Grissini @ Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel - Promotional Menu Featuring Sustainable Wild Seafood From Pacific Northwest Seafood

As part of World Gourmet Summit 2021, Pacific Northwest Seafood will be featured on promotional menus across a variety of cuisines in several of Singapore's renowned restaurants. One of the collaborating partners is Grissini at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel. It has put together a set menu at $158 per person featuring the black cod and dover sole from Pacific Northwest Seafood.

The set menu started with some complimentary bread and breadsticks, followed by three different appetisers.

The three appetisers are Gambero Kataifi, Salmon Cornetto and Proscuitto e Melon. I enjoyed the crispy vermicelli wrapped around the prawn topped with a savoury burst from the ikura. Served in an ice cream cone, the salmon cornette is a textural enjoyment, while the prosciutto e melon is a classic combination that will never go wrong.

Hamachi Carpaccio 4.5/5

Next course, I had the Hamachi Carpaccio paired with Oscietra caviar and heirloom tomato. The ponzu and basil oil brightens the  Japanese Amberjack sashimi.

Casarecce Al Sugo Di Merluzzo 4.2/5

To showcase the Black Cod from Pacific Northwest Seafood, the chef has incorporated the buttery meaty fish in the pasta dish - Casarecce Al Sugo Di Merluzzo. The perfectly cooked pasta in black cod ragu is deliciously addictive in the tomato-based sauce, crowned with a piece of the melt in the mouth black cod.

Sogliola 4.2/5

The next fish featured in collaboration with Pacific Northwest Seafood is the Dover Sole, known for its sweet, delicate and nutty flavour. I enjoyed the sweet sauce that is glazed on the beautiful fish accentuating the flavours. Accompanying the dish, we have green lettuce, maitake mushroom and seaweed at the side. 

Cachi 4.5/5

There is even a pre-dessert course using the Japanese Persimmon with honeymoon and sour cream - a fruity and refreshing pre-dessert to freshen up the palate.

Tiramisu Alle Castagne 3.8/5

For dessert, we had the Triamisu Alle Castagne. It is like having two desserts on a plate. The topping of chestnut cream on the ladyfinger reminds me of mont blanc. The sweetness of the chestnut cream helps to balance the strong flavour from the alcohol-soaked ladyfinger.

Petite Four

Finishing the set course meal is the Petite Four. The promotional menu featuring sustainable wild seafood from Pacific Northwest Seafood is priced at $158 per pax. It is available from 27 October to 6 November 2021. 

Note: This is an invited tasting


Grissini
Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel
392 Havelock Road
Singapore 169663
Tel: +65 62331100
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line), Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Tiong Bahru Plaza (Stop ID 10169). Take bus number 123. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to junction of Havelock Road and Kim Seng Road. Cross the junction and turn left. Walk to destination. Journey about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop before Orchard MRT station (Stop ID 09022). Take bus number 16 or 175. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

Tien Court Restaurant @ Copthorne King's Hotel - New Chef New Menu With Weekly Dish Promotion Up To 50% Off

Probably not known to many, Tien Court Restaurant is located within Copthorne King's Hotel on Havelock Road. Recently, Master Chef Lui Wing Keung joined the restaurant and embraced a grand menu revamp. On top of that, the restaurant is championing sustainability to repurpose imperfect foods that would otherwise be discarded.

Deep Fried Glutinous Rice with Minced Chicken 4.2/5

The Deep Fried Glutinous Rice with Minced Chicken is delicately crafted in the shape of an adorable chick, playfully nestled in a bed of hay and crackered eggshells. It is too cute to be eaten. The first bite is crispy, followed by the chewy texture and the mouth-watering filling of savoury minced chicken.

Teochew Steamed Crystal Dumpling 4/5

Tien Court Restaurant has a delectable spread of dim sum items on the menu. A crowd favourite is the Teochew Steamed Crystal Dumpling with Dried Shrimp, Preserved Radish and Jicama. While I enjoyed the thin and translucent dumpling skin's chewy texture, the stuffing was too coarsely cut to complement it.

Frozen Marinated Cherry Tomato with Plum & Homemade Beancurd Roll 4.2/5

The Homemade Beancurd Roll is an off-menu special. Besides the soft interior, it has savouriness and crunchiness due to the mixture of tofu, prawn paste, carrot and water chestnuts. On the side is Frozen Marinated Cherry tomato with Plum, giving it a refreshing touch. Noteworthy is the used of ugly vegetable that is deemed unfit for supermarket punnet.

Double-boiled Fish Maw Nourishing Soup 3.8/5

The Double-boiled Fish Maw Soup is both nourishing and comforting. Diners can find soft tendon, fish maw and dried scallops in the rich and creamy and milky broth. As it uses chicken collagen, the flavour is not as intense as pork collagen. Diners can also add a dash of black vinegar to balance the richness.

