Glorious New Creations To Usher In The Year Of The Rat At Goodwood Park Hotel

For the Year of the Rat, Min Jiang at both Goodwood Park and Dempsey have assembled a line-up of new creations as well as new sweet and savoury delights for the festive celebrations.

Joyful Abundance Yusheng

Available for both dine-in and takeaway at Min Jiang Goodwood Park Hotel is the Joyful Abundance Yusheng ($168++ dine-in/ $179.75 takeaway). The platter is adorned with an intricate illustration of a pair of children jovially playing. The delectable yusheng comprises of baby abalones, raw salmon, cheesy deep-fried chee cheong fan strips, romaine lettuce, wild arugula, yellow frisee, red radishes, white radishes, pickled melon strips, red shiso, fresh pomelo, crushed peanuts, white sesame seeds and pine nuts. All these are held together by the light, yet refreshing dressing made from calamansi juice, plum sauce and strawberry jam.

Pot of Gold

For those planning to celebrate Lunar New Year in the comfort of their home, one can impress their guests with the Pot of Gold ($243.95). This is good for 8 persons. The slices of slow-braised pork belly alternated with sliced creamy pumpkin for a delightful mouthful. This is paired with premium 6-head Australian abalones and broccoli.

Five Fortune Takeaway Platter

Great for sharing is the Min Jiang at Dempsey Five Fortune Takeaway Platter ($104.85) which is suitable for 6 persons. The five tantalising appetisers are Deep-fried Prawns with Crispy Milk, Sliced Smoked Duck with Plum Sauce, Pan-fried U.S. Kurobuta Pork Strip with Melted Onions, Crispy Soft Shell Crab with Garlic and Shallot and Marinated Jellyfish.

Fortune Delight Crispy Silver Hill Duck with Glutinous Rice

Another delectable takeaway at Min Jiang Dempsey is the Fortune Delight Crispy Silver Hill Duck with Glutinous Rice ($211.85). It is suitable for 8 persons. The duck is deep-fried to crispy and served on top a bed of fragrant glutinous rice.

Longevity Noodles with Baby Abalones and Roasted Iberico Pork Loin

A unique alternative to the usual traditional Chinese New Year fare is the Longevity Noodles with Baby Abalones and Roasted Iberico Pork Loin. The East-meets-West dish uses capellini tossed in an umami-laden combination of soya sauce, shallot oil and chopped dried kombu. This is then topped with braised baby abalones and chopped chives. Crowning the pasta is succulent roasted Iberico pork loin,

Fortune Koi Fish 'Nian Gao' with Red Bean Paste

During Chinese New Year, restaurants will create dishes of fishes as they symbolise a surplus of prosperity, which is auspicious in Chinese's tradition. At Min Jiang, customers can complete the reunion meals on a sweet note with the Fortune Koi Fish 'Nian Gao' with Red Bean Paste ($9.80++ for 2pc dine-in/ $39.40 takeaway box of 8pc) and Duo of Prosperity Fish ($118).

Fortune Koi Fish 'Nian Gao' with Red Bean Paste comes in a box of 8 pieces. These petite koi fish Nian Gao are filled with delectably smooth red bean paste.

Mango with Pomelo & Sago Pudding and Durian Pudding

As for the Duo of Prosperity Fish, it's actually Mango with Pomelo & Sago Pudding and Durian Pudding. A befitting sweet finale, brimming with tropical fruit flavours.

Spring Blossom Cake 

Beautifully decorated and ideal for gifting is two new cakes at Goodwood Park. The Spring Blossom Cake ($108) which encapsulates the vibrancy of Spring is a moist butter cake layered with French-style buttercream. The stunning showstopper is donned in a brilliant red fondant, studded with delicate cherry blossoms and atop, three beautifully handcrafted, lifelike peonies.

Prosperity Marble Cake 

Another resplendent offering is the decadent Prosperity Marble Cake ($68). The beautiful cake is a rich chocolate cake slathered with a rich dark chocolate ganache. It is decorated with a novel icing print with the "福" character and pair of auspicious carps symbolise good fortune, luck and abundance.

Gula Melaka Festive Cookies

A new addition is the Gula Melaka Cookies ($28.80 per box of 7pc). It is a harmonious melange of nuttiness from the ground cashew nuts and caramelised notes of the gula melaka. It also comes with pretty icing in seven different symbolic designs.

