Jiang-Nan Chun @ Four Seasons Hotel Singapore - Launched Signatures by Executive Chinese Chef Albert Au

Michelin-starred Jiang-Nan Chun at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore has recently launched Signatures by Executive Chinese Chef Albert Au. Available at both lunch (Six-course $178/pax) and dinner (Seven-Course at $198/ pax), menus showcase fresh, seasonal produce in dishes executed by weaving fresh, seasonal produce and a passion for bringing a dynamic perspective to classic techniques.

Jiang-Nan Chun Trilogy 4.8/5

Dinner is a seven-course experience that begins with a Jiang-Nan Chun Trilogy. It was a plate of 3 very luxurious bites - starting from a succulent and meaty Blue Prawn Toast, followed by a brilliantly executed slice of Crispy Suckling Pig layered with red wine jelly and a generous dollop of osetra caviar, and rounding off the first course is the signature Honey Glazed Pork Collar.

Double-boiled Fish Maw Soup 4.5/5

Next up, we have the classic Double-boiled Fish Maw Soup. It is doubled boiled for 6 hours with Sea Whelk and Dried Scallops, resulting in a gelatinous texture.

Braised Star Garoupa Fillet 4.8/5

The next course was my favourite, which features a wild-caught Braised Star Garoupa Fillet with Daikon in Superior Sauce. Chef Albert specially chose the Japanese daikon for its flavours, and it went all tender and sweet in the rich superior sauce. The fish on its own was outstanding, but the addition of the perfectly stewed daikon brought the dish up a notch.

Boston Lobster 4/5

The next dish highlights a style of cooking 避风塘 that is said to originate from Hongkong Causeway Bay. Such a cooking method was traditionally used with seafood. Here we had an elevated version using Boston Lobster with fragrant Garlic and Dried Chilli. Known for its aroma and robust flavours, the garlic and dried chilli brought out the lobster's sweetness, especially when the meat remained tender and juicy.

Braised Pork Belly with Pineapple 4.2/5

The next course is another Chef's signature - Braised Pork Belly with Pineapple. When the dish was served, there was an immediate pleasing waft of citrusy orange peel coming through. To counter the meat's richness, the pork belly was braised together with pineapple and other dried fruits for their tartness and acidity.

Handmade Noodles with Baby Abalone and Vegetables 4.8/5

The last savoury dish was a highlight for me as well - an extraordinarily homely and comforting Handmade Noodles with Baby Abalone and Vegetables. Both the broth and the texture of the noodles were superb, reflecting Chef Albert's culinary expertise and knowledge.

Oolong Tea infused Jivara Chocolate Sphere with Kumquat 3.5/5

Dessert is Oolong Tea infused Jivara Chocolate Sphere with Kumquat. It was pretty interesting to see a kumquat replacing the usual orange. I feel the extra acidity from the citrusy kumquat filling worked even better with the chocolate.

You can also opt for a pairing of Taittinger Prestige Rosé and fine wines, curated to perfectly complement the full seven-course menu, available at $298 per person. For dining reservations, please speak with Jiang-Nan Chun at 6831 7220 or email jnc.sin@fourseasons.com.

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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jiang Nan Chun (江南春)
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Second Floor
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248646
Tel: +65 68317220
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue walking along Orchard Road. Walk to Hilton Hotel. Go to level 2. Follow the passageway to Four Seasons Hotel. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 12 minutes. [Map]

Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen @ Great World - Reopens With A New Look And Refreshed Menu

Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen has finally reopened at Great World after undergoing an extensive renovation work. With the reopening, the concept under the Crystal Jade Group has also unveiled a new brand name and refreshed logo, together with a new fresh look and refreshed menu. The refreshed menu will be available from 30 March 2020 at the Great World outlet and progressively roll out at other Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen outlets across the island by mid-April.

