Madame Fan @ The NCO Club - A Mythical Spring Odyssey at Madame Fan this Lunar New Year

Madame Fan welcomes the Year of the Dragon by rolling out their meticulously crafted festive Spring creations. From 15 January to 25 February 2024, diners can select from dine-in Set Menus (from $108 per pax) and a la carte items, highlighting elevated modern Cantonese dishes made with premium ingredients.

Additionally, a special Lunar New Year Edition of the restaurant's Dim Sum, Drink Sum Brunch (from $118 per pax), will feature items such as Steamed Black Truffle Dumpling with Wild Mushroom and Crab Roe Har Gao alongside Madame Fan's Signature Salmon Yu Sheng and new-to-menu cocktails. This will be available from 10 to 12, 17 to 18 and 24 to 25 February 2024.

For our dinner, we sampled highlights from the various menus.

Bountiful Blessings Lobster Yu Sheng 4.2/5

Exclusively available for dine-in, the Bountiful Blessings Lobster Yu Sheng ($238 serves 8 persons) is presented with the traditional Chinese character of the dragon 龍. The star here was the fleshy and sweet chunks of Australian Lobster paired with an assortment of other fresh ingredients.

This refreshing modern take was vibrant yet pleasingly light, with the combination of homemade bak kwa, crispy lotus root slices, green mango, longan, pomegranate, guava, apple, mango and grapefruit, dressed in a Honey Grain Mustard Yuzu Yogurt sauce.

Madame Fan’s Prosperity Poon Choi 4.5/5

Another must-have for Lunar New Year would be poon choi. Madame Fan's Prosperity Poon Choi (from $438 for 5 pax) contains top ingredients of abalone, sea cucumber, scallop, and tiger prawns simmered with premium yam in a homemade abalone broth. The base is slow-cooked for over four hours, further enhanced with the addition of a roasted pork knuckle.

The Poon Choi is available for takeaway as well. Diners can opt to upgrade to the Prosperity Poon Choi Bundle ($698 for 6 pax), which includes Abalone Yu Sheng, Wok Fried Glutinous Rice with Preserved Sausage, Dried Shrimp and Yam as well as Pan Fried Nian Gao with Coconut Crumb.

Geoduck with Japanese Cucumber, Black Fungus, Aged Vinegar 4.5/5

The chilled Geoduck with Japanese Cucumber, Black Fungus, and Aged Vinegar ($68 per a la carte portion) was an inviting starter, with the sweet and crunchy geoduck complementing the mild acidity from the aged vinegar jelly.

Sea Urchin Shumai 4/5

Aside from the Geoduck, we also had the Sea Urchin Shumai, which is recommended to enjoy in a mouthful.

Imperial Bird’s Nest Golden Broth 4.8/5

One standout dish for me that evening was the luxurious Imperial Bird's Nest Golden Broth. This slow-cooked velvety broth boasted rich umami flavours and was elegantly adorned with bird's nest, fresh crab meat and roe. The touch of crispy shreds of scallop added an extra layer of indulgence.

Braised Giant Grouper 4/5

Chef's Braised Giant Grouper was presented with its fish skin, beancurd fupi, and chu hou sauce. While the Cantonese preparation rendered the grouper's meat tender, I personally found the braised sauce a tad too sweet.

Stewed Seafood Beancurd Rice 4.8/5

Another remarkable dish was the Stewed Seafood Beancurd Rice. The base stock, enriched by Gu Yue Long Shan rice wine, created a flavourful stew that allowed the natural seafood sweetness to shine through, topped with caviar for an extra touch of lux!

Mango Fountain Chiffon Cake 4.5/5

The chef puts a creative spin on the traditional Mango Sago dessert with the Mango Fountain Chiffon Cake ($22 for a la carte). This delightful conclusion to the meal presents a medley of textures, including crumbs, ice cream, mousse, chiffon, and fresh mango slices. I appreciated the well-balanced sweetness and the added zest from Australian finger lime.

To place your dine-in reservations, email madamefan.nco@marriott.com, call 6818 1921 or visit their website at www.madamefan.sg.

For takeaways, visit www.madamefan.oddle.me to view their full range of offerings. These are available from 15 January to 25 February 2024 and must be made at least 2 days in advance. Receive a limited edition keepsake of Madame Fan's exclusive Mahjong Set with a minimum spend of $3,888 nett for dine-in or takeaways.

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.


