AquaMarine @ Marina Mandarin Hotel Singapore - Old School Hong Kong Delights

For a limited period from 5 April to 30 April 2019, AquaMarine at Marina Mandarin Hotel Singapore will be offering Hong Kong cuisine of yesteryear to their Halal-certified buffet. The buffet spread will consists old school Hong Kong delights such as quail egg siew mai, braised beef rib with mui choy, claypot lamb brisket with bamboo shoot and more.

Chui Chow Oyster Porridge 4.2/5

Warm up the stomach with a bowl of comforting Chui Chow Oyster Porridge. The addition of fresh oyster provided the additional boost to the flavourful broth while the rice puff gives it a delightful finishing crisp.

Hong Kong Cart Noodle 4.2/5

A must try is the Hong Kong Cart Noodle, a popular street food originating in the 1950s. What stand out is the superb broth that is packed with depth and robustness. The beauty of cart noodle is that one can add anything into their bowl of noodle, and this comes with the choice of braised chicken wing, curry fishball, cuttlefish and braised beef. I love this so much that I gone back for a second helping.

Quail Egg Siew Mai 3.5/5

Pan Fried Abalone Cheong Fun with XO Sauce 4/5

Hong Kong cuisine is known for the dim sum and its inevitable that these needs to be on the buffet spread. The Quail Egg Siew Mai is a traditional dim sum that is hardly seen on the menu nowadays. My favourite goes to to the Pan Fried Abalone Cheong Fun with XO Sauce for its wok-hei, complemented by the excellent XO sauce.

Baby Lobster in "Bi Feng Tang" Style 3.8/5

Only available during dinner is the Baby Lobster in "Bi Feng Tang" Style. The bouncy flesh of the baby lobster is coated with lots of garlic, ginger, chilli and spring onion for an aromatic finish.

Braised Beef Rib with "Mui Choy" 3.8/5

While the Braised Beef Rib with "Mui Choy" is cooked until very tender, I feel that the braised beef rib shines on its own even without the accompanying Mui Choy.

Egg Waffle 3.5/5

For the dessert section, you can also find popular and traditional Hong Kong street snacks such as Egg Waffle, Hong Kong Red Bean Pudding, Bolo Bao, Egg Tart and Walnut Cookies. Let you into a secret, I like to have the egg waffle together with the durian pengat. It is just an heavenly combination.

Hong Kong Red Bean Rice Pudding, Bolo Bun, Egg Tart, Walnut Cookies

I would also recommend getting a cup of Hong Kong Milk Tea to go along with the desserts. It is a good chance of the usual kuehs and cakes on the dessert line.

Pricing
$60++ per adult and $30++ per child for lunch daily
$73++ per adult and $36.50++ per child for dinner Monday to Thursday
$83++ per adult and $41.50++ per child for dinner Friday to Sunday, Public Holidays and eves of Public Holidays

Note: This is an invited tasting.


AquaMarine
Marina Mandarin Singapore
6 Raffles Boulevard
Level 4
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 68451111
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 630pm - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Forbidden Duck Singapore @ Marina Bay Financial Centre - Demon Chef Alvin Leung of 3 Michelin-Starred Bo Innovation Opens His First Restaurant In Singapore

Demon Chef Alvin Leung from the 3 Michelin-starred Bo Innovation has opened Forbidden Duck Singapore at Marina Bay Financial Centre. The new restaurant took over the space previously occupied by Crystal Jade Prestige. Forbidden Duck's concept pays homage to the traditional Peking Duck, as well as a contemporary version. In addition, the menu includes Cantonese classics and dim sum with a little twist from Chef Alvin. Local inspired specials will also be exclusively available at the Singapore outlet.

Iberico Pork Char Siu 3.5/5

Our dinner at the new restaurant started with the Iberico Pork Char Siu ($30). The cuts are thick and generous, coated in a sweet marination. It was also quite tender. While it is a good piece of char siew, I am not sure whether it will meet the expectation of the local diners. I think I local palate prefers their char siew to be more fatty as well as more charred. It needed more of that smokey bitterness to complement the sweetness of the marination.

