IL Clay Supper Club & Pizzeria @ Clarke Quay - Inviting Patrons to an Unique Dining Experience Reviving the Golden Era of Supper Clubs

Located in the heart of Clarke Quay, IL Clay Supper Club & Pizzeria is a stylish addition to the vibrant dining scene. This Neapolitan-style pizzeria and bar concept is helmed by renowned Naples-born chef Ciro Sorrentino, whose pizzeria Magherí in Italy earned a spot in the 50 Top Pizzeria Eccellente Italia in both 2022 and 2023. His restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City was also recognised in the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific 2024 award. The supper club aims to bring the authentic flavours and ambience of a traditional Neapolitan pizzeria to Singapore, promising an exceptional dining experience.

Regina Magheri 4.5/5

What sets Neapolitan pizzas apart is their very thin base and a light, airy crust that puffs up around the edges. Neapolitan pizzas focus on the simplicity and freshness of the toppings, typically using San Marzano tomatoes and either Fior di latte or mozzarella di Bufala. The Regina Magherí ($32) is a testament to this tradition, featuring San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh buffalo cheese, pesto sauce, oregano, tomatoes pacchetelle, basil, and extra virgin olive oil. The combination of fresh, high-quality ingredients makes this pizza a must-try.

6 Cheese and Honey Pizza 4.5/5

Another standout is the 6 Cheese and Honey Pizza ($55), which includes mascarpone cheese, fior di latte, smoked provolone cheese, pecorino cheese, gorgonzola mousse, and parmesan chips, drizzled with truffle acacia honey. This pizza offers a luxurious, creamy, and sweet experience. While the taste is exceptional, the price might be steep for some.

Wagyu Beef Cube Skewer 4/5

The Wagyu Beef Cube Skewer ($39), served with parsley salad, tuna sauce, and capers, was our first small plate. Though the beef cubes were slightly dry, the accompanying sauce was outstanding, making us wish for some bread to mop it up.

Burrata Tomato Agrodolce 4/5

Next, we enjoyed the Burrata Tomato Agrodolce ($22), featuring a delicious ball of burrata paired with marinated peeled cherry tomatoes and gremolata oil. The creamy burrata and sweet tomatoes were a delightful combination, whetting our appetites for more.

Roasted Eggplant 3.8/5

We also sampled the Roasted Eggplant ($18), which was appetising when combined with whipped feta cream and candied chilli sauce, enhancing the dish's overall flavour profile.

Smoked Eel and Japanese Scallop 3.8/5

The Smoked Eel and Japanese Scallop ($26), served with capers, green olives, and dill, was light and clean-tasting. The moist, smoky eel and plump, sweet scallop created a harmonious pairing.

Sicilian Grilled Squid 3.5/5

Among the large plates we shared was the Sicilian Grilled Squid ($32), stuffed with saffron risotto and served with a chorizo peperonata sauce. While the bright chorizo sauce was delightful, the stuffed risotto's mushy texture was less enjoyable.

Antarctic Cod Fish 4/5

The other large plate, Antarctic Cod Fish ($46), was pan-seared and accompanied by apple onion relish, charcoal-smoked cauliflower purée, and pistachio crush. The simple execution highlighted the fish's freshness and buttery texture, cooked to perfection.

Gelato Cremoso 4.2/5

We had the Gelato Cremoso ($16), a unique champagne vanilla gelato with mascarpone cheese, honeycomb, and cookie crumbs for dessert. This refreshing and well-balanced dessert provided the perfect sweet ending to our meal.

Whether you're in the mood for excellent pizzas or seeking a new date night spot with a touch of glamour, IL Clay Supper Club is a great option. Personally, I would visit the place primarily for their pizzas and might skip the other items. Please note that pizzas are available for indoor dining only, daily from 12 PM to 6 PM, with the last order at 5 PM.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


IL Clay Supper Club & Pizzeria
Clarke Quay
3D River Valley Road
#01-04
Singapore 179023
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 12pm - 12midnight
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 2am

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit C or G. Walk to the river. Turn left and walk down the river towards the bridge. Cross the bridge. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right onto River Valley Road Walk down River Valley Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Chara Brasserie @ Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre - Mediterranean-Asian Buffet with 4 Rotating Menus

Chara Brasserie is an all-day dining restaurant of the new Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre. Offering a Mediterranean Asian theme buffet, the menu lineup took on inspiration from different countries each day of the week. There are four menus in rotation each week. Be enticed by more than 100 varieties, from classic flavours to modern takes on familiar dishes.

