LUCE by Davide Giacomelli @ InterContinental Singapore - launches new Italian Bistronomic Champagne Brunch

LUCE by Davide Giacomelli at InterContinental Singapore recently launched a new Italian Bistronomic Champagne Brunch, featuring an extensive buffet line of Cold Starters, Hot Specialities, Pinsas, desserts and live stations, jazzed up with the accompaniment of live music.

Charcuterie Room

One may start off from the Charcuterie Room, located right beside the main entrance of Luce. It impresses with a wide selection of imported cheese and cold cuts from Italy such as Grana Padano, Mozzarella, Taleggio, Mortadella and Cured Ham, all lined up with a slab of honeycomb as a centerpiece. Alongside the cheeses and cold cuts you will also find Bread and Condiments such as Focaccia, Baguettes, as well as interesting spreads Grissini Sundried Tomato Butter and Basil Pesto Butter.

Aged Parma Ham Wrapped Rock Melon

One of my favourite Cold starters is this Aged Parma Ham Wrapped Rock Melon - The parma ham had such a luscious bite to it, and its savouriness was well paired with the sweetness of the juicy rock melon.

One of the main drawn of the Champagne Brunch is the Seafood and Sashimi on Ice. Perfect with champagne, you will have your freshly- shucked oysters, Boston lobster, snow crab leg, tiger prawns, and sashimi.

Cheese Wheel Pasta Cacio e Pepe

Moving on to the Live Stations, Cheese Wheel Pasta Cacio e Pepe is also one of the highlights - made ala minute, you will have your freshly-prepared Mafaldine Pasta tossed inside a Parmesan Cheese Wheel. Best enjoy when its hot from the wheel!

And no brunch buffet is complete without a good roasted meat. At the Meat Carving station, enjoy Slow Oven Roasted Angus Beef Striploin, served with condiments such as caramelised onions and Dijon Mustard.

Orecchia di Elefante

Hot stations give you a taste of Italy, such as this specialty of Lombardy, the Orecchia di Elefante– a bone-in, thinly sliced tender veal meat that is breaded and fried. Known as the “elephant ear”, Chef Davide has his fried in clarified butter for richer flavours.

One of my favourites is the Eggs a l’ Amatriciana. Lovers of baked eggs dishes and runny yolk will definitely be awed by this brunch item. The golden yolks of the Cage Free Eggs were satisfyingly unctuous, and the tomato sauce which is loaded with with pancetta and perfectly cooked-down red onions was vibrant with flavours.

Spezzatino di Manzo is another hearty hot dish - Italian Beef Stew with Mediterranean Vegetables such as capsicums and mushrooms. Both the softened beef and vegetables were beautifully flavoured.

Hand-tossed Italian Pinsas

Pinsas station is a hot favourite with its variety of hand-tossed Italian Pinsas freshly made once each flavour runs out. There are classic flavours such as the Margherita and Four Cheese, but I quite fancy the fancier creation Rustica Pinsa, topped with Scamorza – an Italian cow’s milk cheese layered with Bacon, Zucchini and Potato.

Salad Bar

Club Salmon Norwegian

The Salad Bar is wholesome and vibrant with organic Vegetable from local farms. There is also a selection of finger food such as Club Sandwich Smoked Turkey, Club Salmon Norwegian and Chilled Marinated Heirloom Tomato Soup.

Bread & Butter Pudding

Crostata Pistachio Strawberry Frangipane

Crunchy Choux Pastries

The Dessert station allures you with a plethora of desserts handcrafted by Executive Pastry Chef Desmond Lee - The Crostata Pistachio Strawberry Frangipane is stunning with green pistachio hues and gorgeous red strawberries, Bread & Butter Pudding with Baileys Vanilla Sauce beckons with its beautiful golden crust and the petite Crunchy Choux Pastries look simply irresistible. And many more awaits.

Italian Bistronomic Champagne Brunch is available every Sunday 12 to 3pm. For a complete experience, get free flow Taittinger Champagne or Italian Franciacorta, Aperol Spritz and selected Cocktails and Wines at $158 or with free flow Prosecco, Peroni Beer, Aperol Spritz and soft drinks at $138.

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.


LUCE by Davide Giacomelli
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

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

L'Espresso @ Goodwood Park Hotel - Honouring Legacy and Tradition With A Classic English Afternoon Tea

Available for dine-in from now till 10 August, Goodwood Park Hotel celebrates its 120 years of rich history with their classic English Afternoon Tea at L'Espresso. They have also introduced their new Legacy Blend 120, a commemorative tea created in collaboration with TWG Tea that is inspired by the iconic landmark's German heritage.

