LUCE @ InterContinental Singapore - New Champagne Sunday Brunch That Celebrates The Concept of "Familglia"

LUCE at InterContinental Singapore introduces a refreshing Italian dining experience under the newly appointed Chef de Cuisine, Andrea Rossi. With over two decades of experience in esteemed kitchens, Chef Andrea has curated a luxurious buffet spread and an à la carte menu that celebrates the concept of "famiglia" (family), bringing hearty dishes that foster meaningful conversations and togetherness.

Seafood on Ice 5/5

Starting the Sunday brunch, the Seafood on Ice selection is unparalleled, featuring seasonal live oysters, Boston lobster, snow crab, black mussels, Australian yabby, tiger prawns, and sea whelk.

Sushi & Sashimi 5/5

The brunch also includes a stunning display of premium Sashimi and Sushi, showcasing the freshest catches.

Beef Pastrami and Provolone Cheese Croissant 3.8/5

House-cured Salmon Platter with Assorted Blinis 4/5

Artisanal Farmer Pork Terrine 4.8/5

One of LUCE's highlights is the Charcuterie Room, featuring an impressive Cold Cuts Station with Italian cured meats and an extensive Artisanal Cheese Selection. Notable cheeses include Taleggio, Gorgonzola Dolce, Provolone Piccante, Pecorino Toscano al Tartufo, and Ubriaco Al Whiskey. Thoughtful condiments and spreads like caramelized onions and fig jam complement the cold cuts beautifully. In the same room, Appetizers shine with the House-cured Salmon Platter with Assorted Blinis, enjoyed with Egg Mimosa and Crème Fraiche, and the Artisanal Farmer Pork Terrine, which pairs excellently with fig jam and caramelized onions.

Pinsas 4.5/5

LUCE's Roman-style Pinsas are a must-try, with eight selections available. Hand-stretched and served hot from the woodfire oven, they range from the classic La Margherita Classica and La Parmigiana to the Northern Emilia-Romagna inspired La Tartufata and La Mortadella.

Girelle di Pasta al Forno Emiliana 5/5

Fettuccine Truffle Alfredo 4.5/5

The curation of pasta dishes will satisfy all paste lovers. From the Emilia-Romagna region, there is a baked pasta dish - Girelle di Pasta al Forno Emiliana. The texture of the pasta was on point, delectable with a stuffing of ricotta and mascarpone cheese, green asparagus, and brown butter. Spaghetti di Gragnano alla Bolognese is a rustic and homely dish featuring spaghetti coated in savoury beef sauce. Do leave space for Fettuccine Truffle Alfredo, fresh pasta cooked ala minute in a Parmesan wheel, complemented by Truffle Cream Espuma or Roman Carbonara Espuma.

Assorted Meats 4.5/5

Live Stations are where you find savoury and succulent meats catering to all palates - Pollo Ripieno, a Tuscan-style rice-stuffed roasted chicken served with Nocellara olives, wild mushrooms and chicken jus. The Porchetta di Manzo e Salsa Verde is slow-cooked to achieve tender beef slices served with zesty salsa verde and potato fondant. Agnello al Forno is a roasted herb-marinated Lamb Saddle paired with Yorkshire Pudding.

Il Salmone al Vapore 4/5

Le Costine di Maiale in Umido 4/5

Le Mascagnine di Carne in Umido 4/5

La Salsiccia e Purea di Patata 4.5/5

Other Italian Specialties are aplenty too. Le Mascagnine di Carne in Umido is a flavourful handmade meatball in fresh tomato marinara. Le Costine di Maiale in Umido is an interesting dish that is new to me - Braised Pork Baby Ribs with Wild Mushroom and Red Wine Reduction. Dishes of more familiar flavours include La Salsiccia e Purea di Patata - Roasted Italian Sausage with Mashed Potato and Il Salmone al Vapore, a steamed Norwegian Salmon that is citrusy with Fennel, Dill and Sauce Vierge.

Lotus Leaf Wrapped Glutinous Rice 4/5

Dim Sum 3.5/5

The Asian selections were better than expected. Not only do you get to enjoy the hotel's Signature Prawn Noodle Soup, there are local delights such as Fried Seafood Hokkien Mee, Lotus Leaf Wrapped Glutinous Rice with Chinese Cured Meat, and Dim Sum Selection offering Pork Siew Mai with Crab Roe Spinach and Chicken Crystal Ball.

