Showing posts with label Lamb. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lamb. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

SanSara @ Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel - Discover Awadhi Cuisine with Influences from North India

IMG_1836

It's been a year since SanSara joined the lineup of Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel restaurants, showcasing the best of Awadhi cuisine with influences from North India.

IMG_1827
Non-Vegetarian Set Menu 4/5

It is celebrating this special milestone with a limited-time 'A Regal Lucknowi Feast' available from 4 to 17 October and 11 to 30 November 2024. The feast is available in both non-vegetarian and vegetarian options.

IMG_1819
Murgh Badami Shorba

Our Non-Vegetarian Menu ($78 per pax) began with Murgh Badami Shorba, a hearty chicken broth. Its garlicky and peppery undertones were reminiscent of a well-seasoned bak kut teh.

IMG_1822
Murgh Jahan-ara, Jhinga Dum Nisha

For appetisers, we were treated to the Murgh Jahan-ara, a tender chicken dish richly marinated in a saffron-spiced yoghurt, blending garlic, green chilli, and cardamom powder for a well-balanced flavour.

Alongside, the Jhinga Dum Nisha, a grilled tiger prawn, boasted a subtly spiced cardamom profile with an additional peppery kick. The tangy yoghurt dressings enhanced both dishes with a refreshing contrast.

IMG_1836

IMG_1839
Main Course

The Main Course featured a fun spread of four distinctive curries served with fluffy basmati rice. These included Murgh Rezala, a creamy chicken curry with mint and almonds, and Gosht Shahi Pasanda, a fragrant lamb curry featuring Mathania chilli and garam masala.

The Dhuandhar Dum Aloo had baby potatoes simmered in a buttery yoghurt sauce, while the Nawabi Dal had yellow lentil curry with saffron and cream.

IMG_1842
Sheermal Roti, Warqi Paratha

Accompanying the curries were two types of freshly made bread - Sheermal Roti and Warqi Paratha. They were crisp and flaky, perfect for scooping up the rich curries. Our table quickly polished off the basket.

IMG_1847
Chawal Gulab Ka Kheer

The dessert was Chawal Gulab Ka Kheer, a rose-scented rice pudding topped with cashews, pistachios, and almonds. While the combination of fragrant rose petals and nuts was intriguing, the dish felt a bit heavy after the indulgent meal. I personally would prefer a lighter dessert to complement.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


SanSara
Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore
392 Havelock Road
Singapore 169663
Tel: +65 6233 1338
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 4. Turn left and walk to traffic junction of Havelock Road and Kim Seng Road. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Kim Seng Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, October 13, 2024

OUD Restaurant @ Kandahar Street - Woodfire-grilled Delights Nestled in a Charming Shophouse Celebrates First Anniversary

Paella-3

OUD Restaurant is thrilled to announce the celebration of its first anniversary! Nestled in a charming shophouse, OUD showcases the talent of local chefs Indra and Ridz, who bring their unique culinary flair to the menu, having previously trained in Michelin establishments. The restaurant is proudly halal-friendly, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their offerings. It specialises in woodfire-grilled delights fired up by house speciality citrus wood. OUD offers a casual, inviting atmosphere where diners can enjoy dishes infused with rich, smoky flavours.

Bread-2

To start, we were served some of their bread with smoked butter, which was enjoyable. However, the butter was still slightly cold instead of at room temperature, making it a bit difficult to spread smoothly on the bread. We had to wait a little while for it to soften.

Caviar cone-1
Caviar Cornets 3.5/5

The Caviar Cornets ($11 per piece) are made with a thin spring roll skin, then filled with smoked cream cheese and topped with Sturgeon caviar. It's a tasty appetiser but could benefit from more complexity.

Unagi -1
Fire-grilled Unagi 3.8/5

Next, we were served Fire-grilled Unagi ($10 per piece) featuring barbecue-glazed unagi slices on rice puff. The rice puff was nicely textured, with a satisfying crunch on the outside that gave way to a surprisingly chewy, mochi-like interior.

Cauliflower-2
K.F.C, Krispy Fried Cauliflower 4/5

Then came the creatively titled K.F.C (Krispy Fried Cauliflower) ($12), which had florets of cauliflower battered and fried to a golden crisp, delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite. It's also coated with a tasty sauce and is quite a nice snack appetiser.

Oud fries-2
OUD Fries 4/5

The OUD Fries ($15 for 3pc) is a signature dish featuring layered crispy potatoes topped with a choice of beef tartare, salmon tartare, or tuna tartare. I preferred the salmon and tuna tartare as I found the flavour of the beef tartare a bit overpowering. The crispy potatoes themselves were well-executed, providing a solid base for the toppings.

Octopus-2
Grilled Octopus 2.8/5

We then had Grilled Octopus ($26) with romesco sauce, beef chorizo butter, and smoked paprika. The octopus was nicely charred. However, the plentiful sauce caused the octopus to become 'wet', and the crispy exterior was quickly lost. I also found the beef chorizo butter to be quite strong in flavour, which overshadowed the more delicate taste of the octopus.