Madame Fan
The NCO Club
32 Beach Road
Singapore 189764
Tel: +65 6818 1921
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade MRT (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 330pm, 6pm - 10pm

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

Bedrock Origin @ Oasia Resort Sentosa - Acclaimed Home-grown Steakhouse Launches Second Restaurant

Following the success of Bedrock Bar & Grill at Somerset, the team has opened a second restaurant - Bedrock Origin at the new Oasia Resort Sentosa. Bedrock Origin features more diverse ingredients compare to its flagship restaurant. Diners can look forward to a new and exclusive selection of seafood, dry-aged meats including fish, as well as roasted harvests, in addition to the perennial mush-have steaks.

Kingfish Sashimi 4.5/5

We started the dinner with the appetising Kingfish Sashimi ($32). The sashimi is topped with brown rice puff, chopped wasabi and micro herbs. Bringing the dish together and giving it a zesty finishing is the ceviche soy dressing.

Grilled Pear Salad 4/5

Next is the Grilled Pear Salad ($22) tossed in blue cheese dressing. For those that are not a fan of blue cheese, the dressing is not that piquant, balanced by the fruity sweetness from the pear and medjool dates with the walnut for the extra nuttiness and texture.

Aged Kuhlbarra Barramundi Tail 4.5/5

Dry-aged for seven days to intensify the flavour is the Aged Kuhlbarra Barramundi Tail ($88). Chimichurri which consists of parsley, thyme, chervil, garlic, white wine vinegar and olive oil, is spread onto the fishtail. Each mouthfeel of the moist fish meat has a zest, piquant flavours of chilli and herbs.

Turbot On The Bone 4.2/5

The Turbot On The Bone ($68) is exclusively imported from France. It is dry-aged for three days and cooked with the bone on, using the bone to transfer the heat evenly and retain the juiciness of the fish. It is served with kombu compound butter and tomato salsa.

Plant-Based Beef Wellington 3/5

We moved back to the land from the sea, starting with the Plant-Based Beef Wellington ($38). In support of Oasia Resort Sentosa's wellness lifestyle, Bedrock Origin also offers plant-based meat alternatives, as well as nutritious and keto-friendly options. The plant-based meatloaf is marinated with marmite and worcestershire sauce encased in a puff pastry, served alongside a mixed green salad and cherry tomatoes with lemon vinaigrette. An excellent alternative for vegetarians, but I still prefer the real stuff.

Dry-Aged Australian Barley-Fed Bone in Striploin ($110) 400g 4.2/5

My go-to will still be the real meat in the Dry-Aged Australian Barley-Fed Bone in Striploin ($110), about 400g. The in-house dry-aged striploin is simply seasoned with salt and pepper, grilled over applewood fire. The beautiful red meat is juicy and tender, with a hint of smokiness. Diners can have it with the following sauces - red wine, Bedrock chilli oil, classic bearnaise and wholegrain whisky mustard.

Yukon Gold Potatoes 4.5/5

Spicy Brussel Sprouts 4.2/5

Bedrock Mac N Cheese 4.5/5

To go along with the mains, diners can order a number of sides to complement them. Some of the side dishes we had were Yukon Gold Potatoes ($16), Spicy Brussel Sprouts ($16) and Bedrock Mac N Cheese ($22).

Palm Tarte 4/5

Wrapping up our dinner is the Palm Tarte ($22). The gula melaka chiffon cake is coated with mascarpone cream cheese paired with Bailey's Irish Cream  & Brandy infused walnut-raisin tapenade, housenade marmalade, fresh raspberries and blueberries.

Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Whisky connoisseurs can delve into a list of traditional whiskies from around the world (from $11++ to $150++ per glass). Appreciate rare and special spirits made by boutique family distillers in remote places and premium whiskies, including limited edition labels like the Woodford Reserve 'Master Collection Very Rare Fine Bourbon'. Cocktails are also presented as classics (from $15++ per glass) or whisky-based renditions (from $15++ per glass) created in collaboration with Woodford Reserve, such as the Bedrock Highball and Double Oaked Old Fashioned.

Mastercard® Exclusive Privilege. Mastercard cardholders can enjoy 15% off the total bill for à la carte lunch menu items at Bedrock Origin and Bedrock Bar & Grill till 30 December 2021, excluding eve and day of public holiday. The offer is not valid for set menus and in conjunction with other ongoing promotions.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Bedrock Origin
Oasia Resort Sentosa Hotel
23 Beach View Palawan Ridge
#01-02
Singapore 098679
Tel: +65 68183333
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 11am, 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbour Front MRT station. Exit station to Vivocity Shopping Mall. Go to Sentosa Express Station at Level 3 of Vivocity. Take Sentosa Express Train to Imbiah station. Alight at Imbiah station and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 mins. [Map]

Alley On 25 @ Andaz Singapore - Puts A Local Twist On The Classic Afternoon Tea

Alley on 25 at Andaz Singapore launches a locally inspired, picnic themed afternoon tea set perfect for a leisurely weekday afternoon. Available from Monday to Friday, 3pm to 5pm, and priced at just $38++ per pax for the Andaz Afternoon Tea Picnic, diners can experience the joys of picnicking with a selection of sweet and savoury treats packed in a whimsical picnic basket, all while taking in the gorgeous Singapore skyline views on the 25th floor.

