Bar Intermezzo @ Orchard Hotel Singapore - High-Tea Semi Buffet With Free-Flow Dessert Bar

Bar Intermezzo at Orchard Hotel Singapore presents a High Tea Semi-Buffet with a free-flow dessert bar and a complimentary glass of Prosecco per person.

What I like about this semi-buffet is that there are three tiers of cold and hot savouries instead of the usual 1 or 2 tiers, which are enough to fill me up before I move on to the dessert bar. Freshly baked scones are also served with free-flow of coffee and tea.

Crab Cake with Saffron Aioli, Unagi Kabayaki Quiche

Prawn Vol-au-Vents, Gammon Ham and Truffle Cheese, Hokkaido Scallop Crudo

The variety of savouries offered is wholesome and hearty, even though they may be dainty in size. In particular, I enjoyed the Crab Cake with Saffron Aioli and Gammon Ham and Truffle Cheese from the hot selection. The latter was delectable, with a rich and creamy mouthfeel from the melted cheese, a classic combination done right. Both were perfect with my glass of prosecco.

Truffle Egg Sandwich, Black Angus Beef Tartar, Gravlax Salmon Sandwich

From the cold selection, Black Angus Beef Tartar stood out with an interesting combination of chocolate tart and beef, enlivened with a slice of gooseberry. The bitter-sweet notes from the chocolate tart went really well with the meat. Gravlax Salmon Sandwich was equally scrumptious with a luscious slice of Gravlax salmon.

Durian Chocolates

Jivara Tart

Praline Chocolate (with Alcohol)

The dessert bar offers a variety of small sweet bites, and my favourites are the chocolate items such as Praline Chocolate (with Alcohol) that literally bursts with alcohol and Jivara Tart. The Durian Chocolate made with creamy durian mouse with dark chocolate was also surprisingly delightful.

There's also a Valrhona Chocolate Fondue. Not as rich as I would like it to be, but decent enough.

Yuzu Tart

Macarons

Other sweet selections include tangy Yuzu Tarts and a variety of Macarons.

Bar Intermezzo's High Tea Semi-Buffet is available on Saturdays and Sundays, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at $50 per pax (min. 2 pax to serve). For reservations: Tel 6739 6668 or Email intermezzobar.ohs@millenniumhotels.com

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.


Bar Intermezzo
Lobby
442 Orchard Road
Singapore 238879
Tel: +65 67396668
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 11pm

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]

Wolfgang's Steakhouse @ Intercontinental Singapore Robertson Quay - Celebrates Christmas With New Festive Set Menu And Brunch Dishes

Celebrating the holidays in style, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Singapore has unveiled a new NYC-Inspired Christmas Set Menu and Christmas Brunch, which showcases a variety of typical brunch favourites and festive additions.

Available from 24 to 27 December, the Christmas Set Menu (S$188 per pax, min 2 pax) includes a light starter of Beverly Hills Chopped Salad and Crab Cake, followed by USDA Prime Porterhouse Steak, accompanied by succulent Honey Baked Ham, Pumpkin Mashed Potato, Brussel Sprouts with Bacon, and Vichy-Style Carrots. Homemade Carrot Cake completes the feast.

Beverly Hills Chopped Salad and Crab Cake 4/5

We tried the Beverly Hills Chopped Salad and Crab Cake, which is part of the Christmas Set Menu. The crab cake is loaded with fresh crab meat and cooked to fork-tender perfection. Served with a side of chopped salad to boot.

Sleigh Bells 4/5

Before proceeding to the brunch menu, you can bring up the festive spirit with their special festive toasts such as the Sleigh Bells ($28). The beautifully decorated drink comprises a sweet combination of tequila, Cointreau, cranberry and lime. Catering to those hoping to stay sober over the season, the team have also created two special mocktails, the Jolly Zest ($18) and the Gingerbread Eggnog ($18).

