Sky 22 @ Courtyard By Marriott Singapore Novena - Flavours Of Korea Buffet

For a limited period from 15 March to 28 April 2019, Sky22 at Courtyard By Marriott Singapore Novena will be offering the Flavours of Korea buffet during the weekends. The Korean themed buffed is specially curated by their new South Korea Chef Hwang In Yong (Ian) and Executive Chef John Chye. Guests will be in for a feast of Korean classics as well as popular Korean street foods.

Cabbage Kimchi

Not to be missed is the housemade Cabbage Kimchi, they are so good. It has the right balance of sourish and spiciness on top of the crunchy texture. I was hoping that I can buy some of these to take home.

Spicy Seafood Tofu Soup 3/5

While my group of diners love the Spicy Seafood Tofu Soup, I have different view. The flavour is there but I felt that it lacked the heat to match its description. I really hope it can be spicier.

Braised Short Ribs 4/5

The Braised Short Ribs on the other hand was spot on. They were well infused in the sweet sauce with fall of the bone meat. A very delightful dish to go with some steamed rice.

Kimchi Fried Rice 3/5

Unfortunately I could not taste the robustness of kimchi in the Kimchi Fried Rice. The chef definitely need to improve on the dish or it will be passed off as normal fried rice.

Braised Kimchi Pork 3.5/5

Contradicting to the kimchi fried rice, the Braised Kimchi Pork Ribs came across more flavourful with the distinct kimchi flavour. As for the braised pork, it can be more tender.

Sweet and Spicy Deep Fried Chicken Cube 4/5

I actually enjoyed snacking the Sweet and Spicy Deep Fried Chicken Cube. The chicken pieces are well coated with the sticky sweet and spicy sauce, fragrant with sesame seeds. Some of the diners felt that it is a bit dry but I actually like the slightly tough texture for that bite to chew on.

Bibimbap 4.2/5

Diners at the Korean themed buffet can also have a little fun creating their own Bibimbap at the DIY  Bibim Bar. Have some fun putting the bibimbap together. The food will always taste better when you make it yourself.

Vegetable Pancake 3.5/5

I find the Vegetable Pancake will be subjective to individual liking. If you are not into greens than you will not like it. As for me I like the fact that there was not a lot of batter on the pancake, allowing me to appreciate the greens.

Korean Sweet Pancake 4/5

Complete the feast on a sweet note with Korean desserts such as Rice Cakes, Chestnut Balls and Sweet Pancakes. For the buffet spread, on top of the Korean delights, there are also a myriad of seafood from the steam & grill seafood bar to complement the spread.

Flavours Of Korea
Date: 15 March to 28 April 2019
Time: 12pm - 230pm (Sat-Sun, except Easter), 6pm - 10pm (Fri-Sat)
Price: $56++ adult, $28++ child (6 to 12 years old)
- Add $28++ per pax for free flow house pour red & white wine, prosecco, soft drinks.
- Add $12+ per pax for free flow soft drinks and juices.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Sky 22
Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena
Level 22
99 Irrawaddy Road
Singapore 329568
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily:
630am - 1030am (breakfast)
12pm - 230pm (lunch)
3pm - 5pm (Tea)
6pm - 10pm (Dinner)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

The Marmalade Pantry @ Ion Orchard - Launches New Outlet With Exclusive Creation Alongside Perennial Classics

Homegrown bistro, The Marmalade Pantry announces the launch of its new flagship outlet at Ion Orchard, along with its 20th anniversary this year. Back with a fresh new look, the outlet rolls out exclusive menu items in collaboration with Chef Gen Lee. We had the opportunity to try the new menu items as well as the limited edition series of desserts solely conceived for the outlet and conceptualised by the talented culinary student and MasterChef Singapore Runner-up.

Baked Camembert 4/5

We start off the meal with the Baked Camembert ($18) which came with sundried tomatoes, capers, dried fruits and black olives. Dip the sourdough bread into the warm melty cheese, which was pure enjoyment.

