Jiang-Nan Chun @ Four Seasons Hotel Singapore - Launched Signatures by Executive Chinese Chef Albert Au

Michelin-starred Jiang-Nan Chun at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore has recently launched Signatures by Executive Chinese Chef Albert Au. Available at both lunch (Six-course $178/pax) and dinner (Seven-Course at $198/ pax), menus showcase fresh, seasonal produce in dishes executed by weaving fresh, seasonal produce and a passion for bringing a dynamic perspective to classic techniques.

Jiang-Nan Chun Trilogy 4.8/5

Dinner is a seven-course experience that begins with a Jiang-Nan Chun Trilogy. It was a plate of 3 very luxurious bites - starting from a succulent and meaty Blue Prawn Toast, followed by a brilliantly executed slice of Crispy Suckling Pig layered with red wine jelly and a generous dollop of osetra caviar, and rounding off the first course is the signature Honey Glazed Pork Collar.

Double-boiled Fish Maw Soup 4.5/5

Next up, we have the classic Double-boiled Fish Maw Soup. It is doubled boiled for 6 hours with Sea Whelk and Dried Scallops, resulting in a gelatinous texture.

Braised Star Garoupa Fillet 4.8/5

The next course was my favourite, which features a wild-caught Braised Star Garoupa Fillet with Daikon in Superior Sauce. Chef Albert specially chose the Japanese daikon for its flavours, and it went all tender and sweet in the rich superior sauce. The fish on its own was outstanding, but the addition of the perfectly stewed daikon brought the dish up a notch.

Boston Lobster 4/5

The next dish highlights a style of cooking 避风塘 that is said to originate from Hongkong Causeway Bay. Such a cooking method was traditionally used with seafood. Here we had an elevated version using Boston Lobster with fragrant Garlic and Dried Chilli. Known for its aroma and robust flavours, the garlic and dried chilli brought out the lobster's sweetness, especially when the meat remained tender and juicy.

Braised Pork Belly with Pineapple 4.2/5

The next course is another Chef's signature - Braised Pork Belly with Pineapple. When the dish was served, there was an immediate pleasing waft of citrusy orange peel coming through. To counter the meat's richness, the pork belly was braised together with pineapple and other dried fruits for their tartness and acidity.

Handmade Noodles with Baby Abalone and Vegetables 4.8/5

The last savoury dish was a highlight for me as well - an extraordinarily homely and comforting Handmade Noodles with Baby Abalone and Vegetables. Both the broth and the texture of the noodles were superb, reflecting Chef Albert's culinary expertise and knowledge.

Oolong Tea infused Jivara Chocolate Sphere with Kumquat 3.5/5

Dessert is Oolong Tea infused Jivara Chocolate Sphere with Kumquat. It was pretty interesting to see a kumquat replacing the usual orange. I feel the extra acidity from the citrusy kumquat filling worked even better with the chocolate.

You can also opt for a pairing of Taittinger Prestige Rosé and fine wines, curated to perfectly complement the full seven-course menu, available at $298 per person. For dining reservations, please speak with Jiang-Nan Chun at 6831 7220 or email jnc.sin@fourseasons.com.

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.


Jiang Nan Chun (江南春)
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Second Floor
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248646
Tel: +65 68317220
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue walking along Orchard Road. Walk to Hilton Hotel. Go to level 2. Follow the passageway to Four Seasons Hotel. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 12 minutes. [Map]

Colony @ The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore - Celebrating The Joy Of Spring Over Heritage Cuisines Alongside Lunar New Year Delights

Celebrate the joy of spring at Colony, Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore over a sumptuous heritage cuisines alongside Lunar New Year delight for lunch or dinner from 11 through 14 February, and on 18 February 2021. Diners will also receive a set of exclusive Rotz-Carlton red packets and a pair of Mandarin oranges, per reservation.

Yu Sheng is a must-have in every reunion dinner. Diners can look forward to sea whelk, salmon and ikura Yu Sheng, to toss to a year of abundance, prosperity and health.

