Il Toro Woodfire Grill @ Gemmill Lane - A Celebration of Woodfire Showcases Fire-Driven Italian-Australian Flavours

IL TORO Woodfire Grill at Gemmill Lane is a brand new concept by Chef Drew Nocente, the same chef-owner behind Cenzo and Chicco Pasta Bar. Drawing inspiration from the Italian tradition of grigliata and shaped by the Australian spirit, the restaurant places fire at the core of its menu. Expect bold flavours, whole cuts of meat, and a warm sense of hospitality, all anchored by the primal draw of woodfire cooking.

Focaccia, Beef Fat Candle 4/5

A playful start to the meal, the Focaccia ($8) comes accompanied by a candle made from beef fat. As it melts, the rendered fat becomes a savoury spread. The Focaccia itself is grilled for a crisp exterior, making this both fun in concept and enjoyable in flavour.

Foie Gras, Fig & Pistachio 4/5

The Foie Gras ($8/pc) is rich and creamy, paired thoughtfully with sweet fig and crunchy pistachio. The combination provides a balance of sweetness and nuttiness, lifting the foie gras without overwhelming it.

Coffin Bay Oysters, Yuzu Koshu & Smoked Beef Fat 4/5

The Coffin Bay Oysters ($6/pc) offer clean brininess with a bright citrus touch from yuzu koshu. The smoked beef fat adds depth, resulting in a finish that is both vibrant and savoury.

Sea Bream, Amalfi Lemon, Bone Reduction and Caviar 3.8/5

The Sea Bream ($22) is served in a ceviche style with Amalfi lemon and bone reduction, topped with caviar. While well assembled, the flavours could be bolder to better highlight the fish's natural sweetness.

Iberico Pork Belly & Sausage Skewer 3.8/5

The Iberico Pork Belly & Sausage Skewer ($8/pc) is hearty and satisfying, and many tables seemed to be ordering it. Although nicely grilled, the seasoning could be punchier to fully showcase the meat's richness.

Tiger Prawns, Garlic Chilli 4/5

The Tiger Prawns ($10/pc) are sweet and smoky from the grill. The garlic chilli brings bold flavour and enhances the prawn's natural sweetness, giving a rich, robust kick.

Octopus, Nduja, Burnt Chive Butter & Miso Corn 4.2/5

The Octopus ($36) is well handled, tender, and has a pleasant bite. The pairing of nduja and burnt chive butter adds layers of umami and spice. The side of miso corn is notably excellent, sweet, juicy, and highly addictive.

Blackmore Wagyu MS9+ Tri Tip 4.2/5

The Blackmore Wagyu MS9+ Tri Tip ($78, 200g) is exclusive to IL TORO and available daily in limited quantities. While tri tip is naturally leaner, it is cooked beautifully here, resulting in tender, flavourful meat with the signature woodfire aroma.

Baby Potatoes, Hot Honey & Ricotta 4.5/5

A standout side, the Baby Potatoes ($12) are tossed in hot honey and served on creamy ricotta. Sweet, savoury and texturally satisfying. This is the kind of side you'll want seconds of.

Mint Slice Al Fuoco 4/5

For dessert, the Mint Slice Al Fuoco ($16) features mint semifreddo, smoked chocolate ganache and meringue. The tableside brûlée of the meringue adds theatre and creates a pleasing caramelised crunch to finish.

Overall, IL TORO delivers a bold, fire-forward dining experience that showcases Chef Drew's strong understanding of balance, produce and smoky depth. The woodfire element is consistent and intentional, from starters to dessert. A welcome addition to Gemmill Lane for those who appreciate grilled meats and Italian-Australian conviviality.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Il Toro Woodfire Grill
18 Gemmill Lane
Singapore 069255
Tel: +65 82591021
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun & Mon)

Direction:
Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒) @ Marrott Tang Plaza Singapore - Indulge in New Seasonal Menu of Lobster & Sri Lankan Crab Delicacies Till 31 Dec 2025

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant presents an exciting new seasonal menu that spotlights rock lobsters from Western Australia and prized Sri Lankan crabs.

