True Cost Singapore @ Suntec City - Quality Fare Priced At its “True Cost” Instead Of Usual Market/Restaurant Price

True Cost Singapore at Suntec City prides itself on offering quality dining at a fraction of the market price. You need only pay a relatively low cover charge ($5 for weekday lunch) and ($10 for weekend dinner) to experience good quality fare at a fraction of its market price. Each dish is tagged on the menu with its "True Cost" price and market prices.

Yellowtail Crudo 4.8/5

We started the meal with a few cold appetisers showing off their ingredients' freshness. The Yellowtail Crudo ($7.65 / Usual Market Price $24.00) had a firm flesh and a light flavour elevated with a citrusy but savoury dressing. I love how the olive tapenade and green chillies atop lent an extra bite and freshness.

Heh Marinated Scallop 4/5

Another well-loved dish is this plump Heh Marinated Scallop ($19.76 Usual/ Market Price $24.00) flavoured with fragrant chilli garlic, coriander and pink pepper that brought out the sweetness of the scallop. The pickled cucumber added an enjoyable crunch to these mouth-filling pieces of the scallop.

Salmon Truffle Crudo 4/5

Salmon Truffle Crudo ($10.50 / Usual Market Price $18.00) is a crowd-pleasing dish. The addition of fresh horseradish gave the salmon an edge that counters its richness.

Hummus With Kim Chi Cucumbers 4/5

Hummus With Kim Chi Cucumbers ($5.95 / Usual Market Price $14.00) was rich, creamy and wholesome, perfect with the flatbread served on the side.

Japanese Style Beef Tartare 3/5

Japanese Style Beef Tartare ($9 / Usual Market Price $23.00) was decent, but its creamy and tangy accompaniment overwhelmed its flavour.

Bone Marrow 3.5/5

Slathered with dried chilli oil, the Bone Marrow ($14.25 / Price In Other Restaurants $28.00) was full-flavoured, with a cheesy yoghurt sauce served on the side to cut its richness. A basket of bread instead of just a slice is probably more apt to clean the bones!

Grilled Eggplant With Miso 2.5/5

I had an excellent grilled eggplant with miso at Sens of Japan before, and that is just unforgettable. Unfortunately, this Grilled Eggplant With Miso ($6.65 / Price In Other Restaurants $14.00) paled in comparison with a confusing flavour profile and too many elements. The miso lacks flavour, and the presence of the pickled onions seems unnecessary.

Octopus With Potato Mousse 4/5

For mains, Octopus With Potato Mousse ($19.85 / Price In Other Restaurants $30.00) is a real gem at this price point. The octopus was grilled with the right amount of char and doneness. However, the potato mousse could have been less buttery as it got cloying after a while.

Beef Cheek With Pea Purée 2.5/5

The Beef Cheek With Pea Purée ($12.75 / Price In Other Restaurants $30.00) comes at a very attractive price point but was disappointingly dry. The curry-flavour puree was too sweet and intense, and the sauce didn't quite bring the elements together either.

Ceviche Mary 4/5

True Cost also keeps the tipples at affordable prices despite its location and gorgeous setting. We had a smokey and piquant Ceviche Mary ($11.30), a reimagination of the morning cocktail Bloody Mary, featuring a tomato mix blended with 12 handpicked secret ingredients.

Cover Charges
Mon - Thu: 11am - 3pm - $5
Mon - Thu: 5pm - 10pm - $10
Mon - Fri: 3pm - 5pm - FREE ENTRANCE
Fri: 5pm - 10pm - $15
Sat: $15
Sun: $10
PH: $15

I understand the restaurant currently is opened daily from 5pm to 11pm but it has planned to extend it opening hours in the future.

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.


True Cost Singapore
Suntec City
Sky Garden
3 Temasek Boulevard
#03-302-303
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 88940615
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 5pm - 11pm

Directions:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

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

Gary's Restaurant @ Rochester Park - New Italian Fine Dining Restaurant In The West

Gary's Restaurant is one of the newest restaurants to open in the Rochester Park area. The Italian restaurant was opened by founder and executive chef Gary Wu. He has honed his culinary skills in Michelin starred restaurant and cooking for the Brunei royal family, cabinet ministers, and celebrities. The restaurant is located in a 2-storey heritage black and white house, surrounded by vast greenery.

