Butcher's Block @ Raffles Hotel Singapore - A Homage to Butchery, Wood-fire, and Hawai'ian Spirit

Having visited Butcher's Block before, my return was met with heightened anticipation, eager to explore the new culinary direction spearheaded by Chef Jordan Keao. Hailing from Hawaii, Chef Jordan brings his rich heritage to the forefront, seamlessly blending the art of butchery with the mastery of contemporary wood-fire cooking. The result is a symphony of flavours that spotlight fine seasonal ingredients in all their intrinsic fullness.

Scallop, Parsnip Blini, Kumquat Kosho, Shiso 4.8/5

Embarking on the IMUA tasting menu, a gastronomic adventure awaited. The evening commenced with a trio of snacks that set the stage for what would come.

The Scallop is a delicately crafted dish featuring a plump scallop perched atop a parsnip blini adorned with kumquat kosho, scallop roe, puffed barley, and microgreens. The marriage of flavours and textural contrast showcased Chef Jordan's finesse.

Roasted Beetroot Tartlet, Taleggio 4.8/5

An unexpected yet delightful creation, the Roasted Beetroot Tartlet unfolded layers of flavour with Taleggio cream, fennel blossoms, and micro-planed roasted macadamia. It is a clever play of textures and flavours in every bite.

Korean BBQ Wagyu Tartare 4.2/5

A morsel of delight, the Korean BBQ Wagyu Tartare presented hand-chopped A5 Saga tenderloin and Wylarah striploin. Seasoned with dehydrated kimchi powder, cold-smoked sesame oil, and other exquisite elements, each bite was a burst of flavour.

Hokkaido Milk Parker Roll with Konbu Butter 4.8/5

A complimentary delight accompanying the IMUA menu, the Hokkaido Milk Parker Roll with Konbu Butter was a testament to classic recipes crafted with precision. Fluffy as an Asian milk bun left us craving for more.

Smoked Sashimi Poke, Kukui nut, Ogo Seaweed, Herb Dashi 4.2/5

A contemporary take on the traditional Hawaiian poke, the dish featured Smoked Sashimi Poke with Kukui nut, seaweed, and herb dashi. It is a visual and flavorful homage to Chef Jordan's hometown.

Dry-aged Duck, Black Garlic, Grilled dumpling 4.5/5

A masterpiece of Dry-aged Duck Breast, grilled to perfection and paired with crispy duck tongue and a pan-seared dumpling. Accompanied by black garlic puree and chive emulsion, it was a symphony of flavours and textures.

Mackerel, Starfruit Curd, Hokkaido Ymepirika Sushi Rice 4.5/5

Grilled Japanese Mackerel on Hokkaido Yumepirika sushi rice, enhanced with starfruit puree, Swiss chard achar, and a side of fish broth. A nod to Hawaii's culinary influences, this dish elevated the appreciation of grilled fish.

Wylarah Wagyu Australian Striploin 4.5/5

The pinnacle of the evening was the Wylarah Wagyu Australian Striploin MBS 8-9, grilled over wood-fire. Drizzled with beef jus and paired with Kabocha squash bone marrow puree, it was a celebration of marbling and melt-in-the-mouth perfection.

Pumpkin Pie, Burnt Marshmallow Ice Cream 4.2/5

A deconstructed Pumpkin Pie rounded off the meal with marshmallow ice cream, a five-spice biscuit, roasted pumpkin puree, coconut mochi, and fresh passionfruit. It is a light and vibrant dessert that leaves a sweet imprint. Lastly, the Petit Fours of Hazelnut Chocolate Bonbon, Lilikoi Pate de Fruit, and Charcoal Macaron—adding the perfect final notes to a memorable dining experience.