Signature Slow Roasted Duck 4.5/5

Besides the traditional Peking duck, what you should ordered here is the Signature Slow Roasted Duck ($88). This version by Chef Alvin gives the duck a nice crisp on the skin while the meat remains tender and juicy with a beautiful pinkish colour. In fact, I thought the meat has a slight crunch in texture. This is achieved through slow cooking the duck in oven for 3 hours and then roasted in a high temperature in the last 30 minutes.

You can appreciate the slow roasted duck on its own or paired it with the yellow coloured steamed bun that has been flavoured with calamansi. The tang from the calamansi helps to cut through the oiliness. Similar to Peking duck, it comes with various condiments such as hoi sin sauce with calamansi, sesame oil, garlic, sugar and smoked sea salt to complement the poultry.

Duck in Two Ways - Laksa Style and Mongolian Style 4/5

Similar to the concept of San Choy Bau is the Duck in Two Ways ($18). We tried the Laksa and Mongolian Style. Laksa is Chef Alvin's favourite dish in Singapore and he has somewhat made a deconstructed version which has all the characteristic of a bowl of laksa when you sink your teeth into it. For the Mongolian version, the aroma of cumin, chilli and spices are very prominent. It sort of whet up my appetite with the beautiful scent.

Lobster Vermicelli with Black Truffle Har Mi XO 3.8/5

The Lobster Vermicelli with Black Truffle Har Mi XO ($88) comes with a whole lobster resting on a bed of vermicelli at the bottom. I could not really taste any trace of truffle but the Har Mi Xo sauce is really shiok. I think it can go well with anything. My only slight disappointment is that the vermicelli is a bit dry, I prefer that it wasn't reduce until all the broth has been soaked up by the vermicelli.

Sweet & Sour Pork with Lychee, Rose and Hawthorn 4.5/5

Sweet & Sour Pork with Lychee ($23) is a very common dish that can be found in almost every Chinese restaurant. The version here has a slight twist with the addition of Mei Kuei Lu (rose essence wine) and hawthorn for tartness.

Golden Cereal Prawn 3.5/5

While Chef Alvin likes the the local laksa, he dislikes our local cereal prawn. Hence you will find in the menu his rebellious version of his own Golden Cereal Prawn ($30). What you get is literally cereal plus prawn. Round colourful cereal with fruit salad paired with huge succulent prawn coating in a thin batter. Sorry chef, I still like my Singapore cereal prawn more.

Sizzling Garoupa and Pork Liver in Casserole 3.5/5

A homely and comforting dish is the Sizzling Garoupa and Pork Liver in Casserole ($40). What struck me is the use of pig liver. This is probably the first time I come across the combination. The thickly sliced garoupa is deep fried before cooking together with onions and pig liver in a savoury dark sauce.

Stewed USDA Short-Rib with Beancurd in Chu Hou Sauce 4.8/5

These Stewed USDA Short-Rib with Beancurd in Chu Hou Sauce ($34) is to die for. I would definitely order this again. The chu hou sauce goes very well with the short ribs but what really stands out is how soft and tender it has been cooked until it simply falls of the bone with ease.

Seafood Rice in Aromatic Duck Soup 4.8/5

A crowd favourite including myself is the Seafood Rice in Aromatic Duck Soup ($32). The flavourful broth has been simmered with juicy duck meat, while the scallops and prawns lend a subtle sweetness to the soup. Crispy rice pops are added for that extra crunch. This is deeply comforting and delicious.

Giant Egg Tart 4.2/5

For dessert, you can go for the popular Giant Egg Tart ($6) that is double the the size of the traditional egg tart, almost like a cupcake. The egg custard is really smooth and wobbly in texture, encased in a flaky shell. Slice it into half and you will discover a sweet secret inside. Inside the shell, you will find a mixture of honey, yuzu and pomelo for a refreshing twist, making it a really sweet dessert.

Forbidden Duck Singapore has opened officially on 3 May 2018. It is still not opened on weekends yet but will be doing so from 19 May onwards. If you are planning to visit the restaurant, I would recommend you try the slow roasted duck, stewed USDA short-rib, seafood rice in aromatic duck soup and giant egg tart. 