Hokkaido Scallop “Crudo” 4.5/5

Our dinner at Gary's Restaurant started with the Hokkaido Scallop "Crudo" ($20). The Japanese scallop is paired with ikura, citrus salad, red radish, and dressed in a ginger ponzu sauce. I enjoyed how ginger ponzu brightened the sweetness of the scallop.

Pan Seared Foie Gras 4.2/5

Next, we had the Pan Seared Foie Gras ($26). It is paired with onion chutney and aged balsamic. The sweetness helped to cut through the creaminess and richness.

Carbonara 4.8/5

The Carbonara ($26) brought a smile to me. It is not the saucy type in which creams are added. Instead, it is the classic way of cooking carbonara. It may look simple, but it is a beautifully cooked pasta paired with crispy iberico chips, parmigiano and a dash of truffle oil. It has been a long time since I had such good tasting carbonara done the traditional way.

Slow Cooked Wagyu Beef Cheek 4.8/5

Another beautiful dish on the menu is the fork-tender Slow Cooked Wagyu Beef Cheek ($38). It is soft and flavourful, paired excellently with sweet pea, sweet carrot and truffle crush potato.

Tiramisu 4.5/5

I was told the Tiramisu ($14) is baked a la minute. The savoiardi soaked with Kahlua coffee liqueur and the mascarpone has just the right balance of sweetness, complemented by the right bitterness from the coffee and cocoa powder.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Gary's Restaurant
41 Rochester Drive
Singapore 138582
Tel: 65 89200200
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Website
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit C. Take the sheltered walkway and walk towards Star Vista. Turn left onto Rochester Drive. Walk down Rochester Drive towards Rochester Mall. Take the staircase at the back of Rochester Mall. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Fleur De Sel Le Restaurant @ Tras Street - Bringing Fine French Cuisine To The Comfort Of Your Home

Fleur De Sel Le Restaurant is a French restaurant located at the heart of Singapore's Central Business District along Tras Street. I am actually quite surprise the restaurant has been under my radar all these years. If it is a new restaurant I could have understand but it has been around since 2013. If not for the pandemic with the restaurant joining the food delivery bandwagon, I probably would not have known the restaurant opened by Chef/Owner Alexandre Lozachemeur.

Lobster Bisque

Beef Cheek Bourguignon

Who says you can't have fine French cuisine at the comfort of your home? Starting with some soups, we have the Lobster Bisque and Beef Cheek Bourguignon. We also got some bread to go along with the soups. The soups were legit, packed with depth and flavours. 

Crab & Prawn Citrus Salad 

Light and yet refreshing is the Crab & Prawn Citrus Salad, paired with avocado and coriander vinaigrette. 

Chicken Thigh Basquaise with Tomato & Stewed  Capsicums

Moving to the mains, we have a whole Chicken Thigh Basquaise with Tomato & Stewed Capsicums, that has been cooked to tender and soaking up the delicious sauce.

Seared Hokkaido Scallops

Another beautiful dish on the menu is the Seared Hokkaido Scallops paired with braised leek and 

black truffle chicken sauce. Besides the plump scallop, what delighted me is the braised leek that complemented the dish excellently.

Beef Tongue with Tomato Sauce, Gherkins and Potato

Beef Tongue maybe acquire for some but as long as you can overcome psychological block, you will appreciate the fork tender piece of meat cooked in tomato sauce. I like the addition of gherkins which help to freshen up the palate from the richness. 

Seabass in Papillote with Zucchini, Tomato, Lemon and Thyme

For the Seabass in Papillote, you just need to heat up and you are ready to dine. The seabass was really moist, complemented by zucchini, tomato, lemon and thyme, elevating the whole taste as well as presentation.

Tiramisu

For dessert, I have the Tiramisu. I like the way it is done, light and not overly sweeten with the distinct espresso coming through from each mouthful. 