 

Pamper yourself with a relaxing dining experience and savour a specially curated repertoire of English afternoon tea delights served to the table upon order. We had the dainty finger sandwiches such as the Roast Beef & Gerkin, Cucumber & Cream Cheese, Smoked Salmon & Horseradish Cream, and Egg Mayonnaise with Watercress.

 

The open-faced sandwiches offer classic combinations such as the Coronation Chicken with Mango Chutney & Almonds, Sea Shrimp with Marie Rose Sauce & Smashed Avocado, and Crabmeat Salad with Roasted Corn Puree.

 

Indulge in buttery croissants filled with ham & english cheddar cheese or the Tuna Salad with English Cucumber as well.

 

Delectable hot savouries include a hearty Traditional Irish Beef & Guinness Stew, as well as the Mini Pork Shepherd's Pie with Cheese Crust. The Traditional Irish Beef & Guinness Stew is rich and savoury. Paired with freshly baked Bread Roll for a satisfying dish.

 

Not to be missed out is their freshly baked scones, served with traditional Devonshire clotted cream, strawberry jam and butter.

 

Lastly, round up the meal with a lovely assortment of pastries, cheese and sliced fruits. They also have a variety of classic British sweet treats such as the Sticky Date Pudding, Treacle Tartlet, Nougatine Chocolate Cake, Frosted Salted Caramel Nut Slice, the Strawberry & Cream Triffle and Sherry Triffle in Jelly Cup.

 

Classic English Afternoon Tea

Date: 19 Jun to 10 Aug 2020
Pricing inclusive of 2 servings of coffee or tea: 

Mon-Thu: $45++ per adult, $27++ per child (6 to 11 years old)

Fri-Sun, Eve of PH and PH: $48++ per adult, $28.80++ per child (6 to 11 years old)
Pricing inclusive of a glass of Taittinger Brut Reserve NV champagne and 2 servings of coffee or tea: 

Mon-Thu: $68++ per adult

Fri-Sun, Eve of PH and PH: $72++ per adult

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.


L'Espresso
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301746
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 2pm - 530pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 12 - 230pm, 3pm - 530pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Yun Nans (云海肴) @ Jewel Changi Airport - World Biggest Yunnan F&B Chain Opens Its First Outlet In Singapore

With the opening of Jewel Changi Airport, we also see a number of new F&B concepts opening in Singapore. One of them is Yun Nans (云海肴), the world's biggest Yunnan F&B chain with over 150 outlets in China has opened its very first overseas outlet in Singapore. The restaurant specialises in 高原料理 or highland cuisine, featuring the ingredients in Yunnan's natural highland terrain that is free from pollution, such as the wild porcini, wild black truffle, wheat pumpkin and edible flowers.

Spicy & Sour Egg Salad 4.2/5

Starting off we have the traditional Dai ethnic group dish - Spicy & Sour Egg Salad ($9.90). Initially I thought fried egg with mango and vegetable will taste weird but it turned out really delicious with the sour and spicy sauce bring the dish together. A very appetising salad indeed.

Stir Fried Wild Porcini with Dried Chillies 4.5/5

The Stir Fried Wild Porcini with Dried Chillies ($24.90) features wild porcini mushrooms found round 2000 to 3000m above sea level. They are flash fried with Yunnan dried chillies and garlic, for a lovely crunch and flavour.

Tossed Rice Noodles with Shredded Chicken 3.5/5

The colourful Tossed Rice Noodles with Shredded Chicken ($12.90) consists of 7 different ingredients such as the Yunnan rice noodles, shredded chicken, collybia albuminosa, mushroom, chives, carrot, purple cabbage and egg. Mixed them all up in the tangy peanut and sesame sauce for a slurping enjoyment.

Steam Pot Chicken Soup 4.2/5

A signature item here is the Steam Pot Chicken Soup ($23.90). It is amazing that not a single drop of water is used to make the soup in the handmade Jianshui clay pot, using a unique technique to do so. What result is a clear, delicate and nourishing soup, packed with flavour.

To enjoy the dish further, one can take out the tender chicken pieces from the soup that has been pressure steamed for 3 hours and toss them together with the spicy mala sauce. The restaurant even uses a special bread of black feet chicken to achieve the result they want.