Chef Jordan Keao's culinary finesse, coupled with Butcher's Block's commitment to quality, resulted in an evening of gastronomic excellence, a testament to the evolving culinary landscape at this esteemed establishment.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Butcher's Block
Raffles Hotel Singapore
Raffles Arcade
328 North Bridge Road
#02-02
Singapore 188719
Tel: +65 6337 1886
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch (Thu-Fri): 12pm - 230pm
Dinner (Wed-Sun): 6pm - 945pm
(Closed on Mon and Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Junction of North Bridge Road and Bras Basah Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to Beach Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Portman's Bar @ PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay - Celebrates Christmas with Yuletide Dreams Afternoon Tea

Embark on a festive journey at Portman's Bar, Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, with their Yuletide Dreams Afternoon Tea experience. Available until January 4, 2024, this indulgent afternoon tea presents a luxurious spread of seasonal delights. The offering includes freshly baked homemade scones, a curated selection of savoury bites, and an array of delectable sweets that capture the spirit of the Yuletide season.

Begin your indulgent afternoon tea at Portman's Bar with the delightful combination of Homemade Cranberry Scones, served with clotted cream and cranberry jam. Elevating the experience, savour the richness of Baked Brie Cheese with Honey. The presentation adds a touch of drama to the occasion, as a small paper cone is placed atop the cheese and lit in a burst of flames, imparting a subtle smoky flavour to the cheese. This theatrical touch enhances the overall experience, making it a memorable start to a luxurious afternoon tea.

Some of our favourites include the Beetroot Polo Bun, which features sugared beetroot buns and a savoury filling of salmon and cream cheese, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and savoury notes. Another favourite is the Brioche French Toast Cube, generously adorned with creamy mushroom ragout and chicken meat loaf, offering a luxurious and comforting bite. For enthusiasts of sweet potatoes, the Waffle Basket, featuring a blend of Idaho and sweet potatoes drizzled with honey, is a must-try, promising a delectable blend of textures and flavours.

Indulge your sweet tooth with the enchanting dessert options in the afternoon tea set at Portman's Bar. The "Bauble" is a delightful creation, showcasing apple bavarois and cinnamon apple compote, offering a burst of fruity flavours. The "Gift Box" is a chocolate lover's dream, with a decadent combination of chocolate mousse and raspberry compote, all atop a chocolate sable, creating a rich and satisfying treat. Lastly, the "Santa Hat" is a whimsical delight, featuring vanilla mousse adorned with cherry morello, bringing a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. These intricately crafted desserts add a touch of magic to your afternoon tea experience, making it a truly memorable occasion.

Complementing the delightful spread, the afternoon tea set at Portman's Bar offers free-flow coffee or tea. Embrace the rich and indulgent flavours by opting for a Mocha or a classic Hot Chocolate. For those who prefer a refreshing twist, coffee and tea options are available in iced or hot versions.

Priced at $58++ per person, this experience perfectly celebrates the holidays in style. To enhance your indulgence, complement your afternoon tea with a choice of wines, cocktails, or fresh oysters, available at an additional cost. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and savour the season's flavours at Portman's Bar.

For reservations, please call +65 6845 1119 or email portmansbar.prsmb@parkroyalcollection.com.

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.


Portman’s Bar
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay
Level 4
6 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 68451119
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Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

sen-ryo @ Suntec City - Popular Japanese Restaurant at Ion Orchard Opens 2nd Outlet Offering Exclusive Items

sen-ryo has recently opened its second outlet in Suntec City. While the brand continues to deliver the brand's philosophy of 'affordable luxury' with a menu much similar to its outlet at Ion, you may look forward to outlet-exclusive platters, draft sake – a rare offering – as well as new set lunches from just $15.80.

Appetiser Platter 4/5

We started our dinner with the outlet-exclusive sen-ryo Appetiser Platter ($26.80). Aesthetically pleasing with 4 seasonal creations. My favourite is the mouth-watering Wagyu Sando. The rich and savoury beef notes against the sweet buttery notes of the brioche are deeply satisfying. The Monaka-Negitoro with Bafun Uni sandwiched between 2 crisp wafers was also a delightful treat. Hyogo Oyster with Ikura will definitely excite oyster fans, but for the Spicy Tuna in Black Sesame Cone, I feel it can do more with more tuna for a better mouthfeel.