Available now through 31 December 2025, the menu features eleven exquisite lobster and crab creations, all infused with refined Cantonese flair. Diners can look forward to both Dim Sum and À La Carte selections, with the Dim Sum items available exclusively during lunch.

Soup of the Day 4/5

We started with the Soup of the Day, a warm, soothing bowl of Pumpkin Pork Ribs Soup. The broth was flavourful and naturally sweet from the pumpkin and red dates.

Minced Lobster Dumpling with Gold Leaf 4/5

The first Dim Sum dish, Minced Lobster Dumpling with Gold Leaf ($18/2 pcs), featured plump lobster meat wrapped in a thin, slightly chewy skin.

Lobster Siew Mai with Crab Roe and Minced Pork 4/5

Next came the Lobster Siew Mai with Crab Roe and Minced Pork ($18/2 pcs), an indulgent mouthful of tender lobster and savoury minced pork.

Crispy Crab Meat Puff with Glass Noodles and Chinese Parsley 4.2/5

Our favourite among the three Dim Sum we had was the Crispy Crab Meat Puff with Glass Noodles and Chinese Parsley ($16/2 pcs). The golden, flaky pastry was wonderfully crisp, encasing moist crab meat and springy noodles for a satisfying textural contrast. Other Dim Sum highlights include the Deep-Fried Lobster with Century Egg Sesame Roll ($16/2 pcs) and the Crispy Vermicelli Lobster Roll wrapped with Beetroot Rice Noodle and Superior Light Soy Sauce ($28/2 pcs).

Sautéed Minced Lobster Meat with Shrimp Roe, Egg White and Diced Asparagus Lettuce 4.5/5

Moving to mains, I thoroughly enjoyed the Sautéed Minced Lobster Meat with Shrimp Roe, Egg White and Diced Asparagus Lettuce ($48/portion). Lightly seasoned to highlight the lobster’s natural sweetness, it was elevated by the briny aroma of shrimp roe and the crunch of asparagus lettuce.

Baked Crab in Foie Gras and White Pepper Sauce 4.2/5

The Baked Crab in Foie Gras and White Pepper Sauce ($18.80/100g) offered a bold yet balanced pairing. The lightly spiced, peppery sauce complemented the fresh crab’s sweetness, while the foie gras added richness and depth.

Wok-Fried Lobster with Onion in Green Peppercorn Sauce 4.5/5

Our top pick was the Wok-Fried Lobster with Onion in Green Peppercorn Sauce ($18.80/100g). Each lobster piece was fresh and succulent, wok-fried to perfection, and coated in a fragrant green peppercorn sauce that lent mild heat and herbaceous notes. Other dishes from the À La Carte menu include the Poached Sliced Pacific Top Shell with Asparagus Lettuce in Hairy Crab Meat and Roe Sauce ($48/portion), Stewed Lobster with Dried Hong Kong Cuttlefish, Thai Basil and Shallot in Claypot ($25/100g), and Wok-Fried Lobster with Japanese Glutinous Rice infused with Dried Squid and Dried Shrimp ($25/100g).

Double-Boiled Bird’s Nest with Red Date, Lotus Seed and White Fungus 4/5

We ended with the Double-Boiled Bird’s Nest with Red Date, Lotus Seed and White Fungus, a nourishing sweet dessert that rounded off the indulgent seafood feast.

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.


Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒)
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 6831 4605
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11.30am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

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

Restaurant Cougar Lee (錦軒) @ Tras Street - Modern Chinese Cuisine with a Global Flair

Restaurant Cougar Lee (錦軒) on Tras Street is the newest addition to the scene, offering a fresh take on traditional Chinese cuisine. At the helm is Beijing-born Chef Ethan Lee, who brings a wealth of culinary experience from across Europe, including Lyon, Italy, and Barcelona, as well as his grounding in his family's Beijing restaurant. His cross-cultural background has shaped a bold and inventive menu that surprises while staying rooted in comfort and familiarity.

