BOTANY @ Robertson Quay - Aesthetic & Pet-Friendly Botanical-themed Restaurant Featuring East-West Fusion Flavours

BOTANY, nestled in Robertson Quay, has undergone a refreshing transformation into a warm, botanical-themed space. By day, it serves as an all-day dining spot; by evening, it becomes an intimate venue for any occasion. Founder Cassandra Riene commits to providing a diverse menu that caters to various dietary preferences, including meat, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with the outdoor area overlooking the scenic river, and ideal for diners with pets. Indoors, a cosy, laid-back ambience prevails, enhanced by a chill playlist.

A range of promotions adds to the experience:
● Ladies' Night: 1-for-1 Botanical Cocktails (U.P. $18 each) every Wednesday from 6pm to 9pm
● Men’s Night: 1-for-1 pints on Thursdays from 6pm to 9.30pm
● Daily Free Flow: $48++ for house wine, draft beer, and Moscato with a 2-hour limit starting at 6pm

Mocktails

We kicked off our meal with refreshing albeit sweet mocktails: Dancing Petals ($12), featuring a blend of assam tea, lemon, raspberry, and honey, and Younger Days ($12), made with apple juice, cinnamon, and rosemary.

Gochujang Cauli 3.5/5

First up was the Gochujang Cauli ($15), lightly battered cauliflower coated in a sweet gochujang sauce with spring onions and sesame seeds. I personally found the sauce too sweet and a bit overpowering, and I thought a lighter touch would have enhanced the dish.

Otah Fritters 4.2/5

Next, we had the Otah Fritters ($15), which were a standout. Slightly crisp on the outside, the fritters revealed a tender otah interior with chunks of fish and prawns, perfectly spiced for a satisfying bite.

Scallop Truffle Capellini 4/5

For mains, we started with the Scallop Truffle Capellini ($29), a chilled capellini dish dressed in truffle salsa and sakura ebi, topped with torched scallops and salmon roe for delightful pops of briny savouriness.

‘Hae Mee’ Pasta 4.2/5

We then tried the 'Hae Mee' Pasta ($29), BOTANY's twist on our local prawn noodles. While I thought the spaghetti could be a touch more al dente, the pasta was bathed in an umami-rich prawn bisque and crowned with a torched tiger prawn and tobiko.

Impossible Rendang Meatball with Mash 4.2/5

A pleasant surprise was the Impossible Rendang Meatball with Mash ($22). The Impossible meatballs, simmered in an aromatic rendang sauce, paired wonderfully with the creamy, buttery mash, making it a hearty plant-based option.

Signature Basque Cheesecake 4.2/5

We couldn't resist the Signature Basque Cheesecake ($12) for dessert, and the decadent piece did not disappoint. It was super cheesy and just slightly creamy in texture.

Overall, our lunch experience at BOTANY was delightful, with friendly service. We recommend making a reservation, especially if you prefer the cosy indoor seating.

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.


BOTANY
86 Robertson Quay
#01-03
Singapore 238245
Tel: +65 6951 4861
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 9am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 830am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight down Havelock Road towards Four Points by Sheraton. At Four Points by Sheraton, walk to the river. Cross the river and walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Joie @ Orchard Central - Meatless Fine Dining with A Rooftop Dining View

Perched atop Orchard Central, Joie offers a unique fine-dining experience that is not just for vegetarians or vegans. With a creative meatless menu featuring a delightful Korean twist, this upscale restaurant caters to all occasions, whether you're celebrating a memorable moment or simply enjoying a meal with a view.

Surrounded by the lush greenery of a rooftop garden, we were fortunate to be seated at one of the best tables, perfectly positioned to watch the sunset as we enjoyed our dinner.

Welcome Drink, Roasted Korean Sunchoke Tea and Artemisia Tea

We had the 6-Course Dinner, priced at $78++ per person, which includes three starters, a vegetable dish, a main course, and dessert. As there were 2 of us, we had the opportunity to sample all the options available on the course menu.

