1864 The Bar @ Sofitel Singapore City Centre - "A Midsummer Night’s Dream Afternoon Tea", Afternoon Tea Experience Inspired by William Shakespeare's Beloved Comedy

Sofitel Singapore City Centre proudly presents the Midsummer Night's Dream Afternoon Tea, inspired by the mystical Athenian Forest from Shakespeare's iconic play. Located in the elegant lobby lounge 1864, this enchanting experience offers a feast for the senses.

The presentation is truly a sight to behold. A forest-inspired masterpiece, intricately designed, is wheeled right to your table on a trolley, setting the stage for a unique afternoon tea. The display, filled with 5 savoury bites and 8 sweet treats, is as delightful to the eyes as to the taste buds.

Nearly everything is edible — from the chocolate "soil" and "pebbles" to the charming butterfly and ladybug embellishments. Even the vibrant green "moss," made from dehydrated sponge cake, is an edible wonder. The only thing not meant for consumption is the wooden tree that serves as the centrepiece. Each bite feels like part of a treasure hunt, with the delicious treats scattered across the display, waiting to be discovered. Every taste is a delightful surprise!

Guests will also be treated to a curated tea mocktail, which offers a refreshing, tangy twist that pairs perfectly with the small bites. In addition, you can choose from a selection of handcrafted barista brews or TWG Tea to complement your experience.

Dreamy Sycamore

Spellbound Pebbles and Midnight Monarch in Love

Mystical Tree Moss and The Magical Toadstool

Night’s Bite – Matcha Scones with Forest Berry Jam and Clotted Cream

Orb of Dew

Mischief Spiced Toast

Priced at $138++ per set for 2 people, this exclusive experience is available from 1st September to 31st October. A special Halloween edition will be made available from 26th to 31st Oct. Due to the intricate preparation required, only 5 sets are available daily. Reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot - https://www.sofitel-singapore-citycentre.com/offers/a-midsummer-nights-dream-afternoon-tea/

DBS/OCBC/Citi card members enjoy 30% off.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


1864 The BAr
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Fifth Floor
9 Wallich Street
Singapore 078885
Tel: +65 6428 5000
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
High Tea: 2pm - 5pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right on Peck Seah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

The Marmalade Pantry @ Tanjong Pagar - Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Refreshed Menu of Light and Vibrant Flavours

The Marmalade Pantry is celebrating its 25th Anniversary with a refreshed menu across its four outlets in Tanjong Pagar, Novena, ION, and Anchorpoint. The menu introduces lighter and more vibrant flavour profiles, incorporating new dishes and enhancements to its signature items.

The extensive line-up includes a variety of starters, salads, mains, pasta, risottos, and desserts, as well as an updated beverage selection featuring NON, an Australian non-alcoholic wine alternative.

Red Velvet Latte 3.5/5

I decided on the Red Velvet Latte ($8) as I was curious about adding fresh beetroot to the dark cocoa drink. While it was a tad sweet for me, I appreciated the subtle earthy notes from the beetroot.

Fried Brussels Sprouts 4/5

We began our meal with the Fried Brussels Sprouts ($16), which had a delightful Japanese twist. The brussel sprouts are dressed in sesame soy kewpie mayo and topped with pickled chillies, nori strips, and sesame seeds.

Roasted Smashed Sweet Potatoes 4.2/5

Next up was the Roasted Smashed Sweet Potatoes ($16). A fresh dill and chives, yoghurt dressing, and tangy pickled onions nicely balanced the potatoes' natural sweetness.

Chicken Salad 4.2/5

Another standout starter for me was the Chicken Salad ($23). This vibrant and healthy dish was a colourful mix of fresh salad vegetables, green apples, cherry tomatoes, cashews, and coriander, all tossed in a tangy Viet-Thai dressing. The sous vide chicken strips were particularly tender and well-seasoned.

Crispy Barramundi 3.8/5

Moving on to the mains, we tried the Crispy Barramundi ($32). The fish was lightly seasoned and paired with stronger aromatics from the masala potatoes and vegetable chutney.

Chicken Burger 3.8/5

The Chicken Burger ($28) surprised us with its spicy kick. It featured a crunchy chicken thigh sandwiched between soft potato buns, accompanied by tangy slaw and spicy garlic soy. The burger was served with a side of fries and beet-pickled cauliflower.

Tomato Risotto 4.2/5

Next, we were served with the Tomato Risotto ($26). The risotto was creamy yet not too heavy, thanks to the addition of stracciatella cheese, cherry tomatoes, and a Thai basil salsa. It was a comforting dish.

Butternut Mac & Cheese 4.5/5

The unanimous favourite of the meal was the Butternut Mac & Cheese ($26). A signature dish of The Marmalade Pantry has been refined in the new menu with a rich truffle cream and blue cheese base, enhanced by sweet roasted butternut squash and a black vinegar glaze. This dish is a wholesome, decadent, and balanced cheese lover's dream.