Banana Pound Cake 4.5/5

Dessert 4/5

The Dessert Station is the perfect end to the brunch. It offers a variety of sweets, including a Chocolate Fountain, Gelatos, Mini cakes, and Tarts. The Banana Pound Cake, made with caramelized banana, peanut butter, and buttercream, stands out as an indulgent highlight.

The Champagne Sunday Brunch is available every Sunday from 12pm to 3pm. Prices start from SGD38++ for children aged 3 to 5, SGD68++ aged 6 to 11, and SGD118++ per adult (includes free-flow soft drinks, juices, coffee and tea), SGD158++ (includes free-flow Prosecco, Peroni Beer and soft drinks) and SGD178++ per adult (includes free-flow Champagne or Italian Franciacorta, Aperol Spritz and selected cocktails and wines).

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.


LUCE
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 6825 1008
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch: 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm (Monday to Saturday; last order at 2:00pm)
Dinner: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm (Daily; last order at 9:30pm)

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

Shangri-La Singapore - Spring into a Soaring Lunar New Year

Embark on a bountiful Lunar New Year celebration at Shangri-La Singapore as we usher in the auspicious Year of the Dragon. Revel in the opulence of our reunion feasts and indulge in exquisite festive treats. For those preferring celebrations at home, our sumptuous gourmet takeaways promise an equally lavish experience in the comfort of your own abode.

Auspicious Dragon Yu Sheng

A true spectacle, the limited-edition Auspicious Dragon Yu Sheng is poised to leave an impression. Priced at $238++ for six and eight persons, this masterpiece, resembling a dragon, features julienne vegetables, smoked salmon, and jellyfish. A two-day advance order is required for this showstopper.

Pen Cai

The much-anticipated Pen Cai takes centre stage with the Abundance Pen Cai ($518.80 nett) for 8 persons. Overflowing with over 18 luxurious ingredients, including Abalone, Fish Maw, Whole Dace Fish, and more, it's a symbol of prosperity and abundance.

Trehalose, Peach Gum, Rose, and Coconut Milk Nian Gao

Introducing a delectable creation for the Lunar New Year festivities: the Trehalose, Peach Gum, Rose, and Coconut Milk Nian Gao ($72.80 nett, 900g). This special concoction redefines tradition by replacing conventional white or cane sugar with trehalose, presenting a healthier alternative for indulgence. Adorned with delicate rose petals on its surface, this unique Nian Gao elevates texture and symbolises reunion's joyous spirit. Immerse yourself in a fusion of health-conscious sweetness and the essence of celebratory togetherness.

Mung Bean and Dhal Nian Gao

Experience a burst of vibrant hues with the Mung Bean and Dhal Nian Gao ($37.80 nett). This delightful creation showcases a harmonious blend of yellow and green tones. Crafted with precision, a meticulous combination of glutinous rice flour and wheat flour is added to the mixture, ensuring the desired consistency and texture. The result is a visually appealing treat that promises a unique taste adventure. As the final touch, this colourful Nian Gao undergoes a meticulous steaming process, delivering a delectable fusion of tradition and innovation.

Shangri-La Yuzu Pineapple Tarts

Experience a modern twist with the Shangri-La Yuzu Pineapple Tarts ($64.80 nett, 16pc). These tarts bring a sweet and zesty finish, transforming the traditional into a contemporary delight.

We were graciously hosted at Shangri-La Singapore for an enchanting Lunar New Year dinner. The evening unfolded as a showcase of sumptuous delights, offering a glimpse into the gourmet extravaganza crafted for this Lunar New Year. Each dish, a testament to culinary artistry, promised an unforgettable journey of flavours and textures befitting the grandeur of the occasion.

