Moxie @ Alumni Association Medical Centre (SGH) - A Modern Mediterranean Dining and Lifestyle Destination

Moxie, the fresh-faced Mediterranean dining and lifestyle haven, has gracefully descended upon the Alumni Association Medical Centre (SGH), replacing the erstwhile Kah Soh. Transforming the space into a modern beach house with a lively coastal vibe, Moxie offers a delectable array of shared plates and refreshing cocktails throughout the day.

The ambiance at Moxie is a breath of fresh air—literally. The modern beach house aesthetic is both inviting and chic, transporting diners to sun-soaked coastal getaways. The airy and vibrant atmosphere complements the Mediterranean fare perfectly, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely meal or casual gatherings.

Moxie Dip Platter with Sourdough/Pita 4.5/5

Kickstarting the coastal journey, we dived into the Moxie Dip Platter with Sourdough ($22). The platter offers a trio of delightful dips—Spinach Yogurt, Smashed Kabocha, and Whipped Ricotta. Each dip is a star in its own right, but if one has to be crowned, the Whipped Ricotta takes the throne. The interplay of textures and flavours, coupled with the choice of either Sourdough or Pita, is a crowd-pleaser.

Burrata 4.8/5

The Italian Burrata ($19) is a masterpiece. Paired with pickled red beets, charred grapes, pistachio dukkah, and red beet gel, the dish is a symphony of colours and flavours. The creaminess of the burrata finds harmony with the tanginess of the beets and sweetness of the grapes, creating a palate-pleasing experience.

Spiced Corn Ribs 4.5/5

The Spiced Corn Ribs ($16) are a revelation. Dressed in cumin-infused aioli, grated feta, and lime, the corn bursts with flavors. Eating it like a rib, squeezing lime included, adds an interactive element to the dish, enhancing the sweetness of the corn.

Grouper Crudo 4.5/5

The Grouper Crudo ($25) is a highlight for seafood enthusiasts. Local flower grouper meets Zhoug coulis, pickled Japanese cucumber, and diced red radish, creating a refreshing and vibrant dish. The coriander seeds sprinkled on top add a final layer of complexity.

Arugula Pesto Orecchiette 4.2/5

The Arugula Pesto Orecchiette ($38) is a flavorful pasta dish. Al dente orecchiette, sautéed prawns and scallops, crab meat, shaved parmesan, fresh arugula, and toasted pine nuts come together harmoniously, offering a medley of textures and flavors.

Catch of The Day - Fillet (200g) 4.2/5

The Catch of The Day (Fillet, $42, 200g) showcases the versatility of Moxie. With a weekly rotation of fish, the pan-fried fillet with clarified butter, browned almonds, and capers is a delightful dish. The moist fish comes with a hint of smokiness, nuttiness from almonds, and tanginess from capers, creating a symphony of flavours.

Moxie Mille Feuille 4.8/5

Save room for dessert, as Moxie's Mille Feuille ($19) is a showstopper. Layers of filo pastry, whipped cream cheese, strawberries, and blueberries, crowned with kataifi and raspberry, deliver a sweet ending with myriad textures.

Dark Chocolate Mousse 4.5/5

Concluding the feast is the Dark Chocolate Mousse ($16). Rich dark chocolate meets hazelnut ice cream, berry compote, toasted hazelnuts, and streusel, creating a well-balanced and indulgent dessert.

Moxie succeeds in bringing the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean to Singapore's shore. From the captivating ambience to the thoughtfully crafted dishes, each aspect of the dining experience at Moxie reflects a commitment to quality and creativity. The menu's diversity caters to various palates, ensuring that Moxie stands out as a delightful addition to Singapore's F&B scene. Whether you're craving a leisurely lunch or a lively dinner, Moxie beckons with its coastal charm and culinary prowess.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Moxie
Alumni Association Medical Centre
Singapore General Hospital (SGH)
2 College Road
Singapore 169850
Tel: +65 9339 3380
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu, Sun: 1130am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 1130pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT. Take Exit 1. Cross the road. Turn right and walk down Outram Road towards the flyover. At the junction of Outram Road and Chin Swee Road, turn left and walk to College Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

LAVI TACO @ Pearl’s Hill Terrace - Hidden Al Fresco Mexician Dining Up on Pearl's Hill

It takes a walk to reach LAVI TACO at Pearl's Hill Terrace, whether or not you're heading there from Chinatown or Outram Park MRT. But make your way up, and you will be welcomed to an al fresco dining space with laid-back and chill vibes, perfect for a night to unwind over food and drinks with friends.