Lee's Steamed Roasted Iberico Pork "Siu Mai" 4.2/5

Lee's Steamed Roasted Iberico Pork "Siu Mai" ($3.90/pc, min. 5 pcs) is freshly made daily. These parcels reveal hand-chopped Iberico pork bursting with juicy richness, finished with garden greens and a hint of wasabi for a gentle kick. The presentation stood out — a playful twist on the classic siu mai with a crispy skirt reminiscent of Japanese gyoza.

Fish Maw, Silkie Fowl, Double Boiled Soup 3.8/5

The Premium Double Boiled Soup of the Day is Fish Maw, Silkie Fowl, Double Boiled Soup ($15/pax). It offered nourishment and comfort, though it lacked the depth and intensity one might expect from a traditional Cantonese-style soup.

Yellow Tail Amberjack 3.8/5

The Yellowtail Amberjack ($18) was well-portioned, featuring thickly sliced amberjack accompanied by a combination of tomato and mango. While refreshing, the citrus dressing leaned a little too sharp, overshadowing the natural sweetness of the fish and fruit.

Foie Gras Terrine wrapped in Filo Foil 4/5

The Foie Gras Terrine wrapped in Filo Foil ($6.90/pc, min. 2 pcs) was a creative highlight. Marinated with Chinese spices like five spice, star anise, and dried apple, the foie gras was slow-cooked in German sweet wine, encased in crisp filo pastry, and finished with a fruity vinegar sauce. The result is a beautifully balanced mouthful of richness and acidity.

The Classic Ngoh Hiang 4/5

The Classic Ngoh Hiang ($16) is a refined take on the local favourite. Handcrafted daily, the meat rolls are juicy with a satisfying crunch, complemented by a tangy and mildly spicy Nam Jim sauce that enhances the savoury flavours.

Braised Monkfish 4.5/5

The Braised Monkfish ($48) was one of the evening's standouts. Firm yet delicate, the monkfish paired beautifully with jumbo asparagus and heirloom tomatoes. The savoury, mildly spicy sauce was the soul of the dish, tying everything together in harmony.

Grilled King Prawn with Handmade Noodle 3.8/5

The Grilled King Prawn with Handmade Noodle ($32) featured springy noodles cooked in a prawn and tobiko bisque, topped with a grilled king prawn. While the presentation was appealing, the bisque could have been more robust and flavourful to bring the dish to life.

Homemade Burnt Cheesecake 4.5/5

Dessert was a delightful surprise. The Homemade Burnt Cheesecake with Chives ($12) is served with salted egg yolk ice cream. The cheesecake was creamy and luscious, with the chives adding an aromatic twist. The salted egg yolk ice cream paired perfectly, elevating the dessert with a sweet-savoury balance that kept us going back for more.

Guests can look forward to a wide range of offerings, from à la carte "tapas-style" small plates and mains to handcrafted desserts. For those seeking value, the set lunch and dinner menus are a great introduction to Chef Lee's creativity – starting from $25 for lunch and $35 for dinner, an exceptional value for its calibre.

Special Promotion – Enjoy over 50% OFF Set Menus:
Lunch: 4-course set at $25 (U.P. $55) | 5-course set at $35 (U.P. $88)
Dinner: 5-course set at $35 (U.P. $88) | 6-course set at $50 (U.P. $158)

Restaurant Cougar Lee (錦軒) combines Chinese tradition with European finesse, bringing a touch of flair and imagination. Chef Ethan Lee's creations showcase an adventurous yet thoughtful approach, offering a refreshing perspective to contemporary Chinese dining in Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Restaurant Cougar Lee (錦軒)
61 Tras Street
Singapore 079000
Tel: +65 81624965
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

VUE @ OUE Bayfront - New Summer Menu Featuring 2GR Australian Full-Blood Wagyu

Nestled atop OUE Bayfront, VUE continues to impress with its scenic views and elegant French-Asian cuisine. I recently returned to experience their newly launched Summer Menu, spotlighting the exceptional 2GR Australian Full-Blood Wagyu. We had the 4-course prix fixe menu priced at $168++, with optional upgrades available throughout the meal.

