Restaurant Gaig @ Stanley Road - An Immersive Catalan Fare With New Chef’s Menu

Nestled in the heart of Singapore's bustling dining precinct, Restaurant Gaig brings the vibrant flavours of Catalan cuisine to the city. As the first international outpost of the original Michelin-starred restaurant in Barcelona, helmed by renowned chef Carles Gaig, Restaurant Gaig in Singapore is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Catalonia. Operated by chef Gaig's daughter, Núria Gibert, this establishment continues the family's tradition of excellence in gastronomy, spanning five generations.

At the kitchen's helm is Executive Chef Marti Carlos, who honed his skills under the tutelage of Chef Gaig himself. With a deep-rooted respect for Catalan culinary traditions, Executive Chef Marti pays homage to the region's vibrant culture and heritage while infusing his dishes with a sophisticated flair. To celebrate the magical Catalonia Summer, Restaurant Gaig presents a new Chef's Menu ($180++ per diner) that promises an immersive dining experience.

The Thinnest Fuet Sandwich, Sunday's Vermut, Surf and Turf Taco 4/5

The gastronomic journey begins with a trio of canapés inspired by Catalan's classic snacks and Sunday social traditions. The Thinnest Fuet Sandwich showcases a crisp and thin filo pastry filled with savoury pork cold cuts and grated tomatoes—a nostalgic favourite from Chef Marti's childhood.

Sunday's Vermut pays tribute to the Spanish tradition of enjoying vermouth with light snacks like potato chips and olives. At Restaurant Gaig, cockle, vermouth, and olive pearls are served in a fried potato shell, offering a burst of flavour in a single bite.

Another delightful creation is the Surf and Turf Taco, featuring shredded lamb ossobuco served in a shrimp fritter "taco" shell, complemented by cured shallots, Lyo corn, and green Mojo Verde dressing.

Homemade Raviolis 5/5

Continuing the culinary journey, the Homemade Raviolis delight with roasted lamb shoulder and scampi broth. The tender ravioli, stuffed with minced lamb leg shoulder, is beautifully accompanied by langoustine consommé, creating a harmonious balance of flavours.

Frit Menorqui 4.2/5

The Frit Menorquí pays homage to the Balearic Islands, presenting pan-seared lobster with sofrito and lobster bisque-infused egg yolk—a dish traditionally enjoyed during the summer months.

Glazed Sweetbreads and Artichoke 3.8/5

For those seeking a nose-to-tail experience, the Glazed Sweetbreads with Artichoke and Chips showcases creamy lamb sweetbreads paired with parsnip purée, glazed artichokes, and chips. It is an exquisite combination of textures and flavours.

Lamb Rack 4.8/5

The Chef's Menu also features a succulent Lamb Rack with idiazabal cheese sauce, where the buttery and smoky notes of the farmhouse sheep cheese elevate the roasted lamb.

Pre-Dessert 4/5

A pre-dessert of Smoked Chocolate with Strawberry and Basil delights the senses, with strawberry and basil ice cream accompanied by smoked chocolate ganache, chocolate crumble, and white chocolate tuile.

Orange Dessert 4.2/5

Concluding the remarkable culinary experience is a dessert that pairs Orange Sorbet with carrot sabayon, mandarin carrot sorbet, egg yolk ice cream, orange pearls, and sugar bits. This inventive creation showcases the versatility of oranges in various forms, leaving a bright and refreshing note on the palate.

Restaurant Gaig offers an impeccable display of the best of Catalan culinary traditions. From the cherished family recipes passed down through generations to the innovative twists introduced by Chef Marti Carlos, every dish celebrates Catalonia's rich gastronomic heritage. Immerse yourself in a truly memorable dining experience that captures the essence of Catalonia at Restaurant Gaig.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Gaig
16 Stanley Street
Singapore 068735
Tel: +65 62212134
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street, walk to Boon Tat Street. Turn left onto Boon Tat Street. Turn right onto Stanley Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to Mccallum Street. Turn right onto Mccallum Street. Turn left onto Stanley Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Avenue 87 @ Amoy Street - The Third Edition Tasting Menu

I am back again at Avenue 87, a modern Asian restaurant opened by co-Chef-Founders Glen Tay and Alex Phan. The duo has recently put together a new menu - Journey Menu (125++) and  Experience Menu ($168++).

