L'Entrecote The Steak & Fries Bistro @ Custom House - New Outlet With An Alfresco Bar Facing The Waterfront

L'Entrecote The Steak & Fries Bistro has opened a new outlet at Custom House. Besides showcasing the signature menu from its beloved Duxton Hill flagship restaurant, there is a new alfresco L'Entrecote Bar for guests to enjoy the beautiful waterfront view over a tipple or two.

Lillet Vive and Ricard 

L'Entrecote Bar offers a variety of classic tipples, but the main draw is a trio of French aperitifs. I had the Lillet Vive ($10 per glass) and Ricard ($8 per glass). The Lillet Vive is a refreshing wine-based tonic with mint, strawberry and cucumber that is perfect for the Singapore weather. However, the Ricard with an anise-flavoured profile is a bit acquire for me. Last but not least, the Cuvee de L'Entrecote ($12 per glass) that is from the bistro's own winery in the South-east of France.

La Planche De Charuteries et Fromages 4/5, Beef Tartare Toast 4.2/5

Diners can also pair their tipples with a panoply of bar bites on the menu. Great for sharing is the La Planche De Charcuteries et Fromages ($38). On the platter board, there are camembert, comte, Sainte-Maure, duck rillette, pate en croute, pistachio studded country pate and duck foie gras terrine. The sumptuous plate is complemented with nuts, condiments and hunks of warm baguette. A delectable bite-size bar bite is the Beef Tartare Toast ($6/pc). The traditional beef tartare is topped on crispy toasted French baguette.

Deep Fried Frog Legs 3/5

I thought it was quite smart of L'Entrecote to shape the Deep Fried Frog Legs ($18) to look like chicken wings. With the texture and taste, similar to chicken, diners may mistake it as chicken. I love frog leg for its tender texture, but I find the execution here a bit on the dry side.

Wagyu Beef Cubes 4.2/5

L'entrecote is famed for its steak with its legendary sauce. To feature its signature dish on the bar bites menu, it has re-interpreted it as a Wagyu Beef Cubes ($22) dish with the legendary sauce as a dipping sauce. The sauce was so good that I was hoping for a more substantial piece of beef cut to appreciate it.

Porcini, Wild Mushroom and Comte Tarte Flambee 4/5

If you feel that you are still hungry and needed something more substantial, there is the tarte flambee, a speciality Alsatian flatbread. We tried the Porcini, Wild Mushroom and Comte Tarte Flambee ($26) and Escargots, Garlic, Parsley, Butter and Onions Tarte Flambee ($24). We are split in our preference. Some like the sweetness from the caramelised onion with the escargots while others enjoyed the creaminess from mushrooms. I preferred the mushroom tarte flambee though.

Escargots, Garlic, Parsley, Butter and Onions Tarte Flambee 3.5/5

Note: This is an invited tasting.


L'Entrecote The Steak & Fries Bistro
Customs House
70 Collyer Quay
#01-01
Singapore 049323
Tel: +65 66907565
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Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sat: 530pm - 11pm
Sun: 11am - 5pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Clifford Centre. Cut across the building. Go to 2nd floor, take the overhead bridge link across the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

The Line @ Shangri-La Hotel - Presents Flavours Of Singapore With Fresh Durians, Tropical Fruit And Hawker Favourites

In commemoration of the coming National Day, The Line at Shangri-La Hotel launched the Flavours of Singapore buffet inspired by the traditional street food of the 1980s. Available from 18 July to 10 August 2019, diners get to indulge in tropical fruits, including durians and retro snacks, as well as a full spread of dinner buffet featuring nostalgic food and beverage favourites from the restaurant’s 16 live-cooking stations.

The highlight of the buffet is, of course, the durians. Enjoy your fill of durians with free-flow servings of the freshly opened Golden Phoenix durian, Hong Xia (red prawn) durian and D13 durian. There are also tropical fruits, such as mangosteen, rambutan, longan and jackfruit, are also available at the outdoor stall every Thursday to Sunday.

This will be complemented with childhood snacks, including Kacang Puteh, Satay Ampai, White Rabbit Sweets, Lobster Cube Biscuit, Wheel Crackers and more.

