Salut Private Dining @ Grange Heights - A New Private Dining Concept By Chef Karl Dobler

Celebrate and entertain your friends and loved ones in this beautiful, intimate space. Welcome to Salut Private Dining, a new dining concept helmed by Karl and Jessica - one with excellent culinary skills, the other with impeccable taste.

Austrian Chef Karl Dobler's culinary repertoire spans from Michelin-starred restaurants to luxury hotels across Europe and Australia. You might also remember him from Flutes Restaurant or then Restaurant Salut Private Dining in Dempsey. With great respect for classic flavours and culinary techniques, Chef Karl personally sources fresh seasonal ingredients and carefully prepares them. While contemporary European cuisine is his speciality, he is adept at Asian and Peranakan cooking and whips up a very popular Prawn Noodles. Meanwhile, Jessica works her magic to create the perfect ambience for your dinner event and can set the table for personalised themes. Tonight, we're enjoying a romantic candlelit table set with white roses and artfully strewn crystals.

As guests stream in, smartly dressed wait staff warmly welcome them with flutes of champagne and canapés of the most luxurious degree - smoked salmon with cream cheese & caviar, beef cheeks mini puffs and burrata & tomato mini toasts. Feel free to bring your own wines and spirits. There is no corkage charge. A generous policy!

A dish of Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio appears in front of us. It's delicately sliced and draped like a flower, drizzled with truffle soy dressing and some olive pearls.

As White Asparagus is in season, the Chef prepares it as a warm appetiser served with a soft hen egg, truffle hollandaise and bellota ham, which is the finest grade of Jamón ibérico with a smooth texture and a rich, savoury taste.

Next comes a pan-seared NZ Bass Grouper prepared with artichoke mash, edamame, and scampi glaze. The fish's flesh is firm, white, and flaky. Delicious!

We got to try the Chef's signature Crispy Roasted Suckling Pig, which had a crackling skin. It is served with smoked pancetta cabbage, rosemary potatoes, and star anise jus.

The dessert was well-timed. We caught an aromatic whiff of the soufflés baking as we were about to finish our main course. Out from the kitchen came those piping hot ramekins of Passionfruit Soufflé, baked with real fruit bits. It was delightfully melty and absolutely enjoyable.

We thought dinner had come to an end but were presented with Hand-rolled Hazelnut Chocolate Truffles. As a chocolate lover, I can only say that I wished I had the whole tray to myself.

Afterwards, a fine selection of Cheese, Dried Fruits, and Crackers accompanied the post-dinner wine and conversation.

Although newly opened, Salut Private Dining has already received strong interest from regulars, who invite Chef Karl to their homes for private catering. A minimum party of 6 persons is required, and the dining room can accommodate up to 20. Typically, a 5-course menu starts from $198 per pax, with no service charge or GST. If interested, do reserve at least 2 weeks to 1 month in advance.

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavors and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Salut Private Dining
Grange Heights
15 Saint Thomas Walk
Singapore 238145
Tel: +65 9831 3067
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Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Direction:
1) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk to bus stop at Riva Lodge (Stop ID 13071). Take bus number 32, 54, 139 or 195. Alight 1 stop later. Walk to Saint Thomas Walk street. Turn right onto Saint Thomas Walk street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk down River Valley Road towards Saint Thomas Walk. Turn left onto Saint Thomas Walk. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Golden Peony @ Conrad Centennial Singapore - Celebrate the Roaring Year of the Dragon with a Line-up of Cantonese Creations

Weaving his expertise in Cantonese cuisine with modern elements, Executive Chinese Chef Ku Keung of Golden Peony presents an array of Lunar New Year set menus and a la carte specialities to celebrate the roaring year of the Dragon.

From now until 24 February 2024, diners can select from lavish set menus for intimate and group celebrations. The chef has even thoughtfully prepared a vegetarian menu for vegetarian diners. The 6 set menus range from $178 per pax to $2698 per table of 10.

Fortune Gold Flakes ‘Yu Sheng’ 4.2/5

The Fortune Gold Flakes 'Yu Sheng' ($188 for 10 pax) features a medley of ingredients, including lobster, baby abalone, crispy whitebait, golden coin chicken bak kwa, fish skin, and fresh fruit. This festive mainstay dish is also available for takeaway or delivery.

