Luke's Lobster @ Isetan Scotts - Marks The Brand's First Foray Into Southeast Asia

The long wait for New York-based restaurant - Luke's Lobster, famed worldwide for its Maine-style lobster rolls is finally over with it anticipated opening in Isetan Scotts Singapore on 23 September 2020, 1pm. It will be the brand's first foray into Southeast Asia.

Lobster Roll 4/5

For a start, Luke's Lobster is offering 3 different rolls on the menu - Lobster Roll ($25.50), Crab Roll ($23.50) and Shrimp Roll ($21.50). I have not tried their rolls before; hence I could not compare whether it tastes the same as the other overseas outlets. Checking with my friends that had tried their rolls before, the feedback is it tastes the same.

Crab Roll 4.2/5

The rolls come with seafood served chilled atop a buttered, griddled split-top bun with a swipe of mayo, a dash of lemon butter and a sprinkle of the brand's secret seasoning. If I compare it to Burger & Lobster, I find the bun is less buttery and oily. The texture is crispier, more like a toasty. I am not saying it is not good. I enjoyed it. It is up to the individual, just like how different people like their burger.

Shrimp Roll 3/5

Among the 3 rolls, surprisingly my favourite goes to the Crab Roll. I enjoyed how the sweetness of the crab meat coming through the buttery bun. Followed by the Lobster Roll. As for the shrimp, I didn't quite enjoy it there is still saltiness to it like it has been soaked in saltwater.

For those that can't decide what to get, you can go for Luke's Trio ($33.50) which consists of half portion each of the three rolls. A sample platter for you to decide which you really like and you can get the full portion in your next visit. To complete the meal, you can add either the Clam Chowder Soup ($11.50) or Lobster Bisque ($12.90).

To be launch at a later date is the Grilled Cheese Toast with either Lobster or Crab meat. It has a crispier bite compare to the roll. Some of us felt that the strongly flavoured cheese used kind of covers the sweetness of the lobster meat. It fares better with crab meat toasty though as it is sweeter.

To avoid snaking queue for its opening on 23 September 2020 at 1pm, you can pre-order online for takeaway through https://www.lukeslobster.sg from 17 September 2020, 12pm. The restaurant will also be rolling out island-wide delivery and third-party food delivery aggregators in phrases.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Luke's Lobster
Isetan Scotts, Shaw House
350 Orchard Road
#01-K4
Singapore 238868
Tel: +65 65927642
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 9pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the underpass to Isetan Scotts. Journey time around 5 minutes. [Map]

Fleur De Sel Le Restaurant @ Tras Street - Bringing Fine French Cuisine To The Comfort Of Your Home

Fleur De Sel Le Restaurant is a French restaurant located at the heart of Singapore's Central Business District along Tras Street. I am actually quite surprise the restaurant has been under my radar all these years. If it is a new restaurant I could have understand but it has been around since 2013. If not for the pandemic with the restaurant joining the food delivery bandwagon, I probably would not have known the restaurant opened by Chef/Owner Alexandre Lozachemeur.

Lobster Bisque

Beef Cheek Bourguignon

Who says you can't have fine French cuisine at the comfort of your home? Starting with some soups, we have the Lobster Bisque and Beef Cheek Bourguignon. We also got some bread to go along with the soups. The soups were legit, packed with depth and flavours. 

Crab & Prawn Citrus Salad 

Light and yet refreshing is the Crab & Prawn Citrus Salad, paired with avocado and coriander vinaigrette. 

Chicken Thigh Basquaise with Tomato & Stewed  Capsicums

Moving to the mains, we have a whole Chicken Thigh Basquaise with Tomato & Stewed Capsicums, that has been cooked to tender and soaking up the delicious sauce.

Seared Hokkaido Scallops

Another beautiful dish on the menu is the Seared Hokkaido Scallops paired with braised leek and 

black truffle chicken sauce. Besides the plump scallop, what delighted me is the braised leek that complemented the dish excellently.

Beef Tongue with Tomato Sauce, Gherkins and Potato

Beef Tongue maybe acquire for some but as long as you can overcome psychological block, you will appreciate the fork tender piece of meat cooked in tomato sauce. I like the addition of gherkins which help to freshen up the palate from the richness. 

