White Rose Cafe @ York Hotel - Rejuvenates Dining Experience With A Refreshed A La Carte Menu

White Rose Cafe at York Hote, known for its authentic local and Asian classics, revitalised its a la carte menu showcasing a delectable selection of local, Asian, Western, and premium carbon-neutral beef specialities conjured by the culinary team.

Gado Gado 3.5/5

New highlights for the appetiser include the Gado Gado and Seafood Couscous Salad. The light and appetising Gado Gado ($15) comprising of long beans, boiled potato, cabbage, bean sprouts, fried bean curd and egg is dressed in a fragrant peanut sauce for a nutty finishing.

Seafood Couscous Salad 4/5

The Seafood Couscous Salad ($20) consisting of prawns, squid and fish in a refreshing mango salsa dressing is excellent for whetting up the appetite.

Minestrone 3.5.5

For the soup option, diners can choose either the Minestrone or the new Crab Bisque with Cognac. The sweet and tangy Minestrone ($15) soup comes with delightful bites from the accompanying ingredients such as beans, pasta, potato, carrot, zucchini and cabbage.

Crab Bisque with Cognac 4/5

The Crab Bisque with Cognac ($18) is much more robust and richer in flavour, paired with garlic bread and cream.

Thai Green Curry 4/5

Besides the local classic, the kitchen has expanded the menu to include Thai cuisine. We tried the Thai Green Curry ($25) with tender chicken simmered in a rich coconut-based curry. It is served together with a plate of fragrant steamed rice topped with a silverfish omelette.

Chicken Roulade 4/5

We moved from local and Asian cuisines to Western fares, such as the Chicken Roulade and Ribeye Steak ($52). The tender and juicy Chicken Roulade ($25) is paired with mashed potatoes, asparagus, broccolini and baby carrots. It is a classic and simple dish executed beautifully for a delicious meal.

Ribeye Steak 4/5

Consumers are more into sustainable diet nowadays, so the culinary team has replaced the regular ground beef with carbon-neutral beef from Five Founders, Australia. Beef lovers can look forward to the perfectly grilled Ribeye Steak ($52) served with potato gratin and seasonal vegetables.

Paneer Tikka 3/5

Green Burger 3/5

For the vegetarians, customers have the option of Paneer Tikka ($16) served with raita and papadum. I am not a fan of it. I thought it was bland, lacking a sauce. Maybe a vegetarian curry will help to elevate the dish. For something for filling, go for the Green Burger ($18), whereby plump and juicy portobello mushroom is sandwiched between charcoal bun with pesto mayo dressing.

Chocolate Lava Cake 3.5/5

Sago Gula Melaka 3.5/5

Creme Brulee 3.5/5

End your meal on a sweet ending with a selection of desserts such as the Chocolate Lava Cake ($12) with vanilla ice cream, Sago Gula Melaka ($9) with coconut milk and Creme Brulee ($12), a rich custard base topped with a layer of hardened caramelised sugar.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


White Rose Cafe
York Hotel
21 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228516
Tel: +65 67370511
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am to 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road towards Goodwood Park Hotel. At Goodwood Park, turn right and walk to the end of the carpark. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Lumbre @ CHIJMES - Modern Spanish Grill Cuisine in the Heart of Town

Sitting new in CHIJMES is Lumbre, a modern Spanish restaurant that features a contemporary menu of Spanish small plates and grilled dishes. In Spanish, Lumbre means fire, commonly associated with the "hearth of the home". It's especially apt as the menu centres around cooking with open fire and Josper charcoal grills, and their large open kitchen and stylish yet cosy interior exude an inviting warmth.

Homemade Foie Terrine, Cheese, Apple Purée and Pistachio 4.5/5

The Homemade Foie Terrine ($26) was an impressive start. The creamy terrine is topped with a Mexican cheese mouse, crushed pistachios and a mildly sweetened apple purée, served as a spread with slices of crunchy toasted bread.

Grilled Ibérico Chorizo with Mexican Cheese 4.2/5

Another starter on the menu is the Grilled Ibérico Chorizo with Mexican Cheese ($22) which features chorizo aged and smoked in-house.

Grilled Aged Beef Sliders 4.2/5

Sandwiched in between soft buns in the Grilled Aged Beef Sliders ($26) are black Angus ribeye patties that were dried and aged for 45 days. Simple marination of salt and pepper is used to retain the meat's original flavours.

Grilled White Asparagus, Bluefin Tuna Belly and Confit Green Peas 3.5/5

In the Grilled White Asparagus ($26), white asparagus from France are grilled and paired with thinly sliced Spanish bluefin tuna belly and confit green peas.