The Lunar New Year Treats and Abundant Feasting Specials will be available for takeaway from The Deli and Min Jiang (Goodwood Park Hotel) as well as Min Jiang at Dempsey. Guests can contact Min Jiang 岷江川菜馆 at (65) 6730 1704 / email: min_jiang@goodwoodparkhotel.com, Min Jiang at Dempsey 岷江在登布西山at (65) 6774 0122/ email: mjdempsey@goodwoodparkhotel.com, and The Deli at (65) 6730 1786 / email: deli@goodwoodparkhotel.com for takeaway orders. Alternatively, guests may also visit http://festivepromotions.goodwoodparkhotel.com for online orders. Availability for all Lunar New Year specials is from 7 January to 8 February 2020. Advance order of five days is required for takeaways, and the last order is 3 February 2020, 12pm.

Botany By Dazzling Cafe @ Robertson Quay - Signature Honey Toasts And Soulful Food

If you are a fan of Dazzling Cafe's honey toasts, you will be glad to know that you can still have them at the newly opened Botany by Dazzling Cafe at Robertson Quay. With the closing of Dazzling Cafe, the trio of Actress Julie Tan, her cousin Cassandra and childhood friend Serene have come together to create a relax space for bonding while enjoying a soulful meal, regardless if one is a meat-lover, vegetarian or vegan at Botany.

The Botanist Salad 3.5/5

For those that are looking for something light and healthy, there is the The Botanist Salad ($15). It comes in a blend of fresh greens dressed in homemade apple cider vinegar honey sauce. Add-ons such as almond flakes, smoked salmon, grilled chicken, pan seared salmon, pan seared steak and Impossible patty are available at an additional cost ranging from $3 to $7 for each topping.

Curried Cauliflower Soup 4/5

The Curried Cauliflower Soup ($10) is a vegan soup made with coconut milk and spiced with curry paste. The soup has a velvety and creamy texture, in which one can still bite into the blended cauliflower bits.

Homemade Hummus with Baked Nachos 3.5/5

A delightful snack on the menu is the Homemade Hummus with Baked Nachos ($12). Applauded to the homemade hummus doused with olive oil that goes well with the crispy baked nachos.

Otah Chips 3/5

It is quite common to see French fries or spam fries on the menu but Otah Chips ($13) is a first for me. I love my otah but the fried mackerel fish paste strips did not manage to wow me. I guess I still like the traditional otah more.

Signature Mentaiko Fries $15

Of course there is still fries on the menu. At Botany, they served an elevated version, Signature Mentaiko Fries ($15)  with mentaiko dressing topped with nori. Nothing unique but definitely an all time favourite to munch and share with a group of friends.

Taiwanese Chicken Bites 4/5

A more addictive starter is the Taiwanese Chicken Bites ($13). Love the used of marinated chicken thigh for the tender bite, complemented by the Taiwanese spice seasoning. This is great to go along with some beer and wine.

Mapo Tofu Rice Bowl 4/5

A very hearty and comforting rice bowl is the Mapo Tofu Rice Bowl ($18). The Japanese rice is paired with silken tofu cooked in Szechuan spices and minced chicken, topped with sous vide egg. I would prefer it to be more spicy but I can understand the need to cater for the wider group.

Signature Grilled Chicken with Balinese Salsa 4/5

Another rice dish on the menu is the Signature Grilled Chicken with Balinese Salsa ($18). A complete meal on a plate that comes with boneless chicken leg marinated with spices and a fried egg, paired with homemade balinese salsa. My advice don't miss out the delicious chicken skin, it was heavenly.

Uni Truffle Capellini 3.8/5

While I enjoyed the texture of the pasta for the Uni Truffle Cappelini ($28) topped with sea urchin and salmon roe, it was unfortunate the truffle was a tad overpowering, masking the appreciation of the sea urchin. Served chilled, this is actually quite refreshing.

Pan-Seared Barramundi 4.2/5

A dish that I would go back for is the Pan-Seared Barramundi ($26) with mash potato. The huge piece of pan seared barramundi is well cooked and justify for the pricing. It is paired with pesto sauce which highlighted the moist fish but not stealing the limelight.

