The Lobby Lounge @ Intercontinental Singapore - New Peranakan Afternoon Tea With A Series Of Heritage Cocktails

Inspired by InterContinental Singapore’s heritage roots in the rich cultural Bugis precinct, and in celebration of the nation’s 55th birthday, The Lobby Lounge presents a new Peranakan Afternoon Tea experience, which will be available from 1 August to 31 October 2020. Showcased on a multi-tiered stand representing a heritage food journey, the new afternoon tea repast is amped up with locality, featuring creations with locally-farmed ingredients such as strawberries, kale and arugula, alongside iconic delights inspired by Straits-Chinese cuisine.

The elegant high tea includes modern renditions of Peranakan desserts such as the Ondeh Ondeh Cake which features a kaya sponge cake with coconut mousse and luscious caramel gula melaka core.

The Banana Genoa Cake has a subtle sweet caramel flavour topped with caramel whipped cream, kumquat curd and jelly cubes.

The pair of Ang Ku Kueh was interestingly crafted into 2 different shapes, symbolising the female and male kueh, filled with delicious mung bean paste.

Not to be missed are the delicate cups of Chendol jelly, red bean, coconut and palm sugar, as well as the Pulut Hitam Chiffon Cake with salted coconut cream.

Instead of the normal scones, the afternoon tea serves unique flavoured scones such as the Milo and Lemon Scones, served alongside gula melaka coconut jam and clotted cream.

Guests with a penchant for savoury delights will also enjoy treats such as Kale Pesto Crab Sandwich featuring pesto made from Singapore grown kale and crab meat.

One of our favourites is the Deep-fried Rendang Chicken Mantou, which is fried to a golden crispy brown, yet fluffy inside, encasing tender and flavourful rendang chicken meat.

We enjoyed the fragrant Five-spice Kurobuta pork Ngoh Hiang topped with sweet and spicy mango as well.

Another notable highlight is the Kikorangi Blue Cheese Strawberry Crostini, comprising New Zealand farmed cheese and locally grown strawberries on a peanut butter crostini, sprinkled with crushed walnuts and hazelnut.

The Lobby Lounge has also launched a series of Heritage Cocktails crafted in honour of the journey of Sang Nila Utama, The Prince of Palembang, who founded the Kingdom of Singapura in 1299. Each cocktail in this series represents a part of his journey.

Savour Crown Into The Sea, a light cocktail made up of Havana 3, Apricot Brandy, Peach Schnapps and Ginger Beer served with slices of lime, representative of the great storm mid-journey which led to the Prince throwing his crown overboard as a gift to the sea to calm the storm, allowing him to reach Temasek safely. The last of the series, The King of The Jungle, is a ruby red cocktail comprising a mixed flavour profile of indigenous herbs like kaffir lime, star anise and cinnamon, which lift the palate. This concoction was inspired by the lion that Sang Nila Utama spotted upon landing which prompted him to name the island Singapura.

$88 for two guests, inclusive of fine loose-leaf tea or coffee.
$118 for two guests, inclusive of two flutes of Tattinger Brut Champagne, fine loose-leaf tea or coffee.
For reservations, please visit TheLobbyLounge.sg, email InterContinental.Dining@ihg.com, or speak with us at +65 6825 1008

Photos and words 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.


The Lobby Lounge
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 2pm - 5pm

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

Le Fusion @ Robertson Quay - Contemporary Tinkering With A Unique Twist of Ingredients

Le Fusion at Robertson Quay is a chic restaurant and bar opened by husband and wife duo. The duo has put together an array of modern Chinese dishes inspired from the travel around the world.

Focaccia Rose Mantou 3/5

Diners at Le Fusion will be greeted with the Focaccia Rose Mantou. Similar to the bread and butter served at a Western restaurant, the mantou is made from a blend of pumpkin and original flour with hints of oregano paired with vinaigrette dressing on the side.

Rougle Foie Gras 4/5

An unusual pairing is the Rougle Foie Gras ($25). The pan-seared foie gras rest atop a bed of Chinese glutinous rice, elevated by the tangy mandarin orange-infused in-house sauce. The combination may sound weird, but surprisingly it is pleasantly balanced with a refreshing touch.

Imperial Double Boiled Soup 4.5/5

The Imperial Double Boiled Soup ($28) is Le Fusion's luxe rendition of the traditional Buddha Jump Over the Wall. The nutritious soup which has been double-boiled overnight is packed with richness drawn from the essence of the premium ingredients such as abalone, scallop, dried oyster and a myriad of Chinese herbs. I would recommend having a sip of its original taste before adding the Nu Er Hong Rice Wine, which gives the soup a new taste profile with an added tinge of sweetness.

Crispy Pork Belly Mantou 3.5/5

A delightful dish on the menu is the Crispy Pork Belly Mantou ($12). The slow-roasted succulent pork belly with crispy crackling skin is sandwiched between soft fluffy mantou with a mix of marinated salted vegetables, mayonnaise and crushed peanuts. While I enjoyed the dish, I thought the sweet and spicy Thai chilli sauce may be a better alternative to the mayonnaise.

