Jurassic World Cafe @ ION Sky - Dinosaur-theme Cafe Pop Up

Time travel back millions of years with Southeast Asia’s very first Jurassic World Cafe! Based on the original concept in Japan, this exclusive two-month pop-up is located at Level 56 of ION Orchard and will run from now till 3 January 2021. For the dino-enthusiasts, you can now enjoy the scenic view of the Singapore skyline from ION Sky while feasting on themed menu items amid the jungle-themed decor complete with LED displays of dinosaurs. There are also dinosaur-printed posters wrapped around the viewing gallery’s pillars. Be greeted by a life-sized model of Blue, the fan-favourite Velociraptor made famous by the sequel, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom as you enter. Don't forget to take photos at the dinosaur theme photo booth as well!

Mosasaurus Soda 3.5/5, Iced Latte 3.8/5

Starting with the drinks, we had the Mosasaurus Soda ($8) - a mystical ombre blue drink that comes in 2 distinctive coloured layers, served with pineapple cubes and blueberries. It was a very refreshing drink with a strong minty taste, albeit a somewhat muted one-dimensional flavour instead of having a more pronounced tropical fruity flavour that we had hoped for. While the Iced Latte ($7) was relatively decent, if your love your lattes hot, you’ll enjoy the hot version with dinosaur images imprinted atop the foam.

Volcano Curry 4/5

Our favourite among the dinosaur-theme mains was the Volcano Curry ($23) that comes with pulled pork, and potato cubes slathered in a generous portion of curry sauce and served with a side of sunny lettuce and pea tendrils. Mimicking the hot lava spewing from the active volcano in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (represented by the small mountain of charcoal rice), we love the flavourful and slightly spicy curry, together with the tender meat and potato. It also comes with a postcard with a picture of an erupting volcano that you can stack it behind the plate for an instagrammable shot of the dish.

Jurassic World Burger 3.8/5

The Jurassic World Burger ($28) features a beef patty sandwiched in between 2 charcoal buns, together with crispy bacon slices, cheese, tomatoes, purple cabbage and mushrooms. The dish was also served with crispy fried potato wedges on the side, and three streaks of mayo sauce resembling claw marks drawn on the plate. Although the thick beef patty was a tad dry and hard on the outside, it packed a lot more juiciness within, with a more tender texture.

Fossil Excavation Cake 4/5

We ended the meal with the Fossil Excavation Cake ($16) which consists of a base layer of light sponge cake, vanilla and white chocolate mousse, and topped with generous amounts of crushed oreo crumbs. The dessert was light and not as overly sweet. It paired well with a side of strawberries and vanilla ice cream.

There is also a dedicated merchandise section available where you will find limited edition Jurassic collectables, such as the Jurassic World Lego sets, Snap Squad figures, and the cafe-exclusive Blue plushie keychain.

While the food and drinks were pretty enjoyable, we feel that there could have been more decor spent for the interiors - with more dinosaurs, installations and greeneries to create a better jungle-like and immersive experience for the Jurassic lovers. The cafe will operate from 11am to 10pm daily. Tables will be available for reservations from 6 November 2020 onwards. To book your table, you can call 8028 1489, or email reservation@jurassicworldcafe.sg

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.


Jurassic World Cafe
ION Sky
Level 56
2 Orchard Turn
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 80281489
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am – 10pm

Directions:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Melt Cafe @ Mandarin Oriental Singapore - Delhi Food Festival Dinner

From 7 to 16 June 2019, Melt Cafe at Mandarin Oriental Singapore invites you to their Delhi Food Festival Dinner. Enjoy a slew of traditional Delhi dishes from both the Indian specialties station as well as their live stations which are set up exclusively for this festival.

Tomato Coriander Broth

Kick start your meal with this Tomato Coriander Broth, which can be found beside the Western Food station along with other soups. What makes this broth unique is that its rich consistency is obtained from ground basmati rice, rather than starch or potatoes. Extremely tangy and delicious, it is dangerously moreish!

Masala Dosa

I was surprised to see a Malasa Dosa Live station. You could have it plain as well, to appreciate all the beautiful and bright chutneys served alongside.

Chaat

Not to be missed is also the brightly lit Chaat station and each chaat is as colourful with flavours and textures from Moong Dhal Pakori  chickpeas, potatoes, onions, green chili, pomegranate tamarind chutney, mango chutney and sweet yoghurt.

