LUCE by Davide Giacomelli @ Intercontinental Singapore - Celebrate the Magic of A Grandeur Christmas with Celebratory Sunday Champagne Brunch

This Christmas, step into a world of opulence and grandeur at InterContinental Singapore, where the spirit of the season comes to life through a splendid array of festive offerings. LUCE by Davide Giacomelli has introduced a lavish Celebratory Sunday Champagne Brunch for the Christmas season. Commencing from the 19th of November, this brunch extravaganza unfolds every Sunday and the first Saturday of the month, promising a feast of opulence and culinary excellence. Revel in diverse offerings, including standout features like Snow Crab Legs, Traditional Roasted U.S. Tom Turkey, Saffron Risotto served in a Parmesan Cheese Wheel, and the delectable Christmas Fruit Spiced Plum Pudding.

Commence your buffet adventure with the striking showcase of seafood on ice, presenting a diverse array of the freshest catches. Indulge in delights like yabbies, tiger prawns, snow crab legs, mussels, whelks, USA oysters, and Boston lobsters to set the tone for a luxurious dining experience. Take advantage of the finest sashimi and handmade sushi, adding an international flair to your brunch. Also, diners can delight in gourmet soups and salads, initiating the merriment on a delicious note.

Relish in small bites of exquisite flavours such as the smoked salmon poke bowl, Asian-style spicy ahi tuna tartar, Gamberi in Salsa Rosa, Egg Mimosa with tuna mayonnaise, coconut chia seed pudding, and Greek Style Quinoa Salad.

The smoked salmon poke bowl offers a delightful mix of seasoned wakame, edamame beans, pickled cucumber, red radish, and baby cos lettuce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The Asian-style spicy ahi tuna tartar brings a zingy and spicy twist, while Gamberi in Salsa Rosa introduces succulent prawns in a tantalizing pink sauce. For a touch of elegance, savour the Egg Mimosa with tuna mayonnaise. Sweeten your palate with the coconut chia seed pudding, and revel in the healthful and flavourful Greek-style quinoa salad. Each bite is a celebration of diverse and well-crafted flavours, adding a layer of sophistication to your dining experience.

Witness culinary artistry firsthand as chefs man a dedicated station crafting the exquisite Saffron Risotto in a Parmesan Cheese Wheel. The creamy and velvety saffron-infused risotto, cooked to perfection, takes on a luxurious quality. As the risotto is prepared within the Parmesan Cheese wheel, it absorbs the essence of the aged Parmesan, resulting in a flavourful and indulgent experience.

Additionally, savour the flavours of the Signature Intercontinental Laksa Noodle, which offers a burst of rich and aromatic flavours. The robust and spicy laksa broth, harmoniously blended with coconut milk, creates a luscious base for the dish.

The Christmas roasts at LUCE by Davide Giacomelli feature a trio of delectable options: Australian Angus Beef, Traditional Roasted U.S. Turkey, and Slow Charred Lamb Shoulder with mustard and rosemary. The Australian Angus Beef stands out for its superb tenderness and rich flavour. The meat is complemented by a red wine jus that adds depth and enhances the overall savoury experience.

Indulge in the wood-fired pizza offerings at LUCE by Davide Giacomelli, featuring enticing options like Pinsa Margherita, Amatriciana Pinsa, Cotto e Funghi, and Formagii e Uva. The Pinsa Margherita showcases the classic combination of fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil. At the same time, the Amatriciana Pinsa may feature flavours reminiscent of the traditional pasta dish with tomato, guanciale, and pecorino romano. Cotto e Funghi combines cooked ham and mushrooms for a savoury delight, and Formagii e Uva presents a blend of cheeses with the sweet addition of grapes. These wood-fired pizzas promise a symphony of flavours, offering a delightful journey for your taste buds.

Choose from a delectable selection of familiar Asian delights, such as the Honey-glazed Pork Char Siew, which features a delightful combination of sweet and savoury flavours. The succulent pork, coated in a glossy honey glaze, offers a perfect balance of tenderness and caramelized richness.

For something more substantial, go for the X.O. Sauce Fried Rice with tiger prawns or Penne All' Arrabiata with homemade tomato sauce and parmesan cheese.

Conclude your dining experience on a sweet note with a delectable array of desserts at the buffet. Indulge in an assortment of delights, including assorted macarons, pralines, exotic coconut cake, Heritage Chestnut Cake, Oreo Cheesecake, Luce-Misu, Crunchy Chocolate Choux Puff, Winter Berries, and Sesame Golden Ball filled with salted egg custard. Savour Christmas treats like Christmas Fruit Spiced Plum Pudding, Christmas Stollen, and Christmas Fruit Cake for a festive touch.

