Relish @ Fraser Tower - Transformed Into Roketto Izakaya When Night Falls

For those that missed the food at Wild Rocket by Chef Willin Low when it closed last year, you will be rejoiced to know that Chef Willin has brought the Mod-Sin DNA of Wild Rocket to Relish at Fraser Tower. When night falls, Relish will be transformed into Roketto Izakaya offering a casual dining bar concept featuring modern Singapore small bites and sharing plates, in the evening of Tuesdays to Saturdays.

Fish Collagen Broth 4.5/5

Having not dined in Wild Rocket before, I am not sure what to expect at Roketto Izakaya. Our first dish is the Fish Collagen Broth ($5). The flavourful and milky broth is from the essence of slow cooking the fish bones. No milk is added. The centrepiece is the fish cake that is coated with deep-fried egg. There is even fat choy in the soup. Chef Willin has kept the characteristic of our local fried fish soup but elevated it in his interpretation.

Har Jeong Pork Keropok 3.5/5

The Har Jeong Pork Keropok ($8.50) is quite addictive on its own. The thinly sliced pork belly is deep-fried until bacon-like crispy with the pungent prawn paste flavour. However, I am mix about the kaffe lime mayo dip. I felt that the intensity of the kaffe lime, sort of overpowered the prawn paste flavour.

Tandoori Pappadum Nachos 4/5

The Tandoori Pappadum Nachos ($8.50) is not your typical nachos with cheese dip. Instead, the corn chips are replaced with pappadum and paired with tandoori minced meat and yoghurt. An interesting take giving it an Indian influence.

Aburaage Rojak Salad 4.8/5

The Aburaage Rojak Salad ($15) elevated the local dish with the use of the Japanese aburaage in place of the local tau pok. The 'hae kor" ice cream substitutes the prawn paste sauce for rojak, binding the dish together. This is a brilliant dish that transforms a three dollar hawker dish into a fifteen dollar restaurant dish.

Har Jeong Tin Gai 4.2/5

The Har Jeong Tin Gai ($12) looks like chicken drumstick at one glance. They are really tender and juicy with a light crispy batter.

Curry Chicken Shepherd Pie 4.5/5

I thought the Curry Chicken Shepherd Pie ($15.80) is a crazy idea but Chef Willin actually made that happen, and it tastes delicious. You have to try it for yourself to know how great the combination really works. The curry chicken recipe is super shiok.

Krapow Prata Pizza 4/5

Chef Willin's love of Thai flavours can be seen in the Krapow Prata Pizza ($15). Instead of pizza dough, a crispy prata takes its place. It is topped with spicy minced meat, Thai basil, chilli and cheese.

Nasi Lemak Chicken Wings 3.5/5

The Nasi Lemak Chicken Wings ($8.50) comes with liquid rice and ikan bilis. It is a unique take of the traditional dish. However, it didn't quite excite me. I didn't like the skinny, crispy chicken wings. I prefer those that are tender and juicy.

Rendang Beef Cheek 3/5

While everything has been spot on so far, the Rendang Beef Cheek ($20) pales from the rest. The beef cheek probably has been sous vide which lacks the fibrous bite. The rendang also fell short in flavours and depth.

Char Siew Rice 3.5/5

Unfortunately, I didn't like the Char Siew Rice ($20) too. While the char siew is tender, it didn't have the char and sweetness that made me fell in love with the roast. The brown rice was a bit too hard and dry for me also.

Wild Rocket Chendol 4.2/5

Bur Bur Hitam 4/5, Wild Rocket Strawberry Cheesecake $9.20

For desserts, we have Wild Rocket Chendol ($8.50), Bur Bur Hitam ($7.80) and Wild Rocket Strawberry Cheesecake ($9.20). I would recommend saving some space for these wonderful desserts. I only hope I have a second stomach.

Although I have not visited Wild Rocket, I am glad that I still can taste some of the signature wild rocket dishes, in a more casual form at Roketto Izakaya. Chef Willin's modern Singapore cuisine indeed has brought our local food into a whole new level.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Relish
Frasers Tower
182 Cecil Street
#02-12/13
Singapore 069547
Tel: +65 69045458
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 11am - 3pm
Tue-Sat:  11am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

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

D9 Cakery @ Hilton Singapore - Partners Valrhona For A New Premium Cocoa Inspired Collection

A collaboration between D9 Cakery of Hilton Singapore and Valrhona, the French royalty of cocoa since 1922 sees an exquisite selection of 18 premium cocoa-inspired creations of artisanal cakes, French pastries and limited edition bonbons.

