Joie @ Orchard Central - Restaurant with Modern Meatless Cuisine in Orchard Central’s Rooftop Garden

Tucked on the 12th floor of Orchard Central is Joie, a restaurant that prides itself on bringing diners a modern meatless menu with Japanese-European elements. It shares the top floor with one other restaurant and the mall's rooftop garden, with views overlooking the bustling Orchard Road.

Joie offers a 4 or 5-Course set for lunch and a 6-Course for dinner. The prices are as follows:

4-Course Lunch
$38++ on Mondays to Fridays, except Eve of Public Holidays and Public Holidays

5 Course Lunch
$50++ Daily

6-Course Dinner
$78++ on Mondays to Thursdays
$88++ on Friday to Sunday, Eve of Public Holidays and Public Holidays

For this visit, we had two sets of the 6-Course Dinner and hence could sample more dishes as indicated individually below. Beverages are not included, but Joie offers quite a comprehensive list of alcoholic drinks and a more straightforward non-alcoholic list containing mocktails, coffee, tea and soft drinks.

Complimentary Snack - Spaghetti Sticks

We were first served with a complimentary crunchy snack of Spaghetti Sticks in two flavours, spiced and non-spiced.

Palate Cleanser - Passionfruit Sorbet

After that, we were treated to Passionfruit Sorbet, which was intended to cleanse our palates before beginning the course properly. However, it could have been less icy and a lot less sweet to provide a lighter and more refreshing start.

Starter - Chef’s Selection of Assorted Platter 3/5

However, we were uncertain if it was intentional, but the capsicum kebab was made with a mix of vegetables in their raw form, and the raspberry sphere was overly sweet with a flat burst of flavour.

However, we were uncertain if it was intentional, but the capsicum kebab seemed to be just made with a mix of vegetables in their raw form, and the raspberry sphere was overly sweet with a flat burst of flavour.

Side Dish - Bailing Mushroom on Paper Hot Pot 2.8/5

Our first side dish was the Bailing Mushroom on Paper Hot Pot. We appreciated the chunky yet soft-texted mushrooms here, but the accompanying soup was overly sweet, making it challenging to savour fully. A more balanced base would have enhanced the overall enjoyment.

Side Dish - Gratinated Champignon with Mozzarella 2.8/5

For our second side dish, we had the Gratinated Champignon with Mozzarella. I looked forward to it when I saw the copious amount of cheese and golden-brown crust, but I was disappointed with the meagre portion of button mushrooms. The bread meant to pair with the Belgian endives was, unfortunately, a bit stale.

Cold Dish - Tuna Cold Steak 1/5

We ordered the Tuna Cold Steak as our first cold dish, which had marinated watermelon with dill mustard dressing and a topping of pine nuts. The texture of the 'steak' was soft, but flavour-wise, it was cloyingly sweet.

Cold Dish - Vegetable Sashimi On Ice with Oyster-Leaf Shooter Glass 2/5

We've had vegetarian sashimi a couple of times before this and were excited to try Joie's carefully plated rendition - Vegetable Sashimi On Ice with Oyster-Leaf Shooter Glass.

Instead of the usual konjac for the sashimi, they've ventured to use other elements, such as coconut, huai shan and aloe vera. The platter featured 'salmon, octopus, jellyfish and abalone', arranged from left to right. It was served with soy sauce and an oyster-leaf shooter glass. Unfortunately, like the previous dishes, most of these items leaned towards the sweeter side. We would have preferred a better balance with more savoury elements.

Soup - Japanese Kunbu Broth with Hand Carved Tofu 1/5

Our first choice of soup was the Japanese Kunbu Broth with Hand Carved Tofu. We understand from the menu that it was meant to be a double-boiled Japanese seaweed consomme, but what we had was regrettably bland.

Soup - Infusion of Cepes & Truffle 3/5

The Infusion of Cepes & Truffle was a better bowl. The mushroom soup here had delightful bits of mushroom and carried a mild truffle fragrance.

Main - Truffle Risotto 2.8/5

There are 5 mains to choose from for the dinner course. The Truffle Risotto with a croquette on top, mascarpone cream, greens, and black truffle didn't quite meet our expectations. The risotto had a thick porridge-like texture, lacking the desirable al dente bite. Additionally, we would have appreciated the croquette more if it had been served hotter and crunchier to provide better textural contrast.