Steak and Eggs 4.2/5

From the Christmas Brunch Menu, we had the Steak and Eggs ($45) consisting of 100% USDA Prime Black Angus Striploin, cherry tomatoes and creamy scrambled eggs. The juicy and succulent piece of steak is excellent on its own, even without any complementing sauce.

Wolfgang's Eggs Benedict 4.5/5

Not to be missed is the Wolfgang's Eggs Benedict ($30) - an elevated version of your usual eggs benedict which features 100% USDA Prime Black Angus Petite Filet Mignon on fluffy English muffins, and poached eggs with creamy hollandaise atop. As one of the most prized cuts of meat, the Filet Mignon is juicy and has a more tender and buttery texture as compared to the rest of the cuts. It paired perfectly with the creamy flowy eggs.

Angel Hair Pasta 4/5

Apart from the steaks, Wolfgang Steakhouse does great pasta too. We had the Angel Hair Pasta ($28) with scallop, salmon roes and caviar.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wolfgang's Steakhouse
Intercontinental Singapore Robertson Quay
1 Nanson Road
#02-01
Singapore 238909
Tel: +65 68875885
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 1130pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop along Upper Cross Road, Opposite Subordinate Court (Stop ID 06171). Take bus number 51 or 186. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Saiboo Street. Cross the river and walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to junction of River Valley Road and Clemenceau Avenue. Cross the road. Turn left and walk to the river. At the river, turn right and walk down the river. Walk to The Quayside and turn to Nanson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Grill Ninety Nine @ Arab Street - Halal Restaurant Offering Quality & Affordable Western Cuisine

Less than 5 minutes walk from Bugis MRT station will bring you to Grill Ninety Nine at Arab Street. Serving western cuisine that is prepared using halal-certified ingredients, Grill Ninety Nine prides itself on its meat offerings, featuring good quality beef and lamb from New Zealand.

Crispy Crab Cakes 4.5/5

Appetisers may not be the primary focus of your meal, but you must try its Crispy Crab Cakes ($12.90) which is also available as a burger variant. When so often crab cakes are loaded with fillers, crusts that are too thick or over-fried even, these were thin and crisp, with the inside moist and well-seasoned to bring out the delicate flavours of the crab leg meat.

Cream of Mushroom 3.5/5

Cream of Mushroom ($6) is made in-house too. I loved the peppery-ness of it, which elevated the aromatic and earthy flavours of the mushrooms. It is very creamy and heavy, hence do share if you are going for it.

Ribeye Steak 4/5

Grill Ninety Nine's signature items are undeniably its steaks, served with a choice of black pepper, mushroom or brown sauce. We tried Ribeye Steak ($29.90 for 200g/ $45 for 425g). Lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, it was skillfully grilled to the doneness we requested. What made it even tastier was the fresh medley of herbs, in particular rosemary, that accented its fats and juice. Steaks are served with either fries or mash potato. We had ours changed to their new side item, sweet potato fries, for tasting purposes. It is available as a side for $9.90.

A highlight on its menu is the offering of Raclette Cheese at $8.90, which you can add as a topping on your mains, be it steak, burger, pasta. Prepared a la minute after your main is served, get your phone ready to capture the wow moment as you see a huge dollop of warm, gooey raclette cheese being scraped and allow to fall onto your plate.

Oven Roasted Angus Beef Ribs 3/5

The much anticipated Oven-roasted Angus Beef Ribs ($49.90) didn't quite hit the mark. The portion definitely sells, which was a feast for the eyes when it was served to us, but the sticky glaze that coated the meat was too sweet, and the meat was not as tender as expected.

Jawbreaker 3.5/5

Moving on to burgers, Jawbreaker ($22) offers your ravenous soul with a triple handmade beef patty piled between freshly baked brioche buns. Each patty is about 150g and in between patties are pickles and inhouse sauces. I like the buns used here, they didn't go all soggy even then they had to hold what was being stuffed between them. The spices and herbs used in the patty flavoured the meat well, but the juiciness of the patties fell short from expectations. Without the natural fats and juice from the meat, it lacked the beefy flavour that I seek. Nacho cheese is used for the burgers here, and personally, I feel that hard cheeses that are sharper in flavours work better in burgers. That said, the whole visual entertainment and satisfaction derived from eating a three-tiered patty burger are still considered tummy and senses filling.