Multigrain Rice Ball Infused with Chicken Purée and Smoked Chili Sauce 4/5

The chef's disciple created the Multigrain Rice Ball Infused with Chicken Purée and Smoked Chili Sauce. It had several unique elements that were all made from chicken - a chicken purée, chicken pâté, and even a chicken bak kut teh like jelly on the side.

Spanish Carabinero Prawn ‘Yuan Yang’ Fish Paste Noodle 4.2/5

My favourite dish of the night was the Spanish Carabinero Prawn 'Yuan Yang' Fish Paste Noodle ($48 per person). The slightly springy fish paste noodles sit in a delicate egg white and Chinese wine broth, with two pieces of sweet Spanish Carabinero Prawns done two ways - thoroughly steamed and half cooked.

Duck Breast Stewed with Hawthorn, Snow Pear and American Ginseng 4/5

Next was the Duck Breast Stewed with Hawthorn, Snow Pear and American Ginseng ($38 per person). While the duck was tender, the sauce was a bit sweeter than I'd prefer.

Lobster Superior Broth with Preserved Vegetables, Tomato and Beancurd 4.2/5

Another highlight for me was the Lobster Superior Broth with Preserved Vegetables, Tomato and Beancurd. It is Chef's rendition of the increasingly popular suan cai yu, with a bolder and spicier kick. The plump and fleshy lobster was sweet and tender.

Roasted Suckling Pig Stuffed with Kimchi Fried Rice and Chicken 4.2/5

The Chef's unique suckling pig creation is an annual Lunar New Year highlight at Golden Peony. This year, the Chef brought to the table a Roasted Suckling Pig Stuffed with Kimchi Fried Rice and Chicken ($468 for Whole). It's packed to the brim with kimchi fried rice and a surprise centre of fried chicken.

Chilled Dragon Fruit with Crystal Pearls 4/5

We wrapped up the dinner with a two-part dessert. First, it was the refreshing Chilled Dragon Fruit with Crystal Pearls. It was put together with the fruit's flesh, popping pearls and a scoop of dragon fruit ice cream.

Trio of Warm Desserts 4.2/5

Second, the warm Trio of Crispy Sesame Ball was filled with Egg Custard, Dragon Beard Candy with Crushed Peanuts and Tau Sar Piah. These were classic snacks done well.

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.


Golden Peony
Conrad Centennial Singapore
2 Temasek Boulevard
Singapore 038982
Tel: +65 6432 7482
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 1pm, 130pm - 3pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit B. Continue walking along Temasek Avenue to destination Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Man Fu Yuan @ InterContinental Singapore - Welcomes the Year of the Dragon with Golden Resplendence

Man Fu Yuan at InterContinental Singapore invites patrons to partake in an opulent Lunar New Year feast from 15 January to 29 February 2024, promising an immersive experience that captivates the senses and ushers in good fortune.

Upholding the grand tradition, Man Fu Yuan unveils the colossal 'Dragon's Wealth' Yu Sheng 龙飞凤舞喜捞生 ($888++ serves up to 10 guests), a 60-inch spectacle that symbolizes strength, power, health, and good luck for the New Year. Packed with shredded vegetables, it is adorned with indulgent ingredients like rock lobster, sea urchin, ikura, shredded dried Hokkaido scallops, salmon sashimi, and crispy fish skin. A refreshing honey miso golden peach dressing and shallot oil complete this masterpiece.

Man Fu Yuan Abundance Treasure Pot 4.8/5

Taking centre stage is the Man Fu Yuan Abundance Treasure Pot ($498 nett), a culinary treasure trove featuring rock lobster, premium sea cucumber, five-head whole abalone, tiger palm mushroom, dried whole scallop, South Africa fish maw, goose web, pig trotters, dace fish ball, oysters, chicken wings, preserved Kurobuta sausage, pork liver sausage, Japanese premium flower mushroom, and more.

Steamed Atlantic Cod Fish Fillet 4.2/5

The Steamed Atlantic Cod Fish Fillet, topped with crispy preserved radish and scallions, offers a buttery and moist texture. It's paired with umami superior soya sauce, complementing the richness of the cod fish.

Oven-baked Lobster with Golden Butter Sauce and Cheese 4.5/5

The Oven-baked Lobster, bathed in golden butter sauce and cheese, presents sweet lobster meat with a finishing touch of smoky aroma from torching.

Sichuan Style Roasted Chicken 4/5

A firework of fiery flavours, the Sichuan Style Roasted Chicken features dried chilli, sesame seed, peanut, Sichuan spice, and scallion, complementing the tender chicken with crispy skin.

