By Ridzwan Arifin
Who says that a grocer can’t be something more?
Does B.I.G stand for “Big Incredible Garden?” That was my first thought as I walked into the grocer.
The first thing that caught my nose’s attention was the soothing fragrances of fresh fruits, vegetables and premium legumes, sorted and organised perpendicular to each other, perfected in the right array of colour codes. It was stunningly similar to walking in an Italian market, making it the perfect morning.
Gourmet food grocer, Ben’s Independent Grocer (B.I.G) – a subsidiary of the Food Purveyor (formerly known as Village Grocer Holdings) – is now serving Kuala Lumpur folks its famously curated “Eat. Drink. Shop” retail experience. It is located at the city’s newest lifestyle development, The Linc KL, at Jalan Tun Razak.
Inspired by the rooftop garden concept of Manhattan, New York, the space takes on a loftlike look coupled with green spaces interspersed throughout the store, embedding The Linc with its signature modern eco-urban architecture.
Even on its first day, of business, customers were already lined up, browsing through the goods even as early as 10 am!
My colleague and I were surprised how fast the public caught wind of B.I.G’s opening in Linc.
Alongside glamorous housewives, young working adults and professionals were seen brushing against each other’s shoulders (yes, it was that crowded!) during lunch hours.
B.I.G offers all day in-house dining featuring its signature family diner, Japanese style delicatessen (Tokyo Delicatessen), Melbournebased Vietnamese Pho and Grill Me Services, where you can curate your own grilled meals with the freshest of seafood and best cut meats.
As for the coup de grâce, one’s sweet palette can be appeased at Inside Scoop; an American styled milk bar offering milkshakes and classic sundaes, all made fresh.
On a more finite take on gastronomy, B.I.G also features artisanal delicacies that include chocolates, desserts, cheeses, oils, vinegars, truffles and caviars among many others.
In B.I.G, there is this quaint little spot called Tealogy, a tea bar with over 50 varieties from all over the world. Tealogy practiced what some might call “thinking outside of the teabag”, as they have delicacies made from these teas!
I got to taste some of the best matcha-themed macaroons, matcha-laced cakes, as well as Earl Grey sponge cakes.
To make things better, Tealogy is complemented by Glow by Amazing Grace, a breakfast bar of healthy grains. Yes, it’s a bar serving breakfast, complete with tall chairs and prettybaristas ready to take your order, from nuts and berries smoothies to customized yogurt-based muesli bowls.