Lemon and Meringue Tart

If you like something sweet and sour, you will definitely enjoy the Lemon and Meringue Tart. It is definitely one of the best I have eaten for a long time.

Breakfast Basket

Not to be missed is the Breakfast Basket from Fleur De Sel with their freshly bakes. The breakfast basket consists of 2 croissants, 2 Almond Croissants, 2 Pain Au Chocolat, 2 Pain Au Raisin with 3 mini jams and butter.

Fleur De Sel Le Restaurant 

64 Tras Street

Singapore 079003

Tel: +65 62226861

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Website

Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:

Mon-Fri: 12pm - 2pm, 630pm - 10pm

Sat: 630pm - 10pm

(Closed on Sun)

Direction:

1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Jiang-Nan Chun @ Four Seasons Hotel Singapore - New Winter Menu To Celebrate Its Second Consecutive Michelin One Star Award

Jiang-Nan Chun at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore has once again received One Michelin Star in the Michelin Guide Singapore 2019. Being the second consecutive year to be awarded this accolade, Jiang-Nan Chun has launched a Winter Menu to celebrate this occasion. Designed by Executive Chinese Chef Tim Lam, the man who brought Jiang-Nan Chun to where it is today, this six-course seasonal menu embodies the principle of "align and nourish" during the cold season. Each dish is meant to rebalance and re-energise you from within, starting from using only the best available ingredients at this time of the year.

Trio Platter 3.8/5

Starting your meal is a trio platter of Steamed Xiao Long Bao with Black Truffle, Deep-fried Japanese Oyster and Honey Glazed Pork Collar. What sync these 3 items together was the luscious mouthfeel that each provides. The Xiao Long Bao oozed warm and savoury juice infused with earthy flavours of the truffle, which have developed over time inside the heated pocket. The Japanese oyster was plump and deep-frying it gives a crust that contrasts nicely with its texture, which may otherwise be a tad gooey for diners who ain't into oysters.

Double-boiled Mini Buddha Jumps Over the Wall 4.5/5

The second course is Double-boiled Mini Buddha Jumps Over the Wall in Thick Chicken Broth. Much consideration has been given to the preparation work. As boiling the soup for too long may cause it to be overly "heaty", even though the common belief of the brewing period is the longer the better, the soup is boiled for only 2 hours, and then simply let it sit for a period of time for the ingredients to slowly release their nutrients. Hence the soup, even with its clear consistency, laced my lips with a gelatinous layer with every sip.

Steamed Prawn with Crab Roe 4.5/5

Next up was Steamed Prawn with Crab Roe and Jade Sauce on Egg White. I like how the crab roe gives that boost of texture to the egg white and fire up the dish with its vibrant colour and flavours.

Deep-fried Beef Cheek 4.2/5

Moving on to a more highly flavoured dish, we had Deep-fried Beef Cheek with Radish and Sakura Shrimps in Chu Hou Sauce. Radish is a winter produce that is good for nourishing, and its qualities are apt to pair with meat. The beef cheek has been braised for 4 hours before being deep-fried. I enjoy the paper-thin tempura-like crust, which further brings out the tenderness of the beef and its gelatinous qualities.

Simmered Inaniwa Udon 4.2/5

To balance the heavier course, the meal will end with a very light Simmered Inaniwa Udon with Scallop and Tomato. With the soup so flavourful yet gentle, I believe I could finish it even if the portion is that of a standard ramen bowl.

Chilled Chinese Pear with Peach Resin and Lotus Seed 4.5/5

The Winter Menu ends with a Chilled Chinese Pear with Peach Resin and Lotus Seed. The huge, chewy peach resin was such a treat.

The Winter Menu is available at $168 per person, from 1 October to 22 December at both Lunch and Dinner Daily.

Written and photography 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.


Jiang Nan Chun (江南春)
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Second Floor
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248646
Tel: +65 68317220
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue walking along Orchard Road. Walk to Hilton Hotel. Go to level 2. Follow the passageway to Four Seasons Hotel. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 12 minutes. [Map]

Relish @ Fraser Tower - Transformed Into Roketto Izakaya When Night Falls

For those that missed the food at Wild Rocket by Chef Willin Low when it closed last year, you will be rejoiced to know that Chef Willin has brought the Mod-Sin DNA of Wild Rocket to Relish at Fraser Tower. When night falls, Relish will be transformed into Roketto Izakaya offering a casual dining bar concept featuring modern Singapore small bites and sharing plates, in the evening of Tuesdays to Saturdays.

