Showing posts with label .Station: Raffles Place. Show all posts
Showing posts with label .Station: Raffles Place. Show all posts

Friday, November 3, 2023

ilmiri @ Circular Road - Bringing Its Signature Jjimdak to Singapore

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ilmiri, a renowned F&B brand in Korea, opened its first outlet in Singapore on Circular Road. Established in 2011, ilmiri is known as the leading chicken cuisine brand in Korea, with more than 200 franchise stores in the country.

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Cloud Cheese Jjimdak 4.5/5

The dish that Ilmiri is known for is its Jjimdak - a hearty braised chicken dish that is well-loved by many Koreans and seen in many popular K-dramas. They are available in Soy Sauce, Red Chilli, BBQ and Truffle Jjiajang sauce. We tried the best-selling Cloud Cheese Jjimdak ($41.90), available in Soy Sauce or Red Chilli.

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This modern rendition comes loaded with braised chicken, accompanied by a medley of rice cakes, potatoes, and glass noodles, along with Korean dumplings, which are hidden like bundles of treasures, all covered with melted Mozzarella cheese. There's a lot to like about this hearty dish, from the tender chicken to the juicy Korean dumplings, chewy rice cakes, and the well-caramelised leeks and onions. The melted cheese added to the fun of having it with friends and family.

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Seaweed Sunny Side-up Bibim Rice

It can be a tad saltish to have it on its own. Hence, it is recommended that you pair it with Seaweed Sunny Side-up Bibim Rice.

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Tofu Stew 3/5

To complement our Jjimdak, we had a simple Soybean Paste Tofu Stew with beef. While the portion was relatively small, it was generously loaded with onions and zucchini, which added a delightful touch of sweetness to the stew.

Photos and 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.


ilmiri
25/26 Circular Road
Singapore 049381
Tel: +65 8468 8566
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk straight to Circular Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, September 24, 2023

Brasserie Astoria @ Victoria Theater & Concert Hall - Bringing a Touch of Sweden's Grand Dining Halls to Singapore

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Brasserie Astoria, nestled within the iconic Victoria Theater & Concert Hall, brings a touch of Sweden's grand dining halls to Singapore. Here, Chef Frantzén adds his unique twist to classic brasserie dishes, all served with flair, from tableside service to flambé trolleys.

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Spanish Ham 4.2/5

The Spanish Ham ($21) heralded the beginning of our dining experience, pairing the full-flavoured Spanish ham with fragrant Charentais melon from Philibon. Pine nuts and espelette pepper added a delightful crunch and complexity to this classic combination.

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Calamares Fritos 4.2/5

Calamares Fritos ($14) arrived next, encased in a light, crispy batter that promised a satisfying textural bite. Served with Galangal aioli, this dish offered a delightful interplay of flavours.

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Garlic Bread a la Astoria 4.5/5

The Garlic Bread a la Astoria ($10) was no ordinary garlic bread. Sourdough baguette toasted in browned butter, shiro miso, parmesan, yuzu, roasted garlic, and herbs elevated this simple dish to a complex yet utterly delicious masterpiece.

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Crudites 3.5/5

The Crudites ($17) with ranch dressing defied expectations. The vegetables were presented on ice to retain their freshness and were remarkably sweet and delicious — a surprising conversion for any non-vegetarian.

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Butter Fried Råraka 4/5

The Butter Fried Råraka ($36), a Swedish classic akin to Swiss Rösti, delighted with its crispy, buttery texture. Best savoured with vendace roe, chives, creme fraiche, and red onion — each element complementing the other.

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Toasted Astoria 4.5/5

The Toasted Astoria ($32) showcased a medley of prawns, Norwegian king crab, trout roe, wasabi aioli, and pickled red onion atop butter-fried toast. The seafood symphony harmonized beautifully, creating a delectable masterpiece.

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Kebab Pizza 4/5

Kebab Pizza ($35) with duck confit, harissa yoghurt, and pickled jalapeno was a thoughtful combination of flavours that exploded with taste. The fluffy pizza dough provided the perfect canvas.

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Whisky Flambeed Beef (Angus) 4.5/5

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The Whisky Flambéed Angus Beef ($68) was a tableside spectacle. A perfectly cooked steak, tender and juicy, flambéed to perfection and served with kampot and green pepper sauce. It was a true delight for any beef lover, accompanied by roasted potatoes glazed with Fourme d' Ambert.

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Linguine a la Astoria 4.5/5

Linguine a la Astoria ($56) was a revelation, bursting with flavours from melted garlic, parmesan, and fine herbs infused perfectly with the cooked pasta, paired with clams and bafun uni creating a symphony of taste.