Guests can also enjoy an enhanced buffet spread with old-time food and beverage highlights, such as the Char Kway Teow and Oyster Omelette.

We had the Bak Kut Teh which was a comforting bowl of goodness prior to a night of indulgent feasting. The rich, flavourful broth was worth going for a second round.

Prepared by Chef Raymond Yin Teng Poh, The Line’s Asian chef with more than 44 years of culinary experience specialising in local cuisine, the local highlights will be served along with a wide range of international delights. Dishes are freshly prepared a la minute, enabling diners to watch the chefs in action.

For something more substantial, go for the Seafood Paella, filled with a variety of crustaceans and shellfish, or the Braised Pork Leg with Hokkien Noodles, and Thai Style Seafood Fried Rice.

Take your pick from the scrumptious range of familiar Asian delights such as the crispy, tender Pork Belly, and Deep Fried Pork Ribs with Orange Sauce.

Not to be missed out is the local favourite Chilli Crab and Signature Black Pepper Crab using Sri Lankan Mud Crab.

Highlights include the Crustacean Bar, with its appetising display of fresh seafood. It has an extensive array of premium ocean-fresh seafood, such as the Jonah Crab Claw, Snow Crab, Clam, Oysters, and Black Mussel. These changes based on what is available.

The feasting is complete with a magnificent display of desserts, with traditional favourites of Kueh Lapis, Heritage Cakes, and Nonya Kueh. Other must-try desserts include the rich Hazelnut Royaltine, Green Tea Financier, Green Tea Strawberry, Raspberry Opera, Coffee Orange Profiterole, Coconut Pistachio Tartlet, American Cheesecake and more.

Not forgetting the exclusive durian treats such as the Durian Profiterole, Durian Cheesecakes, and Durian Coconut Cake.

Buffet Pricing 
- Thursday SGD128++ per adult; includes unlimited servings of local fruits, beers and soft drinks SGD 64++ per child (6 to 11 years old)
- Friday and Saturday SGD118++ per adult; includes unlimited serving of local fruits SGD59++ per child (6 to 11 years old)
- Sunday SGD108++ per adult; includes unlimited serving of local fruits SGD54++ per child (6 to 11 years old)
- National Day SGD128++ per adult; includes unlimited servings of local fruits SGD 64++ per child (6 to 11 years old)

Prices are subject to a 10% service charge and 7% GST.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Line
Shangri-La Hotel Singapore
Lobby Level
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 62134398
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 23 minutes. [Map]

Dal.komm Coffee @ Funan Mall - Unveils Its Fourth Outlet With New Menu Of Exclusive Offerings

Popular Korean coffee chain, Dal.komm Coffee launched its latest outlet at the newly opened Funan Mall, Singapore’s newest lifestyle and creative hub. To celebrate the outlet opening, there will be two exclusive outlet beverages, as well as new menu items, including a delectable selection of savoury bites.

Matcha Red Bean Latte 4/5

The Funan outlet features two exclusive outlet drinks, which highlights a special ingredient - Korean red beans or ‘pat', which represents luck and prosperity in Korean culture. We had the Matcha Red Bean Latte ($8.90), which pairs sweet Korean red bean paste with the slightly-bitter premium green tea in an unequalled classic combination.

Matcha Coffee Cube 4/5

Besides the celebratory red bean treats, the outlet also presents highly-anticipated additions to its beverage menu with the popular Matcha Cube series. A uniquely dal.komm creation, the Matcha Coffee Cube ($8.90). It combines the coffee-flavoured cubes which gradually melt into the creamy and milky green tea concoction below, adding to the beautiful intense bittersweetness, while keeping the beverage ice-cold and flavourful.

Diners can expect a variety of other enticing drink options such as the Matcha Chocolate Mint Latte ($8 regular/ $8.50 large), the Matcha Chocolate Mixture ($8 regular/ $8.50 large) as well as the refreshing and fruity carbonated beverages, Grapefruit Ade, Strawberry Lemon Ade, and Yuzu Citron Ade ($7.50 each).

