Showing posts with label Crayfish. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Crayfish. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Linda's Table Private Dining @ Pandan Valley - A Journey Through Cantonese Flavours

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Linda's Table is one of my favourite private dining spots in Singapore, known for its authentic Peranakan dishes. However, Linda sometimes delves into her treasure trove of Cantonese dishes for her regular guests, offering a menu filled with tradition and heart. In July 2024, we had the privilege of trying Linda's Cantonese menu, and it was a dining experience filled with comfort, nostalgia, and excellent execution.

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Five Treasure Platter 4/5

Our feast started with the Five Treasure Platter, a collection of familiar Cantonese bites reminiscent of traditional Chinese wedding dinners. The platter featured Ngoh Hiang, Spring Roll, Mayonnaise Prawn, Jelly Fish, and Osmanthus Scrambled Egg. Each element was well-prepared, but my favourite had to be the delicate Osmanthus Scrambled Egg. While not a dish with bold flavours, it was a pleasant and classic way to start the meal.

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Fresh Coconut Chicken Soup 5/5

A standout dish of the evening was the Fresh Coconut Chicken Soup. It's hard to describe just how delightful this soup was — there was no added salt, yet it was packed with the natural sweetness of fresh coconut juice and the richness of the essence of chicken. A perfect balance of sweetness and umami that warmed the soul. This dish was simple but executed to perfection and easily my favourite of the night.

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Crayfish Chee Cheong Fun 4.5/5

Making a grand entrance was the Crayfish Chee Cheong Fun, a delightful and indulgent dish. The large, plump crayfish sat atop a bed of silky homemade chee cheong fun (rice noodle rolls) drenched in premium soy sauce and topped with crispy lardons and spring onions. The chee cheong fun absorbed the rich soy sauce, while the crayfish provided that sweet seafood flavour. The lardons added a crunchy texture that brought the entire dish together.

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Roasted Spiced Quails 4/5

The Roasted Spiced Quails were another treat — crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. Deep-fried to a golden brown, the quails were placed on a bed of crispy rice crackers, almost as if resting on a cloud. The seasoning was on point, and it wasn't overly greasy.

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Stir Fried You Mai Cai with Fried Dace and Black Beans 4.5/5

Being a fan of You Mai Cai, I was thrilled to see this on the menu, and it was even better when paired with fried dace and black beans. The vegetables retained a delightful crunch, and the flavours from the fried dace and black beans brought a salty, umami-rich depth to the dish. A simple vegetable stir-fry was elevated into something exceptional.

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Fresh Lemon Wings with Ginger 4.8/5

The Fresh Lemon Wings with Ginger delivered on all fronts — sweet, tangy, sticky, and umami-packed. The lemon sauce coated the wings beautifully, giving every bite a burst of flavour. The ginger added a subtle spice that complemented the sweetness of the sauce, making it an all-around satisfying dish.

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Pork Lard Rice with Liver Sausage 4.8/5

No meal at Linda's Table is complete without her signature Pork Lard Rice, a crowd favourite. This time, she added liver sausage to the mix, introducing another layer of flavour that took this indulgent dish to new heights. The richness from the crispy pork lard, paired with the savoury liver sausage, made it an absolute hit. This dish is all about indulgence, and it was thoroughly enjoyed.

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Stewed Beef Pot 4.5/5

The Stewed Beef Pot was another hearty, comforting dish — featuring tender beef shin, tripe, tendon, homemade beef balls, and radish. The mildly spicy sauce brought all the ingredients together beautifully, each bite brimming with beefy goodness. It was a treasure trove of textures and flavours, perfect for sharing.

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Lemongrass Poached Pears 4.5/5

We ended our meal on a refreshing note with Lemongrass Poached Pears. The pears were poached until tender and served with a lemongrass jelly that provided a cool, refreshing contrast to the richness of the earlier dishes. It was the perfect light dessert to wrap up a satisfying meal.

Linda’s Table continues to impress, offering both familiar comfort dishes and unique Cantonese delights. Whether you’re indulging in the sweet, coconut-infused chicken soup or savouring the richly seasoned pork lard rice, you can feel the love and care that goes into each dish. Linda’s Cantonese menu proves that her culinary expertise goes beyond Peranakan cuisine, making it a top choice for private dining in Singapore. For those looking for a warm, hearty, and traditional dining experience with a modern twist, Linda’s Table is not to be missed.


Linda's Table Private Dining
Pandan Valley
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Monday, September 30, 2024

Acqua e Farina @ Keong Saik Road - Authentic Italian Restaurant at The Rail Mall Opens New Outlet

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Acqua e Farina, known for its authentic Italian cuisine since 2016 at The Rail Mall, has now expanded with a new outlet at Keong Saik Road. The restaurant continues to be helmed by Chef Antonio Manetto and Chef Roberto Galbiati, who hail from Southern and Northern Italy respectively, bringing their regional expertise to the table.

