Showing posts with label Crab Cake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Crab Cake. Show all posts

Monday, March 10, 2025

The Orchard Cafe @ The Orchard Hotel Singapore - Lavish Buffet Featuring Finest Cut of Meats and BBQ Seafood

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The Orchard Cafe at The Orchard Hotel Singapore has a brand new lineup with Flaming Feast: Prime "Meats" Seafood BBQ Buffet. Running from 1 March to 4 May 2025, the feast also showcases American flavours, offering a range of BBQ meats with hearty US flavours, comforting Western fare, and indulgent desserts.

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BBQ Smoked Hickory US Beef Brisket

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Slow Roasted US Kurobuta Pork Shoulder

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Slow Roasted US Grain Fed Prime Rib

Over at the Prime Meats & Signature Carving station, you will find beastly-looking roasts and BBQ meats — Slow-Roasted US Grain-Fed Prime Rib, BBQ-smoked hickory US Beef Brisket, and Slow-Roasted US Kurobuta Pork Shoulder. While the meats were truly the stars of the offerings, given their succulency and bold flavours, the sides were delectable as well. The Yorkshire puddings were excellent with the US prime rib, and the buttery mashed potatoes for the pork shoulder were sinfully delicious.

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Charcoal Grilled Meats

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New Orleans BBQ Prawn

Alongside the BBQ meats, the Charcoal Grill Selections features tantalising items such as Flank Steak. Short Plate, Lamp Chops and Beef Sirloin. The New Orleans BBQ Prawn offered a fresh take on their usual grilled prawns.

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Pumpkin Croquette, Maryland Crab Cakes, Fries, Buttermilk Chicken

Another station offered the comfort of Fried Basket. There were Fish & Chips, succulent Buttermilk Chicken, and my favorites were the Pumpkin Croquette and Maryland Crab Cakes.

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Seafood on Ice

The Seafood on Ice station was also delightful, with Snow Crab Legs among other usual favourites such as Red Prawns and Black Mussels. Boosting the seafood offering, there is also a Sashimi and Sushi counter offering Norwegian Salmon sashimi, Yellow Fin Tuna and Hokkaido Tako.

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Banana Foster with Caramel Ice Cream

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Snicker Chocolate Bar

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Blueberry Cheesecake

Another highlight was the dessert lineup. Not only are there regular crowd-pleasing and comforting sweets such as Bread & Butter Pudding, Blueberry Cheesecake, and Key Lime Pie, but also unique creations such as the Snicker Chocolate Bar, which offers a whole new experience in enjoying the familiar flavours of a Snickers. The live station whipped up delicious Banana Foster with Caramel Ice Cream made of caramelised bananas served with a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.

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.


The Orchard Cafe
Lobby
442 Orchard Road
Singapore 238879
Tel: +65 67396565
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to Wheelock Place. Walk to traffic junction of Orchard Road and Angullia Park. Cross the road to Royal Thai Embassy. Turn left and continue down Orchard Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, November 2, 2024

Iru Den @ Scotts Road - A Refined Dining Experience with Taiwanese Ingredients

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My first encounter with Iru Den, then called IL Den, was when it was a small, 8-seater hidden gem in Orchard Plaza. Today, Chef Javier Low has transformed Iru Den into an elegant establishment on Scotts Road, with a main dining area, counter seating, and a private room accommodating up to 31 guests. Chef Javier has reimagined his menu along with the expanded space, now featuring Taiwanese ingredients crafted with a Japanese-European approach. The Chef's Experience Autumn Menu ($258++) consists of 9 creative courses, each thoughtfully curated to showcase Taiwan's unique flavours.

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Snow Crab Cake 4.5/5

The meal started with a trio of snacks, beginning with the Snow Crab Cake. Made with Hokkaido snow crab seasoned with ginger and garlic, the crab was coated in flour and egg and then deep-fried to a golden crisp. Topped with a mixture of snow crab, sour cream, and crème fraiche, this dish was a luxurious bite that set the tone for the rest of the meal.

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Five-spiced Duck Croquette 4/5

Next, the Five-Spiced Duck Croquette featured tender, confit duck flavoured with aromatic five-spice. Shaped into a croquette, coated in ciabatta crumbs, and fried to golden perfection, this savoury treat was topped with Taiwanese red chilli, adding a hint of spice to round out the flavours.