Main - Grilled Summer Mushroom Steak on "Pu Ye" Hot Stone 3/5

Our second main, the Grilled Summer Mushroom Steak on "Pu Ye" Hot Stone, fared better. Beyond the visual presentation, the "Pu Ye" hot stone was intended to keep the dish hot. The mushroom steak here highlights a well-grilled monkey head mushroom with a mild smokiness. While the deep-fried spaghetti was too oily, I would have liked more of the truffle mashed potato as it was smooth and carried a good amount of flavour.

Dessert - Yoghurt Pudding 2.5/5

The Yogurt Pudding dessert had a watery texture, lacked the expected tangy yoghurt notes and leaned towards the sweeter side.

Dessert - Homemade Cheesecake with Oreo 2.8/5

Our last dessert was their Homemade Cheesecake with Oreo. It was average, with a decent amount of cheese flavour.

Unfortunately, our visit to Joie fell short of expectations. While we valued the warm service, the food quality needed to align with what we anticipated from a casual fine dining establishment. Many dishes lacked flavour or erred on the side of excessive sweetness. We hope this was an isolated occurrence and hope to experience better in the future.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Joie
Orchard Central
#12-01
181 Orchard Road
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 9663 0901
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit C or D. Walk to Orchard Central. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

The Mast’ of Mozzarella & Co @ Frasers Tower - Enjoy Mozzarella Freshly Made Daily By The Cheese Master

Launched in Rome in 2015, The Mast’ of Mozzarella & Co has recently opened its first Southeast Asian outpost right here in Singapore at Frasers Tower. In Southern Italian dialect, The Mast’ means cheese master, it is a mozzarella bar and restaurant that houses a delicatessen, osteria, bar and its very own onsite cheese production laboratory! Producing fresh mozzarella, burrata and stracciatella on site daily, all that go the dishes on your table, and if those are not enough, you could always buy them over the counter for takeaway.

Tris Di Bufala 4/5

The menu features a spread of antipasti, salads, homemade pastas, pinse and more to highlight the best of their cheese. What would be one of the best preludes to your experience at The Mast is the Tris Di Bufala ($28) that offers Burrata, Mozzarella and Special Burrata. What first came to us looking like freshly steamed baos, the burrata soon unraveled the pillowy and creamy Stracciatella as we sliced them open. The special burrata is mixed with gorgonzola, an extra depth of flavour which I appreciate even more, given its soft and milky profile. What was equally mesmerizing was the crisp Schiacciata Bread that came smelling of fresh herbs, meant to deliver the cheeses into our senses.

Crostini E Fungi 3.5/5

Their Stracciatella is so fresh, creamy but light at the same time, with it as a base or topping, it can basically wipe out all the fattening creams and mayonnaise from your kitchen. Crostini E Fungi ($16) is easily one of many's favourites, with doses of savouriness and textural contrast from the crunchy Altamura toast to bring out the subtle Stracciatella. But I wish there were a dollop more of the creamy Stracciatella to even out spread across the crostini.

Bigoli 3.8/5

So I got my wish in the homemade Bigoli, tossed simply in in-house tomato Sauce, basil, and a dollop of Stracciatella. This is my favourite pairing in fact, marrying tangy, savoury tomato sauce with the Stracciatella, perhaps much like how you may like salsa and sour cream on your nachos. Hence, I would suggest not to mix all together so as to allow the magic to work in your mouth instead.

Le Schiacciate 3/5

A couple of Rome specialties that you might be keen is the Le Schiacciate, a traditional Roman stuffed bread and Roman flat breads Pinse (akin to pizza). What's good for a light lunch is Mortadella ($18), a Rome version of Ham & Cheese, and a more refined one with mortadella, stracciatella and truffle.

Salmone Scozzese E Zucchine Pinse 3/5

But if you are here to enjoy their cheese and wine with friends, Pinse will be more ideal. We tried Salmone Scozzese E Zucchine Pinse ($18-$22), topped with buffalo mozzarella, smoked salmon, zucchini. The bread and cheese were good, no doubt but after a while, I craved for something much heartier. Even more Zucchini may help.

