Oscar's @ Conrad Centennial Singapore - The Sea, Smoke & Spice New Themed Buffet Experience

Known for its generous spreads and lively live stations, Oscar's at Conrad Singapore Marina Bay presents two new themed dinner experiences: The Sea, Smoke & Spice and Flavours of Yesteryear. Celebrating both the bold and the familiar, each theme invites diners to savour distinct culinary stories, from flame-kissed signatures to comforting heirloom recipes.

We tried The Sea, Smoke & Spice theme buffet, and here's our review.

The evening begins with a refreshing taste of the sea. The Seafood Bar featuring freshly shucked Oysters, Slipper Lobsters, Mussels and Flower Crabs is not to be missed. We especially enjoyed the oysters that were sweet, plump, and incredibly fresh.

A surprise highlight was the freshly sliced Jamón. We recommend pairing it with the sweet melon from the fruit section for a classic, satisfying combination.

Another standout for us was the Mushroom Risotto. Served with whipped Chantilly and sautéed mushrooms, it's finished in a dramatic Parmesan wheel. The al dente rice was creamy and well-seasoned, with rich, earthy mushroom notes that packed a punch.

Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder

Chermoula Fish Pot

For those who love deep, bold flavours, the Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder, infused with aromatic spices, was tender and juicy, with a savoury richness. The Chermoula Fish Pot featured flaky fish marinated in North African herbs and spices. Both dishes were flavourful, though potentially a little heavy for those with lighter palates.

Oven Roasted Marinated Angus Beef Striploin

Pulled Beef Sliders and Marinated Spanish Octopus

The Oven-Roasted Marinated Angus Beef Striploin was a crowd-pleaser, especially when paired with the variety of sauces offered. We found the Pulled Beef Sliders to be a little dry, although the flavour came through well. The Marinated Spanish Octopus, served on a soft jacket potato with sour cream and olive oil, leaned salty. While the potato was beautifully cooked, crispy on the outside and soft within, we found it slightly overpowered the octopus.

The heart of the Sea, Smoke & Spice experience lies at the Live Charcoal BBQ. Smoky and sizzling from the grill:

• Sticky Australian Lamb Ribs
• Spice-rubbed Hanger Steak
• Kurobuta Pork Tomahawk
• Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Locally farmed Barramundi and Tara-marinated prawns grilled just right added a coastal flourish to the mix.

Right next to the BBQ, don’t miss the Sizzling Tandoori Delights. We loved the Tandoori Chicken and Seabass, and the Chukandari Paneer Tikka stood out for its bold seasoning. Pair everything with fresh naan bread for a complete experience.

A must-have at Oscar’s: the Signature Seafood Laksa at the Live Noodles Station. Rich, creamy and comforting, served with tofu puff, prawns, fish cake and a quail egg.

Fresh Strawberries

Macarons

To end on a sweet note, the buffet's dessert selection is a dream come true for strawberry lovers. Fresh strawberries shine across shortcakes, praline tarts, mousse domes, and the signature Strawberry Romanoff. The fruit's tartness and aroma cut through the savoury dishes with perfect balance.

Almond Strawberry Tart

Strawberry Cheesecake

Strawberry-Inspired Chocolate Bar

Other strawberry-inspired delights include:

• Almond Strawberry Tart
• Strawberry Cheesecake
• Strawberry-infused Chocolate Bar
• Strawberry Panna Cotta
• Macarons

Strawberry Pannacotta

The Sea, Smoke & Spice dinner buffet is available from Wednesdays to Saturdays, 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and is priced at S$96++ per adult and S$48++ per child (aged 6 to 12). Reservations are highly recommended at https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/oscars

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


Oscar's
Conrad Centennial Hotel Singapore
2 Temasek Boulevard
Singapore 038982
Tel: +65 64327481
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit B. Continue walking along Temasek Avenue to destination Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

MoVida @ Raffles City - Affordable San Sebastian-Inspired Lunch Set from $29

Movida introduces a wallet-friendly San Sebastian-inspired lunch set, starting from just $29 – an attractive deal given its prime city centre location. Available daily from 12pm to 3pm, the set lets diners choose from 2 Tapas + 1 Main for $29, 4 Tapas + 1 Main for $35, or 5 Tapas + 1 Main for $40. Perfect for foodies looking to sample a spread of dishes in one sitting, this offering brings variety and value to the table.