Breaded Dory Cruffin 3.5/5

dal.komm will be padding up its menu with more delicious treats that are great for dining-in, or for a quick meal on-the-go. We had the Breaded Dory Cruffin ($10.90) which comprises a crispy baked dory fish. The fish is drizzled with sweet bulgogi sauce sandwiched in between flaky, buttery golden brown cruffin buns, and served with fresh greens.

Signature Crab Ebiko Croissant 3.8/5

The Signature Crab Ebiko Croissant ($9.90) features a flaky, buttery croissant filled with generous amounts of crab stick and ebiko, cloaked in luscious mayonnaise, and served with fresh greens.

Other exclusive meal items include the fiery Signature Ssamjang Chicken Cruffin ($10.90), and Ssamjang Chicken Pizza ($12.90), as well as the Ham and Cheese Croissant ($5.90), and hearty sandwiches (from $4.90).

Come August 2019, patrons will have the opportunity to experience Creative Technology’s newest Super X-Fi (SXFI) audio products at the dal.komm Funan outlet as part of a collaboration between dal.komm Coffee Singapore and the digital entertainment company, known for their cutting-edge audio technology.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Dal.komm Coffee
107 North Bridge Road
#03-17
Singapore 179105
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Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 930am - 930pm

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

Tendon Kohaku x Man Man Unagi @ Clarke Quay Central - Two Popular F&B Brands Form New Collaborative Dining Concept

Tendon Specialist Tendon Kohaku and Unagi Specialist Man Man Unagi will be collaborating and opening a new dining concept at Clarke Quay Central. This will be the first time the two popular F&B brands come together side by side to offer their own specialities and exclusive items. The new concept will be opening on 31 July 2019 at the basement of Clarke Quay Central.

Premium Chawanmushi with Unagi and Ikura 4/5

We dropped by the new outlet at Tendon Kohaku and checked out some of the exclusive items. We started with the Premium Chawanmushi with Unagi and Ikura ($6.50) which is made with steaming egg in chicken broth. In the chawanmushi, there are also chicken, shiitake mushroom, fishcake and unagi, topped with ikura and spring onions.

Crispy Unagi Dragon Roll 3.5/5

We also tried the Crispy Unagi Dragon Roll ($9) which is a maki roll comprises of tempura prawn, tempura crabstick, unagi and avocado. Different from the usual maki roll, it has more textures, and the mayonnaise sauce that was drizzled on top brings everything together.

Jumbo Unagi Tendon 4/5

What caught my eyes is the Jumbo Unagi Tendon ($29). Diners get a huge eel encased in crispy tempura exterior resting on top of the bowl which is obviously too small to hold the unagi.

Kaisen Tendon by Kohaku and Teppi 4.2/5

Personally, the best of both worlds is the Kaisen Tendon by Kohaku and Teppi ($26.50). You get the popular tendon from Tendon Kohaku as well as kaisen don recipe by Chef Teppei Yamashita, who helms Teppi Japanese restaurant and Man Man Unagi.

Kaisen x Hitsumabushi by Teppei and Man Man 4.5/5

Over at Man Man Unagi, the exclusive item is the Kaisen x Hitsumabushi by Teppei and Man Man ($32.50). Chef Teppei has put together the 2 iconic dishes from his restaurants into one. They are served on top of Nanatsuboshi white rice. Enjoy it in 3 ways: on its own; with a mix of condiments, wasabi and green onions; and with soup added to the aforementioned mix.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tendon Kohaku x Man Man Unagi
Clarke Quay Central
6 Eu Tong Sen Street
#B1-52 and #B1-53
Singapore 059817
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 4pm, 5pm - 10pm

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

Crystal Jade Palace @ Ngee Ann City - Unveils A Brand New Look And Menu

After undergoing a three month of renovation, Crystal Jade Group's flagship fine-dining restaurant, Crystal Jade Palace at Ngee Ann City has unveiled a brand new look and menu. The restaurant now boasts a sophisticated contemporary space that includes an intimate tea room, breezy communal dining hall, elegant courtyard, as well as chic private dining rooms.

Garden Salad with Crab Meat, Pomelo & Sakura Ebi 4.2/5

We kickstarted the dinner with the light and refreshing Garden Salad with Crab Meat, Pomelo and Sakura Ebi ($14.80). This dish used to be only served upon request has made permanently into the menu. It is an elevated rendition of the classic Thai-inspired appetiser that is a medley of fireworks, with the flavours coming together.

