La Table d'Emma @ Mercure ICON Singapore - Classic French Flavours with Alsatian Soul

Tucked within Mercure ICON Singapore, La Table d’Emma is the brainchild of acclaimed Chef Michael Muller, whose stellar culinary journey spans from the Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne at the Eiffel Tower to his former role as Executive Chef at JAAN. With decades of experience and having coached Singapore’s team for the prestigious Bocuse d’Or, Chef Michael now brings his refined vision and deep-rooted Alsatian heritage to life in his very own restaurant.

As the restaurant marks its first anniversary, Chef Michael celebrates with a refreshed and elevated menu, a tribute to classic French recipes reimagined with a modern twist, each dish subtly echoing the traditions and flavours of his hometown in Alsace.

Mushroom Consomme "Cappuccino" 4.8/5

A standout opener, the Mushroom Consommé "Cappuccino" ($22) instantly captivated with its intense, earthy aroma. The robust shiitake broth, crowned with button mushroom foam and grilled portobello julienne, made for one of the most memorable mushroom soups I’ve had in a long while. What elevated the experience even further was the accompanying warm cepe mushroom and parmesan brioche, a savoury delight that could easily shine on its own.

French Onion Soup en Coute 4.2/5

Next came the comforting French Onion Soup en Croute ($26), topped with a golden puff pastry lid that not only sealed in the flavours but added a satisfying crunch. The addition of emmental cheese enriched the sweet onion and beef stock, giving the classic soup an indulgent lift. The crispy pastry also served as the perfect vessel to soak up that hearty broth.

Traditional Pot-Au-Feu of My Childhood 4.2/5

The Traditional Pot-Au-Feu of My Childhood ($42) is a nostalgic dish that pays homage to Chef Michael's upbringing. The poached beef was wonderfully tender, having soaked up the essence of the aromatic vegetable stock. Paired with a generous slab of roasted bone marrow and a bright horseradish cream, this dish evoked warmth and rustic charm. The bone marrow with sourdough toast feels like a whole separate indulgence, like getting a bonus dish.

Les Bouchees A La Reine D'Emma 2.0 4.2/5

Originally created by a royal chef for the queen, the Les Bouchees A La Reine D'Emma 2.0 ($34) holds personal significance for Chef Michael, as it was the first dish he cooked for his wife, Emma. The updated version 2.0 features veal, chicken, and mushroom velouté encased in a buttery puff pastry, laced with a well-balanced white wine reduction. Rich, comforting, and elegantly presented, this was classic French fare with a loving twist.

Lobster and St Jacques French Raviole 4.5/5

This was hands down the dish of the night. The Lobster and St Jacques French Raviole ($42) impressed with its oversized, housemade ravioli generously filled with scallop mousse. The luscious tarragon-infused lobster sauce added a luxurious depth, tying the whole dish together. And just when we thought it couldn't get better, the dish came with an entire lobster tail, which is a true showstopper.

Ending on a sweet (and very Singaporean) note was the Kaya Mon Amour ($16). This creative dessert features a warm Kougelhopf, filled with housemade gula melaka kaya and chilled pandan mousseline cream, alongside a kaya parfait glacé. This fusion dessert was both nostalgic and innovative. Honestly, we wouldn't be surprised if Chef Michael opened a bakery just for this.

Kaya Mon Armour 5/5

La Table d'Emma is not just a celebration of French cuisine, but also a heartfelt reflection of Chef Michael's culinary journey, deeply infused with memories, love, and Alsatian spirit. Whether you're here for the refined Lobster Raviole, the soul-warming Pot-Au-Feu, or the unforgettable Kaya Mon Amour, there's a palpable passion in every dish. Chef Michael's cooking isn't just about flavours; it tells a story. And it's one well worth tasting.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


La Table d'Emma
8 Club Street
#01-04
Singapore 069742
Tel: +65 81018691
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 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]

Yum Cha Restaurant @ Chinatown - Celebrate SG60 with Innovative Local-Inspired Dim Sum Creations at $6 Each Till End August

To celebrate SG60, Yum Cha Restaurant, one of Singapore's beloved dim sum brands, is launching a creative, limited-time menu inspired by signature local flavours.

