Showing posts with label Clam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Clam. Show all posts

Sunday, December 1, 2024

Pxza Private Dining - An Epic 12 Pizza Dining Experience Comprising of Classic and Contemporary Flavours

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In August 2024, we visited Pxza Private Dining, a hidden gem that offers a unique twist on the private dining pizza scene. Unlike traditional spots, Pxza crafts a mix of both classic and inventive pizzas, delivering a memorable feast in a cosy and intimate setting.

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Our meal began with a platter of Grilled Zucchini, Grilled Capsicum, Cheese, and Olive, a refreshing and flavourful starter that set the tone for the pizza feast to come.

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Garlic Pizza 4.5/5

The Garlic Pizza was an aromatic delight, featuring three variations of garlic: fresh, dehydrated, and slow-roasted. Topped with parmigiano reggiano shavings, each bite was bursting with rich, garlicky goodness and a beautifully savoury finish.

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Marinara 4.2/5

The Marinara Pizza paid homage to its Neapolitan roots with a simple yet bold combination of tomato sauce, garlic confit, oregano, and Parmigiano. Its rustic flavours and fresh ingredients highlighted the beauty of simplicity.

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Margherita 4.2/5

Next, the Margherita Pizza showcased the classic trio of tomato, mozzarella, and basil — a nod to the colours of the Italian flag. Known for its elegance and minimalism, this pizza delivered the fresh, authentic flavours that make it a timeless favourite.

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Pestacchio 4.2/5

One of the more inventive offerings was the Pestacchio Pizza, featuring homemade pistachio pesto, fior di latte, and parmigiano. The nutty, creamy pesto paired perfectly with the cheese, creating a unique, unexpected, and delicious combination.

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Burrata 4.2/5

The Burrata Pizza elevated the traditional tomato base with the addition of creamy burrata, fresh basil, Maldon salt, and white balsamic. It was a luxurious take on the Margherita, with rich flavours that felt indulgent yet balanced.

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Vongole 4.8/5

The Vongole Pizza was a standout. Topped with white clams, garlic confit, parmigiano, and a touch of lemon zest, it delivered a fresh, briny flavour reminiscent of a classic Italian seafood pasta. It was easily one of the night's highlights.

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Miso Eggplant 4.5/5

Another creative offering was the Miso Eggplant Pizza, where miso-glazed eggplant and nori flakes met a drizzle of sesame oil. The Japanese-inspired flavours worked harmoniously, creating a savoury, umami-packed dish.

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Fennel Sausage 4.2/5

The Fennel Sausage Pizza combined homemade fennel sausage, onion confit, panna, and parmigiano for a perfect balance of sweet and savoury. The flavours melded beautifully, resulting in a rich and satisfying bite.

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Tony's Otak 4.2/5

Tony's Otak Pizza offered a local twist with otak paste, torched ginger, coconut cream, and onions. It evoked memories of enjoying otak with bread, but the pizza dough added an elevated texture and taste here.

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Salami Hot Honey 4.2/5

The Salami Hot Honey Pizza featured tomato sauce, fior di latte, salami, and a house-made fermented hot honey. The sweet and spicy combination was masterfully balanced, making each bite irresistibly delicious.

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Potato with Raclette Cheese 4.8/5

One of the host's latest creations is the Potato with Raclette Cheese Pizza, paired with creamy raclette with potato and a sprinkle of black pepper for added aroma. It was a comforting, indulgent twist on a classic pairing.

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Brie and Figs 4.5/5

We ended with the Figs Pizza, a sweet and nutty masterpiece that perfectly concluded our meal. The flavours were light yet indulgent, leaving us marvelling at how we managed to enjoy 12 different pizzas in one sitting.

Pxza Private Dining is a must-visit for pizza lovers seeking both classic and inventive flavours. With a thoughtful balance of tradition and creativity, each pizza offered a unique experience, making it a memorable journey through the world of artisanal pizza.


Pxza Private Dining
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Monday, November 18, 2024

Shakō-Ba @ North Canal Road - A Vibrant & Immersive Experience Alongside Classic and Innovative Izakaya Creations

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Time to check out the hottest new izakaya bar in town! Shakō-Ba is conceptualised around a unique daruma theme, inspired by the traditional Japanese doll symbolising perseverance and good luck. The space is stylishly decorated, with a main bar and dining area showcasing cheeky neon signage to create the perfect atmosphere for a night out. There's also a private room available for diners who want to enjoy a karaoke session.

