Japanese Dining SUN @ Chijmes

Japanese food lovers! Suntory F&B International who owns Japanese Dining SUN and SUN and MOON Japanese Dining & Cafe has collaborated with Fukuoka Chamber of Commerce and Industry to embark on a Kyushu Gourmet Experience from 16 November 2012 to 8 January 2013.

Lead by Executive Chef Toshio Sawai from the SUN group, he has created a menu to showcase the fresh ingredients from the Kyushu region, embarking on a Kyushu Gourmet Experience.

Kyushu Sashimi Mori 7 Kind 4.8/5

We went to Japanese Dining SUN on Tuesday which is delivery day for the restaurant. The Kyushu Sashimi Mori 7 Kind ($88) introduced us to the freshest produces in the Kyushu (九州) region. On the luxurious sashimi platter, there was fatty tuna, yellow seabream, horse mackerel, golden-eye snapper, striped jack, yellow tail and Japanese seabream.

Mentai Salmon Takana Roll 4/5

The Mentai Salmon Takana Roll ($18.80) is a reverse sushi roll with the Japanese preserved mustard leaf and salmon wrapping around the spicy seasoned cod roe, sweet omelette and cucumber was an enjoyment both in visual and taste. The Japanese preserved mustard leaf also gave the roll a nice crunchy texture.

Mentai Cheese Chigiri Age 3/5

Initally I thought the Mentai Cheese Chigiri Age ($9.80) was chicken bites but they were actually fishcake of spicy seasoned cod roe and cheese. It was something I would not usually find on the menu or ordered in a Japanese restaurant. This was quite pedestrian for me.

Kurobuta Gyoza 4.2/5

The Kurobuta Gyoza ($9.80) was smaller and more compact with its filling. The pan fried bite size Berkshire pork dumplings was filled with cabbage, chives and garlic. Even though the gyoza was pan fried, the meat in the filling was tender and moist. Probably the best Gyoza I ever had.

Shiokoji Moriawase 4.2/5

Shiokoji is a salted rice malt used in many Japanese marinated receipe. The Shiokoji Moriawase ($15.80) was an eye opener for me. The chef demonstrated how by controlling the amount of shiokoji can bring out different flavours and tastes of the ingredients. On the platter, we had salmon, berkshire pork, grilled chicken and white asparagus.

Miyazaki Wagyu Steak Ajikurabe 4.5/5

On the hot plate was Japanese Grade A3 Miyazaki Wagyu Steak Ajikurabe ($88.80). We had the Wagyu ribeye and sirloin steak in teppanyaki style. The premium marbled beef was grilled to perfection, flavourful and succulent.

Saga Nori Udon 3/5

Many may mistaken this as soba made from buckwheat. I was surprised when I was told that it was udon made from the seaweed. The Saga Nori Udon served separately with condiments and dipping sauce was a tad tough in texture which I did not really enjoy.

Fukuoka Kinmedai & Mentai Chazuke 4.2/5

The Fukuoka Kinmedai & Mentai Chazuke ($15.80) was a welcoming, hearty and comfort rice dish after all the savory food. The green tea bonito soup was poured into the bowl of rice, lightly grilled golden eye snapper fillet slices and spicy seasoned cod roe. Each spoonful of the chazuke was filled with fragrant roasted aroma of the green tea that was very comfortable and pleasant for the palate.

Fukuoka Tonkotsu Takana Ramen 4.5/5

The bowl of Fukuoka Tonkotsu Takana Ramen ($11.80) was robust and flavourful with thin springy noodles. I was already quite full but I could not help going back for more. The ramen also came with Japanese preserved mustard leaf giving it a crunchy texture.

Oita Momo Jam Chiffon Cake 3.8/5

The Oita Momo Jam Chiffon Cake ($6.50) was light and fluffy infused with the fruity flavour of ripe peach jam served with homemade vanilla cream.

Fukuoka Yamecha Roll Cake 4.2/5

The Fukuoka Yamecha Roll Cake ($5.80) on the other hand was more dense and stronger in flavour with smooth vanilla cream in the center. Red bean paste was served on the side which was a nice complement for the cake.

Fukuoka Yame Tea with Goma Cookie 4.2/5

The Fukuoka Yame Tea with Goma Cookie ($5) was a perfect ending for the Kyushu Gourmet Experience. The premium Fukuoka English tea has smooth and nicely scented to clear the palate after a sumptuous meal.


Japanese Dining SUN
Chijmes
30 Victoria Street
#02-01
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 63363166
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Japanese-Dining-SUN-Chijmes/112908922053939
Website: http://www.sundining.com.sg/sun-dining-chijmes.html
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch (Sun-Fri): 12pm - 3pm
Dinner (Mon-Sat): 630pm - 11pm
Sun & PH: 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, cross the road to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes.

