LA SAVOIR @ Scotts Square - French-Inspired Cafe With Hermès Decor And Tableware

Fancy having your next meal served on gorgeous Hermès tableware? Check out LA SAVOIR, the newest F&B entrant in Scotts Square. The first thing that caught our eye, stepping into the cafe, would definitely be the Hermès wallpapers and showcase of patterned Hermès plates. The cafe is carefully and luxuriously decorated to weave in colonial and Pairisan elements.

LA SAVOIR's menu has specially curated dishes to harmonise local and French flavours. They also offer a simple breakfast menu that is available from 10am to 11.30am on Monday to Thursday and from 10am to 2pm on Friday to Sunday.

Mentaiko Fries 3.8/5

Our meal started with their Mentaiko Fries ($16). The substantial portion of crunchy fries is topped with mentaiko mayonnaise, tobiko and bonito flakes. These were decent, but considering this price tag, they could be much more generous with the mentaiko sauce, especially for fries in the bottom half of the basket.

Wild Sprouts Salad 4/5

I could not resist ordering the Wild Sprouts Salad ($18) as I am a huge fan of brussels sprouts. LA SAVOIR presents their well-charred brussels sprouts and juicy mushrooms dressed in a slightly creamy yuzu aioli, further topped with guava pickles, bonito flakes and tobiko. The elements in this dish reminded us more of Japanese flavours instead of French or local, but we didn't mind it.

Truffle Chicken Ballotine 3.8/5

We moved into mains with the Truffle Chicken Ballotine ($32). It uses free-range chicken alongside a creamy butternut mousseline, savoy cabbage, pickled carrots and black truffle. The chicken was a touch dry, but we appreciated the variety of textures that were put together.

Uni Pasta 4/5

Next was the Uni Pasta ($35) with linguine sat in uni foam, topped with Bafun uni and trout roe. I recommend ordering this as a sharing dish as it is rich in its briny uni flavour.

LA SAVOIR Butter Board 4/5

The LA SAVOIR Butter Board ($18) arrived with a board of freshly made butter in three styles and a bread basket. It was a pity that two of the three bread selections were over-toasted, but the unique butters were the highlight. Apart from classic sea salt butter, there was an appetising spiced shrimp butter and an addictive furikake-flavoured one.

Dark Choco Creme Brûlée 4/5

The dessert menu has a simple list of three items. Our first was the Dark Choco Creme Brûlée (S$17) which uses Callebaut dark chocolate 70%, raspberries, pistachio crumbs and mixed berry sorbet. I appreciated the thin and crisp caramelised creme brûlée top and the chocolatey base, but the different elements on the plate could be better harmonised.

Strawberry & Basil 3.8/5

The Strawberry & Basil ($16) is a carefully plated dish with house-made maple granola, yoghurt mousse, sliced strawberries, basil crush and lychee goji sorbet. While it served as a sweet and refreshing wrap up to our meal, we were definitely expecting more of it as a whole, considering its price tag.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


LA SAVOIR
Scotts Square
6 Scotts Road
#02-01
Singapore 228209
Tel: +65 93777788
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Turn right and walk down Scotts Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [MAP]

Good Chai People @ East Coast Road - Singapore First Chai Specialty Cafe In Katong

Located in Katong, Good Chai People is Singapore's first Chai Cafe that puts a spotlight on handmade artisanal sticky chai, served along with hearty brunch and mains. The 60-seater cafe is tastefully designed to allow customers to enjoy a comforting cup of chai in a cosy and homely space.

Sticky Chai Latte 3.8/5, Hoji-Chai Latte 3.8/5

With a total of 11 iterations of chai, we were spoilt for choice. The Sticky Chai Latte ($8) features a soothing blend of Ceylon OPA leaves, oat milk, coconut sugar and cinnamon, while the Hoji-Chai Latte ($8) has subtle notes from the Japanese roasted tea, which paired well with the chai aroma. However, the chai flavour in both cups was not as intense as I would have liked and could be stronger. Oat milk and coconut sugar are used in the chai drinks to be more inclusive, vegan-friendly, and more considerate towards customers who are lactose-intolerant.