Deep-fried Chive Stem Pancake 3.5/5

At first sight, the Deep-fried Chive Stem Pancake ($14.80) looks like any ordinary Chinese style pancake. However, I find the ingredient used to put this together is interesting. The crispiness comes from the thin sheets of spring roll skin, while the filling is a tasty combination of sweet chives stem, minced prawns and bits of Chinese Lap Cheong.

Steamed XO Scallop Dumpling Wrapped in 'Marbled' Skin 3.5/5

Crystal Jade Palace also offers dim sum on their menu. We got to try the Steamed XO Scallop Dumpling Wrapped in 'Marbled' Skin ($8.80 for 3pc). This is a premium take from the usual with the used of the scallop. The parcel is filled with plump scallop and prawn, crowned by a robust homemade XO sauce. Steamed scallop can be quite tasteless; hence, the XO sauce played an important role in holding the whole parcel together.

Roasted Honey BBQ Iberico Pork 4.2/5

Personally not to be missed at Crystal Jade Palace is the Roasted Honey BBQ Iberico Pork ($30 regular portion) and the Roasted Irish Duck with Black Truffle ($26/$48/$95). Using the prime pork shoulder meat for the roasted honey BBQ pork, it is really tender and juicy with the right fat and lean ration which I enjoyed. The sauce is also just right, not overly sweet.

Roasted Irish Duck with Black Truffle 5/5

As for the Roasted Irish Duck, this is a winner for me. The Irish duck is already well known for its amazing texture. The addition of the black truffle is a match in heaven that lifted the flavour and whole appreciation of the beautiful poultry.

Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Peruvian Ginseng 4/5

Perfect after all the richness, is the nourishing Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Peruvian Ginseng ($26 per pax). This is my first time coming across Peruvian Ginseng or also known as Maca. It is actually a member of the radish family. It is also claimed that the root plant helps to boost energy, may improve libido and reduce the psychological symptoms of menopause.

Sauteed Beef Cubes with Shishito Peppers in Black Pepper Sauce 4.2/5

Filled with "Wok Hei" on top of the succulence is the Sauteed Beef Cubes with Shishito Peppers in Black Pepper Sauce ($36 for regular portion). The shishito peppers are actually not spicy, and it has a delightful crunchy texture. The black pepper sauce was not peppery, leaning towards the sweet side.

Braised Sea Cucumber with Grandma's Braised Pork Belly 4.5/5

A new favourite for me at Crystal Jade Palace is the Braised Sea Cucumber with Grandma's Braised Pork Belly ($36). It is a comforting pot of sea cucumber and fork-tender pork belly that has been slow braised with soy sauce, rock sugar and spices. That rustic home-style flavour is a home run for me.

Poached Seasonal Vegetable with Fresh Beancurd Skin and Gingko Nus in Superior Broth 4.2/5

A usual order at any Chinese restaurant for me is the poached vegetable with trio eggs. Thanks to the recommendation, I would order the Poached Seasonal Vegetable with Fresh Beancurd Skin and Gingko Nus in Superior Broth ($26) whenever I visit Crystal Jade in the future. It is a simple poached vegetable dish elevated by the flavourful and collagen-rich chicken stock, with fried ginko and garlic cloves. The bonus is the addition of the smooth sheets of fresh beancurd skin.

Fried Crispy Rice and Arzo Pasta with Prawn and Shrimp 4/5

A unique dish on the menu is the Fried Crispy Rice and Arzo Pasta with Prawn and Shrimp ($26). It looks like fried rice, but it is not. Chef Foo has substituted the rice grains with orzo pasta. The orzo pasta is skilfully tossed over high heat with prawns, char siew, red and green capsicums to get that al dente rice texture. Crispy sakura ebi and deep-fried rice grains are added for the textural contrast. It is undoubtedly a delicious dish to eat. However, it lacks the wok hei and egg fragrant, which I think the rice grains can absorb better than the orzo pasta.

