Showing posts with label Sushi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sushi. Show all posts

Thursday, March 28, 2024

G Izakaya @ Golden Mile Tower - 1-for-1 8-Course Japanese Omakase Till 31 May 2024, Featuring Lobster Tail, Chutoro, and Uni Hand Roll

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From now till 31 May 2024, G Izakaya at Golden Mile Tower is offering a value-for-money 8-course Omakase at a promotional price of $188++ for two pax. The restaurant has garnered popularity for its seasonal omakase menus, which are offered at attractive prices.

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It took us a while to locate the restaurant. When facing Golden Mile Tower, veer to the left instead of entering from the main entrance. The cosy 10-seater omakase space is next to their larger izakaya dining area.

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Welcome Drink

We were each given a shot glass of Butterfly Pea Welcome Drink to start. I would have liked this a lot less sweet.

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Hotaru Ika with Yuzu Miso

The starter featured Hotaru Ika with Yuzu Miso. Hotaru ika, currently in season, boasted a rich and briny flavour. It harmoniously paired with the zesty yuzu miso.

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Lobster Tail with Uni Paste & Pan-Fried Scallop

The succulent Lobster Tail was served warm and accompanied by an intriguing combination of uni paste, pan-fried scallop and tempura bananas. This unexpected mix of elements was surprisingly likeable, with the sweetness from the lobster and banana complementing the umami notes of the uni paste.

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3-Kind Sashimi

Next was 3-Kind Sashimi, with fresh and thick cuts of Shima Aji, Akami and Otoro.

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Gindara Saikyo with Sweet Potato

Following that, the chef presented us with the Gindara Saikyo with Sweet Potato. The miso cod was firm yet flaky, and despite the side of shiokoji dressing, we found it to be adequately flavourful on its own.

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Noresore with Mozuku Seaweed

I was excited to try the chef's palate cleanser of Noresore with Mozuku Seaweed, as I had never tried noresore (young conger eel) before. The noresore was light with a subtle sweetness, refreshing when paired with the tangy vinegared seaweed.

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Isaki

The next part of the omakase was the 6-Piece Nigiri Sushi. First was Isaki, a lean cut white-fleshed fish.

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Madai

The Madai was served next. The sea bream was mild with a clean sweetness and became one of my favourites.

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Hirame

The chef lightly torched a piece of engawa for our third sushi to add on top of our Hirame.

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Chutoro

The Chutoro was served with slender strips of delicate young spring onion, which I found particularly enjoyable. The fatty cut of chutoro melted in the mouth.

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Hotate

Lightly dressed in soy, the plump and fresh Hotate will satisfy scallop lovers.

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Uni

The last of our 6-Piece Nigiri Sushi was also a highlight of the meal. The luxurious mouthful of Uni hand roll was layered with sushi rice, chutoro, and a generous scoop of uni, all finished with a spray of gold dust. This was a flavour explosion of the sea.

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Pumpkin Fish Soup with Fish Curd

The soup course varies daily, and during our visit, we were served the Pumpkin Fish Soup with Fish Curd. With its thicker consistency, the warm soup was a comforting closure before desserts.

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Pineapple Sherbet and Warabi Mochi

The desserts didn't quite match the preceding dishes. We tried the Pineapple Sherbet and Warabi Mochi; while the sherbet was refreshing, it was pretty average.

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Pineapple Sherbet and Warabi Mochi

The homemade warabi mochi paired with azuki beans was better, but the combination was slightly too sweet for my liking.

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8-Course Omakase 4.5/5

At this 1-for-1 price point, G Izakaya's omakase offered excellent quality and value. Overall, I thoroughly appreciated the thoughtful curation of the dishes and the quality of the ingredients. I particularly liked how the ingredients' natural flavours are allowed to shine without being overshadowed by additional seasonings.

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.