Our evening began with warm, house-baked bread served alongside olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar, a simple yet comforting start that set the tone for the meal to come.

2GR Beef Carpaccio (add $12) 4.8/5

I couldn’t resist starting with the 2GR Beef Carpaccio, and it was every bit as indulgent as expected. Delicate slices of richly marbled wagyu melted in the mouth, enhanced with earthy Manjimup truffle, creamy stracciatella, and generous shavings of parmigiana. A dish that lets the premium quality of the beef shine through with finesse.

Heirloom Tomatoes 4.5/5

For a lighter option, my dining companion selected the Heirloom Tomatoes. Naturally sweet and juicy, the tomatoes were complemented beautifully by smoked burrata, tonburi (a Japanese plant seed often called "land caviar"), black olives, and a refreshing mozzarella sorbet that added an unexpected but delightful brightness.

Premium Risotto (add $48) 4.2/5

I opted for the Premium Risotto, a decadent creation that combined tender 2GR beef tongue with Perigord foie gras and a luxurious topping of Oscietra caviar. Each bite was rich, creamy, and intensely flavourful, showcasing an indulgent balance of textures and umami.

Signature Uni Risotto (add $12) 4.5/5

My companion chose the Signature Uni Risotto, which substituted traditional risotto with Japanese multigrain rice, offering a nuttier, more textured mouthfeel. The dish, featuring Hokkaido sea urchin, uni foam, and parmigiano, delivered a briny, oceanic freshness, satisfying yet delicate.

2GR Beef Trio 4.2/5

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the 2GR Beef Trio, an expertly grilled plate featuring three cuts: striploin, oyster blade, and beef cheek. Each showcased a different facet of the wagyu's richness and tenderness, offering variety in both flavour and texture. It is a must-order for beef lovers.

Spanish Lubina 4.2/5

For something different, we tried the Spanish Lubina (sea bass). The fish is dry-aged to deepen its natural flavours and coated with Dukkah spices for a nutty, aromatic crust. Finished with a bright tomato fondue, the dish was clean, elegant, and full of Mediterranean flair.

Strawberry Osmanthus 4.5/5

To end the meal on a refreshing note, the Strawberry Osmanthus featured layers of genoise sponge, rhubarb marmalade, and a light yoghurt sorbet. Delicately floral and not overly sweet, it was the perfect palate cleanser.

Pistachio Apricot 4.5/5

For a richer finish, the Pistachio Apricot dessert paired Sicilian pistachio ice cream with a tangy apricot compote, all topped with crispy brown butter kataifi. It was a harmonious blend of creamy, nutty, and tart.

As expected in a fine dining experience, we concluded with a lovely selection of petit fours.
For those looking to enjoy VUE at a more accessible price point, take advantage of their Sunset Dinner (5:30pm–7:30pm) or Late Night Dinner (9:30pm onwards) promotions. The 3-course menu is priced at $88 (U.P. $128), and the 4-course at $128 (U.P. $168), offering excellent value for the experience and quality on offer.

VUE’s Summer Menu is a masterclass in showcasing top-quality ingredients, particularly the 2GR Australian Full-Blood Wagyu—elevated with luxurious accompaniments and precise execution. Whether you're here for the views, the beef, or both, this is a culinary experience that delivers from start to finish.

Note: This is an invited tasting


VUE
OUE Bayfront
Level 19
50 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049321
Tel: +65 8879 0923
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon – Thu: 1130am - 2pm, 530pm - 1am
Fri: 1130am - 2pm, 530pm - 2am
Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 2am
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Clifford Centre. Cut across the building. Take the overhead bridge link across the road. Turn right at the base of the overhead bridge. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]