Whole - Roasted Lamb Biryani Saffron Rice

Heading the Indian Specialties station is this iconic Whole - Roasted Lamb Biryani Saffron Rice, Vegetables. However, you can only witness its magnificence only on Friday and Saturday Dinner. So choose your date wisely.

Dal Dhaba

The Lentil Curry is a mainstayer and as humble as it may seem to be, it is the tastiest among all. I have tried it a couple of times during my other visits, and it never fails to delight my taste buds. Perhaps, it is its tomatoey flavour coupled with spices that makes it so alluring.

Macher Jhol

Among other festive dishes, my favourite is the Bengali Fish Curry with Coconut and Mango. The curry was fruity but was more piquant than sweet, which made it very appetising.

Mutton Ki Shami

A few items to highlight, such as their Signature Lamb and Foie Gras Kebab with Indian Spices. The flavours of lamb and foie gras were surprisingly good with each other without being too gamey.

Malai Jhinga

Tandoori Tiger Prawns were nicely charred, but some were slightly overcooked.

Til Wale Bharwa Aloo

The Potatoes and Cottage Croquette with Sesame Seed reminds me of sesame balls, that exudes tons of sesame flavour at every bite.

Paneer Tikka Masala

Their Vegetables and Spinach Creamy Curry Gravy is pleasing with a good ratio of spinach to the gravy, which makes it relatively light and less sinful when you reach out for more.

I wish there would be more exclusive Indian desserts to try but there wasn't. But the Alfonso Mango Lassi satisfied that nonetheless.

Pricing
$78 Per Adult Inclusive of Chilled Juices Every Sunday to Thursday Dinner
$88 Per Adult Inclusive of Chilled Juices Every Friday and Saturday Dinner

Written 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.


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

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to Marina Square. Follow the signage to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

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

Violet Oon @ Jewel Changi Airport - Biggest Outlet To Showcase Our Local Flavours To The World

Violet Oon has opened its biggest ever restaurant at Jewel Changi Airport, an ideal location to showcase our local flavours, allowing jet-setting travellers as well as local to savour our much-beloved cuisine. On top of that, a lot of the dishes are exclusive at the Jewel outlet only.

Nyonya Poh Piah Party 4/5

Available only at Jewel Changi Airport is the Nyonya Poh Piah Party ($58). The condiments and sauces are served in platters, allowing customers to put them together and fold it themselves. It can serve up to six pieces. The highlight has to be the rich bamboo shoot and jicama stew braised in a housemade prawn bisque and Fujian bean paste. There is also a vegetarian version at $56.

Mango Kerabu with Ikan Bilis 4/5

The Mango Kerabu with Ikan Bilis ($10) resembles and tastes like the Thai mango salad with its tang and spiciness. The strips of sour green mangoes, sliced tomatoes, onions, and pink ginger flowers are tossed in a sweet and sour plum and chilli infused sauce. I like the touch of adding ikan bilis into it for that extra crunch.

Crispy Kurobuta Pork Fingerlings with Garlic and Curry Leaves 4.2/5

A great finger bite with a few glasses of drink is the Crispy Kurobuta Pork Fingerlings with Garlic and Curry Leaves ($18). The juicy kurobuta pork marinated in spiced batter is very addictive. Once again, it resembles another dish that we are familiar with, the Taiwanese fried chicken.

Marmite Baby Sotong Salad 3.5/5

Salad with baby sotong is something different from the usual. The Marmite Baby Sotong Salad ($25) comes with deep fried crispy baby squid that has been tossed in marmite sauce, served on a bed of mixed greens, cucumber and cherry tomatoes with housemade vinaigrette.

Otah Toast 4.2/5

The Otah Toast ($16) reminds me of my childhood. It was my favourite breakfast combination. A whole chunky piece of spiced coconut cream fish otah is served on toast and a bed of sliced zucchini. It comes with a side of house salad. It is slightly spicy for those that can't handle chilli well.

Roti Violet Tuna Wala-Wala 3.8/5

For the prata lovers, there is the Roti Violet Tuna Wala-Wala ($15) and Little India Vegetable Curry with Roti Prata (Vegetarian) ($17). The Roti Violet Tuna Wala-Wala is a modern take of the traditional dish with crispy tuna flakes that have been seasoned with spices, mustard seeds and curry leaves on top of a fluffy roti prata.

Little India Vegetable Curry with Roti Prata (Vegetarian) 4.2/5

For traditional is the Little India Vegetable Curry with Roti Prata. This is the vegetarian version. There is also a fish curry version for the non-vegetarian. The curry comes with vegetables such as eggplant, okra, tomatoes, and cabbage infused with tamarind juice and creamy coconut milk. The curry is really shiok and pairs excellently with the fluffy prata.

