Racines @ Sofitel Singapore City Centre - Usher in the Year of the Dragon with a Line-up of Lunar New Year Delights and Set Menus

Usher in the Year of the Dragon with a line-up of Lunar New Year delights at Sofitel Singapore City Centre. Available from 1 February 2024 until 29 February 2024, revel in specially curated set menus and celebratory a la carte delights at Racines, or opt for auspicious takeaways to celebrate in the comfort of your home.

Healthy Well Being Yu Sheng 4/5

Highlights include the Healthy Well Being Yu Sheng ($128). Departing from the traditional use of salmon, this refreshing take features crunchy and sweet rock  melon. The vibrant combination of fruits and shredded vegetables marks the commencement of the new year and signifies a healthy start to the festivities.

Chef Andrew’s Magnifique Pen Cai 5/5

Chef Andrew's Magnifique Pen Cai ($328/$498) is exceptional. Ingredients include abalone, scallops, prawns, pork belly, and duck meat, combined with a sauce boasting a rich depth of flavour. The crispy pork belly, with its irresistible crackling, and the duck meat, reminiscent of smoked duck with a layer of unctuous skin, contribute to the overall indulgence of this dish.

Fried Crab Meat Ngoh Hiang 4/5

Available for takeaway, Fried Crab Meat Ngoh Hiang ($68/500g, $128/1kg) is a great add-on side dish. It was juicy with an airy crust. The fiery dipping chilli sauce served with it helped cut through its richness.

Double-boiled Chicken Soup 4.5/5

From the set menus, we tried Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Dried Scallop & Cordycep Blossom. It had a good consistency with a delectable depth of earthy flavour.

Lap Mei Fan 4/5

One of the highlights in the CNY specials includes the Lap Mei Fan, a hearty claypot dish of steamed rice with waxed meat and Chinese sausage. The rice, reminiscent of chicken rice, was flavourful on its own. While the Chinese sausage was slightly tougher than expected, combined with the waxed meat, it still resulted in a wholesome and satisfying dish.

Caramelised Black Cod Fillet with Butter Edamame & Bonito Sauce 5/5

We then indulged in the Caramelised Black Cod Fillet with Butter Edamame & Bonito Sauce. The umami-rich bonito sauce heightened the cod fillet, enhancing its buttery texture and robust flavour. The caramelised exterior added bittersweet notes and a contrasting texture, providing an exquisite touch to the cod.

Bird's Nest 4.5/5

We were treated to a nourishing bowl of Bird's Nest with Ginseng, Red Dates & Wolfberries for dessert.

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.


Racines
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Level 5
9 Wallich Street
Singapore 078885
Tel: +65 64285000
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 1030am, 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

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]

Tempura Udon by Mizuya @ Tanjong Pagar Road - Premium 7-Course Omakase at $88 Per Pax

Tempura Udon by Mizuya at Orchid Hotel has recently launched a new menu featuring affordable 7-course omakases that offer its speciality tempura alongside good quality sashimi and other dishes.

The omakase menu offers homemade seasonal plum wine as part of the menu. It is a nice touch to the overall experience.

Hyoga fresh oyster 5/5

We had the pleasure of trying the Premium 7 Course ($88/pax), starting with a succulent Hyoga Fresh Oyster.

Assorted Sashimi 5/5

We indulged in 5 pieces of Assorted Sashimi for the next course, including a luxurious thick cut of toro. It was a great mix of Toro, Scallop, Aka Ebi, Hirame, and Tai. They are served by the Mizuya Singapore team, known for its seafood freshness.

Chawanmushi 4/5

Before the Tempura course, we had a satisfying Chawanmushi for its smooth and silky consistency.

Assorted Tempura 4/5

Salmon Tempura

We were surprised by the generous portion of the Assorted Tempura. On the platter were 2 large prawns, 1 salmon fillet, a slice of pumpkin and mushroom. The prawns were sweet and succulent, the same for the salmon fillet. The vegetables were delectable as well. The batter, however, was somewhat uneven. Some parts were less airy than the others.

Mini Negitoro Ikura Uni Don 5/5

Capping the meal was a loaded Mini Don brimming with negitoro, ikura and uni. I enjoy the topping's varying textures and briny sweetness, especially the mouth-filling negitoro. The bowl of Miso soup complemented it well.

Dessert was a scoop of Goma Ice Cream - Simple but satisfying after an indulgent meal. To enjoy the value-for-money omakase with quality and premium ingredients, you can make a reservation via Chope.

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.


