Cicada @ Clarke Quay - Modern Asian Cuisine With Cocktails On Tap

Cicada is a newly opened restaurant at Clarke Quay that offers cocktail on tap and Asian-inspired dishes using Western culinary techniques. Unlike the restaurants in the area, Cicada stood out with its lush and greenery interior with softwood furniture.

Cicada Sling

Iced Kopi

We started our dinner with a couple of cocktails from the tap to go along with the small bites. From the tap, we kickstarted the diner with Cicada Sling ($18) and Iced Kopi ($18). Both are light and easy drinks that will ease one into the night. The other cocktails available on the tap are Quayside Aperol Spritz, Fennicillin, Thai Collins, Chocolate Mojito and Farang. During happy hour, the cocktails are going at $15 per glass instead of $18.

Truffled Edamame 3.5/5

Beer Battered White Bait 4/5

For small bites, we had the Truffled Edamame ($9) and Beer Battered White Bait ($12). While the truffle gives the edamame a beautiful scent, it doesn't get infused with the beans inside. Hence I doubt it is necessary to add truffle to it unless one eats the skin. Or else lightly seasoned with salt is sufficient. As for the beer-battered whitebait, topped with wasabi snow is very addictive. I could not stop going back for me.

Smokin' Dumplin's Foie Gras 3.5/5

An interesting take of the Chinese dumpling is Cicada's version of Smokin' Dumplin's served in an encased jar filled with applewood smoke. It comes in 3 stuffing options, Truffle Foie Gras ($22), Truffled Mushroom ($14) and Pork and Mushroom ($14). The dumpling skin is replaced with a crepe skin to house the stuffing in it. I didn't enjoy the dumpling because the crepe skin becomes soggy from the filling inside. However, I feel that this will be acceptable for Westerners for the innovative take of the traditional Chinese dumpling.

Cicada's Nori Tacos 4/5

The Cicada's Nori Tacos ($14) comes in trio with a crispy nori shell. Available in three flavours, they are Salmon Belly Cubes with Japanese Pickles ($14), Korean Beef Bulgogi with Kimchi Slaw ($14) and Pan Seared Foie Gras with Peanut Sauce, Pickled Cucumbers ($18). This is not the first time I have eaten such interpretation, but I really enjoy the fusion of the vibrant flavours.

Cicada's BaoBao Trio 3.5/5

If you not into tacos, there is an oriental interpretation of the slider using steamed mantou. Cicada's BaoBao Trio comes in 3 delightful flavours. They are Crispy Prawn Kakiage with Wasabi Mayonnaise ($14), Chicken Katsu with Rojak Salad ($12) and Aubergine & Mushroom with Teriyaki Mayonnaise ($12). Once again, these dishes are not new, but I applauded the thoughtfulness behind the sauce pairing for each ingredient.

Char-Grilled Spatchcock 4/5

For the mains, we have the Char-Grilled Spatchcock ($42) which is suitable for up to 4 people. Weighing around 800g, the bird is marinated with a middle eastern spice rub. Nothing fancy in the cooking, allowing the full appreciation of the tender meat with a subtle aroma of the spices. It comes with cherry tomatoes, potato gratin, sauteed mushroom and rojak salad as accompanying sides.

Grilled Vegetables Platter 4/5

For the vegetarians or you still want some vegetables for your meal, there is the Grilled Vegetable Platter ($35) that comprises of Impossible Meatballs, Sweet Corn, US Jumbo Asparagus, Shiitake Mushrooms, Cherry Tomatoes, Baby Carrots, Baby Potatoes and Sundried Tomato Pesto.

Oriental Braised Duck Leg 4/5

Among the dishes, the Oriental Braised Duck Leg ($24) is one of my favourites. The duck leg is cooked to tender, absorbing the sweet, savoury five-spice duck jus. Though I find the sauce is on the sweet side, it may be my own preference. This is paired with crispy yam balls, the classic duck and yam pairing in Chinese cuisine.

Sakura Ebi Capellini 4.2/5

My favourite goes to the Sakura Ebi Capellini ($22). Each mouthful of the springy capellini is filled
with the strong crustacean flavour, complemented by the toppings of sakura ebi, bonito flakes and shredded nori.