Teochew-Style Oyster Omelette 3.5/5, Deep-Fried Oyster Fritter with Garlic and Chilli Powder 3.8/5

The Teochew-Style Oyster Omelette is topped with Deep-Fried Oyster Fritter with Garlic and Chilli Powder. It is a two in one dish. First is the plump and juicy oyster fritters on top, with a crispy and fluffy omelette on the bottom. It is best enjoyed with the piquant homemade chilli sauce.

Signature Braised White Teat Sea Cucumber 4/5

The Signature Braised White Teat Sea Cucumber is soft and bouncy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The complementing moreish abalone sauce raises the taste profile, which deep-frying provides extra textural enjoyment.

Stir-Fried Pork Shoulder with Chef's Special Sauce 4.2/5

The Stir-Fried Pork Shoulder with Chef's Special Sauce has a delightful bite for its leaner cut. Marinated in honey and black vinegar, it gives the pork a lovely sweet-sour profile. Frankly, I didn't have the addition of Japanese matcha powder served any possible. 

Signature Teochew Wok-Fried Hor Fun with Diced Kailan and Preserved Radish 3.8/5

The staple Teochew dish, the Signature Teochew Wok-Fried Hor Fun with Diced Kailan and Preserved Radish, is given an elevated touch with the addition of crispy Sakura prawns for added pops of umami.

Homemade Tau Suan 4.2/5, Signature Teochew Crispy Noodle 4/5

Wrapping up our dinner at Tien Court, we had the Signature Teochew Crispy Noodle paired with a refreshing strawberry vinegar sauce that sits light on the palate. However, my favourite is the Homemade Tau Suan with freshly grated orange peel, gingko and fried dough fritter with a sweet, citrusy fragrance.

Do look out for Tien Court's weekly promotion. Guests can enjoy Chef Lui's new creations at a special price (up to 50% off) every week from 30 August until 3 October 2021. Terms and conditions apply.

30/08 – 05/09: Deep-fried Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Minced Chicken $4++ (U.P.$7++)
06/09 – 12/09: Signature Braised White Teat Sea Cucumber in Oyster Sauce $18++ (U.P.$28++)
13/09 – 19/09: Homemade Beancurd Roll with Frozen Marinated Cherry Tomato with Plum $16++ (U.P.$24++)
20/09 – 26/09: Signature Teochew Wok-fried Hor Fun with Diced Kailan and Preserved Radish $10++ (U.P.$16++)
27/09 – 03/10: Stir-fried Pork Shoulder with Chef's Special Sauce and Matcha $12++ (U.P.$24++)

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tien Court Restaurant
Copthorne King's Hotel
403 Havelock Road
Level 2
Singapore 169631
Tel: +65 63183193/ 63183198
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Fort Canning (DT Line), Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop opposite Subordinate Court (Stop ID 06171). Take bus number 51 or 186. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Shell House (Stop ID 04329). Take bus number 64 or 123. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Tiong Bahru MRT station (Stop ID 10169). Take bus number 123. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Kingdom of Belgians @ Rodyk Street - New French Gourmet Grocery And Daily Brunch

Kingdom of Belgians, located at the less bustling end of Robertson Quay, has been awaiting you to have a taste of their Belgium specialities since their opening in January last year. They have revamped the menu recently, serving our beloved brunch daily alongside their popular Belgium favourites. A new partnership has been formed as well, with fine food gourmet grocer LPB Market (formerly La Petite Boutique) to offer a new store showcasing premium French groceries available both on retail and dine in at the restaurant.

Egg Benedict with Salmon Gravlax with Brioche 4.8/5

Knowing KOB is a casual set-up by Chef-Owner Emmanuel Stroobant, there were certain expectations of the food here, and I wasn't disappointed at all. A common brunch dish such as Egg Benedict ($16) was elevated with a level of sophistication with their housemade Salmon Gravlax. Its deep orangey colour was alluring, to begin with, and its luscious texture, which was further boosted by tangy hollandaise and rich oozy egg yolk, was simply divine. Savoury and herbaceous with dill, it was perfect with the buttery and sweet brioche as the base.

Plat du Jour 4/5

A heartier brunch dish like Plat du Jour ($18) would probably have you returning to KOB. The half of a roasted spring chicken itself was pleasingly tender. I love the creamy bacon and mushroom sauce made using the juice from roasting the chicken, imbuing layers of flavour into a simple dish like this.

Blue Cheese Moules 4.2/5

Be sure to try one of their Moules ($24 for starters/$38 for main). We had the Blue Cheese Moules that came extremely pungent (in a good way!). Creamy and rich with blue cheese, there is no other way to savour the broth than sopping it with the accompanying sweet and buttery brioche.