Australian Angus Beef Prime Rib 3.8/5

Seabass 4.5/5

Spice Marinated Whole Baby Lamb Rotisserie 4.5/5

On Friday and Saturday, the Live Rotisserie Station will be fully charged with beautifully roasted meats. As the theme is Mediterranean and Asia Pacific, lamb rotisseries and roast carving stations will take centre stage. The star of this station is the Spice Marinated Whole Baby Lamb Rotisserie (for dinner), alongside other hearty roasts such as Australian Angus Beef Prime Rib and Roasted Chicken.

DIY Chicken Kebab 3/5

There is also an interactive DIY Kebab Station that lets you put together your own kebab. Although the chicken was a tad dry, the creamy hummus made up for the texture.

Seafood on Ice 4.5/5

The Seafood on Ice station brimmed with chilled clams, poached sea prawns, mussels, flower crabs, lobsters, crayfish, and oysters. The oysters were quite exceptional, and a variety of sauces complemented them.

Japanese Okonomiyaki 4.5/5

Korean Tteobokki 3/5

One standout dish from the buffet is the Japanese Okonomiyaki. It's a delightful blend of shredded cabbage, dough, whole egg, and oysters, resulting in a light and satisfying texture. The final touch of sauce and mayonnaise binds the savoury ingredients together with a contrasting sweet and creamy flavour. I reckoned the Korean Tteobokki needed a bit more sauce.

Sashimi 3.8/5

I appreciate the individually plated Sashimi from the Japanese station. You can also find aburi chirashi dons with free-flowing ikura, ebiko, and tobiko.

Chilli Crab 4/5

Black Pepper Crayfish 4/5

Local favourites and flavours are included as well. Both Black Pepper Crayfish and Chilli Crab were being snapped up really fast. Kung Po Smoked Chilli Prawns were an interesting rendition.

Prata Puff and Dahl Curry 4/5

Hand - Skewered Ariff Satay 4/5

Although the Prata Puff and Dahl Curry were a tad oily, they were exceptionally moreish. For the hand-skewered Ariff Satay, I suggest enjoying it early in your meal as they are limited in numbers.

Assorted Kuehs 4.5/5

The Dessert Station was decadent, with a wide range of Nyonya kueh, mini tarts, cupcakes, mini cakes, puddings, and even waffles, served with soft-serve gelato. I tried every single kueh, and they were really delicious!

To celebrate its grand launch, Chara Brasserie is offering an opening special of 25% off the prices of its buffet menu, valid daily until 31 May 2024

Chara Brasserie Buffet Lineup - Flavours From Across the World Four Rotating Menus.
Monday and Tuesday - Flavours of the Mediterranean and Southeast Asia, with the hot stations firing up to cook seafood - focused specialties.
Wednesday and Thursday - Mediterranean with Japanese flair
Friday and Saturday - Mediterranean and Asia Pacific, with lamb rotisseries and roast carving stations set up.
Sunday - An international Mediterranean buffet serving up all three menus from across the week.

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.


Chara Brasserie
Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre
8 Club Street
#02 - 01
Singapore 069472
Tel: +65 8826 8585
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast: 6.30am -10.30am
Lunch: 11.30am to 3pm
Dinner: 6pm to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight down Pagoda Street to North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to Mohd Ali Lane. Walk down Mohd Ali Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

SHINRAI @ Telok Ayer Street - Bold Fusion of Aburi and Charcoal Grill Mastery

Nestled in the vibrant enclave of Telok Ayer, SHINRAI unveils an exquisite sushi-izakaya concept that seamlessly blends the artistry of omakase-inspired dishes with the convivial ambience of a traditional Japanese izakaya. Spearheaded by veteran omakase Chef Desmond Fong from Sushi Yujo and meticulously curated by Head Chef Haoey Cheah, SHINRAI promises a dining experience brimming with aburi and charcoal-grilled specialities that captivate the senses.