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The kitchen is led by Chef Patrick, who brings with him over 25 years of culinary expertise. Besides the ala carte main menu, they have recently launched an omakase menu, served in a cosy dining room away from the main bar and dining area. This setting offers a more intimate and sophisticated ambience whilst still embracing a fun and playful vibe. During my visit, my dining companion and I were treated to the Daruma Lite Omakase, and to begin the evening, we were presented with a tray of 6 different types of Japanese cups and glasses. This welcome ritual allows each diner to choose their preferred vessel, which is then paired with a complimentary welcome drink! There are both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available, and I was pleased with my refreshing iced yuzu drink.

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Seasonal Appetisers 4.5/5

Chef Patrick then presented the first dish: a tray of Seasonal Appetisers featuring three delightful items. The fruit tomato, delicately sprinkled with snowflake salt, was set alongside a bowl of beancurd skin paired with wasabi. Intriguingly, there were two little river crabs perched on the tray — I initially thought they were just decorative! However, they are indeed meant to be eaten. Deep-fried and seasoned with salt and garlic powder, the crabs were incredibly crunchy, and we demolished them rather quickly.

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Seasonal Sashimi Tray 4.2/5

Next, we were treated to the Seasonal Sashimi Tray, presented with a touch of flair as lights illuminated the ice beneath. We were served three thick, fresh slices of fish: chutoro, yellowtail, and swordfish belly. Chef Patrick adds a creative twist to the soy sauce by transforming it into a foam, encouraging diners to apply the soy sauce foam directly onto the fish rather than dipping it.

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Scallops Cold Truffle Somen 4.8/5

Before diving into the Scallops Cold Truffle Somen, diners get to engage in an exciting game of dice with Chef Patrick! The stakes are high—those who win will be well rewarded with a complimentary topping of fresh seasonal hairy crab to elevate their somen! But even if luck isn't on your side, the truffle somen is already very delicious, featuring large, succulent pieces of scallops that make it a delight regardless!

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Truffle Chawanmushi 4.2/5

Next is a Truffle Chawanmushi that is served piping hot and warms the palate. Each spoonful reveals a silky smooth consistency, enhanced by earthy truffle flavours.

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Tempura Prawn & Corn Rice 4.2/5

We were then served a tray of Tempura Prawn & Corn Rice, a dish beautifully showcasing textures' harmony and flavours. The bite-sized pieces of prawn and corn tempura are perfectly crisp, providing a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, fluffy bed of rice beneath. The rice is seasoned with furikake, and I found the dish to be quite tasty, although my dining companion felt that the rice could do with an extra pinch of salt.

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Shots Tray

At this point, you have the chance to win free shots — if you’re feeling daring! The odds are definitely in your favour, as you’ll draw from a full deck of cards, winning the corresponding number of shots based on your draw. But beware: if you happen to draw the Joker, you'll have to buy a round for all the diners at the omakase table, though at a discounted 1-for-1 price! Are you willing to take the risk?

Note: The shots shown in my photo are the mini version, as we requested a reduced size. Typically, the shots served are in standard shot glasses!

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Clam Soup 4.2/5

After all that excitement, sip on a comforting bowl of Clam Soup, where each spoonful envelops you in warmth and contentment. The broth is richly infused with the briny essence of fresh clams, and the many tender pieces of clam in the soup provide a satisfying bite in every sip.

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Dessert 4.2/5

For dessert, diners are treated to three delightful pieces of mochi, each one coated in your choice of chocolate, kinako, or sesame. A nice way to experience traditional Japanese sweets with a modern twist.

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Brown Sugar Cheesecake 4.5/5

This Brown Sugar Cheesecake isn't included in the Daruma-lite omakase menu, but it's absolutely worth ordering from the main menu. The cheesecake boasts a luscious, melted top layer of cheese that perfectly complements the crispy brown sugar crust, adding rich caramel sweetness to every bite. Each forkful combines the creamy filling, the crispy sugar crust and the buttery biscuit base, creating a harmonious blend of textures that will leave you craving more.

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The drinks menu is equally enticing, featuring a diverse selection of flavoured shochu, sake, highballs and more, ensuring there’s something to please every palate. Whether you prefer the refreshing notes of a fruity shochu or the nuanced flavours of a finely crafted sake, you’ll find the perfect accompaniment to your meal.

Additionally, there's an exciting option to press the "Superstar Button." If you're feeling like a boss, this fun feature lets you treat the whole crowd to a round of shots for just $288! It's a fantastic way to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a lively night out with friends. Whether you're here for drinks and izakaya bites or a multi-course omakase, you can be sure of one thing: the team at Shakō-Ba is ready to welcome you for a good time!