Enhance the sweetness with a visit to the Dark Chocolate fountain, accompanied by tempting condiments such as strawberries, rock melon, marshmallows, dried fruits, pretzels, Oreos, and peanut M&Ms.

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.


LUCE by Davide Giacomelli
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
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Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Fu Xiao Xian (抚小鲜) @ Bugis Junction - $12.80 Customisable Individual Fish Set Meals Available with 5 Different Soup Bases

Fu Xiao Xian (抚小鲜) opened its doors in Bugis last year, offering diners their speciality of Yunnan-style cooking and pressure-steamed fish. The restaurant prides itself on not using any MSG, preservatives, additives, or artificial flavours.

Their signature dishes, such as the Paper Wrapped Fish and Fish Hotpots, are more suitable for group sharing, but the new Individual Fish Set Meals ($12.80) would satisfy those seeking a quick and convenient meal and that of solo diners. These sets, available all day, allow you to customise by choosing your preferred soup base, adding two sides, and coming complete with a bowl of rice and a beverage.

Five different soup bases are available - the Spicy Fish, Vitamin C Tomato Fish, Sauerkraut Fish, Original Bone Broth Fish and Pumpkin Lemon Fish with Sauerkraut. By default, the set uses sea bass fillet, but you can opt to top up $2 for a swap to dory fish.

For the sides, each set allows two to be added in. These include enoki mushroom, black fungus, sweet potato vermicelli, beancurd, beancurd skin, bean sprouts and potato slices.

While waiting for your food to be ready, you can head to the self-service sauce station to prepare your bowl of condiments. We were pleasantly surprised to find fresh fruits offered for all diners as well. On the day of our visit, there were oranges and slices of watermelon.

Original Bone Broth Fish 3.8/5

We decided on the Original Bone Broth Fish with sea bass fillet, potato slices and beancurd for our first set. Unfortunately, the richness of the broth was just average, and despite the generous portion of broth, the slices of fish included were cut pretty thin and came in small numbers. While tender, the slices were also a tiny bit fishy.

Pumpkin Lemon Fish with Sauerkraut 4/5

Our preferred soup base between the two we tried was the Pumpkin Lemon Fish with Sauerkraut. While the sweet pumpkin flavour was relatively subtle, the zesty lemon notes complemented the sauerkraut and the amount of spice well. We opted to add black fungus and sweet potato vermicelli, which thoroughly soaked up the broth. I would have preferred this to be much less oily though.

Deep Fried Crisp Pork 4/5

We also had a side of Deep Fried Crisp Pork ($7.80) to share. I would have liked these a lot meatier, but I liked the savoury marinate and its crunch that wasn't too oily. The seasoning was actually pretty addictive.

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.


Fu Xiao Xian
Bugis Junction
#01-88/89
200 Victoria Street
Singapore 188021
Tel: +65 8787 6791
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Nearest MRT: Bugis MRT (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
11am to 10.30pm Daily

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

Tom’s Palette @ Bugis - OG Gelato Cafe with Rotating Selection of 36 Creative Flavours Reopens After Renovation

I have been a longtime fan of Tom's Palette ever since they have been serving their gelato in Shaw Tower, Bugis. Their journey started in 2005, with a heart of serving fresh, quality and unorthodox gelato flavours - I always loved peeking into their kitchen and observing the staff working on their gelato!

After Shaw Tower closed, Tom's Palette shifted a few minutes walk down to their current location on Middle Road for a while before recently embarking on renovations and unveiling this new, vibrant, modern look.

The cafe's philosophy in its offerings has stayed true, with an impressive growing library of over 200 flavours featuring classic and unconventional creations, all made in-house using the finest ingredients.

At any one time, there will be a diverse selection of 36 flavours to choose from. You'll definitely be spoilt for choice, and I'm sure you can find something you like.

Tom’s Palette 4.5/5

Alongside its cosy new space, there are also new items on the menu. The Tom's Palette ($29.80) is excellent for sharing, consisting of six flavours that change daily, depending on the selection available.

Featured here are the Wild Strawberry Balsamic, Tiramisu, Lychee, Pistachio, White Chocolate Nori and my ultimate Tom's Palette favourite of all time - the Parmigiano Reggiano & Crackers. Once in a while, I would purchase it in tubs to enjoy at home!