Charcoal Octopus & Ibérico Pork Belly with Chorizo Foam 4.5/5

The octopus for the Charcoal Octopus & Ibérico Pork Belly with Chorizo Foam ($38) is prepared by first slow-cooking in salt water before charcoal grilling with olive oil. The result is slices of fork-tender octopus that carry a light char, accompanied by pork belly chunks and a slightly spicy chorizo foam.

Seafood Wet Fideua ‘Arroz Caldoso’ with Calamari and Smoked Eel 4.8/5

One of our favourites was the Seafood Wet Fideua 'Arroz Caldoso' ($48). The pasta noodles thoroughly soaked up its tomato-pepper sauce and seafood stock base. It packed a lot of smoky and intensely rich seafood flavour in a mouthful, with well-charred smoked eel and cubes of calamari for more textural bites. It was a refreshing change from the usual bed of rice in paellas.

Lamb Rack with Pistachio Praline, Baby Tomatoes & Black Olives 4.5/5

Served with pistachio praline, baby tomatoes and black olives, the slightly fattier cut of Lamb Rack ($42) was cooked nicely tender and didn’t have a hint of gaminess. The pistachio praline adds a light nuttiness.

Beef Short Ribs with Smoked Cauliflower Purée and Broccoli 4/5

The Beef Short Ribs ($36) are tender and juicy and fall apart easily with a slight cutlery pull. It is paired with smoked cauliflower puree and broccoli to cut the richness.

Caramelised French Toast 4.2/5

Lumbre’s take on the seemingly simple french toast will surprise you. Their Caramelised French Toast ($16) boasts a fluffy texture, akin to a soft bread butter pudding, served with a scoop of rum and raisin ice cream.

Tiramisu 4/5

Although the menu only has a choice of three desserts, we recommend ending your meal with one. The Tiramisu ($16) is a classic done right with distinctly flavoured yet well-balanced layers.

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.


Lumbre
Chijmes
30 Victoria Street
#01-20
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 97228171
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (NS Line, EW Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tues-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon, Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, cross the road to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk southwards towards Victoria Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Road, cross the junction to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tapas 24 @ Robertson Quay - A Special Menu Welcoming Founder Chef Carles Abellan To Singapore

Since its opening in May 2021, Tapas 24 at Robertson Quay, Singapore, has received raving reviews. Tapas 24 is a Barcelonian concept that offers Spanish ingredients in traditional tapas with a twist. Chef Carles Abellan founds it with the original outlet located a stone's throw from Passeig de Gracia, a prime shopping and business area in Barcelona, Spain. Tapas 24 Robertson Quay has put together an exclusive limited-edition menu of new creations from 17 February to 27 February 2022 to celebrate Chef Carles Abellan's long-waited trip from Barcelona to Singapore.

King Crab Ensaladilla Rusa 4.5/5

The luxe version of the King Crab Ensaladilla Rusa is topped with egg yolk, tobiko and miso mayonnaise. I have not eaten anything like it before. It reminds me of our Chinese Sai Pang Xie (Stir Fry Egg White) but an elevated Western version.

McFoie Burger 5/5

This is the only place you can have the McFoie Burger in Singapore, one of the signature dishes that brought Tapas 24 to fame in Barcelona. Unfortunately, it is no longer served in Spain. The Foie patty sandwiched between grilled, soft brioche buns is served with foie gras mousse on the side. Spread the foie gras mousse onto the burger for a hot and cold, umami enjoyment.

Squid Ink Paella 3.8/5

I felt the Squid Ink Paella with slivers of cuttlefish was a bit heavy-handed for it. Though so, the Spanish saffron rice infused with squid ink is deliciously flavourful coupled with delightful bites.

Truffle Spanish Tortilla 4.8/5

Another favourite item on Chef Carles's special menu is the Truffle Spanish Tortilla. I had the potato and egg omelette in Spain but not this version with a molten interior accentuated by the truffle's earthiness. It is hearty and comforting, and most important, deliciously good.

Churros 4.5/5

Wrapping up our dinner is the Churros and Chocolate Cake. My eyes brightened when I saw the churros because they are the thin and airy type I like. It is accompanied by three different dipping sauces - Chocolate, Coffee Toffee, and Mango & Passionfruit. For the chocolate lover, you will love the chocolatey richness.

