Showing posts with label Eggplant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eggplant. Show all posts

Friday, January 3, 2025

VITIS Wine Bar and Bistro @ DUO Galleria - Pairing Modern Asian Dishes with Asian Wines

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VITIS Wine Bar and Bistro, located at DUO Galleria, is an original concept that celebrates the richness and diversity of Asian wines and winemakers. Founded by seasoned sommelier Gary Low, who has worked in Michelin-starred establishments like JAAN by Kirk Westaway and Burnt Ends, VITIS boasts an exclusive collection of wines sourced from unique Asian terroirs. Executive Chef Kenneth Lin helms the culinary offerings, which are crafted to pair seamlessly with the wine selection, offering modern interpretations of beloved Asian flavours and classics.

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Our experience began with the GranMonte Cremant Methode Traditionelle Extra Brut, a sparkling wine from Thailand. This wine paired well with a selection of starters with a rich mouthfeel.

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Oyster with Ponzu

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Chutoro Tartlet 4.5/5, Deep-Fried Pig’s Tail 4/5

The Oyster with Ponzu offered a fresh, briny bite with a citrusy lift, while the Chutoro Tartlet combined unctuous tuna enriched with cured egg yolk with the subtle tang of kumquat. The Deep-Fried Pig's Tail with garlic vinaigrette was moreish with a satisfying crunch and a slightly gelatinous texture.

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Grilled Sumi Ika 4/5

Among the small plates, the Grilled Sumi Ika ($28) stood out both visually and in its execution. The tender, chewy squid stuffed with glutinous rice offered a delightful interplay of textures, further elevated by the nutty depth of a peanut and Kecap salsa.

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Thai-Style Eggplant Salad 4.5/5

Equally appetising was the piquant Thai-Style Eggplant Salad ($18). The tender eggplant soldiers absorbed the vibrant flavours of the Thai green chilli sauce, while the addition of the creamy ajitama provided a perfect balance to the dish's spice and acidity, creating a harmonious blend of bold and mellow notes.

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'HAE-MEE' Mussels 4/5

For large plates, the 'HAE-MEE' Mussels ($28) redefined the classic mussels dish with a robust prawn bisque. It was accompanied by sourdough bread meant for soaking up the umami-packed broth.

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Assam Glazed Ribs 4.5/5

The Assam Glazed Ribs ($26) were equally exceptional. It featured fork-tender meat coated in a tangy, sweet Assam Kicap Manis glaze. The surprise addition of a Rojak Salad added a refreshing contrast and a unique character to this dish.

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Both dishes paired beautifully with a bold Silver Heights Family Red, enhancing their robust flavours.

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Deconstructed Valrhona Chocolate Cake 4.5/5

Dessert was a Deconstructed Valrhona Chocolate Cake ($18) paired with lychee and chocolate crumble. This 'cake' was incredibly rich with a velvety texture, an indulgent treat to conclude the meal.

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The VITIS cellar features exclusive collections of bottles like the Long Dai Cabernet Blend 2019 from China’s Shandong region, often referred to as "The China Lafite," and the Fratelli Vitae Chardonnay 2016 from India. Other notable selections include Thailand’s GranMonte Sakuna Rosé 2023 and Taiwan’s Weightstone Blanc des Blancs Extra Brut 2020, showcasing the diverse terroirs of Asia. Additionally, the collection highlights wines crafted by Asian winemakers who have made their mark globally.

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.


VITIS Wine Bar and Bistro
DUO Galleria
7 Fraser Street
#01-46/47
Singapore 189356
Tel: +65 8823 3993
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 215pm, 5pm - 1015pm
Sat: 5pm - 1015pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit E or F. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Aniba @ Battery Road - Revamped Menu and New Cocktails Lineup

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Aniba, located at Battery Road, has introduced a revamped menu showcasing inventive seafood and vegetable-forward dishes, blending Asian, Middle Eastern, and European influences. The new lineup also includes a selection of curated cocktails to complement the dining experience.

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Pani Puri 3.8/5

For starters, the Pani Puri ($9 per piece), inspired by Indian street food, was elevated with yoghurt-yuzu foam, candied mandarin peel, and a slice of hamachi. This bite-sized snack delivered a refreshing tang and creamy mouthfeel.

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Tartlet 4/5

The Tartlet ($12), a crispy shell filled with smoked trout, miso labneh, cucumber, and green peas, offered a well balance of umami and textural contrast, whetting my appetite.

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Fatayer 4/5

Fatayer ($10) came hot and cheesy, featuring a classic combination of feta, spinach and leeks, served with a punchy shot of Hamusta soup.

