Vanilla, Violins & VANESSA

Dr. Michael Lim The Travelling Gourmet interviews the famous and beautiful rock violinist, Vanessa Mae, on what she likes to eat and drink…

MEETING Vanessa Mae, the renowned rock violinist, on board the spanking new 76,800 tonne, US$380 million megaship Superstar Virgo, is something I will always remember. It was love at first sight. Extremely beautiful, shapely, charming, vivacious and bright, she answered my questions with grace, wit, style and humour. Her smooth complexion is flawless and does not need any make up. She also has a stunningly sweet smile with an excellent set of teeth.

I asked her gently, “Is there any food or wine that makes you play the violin better?

Vanessa explained, “Well, when I was a child, and I first turned professional…I was about 11 or 12…my favorite food was caviar. And apparently according to my mother, I calculate how much I needed to make in terms of money to be able to afford caviar every day. I must say that I get enough energy and inspiration from the audience. I eat nothing or a lot before a concert.”

On a subject very close to my heart, I enquired, “Do you like chocolates and desserts?”

Smiling broadly, she exclaimed enthusiastically, “Yeah I do, I do, absolutely! Normally we have an interval and we always take different types of snacks. Now I happen to be here in Malaysia and Singapore, where I was born…this area, and you have all the nyonya cakes and the popiah, and all the nice things…and durian helps me…a lot.”

I probed carefully, “Do you like champagne and vanilla ice cream?”

“Yes! I do! I do like champagne. I like that a lot, and…but I like, I love just the sweet wines, like Sauternes, Muscat, Tokay, things like that, champagne. I can hold my drink but I don’t drink heavily. And yeah, I don’t say it’s my favourite flavour but I do like vanilla, yes!”

The next day, her concert, Vanessa Mae – Live At The Lido saw the two deck opulent showroom on the cruise ship filled to its 930 seat capacity. Vanessa’s show with her troupe of 27 musicians and dancers was electrifying, and filled with the powerful energy of a nuclear explosion. Dressed in a skintight, pink shoulderless top, and black bellbottoms, she played her trademark electric violin with skill, gusto and incredible finesse. Vanessa also played her 238 year old classical violin which she has had since the age of 10. At the end of her ‘Storm Show’, she received a standing ovation and gave 4 encores. I stood up myself to shout "Brava!" so many times until I was hoarse.

Vanessa not only plays as good as she looks, she also has very good taste in food and wine!

What more can I say? Alamak! Beauty, Brains and Talent is smply irresistable!

 Salut!  J