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We learnt from our last visit to The Rail Mall's branch that the restaurant's name directly translates into Italian for water and flour, reflecting the Chefs' goal of bringing authentic Italian fare using traditional recipes, top-quality ingredients and their own twists. Ingredients are mostly sourced directly from Italy.

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As a warm welcome, all diners are treated to complimentary warm bread, which we found delightfully chewy and perfect for dipping into olive oil.

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The restaurant's beverage menu is impressive, with various non-alcoholic drinks, spritzes, wines, and housemade cocktails. The attentive servers are always happy to offer their recommendations if needed.

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Tegamino con Cipolle, Asparagi e Guanciale 4.5/5

Our meal started with the Tegamino con Cipolle, Asparagi e Guanciale ($32), a savoury mix of braised onions, green asparagus, and pan-fried guanciale. The dish's smokiness, sweet-savoury flavour combination, and contrasting textures made it a hit, especially when paired with the starter bread.

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Tortino 4/5

We also tried the Tortino ($32), a tart made with homemade puff pastry dough filled with a rich crayfish sauce, tender crayfish chunks, and porcini mushrooms. While the tart shell wasn’t my favourite, the crustacean sweetness of the sauce was reminiscent of a flavorful lobster bisque.

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Montara 4.2/5

Exclusive to the Keong Saik outlet is the Montanara ($34), a twice-cooked pizza that’s first left to rise for 36 hours and deep-fried before being baked. The pizza, topped with tomato sauce, pork sausages, spicy nduja, and creamy stracciatella, had a perfectly crisp edge and was surprisingly light, making it easy to enjoy without feeling too heavy.

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Risotto ai Ricci di Mare e Bottarga 4/5

Next, we tried the Risotto ai Ricci di Mare e Bottarga ($36), a luxurious risotto dish enhanced with briny sea urchin and freshly grated salt-cured bottarga. The dish was creamy without the use of cream, relying on the slow-simmered stock for its richness.

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Tagliatelle al Cacao con Gamberetti e Nduja 4/5

We also enjoyed the Tagliatelle al Cacao con Gamberetti e Nduja ($36), a unique handmade cocoa pasta tossed in spicy nduja salami paste, complemented by portobello mushrooms and shrimp. Mixing in the cocoa powder provided a subtle sweetness that balanced the spicy nduja.

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Paccheri alla Norma 4.2/5

For a vegetarian option, we sampled the Paccheri alla Norma ($34), a tube-shaped pasta tossed in a fresh tomato sauce with eggplant and topped with grated ricotta. Based on Chef's family recipe, this dish was a pleasant surprise with its bright and simple flavour.

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Acqua e Farina’s Dessert Platter 4/5

To end our meal, we opted for the Dessert Platter ($20), which offered bite-sized portions of Acqua e Farina’s best desserts: Panna Cotta, Tiramisu, Crème Brûlée, and Lava Cake. The Lava Cake stood out for its rich, oozing chocolate centre.

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Nutella Donuts 4.2/5

We were also treated to off-the-menu Nutella Donuts, which were fluffy, chewy, and definitely worth making a permanent fixture on the menu.

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.


Acqua e Farina
35A Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089142
Tel: +65 9105 2377
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park MRT (EW, TE, NE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11.30am - 2.30pm, 5.30pm - 10.30pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight towards Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Siak Road. Walk down Keong Siak Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road to Teck Lim Road. Turn right onto Teck Lim Road. Walk down Teck Lim Road to Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 mintues. [Map]

Monday, May 27, 2024

FYSH @ The Singapore EDITION - New Communal Seafood-focused Sunday Brunch by Australian Award-winning Chef Josh Niland

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FYSH at EDITION is unlike your traditional steakhouses and Sunday Brunches. Led by Australian Award-winning Chef Josh Niland, the restaurant adopts an ethical and sustainable approach to seafood, with a menu focused on "whole fish cooking." This approach also means that at FYSH, every part of the fish is creatively incorporated into the menu as much as possible.

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The FYSH Roast experience, available exclusively for Sunday lunch from 12pm to 2.30pm, offers a communal dining experience priced from $108 per person. Diners can also opt for Flowing Champagne packages, along with complimentary free flow coffee, tea, juices, and soft drinks.

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Diners can choose between two distinct dining areas. The corridor seating offers a serene ambience surrounded by greenery and bathed in natural sunlight. In contrast, the main dining hall features dimmer lighting, creating a warmer and cosier yet elegant atmosphere.