Purple Sweet Potato Panna Cotta 3/5

Moving to the desert, we began with the colourful Purple Sweet Potato Panna Cotta ($12). Aside from the vibrant plating of mixed fresh fruits, the panna cotta was a letdown. Instead of being smooth and silky, it turned out to be a mousse-like texture.

Cicada's Chendol 4/5

I am actually quite surprised with Cicada's Chendol ($12) that comes with a scoop of coconut ice cream. It hits the spot with the fragrant coconut milk and gula melaka, which to me is the deciding factors of a good bowl of chendol. The grass jelly is rather weird for chendol, but I am not complaining as I thought it gives the dessert extra textural enjoyment.

Yam Mille Feuille 4.2/5

I find the Yam Mille Feuille ($12) a creative creation that reminds one of the Chinese Orh Nee dessert. In between the layers of crispy pastry are fragrant yam paste, paired with coconut ice cream on the side.

Sticky Date Pudding 3/5

The Sticky Date Pudding ($14) with butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice cream, unfortunately, was too sweet for me. That aside, the sticky date pudding is moist and flavourful. I have to admit I don't have a sweet tooth. Hence this is hard for me to finish.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Cicada
Clarke Quay
Block 3C River Valley Road
#01-10
Singapore 179022
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line), Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Wed: 5pm - 11pm
Thu-Sat: 5pm - 1am

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT Station. Take Exit A. Turn right and down River Valley Road. Turn right onto Tan Tye Place. Walk to the end of the road. Turn left onto Clark Quay. Walk to destination. Journey time bout 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit C or G. Walk to the river front. Turn left and walk down the river. Cross the bridge. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

51 Soho @ Telok Ayer Street - Cocktail wtih Edible Money

New at Telok Ayer Street is 51 Soho, an all-day dining venue opened by the same folk behind Birds of A Feather and Halcyon and Crane. The all day-dining space has both outdoor and indoor seating with a stylish full-fledged coffee and cocktail bar. The menu also changes per the day catering for the different crowd for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Unlike other bars, 51 Soho offers 5 special cocktails, namely Dancing in The Moonlights, Dr Panda, Bamboo Dream, 51 Soho and Prosperity Cup made from Chinese rice wine, plum wine and bamboo wine. An unique cross cultural concoction that is quite original. These cocktails made from traditional Chinese Wine will definitely become a signature at 51 Soho.

Prosperity Cup

My favourite cocktails of the 5 specials is the Prosperity Cup. The cocktail is a concoction of fermented rice wine, barley juice, barley pearls, rock melon syrup and white chocolate liquor. It is a refreshing and fruity drink. More interestingly is the edible money made from rice paper that is served together with the cocktail.

Padron Pepper with Halloumi Cheese and Duck Gizzard 4/5

Beef and Pork Belly 4/5

Perfect with the cocktails and drinks are the charcoal grilled skewers dusted with addictive spice dust. The skewers are inspired by those served in Sichuan drinking house. We tried the Padron Pepper with Halloumi Cheese ($8 for 2 sticks), Duck Gizzard ($6 for 2 sticks), Pork Belly ($7.50 for 2 sticks) and Beef ($11 for 2 sticks). My favourites are the more meaty pork belly and beef skewer.

Green & Nutty 3.8/5

The Green & Nutty ($18) is a light and refreshing broccoli slaw salad dish comprises of broccolini, broccoli florets and romanesco. It is garnished with roasted nuts, raisins and sorghum. I enjoyed the squeeze of lemon juice for that zesty finishing.

Salmon & Pearl 4.2/5

Th pan-fried Salmon ($28) is served on a bed of pearl couscous cooked in fish stock. What brightens up the dish is the sauteed sour vegetables, pickled ginger and chilli, that is very memorable.

Spice de Canard 4/5

An Asian take of the duck confit is the Spice De Canard ($30). The duck leg is braised in house made braising sauce (Ru Shui). The duck leg is coated with reduced braising liquid and butter sauce, topped with popped sorghum. It is also served with lentil and Greek salad to cut the richness.