Burnt Brussels Sprouts 4.2/5

The Burnt Brussels Sprouts ($16) was an addictive side. The yuzu sesame drizzle provided a refreshing tanginess to the dish, which cut through the bitterness of the brussels sprouts. It is also topped with nori and sesame seeds for some added flavour.

Mommy's Spinach 4/5

The Mommy's Spinach ($12) is an elevated take on the creamed spinach. It comes in a comforting mix of Gruyère cheese, bechamel sauce, and brown butter, with fried eggs atop. You can also add $2 for additional sourdough toasts to dip in.

24-Hr Beef Brisket 4.5/5

One of our favourite dishes is the 24-Hr Beef Brisket ($20). The beef brisket is well-marinated and tender and comes with two perfectly oozy poached eggs, tangy toasted sourdough, confit baby potatoes, and hand-cut potato chips.

Prawn & Chorizo Aglio Olio 4.2/5

The Prawn & Chorizo Aglio Olio ($22) comprises perfectly al-dente pasta tossed in umami prawn head butter and paired with char-grilled tiger prawns and savoury chorizo strips. The dish comes with a strong fiery kick, suitable for those who like their aglio olio extra spicy.

French Toast 4/5

We enjoyed the gorgeous French Toast ($20), which tasted as good as it looked, featuring a thick Brioche French toast sandwiched in layers of tangy berry compote and peanut butter, topped with whipped cream cheese, and a maple thyme drizzle.

Words and photos 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.


Good Chai People
225 East Coast Road
Singapore 428922
Tel: +65 97835757
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take exit A. Walk to bus stop at Blk 99 Old Airport Road (Stop ID 81181). Take Bus 10 or 32. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

Crystal Jade CNY 2022 - Spring Into a Roaring Lunar New Year

Homegrown Chinese restaurant group Crystal Jade has put together a variety of set menus and new exquisite dishes for this Chinese New Year. It caters to all reunions - big and small, from convivial family gatherings to cosy intimate affairs.

Opulence 3-head Abalone Yusheng

The new Opulence 3-head Abalone Yusheng ($128/ $198) is a vibrant and healthy version this year. The colourful plate consists of coins of red dragonfruit, dried yuzu peel, Japanese pickled sweet ginger, homemade pickled cucumbers, deep-fried yam strips, chickpeas, carrot, white radish and green radish. Hsin Chu beehoon is added for crunch. It is further crowned with edible gold leaves, fresh flowers, lightly torched abalone slices from Australia, jellyfish and ikura, finally, tossed in uplifting roselle and yuzu-based dressing.

Double-boiled Kampong Chicken Soup

The Double-boiled Kampong Chicken Soup with American Sea Whelk and Tiger Palm Mushroom is nourishing and comforting. The team has specially brought in the tiger palm mushroom to usher in the year of the Tiger.

Pan-fried Sea Cucumber

The Pan-fried Sea Cucumber, a surf-and-turf option on the menu, is stuffed with Kurobuta Pork, Black Moss, Chinese Iron Yam and Scallion. I like the idea of the stuffing giving the firm and bouncy sea cucumber the additional textural dimension.

Steamed Chilean Cod Fish with Red and Green Chilli in Puning Sauce

One of my favourite dishes is the Steamed Chilean Cod Fish with Red and Green Chilli in Puning Sauce. The sauce is deliciously special, together with the pickled red and green chillis, complemented the buttery cod fish excellently.

Steamed Salted Chicken with Ginger and Scallion Sauce

Another beautiful dish is the Steamed Salted Chicken with Ginger and Scallion Sauce. Nothing fancy but simple cooking of using salt, ginger and scallion to bring out the flavour of the tender chicken.