Chilled Marinated Turnip with Plum 4.2/5

At first glance, the Chilled Marinated Turnip with Plum ($5.30) looks like watermelon, but they are actually turnip steeped overnight in a Roselle, sour plum and dried orange peel mixture. The result is refreshing, sweet and sour with a crunchy texture.

Deep-fried Marinated Egg Coated with Prawn Paste 4.2/5

Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen will be serving dim sum on their menu too. Chef Foo has introduced new moreish spin of the traditional dim sum. We managed to try a couple of them such as the Deep-fried Marinated Egg Coated with Prawn Paste ($5.80), Steamed Prawn Dumpling with Stem Chives ($6.30 for 3pcs) and Pan-fried Pumpkin and Yam Cake ($5.30 for 3pcs).

Steamed Prawn Dumpling with Stem Chives 4.2/5

Pan-fried Pumpkin and Yam Cake 4.2/5

I enjoyed all the three new dim sum creations. The deep-fried marinated egg coated with prawn paste is like an Asian style scotch egg which I thought is even better than it. I love green chives, and hence the steamed prawn dumpling with stem chives itself is already a winner for me. For a fragrant and textural enjoyment, the pan-fried pumpkin and yam cake will delight one with the alternating layers of yam strips and mashed pumpkin.

Pork Lardon Rice 4.5/5

Scallion Ginger Rice 4.5/5

Bored of just plain white rice? Now Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen offers two fragrant rice options on the menu. You can choose from either Pork Lardon Rice ($2.80 per pax) which comes with a savoury sauce and crispy lard bits or Scallion Ginger Rice ($2.80 per pax) crowned with aromatic fried chopped ginger and spring onion mixture. Both are really tasty and delicious. It has definitely elevated the appreciation of a plate of plain white rice.

Sauteed Chinese Spinach with Prawn Paste and Fish Roe 4/5

For diners looking for a complete meal, there are also new a la carte dishes from the new menu. The Sauteed Chinese Spinach with Prawn Paste and Fish Roe ($16.80) comes with popping surprises from the fish roes, giving the greens an element of fun and texture contrast. However, the prawn paste flavour was not distinctly, it may disappoint those looking forward to the strong prawny flavour.

Crispy-fried Homemade Organic Tofu with Preserved Vegetables and Prawn 4.5/5

A simple dish but elegantly presented is the Crispy-fried Homemade Organic Tofu with Preserved Vegetables and Prawn ($16.80). The soft and silky tofu is homemade using organic soy milk and eggs. It is then deep-fried and crowned with flavourful stir-fry prawns, chai poh and dried shrimp.

Two-Combination Roasted Meat Platter

We also had the Two-Combination Roasted Meat Platter ($22.80) which comprised of roasted duck and signature port belly (+$3). The roasted duck is fat and tender, with a delectable layer of crispy skin. Not to be missed is the signature pork belly that has a good ratio of lean meat and fat, with a delicate balance of sweetness and an exterior crispy char.

Poached 'Long Hu' Garoupa Fillet with 'Yunan' Ham in Thick Soup 4.5/5

Instead of double-boiled soup, let me introduce you to the Poached 'Long Hu' Garoupa Fillet 'Yunan' Ham in Thick Soup ($30.80) which is just as good. The 'Long Hu' garoupa fillet is poached in a silky and milky-white pork bone soup, fortified with Yunnan ham. One can also find other ingredients such as enoki mushrooms, black fungus, bamboo pith, ginger, garlic and wolfberries in the robust soup.

Abalone and Shredded Kampung Chicken with Conpoy Congee 4.2/5

Last but not least, we wrapped up our dinner with the Abalone and Shredded Kampung Chicken with Conpoy Congee ($28.80) served in claypot. The portion is good for 2 to 3 person. Flavourful, and velvety-smooth, this is both comforting and satisfying. No additional seasoning is needed.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen
Great World
1 Kim Seng Promenade
#03-127
Singapore 237994
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Website
Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 10pm
Sun & PH: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]