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Prawn Toast 4.2/5

Inspired by Taiwanese Moonlight cakes (月光饼), the Prawn Toast was a delightful creation made with finely chopped ama ebi, coated in panko and fried to a crisp. Finished with a drizzle of Taiwanese lovage oil, this dish bursts with bold, herbaceous flavours, offering a complex interplay of taste and texture in each bite.

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Homemade Ciabatte with Cai Pu Brown Butter 4/5

For the bread course, we were served Homemade Ciabatta with Cai Pu Brown Butter, featuring aged, sun-dried radishes from Pingtung, Taiwan. Accompanied by a warming Chicken Broth Soup with cai pu and Taiwanese green chillies, this course was rich with umami flavours and provided a comforting prelude to the upcoming dishes.

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Aged Kampachi with Taiwanese Plums, Dill Oil and VerJus 4.5/5

This dish showcased Chef Javier's skilful ageing technique by incorporating two Taiwanese ingredients — Penghu-sourced Kampachi and Taiwanese plums. The Kampachi, aged for four days and lightly charred over charcoal, was paired with dill oil, verjus, and Taiwanese plums. The resulting dish was bright and refreshing, perfectly balancing the fish's richness with the plums' acidity.

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Prawn XO, Provence Sauce 4.2/5

The Prawn XO Provence Sauce was a standout course featuring Carabineros (Spanish red shrimp) from Yilan, Taiwan. Prepared two ways, the prawn flesh was brushed with a special XO sauce made from Taiwanese flying fish innards, while the head was deep-fried to a satisfying crunch. Paired with a rich, prawn-stock-based Provence sauce, this course was a flavorful tribute to the complexity of Taiwan's seafood.

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Uni, Wheat Noodles & Hanawasabi 4.5/5

One of Iru Den's signature dishes, the Taiwanese Somen, was a symphony of textures and flavours. Tossed in white wine vinegar dressing with shallots, diced Taiwanese octopus, wasabi, and sawtooth herb (Ci Cong), the somen noodles were topped with Hanawasabi, adding a delicate floral note. The herb's robust, citrusy, and slightly peppery flavour complimented the uni, creating a memorable dish.

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Tilefish, Green Chilli & Katsuo Dashi 4.2/5

Chef Javier presented Tilefish (Amadai) for the fish course, with scales left intact and fried skin-side down to a crisp finish. Paired with rich katsuo dashi and pickled Taiwanese green chillies, this dish perfectly contrasts the fish's flaky, tender flesh and the zesty, umami-laden broth.

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Wagyu 4.5/5

The Japanese Beef Short Rib is perfectly cooked — remarkably tender and juicy, with a rich, savoury depth. Paired with Taiwanese pumpkin, which adds a subtle sweetness, the dish achieves an elegant balance that enhances the flavour profile of the beef. The highlight, however, is the Maqaw jus. This native Taiwanese pepper from the mid-altitude mountains introduces a bright, citrusy note with hints of lemon and lemongrass, adding complexity and a gentle warmth to each bite. The combination of the beef's richness, the pumpkin's sweetness, and the vibrant maqaw makes for an exquisite and well-composed dish.

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Sanma Claypot Rice 4.8/5

The Sanma Claypot Rice featured Pacific Saury sourced from Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The fish, harvested during autumn for its tender, oily texture, was dry-aged for three days, salt-cured, and lightly grilled over charcoal. Cooked with Hokkaido Yumepirika rice, the sanma's fat infused the grains, creating a deeply flavourful base with ginger, garlic, mushroom, pork lard, and kale. This seasonal donabe was comforting and rich, capturing the essence of autumn.

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Muah Chee 4/5

Muah Chee was served alongside dairy-free goma (black sesame) ice cream and cashew nuts for dessert. A beloved traditional snack in Taiwan, this chewy, nutty treat provided a satisfying conclusion to the meal, merging simplicity with nostalgia.

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Petit Four 4/5

The meal concluded with a Financier for Petit Four, perfectly moist inside and crisp exterior. This small, delightful bite was the perfect end to an exceptional dinner experience.

Chef Javier Low's Iru Den has successfully evolved from a small, intimate spot into a refined dining destination. His commitment to Taiwanese ingredients, paired with Japanese and European techniques, makes the Chef's Experience Autumn Menu a captivating journey through nuanced flavours and thoughtful presentations. Iru Den is a must-visit for those looking to experience the harmony of Taiwanese ingredients with global culinary styles.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Iru Den
27 Scotts Road
Singapore 228222
Tel: +65 8923 1127
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Nearest MRT: Newton (NS Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Newton MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right on Scotts Road. Walk down Scotts Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, June 30, 2024

SPRUCE @ HillV2 - 15th Anniversary Grand Reopening with New Menu Featuring Collaboration by MasterChef Singapore Season 4 Winner Inderpal Singh

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SPRUCE recently celebrated its 15th anniversary with a grand reopening at HillV2 and introduced a new bakery and bistro concept. Their all-new menu features a range of new dishes alongside an exclusive MasterChef collaboration with MasterChef Singapore Season 4 winner, Inderpal Singh. This collaboration consists of 5 items by Chef Inderpal, which showcase his expertise in spices.