Available at both its Chinatown and Changi Business Park outlets, the specials are priced at just $6 each from now till 31 August 2025. Expect familiar dishes reimagined through a dim sum lens, featuring Singaporean favourites like Laksa, Chilli Crab, and Bak Kut Teh.

Bak Kut Teh Xiao Long Bao 4.2/5

Yum Cha's chefs dedicate 16 hours to crafting the peppery broth inside the Bak Kut Teh Xiao Long Bao (3 pcs). We took a bite and sip of the soup and were pleasantly surprised by a distinct kick of peppery notes. It even came served with dark soy sauce and chilli, mirroring the traditional BKT experience.

Crusty Chilli Crab Bao 4/5

There has got to be chilli crab on an SG60 menu, right? These Crusty Chilli Crab Bao (2 pcs) were fried to a crisp on the outside and filled with tangy, mildly spicy crab sauce. Topped with a playful crab-shaped crust, it delivers the flavours of chilli crab without the mess.

Handmade Otak-Otak Siew Mai 3.8/5

With its spinach wrapper, black tobiko, and a fragrant otak centre, this version of Handmade Otak-Otak Siew Mai offers a localised spin, though we’d have preferred a punchier spice.

Laksa Rice Flour Roll 4.2/5

One of our favourites from this launch is the Laksa Rice Flour Roll. It's cleverly layered with crab, shrimp, chicken, and dried shrimp wrapped in a crisp rice net and finished with smooth cheong fun skin. We especially enjoyed their house-made laksa gravy, which is well-balanced, neither too lemak nor watery. Make sure to dig into this hot to enjoy it at its best.

Satay Fried Rice 3.5/5

Served next was the Satay Fried Rice accompanied by two satay chicken skewers. While the flavour remained true, it was a pity that the rice was slightly too dry.

Prata Pork Pancake 4/5

I was sceptical of the Prata Pork Pancake initially. Still, I was surprised by the crisp exterior and juicy minced pork filling, which was reminiscent of that from Xiao Long Bao. We found this an enjoyable and likeable pairing, albeit a little oily.

Kaya Bolo Bao 3/5

The Kaya Bolo Bao (2 pcs) comes with a slab of butter and kaya sandwiched inside. The texture leaned more toward bread, and we wished for a crunchier top crust and fluffier bun.

Kopi Gao Bao 3.8/5

Local coffee lovers can keep an eye out for their Kopi Gao Bao (2 pcs), a joint creation with Singaporean instant coffee brand Coffee Hock. Their signature Kopi Gao powder adds a different flair to the usual salted egg custard buns.

Apart from the attractive pricing, Yum Cha is also inviting diners to do good this season with their "Bringing Back the Joy of Five Stones" initiative. Partnering with SG Enable and Re:store, diners who spend a minimum of $60 can purchase handmade Five Stones by differently-abled artisans at $6.

If diners are confident of their Five Stones skills, they can choose to challenge Yum Cha’s in-house Five Stones champions and stand a chance to win a $20 Yum Cha voucher.

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.


Yum Cha Restaurant
20 Trengganu Street
#02-01
Singapore 058479
Tel: +65 6372 1717
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1030am - 9pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 9pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street. Turn right onto Trengganu Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Carnaby @ The Quayside - Modern British Diner Paying Homage to Britsh Classics With a Contemporary Twist

Carnaby at The Quayside is a modern British diner helmed by Chef Adam Penney, formerly of Three Buns. It's no surprise that the restaurant has already earned a solid reputation, especially for its exceptional burgers. The menu pays homage to British classics with a contemporary twist, featuring a hearty Weekend and Sunday Roast menu that's perfect for leisurely indulgence.

Woodfired Fish Head 4.5/5

We began our meal with a limited-time special Woodfired Fish Head ($22), served with a Watermelon Chilli Butter Sauce. While it initially appeared heavily coated in sauce, the flavours were impressively balanced. The sauce delivered a fruity sweetness, gentle heat, and buttery richness that complemented the fish beautifully. Expertly grilled, the fishhead was polished clean down to the last crevice.