Nutella Brownie Milkshake 3.5/5

On the drinks menu, what stood out is the Nutella Brownie Milkshake ($10) that comes with a rich and moist brownie stick. I think this combination will also work should there be a hot version of it.

Waffle with Ondeh-Ondeh Ice Cream 3.8/5

Desserts are simple, such as cakes, scoops of ice cream or housemade soft-serve ice creams. We tried the combination of Waffle with Ondeh-Ondeh Ice Cream. The waffle was soft with a crispy exterior, and interestingly as they sopped up the ice cream, they attained a slightly chewy texture which accentuated the characteristics of Ondeh Ondeh experience. A handful more grated coconut would have made this dessert more complete.

Written and photography 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.


Grill Ninety Nine
142 Arab Street
Singapore 199828
Tel: +65 62927363
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily 12pm - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk down Victoria Street towards Arab Street. Turn right onto Arab Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Opus Bar & Grill @ Hilton Hotel Singapore - Celebrates Fourth Birthday With A New Menu, Premium Sharing Cut And Wine Deal

Known as one of the top ten steakhouses in Singapore, Opus Bar & Grill celebrates its fourth birthday by giving complimentary bottle of premium red wine (worth $90) with an order of any of their sharing steak cuts. The offer is valid for the month of March and available from Sundays until Thursdays.

There are a variety of 6 different Opus Premium Sharing Cuts and Platters to chose from. All the sharing cuts and platters serve two, and prices start from $128++.

- Signature 1kg U.S. Black Angus bone-in rib eye, dry-aged, marble score 4
- 1kg Australian Black Angus Porterhouse, marble score 4
- Wagyu & Lobster of 500g Australian Wagyu Sirloin and MSC-certified Boston lobster
- 1kg whiskey-aged Australian F1 Wagyu Tomahawk, 300 days grain-fed, marble score 5
- Premium Butcher’s Platter of 600g U.S. Black Angus bone-in rib eye, 150g Wagyu rump cap, braised grain-fed Wagyu beef short rib and gourmet beef sausages.
- 600g New Zealand roasted tenderloin

Opus Sharing Cuts Platter 4.5/5

Featuring a platter of Opus House Specialties including the 500g Whole Live Lobster ($54), 600g Grilled Butterfield Spring Chicken ($38), 300g DeRaz Iberico Pork Rack ($38), 300g Premium Lamb Pork Chops ($48) and 300g Lamb Porterhouse Chops ($42). Opus's Premium Sharing cuts are dramatic, bone-in-show stoppers that showcase a variety of textures and flavours. Also look forward to the Signature U.s. Black Angus bone-in rib eye, dry-aged Australian Wagyu Sirloin, whole live MSC Boston Lobster, Australian Whiskey-aged F1 Wagyu Tomahawk.

If you're a beef lover, go for the Premium Butcher’s Platter with all the beefy goodness, which includes the 600g U.S. Black Angus bone-in rib eye, 150g Wagyu rump cap, braised grain-fed Wagyu beef short rib and gourmet beef sausages.

With the Tomahawk steak whiskey-aged for up to 21 days, and masterfully cooked by expert chefs over an open-flame grill using charcoals and sustainable Jarrah wood, the result is a rich depth of smoky caramelized flavours, with the perfect char. I enjoyed the juicy slices of Australian Wagyu Sirloin as well, and would recommend it if you're looking to try another cut of steak. Don't miss out on the lobster for a surf and turf experience - the meat boasts a springy freshness in each bite.

In addition to the good selection of premium cuts, the restaurant also revamped its dinner menu and introduced a variety of exciting ala carte dishes. Diner can look forward to savour a range of mouthwatering new dishes and sides.