Chocolate Cake 4/5

In light of Chef Carles’ visit, the restaurant will also present a carte of exclusive ‘Carles Abellán Specials’ (17 to 27 February 2022) and 3-day only (25 February, Friday, 6pm; 26 February, Saturday, 12pm and 6pm; and 27 February, Sunday, 12pm) lunch and dinner set menus that unabashedly showcase the Chef’s inimitable personality. Reservations are for a minimum of two persons and maximum of five and may be made online at https://www.tapas24.sg/ under Reservations.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tapas 24
60 Robertson Quay
#01-04
Singapore 238252
Tel: +65 65136810
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Fort Canning (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop opposite State Courts (Stop ID 06171). Take bus number 51 or 186. Alight 1 stop later. Cross the road and walk to Alkaff Bridge. Cross the bridge and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite UE Square (Stop ID 04329). Take bus 64 or 123. Alight 1 stop later. Cross the road and walk to Alkaff Bridge. Cross the bridge and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction River Valley Road and Clemenceau Ave. Cross the road and turn left onto Clemenceau Ave. Walk down Clemenceau Ave to the river. Turn right and walk down the river. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Garden At One-Ninety @ Four Seasons Hotel Singapore - Breezy Alfresco Space With Lush Greenery And An Inclusive Menu

Probably not known to many, there is a beautiful, lush, botanical-themed dining place at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore. Garden @ One-Ninety is the extension of the terrace area behind One-Ninety Bar. Chef de Cuisine Pierre Barusta has put together a menu focusing on market-fresh produce and wholesome plant-based cuisine. The inclusive menu allows for enjoyable dining for all, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free preferences. In addition, it embraces the diversity and spectrum of personal dietary and lifestyle choices of today's guests.

Vietnamese Salad 3/5

We commenced our dinner with a couple of starters. First is the light and refreshing Vietnamese Salad dressed in "Nuoc Mam" sauce, better known as fish sauce. However, I find it too healthy to my liking. I am sure health-conscious customers will enjoy this.

Summer Rolls 3.5/5

Another Vietnamese item on the menu is the Summer Rolls that is wrapped with rice vermicelli, green mango, papaya, avocado and fresh herbs. The addition of fruit in the roll gives it extra sweetness and crunch.

Hamachi Tiradito 4/5

The Hamachi Tiradito is closer to my palate. The freshness is brightened by the citrus-soy and jalapeno garnished with daikon.

Pan Seared Seabass 4.2/5

One of my favourite dishes on the menu is the Pan Seared Seabass, which comes in laksa broth. What's more interesting, it even comes with thick beehoon, quail egg and kai lan bean sprout. I felt I had a 2-in-1 dish - local laksa topped with a huge piece of seabass fillet.

Garden Burger 3.8/5

The Garden Burger will be a good option for customers that are more conscious of the diet. Replacing the bread bun is pita bread, sandwiching a chickpea patty and semi-dried tomatoes. I would recommend drenching the burger with the hummus spread as the chickpea patty is a bit dry having it alone.

Dark Chocolate Souffle 4.2/5

I would recommend saving some space for the desserts here. The Dark Chocolate Souffle with Darjeeling Ice Cream is worth every minute for the wait. Soft, fluffy and chocolatey for a sweet indulgence.

Profiteroles 4.2/5

Another beautiful dessert we enjoyed was the Profiteroles with Gianduja ice cream. When it was served, both my dining partner and I had a puzzled look. It is not like the usual choux pastry dessert we know. It appears like a deconstructed profiteroles, but it tasted amazing, especially with the royaltine crunch

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Garden@One-Ninety
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248646
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 11. Walk straight down Orchard Boulevard Road. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

Knock Knock Cafe @ Kallang - Floral-Themed Cafe Serving Asian-inspired Pasta, Burgers And Instagrammable Bear Lattes

Knock Knock Cafe is a quaint cafe decked in flower-filled walls in Kallang. The cafe serves up Asian-inspired Pasta and Burgers, and picture-worthy lattes. The cafe is a spin-off of the Knock Knock livestream app, created to connect creators with their fans and followers. In the same spirit, the cafe aims to be a space for people to gather over good food and service in a work-friendly environment.

Iced Bear Latte 4/5

Insta-worthy and adorable is the Iced Bear Latte ($6.50). It comes in 4 different flavours - caramel, lavender, mocha and chocolate. I went for Mocha which has a nice balance of roasted coffee notes and creamy cocoa flavours.

Golden Prawn Tacos 4.2/5

We started with some light bites in the Golden Prawn Tacos ($13 for 2pc). The deep-fried crunchy prawns are served in a soft toasted tortilla, laced with an addictive salted egg sauce and finished with tobiko bits. Other choices include Chilli Krab Tacos and Beef Steak Tacos.

