1-Alfaro by Monti @ Labrador Tower - The Newest Rooftop Lifestyle Destination with Stunning Views

1-Group has unveiled yet another stunning dining destination with the launch of 1-Alfaro by MONTI, perched on the 34th floor of Labrador Tower. Opened on 2 June 2025, this chic lifestyle enclave brings together two complementary concepts: the refined Italian restaurant La Torre and the high-energy rooftop bar La Luna. With breathtaking panoramic views of the southern coastline and city skyline, 1-Alfaro captures the spirit of Italian hospitality and elegance, inspired by the lighthouses of Emilia-Romagna.

Our meal began with complimentary Toasted Bread served with Friggione, a traditional slow-cooked onion and tomato dish, reduced until deeply caramelised and jammy. It set a comforting and flavourful tone for the meal.

Stecco Petroniano 4.2/5

A hit at the table is the Stecco Petroniano ($14 for 2pc). These deep-fried rolls of mortadella and provolone, wrapped in béchamel and double-crumbed, delivered on flavour and texture. The caramelised shallot compote dip added a gentle sweetness that elevated every bite.

La Torre's Fried Lasagna 4.2/5

A playful and indulgent twist on the classic lasagna is the La Torre's Fried Lasagna ($18 for 5pc). These crispy golden parcels layered with wagyu ragu and cheese are coated in breadcrumbs and fried to perfection. A unique bar snack or starter that delights with every crunch.

Stracciatella Cheese 4/5

Creamy Stracciatella Cheese ($18) is paired with Parma ham, rosemary honey, and marinated cherry tomatoes, then topped with strips of crispy polenta for textural contrast. It is a well-balanced dish of savoury, sweet, and creamy elements.

Tortellini 4.2/5

Though petite, these Tortellini ($16) are packed with a flavourful filling of pork, veal, mortadella, and Parmigiano Reggiano. Floating in a robust chicken consommé, they showcase the finesse of traditional Emilia-Romagna pasta craftsmanship.

Tagliatelle 4.5/5

An absolute standout is the Tagliatelle ($14 Half/ $28 Full). The beef bolognese, slow-cooked in milk and aromatics, is rich and comforting. Topped with béchamel espuma, Grana Padano, and basil oil, every bite is harmoniously creamy, meaty, and herbaceous.

Fettuccine Flat Egg Pasta 4.2/5

Don’t be fooled by the minimalist presentation. Tossed with tomatoes and squacquerone cheese and finished with shallots, the Fettuccine Flat Egg Pasta ($13 Half/ $26 Full) is deceptively flavourful with a delightfully chewy bite.

La Torre's Pan-Roasted Lasagna 4.5/5

The La Torre's Pan-Roasted Lasagna ($13 Half/ $26 Full) is a layered beauty of bolognese, béchamel, and mozzarella, baked till bubbling and then pan-fried for a crisp crust. Served with tomato sauce and parmesan cream, this is lasagna with flair and finesse.

"Curzoli Romagnoli" Thick Egg Pasta 4/5

The "Curzoli Romagnoli" Thick Egg Pasta ($14 Half/ $28 Full) is a denser, thicker egg pasta tossed with Manila clams, lemon-parsley butter, and finished with bottarga and breadcrumbs. A punchy, umami-forward dish that might surprise with its chew but rewards with flavour.

Queensland Baby Barramundi (300-500gram) 4.2/5

Grilled skin-side down over charcoal, the Queensland Baby Barramundi ($38) from Rockypoint Farm offers a clean, sweet, and buttery flavour with firm flakes. Finished with grilled lemon and parsley, it’s simplicity done right.

USDA Prime Heritage Linz Ribeye on the bone 'Costata' 4/5

The USDA Prime Heritage Linz Ribeye on the bone 'Costata' ($148) is charcoal-grilled to perfection. This ribeye is wonderfully marbled and full of natural flavour. The accompaniments – roasted garlic, salsa verde, and sea salt flakes – enhance without overpowering.

Fried Wagyu Fat Potatoes 3.5/5

Leafy Green from our Garden 3/5

Wood-Fried US Asparagus 3/5

To complement the mains, we had a trio of sides: Fried Wagyu Fat Potatoes ($16), Leafy Greens from Our Garden ($12), and Wood-Fired US Asparagus ($16). Each was designed to round out the meal, though some stood out more than others.

La Torre's House-Made Burrata Gelato with Rosemary Tuile 4/5

The La Torre's House-Made Burrata Gelato with Rosemary Tuile ($17) is an intriguing dessert combining the creaminess of burrata with the subtle savoury edge of extra virgin olive oil. The rosemary tuile, Parmigiano shavings, and fig vincotto tie it all together with an elegant complexity.