Fish Collagen Broth 4.5/5

Having not dined in Wild Rocket before, I am not sure what to expect at Roketto Izakaya. Our first dish is the Fish Collagen Broth ($5). The flavourful and milky broth is from the essence of slow cooking the fish bones. No milk is added. The centrepiece is the fish cake that is coated with deep-fried egg. There is even fat choy in the soup. Chef Willin has kept the characteristic of our local fried fish soup but elevated it in his interpretation.

Har Jeong Pork Keropok 3.5/5

The Har Jeong Pork Keropok ($8.50) is quite addictive on its own. The thinly sliced pork belly is deep-fried until bacon-like crispy with the pungent prawn paste flavour. However, I am mix about the kaffe lime mayo dip. I felt that the intensity of the kaffe lime, sort of overpowered the prawn paste flavour.

Tandoori Pappadum Nachos 4/5

The Tandoori Pappadum Nachos ($8.50) is not your typical nachos with cheese dip. Instead, the corn chips are replaced with pappadum and paired with tandoori minced meat and yoghurt. An interesting take giving it an Indian influence.

Aburaage Rojak Salad 4.8/5

The Aburaage Rojak Salad ($15) elevated the local dish with the use of the Japanese aburaage in place of the local tau pok. The 'hae kor" ice cream substitutes the prawn paste sauce for rojak, binding the dish together. This is a brilliant dish that transforms a three dollar hawker dish into a fifteen dollar restaurant dish.

Har Jeong Tin Gai 4.2/5

The Har Jeong Tin Gai ($12) looks like chicken drumstick at one glance. They are really tender and juicy with a light crispy batter.

Curry Chicken Shepherd Pie 4.5/5

I thought the Curry Chicken Shepherd Pie ($15.80) is a crazy idea but Chef Willin actually made that happen, and it tastes delicious. You have to try it for yourself to know how great the combination really works. The curry chicken recipe is super shiok.

Krapow Prata Pizza 4/5

Chef Willin's love of Thai flavours can be seen in the Krapow Prata Pizza ($15). Instead of pizza dough, a crispy prata takes its place. It is topped with spicy minced meat, Thai basil, chilli and cheese.

Nasi Lemak Chicken Wings 3.5/5

The Nasi Lemak Chicken Wings ($8.50) comes with liquid rice and ikan bilis. It is a unique take of the traditional dish. However, it didn't quite excite me. I didn't like the skinny, crispy chicken wings. I prefer those that are tender and juicy.

Rendang Beef Cheek 3/5

While everything has been spot on so far, the Rendang Beef Cheek ($20) pales from the rest. The beef cheek probably has been sous vide which lacks the fibrous bite. The rendang also fell short in flavours and depth.

Char Siew Rice 3.5/5

Unfortunately, I didn't like the Char Siew Rice ($20) too. While the char siew is tender, it didn't have the char and sweetness that made me fell in love with the roast. The brown rice was a bit too hard and dry for me also.

Wild Rocket Chendol 4.2/5

Bur Bur Hitam 4/5, Wild Rocket Strawberry Cheesecake $9.20

For desserts, we have Wild Rocket Chendol ($8.50), Bur Bur Hitam ($7.80) and Wild Rocket Strawberry Cheesecake ($9.20). I would recommend saving some space for these wonderful desserts. I only hope I have a second stomach.

Although I have not visited Wild Rocket, I am glad that I still can taste some of the signature wild rocket dishes, in a more casual form at Roketto Izakaya. Chef Willin's modern Singapore cuisine indeed has brought our local food into a whole new level.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Relish
Frasers Tower
182 Cecil Street
#02-12/13
Singapore 069547
Tel: +65 69045458
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 11am - 3pm
Tue-Sat:  11am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.