Mini Pen Cai 4.5/5

A highlight for me is the Mini Pen Cai that comprises sea cucumber, dried scallop, roast pork, sea asparagus, abalone and daikon. There is more! Diners can get unlimited servings during Reunion Dinner on 11 February and Lo Hei Dinner on 12, 13, 14 and 18 February 2021.

24K Gold Leaf Kurobuta Pork Char Siew with Abalone and Gold Grain Fried Rice 4.5/5

Another CNY highlight is the 24K Gold Leaf Kurobuta Pork Char Siew with Abalone and Gold Grain Fried Rice. The char siew not only is it fatty and tender; it even has a delectable exterior layer of charred smokiness. Unfortunately, this is limited to one serving per guest during Reunion Dinner on 11 February 2021.

Besides the selection of CNY delights specially curated for Reunion Dinner, Lo Hei Lunch and Dinner, guests can also enjoy the sumptuous buffet spread of the award-winning restaurants. Due to COVID, the restaurant has removed the buffet line, but you still can order from the online menu and get served to your table.

For dining reservations or enquiries, please call 65.6434.5288 or email rc.sinrz.restaurantreservations@ritzcarlton.com. You can also get a selection of handcrafted Prosperity Goodies such as pineapple balls, nian gao and kueh lapis. They are available exclusively at Colony Bakery from 15 January to 18 February 2021, 9am to 9pm daily. For orders and enquiries, please call 65.6434.5278, email rc.sinrz.bakery@ritzcarlton.com or visit www.colonybakery.oddle.me.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Colony
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
7 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039799
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 330pm - 530pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sun: 12pm - 330pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Directions:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to the overhead walkway link at Millenia Walk. Take the overhead walkway across the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Full of Luck Restaurant @ Holland Village - Usher In A Bountiful And Joyous New Year With Traditional Dishes With A Modern Flair

Usher in the Year of Ox with classic Cantonese favourites but imbued with a modern flair at Full of Luck Restaurant. Chinese New Year sets will be made available from 1 February to 28 February 2021, with dishes that satisfy your palate and visually delightful with fun and thoughtful designs.

Yu Sheng 4/5

Toss to a year of bountiful blessings with Prosperity Lo Hei with Smoked Salmon and Yuzu. Setting itself apart from others with an adorable cartoon-inspired look, it is also one of the few yushengs that comes with huge fruity pearls of both passionfruit and pomegranate seeds. The homemade sauce is concocted with plum, apple, pineapple and yuzu for a more balanced tangy and sweet flavour.

Truffled Jade Melon Rings Stuffed with Pork & Abalone 4.5/5

Truffled Jade Melon Rings Stuffed with Pork & Abalone surprised me with its soft and tender melon rings and extremely juicy stuffing. The flavoursome sauce is extracted from the ingredients' essence, making the dish even more nourishing.

Double Delights Platter 4.8/5

The Double Delights Platter pairs its Signature Honey Glazed Char Siew with Crispy Kurobuta Pork. The char siew especially had just enough fats to butter over the lean meat. The occasional bites into the charred bits were pleasurable.

Abundance Money Bag Stuffed with Crabmeat and Pork 4.5/5

Abundance Money Bag Stuffed with Crabmeat and Pork was one of my favourite dishes with juicy and flavourful dumplings in sweet and savoury golden pumpkin sauce.

Auspicious XL Prawn Ball with Bak Kwa Sauce 3/5

Auspicious XL Prawn Ball is unique with its housemade bak kwa sauce but the prawn ball was too tough for my liking.

Scallion Oil White Jade Noodle with Black Garlic Tiger Prawns 4/5

Scallion Oil White Jade Noodle with Black Garlic Tiger Prawns will win you over with its homely and comforting taste. The prawns were a tad mushy, but all the flavours were on point.

Glutinous Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaf 4.5/5

The Glutinous Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaf with Tiger Prawns and Scallops is one of the highlights in the set meal. Slathered with a layer of piquant garlic spicy sauce, it was yummy and moreish, making sure that you are well-fed for a bountiful year ahead!