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The new modern space is adorned with warm lights and lots of greens, making it a cosy space for gatherings.

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Beverages

Their beverage list is extensive, with homemade drinks such as Homemade Lemonade ($8), freshly squeezed lemon with fresh mint, and Arnold Palmer ($7), a blend of freshly brewed tea and homemade lemonade. Cocktails, created in collaboration with award-winning mixologist Nithi, are also available.

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MasterChef Laksa Pumpkin Soup 3.8/5

The MasterChef Laksa Pumpkin Soup ($15) caught our eye for its intriguing combination of sweet pumpkin, laksa leaves, galanga and chilli! The creamy soup took some getting used to but paired well with a crunchy slice of garlic bread.

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MasterChef - Fenugreek Crab Cake 4.2/5

A popular MasterChef creation is the Fenugreek Crab Cake ($22). Despite its price, it was chock full of succulent crab meat. We were also fans of the rich and aromatic fenugreek chutney, which enhanced the overall umami flavours.

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MasterChef “Chilli Prawn” Roti John 3.5/5

The MasterChef "Chilli Prawn" Roti John ($27) featured prawns in chilli crab sauce on a basil roti john, offering a special twist on the classic beef or chicken versions. However, it was a tad pricey for its portion.

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Prawn Orecchiette 4/5

For mains, we first had the Prawn Orecchiette ($24), which saw orecchiette pasta tossed in spinach and garlic cream sauce, with tiger prawn chunks and zucchini. While I would have liked the pasta a touch softer, the garlicky sauce was quite enjoyable.

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Truffled & Mushroom Risotto 3.8/5

The Truffled & Mushroom Risotto ($23) was decent, with carnaroli rice simmered with mushrooms and mascarpone cheese. The thick texture made it better suited as a sharing dish.

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Chimichurri Baby Back Ribs 4.2/5

Apart from the Fenugreek Crab Cake, our other unanimous favourite of the night was the Chimichurri Baby Back Ribs ($26). I rarely order baby back ribs as they usually come doused in a thick, sweet sauce, which I am not a fan of. SPRUCE's rendition, however, has the tender ribs served with a zesty homemade chimichurri sauce and shoestring fries on the side.

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MasterChef - Barramundi & Coconut Briyani 4/5

The MasterChef — Barramundi & Coconut Briyani ($28), aptly described by my dining companions as a healthy briyani, was clean-tasting in a good way. The pan-seared barramundi had a crisp skin, while its meat remained tender. It was atop coconut briyani with pistachio and raisins and accompanied by a side of refreshing yogurt.

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.


SPRUCE
HillV2
#01-01
4 Hillview Rise
Singapore 667979
Tel: +65 9759 5790
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Hillview MRT (DT Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Hillview MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Hillview Road. Turn right onto Hillview road. Walk down Hillview Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, March 2, 2024

Jiak Kim House @ Jiak Kim Street (Kim Seng Road) - Former Zouk Transformed into a Beautiful Modern Asian Restaurant by The Brewerkz Group

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Stepping into the former Zouk, one encounters the metamorphosis into Jiak Kim House, an enchanting dining venture brought to life by The Brewerkz Group. Chef-Partner Seow Tzi Qin takes the reins, introducing an inventive menu that weaves modern Asian cuisine with Southeast Asian flavours, all within a contemporary framework. This establishment is more than a restaurant; it celebrates evolution against the backdrop of Zouk's storied past.

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The dinner commences with complimentary rotating bread, with the noteworthy Bolo Bun stealing the spotlight with its century egg and salted egg filling. This treat could easily grace the shelves of a bakery. Following this, an Amuse Bouche takes the stage, presenting a delightful ensemble of crunchy jellyfish paired with a palate-refreshing sorbet, setting the tone for the dining experience.