Italian Trifle 'Zuppa Inglese' 3.8/5

The Italian Trifle 'Zuppa Inglese' ($15) is a classic Italian dessert that features Savoiardi (ladyfinger) biscuits soaked in Herring Cherry Liqueur, layered with vanilla-lemon pastry cream, chocolate mousse, and raspberry gel. Finished with a topping of fresh raspberries and an extra drizzle of raspberry gel, the trifle offers a delightful balance of richness, fruitiness, and a boozy kick.

Lambrusco Poached Pear 4/5

The Lambrusco Poached Pear ($17) is poached in Lambrusco wine and warm spices. This dessert is comforting and aromatic. The combination of pecan crumbs, pistachio gelato, and aged balsamic adds sophistication and balance.

1-Alfaro by MONTI is a stunning addition to Singapore’s Italian dining scene, impressing with its refined execution of regional favourites, creative presentation, and sweeping skyline views. Whether you’re there for a date night, special celebration, or to indulge in soulful Italian fare, La Torre delivers on both quality and experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


1-Alfaro by Monti
Labrador Tower
1 Pasir Panjang Road
#34-00
Singapore 118479
Tel: +65 8093 5683
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Nearest MRT: Labrador Park (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 1am
Sun: 11am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Labrador Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic light junction. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Les Mains Deli @ The URA Centre - Flavourful Protein & Salad Bowls, Fresh Bakes and Gelato

Les Mains Deli, located on the ground floor of The URA Centre, is a cosy café where you can enjoy protein bowls crafted with a well-curated selection of ingredients. As an extension of Les Mains Bakery, a beloved neighbourhood café in Opera Estate, Les Mains Deli also opens for breakfast, offering a selection of their signature bakes. The space likewise houses their in-house gelato brand, Microcreamery, featuring a range of signature flavours.

Large Protein Bowl

For the Build-Your-Own Protein Bowl, three sizes are available: Small, Regular, and Large, starting at $9. The Large option includes two bases, two proteins, three supplements, one topping, and one dressing. My wholesome bowl featured Mixed Greens and Bulgur Wheat as the base, paired with Oven-Baked Salmon and Tuna Tataki. For supplements, I chose Butternut Squash with Kale, Pineapple Achar, and a Mayak Egg, topped with a sprinkle of nutty and heady Dukkah and finished with a smoky Chipotle Vinaigrette.

Bulgur Wheat

The Bulgur Wheat base, reminiscent of a grain salad, was packed with texture and flavour, featuring a blend of grains and pumpkin seeds that lent a nutty depth and aromatic quality.

Tuna Tataki 4.5/5

Oven-baked Salmon 3.5/5

Of the proteins, the Tuna Tataki stood out as one of the better renditions I've had. The tuna was beautifully seared on the outside and tender on the inside, retaining the fresh, clean flavour of the tuna. The portion of Oven-baked Salmon was generous, though the leaner parts leaned slightly dry.

Mayak Egg

Butternut Squash, Pineapple Achar

The Mayak Egg was a standout, with a golden, runny yolk and a savoury umami punch from its soy-based marinade. The Butternut Squash offered a lovely natural sweetness but could benefit from a longer roast to bring out a softer, starchier texture. Meanwhile, the Pineapple Achar added a tangy acidity and vibrancy, balancing the richness of the proteins. Both vegetarian and vegan-friendly versions are also available.

Lentil Meatballs 4.5/5

I particularly enjoyed the Lentil Meatballs, which is one of the protein options. They were thoughtfully prepared, not overly seasoned or oily, retaining a rustic mashed-lentil texture with a hearty bite. You can also top up for drinks like fresh fruit juice, kombucha, or coffee.

Black Sea Salt Croissant 4.5/5

Shio Pan 3/5

During breakfast hours, freshly baked goods are available alongside their coffee offerings. I tried their signature Black Sea Salt Croissant and Shio Pan. The croissant delivered with a rich, buttery aroma and flavour, complemented by a subtle hit of Black Sea Salt. The Shio Pan had a crisp, crusty exterior and a buttery base, although it could have benefited from a more generous filling of salted butter at its core.

EVOO Strawberry, Rum & Raisin

Microcreamery, their in-house gelato brand, offers both classic and unconventional flavours. From their original 16-flavour lineup, popular options like EVOO Strawberry, Baileys & Cookies and Pandan Blueberry are available at this outlet. I went with the recommended EVOO Strawberry and a staple Rum & Raisin. The former was delicious, with pockets of tart strawberry puree and a subtle grassy note from the extra-virgin olive oil. The Rum & Raisin was a classic done right. It was indulgent, creamy, and packed with plump, rummy raisins.

