Altro Zafferano @ Ocean Financial Centre - A New Chapter With A New Interior & Menu

In the blink of an eye, Zafferano has opened in Singapore for ten years. To mark its tenth year, the restaurant underwent a renovation, spotting a brighter and more spacious interior. It has also been renamed as Altro Zafferano.

Italian Aperitivo 4/5

I have the 4-course Experience Menu ($148++), which comprises a starter, pasta, a main course and a dessert. In addition, every diner will be welcomed with a complimentary Italian Aperitivo. It is a vibrant amuse bouche of Castelvetrano olive foam, martini gel, diced red capsicum, tarallo cube, Toritto almond, and tuna cream.

Hokkaido Scallop 4/5

For my starter, I picked the Hokkaido Scallop paired with smoked pear, potato mousse and guanciale. A light starter freshened up by the smoked Comice pear for that lift in sweetness.

Wild Red Bream Crudo 4.2/5

My dining partner had the Wild Red Bream Crudo with Tomato, Basil, and Frisella Bread. A beautiful sashimi-grade white fish complemented with vibrant flavours.

House-made Ravioli 4/5

For my pasta dish, I decided to go for House-made Ravioli, which has a unique shape that I have not seen or eaten before. It is stuffed with minced wagyu beef genovese and served with anchovy colatura, grana padano fondue, and beef and onion consomme. It is then finished with anchovy slices to add depth to the flavour.

Tagliolini with Langoustine Carpaccio 4.5/5

While I had the ravioli, my friend went for the house-made Tagliolini with Langoustine Carpaccio marinated with Amalfi lemon Garum and topped with sea grape. It was an excellent choice, and I would highly recommend it too. The pasta was cooked to a delightful bite and tossed in a refreshing zesty sauce.

Roaring Forties Lamb 4.2/5

Moving to our mains, I opted for the Roaring Forties Lamb. It comes in two cuts - lamb rack and lamb neck. The lamb rack is grilled over charcoal while the lamb neck is braised in Aglianico. They are paired with potatoes, sheep ricotta sfogliatella, green peas and finished with lamb jus.

Silver Cod 4/5

While I had the lamb, my friend went for the Silver Cod with Peperone Crusco and Mussels Veloute. The huge piece of Chilean seabass fillet was perfectly cooked. It was chunky yet moist, with cruso pepper puree in between. The silver cod is served in a creamy mussels veloute paired with yellow capsicum cream and mini red pepper stuffed with cod filling.

Amalfi Lemon Sponge Cake 4.2/5

I had the Amalfi Lemon Sponge Cake with Amalfi lemon curd, Amalfi lemon pulp, and white chocolate chantilly for dessert. I love sour, so this is to my liking for its light and tangy finish, served with limoncello granita.

Giffoni Hazelnut 4.5/5

Espresso 4.2/5

Other dessert options include the Giffoni Hazelnut and Espresso. The Giffoni Hazelnut comes in the form of a multi-textured sphere with Valrhona Guanaja 70% chocolate and fresh raspberry to cut through the richness. For the coffee drinker, you will enjoy the Espresso Mousse resting on top of an espresso sponge cake paired with Clementine sorbet to give it a touch of acidity.

Petit Four 3.5/5

Our 4-course dinner ended with a trio of Petit Four for a sweet ending. There is an interesting fact when dining at Altro Zafferano. It is cheaper to order the set menu than the a la carte item. I also checked that they would be serving the same portion, be it a set menu or a la carte.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Altro Zafferano
Ocean Financial Centre
Level 43
10 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049315
Tel: +65 65091488
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place. Take Exit C. Walk to Ocean Financial Centre which is on the left. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

JIDAI Restaurant @ Circular Road - Enjoy An Affordable 8 Course French Japanese Omakase

Located along Circular Road, the new 30-seater Izakaya restaurant JIDAI Restaurant specialises in Japanese-French Fusion dishes. Helmed by Chef Darwin Wong, JIDAI has recently launched an 8-Course Omakase dining experience at $88/pax.