Grilled Pear and Argula Salad 3.8/5

For something lighter, the Grilled Pear and Arugula Salad ($22) was a great option. Featuring a plate of rocket greens mixed with a medley of walnuts, tomatoes and a drizzle of honey mustard dressing for a good balance of flavours and textures, the grilled poached pear adds a touch of subtle sweetness to the bitterness of the rocket.

Maryland Crab Cakes 4.2/5

The Maryland Crab Cakes ($26) features soft savoury crabmeat which comes in a panko-crusted purse, served with homemade tartar sauce to elevate its flavours.

Spicy Sriracha Chicken Burger 4.2/5

We start off the mains with the Spicy Sriracha Chicken Burger ($24) which features a tender succulent chicken patty with sriracha mayo and blue cheese. The heat from the spice packs a punch to the burger. Together with a side of parmesan fries and mesclun salad for a hearty meal.

Curry Barramundi 4/5

The Curry Barramundi ($28) is a notch lower in heat from its curry sauce. However, it is no less flavourful with a good balance of sweet and spice. The dish also comes with a slab of tender fish, aubergrine, okra and onion. Pour the cup of curry around the mount of fragrant jasmine rice and mix it all in, to enjoy the curry.

Kimchi Fried Rice 3.8/5

The Kimchi Fried Rice ($26) features a Korean-inspired take on the donburi, topped with tender sous vide steak and egg, bringing together different new flavours and textures.

Singapore Laksa 4/5

Taking inspiration from the typical local dish, the Singapore Laksa ($32) was a welcoming favourite. Filled with an abundance of fresh slipper lobster, dried bean curd, fishcake, quail eggs, tiger prawns and scallops, steeped in a sweet-spicy laksa broth which is refreshing yet comfortingly familiar.

Reimagined Kaya Toast 4.2/5

As part of an exclusive collaboration between The Marmalade Pantry and Gen, diners can enjoy three unique confections conceptualised by Gen, available only at The Marmalade Pantry ION Orchard from March to October 2019.

The Reimagined Kaya Toast ($14) presents a unique take on the well-loved local breakfast of the kaya toast - with pistachio sponge, coconut cream, brown toast meringue shards as well as gula melaka ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery, presenting good balance of textures and flavours while not being cloyingly sweet.

Sunset in the Glass 4/5

For a cool and refreshing finish to the meal, the Sunset in the Glass ($14) is a great option. Inspired by the land of smiles, this beautiful dessert is crafted with sticky rice, lemongrass water, kaffir lime meringue, mango sorbet, fresh mango and spiced nuts. The sourness of the mango sorbet compliments the richness of the sticky rice well. Suffice this cuts a close second to the Reimagined Kaya Toast.

Blue Rhapsody 4/5

The Blue Rhapsody ($10 per slice, $70 for a whole cake) comes in a huge slice, composed with layers of blueberry gel, lavender hazelnut crumble and sponge cake, topped with cream cheese frosting, blackcurrant meringues and a sprinkling of gold dust.

With the opening of its newest outlet in town (its two outlets are located at Novena and Downtown), it is bound to entice diners to indulge in a short respite from all the shopping. Enjoy a delightful afternoon or a mid-day treat with a refreshed Afternoon Tea Set ($60 per set for 2 pax) as well, available only at The Marmalade Pantry ION Orchard. The decadent two tiered high tea set features new selections such as smoked salmon sandwiches, cucumber & watercress sandwiches, truffle egg mayo sandwiches, chili crabmeat sliders and petite fours, in addition to buttermilk scones with candied orange & cranberry, strawberry preserve, clotted cream and two signature cupcakes. Each tea set comes with two pots of artisan tea by Monogram. Mastercard® cardholders enjoy a 15% off the ala carte menu at the bistro.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Marmalade Pantry
Ion Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#04-11a
Singapore 238801
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Two Hana @ Century Square - Bringing Two Cultures, Korean And Western Together

There are quite a number of restaurants and eateries to check out at the newly re-opened Century Square mall. One of these restaurants and eateries is Two Hana which is located near the mall's taxi stand. It is a Korea meets West cafe concept offering a eclectic menu featuring all-day dining, light bites, hearty mains, alluring dessert, refreshing drinks and specialty coffee from All Press.