Crisp-fried Brussel Sprouts accompanied with Fresh Silken Beancurd Skin

This year, Chef Martin has added new excitement for the vegetarians to celebrate CNY. Vegetarians can look forward to something different such as Crisp-fried Brussel Sprouts accompanied with Fresh Silken Beancurd Skin. It is a textural enjoyment of crispiness and silkiness, all in one.

Crispy Pandan Glutinous Rice Cake 'Nian Gao'

An interesting way of enjoying the Nian Gao is the Crispy Pandan Glutinous Rice Cake 'Nian Gao'. Infused with the aromatic pandan flavour, it is soft on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Yuzu Mandarin Orange Jelly

A delightful dessert is the Yuzu Mandarin Orange Jelly studded with yuzu peel and mandarin orange segments for a light and fruity sweet finishing.

Deep-fried Pumpkin Ball with Lava Salted Egg Yolk

Served as a warm dessert, the Deep-fried Pumpkin Ball with Lava Salted Egg Yolk has a soft exterior, filled with oozing savoury-sweet lava salted egg yolk.

Chinese New Year dining at Crystal Jade restaurants will commence from 17 Jan 2022 (select outlets will be closed on 1 Feb 2022 – CNY Day 1) and set menus for up to five persons (same household) are available. Reservations can be made online via https://inline.app/booking/cj from 6 Dec 2021. In addition, Festive takeaway goodies can be pre-ordered online at estore.crystaljade.com and outlets from 6 Dec 2021 to 15 Feb 2022, and picked up from outlets island-wide from 10 Jan 2022.

Komyuniti @ YOTEL Singapore - Chic And Unique Dining Experience With Surprising Flavours And Cheeky Cocktails In A Multifunctional Space

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city within YOTEL, Komyuniti is a brand new concept with a distinct Japanese influence. Helmed by Head Chef Mark Tai and F&B Manager, As’ad Isnin, Komyuniti presents a completely curated food and cocktail menu with 18 different dishes inspired by chef's globetrotting experiences, importing prominent flavours from around the world. With a communal style dining concept, the space comprises of a bar, restaurant, alfresco terrace and a co-working space, allowing guests to network, socialise, eat and drink within a contained space where they feel they belong.

WIth a variety of small and big plates for sharing purposes, diners can expect an extensive range of cocktail offerings too, including the Bittersweet, Tropical, Sours, and Timeless drinks. From the Tropical selection, the Tiki Chin Chin is a favourite - with vanilla-infused gin, home made Falernum liqueur, honey ginger, fresh lime, fresh grapefruit, aromatic bitters, cinnamon & pineapple foam.

From the sours cocktail selection, I had the Chaussettes which features an interesting combination of truffle vodka, cheese syrup, fresh lemon, egg white, lemon bitters, grated parmesan & truffle oil. The drink has a distinct truffle flavour which is an ingenious concoction idea for fans of truffle.

Salmon Poke 3.8/5

From the small plates menu, we had the Salmon Poke ($13) which features marinated salmon cubes with house made chili sauce and soy, and fried onion crackers on the side. A refreshing appetiser dish which has pleasant flavourful marinate to the fresh salmon cubes.

Mama's Tomato Soup 3.8/5

The Mama's Tomato Soup ($9) features the cream of tomato with a hint of red bell pepper, served with warm garlic toast which is best enjoyed dipping it into the warm hearty soup.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken 4/5, The Fried Brussels Sprouts 4/5

The Buttermilk Fried Chicken ($13) comes in a pile of cornmeal crusted fried chicken, served atop a soft sweet potato mash and succotash. Tender and juicy with a crisp skin, the marinate enhances its flavours as well, making it an enjoyable dish. The Fried Brussels Sprouts ($9) comes with house made hot sauce and crispy bacon on top. Although a tad greasy, the brussels sprouts are addictively crunchy and umami with the bacon atop to add a crispy texture to it.

Roasted Pork Belly 4.2/5, Slow Roasted Duck Breast 4/5

The Roasted Pork Belly ($19) comes with baby potatoes, brussels sprouts and green apple, while the Slow Roasted Duck Breast ($20) comes with braised red cabbage and carrot puree. My favourite is the former, which has a crispy crackling skin and well-executed tender pork belly meat.