Campano Burger 3/5

We did have something heavier which was the Campano Burger ($22) - Black Angus patty with Buffalo Mozzarella. The patty was juicy and flavourful. I like the choice of bun too. It was airy with a good crust. However, the dish doesn't quite work in the sense that as a burger, it needs a sharper cheese for a bigger taste profile and for the cheese, it got lost within the burger.

Verdure Grigliate

We also had a round of their Verdure Grigliate which can be bought off the shelves as well - Zucchini, Tomatoes, Artichoke, Aubergine, Mushrooms. Unlike some other brands which the preserved vegetables are slightly towards the vinegary side, these managed to retain quite a bit of their natural taste, in particular the grilled aubergine and mushrooms.

Zuccotto Amerena 3.5/5, Tartufo Bianco 3.5/5

For desserts, I was anticipating for something creative made out of their cheeses. Though that was not fulfilled, the non-cheese desserts were quite satisfying. We had Zuccotto Amerena, a frozen sponge cake with black cherry and vanilla sauce, as well as the Tartufo Bianco, a tartufo sabayon with coffee ice cream and meringue. The first was refreshing with tart cherry, and the latter was pleasing like Tiramisu. Still, nothing would beat if a cheese dessert was served!

If you are lucky enough, you will catch them in action making the cheeses. All menu items together with 125g portions of homemade mozzarella, stracciatella and burrata are available for takeaway.

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.


The Mast’ of Mozzarella & Co
Frasers Tower
182 Cecil Street
#01-05/08
Singapore 069547
Tel: +65 65138010
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

il Cielo @ Hilton Hotel - Rediscover The Colors Of Spring

il Cielo on the rooftop of Hilton Hotel, on level 24, welcomes Spring with a new menu that features seasonal harvest from the Italy and Japan. Some of the highlights in the spring menu, includes the Hokkaido Asari clams, fresh bamboo shoots and Amadai fish from Japan as well as black truffle, white asparagus and cured Culatello ham from Italy.

Amuse Bouche 4.2/5

Our six course degustation menu started with the Amuse Bouche which consists of Mozzarella with tomato chip and parma ham, and Foie Gras Macaron. I prefer the foie gras macaron for its intensity, and rather unique combination of sweet and savoury.

Marinated Japanese Asari Clam 'Vongole Bianco' 4/5

Our next dish is Marinated Japanese Asari Clam 'Vongole Bianco' ($32) that is paired with Baerii caviar, white wine jelly, aglio olio peperoncino powder. The dish looks very spring with the circle of green parsley sauce. The highlight is actually the Asari Clam, though small in size but is very sweet.

Tortellini in Blodo 4.2/5

The Tortellini in Blodo ($28) clearly showcases Chef Yohhei Sasaki culinary philosophy of incorporating Japanese fair into Italian cuisine. The homemade tortellini stuffed with bamboo shoot ragout and truffle paste comes in a rich Japanese style chicken broth and shaved black truffle. The little tortellini has an enjoyable chewy bite to it while the refreshing clear soup, delivers a gentle smoothing element to the dish.

Homemade Chitarra alla 'Carbonara' 4/5

The Homemade Chitarra alla 'Carbonara' ($38) is a deconstructed cabonara which consists of white asparagus salad, herb poached egg, culatello ham and carbonara espuma. Give it a good toss, mixing everything together to enjoy the texture of the Chitarra pasta, which has a thicker and more doughy.

Maple Duck Variation 3.8/5

For the mains, diner has an option of choosing the Maple Duck Variation ($48) or Pan Fried Amadai Fish ($56). Diner can find several components on the Maple Duck Variation dish such as roasted duck breast, Japanese spring mountain vegetables, duck leg confit salad and pan-fried foie gras. The duck breast itself was cooked beautiful but the skin was somehow rather elastic, which I have difficulty breaking it down.

Pan Fried Amadai Fish 3.5/5

For the Pan Fried Amadai Fish ($56), Chef Chef Yohhei Sasaki  has even used the fish scales to provide the extra crispiness as a crumble. While it is an enjoyable dish, I thought it needs a bit more acidity to heighten the flavours. It is a bit too clean tasting for me.

