Bar Intermezzo @ Orchard Hotel Singapore - High-Tea Semi Buffet With Free-Flow Dessert Bar

Bar Intermezzo at Orchard Hotel Singapore presents a High Tea Semi-Buffet with a free-flow dessert bar and a complimentary glass of Prosecco per person.

What I like about this semi-buffet is that there are three tiers of cold and hot savouries instead of the usual 1 or 2 tiers, which are enough to fill me up before I move on to the dessert bar. Freshly baked scones are also served with free-flow of coffee and tea.

Crab Cake with Saffron Aioli, Unagi Kabayaki Quiche

Prawn Vol-au-Vents, Gammon Ham and Truffle Cheese, Hokkaido Scallop Crudo

The variety of savouries offered is wholesome and hearty, even though they may be dainty in size. In particular, I enjoyed the Crab Cake with Saffron Aioli and Gammon Ham and Truffle Cheese from the hot selection. The latter was delectable, with a rich and creamy mouthfeel from the melted cheese, a classic combination done right. Both were perfect with my glass of prosecco.

Truffle Egg Sandwich, Black Angus Beef Tartar, Gravlax Salmon Sandwich

From the cold selection, Black Angus Beef Tartar stood out with an interesting combination of chocolate tart and beef, enlivened with a slice of gooseberry. The bitter-sweet notes from the chocolate tart went really well with the meat. Gravlax Salmon Sandwich was equally scrumptious with a luscious slice of Gravlax salmon.

Durian Chocolates

Jivara Tart

Praline Chocolate (with Alcohol)

The dessert bar offers a variety of small sweet bites, and my favourites are the chocolate items such as Praline Chocolate (with Alcohol) that literally bursts with alcohol and Jivara Tart. The Durian Chocolate made with creamy durian mouse with dark chocolate was also surprisingly delightful.

There's also a Valrhona Chocolate Fondue. Not as rich as I would like it to be, but decent enough.

Yuzu Tart

Macarons

Other sweet selections include tangy Yuzu Tarts and a variety of Macarons.

Bar Intermezzo's High Tea Semi-Buffet is available on Saturdays and Sundays, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at $50 per pax (min. 2 pax to serve). For reservations: Tel 6739 6668 or Email intermezzobar.ohs@millenniumhotels.com

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.


Bar Intermezzo
Lobby
442 Orchard Road
Singapore 238879
Tel: +65 67396668
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to Wheelock Place. Walk to traffic junction of Orchard Road and Angullia Park. Cross the road to Royal Thai Embassy. Turn left and continue down Orchard Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

The RANCH Steakhouse by ASTONS @ Clarke Quay - Great Steak, Humbly Priced Dry Aged & Premium Beef

The RANCH Steakhouse is an ASTON’s chain that opened at Clarke Quay, specialising in dry aged steaks served table side. Upon entering the restaurant, you’ll be greeted with huge portions of steaks aging in the glass fridges. It was great how you can take a look at the steaks being aged and even see how many days they’ve been aged for. You can also feel free to watch your meals being prepared at the open concept kitchen.

Beef Tartar 4/5

Start of with their wide range of cold or hot starters. We had the Beef Tartar ($18/100g, $34/200g) which was a generous amount of hand cut beef tenderloin mixed with onions, caper, gherkin, tomato and spices to musk the raw taste of beef. A smooth quail egg will be cracked in the centre, then laced with XO Cognac. Enjoy this tender beef with toasted rye bread.

Crab Cake 4/5

A hot starter that is a must try was the Homemade Crab Cake ($18). They use premium crab meat in the patty and was accompanied with a really interesting and refreshing avocado ice cream. One of my favourite elements on this dish was the roasted red capsicum ketchup that went so well with the crab cake.

