Beach Road Kitchen @ JW Marriott Singapore South Beach - The Art Of Afternoon Tea in Collaboration with Nespresso

In celebration of Earth Day on 22 April 2022, Beach Road Kitchen at JW Marriott Singapore South Beach has collaborated with Nespresso to launch The Art of Afternoon Tea ($40++ per person). Guests will find Nespresso-centric savoury treats and coffee-infused sweets. The Afternoon Tea is available every Saturday and Sunday 3.30 pm-5.30 pm for April and May 2022.

Before diving right into the main course, enjoy their warm entree of Lobster Bisque and Quiche Lorraine, included in the afternoon tea set.

Indulge in coffee infusion treats such as the Chocolate "Origin Brazil" Duck Rillettes and Foie Gras "Origin Peru Organic" Tart for savouries.

The local favourite kaya toast inspires the Truffle Kaya "Guatemala" Toast. The coffee's elegant bitterness balances the sweetness from the kaya spread.

Another of my favourite is the Lobster Tartare with a crispy charcoal shell and the Salmon Tartare with pesto cone.

The sweets selection was both a visual and sensory pleasure. My favourites include the Vanilla "Origin Guatemala" Coffee Caramel Tart, Latte "Peru Organic" Gateau, and Origin Peru Organic Coffee Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse. The melt in the mouth Origin Peru Organic Coffee Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse stood out for its luscious creaminess, neither too sweet nor bitter.

Coffee-infused sweets include the Raspberry Coffee Praline, which is punchy and robust in its fruity aroma without overpowering the coffee's bittersweet notes.

Take a break from the caffeine loaded treats with the Pistachio Strawberry Swiss Roll and Lemon Almond Gateau, which are equally delicious.

Enjoy the quintessential Scones in plain and tomato flavours, served with clotted cream, lemon curd, and raspberry rose jam. However, we found the scones a tad dry and lacking in the buttery taste.

End the afternoon tea on an even sweeter note with their Softserve Ice Cream with berries. We had the yoghurt flavour, which is superbly creamy and has a nice tangy-sweet flavour.

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.


Beach Road Kitchen
JW Marriott Singapore South Beach
30 Beach Road
Singapore 189763
Tel: +65 68181913
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

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

So France @ Duo Galleria - Experience The Taste of True Bistro Of Living

So France at Duo Galleria unveils a new look, introducing all-new menus, crafted to deliver an authentic contemporary French bistro experience. Classic, yet vibrant and modern, from the existing space that houses both a bistro and an epicurean grocer, So France now extends with a new alfresco terrasse for nights of drinks, tapas and sharing platters.

Salade Landaise 4.5/5

The new menu at So France embodies their philosophy of "innovative tradition", fusing classic French flavours into the current palate. And what caught my attention was the section on the menu that is devoted to duck. Starting with a salad that is native to the coastal Landes region of France, the Salade Landaise ($24) was hearty with cured duck gizzards (confit in duck fat and roasted to order) and cured duck breast. With crispy croutons tossed in, this salad was all about luscious mouthfill, meaty texture and crunch. The magic touch to this salad was the shaved foie gras terrine, that buttered every mouthful, but just very lightly, as they melt in my mouth. The ingredients sounded rather rich, but nothing was assertive, especially when the greens were simply dressed with Balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

Duck Rillette 4.5/5

Also available in their Tapas menu, Duck Rillettes ($15) is a must-order if you are in a group, especially when you are in the mood for a long night. What a pleasure to see and enjoy the rillettes with an entire bottle of cornichons! The duck leg meat is marinated with orange skin, star anise and thyme for 4 hours, rinsed and sous vide for 18 hours, then rested for about 26 hours. Shredded and not pulverised, a right amount of cold duck fat binds the shredded meats together, creating a luxurious spread for the accompanying croutons. The seasoning is on the lighter side, so one could really appreciate the very clean flavours of the duck and its fats.

Duck Confit 4.2/5

Mash Potatoes 4.5/5

You may have come across many versions ever since you get acquainted with French cuisine, but do try their highly raved Duck Confit ($34). Glistening, evenly roasted with smooth-running edges, the duck skin was crisp, and the meat was tender with a good ratio of fats. I could do with a bit more sauce, which helped to bring out the flavours of the duck confit. Although roasted Grenaille potatoes are served alongside, what really completes the dish is their Puree / Mash Potatoes ($8). A full-on, creamy confection of butter, cream and potatoes, this mash potatoes of theirs will have you coming back for more.

Oeufs Meurette 4.5/5

Oeufs Meurette ($22) is your eggs and bacon dish but done in a traditional Burgundian way. What gives this unassuming dish its characters is the complex homemade red wine sauce made with beef and chicken stocks, veal jus, shallots, vinegar, red wine and butter. It flavoured the subtlety of the poached eggs while the more assertive flavours of the meaty, thick-cut bacon mellowed out its sweetness and acidity.

Sea Bass Filet 4/5

For lighter fare, on the menu, they have Filet de Bar / Sea Bass Filet ($28). I loved how crispy the skin was, juxtaposed with creamy broccoli puree and broccolini mash.