Seabass in Papillote with Zucchini, Tomato, Lemon and Thyme

For the Seabass in Papillote, you just need to heat up and you are ready to dine. The seabass was really moist, complemented by zucchini, tomato, lemon and thyme, elevating the whole taste as well as presentation.

Tiramisu

For dessert, I have the Tiramisu. I like the way it is done, light and not overly sweeten with the distinct espresso coming through from each mouthful. 

Lemon and Meringue Tart

If you like something sweet and sour, you will definitely enjoy the Lemon and Meringue Tart. It is definitely one of the best I have eaten for a long time.

Breakfast Basket

Not to be missed is the Breakfast Basket from Fleur De Sel with their freshly bakes. The breakfast basket consists of 2 croissants, 2 Almond Croissants, 2 Pain Au Chocolat, 2 Pain Au Raisin with 3 mini jams and butter.

Fleur De Sel Le Restaurant 

64 Tras Street

Singapore 079003

Tel: +65 62226861

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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:

Mon-Fri: 12pm - 2pm, 630pm - 10pm

Sat: 630pm - 10pm

(Closed on Sun)

Direction:

1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Brasserie Les Saveurs @ St Regis Singapore - Unveiled New A La Carte Menu Under New Executive Chef

Brasserie Les Saveurs at St Regis Singapore welcomes new Executive Chef Thibault Chiumenti at the helm. With his appointment, he has revamped the a la carte menu to provide diners with an indelible French brasserie-style experience, with the familiar and rich flavours of traditional French cuisine.

Tartare de Boeuf au Couteau 4.5/5

We kick-started the dinner with the Tartare de Boeuf au Couteau ($42). The hand-cut beef is chopped to tender and mixed with cornichons, capers, shallots, mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup balsamic and tobasco, for flavours and textures. It also comes with a confit egg yolk on top the tartare and homemade fries at the side.

Salad de Crabe 4.8/5

The Salad de Crabe ($32) is one of the better crab meat salads that I have eaten. It uses succulent and sweet de-shelled Alaskan crab meat tossed in celeriac remoulade, dill and yoghurt dressing. The dots around the plate are paprika mayonnaise which lends a tinge of spice to the crab meat.

Pate en Croute 4.2/5

The Pate en Croute ($34) is a labour of love due to its lengthy preparation process. The terrine comes with a pastry encasing the terrine in it which comprises of pork and foie gras pate flavoured with pistachios, herbs and onion compote.

Escargots de Bourgogne 4/5

The Escargots de Bourgogne ($21) is sourced from France and poached in a court bouillon. They are then baked in garlic butter, allowing the buttery sauce to melt into the meat, elevating the whole enjoyment.

Foie Gras Poele 4/5

A delicacy in French cuisine is the foie gras. At Brasserie Les Saveurs, the Foie Gras Poele ($34) is paired with poached apple and gingerbread coulis. The simplicity of pan-searing the foie gras and showcasing it in its natural form allows the appreciation of its rich, buttery and delicate flavour.

Bisque de Homard 3.8/5

For something comforting, there is the Bisque de Homard ($22). The lobster bisque is creamy, but I felt it lacked the robustness from the crustacean's flavour. The bonus is that you get a whole lobster claw in it.

Noix de Saint Jacques 4.2/5

Moving to the mains, from the sea we have the Noix de Saint Jacques ($52) using scallops from Hokkaido. The beautiful dish with juicy and plump scallops came in a lentil ragout and paired with shimeji mushrooms and green asparagus for textures.

Steak Frites 4.5/5

Not to be missed is the classic Steak Frites ($68). The slab of grilled wagyu ribeye is huge and cooked to tender. Accompanying the beautiful steak is the homemade french frites and bearnaise sauce.

Cassoulet en Cocotte 4.2/5

The Cassoulet en Cocotte ($46) is like a treasure pot. Digging into the pot, not only will you find a whole confit duck leg, there are even pork sausages, pork belly, paimpol beans and carrot. The considerable portion probably is good for two.

Bar en Croute de Sel 4.5/5

For large dining group, diners can look forward to hearty sharing platters such as the Bar en Croute de Sel ($68). The whole sea bass is baked in salt crust to seal the moisture and natural sweetness of the fish. It is served with the tangy beurre blanc sauce to intensifies the flavour of each bite. Do note that this will take at least 30 minutes of preparation time. Be cautious of fish bones if this is shared with children.

