La Table d'Emma @ Mercure ICON Singapore - Classic French Flavours with Alsatian Soul

Tucked within Mercure ICON Singapore, La Table d’Emma is the brainchild of acclaimed Chef Michael Muller, whose stellar culinary journey spans from the Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne at the Eiffel Tower to his former role as Executive Chef at JAAN. With decades of experience and having coached Singapore’s team for the prestigious Bocuse d’Or, Chef Michael now brings his refined vision and deep-rooted Alsatian heritage to life in his very own restaurant.

As the restaurant marks its first anniversary, Chef Michael celebrates with a refreshed and elevated menu, a tribute to classic French recipes reimagined with a modern twist, each dish subtly echoing the traditions and flavours of his hometown in Alsace.

Mushroom Consomme "Cappuccino" 4.8/5

A standout opener, the Mushroom Consommé "Cappuccino" ($22) instantly captivated with its intense, earthy aroma. The robust shiitake broth, crowned with button mushroom foam and grilled portobello julienne, made for one of the most memorable mushroom soups I’ve had in a long while. What elevated the experience even further was the accompanying warm cepe mushroom and parmesan brioche, a savoury delight that could easily shine on its own.

French Onion Soup en Coute 4.2/5

Next came the comforting French Onion Soup en Croute ($26), topped with a golden puff pastry lid that not only sealed in the flavours but added a satisfying crunch. The addition of emmental cheese enriched the sweet onion and beef stock, giving the classic soup an indulgent lift. The crispy pastry also served as the perfect vessel to soak up that hearty broth.

Traditional Pot-Au-Feu of My Childhood 4.2/5

The Traditional Pot-Au-Feu of My Childhood ($42) is a nostalgic dish that pays homage to Chef Michael's upbringing. The poached beef was wonderfully tender, having soaked up the essence of the aromatic vegetable stock. Paired with a generous slab of roasted bone marrow and a bright horseradish cream, this dish evoked warmth and rustic charm. The bone marrow with sourdough toast feels like a whole separate indulgence, like getting a bonus dish.

Les Bouchees A La Reine D'Emma 2.0 4.2/5

Originally created by a royal chef for the queen, the Les Bouchees A La Reine D'Emma 2.0 ($34) holds personal significance for Chef Michael, as it was the first dish he cooked for his wife, Emma. The updated version 2.0 features veal, chicken, and mushroom velouté encased in a buttery puff pastry, laced with a well-balanced white wine reduction. Rich, comforting, and elegantly presented, this was classic French fare with a loving twist.

Lobster and St Jacques French Raviole 4.5/5

This was hands down the dish of the night. The Lobster and St Jacques French Raviole ($42) impressed with its oversized, housemade ravioli generously filled with scallop mousse. The luscious tarragon-infused lobster sauce added a luxurious depth, tying the whole dish together. And just when we thought it couldn't get better, the dish came with an entire lobster tail, which is a true showstopper.

Ending on a sweet (and very Singaporean) note was the Kaya Mon Amour ($16). This creative dessert features a warm Kougelhopf, filled with housemade gula melaka kaya and chilled pandan mousseline cream, alongside a kaya parfait glacé. This fusion dessert was both nostalgic and innovative. Honestly, we wouldn't be surprised if Chef Michael opened a bakery just for this.

Kaya Mon Armour 5/5

La Table d'Emma is not just a celebration of French cuisine, but also a heartfelt reflection of Chef Michael's culinary journey, deeply infused with memories, love, and Alsatian spirit. Whether you're here for the refined Lobster Raviole, the soul-warming Pot-Au-Feu, or the unforgettable Kaya Mon Amour, there's a palpable passion in every dish. Chef Michael's cooking isn't just about flavours; it tells a story. And it's one well worth tasting.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


La Table d'Emma
8 Club Street
#01-04
Singapore 069742
Tel: +65 81018691
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 10pm

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

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight down Pagoda Street to North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to Mohd Ali Lane. Walk down Mohd Ali Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Ingleside @ Tras Street - From Fermentation to Fire

Ingleside is a new modern European restaurant in the heart of Tras Street in Tanjong Pagar. Spearheaded by the husband-and-wife team of Louis Chan and Jana Jusman as Head Chef and Head Fermentation Specialist respectively, Ingleside brings time-honoured techniques of fermentation, dry-aging, and wood-fired cooking, melded with innovative approaches to craft a contemporary European menu.

