Showing posts with label Duck. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Duck. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Hevel @ Keong Saik Road - Honest Modern European Cuisine, with a Focus on Communal Joy, Seasonal Integrity, Wrapped in Heartfelt Hospitality.

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Dinner at Hevel offers a very polished experience from start to finish. The culinary team, led by Chef Stefan Liau, have crafted a memorable Chef's menu that showcases a thoughtful blend of familiar, comforting flavours alongside unexpected, playful pairings.

Priced at $138++ per person, the menu consists of six courses featuring eleven dishes, each carefully designed to whisk diners away on a culinary journey. The atmosphere exudes sophistication from the moment you sit down and sets the mood for a cosy dinner date or a gathering with close friends.

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Cashew Cream, Kelp, and Banana Tart 4.5/5

Our first snack was a Cashew Cream, Kelp, and Banana Tart. It may sound like an unusual combination, but it comes together beautifully. The fermented cashew cream is rich and creamy, with sweet, slightly nutty, and savoury notes.

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Foie Gras 4.5/5

The second snack features delicate Foie Gras marinated in fragrant ginger flower, creating a luxurious and aromatic experience. The foie gras is silky and rich, with a velvety texture that melts in your mouth. The ginger flower adds a unique floral note, balancing the richness of the foie gras.

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Victorian Lamb Tartare 4.2/5

The third snack is a Victorian Lamb Tartare, a treat showcasing finely diced, tender lamb that is seasoned to perfection with a hint of spice. It is topped with caviar and placed atop a crispy potato hash.

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Custard 4.8/5

Next up is the Custard, which has chawanmushi paired with a creamy sauce. While the previous three snacks are more playful in flavour, this dish falls into the realm of comfort food. The custard is beautifully fragrant with the use of thyme and chives. Accompanying it is a smooth buttermilk sauce, tender scallops, crispy sunchoke chips, and a touch of caviar.

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Crudo 4/5

The next four dishes were presented together to provide a communal experience. It's a good idea that allows diners to interact, taste more dishes, as well as decide some of the sequence of their meal.

We enjoyed Kingfish prepared in two distinct styles. The first was Crudo, where a tangy verjus and fragrant dill complemented the fresh, delicate fish. The addition of zesty grapefruit slices added a bright, citrusy kick that balanced the dish perfectly.

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Tartare 4.2/5

The second preparation was a Tartare of smoked Kingfish with smoked mussels. This dish was served in a charming and crispy little candied tart, which provided a delightful contrast in sweetness and crunch.

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Rye Soft Roll 3.8/5

We also had a Rye Soft Roll, which was served delightfully warm. While rye doesn't make for a pillowy soft roll, the earthy flavour of rye went really well with the unique Sakura Smoked Butter. You will definitely taste the smokiness of the butter, which is very enjoyable. We also used the bread to mop up some of the other sauces from the other three dishes.

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Octopus 4.5

The last of the communal dishes was an Octopus dish served with Piquillo peppers and the interesting salsify, which is a root vegetable belonging to the dandelion family. It is also known as the Oyster plant because it offers a mineral-like flavour when cooked. The octopus is well prepared and tender, and the sauce adds a vibrant touch that enhances the dish.

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Black Cod 4/5

After the four communal dishes comes a choice of main course - Black Cod or Maple Leaf Duck ($14++ supplement required).

The Black Cod is first seared in a pan and then finished in the oven, resulting in a slightly smoky exterior and crispy skin, while the buttery, flaky flesh inside stays moist and succulent. It's a delightful, classic choice if you're in the mood for seafood.

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Maple Leaf Duck 4.5/5

However, the Maple Leaf Duck would be my pick for the main course. The duck was remarkably tender and juicy, the skin was nice and crisp. Accompanying the duck was a velvety parsnip purée, adding a creamy, earthy element.

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Roasted Grains 4.5/5

For the final savoury dish, we were presented with a hearty bowl of Roasted Grains, in this case, barley, which offered a nutty flavour and a pleasing chewy texture. The dish was both comforting and indulgent, topped with tender, shredded confit duck leg. The sauce, crafted from white onion and cream, was really delicious and fragrant, and the dish was also topped with truffle and sage. One of the best aspects of this dish is that you can request a second serving if you still have room in your stomach. This generous option ensures that you leave completely satisfied.