Miso Sesame Cupcake 3.8/5

We tried the Miso Sesame Cupcake ($6.50), a new addition to the brand's cupcake range for dessert. The savoury-sweet frosting had a nutty flavour with hints of peanut butter, complementing the moist cake base.

Green Tea Basque 3/5

Lastly, we ended with a slice of Green Tea Basque ($15). This double-layered baked cheesecake had a top layer of white chocolate and green tea, which balanced the richness of the cheese. However, I found it too sweet for my liking.

The Marmalade Pantry's 25th-anniversary menu refresh has something to offer for everyone, whether you're a fan of their classic dishes or eager to try something new.

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.


The Marmalade Pantry
Oasia Hotel Downtown
#01–1
100 Peck Seah Street
Singapore 079333
Tel: +65 6385 0741
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar MRT (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjang Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to destination. [Map]

Ya Ge (雅阁) @ Orchid Hotel - A Refined Weekend Dim Sum Brunch with 47 Items to Choose From

Ya Ge (雅阁) at Orchid Hotel Singapore has launched a refined new Weekend Dim Sum Brunch, offering an array of exquisite dim sum dishes, flavourful soups, hearty mains, and decadent desserts. Diners can select up to 15 dishes from the extensive menu, making it a perfect choice for those looking to indulge in a lavish and leisurely meal.

Abalone Siew Mai 4.2/5

We started our brunch with a selection of new dim sum creations that truly elevated the dining experience. The Abalone Siew Mai is a luxurious take on the classic pork siew mai, topped with a whole abalone that adds a touch of elegance and richness to the dish.

Steamed Mala Flavoured Pork Siew Mai topped with Baby Octopus 4/5

Another standout was the Steamed Mala Flavoured Pork Siew Mai topped with Baby Octopus. This dish combines the familiar flavours of siew mai with the bold, spicy kick of mala, topped with tender baby octopus. It's perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their dim sum.

Deep-fried Red Garoupa Fillet and Mango Roll 4/5

The Deep-fried Red Garoupa Fillet and Mango Roll was a delightful surprise, featuring a crispy exterior that encased tender garoupa fillet and sweet mango, complemented by a tangy mango sauce.

Pan-fried Tom Yum Mee Suan Kueh with Fresh Prawn 2.8/5

One of the most inventive dishes we tried was the Pan-fried Tom Yum Mee Sua Kueh with Fresh Prawn. The dish features a tom yum-flavoured prawn atop a crisp mee sua toast. However, it lacked the softer, more comforting texture of traditional fried mee sua kueh. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, especially if you're a fan of the Swee Choon's version.

Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Matsuke Mushroom, Dendrobium Steam and Conpoy 4/5

Braised Lobster Broth with Fresh Crab Meat and Crab Roe 4.2/5

For the soup options, we sampled the Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Matsuke Mushroom, Dendrobium Stem and Conpoy, as well as the Braised Lobster Broth with Fresh Crab Meat and Crab Roe. Both soups were rich and deeply flavorful, with the lobster broth standing out for its luxurious and briny taste.

Traditional Xiao Long Bao 3.5/5

Barbeque Pork Rice Roll 3.5/5

Pan-fried Chinese Sausage Carrot Cake 2.8/5

We also indulged in some of Ya Ge's more classic dim sum offerings, including the Traditional Xiao Long Bao, Barbeque Pork Rice Roll, and Pan-fried Chinese Sausage Carrot Cake. These classic dishes were executed to perfection, each bite bursting with familiar and comforting flavours.

Salted Egg Yolk Custard Lava Bun 4.5/5

Crispy Mini Pumpkin Pastry with Minced Chicken, Mushroom and Thyme 4.5/5

Crispy Ugly Duckling with Chicken, Yam and Mushroom 4.2/5

A few dishes stood out as personal favourites among the dim sum selections. The Salted Egg Yolk Custard Lava Bun is a must-try, with its soft, fluffy dough infused with pandan flavour and filled with rich, oozing salted egg yolk custard. Another delightful bite was the Crispy Mini Pumpkin Pastry with Minced Chicken, Mushroom, and Thyme. The pastry had a chewy texture that became more enjoyable with each bite. Lastly, the Crispy Ugly Duckling with Chicken, Yam, and Mushroom was packed with flavour and texture, making it an irresistible choice.

Peking Duck 4.2/5

Ya Ge's Weekend Dim Sum Brunch also features a live station that rotates weekly, offering dishes such as Peking Duck, Sliced Spotted Garoupa Pao Fan, Xiao Long Bao with Crab Roe Filling, Herbal Crispy Duck Roll, and more. During our visit, we were treated to the Peking Duck, a classic dish that was expertly prepared and a pleasure to eat.

Claypot French 'An Xin' Chicken in Traditional Kam Heong Style 4.5/5

If you think dim sum is the only highlight, think again. The brunch also includes several main courses that are worth trying. The Claypot French 'An Xin' Chicken in Traditional Kam Heong Style was a standout, with tender chicken pieces cooked in a fragrant lemongrass and kam heong sauce that was so delicious, it had me craving for a bowl of rice to go with it.