Chile Uni 3.5/5

We began the omakase with a starter of Chile Uni with caviar and deep sea crab miso wrapped with crunchy green onions. However, we felt there was too much caviar on the uni, and together with the green onions, the uni taste was barely detectable in the wrap.

Botan Ebi and Sea Bream 4/5

Next, we had the fresh sashimi with Botan Ebi and Sea Bream.

Ponzu Sea Whelk 3.5/5

The Ponzu Sea Whelk, serrved on a bed of sea whelk shells, has a nice chewy texture. Best paired with the fermented mushroom sauce provided.

Engawa 3.8/5

The next poached dish is Engawa, with a thick cauliflower puree and red lumpfish caviar. We enjoyed the tender Engawa slice, though we felt that the cauliflower puree could be more flavourful.

Soup 3.8/5

A flavourful onion beef dashi is poured over the A5 Wagyu slices and mushrooms. We enjoyed the richness of the dashi used, though it was a tad salty for our liking.

Miso Atlantic Cod 4.2/5

As for the mains, you can take your pick of Miso Atlantic Cod or Lobster Charzuke at a supplement of $18. We had the former, which features Miso Atlantic Cod grilled and doused with an umami caviar creme, topped with ikura and paired with perfectly charred broccolini.

Mini Cones Chous Chous 4/5

For desserts, we had the Mini Cones Chous Chous. It is filled with crunchy chocolate ganache and was small enough to be eaten in a bite. It is a simple sweet treat towards the end of the meal.

Champagne Gelato 4/5

We ended the omakase on a sweet note with the Champagne Gelato, which comes with sake jello and crisps. It was sweet with a nice champagne flavour, a refreshing course after all the heavy-tasting dishes.

Diners can also elevate their dining experience with an alcohol pairing of Junmai Daiginjo at ($88/bottle). You can go even fancier with the 10-course omakase ($108++), but for something more affordable, they also serve ala carte dishes and set lunch menu.

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.


[CLOSED]
JIDAI Restaurant
9 Circular Rd
Singapore 049365
Tel: +65 81891849
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 5pm - 1030pm
Tue-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the road. Walk to Upper Circular Road. Walk down the road to North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to Circular Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Man Fu Yuan @ InterContinental Singapore - Resplendent Reunions For Two Or Intimate Gathering With Family And Loved Ones

Usher in the year of Tiger with a luxurious selection of Lunar New Year delicacies and prosperity prix-fixe menus at Man Fu Yuan from 11 January to 15 February 2022. Upholding the tradition of masterfully crafted dishes, Executive Chinese Chef Aaron Tan and his team showcase six delightful prix-fixe menus and a collection of speciality dishes steeped in auspiciousness. Diners can select and savour menus that suit their palates in the cosy alcoves in the dining hall or comfort of private and semi-private, whether it is a dining experience for two or an intimate gathering with family and loved ones dining rooms for up to five guests.

Full of Abundance Yusheng 4.2/5

We started with the Full of Abundance Yusheng, tailored for the individual to lo hei at their seat. It comes with Hokkaido scallops, sea urchin, Kaluga caviar and salmon paired with a refreshing and fruity pomegranate dressing.

Double-boiled Giant Fish Broth 5/5

Cooked till milky and creamy is the luxe Double-boiled Giant Fish Broth with Bird's Nest, King Tuber Mushroom, Yunnan Cured Ham, Fish Maw in Coconut Husk. You can even have the coconut flesh after finishing the soup. 

Roasted-smoked Duck with "Ban-Zhang" Tea Leaves 4.5/5

The Roasted-smoked Duck with "Ban-Zhang" Tea Leaves is tender and juicy, with a beautiful aroma.

Abundance Treasure Pot 4.8/5

A signature at Man Fu Yuan is their Abundance Treasure Pot brimming with over 18 premium ingredients such as 8-head abalone, Canadian lobster, Hokkaido scallops, pig’s trotters and Yunnan pleurotus tuber fungus.

