It has been a long time dream of mine to fulfil a luxurious few days wining and dining on the romantic carriages of The Orient Express. Luxury train travel is indeed indulgent, infatuating and intimate.
Looking for a special celebration experience for my husband (who has done most special experiences on this island), I eagerly booked the pop up exhibition, Once Upon a Time on the Orient Express followed by a decadent degustation dinner to be delivered in a classic train carriage.
Arriving at the exhibition site on the West Lawn of Gardens by the Bay, we are immediately struck by the impressive and imposing 158 year old black locomotive as it proudly sits in front of the grand towers of Marina Bay Sands – a spectacular juxtaposition between historic and modern feats of engineering.
As we enter the exhibition and climb the stairs to the original 1930’s train carriages, we are transported back to a time of wonder, discovery and the heyday of luxury travel. The two carriages, classified as National Treasures of France and owned by private collectors, have been shipped overseas for the first time and they sit pride of place amongst the 2000m2 exhibition space. The train carriages are replete with original artefacts and precious objects – from the finest bone china and silverware to classic Louis Vuitton luggage. As you explore the carriages, the groans and creaks as you walk down the aisle and the smell of history engulfs all your senses to take you on your own miniature journey of The Orient Express.
Exiting the train, we enter the large exhibition space where a world of historic artifacts, visual displays and stories of yesteryear take us through the journey of the Orient Express itself.
From the ambitious dreams of the founder to wartime disruptions and events that shaped the world map all of which contributed to the legacy of this train that was the first to transport its guests from Europe to the Orient in 1889. Extraordinary objects and documents are used to showcase centuries old history, allowing visitors to explore the tracks and landscapes that only a few elite travellers and diplomats ever had the opportunity to travel.
As we depart the exhibition there is a full merchandise shop offering everything from exquisite collector’s items to branded memorabilia and much coveted kids toys. And for those needing a quick night cap or pick me up, the Orient Express road cafe takes guests on a coffee journey offering unique blends that were discovered and made famous by the stops on the Orient Express route.
For us, the evening is just beginning as we embark on our dinner experience, entering the exquisite Moet & Chandon cocktail bar where we indulge in cocktails inspired by the era and the Orient Express. Of course I tried the “From Russia with Love”, a seductive combination of Belvedere Vodka, Sea Buckthorn Puree, Lemon and Moet & Chandon champagne (a nod to the Bond movie of the same name where Bond and his girl try to travel on the Orient Express form Istanbul to Trieste). Husband goes for a classic Bloody Mary inspired tipple of Gordon’s Gin, Tomato Juice, Lemon Juice, Olive Brine, Worcester Sauce and Chipotle Tabasco named “Stokers’ Dracula” (as his enemy travelled on the Orient Express to beat him to Varna).
Cocktails in hand, we are politely escorted to our table aboard the replica restaurant car and it truly feels like we are seated on board the Orient Express. With all the trimmings of fine bone china, silverware and crystal it is only fitting that we commence with a glass of fine Moet & Chandon champagne. Our gastronomic journey tonight will be a seven course degustation menu crafted with luxury and fusion in mind and paying homage to the Orient Express era. The menu has been designed by renowned French chef, Yannick Alléno, holder of six Michelin stars including the coveted 3 Michelin star accolade. In his words “L’Orient-Express is a fairytale universe linked to travel, culture and gastronomy. It is my utmost pleasure to propose you this elegant and modern menu, that is an invitation to travel”.
Highlights of this divine degustation included the beautiful garden like King crab, coated with farmhouse cream and infused with blueberry vinegar and nori broth. The filet of braised French sole had the most remarkable Comte cheese crust – a first time for us experiencing cheese and fish, but it was an impeccable ensemble. The Gunma Waygu grade 5 beef was an incredible feat – served in a millefeuille style where it was sliced paper thin and reassembled in delicate layers and adorned with caper jus.
Our meal was perfectly complemented by a four flight wine pairing and it was a truly an indulgent treat that a 2010 Puligny-Montrachet from Burgundy as well as 2012 Saint-Emillion Grand Cru from Bordeaux were amongst the wondrous wines on offer.
Having enjoyed one of the finest French meals we have had in a long time, we were able to look back on our whole evening as a wonderfully historic, beautifully romantic date night with a special touch of “je ne sais quoi”. It is indeed time for the gentleman to don those jackets and the ladies to spruce themselves up with pearls and heels and enter the world of Once Upon a Time on the Orient Express.
The Orient Express pop-up restaurant is open for brunch (Sundays only), lunch (Monday – Saturday only), high tea and dinner. Reservations can be made online on the Orient Express Exhibition Website
About Rebecca Assice
Contributor Rebecca Assice is the Founder of Virtual Room, one of the world’s best team-based virtual reality experiences and is now in Singapore. Blending the escape room concept with a full 3D cinematic experience to deliver a unique, immersive and mind-blowing adventure. Played in groups of 2, 3 or 4 players where each player has their own dedicated room – you will talk to each other, walk around, bend, throw objects and collaborate together to solve the puzzles and challenges. Expat Choice readers enjoy a 15% discount when you book Virtual Room experiences with code EXPATCHOICE15 and receive a 15% automatic discount when booked online at https://singapore.virtual-room.com/booking/