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House Baked Breads with Dips 4.5/5

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Eggplant 4/5

A highlight was the House Baked Breads ($18), featuring Jerusalem Bagel with Labneh and Za'atar, Kubaneh with Crushed Tomatoes and Schug, and Focaccia with Tahini and Matbucha. The Kubaneh, a soft, sesame-studded braided bread, stood out with its slight buttery sweetness, punctuated by a hint of salt. The accompanying dips, notably the herbaceous Schug and fruity-sweet Matbucha, were delicious. I recommend pairing these breads with Eggplant ($29), a dip similar to the classic Babaghanoush.

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Tabuleh 4.5/5

The warm breads were great accompaniments to the two cold dishes we had. Tabuleh ($28) was refreshing with yellowtail ceviche, bulgur, fresh herbs, and pomegranate, brought together with yoghurt and nutty tahini.

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Hamachi 4/5

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Cauliflower 4/5

A serving of vibrant tomato-capsicum salsa profiled the freshness and delightful mouthfeel of the Hamachi ($29). Other sharing plates we tried include a crowd-pleasing Cauliflower ($27), which was surprisingly indulgent with rich Parsley Pesto, Tahini and curry oil, with a hint of tartness lent by tamarind.

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Toro 4.5/5

Toro ($42) was memorable with fluffy pancake-like Lahuch Tacos, which paired perfectly with the lean tuna. The slather of creamy Jalapeño Aioli on the taco boosted an even more satisfying mouthfeel. The acidity of the pickled celery and the sharp shallots and herbs provided a good balance to its flavours.

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Cod 3/5

Under Hot selections, we had the Cod ($64), served with Smoked Freekeh and Greens Coulis. The cod was tender and flaky but slightly on the saltier side.

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Malabi 4/5

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Semolina Cake Bites 4.5/5

Desserts were delightful. Basbusa features soft Semolina Cake Bites soaked with orange blossom water. They were divine with elegant Cheesecake Chantilly and Pistachio Ganache. Malabi was a wobbly milk pudding zesty with spices compote and berries.

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.


Aniba
6 Battery Road
#05-03
Singapore 049909
Tel: +65 9668 8036
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Operating Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 12midnight
Fri: 12pm - 3pm; 6pm - 12am
Sat: 830pm - 2am
(Closed on Sun)

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

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Numb @ Marina One - Authentic Sichuan Restaurant with a Modern Touch

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Nestled within the stunning Marine One, Numb offers a vibrant dining experience inspired by the bold, aromatic flavours of Sichuan cuisine. Known for its unapologetic embrace of spice and creativity, this eatery blends traditional techniques with modern flair. Be impressed with the diverse menu packed with dishes that delighted the palate and intrigued the senses.

Drinks
Selection of Cold and Hot Teas

We began our meal with a delightful tea selection. The Phoenix Dancong Yashixiang Lemon Tea ($7.80) stood out as a refreshing cold option, while the Brown Sugar Ginger Tea ($15.80/pot) offered a comforting warmth. The latter was delicately balanced, with the gentle fragrance of brown sugar complementing the subtle ginger notes.

Mashed Pepper with Century Egg and Eggplants 1
Mashed Pepper with Century Egg and Eggplants 3.8/5

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This trending dish has been a favourite to explore across different restaurants. Numb’s rendition of Mashed Pepper with Century Egg and Eggplants ($16.80) features a visually striking presentation, separating the mashed century egg with pepper and eggplant. The dish offers two distinct flavours, one leaning towards a ‘mala’ profile while both making for an excellent starter.

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Shanghai-Style Smoked Crispy Fish 3/5

The Shanghai-Style Smoked Crispy Fish ($20.80) delighted with its fragrant and crispy texture. The salt-forward flavour profile makes it an ideal pairing with drinks, though it might not stand out as a standalone dish.

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Beijing-Style Duck Cubes with Cornmeal Steamed Buns 3/5

The Beijing-Style Duck Cubes with Cornmeal Steamed Buns ($33.80) is a complete meal featuring roasted duck cubes, garlic sprouts, and sweet peppers served with 5 steamed cornmeal buns. While the concept intrigued us, the overall dryness of the dish left it slightly underwhelming compared to others on the menu.

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Garlic Shrimp on Vermicelli Noodles with Thai Chili Sauce 4.2/5

The standout dish of our meal was the Garlic Shrimp on Vermicelli Noodles with Thai Chili Sauce ($36.80). Served tableside with an irresistible drizzle of Thai chilli sauce, the charred vermicelli soaked up every bit of its flavourful essence. The plump, fresh shrimp made this dish an absolute must-try.

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Signature Chongqing Chicken Pot 4.2/5

Another highlight was the Signature Chongqing Chicken Pot ($32.80). Tender boneless chicken pieces paired with fork-tender potatoes, beancurd skin and green chilli in a mildly spiced sauce. Its spice level is mild-friendly, even for those who avoid overly spicy food. We enjoyed dipping the cornmeal steamed buns into the savoury sauce for an extra treat!