Vanilla Affogato

Off the menu, you can also request your gelato to be served affogato-style for a bitter-sweet dessert or a mid-day perk-me-up.

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.


Les Mains Deli
The URA Centre
45 Maxwell Road
#01-02
Singapore 069118
Tel: +65 80205596
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 7pm
Sat: 8am - 5pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk to Maxwell Road. Turn left on Maxwell Road. Walk down Maxwell Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn lef and walk to Maxwell Road. Cross the road and walk down Maxwell Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Hortus @ Gardens by The Bay Flower Dome - New Mediterranean Sharing Menu Comprising of 9 Dishes

Nestled within the lush beauty of Gardens by the Bay's Flower Dome, Hortus offers diners a taste of the Mediterranean, surrounded by vibrant blooms and cool serenity. With its focus on fresh, vibrant sharing plates and rustic wood-grilled mains, Hortus presents an experience that goes beyond the food—especially with its newly launched Mediterranean Sharing Set Menu ($68++ per pax), which even includes complimentary Flower Dome admission and a buggy ride to and from the Main Entrance. A perfect little getaway without leaving Singapore!

Hummus, Olive Oil and Paprika 4.8/5

Muhammara, Roasted Bell Pepper and Walnut Dip 4.5/5

The meal kicks off with an array of five sharing starters. The Hummus with Olive Oil and Paprika was an instant hit — creamy, nutty, and elevated by the earthiness of paprika and a generous drizzle of olive oil. It is paired beautifully with the warm, fluffy housemade pita. Equally delightful was the Muhammara, a roasted bell pepper and walnut dip that was slightly smoky, nutty, and tangy — a deliciously vibrant alternative to the classic hummus.

Fried School Prawns, Calamari, Whitebait with Lemon Aioli 4.5/5

Next up was the Fried Seafood Basket, featuring school prawns, calamari, and whitebait, all perfectly crispy and light, paired with a zesty lemon aioli. It was dangerously addictive, with each piece a burst of flavour and crunch.

Yellowtail Kingfish Crudo 4.8/5

The Yellowtail Kingfish Crudo was a standout among the starters. Dressed with bergamot and green olives and scattered with pomegranate seeds, it was refreshingly bright, delicately sweet, and brimming with Mediterranean sunshine.

Kingfish Collar with Cabbage and Fennel Salad and Nduja 4.2/5

Moving on to the mains, we tried the Kingfish Collar with Cabbage and Fennel Salad and Nduja. Grilled to crispy perfection on the outside while keeping the flesh moist and tender, the kingfish was livened up beautifully by a squeeze of lemon and the spicy kick from the nduja. The accompanying salad of cabbage and fennel provided a refreshing counterpoint.

Beef and Lamb Adana Kebab with Sumac Onions 4.2/5

We also sampled the Beef and Lamb Adana Kebab with Sumac Onions. Typically, kebabs can veer on the dry side, but Hortus' version was juicy, aromatic, and full of flavour. The sweet and tangy sumac onions on top brought a much-appreciated brightness to the hearty meat skewer.

Cracked Wheat Salad with Dill, Mint, and Pomegranate 4.2/5

Rice Pilaf with Pistachio and Lemon 4.5/5

To complement the mains, we had the Cracked Wheat Salad and the Rice Pilaf with Pistachio and Lemon. Both were excellent — the cracked wheat salad was herby and fresh with pops of pomegranate, while the rice pilaf was light, fragrant, and enhanced by the nuttiness of pistachios and citrusy lemon.

House churned Vanilla Gelato, Halva, Tahini 4.5/5

Desserts were a true surprise and delight. The House Churned Vanilla Gelato, paired with halva, tahini, pomegranate syrup, and mint, was a symphony of textures and flavours — sweet, nutty, creamy, and refreshing all at once.

Rose and Cardamom Basbousa 4.5/5

The final treat, Rose and Cardamom Basbousa, sealed the meal on a high note. The moist semolina cake, topped with house churned pistachio gelato and cardamom cream, offered a beautiful blend of floral and nutty flavours that was both comforting and exotic.

Hortus isn't just a restaurant — it's an experience. The combination of fresh Mediterranean flavours, an idyllic garden setting, and thoughtful touches like complimentary entry and transport make it a memorable destination dining spot. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a leisurely meal with a view, Hortus delivers in every way.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hortus
Flower Dome
Gardens by the Bay
18 Marina Garden Drive
#01-09
Singapore 018953
Tel: +65 6702 0158
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Nearest MRT: Bayfront MRT

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 330pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bayfront MRT station. Take Exit B. Take the pathway to Bayfront Plaza Ticketing. Take for the shuttle bus to flower dome or walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Min Jiang at Dempsey @ Dempsey Hill - Celebrates 6th Anniversary with a Six-Hands Collaboration

In celebration of its sixth anniversary, Min Jiang at Dempsey presents the 'Six-Hands Anniversary Showcase' from 7 to 12 April 2025. This exclusive collaboration brings together the exceptional artistry of three renowned chefs — Master Chef Goh Chee Kong, Chef Pung Lu Tin, and Chef Daniel Koh. Three specially curated set menus will be featured, culminating in a one-night-only 7-course dinner on 12 April.

