Hans Im Gluck @ Orchard Road - A Fairy Tale-like German Burger Chain Opens In Singapore

Situated in the heart of Orchard Road is Hans Im Gluck, an established German Burger Grill and Bar from Munich which has launched 49 outlets across Europe and hereby marking Singapore as the franchise’s 50th outlet globally. Originating from a wonderful story of Hans Im Gluck which is meant to teach readers the true origin of happiness, diners will be instantly transported to an enchanting dining experience akin to dining in a whimsical fairy tale forest with its carefully curated interiors - the lush greenery and floor to ceiling birch tree trunks sprouting in between tables to create a green haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Burgers are their forte. The casual gourmet burger restaurant specialises in an extensive selection of quality European gastro burgers - with over 30 beef and chicken burgers served alongside salads, as well as vegetarian and vegan burgers to cater to those with dietary restrictions. Also, the restaurant brings in its own range of housemade sauces, as well as multi-grain and sourdough buns, which come frozen from Germany and are made exclusively for the chain, in order to ensure consistency and quality. I liked how all burgers come with an option for customers to choose their choice of bread from Sourdough, Multigrain or go Naked, which basically translates into a bun-less burger, perfect for those on a carb-free diet.

1 PFUND SUSSKARTOFFEL-FRITTEN 4.5/5

The 1 PFUND SUSSKARTOFFEL-FRITTEN ($9) comes in a generously portioned sweet potato fries which boasts a crispy exterior, with a sweet potato fragrance within its soft airy insides. Though good on its own, pair them with the different sauces available and you will finish all one pound of these addictive sweet potato goodness in no time.

HANS IM GLUCK 4.2/5

The HANS IM GLUCK ($17) features a beef burger which comes with parmesan cheese, parma ham, rocket leaves and balsamic glaze. The subtle sweetness from the balsamic glaze complemented the savouriness of the other ingredients quite well, while the beef patty leans towards the tougher side as they only do their beef well-done. Furthermore, the restaurant opts for fresh Australian beef, which averages at 20 per cent fat-to-meat ratio. This explains why the patty lack the juiciness one usually expect for their burgers.

KLASSIK 4/5

Another beef burger from their menu, the KLASSIK ($14) claimed as the 'mother of all burgers', also came with a nicely seasoned beef patty, as well as the standard set of toppings such as fresh lettuce, red onions, sun-ripened tomatoes and their signature HANS IM GLÜCK sauce. Boasting a good balance of flavour and texture, their rendition of European beef burgers are generally less greasy and more healthy than the American-style burgers.

VOGELWILD 3.8/5

The VOGELWILD ($14) features a grilled chicken breast burger with sour cream chive sauce and crispy fried onions. A healthier option as grilled chicken breast is used, the meat was a tad dry on its own. However, the dressings provided a creamy tanginess which lends a refreshing flavour to the burger in between bites.

ABENDROT 4/5

One of the vegetarian burger options from the menu, the ABENDROT ($15) comes with parmesan cheese, grilled vegetable tartare & rocket leaves. Crunchy and flavourful, this meatless option is still satisfying as the rich flavour of the grilled vegetable tartare works wonderfully on the palate.

JUGLANS 4/5

Their Vegan options are no less impressive with the JUGLANS ($15) which comes with cranberries, sprouts and walnuts. The vegan patty has a nice crispness on the exterior while the interior retains a succulent texture. Its accompaniments provide a good balance of flavour to the vegan burger.

HENNE 4/5

The HENNE ($15) is a grilled chicken breast burger which comes with avocado cream, sprouts, orange and mustard sauce. However, with the option to go naked (without burger buns), the dish resembles a salad. It may look like a mess of leafy greens, yet it fares notchers higher than the regular salad bowls with its luscious avocado cream and mustard sauce adding a zesty kick to the entire dish. Fresh and yet retaining a nice crunchy texture, it is no less satisfying than the regular burgers and perfect for those on a carb-free diet.

OMAS GEHEIMNIS 4.5/5

End the meal on a sweet note with their selection of desserts, such as the OMAS GEHEIMNIS ($12) which features warm molten chocolate cake served with vanilla ice cream & whipped cream. The soft moist molten cake oozes intensely rich chocolate lava upon breaking it open. The classic combination of the warm chocolate and cold ice cream never goes wrong, and is well executed in this case.

WOHLERGEHEN 4/5

The WOHLERGEHEN ($10) comes in a pile of mini Crepes drizzled with warm chocolate and served with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream. The dish also came with some walnuts to add a crunchy texture to the soft mini crepes and creamy ice cream.