We were amazed by the huge picnic basket brought to our table, which was then opened to reveal two tiffin carriers filled with sweet and savoury flavours like the Smoked Salmon Tartine, Hummus, Impossible Cheese Balls, Lemon Chia Seed Tea Cakes and Fresh Strawberries.

Some of my favourites from the savoury selection include the crispy crab cake, prawn kueh pie tee, and lobster croissant. I enjoyed the crispy pastry tart shell filled with a flavourful mixture of thinly sliced vegetables and prawns, topped with a spicy tinge, while the lobster croissant boasts a buttery, flaky exterior stuffed with a generous serving of fresh crab meat.

Not forgetting the array of sweets which include the lemon chia seed tea cake, isaphan shooters, and Valrhona chocolate bonbon. Slather the scones in fresh cream and strawberry jam for the classic British-style afternoon tea, or have your fill of locally inspired desserts such as the Kueh Lapis and mini pandan chiffon cakes.

The Andaz chiffon cake is an existing signature of the restaurant. A reinvention of the classic Pandan cake, Andaz's rendition features a vibrant, glossy green glazed cake layered with fragrant pandan flavoured mousse.

Besides the locally inspired delights, guests may conclude their afternoon tea with a choice of chocolate or vanilla soft serve.

To complete the indulgent experience, guests may top up $40 per pax to enjoy free flow wines, beer and prosecco. For an extra special treat, a bottle of Delamotte Brut will be going at a special price of $88 (UP $110) and Ruinart Rose at $138 (UP $165) during afternoon tea.

For enquiries or reservations, please visit andanzsingapore.com or call +65 6408 1288.

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.


Alley on 25
Andaz Singapore
Level 25
5 Fraser Street
Singapore 189354
Tel: +65 64081288
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast:
Mon-Fri: 630am - 1030am
Sat-Sun: 7pm - 11pm

Lunch:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm

All-day Dining:
Daily: 230pm -6pm

Dinner:
Daily: 6pm - 8pm

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

The Line @ Shangri-La Hotel Singapore - Usher In An Auspicious Year Of The Pig With A Sumptuous Lunar New Year Reunion Feast

Gather your loved ones together and herald a year of happiness and richness with a reunion feast at The Line, Shangri-La Hotel Singapore. The celebratory spread features auspicious regional dishes including Shanghainese, Cantonese, Szechuan and Singaporean favourites to welcome prosperity and fortitude for the Lunar New Year.

Available from 10 January to 28 February 2019, diners can look forward to a plethora of international dishes, with a number of festive highlights such as the Cantonese Imperial Seafood Porridge, Chilli Crayfish, Fried Salted Egg Fish Skin, Cantonese Waxed Meat Rice, and Crispy Chicken with Young Ginger.

The Chilli Crayfish is one of my favourite dishes, with tender fresh crayfish meat that just falls off easily from its shell. Drenched in a pool of sweet chilli sauce that adds just the right amount of heat to bring out the freshness of the seafood.

Available at the buffet lineup is the Cantonese Imperial Seafood Porridge. The perfect dish for something warm and comforting before diving into the richer savouries or have them along with bowls of these porridge which exudes out the sweet freshness of seafood.

One of the local's favourite - the Fried Salted Egg Fish Skin did not disappoint with its crispy deep-fried fish skin dusted in thick coats of salted egg powder. This richly flavoured snack is deeply addictive.

Round off your Lunar New Year meal with their Cantonese Waxed Meat Rice - for something familiar and comforting.

Other dishes at the buffet include the seafood, meat, and asian food sections.

The lavish dessert spread include an impressive array of petite dessert cups and cakes as well, such as the Green Tea Opera, 66% Caraibe Chocolate Cremeux, Profiteroles, 72% Chocolate Nutty Cake, Rainbow eclair, Tiramisu, Strawberry Litchi, Black Velvet cake and so on. Diners can also indulge in a variety of nonya delights such as the pandan chiffon, kuehs, as well as old school cakes.