250g New Zealand Roasted Tenderloin Steak 4.5/5

My favourite is the New Zealand Roasted Tenderloin Steak ($62) which boasts an incredibly tender texture that just melts in the mouth. Perfectly grilled and almost flawless in execution, the steak tasted so good on its own even without any other compliments. Offered as sharing cuts as well, it is also included in the sharing cuts and wine deal.

There is also a selection of new premium sides available for add-on to complement the grilled dishes that include seared foie gras, twice-baked Idaho Cheddar potatoes and scallions, Opus-Over-The-Top Fries drizzled with foie gras fat, truffle oil and shaved Parmesan, tempura Vidalia onion rings and more.

Opus-Over-The-Top Fries 4.2/5

Opus-Over-The-Top Fries ($15) was absolutely addictive. Comes blanketed in generous amounts of black truffle and parmesan, the crispy fries are also doused in luscious foie gras fat which elevated the whole enjoyment.

Grilled Fat Green Asparagus 3.5/5

A refreshing side to the heavier grilled meats is the Grilled Fat Green Asparagus ($10) that boasts a fresh crunchy texture. However, lacking much on the flavour component as it gets a tad too bland.

Watermelon & Feta Salad 4/5

The Watermelon & Feta Salad ($15) is refreshing start to the meal with its sweet juicy cubes of yellow and red watermelon, paired with feta cheese cubes and white balsamic sauce.

Seared Atlantic Scallops 4/5

Dishes labeled with the eco-label in the menu are prepared with seafood sources that are sustainably caught. Some of the new dishes using MSC-certified seafood from the Opus menu include the Seared Atlantic scallops ($22) with butternut squash purée, pumpkin seeds and basil. The seared scallops are fresh and juicy, while the complimenting butternut squash purée adds subtle hints of sweetness to the fresh seafood.

Crab Cake 4.2/5

The Crab Cake ($18) boasts soft flavourful premium lump crabmeat fillings within a golden brown crispy exterior. The crabcakes fell apart easily with a gentle touch of the fork. The celeriac remoulade and pink grapefruit adds a subtle sweetness to the crab cakes as well.

Citron Tart 4/5

Ma-Chakura Azuki 4.2/5, Belle 4/5

End the meal on a sweet note with a series of artfully crafted desserts from the D9 cakery selections, such as the Citron Tart which features a zesty lemon tart with meringue. I particularly enjoyed the Belle which features a well-balanced sweet and zesty flavour from the lime and coconut fillings. Another of my favourite is the Ma-Chakura Azuki which has a great combination of sweet zuki fillings, toned down by the subtle bitterness from the crumbly matcha cake base.

Paris Brest Hazelnut 3.8/5

Fraise 4.2/5

The Paris Brest Hazelnut boasts a strong hazelnut chocolate flavour which I find it a tad too sweet. In contrast, the Fraise is not so cloyingly sweet. It features a white chocolate exterior encasing a soft strawberry cake sponge, perfumed with a delicate berry fragrance within each bite which I enjoyed very much.

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.


Opus Bar & Grill
Hilton Hotel Singapore
581 Orchard Road
Singapore 238883
Tel: +65 67303390
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue walking along Orchard Road. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

The Marmalade Pantry @ Ion Orchard - Launches New Outlet With Exclusive Creation Alongside Perennial Classics

Homegrown bistro, The Marmalade Pantry announces the launch of its new flagship outlet at Ion Orchard, along with its 20th anniversary this year. Back with a fresh new look, the outlet rolls out exclusive menu items in collaboration with Chef Gen Lee. We had the opportunity to try the new menu items as well as the limited edition series of desserts solely conceived for the outlet and conceptualised by the talented culinary student and MasterChef Singapore Runner-up.

Baked Camembert 4/5

We start off the meal with the Baked Camembert ($18) which came with sundried tomatoes, capers, dried fruits and black olives. Dip the sourdough bread into the warm melty cheese, which was pure enjoyment.