Welsh Rarebit 4.5/5

Next came the Welsh Rarebit ($18), it is a dish with roots tracing back to the 1700s. Traditionally featuring a savoury cheese sauce over toast, Carnaby's take was a decadent spread of Westcombe Cheddar atop softened leeks on beef fat-toasted sourdough. The leeks were buttery and tender, soaking in the fats and flavours of the melted cheese. The addition of beef fat added depth of flavour to the crusty toast, bringing all the elements together in one indulgent, satisfying bite.

Woodfired Argentinian Grass-Fed Angus Todos Ribeye Steak 4.5/5

Having previously tasted Carnaby's impressive Irish Angus Beef Short Ribs during their "A Taste of Ireland" showcase, I opted for the Woodfired Argentinian Grass-Fed Angus Todos Ribeye Steak, 300g ($59). It did not disappoint. The steak was well-trimmed, evenly cooked to a juicy medium-rare, and full of flavour. A sharp horseradish accompaniment added a bright, acidic tang that perfectly complemented the richness of the beef. Unfortunately, the accompanying chips were a letdown. It was slightly dry and overly salty.

Beer Battered Fish & Chips 4/5

The Beer Battered Fish & Chips ($37), another signature, was a standout. The fish was meaty and flavourful, encased in a light, crisp batter. A particularly complex tartare sauce elevated the dish, and the rustic Mushy Peas was a personal highlight, earthy and textural rather than overly buttery. Again, the chips fell short.

Sticky Toffee Date Pudding 5/5

Dessert was phenomenal. The Sticky Toffee Date Pudding ($16), served with butterscotch sauce and a scoop of house-made vanilla ice cream, was nothing short of divine. Soft, spongy, and soaked in caramel richness, the pudding was elevated further by a finishing touch of buttery crumbles.

To complement our meal, we had two refreshing cocktails. The Toreador ($21) featuring Arette Blanco Tequila and London Calling ($21) made with Jin Jiji Darjeeling Gin. Both were well-crafted and paired nicely with the dishes.

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.


Carnaby
The Quayside
60 Robertson Quay
#01-01
Singapore 238252
Tel: +65 8890 7843
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line), Chinatown (DT, NE Line), Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue: 5pm - 10pm Wed-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop opposite State Courts (Stop ID 06171). Take bus number 51 or 186. Alight 1 stop later. Cross the road and walk to Alkaff Bridge. Cross the bridge and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction of Clemenceau Ave and River Valley. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Clemenceau Ave. Turn right onto Unity Street. Then left onto Merbau Road. Walk towards the river. At the river, turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to bus stop opposite Holiday Inn Atrium Hotel (Stop ID 06149). Take bus number 51, 64, 123 or 186. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to Alkaff Bridge. Cross the bridge and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Lime Restaurant @ PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering - Elevates Dinner Buffet with Seafood Symphony

Lime Restaurant at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering has recently introduced a refreshed dinner menu. Seafood Symphony, available daily, features a lavish spread, including an enhanced three-tier fresh crustacean tower alongside new cooked seafood dishes.

One of the key highlights is the three-tier crustacean tower. Initially a single tier, the spread has now been elevated to include Boston Lobster, Snow Crab, Chilean Scallops, Yabbies, Tiger Prawns, Black Mussels, White Clams, and Whelk.

Indonesian-Style Curry Crab 4/5

Pickering Slipper Lobster Laksa 4/5

The Asian Kitchen station continues to serve mouthwatering hot seafood dishes, showcasing bold flavours such as Indonesian-style Curry Crab and their signature Pickering Slipper Lobster Laksa. The laksa was robust, while I found the Slipper Lobster slightly overcooked.