French Onion Soup 4/5

If you’re a soup person like me, the French Onion Soup ($12) and the Classic Lobster Bisque with X.O. Hennessy ($16) were so hearty. We personally liked the Lobster Bisque more as it had more complex flavours and was so rich and creamy, with real bits of lobster in it. Pair your soup with The RANCH Artisan Bread Basket ($7) that comes with the most fragrant truffle butter.

Signature USDA Prime 30 Days Dry Aged Steak 4.5/5

Now to the mains we’ve all been waiting for - the Signature USDA Prime 30 Days Dry Aged Steak. This 700g of Porterhouse T-Bone ($15/100g, min. order 700g) was enough to feed about 2-4 pax and came with a choice of one sauce - Bearnaise, Perigord Truffle, Red Wine or Twin Peppercorn. Honestly, the steak was already so amazing on it’s own but I do recommend the Perigord Truffle sauce.

Whip out your phones as they will serve your choice of steak table side and cut it right in front of you. The difference between a regular steak and a dry aged steak is that it is more firm and compact, giving you a lot of flavour in every bite. Along with your steaks, feel free to order any of their side dishes for $8 each. I recommend The RANCH Homemade Fries which were so well made I was so addicted to them.

Chocolate Paradise 4/5

End of your meal with a comforting dessert like the Chocolate Paradise ($12). This was a sight to behold as it featured a hazelnut chantilly, feuilletine tuiles and a salted crumble. Paired with a swiss chocolate ice cream, this dessert was like a deconstructed and elevated ferrero rocher.

Creme Brulee 4.5/5

My winning dessert was the Creme Brulee ($12) as it was my first time having a sour creme brulee which was so refreshing. The tanginess from the passionfruit went so well with the heavy creme brulee, I couldn’t have asked for a better combination.

The RANCH Open Burger 4.5/5

The RANCH Steakhouse is also offering a 2 Course Set Lunch at $15 that is not only affordable but so value for money. It comes with a soup of the day and a main course which you can choose from The RANCH Open Burger, Mushroom Linguine and Corn-Fed French Spatchcock. The RANCH Open Burger was one of the best burgers I’ve had and I wasn’t surprised since it was made with premium beef patties and topped with a sous vide egg, crispy bacon and a toasted brioche. It was juicy, so packed with flavour and was enjoyable with every bite.

Photos and words by Vanessa Chia. A girl who has a passion for taking photos. Determined to always get better at what I am doing. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The RANCH Steakhouse by ASTONS
The Foundry, Clarke Quay
3 River Valley Road
Block B, #01-15
Singapore 179021
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 12midnight

Direction: 
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT Station. Take Exit A. Turn right and down River Valley Road. Turn right onto Tan Tye Place. Walk to the end of the road. Turn left onto Clark Quay. Walk to destination. Journey time bout 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit C or G. Walk to the river front. Turn left and walk down the river. Cross the bridge. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Goodwood Park Singapore Christmas 2015

Goodwood Park Singapore spreads the Christmas cheer with a sumptuous feast held at their new Tudor Courtyard, an air-conditioned tentage area that is perfect for holding functions as well as for wedding.

Oyster 4.5/5

Prawn 4.5/5

The Christmas feast at Goodwood Park Hotel started with a sumptuous selection of seafood on ice. There were freshly shucked oysters, Chardonnay-poached Tiger Prawns & Crayfish with condiments. These will also be available in Christmas Day Brunch Buffet at L'Espresso & Gordon Grill.

Cold Capellini Pasta 4.8/5

The Cold Capellini Pasta with green lip abalone, farm caviar and white truffle vinaigrette was so good that I noticed many went back for more helpings, including myself. This is available in Festive Set Dinner at Gordon Grill.

Wagyu Beef Tartar 4.2/5

Another delightful appetisers on the festive spread is the Wagyu Beef Tartar with celeriac remoulade, quail egg and melba toast.

Black Pepper coated Roast Prime Rib 4.5/5

Moving on to the mains, a must try is the Black Pepper coated Roast Prime Rib of Australian Beef with thyme-Merlot sauce ($348 for takeway from the Deli). The prime rib is perfectly roasted to a beautiful pink packed with a full flavour.