Caramelised Banana Cake 4/5, Hay Panna Cotta 3.8/5, Apple Walnut Cake 4/5

End the meal on a sweet note with the Caramelised Banana Cake ($10), Hay Panna Cotta ($9) or Apple Walnut Cake ($10). I enjoyed the Caramelised Banana Cake most for its spongy moist cake texture and distinct banana fragrance. The cold toasted barley ice cream was a great complement to the warm banana cake - a perfect match in tastebud heaven.

*Note: The food items pictured are sampling portions.

Words and photos 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.


Komyuniti
YOTEL Singapore
Level 10
366 Orchard Road
Singapore 238904
Tel: +65 68668067
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 630am - 12midnight
Fri-Sat: 630am - 1am

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the walkway to Shaw House. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

The Salted Plum @ Circular Road (Boat Quay) - Homely Taiwanese Tapas Concept for $5 and $10 Per Dish

I have visited Five Ten when it was a pop-up at South Bridge Road and I was impressed with the Taiwanese tapas concept. I am glad that they have now found a permanent home at Circular Road. The team has also renamed it as The Salted Plum, a fitting name to the new restaurant as it makes reference to a common ingredient used in Taiwanese cuisine.

Taiwanese Sausages Patties 4.2/5

The Salted Plum has continued the concept of offering the dishes at $5 and $10. One of the many dishes we ordered is the Taiwanese Sausages Patties ($10). It has been grilled to a nice smoky charred on the exterior on top of the succulent patty.

Burnt Chilli Chicken 4/5

Another beautifully grilled dish is the Burnt Chilli Chicken ($10). Nicely charred on the exterior, the chicken thigh was tender and juicy. The menu description says it is cooked with loads of chilli but it was not spicy at all. Saying that, the chicken thigh pairs excellent with the accompanying chilli dipping sauce.

Brussels Sprouts with Shiitake Mushroom 3.5/5

The Brussels Sprouts with Shiitake Mushroom ($5) is stir-fried to a delectable crunch. There is also a bit of heat from the chilli padi.

Oyster Steamed Egg 3.5/5

Steamed egg probably is a common dish served on the dining table at home. Over here, it has been given a uplift with the used of dashi to heighten the flavour on top of its smooth texture. You can also find baby oysters in the Oyster Steamed Egg ($10) topped with chopped spring onions.

Grilled Squid 3.8/5

One of the dishes I remembered having at Five Ten is the Grilled Squid ($10). The squid is glazed with housemade five-spice BBQ marination and grilled to a nice tender bite.

Braised Pig Intestines with Fresh Garlic 4/5

If you think that The Salted Plum is only good at grilling, then you are wrong. Their braised items are even better. If you are afraid of having pig intestines, then you should try the Braised Pig Intestines with Fresh Garlic ($10). The large intestines are not gamey and well infused with the braising sauce.

Braised Pork Belly 4.5/5

Not to be missed is the Braised Pork Belly ($10) in special haus saus. The pork belly which has absorbed the flavourful braising sauce, literally melts in the mouth. This goes perfect with a bowl of Shiny Rice ($0.50). The rice here is also extra fragrant as it is drizzled with lard and garlic oil.

Besides the variety of dishes at The Salted Plum, it also offers 7 different type of rice bowls at only $10 for lunch. This caters for the office workers that just want to have a quick lunch.


The Salted Plum
10 Circular Road
Singapore 049366
Tel: +65 62600155
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 930pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the road. Walk to Carpenter Street. Walk to the end of Carpenter Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the Road. Walk to junction of South Bridge Road and Circular Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight At Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to Circular Road. Walk down Circular Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

The Lime Truck @ PasarBella Suntec City - Yahoo!'s "Top 10 Trucks in America" For 3 Years Running

Intrigued by the bustling American's street food scene? The Lime Truck, winner of Food Network's "The Great Food Truck Race", has driven its way from United States into PasarBella @ Suntec City. Founded by Celebrity Chef Daniel Shemtob, this is the brand's first overseas outpost.