Buah Keluak Black Duck 4.5/5

Known for their Peranakan spread, Executive Chef Alvin Leong has introduced a new speciality — Buah Keluak Black Duck. Swapping its usual brown exterior for an enigmatic black coat, the duck took on a subtle nutty nuance while remaining just as tantalising and succulent. It was served with a piquant chilli and calamansi sauce alongside the classic plum sauce.

Flower Clams in Collagen Broth 4.8/5

Steamed Mussels in White Wine Broth 4/5

One of my favourites was the Flower Clams in Collagen Broth. The broth was utterly delicious — aromatic, slightly milky, sweet, and savoury. I even grabbed some buns from the Bread Station to soak up every last drop. Another delectable creation was the Steamed Mussels in White Wine Broth, made even more flavorful with herbs and stewed cherry tomatoes.

Sous Vide Roast Angus Beef 4/5

Crispy Roast Pork Porchetta 4.5/5

The Western station offers hearty options like Sous Vide Roast Angus Beef and Crispy Roast Pork Porchetta. The latter stood out as one of the better versions I've had, with a perfectly crisp crackling and an even balance of fat and meat beneath the crisped skin.

Truffle Cream Parmesan Wheel Pasta 4/5

You'll also find comforting options such as Truffle Cream Parmesan Wheel Pasta.

Trio of Chocolate Fountains

The magnificent Trio of Chocolate Fountains takes the Dessert Station up a notch. They feature flowing streams of Dark Chocolate, Matcha, and Raspberry — perfect for coating marshmallows, strawberries, grapes, biscotti, and more.

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.


Lime Restaurant
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering
3 Upper Pickering Street
Singapore 058289
Tel: +65 6809 8889
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line), Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast (Daily): 7am - 1030am
Lunch Buffet (Mon-Fri): 12pm - 230pm
Lunch Buffet (Sat-Sun): 1130am - 230pm
Cheers O'Clocl (Sat-Sun): 3pm - 5pm
Dinner Buffet (Daily): 6pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to the junction of Upper Pickering Street and New Bridge Road. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to the junction of Upper Pickering Street and New Bridge Road. Cross the road. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Wagyu X @ Club Street - Launches Wagyu X Platters with Complimentary Sides

Wagyu X, the renowned Japanese steakhouse by Chef Masahiro Takada, has launched an exciting new addition to their menu: the Wagyu X Platters.

There are two types of Wagyu X Platters available: the Wagyu X Origins (Sirloins) ($180++), which is good for 2-3 guests, and the Wagyu X Major (Sirloins) ($370++), which is good for 4-6 guests. Carefully curated by Chef Masa and his team from over 100 beef varieties sourced globally, these premium platters feature exceptional cuts from three top beef-producing regions: the US, Australia, and Japan. A must-try experience for steak lovers!

Crab Stick Salad and Cherry Tomatoes

While waiting for dinner to begin properly, we were served a complimentary small snack of Crab Stick Salad and Cherry Tomatoes to whet our appetites and get us excited about our food.

Kabocha, 4.5/5

The Kabocha ($26) was adorably presented and also delicious! The contents of the mini pumpkin are cooked with a creamy béchamel sauce and caramelised walnuts, then filled back into the pumpkin shell, topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and baked. The result is a sweet, creamy indulgence in each scoop and a beautifully golden, cheesy crust.

Tuna Steak 4.2/5

For the Tuna Steak ($24), sashimi-grade tuna is selected for its freshness. The sides are coated in sesame seeds and pan-fried. The steak is served with a dipping red wine apple sauce, which has a slight tartness that nicely complements the tuna.

Chilled Somen with Scallops 3.5/5

This dish was promising. It was a classic combination featuring smooth, chilled Japanese Somen Noodles ($26) tossed in a sauce of konbu, truffle oil, and truffle paste and topped with fresh scallops. The flavour was quite nice, but the dish was let down by either too little sauce or an uneven toss before serving. As a result, the somen did not have the silky texture I like and turned out slightly dry.

Wagyu X Major (Sirloins) 5/5

Then came the pièce de résistance of the evening — the stunning Wagyu X Major (Sirloins) Platter, featuring five premium cuts of beef that looked absolutely incredible. To make the tasting experience more fun and interactive amongst diners, Chef Masa invites guests to participate in a blind-tasting challenge, where they'll match each cut to its name and rank their favourite ones.