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Forbidden Duck
Marina Bay Financial Centre
Ground Plaza
8A Marina Boulevard
#02-02
Singapore 018984
Tel: +65 65098767
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Marina Bay (NS Line, CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Downtown Line MRT station. Take Exit C. Cross the road. Walk to Ground Plaza. Take lift to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Marina Bay MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road. Walk to Ground Plaza. Take lift to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Peach Garden @ Thomson Plaza - Return Of The Weekend Dim Sum Buffet

Dim Sum lovers will be rejoice to know that Peach Garden at Thomsom Plaza has brought back its popular Weekend Dim Sum Buffet. When I visited the restaurant a couple of weeks ago, it was almost fully. I was advised to make a reservation if I would like to come back again for their dim sum. The restaurant was really packed.

Steamed Dim Sum 3/5

The restaurant offers a variety of dim sum items which are being served around the restaurant by servers in pushcarts. Not many restaurants do this nowadays. Among the many dim sum items that I tried, I like their Siew Mai and Chicken Feet the most.

Fried Dim Sum 4/5

Besides the steamed dim sum selections, the fried dim sum selection is worth trying too. In fact, I find the fried items faring better than the steamed items. The Fried Dumpling, Fried Yam Dumpling and Spring Roll are not to be missed.

Noodle Soup 3/5

The great thing about the weekend dim sum buffet at Peach Garden is not just about their dim sum. It is about their eclectic menu that consists of other dishes such as the live noodle station, Drunken Prawns, Pig Trotter with Vinegar, Salmon Sashimi and Sushi, on top of the dim sum selections.

Drunken Prawns 4/5

I think it is damn worth it when you pay only $23.80++ and get to have unlimited serving of Drunken Prawns. The prawns are big in size and sweet. The restaurant did not hold back in quality even though it is a buffet.

Pig Trotter with Vinegar 4.5/5

To my surprise, Peach Garden offers an awesome bowl of Pig Trotter with Vinegar among their weekend dim sum spread. I simply could not resist helping myself to the well braised pig trotter, that has absorbed the acidity of the vinegar, for a good sharp finish.

Sashimi and Sushi 3.5/5

I cannot say that the Sashimi and Sushi is of the best quality but it definitely added more varieties and options to diners. I think it is a good idea for families with younger family members who may not be too keen with the traditional dim sum items.

Ice Cream with Waffle Biscuit 4/5

Don't forget to keep your ears open and listen for the ice cream bell around 4pm. That means Ice Cream is served. Do be quick to get up from your seat as a line will be quickly formed for the traditional ice cream with waffle biscuit. Other desserts available among the spread includes egg tart and fruits with chocolate fondue.

Price of Weekend Dim Sum Buffet, 3-5pm
Adult - $23.80++
Child - $16.80++

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Peach Garden
Thomson Plaza
301 Upper Thomson Road
#01-88
Singapore 574408
Tel: +65 64513233
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Upper Thomson (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 1030am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Weekend High Tea Buffet: 3pm - 5pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Upper Thomson MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Tai Cheong Bakery @ Holland Village - First Overseas Dine-In Concept

After a year of selling their famous Hong Kong egg tart at a food kiosk in Takasimaya, Tai Cheong Bakery has finally decided to open its first overseas dine-in concept at Holland Village, Singapore. Besides their popular egg tart, bakes and cakes, the 42 seater cafe also offers Hong Kong "Cha Chaan Teng" dishes.

Three Egg Macaroni Soup with Luncheon Meat 4.2/5

A comforting and hearty offering on the menu is the Three Egg Macaroni Soup with Luncheon Meat ($8.50). Yes you did not hear me wrong, there is a total of three sunnyside up eggs. What stood out is the rich tomato and chicken broth. This is goodness in a bowl and probably you can only have it here at Tai Cheong Bakery for the moment.

Scrambled Egg Toast Stack with Chicken Chop 4/5

Getting bored with waffle and chicken? How about having a change with the Scrambled Egg Toast Stack with Chicken Chop ($9.50). This is cheaper than your waffle and chicken. What is more important, it tasted as good or even better. The creamy three-egg scramble paired excellent with the buttered toasted. Not forgetting the juicy chip chop underneath that is resting on a bed of mushroom sauce.

French Toast 3.5/5

A quintessential Hong Kong cafe snack is the Homemade French Toast with Maple Syrup or Dulce De Leche ($6.50). Instead of deep fried, the toast coated in an egg wash with milk is pan fried instead. It is then topped with a slab of salted butter. This resulted in a fluffy interior with a contrasting crispy exterior. I would recommend not to spend too long taking photo or it can turn soaky pretty fast.