Lobster Mapo Tofu 4/5

Elevating Mapo Tofu with lobster meat, the dish boasts soft and silky tofu, robust flavours, and a good Sichuan spicy punch leaning towards appetizing rather than overly spicy.

Roasted Suckling Pig with Five Grain Glutinous Rice 4.5/5

A signature delight, the Roasted Suckling Pig ($528++) is stuffed with five grain glutinous rice, ensuring crackling crisp skin and tender, juicy meat infused with the delicious jus of the pig through roasting.

Chilled Pumpkin Puree, Longan, Lotus Seeds, Peach Collagen 4.5/5

Sweet Golden Nian Gao 3.5/5

To conclude the feast, the Chilled Pumpkin Puree with Longan, Lotus Seed, and Peach Collagen offers a refreshing and soothing dessert. Additionally, the symbolic Sweet Golden Nian Gao, a Chinese New Year sticky rice cake, signifies growth, progress, and the attainment of new heights.

Man Fu Yuan's Lunar New Year Extravaganza promises not just a feast but a culinary symphony of prosperity and good fortune.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Man Fu Yuan
InterContinental Singapore
Level 2
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 63387600
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1145am - 330pm, 630pm - 1030pm

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

Fireplace by Bedrock @ One Holland Village - Brand New Wood-fired Grill Concept by Bedrock

Fireplace by Bedrock, nestled in the vibrant enclave of One Holland Village, emerges as a captivating extension of the renowned Bedrock brand. Inheriting the DNA of its popular steakhouse lineage, Fireplace beckons diners with a welcoming warmth and convivial ambience. The restaurant masterfully utilises fire to enhance each ingredient's innate rustic flavours, crafting a chic yet relaxed atmosphere distinct from its sister establishments.

Watermelon Salad 4/5

Our dinner commenced with the Watermelon Salad ($14), a delightful ensemble of fresh watermelon cubes, red onions, cucumbers, toasted pine nuts, feta cheese, and coriander. Elevated by a coriander lime dressing, the salad resonated with vibrant hues and bright flavours.

Avocado 4.2/5

The Avocado ($12), grilled over an applewood-fired grill, revealed a perfectly creamy texture. Crowned with roasted corn kernels and diced tomatoes, the dish boasted a harmonious interplay of sweetness and creaminess, accentuated by a drizzle of ponzu dressing.

Coal-Roasted Sweet Potatoes 3.8/5

Coal-Roasted Sweet Potatoes ($10) underwent a transformative journey from boiling to grilling on the applewood-fired grill. Seasoned with salt and blended fennel seeds, the dish showcased the sweet nuances of purple sweet potatoes, intensified through the grilling process and paired with sour cream.

Octopus Tentacles 4/5

The Octopus Tentacles ($28) underwent tender simmering before meeting the applewood-fired grill. Adorned with housemade coriander pesto sauce, celery cress, and Japanese 7-spice blend, the dish flaunted a delightful marriage of textures and flavours.

Bone Marrow Toast 4/5

The Bone Marrow Toast ($28) presented a rich indulgence as beef bone marrow graced a toasted housemade brioche bread. Caper, parsley, caramelised onions, and pickled shallots adorned the ensemble, contributing to a balanced and delectable finish.

Half Spanish Suckling Pig 4/5

Transitioning to mains, the Half Spanish Suckling Pig ($240) took centre stage, slow-cooked over the fire pit for three hours until the meat achieved tender succulence and the skin crisped to perfection. Ideal for sharing, this dish embodied a celebration of flavours.

Dirty Duck 4.2/5

The Dirty Duck ($48) showcased an Irish duck rubbed with a medley of aromatic spices and sous vide and finished on the grill. The succulent meat, smoky char, and infused spice aroma resonated harmoniously, complemented by the thoughtful addition of grilled plum to cut through the richness.

8 Hours Wood-fired Roasted Whole Lamb 3.8/5

A testament to its dedication, the 8 Hours Wood-fired Roasted Whole Lamb, 300g ($50), featured Australian Lamb slow-cooked for eight hours over the fire pit. The result was a tender and juicy delight devoid of any gamey undertones.

Lemon Pound Cake 3.8/5

The Lemon Pound Cake ($13) showcased a unique twist for a sweet ending. Grilled on the applewood-fire pit after being brushed with melted butter, the cake's charred surface provided a delightful contrast. It was a symphony of textures, served with creme fraiche and mixed berries compote.