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Poached Chinese Lettuce in Soy Sauce 3/5

To round out the meal, we chose the Poached Chinese Lettuce in Soy Sauce ($16.80). While not particularly memorable, it provided a simple and clean counterbalance to the richness of the other dishes.

Restaurant

Numb's contemporary ambience defies the expectations of a traditional Chinese restaurant. There is a private room and outdoor seating at the Marina One location, which caters to both casual and formal gatherings. Non-spicy options are available for those less inclined to spice. A new outlet at One Raffles Quay has also recently opened, extending this unique dining experience to more guests.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Numb Restaurant
Marina One West Tower
#01-12
9 Straits View
Singapore 018935
Tel: +65 94601960
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Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Shenton Way (TE Line), Marina Bay (CC, NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Straits View. Turn right onto Straits View. Walk down Straits View. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Marina Bay MRT station. Take Exit 1. Turn left onto Commerce Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, December 1, 2024

Pxza Private Dining - An Epic 12 Pizza Dining Experience Comprising of Classic and Contemporary Flavours

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In August 2024, we visited Pxza Private Dining, a hidden gem that offers a unique twist on the private dining pizza scene. Unlike traditional spots, Pxza crafts a mix of both classic and inventive pizzas, delivering a memorable feast in a cosy and intimate setting.

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Our meal began with a platter of Grilled Zucchini, Grilled Capsicum, Cheese, and Olive, a refreshing and flavourful starter that set the tone for the pizza feast to come.

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Garlic Pizza 4.5/5

The Garlic Pizza was an aromatic delight, featuring three variations of garlic: fresh, dehydrated, and slow-roasted. Topped with parmigiano reggiano shavings, each bite was bursting with rich, garlicky goodness and a beautifully savoury finish.

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Marinara 4.2/5

The Marinara Pizza paid homage to its Neapolitan roots with a simple yet bold combination of tomato sauce, garlic confit, oregano, and Parmigiano. Its rustic flavours and fresh ingredients highlighted the beauty of simplicity.

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Margherita 4.2/5

Next, the Margherita Pizza showcased the classic trio of tomato, mozzarella, and basil — a nod to the colours of the Italian flag. Known for its elegance and minimalism, this pizza delivered the fresh, authentic flavours that make it a timeless favourite.

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Pestacchio 4.2/5

One of the more inventive offerings was the Pestacchio Pizza, featuring homemade pistachio pesto, fior di latte, and parmigiano. The nutty, creamy pesto paired perfectly with the cheese, creating a unique, unexpected, and delicious combination.

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Burrata 4.2/5

The Burrata Pizza elevated the traditional tomato base with the addition of creamy burrata, fresh basil, Maldon salt, and white balsamic. It was a luxurious take on the Margherita, with rich flavours that felt indulgent yet balanced.

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Vongole 4.8/5

The Vongole Pizza was a standout. Topped with white clams, garlic confit, parmigiano, and a touch of lemon zest, it delivered a fresh, briny flavour reminiscent of a classic Italian seafood pasta. It was easily one of the night's highlights.

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Miso Eggplant 4.5/5

Another creative offering was the Miso Eggplant Pizza, where miso-glazed eggplant and nori flakes met a drizzle of sesame oil. The Japanese-inspired flavours worked harmoniously, creating a savoury, umami-packed dish.

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Fennel Sausage 4.2/5

The Fennel Sausage Pizza combined homemade fennel sausage, onion confit, panna, and parmigiano for a perfect balance of sweet and savoury. The flavours melded beautifully, resulting in a rich and satisfying bite.

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Tony's Otak 4.2/5

Tony's Otak Pizza offered a local twist with otak paste, torched ginger, coconut cream, and onions. It evoked memories of enjoying otak with bread, but the pizza dough added an elevated texture and taste here.

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Salami Hot Honey 4.2/5

The Salami Hot Honey Pizza featured tomato sauce, fior di latte, salami, and a house-made fermented hot honey. The sweet and spicy combination was masterfully balanced, making each bite irresistibly delicious.

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Potato with Raclette Cheese 4.8/5

One of the host's latest creations is the Potato with Raclette Cheese Pizza, paired with creamy raclette with potato and a sprinkle of black pepper for added aroma. It was a comforting, indulgent twist on a classic pairing.

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Brie and Figs 4.5/5

We ended with the Figs Pizza, a sweet and nutty masterpiece that perfectly concluded our meal. The flavours were light yet indulgent, leaving us marvelling at how we managed to enjoy 12 different pizzas in one sitting.

Pxza Private Dining is a must-visit for pizza lovers seeking both classic and inventive flavours. With a thoughtful balance of tradition and creativity, each pizza offered a unique experience, making it a memorable journey through the world of artisanal pizza.


Pxza Private Dining
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