Chinese New Year Set menus are available for dine-in from $188 for 2 pax to $668 for 10pax. Takeaway Set Menu is available at $65 per pax with a minimum of 2 to order.

Note: This is an inviting tasting.


Full Of Luck Restaurant
243 Holland Ave
Singapore 278977
Tel: +65 62086845
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 2 minutes. [Map]

Taste Paradise @ ION Orchard - Reopens After 7 Months Of Renovation With A Refreshed Menu

Taste Paradise at ION Orchard has finally reopened after seven months of renovation work with a refreshed menu by 32-year-old Executive Chef Chan Chung Sing and 58-year-old Executive Chef Chan Wing Kwong. The restaurant has also embarked on a new wine pairing dining experience, featuring over 200 exquisite labels from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United States and Argentina.

Stewed Chicken Claw in Abalone Sauce 4.2/5

Stewed Chicken Claw is not an uncommon dish, but not many places do it well. Some places will deep-fry the claw for that layer of crispiness. I like the stewed method, which gives it a gelatinous layer accentuated by the delicious abalone sauce, made with dried abalone sauce, concentrated chicken broth and jinhua ham.

Crispy Golden Tofu 4/5

The Crispy Golden Tofu, though lightly seasoned, it is quite addictive with the contrasting crispy exterior and silky soft interior.

Double-boiled Sea Whelk with Kampong Chicken Soup 4.2/5

The Double-boiled Sea Whelk with Kampong Chicken Soup is a comforting entree to whet the appetite as well as lining the stomach for the upcoming dishes.

Signature Braised 10-Head Australian Dried Abalone in Abalone Sauce 4.8/5

For a luxurious enjoyment, one can go for the Signature Braised 10-Head Australian Dried Abalone in Abalone Sauce. It is braised under fork tender complemented by the delicious abalone sauce. Not known to diners, the chef takes a whole week to prepare the dish, from rehydrating to simmering and braising the dried abalone.

Stir-fried Japanese A4 Wagyu Beef Cube with Spring Onion in Black Pepper Sauce 4.2/5

Tender and juicy is the Stir-fried Japanese A4 Wagyu Beef Cube with Spring Onion in Black Pepper Sauce. The beautiful marbling of the beef is complemented by the piquant black pepper sauce.

Signature Charred Honey BBQ Kurobuta Pork 4.2/5, Crackling Pork Belly 4/5

Roasted meats are a staple in any Cantonese Chinese restaurant in Singapore. Hence you will also find them served at Taste Paradise. We had both the Signature Charred Honey BBQ Kurobuta Pork and Crackling Pork Belly. The highlight is the char siew, that is sweet and succulent with a layer of crispy, smoky char on the exterior. In fact, Taste Paradise has tweaked the recipe slightly, which is well received by diners.

Baked Live Prawn with Vermicelli in Black and White Pepper

One of my favourite dishes in the refreshed menu is the Baked Live Prawn with Vermicelli in Black and White Pepper ($10++ per 100g). The peppery aroma not only filled the air but enhanced the flavour of the vermicelli.

Steamed Live Marble Goby 'Soon Hock' with Garlic and Beancurd Skin 3.8/5

The Steamed Live Marble Goby 'Soon Hock' with Garlic and Beancurd Skin ($13++ per 100g) actually save diners a lot of trouble as they are fillet nicely for easy consumption. It even comes with beancurd skin for the extra textural enjoyment complemented by the Shunde-style soy sauce.

Poached Rice with Assorted Seafood in Lobster Broth 4.5/5

Poached rice seems like the new trend in the food scene lately. Even Taste Paradise has jumped on the bandwagon and introduced the Poached Rice with Assorted Seafood in Lobster Broth ($52++). In the luscious lobster broth, there are scallop and crab meat topped with crispy rice.