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Our knowledgeable servers rolled the FYSH Trolley to our table, introducing the various fish and cuts that will be served during our meal. Depending on your group size, you can choose your preferred main dish, with options available for individual portions or group servings for two or four people. For a wider variety, I definitely recommend dining with a larger group.

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Charcoal Grilled Slipper Lobster 4.5/5

The brunch begins with five seafood starters. The Charcoal-Grilled Slipper Lobster stands out as a favourite for many of my dining companions and me. It's succulent and lightly seasoned, allowing its natural sweetness to shine through.

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FYSH Egg Tart 4/5

The vibrant FYSH Egg Tart was another popular starter. The burst of briny trout roe in a crisp tart shell was delightful.

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Raw Amberjack in Royal Kombu 3.8/5

The Raw Amberjack in Royal Kombu might look ordinary, but it had a surprising slice of amberjack wrapped within crunchy and thick kombu.

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Abrolhos Island Scallop 4.2/5

Accompanied the fresh Abrolhos Island Scallop was an addictive housemade XO sauce.

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Swordfish Empanadas 4/5

The curry puff-lookalike Swordfish Empanadas had an appetising swordfish filling with a bit of spiciness. Make sure to pair this with the roasted garlic yoghurt.

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Selection of Dry-Aged Wooloolaba Yellowfin Tuna 4.5/5

Next came a showstopper: the Selection of Dry-Aged Wooloolaba Yellowfin Tuna. This dish featured a dry-aged yellowfin tuna ribeye steak, merguez sausage, and glazed skirt steak, accompanied by various condiments such as parsley and shallot salad, Café de Paris butter, harissa, chimichurri, and tuna bone sauce. Not only was it a visual feast, but it also showcased FYSH's expertise in seafood and grilling. It was fun pairing it with a variety of condiments for different flavours.

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Sides of Selection of Dry-Aged Wooloolaba Yellowfin Tuna

Alongside the yellowfin tuna, we were served a refreshing Salad of Ox Heart Tomato and Stone Fruit, as well as perfectly fried and seasoned Salt & Vinegar Onion Rings and Kombu Fries.

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Butterflied Aquna Murray Cod 4.2/5

Roasted in the Josper grill, the smoky Butterflied Aquna Murray Cod was presented with a golden brown finish and surrounded with pressed roast potatoes, BBQ padron peppers, and BBQ tomato chimichurri. Recommended condiments here were herbs & shallot vinaigrette, and garlic aioli.

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Roasted & Glazed Free-Range Duck 4.2/5

If you are less into fish, the Roasted & Glazed Free-Range Duck would be the one to consider. The succulent slices of duck complemented sweet barbecued white peaches, chickpea & fennel seed panisse, sweet & sour radicchio and hazelnut & duck sauce.

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Line Caught Flounder on the Bone 4.5/5

The last of our mains was the Line Caught Flounder on the Bone with java brown clams, creamy celeriac purée and BBQ apple purée. The tender fish meat is finished with a buttery flounder bone sauce.

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Side of Line Caught Flounder on the Bone

On the side is a selection of mushrooms, black funghi and tangerine spinach.

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Apple Tarte Tatin 4/5

We moved on to desserts, starting with the Apple Tarte Tatin. This thin-crusted tart was served with celeriac custard.

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Chocolate & Murray Cod Fat Caramel 4.2/5

The Chocolate & Murray Cod Fat Caramel is a unique chocolate tart because it includes Murray cod fat caramel, which imparts a slight hint of fishiness. It may not be for everyone, but it definitely surprised us.

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Tart Trifle of Red Fruits 4/5

Put together with rose cream, rose jelly and coconut, the Tart Trifle of Red Fruits should be your choice of dessert if you have a sweet tooth and are a fan of floral flavours. It was sweet and tangy and made an excellent conclusion to our meal.

Despite the mixed reviews online, we had a lovely dining experience that showcased an emphasis on sustainability. Guests can make reservations directly at www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/fyshsingapore, and it's best to come in a group to try more dishes.

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.


FYSH at EDITION
The Singapore Edition
38 Cuscaden Road
Singapore 249731
Tel: +65 6329 5000
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Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast: 6.30am to 10.30am
Lunch: 12pm to 2.30pm
Dinner (Monday to Thursday): 6pm to 10pm
Dinner (Friday to Sunday): 6pm to 10.30pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard Boulevard MRT Station. Take Exit 1. Turn right and walk down Cuscaden Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT Station. Take Exit 11. Walk down Orchard Boulevard Road towards Four Seasons Hotel. Take the walking path beside Four Seasons Hotel to the back of the hotel toward Forum Shopping Mall. Turn left onto Cuscaden Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]