BESTER 4.2/5

The BESTER ($12) features warm glazed apple tart served with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. The apple tart leans towards the sour side with a subtle sweetness while the creamy vanilla ice cream on the side provides a good complement to the apple tart, with the addition of whipped cream for a lighter finish.

Hans Im Gluck presents a whole new slew of wholesome burgers which is of both quality and nutritious value, defying the common perception of unhealthy burgers that we get mostly from fast-food restaurants. Owner Mrs Hirschberger says: "European burgers are healthy and nutritious. Our burgers are different from fast food. We want to offer gourmet burgers in a restaurant setting as proper sit-down meals." As a one-stop burger place to cater to different dietary preferences, it elevates its variety of handcrafted burgers into an exciting and healthy meal – with virtually unlimited options and something special for everyone.

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.


Hans Im Glück
362 Orchard Road
Singapore 238887
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 12midnigh
Fri-Sat: 11am - 1am

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the underpass too Shaw House. Walk to ground level. Turn right onto Orchard Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

La Brasserie @ The Fullerton Bay Hotel - A Brand New Interior And A Refreshed Menu

I felt quite embarrassed that I have not known of La Brasserie at The Fullerton Bay Hotel until my recent visit. The restaurant located at the marina bay waterfront has undergone a revamp of its interior as well as a refreshed menu.

Traditional Onion Soup 4.5/5

The body of the Traditional Onion Soup ($19) comes from the robust beef stock that has been cooked for at least 4 hours. The caramelized white onion lent the sweetness to the soup. Before serving, the soup is topped with a day old sourdough with gruyere cheese that is gratinated under a salamander.

Aubergine Caviar Tartine 3.5/5

Our appetizer started with the Aubergine Caviar Tartine ($19). The whole eggplant is first baked until charred, removed the skin and the flesh is mixed with chopped fresh Roma tomatoes, garlic, parsley, basil and extra virgin olive oil. This paired beautifully with the tomato confit and buffalo mozzarella.

Lobster and Scallop Carpaccio 4.8/5

The Lobster and Scallop Carpaccio ($33) is a dish as old as the restaurant. It was created by the General Manage of The Fullerton Heritage since the restaurant opening in 2010. The thinly sliced boston lobster and hokkaido scallop seemed to come to live in the black truffle oil and fresh lime juice dressing. This is crowned with black truffle shavings.

Hot-Smoked Balik Salmon 4.2/5

Love the smokiness of the Hot-Smoked Balik Salmon ($21). The whole New Zealand king salmon is cured with salt and smoked over Japanese binchotan charcoal, sous vide and torched. This is complemented by the fennel, red onion compote, dill, creme fraiche and quail egg.

Lobster A L'Americaine 4.8/5

One of my favourite dishes is the Lobster A L'Americaine ($68). Done in two ways, the lobster claw is blanched while the remaining parts are poached. The highlight for me is the angel hair pasta that is tossed in fresh tomatoes sauce, finished with butter and extra virgin olive oil.

Cote de Boeuf 4.5/5

Good for sharing is the Cote De Boeuf ($99). The 500g Australian A4 Wagyu ribeye on the bone is charcoal grilled and basted with thyme butter. A beautiful piece of meat cooked to medium rare doneness. The steak is accompanied with bearnaise, champignon and bordelaise sauce.

Supreme de Canard Confit 4.5/5

Definitely one of the better duck confit I have eaten for a long while. The Supreme de Canard Confit ($39) uses French duck cooked in the traditional way. The duck leg is cured for 4 hours, confit for anther 2-3 hours. A bed of lentils, slow cooked with garlic, carrots, celery, shallots, thyme and sherry vinegar completes the whole experience.

La Complete Galette 3.8/5

The La Complete Galette ($23) was rather interesting using buckwheat batter to make the crepe. The gluten and diary free buckwheat crepe comes with honey baked ham, gruyere cheese and free range egg. Surprising the crepe has a nice crispiness to it. Understand this is because of the beatened eggs and soda water that were added to the batter.

Profiteroles 4.5/5

Do save some space for the dessert at La Brasserie. I would highly recommend the Profiteroles ($13). The choux pastry is coated with chocolate and filled with creme patissiere, It is then topped with chantilly cream and sliced almonds. It also comes with a bowl of warm chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream.