Belgian Waffles 4/5

The cafe's Belgian Waffles ($7.50) now come with a topping of the day (ours was you tiao) and free-flow gula melaka that is available self-service at the counter. You can also add a small maple syrup pitcher at $1.70. I don't know if they have changed their waffle batter recipe, but it fared better than when I last had it. The inner texture is more cake-like, with a slight crisp outside.

Maple Pecan Gelato 4.2/5

The third and final new addition is the Maple Pecan Gelato ($5.20 for Single Cup/ $6.40 for Cone). It's made with a base of Fior di Latte (milk) gelato and generously studded with crunchy toasted pecans and pound cake soaked in pure maple syrup.

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.


Tom’s Palette
51 Middle Road
#01-01
Singapore 188959
Tel: +65 6977 9749
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Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C or D. Walk to North Bridge Road. Walk down North Bridge Road towards the traffic junction of Middle Road and North Bridge Road. At the traffic junction, turn left and walk down Middle Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Man Fu Yuan @ InterContinental Singapore - Showcasing Best of Irish Produces, Silver Hill Duck, John Stone Dry-Aged Beef and Hampshire Pork

Man Fu Yuan at InterContinental Singapore has partnered with the Irish Duck Company to present 'The Best of Irish Showcase.' From 1 October 1st to 15 November, three 6-course menus highlighting some of Ireland's finest produce will be offered for lunch and dinner. Irish Duck Company is the exclusive distributor that first brought the world-famous Silver Hill Duck to Asia, and thanks to them, we get to savour the 'wagyu of duck' right here in Singapore. They are now ready to introduce the exquisite John Stone Dry-Aged Beef and Hampshire Pork to Singapore. In the hands of Man Fu Yuan's Executive Chinese Chef Aaron Tan, these premium Irish meats to the table, highlighting their qualities with Cantonese traditional flavours and techniques.

Appetiser 4.5/5

Each of the 3 menus brings together all three of these finest Irish products in a single menu. We tried the Elegant Set Menu. We started with an appetiser featuring John Stone Irish Smoked Salmon Flower with wasabi aioli, Chilled Cherry Vine Tomatoes with crab meat and Chilled John Stone Dry-Aged Beef. The aged beef, infused with the aged-citrus honey soya sauce, intensified the already rich flavour, creating an incredibly meaty texture. The smoked salmon was just as delectable with its luscious texture and deep flavour. The exquisite crab meat added balance to the dish, introducing a sweet and refreshing note that harmonised the flavours beautifully.

Soup 4/5

The Soup course was a Braised Golden Bird's Nest with golden pumpkin superior stock. The soup had an incredible depth of flavour with a slight creamy consistency.

Wok-fried John Stone Irish Lamb Loin 3/5

The 3rd course is Hong Kong Kailan with Wok-fried John Stone Irish Lamb Loin with Sarawak black pepper sauce. The lamb loin was succulent, tender, and quite delicate on the level of gaminess. The black pepper sauce, however, was too much for me.

Braised Irish Hampshire Pork Belly 5/5

Next was Braised Irish Hampshire Pork Belly with South African 5-head Abalone. A very considered dish - a sumptuous pork belly with an ideal balance between meat and fat, resulting in an unctuous delight. To complement this decadent meat, a 5-head abalone was paired with the pork belly, tender and infused with the rich flavours of the braising sauce.

XO Chinese La Mian with Rock Lobster, Silver Hill Irish Duck 4/5

The last main was a much-anticipated dish - XO Chinese La Mian with Rock Lobster and Silver Hill Irish Duck in XO sauce. Like the previous course, pairing relatively fatty meat with lean seafood created a harmonious balance between two exquisite ingredients, enhancing the other's qualities. The XO sauce didn't work for me.

Oven-baked Mango Pudding 4/5

The dessert is Oven-baked Mango Pudding, which is extra comforting. It is served warm in the traditional way.

The Elegant Set Menu, ideal for 3 to 5 persons, is priced at $228 per person. All set menus include an optional wine-pairing option at $68++ per person.

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.


Man Fu Yuan
InterContinental Singapore
Level 2
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 63387600
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Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1145am - 330pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

TEMPT Gastrobar @ Purvis Street - 5-Sensory Gastrobar to Tantalise Your Taste Buds

TEMPT at Purvis Street is a captivating gastrobar that skillfully blends cross-culture cuisine, thanks to the talented Chef-owner Candice Leong, also known as The Gluttonous Temptress. With a focus on merging traditional techniques and modern preparation methods, TEMPT creates a delectable culinary journey that embraces the best of both worlds.