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Smoked Hay 2.8/5

The final dish on this tasting menu was the Smoked Hay dessert. However, I wasn't particularly fond of this flavour combination. While it's quite impressive that it manages to capture the flavour of smoked hay, after a rich meal, I was looking for something sweeter or more refreshing to round out the experience.

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Hevel also offers a thoughtfully curated wine pairing programme priced at $98++ and a cocktail pairing option for $78++. The wine pairing we tried features an exquisite selection sourced from handpicked small-batch producers, showcasing a range of unique and high-quality wines. This selection highlights the artistry of these boutique wineries and emphasises a celebration of fortified wines, which add depth and complexity to the dining experience.

Overall, Hevel is an excellent choice for those wanting to enjoy quality cuisine in a stylish and vibrant setting.

Penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hevel
1 Keong Saik Road
#01-04
Singapore 089109
Tel: +65 9622 6679
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line),  Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 6pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

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 Keong Saik Road. Turn right onto Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 mintues. [Map]

Saturday, September 14, 2024

Mensho Tokyo @ Raffles City - Award-winning Global Ramen Brand Opens In Singapore with Exclusive Chilli Crab Ramen

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Mensho Tokyo, founded by legendary ramen master Tomoharu Shono in 2005, has landed in Raffles City, Singapore. Known for combining traditional ramen-making with bold and complex flavour profiles, Mensho Tokyo's Singapore outlet boasts exclusive local creations. It is the first Mensho outlet in the world to offer desserts on its menu. Naturally, I had to check it out.

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A5 Wagyu Abura Soba 4.2/5

The most premium item on the menu is the A5 Wagyu Abura Soba ($41). This dish features house-made thick wheat noodles and a sauce crafted from Kioke wood barrel-aged shoyu. The soba is accompanied by two types of Miyazaki A5 Wagyu, spinach, baby asparagus, red onion, truffle paste, charcoal leek, and calamansi. The rich, dry-style ramen highlights the luxurious wagyu cuts, making it a must-try for any beef lover, though the price tag might leave some hesitating.

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Duck Matcha 4.2/5

I was taken aback when I saw Duck Matcha ($28) on the menu. Matcha paired with ramen? Intrigued by the audacity of this creation, I decided to give it a go. Surprisingly, it works! The house-made wavy noodles are served in a creamy chicken matcha broth, topped with tender duck chashu and whipped cream. The harmonious combination offers an intriguing balance of umami and matcha bitterness. However, this dish must be eaten hot, as the matcha powder tends to separate when the broth cools, affecting the overall experience.

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Signature Toripaitan 4.5/5

If it's your first time at Mensho Tokyo, I highly recommend the Signature Toripaitan ($28). Initially priced at $38, it's now more affordable at $28. It is the quintessential dish at Mensho, with house-made wavy wheat noodles, served in a rich and creamy chicken broth, accompanied by a medley of A5 Wagyu chashu, smoked pork chashu, duck chashu, and chicken chashu. Topped with king oyster mushroom menma, truffle sauce, ajitama egg, and fried burdock roots, the flavours are decadent and satisfying. The Classic Toripaitan with just smoked pork chashu is available for a more straightforward option at $19.

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Fujiringo Chamomile and Momo-no Bubbles

Unlike most ramen shops, Mensho Tokyo sets itself apart by offering cocktails, mocktails, and desserts. We tried the Fujiringo Chamomile ($10), made with cold brew chamomile, homemade Fuji apple purée, and sparkling water. The Momo-no Bubbles ($18), a refreshing mix of Japanese peach liqueur, fresh lime, passionfruit, and prosecco, added a delightful effervescence to the meal.

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A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Cavier Sushi (2pc) 4.5/5

We couldn't resist trying the A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Caviar Sushi ($14/2pc). This luxurious sushi swaps the usual seafood for melt-in-your-mouth A5 wagyu, topped with a touch of caviar. The wagyu's fattiness and the caviar's delicate brininess created an elevated sushi experience that's well worth the indulgence.

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Corn Wings 4/5

For sides, we ordered the Corn Wings ($8.80), which were grilled to perfection with an aromatic char that complemented the natural sweetness of the corn. It's a simple yet satisfying side dish that adds a fun twist to the meal.

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Yuzu 4/5

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Houjicha Tiramisu 4.2/5

We tried the Yuzu Sorbet ($8.80) and Houjicha Tiramisu ($8.80) for dessert. The Yuzu sorbet provided a refreshing palate cleanser after the richness of the ramen. The Houjicha Tiramisu was creamy and aromatic with a subtle roasted tea flavour, though the portion size in its shot glass serving felt a little small for the price.

