Interview with Ivan Teo from Arteastiq

Ivan Teo

Director, Arteastiq Tea Lounge & Art Jam 

(All photos courtesy of Hearted Moments Photography)

Ever thought you could start a successful business by accident? What about a business which pairs high tea with acrylic painting?! Arteastiq is one such business which came about as a blessing in disguise! 🙂

Ivan used to run a furniture store at this venue in Mandarin Gallery but it was a loss-making venture. However, customers liked the concept of enjoying their tea in this luxurious environment. Hence, with a revamp, the business took off again.

The special tea flavors were created by Ivan’s Tea Consultant friend and the tea is brewed individually for 3-5 minutes till the flavors get infused. Ivan revealed that not all kinds of oolong tea goes well with lychee, for example, hence the special attention paid to the brew. Also, Arteastiq does not use flavored teabags so don’t expect teabags to be sold here.

“Making tea is an art – not just throwing in a teabag.” – Ivan

Currently, Arteastiq serves 11 kinds of tea with a range of sides. I especially loved the lychee tea and almond biscuits which were surprisingly delicious, and I was told the Japanese mochi is not to be missed too!

When you’re done enjoying the tea, proceed for a 3-hour Art Jam session where everything is provided for you – aprons, paint, brushes, canvas, etc.

There’s reference material available if you need it too. And the friendly staff will make a color copy of any design you like so you can stick it next to your canvas and paint accordingly. 😉

You may even spot a couple of unfinished artwork which customers will be coming back to work on. You only have to pay $5/hr for each additional hour you require. Or else, it’s $48 for the 3 hours of painting on the regular 50 x 50cm canvas, or top up an additional $10 for the bigger one.

Ivan revealed that he was surprised at how willing Singaporeans were to participate in Art Jam. Art Jam started in the UK more than 10 years ago and essentially is not a school. People just got curious when they spotted other people painting.

In fact, local celebrities like Stefanie Sun, Zoe Tay and Michelle Chia have popped by Arteastiq with their friends and family. Check out their photos here.

I suppose even celebrities take to painting as a way to release stress and also bond with their friends and loved ones. 🙂

As for me, I haven’t painted since my Secondary School days, which seems like decades ago now. So here it is… the painter is pretty *ahem* but the painting, not so much…

My photographer friend, Jiahe, did a better job though he was taking photos most of the time. *sob* Talent: either you have it, or you don’t. 😀

And have no worries about smudging the wet paint ‘cos the canvas will be packed in a special carrier for you:

And to reward yourself for the marvellous job at painting, just head out to the tea lounge/restaurant for a bite…

[above] I tried the Tender Mafia (Italian herbs with beef ribeye). I found it well-flavored and just a tad too salty.

*The main dishes are cooked using the Sous vide ultra-slow cooking method which seals in the meat’s juiciness and retains its tenderness. This means slow-cooking for TWO hours. I’m impressed.*

Jiahe tried the Saucy Housewife (Jumbo chicken leg in green apple cinnamon). I love the presentation! 😉

One item on their menu that caught me by surprise was this mushroom soup. Served in a petite mug, it’s full of yummy goodness:

*Must Try*

Unsurprisingly, Arteastiq is a hit with the ladies. Make a reservation before coming by, even on a weekday!

I’ll certainly be going back to Arteastiq again, it’s such a great place for tea and chilling out with friends. And perhaps, with enough practice, I can start painting decently well. 😀

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Arteastiq:

Morning session: 11am-2pm/Afternoon session: 2.30pm-5.30pm

$88 per couple (you get everything you need to paint plus 2 snacks & beverages)

Or

$214 per couple for a 5-course Dinner with red/white wine and 1.5hrs of Painting. RSVP by today! Check Arteastiq’s Facebook Page for more details. 🙂

Arteastiq is located at:

Mandarin Gallery #04-14/15

333A Orchard Road S(238867)

http://www.arteastiq.com/

For more Valentine’s Day gift and dating ideas, visit this blog again this weekend 😉

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