Three Coloured Silky Eggs with Rice 4.2/5

Making an impressive entrance is the Three Coloured Silky Eggs with Rice ($9.90). This is like the Hong Kong version of omurice. The steamed rice is covered with a three-egg omelette, kailan and a choice of two meats. I had the roasted pork and crispy pork belly. Dinner has a choice of either roasted pork and prawn or roasted pork and beef too. This is a dish which I will go back for.

Beef Brisket Curry Rice 3/5

Another rice dish on the menu is the Beef Brisket Curry Rice ($10.90). The curry is the sweet type with a creamy consistency, coming from the peanut sauce. It also comes with a dash of sesame oil for a aromatic finishing. The beef brisket was also cooked to a soft, fork tender texture. There is also an option of chicken if you don't eat beef.

Bolo Bun 3.5/5

A visit to Tai Cheong is not complete without trying out their signature bakes. Customers can expect to look forward to treats such as the Bolo Bun ($2.20), Coconut Tart ($2.50) and famous Egg Tart ($1.90). The unique butter cookie-like crust and smooth egg custard is what make the egg tart legendary.

Egg Tart 4.5/5, Coconut Tart 4/5, Durian & Cheese Tart 3.8/5

A special creation only available at Holland Village outlet is the Durian & Cheese Tart ($3.60). This exclusive tart is made using premium D24  durian plup and cream cheese encased in their famed crust. The creation can be quite heavy if you are not into the rich and heavy custard, and of course durian.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tai Cheong Bakery
31 Lorong Liput
Singapore 277742
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Pastries & Drinks
Mon-Fri: 10am - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 9am - 10pm
Mains
Daily: 11am - 230pm, 530pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to Lorong Liput. Walk towards to the junction of Lorong Liput and Lorong Mambong. Turn left onto Lorong Luput. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Cocobolo Poolside Bar + Grill @ Park Hotel Clarke Quay - Weekend Barbecue Feast Under the Stars

Weekend has become bigger and better at Cocobolo Poolside Bar + Grill, Park Hotel Clarke Quay with the revamped weekend barbecue buffet menu. The new menu features an upsized variety of premium meats and seafood items. In addition, the alfresco restaurant also expanded its selection of appetisers and hot mains.

The chef will grill the meats and seafood a la minute with the smells of smoky flavours filling the air, together with the sounds of sizzling meats.

Firing up the appetite, one can tuck in to a variety of delectable appetisers to kick start the evening while waiting for the meats and seafood to be cooked under the grill.

From the grill, guests can savour the New Zealand Angus Striploin, Australian Rack of Lamb, U.S. Baby Back Ribs in Spicy Chipotle Sauce, as well as an array of gourmet sausages. My favourit from the meat section is the pork ribs and N.Z. Angus steak. By the way, you can also specially request the chef to cook your steak to your preferred doneness.

If you are a seafood person, the fresh catch has items such as the Cajun-spiced Tiger Prawns, Tumeric-laced Arrow Squid and Grilled Mackerel Fish in Banana Leaf. On top of the grilled meats and seafood, I like the grilled pineapple, corns and vegetables. They offered a good variety to the overall experience.

Do remember to keep some space for dessert. The assorted dessert spread comprised of sweet treats such as Apple Crumble Pie, Caramelised Pear Tart, Chocolate Raspberry Cake, New York Cheesecake, Green Tea Chestnut Mousse Cake, and Portuguese Egg Tarts. There is even mini Magnum and Cornetto ice cream to end the balmy evening after a mouthwatering barbecue feast.

Barbecue Buffet Dinner
Every Friday to Sunday
Time: 630pm - 1030pm
Price: $57++ per adult, $28.50++ per children (6 to 12 yrs), Include a glass of draft beer.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Cocobolo Poolside Bar + Grill
Park Hotel Clarke Quay
1 Unity Street
Level 2
Singapore 237983
Tel: +65 65938855
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thur: 11am - 9pm
Fri-Sun: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to bus stop at Clark Quay Station (Stop ID 04222). Take bus number 54. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to the end UE Square Shopping Mall. Journey time about 8 minutes.  [Map]