Diamond Kitchen (钻石小厨) @ Science Park 1

The shining gem, Diamond Kitchen has made the journey to the West and opened their second outlet at Science Park. Diamond Kitchen has been one of the most memorable meal I had in 2014. In fact, so memorable that I have gone back four times to dine at the restaurant. I am glad and those staying in the West should rejoice with the opening of Diamond Kitchen at Science Park 1.

Diners can taste the same menu from the Marine Parade flagship restaurant. On top of the new opening, it has introduced a promotional Diamond Seafood Signatures set menu ($88++ per pax) at the science park outlet valid until 31 July 2015, minimum 4 persons to dine.

Shredded Chicken Salad with Abalone 3.5/5

The 7 course Diamond Seafood Signatures set menu started with the Shredded Chicken Salad with Abalone. The salad comes with celery, carrot, black fungus, red chilli, poached chicken and Australian abalone lightly dressed in a sesame oil. It is quite a refreshing and crunchy salad to start with but it somehow felt out of place for a Chinese dinner.

Garlic Steamed Bamboo Clam 4/5

Next is the Garlic Steamed Bamboo Clam. The Scottish bamboo clam steamed in a Hong Kong sauce was springy but not rubbery. The used of fried garlic further accentuated the flavours. The glass noodles, enoki mushrooms and water chestnuts provides the additional bites and textures to the dish.

Hong Kong Steamed Giant Grouper 4.5/5

A dish not easily found in many restaurants is the giant grouper weighting a stunning 20kg that is prized for its think, gelatinous and collagen rich skin. For the set menu, the diner can choose from the two different cooking methods, Hong Kong Steamed Giant Grouper or Superior Claypot Giant Grouper. The steamed giant grouper uses the belly of the fish while the claypot giant grouper uses the fin of the fish.

Superior Claypot Giant Grouper 4/5

There were mixed preference from the group but I personally preferred the steamed giant grouper belly with Hong Kong steamed sauce brewed with top grade soya sauce. I felt that the cooking technique brought out the flavour and texture of the giant grouper more. With the firmness and buttery sweetness, I would probably think that I was having the flesh of a crab claw in a blind test.

Stir Fried Sweet Potato Leaf with Salted Fish 4.2/5

This may look like just another ordinary Stir Fried Sweet Potato Leaf dish but once you tasted it, you will know that there is more than meets the eyes. The sweet potato leaves are cooked with garlic, pork lard, chilli padi and salted fish. The combination has turned a simple dish into an excellent dish.

Lobster Porridge 3.8/5

A dish that is not in the a la menu is the Lobster Porridge. The Pao Fan is cooked in a chicken stock with chinese wine, ginger and steamed local lobsters. On its own it is a very tasty bowl of porridge with a flavourful chicken stock. However I felt the porridge is missing the lobster essence. Which is a slight let down.

Gan Xiang Crab 4.5/5

Gan Xiang Crab is one of the signature dishes from the the flagship restaurant. The Sri Lankan crab is wok fried with the chef's secret spices retaining the juiciness of the crab. This mouthwatering crab dish probably can be tasted at Diamond Kitchen only. A must try if you like spicy food and wants a change from the usual chilli or black pepper crab.

Lemongrass Jelly  3/5

Wrapping up the 7 course Diamond Seafood Signatures set menu is the Lemongrass Jelly. The shaved lime and honey ice, lemongrass jelly and lemongrass water dessert is cooling and refreshing. Perfect after a hot and spicy crab feast.

The new Diamond Kitchen science park outlet can sit up to 300 people with 2 private dining rooms. The place is also more spacious compared to their Marine Parade branch. The Marine Parade branch is usually packed with diners and advance reservation is greatly encouraged. To avoid disappointment, the chances of getting a table at science park outlet is much higher. I personally recommend going for the a la carte menu to try out more of their signature dishes even thought the Diamond Seafood Signatures set menu is value for money.


