Cendra Tapas Bar and Grill @ Gemmill Lane - Modern Catalan Flavours in a Cosy Hideout

Tucked away along Gemmill Lane, Cendra Tapas Bar and Grill is a cosy, modern Spanish-Catalan restaurant helmed by Chef-Owner Xavi Palau. Hailing from Barcelona, Chef Xavi brings a thoughtful mix of tradition and innovation, backed by his experience as former Executive Sous Chef at FOC. At Cendra, his personal interpretation of Catalan cuisine shines through in comforting, flavour-driven plates.

Crystal Bread with Tomatoes 4.8/5

We kick-started the meal with the Crystal Bread with Tomatoes ($12), further elevated with Iberico Ham ($36 for 50g). The sweet tomato spread layered over the crisp toast combined beautifully with the intensely flavoured Iberico ham. Each bite brought back fond memories of Barcelona, in which simple ingredients were treated with respect and allowed to shine.

Canadian Oysters N2 4/5

The Canadian Oysters N2 with Gin Fizz Foam ($8) offered a refreshing counterpoint. Briny and creamy, the oyster was lifted by the bright, zesty gin fizz foam, giving the classic raw oyster a playful twist.

"Ensaladilla Rusa", Smoked Mackerel on Crisp Toast 4.8/5

The Ensaladilla Rusa with Smoked Mackerel on Crisp Toast ($22 for 2pc) was one of the standout tapas. The classic, creamy Spanish potato salad paired harmoniously with smoked mackerel. It was simple yet incredibly satisfying. This dish is a reminder of how straightforward components can come together to create something truly memorable.

Cod Fish Fritters 4.2/5

The Cod Fish Fritter ($10 for 2pc) is another Spanish classic done well. Encased in a paper-thin, golden crust that gently shatters, the interior reveals a light, airy, mousse-like texture brought about by the whipped batter. The flavours unfold gradually, from the crisp, lightly toasted exterior to the tender, mildly briny cod within. A squeeze of lemon or a swipe of aioli brightens and completes this comforting bite.

Roasted Leek, Romesco, Hazelnuts 4.2/5

The Roasted Leek ($16) is grilled just enough to achieve a slight char, imparting a hint of smokiness while preserving its sweetness. Paired with romesco (a traditional Catalan sauce celebrated for its nutty, smoky richness) and hazelnuts, the dish offers a lovely balance of textures and flavours.

Spanish Octopus with Iberico Chorizo Foam 4.5/5

Another highlight was the Spanish Octopus with Iberico Chorizo Foam ($30). The octopus was cooked to a beautifully tender consistency, complemented by the rich, savoury Iberico chorizo foam that added depth and umami to every bite.

Pork Butifarra Rice "a la Llauna" 4.5/5

Unlike typical Spanish restaurants, Cendra does not serve paella. Instead, it introduces diners to A La Llauna, a traditional Catalan technique where rice is baked in a shallow metal tray. The Pork Butifarra Rice "a la Llauna" ($40) comes laden with a tomato-based sauce infused with butifarra sausage, pork ribs, and mushrooms. Smoky, savoury, and deeply comforting, each spoonful evokes the warmth of home-style Catalan cooking, refined just enough for the modern table.

Chocolate Soufflé with Stracciatella Ice Cream 4.2/5

We ended the meal with the Chocolate Soufflé with Stracciatella Ice Cream ($18), a flourless soufflé made with Costa Rica 70% chocolate. Soft, fluffy, and intensely chocolatey, it's a dessert that will undoubtedly delight chocolate lovers.

Cendra Tapas Bar and Grill stands out for its honest, flavour-driven approach to Catalan cuisine. While the menu keeps things tight and focused, each dish reflects Chef Xavi's depth of experience and personal connection to his heritage. Whether you're here for small plates, comforting baked rice, or simply to explore Catalan flavours beyond the usual paella, Cendra offers a warm and satisfying dining experience worth seeking out on Gemmill Lane.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Cendra Tapas Bar and Grill
5 Gemmill Lane
#01-01
Singapore 069261
Tel: +65 96634084
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Mon, Wed-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sat: 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Summer Hill @ Claymore Connect - A French Bistro Restaurant’s Unlimited Weekend Brunch Trolley

Summer Hill is a charming French bistro tucked away on the second floor of Claymore Connect, just a short stroll from Orchard MRT. While their regular menu features French staples like Wagyu Beef Bourguignon, Mussels Normandy, and French Fried Chicken, weekends bring a creative twist with their Brunch Trolley - a roaming service inspired by the "dim sum" cart, with menus that rotate every few months according to a new theme.