Chendol with Coconut Ice Cream 3.5/5

Last but not least, we wrapped up the dinner with the Chendol with Coconut Ice Cream ($12.80) for dessert. Inside the coconut husk, there are coconut gelato, chendol, grass jelly cubes and feuilletine shards. I like the idea and presentation, but somehow I didn't feel satisfied, especially if I am looking forward to a bowl of chendol dessert. I couldn't really enjoy the different components in the husk together to associate it to the chendol dessert, as I ended up tackling the elements individually.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Crystal Jade Palace
Ngee Ann City
391 Orchard Road
#04-19
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 67352388
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat: 11am - 1030pm
Sun & PH: 10am - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit C or D. Walk to Ngee Ann City. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

The Refinery @ King George's Avenue - Revamped Menu With Lunch Set For As Low As $14

The Refinery at King George's Avenue has recently revamped their menu with new creations. Known for its Refinery Truffle Gyudon since it opened its doors 3 years ago, the new menu now includes lighter donburi options as well as vegetarian side dishes for sharing. Regulars can also look forward to new dishes every month on the seasonal menu.

Yuzu Tako Carpaccio 4/5

Yuzu Tako Carpaccio ($8) is a great way to start your meal, especially if you have a glass of wine in hand. Sliced to the right thickness, each piece of octopus was tender and enjoyable. I love the zesty and savoury yuzu shoyu dressing, which works well with the delicate flavours of the octopus.

Wakame Salad 3.5/5

An excellent vegetarian alternative to the Tako Carpaccio would the Wakame Salad ($4), which is full of crunch from the cucumber slices and assorted Japanese seaweed rehydrated with vinegar dressing.

Kang Kong Tempura 3/5

I was quite amused by the sight of this bunch of Kang Kong Tempura ($8) when it first arrived. The batter was light, airy and nicely seasoned. Each piece was a pleasure to snack on, especially when the batter had a slight chewiness to it. The Kang Kong itself was almost tasteless, and it served merely as a body for the batter. As for the dipping sauce, I prefer the original tempura dip, which has a refreshing effect on the tempura. This Thai Chilli sauce has the texture of Gochujang with a hint of sambal flavour, which is too rich for the battered Kang Kong.

Mixed Chirashi Bowl Lunch Set 3/5

My lunch set comes with a Mixed Chirashi Bowl ($14), Appetiser, Miso Soup & Iced Coffee Ball (+$2.50). I like the crushed fried wanton skins layered at the bottom of the toppings, which gave extra flavour and texture to the don. The entire experience could be better if my appetiser was not another plate of raw salmon cubes. It was somewhat like an afterthought.

Iced Coffee Ball

When you are done with your meal, the Iced Coffee Ball would have melted, turning your coffee into a chilled coffee. Available in 2 flavours - Macadamia or Praline, it can be a little sweet, but I thought it serves well as a post-meal drink.

Cold Dip Tom Yum Udon 4/5

The seasonal special of the month is Cold Dip Tom Yum Udon ($16). It features cold Japanese Inaniwa udon with crab meat, ebi and enoki tempura, served with Tom Yum consommé. Reminiscent of Korean's cold noodles Naengmyeon, the chilled Tom Yum Consommé was piquant and pretty intense in flavours despite its seemingly light consistency, but not too assertive, which paired well with the thin Inaniwa udon.

The ambience here simply sets up the mood for a waffle moment. Its signature The Refinery Waffles ($14) comes with a scoop of Hokkaido milk ice cream, which I believe will be perfect with the berry compote that comes with it but sadly, that was out of stock, and we got to replace ours with a dark chocolate ice cream. The waffles' golden brown crispy crust allow them to hold the ice cream really well and I really love the buttery edges. Although we didn't get to try the Hokkaido milk ice cream, this dark chocolate ice cream was decadent enough. The tart berry compote is an important acidic element of this dessert, and a more generous portion of it would definitely give it a better balance in flavour.

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 Refinery
115 King George's Avenue
#01-02
Singapore 208561
Tel: +65 62931204
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1am
Sat: 11am - 4pm, 6pm - 1am
Sun: 11am - 4pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Horne Road. Turn left and walk down Horne Road. Walk towards King George's Avenue. Turn right onto King George's Avenue. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]