“Tuna Tartare” 4/5

This dish truly impressed with its creative use of watermelon to mimic tuna. Served with crispy rice paper, sesame powder, egg yolk gel, apricot, and pickled pears, the Tuna Tartare was both appetising and refreshing - a perfect start to the meal.

Joie’s Crispy Layered Fries 4/5

An elevated take on a classic, these Crispy Layered Fries are made with imported potatoes from Holland and served with fermented kimchi, gochujang mayo, and black garlic mayo. Each fry offers a combination of textures and flavours that make every bite unique.

Charcoal Makgeoli Slider 3.8/5

The Charcoal Makgeoli Slider, which includes halloumi cheese sandwiched between charcoal buns, comes in two pieces per person. The combination of pickled radish, arugula, kimchi puree, and the signature egg yolk gel make this dish enjoyable, although not a standout.

“Ddukgalbi” Century Scotch Egg 4/5

An additional starter from the ala carte menu we get to try was the "Ddukgalbi" Century Scotch Egg, a unique twist on the traditional British dish made with century egg. Paired with gochujang and black garlic mayo, this dish is a must-try for century egg lovers.

Grilled Roots Vegetables 2.8/5

Heirloom Cherry Tomato Salad & Burratina 3/5

We had both vegetable options on the menu, but unfortunately, both dishes were underwhelming compared to our starters. The Grilled Root Vegetables are tough and lacking flavour. As for the Heirloom Cherry Tomato Salad & Burratina, while the sweet cherry tomatoes were enjoyable, the burrata was unfortunately dry. The dish was garnished with olive oil powder, a unique touch, though it didn't elevate the overall experience.

Mapadubu Lasagna 3/5

Grilled Summer Mushroom Steak 4/5

We also got both options for the mains on the course menu. Despite being inspired by mapo tofu, the Mapadubu Lasagna lacked the distinct flavours of the dish. The texture of the lasagna sheets was inconsistent; they were soft in some areas and tough in others, which detracted from the overall enjoyment.

The Grilled Summer Mushroom Steak was the highlight of the main courses. Served on a hot plate with homemade black pepper sauce, the monkey head mushroom's texture closely mimicked a steak, making this a satisfying dish.

Burnt Basque Cheese Cake 3/5

Unfortunately, the Burnt Basque Cheese Cake served with an Oreo crust, and homemade milk ice cream was too dense, more reminiscent of a New York cheesecake than a Basque-style one. It was enjoyable but could be lighter in texture. Joie has recently added a new dessert option to the menu - Black Sesame Ice Cream - which was unavailable at our visit.

Joie also offers other set lunch and dinner options daily:

• 3-Course: $38++ per person (lunch only, Monday to Friday except public holidays and eve of public holidays)
• 5-Course: $58++ per person
• 6-Course: $78++ per person
• 8-Course: $98++ per person (available for both lunch and dinner)

The spacious restaurant includes four private dining rooms, perfect for hosting special gatherings.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Joie
Orchard Central
#12-01
181 Orchard Road
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 9663 0901
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit C or D. Walk to Orchard Central. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

The Marmalade Pantry @ Tanjong Pagar - Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Refreshed Menu of Light and Vibrant Flavours

The Marmalade Pantry is celebrating its 25th Anniversary with a refreshed menu across its four outlets in Tanjong Pagar, Novena, ION, and Anchorpoint. The menu introduces lighter and more vibrant flavour profiles, incorporating new dishes and enhancements to its signature items.

The extensive line-up includes a variety of starters, salads, mains, pasta, risottos, and desserts, as well as an updated beverage selection featuring NON, an Australian non-alcoholic wine alternative.

Red Velvet Latte 3.5/5

I decided on the Red Velvet Latte ($8) as I was curious about adding fresh beetroot to the dark cocoa drink. While it was a tad sweet for me, I appreciated the subtle earthy notes from the beetroot.