Sweet Temptation 3.5/5

Last but not least, we wrapped up the dinner with the Sweet Temptation ($14.80++ per pax), a splendid presentation of assorted fruits, chilled avocado puree, chilled mango puree and chilled aloe vera, lemongrass jelly in sour plum and lime juice. This dessert platter is a pleaser, consisting of sweet, sour and citrusy.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Taste Paradise
ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#04-07
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 65099660
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 1030am - 430pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Laifa Bar @ The Scarlet Hotel - What A Steal, $5.50 Wanton Mee At A Hotel

Laifa Bar at The Scarlet Hotel is a wine bar turned noodle house, serving traditional wanton noodle, dumplings and complementary sides. Equipped with recipes handed to him by his grandmother, who used to be a hawker herself selling homemade taupok and wanton noodle back in the 1970s, chef-owner Royce Lee fine-tunes them and bring the traditional dishes to the table with a touch of modernity and bettered flavours.

Wanton Noodle 4.2/5

The Wanton Noodle ($5.50) is what first brought many to Laifa Bar. With its hearty portion, meaty wantons and springy noodles, there is no reason why one won't return for more. The original sauce used to toss the noodle is flavoursome, but I suggest adding a little of the special chilli sauce that comes bright orange in a bottle. True to its colour, it brightens up the dish with zest and heat. The dry wanton noodle doesn't come with soup which is prepared in a limited portion daily but will be served to you upon request.

Char Siew & Crispy Pork Noodle 4.5/5

However, what's even more superior than the wanton noodle I find, is the Char Siew & Crispy Pork Noodle ($7.50). Keeping to the tradition of a wanton noodle, the char siew used for Wanton Noodle is of a leaner cut, whereas for this bowl, a thicker and fattier part of the meat is served. One look at the burnt ends and you know they are well caramelised. I love the smokey charred fats! The crispy pork didn't disappoint too. The meat and fats were as unctuous, laced with a layer of crispy skin.

Dumpling Soup 4.2/5

The Dumpling Soup ($7.50) is another winner. The minced meat and prawn filling was not overmixed, resulting in a really juicy, loosely packed and tender dumpling.

Taupok 4/5

The sides here are pretty strong too. The Taupok ($8.00) surprised me with their airiness, alongside a well seasoned and tender minced meat filling.

Wanton in Red Chilli Oil 4.5/5

The spice-laden concoction of the red-chilli oil of the Wanton in Red-Chilli Oil ($8.00) is by far the most piquant I have tried. It strikes a perfect balance of spice, tang and sweetness, and it tasted so good over my noodles!

Egg Slice 3/5

The Egg Slice ($7.00) is an egg loaf made using flour and egg, and the way it is being executed gives it an almost hash brown-like texture.

Ngoh Hiong 3.8/5

The skinny Ngoh Hiong ($7.00) was interesting with a chewy texture, but the spices were a little strong for me.

Overall, I'm rather impressed by how satiable the food is at Laifa Bar, especially given that local fare is not the intended concept of this space.

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.


Laifa Bar
The Scarlet Hotel
33 Erskine Road
Singapore 069333
Tel: +65 84392104
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu, Sun: 1030am - 430pm
Fri-Sat: 1030am - 830pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Continue to the end of Amoy Street. Climb the stairs beside Siang Cho Keong Temple, up Ann Siang Hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Maxwell Road towards Kadayanallur Street (beside URA building). Turn right onto Kadayanallur Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Dining at Home During Circuit Breaker - Fook Kin

Fook Kin is one of my favourite restaurants to dine in. Inevitable, they are my first few food deliveries I ordered during the circuit breaker period. Not to mention, they are one of the few restaurants to quickly adapt to the new measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, adjusting their business model to cater to the unique situation.

Fook Kin Mix Platter

Fook Kin is known for the signature Caramelised 'Char Siew, which is from the same people behind Roast Paradise. It has a sweet, smokey charred exterior that behaved almost like the caramelised sugar crust of a creme brulee. A very subtle crack as I took a bite and the meat encased within was delicious with its fats nicely broken down. The greedy me decided to have the Fook Kin Mix Platter that comes with delectable Sio Bak too.

Roast Duck

If you like your roasts. Fook Kin has also introduced Roast Duck on their menu. Compare to the last time I had them, they have improved their recipe.

