EPICURE’S CHOICE

The things we crave this month

Geometry, precision and exquisite Japanese craftsmanship underpin the BUNACO SPEAKER (¥120,000/S$25,122) designed by nendo. This omnidirectional speaker uses BUNACO’S age-old tradition of coiling narrow strips of beech wood, grown specifically in Aomori prefecture, into an elegant home accessory. What draws us in, however, is the clear, soft tone due in part to the wood’s natural echo-reducing qualities and hidden built-in amplifier. Best of all, this eco-friendly marvel comes encased in a transparent, acrylic cylinder to showcase the inner woodwork. Contact bunaco-international@bunaco.co.jp for details. Leave your preconceived notions of what a cocktail should be and sample Sexy Fish’s 21 eccentric mixes. Their new menu features homemade tinctures, cordials and off-cuts from the kitchen as part of their move towards sustainability. Dive into the Neonach (£16/$29), a savoury yet refreshing concoction of salmoninfused Hendrick’s

Gin, basil, fennel and a splash of chilli oil, served in specially commissioned glassware inspired by the restaurant’s vibrant coral reef aquariums. Or take a sip out of the Soup Du Jour (£18), a floral tipple topped with roasted nori and Sichuan blossoms, that’s presented in a traditional miso soup bowl. A dazzling turquoise menu doubles up as a cocktail cookbook, Cocktails to Whet your Senses (£15), and includes all the recipes for adventurous guests to recreate at home. All glassware, such as their original take on the martini glass, are available for sale. Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1J 6BR, United Kingdom.

Tel: +44 20 3764 2000 The Singapore Cocktail Festival returns with another stellar lineup of guest bartenders, artisanal spirits and pop-ups. The event kicks off at their Festival Village (4 to 6 May) at Empress Lawn (tickets start from $28) with the energetic Asia Bar Battle, where five bartenders from five countries will pit their skills to create the winning tipple. Big names such as William Grant & Sons will stand alongside Black Tomato Gin (a Dutch gin made with naturally black tomatoes) and Black Cow Vodka to showcase their selection, while the everambitious James Estes (from Jack Rose and Skulldruggery) will be bringing his signatures from KL to Singapore. Newly minted Caffe Fernet, Anti:dote and other top bars in town will create a series of pairing menus, bar tours and masterclasses (till 13

May). singaporecocktailfestival.com.