The brand prides itself on offering an authentic spread of Mexican fare.

Nachos 4/5

The classic starter of Nachos ($15) came with crunchy corn tortilla chips and jalapeno pickles, with salsa verde, pico degallo and sour cream to pair. At another $5 top-up, you can opt for the loaded option that provides a topping choice of birria oxtail & brisket or pulled mushrooms.

Birria 4/5

Available in limited portions daily, the Birria ($25) tacos are the one to go for if you are a fan of beef and bolder flavours. The slow-cooked oxtail and brisket, braised in a spicy and aromatic birria broth, is topped with melted cheese and held between tortillas. These are served with an additional cup of broth for you to dunk in or enjoy as soup.

Pulled Mushroom 4.2/5

I first tried LAVI TACO's vegetarian Pulled Mushroom ($18) tacos at their gourmet food truck pop-up in Resorts World Sentosa. I enjoyed the generously filled shells with a very well-textured mushroom filling. The plant-based slow-cooked pulled mushrooms were smoky and flavourful, complemented well with a refreshing and tangy mix of red cabbage, cheese, cilantro, pico de gallo, sour cream and salsa verde.

Taco Meat Platter 4.5/5

Named the "ultimate taco experience", the Taco Meat Platter ($129 for 3-4 pax) is the perfect choice if you're here in a group. The interactive DIY element here adds an extra layer of fun.

Loaded up and served on a tray, it features rows of various taco toppings, including flame-grilled steak, crunchy Argentinean garlic prawns, chipotle pepper chicken thigh, alongside grilled vegetables, an assortment of taco condiments, and a good number of corn tortillas. A smaller portion that feeds approximately 2 pax is also available at $69.

While the prices are on a slightly higher end, they are all nett, without gst and service charges. I would highly recommend making a reservation here https://reserve.oddle.me/kultyard before heading down!

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.


LAVI TACO
195 Pearl's Hill Terrace
#01-54
Singapore 168976
Tel: +65 9763 8931
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown MRT (DT Line and NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 5pm - 930pm
(Closed on Mon & Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk straight to the food centre. Cut through the food centre to the back. Walk towards the hill on the left. Take the flight of stairs up the hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

SHUNSUI @ Hongkong Street - Merger of Kyuu by Shunsui and Kappo Shunsui Offering Affordable Kappo-style Japanese Cuisine

SHUNSUI, located at a secluded spot on Hongkong Street, is a new concept by the Shunsui Group, formed from the merger of Kyuu by Shunsui and 5-time Michelin Plate awardee Kappo Shunsui. It aims to offer authentic yet affordable Kappo-style Japanese cuisine with cutting-edge techniques coupled with a contemporary flair. In conjunction with its opening, Shunsui has launched a Grand Opening Dinner Special Course - the Kacho Course ($129++) consists of 10 seasonally-curated dishes made from fresh, premium ingredients from various parts of Japan (Ala Carte upgrade options available). Diners can also opt for the Shunsui Course ($179++) for additional premium delicacies.

Umeshu

We were offered a glass of Umeshu at the start to freshen up our senses.

Appetiser 4.5/5

The Appetiser teased my appetite with its sweet, savoury and creamy profile - In a martini glass, it contains aburi scallop, sweet persimmon and fig layered on top of mascarpone sauce.

Soup 4.5/5

For Soup, we had a comforting grounded long cabbage soup with deep fried kisu. The soup was sweet with a depth of savouriness. The deep-fried Kisu had a moist and tender flesh.

Sashimi Course (2 servings) 5/5

The Sashimi Course was rather spectacular, offering not just sashimi but also other elements of textures. Torched mackerel, seabream and chutoro are of different leanness and mouthfeel, and the touched mackerel stood out with its hint of smokiness. The Botan Ebi was creamy and succulent, and the Steamed Oyster with edamame and zingy apple vinegar puree provided another texture experience. I ended this course with a satisfying Pressed Anago sushi.

Uni Sashimi (2 servings)

The premium set allows you to enjoy Bafun Uni Sashimi.

Unagi and Eggplant tempura 4.8/5

For the Grill course, we were served a 'Japanese Burger', made with layering Unagi, Eggplant tempura and uni, finished with a douse of Japanese mountain pepper sauce to bind the elements together. The two crisp thin wafers were the right vehicle to deliver the rich flavours and mouthfilling texture all together in one bite.