Trip Happines Tofu

Besides the roasts, the restaurants also offer several sides dishes and cooked dishes too. One of them is the Trip Happiness Tofu. The cold tofu is topped with floss, roe and century egg. In my previous review, I mentioned that the amount of century egg was disappointing. Looks like they have improved on that.

Stir-fried French Beans with Dried Shrimp

Packed with aromatic from the dried shrimp and garlic is the Stir-fried French Beans that is very well executed. Full of flavours and has a delightfully crunchy bite.

Fook Kin is available for both self-collection and island-wide delivery. Visit https://order.charsiew.com/ to order. $5 delivery fee for order above $50, $10 delivery fee for order below$50.


Fook Kin 福劲
111 Killiney Road
Singapore 239550
Tel: +65 67373488
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Cut through Comcentre to Killiney Road. Turn right onto Killiney Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Paradise Dynasty @ Funan Mall - Singapore First Ever Alcohol Infused Xiao Long Bao For A Limited Period

Fans of Paradise Group dining concepts will be excited to know that it has launched limited-edition alcohol-infused Xiao Long Bao, at Paradise Dynasty, Funan Mall. The Singapore first-ever alcohol-infused xiao long bao will only be available from 10 December 2019 to 19 January 2020 together with 4 other exclusive dishes - Shanghai Sesame Char Siew Pastry, Pan-fried Chilli Crab Bun, Deep-fried Crispy Duck served with Lotus Bun and Dong Po Pork.

Tipsy Surprise Xiao Long Bao 4.5/5

I find the Tipsy Surprise Xiao Long Bao ($18.80) an ingenious creation by the culinary team. During the promotional period from 10 December 2019 to 19 January 2020, guest can enjoy a basket of the alcohol xiao long bao at only $2.80 with every order of the other exclusive dishes at the Funan outlet.

The filling of each parcel is treated with a different distilled spirit. The alcohol helps to bring out the flavours of the tender meat filling housed in the dumpling skin, The different colours have a different flavour profile. White for Beer, Yellow for Red Wine with Cheese, Green for Chinese Rice Wine, Red for Whiskey and Orange for Cognac. The bold creation is legit delicious with the distinct distilled spirit profile which will excite your taste buds.

Shanghai Sesame Char Siew Pastry 4.2/5

Another exclusive dishes at Funan Mall is the Shanghai Sesame Char Siew Pastry ($5.80/3pcs) comes with a sweet tender meat filling encased in a flaky shell with a beautiful coat of aroma from the white sesame. 

Pan-fried Chilli Crab Bun 3.8/5

Making another exclusive return for a limited time is the Pan-fried Chilli Crab Bun ($10.80/3pcs). It soft and fluffy bun comes with succulent crab meat inside while the bottom is pan-fried to a slight crisp. While I enjoyed the soft and fluffy dough, I find the sauce on the garlicky side, which is not my preferred interpretation of the chilli crab sauce.

Deep-fried Crispy Duck served with Lotus Bun 3.8/5

Similar to how we enjoy Peking Duck, the Deep-fried Crispy Duck served with Lotus Bun ($30/half) is best enjoyed by sandwiching a piece of the crispy duck in the soft lotus bun and paired with the sweet hoisin sauce, and cucumber and radish condiments.

Dong Po Pork 4/5

Another favourite item from exclusive dishes is the classic Dong Po Pork ($19.80). The braised pork belly glazed with dark soy sauce is slow-cooked to fork-tender. This hearty dish is best to go with a bowl of steamed white rice.

All these items are only exclusive at the Funan outlet fro a limited period from 10 December 2019 to 19 January 2010. Simply ordered one of the exclusive dishes Shanghai Sesame Char Siew Pastry, Pan-fried Chilli Crab Bun, Deep-fried Crispy Duck served with Lotus Bun or Dong Po Pork to enjoy a basket of the Tipsy Suprise Xiao Long Bao at only $2.80 during the promotional period.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Paradise Dynasty
Funan Mall
107 North Bridge Road
#B1-01
Singapore 179097
Tel: +65 68051642
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH; 1030am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left onto North Bridge Road. Walk down North Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 mins. [Map]