G Izakaya
Golden Mile Tower
6001 Beach Road
#01-52A/B
Singapore 199589
Tel: +65 91835393
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Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 130pm, 530pm - 930pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge to Beach Road. Turn right onto Beach Road and walk down Beach Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Sushi Sato @ Dempsey Hill - Introduces Approachable Fine Omakase Menu Options

Head Sushi Chef Kawana Yusuke

Sushi Sato, located within a miniature Zen garden on Dempsey Hill, has recently launched new lunch and dinner menus, offering a more affordable range to diners seeking a high-end omakase experience. The menus are specially curated by both Master Chef Yuji Sato and his Head Chef Yusuke Kawana. With traditional culinary experience spanning over 28 years and refined at top sushi restaurants in Tokyo, Chef Kawana brings to the table an exclusive Sushi Edomae ($260) menu, available solely at Chef Kawana's sushi counter within a private dining room.

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Chawanmushi with Snow Crab Sauce

The menu showcases Chef Kawana's deep appreciation and mastery of Edomae sushi. It features seasonal appetisers and 15 pieces of nigiri sushi, which concludes with soup and dessert. Our dinner started with Chawanmushi with Snow Crab Sauce, delectable with Hokkaido scallop, sweet chestnut, and a textural crunch lent from the lily bulb.

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Kue - Japanese Grouper

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Sumi Ika - Ink Squid

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Tai - Seabream

The sushi course started with milder-flavoured fish before moving into stronger or richer-tasting ones. We were first served Kue, Ika, and Tai. These selections were simply pleasing, featuring a firm texture and a sweet profile. In particular, the Ika stood out; its creamy texture heightened its delectability even further.

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Zuke Akami - Marinated Tuna

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Shima Aji - Yellowjack

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Saba - Mackerel

We then were served Marinated Tuna, Yellow Jack Shima Aji and Mackerel Kanagawa. The latter was interesting. As Mackerel has a stronger taste, it was garnished with a herb-infused blend of spring onion, ginger and shiso leaf, harmonising with the seasoned sushi rice.

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Hokkigai - Surf Clam

Next, we were presented with an exceptionally crunchy Hokkaido Miyagi Surf Clam.

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Hotaru Ika - Firefly Squid with Vinegar and Sweet Miso

In between the sushi courses, we were served a seasonal appetiser. We had the Firefly Squid Toyama with Vinegar and Sweet Miso. While the Firefly Squid were tasty with their natural umami profile, the vinegar and sweet miso sauce were a tad overpowering.

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Botan Ebi - Shrimp

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Meiji Maguro - Smoked Young Tuna

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Kohada - Gizzard Shard marinated with Salt & Vinegar

We then had Botan Ebi, Young Tuna Meiji Maguro smoked with rice straw, and Kohada marinated in salt and vinegar. My favourite was the sweet Botan ebi, which delighted with a mouthfeeling texture. The Young Tuna was slightly bland for me.

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Kawahagi - Leatherjacket and Liver

Kawahagi, a Leather jack topped with its own liver, was memorable. As now is the season when the liver is fatty, this Kawahagi was a luxurious treat. The spring onion helped to enhance its taste.

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Kinmedai - Golden Eye Snapper

What followed was King Snapper, which was charcoal torched to lace it with a smokey flavour.

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Ikura - Salmon Roe

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Ootoro - Fatty Tuna

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Bafun Uni - Short Spike Sea Urchin

Moving on to the last three sushi that carry a heartier taste - we had Ikura Salmon Roe marinated with soy sauce sake mirin, Otoro and Hokkaido Uni. The Otoro was undeniably the highlight with its luscious texture and rich flavour.

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Tamagoyaki

Before proceeding to dessert, we had a sweet-savoury and spongy Tamagoyaki made with a blend of egg, fish paste, scallop, prawn, and honey. We loved it so much that we indulged in a second piece, as the chef was kind enough to accede to our request!

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Clam Soup Canola Flower

We were served a light-tasting Clam Soup with canola flower to cleanse our palates. We appreciated the delicate seasoning, which allowed the clam's flavour to shine through.