Bamboo Shoots 4.5/5 (Tasing Portion)

Tsubugai Wasabi 4/5 (Tasting Portion)

This new outlet is also specially designed to be a space for a great drinking experience, both in the interior and the menu, offering a lineup of new appetisers. Slow-cooked Bamboo Shoots ($19.80), simmered in shoyu and bonito, allowed me to enjoy the beauty of both its mildly sweet-earthy flavour and crunchy texture. Using Ice Plant, Tsubugai Wasabi ($16.80) plays on the crunch element as well, with the zest of Wasabi Root to bring a kick to its neutral flavours.

Abalone Sashimi 5/5

Ankimo Ponzu 5/5

Abalone Sashimi ($20.80) features green-lipped abalone aged for three days after steaming and marinated in shoyu. Every bite released its beautiful intricate flavours accentuated by the whole process. What intrigued me the most was the Ankimo Ponzu (monkfish liver) ($19.80). It's neither fishy nor liver-y, and I love its melt-in-your-mouth texture that spreads its deliciousness into my mouth.

Signature Sushi Platter 4/5

The outlet-exclusive sen-ryo Signature Sushi Platter ($68) was a feast for my senses, with various crafted sushi on the platter. The huge and plump Hotate topped with Seaweed jam and shredded fried leek was one of the first that caught my eye, followed by the jumbo-sized Salmon and Anago sushi. Others include sweet Botan Ebi, melt-in-your-mouth Otoro, Uni, Ika, Negitoro, Akami, Ikura, and Madai (sea bream). Sen-ryo's signature Tamagoyaki provided a sweet note to this platter.

Maguro Sashimi Trio Don 3/5

Tuna continues to the star offering in Sen-ryo. One of the popular items is the Maguro Sashimi Trio Don ($32), offering tuna sashimi with varying degrees of fattiness, paired with a fragrant bed of Koshihikari rice from Aomori Prefecture. Given the taste and the varieties offered, I enjoyed the Sushi Platter more.

Kaki Soy Nabe 2.5/5

A new addition to the Mains is Kaki Soy Nabe ($38.80), which features fresh Hyogo oysters. While the oysters looked enticing, the soy broth disappoints with a thin consistency.

Complementing the mains was a refreshing Kaisen Sashimi Salad ($17.80) that delivered a harmony of varying bites and textures lent by the Ice Plant and sashimi, with a welcoming touch of sweetness from the corn.

Premium Sashimi Platter 4.5/5 (Tasting Portion)

The Premium Sashimi Platter ($26.20) offers a premium cut of sashimi, mainly the belly portion, such as Salmon Belly and Otoro.

Peach Sorbet 3.8/5

Watermelon Sorbet 3.8/5

Our desserts were so cute! We had Peach Sorbet, and Watermelon Sorbet contained within the fruit itself. They were on the sweeter side, but they paired well with the draft sake that we had. Rumiko Kinmoto Tokubetsu Junmaishu Kijioshu, being full-bodied and strong, was recommended for dessert pairing. This premium sake is outlet-exclusive as well.

As mentioned, Sen-ryo at Suntec City amps up the dining experience with the inclusion of KEG Draft into its beverage offerings. You can choose from a menu of diverse and exquisite flavour profiles, which includes the SENSUKE KEGDRAFT Special Junmai, an elegant, unfiltered sake renowned for its melon and muscat aroma. Selections will change according to availability. You may approach the staff for personalised recommendations to accompany your meal.

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.


sen-ryo
Suntec City Mall
Tower 5
5 Temasek Boulevard
#01-434
Singapore 038985
Tel: +65 6957 7978
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

2) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Peach Blossoms @ PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay - Discover The Evolution of Modern Chinese Cuisine by Chef Edward Chong

Peach Blossoms at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, under the guidance of Chef Edward Chong, has elevated Chinese cuisine to a whole new level with his innovative interpretations and exquisite presentation, earning the respect and admiration of diners.