Beef Stew in Copper Pot 4/5

For something more spicy is the Beef Stew in Copper Pot ($24.90). In the pot, one can find beef tendon, brisket and tripe that are braised in a soup stock of 18 different spices for 3 hours. It is then cut into smaller pieces and quick fried in spices, butter and Yunnan Qiubei chilli.

Truffle Rice Noodles in Prawn Broth

The new outlet outside China also offers some exclusive item such as Truffle Rice Noodles in Prawn Broth ($13.90) to cater for Singaporean's love of seafood. Inspired by the local prawn noodles, the chef marries prawns with wild black truffle for a hearty bowl of Yunnan rice noodle. While I didn't find the black truffle changes the profile of the dish drastically, the broth itself is good on its own packed with the rich flavour of the crustacean.

Grilled Seabass with Lemongrass 4.2/5

Is this our local sambal stingray? No it is not. It is the Grilled Seabass with Lemongrass ($22.90) that is marinated with 6 types of spices and grilled over charcoal. It is then sprinkled with an in-house chilli seasoning mix, topped with chives, chilli padi and Yunnan wild coriander before serving. The fish was moist and complemented by spicy seasoning that will be will received by the locals.

There are other exclusive dishes for Singapore such as the Stir Fried Spicy Clams, Salt Grilled Salmon Head and Charcoal Grilled Tiger Prawn. I have enjoyed the food at Yun Nans and I also find the pricing is reasonable too.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yun Nans (云海肴) 
Jewel Changi Airport
78 Airport Boulevard
#02-17
Singapore 819666
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Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to the link bridge to Jewel. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Gaston Burgundy Bistro & Wine Bar @ Keong Saik Road - Hearty Comfort French Fare With Delectable Wines

Within the bustling stretch of Keong Saik is a new all-day bistro and wine bar - Gaston Burgundy Bistro & Wine Bar, offering comfort French fare and delectable wines from Burgundy. The bistro is helmed by owner and general manager Geoffrey Daurelle from Burgundy, who is inspired to bring the taste and culture of Burgundy to Singapore. He has rooted in Head Chef Julius Soo Thoo, who has worked in the kitchen of L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon and Iggy's to bring the classic Burgundy cuisine to the table.

Croquettes Bourguignonnes 4/5

The Croquettes Bourguignonnes ($9 for 3pc / $18 for 6pc) is like our cheese and ham sandwich except it is in a croquette form. It uses Epoisses cheese which is is known as Burgundy's most pungent cheese. I didn't find it that smelly at all.

Oeufs en Meurette 4.2/5

The Oeufs en Meurette ($13/$21) is like our local soft boiled egg breakfast in dark sauce. It comes with a poached egg in red wine sauce paired with onions, bacon and mushrooms. I do recommend saving some bread to mop up the dish just like how we local have our egg and toast for breakfast.

Escargots de Bourgogne 3.5/5

Some diners can be deterred by the sight of the escargot in its shell but the Escargots de Bourgogne ($15 for 6pc / $28 for 12pc) here is de-shelled and served in a pastry shell paired with garlic, butter and parsley. Love the idea as it is really easy to just pick it up and pop it into the mouth.

Boeuf Bourguignon 4.2/5

Passed down to Geoffrey Daurelle is his mum's recipe for the Boeuf Bourguignon ($32). The beef stew in red wine sauce is cooked to tender with carrots and mushrooms. Noteworthy is the creamy and smooth mash potato, which consists of 50% potato and 50% butter, similar to what the now defunct L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon Singapore used to serve to their diner.

Truite a l'Aligote 4.2/5

The Truite a l'Aligote ($28) is a match in heaven with the white wine sauce made of Aligote (white grape from Burgundy) complementing the steamed trout fillet. The trout fillet is rested on pommes fondant and pair with asparagus. A clean, light and delicate dish.

Flan Patissier 4/5

The Flan Patissier ($12) comes in a light pastry crust filled with smooth and eggy vanilla crustard. It is served together with a scoop of vanilla artisan gelato.

Eclair au cassis 4.2/5

For something richer in taste, there is the Eclair au cassis ($14). The classic French choux dough shell are filled with purple cassis custard cream, instead of the usual chocolate or vanilla cream. The cassis berry which is an iconic fruit of Burgundy gives the eclair a sourish finish that is very appetising.