Two Hana Drumlets 3.5/5

Since it is a Korean inspired cafe, then we can do without the Korean fried chicken. The Two Hana Drumlets ($9) comes in 2 flavours - Honey Butter and Spicy Yangnyeom. It is a sweet and spicy combination with deep fried crispy skin. The honey butter sauce drumlets are topped with popcorn and almond while the spicy yangnyeom comes with sesame seeds.

Korean Cauliflower Fritters 4/5

Kimchi Mac & Cheese Bites 3.5/5

For some light bites on the menu, there are the Korean Cauliflower Fritters ($8) and Kimchi Mac & Cheese Bites ($9). The cauliflower is coated in a light crispy tempura batter and glazed in a sweet and spicy sauce. Up a notch with the kimchi mac & cheese whereby the cheesy filling is spiced up with kimchi chucks enveloped by crispy breadcrumbs.

Bulgogi Sidewinders 3.5/5

If you find having fries alone is rather boring, then the Bulgogi Sidewinders ($9) will be a nice change with its abundance of toppings such as beef bulgogi, creamy bulgogi sauce, kimchi bits, onions and parmeson cheese. It may sounds and looks messy but the combination actually comes together quite well.

Korean Slaw & Rocket Salad 3/5

If you want something light and healthy, there is the Korean Slaw & Rocket Salad ($9). The green consists of an assortment of rockets, cabbage and red cabbage. It is topped with pear, parmesan, mandarin orange, citron jam, yogurt and raisins. I enjoyed how the fruits and jam lend a citrus touch to the earthy greens.

Kimchi Bibimwrap 3/5

A staple Korean dish is the bibimap which is usually served in a bowl. How about the Kimchi Bibimwarp ($12), bibimap in a wrap? The wrap is stuffed with kimgaru rice, spinach, namul, shiitake mushrooms, fried garlic, egg, lettuce, cabbage, toasted sesame dressing and fried garlic. This is a meal on its own. You can also opt not to have rice in the wrap.

Striploin Bap 4/5

Rice bowl has been one the latest food trends in Singapore. Jumping on the bandwagon is the Striploin Bap ($13), its Korean interpretation of the rice bowl. Beautifully seared striploin slices, together with servings of kimchi, spinach, beansprout namul, caramelised onions and poached egg rest on top of the kimgarou rice. In fact, I find the bowl a bit small for the generous servings.

Crisp-Battered Pacific Cod 3/5

The Crisp-Battered Pacific Cod ($14) is served on a bed of doenjang mashed potatoes and comes with a choice of kimchi veloute or honey soy mayonnaise sauce. Unfortunately the highlight of the dish is the doenjang mashed potatoes, made from 60% potatoes, 40% butter and doenjang sauce. The bland tasting pacific cod is overshadowed by the creamy mashed potatoes with chunky bites.

Korean Seafood Cioppino 4.5/5

The dining group's favourite has to be the Korean Seafood Cioppino ($12), brimming with a medley of mussels, clams, prawns, mushroom and carrots stewed in tomatoes cream base. Diners can have a choice of tofu or soft rolls to go with the rich and creamy soup. It's like have a bowl of lobster bisque.

Gochujang Braised Lamb Shank 3.8/5

I thought the Gochujang Braised Lamb Shank ($24) is rather special. Unlike the usual, it is braised in a gochujang tomato sauce. While the braised sauce was delish, I was lacked down by the texture of the lamb shank. I was expecting it to be more tender. It seems that the lamb shank needs more hours in the pot.

Apple Caramel Waffles with Doenjang Caramel Ice Cream 3.5/5

As for dessert, I tried both the Apple Caramel Waffles with Doenjang Caramel Ice Cream ($9) and Strawberry Waffles with Honey Citron Ice Cream ($9). The waffles are crispy and dense. The addition of fruits help to cut those density with the yummy ice cream providing the home run.