BBQ Eggplant with Sambal (Vegetarian) 4/5

The BBQ Eggplant with Sambal ($13) is a dish for the brave who dares to take the chilli challenge.  The eggplant is grilled and then topped with two types of chillies. The green coloured chilli is sambal hijau, and the red coloured chilli is goreng chilli sambal. It seems quite an odd dish, but it does allow the appreciation of the laborious effort in making the sambals.

Ayam Panggang Katong 4.5/5

Another grill dish that most of us enjoyed is the Ayam Panggang Katong ($16 Half/$25 Whole), served with piquant achar and VO chilli sauce. The chicken is grilled to perfection. It is tender with a subtle charred sweetness on its skin, which has been brushed with gula syrup.

Sugee Cake with Calamansi Drizzle and Ice Cream 4/5

For dessert, we had the Sugee Cake with Calamansi Drizzle and Ice Cream ($15). This is a traditional Eurasian cake made from semolina and ground almonds. At Violet Oon, it is topped with lime drizzle and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a lifted enjoyment.

Pandan Gula Melaka Cake 4.2/5

My favourite cake at Violet Oon has to be the Pandan Gula Melaka Cake ($13). The sponge cake is light and airy, which has been infused with fresh pandan juice. In between each layer is buttercream frosting and desiccated coconut tossed in gula melaka syrup.

I have enjoyed the food at Violet Oon. It definitely showcases the flavours of our local cuisine. However, the pricing is a bit on the steep side. Let's be honest, would you pay $17 for 2 pieces of prata and vegetable curry? I know I can't compare the cost of running a restaurant to a hawker stall, and probably the quality of ingredients used. However, this is a fact that consumers will tend to do so.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Violet Oon
Jewel Changi Airport
78 Airport Boulevard
#01-205/206
Singapore 819666
Tel: 65 98349935
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am - 11pm

Direction:
Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to the link bridge to Jewel. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 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]

99 Buona Vista Kitchen @ South Buona Vista Road - My Go To Place For Zi Char Dinner Near My Place

I was a bit lost when my favourite zichar stall, 138 Hong Kong Street Teochew Fish Head Steamboat near my place closed down. Now that I have discovered 99 Buona Vista Kitchen, it is my to go place for zichar nowadays. For those that is not familiar of the area, the zichar stall is located at the same row of shophouses where Paddy Hills is at.

Black Bean Pork with Bittergourd 4/5

Having visited the place a couple of times, I have noticed it is quite popular with the residents in the neighbourhood. Even expats are seen dining at the zichar place, immersed in the local dining scene.

Chinese Chives with Beansprouts 4/5

I ordered a couple of dishes to try and they are really quite delicious. The Black Bean Pork with Bittergourd is tender complemented by the slightly sweet and spicy black bean sauce. The addition of beansprouts with the Chinese Chives provides the extra crunchiness.

Salted Egg Tofu 3/5

I thought the Salted Egg Tofu topped with pork floss was quite interesting but it did not quite meet my expectation. While the tofu was silky, the salted egg sauce is too sweet and lacked the robustness.

Fried Fish Tail 3.5/5

The Fried Fish Tail may not be any refine dish served in some big restaurants. The fish tail is crispy with the skin on and moist in texture. Dressed in a brown savoury sauce, everything comes together as a homely cooked dish.

Beef Curry 4.2/5

Sometimes what is good at a dining place, you need to observe what other diners are eating. I noticed a lot of tables ordered the Beef Curry, hence I also got a plate to try. The beef cut may not be the best but the portion is quite generous. It even comes with potato. Most important the curry is fragrant and creamy.

Black Bean Sauce Hor Fun 4.2/5

If you are alone, there are also a selection of one plate meal such as noodles or rice. I had the Black Bean Sauce Hor Fun which comes with wok hei rice noodles, bittergourd and slices of fish cakes.

I am great that there is such a a good zi char place near my place. Hidden in the corner of the row of shophouse, the place can be quite crowded on weekend. Great thing, the kitchen is quite fast in dishing out the orders.


99 Buona Vista Kitchen
22 South Buona Vista Road
Singapore 118156
Tel: +65 64731719
Nearest MRT: Haw Par Villa (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alighat at Haw Par Villa MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Haw Par Villa MRT station (Stop ID 16019). Take bus number 200. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]