We went with the 4 Tapas + 1 Main option, and since there were two of us, we managed to sample a total of 8 tapas. It gave us an excellent overview of the selection available.

Crab Crumpet 4/5 and Home-made Duck Rillette in Crumpet 4/5

The Crab Crumpet (+$2) was a delightful one-biter. It is light, fresh and elegantly paired with saffron emulsion and finger lime. Meanwhile, the Home-made Duck Rillette in Crumpet was richer and more flavourful, featuring confit duck, pipparas, gherkin and a touch of oriental mustard for contrast.

Tuna Tartare with Grilled Avocado 4/5

Tarteleta 4.2/5

Two tapas stood out in particular. The Tuna Tartare paired well with roasted avocado and a bright citrus dressing, a refreshing and well-balanced dish. The Tarteleta (+$2), a brik pastry tart filled with chicken liver parfait and verjuice, surprised us. Despite usually avoiding liver, this tartlet delivered a burst of flavour that was both rich and nuanced.

Anchoa 3.8/5

Pan con Tomate & Jamón 3.5/5

The Anchoa (+$2) – a Cantabrian artisan anchovy with smoked tomato sorbet – impressed with its quality and pleasant saltiness. However, as we shared it, the portion felt a little too small to savour fully. The Pan con Tomate & Jamón was classic but unremarkable, with a faint 'bad oil' aftertaste on the bread that distracted from the otherwise fresh components.

Croqueta Del Dia 4/5

Octopus with Panchetta 3/5

The Croqueta del Día, made with Manchego cheese, was a comforting and well-loved classic. Ask the staff about the daily flavour. On the other hand, the Octopus with Pancetta was a miss – the pancetta overpowered the octopus entirely, which got lost in the bite.

Gambas al Ajilio 3.5/5

Paella del Día 4/5

For mains, we tried the Gambas al Ajillo and Paella del Día. The gambas were fresh and crunchy but let down by burnt garlic, which left a bitter finish. The portion also felt a little small as a main, though the preceding tapas helped to fill us up. The highlight was the Paella, a squid ink version with calamari and fish. It is bold, briny, and well-executed.

Flan 3.8/5

Churros con Chocolate 3.8/5

For an additional $8, you can opt for dessert. Our pick is always the Churros, served with a chocolate sauce, but it was a bit too diluted for our liking. While the texture was crunchy, we missed the chewy centre we're accustomed to. The Flan, a creamy Spanish-style caramel custard, was pleasantly spiced and complemented by pestinos pastries that reminded us of masala chai. The third option available is a Spanish-style Rice Pudding.

Lychee Blossom and Aperol Spritz

Top up $4 for non-alcoholic beverages like Lychee Blossom or Shirley Temple, or $8 for alcoholic options such as Kalimotxo or Aperol Spritz. These make great pairings to round off your lunch.

Movida's new lunch set offers a solid, value-for-money experience that encourages exploration of Spanish flavours. While there were hits and a few misses, the variety and affordability make this a worthwhile option for a satisfying midday indulgence in the heart of the city.

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


MoVida
Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#03-43
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 83808509
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

UNA @ The Alkaff Mansion - New Menu Introducing Spain’s Finest Rubia Gallega Beef

UNA at The Alkaff Mansion celebrates its 10th anniversary with a new menu co-conceptualised by Chef Diego Grimberg, Culinary Advisor and Head Chef of the Michelin-starred Hofmann Restaurant in Spain, and Chef Tom Kung, UNA's Executive Chef. A key highlight of this menu is the revamped selection of Asado grilled meats, with UNA being the first restaurant in Singapore to introduce Spain's prized Rubia Gallega beef.

Cinco Jotas “5J” Jamon Iberico 4/5

Pan Con Tomate 3/5

The menu still offers the restaurant's signature tapas, including the renowned Cinco Jotas "5J" Jamon Iberico ($46), made from Spain's finest 48-month acorn-fed 5J Iberico pork. It pairs beautifully with the crisp Toasted Crystal Bread, Pan Con Tomate ($7/2 pcs; $12/4 pcs), served with fresh tomato purée.