Steamed Dish 4.5/5

Instead of Chawamushi with Snow Crab sauce, the Shunsui course offered an interesting dish made with Tiled Fish and Prawn steamed with turnip. The broth was light but flavorful, and both the fish and prawn were firm with a good bite, contrasted with steamed turnip, which had the consistency of a grated Chinese yam.

Negitoro, Shiro Ebi 4/5

The Sushi Course offers Hirame, Kinmedai, Nodoguro, Otoro and Negitoro. Shiro Ebi Sushi is offered instead of Negitoro for the Shunsui course. While the various ingredients delight with their freshness and flavours, I also appreciate the rice used for the sushi; it has a good bite, accompanied by a pleasant acidity that elevates the flavour of the sushi, balancing the richness of the fish and seafood.

Miyazaki A5 Sirloin Beef with Miso 4.5/5

The Main showcases Miyazaki A5 Sirloin Beef, with the right doneness to render the fats for its beautiful flavours. The miso is mixed with nuts and vegetables, hence it has a grainy texture that helps to spread over the sirloin, flavouring the meat evenly.

Rice 4/5

We had a bowl of overflowing Ikura Rice for the rice course, which the chef served with much gusto. There are 2 sizes to choose from - regular and small. I chose the regular bowl as the rice itself was really tasty!

Matcha, Sweet Bean Jelly with Chestnut 4.5/5

Desserts are of very different characters. On the one hand, we had a traditional Sweet Bean Jelly with Chestnut served with a cup of matcha brewed by the chef right before us. On the other hand, we had a homemade Mikan Sorbet crafted on the spot with liquid nitrogen, giving our meal a theatrical ending.

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.


SHUNSUI
17 Hong Kong Street
#01-01
Singapore 059660
Tel: +65 67237733
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Nearest MRT: Clark Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clark Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the road using the overhead bridge. Turn left and walk down New Bridge Road. Turn left onto Hong Kong Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Le Matin Patisserie @ ION Orchard - Expanded Menu of French Fare with Crab Waffles, Brown Butter Artichoke Wedges, Soufflé Au Chocolat and More

Le Matin Patisserie first unveiled its new permanent space in ION Orchard earlier in February this year and has now launched an expanded menu of French fare that is available every Wednesday to Sunday, for brunch from 11am to 2.30pm and dinner from 6pm to 9pm.

The exciting new selections continue to tap on Chef-Owner Mohamed Al-Matin's vast expertise in fine pastries and French techniques, putting together options from entrées, mains, sides to desserts.

Salade 4/5

For a light start, consider the Salade ($12). This dish features a combination of fresh baby spinach and arugula, along with roasted and fresh beets, mixed citrus, and pine nuts.

Brown Butter Artichoke Wedges 4.2/5

Despite its unassuming appearance, the Brown Butter Artichoke Wedges ($16) proved to be addictive. Crafted with nutty confit Jerusalem artichoke, it comes with a refreshing dip of lemon thyme aioli.

Bread & Butter 4.2/5

I absolutely adored the Bread & Butter ($9) dish, especially the earthy and rich fermented porcini butter served alongside two soft cubes of whole-wheat milk buns.

Crab Waffles 4.5/5

Seafood enthusiasts should not miss the Crab Waffles ($20.90). The heart-shaped crunchy waffles are made with seafood butter and dusted with nori for an added layer of fragrance. Spread on the chilled crab tartare and smoked taramasalata dip for a luxurious bite that is rich in umami, creaminess, and herbaceous notes all at once.

Fish & Chips 4.5/5

The Fish & Chips ($35.90) also left a lasting impression. Enjoy the entire battered Haddock fillet, which was not only fresh and substantial but also accompanied by an edamame mash, yuzu tartare, and thinly crusted fried potatoes. The edamame mash was a novel twist done well.

Lemon Thyme Madeleines 4.2/5

These delightful Lemon Thyme Madeleines ($12.90) are baked to order, offering a fresh and petite-sized treat that pairs perfectly with your tea or coffee. Infused with the bright flavours of lemon and thyme, they make for a delightful sharing side, especially when dipped in the herby fir syrup cream.

The texture may become denser as it cools. Hence, I recommend enjoying it warm for the best experience!