Double Chocolate Cake 4.5/5

One of the must-try is their Double Chocolate Cake ($6/slice ; $55/1kg). Poised to be one of the best quality chocolate cake in town, it bears eight layers of quality Valrhona chocolates and moist yoghurt cocoa sponge. It is made from two types of premium Valrhona chocolates - Sakanti Bali 68%, an aromatic dark chocolate with hints of toasted nut flavours and Itakuja 55% a rounded dark cocoa with hints of passion fruit flavours. That sheer decadence is definitely worth every calorie.

Rhubarb Origami Amour 4/5

The origami collection represents the epitome of artisanal cakes with definitive origami shapes of charming flavour profiles. The Rhubarb Origami Amour ($75/800g) features a tarty rhubarb compote well balanced with Valrhona Strawberry Inspiration chocolate, chamomile tea jelly, vanilla bourbon mousse and almond sponge.

Sakura Origami Ruby 4.2/5

The Sakura Origami Ruby ($75/800g) takes on the shape of a pink sakura flower origami with sweet raspberry crémeux. It is paired with light TWG sakura tea mousse and crunchy matcha tea dacquoise with Valrhona Raspberry Inspiration chocolate.

Mangue 4/5

For the fruit lovers, indulge in the Instagram-worthy fruit series of three fruit-shaped French pastries. These edible art pieces include the Mangue (Mango), Cerise (Cherry) and Poire (Pear).

The Mangue ($8) is a mango-shaped pastry is filled with fresh mango cubes and oozy mango lava tossed with lemongrass zest, TWG alfonso tea (black tea and mango), Valrhona Inspiration Passion Fruit chocolate and almond sponge.

Cerise 3.8/5

The Cerise ($8) takes the shape of a cherry with a glistening maroon glaze that unveils tarty Morello cherries balanced with fragrant rosemary lava, light vanilla bourbon mousse, Valrhona Inspiration Raspberry chocolate and almond sponge.

Poire 4.2/5

The Poire ($8) features a Williams pear-shaped pastry with refreshing real pear cubes and mint flavours combined with TWG crème caramel tea-infused mousse, Valrhona Inspiration Yuzu chocolate and almond sponge.

Café Caramelia 4/5

Other D9 creations with premium Valrhona chocolate include the new Café Caramelia ($65/1kg), which is embellished in gorgeous shades of glossy brown, black and white hues for the coffee lovers with layers of intense coffee crémeux. The caffeine is well-balanced with the sweeter Valrhona Caramélia chocolate and chocolate almond sponge.

D9 Cakery will also be welcoming a limited edition bonbon and tablet collection presented by Valrhona master pastry chef trainer Jérémy Aspa. Hailing from France with over 7 years of experience as a Valrhona pastry chef trainer, Chef Aspa will showcase his mastery of chocolate with six exclusive Valrhona bonbon creations and two chocolate tablets. The six capsule-shaped bonbons are priced at $4 each, all curated with an intricate selection of flavours including:

• Black Forest Bonbon - Tulakalum 75% dark chocolate ganache with cheery and vanilla
• Dulexo – Caramelized ganache with a mix of exotic fruits
• Comet Caramel - Tanariva 33% sweet caramel milk chocolate
• Truffle Opalys Coco - Opalys 33% white chocolate and coconut flakes
• Tender Rock - Bitter lactée 39% milk chocolate with crushed hazelnuts
• Raspberry Garden - Valrhona Raspberry Inspiration chocolate with red fruit bits

While the 100 gram chocolate tablets each priced at $10, come in two flavours of Tab Like A Cookie; rich Valrhona milk chocolate with cookie crumbs and a healthier option of Museli Tab; a mix of cereals combined with dried red fruit and Valrhona white chocolate.

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.


D9 Cakery 
Hilton Singapore
Lobby Level
581 Orchard Road
Singapore 238883
Tel: +65 67303392
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sat: 12pm - 3pm

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]

Sky22 @ Courtyard By Marriott Singapore Novena - Best Of Both Land And Sea

For a limited promotional period on every Friday to Sunday from 13 September to 10 November 2019, Sky22 at Courtyard By Marriott Singapore Novena is offering a weekend 'Surf & Turf' buffet. The buffet features the best of both worlds where diners get to feast on a gastronomic journey of premium meats and freshest seafood.

Tuna Nicoise 4/5

Starting from the sea, we tried the Tuna Nicoise. The tuna is seared to a beautiful pink in the middle. It is paired with green beans, olive, tomatoes and quail eggs. This is all held together by the citrus dressing for a refreshing finish.

Oyster Rockefeller 4/5

A much sought-after dish in every buffet line is probably the oyster. The baked Oyster Rockefeller is topped with a creamy, buttery sauce, parsley and bread crumbs.

Singapore Laksa 4.2/5

Not to be missed at Sky22 is their signature Singapore Laksa. What I like about the bowl of laksa, is the rich dried shrimp flavour in the flavoursome broth.