Australian Grass Fed Ribeye 250g 4/5

For the meat-lovers, there is the Australian Grass Fed Ribeye 250g ($28). Nothing fancy but just allowing the succulent ribeye cut with black pepper sauce to shine . It also comes with butter mash and greens on the side.

Gluten Free Chocolate Cake 3.5/5

For dessert, we tried the Gluten Free Chocolate Cake ($9). A moist and soft interior with crusty edges for the chocolate indulgent.

Dazzling Cafe's Signature Honey Toasts 4.2/5

I have to admit that I have never tried the Dazzling Cafe's Signature Honey Toast ($18) and this is my first time having it. Not only is it pretty and instragrammable, it is actually very good. Definitely one of the better ones I have eaten. Other flavours available on the menu are dazzling classic, caramel macademia nuts, banana chocolate, strawberry lover and hazelnut chocolate.

I like the new space at Botany by Dazzling Cafe with its greenery and river facing. Food is pretty decent but in the competitive F&B stretch, I felt that it needed more character or theme to stand out.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Botany By Dazzling Cafe
Robertson Quay
86 Robertson Quay
#01-03
Singapore 238245
Tel: +65 69514861
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 9am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 9am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop along Upper Cross Street (Stop ID 06171). Take bus number 51 and 186. Alight 2 stop later. Cross the road and walk to Four Points by Sheraton. Walk to the river. Cross the bridge and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Tiong Bahru MRT station (Stop ID 10169). Alight 5 stops later. Walk to Four Points by Sheraton. Walk to the river. Cross the bridge and walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

Halcyon & Crane @ Paragon - A New Cafe In The Heart Of Orchard Road

The legend Halcyon (kingfisher) from the Greek mythology and Crane from the Chinese have flown into Paragon with the opening of Halcyon & Crane, a cafe and bar concept where modern European cuisine is given a touch of Sichuan flavours, offering all day dining at the heart of Orchard Road. The cafe is opened by the same folk behind Birds of A Feather.

Orange Yuzu Passionfruit Coffee Cubes Latte 3.5/5

If you are not into cocktails, Halcyon & Crane offers some fancy coffee selection on the menu. I went for the Orange Yuzu Passionfruit Coffee Cubes Latte ($14) which is an interesting combination. You pour the jar of orange juice into the glass of coffee ice cubes.You get the sweetness of the orange juice followed by the bitterness of the caffeine at the end.  It sounds weird but the end product is quite tasty. Come to think of it, we usually have both coffee and orange juice for breakfast, why not combine the two together?

Cured Sausage Shakshuka 4/5

At Halcyon & Crane, the kitchen as given the shakshuka a modern and Asian twist with their version of Cured Sausage Shakshuka ($22). The baked egg in tomato sauce is paired with Sichuan spicy cured sausage, mushroom, corn, white beans and cheese. The clever use of the spicy and mala cured sausage lends the heat to the dish, which is similar to the original recipe of cayenne pepper. This is best enjoyed together with the toasted beetroot bread.

King's Chicken Hash Benedict 3/5

If you are bored with egg benedict with hollandnaise sauce, Halcyon & Crane offers a good change with the King's Chicken Hash Benedict ($21). 64-degree eggs rested on top of English muffin and blanket with cheddar cheese. The twist is the use of gong bao chicken replacing the hollandnaise sauce, giving it an Asian touch. The crispy leeks on top of the leek provide a enjoyable crunchy touch. Unfortunately I find the gong bao sauce and cheddar cheese did not quite work for me.

Ham & Cheesy Crepes 4/5

If you love your ham & cheese, I find the Ham & Cheesy Crepes ($19) here is a much elevated version. The crepe is actually quite thick in texture, more like a wrap, holding ingredients such as forest ham, cured sausage, lettuce and cheesy scrambled egg. The magic that brings everything together is the dou ban mayonnaise sauce, giving it a hint of spiciness among all the different flavours.

Smoked Tuna Tataki Salad 3/5

For something light and healthy, one can go for the Smoked Tuna Tataki Salad ($21). The salad is tossed in a tantalising spicy red oil vinaigrette and citrus dressing. This is paired with the clean tasting smoked tuna and quinoa salsa.