Foie Gras Terrine Monaka 4/5

The 7-course dinner begins with an Amuse Bouche: Foie Gras Terrine Monaka by Chef Daniel. Drawing from his classical Western training, preparing this terrine involves a meticulous two-day process, including steaming, baking, and an ice bath. Encased between crisp monaka (Japanese-style wafer) and a delicate slice of orange, it offered a unique and delightful way to enjoy terrine — its luscious, buttery texture reminiscent of an ice cream filling or the indulgent richness of a cold butter slab. A subtle hint of brandy aroma also came through and intertwined beautifully with the bright citrus notes from the orange.

Min Jiang Appetiser Platter 3.8/5

Next was the Min Jiang Appetiser Platter, featuring Pan-Seared Hokkaido Scallop with Pineapple Lime Sauce by Chef Pung and Typhoon Shelter Crab Claws by Master Chef Goh. The premium Hokkaido scallop was perfectly seared, boasting a succulent interior and a beautifully caramelized exterior. Its flavours were elevated by the tangy, refreshing sauce and an unexpected depth of umami from a final touch of fermented shrimp paste. The crab claw was equally delightful — a harmonious blend of crispy garlic, dried chilli, curry leaves, and aromatic spices, with a subtle sweetness from honey used in the frying process.

Double-Boiled Morels, Agaricus Mushrooms, Abalone, and Dried Scallops 4.5/5

The soup course was wholesome and nourishing — Double-Boiled Morels, Agaricus Mushrooms, Abalone, and Dried Scallops in a Whole Mini Pumpkin by Chef Pung. The broth had a light yet slightly gelatinous consistency, offering a beautiful depth of savouriness and sweetness with comforting herbaceous notes coming through.

Yin Yang Fish Rolls 4/5

Next was Chef Daniel's Yin Yang Fish Rolls with Salmon, Sea Perch, and Tianjin Cabbage. Resembling delicate maki, the salmon and sea perch were wrapped in tender Tianjin cabbage, which offered a refreshing contrast to the richness of the oily fish. The savoury soy sauce blend elevated the dish beautifully, adding a perfect touch of umami. While the slice of truffle nestled between the fish layers was subtle and not particularly pronounced, the overall dish was well-executed and thoroughly enjoyable.

Baked Pork Rib with Hawthorn Sauce 5/5

Chef Pung's Baked Pork Rib with Hawthorn Sauce details the laborious preparation process involving overnight marination, deep frying, and steaming. The pork was tender with a slight chew. The hawthorn sauce glazing the meat, alongside diced seasonal fruits, provided a gentle acidity to cut through the richness of the meat.

Stewed Lobster in Superior Stock with Deep-Fried Glutinous Rice 5/5

The final main course was Chef Goh's highly anticipated Stewed Lobster in Superior Stock with Deep-Fried Glutinous Rice. The lobster was expertly stewed in a rich, flavorful broth, resulting in tender, succulent meat. Complementing it was a crisp, golden deep-fried glutinous rice ball, offering a delightful contrast with its crunchy exterior and satisfyingly chewy center. The luxurious broth tied both elements together beautifully, enhancing each bite with its depth of flavour.

Deep-Fried Yam Pastry with Custard and Pistachio Gelato 4/5

Dessert featured a warm and cold pairing of Deep-Fried Yam Pastry with Custard and Pistachio Gelato by Chef Goh. Cutting through the delicate, flaky yam puff revealed a luscious, savoury custard centre that oozed with each bite. The pistachio gelato was velvety and nutty, providing a lovely contrast in both temperature and texture. While the flavours were enjoyable, the overall sweetness of the dessert could have been toned down slightly for better balance.

The Set Menus 7 to 12 April 2025
5-course lunch menu for min. 2 persons at $126++ per person
6-course dinner menu for min. 2 persons at $146++ per person
7-course dinner menu for min. 2 persons at $186++ per person (available for one night only on 12 April)

Dine-in reservations may be made via phone: 6774 0122, email: mjdempsey@goodwoodparkhotel.com and https://www.tablecheck.com/en/goodwood-park-hotel-min-jiang-dempsey/reserve/.

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.


Min Jiang At Dempsey
7A & 7B Dempsey Road
Singapore 249684
Tel: +65 67740122
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop at Napier Station (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to dempsey road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]