Trio Appetiser Platter

We commenced with a Trio Appetiser Platter, a tantalising showcase of meticulously crafted dim sum. Among the treasures were Steamed Diced Scallop Dumplings adorned with glistening Salmon Roe, offering a burst of oceanic richness. Following suit, the Steamed Cod Fish Dumplings promised a harmonious blend of textures and flavours. As a crowning jewel, the Deep-fried Shrimp with Cheese encased in a crisp Filo Pastry revealed a delightful interplay of the crunchy exterior and succulent, cheesy interior. Each morsel was a visual feast and a symphony of delectable sensations that set the tone for the dinner ahead.

Double-boiled Chicken Broth with Fish Maw, Ginseng and Honey Locust

In the symphony of flavours, a bowl of Double-boiled Chicken Broth with Fish Maw, Ginseng, and Honey Locust emerges as a comforting elixir. The essence of Chicken intertwines with the delicate richness of Fish Maw, the earthy notes of Ginseng, and the subtle sweetness of Honey Locust. The slow double-boiling process ensures that every sip encapsulates the wholesome goodness of the ingredients, creating a nourishing and soul-soothing experience. Each spoonful is a testament to the chef's mastery in extracting the essence of nature's bounty.

Abundance Pen Cai

Served before us is a miniature of the Abundance Pen Cai. A treasure trove of sea and land, the pot overflows with opulence - 8-head Abalone, Whole Dace Fish, Fried Fish Maw, Pork Knuckle, Sweet and Sour Pan-fried Prawn, Dried Scallop, Sea Cucumber, Goose Web, Roasted Pork, Soya Sauce Chicken, Dried Oyster, Fragrant Mushroom, Radish, Taro, Chinese Cabbage, Fried Bean Curd Stick, Chestnut, and Black Moss. Each ingredient, meticulously curated and arranged, symbolises prosperity and good fortune. The rich flavours of the sea meld with the earthiness of the land, creating a harmonious symphony in this culinary orchestra. The Abundance Pen Cai is not merely a dish but a celebration of life's bountiful offerings, a feast for the senses.

Steamed Atlantic Cod Fish Fillet

The Steamed Atlantic Cod Fish Fillet, moist and buttery, melted with every bite. The appetising sour notes from the preserved vegetables brought a refreshing twist to the dish, a perfect prelude to the sweet and fragrant finish brought by the infusion of tangerine peel. This subtle yet pronounced element added a layer of sophistication, elevating the entire experience. The crystal noodle with black bean sauce complemented this seafood opus, a harmonious duet that enhanced the overall symphony. The marriage of textures and the play of sweet, sour, and umami made this dish not just a meal but a culinary performance to remember.

Fried Glutinous Rice

In a spectacular finale, our dining journey at Shangri-La Singapore reached its zenith with the Fried Glutinous Rice, which encapsulated the essence of richness and depth. The glutinous rice, layered with preserved meat, dried shrimp, conpoy, and scallops, was crowned with the luxury jewel—black caviar. Each glutinous rice grain bore the fragrant signature of preserved meat, creating a melody of flavours resonating through every bite. It left an indelible impression—a harmonious blend of flavours that provided a delicious and hearty conclusion to our Lunar New Year feast at Shangri-La Singapore.

Lunar New Year goodies are available for purchase online from 20 December 2023 to 24 February 2024. 20% Early Bird Discount is applicable for selected items and valid till 7 January 2024, and 15% discount valid till 21 January 2024. To order online, please visit https://bit.ly/shangrilacny24, call +65 6213 4511 or email festive.sls@shangri-la.com.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Shangri-La Singapore
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 67373644
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Red House Seafood Nanyang @ Clarke Quay - Reopens with Chinese New Year Celebratory Set Menus

Red House Seafood Nanyang at Clarke Quay has reopened with a fresh new look, all set to usher in the Year of Dragon by introducing prosperous Chinese New Year menus for the 2024 Chinese New Year celebrations. The celebratory set menus showcase the best of Singapore Nanyang-style seafood, conceptualised by Executive Chef Chen Khay Boon (Chef Man) and his team. They will be available from 8 January to 25 February 2024 for lunch and dinner.