Wicked Pasta 4.2/5

Surprising the Wicked Pasta ($22) served with asparagus, quail eggs, toasted hazelnuts and yuzu-pickled zucchini tasted much better than I expected, especially when everything is green on the plate. Initially I thought it is pesto sauce but it turned our to be a creamy sauce made from fresh and pickled zucchini. It has that surprise element that is both unique and refreshing to the palate.

Our Spicy Pasta 4.2/5

On the contrast, Our Spicy Pasta ($24) turns up the heat with its house made spicy sauce consists of a mixture of Sichuan Liu Po, Lan Gan Ma and Dou Ban Jiang. For diners that love spicy food, this will be well received. The hot and sour spaghetti also comes with crab meat, tiger prawn, ebiko and tomato confit which is quite a generous in portion.

Soho Burger 3.8/5

The Soho Burger ($28) comes with pulled wagyu cheek paired with kimchi slaw, sandwiched between soft buttered brioche bun. Shoestring fries seasoned with salt and chives are served on the side. A decent burger but I still like my burger to be juicy and cheesy.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


51 Soho
51 Telok Ayer Street
#01-01
Singapore 048441
Tel: +65 9755 1058
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line). Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 11am, 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 10am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to traffic light junction at Cecil Street. Cross the street to Prudential Tower. Cut through the building and walk to Telok Ayer street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Le Bistrot du Sommelier @ Armenian Street

If I'm not wrong, Le Bistrot du Sommelier at Armenian Street;is the only place in Singapore where you can find a Rillette bar. I like the modest setting, which is almost at its bare minimum - Narrow tall tables and bar stools filling up the floor, with the in between taken up by music, chattering and laughter. Being in Singapore for 8 years, they will be celebrating their 2016 Chinese New Year with us with their specially crafted "CNY Prosperity Delicatessen" menu.

Lo Hei, one of the most symbolic dishes of Chinese New Year, is being presented as Prosperity Salad ($68.00 for 6-8 pax, $10.80/pax for dine-in) in a layering of fresh greens, sliced pickled beets and cured salmon. I love the beautiful colours, the vivid red and the greens. Accompanied with a dressing concocted using oils and vinaigrette, every bite was full of crunch, tangy and freshness. The buttery flavour released from the 'gold' (croutons) balances the overall vinegary. This is by far one of my favourite Lo Hei hybrids.

Prosperity Salad 4/5

Having their own rillettes bar, showcasing their home made rillettes is of course a must. Rillettes de Saumon ($18.00 for 150gm takeaway, $16.80/100gm dine -in)  is included as part of the festive menu. Mixed with white wine cream sauce, the overall texture was not too buttery, which sits well with me.

Rillettes de Saumon 3.8/5

For Hot Dishes, we had Rillon de Porc - crispy Canadian pork belly ($88.00/$108.00 for takeaway/ dine in) and Jarret en Trios Coupes - Red Wine Braised pork Knuckle, Chicken Legs and Duck Legs ($198.00/$218.00 take away/ dine in). For the pork belly, the skin is the key, which didn't disappoint. As for the braised pot, all the meats were just as tender, but I love the braised pork knuckle for its fats. However, I would have enjoyed both dishes should they had been less salty.

Rillon de Porc and  Jarret en Trios Coupes 3.8/5

Brie de Meaux aux Truffes, "Brie cheese" ($28.80/180gm takeaway, $31.80/180gm dine in) infused with black winter truffle may be the perfect dessert to sum up your celebration if you are a cheese lover. It is quite mild, creamy, with a subtle sweetness. You may want to have that along with some fine wines, which are carefully selected by the owner himself from France.

Brie de Meaux aux Truffes 3.5/5

Even though this was my first experience with Le Bistrot du Sommelier, I like them for their quiet charm. When placing your order for their festive menu, do remember to include some of their baguettes too. They are one of the most ideal vehicles to deliver the rillettes and cheeses into your mouth and satiate your whetted appetite.

Photograph and 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.