Fried Brussels Sprouts 4/5

We began our meal with the Fried Brussels Sprouts ($16), which had a delightful Japanese twist. The brussel sprouts are dressed in sesame soy kewpie mayo and topped with pickled chillies, nori strips, and sesame seeds.

Roasted Smashed Sweet Potatoes 4.2/5

Next up was the Roasted Smashed Sweet Potatoes ($16). A fresh dill and chives, yoghurt dressing, and tangy pickled onions nicely balanced the potatoes' natural sweetness.

Chicken Salad 4.2/5

Another standout starter for me was the Chicken Salad ($23). This vibrant and healthy dish was a colourful mix of fresh salad vegetables, green apples, cherry tomatoes, cashews, and coriander, all tossed in a tangy Viet-Thai dressing. The sous vide chicken strips were particularly tender and well-seasoned.

Crispy Barramundi 3.8/5

Moving on to the mains, we tried the Crispy Barramundi ($32). The fish was lightly seasoned and paired with stronger aromatics from the masala potatoes and vegetable chutney.

Chicken Burger 3.8/5

The Chicken Burger ($28) surprised us with its spicy kick. It featured a crunchy chicken thigh sandwiched between soft potato buns, accompanied by tangy slaw and spicy garlic soy. The burger was served with a side of fries and beet-pickled cauliflower.

Tomato Risotto 4.2/5

Next, we were served with the Tomato Risotto ($26). The risotto was creamy yet not too heavy, thanks to the addition of stracciatella cheese, cherry tomatoes, and a Thai basil salsa. It was a comforting dish.

Butternut Mac & Cheese 4.5/5

The unanimous favourite of the meal was the Butternut Mac & Cheese ($26). A signature dish of The Marmalade Pantry has been refined in the new menu with a rich truffle cream and blue cheese base, enhanced by sweet roasted butternut squash and a black vinegar glaze. This dish is a wholesome, decadent, and balanced cheese lover's dream.

Miso Sesame Cupcake 3.8/5

We tried the Miso Sesame Cupcake ($6.50), a new addition to the brand's cupcake range for dessert. The savoury-sweet frosting had a nutty flavour with hints of peanut butter, complementing the moist cake base.

Green Tea Basque 3/5

Lastly, we ended with a slice of Green Tea Basque ($15). This double-layered baked cheesecake had a top layer of white chocolate and green tea, which balanced the richness of the cheese. However, I found it too sweet for my liking.

The Marmalade Pantry's 25th-anniversary menu refresh has something to offer for everyone, whether you're a fan of their classic dishes or eager to try something new.

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.


The Marmalade Pantry
Oasia Hotel Downtown
#01–1
100 Peck Seah Street
Singapore 079333
Tel: +65 6385 0741
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar MRT (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjang Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to destination. [Map]

Revolver @ Tras Street - A New Private Experience Room Concept

Revolver, a popular restaurant in Tras Street, has elevated its dining experience by unveiling its Private Experience Room on the second floor. This expansive haven features a well-operational bar, a meticulously curated wine cabinet, a cutting-edge sound system, a communal dining table, and sumptuous loungers, creating an intimate space for up to 14 diners. Introducing a novel concept, The Spread ($329++ per pax) is an exclusive menu meticulously crafted solely for this distinguished venue.

Prawn Balchao Monaka 4/5

Burrata Tokri Chaat 4/5

Rock Oysters 4/5

Our dinner began with a trio of exquisite snacks. With their briny essence, the Rock Oysters were paired with a smokey chipotle chutney, yuzu juice, and moilee espuma, creating a sea-inspired overture. The Burrata Tokri Chaat, nestled in a delicate tart shell, featured layers of soft cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, chimichurri, and caviar, a harmonious medley of flavours. Completing the trio, the Prawn Balchao Monaka, a Goan-inspired delight, balanced the sweetness of prawns with a spicy and sour paste.