Pan-fried Atlantic Cod Fillet with Premium XO Scallop Sauce 4/5

Usually, I have steamed cod, but Pan-fried Atlantic Cod Fillet is a good change from the usual. Interestingly, the cod fillet is paired with premium XO scallop sauce, which is another new way of enjoying the buttery fish for me.

Man Fu Yuan Classic Salted Baked Sakura Chicken 4.5/5

Requiring a minimum of three days advance order is the Man Fu Yuan Classic Salted Baked Sakura Chicken. It is so tender that the meat fell off the bone with ease.

Braised Lobster with Superior Crab Meat Egg White Sauce 4/5

This year, a new creation is the Braised Lobster with Superior Crab Meat Egg White Sauce paired with Hong Kong chye sim, crispy vermicelli and ikura. The highlight has to be the vermicelli, while the lobster is just a calefare to the dish.

Roasted Suckling Pig 4.5/5

Another signature item at Man Fu Yuan is the Roasted Suckling Pig stuffed with fragrant glutinous rice. You get a trio of enjoyment - crackling skin, succulent pork and sticky rice.

Double-boiled Pumpkin with Almond Cream 4.5/5

Wrapping up our meal is the Double-boiled Pumpkin with Almond Cream, Yacon and premium Sarawak Bird's Nest. A fitting chill dessert that is light and refreshing to cut all the richness from the festive savoury dishes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Man Fu Yuan
InterContinental Singapore
Level 2
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 63387600
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1145am - 330pm, 630pm - 1030pm

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

The Bravery @ Amoy Street - Muslim-owned Cafe Reopens at New Location with Refreshed Brunch Menu

The Bravery has moved from Lavender Street, where it has stood for seven years to, a two-storey conservation shophouse along the trendy Amoy Street neighbourhood. The second storey also houses The Bravery’s in-house bakery, which churns out fresh bread and baked goods daily. With a full-service team led by Sous Chef Melvin Lam and award-winning Head Barista Maryvn Tan, customers can expect an elevated menu comprising new dishes, crowd-pleasing signatures, freshly-baked treats and quality brews.

Nova Cheese Toast 4/5

From the brunch menu, we had the Nova Cheese Toast ($16), where lemon and dill cream cheese is spread on house-baked sourdough bread and topped generously with smoked salmon, ikura, and microgreens. The side of silky smooth scrambled eggs was a welcoming addition to this classic brunch dish.

Steak & Eggs 4.2/5

The crowd-favourite Steak & Eggs ($23) was no less impressive as well, with tender grass-fed striploin served with a side of house-baked sourdough toast and sunny side eggs.

Cod en Papillote 3.5/5

The Cod en Papillote ($33) features cod fillet is baked in a paper bag with fennel, seasonal greens, herbs, microgreens, and soy broth to keep the fish tender and moist. It is served with a bowl of furikake-topped rice to complement the fish.

Seafood Alfredo 3.8/5

A dish with an umami punch is the Seafood Alfredo ($20). The creamy al dente spaghetti is complete with Tiger prawn, white clams, crab meat, ikura, and a crustacean oil made in-house by infusing roasted shellfish into olive oil.

Hojicha Milk 4/5, Dirty Matcha 4/5

The Bravery serves up signatures like the ever-popular Lavender Latte ($6.50) along with new offerings such as Hojicha Milk ($6.50) and Dirty Matcha ($7). Using beans from Allpress Espresso in Melbourne, which boasts of rich, chocolate notes with a full-bodied flavour, each cup of joe makes for the ideal morning or midday pick-me-up.

Gateau au Chocolat 4/5

We round off our meal on a sweet note with their variety of desserts. Available all day, the bakery churns out a wide range of bread, cakes and pastries, such as the crowd-pleasing Gateau au Chocolat ($6.90 per slice) filled with rich chocolatey decadence.