Gazpachuelo De Gambas Roja 3/5

The Gazpachuelo De Gambas Roja features Red Prawn Tartare, which has a delightful mouthfeel with creaminess from the avocado. The cherry slices atop punctuated the tartare with welcoming sweet-tart notes. While the gazpacho was rich in crustacean flavour, I personally prefer the original non-meat version.

Pulpo a La Parrilla 4/5

The Pulpo a La Parrilla ($36) presents a smoky grilled octopus, artfully paired with baby potatoes and purple vitelotte potato and complemented by red pepper and cilantro sauce.

Mariscos Paella 4.5/5

For the main course, we tried the Mariscos Paella ($62/$82), which impressed me with its robust umami flavour, packed with red sea prawns, fresh clams, and black mussels. The dish had a generous amount of soccarat, adding a smoky flavour and extra bite. A squeeze of lemon juice would have elevated the dish even further.

Rubia Galicia Gold 4.8/5

The Asado grilling technique, deeply rooted in Spanish culinary tradition, infuses meats with a charcoal fragrance, enhancing their natural flavours. The star of the menu is the Rubia Galicia Gold - Costillas A La Parrilla ($138), a prime rib served with fricando sauce, pumpkin purée, and oyster mushrooms. Known for its exceptional flavour and marbling, the Rubia Galicia Gold's slow grilling over an open fire renders its fat into a tantalising smoky crust, contrasting with its succulent texture and releasing robust flavours.

Asado Moralejo Lamb 5/5

Alongside the Rubia Gallega beef, the menu features other premium meats, such as the newly approved milk-fed Moralejo Lamb in Singapore, also prepared with the Asado grill method. The Asado Moralejo Lamb ($46) with Cauliflower was incredibly tender and flavorful, with minimal gaminess, perfectly complemented by the buttery and creamy cauliflower purée.

Crèma Catalana 2.5/5

Turrón de Almendras 2.8/5

For dessert, the Crèma Catalana ($16), a Spanish crème brûlée torched with a charcoal-scorched plate, was unfortunately rather cloying, and the method didn't significantly enhance the taste. The Turrón de Almendras ($22), an almond nougat cake served with raspberry sorbet, offered an interesting flavour reminiscent of egg yolk custard, though the hazelnut streusel tasted a bit off.

To celebrate the launch of UNA's new menu, American Express cardholders will enjoy 20% off items on the à la carte menu from 16 August 2024 to 15 September 2024.

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.


UNA
The Alkaff Mansion
10 Telok Blangah Green
Singapore 109178
Tel: +65 8126 8844
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Nearest MRT: Telok Blangah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sun: 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon, Sat)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Telok Blangah MRT station (Stop ID 14169). Take bus number 176. Alight 2 stops later. Walk down Henderson Road. Turn left onto Telok Blangah Green. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

TXA Pintxo Bar @ The Alkaff Mansion - Bringing Basque Culture And Lifestyle To The Greenery Hilltop

1-Group has taken over the space at The Alkaff Mansion, restored and relaunched it with Basque-centred TXA Pintxo Bar on the ground floor and UNA on the second floor, bringing Basque culture and lifestyle to the greenery hilltop. It also houses the all-day flora cafe Wildseed Cafe. The purpose of my visit is to check out TXA Pintxo Bar. The first bar in Singapore dedicated to the unique Basque pintxo experience.

Aceituna Rellena De Vermouth 3.5/5

Our pintxo experience started with the Olive ($2.90) stuffed with vermouth jelly and orange zest and topped with fennel flower. Olive on itself can be sour, so the stuffed vermouth jelly provided the balance with its sweetness.

Crudiente de Jamon 4/5

The Iberico Cracker is sandwiched with smoked cod roe sauce. It is presented like a bikini sandwich. It may look simple, but it is packed with texture and flavour. The crispiness of the Iberico ham is a winner for me.

Boquerones con piperrada 4/5

Next, we had the Boquerones con piperrada ($3.90). Sitting atop the toasted bread is the picquillo cream, pickled anchovies and sauteed green and red bell pepper. The sweetness of the picquillo (a typical Spanish red pepper) is enhanced by the acidity of the tangy anchovies.

Pintxo Igeldo 4/5

The Pintxo Igeldo ($6.90) in a glance may look similar to the Boquerones con piperrada. A closer look you will notice that the toasted bread is made up of confit tomato, tuna, anchovies and piparra. The different ingredients come across complex but harmonious in flavours.