Braised Pork-Beef Meatballs 4.8/5

And I'm so in love with their Boulet Liegeois ($24)! A Belgian classic, their Braised Pork-Beef Meatballs are served with caramelised shallot, raisins in beef jus. Like a well-made burger patty, the meatballs were very well seasoned, incredibly juicy, and its texture maintained a balance between loose and compact with the right amount of lean meat and fats. The jus was superb with flavours lent from infusing cloves and juniper berries. The addition of the shallot and raisins lent a pop of tart sweetness that cut the dish's richness.

Spiced Apple Tart 4.5

For dessert, the Spiced Apple Tart ($14.00) will make your day. The spiced caramelised apple encased within the thin, flaky shortcrust pastry was deeply infused with spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, star anise, a lot more so than many which I ever had, which to me was even tastier.

Before heading out, perhaps you might want to grab a few gourmet items from the LPB Market. They house a rotating selection of more than 50 different types of artisanal cheeses along with other quality products, including charcuterie, fresh dairy and meat, and award-winning wines. Famed signatures include the highly popular Truffle Brie, Saucisson, Country Paté, and Salmon Rillette. Else, online shopping is also available on https://petiteboutique-sg.com/.

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.


Kingdom of Belgians
8 Rodyk Street
#01-05/06
Singapore 238216
Tel: +65 66340500
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 10am - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop along Upper Cross Road, Opposite Subordinate Court (Stop ID 06171). Take bus number 51 or 186. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk towards the river. Cross the river. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Tiong Bahru MRT station (Stop ID 10169). Take bus 123. Alight 4 stops later. Walk towards the river. Cross the river. Walk to destination. Journey time about 14 minutes. [Map]

Xin Cuisine @ Holiday Inn Atrium Singapore - Ushers In A Prosperous Year Of The Ox

Xin Cuisine at Holiday Inn Atrium Singapore ushers in a prosperous Year of the Ox with perennial favourites for takeaways and lavish set menus for up to 8 persons.

Alaskan Crab with Salted Egg Yolk Sauce Yu Sheng 3.8/5

For this year Lo Hei, Xin Cuisine introduces the Alaskan Crab with Salted Egg Yolk Sauce Yu Sheng ($98/$138) available for both dine-in and takeaway. The salted egg yolk sauce gives the yu sheng a tangy twist to the traditional taste. However, I feel that the sweetness can be reduced and the salted egg yolk sauce can be more prominent.

Trilogy of Dim Sauce Delicacies 4/5

Before moving to dinner proper, we started with a Trilogy of Dim Sauce Delicacies. On the plate, we have Pork Dumpling, Deep-fried Prawn Dumpling with Salad Sauce and Deep-fried Yam Dumpling. My favourite is the yam dumpling shaped like a swan with fragrant yam encase by a crispy exterior.

Double-boiled Conch Meat with Dried Scallops & Cordyceps Flower 4.2/5

The Double-boiled Conch Meat with Dried Scallops & Cordyceps Flower is a hearty and nourishing soup to line the stomach before starting on the mains.

Abalone Treasure Pot 4.5/5

Pen Cai which is customarily eaten during Lunar New Year is a festive casserole hotpot dish that symbolises prosperity and abundance. The Abalone Treasure Pot is layered to the brim with premium ingredients such as whole abalone, fresh scallop, deep-fried fish maw, sea cucumber, live prawns,  roasted meat and more.

Wok-fried Glutinous Rice with Preserved Meat 4.2/5

Ending the mains, we have the Wok-fried Glutinous Rice with Preserved Meat. A delectable and excellent rice dish showcases the use of Chinese cured meats to elevate an ingredient that we eat almost daily to a whole different level.

Xin's Deep-fried Nian Gao with Coconut Milk 3.5/5

Last but not least, we have the Xin's Deep-fried Nian Gao with Coconut Milk to wrap up the sumptuous dinner.

Xin’s Set Menus are available for order from 7 Jan to 26 Feb 2021 and reservations for Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner is now open. For more information about Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant’s CNY Set Menus, please click here.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant
Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
317 Outram Road
Singapore 169075
Tel: +65 67317173
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 930pm
Sat & Sun: 1130am - 1pm, 115pm - 3pm, 530pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Tiong Bahru MRT station (Stop ID 10169). Take bus number 123. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Wen Xin Fish Soup. Lu Wei @ Bukit Merah View Food Centre - A Simple And Yet Satisfying Bowl Of Fish Soup

During my recent trip to Bukit Merah View Food Centre, I got to try Bukit Merah View Carrot Cake at the food centre. Since I have made a rare trip down to this food centre, might as well try something else. Hence we settled for Wen Xin Fish Soup since there was a queue, which usually is an indication that the stall is quite popular.