Grilled Pear and Argula Salad 3.8/5

For something lighter, the Grilled Pear and Arugula Salad ($22) was a great option. Featuring a plate of rocket greens mixed with a medley of walnuts, tomatoes and a drizzle of honey mustard dressing for a good balance of flavours and textures, the grilled poached pear adds a touch of subtle sweetness to the bitterness of the rocket.

Maryland Crab Cakes 4.2/5

The Maryland Crab Cakes ($26) features soft savoury crabmeat which comes in a panko-crusted purse, served with homemade tartar sauce to elevate its flavours.

Spicy Sriracha Chicken Burger 4.2/5

We start off the mains with the Spicy Sriracha Chicken Burger ($24) which features a tender succulent chicken patty with sriracha mayo and blue cheese. The heat from the spice packs a punch to the burger. Together with a side of parmesan fries and mesclun salad for a hearty meal.

Curry Barramundi 4/5

The Curry Barramundi ($28) is a notch lower in heat from its curry sauce. However, it is no less flavourful with a good balance of sweet and spice. The dish also comes with a slab of tender fish, aubergrine, okra and onion. Pour the cup of curry around the mount of fragrant jasmine rice and mix it all in, to enjoy the curry.

Kimchi Fried Rice 3.8/5

The Kimchi Fried Rice ($26) features a Korean-inspired take on the donburi, topped with tender sous vide steak and egg, bringing together different new flavours and textures.

Singapore Laksa 4/5

Taking inspiration from the typical local dish, the Singapore Laksa ($32) was a welcoming favourite. Filled with an abundance of fresh slipper lobster, dried bean curd, fishcake, quail eggs, tiger prawns and scallops, steeped in a sweet-spicy laksa broth which is refreshing yet comfortingly familiar.

Reimagined Kaya Toast 4.2/5

As part of an exclusive collaboration between The Marmalade Pantry and Gen, diners can enjoy three unique confections conceptualised by Gen, available only at The Marmalade Pantry ION Orchard from March to October 2019.

The Reimagined Kaya Toast ($14) presents a unique take on the well-loved local breakfast of the kaya toast - with pistachio sponge, coconut cream, brown toast meringue shards as well as gula melaka ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery, presenting good balance of textures and flavours while not being cloyingly sweet.

Sunset in the Glass 4/5

For a cool and refreshing finish to the meal, the Sunset in the Glass ($14) is a great option. Inspired by the land of smiles, this beautiful dessert is crafted with sticky rice, lemongrass water, kaffir lime meringue, mango sorbet, fresh mango and spiced nuts. The sourness of the mango sorbet compliments the richness of the sticky rice well. Suffice this cuts a close second to the Reimagined Kaya Toast.

Blue Rhapsody 4/5

The Blue Rhapsody ($10 per slice, $70 for a whole cake) comes in a huge slice, composed with layers of blueberry gel, lavender hazelnut crumble and sponge cake, topped with cream cheese frosting, blackcurrant meringues and a sprinkling of gold dust.

With the opening of its newest outlet in town (its two outlets are located at Novena and Downtown), it is bound to entice diners to indulge in a short respite from all the shopping. Enjoy a delightful afternoon or a mid-day treat with a refreshed Afternoon Tea Set ($60 per set for 2 pax) as well, available only at The Marmalade Pantry ION Orchard. The decadent two tiered high tea set features new selections such as smoked salmon sandwiches, cucumber & watercress sandwiches, truffle egg mayo sandwiches, chili crabmeat sliders and petite fours, in addition to buttermilk scones with candied orange & cranberry, strawberry preserve, clotted cream and two signature cupcakes. Each tea set comes with two pots of artisan tea by Monogram. Mastercard® cardholders enjoy a 15% off the ala carte menu at the bistro.

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 Marmalade Pantry
Ion Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#04-11a
Singapore 238801
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]