Zuppa Inglese con Fragola 4.2/5

Last but not least, wrapping up the six course degustation menu for dessert is the Zuppa Inglese con Fragola ($20). The traditional Tuscany dessert is paired with Japanese ichigo (strawberry) and variation of valrhona chocolate. I don't really have a sweet tooth, so I like the fact that the sponge cake layered with custard is light and airy, and more importantly not overly sweet. This is complemented by the fruity sweetness from the Japanese ichigo.

Diners can opt for the six-course degustation menu ($138) or select from the the a la carte menu priced from $28 onwards. The spring menu will be available from 12 March to 30 April 2018.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


il Cielo Restaurant
Hilton Hotel
Level 24
581 Orchard Road
Singapore 23883
Tel: +65 67303395
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT:

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 7pm - 1030pm
Sat: 7pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue walking along Orchard Road. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Acqua E Farina @ The Rail Mall - Simplicity, Tradition and Fresh Ingredients On A Plate

A new Italian restaurant, Acqua E Farina has opened next to the green corridor at The Rail Mall. Acqua E Farina offers a selection of North and South Italian cuisine to the hood with tried-and-tested recipes from their hometowns.

Fagottino di Mozzarella e Prosciutto 4.2/5

Our dinner at the new Italian restaurant started with the Fagottino di Mozzarella e Prosciutto ($23). Glowing like a shining gem in the middle of the plate is the fresh and creamy buffalo mozzarella, paired with tomatoes, parma ham and mixed greens.

Fungo Ripieno 4/5

If the buffalo mozzarella is a shining gem, the Fingo Ripieno ($18) will be the black pearl. Sitting on a bed of baby spinach is the baked stuffed portobello mushrooms, dressed in porcini mushroom sauce. A great option for vegetarian too.

Polipo e Patate 4/5

The Polipo e Patate ($28) comprises of sauteed octopus with potatoes, olives and capers with olive oil and herbs. The combination of flavours and textures give life to the tender octopus for a delightful finishing.

Tagliatelle alla Boscaiola 4.2/5

Italian cuisine is know for the pasta and not to be missed at Acqua E Farina is the Tagliatelle alla Boscaiola ($24). The egg-based tagliatelle is made in house for a fresh and delightful bite. Tossed in tomato sauce together with mushrooms, Italian sausage and bacon, it is given a touch of cream to round off the beautiful flavours.

Linguine ai Frutti di Mare 4/5

For the seafood lover, there is the Linguine ai Frutti di Mare ($26). The al dente linguine with clams, mussels, prawn and calamari is tossed in a light tomato sauce, complementing the fresh seafood.

Pizza Tartufo 4.5/5

At Acqua E Farina, you can savour two types of pizzas with different toppings. The two types are
Red (with tomato sauce base) and White (with a cheese base). We had the Pizza Tartufo ($26) which has a cheesy base of mascarpone and mozzarella topped with mushrooms and black truffle. It may look rather plain for a pizza but its packed with flavours on top of the thin crust.

Costoletta di Maiale 4.2/5

If you are tired of pasta and pizza in Italian cuisine, worry not as there are other mains on the menu such as the Costoletta di Maiale ($34). The pork chop is pan fried with pancetta and sage. It is served with vegetables, potatoes and white wine sauce to complement the tender pork and its crispy edges. You will be surprised that Italian can cook their pork well too.

Piatto di Dolci 4/5

Wrapping our dinner, we had the Piatto di Dolci ($14), a dessert platter comprising of mini portions of creme brulee, lava cake, panna cotta and tiramisu. It is hard to pin point which is the favourite as everyone of us have our own preference. I also meant that you can get to try everything and come back the next time for the full portion of your favourite dessert.

Have a party to throw but don’t want to deal with the cooking and after-party clean-up?  Acqua E Farina Party Helper will save the day and night! Generous servings of the carefully selected menu dishes and desserts, as well as 30% off Italian wines can be put together with fun presentation, delivery and clean-up at an extra charge, depending on the location and needs of guests.


Acqua E Farina
The Rail Mall
400 Upper Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 678050
Tel: +65 64620926
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Hillview (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 11am - 230pm, 530pm - 1015pm
Fri-Sun: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 1015pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Hillview MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left onto Upper Bukit Timah Road. Walk down Upper Bukit Timah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]