Braised Abalone Seafood Rice 3.8/5

The Braised Abalone Seafood Rice ($38) is an "atas' version of the Chinese Mui Fan. The rice is drenched in a special savoury consomme and comes with a medley of seafood such as Tasmania 6-head abalone, scallops, fish, squids, mussels and prawns.

Trio Pasta 3/5

Still on carbo is the colourful Trio Pasta ($38). The trio pasta flavours are green pesto, red chilli crab and sesame squid ink. While it is pleasing to the eyes, it doesn't really translate to the taste.

Crispy Pork Roulade 3.5/5

Moving to the meats, we started with the Crispy Pork Roulade ($32).  The pork belly is stuffed with a mixture of uncased sausage meat and roasted in the oven. The result is a succulent interior with a crisp, crunchy exterior. It is paired with baby tomato soaked overnight in Shanghainese plum wine, deep-fried mantou and piquillo yuzu emulsion.

Asian Crusted Provencal Lamb Rack 4/5

Coated with breadcrumbs and Provencal herbs is the Asian Crusted Provencal Lamb Rack ($46). I enjoyed the rub on the lamb rack, giving it a beautiful flavour complementing the tender lamb rack.

Tsingtao Beef Fillet 3.5/5

Lastly, we have the Tsingtao Beef Fillet ($42) which has been tenderized through 12-hour infusion with Tsingtao beef. While the meat is cooked to perfect tender, I didn't like the bitterness beer taste that distracted me from appreciating the natural sweetness of the meat. What stood out was actually the cauliflower pommes mash at the side. It was so soft and delicious.

Le Fusion Chendol 3/5, Panna Cotta with Sweet Glutinous 3/5

Wrapping up the dinner we have the Le Fusion Chendol ($14) and Panna Cotta with Sweet Glutinous ($14). I preferred the panna cotta over the chendol. The chendol lacked the coconut milk fragrant and gula melaka bittersweetness. I also think the restaurant needs to reconsider how the desserts are served. Though it looks elegant in a glass, it is hard for the diners to get to the ingredients to enjoy the dessert.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Le Fusion
The Pier at Robertson Quay
80 Mohamed Sultan Road
#01-7/8/9
Singapore 239013
Tel: +65 63639966
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 5pm - 1am
Sun: 4pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction of Clemenceau Ave and River Valley. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Clemenceau Ave. Turn right onto Unity Street. Then left onto Merbau Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

White Rose Cafe @ York Hotel - Unlimited Servings Of Penang Hawkers' Fare From 13 December 2019 to 1 January 2020

The ever-popular Penang Hawkers' Fare returns for the thirty-third years at York Hotel from 13 December 2019 to 01 January 2020. Diners will get to savour a variety of Penang street food from the twelve live stations at White Rose Cafe.

Penang Rojak 4/5

Kick start the Penang street food feast with the refreshing Penang Rojak that consists of diced cucumbers, jambu and pineapples, tossed in savoury sweet prawn paste and topped with peanuts.

Char Kway Teow 4.2/5

Not to be missed is the packed with wok hei Penang Char Kway Teow. The dancing chef has also made a return this year. Be entertained by her move while she swings into a rhythm while frying the rice noodles. This is less sweet compared to the local version and a little spicy too.

Roti Canai 4.8/5

I have attended previous Penang Hawkers' Fare, but I have yet to try the Roti Canai. I am glad they brought back the roti canai stall. I really enjoyed the crispy and fluffy texture of the flatbread, paired with either the Dhal Curry or Chicken Curry. This is my favourite dish for the latest edition of the Penang Hawkers' Fare.

Nasi Lemak with Nonya Chicken Kaptian 4/5

Simply irresistible is the Nasi Lemak with Nonya Chicken Kapitan. Besides the fragrant nasi lemak rice, the die for is the succulent Nonya chicken kapitan, a dry version of the chicken curry. This is paired with homemade sambal chilli and crispy ikan bilis.

Lor Bak 4/5

Good for sharing or to go along with your other dishes is the Lor Bak. On the plate, you will get five-spice meat rolls, prawn fritters and deep-fried bean curd served with homemade chilli sauce and a thick soy-based sauce.

Oyster Omelette 4.5/5

Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside are the Oyster Omelette. This is best enjoyed together with the tangy chilli sauce.

Cuttlefish Kang Kong 4/5

A dish that is hardly seen nowadays is the Cuttlefish Kang Kong. The crunchy cuttlefish and water convolvulus are matched with a sweet and slightly spicy sauce together with quality prawn paste, and peanuts.

Penang Laksa 4.2/5

For noodle dishes, there are Penang Laksa, Penang Prawn Mee, Kway Teow Soup and Dry. If you enjoy something sour and spicy, then the Penang Laksa will be an appetising choice with its tangy tamarind fish-based broth.  The addition of pineapple, cucumber and torch ginger gives the bowl of thick rice noodles a distinctive fragrance and refreshing note. Add a dollop of prawn paste to crown the flavour profile.

Penang Prawn Mee 4.2/5

For the Penang Prawn Mee, the bowl of noodle is packed with a comforting and robust stock that has been laborious boiled for hours comprising of prawn heads, shells and pork ribs.