Prosperity Lobster, Salmon & Coral Seaweed Yu Sheng 5/5

Prosperity Salmon & Coral Seaweed Yu Sheng is a fruit-and-vegetable-forward version with ingredients such as strips of turnip, yam, carrots and Buddha's hand citron, and creatively enhanced with a crunchy purple-coloured coral seaweed. It is creatively enhanced with crunchy purple-coloured coral seaweed, resembling dragon feelers - symbolic of the zodiac year and adding a unique texture to the yu sheng. A relatively light dragonfruit-passionfruit sauce is used, allowing the yu sheng to retain the right amount of crunch and freshness after a toss. Aromatic kaffir lime leaves and ginger flowers accentuated the flavours. The luscious slices of salmon elevated the dish as well.

Double-Boiled Fish Broth 4.5/5

Red House Seafood Nanyang also offers an outlet-exclusive section of its menu devoted entirely to Giant Grouper. The fish is meant to be enjoyed from head to tail, with different cooking methods recommended for various parts – namely back, head, liver, tail, belly and body, highlighting each part's varied flavour and texture profiles. We tried Double-Boiled Fish Broth with Sliced and Fried Giant Grouper Fish Fillet ($18.80). The milky soup base is achieved by slow-cooking pork and grouper bones for eight hours. The soup had a good depth of flavours with a gelatinous mouthfeel, and the chunky sliced fillets made this soup extra wholesome.

Giant Grouper Stewed with Beancurd Skin and Garlic 4/5

Giant Grouper Stewed with Beancurd Skin and Garlic (Seasonal price) is a Cantonese-style claypot dish featuring the head, belly and body with a nostalgic flavour. The fish is deep-fried and then stewed in a house-made 'chu hou' paste made with ingredients such as soybean and oyster sauces. Mandarin peel and fried garlic are included as well for aromatic accents. This dish excelled in textures and flavours, and the accompanying ingredients - beancurd skin and shiitake mushrooms, were rich with the robust sauce.

Alaskan King Crab served Two Ways 2.8/5

Alaskan King Crab served Two Ways (Sautéed Crab Meat in Truffle Oil and Egg White & Baked Crab Legs with Miso), featuring freshly peeled crab meat sauteed with egg white and truffle oil. At the same time, the legs are sliced and topped with a miso-mayonnaise sauce, baked, garnished with tobiko, and then finished with a drizzle of truffle oil for a fragrant finishing touch. While the sauteed crab meat with egg white was expertly executed, achieving a fluffy mixture of crab meat and egg white, I found the truffle oil overpowering the entire dish. The salty miso-mayonnaise sauce equally dulled the baked crab legs.

Crispy Roasted Chicken with Flaxseed & Sesame 4.8/5

Crispy Roasted Chicken with Flaxseed & Sesame (From the Harmony Menu for 8-10 persons, $1088) is a labour-intensive dish that achieves exterior crispiness with flaxseed and sesame and tender meat within. In between steps, the chicken is air-dried twice on two different occasions before being roasted for 30 minutes. The skin was morish with the crisp flaxseed and sesame, imparting nutty flavours to the tender chicken.

Braised 8 Head Abalone, Sea Cucumber with Winter Melon Ring & Purple Cauliflower 4.5/5

Braised 8 Head Abalone, Sea Cucumber with Winter Melon Ring & Purple Cauliflower (From the Harmony Menu for 8-10 persons, $1088) is both aesthetically pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate, with contrasting colors lent from pumpkin sauce, and purple cauliflower florets from Holland. It is a highly nutritious and luxurious dish with auspicious ingredients of abalone and sea cucumber. Like the crispy roasted chicken, this dish requires skills and much preparation work, requiring at least two days of preparation, such as soaking and braising the abalone and sea cucumber in a superior broth. The firmness of the melon is just right as well.

Chilli Crab 4/5

Red House Chilli Crab, one of Red House Seafood's signatures, delights with the crab and the fried mantou. Steamed before deep frying, the mantou had a fluffy interior with a crispy exterior without any greasy feel.

Purple Glutinous Rice Cake 4.8/5

Purple Glutinous Rice Cake (Available on all CNY set menus) is one of my favourite nian gao creations to date. Pulut Hitam and Nyonya Kueh – this layered dessert is made with traditional nian gao and purple glutinous rice. I love the addition of the purple glutinous rice, which gives the nian gao an additional texture and aroma. A little less sweet would be perfect.