Pork Jelly 3.5/5

I had the Experience Menu, kickstarting with several Snacks that showcase the chef's interpretation of the local flavours. For example, the Pork Jelly is inspired by the classic Teochew pig's trotter jelly sandwiched between two thin crispy sheets.

Tofu and Kueh Pie Tie 4/5

Next is the Tofu and Kueh Pie Tie. The Tofu is an interpretation of the mapo tofu substituting the spiciness with Korean chilli paste (gochujang). The Kueh Pie Tie is not a new snack but an elevated one for their love of the local curry fish head. It is Indian-style curry, tangy and packed with aroma from the spices.

Laksa 3.5/5

As for the Laksa sphere, it was an interesting representation of the local flavour topped with caviar and an Indian spiced cracker. Unfortunately, I thought the cracker spices overpowered the appreciation of the laksa flavour.

Uni on Toast 4.2/5

The last snack is the Uni on Toast. A delicious combination that will get one screaming for more.

Foie Gras 4/5

Moving on to the next dish, we have the Foie Gras, which is thick and creamy, paired with Chinese celery, confit tomato and mandarin orange. I like the touch of mandarin orange that helps to refresh the palate.

Duck 4.5/5

One of my favourite courses is the Duck item, a soup dish. Being Chinese, we love our soup. The saltiness from the salted vegetables and heat from the peppercorn made this a delicious pot of soup. You can also find a cabbage roll wrapped with duck meat in it.

Frog Legs 4.2/5

The Frog Legs are my dining companions' favourite dishes. The boneless and tender frog legs are cooked in a beautiful Thai green curry sauce, with the addition of lemongrass and Thai basil for the extra fragrant.

Toothfish 4.5/5

The Toothfish has a sweet buttery flavour similar to cod fish. The beautifully cooked fish is complemented by the crab roe and baijiu sauce, topped with ikura.

Aged Yamaguchi Wagyu

The last savoury dish is the Aged Yamaguchi Wagyu. It is served together with Taiwanese claypot rice with wild mushrooms. Having them together, it felt like having a plate of Asian char siew rice on a plate.

Calpis

Before moving to the dessert, we had the palate cleanser that was sweet and refreshing.

Toast 4.2/5

For dessert, we had a soft and fluffy Toast deep-fried to a crispy exterior, paired excellently with kaya ice cream.

Last, we had the Petite Four to wrap up the dinner. I enjoyed the soft and spongy Mochi coated with peanuts. The Jackfruit Ice Cream Sandwich is as good too.

Overall, I enjoyed the new menu at Avenue 87. Previously, I felt their menu might be hard for customers to accept as it was too focused on local flavours. The new menu is more balance, incorporating more Asian flavours while still showcasing the local flavours in the snack items.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


[CLOSED]
Avenue 87
47 Amoy Street
Singapore 069873
Tel: +65 98388401/ 69705491
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sat 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm
(Closed on Tue, Sun and PH)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Oishii Ristorante @ Frasers Tower - New Japanese-Italian Restaurant Offering Omakase Dinner As Cheap As $53/pax

Opened in June this year at Frasers Tower is Oishii Ristorante offering Italian pizza and pasta with a touch of Japanese ingenuity, alongside donburi and an array of classic Japanese dishes. The Japanese-Italian restaurant also has a splendid selection of Japanese sake, whisky, fine wines, champagne and beer to complement the dishes.

Truffle & Kombu Edamame 3.5/5

We started with Truffle & Kombu Edamame ($10), an ideal snack to munch on before the rest of the food is served.