The ambience at TEMPT is nothing short of alluring, with a sultry and mischievous vibe that teases the senses. As you step in, French jazz and deep house tunes from Candice's personal playlist set the mood, creating a symphony that beautifully complements and contrasts the raw, exposed industrial interior. Located within a stunning 1893 heritage two-storey shophouse at 31 Purvis Street, TEMPT effortlessly blends historical charm with contemporary grittiness, making it a unique and delightful dining destination.

Schexy Schmalz & Churned Konbu Butter with sourdough 3.5/5

Our gastronomic adventure began with Sourdough ($16) paired with TEMPT's Schexy Schmalz, a homemade rendered pork lard with crackling and Churned Konbu Butter. Sinfully delicious, the rendered pork lard perfectly complemented the sourdough, creating a delightful indulgence.

Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio 4/5

Next up was the Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio ($24), accompanied by a scoop of wasabi-creme fraiche gelato and a shio koji nagaimo-jalapeno-caper salsa. The dish was light, refreshing, and expertly balanced to bring out the sweetness of the scallop.

Kangaroo Tartare 3.8/5

The Kangaroo Tartare ($28) was a standout option for those seeking an adventurous palate. The rich and intense kangaroo meat, balanced with toasted quinoa, pickled yellow beets, and shoyu garlic puree, provided an explosion of flavours that pleasantly surprised the taste buds.

Oxtail Croquettes 4/5

The Oxtail Croquettes ($18 for 3pc) were a delightful treat, boasting a crispy breadcrumb coat and a tender and flavorful oxtail meat interior. Paired with laksa leaf chimichurri, the croquettes were a harmonious blend of texture and taste.

Puffed Beef Tendons 4.2/5

The Puffed Beef Tendons ($24 for 3pc), topped with Jamon Iberico and Kaluga caviar, were a crispy delight that perfectly combined textures and flavours, offering a delightful treat for the palate.

5-Ingredient Creamy Lobster Broth 4.2/5

The 5-Ingredient Creamy Lobster Broth ($22) was a rich and intensely flavoured delight, enhanced by the aroma of curry leaves and served with lobster carpaccio (+$16), making it a must-try dish on the menu.

Gnaughty Gnudi 4.2/5

Gnaughty Gnudi ($24), gnocchi-like dumplings made with ricotta cheese and incorporating Ku Chye (garlic chives) and spinach, were a unique and pillowy-textured delight. The sage butter, semolina sauce and grated parmigiano beautifully complemented the dish.

Venison Loin 4/5

The Venison Loin ($38), cooked to a perfect pink, was paired with charred mustard greens and in-house fermented ume plum. While some found the venison slightly gamey, I enjoyed its flavour, especially when paired with the fruity notes of the fermented ume plum.

Coquelet 4.2/5

The Coquelet ($42), a whole French baby chicken deboned and stuffed with sticky rice and chestnut, showcased a fusion of Western and Asian influences. With sides like jamon and edamame, the dish was a delightful marriage of flavours.

Deep-fried  Baby Corn in Husk 2.8/5

The Deep-fried Baby Corn in Husk ($18 for 5pc), charred and crunchy, paired with konbu caramelized cream, was a visual and textural delight, even though I personally preferred sweeter corn.

Tempt's Adult "Bounty" Bar 4.2/5

To end the meal on a sweet note, we savoured Tempt's Adult "Bounty" Bar ($16), an enticing treat made with coconut cream and Malibu coconut liqueur encased in a dark chocolate shell. The dessert was like a heavenly ice cream encased in a divine dark coconut shell.

Overall, TEMPT's culinary experience was a journey of creativity and flavours, artfully curated by Chef Candice Leong. The innovative cross-cultural dishes showcased a perfect balance between authenticity and modernity, making TEMPT a captivating destination for food enthusiasts seeking a unique and memorable dining experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


TEMPT Gastrobar
31 Purvis Street
Singapore 188608
Tel: +65 8299 7382
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Bugis (DT, EW Line), City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu, Sat: 5.30pm - 12midnight
Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 5.30pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to traffic junction of Bras Basah Road and Beach Road. Cross the road and walk down Beach Road. Turn left onto Purvis Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut through Raffles City Shopping Centre to traffic junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk down North Bridge Road. Turn right onto Purvis Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 7 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Cut through Bugis Junction and walk to North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk down North Bridge Road. Turn left onto Purvis Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 7 minutes. [Map]
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