Diamond Kitchen (钻石小厨)
Science Park 1
Oasis
87 Science Park Drive
#01-01
Singapore 118260
Tel: +65  64640410
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiamondKitchenSeafood
Website: http://www.diamondkitchen.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Kent Ridge (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Kent Ridge MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop opposite Kent Ridge MRT station (Stop ID 15139). Take bus number 92. Alight 5 stops later. Walk towards Technology Crescent. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Plaza Brasserie @ PARKROYAL on Beach Road

Seafood lover will rejoice with the latest dinner buffet spread at Plaza Brasserie at PARKROYAL on Beach Road. From 14 March 2014 to 30 April 2014, Plaza Brasserie presents Treasure of The Sea that features new live stations and a specialty dish with the freshest catch in town.

A spectacular offering of 4 different variations of Norwegian salmon is available at the Scrumptious Salmon live station. We have the Salmon Wellington with flaky puff pastry, Classic Baked Whole Salmon with Herb Spices, Grilled Salmon Fillet with Asian Sambal Chilli and Sea Salt Crusted Salmon with Bread Stuffing.

A signature item at Plaza Brasserie and probably the whole buffet place that serves you the Whole Steamed Fish. This is one item I will never miss whenever I dine at Plaza Brasserie.

For shell fish lover, do check out the Crustacean Corner live station. With a choice of sauces such as the black bean sauce, XO sauce or spicy coriander sauce, diner can decide what best to go with the Green Mussels, Bamboo Clams, White Clams, Soft Shell Clams, Fresh Prawns, Mud Crabs or Soft Shell Crabs.

A local favourite and delicacy is the Curry Fish Head that is known for its flavourful curry gravy and creamy coconut milk. The great news is you can have unlimited servicing for this all time favourite dish throughout dinner.

Besides the selection of seafood, the buffet spread does come with the usual local and international spread that will spoilt one with choices. Having been to Plaza Brasserie for a couple of times, I noticed a couple of new item on the spread such as the Salad with 62 degree egg. It seems like the local food scene are into this hipster labeling of food, isn't it just soft boiled egg?

Another chance from the usual Laksa is the pork rib noodle. The bowl of noodle did come with a flavourful and robust broth to go with the noodle.

I have found my new love at Plaza Brasserie in their prata. The prata offers quite a selection of prata, isn't this chocolate prata beautiful? It tasted really yummy too. Besides the normal plain and egg prata, they also have durian prata, what a combination of having 2 local delights into 1.

Treasures of the Sea Buffet Dinner
14 March to 30 April 2014
6pm to 10pm
Adult: $62++
Child (4-12 yrs old): $37++

Easter Sunday Lunch with Kid's Corner
20 Apr 2014
12pm to 230pm
Adult: $48++
Child (4-12 yrs old): $1++ for every year of child's age (valid for a maximum of 2 children with every 2 paying adult buffet diners)


Plaza Brasserie
PARKROYAL on Beach Road
7500 Beach Road
Singapore 199590
Tel: +65 65055710
Website: http://parkroyalhotels.com
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the overhead walkway all the way to The Concourse building. Take the exit down to Nicoll Highway and walk towards Parkroyal Serviced Residences. Cut through towards Parkroyal Hotel. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

The Boxing Crab Restaurant @ Sentosa

The newest food establishment by Food Junction, The Boxing Crab Restaurant is located at Sentosa behind the beautifully quaint stretch of Sentosa adjacent to Underwater World. Browsing through the eclectic menu, the restaurant relishes fresh seafood and ambrosial dishes inspired by a variety of culinary styles (Chinese, Balinese and Western) af affordable prices.

The 250 seater restaurant overlooks the panoramic sea with both indoor and al fresco seating. Sights of traversing cruise liners and ferries, sunset illuminating the sky with its deep orange hue paints a mesmersing and magnificent scenery.