Pan-seared Norwegian Salmon 4/5

The Pan-seared Norwegian Salmon is cooked to a beautiful pink in the middle. It is moist on the inside with crispy skin. The Mediterranean salsa provides the refreshing touch that brightens up the dish.

Sambal Tiger Prawns 3.5/5

I was a little disappointed with the Sambal Tiger Prawns. While the prawn is fresh with a delightful crunchy texture, I thought the sambal can be spicier.

Grilled New Zealand Lamb Rack 4.5/5

From the Sea, we moved to the land. First up is the Grilled New Zealand Lamb Rack. It didn't have the gamey taste at all. What I enjoyed most is the mango chutney rub on the lamb rack. Not only did it provide the extra textural bite, it also gives it the needed boost in flavour.

Crackling Roasted Bungalow Pork Belly 4.2/5

Another lovely meat from the carving station is the Crackling Roasted Bungalow Pork Belly with prune stuffing. The sweetness from the prune stuffing provides the balance for the succulent pork belly.

Roast Australian Grass-fed Beef Sirloin 4.5/5

The fork-tender Roast Australian Grass-fed Beef Sirloin with natural jus is another favourite from the carving station. There is no need of any sauces as the piece of meat is grilled to perfection, Each bite is an explosion of its natural flavour.

Surf & Turf lunch and dinner buffet is priced at S$68++ per adult and S$34++ per child (6 to 12 years old). To book a table or for more information, please call the restaurant at 6378 2040 or email fnb.coutyardsg@marriott.com, reserve online at http://bit.ly/Sky22_Reservations.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Sky 22
Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena
Level 22
99 Irrawaddy Road
Singapore 329568
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily:
630am - 1030am (breakfast)
12pm - 230pm (lunch)
3pm - 5pm (Tea)
6pm - 10pm (Dinner)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

SONS @ China Square Central - A New Menu Curated By Michelin Star Chef, Beppe De Vito

SONS at China Square Central is a modern Italian trattoria-style bar and restaurant that provides a range of mains, nibbles and drinks at affordable pricing. When it first opened its door in 2014, it impressed me by being one of the first restaurants that made their own speciality-cured meat and salami. It has recently launched a new menu, introducing new dishes that will bring a new joy to your experience at SONS.

Homemade Salami Platter 4/5

The salami at SONS is all made inhouse using artisanal Italian curing method in its very own curing room. To try a few varieties, order a Homemade Salami Platter ($22) which comprises 4 types of Salumi - Smoked Kurobuta Pork Lonza, Capocollo, Guanciale and Pancetta. If you would like to bring some home, they are also available for retail at both SONS and on Redmart.

Baccalá Cakes 4/5

What I remembered SONS for is this visually stunning charcoal black Baccala Cakes ($18), served with sea urchin sabayon. One of its signature dishes, these fritters are made from premium salted cod and mashed potato, and what gives them the black coat is squid ink breadcrumbs. Juxtaposed with the rich, yellow creamy sea urchin sabayon that has been caramelised on the surface which exudes a hint of sweetness. It is an elevated croquette dish that excites all senses.

Mushroom & Truffle Bruschetta 3.8/5

If you love your truffles, this mouth-filling Mushroom & Truffle Bruschetta with Smoked Scamorza ($15) will not disappoint. 2 very thin slices of house-made rustic bread grilled and slathered with truffle paste, then layered with melted Smoked Scamorza. This is followed by piling on sauteed shimeji mushrooms, finished with shavings of fresh truffles and micro herbs. It is very rich in taste, hence sharing is recommended.

Cured Salmon Tartare, Avocado & Wholewheat Crostini 3/5

On the other spectrum, Cured Salmon Tartare, Avocado & Wholewheat Crostini ($15) serves as a good alternative for a light and refreshing starter.

3-Meat Sausage 3.5/5

SONS makes its own sausages as well. 3-Meat Sausage, Broccoletti & Mustard Sauce ($29) is a new main that features its housemade sausage packed with pork, beef and lamb, seasoned with herbs and pepper. Served sizzling hot, what first hit us was the mouthwatering, intense aroma of freshly grated parmesan cheese wafting from the hot pan. I like the way this dish is being executed, which stands out from a regular sausage recipe.

Duck Leg Confit 3/5

The portion of the Duck Leg Confit with Cannellini & Cherry Tomatoes ($26) is generous, but the meat was a tad too dry. The cannellini stew was more pleasing, comforting with sweet, roasted tomatoes and rosemary.

Kale & Nduja Ravioli 4.2/5

I remember SONS has delicious housemade pasta and it didn't disappoint in my re-visit. Kale & Nduja Ravioli with Capers & Garlic Butter ($22) may sound very simple, but every bite was packed with flavours. The ratio of the pasta to filling was also just right.