Kway Teow Soup 4.5/5

Kway Teow Dry 4/5

If you want something light, there is the Kway Teow Soup. The smooth flat rice noodle comes in a light yet refreshing soup, together with fish balls, fish cake and shredded chicken. A dry version is also available.

Ice Kachang 4/5 and Chendol 4.2/5

Wrapping up the meal on a sweet note with the Ice Kachang and Chendol. Given a choice, I would go for the chendol for the used of fresh fragrant coconut milk, which usually is substituted with those instant ones.

Ban Chang Kueh 4/5

If you still have space for some dessert, the Ban Chang Kueh is not to be missed. The crispy pancake shell is folded into half with a spoonful of margarine, ground peanuts and sugar. Crispy on the edges while chewy inside.

Price
Weekdays (lunch and dinner): $29++ per adult | $20++ per child
Weekends and PH (lunch and dinner): $33++ per adult | $23++ per child

Note: This is an invited tasting.


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

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. 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]

Relish @ Fraser Tower - Transformed Into Roketto Izakaya When Night Falls

For those that missed the food at Wild Rocket by Chef Willin Low when it closed last year, you will be rejoiced to know that Chef Willin has brought the Mod-Sin DNA of Wild Rocket to Relish at Fraser Tower. When night falls, Relish will be transformed into Roketto Izakaya offering a casual dining bar concept featuring modern Singapore small bites and sharing plates, in the evening of Tuesdays to Saturdays.

Fish Collagen Broth 4.5/5

Having not dined in Wild Rocket before, I am not sure what to expect at Roketto Izakaya. Our first dish is the Fish Collagen Broth ($5). The flavourful and milky broth is from the essence of slow cooking the fish bones. No milk is added. The centrepiece is the fish cake that is coated with deep-fried egg. There is even fat choy in the soup. Chef Willin has kept the characteristic of our local fried fish soup but elevated it in his interpretation.

Har Jeong Pork Keropok 3.5/5

The Har Jeong Pork Keropok ($8.50) is quite addictive on its own. The thinly sliced pork belly is deep-fried until bacon-like crispy with the pungent prawn paste flavour. However, I am mix about the kaffe lime mayo dip. I felt that the intensity of the kaffe lime, sort of overpowered the prawn paste flavour.

Tandoori Pappadum Nachos 4/5

The Tandoori Pappadum Nachos ($8.50) is not your typical nachos with cheese dip. Instead, the corn chips are replaced with pappadum and paired with tandoori minced meat and yoghurt. An interesting take giving it an Indian influence.

Aburaage Rojak Salad 4.8/5

The Aburaage Rojak Salad ($15) elevated the local dish with the use of the Japanese aburaage in place of the local tau pok. The 'hae kor" ice cream substitutes the prawn paste sauce for rojak, binding the dish together. This is a brilliant dish that transforms a three dollar hawker dish into a fifteen dollar restaurant dish.

Har Jeong Tin Gai 4.2/5

The Har Jeong Tin Gai ($12) looks like chicken drumstick at one glance. They are really tender and juicy with a light crispy batter.

Curry Chicken Shepherd Pie 4.5/5

I thought the Curry Chicken Shepherd Pie ($15.80) is a crazy idea but Chef Willin actually made that happen, and it tastes delicious. You have to try it for yourself to know how great the combination really works. The curry chicken recipe is super shiok.

Krapow Prata Pizza 4/5

Chef Willin's love of Thai flavours can be seen in the Krapow Prata Pizza ($15). Instead of pizza dough, a crispy prata takes its place. It is topped with spicy minced meat, Thai basil, chilli and cheese.

Nasi Lemak Chicken Wings 3.5/5

The Nasi Lemak Chicken Wings ($8.50) comes with liquid rice and ikan bilis. It is a unique take of the traditional dish. However, it didn't quite excite me. I didn't like the skinny, crispy chicken wings. I prefer those that are tender and juicy.

Rendang Beef Cheek 3/5

While everything has been spot on so far, the Rendang Beef Cheek ($20) pales from the rest. The beef cheek probably has been sous vide which lacks the fibrous bite. The rendang also fell short in flavours and depth.

Char Siew Rice 3.5/5

Unfortunately, I didn't like the Char Siew Rice ($20) too. While the char siew is tender, it didn't have the char and sweetness that made me fell in love with the roast. The brown rice was a bit too hard and dry for me also.

Wild Rocket Chendol 4.2/5

Bur Bur Hitam 4/5, Wild Rocket Strawberry Cheesecake $9.20

For desserts, we have Wild Rocket Chendol ($8.50), Bur Bur Hitam ($7.80) and Wild Rocket Strawberry Cheesecake ($9.20). I would recommend saving some space for these wonderful desserts. I only hope I have a second stomach.

Although I have not visited Wild Rocket, I am glad that I still can taste some of the signature wild rocket dishes, in a more casual form at Roketto Izakaya. Chef Willin's modern Singapore cuisine indeed has brought our local food into a whole new level.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Relish
Frasers Tower
182 Cecil Street
#02-12/13
Singapore 069547
Tel: +65 69045458
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 11am - 3pm
Tue-Sat:  11am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.