Lemon Meringue Pie 4/5

The Lemon Meringue Pie is enjoyable as well, with a lightly torched meringue atop, soft, tangy curd and crumbly base.

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 Bravery
50 Amoy St
Singapore 069876
Tel: +65 93882973
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Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 8am - 6pm
Fri-Sun: 8am - 9pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

藝 Yi By Jereme Leung @ Raffles Hotel - Usher In The Year Of Ox

Usher in the year of the Ox at 藝 Yi By Jereme Leung located in Raffles Hotel with auspicious culinary creations and celebratory home dining sets. The Lunar New Year menu will be available from 18 January to 26 February 2021.

Longevity Yu Sheng with Abalone, Arctic Surf Clams and Salmon 4/5

Tossed to a year of abundance and prosperity with the Longevity Yu Sheng with Abalone, Arctic Surf Clams and Salmon ($208) dressed in Yunnan Rose Sauce. This year, the restaurant has also come up with a convenient takeaway packaging for their Yu Sheng for families to Lo Hei in the comfort of their home.

Sea Whelk Skewer 3/5, Plum-pickled Cherry Tomatoes 4.2/5, Seaweed Shrimp Rolls 3.5/5

Our dinner started with a trio of appetisers consisting of Sea Whelk Skewer, Plum-pickled Cherry Tomatoes and Sweet Vinegar, and Seaweed Shrimp Rolls. The sea whelk comes in a spicy and mala sauce, and I thought the texture was a bit tough. The plum-pickled cherry tomatoes with its sweetness help to cool off the heat from the sea whelk. The seaweed shrimp roll is a unique tweak of the tradition.

I was also given a glimpse of their dim sum offerings in the Pan-seared Carrot Cake. Lightly seared on the exterior, it gives the carrot cake a nice char, crisp and beautiful aroma while the interior remains soft.

Buddha Jumps Over The Wall 3.8/5

With the rainy season in Singapore, the weather has been rather chilling. The Buddha Jumps Over The Wall ($68) makes an ideal entry to warm up the body. Diners will be treated to a luxe enjoyment of premium ingredients in the light and nourishing bowl of soup, packed with the ingredients' essence drawn over hours of boiling.

Steamed Cod Fillet with Fermented Black Beans and Olives 4/5

The fatty Steamed Cod Fillet is cooked to perfection excellently paired with fermented black beans and olives brightening the cod fish's buttery flavour.

Baked Lobster with XO Sauce and Cheese 4/5

I thought the Baked Lobster with XO Sauce and Cheese would be very rich and pungent, but the flavours were quite subtle. I am not sure whether it is the real intention, but it does allow me to appreciate the lobster meat's freshness, instead of dressing the beautiful meat in a creamy and strong dressing.

Slow-cooked Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs with Fried Bun 4/5

Sweet and Sour pork I have eaten a lot, but pork ribs is a first for me. The Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs fell off the bone with ease, and the sauce is well balanced, not selling the limelight. It even comes with fried bun to allow diners to wipe up the delicious sauce.

Chef Jereme's Signature Golden Fried Rice with Preserved Meats 4.2/5

Most chefs will add the lup cheong into the fried rice to infuse it with the beautiful aroma. However, Chef Jereme has taken a step further in his Golden Fried Rice to dice the preserved meats into the fried rice, elevating the whole enjoyment with the lup cheong's aroma in each mouth fill.

Glutinous Rice Cake 4.2/5, Stuffed Glutinous Rice Dumpling 4/5, Fermented Rice Wine Ice Cream 3/5

Wrapping up the dinner is a trio of dessert that consists of Crispy Glutinous Rice Cake with Shredded Coconut, Stuffed Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Mixed Fruit and Fermented Rice Wine Ice Cream.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


藝 Yi By Jereme Leung
Raffles Arcade
328 North Bridge Road
Singapore 188719
Tel: +65 63371886
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 2pm, 6pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Junction of North Bridge Road and Bras Basah Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]