Detox 4/5

The Boxing Crab Restaurant has 4 interesting smoothies drink on the menu. They were Energy Enchancer, Super Smoothie, Stimulator and Detox. I had the Detox ($7) which is a mixture of apple juice, celery juice, beetroot and ginseng.

Otah Otah Cigar 4/5

Spring roll with spicy fish paste filling although is not new to me, the Otah Otah Cigar ($12) was definitely better than the one I have tried. The crispy golden brown skin with its otah fillling sure whet our appetites for more delectable dishes.

Steamed Bamboo Clam with Minced Garlic 4.5/5

The Steamed Bamboo Clam with Minced Garlic (market price) melded perfectly with the minced garlic and glass vermicelli. I really enjoyed it that I went for a second helping.

Charcoal Grilled Marinated Red Snapper 4.5/5

The Balinese style of the Charcoal Grilled Marinated Red Snapper ($28) left the table raving with acknowledgement and going back for more. The accompanying chilli dips were nice but we all preferred it to be a tab more spicy.

Seafood Mee Goreng 3/5

I always prefer the Chinese style of Mee Goreng which is wetter. I was glad that Boxing Crab serves the version I like. The Seafood Mee Goreng ($15/$25/$32) did not manage to tingle my appetite. I enjoyed the wetness but it lacked the robustness and spiciness I was seeking.

It is time to suit up for the restaurant's signature crabs.

Braised Claypot Crab with Superior Broth and Pumpkin 4.8/5

If you have the chance to visit The Boxing Crab, this is a MUST TRY. The Braised Claypot Crab with Superior Broth and Pumpkin (market price) visually looked like salt egg yolk but it tasted nothing near it. In fact it was much more superior, delicate and unique. It was a total new experience that got my taste buds dancing in excitement.

Caramelized Spices with Curry Leaf Crab 4.2/5

Another special crab dish available at the restaurant is the Caramelized Spices with Curry Leaf Crab (market price). If you do not like the peppery punch of the black pepper crab, this will be a good alternative. The caramelized spices came through with a tantalizing sweetness and aroma that was memerizing.

Yam Paste with Gingo Nuts 4/5

For dessert, the restaurant offers a selection of both Asian and Western desserts.

Being a Teochew,  I love my Yam Paste with Gingo Nuts ($5). Flavours were well balanced and I like the added corn kernels giving it another dimension in texture.

Tropic Pineapple Sorbet 4/5

The refreshing Tropice Pineapple Sorbet ($11.90) served in a pineapple was a welcome dessert for the hot and humid weather of Singapore.

Traditional Sicillian Cannoli with Sweetened Ricotta 4/5

The Traditional Sicillian Cannoli ($11.90) with its tube shaped shell filled with sweetened ricotta was a very delightful dessert. The contrasting texture of the crusty dough and smooth ricotta simply brought a smile to my face.

Meringue with Chantilly Cream 3.8/5

If you have a sweet tooth, the Meringue with Chantilly Cream ($8.90) will be for you. The heavily sugared combination of meringue and chantilly cream will guarantee you a sugar rush.

Overall I am quite impress with the food quality and standard at Boxing Crab. The crabs definitely will be their signature. There are many cooking styles on the menu that I would return to try such as Steamed Crab with Soya Bean Milk, Salted Baked Crab with Scallion, Charcoal Grilled Wasabi Crab, Sautted Swimmer Crab with Mushroom Ragout and many more.


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The Boxing Crab Restaurant
Sentosa
(Adjacent to Underwater World)
80 Siloso Road
Singapore 098969
Tel: +65 62747760
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBoxingCrab
Website: http://www.foodjunction.com/brands/restaurant/the-boxing-crab/
Nearest MRT: Harbour Front (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbour Front MRT station. Exit station to Vivocity Shopping Mall. Go to Sentosa Express Station at Level 3 of Vivocity. Take Sentosa Express Train to Beach station. Alight at Beach station and transfer to Sentosa shuttle bus (blue line). Alight 2 stops later at Underwater World. Journey time about 20 mins.