There are 6 tacos to choose from, one of which is meat-friendly, as well as side dishes that are inspired by classic Latin American street food. What's notable here is that the tortillas are handmade daily. That rustic taste certainly stands out in the corn tortilla, in a good way, while the flour tortilla is soft and chewy.

Legendary Brussels Sprouts 4/5

Chef Daniel's signature Legendary Brussels Sprouts ($3.90) is a must-try here. The burnt roast brussels sprouts takes on a bittersweet caramelised flavour along with a hint of smokiness. The piquant dressing complements without overpowering such wonderful flavour. For an extra edge, Lap Cheong (Chinese sausage) replaces the original bacon bits, if that will piqué your interest even more. Chargrilled brussels sprouts hardly make into the menu of restaurants, not sure if it's just Singapore. Even if it exists, I reckon it's going to be real expensive.

Chips + Zesty Lime Guac 2.8/5

Fresh, crispy tortilla chips is always welcome, more so with homemade guacamole. Even if you don't intend to stay put at Pasarbella, Chips + Zesty Lime Guac ($3.90) makes a quick grab-and-go munchies. If only the dip can be much much more generous.

No. #1 Steak Taco 3.5/5

No. #1 Steak Taco ($4.60) is number one for a reason. The steak topping is compact with soy singer slaw atop to balance its meatiness and cilantro chimichurri, a traditional Argentinian condiment, to brighten up the taste.

The Gringo 4/5

I feel The Gringo ($4.50) surpasses my expectation of a steak taco. The shredded beef ribs is tender and the flavour of the beef remains pronounced. Juice trickled down my hands as I bit through the soft taco. With arugula and fried onion, it's almost like savouring a gourmet burger with a premium patty sandwiched in between a fluffy bun.

Slow Braised Pork Belly Taco 3/5

Slow Braised Pork Belly Taco ($4) was somehow disappointing. As I lift the diced pork belly into my mouth, half expecting the texture to be like my Asian style Kong Bak Pau, it just didn't go that way. A flour tortilla, with its softer texture could have been a better companion to this dried out pork belly than the firmer corn tortilla. The saving grace is the great salsa atop create a taste that's as vibrant as its colour.

Fried Chicky Taco 3.5/5

On the other hand, the Fried Chicky Taco ($4) receives a much better feedback with its buttermilk fried chicken, that is surprisingly quite juicy and tender in the inside, with a well seasoned crispy crust. The tangy lift given by the Dijon slaw and pickles completes the taco.

Grilled Barramundi Taco 2.8/5

The Grilled Barramundi Taco ($4.60) is forgettable but I will give credit to them for keeping the fish tender and not using deep-fried dory. The satisfaction just isn't there. Perhaps, a fatty fish may work, like salmon?

Churros 3.5/5

The Churros ($5.90/$6.90) is handmade here with Cinnamon and Green Tea variant. Judging from the consistency and colour of the green tea sauce, I reckon the green tea sauce is made in house too. The texture is really chewy with crispy edge. I feel it should be priced similar with the Tacos which would be more reasonable. Couple it with a cup of Sarnies' black coffee, that would sum up my meal really well.

Crowned in Yahoo!'s "Top 10 Trucks in America" for three years running, I do expect a little more from The Lime Truck. Perhaps it should be out running along the streets rather than being cooped up in the mall. Easier said than done but these tacos are indeed fun to have along with other dishes in Pasarbella, for a more complete street food experience in town.

#TacoTuesdays at The Lime Truck Singapore will be running for an indefinite time. As part of #TacoTuesdays, all tacos will be going for just S$3.50 a pop on Tuesdays.

Words and photos 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.


The Lime Truck
PasarBella Suntec City
3 Temasek Blvd
455-456 / 459-461
Singapore 038983
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

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

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