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The Waffle Ice Cream 4.2/5

The Waffle Ice Cream ($20) sandwiched between pistachio waffles was a delightful dessert. Oolong ice cream, with its tea aroma paired perfectly with raspberry sauce, all served in a heart-shaped waffle that melted hearts with its thoughtfulness and sweetness.

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Petite Four

Lastly, the Petite Four Trolley offered an array of sweet, bite-sized confectionery priced at $4 each. My favourites included the Macaron, Kardemumma Bulle, and Canele, providing a sweet conclusion to our dinner experience.

At Brasserie Astoria, classic brasserie fare is elevated to an art form, making every visit a memorable dining experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Brasserie Astoria
11 Empress Place 
#01-01
Singapore 179558
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1145am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk towards the riverbank. Cross the bridge and walk to Empress Place road. Walk down Empress Place road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Monday, August 28, 2023

Town Restaurant @ The Fullerton Hotel Singapore - Straits from the Heart: An Ode to Peranakan Cuisine

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In collaboration with Chef Philip Chia, a local culinary master and best-selling cookbook author known for his Peranakan cuisine, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore presents "Straits from the Heart: An Ode to Peranakan Cuisine" at Town Restaurant alongside their signature spread of local and international fare. From 14 August to 14 September 2023, you can taste Chef Philip's prowess as a purveyor of Peranakan cuisine in the dishes created in the lunch and dinner buffet menus from Monday to Saturday.

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Egg Prawn Salad with Khong Th’ng

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Cucumber Pineapple Prawn Salad

We started with some cold salads that whetted our appetites with zesty and piquant dressings - the Egg Prawn Salad with Khong Th'ng (Peanut Candy) Dressing and the Cucumber Pineapple Prawn Salad. Both salads were ultra-refreshing, featuring crunchy cucumbers, juicy pineapples, and prawns and eggs that added delightful textures. I found them rather addictive - the fiery dressings had a good amount of heat and acidity yet were well balanced by the sweetness of the tomatoes and pineapples.

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Otah Otah

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Ngoh Hiang

Familiar and well-loved appetisers Ngoh Hiang and Otah Otah are also available.

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Kueh Pie Tee

One of the highlights is the DIY Kueh Pie Tee station, complete with crispy, thin tart shells and well-stewed turnips.

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Babi Pontay

The Mains were superb. The Babi Pontay (braised pork belly in fermented soybean sauce) was truly memorable, featuring fork-tender and unctuous thick-cut pork belly, along with generous chunks of mushrooms and bamboo shoots that had absorbed the flavoursome sauce, softening and enhancing their taste.

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Ayam Buah Keluak

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Beef Rendang

Other meat dishes featured include tantalising Ayam Buah Keluak (chicken and black nuts in tamarind gravy) and Beef Rendang (slow-cooked beef curry). Both delivered flavoursome and tender meats, and it was even more satisfying when I had them together with the warm and fragrant Jasmine rice served alongside.

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Assam Pedas

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Udang Goreng Assam

Seafood dishes provided a delightful addition to the line-up. The Assam Pedas was a highlight for me; the sour and spicy gravy was irresistible, accentuated by substantial chunks of pineapple that had been simmered to release bursts of sweet and tangy juice with every bite. The fish was cooked to perfection, boasting a tender and flaky texture. The Udang Goreng Assam (fried prawns with tamarind) were finger-licking good.

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Nyonya Chap Chye

And my favourite, Nyonya Chap Chye, didn't disappoint either! The vegetables had been braised until tender, absorbing the delectable umami broth.

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The dessert counter showcases a live station serving Chendol, along with an array of bite-sized kueh such as Kueh Salat, Bengka Ubi, Kueh Kosui, and more. My personal favorite is the Rainbow Lapis, which in my opinion was the best Rainbow Lapis I have had to date. They were so good that you had to be quick, as they were snapped up shortly after being replenished.

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Straits from the Heart: An Ode to Peranakan Flavours
- Executive Lunch Buffet Monday to Friday S$48* per adult, S$24* per child
- Seafood Symphony Dinner Buffet Wednesday and Thursday S$128* per adult, S$64* per child
- Dinner Buffet with Barbecued Selection Friday and Saturday S$118* per adult, S$59* per child
- International Lunch Buffet Saturday S$68* per adult, S$34* per child

Photos and 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.