We dropped by on a rainy day and were greeted with a warmly lit, cosy space. The thoughtful decor and mix-and-match tableware added to the inviting atmosphere.

Brunch Trolley - Savouring Stories 3.8/5

From now until the end of May, the Brunch Trolley is themed 'Savouring Stories', with each dish inspired by iconic women writers. Priced at $79++ per person, the brunch includes unlimited servings of iced tea and all featured dishes during the dining session. Diners can opt for free-flow prosecco and wines with a top-up of $55++. The trolley service is available on specific sessions: Fridays at 12pm and Weekends at 11am and 1.30pm. During these sessions, the regular a la carte menu is paused.

Bread & Sides

Our experience started with a Bread Basket and three small side dishes: chicken liver pâté, gruyère eggs with onions, and a tomato-based ratatouille. Our server recommended that a touch of mustard brighten the overall flavours.

White Bean, Potato & Leek Soup with Olives

The White Bean, Potato & Leek Soup was next. It was warm and subtly briny due to the addition of chopped olives and olive oil drizzle.

White Clams

Then came the White Clams, served in a vibrant, spiced sauce with chilli and kaffir lime. It was a pity that the clams were relatively tiny.

Grilled Skate Wing

The Grilled Skate Wing was one of our preferred dishes. It was dressed in a slather of fragrant brown butter and lemon. We ordered seconds, and it fared better when served warm.

Charcoal-grilled Bangalow Pork Collar

We also enjoyed the tender Charcoal-grilled Bangalow Pork Collar, served with a creamy mustard-based sauce and crunchy hazelnuts. It paired nicely with the bread and the next dish, Aligot.

Aligot

Both my dining companion and I love mashed potatoes, so we were excited to dig into the Aligot, a stretchy and thick dish enriched with cheese and butter.

Red Wine Chicken, Spinach & Garlic Gratin

The savoury portions included Red Wine Chicken, Spinach, and Garlic Gratin. Though unassuming, the latter, mixed with onions, breadcrumbs, and butter, had us ordering seconds. Before dessert, the staff checked in to see if we wanted refills. All dishes are available for unlimited servings.

Snow Cone Bar

For dessert, we started at the Snow Cone Bar, where diners could customise their own icy treat with various syrups, such as peach, rose, watermelon, and toppings.

Valrhona Chocolate Almond Cake

Tarte Aux Pommes

We finished with two warm desserts: a Valrhona Chocolate Almond Cake with whipped cream and a Tarte Aux Pommes, an apple-frangipane tart with a crisp crust and custard-like centre. While the dishes were a mix of hits and misses, the attentive service and welcoming space made the experience better. It's a great way to sample the restaurant's menu in small portions, and it's best enjoyed with a group for sharing.

Make sure to make your reservations ahead of time.

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.


Summer Hill
Claymore Connect
442 Orchard Road
#02-17
Singapore 238879
Tel:+65 8690 5907
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 1130am, 3pm, 6pm - 1030 pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk to Orchard Road towards the junction of Orchard Road and Claymore Road. Cross the road and turn right. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Soaring Into a Prosperous Lunar New Year 2024 with Crystal Jade Group of Restaurants

As the vibrant Lunar New Year approaches, Crystal Jade Group, with its esteemed portfolio of 19 casual and fine dining outlets, stands ready to welcome the Year of the Dragon in grand style. Renowned for its culinary prowess, the group unveils an extraordinary line-up of dishes and set menus, promising a dining experience that is nothing short of exceptional.

Prosperity Yu Sheng with Boston Lobster Tail, Aburi Scallop & Fruit 4.8/5

Commencing the celebratory feast is the Prosperity Yu Sheng with Boston Lobster Tail, Aburi Scallop & Fruit ($138 small/ $208 large). This masterpiece is a symphony of flavours and textures, featuring fresh and dried fruits like juicy red dragon fruit, tangy green mango, sweet longan, pomelo sacs, dried apricot, and jackfruit. It creates a vivid and delectable medley with tomatoes, purple cabbage, cucumber, deep-fried yam strips, pickled onions, walnuts, and crunchy Hsin Chu bee hoon. Dressed with scallion oil and an Okinawa acerola juice-infused plum sauce, this yusheng is light, refreshing, and immensely appetising.

Available at Crystal Jade Palace, Crystal Jade Golden Palace and Crystal Jade Pavilion for dine-in and takeaway

Double-boiled Kampong Chicken with Fish Maw, Sea Whelk & Maitake Mushroom Soup 4.2/5

The Double-boiled Kampong Chicken with Fish Maw, Sea Whelk & Maitake Mushroom ($42.80 per person) is a heartwarming start to the feast—a bowl of nourishing soup brimming with rich flavours and wholesome ingredients.