Otak-Otak Burger 4/5

The cafe is known for its Asian-inspired pasta and burgers, so we have to try them. We had the Otak-Otak Burger ($17). The homemade batang fish patty is marinated with a medley of aromatic spices, coated with bread crumbs and deep-fried for a crispy golden exterior. The delectable patty is sandwiched between soft fluffy buns, served with fries and a sambal mayo dip. Other burgers available on the menu are Ultimate Wagyu Beef Burger, Krispy Buttermilk Chicken Burger and Mad for Mentaiko Fish & Chips.

Hae Bee Hiam Aglio Olio 4.5/5

The Hae Bee Hiam Aglio Olio ($17) is loaded with umami-rich hae bee hiam (spicy dried shrimp) on olio and topped with crunchy tiger prawns. The incorporation of spicy dried shrimp works for me. It complements the al dente pasta excellently.

Ondeh Ondeh Tiramisu 4/5

For dessert, we had the Ondeh Ondeh Tiramisu ($12). It comes in layers of pandan and gula melaka, topped with toasted coconut flakes. Each mouthful reminds me of the traditional kueh's characteristic flavours.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Knock Knock Cafe
101 Geylang Road
Singapore 389211
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Kallang (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Kallang MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to junction Geylang Lorong 1 and Sims Ave. Cross the road and walk down Geylang Lorong 1 towards Geylang Road. Turn left onto Geylang Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

SIRI HOUSE @ Dempsey - Launches New Weekend Brunch And Brunch Cocktails

SIRI HOUSE at Dempsey is known for its modern Asian cuisine. Making full use of its tranquil setting, with lush greenery right outside its doorstep, SIRI HOUSE invites you to spend a relaxing weekend with them. It has launched the new SIRI HOUSE Weekend Brunch, available on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The casual and communal brunch menu offers a la carte small and large brunch plates to share, coupled with a range of classic brunch cocktails concocted with a modern Asian twist.

Brunch Cocktails

The brunch cocktails at $12 per tipple are very affordable. It incorporates handcrafted infusions, freshly squeezed juices, housemade syrups and spice blends. I kick start the brunch with the Mary Nagano, which showcases an Asian twist to the popular Bloody Mary. You can taste the familiar heat from wasabi and other Asian ingredients - Worcestershire, chilli padi and Japanese vinegar. For a refreshing note, go for the more citrus-forward mix of Aperol, Summertime Madness for an easy start to your day.

Lobster Scramble 3/5

We had Lobster Scramble ($21) and Aranici ($21) from the small plates menu. I suggest going for its regular Easy Scramble ($7) instead, as the lobster scramble being a more luxurious egg dish was rather underwhelming. A good and straightforward scrambled eggs dish would have brought more joy.

Arancini 3.8/5

On the other hand, the Arancini surprised us with its takoyaki-alike flavours, giving the classic risotto balls an Asian facelift. Instead of using Italian rice, this is made using dashi infused Japanese rice, chunks of octopus and chorizo and encased within is oozy mozzarella. Atop the crisp balls are Jaew (Thai chilli) mayo, bonito flakes and furikake.

Champion Roll 3.8/5

We had the Champion Roll ($26) - a sourdough bread loaded with a baked egg, mushrooms, bacon, asparagus, gouda, and an arrabbiata cream sauce from the Large Plate menu. If you like pizza, this will be your thing.

Cheeseburger 4/5

Also on the menu is SIRI HOUSE’s Signature Cheeseburger ($29). The fluffy toasted milk bun is a plus point. The housemade beef patty was flavourful, with a good spread of harissa mayo to bring all the ingredients together.

Bomboloni 3.8/5

Cherry Sundae 4/5

For dessert, we had the adorable, bite-size Bomboloni ($16). It's an assortment of fluffy Italian style doughnuts with cashew chocolate ganache and mixed berry compote fillings. The Cherry Sundae ($18) with tart cherry compote and a milky sweet yoghurt ice cream is delicious too.

The SIRI HOUSE Brunch menu is available on Saturdays from 11.30am to 2.30pm (last order 2pm) and on Sundays from 11.30 am to 9.00pm (last order 8pm.

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.


Siri House
Dempsey Hill
8D Dempsey Road
#01-02
Singapore 249672
Tel: +65 96670533
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Holland Village (CC Line), Farrer Road (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sun: 1130am - 4pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop along Orchard Boulevard (Stop ID 09022). Take bus number 7, 77, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 7 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 30 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Block 12 (Stop ID 11401). Take bus 106. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]