky, ambrosial spread bursting with fruity goodness and goes incredibly well with cheeses, especially the full-flavored ones. A jar of Provençal fig jam goes for $17.90 from Hediard Cafe-Boutique.
Pastis
Of course, no true Francophile would be without his/her pastis. If you’re in the mood for this star anise-flavored liqueur, you can’t go wrong with Ricard ($73.50 for 750ml). We suggest mixing it with some chilled water, although it’s not a crime to throw in some rocks (purists might disagree, but they’re not the ones calling the shots); available from Tanglin Market Place.
Strawberries
It may be summer in France, but it’s near impossible to get your hands on delectable fraises des bois or fraises gariguette (unless you happen to know the right people). No matter—grab some regular strawberries which will serve as a wonderful complement to the champers. $8.50 per punnet at Tanglin Market Place.
Champagne
We have a deep love and appreciation for the bubbly stuff, particularly on a hot summer’s day (which makes that every day here then). Trust us when we say it’s worth springing for the good stuff. A well-chilled bottle of crisp and refreshing Jacques Selosse Brut Initial Grand Cru NV ($213) from Artisan Cellars should do the trick. Vive la revolution!
Bouled Over
Playing that most quintessential of French sports, Pétanque, in the park is one thing, but if you want to get serious, have a word with the folk from Sports Boules Singapore (#01-02 Toa Payoh Swimming Complex, 301 Toa Payoh Lor. 6, 6356-5093). If you fancy a game, head down on Saturdays at 4pm. Prepare to fork out $29 for a one-year membership (equipment provided).
Essentials:
Artisan Cellars #B1-01 Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Rd., 6838-0373
Hediard Cafe-Boutique Tudor Court, 125 Tanglin Rd., 6333-6683.
La Tanglin Boulangerie #B1-01 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Rd.
Littlé Provence #02-K2 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Rd., 6887-3842.
Tanglin Market Place #B1-02/03 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Rd., 6734-0105.