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk southwards towards Victoria Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Road, cross the junction to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes.

Dulcet & Studio @ Liang Court

Quite some time back in July, I was at Liang Court with Charlene and Celes for the Japanese Gourmet Journey at Liang Court. We decided to meet up a bit earlier before the event started to have lunch.

Dulcet & Studio is a Japanese style cafe opened by the Tampopo Gorup that brings you Tampopo Restaurant and Tampopo Deli at Liang Court.

Cream Puff 4/5

The best seller at Dulcet & Studio indeed is a must try here. The Cream Puff's crispy brown exterior and the sweet creamy cream was a heavenly combination.

Scoop Cake 3.5/5

The beautiful Scoop Cake was fluffy and airy. I like the fact the scoop cake is not too sweet as I don't really have a sweet tooth.

Mushroom Cream Pasta 4/5

Besides delectable pastries, Dulcet & Studio offers hot meal on their menu too. The Mushroom Cream Pasta was nicely cooked, fragrant and creamy.

Fish and Chip 4/5

The Fish and Chips had a light thin batter that was crisp on the exterior. The fish fillets were nicely cooked and moist inside.


Dulcet & Studio
Liang Court Shopping Centre
177 River Valley Road
#01-41/42
Singapore 179030
Tel: +65 63389248
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DulcetNStudio
Nearest MRT: Clark Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clark Quay MRT station. Take Exit C, F or G. Walk along the river toward Riverside Point direction. Cross the bridge to the other end of the river. Turn left and walk towards Liang Court. Journey time about 7 minutes.

2) Alight at Clark Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to bus stop at Clark Quay Station (Stop ID 04222). Take bus number 54. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes

IKYU @ Yong Siak Street (Tiong Bahru)

The new kid on the block at Tiong Bahru Estate, IKYU is the new sexy, a modern Japanese restaurant with its contemporary concept provides a charming contrast to the old world architecture and ambience at the estate.

IKYU means "take a break" in English has a seating capacity of 54 over 1700 square feet, headed by Executive Chef Takuma Seki (formerly the chef-de Cuisine of Hide Yamamoto at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands). The restaurant has a relaxing atmosphere where patrons can look forward to good food, drinks and company.

Grilled Edamame Flavoured in Truffle 4/5

Starting from the apperizer menu, the group tried the Grilled Edamame Flavoured in Truffle ($8.50). I felt that the grilling infused the truffle oil and brought out the edamame's flavour even more.

Century Egg Traditional Potato Salad 4.2/5

Absolutely enjoyed the Century Egg Traditional Potato Salad ($8.50) that was light and refreshing. The century egg inside the potato salad gave the tradition and simple salad a total new dimension and texture enjoyment.

Wafu Marinated Salmon Carpaccio 4.5/5

The Wafu Marinated Salmon Carpaccio ($16.50) was beautifully marinated with the wafu dressing that was packed with freshness.

French Foie Gras Flavoured in Miso 4.5/5

Foie Gras maybe an acquire taste for some but the French Foie Gras Flavoured in Miso ($18.5) had a nice sweetness to it that probably masked away the unfavourable acquire taste that some does not enjoy.

Deep Fried Sakura Baby Prawn 3/5

On the Fried section of the menu, we had the Deep Fried Sakura Baby Prawn ($8.50). The crispy and salty sakura baby prawn is the ideal snack to go with sake or beer.

Kara-age Chicken Izakaya Style 4/5

Another delectable snack to go with sake or beer, the Kara-age Chicken Izakaya Style ($8.50) was deep fried to golden brown. Crisp on the outside and moist inside.

Blow Fish Tatsuta-age with Sansyo 3.8/5

The Blow Fish Tatsuta-age with Sansyo ($16.50) had a nice thin layer of batter wrapping around the blow fish similar to tempura style with a nice hint of Japanese pepper.

Taraba King Crab With Soy Butter 4.5

Next to the Grill section of the menu which is also the more pricey part of the menu, we got to try 3 of the dishes on the menu. The Taraba King Crab with Soy Butter ($48.50) came with a luxurious servicing of the big fat king crab claw. The smokey aroma from the grilled shell was appertising and the meat was well flavoured with the soy butter and lemon.

Kagoshima Wagyu Beef Sirloin 4.5/5

Kagoshima is the perfecture known to produced the highest quantity of beef that comes out Japan. Kagoshima beef is known for its tenderness as well as its well balanced marbling. The Kagoshima Wagyu Beef Sirloin (120g for $68.50) had a aromatic light smokey flavour from the grill. The meat was tender and melted in the mouth with its premium flavour.