Tempura Udon by Mizuya
Orchid Hotel
1 Tras Link
#01-14 Singapore 078867
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon – Sat: 1130am – 230pm, 6pm – 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT statin. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Orchid Hotel. Go around the building to the other side facing Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Ya Ge (雅阁) @ Orchid Hotel - Usher In the Auspicious Dragon with Trailblazing Feast and Festive Takeaways & Goodies

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon in grandeur with Ya Ge's spectacular Chinese New Year feast, meticulously crafted for joyous reunions. Whether you choose to dine in or opt for the convenience of takeaways, Ya Ge ensures a memorable experience for family, friends, and business partners alike.

Crispy Golden Eel and Yellowtail Yu Sheng 3.5/5

This auspicious dish, available in both set menus and takeaways, features the Crispy Golden Eel and Yellowtail Yu Sheng. In line with the Year of the Dragon, it presents a raspberry-flavored dragon pudding atop crispy eel, yellowtail, fresh julienned carrots, radish, and pickled ginger. The ensemble is elegantly dressed in a passionfruit and kumquat dressing, offering a delightful blend of sweetness and tanginess.

Double-boiled 'An Xin' Chicken Soup 4.2/5

Extracting the essence of the renowned 'An Xin' Chicken, this soup combines the flavourful French poulet with Matsutake Mushroom, Dedrobium Stem, and Conpoy. The result is a rich and comforting bowl of soup that exemplifies culinary finesse.

Braised 10-head Abalone with Pagoda Iberico Pork Belly and Preserved Mustard 4.2/5

A highlight of the feast, this dish showcases pagoda-stacked Iberico Pork Belly with Preserved Mustard, creating a divine harmony of flavours. Paired with a 10-head Abalone, it promises a luxurious and unforgettable experience.

Red Garoupa 4/5

Breaking away from tradition, the Red Garoupa at Ya Ge takes on a modern twist. Sautéed fish fillet is bathed in truffle sauce, sprinkled with pine nuts, offering a delightful interplay of flavours – a novel and delicious take on the classic Chinese fish dish..

Fiery Maotai Crispy Duck 4/5

Prepared with precision, the Fiery Maotai Crispy Duck undergoes an 8-hour marination with Maotai and spices, followed by steaming and air-drying. The deep-fried duck is then flambéed tableside, creating a visual spectacle. With perfectly crispy skin and succulent meat infused with Maotai flavors, it's a delicious masterpiece.

Braised Duo Vermicelli with Crab Meat and Crab Roe 4.2/5

A medley of crab meat and crab roe crowns a bed of meticulously braised rice vermicelli and glass noodles, topped with fish roe. The Braised Duo Vermicelli with Crab Meat and Crab Roe presents a perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and umami flavours – a fitting end to a celebratory meal.

Yam and Nian Gao Ingot-shaped Pastry, Yuzu Snowskin Mochi 3.8/5

Symbolizing boundless fortune, Yam and Nian Gao are masterfully shaped into an ingot-shaped pastry, offering a divine blend of earthiness and sweetness. Complementing this is the Yuzu Snowskin Mochi, a soft and fluffy delight with a tangy twist from yuzu.

Place your pre-orders for set menus or takeaway festive goodies from January 1st to February 24th, 2024. Enjoy a 10% discount on all takeaways, whether ordered online (https://eshop-yage.myshopify.com) or at the restaurant. Celebrate abundance and prosperity with Ya Ge's culinary delights this Chinese New Year.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Ya Ge (雅阁)
Orchid Hotel
1 Tras Link
Level 3
Singapore 078867
Tel: +65 68186831
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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]

Chicco Pasta Bar @ Telok Ayer Street - Top Quality Homemade Pasta at Affordable Price Point By Chef Drew Nocente and Chef Jose Alonso

Nestled in the former space of The Market Grill, Chicco Pasta Bar emerges as a collaboration between Chef Drew Nocente from CENZO and Chef Jose Alonso from Kulto. Born from the desire to offer top-quality homemade pasta at an affordable price point. During a recent dinner escapade with a friend, we explored the palate-pleasing wonders of this new establishment.

Cauliflower 4.5/5

Our dinner commenced with the Cauliflower ($12), a dish that showcased the skilful use of the pit to give the cauliflower a perfect char. The exterior boasted a delightful crispness, harmonising with the crunch of each bite. Adding to its appeal was a tantalising garlic chilli sauce that heightened the overall enjoyment of this simple yet flavourful dish.

Stracciatella, Peppers & Onion Focaccia 4.2/5

For the Focaccia, we opted for the Stracciatella, Peppers & Onion variation ($12). It proved an excellent choice, with the creamy stracciatella spread over the focaccia, adorned with sweet peppers, onions, and a generous shaving of cheese. A harmonious medley of textures and flavours that set the stage for the pasta delights to come.