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Amaou Strawberry, Shizoka Melon, Oita Orange

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Kinako Ice Cream

Dessert was beautiful - a platter of prized seasonal fruits Amaou Strawberry, Shizoka Melon, Oita Orange complemented with housemade Kinako Ice Cream.

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.


Sushi Sato
6B Dempsey Road
Singapore 247662
Tel: +65 8380 3830
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 630pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop at Napier Station (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to dempsey road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Friday, February 16, 2024

Kai Kai Sushi & Grill @ Wisma Atria - Newest Brainchild of Chef Yamashita Teppei Replaces Koh Grill & Sushi Bar, Offering Range of Japanese Fare

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Kai Kai Sushi & Grill now sits where Koh Grill & Sushi Bar used to be in Wisma Atria, bringing diners a comprehensive menu of Japanese dishes ranging from classic sashimi and sushi to yakitori and teppan.

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The new casual restaurant is helmed by Chef Yamashita Teppei, most known for its various Japanese F&B concepts on our island, such as Teppei Japanese Restaurant and Man Man Japanese Unagi Restaurant (now known as Unagi Tei). Here at his newest brainchild, Chef hopes to bring affordable yet quality Japanese fare to diners.

We sampled several items, with some in bite-sized portions. The prices listed are for the full portions.

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Pitan Tofu 4/5

Pitan Tofu ($5) is always one of my must-orders when it's on the menu. Kai Kai's rendition is decent, with a slightly nutty sesame sauce base and a generous topping of chopped century egg and tobiko. I would have preferred a more robust century egg flavour in its sauce for that extra oomph.

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Kai Kai Hanabi Roll 4/5

You will find a selection of different sushi rolls on the menu, one being the Kai Kai Hanabi Roll ($18.80). I found the sauce slightly too sweet, but this one is for fans of salmon as they offer it 2-ways here - raw in the middle and lightly aburi-ed on top.

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Negitoro Sushi 3.8/5

The Negitoro Sushi ($6) roll had the classic combination of minced tuna and chopped spring onions in its centre, with crunchy tempura bits for extra texture. The tuna portion could be much better, for a better ratio to the tempura bits.

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Nama Kaki 4/5

Next was the Nama Kaki, which had a plump and fresh oyster drizzled with a mildly tangy ponzu vinegar sauce.

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3-Kind Sashimi Moriawase 4/5

We got to see Chef Yamashita Teppei do a bluefin tuna block-cutting demonstration, leading to our next dish, the 3-Kind Sashimi Moriawase ($15). We sampled slices of otoro, chutoro and maguro.

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While they weren’t the best quality of cuts, they were still thick and fresh.

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Buta Enoki Yakitori 3.5/5

The Buta Enoki Yakitori ($4) had enoki mushrooms wrapped with pork belly. While I enjoyed the grill on it, it was tougher and blander than I expected it to be. I prefer a stronger seasoning on this.

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Yaki Hotate 4/5

Served in its shell with a wedge of lemon, the Yaki Hotate ($12) carried a nice slight char. The plump scallop remained juicy despite the grill.

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Sukiyaki 3.5/5

While the pork slices were tender, we found the rest of the elements in the Sukiyaki ($16.80) more mediocre. The base could be a touch less salty as well.

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Kani Toro Donburi 4.2/5

From the selection of mains, I decided on the Kani Toro Donburi ($17). It was clearly created for crab lovers, with crab meat, crab leg and soft shell crab with toppings of ikura and tobiko. The original size and portion will also include an onsen egg! The crab meat used was fresh and sweet.

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Kai Kai Castle Bento 3.8/5

The Kai Kai Castle Bento ($18.90) was served in a multi-tiered bento box shaped like a Japanese castle. Each tier featured different items, namely tamago and unagi, assorted sashimi, and a bed of rice with chopped tuna belly, tempura bites, flying fish roe and ikura.

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Unfortunately, its taste paled compared to its look, with average cuts on the sashimi. I must say that it's still considerably decent for the variety at this price.

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.


Kai Kai Sushi & Grill
Food Republic Wisma Atria
#04-21
435 Orchard Road
Singapore 238877
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]