Batang Fish Soup 3.8/5

We ordered two bowls of Fish Soup. One with Batang Fish and the other with Red Grouper. Each bowl of clear soup comes with the fish slices,, lettuce and tofu. While the soup may be light and clear, it imparts a refreshing sweetness, allowing the natural flavours and freshness of the fish slices to come through. Starting from $3 a bowl, this is very reasonably priced.

Red Grouper Fish Soup 3.8/5

Besides their fish soup, you can also order Pig Trotter and Mei Cai to go along with your meal. I will usually order the Pig Trotter if the stall sells it, as I enjoyed drenching the braising gravy into my bowl of rice. The braising gravy is light, slightly sweet and comes with a tad of herbal aroma. The braised meat thought a bit on the tough side, I could not resist sinking my teeth into the fatty, wobbly skin.

Pig Trotter 3.5/5

Overall I enjoyed the fish soup, which is simple and light. Perfect for those days that you want something comforting. As for the pig trotter, I think it can be better if the braised meat is more tender. I won't complain much because for the price I am paying, I can get a satisfying meal that does not hurt my pocket.


Wen Xin Fish Soup. Lu Wei
Bukit Merah View Food Centre
Blk 115 Bukit Merah Central
#01-42
Singapore 150163
Nearest MRT: Redhill (EW Line), Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 11am - 2pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Red Hill MRT station (Stop ID 10209). Take bus number 132 or 145. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Tiong Bahru MRT station (Stop ID 10161). Take bus number 16 or 851. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Yit Lim Hong Kong Soy Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle @ Telok Blangah Crescent Food Centre - Tender & Well Flavoured Soy Sauce Chicken

Recently I went down to Telok Blangah Crescent Food Centre, wanting to check out Jiak Song Mee Hoon Kway but it was already sold out by 12pm. Not to make it a wasted trip, I decided to grab lunch from Yit Lim Hong Kong Soy Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle.

I ordered both the Soy Sauce Chicken Noodle and Hor Fun. If you don't feel like having noodles, you can order the soy sauce chicken to go with rice too.

First, let us try the Soy Sauce Chicken Noodle. The chicken is really tender with the soy sauce marination coming through. As for the noodle, it has a delightful bouncy bite though I did not quite like the slight alkaline aftertaste of the noodle.

As for the hor fun, I felt that it is quite average. The rice noodle's texture is also quite thick. I would prefer something thinner and smoother. Besides that, the sauces really complement both the noodle and hor fun. 

Overall it is a good plate of soy sauce chicken noodle. I would prefer the noodle over the hor fun. The chicken is also cooked to tender, and you can taste the fragrant soy sauce.


Yit Lim Hong Kong Soy Sauce Chicken
Telok Blangah Crescent Market and Food Centre
Blk 11 Telok Blangah Crescent
#01-132
Singapore 090011
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line), Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 630am - 130pm
Sat-Sun: 7am - 3pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Harbour Front MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Harbour Front MRT station (Stop ID 14141). Take bus number 131. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Tiong Bahru MRT station (Stop ID 10161). Take bus number 195. Alight 6 stops later. Cross the road to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Bukit Merah View Carrot Cake @ Bukit Merah View Food Centre - I Prefer The White Carrot Cake Here

I really can't remember the last time I visited Bukit Merah View Food Centre, it probably could have been more than 5 years ago. I supposed to check out a Lor Mee stall, but it is not opened. Hence we decided to settle for Bukit Merah View Carrot Cake for lunch.

The stall used to make their own carrot cake, but now they get their supply from a factory that still mills the rice to make the carrot cake instead of those made from rice flour. It offers both the white and black carrot cake.

Unlike most carrot cake stalls, the carrot cake here comes in chunky pieces, soft but yet holds its form. For comparison, I ordered both the black and white carrot cake to try. The Black Carrot Cake ($4) comes coated in a sweet dark sauce, with caramelised charred edges. However, the dark sauce somewhat lacks the fragrant to elevate the dish from good to excellent.

Personally, I prefer the White Carrot Cake ($4). The wok hei and egg fragrant come through more, not cancel out by the sweetness from the dark sauce.  Not seen in the picture is the addition of chye poh, which gives the carrot cake the extra flavour and texture.

White Carrot Cake 4/5

I was informed that the stall is run by 2 brothers, each taking up a shift in the day and night. Hence depending on the time of your visit, the cooking may vary. A little tip for customers, it seems like the default for the plate of carrot cake comes with chilli. Hence do inform the uncle during your ordering if you do not want chilli in your carrot cake.


Bukut Merah View Carrot Cake
Bukit Merah View Food Centre
Blk 115 Bukit Merah View
#01-37
Singapore 151115
Tel: +65 93252500
Website
Nearest MRT: Redhill (EW Line), Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 130pm, 430pm - 130am

Direction:
1) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Red Hill MRT station (Stop ID 10209). Take bus number 132 or 145. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Tiong Bahru MRT station (Stop ID 10161). Take bus number 16 or 851. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]