Silver Cod Marinated in Saikyo Miso 4.2/5

Saikyo Miso originated from Kyoto and it is known for its generous amount of rice malt, its sweetness due to the low sodium content and light beige colour. Saikyo Miso is also known as white miso due to its light beige colour. The Silver Cod Marinated in Saikyo Miso ($25.50) was grilled to perfection. The sweetness from the saikyo miso complements the silver cod excellently with a party of flavours.

Assorted 5 Kinds of Nigiri Sushi 4.5/5

Assorted 5 kinds of Aburi Sushi 4.5/5

A tip for everyone if you love Japanese food. Delivery is usually on Tuesday and Friday for most of the Japanese restaurants in Singapore who imported their seafood from Japan. From the Nigiri menu, we had the Assorted 5 kinds of Nigiri Sushi ($28.5) and Assorted 5 kinds of Aburi Sushi ($38.5) that came with abundance of freshness. The aburi sushi was slightly grilled and topped with a sweet sauce giving them a more intense flavour.

Shrimp Tempura California Roll 4.2/5

Crispy Hot Spicy Salmon Roll 4.2/5

On to the Rolls menu, we tried the Shrimp Tempura California Roll ($15.50) and Crispy Hot Spicy Salmon Roll ($8.50). I thought the crispy hot spicy salmon roll was a good twist from the usual roll with a good combination of flavours and textures.

Shocyu Cheese Cake with Berry 3/5

Wrapping up the dinner was an interesting Shocyu Cheese Cake with Berry ($8.50). The flavour and creation was unique but those that does not drink may not enjoy it.


IKYU
5 Yong Siak Street
Singapore 168643
Tel: +65 62239003
Website: http://www.ikyu.com.sg
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line), Outram (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Head east on Tiong Bahru Road towards Jalan Membina. Walk down Tiong Bahru Road and turn right onto Kim Pong Road. At the end of Kim Pong Road, turn right at block 78 onto Yong Siak Street. Journey time about 12 minutes.

2) Alight at Outram MRT station. Take Exit A or C. Walk to bus stop opposite Outram MRT station (Stop ID 06011). Take bus no. 33, 63, 75, 851 or 970. Alight 1 stop later at Blk 55 Tiong Bahru Road. Walk to the end of Tiong Poh Road. Turn right onto Guan Chuan Street and turn left onto Chay Yan Street. At block 79, turn right onto Yong Siak Street.  Journey time 15 minutes.

Makan Gathering at High Society Mansion

Do you love to eat? Do you love making new friends? If yes, come join us for a makan gathering at High Society Mansion!

 

Having organised a few makan outings among a group of foodies. We have been to places such as Cafe de Hong Kong, JB Ah Meng, Old Airport Road Food Centre, Ghim Moh Food Centre and Tiong Bahru Food Centre.

 

Instead of the usual hawker trail, Maureen and me decided to do a sit down dinner this round. And we are opening it to anyone and everyone! Here are the details:

 

Date: 3 November 2012, Saturday

Time: 730pm - 930pm

Venue: High Society Mansion @ Pacific Plaza

No. 9 Scotts Road #01/03, #02-13, Singapore 228210. (click here for map)

Price: SGD$35 nett

Set Dinner

SOUP

Minestrone Soup

INDIVIDUAL MAIN DISH

Braised Lamb Shanks with red wine and tomato( as our menu )
OR
Norwegian Haddock in tempura batter and fries with air flown garden leaves
OR
Mixed Mushroom spaghetti perfumed with truflles scented cream sauce

TASTING DISH

(4-6 GUESTS PER TABLE)

Crab cesar Salad
Duck Confit

Seafood spagethi laksa
Pork Knuckle

DESSERT

Tasting Portions High Society’s signature Pastry

BEVERAGE

House Red & Wine 1 for 1 promotion

Beer promotion

 

As we are only keeping this gathering within a limited seating, we hope you can rsvp with us early to avoid disappointment.

To register, please write to ow.maureen@yahoo.com

In the Title write: High Society Mansion Dinner.

In the body write: Name, Handphone, Number of pax.

 

PLEASE NOTE

Deadline for cancellations: 30th October 2012. If anyone backs out after the deadline, he/she should either find a replacement or else pay for his/her share because the cost per table has already been fixed and it would not be fair for others attending to bear the extra cost due to no-shows.

Old Bibik's Nasi Rendang @ Lavendar Food Square

If you visit Lavendar Food Square, do not be surprised when you see 2 Chinese men seeing nasi redang at Old Bibik's Nasi Rendang stall. Both Adrian and Ah Wee quitted their corporate jobs and venture into F&B without any kitchen experience.