Australia Black Angus Beef Carpaccio 4.2/5

Another delightful dish I enjoyed is the Australia Black Angus Beef Carpaccio ($23). The slices of flavoursome beef is topped with wild chilli vinaigrette, pickled daikon, white quinoa salad and scallion & Sichuan pepper dressing. I would recommend having the beef carpaccio together with a bit of the salad to keep that spicy kick from the salad dressing, for a complete enjoyment of the dish.

Beetroot & Seafood Risotto 3/5

The Beetroot & Seafood Risotto ($32) may look pretty in its stunning pink colour presentation, I did quite enjoy it. Topped with seafood such as clams, prawns, squid and quail egg, I find the texture of the pearl rice too mushy.

Seafood & Spicy Sour Capellini 4.5/5

Most of the dishes I tried so far comes with some form of spiciness. Hence if you can't take spicy, then I would recommend the Seafood & Spicy Sour Capellini ($25). Don't be mislead by the description. First it is not spicy, second it is not capellini but bee hoon. The bee hoon soup in its light broth with a hint of tanginess is very appetising. In the bowl of noodle soup, you can find ingredients such as mussels, clams, prawns, squid, leek and pickled long beans.

Marinated Baby Octopus Salad 4.5/5

The Marinated Baby Octopus Salad ($20) supposed to be a salad item but I thought its more like a xiao cai  which goes really well with the earlier dish, Seafood & Spicy Sour Capellini. What I like most is the pickled and smoked pepper and egglant, it just opens up appetite. 

Baby Chicken Roulade 3/5

Using spring chicken, the meat for the Baby Chicken Roulade ($32) is marinated with honey fish sauce, five-spice powder and Sichuan pepper. It is then cooked to a delectable tender texture, paired with creamy pomme puree. Unfortunately the dish pale in comparison to the other dishes I tried.

Speciality Beef & Tomato Braised Rice 4.5/5

A not to be missed dish is the Speciality Beef & Tomato Braised Rice ($28). The mixed grains consists of pearl rice, brown rice, pearly barley and kamut doused in a rich tomato based beef stew. It is very flavourful and comforting. Somewhat like an angmo version of mui fan. It is topped with a sous vide egg and buffalo mozzarella, stir them into the braised rice for a creamy finish.

Molten Matcha Lava 3/5

Last but not least, we ended our dinner with the Molten Match Lava ($16) for dessert. I thought lava cake was passe, I was hoping for something more exciting.

While some of the dishes didn't quite meet my expectation, I still applaud the European-meets-Sichuan philosophy, it spices up the usual cafe-style dining. I would recommend the Beef Carpaccio, Seafood & Spicy Sour Capellini, Marinated Baby Octopus Salad and Speciality Beef & Tomato Braised Rice.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Halcyon & Crane
Paragon
290 Orchard Road
#03-09
Singapore 238859
Tel: +65 97275121
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit C or D. Proceed to the road level. Walk down Orchard Road until the junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link. Cross the road and walk to Paragon. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Proceed to the road level. Turn left on Orchard Road and walk down Orchard Road until junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link. Cross the Road and walk to Paragon. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Le Binchotan @ Amoy Street - Revitalised With Dishes Using French Techniques And Centuries-old Japanese Grilling over Binchotan

One and a half years on from opening, Le Binchotan continues to burn stilly, yet fiery at the back lane of Amoy Street. Keeping the fire blazing is the passion towards creating dishes by weaving French techniques with age-old method of Japanese grilling over white charcoal. Newly minted Chef-Owner Jeremmy has refreshed the menu recently, with new dishes to showcase the compelling qualities of the highly prized binchotan.

Uni and Caviar 3/5

At the first glance, Uni and Caviar ($25) looks like an uni chawanmushi but the bottom layer turns out to be corn mousse. And just when you thought those are ikura atop, are actually Shoyu pearls. The wild-caught bafun uni is simply a treat of scoop of savoury ice cream. I do find it slightly too rich towards the end hence best to savour it real slowly.

Binchotan Burnt Aubergine 3.8/5

Burnt on binchotan, I really like this Binchotan Burnt Aubergine ($12) for the smoky overtone that the chilled aubergine flesh carries, which is more pronounced under the tangy yoghurt & white sesame dressing. For sceptics out there who are wary of aubergine's soggy texture, this remains firm with a bite and the addition of the deep fried wild rice grains up the enjoyment factor.