Salmon Carpaccio 3.5/5

We kickstarted the meal with several appetisers, starting with the Salmon Carpaccio ($16.80). This tantalising dish features thinly sliced salmon sashimi delicately drizzled with the chef's housemade aromatic truffle sauce, culminating in a harmonious symphony of flavours heightened by adding truffle caviar for an intensified earthy essence.

Seafood Chawanmushi with Truffle Caviar 4/5

Indulge in the rich flavours of the Seafood Chawanmushi ($9.80), a Japanese egg custard infused with succulent crab meat, prawns, and scallops, accentuated by the opulent notes of truffle caviar. Each spoonful offers a luxurious burst of flavour, making it a delightful appetiser that tantalises the palate.

Hotate with Foie Gras Sushi 4/5

Elevate your sushi experience with the decadent Hotate with Foie Gras Sushi ($23.80). This opulent creation showcases a perfect union of sweet scallops, and rich foie gras layered atop sushi rice. The scallops are enhanced with a sweet housemade sauce and torched to perfection, resulting in a delectable caramelised finish.

Shinrai Signature Maki 4.2/5

Dive into a world of flavours with the SHINRAI Signature Maki ($21.80), an irresistible sushi roll bursting with torched salmon, grilled unagi, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, tobiko, and a delightful touch of chicken floss. The harmonious blend of textures and flavours offers a delightful, satisfying, and indulgent mouthful.

Tebasaki, Tsukune, Hotate 3.5/5

Savour the smoky and charred flavours of the Tebasaki ($3.80), Tsukune ($6.80), and Hotate ($7.80) skewers, each glazed with teriyaki sauce and grilled to perfection. Accompanied by a luscious onsen egg dip, these skewers offer a delightful interplay of flavours and textures that tantalise the taste buds.

Ebi with Mentaiko 4/5

Delight in the succulent flavours of the Ebi with Mentaiko ($21.80), featuring tiger prawns enveloped in a rich housemade mentaiko sauce that perfectly complements the sweet and crunchy prawns, resulting in a harmonious marriage of flavours.

Wagyu Foie Gras Don 4/5

Indulge in the ultimate indulgence with the Wagyu Foie Gras Don ($48.80), a sumptuous bowl starring prime A5 Kagoshima wagyu beef and decadent foie gras served over fluffy pearl rice, accompanied by a compelling onsen egg and truffle sauce. This hearty dish promises a symphony of flavours that delights the senses.

Tofu Cheesecake 3.8/5

Conclude your meal on a sweet note with the Tofu Cheesecake ($5.80), a delightful fusion of soybeans transformed into a melt-in-the-mouth cheesy indulgence. It is complemented by a sable base for added texture and depth of flavour.

Experience the culinary charms of SHINRAI with their lunch sets starting from $16.80, available every Monday to Friday from 11.30am to 2.30pm. With a diverse selection of options such as Chicken Teriyaki Don, Salmon Mentaiko Don, and Bara Chirashi Don, each lunch set includes miso soup, salad, and a delectable serving of tofu cheesecake, offering a delightful midday reprieve for discerning diners.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


SHINRAI
173 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068622
Tel: +65 8858 8831
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1145pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left and walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tan Xiang Yuan 炭香YUÁN @ Jalan Besar - New Seafood Focused Cantonese-Chinese Creations by Chef Cao Yong and $1 Peking Duck Promotion

Tan Xiang Yuan 炭香YUÁN was founded by four co-founders, including celebrity Ben Yeo and Chef Cao Yong. Located in Jalan Besar, the restaurant offers a menu featuring both traditional and modern Cantonese-Chinese dishes. As part of its new menu launch, diners can enjoy a $1 Peking Duck Promotion with every order of its Signature Seafood Pot. The lunch dine-in promotion is available daily, limited to one duck order per table, with minimum 4 pax to dine.

We were seated on the second floor of the restaurant shophouse, which offered a more dimly lit ambience. Upon reservation, diners can request various seating options, including outdoor seats or the more brightly lit indoor seats on the first floor.