Duplicating Adrian's grandma secret redang recipe that is handed down from one generation to another, Old Bibik's redang is prepared from scratch daily at the stall with the freshest ingredients.

Chicken Redang Set 4.2/5

The Chicken Redang Set ($4) came with papadums, egg, cucumber slices and rice. Optional side dish such as Nonya style Stir Fried Long Beans can be added at a nominal price. The chicken was well marinated and fork tender.

Beef Redang Set 4.2/5

The Beef Redang Set ($5) is a dollar more and came with the same set items. The beef redang was slowed cooked to tender soft. Worth mentioning are the spices used at the stall. They were freshly and manually blended daily.


Old Bibik's Nasi Rendang
Lavendar Food Square
380 Jalan Besar
#01-30
Singapore 209000
Tel: +65 97972842
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oldbibik
Nearest MRT: Lavendar (EW Line), Boon Keng (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thur: 12pm - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 1am
Sun: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavendar MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Lavendar Station (Stop ID 01311). Take bus number 133 or 145. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes.

2) Alight at Boon Keng MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to bus stop at Blk 22 Boon Keng Road (Stop ID 60199). Take bus 21, 130 or 139. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes.

Mouth Restaurant (地茂馆) @ China Square Central

Pride itself as being the first restaurant to bring the teahouse concept to Singapore in 1989, the original Mouth Restaurant (地茂馆) at Chinatown Point had snaking queues where customers had to wait up to 2 hours to savour their dim sum.

Mouth Restaurant (地茂馆) has evolved over the years to become an all inclusive Chinese restaurant offering exquisite Hong Kong cuisines, infusiing traditional culinary with a touch of modernity at an affordable price. Revamping its menu to capture the younger palate, I am impressed with the food, relinquished my misconception of the food served at Mouth Restaurant.

Kohii Cafe & Sandwich Bar @ One Shenton

Kohii was my first tasting with Melissa and in a blink of an eye I have known her for more nearly a year. Recently Kohii celebrated its one year anniversary but I was away for work and couldn't attend it. Kohii has also extended its opening hours to 10pm on weekdays serving new bar snacks and dinner menu.

Crispy Silver Bait 2.5/5

New on the bar snacks menu is the Crispy Silver Bait ($9) tossed with house dressing. The dressing was pretty good but the batter was too thick for my liking.

Waldorf Salad with Walnut 3/5

The Waldorf Salad with Walnut ($10.50) came with chucks of green apples, celery, lettuce, lemon, walnuts and seaweeds. The bowl of salad has a light citric taste that was light and refreshing.

Cha Soba 3.5/5

Tossed with Shoyu, the Cha Soba Salad ($10.50) was something different. I thought it resembled the cold noodles. It can be a healthy full meal for dinner.

Golden Onion Ring 2.5/5

We have mixed review of the Golden Onion Ring ($8). While the others enjoyed the battered onion ring with wasabi dip, I still prefer my breaded onion ring.

Beer Battered Oyster Mushroom 2.5/5

Once again I did not enjoy the Beer Battered Oyster Mushroom ($8). I thought it was bland although the dipping sauce did help to lift the taste.

Carbonara 4.2/5

While the bar snacks may have disappointed me. The mains brought the excitment back to my taste buds. The Carbonara ($12.50) with bacon and eggs well coated with the cream sauce was well executed and delectable.

Mushroom Aglio Olio 4.5/5

I could not wait to dig into the Mushroom Aglio Olio ($13.50) when it was served. The aroma of the sauteed mushroom tossed with garlic and olive oil was stimulating to the appetite. I really enjoyed the pasta, it was fragant and packed with flavours.

Seafood Baked Rice 4/5

The oven baked tomato based Seafood Baked Rice ($13.50) was topped with fresh mozzarella and assorted seafood. The flavours were pretty balanced with a nice cheesy topping while the rice was infused with the tomato flavour.

Seafood Pizza 4/5

The 8 inch Seafood Pizza ($12.50) came with a delectable sweet and spicy wasabi base thin crust. It was topped with fresh scallops, shrimps, tako, lump crabmeat, fresh mozzarella, bell peppers, bonito flakes and kizaminori.


Kohii
One Shenton
1 Shenton Way
#01-06
Singapore 068803
Website: www.kohii.asia
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (NS Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 830am - 10pm
Sat: 9am - 3pm
(Closed on Sun & PH)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit I. Exit One Raffles Quay Building and walk towards Lau Pa Sat Festival Market direction. One Sheraton Building is diagonally opposite Wendy or directly opposite SGX Centre. Journey time about 10 minutes.