Le Bistrot du Sommelier
53 Armenian Street
Singapore 179940
Tel: +65 63331982
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bras Basah (CC Line), City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bras Basah MRT Station. Take Exit A. Head towards Stamford Road at the traffic junction of Bras Basah Road, Queen Street and Stamford Road. Continue onwards onto Armenian Street. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at City Hall MRT Station. Take Exit A or B. Head northwest onto Stamford Road. Turn left onto Armenian Street. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

South Buona Vista Road Famous Teochew Boneless Duck Rice @ Sam Leong Road

Fans of famous Lim Seng Lee Duck Rice at South Buona Vista which has closed its door in July 2013 despair not as Mr Lim Ah Too's brother in law, Mr Ang Chiap Teck who has been working with him for the past 28 years has decided to revive the business and opened his own stall at Little India. Occupying a corner unit at Kim San Leng Eating House along Sam Leong Road, Mr Ang has named the stall South Buona Vista Road Famous Teochew Boneless Duck Rice.

When I visited the stall on a Sunday afternoon, business was slow. I noticed the stall is consider quite spacious. They are also serving some of their former signature sambal dishes such as the Sambal Kang Kong, Sambal Sotong, Sambal Prawn and Sambal Tofu.

Braised Duck Leg 3.8/8

I ordered a plate of Braised Duck Leg Rice ($5.50). The beautifully braised duck was tender and covered in a herbal gravy with a nice hint of cinnamon. However, I thought the gravy tasted a tad on the salty side.

I did not visit Lim Seng Lee Duck Rice when it closed its shutter back in July 2013. I actually felt quite regret that I did not do so. I am glad that Mr Ang has decided to revive the recipe at a venue that is more accessible and nearer to my place now.


South Buona Vista Road Famous Teochew Boneless Duck Rice
Kim San Leng Eating House
16 Sam Leong Road
Singapore 207907
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 930am - 5pm
(Closed on Thur)

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit I. Cut cross City Square Mall to the exit to Kitchener Road. Cross the traffic junction and continue straight on Verdun Road. Turn left onto Sam Leong Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 7 minutes. [Map]

Poulet @ Bugis+

With establishments such as Saveur and Le Cuisson offering French cuisine at affordable price and doing pretty well, not surprise that ThaiExpress Group decided to open Poulet at the refurnished Bugis+ (known as Iluma previously) to tap on the emerging market.

I decided to make a trip down to Poulet with my girl for lunch to check out the so called French bistro. Poulet has an open concept kitchen in a casual setting at leve 4 of Bugis+. Browsing through the menu, most of the items on the menu are priced below $16 excluding gst and other charges.

French Onion Soup 3/5

The French Onion Soup ($5.80) was decent but not awesome. I couldn't really taste the sweetness of the caramelised onion. The soup was also a hint too salty.

Braised de Canard 4.2/5

The Braised Duck Leg ($15.80) in sweet wine sauce on baby spinach topped with cranberry and glazed shallot was pretty good. The duck meat was so moist and tender that it slipped off with bone with ease. The sweetness of the sauce cutting through the meat was also interesting and delightful to the palate.

Poulet Roti 4/5

Poulet Roti ($15.80 half / $28.80 whole) is the restaurant's signature dish. The Rotisserie chicken is slow roast to a golden brown and paired with homemade mushroom chardonnay sauce. Thumbs up for the mushroom chardonnay sauce. It was such a beautiful sauce to go with the chicken. Unfortunately our chicken was a little bit raw at the intersection of the leg and we had to send it back to the kitchen. Follow up visits from friends seem like the cooking of the chicken lacks consistency.

Tiramisu 4.2/5

The Tiramisu ($7.80) is a must try here. The tiramisu is made with mascarpone cheese, sponge finger soaked in espresso and rum syrup. I enjoyed the wetness of the tiramisu that came with aromatic coffee and trace of alcohol flavours all coming together.


Poulet
Bugis+
201 Victoria Street
Level 4
Singapore 188067
Tel: +65 65099411
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Cross Victoria Street. Walk to Bugis+. Journey time about 10 minutes.