Tuna Tartare 4/5

We embarked on the 6-Course Ingleside Experience Menu ($128++), starting with the Tuna Tartare. This dish features finely diced tuna housed in a crispy shell, paired with maitake shoyu, sesame oil, yuzu, and pickled shallot, and topped with caviar. Each bite is a delightful burst of flavours and textures.

Truffle Toast 4/5

Next was the Truffle Toast, where fluffy brioche is deep-fried and topped with foie gras mousse, sauternes jelly, and fresh black truffle shavings. Every bite provides an explosion of rich and decadent flavours.

Jamon Ball 3/5

The Jamon Ball, shaped into a crispy potato ball, is packed with the lovely flavours of jamon serrano and Gruyere cheese. The thin, crispy coating encases a savoury filling elevated by the sweetness of shrimp.

Hand Cut Wagyu Tartare 4/5

Following the trio of snacks, we moved on to the appetisers, starting with the Hand Cut Wagyu Tartare served atop roasted bone marrow. This dish features a myriad of housemade ferments, including shoyu made from coffee, celery vinegar, and roast chicken garum, topped with cured egg yolk. This dish requires an additional top-up of $24 but is well worth it for its complexity and depth of flavour.

Maitake & Pork 3.5/5

The other appetiser, Maitake & Pork, features confit pork cheek that melts in your mouth, paired with a split pea miso glaze. Crispy kale topped with shio koji sauce completes the dish for added crunch.

Atlantic Octopus 4/5

Moving on to the mains, we had the Atlantic Octopus, cooked over a wood-fire grill and served with smoked pepper squid garum puree, black garlic aioli, herb aioli, prawn oil, and charred fennel. The octopus was tender, with a lovely char from the grill.

Tajima MBS 6-7 Koji Picanha 4.2/5

The meal's highlight was the Tajima MBS 6-7 Koji Picanha, aged in house-grown shio koji. This ageing process adds a subtle sweetness, umami, and juiciness to the already well-marbled steak. It is accompanied by pomme puree and slow-roasted banana shallots, creating a perfectly balanced dish.

Deconstructed Lemon Meringue Tart 4.2/5

For dessert, we enjoyed the Deconstructed Lemon Meringue Tart. This dessert is a medley of textures comprising yuzu granita, smoked ice cream, lavender lemon curd, and thyme crumb. It's sweet, tangy, and refreshing, making it an ideal sweet ending to the meal.

Smoked Chocolate Brownie 4/5

For those craving a richer and sweeter finish, the Smoked Chocolate Brownie is moist and molten, paired with grilled pineapple and coconut foam. The coconut foam smoothens the richness of the brownie, although the grilled pineapple's tropical finish left me slightly puzzled by its intent.

Ingleside offers a captivating dining experience with its modern European menu, expertly crafted by the talented duo of Louis Chan and Jana Jusman. Each dish showcases its mastery of traditional techniques and innovative flair, making Ingleside a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts looking to experience a unique blend of flavours and textures in Tanjong Pagar.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ingleside
49 Tras Street
Singapore 078988
Tel: +65 88394393
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line). Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue: 6pm - 1130pm
Wed-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1130pm
SatL 6pm - 1130pm
(Closed on Sun and Mon)

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

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Meadesmoore @ Boon Tat Street - Modern Steakhouse Dedicated to Exceptional Cuts of Beef

Meadesmoore, a modern steakhouse nestled in Telok Ayer, has unveiled an enticing new menu that puts a contemporary twist on timeless classics. The menu focuses on unusual cuts of meat sourced from award-winning and premium producers worldwide.

Kuju Kushima Oyster Mornay 4/5

We kickstarted our dinner with the Kuju Kushima Oyster Mornay ($14 for 2pc), a delightful starter featuring plump and juicy oysters paired with wilted spinach and enveloped in a coat of reduced cream and grana padano. The dish elevated the briny oysters to new heights of richness and flavour.

Chilled Crusted Bone Marrow 4/5

Next up, the Chilled Crusted Bone Marrow ($24) impressed with its flavour profile, enhanced by the calabrese chilli and parmesan crust, which provided an added texture contrast. Served with grilled sourdough, it offered a satisfyingly indulgent experience.