Available at Crystal Jade Pavilion

Pan-fried South Africa Abalone with Assorted Mushroom & Crispy Leek 4/5

A highlight is the inventive Pan-fried South African Abalone with Assorted Mushrooms and Crispy Leek ($48 per person). The abalone, first steamed and then pan-seared, retains its inherent sweetness. Fragrant deep-fried leeks and mushrooms in an abalone liver sauce enhance the dish, offering a delightful twist on this Chinese New Year delicacy.

Available at Crystal Jade Golden Palace

Pan-fried Dace Fish Paste with Black Moss in Shunde Style 3.5/5

Nostalgia takes centre stage with the Pan-fried Dace Fish Paste with Black Moss in Shunde Style ($39.80 for a whole). This old-school classic involves meticulous preparation—removing fish flesh, mixing it with various ingredients, stuffing it back into the fish, and deep-frying to a golden brown. While a bit bony, it evokes a sense of tradition.

Available at Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen

Premium Loin Rib coated with Cointreau Orange Sauce 4.2/5

For a sumptuous treat, savour the Premium Loin Rib coated with Cointreau Orange Sauce ($42 regular). Fork-tender, tasty to the bone, and bathed in a luscious sauce intensified with orange-flavoured liqueur, this dish is a celebration of succulence.

Available at Crystal Jade Palace

Eight Treasure Vegetable wrapped in Beancurd Skin 4.8/5

A new festive takeaway highlight is the Eight Treasure Vegetable wrapped in Beancurd Skin ($29.80), a visually stunning centrepiece. This vegetarian delight features artfully arranged shiitake mushrooms, large dried scallops, lotus seeds, glass noodles, wood ear mushrooms, and black moss, braised in a luscious sauce that ties the dish together beautifully.

Dry La Mian with Prawn, Celtuce & Lobster Oil 3.5/5

Delight in the Dry La Mian with Prawn, Celtuce & Lobster Oil ($15.80 for a regular portion). Al dente noodle strands, slicked with homemade lobster oil, are crowned with a delectable combo of prawns and spring onions.

Available at Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao

Green Tea, Tangerine Peel & Red Bean Ruyi Roll, Lava Kumquat Taro Puree Doughnut

Round off the feast with two delightful desserts. The Green Tea, Tangerine Peel & Red Bean Ruyi Roll ($10.80 for four pieces) presents a soft and pleasantly chewy jade-green glutinous rice flour roll enveloping smooth red bean paste accented with tangerine peel. Additionally, the Lava Kumquat Taro Purée Doughnut ($12.80 for four pieces) offers light and fluffy deep-fried balls filled with taro puree, elevated with a touch of kumquat zest.

Available at Crystal Jade Palace (Ruiy Roll), Crystal Jade Golden Palace (Doughnut)

Well-regarded for its impeccable cuisine and service, Crystal Jade offers something for every reunion, whether for a large gathering or an intimate celebration. Group Executive Chef Martin Foo and his team of chefs have meticulously crafted an extensive variety of delicious and auspicious specialities, ensuring that the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration is off to a roaring start. Takeaway goodies can be pre-ordered online at estore.crystaljade.com and outlets from December 5, 2023, to February 25, 2024. Pick up your orders from select outlets between January 19 and February 25, 2024.

Note: This is an invited tasting.

Claudine @ Dempsey Hill - Sister Restaurant Of Three-Starred Michelin Restaurant Odette By Chef Julien Royer

With a few foodie friends, we make a reservation at Claudine at Dempsey Hill, the sister restaurant of Odette. It is another concept by Chef Julien Royer. The restaurant, located inside an old chapel building where the former White Rabbit restaurant was, has been transformed into a beautiful French brasserie.

Charred Leeks 4/5

We started with the Charred Leeks ($22). I have never eaten leeks served in 'gribiche' dressing with cornichon and chives. While it looks like a pool of mess, it was a tasty finish that allowed me to appreciate the charred leeks.

Nougat De Foie Gras 4.5/5

My friend, who loves her terrine, insisted on ordering the Nougat De Foie Gras ($38), which was an excellent choice. Best to spread it on the bread to enjoy the creaminess of the goose liver. It even comes with almond, cranberry and apricot to cut that richness.

Herring & Potato Salad 4.2/5

The Herring & Potato Salad ($28) topped with frisee surprised me for its simplicity, yet the various ingredients combine to make it a delicious dish. I adore the pairing of herring and potato, which is a first for me too. Herring can be quite sourish, so the starchy potato kind of balanced it.