Chicken skewer-3
Firegrill Chicken Skewers 4.5/5

I much preferred the Firegrill Chicken Skewers ($26), which was perfectly grilled to achieve a delightful tenderness and smokey char. Accompanying the skewers is a vibrant coriander sauce that adds a refreshing herbaceous note. The dish is also served with an onion herb salad, bringing a crisp texture and freshness to the plate. The combination of the juicy chicken, zesty sauce, and lively salad created a well-rounded dish that feels light and satisfying.

Miso cod-2
Atlantic Miso Cod Fish 4.2/5

The next dish, Atlantic Miso Cod Fish ($38), was also very much to my liking. The cod is marinated in miso and roasted in corn husks, and the fish is perfectly done for a soft, buttery texture. The miso marinade enhanced the natural sweetness of the cod, creating a balance between savoury and slightly sweet notes.

Paella-4
Squid Ink Seafood Paella 3.8/5

The Squid Ink Seafood Paella ($48) is quite impressively presented with large fire-roasted prawns and bits of octopus. The rice is evenly coated with the squid ink, imparting a slightly earthy and umami-rich quality. Regarding the texture, it could be due to how the paella was individually portioned. Still, I didn't encounter any of the characteristic crispy bits I usually get from a paella. The texture was creamier, like risotto, for my plate, at least.

Lamb belly-4
Pressed Lamb Belly 4/5

The Pressed Lamb Belly ($38) features a prime cut that has been skilfully prepared and flavoured with a distinctive glaze of chives, curry, and sesame seeds. This combination enhances the succulent qualities of the lamb. The lamb belly is juicy and melt-in-your-mouth soft, with a generous amount of fat. This dish not only highlights the richness of the lamb but also introduces intriguing layers of taste. It's best enjoyed as a sharing dish, as the high-fat content can become quite rich after a while.

Mushroom-2
Oudfire Mushrooms 3.8/5

Carrot-1
Honey Roasted Baby Carrots 3.8/5

Accompanying the main plates were some sides of Oudfire Mushrooms ($16) and Honey Roasted Baby Carrots ($12). The grilling of the mushrooms brought out their earthy flavours, and the carrots' sweetness was enhanced by the caramelisation from roasting. The price point is on the high side though for a side dish.

Mango sorbet-2
Mango Sorbet 4.5/5

I was wowed by the presentation of the Mango Sorbet ($18), which was served in the hollowed-out skin of a mango itself. This creative touch made the whole dessert very aesthetic. The sorbet itself was deliciously smooth, with a perfect balance that wasn't overly sweet or sour. The addition of finger limes introduced a burst of citrusy brightness, while the fresh honey mangoes provided a lovely sweetness and texture that complemented the sorbet beautifully. After a lot of grilled dishes, this was a refreshing treat for my taste buds.

Some final thoughts about my experience are that OUD excels at woodfire grilling for tender and juicy meat dishes. However, it's worth noting that the open-concept kitchen means you might find the aroma of smoke lingering in your clothes and hair after your visit. Still, it is an inclusive, halal-friendly option to check out if dining with friends with dietary requirements.

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


OUD Restaurant
48 Kandahar Street
Singapore 198899
Tel: +65 9727 3048
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm -10pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Fri)

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Eixt B or E. Walk to North Bridge Road. Walk down North Bridge Road to traffic junction of North Bridge Road and Ophir Road. Cross the road. Walk to Haji Lane. Turn right onto Haji Lane. Walk down Haji Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Gordon Grill @ Goodwood Park Hotel - 4 Course Dinner Highlighting The Best of Land & Sea

Lamb Loin 1

Nestled within the historic Goodwood Park Hotel, Gordon Grill has long been celebrated for its fine steaks and Continental cuisine. With its new Surf & Turf Experience available from October to November 2024, the restaurant once again showcases its flair for elevating classic flavours. This 4-course dinner highlights the best of land and sea, presenting a thoughtful marriage of textures and tastes.

Amuse-Bouche 1
Complimentary Amuse-Bouche 3.8/5

We began our meal with a complimentary basket of freshly baked bread and Amuse-Bouche.

Chilled Angel Hair Pasta 1
Chilled Angel Hair Pasta 4/5

The appetiser course to start our dinner was this Chilled Angel Hair Pasta, an intricate combination of snow crab leg, caviar, and sakura ebi, enhanced by a drizzle of fragrant truffle vinaigrette. Each bite was a delightful symphony of freshness and umami, especially refreshing with the squeeze of lime.

Cream of Mushroom 1
Cream of Mushroom Soup 4/5

Lobster Bisque 2
Lobster Bisque 4/5

For the second course, we sampled both soup options. The Lobster Bisque was a decadent, rich and velvety offering, bursting with the sea's essence. It was contrasted by the Cream of Mushroom Soup, which exuded earthy warmth, perfect for those seeking a comforting and familiar taste.

Carpetbag Steak 1
Carpetbag Steak 3.8/5

For the mains, we also tried both options, and this Carpetbag Steak is such an intriguing dish with roots in the UK. The tender beef tenderloin, stuffed with briny oysters, created a luxurious blend of flavours heightened by a bold red wine sauce. However, we find the taste of oysters overpowers the flavour of the steak.

