Oktober in Villa'Ge

The Story
Crown Prince Ludwig, later become King Ludwig I, was married to princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen on 12th October 1810. The Citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates to celebrate the happy royal event. The fields have been named Theresienwiese (“Theresa’s fields”) in honour of the crown princess ever since. The locals have since abbreviated the name simply to the “Wies’n”

Horse races in the presence of the Royal Family marked the close of the event that was celebrated as a festival for the whole of Bavaria. The decision to repeat the horse races in the subsequent year gave rise to the tradition of Oktoberfest.

Today, The Oktoberfest is the largest festival in the worl, with an international flavour characteristic of the 21st century. And since the Oktoberfest is still held on the Theresienwiese, the locals refer to the event simply as the “Wies’n”.

Beer drinking culture
It can be argued that beer was the cause of civilization. When humans ceased to be nomads and settled down to grow grain and make bread, they did this often just so they could use that bread to make beer. Beer has played a part in many other cultural revolutions, and most of the traditional brewing countries have developed their own beer culture.


Why people like Beer
Beer is consumed in countries all over the world. It is considered to be a social lubricant in many societies. Consumption in moderation is often associated with social occasions. On the other hand, consumption in excess may be associated with people “drowning their sorrows”.

It is a bit of paradox because the German Oktoberfest is not held in October anymore. Instead, the festival begins in the middle of September and only slightly overlaps with October.
The reason behind this change was to ensure that the celebration takes place during the warmer days of Germany’s early fall.

Oktoberfest in SingaporeThe original Oktoberfest has inspired numerous similar eents around the world. Here in Singapore, the Erdinger Oktoberfest in 2006 held a Street Parade and Keg Tapping ceremony at China Square Central, followed by four days of Oktoberdest styled entertainment. There was a mouth-watering spread of German food along with great tasting wheat beer available to the many Singaporeans at the events.
Some of the german signature foods are Sausage, hendl(Chicken) Kasespatzle (Cheese noodle), pork knuckle, and sauerkraut, along with such Bavarian delicacies as roast ox tail.

Dining in Villa'Ge is more than just tuckling into delicious plethora of food. The restaurant offers a distinctive dining experience best enjoyed togeter with friends and family.

The Name
"Villa'Ge" is French for Village" to tie in with the restaurant's homey or "kampong" atmosphere.

The Look
A quaint European village with a picturesque country setting, complete with food carts, wooden fences, wine barrels and signs in several European languages.

The Concept
You are given a personal "V-card" to scan your cards and you pay at the end of the meal.

The Eats
An extensive menu of soups, grills, pastas and pizzas, Asian seasonal food such as fried rice and curry chicken beckons. Choose from moutgh-watering array of cakes and pastries.

Break the Rules
Unlike most restaurants, where you have to start with appetisers first, Villa'Ge has no such rule. You can even start with dessert first.

Villa'Ge can be found only at:
Villa'Ge @ THE HEEREN
260 ORCHARD ROAD
#B1-01
Tel: 67376996

Some sources: Sharon Berry (Senior Editor), Christine Wong, Where2Go