Strawberry Waffles with Honey Citron Ice Cream 3.5/5

Overall, I feel that Two Hana serves some interesting Korean meets Western dishes but some are not at that level yet. There is potential in the dishes but probably needed more refinement to reach to excellent. Putting the food aside, the cafe serves great coffee using beans from All Press. So don't forget to get your caffeine fix whenever you drop by the cafe.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Two Hana
Century Square
2 Tampines Central 5
#01-21
Singapore 529509
Tel: +65 62604339
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tampines (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tampines MRT station. Take Exit C. Turn left and walk to traffic light junction. Cross the road and walk down Tampines Central 5. Walk to Century Square. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Lowercase Cafe @ LASALLE College of the Arts (McNally Street) – Hidden Gem In An Art School

A cafe-bar nestled along McNally Street within the LASALLE campus, Lowercase is the perfect chill out, food and study spot for the students with its spacious environment, laid back vibes and of course free all-day wifi, as well as student discount entitlements on top of the already affordably priced dishes. Opened to the public as well, Lowercase's extensive all-day brunch menu is no less impressive despite its unassuming location in an art school.

Flank Steak 4.2/5

A unique take on the traditional steak dish is the Flank Steak ($19.50). Well marinated, tender and juicy, stuffed full with flavourful chunks of onion, red and yellow bell pepper, it delivers an excellent textural contrast, while further accentuating its taste with the addition of mozzarella cheese and homedmade red wine sauce drizzled on the steak. The elements gel togther just right making it a well-exceuted dish. Furthermore, with a generously portioned steak dish pegged at a pricing below $20, it is definitely a steal.

Kimchi Chicken Burger 4/5

The Kimchi Chicken Burger ($16.50) comes in a huge chunk of juicy korean style fried chicken, blanketed with a specially curated gochujang sauce, and sandwiched in between leeks and fluffy burger buns. While I would deem the fried chicken delicious on its own, the main highlight would be the richly flavoured gochujang sauce that is savoury and sweet with just a subtle kick of spice that is sufficient to pack a impressionable punch to the tastebuds. It also came with a side of kimchi salad and fried topoki. Although the fried topoki had an addictive chewy texture, it might be a tad bland on its own, and perhaps could be paired with more of the gochujang sauce for a richer flavour.

Lemony Tuna W/Mixed Herbs 3.8/5

The Lemony Tuna W/Mixed Herbs ($14.50) features a cream base pasta cooked with tuna chunks, and tossed in lemon juice, anchovy bits and capers, before garnishing with chilli flakes, cherry tomatoes and wild rockets. Cooked al-dente, the pasta noodles boost a firmer, drier texture, while the generous addition of tuna chunks embedded within and rediscovered in every bite was a delight to the tastebuds and fared well as a refreshing combination.

BBQ Smoked Duck Pizza 4/5

Lowercase's rendition of the BBQ Smoked Duck Pizza ($15) made an impression with its crispy thin in-house made crust base, spread with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese atop, and laced with succulent smokey BBQ duck breast meat slices and homemade mandarin orange sauce. While the chopped spring onion and crispy spring roll skin added dimensions to its texture, no doubt the rest of the ingredients are well-executed and complement one another in its taste. Perhaps the main differentiating factor that added to its uniqueness is the touch of mandarin orange slices used that contributed a citrusy flavour to the overall taste of the pizza which just lifted the entire dish with a subtle zesty tanginess that I really enjoyed.

Atlantic Smoked Salmon Salad 3.8/5

For the health-conscious individuals, the Atlantic Smoked Salmon Salad ($15) is an ideal option. Fresh cured smoked salmon lightly whisked with pea sprout, eggs and red radish in place of the conventional garnish, lends a refreshing taste admist the bed of crispy mesclun greens, while an even coating of the tangy miso dressing in the salad was a nice finishing component that binds the flavours together, constituting a salad dish that fares far better than its usual bland-tasting counterparts.