3 Days Dry Aged Ribeye 4.5/5

Moving on to the star of the show, the 3 Days Dry Aged Ribeye ($82, 300g) sourced from Rioplatense, Argentina, stole the spotlight. Cooked to perfection at medium rare, the tender and flavourful meat showcased the intensification of flavours from the dry ageing process, retaining all its juiciness and richness. While accompanying sauces were available, I found sheer delight in savouring the steak with just a simple sprinkle of salt to appreciate its natural essence.

Full Blood Wagyu Flat Iron 4.5/5

The 2GR Black Label Full Blood Wagyu Flat Iron ($75, 220g) sourced from Queensland, Australia, was equally impressive. Despite being a flat iron cut, its high marbling score of 9+ promised a mouthwatering melt-in-the-mouth texture. Like the ribeye, it shone with its natural beefy flavour, requiring nothing more than a dash of salt to enhance its perfection.

Ratte Potato Puree 4.5/5

Roasted Honey Saffron Cauliflower 4.2/5

Complementing the mains were sides of Ratte Potato Puree ($18), smooth, buttery, and creamy, dressed with arbequina EVO oil and chives, and the Roasted Honey Saffron Cauliflower ($16), boasting a hint of smokiness and char, balanced with a delightful crunch and spiced with dukkah for an aromatic finish.

Cheesecake Crepe 4.8/5

To conclude the meal on a sweet note, the Cheesecake Crepe ($20) proved to be a showstopper. Flambeed tableside, the cheesecake crepe, accompanied by caramelized seasonal fruits, delighted the palate with its soft texture and perfectly complemented salted caramel sauce. It was a divine finale that left a lasting impression.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Meadesmoore
21A Boon Tat Street
Level 2
Singapore 069620
Tel: +65 6227 2247
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer

Opening Hours:
Mon-Wed: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm
Thu-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sat: 530pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Telok Ayer Street. Walk down Telok Ayer Street and turn left onto Boon Tat Street. Walk to destination. Journey about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left and walk down Telok Ayer Street. Then turn right onto Boon Tat Street. Walk to destination, Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Fireplace by Bedrock @ One Holland Village - Brand New Wood-fired Grill Concept by Bedrock

Fireplace by Bedrock, nestled in the vibrant enclave of One Holland Village, emerges as a captivating extension of the renowned Bedrock brand. Inheriting the DNA of its popular steakhouse lineage, Fireplace beckons diners with a welcoming warmth and convivial ambience. The restaurant masterfully utilises fire to enhance each ingredient's innate rustic flavours, crafting a chic yet relaxed atmosphere distinct from its sister establishments.

Watermelon Salad 4/5

Our dinner commenced with the Watermelon Salad ($14), a delightful ensemble of fresh watermelon cubes, red onions, cucumbers, toasted pine nuts, feta cheese, and coriander. Elevated by a coriander lime dressing, the salad resonated with vibrant hues and bright flavours.

Avocado 4.2/5

The Avocado ($12), grilled over an applewood-fired grill, revealed a perfectly creamy texture. Crowned with roasted corn kernels and diced tomatoes, the dish boasted a harmonious interplay of sweetness and creaminess, accentuated by a drizzle of ponzu dressing.

Coal-Roasted Sweet Potatoes 3.8/5

Coal-Roasted Sweet Potatoes ($10) underwent a transformative journey from boiling to grilling on the applewood-fired grill. Seasoned with salt and blended fennel seeds, the dish showcased the sweet nuances of purple sweet potatoes, intensified through the grilling process and paired with sour cream.

Octopus Tentacles 4/5

The Octopus Tentacles ($28) underwent tender simmering before meeting the applewood-fired grill. Adorned with housemade coriander pesto sauce, celery cress, and Japanese 7-spice blend, the dish flaunted a delightful marriage of textures and flavours.

Bone Marrow Toast 4/5

The Bone Marrow Toast ($28) presented a rich indulgence as beef bone marrow graced a toasted housemade brioche bread. Caper, parsley, caramelised onions, and pickled shallots adorned the ensemble, contributing to a balanced and delectable finish.

Half Spanish Suckling Pig 4/5

Transitioning to mains, the Half Spanish Suckling Pig ($240) took centre stage, slow-cooked over the fire pit for three hours until the meat achieved tender succulence and the skin crisped to perfection. Ideal for sharing, this dish embodied a celebration of flavours.