Soufflé Au Chocolat 4.5/5

The 20-minute bake time for the Soufflé Au Chocolat ($18.90) was well worth the wait. Featuring a fluffy, soft dark chocolate soufflé, hazelnut praline, and reduced milk ice cream, it promises an indulgent treat.

Mangosteen & Lychee Granita 4.5/5

For a more refreshing option, the delicately crafted Mangosteen & Lychee Granita ($14.90) is the one to go for. It features a unique and harmonious combination of mangosteen sorbet, lychee granita and lemongrass bubbles.

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.


Le Matin Patisserie
ION Orchard
B2-49
2 Orchard Turn
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6509 8801
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Yaowarat Seafood @ Lavender Street - Transporting Your Tastebuds to Bangkok's Chinatown

Yaowarat Seafood, formerly nestled in Teck Chye Lane, has found a new abode on Lavender Street, bringing with it a taste of Thai-Chinese seafood cuisine inspired by Bangkok's renowned Yaowarat district.

Blanched Ark Cockles on Ice

A novel experience begins with the Blanched Ark Cockles ($13 for 500g/ $20 for 1kg), a departure from the local variety, boasting plump succulence with a satisfying crunch and without the overpowering blood taste.

Homemade Moo Ping (Pork Satay)

Grilled to perfection, the Homemade Moo Ping ($3.30 each, minimum 2pc) unveils skewered pork bathed in a special homemade marinade, rendering the meat tender, succulent, and slightly sweet.

Deep Fried Garlic Pork

Taking the crown for my favourite dish is the Deep Fried Garlic Pork. Tender pork cubes wok-fried to crisp perfection, accompanied by whole crispy garlic gloves, offering a delightful depth of flavour and fragrance.

Thai Stir Fried Morning Glory (Kang Kong)

Freshwater Kang Kong ($12) is stir-fried to crunchy perfection with fragrant garlic, chilli, and soy-based sauce, though a bit more spice could elevate its kick.

Live Mud Crab Vermicelli

The Live Mud Crab Vermicelli ($60) sees the vermicelli absorbing the sweet crustacean essence, with room for a bit more peppery punch.

XO Seafood Treasure Pot

The XO Seafood Treasure Pot ($68) presents a medley of seafood treasures simmered in a rich, milky broth enhanced with a shot of aromatic XO liquor. While delicious, it leans more towards a local crab beehoon than a Thai dish.

Tom Yum Mama Noodles Pot

Currently, at a promotional price of $9.90 and $12.90 with a drink, the Tom Yum Mama Noodles Pot is a slurp-worthy explosion of fiery Tom Yum essence, complemented by prawns, squid, crispy pork skin, and a raw egg.

Thai Steamed Seabass in Spicy Garlic Lime

The Thai Steamed Seabass in Spicy Garlic Lime ($30) embodies Thai cuisine's essence, delivering a tantalising combination of sharp, sour, and spicy flavours. It could use more of the spicy kick.

Grilled Australian Rock Lobster

A grand entry is made by the Grilled Australian Rock Lobster ($120 for 800g), showcasing the natural richness and succulence of premium rock lobster, distinctively firmer and sweeter than its Boston counterpart.

Salted Egg Squid

A crowd-pleaser, the Salted Egg Squid ($21) features generously cut squid encased in a delectable salted egg coating, accented by heat from chilli and fragrance from curry leaves, seemingly a blend of Thai-Chinese and local influences.

Singapore Chilli Crab Meat with Fried Mantou

The Singapore Chilli Crab Meat with Fried Mantou ($24) nods to local flavours. While well-executed, the crab meat needs more presence. Pair it with the golden, pillowy mantou to soak up the delicious chilli crab sauce.

Chatuchak Coconut Ice Cream

For a sweet conclusion, the Chatuchak Coconut Ice Cream ($7) offers velvety coconut delight adorned with cashews, fried mung beans, sweet corn, and tender coconut meat.

Overall, Yaowarat Seafood presents bold flavours that many in Singapore would appreciate, albeit with some tweaks to suit local palates. The addition of Singaporean dishes to the menu adds variety but also deviates slightly from its Thai-Chinese authenticity.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yaowarat Seafood
320 Lavender Street
Singapore 338820
Contact: +65 68585988
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Nearest MRT: Boon Keng (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Boon Keng MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk straight down Serangoon Road towards Lavender Street. Turn left onto Lavender Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]