If you're visiting for dinner, make sure to check out their new secret neon-lit alley decorated with familiar Singaporean phrases — definitely Instagram-worthy!

Signature Seafood Pot 招牌海鲜炉 4.5/5

We had a hearty start to dinner with Tan Xiang Yuan's Signature Seafood Pot ($98 for Small / $188 for Large). The large-sized pot feeds 6-8 pax comfortably with its generous combination of fresh prawns, fish maw, abalones, clams, scallops, prawn paste, taro, cabbage and more. The broth, simmered for hours with old hen, pork bones, and prawn shells, was bursting with flavourful crustacean sweetness and umami. I appreciated the quality and fresh ingredients, plus the use of the induction cooker, which ensured that the pot stayed piping hot throughout our meal.

Lo Han Pork Stomach 罗汉猪肚 4/5

The new Lo Han Pork Stomach ($16) offers a modern twist on the classic pork trotter jelly. This dish carried tangy and meaty flavours, featuring a hand-stuffed whole pork stomach filled with braised pork trotter and topped with a housemade garlic chilli sauce. While the slices could hold together better, the contemporary take is delightful.

Peking Duck 北京烤鸭 4.2/5

One of the crowd favourites of the night was the Peking Duck ($98). The duck slices and its skin were served wrapped in freshly made rice paper skin. What set these rolls apart was the unexpected crunchy addition inside each roll: corn fritters. Together with scallions and a drizzle of sweet sauce, this was satisfying!

Soup-Filled Foie Gras Shrimp Ball 灌汤鹅肝酱虾丸 4.2/5

At first glance, I mistook these golden brown balls for solid shrimp paste balls. They were an elevated version: Soup-Filled Foie Gras Shrimp Balls ($12/pc). Each ball contains minced prawn mixed with a rich soup stock of pig skin, pork knuckle, and foie gras, encased in a perfectly crunchy bread cube coating.

Golden Garlic Steamed Lobster with Yam Cake 金蒜芋头糕蒸龙虾 3.8/5

The Golden Garlic Steamed Lobster with Yam Cake (Seasonal Price) is another recent addition to the menu. It features whole Australian lobsters steamed with a bed of local yam cake in a housemade sauce, topped with steamed and fried garlic. While the garlic aroma was enticing, we found the yam cake texture slightly too cakey and didn't match the crustacean that well.

Angelica Black Pepper Crab 当归黑胡椒蟹 4.2/5

As its name suggests, the Angelica Black Pepper Crab ($12.80/100gm) is unlike your usual black pepper crabs. The infusion of Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root) gave the dish herbaceous notes that complemented the robust heat of black pepper. The crab was fleshy and succulent.

Superior Foie Gras Crab Meat Broth 鹅肝蟹黄羹 4.2/5

The comforting Superior Foie Gras Crab Meat Broth ($38.80) is another new creation by Chef Cao Yong. Beneath the thick crab meat broth lies a bed of steamed foie gras egg that enhances the dish with a buttery richness without overwhelming. For a different taste experience, try it as served first and add a dash of vinegar after for that extra punch.

Mango Pomelo Sago 楊枝拌金露 4/5

I can't resist a bowl of chilled Mango-Pomelo Sago ($7.80) whenever I see it on the dessert menu. Tan Xiang Yuan's rendition is velvety and rich, studded with sweet mango and pomelo bits.

Mao Shang Wang Pudding Topped with Ice Cream 猫山王榴莲布丁 4.2/5

Indulge in the Mao Shang Wang Pudding Topped with Ice Cream ($8.80), a treat designed for durian enthusiasts. Featuring a smooth and decadent durian pudding base, it's crowned with creamy vanilla ice cream and finished with bits of popping candy.

While prices at Tan Xiang Yuan are on the high end, we especially enjoyed the seafood dishes, which impressed us with their freshness and quality.

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.


Tan Xiang Yuan 炭香YUÁN
1 Dickson Road
Singapore 209493
Tel: +65 8058 5527
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Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am to 3pm, 530pm to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jalan Besar MRT statton. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to Dickson Raod. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]