Dirty Duck 4.2/5

The Dirty Duck ($48) showcased an Irish duck rubbed with a medley of aromatic spices and sous vide and finished on the grill. The succulent meat, smoky char, and infused spice aroma resonated harmoniously, complemented by the thoughtful addition of grilled plum to cut through the richness.

8 Hours Wood-fired Roasted Whole Lamb 3.8/5

A testament to its dedication, the 8 Hours Wood-fired Roasted Whole Lamb, 300g ($50), featured Australian Lamb slow-cooked for eight hours over the fire pit. The result was a tender and juicy delight devoid of any gamey undertones.

Lemon Pound Cake 3.8/5

The Lemon Pound Cake ($13) showcased a unique twist for a sweet ending. Grilled on the applewood-fire pit after being brushed with melted butter, the cake's charred surface provided a delightful contrast. It was a symphony of textures, served with creme fraiche and mixed berries compote.

Grilled Spiced Rum Pineapple 4/5

Concluding our feast, the Grilled Spiced Rum Pineapple ($14) offered a sweet and tangy finale. Soaked in rum and grilled over the fire pit, the pineapple slices were served with spiced rum syrup and a scoop of rum and raisin ice cream, creating a memorable conclusion to our dinner experience.

Fireplace by Bedrock embodies a fusion of rustic charm and finesse, inviting diners to savour the nuanced artistry of fire-kissed flavours.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Fireplace by Bedrock
One Holland Village
7 Holland Village Way
#03-27/28
Singapore 275748
Tel: +65 9337 7491
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Lorong Liput. Turn right onto Lorong Liput. Walk down Lorong Liput. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Boeuf @ Telok Ayer Street - 2Hr All You Can Eat Free Flow Argentinian Ribeye On Weekends

Boeuf, located in the Central Business District, is a new steakhouse that offers a variety of aged prime ribs as well as steak with varying marbling scores and beef sourced from around the globe without breaking the bank.

Bone Marrow 4/5

We started with the Bone Marrow ($18/$30) with toasted bread, perfect for mopping up the creamy, rich-tasting bone marrow.

Wagyu Tartare 4/5

Next is the Wagyu Tartare ($28). The portion is generous. Using 400+ days grass-fed Australia Wagyu MB5, the raw beef tossed with capers, shallot, and gherkins is packed with lovely flavours. I am told the chef added mayonnaise, giving it a delightful creamy texture.

Board Minnie 4/5

The Board Minnie ($48) is great for sharing and comes with two kinds of cheese, bresaola and veal rillette. You can also create your own board at $13 each per selection.

Signature Dry Aged Prime Rib Bone-In 4.5/5

The highlight has to be their Signature Dry Aged Prime Rib Bone-In ($18/100g). It comes bone-in, with a minimum of 1kg of charcoal-grilled beefy goodness. Customers get to pick their own dry-aged option, grilled over charcoal on a lava stone, giving it a good char and infused with a smoky aroma. It is then popped into the oven to lock in the juiciness. There are four different accompanying sauces - Steak Butter ($5), Pepper ($5), Mushroom ($6) and Blue Cheese ($6).

Potato Gratin 4.5/5

Kenya Bean 3.5/5

Hand Cut Fries 4/5

We had some sides to go with the beautiful charcoal-grilled prime ribs. Out of the six items available on the sides menu, we picked the Potato Gratin ($12), Kenya Bean ($9) and Hand Cut Fries ($9). Out of the three sides, the Potato Gratin stood out. The layered potato slices baked in cream and cheese were deliciously flavoured with herbs adding a subtle earthy taste profile. The kenya bean and hand-cut fries were comforting dishes that complemented the steak and frites dining experience.

Argentinian Ribeye 4/5

Beef lovers will rejoice that Boeuf has a 2-Hour Eat All You Can Free-Flow Argentinian Ribeye promotion for only $48++ on weekends. However, despite free flow, the restaurant did not shy away from offering quality cuts.

Choco De Coco 4/5

After all the meats, it is good to end the meal on a sweet note. Chocolate lovers will revel in the Choco De Coco ($13) served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. There is even chestnut in the dark chocolate dessert.

Creme Brulee 4/5

The Cream Brulee ($13) was soft and creamy with a crackling caramelised sugar on top. The contrast provides a wonderful textural experience for a satisfying sweet ending.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Boeuf
159 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068614
Tel: +65 69701255
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 1030pm

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

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left and walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]