[nuriana]

April 2008 – June 2008
Organised by National Museum of Singapore

Life & Living is the National Museum of Singapore's annual line-up of lifestyle programmes and workshops aimed at creating refreshing new ways for you to discover and engage with aspects of history with your friends and family in a relaxed, informal manner. We believe that history is very much part of life and living. Thus, our Food & Culture series places the appreciation of food and drink in interesting cultural and historical contexts, while showing you how they are indelibly linked to the present and to your lifestyle. You will be surprised by what you might discover next at the National Museum.

The Food & Culture series introduces the many pleasures of food and drink in an unpretentious and accessible manner. This series has been designed to educate, entertain and excite you through fun, interactive programmes. Fancy spending an evening tasting your way through a series of Viennese (and Hungarian) pastries and learn about the country’s past?
Want to learn about “ancient Chinese secrets” while going through some of the truths and myths in Chinese herbal medicines? Or drink with us as we create unique new cocktails inspired by local ingredients and icons. The Food & Culture series will satisfy your intellectual and physical cravings.

The Story of Pho, the Story of a Nation
Friday 11 April
7pm – 9pm
Salon
Admission: $10 per participant

Learn the history of Vietnam’s most well-known and unofficial national dish. Further, learn how
this simple beef noodle soup represents and reflects Vietnam’s unique culture and heritage both in Vietnam and abroad. Understand how pho has traveled around the world with the Vietnamese diaspora and has, more than anything else, become a symbol of Vietnam.

Presenter:
Cuong Phu Le, Asian-Australian Community Cultural Development Officer, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre and Liverpool Regional Museum, founder and curator of I Love Pho visual arts exhibition and Asia Link recipient for Arts Management Residence in 2006 for projects in Vietnam and Cambodia. (More information on I Love Pho can be found at http://www.casulapowerhouse.com/pages/touring.php)


Something Smells Fishy
Friday 25 April
7pm – 9pm
Salon
Admission: $20 per participant

What is fish sauce, one of the key ingredients of Vietnamese cooking? How is it traditionally
made? What should it taste like? How do the Vietnamese use it? And what are the similarities
and/or differences between Vietnamese fish sauce and the other varieties used throughout Southeast Asia? Discover how these similarities and differences reflect a little of the history of
Southeast Asia. At the end of the session, have a small taste of some specialties that are made with this very special sauce.

Presenter:
Christopher Tan, writer, editor, food consultant and cookbook author.


An Enlightened Age: Chocolate in the 18th Century
Saturday 3 May
3pm – 5pm
Salon
Admission: $10 per participant

In the 18th Century, chocolate’s popularity reached all across Europe and the Americas. It was
a time of upheavals in society that influenced who got to enjoy chocolate and who didn’t, and of advances in technology that made possible the first chocolate bars. Learn how the history of chocolate reflects the changes in society in the 18th Century.

Presenter:
Vincent Bourdin, Regional Pastry Consultant, Valrhona


Is Food Art?
Friday 30 May
7pm – 9pm
Salon
Free admission

We pit some of Singapore’s most important chefs, designers and artists against each other to
debate the very controversial question, “Is food art?” Hear different viewpoints as our experts state their cases.

Presenters:
Low Kee Hong, Assistant Director (Visual Arts) and General Manager, Singapore Biennale
Andrew Tjioe, President and CEO of Tung Lok Group
Willin Low, chef and restaurateur
Eric Low, Development Chef, Nestle R & D Singapore


A History of Austria’s Golden Age through its Desserts
Friday 13 June
7pm – 9pm
Salon
Admission: $25 per participant

Ever tasted Sacher Torte? Gugelhof? Esterhazychnitten? Dobos Torte? Yes, they’re delicious. But they’re also important slices of Austria’s history. Taste your way through a series of Viennese (and Hungarian) pastries and experience and learn about the country’s past.

Brain food
Saturday 14 June
3pm – 5pm
Salon
Admission: $10 per session

Do certain foods have an effect on how children develop and grow? Find out what’s best for
your own little budding genius.

Presenter:
Breda Gavin, Consultant Nutritionist, Food and Nutrition Specialists

Ticketing
Please book tickets online at www.nationalmuseum.sg (go to Online Booking Page) or at our Visitor Services Counter at the National Museum of Singapore.