Salted Egg Yolk Fries 4.5/5

The Salted Egg Yolk Fries ($11) is one of the best I had. It packs a rich flavour which carries a perfect sweet-saltiness balance, with a light spice from the curry leaves, and a grainy texture in its homemade salted egg yolk sauce that comes with some salted egg crumbs to enhance its flavour. While the fries are pretty ordinary and did not retain its crispness, dip those into the accompanying salted eggyolk sauce, and it provides a satisfying authentic burst of this local favourite's flavour. Rich and addictive, it serves as the perfect snack to munch on.

Waffle with Gelato 4.2/5

The waffle and gelato I had consists of a waffle and 2 scoops of gelato (cereal milk and pistachio flavours) atop. With a dedicated focus on quality ingredients, their gelato and special waffle batter are made in-house from scratch. The waffles boast a crispy exterior and a slightly starchy interior which is made better with the pairing of the smooth and creamy gelato. The Pistachio flavoured gelato had a rich roasted nutty flavour that screams authenticity, while the cereal milk was a unique option consisting of a milky flavoured ice cream with bits of cereal surprise embedded within. Lowercase does a variety of unique flavours for their gelato, and refreshes their offerings every week to excites tastebuds and keep customers coming back for more.

Words and photos by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting


Lowercase Cafe 
College of the Arts Singapore
1 McNally Street
#01-01 Block D
Singapore 187940
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Rocher (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 830am - 9pm
Sun: 9am - 3pm
(Closed on PH)

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

Tsuruhashi Fugetsu @ Eat At Seven (Suntec City Mall) - Osaka's Number One And Largest Okonomiyaki Restaurant

With 75 outlets in Japan, 3 in Korea, 1 in Taiwan and even in America, Tsuruhashi Fugetsu, Osaka's number one and largest Okonomiyaki restaurant has finally arrived at our shore. Eat At Seven at Suntec City Mall is where it resides. Tsuruhashi Fegetsu offers Okonomiyaki on the menu, a well loved Japanese dish originating from Osaka which is also fondly known as the "Japanese style pizza". You may have come across some stalls in our local pasar malams naming theirs the same but this is the real deal. I love vegetables which inevitably makes this one of my favourite Japanese dish. I have tried Tsuruhashi Fugetsu in Osaka hence I was really excited to see how this local joint will fare.

Tonpei-Yaki 2.5/5

Fried Buta Kimchi 2.8/5

As okonomiyaki is made mainly out of cabbage, you may want to beef up your meal with Tonpei-Yaki ($9.80) and Fried Buta Kimchi ($9.80). With the mayonnaise and ketchup on the fluffy hot omelette, the Osaka style pork omelette would have been a really appetising side dish but ours disappoint with a strong porky smell. At the same time, I find the meat too tough despite all the good fats sandwiching the meat. The hot plate kimchi pork fares much better. The pork was more tender and fats more seared, and the piquant kimchi helps to cut the greasiness of the meat.

Omelet-Yakisoba 3/5

The signature pancakes, Omelet-Yakisoba ($13.80) here are made with yakisoba, the fried egg noodles. Not to be mistaken as our yellow noodles, these egg noodles are produced accordingly to the brand's traditional recipe by a local supplier. Indeed, they do not carry that distinctive alkaline taste, along with a much chewier texture.

Cheetama-Buta Tama 4/5

My favourite is still the Cheetama-Buta Tama ($14.80), a much more indulgent version with a layer of cheese. Cut cabbages and yams bind together tightly with wheat flour mixture, the grilled side of the cabbage pancake was charred with smoky sweetness, while the inside remains fluffy and crunchy. Its character as a 'pizza' shines as the gooey cheese oozed upon being sliced. The brilliant combination of Worcesterhire sauce and mayonnaise atop the pancake is the key to complete the taste.

The overall experience is quite authentic and enjoyable, other than the porky meat which I feel should really be changed. Same as back in Osaka, dishes are served on individual teppanyaki plates which keep the food hot throughout. What's different is that the DIY grilling of the pancake myself is not an option here, perhaps to keep the food consistent.

Words and photos 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.


Tsuruhashi Fugetsu
Suntec City Mall
Eat At Seven
3 Temasek Boulevard
#03-316
Singapore 038983
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 5pm - 1030pm

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

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]