Braised Dong Po Iberico Pork 4.2/5

Another memorable dish was the Braised Dong Po Iberico Pork, which was cooked to perfection, melting in the mouth with every bite.

Braised Mee Pok with Eggplant and Kurobuta Minced Pork 4.2/5

We opted for the Braised Mee Pok with Eggplant and Kurobuta Minced Pork for our carbo fix. The sauce was rich and savoury, complementing the perfectly cooked noodles that had just the right amount of bite.

Chilled Lemongrass Jully, Chilled Mango Pomelo Sago 4/5

We indulged in desserts like the Chilled Lemongrass Jelly and Chilled Mango Pomelo Sago to wrap up our sumptuous brunch. Both desserts were light, sweet, and refreshing, providing a perfect end to our meal.

Available only on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays
First Seating: 11.30am - 1.30pm (Last Order at 1pm)
Second Seating: 12.30pm - 2.30pm (Last Order at 2pm)
Pricing:
S$68++ per adult (min. 2 persons)
$48++ per child (4-12 years old)

The Weekend Dim Sum Brunch at Ya Ge offers a delightful combination of classic and innovative dishes, all prepared with finesse and attention to detail. Whether you're a dim sum traditionalist or someone who enjoys trying new flavours, this brunch is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you planning your next visit.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Ya Ge (雅阁)
Orchid Hotel Singapore
1 Tras Link
Singapore 078867
Tel: +65 6818 6831
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight towards Orchid Hotel. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Ingleside @ Tras Street - From Fermentation to Fire

Ingleside is a new modern European restaurant in the heart of Tras Street in Tanjong Pagar. Spearheaded by the husband-and-wife team of Louis Chan and Jana Jusman as Head Chef and Head Fermentation Specialist respectively, Ingleside brings time-honoured techniques of fermentation, dry-aging, and wood-fired cooking, melded with innovative approaches to craft a contemporary European menu.

Tuna Tartare 4/5

We embarked on the 6-Course Ingleside Experience Menu ($128++), starting with the Tuna Tartare. This dish features finely diced tuna housed in a crispy shell, paired with maitake shoyu, sesame oil, yuzu, and pickled shallot, and topped with caviar. Each bite is a delightful burst of flavours and textures.

Truffle Toast 4/5

Next was the Truffle Toast, where fluffy brioche is deep-fried and topped with foie gras mousse, sauternes jelly, and fresh black truffle shavings. Every bite provides an explosion of rich and decadent flavours.

Jamon Ball 3/5

The Jamon Ball, shaped into a crispy potato ball, is packed with the lovely flavours of jamon serrano and Gruyere cheese. The thin, crispy coating encases a savoury filling elevated by the sweetness of shrimp.

Hand Cut Wagyu Tartare 4/5

Following the trio of snacks, we moved on to the appetisers, starting with the Hand Cut Wagyu Tartare served atop roasted bone marrow. This dish features a myriad of housemade ferments, including shoyu made from coffee, celery vinegar, and roast chicken garum, topped with cured egg yolk. This dish requires an additional top-up of $24 but is well worth it for its complexity and depth of flavour.

Maitake & Pork 3.5/5

The other appetiser, Maitake & Pork, features confit pork cheek that melts in your mouth, paired with a split pea miso glaze. Crispy kale topped with shio koji sauce completes the dish for added crunch.

Atlantic Octopus 4/5

Moving on to the mains, we had the Atlantic Octopus, cooked over a wood-fire grill and served with smoked pepper squid garum puree, black garlic aioli, herb aioli, prawn oil, and charred fennel. The octopus was tender, with a lovely char from the grill.

Tajima MBS 6-7 Koji Picanha 4.2/5

The meal's highlight was the Tajima MBS 6-7 Koji Picanha, aged in house-grown shio koji. This ageing process adds a subtle sweetness, umami, and juiciness to the already well-marbled steak. It is accompanied by pomme puree and slow-roasted banana shallots, creating a perfectly balanced dish.

Deconstructed Lemon Meringue Tart 4.2/5

For dessert, we enjoyed the Deconstructed Lemon Meringue Tart. This dessert is a medley of textures comprising yuzu granita, smoked ice cream, lavender lemon curd, and thyme crumb. It's sweet, tangy, and refreshing, making it an ideal sweet ending to the meal.

Smoked Chocolate Brownie 4/5

For those craving a richer and sweeter finish, the Smoked Chocolate Brownie is moist and molten, paired with grilled pineapple and coconut foam. The coconut foam smoothens the richness of the brownie, although the grilled pineapple's tropical finish left me slightly puzzled by its intent.

Ingleside offers a captivating dining experience with its modern European menu, expertly crafted by the talented duo of Louis Chan and Jana Jusman. Each dish showcases its mastery of traditional techniques and innovative flair, making Ingleside a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts looking to experience a unique blend of flavours and textures in Tanjong Pagar.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ingleside
49 Tras Street
Singapore 078988
Tel: +65 88394393
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Nearest: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line). Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue: 6pm - 1130pm
Wed-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1130pm
SatL 6pm - 1130pm
(Closed on Sun and Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]