Grilled Spiced Rum Pineapple 4/5

Concluding our feast, the Grilled Spiced Rum Pineapple ($14) offered a sweet and tangy finale. Soaked in rum and grilled over the fire pit, the pineapple slices were served with spiced rum syrup and a scoop of rum and raisin ice cream, creating a memorable conclusion to our dinner experience.

Fireplace by Bedrock embodies a fusion of rustic charm and finesse, inviting diners to savour the nuanced artistry of fire-kissed flavours.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Fireplace by Bedrock
One Holland Village
7 Holland Village Way
#03-27/28
Singapore 275748
Tel: +65 9337 7491
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Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Lorong Liput. Turn right onto Lorong Liput. Walk down Lorong Liput. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Yan (宴) @ National Gallery Singapore - A Fortune of Feasts for the Year of the Dragon

Yan Restaurant, nestled within the iconic National Gallery Singapore, ushers in the lunar festivities with a plethora of traditional Cantonese delicacies. From December 15, 2023, to February 24, 2024, the restaurant presents a delectable array of a la carte dishes and set menus catering to dine-in and takeaway patrons.

Kaleidoscope of Prosperity Yusheng in "Shun De" Style with Australian Lobster 4.2/5

Diverging from the usual Yusheng offerings, Yan introduces the "Shun De" style - a cascade of crispy vermicelli adorned with shredded purple and yellow sweet potatoes, pickled ginger, and gold flakes. Embracing the Year of the Dragon, the restaurant introduces the Kaleidoscope of Prosperity Yusheng in "Shun De" Style with Australian Lobster ($238/$418), where the Mandarin term for lobster, directly translating to "dragon shrimp," symbolises the auspicious year.

Signature Crispy Roast Suckling Pig 4.2/5

Oven-baked Fillet with Lemongrass & Carved Shoulder 4.2/5

A standout at Yan Restaurant is the Crispy Roast Suckling Pig ($184+ Half/$368+ Whole). Offering three distinct ways to relish this delicacy, patrons can savour the crispy skin with house-made pancake and plum sauce, indulge in the pig's shoulder for a richer texture, and enjoy the tender pork fillet marinated with barbecue sauce and baked with lemongrass.

Golden Pumpkin Broth with Dried Fish Maw, Conpoy and Bamboo Pith 4.8/5

The Golden Pumpkin Broth with Dried Fish Maw, Conpoy, and Bamboo Pith delivers a hearty serving of tender fish maw in a golden pumpkin stew sweetened with scallops, elevated by a dash of Shaoxing Wine.

Steamed Live Marble Goby Fish 4/5

A festive favourite, the Steamed Live Marble Goby Fish features a fish adorned with shredded celtuce, salted mustard greens, and carrots - a delightful blend of delicate sweetness and savoury accents.

Roasted Duck Marinated with Chinese Herbs 4.5/5

The Roasted Duck Marinated with Chinese Herbs presents crispy skin with a hint of orange peel and succulent meat, complemented by a flavoursome Chinese herbs sauce.

Braised Two Head Abalone with Mushrooms and Seasonal Greens 4/5

Indulge in the Braised Two Head Abalone with Mushrooms and Seasonal Greens - a plump abalone with a firm, bouncy texture infused with a savoury braising liquid.

Wok-fried Glutinous Rice with Preserved Meat and Chinese Sausage 4/5

For a satisfying main, savour the Wok-fried Glutinous Rice with Preserved Meat and Chinese Sausage, where house-made preserved meat and Chinese sausages elevate the flavours of the glutinous rice.

Chilled Taro Pasted 4.5/5, Smiling Sesame Ball 3.8/5

Concluding the sumptuous feast, the Chilled Taro Paste with Coconut Ice Cream offers a creamy yam and coconut milk paste with sago pearls and coconut ice cream. Accompanying this is the Smiling Sesame Ball - a festive Cantonese classic adorned with sesame seeds, symbolising wishes for happiness and laughter.


Yan Restaurant provides convenient Takeaway options via self-collection and delivery through the E-store (https://bit.ly/shopyancny2024) for those opting for a cosy celebration at home.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yan Restaurant (宴)
National Gallery Singapore
1 St Andrew's Road
#05-02
Singapore 178958
Tel: +65 63845585
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Turn left onto Coleman Street. Walk down Coleman Street. Walk to destination. Journey time around 5 minutes. [Map]