Tarte Tatin 4/5

If you have a group of friend, I would recommend the Tarte Tatin ($32) which can serve up to 4 person. Granny smith apples are baked with caramel and topped onto a housemade millefeuille. Each guest also gets a scoop of vanilla ice cream to go with the tarte tatin.

Overall I have enjoyed my dinner at La Brasserie. I probably go back again with my love one to celebrate our special occasions. I would definitely go back for their Traditional Onion Soup, Lobster and Scallop Carpaccio, Lobster A L'Americaine, Supreme de Canard and Confit, Profiteroles

Note: This is an invited tasting.


La Brasserie
The Fullerton Bay Hotel
80 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049326
Tel: +65 65975288
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT Station. Take Exit H. Turn right and walk towards the river. At the river, turn right again and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Antoinette @ Penhas Road - 22 Matcha Creations To Satisfy Your Matcha Fetish

Chef Pang of Antoinette is in a roll after the introduction of La Croissainterie Series and Baked Cheese Tart. From now to end July 2016, Chef Pang rolls out 22 matcha items creating the ultimate experience for matcha lovers, satisfying their fetish for the green tea powder from Nishio, Japan. Basically the 22 matcha are break into 5 main categories, namely Bakery/Confectionery, Hot Items, Cakes/Macarons, Chocolat and Beverages.

Matcha Almond Shortbread 4/5

From the Bakery/Confectionery, we have 7 creations. They are namely Matcha Financier ($2.50), Match Cake ($3), Matcha Orange Almond Tuile ($9), Matcha Almond Shortbread ($2.50), Matcha Croissant ($6) and Matcha Milk Jam ($9).

Matcha Milk Jam on Toast 4.2/5

Matcha Croquant 3.5/5

Matcha Macarons, Matcha Financier, Matcha Cake 3.8/5

Among the matcha creations from the confectionery, my favourite has to the Matcha Milk Jam and the best way to enjoy it is to spread it on toast. The sweetness from the jam reminds me of condense milk with a slight hint of the matcha flavour. Following that I would probably go for the Match Financier, a classic French almond tea cake for its

Matcha Pancake 3.5/5

The Hot Item probably is the highlight of the Fetish Matcha. It features dishes such as the Matcha Pasta ($26), Matcha Crepe ($18), Matcha French Toast ($16) and Matcha Pancake ($15).

Matcha Pasta 3.5/5

The Matcha Pasta is an unexpected creation from Antoinette. The matcha infused pasta is tossed in a truffle paste and topped with salted kombu and sakura ebi. Cooked to al dente, it comes with a delectable bite. It does not have the powdery matcha taste but beautifully perfumed by the truffle and sakura ebi.

Matcha Crepe 4/5

Matcha French Toast 4.2/5

The Matcha Crepe and French Toast are another two creations that will delight many. The Match Crepe paired with French chestnut cream and vanilla Chantilly is thin and soft, with a mochi like texture. The French Toast, using brioche bread is paired with vanilla Chantilly and maple syrup for a pillowy and sweet finish.

Yucha 4/5

From the Cakes/Macarons section, Chef Pang has created the Yucha ($8/$75), Matcha Strawberry Shortcake ($9/$55) and Matcha Pop ($9.50)

Matcha Strawberry Shortcake 4/5

The Yucha is a matcha butter cake layered with matcha creme mousseline and yuzu curd which is sugar free. The Matcha Strawberry Shortcake is a light matcha sponge cake with kirsch layered with fresh strawberries and creme Chantilly. Both cakes are light and moist.

Matcha Pop 4.5/5

However my favourite from the cake section is Magnum look alike Match Pop, made up of matcha sponge with kirsch, layered with matcha ganache, almond nougatine, enrobed with milk chocolate and roasted almond nib

Matcha Chocolate Rice Crispies, Matcha Swiss Rocks, Matcha Truffle and Yucha 4/5

The Chocolat section offers additive snacks such as the Matcha Chocolate Rice Crispies with Marron Glace, Matcha Swiss Rocks, Matcha Truffle and Yucha. If it is possible, I would have love to stock up my home with the Matcha Swiss Rocks, lightly caramelized almond silvers enrobed in matcha chocolate.

Matcha Soda 4/5

Lastly the Beverages section which offers Matcha Soda ($22), Matcha Yuzu Lychee Iced Tea ($12.50) and Matcha Latte ($22). The first two drinks are served cold and refreshing. The Matcha Latte is kind of spectacular. The cup of matcha latte is served below a raining cloud of cotton candy together with almond cookie, matcha truffle and matcha financier.