So France Beef Burger 3.5/5

Catering to our undying love for burgers, there is So France Beef Burger ($24), with a patty made with a combination of brisket and chuck, layered with sundried tomatoes, raclette cheese, rocket and caramelised onion. Served medium rare, I reckon the patty needs more fats to up its beefy flavour. But overall, it was still quite a pleasure to bite into the fat burger, especially when the custom made sourdough bun was so light and chewy. You will appreciate the fries too, which is made with potatoes from France.

Creme Brulee 3.8/5

For desserts, the Creme Brulee ($12) was simple but comforting with it's warm, vanilla aroma and mellow sweetness.

Floating Island 3.8/5

The first time I tried a Floating Island was in Hungary at a sidewalk bistro, that was served in a cup. The Floating Island ($12) here is a much more elaborated version, and I do suggest you try this classic dessert, which is rather rare in Singapore.

Words and photos 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.


So France
Duo Galleria
7 Fraser Street
#01-51/56
Singapore 189356
Tel: +65 6909 6449
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 9pm
Sat: 9am - 9pm
Sun: 9am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit E or F. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

L'Entrecote The Steak & Fries Bistro @ Custom House - New Outlet With An Alfresco Bar Facing The Waterfront

L'Entrecote The Steak & Fries Bistro has opened a new outlet at Custom House. Besides showcasing the signature menu from its beloved Duxton Hill flagship restaurant, there is a new alfresco L'Entrecote Bar for guests to enjoy the beautiful waterfront view over a tipple or two.

Lillet Vive and Ricard 

L'Entrecote Bar offers a variety of classic tipples, but the main draw is a trio of French aperitifs. I had the Lillet Vive ($10 per glass) and Ricard ($8 per glass). The Lillet Vive is a refreshing wine-based tonic with mint, strawberry and cucumber that is perfect for the Singapore weather. However, the Ricard with an anise-flavoured profile is a bit acquire for me. Last but not least, the Cuvee de L'Entrecote ($12 per glass) that is from the bistro's own winery in the South-east of France.

La Planche De Charuteries et Fromages 4/5, Beef Tartare Toast 4.2/5

Diners can also pair their tipples with a panoply of bar bites on the menu. Great for sharing is the La Planche De Charcuteries et Fromages ($38). On the platter board, there are camembert, comte, Sainte-Maure, duck rillette, pate en croute, pistachio studded country pate and duck foie gras terrine. The sumptuous plate is complemented with nuts, condiments and hunks of warm baguette. A delectable bite-size bar bite is the Beef Tartare Toast ($6/pc). The traditional beef tartare is topped on crispy toasted French baguette.

Deep Fried Frog Legs 3/5

I thought it was quite smart of L'Entrecote to shape the Deep Fried Frog Legs ($18) to look like chicken wings. With the texture and taste, similar to chicken, diners may mistake it as chicken. I love frog leg for its tender texture, but I find the execution here a bit on the dry side.

Wagyu Beef Cubes 4.2/5

L'entrecote is famed for its steak with its legendary sauce. To feature its signature dish on the bar bites menu, it has re-interpreted it as a Wagyu Beef Cubes ($22) dish with the legendary sauce as a dipping sauce. The sauce was so good that I was hoping for a more substantial piece of beef cut to appreciate it.

Porcini, Wild Mushroom and Comte Tarte Flambee 4/5

If you feel that you are still hungry and needed something more substantial, there is the tarte flambee, a speciality Alsatian flatbread. We tried the Porcini, Wild Mushroom and Comte Tarte Flambee ($26) and Escargots, Garlic, Parsley, Butter and Onions Tarte Flambee ($24). We are split in our preference. Some like the sweetness from the caramelised onion with the escargots while others enjoyed the creaminess from mushrooms. I preferred the mushroom tarte flambee though.

Escargots, Garlic, Parsley, Butter and Onions Tarte Flambee 3.5/5

Note: This is an invited tasting.


L'Entrecote The Steak & Fries Bistro
Customs House
70 Collyer Quay
#01-01
Singapore 049323
Tel: +65 66907565
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sat: 530pm - 11pm
Sun: 11am - 5pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Clifford Centre. Cut across the building. Go to 2nd floor, take the overhead bridge link across the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Equinox Restaurant @ Swissotel The Stamford Singapore - Sunday Vintage Brunch With The Views Of Singapore Skyline

Located on level 70 of Swissotel The Stamford Singapore, Equinox Restaurant has unveiled a whole new Sunday Vintage Brunch set against unparalleled views of the Singapore skyline. The spectacular buffet spread is accompanied with an endless flow of Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage 2006.

Starting with something light to go with my champagne, I got myself some Duck Rillette, Country Terrine, Foie Gras Terrine and Smoked Salmon with Caviar.

Usually buffet is served in big portion and diners help themselves to it. At Equinox, quite a number of items come in small tapas size portion such as the Prawn Cocktail, Roasted Duck Salad, Beetroot Salad, Quinoa Salad. I actually quite like the idea, so that there is no food wastage and I can safe my stomach to try more food.