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Overall, Mensho Tokyo offers a unique and refined ramen experience. Despite the use of chicken soup for many of the ramen dishes, the broths are surprisingly rich and creamy, almost like a hybrid between tonkotsu (pork-based broth) and chicken-based ramen. The addition of exclusive dishes, sushi, and desserts elevates the experience even further, making it more than just a ramen stop but a dining destination. It's a little on the pricier side, but the quality justifies the cost. If you're looking for a place that reimagines ramen and offers something beyond the ordinary, Mensho Tokyo is definitely worth a visit!

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Mensho Tokyo
Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#03-43
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 83808467
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Camille @ 1-Flowerhill Sentosa - A New Floral Landscaped Multi-concept Destination By 1-Group

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A multi-concept destination by 1-Group, 1-Flowerhill at Sentosa is the brand's latest floral-landscaped lifestyle F&B project. Three concepts — Wildseed Café, Wildseed Bar & Grill, and a French-Japanese restaurant, Camille — are housed within the century-old hilltop conservation house.

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Textures of Artichoke 4/5

We had dinner at Camille, starting with the Textures of Artichoke ($28). Drizzled with burnt leek dashi and dill oil, the sunchoke chawanmushi base was delectable, but the artichoke variations seemed to lose their textural individuality. I also found the dill oil slightly assertive in the overall flavours.

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A5 Hokkaido Beef & Tuna Akami Tartare 4.5/5

The A5 Hokkaido Beef & Tuna Akami Tartare ($42) followed this. Assembled tableside, I witnessed the luxurious combination of cold-smoked A5 Hokkaido Beef and tuna akami being accented with wasabi and crispy rice alongside other condiments. Such thoughtful combination offered a texture and mouthfeel that was a true delight.

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Heirloom Tomatoes 4.2/5

The Heirloom Tomatoes ($26) offered a refreshing counterpoint—beautiful Australian tomatoes dressed with light Hōjicha tomato consommé and goat cheese croquettes. The shiso sorbet complemented the tomato flavour profile. I like the idea of having a warm element in a cold dish, but the croquettes' assertive flavour slightly overpowered the dish. Even though the croquette mixture was already sweetened with honey and sugar, a final touch of honey drizzle could have balanced the profile.

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Robbins Island Wagyu Flat Iron MBS 7 3/5

For mains, the Robbins Island Wagyu Flat Iron MBS 7 ($62) arrived with salt-baked celeriac and caramelized shallots. While the accompaniments were interesting, the wagyu itself could have benefited from a bit more rendering to unlock its full flavour profile.

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Magret de Canard 3.8/5

The Magret de Canard ($46) fared better. The roasted duck breast, dressed in a tart and sweet ume shiso jus, provided an excellent contrast. The marinated plum and heirloom beetroot perfectly complemented the duck's richness.

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Marseille Seafood Stewed Papilotte Style 3.8/5

The Marseille Seafood Stewed Papilotte Style ($45) offered a comforting seafood medley in a flavorful lobster bisque subtly infused with yuzu. While the bisque could have been richer, it delivered a satisfying depth of flavour.

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Camille Garden 2.8/5

Unfortunately, the vegetarian option under Mains, Camille Garden ($32), fell short. While the menu description promised a lot more, I found the dish rather hollow, with what were essentially carrot sticks standing on celeriac and butternut pumpkin puree. This dish could have been more delightful with a more substantial and flavourful execution that truly showcases the quality of heirloom carrots.

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Deconstructed Black Forest 4.5/5

Ending the meal on a high note with the Deconstructed Black Forest ($28). Theatrical preparation added to the experience as the chef assembled the dessert tableside. Crafted with Valrhona chocolate mousse, frozen chocolate clouds, and cherry elements, it offered a delightful play on textures and classic black forest flavours. This dessert was a perfect finale to a unique dining experience at Camille.

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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.


Camille @ 1-Flowerhill
Sentosa
6 Imbiah Road
Singapore 099696
Tel: +65 9630 1008
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfont (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue–Sun: 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit E or C. Go to the top floor of Vivocity. Take the Sentosa Express to Sentosa. Alight at Imbiah Station. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [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
Facebook
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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]