Edible Charcoal 2.8/5

The Edible Charcoal ($23) with garlic yogurt looks just as enigmatic as the space itself, and what's notable is how they eventually get serve onto your plate. Wrapped within the charcoal skin is pulled short ribs, that has been slow-cooked in saikyo miso (a sweet mild miso) and port wine for 16 hours. To ensure the filling is juicy even after deep frying, the braising liquid is further reduced and frozen, then wrapped together with the pulled meat. The rolled spring roll is brushed in an egg wash and then coated in fine bamboo charcoal, before being deep fried in a deep frying vessel specially set aside for this dish. Though what resulted is an undeniably luscious meat filling, I do find it somewhat a little too rich and greasy, hence the garlic yogurt dip became a welcoming cooling respite.

Little Neck Clams 4/5

My favourite dish of the night is this Little Neck Clams ($20). It effuses a mellow sweet aroma, resulted from simmering clams in the sake, which at the same time adds a depth to the flavour of the broth. Stirring in the Vichyssoise settled underneath (a French thick soup made sauteed leeks, boiled potatoes and a little cream) the clear broth now inherits a body that boosts its mouthfill and taste.

Char-Pork Jowl 3/5

Char-Pork Jowl ($35) comes hearty with a slab of nagaimo (Chinese Yam) 'hashbrown' and Japanese curry. Confit in duck fat and whole garlic at 140 degrees celsius for 3 to 5 hours, then grilled on binchotan. What results is an moist core with a slight crisp exterior. As much as I like the fatty meat underneath the charred exterior, the porky taste on the surface was a little overwhelming. The nagaimo, on the other hand, delights me like a good sliced apple tart!

Braised Beef Cheeks 3.5/5

Braised Beef Cheeks ($27) is one of the reasons why you should make your way down for your lunch. Only available during lunch hour, this flavour-packed Molasses Sugar Australian beef cheeks fell apart at ease at I suck my teeth into it. The nashi pear strips has a bit of lemon juice to cut away some of the richness of the meat, and the starchy Vichyssoise soaks up all the wonderful juices from the meat, leaving nothing to waste.

Sakura Ebi Cappellini 3/5

Sakura Ebi Cappellini ($27) has somehow become as classic as Hongkong shrimp roe noodles. Cappellini tossed with tiny umami-laden Sakura Ebi pulps and Shio Kombu, relatively less fancy than the rest but still yet high on satisfaction level, especially on days when you are craving for carbs.

Mushroom Risotto 3/5

Without dairy, yet the Mushroom Risotto ($29) here delivers similar creamy texture akin to a cream or cheese laden risotto. The trick is to slow cook the rice to release its starch to create that desirable creamy consistency. The garlic chips releases punch of flavours in every mouthful of the pulpy rice.

Smoked Chocolate 4/5

The dish that sticks in my mind that night and lingers till now, is actually the dessert - Smoked Chocolate ($15). 64% dark chocolate from Valrhona is cold-smoked with apple wood, then melted with butter before being mixed into a cake batter. Left in a smoke-filled airtight container until served, the slab of cake is permeated inside out with that unique smokiness from apple wood. Distinct yet elusive, every bite of the cake intrigues my senses.

Matcha Lover 3.5/5

If the Smoked Chocolate is a dark knight, Matcha Lover ($17) is probably the fair lady. White chocolate is infused with matcha powder and mould into an apple with redbean inside. The red bean ice cream is made in-house with an egg-yolk base, which is light on the palate.

Rice 'Tea'

Complete the experience with craft cocktails that carry the same spirit as its dishes, such as the signature dark and smokey Le Binchotan, or perhaps just a plain Rice 'Tea', fragrant with hint of Genmaicha. Just like this cocktail of my choice, the dishes that stand out for me are those that are simple, yet packed with taste nuances released by binchotan.

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.


Le Binchotan
115 Amoy Street
#01-04
Singapore 069935
(entrance via Gemmill Lane)
Tel: +65 62241045
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight
Sat: 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street towards Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Take the side lane beside the shop house and walk to the back. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2)  Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Follow the covered walkway to the junction of Mccallum Street, Telok Ayer and Amoy Street. Turn left at the junction onto Amoy Street. Continue on Amoy Street to the end of the road. Take the side lane beside lane at the end of Amoy Street to the back. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]