Oishii Salad $12

Our salad of the day is an Heirloom of Tomatoes. I enjoyed the tomatoes' sweetness a lot, brightened by the ponzu-like sauce.

Truffle Mushroom & Seaweed Rigatoni 3.8/5

Pasta lovers will adore the Truffle Mushroom & Seaweed Rigatoni ($20) that has been perfectly cooked to a delightful al dente texture. Accompanying the beautiful dish are sauteed mushrooms in a miso truffle cream sauce, topped with nori seaweed.

Unagi & Corn Pizza 4/5

From the paste, we move to another Italian staple - pizza. We picked the Unagi & Corn Pizza ($22). The eight-inch white sauce pizza is topped with unagi, corn, tobiko and nori. The fusion combination works for me, giving the traditional pizza topping a new take.

Yuzu Miso Salmon & Ikura Don 4/5

From Italy, we moved to the Japanese's Donburi. We had the Yuzu Miso Salmon & Ikura Don ($28) brimming with fresh Atlantic salmon, ikura, onsen egg, tobiko, olives, pickled mustard greens and cucumbers. I appreciate the yuzu miso marination for the salmon and ikura. It enlivens the enjoyment of the rice bowl.

Salmon Tartare 4.2/5

It seems like the chef likes to use yuzu in his cooking. Yuzu is also used in the Salmon Tartare ($20), brightening the seasoned fresh diced salmon and served with tamago, tobiko and Pistachio nuts.

Ribeye & Pesto 4/5

Another beautiful dish on the menu is the Ribeye & Pesto ($18, 120g). On top of the char on the exterior of the binchotan grilled ribeye, I can taste a hint of sweetness to the medium-rare beef. It seems like it has been marinated in some sweet marinade, giving it the sweetness, paired with house-made pesto.

Yuzu Choc Tart 4.2/5

Wrapping up our dinner is Yuzu Choc Tart ($16). Another item on the menu shows the chef loves to work with yuzu. Usually, I have chocolate with orange, but yuzu is the first for me. I enjoy the yuzu curd and chocolate ganache combination more. The flavours are more prominent.

For those looking for a unique experience at Oishii Ristorante, you can go for the Japanese-Italian fusion omakase at an attractive price of $80/pax during lunch and dinner at $53/pax for 7 courses and $76/pax for 9 courses. It is not a typo error! The dinner omakase is cheaper than the lunch omakase!

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Oishii Ristorante
Frasers Tower
182 Cecil Street
#01-05
Singapore 069547
Tel: +65 62327890
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 113am - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to destination. Journey time about 4 minutes. [Map]

NORTH Miznon @ Amoy Street - A Modern Israeli Dining Experience

First established in Tel Aviv, Israel, NORTH Mizon at Amoy Street is the concept's first Asia outpost. Founded by Chef Eyal Shani – a leading figure in the Israeli culinary scene and most famously known as a judge on MasterChef Israel, NORTH Mizon showcases modern Israeli flavours, with a daily-changing menu of sharing plates to reflect the multifaceted nature of Israeli cuisine.

Naked Heirloom tomatoes Mosaic 4.5/5

You will find interesting plant-forward dishes, such as the stunning Naked Heirloom Tomatoes Mosaic ($19) topped with olive oil and salt flowers. The specially sourced tomatoes are sliced paper-thin and drizzled with Greek extra-virgin oil with a generous sprinkle of sea salt, teasing the beautiful flavours of the produce.

Melting Baby Leeks, Parmesan 4.2/5

Melting Baby Leeks, Parmesan ($18) is another dish that highlights one of the key principles of Chef Eyal Shani. He strives to source the freshest, best, and, where possible, local ingredients to be served in his restaurant. Buttery, sweet and savoury with parmesan, these baby leeks were just as satiable as a plate of well-barbecued ribs.