Crema de Roquefort Con Manzana Y Nueces 4.5/5

Initially, I was hesitant to try the Crema de Roquefort Con Manzana Y Nueces ($4.90) because I am not a fan of blue cheese. After much encouragement from my fellow diners, this turned out to be my favourite for the night. The pintxo is not as piquant as I thought. In fact, the sweetness of the apple jam cuts the acquire taste, and the walnut gives it a nutty finish. In short, it turned out to be a heavenly combination. A must order.

Pimiento Del Padron Con 4.5/5

The Fried Padron Pepper and Maldon Salt is another dish which I enjoyed. The Padron pepper named after the city it is from is not spicy at all. In fact, it is tough to find one that is spicy. You can add on Jamon Iberico de Bellota for an addition $3 for 5 gram.

Croquetas de Jamon Iberico 3.5/5

Many will be familiar with croquette, and it comes in every Spanish restaurant, in different forms and varieties. The Croquetas de Jamon Iberico ($14 for 4pc) deep fried to golden brown comes with a crispy breadcrumb exterior and soft interior with cured serrano ham.

Piquillos Rellenos de Brandada 3.8/5

The piquillo pepper is used again in the Piquillos Rellenos de Brandada ($4). It is stuffed with salted Atlantic codfish (bacalao) and paired with piquillo emulsion. The piquillo emulsion plays a vital role in holding the dish together, for the flavours to come together in harmony.

Txangurro a la Donostiarra 4/5

The Txangurro a la Donostiarra ($14) uses fresh crab meat and cook in sofrito base. Flour and seafood stock is then added before the mixture is poured into the empty crab shell. It is then topped with breadcrumb and butter and grilled. The appearance reminds me of a similar-looking Chinese dish, but the taste profile is very different. I thought it tasted like having french onion soup with crab meat, probably from the caramelised onion in the sofrito base.

Black Rabas "A Fuego Negro" 4.2/5

The Black Rabas "A Fuego Negro" ($22 for 5pc) is a traditional dish presented in a contemporary style. Squid and squid ink are blended together with other ingredients and fish stock. It is then formed into a donut shape using a mould and frozen. To serve, it is coated with flour, egg, tempura batter and deep fried. Pick up the squid ink donut with your hand and bite into a crispy exterior. The inside is soft with bits of diced squid.

Pulpo a la Parrilla con Pure de Nabo 4/5

Grilled to a perfect tender with hint of smokiness is the Pulpo a la Parrilla con Pure de Nabo ($8). It is paired with turnip cream, honey and picada oil. A well-thought dish with each components coming together for the delicious plate.

Carrillera estofada al vino tinto con espuma de patata 4.2/5

The Beef Cheek ($8) is stewed in red wine and paired with potato foam, caramelised apple cubes, parsley and garlic oil. The melted in the mouth beef cheek comes with a sweet winery flavour which goes well with the smooth potato foam. The caramelised apple cubes also help to cut through the richness. Another well-executed dish on the menu.

Buñuelos de Viento 3/5

The Buñuelos de Viento ($7.90) is little Spanish donuts that that an airy interior. The dough which is made from flour and eggs is deep fried and then dusted with icing sugar.

Tarta de Queso "LA VIÑA" 4.2/5

The Tarta de Queso "LA VIÑA" ($4.90) is a burnt cheesecake inspired from the popular La Vina in San Sebastian. It comes with a molten creamy centre and a caramelised flavoured crust. In a way or another, there is no need to fly all the way to Spain to know why the cheesecake is so famous.

If you are one that can't decide with choices, then you can go for the Pintxos Experience ($55++), in which the Basque Chefs will decide and prepare the different pintxos for you. Look forward to 10-12 savoury pintxos and 2 sweets. I find it somewhat similar to Japanese omakase experience, in which you leave it to the chef and served 'al momento'.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


TXA Pintxo Bar
The Alkaff Mansion
10 Telok Blangah Green
Singapore 109178
Tel: +65 67730070
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Blangah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 5pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Telok Blangah MRT station (Stop ID 14169). Take bus number 176. Alight 2 stops later. Walk down Henderson Road. Turn left onto Telok Blangah Green. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]