Contrary to popular belief that wines from Burgundy are expensive, the wine bar offers value for money gems, especially those from lesser-known sub regions in Burgundy such as Côtes Chalonnaise and Mâconnaise, as well as appellations like Macon. There is an extensive selection of quality, great value vinos of close to 350 labels from Burgundy and beyond held within the wine bar’s dedicated walk in cellar. Committed to ensuring that the wine programme is highly accessible, varied and exciting, the wines are sourced directly from the vintners themselves. With an extensive wine-by-the glass programme of close to fifteen wines (including premium Champagnes) as well as a rotating ‘Wine Flight of the Week’, there is something for everyone from novices to seasoned wine drinkers to tantalise the palate.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Gaston Burgundy Bistro & Wine Bar
25 Keong Saik Road
#01-01
Singapore 089132
Tel: +65 69098120
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 5pm - 12midnight
Tue-Fri: 12pm - 12midnight
Sat: 5pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight down New Bridge Road. Turn right onto Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right again onto Keong Saik Road. Walk down Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Pardon My French @ Icon Village

Pardon My French? If you search online, the first thing that would come out is this " The phrase is uttered in an attempt to excuse the user of profanity, swearing, or curses in the presence of those offended by it under the pretense of the words being part of a foreign language." A couple of pages and you will find, there is actually a French restaurant by this name located at Icon Village. Barely a month old, I was looking forward to see what it has got to offer.  Judging by the name, would it be something quirky and bold?

With a small frontage, one may easily miss it. (it is right beside 7 Eleven). With only 3 tables plus another alfresco seating, its tiny space surprises me.  It holds a certain charm reminiscent of a small brasserie, and if warm lights were used instead of its current white, I believe it would be even cosier.  The menu is quite straight forward, with a few quintessential French dish - Poulet, Duck confit, Beef stew and Fish baked with ratatouille. Pastas are available as well.  It also offers quite affordable and interesting breakfast items for Saturday.  No coffee though, but its unique selection of teas makes up for it.

Paquet DePoisson 4/5

We went straight for their mains - Duck Confit ($25.00), Boeuf Bourguignon ( Beef stew $17.00) and my favourite dish Paquet De Poisson (Baked Fish Parcel $20.50) which seabass was the Fish of the Day.  The fish came to us hot in its baking paper. As we unveiled it, what intrigued me was the beautiful bright orangy sauce around it - Capsicum sauce, a twist to the original recipe created by the chef. Together with the huge slices of zucchini and just a tinge of seasoning, it enhances both the look and taste of the dish. Moist and tender, the fish even had a crisp-top even though it was baked enclosed in paper.

Duck Confit 3.8/5

Its Duck Confit ($25) has a slight twist to it as well, being paired with mashed pumpkin instead of potatoes. Thin and crisp skin with very tender meat, and it was not gamey at all.  However, I didn't feel the mashed pumpkin goes well with it. Something more starchy than the mashed pumpkin would have been better to counter the richness of the confit.

Beef Stew 3/5

Its Beef Stew came to us looking real promising but was also the most disappointing for me. The soupy gravy was very flavourful and I enjoyed soaking it up with the deep fried mantou which proves to be a yummy combination. According to the chef, Oxtail was used for its collagen, that will give the stew the rich consistency without having to add any fats to it. I expected the meat to be soft and tender and falling off the bones. That was what I had in Essen, my very first oxtail stew and I loved it!  However, this was simply too tough for me to chew.

Ruby Pear 4.2/5

As for dessert, Ruby Pear ($6.50) is a must-have here.  Soaked in red wine, the pear compote was served warmed with homemade Bailey's ice cream, adding on to its alcohol undertone. I have tried fruit compote served with vanilla ice cream which are often too sweet and dense, but this is light and tastes clean.  The only issue I have is with the ice cream, that melted so fast on the warm pear that 2 tiny bites were all I managed to get.

Pardon My French isn't as adventurous as I thought it will be, but after numerous big names sprouting in our small city, I appreciate such an earnest set up, without all the decorations. From the twists done to the dishes, I can see that the chefs have achieved a good foundation from their culinary training.  Certainly there are some rough edges (there are even handwritten strike offs & add ons in the menu), but as Derrick has cleverly pointed out, like its name, we should pardon them for being less of a French. (our expectations).

Written 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.



Pardon My French
Icon Village
12 Gopeng Street
#01-16
Singapore 078877
Tel: +65 64109353
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 830pm
Sat: 10am - 230pm

Direction: 
Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Peck Seah Street. Turn right onto Gopeng Street. Walk to the junction of Gopeng Street and Tras Street. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]