Vol-Au-Vent 4/5

The Vol-Au-Vent ($58) looks somewhat like a volcano to me in its form. The towering puff pastry is filled with sweetbread, morel and chicken quenelle. The creamy mushroom jus at the base is like the after-eruption volcano lava that has flowed to the bottom of the volcano.

Chou Farci 4.2/5

It is another eye-opener for me at Claudine in the Chou Farci ($98). It didn't come across me that the French also use cabbage to wrap their food in their cooking. I thought only the Chinese did it. Cutting through the huge cabbage dome reveals luxe fillings of Gascon bacon, foie gras, prune etc. It is a richly flavoured and hearty dish that requires approximately 30 minutes of preparation time.

Claudine Bouillabaisse 4.2/5

The Claudine Bouillabaisse ($198) is probably the most expensive item on the menu. The classic French fish soup with seafood is good for sharing. It consists of deep-sea prawns (carabineros), scallops, john dory fish, razor clams and mussels. The seafood is accompanied by a plate of saffron rouille sauce and croutons to soak up the delicious soup. I enjoyed the dish, but it hurt my wallet.

While I heard mixed reviews of the restaurant, my friends and I enjoyed the food at Claudine. However, the dining experience could be better. Unfortunately, the experience was spoilt by the waiting staff reminding us numerous times throughout the dinner that we had to finish by a specific time for the second seating.


Claudine
Dempsey Hill
39C Harding Road
Singapore 249541
Tel: +65 62652966
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch
Wed-Sun: 1145am - 2pm
Dinner
Tue-Sat: 6pm - 9pm
Sun: 6pm - 830pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to Minden Road. Turn left onto Minden Road and walk to the end of Minden Road. Turn right onto Harding Road. Walk down Harding Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

NORTH Miznon @ Amoy Street - A Modern Israeli Dining Experience

First established in Tel Aviv, Israel, NORTH Mizon at Amoy Street is the concept's first Asia outpost. Founded by Chef Eyal Shani – a leading figure in the Israeli culinary scene and most famously known as a judge on MasterChef Israel, NORTH Mizon showcases modern Israeli flavours, with a daily-changing menu of sharing plates to reflect the multifaceted nature of Israeli cuisine.

Naked Heirloom tomatoes Mosaic 4.5/5

You will find interesting plant-forward dishes, such as the stunning Naked Heirloom Tomatoes Mosaic ($19) topped with olive oil and salt flowers. The specially sourced tomatoes are sliced paper-thin and drizzled with Greek extra-virgin oil with a generous sprinkle of sea salt, teasing the beautiful flavours of the produce.

Melting Baby Leeks, Parmesan 4.2/5

Melting Baby Leeks, Parmesan ($18) is another dish that highlights one of the key principles of Chef Eyal Shani. He strives to source the freshest, best, and, where possible, local ingredients to be served in his restaurant. Buttery, sweet and savoury with parmesan, these baby leeks were just as satiable as a plate of well-barbecued ribs.

Focaccia 4/5

Hummus topped with Prawns in Beurre Noisette 4.5/5

Inspirations from French and Italian cuisines are reflected on the menu as well. For example, Hummus topped with Prawns in Beurre Noisette ($36) was lusciously creamy and rich. The prawns added a layer of texture and flavour to every bite. Thanks to the restaurant's signature Focaccia served on the house, I could mop up the humus on the plate. The focaccia itself is a great starter too. It comes with a trinity of sauces served at almost all Israeli meals; zhug – a fresh green chilli paste with garlic and olives, Maggie tomato salsa and sour cream.

Palamida Fillet 4/5

We also had Palamida Fillet ($34) roasted on plancha, served on a pretty-in-pink tomato cloud and tahini. Though the fish was very well done with firm and moist flesh, it was relatively underwhelming.

Roast Beef Carpaccio on the Rock 4/5

Talking about inventive ways to present dishes, Chef Eyal Shani's Sirloin Roast Beef Carpaccio on the Rock ($47) is served to us on a solid rock. Its sight will definitely excite your taste buds and your friends, and the portion makes it even more ideal for sharing.

The dessert selection features up to six glorious and utterly satisfying creations. A classic to try will be the Ants Nest Cake with Queen Hajar shiny glaze is a honeycomb cake with toasty caramel notes, and a touch of ginger. However, my personal favourite is the Semolina Cream Cake, which gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling for each bite. Each dessert is $20, or enjoy a cardboard comprising a mix of all desserts at $19 per person.

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.


NORTH Miznon
110 Amoy Street
#01-01
Singapore 069930
Tel: +65 80285204
Facebook
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 530pm – 12am
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]