Diners can look forward to a plethora of seafood such as Boston Lobster, Oysters from Traigheanna Bay, Oleron and French, Sri Lankan Crab and Prawns.

There are also fresh Sashimi and Sushi to complement the enticing spread of ocean fresh seafood.

Not to be missed is the Roasted Angus Beef with red wine and Bearnaise sauce. The beautiful meat s cooked to pink, succulent and flavourful. From the carving station, the Salt Crust Baked Sea Bass with wasabi butter sauce is another worthy dish for its moist meat.

Besides the buffet spread, diners can also order from the ala carte menu (unlimited order) which features Chef Paul's weekly special  which is freshly prepared from the kitchen. On the menu there were six items, namely Roasted Pork Belly, Salted Cod Croquettes, Roasted Lamb Leg, Pull Pork Toast, Roasted Scallops and Salmon Wellington.

I personally would recommend going for the roasted pork belly and salted cod croquettes. The rest can skip. Instead go back for more seafood, angus beef and baked sea bass.

You should not leave Equinox without trying their dessert. You will not regret it. Even myself who is not a dessert person, could not resist myself helping to them. That just shows how good they are.

Sunday Vintage Brunch
12.00pm to 3.30pm
S$168++ per person, inclusive of unlimited Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2006, cocktails, wines and imported beers.
S$138++ per person, inclusive of unlimited juices and soft drinks
S$89++ per child (7 – 12 years old)
S$69++ per child (4 – 6 years old)

Pink Vintage Brunch (Every last Sunday of the month)
12.00pm to 3.30pm
S$178++ per person, inclusive of unlimited Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2006, cocktails, wines and imported beers.
S$148++ per person, inclusive of unlimited juices and soft drinks
S$99++ per child (7 – 12 years old)
S$79++ per child (4 – 6 years old)

Noted: This is an invited tasting.


Equinox
Swissotel The Stamford
Level 70
2 Stamford Road
Singapore 178882
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 2pm, 7pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun & PH)

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Immanuel French Kitchen @ Bukit Merah

When the foodies gang went down to Bukit Merah Salut Coffeeshop last month to check out Two Wings, my foodie radar picked up a lone figure at the other corner of the premises painstakingly preping for his stall hours before the opening. I could sense the passion in the man behind the chef apron. I made a mental note to return and try the food at Immanuel French Kitchen. After getting home that day, I got a message from Catherine who found the man behind the chef apron familiar, is non other than Immanuel Tee formerly head chef of Keystone at the young age of 26 who has worked in the kitchen of Jaan, Restaurant Andre, Guy Savoy Singapore and two Michelin starred in Pastorale in Belgium.

Duck Rillette 4/5

I was quite surprised that I can get Duck Rillette ($8.60) at a coffeeshop stall servicing casual French cuisine, served with gherkin and bread. I applaud the serving of gherkin to go with the duck rillette fatness. This shows the thoughtfulness of the chef in his food and for his customers. I look forward to trying the chicken liver pate in my next visit.

Foie Gras 3.8/5

For me the Foie Gras ($12.60) coated with black miso, served with dashi and daikon noodle has it hits and misses. I can't expect more in the quality of the ingredient as we are not dining at a restaurant. I like the pairing of the sweet black miso with the creamy foie gras, accentuating the enjoyment to a new level. I only hope that the foie gras could be more seared on the sides instead.

Frog 3.8/5

The Frog ($12.60) sauteed with shallot, garlic and parsley received mixed opinions among the gang. While we all agreed on the butter aroma, some felt that the seasoning can be heavier. I thought otherwise then. If the seasoning is too strong, it will mask the natural mild sweetness of the frog.

French Duck Leg Confit 3.5/5

A classic French dish is the French Duck Leg Confit ($15.90) that is served with mash potato, braised cabbage and au jus. I thought the braised cabbage was something very out of the norm and not French. Nevertheless, I did enjoy it. The fact that the braised cabbage comes with some acidity helped to cut through the gaminess and fatness of duck confit. The duck leg confit itself has a nice crispy skin while the meat could be more tender.

Pork Belly 4/5

From the Foie Gras and now to the Pork Belly ($16.90) braised in Kakuni style shows that Immanuel likes to incorporate Japanese influence into his French cuisine. The braised pork belly is served with duxelle mushroom, onsen egg and potato foam. I like the interpretation of the pork belly but the portion seemed a bit small.

Actually I am quite excited to chance upon Immanuel French Kitchen. I didn't expect that the humble little stall is actually run by a top chef who has bags of experience working into various top restaurants. I am sure with his culinary training and experience, it is not hard for him to helm any restaurant but he has chosen to sweat it out in a tidy space labouring his passion for his food. I look forward to Chef Immanuel bring his vision and cuisine to the next level.


[CLOSED]
Immanuel French Kitchen 
Blk 119 Bukit Merah Lane 1
#01-40
Singapore 151119
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/immanuelfrenchkitchen
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time 10 minutes. [Map]