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Shakō-Ba
12 North Canal Road
#02-01
Singapore 048825
Tel: +65 9689 9010
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (CC Line), Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 5pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards the junction of North Canal Road and South Bridge Road. Cross the junction and continue on North Canal Road. Walk along the shophouses along North Canal Road. Look out for an alley and turn left into it. Look for the entrance to the building and take lift to level 2. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]


2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk towards North Canal Road. Continue on North Canal Road. Walk along the shophouses along North Canal Road. Look out for an alley and turn right into it. Look for the entrance to the building and take lift to level 2. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Yang Ming Seafood (Kelong) @ Vivocity - Popular Homegrown Live Seafood Restaurant Opens First In-mall Restaurant with a Kelong Theme Interior

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Yang Ming Seafood, a well-loved homegrown seafood restaurant with branches in Bishan and Ubi, has launched its first in-mall waterfront outlet at VivoCity. Designed to evoke an authentic fish kelong experience, the largest of its three outlets seats up to 250 guests. It features a wine cellar, wooden floorboards, beams, fish nets, and live seafood tanks that all highlight the restaurant's commitment to freshness.

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Charcoal Roasted Suckling Pig 4.2/5

The Charcoal Roasted Suckling Pig ($268) is a quintessential celebratory dish. Freshly roasted to order, the suckling pig arrives with incredibly aromatic and crispy skin — a perfect centrepiece for sharing.

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NEW Fragrant Crispy Rice Crab 4/5

A standout addition to the menu is the Fragrant Crispy Rice Crab ($11 per 100g for Sri Lankan Crab, $10 per 100g for Indonesian Crab). This innovative dish offers a refreshing change from the traditional Singapore Chilli Crab. Paired with fragrant, crispy rice, the dish marries texture and flavour in a unique way, showcasing the crab's succulent, natural sweetness.

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Crab Stewed Bee Hoon 4.2/5

Another crab option we tried was the Crab Stewed Bee Hoon ($11 per 100g for Sri Lankan Crab, $10 per 100g for Indonesian Crab). The silky bee hoon absorbs the robust, crustacean-rich flavours of the crab, resulting in a comforting, flavour-packed dish.

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NEW Chicken Broth with Baby Cabbage 4.8/5

The Chicken Broth with Baby Cabbage ($88) is a crowd favourite, delivering a hearty, comforting experience. The broth is sweetened by chicken essence and baby cabbage, making it a light yet flavourful choice that’s perfect for group dining.

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NEW Basil Sauce Live Prawn 4/5

Next up was the Basil Sauce Live Prawn ($28 for 300g, $40 for 500g, $78 for 1kg). This new addition offers a refreshing twist, with basil’s fragrant aroma enhancing the fresh, succulent prawns. The basil sauce brings an unexpected yet delightful flavour to the dish.

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Minced Garlic Steamed Clam 4.2/5

The Minced Garlic Steamed Clam ($35 for 500g, $68 for 1kg) features plump, juicy clams steamed with fragrant minced garlic. Each bite captures the natural sweetness of the clams, complemented by the garlic’s savoury aroma.

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NEW Braised Whole Tripe & Brisket 4.5/5

One of the evening's highlights was the new Braised Whole Tripe & Brisket ($108). This dish requires a pre-order and is well worth the wait. The beef tripe is stuffed with tender brisket and tendon, all in a flavourful, slightly spicy brown sauce. The complex layers of texture and taste make it a must-try for offal lovers.

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NEW Dry Braised Pork Ribs 4/5

Another new menu item, the Dry Braised Pork Ribs ($20, $30, or $40), features tender, juicy pork ribs with a sauce that's been expertly absorbed into the meat. The ribs are a satisfying option, especially for those who enjoy bold, concentrated flavours.

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Andrew Lobster 4.2/5

The Andrew Lobster is an iconic dish at Yang Ming Seafood. It is a dish my friend shared with the owner that he had in Hong Kong, and after much R&D, the chef created this dish, which became a hit with many foodies. The creation features silky chee cheong fan (rice noodle rolls) accented with fried shallots, fried garlic, and premium soy sauce. It's easy to see why; the dish strikes a perfect balance of flavour and texture, with each element enhancing the others.

Yang Ming Seafood's new VivoCity outlet is an impressive addition to the dining scene. With an emphasis on fresh, live seafood and authentic flavours, the restaurant delivers both innovation and comfort. The inviting kelong-inspired ambience and diverse menu make it an excellent choice for seafood lovers who enjoy quality dishes in a unique waterfront setting. Whether you're there for classic favourites or new creations, Yang Ming Seafood promises a memorable dining experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yang Ming Seafood (Kelong)
VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#02-158/159
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 65133009/ 80289907
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, September 1, 2024

Summer Hill @ Claymore Connect - Provençal Pique-Nique Brunch Trolley Inspired by The French Tradition of Elegant Picnics

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Summer Hill first made a name for itself in the quaint neighbourhood of Sunset Way, Clementi. Since then, the restaurant has relocated to a more central spot at Claymore Connect on Orchard Road, where it continues to charm diners with its rustic French fare. I recently visited Summer Hill on a Saturday to experience their new Provençal Pique-Nique Brunch Trolley, which showcases an array of southern French summer delicacies.