Lamb Loin 1
Lamb Loin with Hokkaido Scallop 4/5

Meanwhile, the Lamb Loin with Hokkaido Scallop served with rosemary sauce, was a standout with its interplay of flavours. The succulent lamb paired beautifully with the pan-seared scallop, while the accompanying rosemary sauce, potato medallions, and sautéed vegetables completed the dish, offering a balance of hearty and delicate notes. The scallops are plump and perfectly seared.

Dark Chocolate Strawberry Crèmeux 1
Dark Chocolate Strawberry Crèmeux 3.5/5

We ended the meal on a sweet note with the Dark Chocolate Strawberry Crèmeux. The dessert, which features a smooth layered dark chocolate sponge cake, pairs well with the sweetness of strawberries and vanilla ice cream. We didn't find the cake any extraordinary though, but the vanilla ice cream was good.

Restaurant

For those looking to indulge in a refined surf and turf menu, Gordon Grill's latest offering is not to be missed.

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


Gordon Grill
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301744
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 7pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Friday, August 30, 2024

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

IMG_7069

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.

IMG_7079
Cinco Jotas “5J” Jamon Iberico 4/5

IMG_7076
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.

IMG_7091
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.

IMG_7103
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.

IMG_7113
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.

IMG_7140

IMG_7150
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.

IMG_7118
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.

IMG_7177
Crèma Catalana 2.5/5

IMG_7184
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
Facebook 
Instagram
Website
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]

Monday, July 1, 2024

Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie @ Momentus Hotel Alexandra - Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie x Blue Smoke Four Hands Buffet Experience

IMG_5288

Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie at Momentus Hotel Alexandra is elevating its buffet dining experience through a unique and limited-time collaboration with Blue Smoke, a local BBQ and smokehouse led by Executive Chef Ivan Yeo. Running from 1 to 31 July 2024, the weekend buffet dinner will feature an exquisite spread that highlights the best of both Momentus Hotel Alexandra’s Executive Chef Jeffrey Tan and the award-winning Executive Chef Ivan Yeo from Blue Smoke.

IMG_5264
Smoked Garam Masala Beef Tomahawk

Among the many highlights of this buffet, the Smoked Garam Masala Beef Tomahawk was a rare treat. This dish features beef tomahawk marinated with garam masala, smoked for approximately an hour, and then grilled to a medium-rare finish.

IMG_5271
Grilled Tamarind Barramundi

My personal favourite was the Grilled Tamarind Barramundi. Zested up with a thick tamarind paste, the fish was incredibly moist and tender. The smoky nuances combined with the tangy paste add a depth of flavor to the natural sweetness of the fish.

IMG_5210
Charred Napa Cabbage

The Charred Napa Cabbage with Smoked Garlic Aioli, while flavorful, could benefit from more thorough cooking in the middle to ensure a consistent texture.

IMG_5223
Grilled Australian Lamb Shoulder

IMG_5225
Kombu Butter Tiger Prawns

The Grilled Australian Lamb Shoulder, seasoned impeccably with herbs and spices, had a pleasing flavor, though its texture leaned towards being slightly dry. Similarly, the Kombu Butter Tiger Prawns were flavorful but a bit dry.

IMG_5229
Pork Belly Bulgogi

IMG_5230
Balinese Chicken Wings

Pork Belly Bulgogi was another tantalizing dish, with a smoky-sweet caramelization on the surface that provided a satisfying bite. The Balinese Chicken Wings were also a crowd pleaser, thanks to their well-balanced seasoning and tender meat.

IMG_5295
Green Lip Mussels

IMG_5303
Smoked Wagyu Beef Brisket

In addition to the extensive buffet spread, there is a special tasting menu featuring five curated dishes, two of which are from Blue Smoke. The Green Lip Mussels stewed in Thai green curry and smoked lychee were particularly noteworthy, with a superb punchy green curry. The 20-hour Smoked Wagyu Beef Brisket, served in crispy pie tee cups, offered an unctuous mouthfeel with the contrast of crispy bites, making it a delightful indulgence.

IMG_5249

Four Hands Buffet Experience: Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie x Blue Smoke
1 – 31 July 2024. Weekend Buffet Dinner Fri & Sat: 6:00pm – 10:00pm $98++ per adult, $42++ per child (6 – 11 years old).

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.


Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie
Momentus Hotel Alexandra
Level 7
323 Alexandra Road
Singapore 159972
Tel: +65 6828 8880
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast Buffet (Daily): 6:30am - 10:30am
A La Carte Lunch and Dinner (Daily): 12noon - 10:00pm
Semi-buffet Lunch (Daily): 12noon – 2:30pm
Weekday Semi-buffet Dinner (Sun to Thu): 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Weekend Buffet Dinner (Fri & Sat): 6:00pm – 10:00pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 2 stops later. Walk towards Ikea, At Ikea, continuing walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 4 stops later. Walk towards Ikea, At Ikea, continuing walk to destination. . Journey time 10 minutes. [Map]