Squid-ink Tagliolini 4.5/5

The Squid-ink Tagliolini, Wild Cuttlefish & Orange Salmoriglio ($24) was tastier than it looked. Salmoriglio is traditionally made with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and herbs, and this Orange Salmoriglio brightened the flavours of the dish in its own way. Lightly tossed with seafood sauce, the housemade squid ink pasta was delicious on its own. Even after sitting in the cold for a while, the pasta remained al dente. The lightness of the pasta was just amazing.

Dolce Tiramisu with Chocolate Chips 3.8/5

We tried 3 desserts - Dolce Tiramisu with Chocolate Chips ($12), Mango & Calamansi Cheesecake ($12) and Hot Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Gelato ($13). The Tiramisu was definitely the highlight for me since it has been a while since I last had a good one. It was light and not too cloying, best summed up my experience at SONS.

Hot Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Gelato

Mango & Calamansi Cheesecake

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. 


SONS
China Square Central
20 Cross Street
#01-19
Singapore 048422
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 1pm
Sat: 6pm - 2am
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk down Telok Ayer Street towards the direction of China Square Food Centre. Turn left onto Pekin Street. Continue until the end of Pekin Street. Cross the road to Nakin Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to the junction of South Bridge Road and Upper Cross Street. Cross the road and walk to China Square Central. Walk towards Nakin Street and turn right on Nakin Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Tablescape Restaurant & Bar @ Grand Park City Hall - Old School Charm With Bread And Dessert Trolleys

Stepping into Tablescape Restaurant & Bar at Grand Park City Hall gives you an old-world charm with gueridon service. Having visited the restaurant when it first opened. I was looking forward to the new changes new Executive Chef Armando Aristarco has brought to the restaurant.

It is great to see that the bread trolley is still around. With 4 types of freshly baked in-house bread in rotation daily (out of the 14), this is paired with a choice of salted or unsalted butter that is churned in-house. This is followed by an amuse bouche whereby the Sicilian prawn is paired with burrata, zucchini and squid ink croutons.

Scallop 4/5

The Scallop ($20) is a light starter in which the raw scallop is served with a refreshing cucumber gazpacho. A dish that allows the natural freshness to speak for itself without any strong seasoning to distort the taste.

Beef Tataki 4/5

Next is the Black Angus Beef Tataki ($20). The beautiful beef slices are paired with pumpkin puree at the side and white pepper foam on top. It is another light-handed dish, allowing the main ingredient to shine.

Egg 4/5

The Egg ($28) is a luxe version of our local breakfast. The slow-cooked 62 degree Celsius egg is covered with Parmesan fondue. It is then topped with two textures of asparagus and black summer truffle. I would recommend saving some of the earlier bread to mop up the dish.

Duck Risotto 3.8/5

Moving to the mains, we started with the Duck Risotto ($38). Using camaroli rice, the rice is slow-cooked with duck stock until the starch is released from the rice, giving it a creamy consistency. This is finished with olive oil, parmigiano reggiano and parsley. Not to forget the tender smoked duck and cubes of pan-seared foie gras that adds colour to the dish.

Iberico Pork Chop 4/5

One of my favourite for the night is the Iberico Pork Chop ($42) which has been marinated with salt, sage, thyme and black pepper. The piece of pork chop is then grilled to perfection upon order. It was tender, flavourful with an exterior char. The beautiful piece of pork chop is served with pommery mustard sauce, sauteed vegetables and roasted potatoes.

Organic Chicken 4.2/5

The Organic Chicken ($28) comes all the way from France. It is sous-vide and then roasted until crispy on the exterior, moist and juicy inside. Not to forget the baby romaine lettuce with housemade cardini dressing, topped with baked bacon bits and Parmigiano Reggiano shavings.

Coconut Raspberry Mousse 3.5/5

Champagne Jelly 3.8/5

From the dessert trolley, we have the Coconut Raspberry Mousse and Champagne Jelly. The Coconut Raspberry Mousse comprises of a layer of raspberry gel, coconut mousse, and almond crumble. Each spoonful comes with a multi-textural enjoyment. As for the Champagne Jelly, it is a light and refreshing dessert, with the candied orange peel giving it a citrusy lift.

Chocolate Souffle 4.2/5

A classic dessert is the Souffle ($16), It is light and fluffy. It comes with the choice of Grand Marnier or Valrhona Chocolate and Creme Anglaise.

Executive Chef Armando Aristarco has put together a fine European menu rooted in classical cuisine made excitingly contemporary. The bread and dessert trolleys give the restaurant an old school charm too.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tablescape Restaurant & Bar
Grand Park City Hall
Level 3
10 Coleman Street
Singapore 179809
Tel: +65 64325566
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

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