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The concept behind the Provençal Pique-Nique Brunch Trolley is simple and delightful. The staff serve one round of everything on the menu, and if you find something you particularly love, you can request more. It's a leisurely, indulgent experience that makes you feel like you're dining in the French countryside.

The Provençal Pique-Nique Brunch Trolley
Available from 15 June 2024 onwards
Every Saturday & Sunday; 11am & 1.30pm (2-seatings)
$69++ per person (half price for kids under 12 @ $34.50++)
$55++ for free flow prosecco & wines

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Artichoke, Roasted Red Pepper and Whipped Goats Cheese, Herbs & Olives Dips 4.2/5

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Provencale Pate de Campagne 4.2/5

We began our brunch with warm Baguette served alongside a trio of dips: Artichoke, Roasted Red Pepper, and Whipped Goat's Cheese, Herbs & Olives. The baguette was perfectly crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, making it the ideal vehicle for the rich, flavorful dips. I also enjoyed pairing the warm baguette with the Provençale Pate de Campagne, which had a lovely depth of flavour.

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Sauce Gribiche with Grilled Zucchini 4/5

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Grilled Swordfish Nicoise Salad 4/5

Next, we moved on to some lighter appetisers, including Sauce Gribiche with Grilled Zucchini and Grilled Swordfish Niçoise Salad. The zucchini was perfectly grilled, with a slight char complementing the tangy sauce gribiche. The swordfish Niçoise salad was fresh and well-balanced, with tender grilled fish paired with the classic Niçoise components like olives, eggs, and tomatoes.

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Mac & Cheese 3.8/5

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Lamb Shoulder Parmentier 4.2/5

After the appetisers, the first trolley arrived with Mac & Cheese and Lamb Shoulder Parmentier. The dishes were served tableside, adding a touch of elegance to the experience. The mac & cheese was creamy and comforting, while the lamb shoulder parmentier was hearty and rich, with tender lamb layered over buttery mashed potatoes.

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Provencale Fried Chicken 4.8/5

The standout dish for me was the Provençale Fried Chicken. Summer Hill's signature French Fried Chicken gets a Provençale twist with a fragrant herbs de Provence-infused butter drench. The result is a crispy, aromatic exterior that gives way to juicy, flavourful chicken. It was so good that I couldn't resist asking for a second helping.

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Beef Steak 4/5

The brunch menu also featured a beautifully grilled Beef Steak. The beef had a gorgeous exterior char with a perfectly pink centre, offering a robust and satisfying flavour. It was an excellent complement to the other dishes on the menu.

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Clams Marinere 4.8/5

The seafood trolley brought a pot brimming with Clams Marinière. The clams were fresh, plump, and juicy, cooked in a white wine broth that was both light and flavourful.

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Snow Cone Bar 4/5

Midway through the meal, the Snow Cone Bar opened, allowing diners to create their own shaved ice desserts. It was a fun, interactive element that added a touch of nostalgia to the brunch. Diners could drizzle different syrups and pair them with a selection of toppings, making for a refreshing palate cleanser.

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Provencale Roasted Pork Belly 4.5/5

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Summer Bean Stew with Green Chilli Persillade 4.8/5

The highlight of the brunch for me was the Provençale Roasted Pork Belly. The pork belly had an incredibly crispy crackling skin and succulent flesh, which paired beautifully with a bowl of Summer Bean Stew with Green Chili Persillade. The stew was hearty and flavourful, with a hint of spice from the green chilli that complemented the richness of the pork.

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Cherry Tart 3.5/5

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Chocolate Stout Cake 4/5

The dessert trolley featured both a Cherry Tart and a Chocolate Stout Cake. While these desserts were sure to satisfy those with a sweet tooth, I found them a bit too sweet for my liking.

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Lavender Milk Cake 4.2/5

Instead, I adored the Lavender Milk Cake. It was well-balanced and not overly sweet, with a lovely lavender fragrance that made for a perfect ending to the meal.

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Summer Hill’s Provençal Pique-Nique Brunch Trolley is a delightful experience that transports you to the south of France. The variety of dishes ensures there’s something for everyone, and the free-flow option for prosecco and wines makes it even more enjoyable. Whether you're a fan of French cuisine or simply looking for a unique brunch experience in Singapore, this is definitely worth checking out.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Summer Hill
Claymore Connect
442 Orchard Road
#02-17
Singapore 238879
Tel:+65 8690 5907
Facebook
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 1130am, 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. 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 to Orchard Road towards the junction of Orchard Road and Claymore Road. Cross the road and turn right. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]