Deep-fried 'Cigar' Roll 5/5

The dish that has been making waves on everyone's social media feeds is the Deep-fried 'Cigar' Roll. It arrives in a cigar box, and the presentation is akin to a cigar. It is a clever twist on the traditional Chinese crispy duck spring roll. The cigar is essentially a crispy roll enveloping freshly peeled snow crab, prawn mousse, foie gras, and black truffle. It is accompanied by Beijing duck sauce and Japanese sesame sauce, adding a delightful fusion of flavours.

Double-boiled Soup 4.5/5

An exceptional Double-boiled Soup is created from fresh Jeju abalone and free-range chicken. It features a rare and precious ingredient - the Sarcodon Imbricatus wild edible mushroom from China, which is known for its rich nutrients, tender flesh, and unique aroma.

Applewood-smoked Iberico Pork Belly 4.2/5

Inspired by Stephen Chow's iconic movie dish, "黯然销魂饭" (Sorrowful Rice), this creation is a deconstructed masterpiece. It includes tenderized and marinated Pork Belly slow-roasted over binchotan charcoal and smoked with applewood for a delightful fragrance. The dish is garnished with a quail egg and substitutes traditional rice with a golden, thin, crisp rice wafer.

Steamed Carrot Cake 4.5/5

The Steamed Carrot Cake, enhanced with Boston Lobster, Shiso Leaf, and Aromatic Lemongrass Sauce, is an off-menu creation that adds a luxurious and inventive twist to a traditional dish. The in-house "gan xiang" sauce elevates the silky-smooth, flavorful steamed carrot cake, complemented by charcoal-grilled Boston lobster.

Crab Roe Collagen Braised Mung Bean Noodles 5/5

My favourite from the evening is the Crab Roe Collagen Braised Mung Bean Noodles. This dish celebrates the rich flavours of crab in two delightful ways. First, there's the freshness and natural sweetness of the crab, showcased through a massive claw. Second, a seafood paste, skillfully created from crab meat, prawns, and water chestnut, coats the chewy mung bean noodles in a flavorful broth. The dish is enhanced by vinegar pearls, reminiscent of the Shanghainese tradition of savouring crab with drizzles of vinegar. And it doesn't end there – the dish is further enriched by a generous shaving of housemade crab roe, meticulously derived from seven female crabs, marinated with ten years hua diao wine, blended and slow-baked for two hours.

Chilled Peach Resin served in Philibon French Charentals Melon 4.5/5

Chilled Peach Resin, served in a Philibon French Charentals Melon, is an elegant and refreshing dessert. A cold melon soup blended with Hokkaido milk is poured into a half-carved melon, accompanied by melon balls and collagen-rich peach resin. Even the desserts at Peach Blossoms are executed with finesse.

Sweet Cart of Treasures 4.2/5

Dessert gets a unique twist with a Dessert Trolley, cleverly served from a dim sum cart. This delightful trolley offers a range of Chinese sweet treats, including Durian Sandwich, classic White Sugar Sponge Cake, fragrant Jasmine Tea Mousse, Taro Lava Puff, and delectable Salted Egg Yolk Lava Puff. Chef Edward's sweet offerings are an exquisite way to conclude a remarkable dining experience at Peach Blossoms.

Peach Blossoms at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay offers innovative modern Chinese cuisine under Chef Edward Chong's guidance. Signature dishes include the Deep-fried 'Cigar' Roll and Double-boiled Abalone Soup with Sarcodon Imbricatus. The Applewood-smoked Iberico Pork Belly and Steamed Carrot Cake are inventive highlights. The Crab Roe Collagen Braised Mung Bean Noodles and Chilled Peach Resin in Melon are truly exceptional. A unique dessert trolley adds a delightful touch to the experience. Chef Edward's creative interpretations shine throughout the menu.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Peach Blossoms
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay
Level 5
6 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 68451118
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 3pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk down Raffles Boulevard. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Raffles Boulevard. Cross the road at Millenia Walk or Marina Square. 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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