Slow Roasted Iberico Pork Belly 4.5/5

A must try is the Slow Roasted Iberico Pork Belly with Crackling, Pickled Cabbage, Apple Sauce & Pork Jus ($320 for takeaway from the Deli). The Iberico pork belly is roasted to a a nice crackling on the skin while retaining that juiciness in the meat.

Baked Salmon 'En Croute' 4.8/5

If you are not into meat, Baked Salmon 'En Croute' with Spinach & Lemon Caper Beurre Blanc will delight you with the its unique combination and layers of textures. It felt like have sushi wrapped around in a baked pastry. This is available in New Year's Eve Dinner Buffet at L'Espresso.

Goodwood Portuguese style Curry Turkey

Goodwood Portuguese style Curry Turkey 4.2/5

A must have for Christmas is the turkey. The culinary team unveils the Goodwood Portuguese style Curry Turkey with Potatoes, Carrots & Onions Wok-Fried with Curry Powder, Mildly-Spicy Curry Gravy & Baguettes. This is inspired by a favoured dish of the hotel's late owner Mr Khoo Teck Puat. This is an interesting and delicious take of a taste of heritage with an Asian style turkey. It will be available for takeaway from the Deli at $218.

DIY Christmas Rainbow Tree 4/5

Manjari Chocolate & Cassis Mousse Log Cake 4.2/5

Besides the various savoury offering from Goodwood Park Hotel's F&B establishments, an array of dessert for the sweet tooth is available for takeway at the Deli too. Some of the magnificient creation this year  and all time favourite are DIY Christmas Rainbow Tree ($32 per set), Manjari Chocolate & Cassie Mousse Log Cake ($76 for 1 kg), D24 Durian Christmas Log Cake ($69 for 1 kg), D24 Durian Snowman ( $38 per pair), Caramel Chocolate Tart ($36 for 500g), Salted Caramel Nuts Cake ($42 for 500g) and Joy in a Jar ($30 for 3 jars, $48 for 5 jars).

D24 Christmas Log Cake 4.8/5

Goodwood Park Singapore has been popular for the durian creations and it is not surprise that my favourite desserts are the D24 Christmas Log Cake and D24 Durian Snowman. If your guests are durian lovers, the creamy D24 goodness will definitely impressed your guests.

D24 Durian Snowman 4.5/5

For more details of Goodwood Park Singapore's Christmas and New Year promotion. Click here.


Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

The Black Swan @ Cecil Street

Taking over the historic Art Deco building at Cecil street, The Black Swan is a distinctive grand café and bar that sets to stir up the bustling, yet monotonous Central Business District (CBD) of Singapore. Formerly the Kwangtung Provincial Bank built in the 1930s, when Art Deco was one of the key design movements, months of effort was being put into restoring the place back to its former glory. A new menu has recently been launched, offering more elaborated dishes to whet your appetite.

Designed to serve European bistro classics in mind, but with a modern take to delight its diners, The Black Swan also offers a fine selection of signature cocktails, wines, and whiskies. On their list of cocktails, I picked Fountain Of Youth (19++) for their citrus note. What goes in are lychees, Japanese cucumber, Peach liqueur and a touch of citrus. I do highly recommend this, especially if you have had a long day at work.

Fountain of Youth 4/5

In between the meal, I had another concoction - Good Night & Good Luck (19++). I chose this because I thought using tea as part of the concoction is something unique. Because of this cocktail, now I know what to look out for when choosing cocktails. The tea’s astringency balances the sweetness really well. Compared to the usual sweet-smelling cocktails, this Good Night & Good Luck carries a sense of elegance in both its aroma and taste, which is strengthened with the use of Chamomile Pisco. Served to me with a generous whiff of lavender atop, every sip relaxes my senses.