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Chilli Crab Pie Tee 4/5

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7-Herbed Crab Cake, Assam Mayo 4.8/5

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Spanish Mackerel Otak Otak, Green Curry 3.8/5

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Lamb Golash Croquette, Mint Coriander Coulis 4.5/5

For those venturing into Jiak Kim House for the first time, I strongly recommend having the Tingkat of Memories ($36). This ensemble features four distinct items: the 7-Herb Crab Cake with Assam Mayo, Lamb Goulash Croquette with Mint Coriander Coulis, Chilli Crab Pie Tee, and Tri-Colour Otak Otak. These items aptly exemplify Chef TQ's culinary vision and the establishment's unique gastronomic style. Moreover, they offer a vibrant introduction to the rich and diverse flavours of Southeast Asian cuisine.

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Mushroom Herbal Tea 'Macchiato' 5/5

The Mushroom Herbal Tea 'Macchiato' ($22) is the chef's creative take on the beloved local Bak Kut Teh. The concoction comprises peppery mushroom consommé infused with a fragrant herb and spice blend. Topped with a frothy green peppercorn foam, the dish is served with a delightful side of playful mini dough fritters. I found joy in dipping the dough fritters into the comforting and flavoursome soup, a reminiscent act of savouring local Bak Kut Teh delightfully.

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Hay-Smoked Wagyu Hamburg 4/5

The Hay-Smoked Wagyu Hamburg ($28) draws inspiration from the Vietnamese Bo La Lot. This delectable dish features juicy chargrilled patties made from a succulent blend of chuck, short rib, and pork belly, expertly wrapped in fragrant shiso leaves. Accompanied by a tantalising green pepper sauce, the dish is complemented by fresh kimchi pickles at the side, adding a delightful touch that helps balance the richness of the flavours.

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Herbal Scallops 'Pao Fan' 4/5

The Herbal Scallops 'Pao Fan' ($42) received mixed reviews from some dining companions who felt it fell short of the traditional Chinese Pao Fan dish's expectations. Despite presenting components like puffed rice, the dish deviated from the anticipated experience. Rather than a faithful representation of Pao Fan, it resembled more of a scallop dish paired with earthy cordyceps and briny ikura in dashi buerre blanc. Nevertheless, it was still enjoyable as a scallop dish on its own.

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Garum Quail Panggang 4.5/5

The Garum Quail Panggang ($46) left me in awe of Chef TQ's cooking. It stands as the most delightful way I've experienced quail thus far. The quail, expertly butterflied and beautifully chargrilled, is served alongside creamy celeriac mash, truffle sauce, crispy lotus root chips, and deep-fried cauliflower bhaji. The combination of flavours and textures in this dish is truly magical.

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Kam Heong Sambal Grouper 4.2/5

The Kam Heong Sambal Grouper ($40) showcases a boldly flavoured Tiger Grouper fillet marinated overnight in black peppercorns and homemade sambal. Paired with lively mangosteen salsa and served alongside cilantro rice, the dish presents a delightful fusion of robust flavours and diverse textures, creating a unique and memorable dish.

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Beef Tongue-To-Tail 4/5

The Beef Tongue to Tail ($42) presents fork-tender spice-infused rendang short ribs, torched ox tongue, and braised oxtail. Accompanied by domino potatoes adorned with grated coconut, smoky grilled shishito peppers, and a refreshing rojak salad, the dish artfully showcases the diverse and delectable facets of the cow.

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Challans Duck Two Ways 4/5

The Challans Duck Two Ways ($48) is meticulously roasted to a beautiful pink, accompanied by a tangy sour plum sauce and served alongside a salted vegetable risotto. Despite the tender and flavourful duck meat, some diners felt it lacked the pronounced Southeast Asian flavours evident in the other dishes.

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Snow Peak 4/5

The ethereal Snow Peak ($22) unveils a Moutai and pineapple-infused sorbet nestled on a bed of diced scoby, draped in a delicate coconut jelly, and adorned with guava, strawberries, and playful lime meringue shards. This dessert is a delightful and refreshing conclusion to the meal.

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Jiak Kim 4.5/5

Jiak Kim ($22), literally translating to 'eat gold,' is an exquisite flower-shaped dessert adorned with gold foil. This dessert combines layers of roselle hawthorn jelly, earl grey mousse, Berriolette compote, and namelaka chocolate cream, delivering a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jiak Kim House
5 Jiak Kim Street
#01-16/17
Singapore 169426
Tel: +65 98315430
Facebook
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock Road MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to traffic junction Kim Seng Road and Havelock Road. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Kim Seng Road towards Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel. Turn right onto Jiak Kim Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]