This platter consists of the following cuts:
· Wagyu X 250g
· Wagyu X Aged 250g
· Wagyu A5 Kyoto Hirai 160g
· USDA Prime MacClaren Farm Angus 300g
· Australian Wagyu F1 Stockyard 250g

1. USDA Prime MacClaren Farm Angus

The USDA Prime MacClaren Farm Angus comes from a five generation family-run farm in Texas known for its ethically raised, all-natural Black Angus beef. Each steak boasts exceptional marbling, and a juicy, tender texture.

2. Australian Wagyu F1 Stockyard

Coming from the other side of the world, the Australian Wagyu F1 Stockyard comes from a family-owned farm in southeast Queensland. The cattle are fed a nutritionist-approved special diet of steam-flaked grains and locally sourced feed products, contributing to its unique flavour profile.

3. Wagyu A5 Kyoto Hirai

This Wagyu A5 Kyoto Hirai was the cut everyone could easily recognise — the distinctive Japanese Wagyu, known for its luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth marbling. It offers an unrivalled flavour and a buttery texture that's truly in a league of its own. It would be perfect with rice, as the very high-fat content quickly makes it a bit rich.

4. Wagyu X Aged

5. Wagyu X

Wagyu X's signature offering is a unique Hokkaido breed, the result of crossbreeding a Kuroge Black Wagyu cow with an Aberdeen Angus bull. This blend combines the best of both worlds: the beautiful marbling that Wagyu is known for, together with the robust flavours of Angus beef. It's indeed delicious and less rich than the traditional Japanese wagyu cut. Wagyu X can also be further wet-aged for a more complex and more full-bodied flavour profile.

It's worth noting that while the meat is served medium rare by default, don't hesitate to request a more well-done version if that's your preference! Our table found the platter too rare for our liking and sent it back to be cooked to medium. We certainly enjoyed it even more once it was just right for our comfort level.

You can also order a wide variety of side dishes to complement your meal, such as mashed potatoes, onion rings, mushrooms, cucumber, charred asparagus, white rice, Japanese tomatoes, and more.

Agedashi Tofu 4/5

The first side dish we tried was Agedashi Tofu ($16), a Japanese side dish that I really enjoy. It arrived piping hot, with a light and crispy batter that was spot on.

Beef Tallow Fries 4.5/5

The Beef Tallow Fries ($16) might look like ordinary shoestring fries at first glance, but they are absolutely delicious! Cooked in beef tallow, they're wonderfully fragrant and incredibly crisp. Lightly seasoned with salt and furikake, they have an irresistible crunch that keeps us reaching for more. We found ourselves running out of fries before we realised it!

Horenso Gomaae 2.8/5

The Horenso Gomaae ($16) features blanched spinach that's cooled and mixed with brown sugar, salt, sesame, olive oil, and furikake. The dish was a refreshing break after so much meat, but it felt too simple for the price.

From now until 28 February 2025, Wagyu X is celebrating the launch of its Wagyu X platters with limited-time promotions. Enjoy complimentary sides and a return voucher for your next visit.

· ⁠Wagyu X Origins (Sirloins) ($180++) – Free 1 Side (Beef Tallow Fries)
· ⁠Wagyu X Major (Sirloins) ($370++) – Free 2 Sides (Beef Tallow Fries, ⁠Horenso Goma Ae)
· Return voucher with purchase of any Wagyu X Platter: 20% off appetisers, sides & desserts

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wagyu X
82 Club Street
Singapore 069450
Tel: +65 8795 6664
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Continue to the end of Amoy Street. Climb the stairs beside Siang Cho Keong Temple, up Ann Siang Hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down South Bridge Road towards Ann Siang Road. Turn right onto Ann Siang Road. Walk down Ann Siang Road. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 4 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the road and turn right. Walk down South Bridge Road. Turn left onto Ann Siang Hill and then left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]