Fusilli 4.2/5

Transitioning to the heart of Chicco Pasta Bar—the pasta—we delved into the Fusilli ($20). This dish showcased pasta with a delectable bite, intertwined with the robust flavours of Mushrooms and Nduja (pork sausage). A marriage of textures and tastes that exemplified the culinary craftsmanship at play.

Mafaldine 4.5/5

Introducing a new addition to the menu, the Mafaldine ($24) replaced the lobster spaghetti. Despite initial disappointment over the absence of visible Spanner Crab, each forkful revealed a pleasant surprise. The sweet crab meat, expertly blended with a creamy bisque sauce, provided a luxurious mouthful. The dish embodied a symphony of flavours, delivering on the promise of a robust crustacean experience.

Chicco Pasta Bar unfolds as a haven for pasta enthusiasts, where the commitment to quality and affordability converges. With its artful fusion of flavours and dedication to handcrafted excellence, this pasta bar is poised to become a staple for those seeking a taste of artisanal Italian delights.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Chicco Pasta Bar
208 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068642
Tel: +65 8468 8146
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left and walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Café 2000 @ M Hotel Singapore - Launches Enchanting Festive Buffet at Cafe 2000

M Hotel Singapore, situated on Anson Road in Singapore, presents an enchanting Festive Buffet at Cafe 2000 this Christmas. The buffet offers a delightful array of culinary delights, ranging from the freshest seafood-on-ice to exceptional carvings like Chargrilled Australian Tomahawk with Kampot Pepper, Roast Turkey, Bone-in Gammon Ham, Foie Gras with Berries Coulis, including ‘live’ Crowaffle and Flambe Crepes station and unforgettable spread of yuletide desserts.

The Festive Dinner is available from November 16 to December 21, followed by the Christmas buffet starting from December 22. It's a perfect opportunity to celebrate the Yuletide season with a blend of festive flavours and a joyful ambience at M Hotel Singapore.

The Seafood On Ice display is a captivating showcase of oceanic delights, offering a feast for seafood enthusiasts. The display features an assortment of premium seafood, including succulent crab legs, plump prawns, and a variety of mussels and clams.

The Christmas specials include Roast Lamb Rib, Roast Beef, Roasted Turkey, and Honey Baked Ham. The standout is the freshly grilled Roast Beef, sliced and cooked on the spot, imparting a smoky taste. It is also superbly tender and juicy, with the fatty parts, in particular, showcasing a melt-in-the-mouth sensation, adding a luxurious and indulgent touch to every bite.

The Roast Lamb Rib promises succulence, Roasted Turkey delivers a classic holiday experience, and the Honey-baked Ham combines sweetness with savoury notes.

The local delight of Chilli Crab captures the essence of Singapore's rich food culture perfectly. The Chilli Crab features a luscious and flavourful sauce, showcasing the perfect blend of sweet, savoury, and spicy notes that define this iconic dish. The combination is a harmonious marriage of textures and flavours, paired with crispy mantou.

For an alternative crab option, the Tanghoon Crab features crab paired with tanghoon, also known as glass noodles. The crab was prepared with a flavourful sauce that coats the tanghoon, creating a delightful combination of textures and tastes. At the same time, the noodles absorbed the savoury essence of the crab and sauce, providing a unique and enjoyable mouthfeel.

Don't miss out on the Baked Lobsters adorned with a rich and flamed cheesy sauce that adds a layer of decadence to the dish. The sauce features a creamy and flavourful blend, complementing the succulent lobster meat harmoniously.

Other delectable options in the buffet include Steamed Fish and Nonya Curry, Fried Seafood Beehoon, Lamb Stew, Chicken Satay, Hawaiian Pizza and many more.

The dessert section is a haven for sweet lovers, featuring a diverse selection of indulgent treats. Highlights include the classic Apple Crumble, decadent Chocolate Fudge Cake, velvety Cream Caramel, refreshing Yuzu Cake, and delightful Assorted Cupcakes.

For a local twist, don't miss the mini glasses of Durian Pengat, showcasing the unique durian flavour. A standout is the Croffle, a hybrid treat combining a croissant's crispiness with a waffle's fluffy texture. This dessert spread caters to a spectrum of preferences, ensuring a satisfying and sweet conclusion to the dining experience.

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.


Café 2000
M Hotel Sigapore
81 Anson Road
Singapore 079908
Tel: +65 6500 6112
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit C. Turn right onto Anson Road. Walk down Anson Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]