The celebratory set menus are priced at $598 and $798 for 4 to 6 persons, and $1088, $1388 and $1888 for 8 to 10 persons. Dining reservations can be made via redhouseseafood.com/reservations/ while takeaways can be ordered via the outlets through phone or email.

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.


Red House Seafood Nanyang
3C River Valley Road
The Cannery, #02-02/03
Singapore 179022
+65 6442 3112
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit C or G. Walk to the river. Turn left and walk down the river towards the bridge. Cross the bridge. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right onto River Valley Road Walk down River Valley Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Yan (宴) @ National Gallery Singapore - A Fortune of Feasts for the Year of the Dragon

Yan Restaurant, nestled within the iconic National Gallery Singapore, ushers in the lunar festivities with a plethora of traditional Cantonese delicacies. From December 15, 2023, to February 24, 2024, the restaurant presents a delectable array of a la carte dishes and set menus catering to dine-in and takeaway patrons.

Kaleidoscope of Prosperity Yusheng in "Shun De" Style with Australian Lobster 4.2/5

Diverging from the usual Yusheng offerings, Yan introduces the "Shun De" style - a cascade of crispy vermicelli adorned with shredded purple and yellow sweet potatoes, pickled ginger, and gold flakes. Embracing the Year of the Dragon, the restaurant introduces the Kaleidoscope of Prosperity Yusheng in "Shun De" Style with Australian Lobster ($238/$418), where the Mandarin term for lobster, directly translating to "dragon shrimp," symbolises the auspicious year.

Signature Crispy Roast Suckling Pig 4.2/5

Oven-baked Fillet with Lemongrass & Carved Shoulder 4.2/5

A standout at Yan Restaurant is the Crispy Roast Suckling Pig ($184+ Half/$368+ Whole). Offering three distinct ways to relish this delicacy, patrons can savour the crispy skin with house-made pancake and plum sauce, indulge in the pig's shoulder for a richer texture, and enjoy the tender pork fillet marinated with barbecue sauce and baked with lemongrass.

Golden Pumpkin Broth with Dried Fish Maw, Conpoy and Bamboo Pith 4.8/5

The Golden Pumpkin Broth with Dried Fish Maw, Conpoy, and Bamboo Pith delivers a hearty serving of tender fish maw in a golden pumpkin stew sweetened with scallops, elevated by a dash of Shaoxing Wine.

Steamed Live Marble Goby Fish 4/5

A festive favourite, the Steamed Live Marble Goby Fish features a fish adorned with shredded celtuce, salted mustard greens, and carrots - a delightful blend of delicate sweetness and savoury accents.

Roasted Duck Marinated with Chinese Herbs 4.5/5

The Roasted Duck Marinated with Chinese Herbs presents crispy skin with a hint of orange peel and succulent meat, complemented by a flavoursome Chinese herbs sauce.

Braised Two Head Abalone with Mushrooms and Seasonal Greens 4/5

Indulge in the Braised Two Head Abalone with Mushrooms and Seasonal Greens - a plump abalone with a firm, bouncy texture infused with a savoury braising liquid.

Wok-fried Glutinous Rice with Preserved Meat and Chinese Sausage 4/5

For a satisfying main, savour the Wok-fried Glutinous Rice with Preserved Meat and Chinese Sausage, where house-made preserved meat and Chinese sausages elevate the flavours of the glutinous rice.

Chilled Taro Pasted 4.5/5, Smiling Sesame Ball 3.8/5

Concluding the sumptuous feast, the Chilled Taro Paste with Coconut Ice Cream offers a creamy yam and coconut milk paste with sago pearls and coconut ice cream. Accompanying this is the Smiling Sesame Ball - a festive Cantonese classic adorned with sesame seeds, symbolising wishes for happiness and laughter.


Yan Restaurant provides convenient Takeaway options via self-collection and delivery through the E-store (https://bit.ly/shopyancny2024) for those opting for a cosy celebration at home.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yan Restaurant (宴)
National Gallery Singapore
1 St Andrew's Road
#05-02
Singapore 178958
Tel: +65 63845585
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Turn left onto Coleman Street. Walk down Coleman Street. Walk to destination. Journey time around 5 minutes. [Map]