Town Restaurant
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
1 Fullerton Square
Singapore 049178
Tel: +65 68778188
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT Station. Take Exit H. Turn right and walk towards the river. At the river, turn right again and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, August 13, 2023

Ureshii @ The Arts House - A Korean-Japanese Fusion Culinary Haven at the Old Parliament House

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Embarking on a culinary journey that defies convention, Ureshii, the brainchild of Chef Jung from Tanoshii, presents a fusion of Korean, Japanese, and European influences. Situated at the venerable Old Parliament House, facing the picturesque Padang, Ureshii beckons with promises of a unique gastronomic adventure. Beyond its captivating dishes, the restaurant's exquisite interior weaves a sense of classic elegance with a hint of enigmatic charm.

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Ureshii Kimchi Salad 4.2/5

Setting sail into our culinary voyage, we indulged in the Ureshii Kimchi Salad ($13), a refreshing starter that marries the zest of kimchi dressing with the sweetness of pear, cherry tomatoes, and capsicum. This delightful overture awakened our taste buds, paving the way for the symphony of flavours that followed.

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Gujeolpan 3/5

The Gujeolpan ($38) was a majestic offering from Joseon court cuisine. Arriving in an octagon box, it showcased a harmonious assembly of nine ingredients, including meat and vegetables. To enjoy, we orchestrated our own wrap, skillfully combining a thinly fried pancake with various ingredients. This dish not only tantalized the palate but also encouraged shared moments at the table.

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Monkfish Fillet Karaage 4/5

A symphony of flavours was furthered with the Monkfish Fillet Karaage ($18), an ideal companion to Ureshii's expansive sake collection and curated wines. The deep-fried Anglerfish from Jeju Island boasted a moist interior and a delicate crunch, beautifully complemented by Ureshii's tartare sauce.

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Yook-hoe 5/5

A stand-out among the dishes was the Yook-hoe ($38). It is a work of art, both visually and gastronomically. The Korean beef tartare, toasted in aromatic sesame oil, danced with the sweetness of pear and the added dimension of a rice cracker. This dish was a true testament to Ureshii's fusion mastery.

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Gochoojang Galbi Kimchi Taco 3.5/5

With the Gochoojang Galbi Kimchi Taco ($18 for 2pc), Ureshii seamlessly merged Mexican and Korean flavours. The generous taco is wrapped with stir-fried short ribs and kimchi, resulting in a bold and robust combination.

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Osaka Okonomiyaki 4.2/5

The Osaka Okonomiyaki ($28) transported us to the streets of Osaka, its savoury pancake showcasing an ensemble of octopus, scallops, shrimp, cabbage, and egg. This dish was a symphony of textures and flavours topped with katsuobushi and a special okonomiyaki sauce.

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Octopus Steak 4.2/5

From the ocean realm, the Octopus Steak ($48) shone with its perfect texture, lightly grilled for a hint of smokiness. Served with truffle mashed potatoes, romesco sauce, chickpeas, and stir-fried kimchi, this dish epitomized Ureshii's fusion philosophy.

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Ureshii Tteok-Galbi 4.5/5

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Gochoojang Galbi Yakiniku 4.5/5

The parade of culinary marvels continued with the Ureshii Tteok-Galbi ($38), featuring prime-grade minced beef ribs marinated in a special soy sauce and grilled to perfection. The Gochoojang Galbi Yakiniku ($38) followed suit, grilling prime-grade ribs with Ureshii's signature gochujang seasoning.

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Ureshii Bibimbap 3.8/5

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Adzuki Bingsoo 4/5

The Ureshii Bibimbap ($28) captured the heart of Korean cuisine with its array of vegetables and beef, served with gochujang sauce. Wrapping up our culinary escapade, we savoured the Adzuki Bingsoo, a delightful treat of shaved ice topped with sweet red beans and chewy mochi.

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Garlic Butter & Cream Cheese Bread 4.5/5

Surprising us all, the Garlic Butter & Cream Cheese Bread emerged as a dessert revelation. This toasted bun, adorned with a luscious blend of garlic butter and cream cheese, was a divine conclusion to a mesmerizing dining experience.

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In essence, Ureshii stands as a testament to culinary ingenuity, weaving a tapestry of diverse influences into a harmonious whole. Beyond its exceptional dishes, the restaurant's timeless ambience is an invitation to explore, and savour flavours that bridge continents and cultures. Ureshii is a celebration of the culinary arts in their truest and most imaginative form, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an unforgettable fusion feast.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ureshii
The Arts House
1 Old Parliament Lane
#01-02
Singapore 179429
Tel: +65 63224054
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1150am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm (Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk towards the riverbank. Cross the bridge and walk to Empress Place road. Walk down Empress Place road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]