Reunion Dinner Feast
10 January to 28 February 2019
Monday and Sunday - $80++
Friday and Saturday - $95++

BBQ-themed feast
Tuesday - $88++

Mad for Wagyu Feast
Wednesday - $88++

Seafood-themed Feast
Thursday - $98++ inclusive of free flow ,beers and soft drinks

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 Line
Shangri-La Hotel Singapore
Lobby Level
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 62134398
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 23 minutes. [Map]

Lewin Terrace @ Fort Canning - Brings Back Indulgent Oh! Matcha Season Of Ichigo New Afternoon Delight Dessert Buffet

Highly raved for its exquisite dessert series, Lewin Terrace at Fort Canning has launched their matcha, as well as Ichigo (strawberry) dessert buffet previously on separate occasions. This time, you can have the both worlds as they return with a fresh new theme - The Oh! Matcha Season of Ichigo Afternoon Delight Dessert Buffet.

Available from 9 January to 29 March 2019, Lewin Terrace has teamed up with stylist Med Kärlek Inc to present a dazzling array of delectable desserts which features a combination of the best of Japan's staples with Uji Match and Chitose Ichigo.

Diners can anticipate a range of Japanese sweet treats made from home-grown brand Matchaya's Matcha powders such as the Uji Matcha Pudding, Baked Matcha Cheesecake, Uji Matcha Madeleine, Sencha Jelly with Matcha syrup. Made using premium grade Japanese Matcha leaves from Uji - they have a distinct, full-bodied bittersweet flavour which is great for matcha lovers. Now, you don't to fly all the way to Japan to enjoy these goodness.

Try the Baked Matcha Cheesecake which sports a soft matcha cake centre and a crumbly buttery crust. It scores both on flavour and aroma with just the right amount of matcha added to it.

The Uji Matcha Madeleine has a denser texture with a nice matcha aroma to the sugary pieces. The spread does not end here, but also include the Mixed Berries Tart, Mixed Berries Mille Feuille, Ichigo Chiffon, Ichigo Tiramisu, Mixed Berry Jelly, and Ichigo Clafoutis.

One of the favourite french pastries - the Mixed Berries Mille Feuille features crunchy thin layers of puff pastry, crème chantilly and fresh berries giving it a good mix of textures

The Fresh Berries Tart features slices of pound cake with whipped cream and fresh berries atop to add a tinge of strawberry sweetness to the dessert.

The Ichigo Tiramisu features a combination of diced strawberries with mascarpone cheese in small shot glasses.

The Ichigo Chiffon has a soft and fluffy texture, with a light strawberry fragrance.

For those craving for something chocolatey, there are also the classic Chocolate Pound Cake and Chocolate Macaron.

Besides the scrumptious spread of pastries displayed on the dessert table, all diners are also treated to an exclusive box of hand-made treats, Ichigo Daifuku and Charcoal Matcha Roll Cake served in a special box. While the Charcoal Matcha Roll Cake sports a nice aroma with its matcha cream, I felt that the cake has a stodgier texture, lacking the fluffiness of the usual swiss roll that one would expect.

A serving of Ichigo and Matcha Ice Cream will also be served to all guests upon order. Creamy and light enough to end your meal on a pleasant note.

Apart from the indulgent ala carte dessert menu, Lewin Terrace also offers a 3-course lunch menu ($58++) which comes with an appetizer and main, as well as a 4-course menu ($88++) which comes with 2 mains of fish and meat options. The appetiser of Truffle Mushroom Soup with Onsen Egg is a consistent favourite around the table. The creaminess of the soup binds the different flavours together - the earthiness of the mushroom and truffle fragrance in a perfect combination. The truffle shavings adds a more pronounced truffle flavour to the dish, while the runny onsen eggs acts as an essential finishing touch to gel all the elements together.

The main dish is their Signature Cod Saikyoyaki, with a Japanese-style soft and tender cod fish soaked in flavourful miso broth. Lastly, round off the meal on a sweet ending with their dessert buffet.

Oh! Matcha Season of Ichigo is available Wednesday to Friday, 1pm to 3pm from 9 January to 29 March 2019 at $38++ per pax for the a la carte Dessert Buffet. The 3 Course Set Lunch including Dessert Buffet is priced at $58++ (from 12pm onwards).

Words and photos 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.


Lewin Terrace
21 Lewin Terrace
Singapore 179290
Tel: +65 63339905
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 630pm - 1100pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Take left onto North Bridge. Walk to the traffic light junction of North Bridge Road and Coleman Street. Cross the road towards Peninsula Plaza and continue walking towards the junction of Coleman Street and Hill Street. Cross the road to the central fire station. Continue on Coleman Street until Singapore Philatelic Museum. Look out for the metal gate before the museum, turn left in and take the stairs to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]