Charcuterie 4/5

We had Charcuterie (18++) - This Baked Bone Marrow appetiser is sure a great way to start off the dinner. The marrow was rich and buttery, and the crusty Crostini became the perfect vehicle to deliver the taste to my mouth.

Seafood Platter 3.8/5

The Black Swan Seafood Platter ($148++) collects the freshest and finest - Alaskan king crab, Oysters, Maine lobster, Obsiblue prawns, Uni, Clam ceviche. This is a little piece of heaven for the seafood lovers.

Chicken Veloute 3.8/5

Another warm and comforting dish was their Chicken Velouté (18++) I was a bit sceptical about this creamy chicken soup at first as I was not a fan for both creamy and chicken, but the way it was done made it just right for me. The Maitake mushroom was fried with chicken cubes before mixing into the soup. That brought out the intense flavour of the mushrooms, which was a match with the creamy chicken soup. The overall taste and texture is quite rich and creamy, but certainly not cloying.

Steak Tartare 3.5/5

Steak Tartare ($26++). If you are fine with steak tartare dish, I’m quite sure that you will like theirs too. Using USDA 365 days grain fed beef, mixed with Crispy sunchoke, Raw egg and micro cress, it was light on the palette, and appetizing due to its tangy dressing.

Alaskan Snow Crab Salad 4/5

Their Alaskan Snow Crab Salad ($24++) is one of my favourite dishes. Perhaps, after all the meaty appetiser, something refreshing is always more than welcome. It is a delicate plate of Alaskan snow crab, Avocado, Mango, Orange and Grapefruit, dressed with Citrus vinaigrette. Even the guys love it!
 

Roasted Suckling Pig 3.8/5

Roasted Suckling Pig ($148++) is one of the signature dishes on the new menu, made using pork air-flown from Spain. The meat has been brine for 24 hours with herbs and sous vide before the roasting takes place. As promised, the meat, after being concealed and roasted for hours, remains tender and juicy with all the wonderful flavour of the herbs. If you would like to have a taste of it, please do remember to pre-order 2 days in advance.

Lobster Thermidor 3.8/5

We also got to try their Daily Specials - Tournedos Rossini ($50++) and Lobster Thermidor ($65++), which are available every Monday and Thursday respectively. Their whole Maine lobster is baked with Mornay sauce and Gruyère cheese, which are pretty common ingredients to pair with lobster without masking its sweetness.

Beef Steak with Foie Gras 3.8/5

If you are a truly meat lover, you may want to come down on Monday to enjoy this 150 gms tenderloin, which is paired with Seared foie gras, accompanied by Sautéed vegetables with Truffle sauce. You may be stunned by the size of the foie gras.

Black Swan Fireball 4.5/5

Dark Chocolate Dome 4.5/5

We rounded up the night with 2 desserts - The Black Swan Fireball ($22++) and Dark Chocolate Dome ($16++). The Black Swan Fireball is simply amazing. The Chocolate sphere is filled with berries compote, Crunchy pearls and Vanilla ice cream. After being flamed, the liquor flavoured the melted chocolate with a tinge of bitterness and every mouthful of it was sinfully good. My first encounter with Fireball was at 1 Stellar, this is my second and it just gets better.

There is another section known as the The Powder Room, offering premium bar bites and cocktails, as well as premium bottle service. If you would like to have a private dining experience, it will be held in what used to be the bank vault. With such a complete and exceptional concept, The Black Swan is right to be where it is, at the heart of our CBD, in this beautiful and stunning building.

The current Happy Hour Menu is available from 5-8pm from Mondays to Fridays, with the offer of $21++ for a glass of champagne and a pair of freshly-shucked oysters. Coming up in December, the Happy Hour Menu will be replaced with a $2++ menu for oysters, and $11++ for selected beer, wine and house-pours.

Photograph and written 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.


The Black Swan
19 Cecil Street
Singapore 049704
Tel: +65 81813305
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Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 1030pm
Sat: 5pm - 1030pm

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