Matcha Latte 4.2/5

Can't handle all 22 items? Why not gather 4 people and indulge in the La Carte Fetish Matcha ($190++) where your friends and you can get to try all 22 matcha items on the menu. Kindly note that some items will be for sharing in the La Carte Fetish Matcha and this is only available at Penhas outlet. If you are a matcha lover, don't miss it as it is only available until end of July 2016.


Antoinette 
30 Penhas Road
Singapore 208188
Tel: +65 62933121
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thur: 11am - 10pm
Fri & Eve PH: 11am - 11pm
Sat: 10am - 11pm
Sun & PH: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to V Hotel Lavender. Walk down Horne Road and turn right onto Penhas Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Melt Cafe @ Mandarin Oriental Singapore - Explore The Flavours of India

Melt Cafe at Mandarin Oriental Singapore will be drawing your attention to a special showcase of Indian cuisine by Indian Specialty Chef Santosh Kumar from 16 to 31 May 2016. And not just the food itself, I was welcomed by a beautiful lady dressed in Sari, with Indian music to waltz me in.

Mutton Biryani 4/5

What caught my eyes at the Indian cuisine section was their Mutton Biryani. Like a King indeed, the mutton biryani is cooked with a whole lamb, which has been roasted for hours. Apart from the tender mutton, I love the aromatic spiced basmasti rice, punctuated with sweetness lent from raisins, dried apricot etc. There was also a lot of textures to it, thanks to the crunchy carrots and green peas.

Tandoori Jhinga King Prawns 3.8/5

A few notable items which I particularly like. The Tandoori Jhinga King Prawns marinated with spices and carom seeds is definitely one of them, something different from the usual tandoori fish or chicken. Fresh and succulent, the spices and carom seeds really whetted my appetite.

Lamb Foie Gras 3.8/5

Lamb paired with Foie Gras is not something that I would expect, given that both ingredients inherited a rather strong and acquired flavour. However, perhaps given the right proportion, this petite item turned out to be quite palate pleasing, rather than giving me a flavour assault. The patty was moist, and not gamey. The marriage of these two is almost like that of beef patty and bacon.

Potato Stuffed with Cottage Cheese and Vegetable 3.8/5

One of my favourite snacks of the evening was this unassuming looking Potato Stuffed with Cottage Cheese and Vegetable. The potato was roasted to the right tenderness, and I really like the comforting sweetness of the stuffing.

Vegetable Curries and Flat Bread, Yogurt and Chutney 3.5/5

There is a range of vegetable curries, which you can pair with an assortment of naan flat breads with flavours such as garlic, butter, olive and cheese. To mellow the fiery and creamy curries, you may want to visit their special 'Indian snack bar' for some homemade chutneys and yogurt.

Rasmalai Cottage Cheese Balls in Cream, Dumpling with Light Syrup, Apricot Pudding

To complete the entire Indian dining experience, there are 3 Indian flavoured desserts. They are Rasmalai Cottage Cheese Balls in Cream, Dumpling with Light Syrup, Apricot Pudding. My favourite is the apricot pudding. It was sweet and sour, and aromatic with cardamom.

Sushi and Sashimi 3.5/5

Herbal Prawn 3/5

Other international cuisines are available - Japanese, Asian, cold sections and desserts.

Cheese and Accompaniments 3.8/5

Apart from the Indian cuisine, another highlight for me is their cheese platter and crepes station.

Crepes with Ice Cream 4.5/5

The crepes was soft and fluffy, and was delicious even on its own. No matter how filled you are, their ice creams are a must-try. Their chocolate ice cream was rich, velvety and edged with bitterness, while the strawberry sorbet was tangy and refreshing. Their yogurt ice cream is also not-to-be missed.

 Explore The Flavours of India is available for lunch and dinner at Melt Cafe from 16 to 31 May 2016,

Lunch
Mon-Sat: $62
Sun Brunch:
$98 (inclusive of free flow of juices and soft drinks)
$158 (inclusive of free flow of champagne, wines, beer, juices and soft drinks)

Dinner
Sun-Wed: $78
Thu-Sat: $88 (inclusive of barbecue selections)


Melt Cafe
Mandarin Oriental Singapore
5 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039797
Tel: +65 68853500
Facebook
Website
Nearest: Promenade (CC Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast: 630am - 1030am
Lunch: 12pm - 230pm
Brunch: 12pm - 3pm (Sun)
Dinner: 630pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B. Take the Marina Square Link to Marina Square. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes.[Map]