Focaccia 4/5

Hummus topped with Prawns in Beurre Noisette 4.5/5

Inspirations from French and Italian cuisines are reflected on the menu as well. For example, Hummus topped with Prawns in Beurre Noisette ($36) was lusciously creamy and rich. The prawns added a layer of texture and flavour to every bite. Thanks to the restaurant's signature Focaccia served on the house, I could mop up the humus on the plate. The focaccia itself is a great starter too. It comes with a trinity of sauces served at almost all Israeli meals; zhug – a fresh green chilli paste with garlic and olives, Maggie tomato salsa and sour cream.

Palamida Fillet 4/5

We also had Palamida Fillet ($34) roasted on plancha, served on a pretty-in-pink tomato cloud and tahini. Though the fish was very well done with firm and moist flesh, it was relatively underwhelming.

Roast Beef Carpaccio on the Rock 4/5

Talking about inventive ways to present dishes, Chef Eyal Shani's Sirloin Roast Beef Carpaccio on the Rock ($47) is served to us on a solid rock. Its sight will definitely excite your taste buds and your friends, and the portion makes it even more ideal for sharing.

The dessert selection features up to six glorious and utterly satisfying creations. A classic to try will be the Ants Nest Cake with Queen Hajar shiny glaze is a honeycomb cake with toasty caramel notes, and a touch of ginger. However, my personal favourite is the Semolina Cream Cake, which gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling for each bite. Each dessert is $20, or enjoy a cardboard comprising a mix of all desserts at $19 per person.

Words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


NORTH Miznon
110 Amoy Street
#01-01
Singapore 069930
Tel: +65 80285204
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 530pm – 12am
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Carrotsticks & Cravings @ Stanley Street - Aussie-Inspired Cafe's Third Outlet With Coastal-Inspired Interiors

Carrotsticks & Cravings, an Aussie-inspired cafe, unveils a new outlet in the heart of CBD along Stanley street. The third and latest outlet boasts a gorgeous coastal-inspired interior, offering freshest quality and wholesome dishes. The food menu comes in four categories - Morning Specials, Bowls, Open Herb Sourdough and Sandwiches.

Stanley Breakfast For 2 4.2/5

In celebration of its latest outlet's opening, it has launched the exclusive outlet only Stanley Breakfast For 2 ($46), a vibrant representation of the brand's founder and owner's Australian and Israeli roots. The platter comprises a generous serving of Israeli salad, two freshly-baked puff pastries filled with cream cheese, oven-roasted eggplant, homemade hummus, falafel patties, avocado, smoked salmon or chicken ham. There is more! A Sourdough breadbasket, choice of two eggs (poached, scrambled, sunny-side up or omelette) and two coffees complete the breakfast feast.

Signature Smashed Avo 4.2/5

A hearty breakfast on the menu is the Signature Smashed Avo ($18). Avocado and a poached egg rest on top of the toasted sourdough. It is further crowned with feta, dukkah and dressed with herb oil. Finally, zest up the flavour with a squeeze of the lemon.

Dukkah Salmon 4.2/5

Cooked to a beautiful pink is the Dukkah Salmon ($28) accompanied by brown rice, roasted pumpkin, asparagus, pomegranate and rocket leaves.

Red Shakshouka 4.5/5

For something comfortable, I will recommend the Red Shakshouka ($18). The spicy Mediterranean red sauce of tomatoes with poached eggs and goat cheese is best with the accompanying sourdough.

Peanut Butter Slice 4/5 and Keto Bomb 4/5

Peanut lovers will enjoy both the Peanut Butter Slice and Keto Bomb desserts.

Overall, I have enjoyed the brunch experience at Carrotstick & Cravings. I will recommend going for the Signature Smashed Avo and Red Shakshouka.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Carrotsticks & Cravings
5 Stanley Street
#01-01
Singapore 068724
Facebook
Website
Tel: +65 8028 6651
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 6pm

1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk along the covered walkway until the junction of Mccallum Street and Telok Ayer Street. Turn right onto Mccallum Street and then left onto Stanley Street. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to junction of Telok Ayer Street and Upper Cross Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Turn left again onto Boon Tat Street and make a right onto Stanley Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]