Japanese Hamachi, Pickled Daikon "Pani Puri" 4.2/5

Next, we savoured the Japanese Hamachi with Pickled Daikon for the small plates, offering a Pani Puri-inspired twist. The Hamachi, known for its fresh and clean taste, was a canvas for the diverse array of flavours that followed. Each bite revealed a nuanced symphony – the buttery richness of the fish, the tangy notes from the pickled daikon, and the zesty finish that lingered, inviting another bite.

Delhi Paneer, Winter Spinach, Shishito Pepper 4.2/5

The Delhi Paner tandoor-baked to perfection, masterfully marries the robust flavours of tandoori cooking with the lush creaminess of paneer, all harmonised by a Winter Spinach mash and the gentle heat of Shishito Pepper. The inclusion of Shishito Pepper is a stroke of genius, adding a mild heat that builds gradually, enhancing the overall experience without overpowering the other elements. It's a subtle heat that complements rather than competes, allowing the tandoori essence to shine.

Japanese King Crab, Gunpowder 4.2/5

The Grilled Japanese King Crab is the epitome of seafood opulence. The crab's natural sweetness was accentuated by the aromatic embrace of gunpowder spices, creating a symphony of flavours. Perfectly grilled to preserve tenderness, each bite was a revelation, marrying smokiness with the delicate richness of the crab.

Whole French Turbot, Spiced Dust 3.8/5

Anticipation hung in the air as the Whole French Turbot made its grand entrance, shrouded in the alluring aroma of spiced dust. The olfactory prelude promised a sensory extravaganza, yet the tasting experience fell short of the aromatic build-up. Although the fish exhibited exemplary texture — firm and moist — the expected infusion of spiced nuances remained elusive. Regrettably, the flavours of the fish appeared somewhat muted, lacking the aromatic depth anticipated from the tantalising spiced dust.

Mayura Station Tomahawk, ABC Sauces 4.5/5

The pièce de résistance of the evening was undeniably the Mayura Station Tomahawk, grilled to a perfect medium rare. With its intricate marbling, this pinnacle of wagyu excellence bestowed upon each bite a heavenly tenderness and a lavish, buttery flavour that lingered on the palate, marking it as the undisputed star of the night.

Comte Kulchette, Black Perigord Truffles 5/5

Stealing the limelight, the star was undeniably the Comte Kulchette, adorned with the richness of Black Perigord Truffles. The flatbread, baked to perfection in the tandoor, cradled a harmonious medley of flavours. Stuffed with comte cheese, truffle puree, stracciatella, mushroom confit, and a generous shaving of Black Perigord truffles, it delivered an exquisite interplay of textures and flavours that was nothing short of extraordinary — a symphony for the taste buds, creating an indulgence that transcended the ordinary.

Japanese Mush Melon Chaat 4.5/5

Grilled Orange 4/5

In a grand finale of sweet delights, the dinner reached its zenith with the entrance of the dessert maestro — the sweet Japanese Musk Melon adorned with the tantalising essence of Chaat masala and a surprising twist of Grilled Orange. Delving into the orange, its meticulously grilled skin presented a novel gustatory experience, revealing an extraordinary way to relish citrus.

Saffron Cheesecake 4.8/5

The dinner at Revolver culminated in an extraordinary encore — the Saffron Cheesecake. The cheesecake redefined indulgence, boasting a molten, lusciously cheesy body that was nothing short of divine. The enchanting infusion of saffron added a regal touch, elevating the dessert to unprecedented heights. The cheesecake's crowning glory, a delightful biscuity base, provided the perfect foundation for the best cheesecake ever eaten.

Sea Buckthorn Marshmallow 3/5

The soft and pillowy Sea Buckthorn Marshmallow, a canvas of sweetness, was transformed into a sublime dessert by adding sea buckthorn. It imparted a delightful tartness, orchestrating a harmonious dance with the inherent sweetness of the marshmallow.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Revolver
56A Tras Street
Singapore 078995
Tel: +65 62232812/ 96685119
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 1030am - 4pm, 5pm to 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

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