Creme Brulee 4.2/5

Ending the dinner on a sweet note, we tried a couple of the desserts. First is the Creme Brulee ($18). The portion is quite huge with a creamy custard base that comes with a layer of crackling caramelised sugar top.

Tatin de Pommes 4.2/5

Another delightful dessert is the Tatin de Pommes ($22). I like the fact that it is not overly sweet with crunchy apple. The apple tarte tartin comes with honey fig ice cream, that brightens up the enjoyment.

Mille-Feuille Traditional Vanille 4.2/5

Last but not least, go for the Mille-Feuille Traditional Vanille ($18) if you prefer something lighter. Vanilla bean cream is sandwiched within layers of delicate Napoleon pastry sheets.

If I am not wrong, the new a la carte menu by Executive Chef Thibault Chiumenti is to bring things back to basic, showcasing the rich and familiar flavours of traditional French cuisine with culinary finesse.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Brasserie Les Saveurs
St Regis Hotel
Lobby Level
29 Tanglin Road
Singapore 247911
Tel: +65 65066860
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours: 
Breakfast (Daily): 630am - 1030am
Lunch (Monday - Saturday): 12pm - 2pm
Dinner (Daily): 7pm - 1030pm
Brunch (Sunday): 12pm - 3pm
Afternoon Tea (Monday - Saturday): 3pm - 5pm
Afternoon Tea (Sunday): 4pm - 6pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue onwards to Forum Shopping Mall. Walk further down to Orchard Parade Hotel. Turn left onto Tanglin Road. St Regis is just beside Tanglin Shopping Centre. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Lawry's The Prime Rib @ Mandarin Gallery - Presents A Magnifique Spread This Festive Season

For this festive season, Lawry's The Prime Ribs at Mandarin Gallery has put together a collection of set course menus for the festive celebrations. The set course menu emphasis top-quality meats and seafood while featuring the restaurant's sublime signatures such as the Signature Roasted USDA Prime Rib of Beef and Broiled Atlantic Lobster Tail.

Ocean Gems Fresh Chilean Scallop 3.5/5

I tried the 6-Course Christmas Eve Set Menu ($168++/$189++) which starts with the Ocean Gems Fresh Chilean Scallop for amuse-bouche. The Chilean scallop is drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and served with baby carrot puree beetroot puree and green pea puree.

Boston Lobster Bisque with Fresh Lobster Claw 3.8/5

Next is the hearty Boston Lobster Bisque with Fresh Lobster Claw, served with chive bits, cream and a drizzle of Grand Marnier. However, I felt that it lacked the robustness of the crustacean flavour.

Foie Gras 4/5, Baby Octopus with Crabmeat Salad 3/5 and Chicken Gyoza 3/5

For the appetiser, we have a trio of small bites. From left to right, we have the baby octopus in Roma tomato puree with crabmeat salad, pan-seared goose foie gras with homemade red wine raisin sauce over bacon-wrapped chicken, and chicken gyoza with homemade spicy sauce.

Signature Roasted USDA Prime Rib of Beef with Turkey Combo 4.5/5

For mains, diners get to have three choices. They can opt for the Signature Roasted USDA Prime Rib of Beef with Turkey Combo, Grilled Kurobuta Pork Collar or Broiled Atlantic Lobster Trio and Wild Salmon Roe.

If you opt for the Signature Roasted USDA Prime Rib of Beef with Turkey Combo, it comes with 100grams roasted beef, 100grams roasted sliced turkey, 100grams smoked turkey ham, US Idaho mashed potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, whipped cream horseradish, chestnut stuffing as well as a choice of creamed corn, creamed spinach or buttered peas. For the doneness of the beef, I would recommend going for rare. I was afraid it will be too raw for my liking, but it turned out this is the perfect doneness to appreciate the tender and beautiful flavour of the prime rib. Not forgetting the soft and fluffy Yorkshire pudding which complements the dish. Do allow it to soak up the delicious and flavourful sauce.

Grilled Kurobuta Pork Collar 4/5

If you are not into beef, you can go for the Grilled Kurobuta Pork Collar. The slab of pork collar is served with US Idaho potato wedges, caramelised onion, and grilled tomato stuffed with creamed spinach.

Broiled Atlantic Lobster Trio and Wild Salmon Roe 4.5/5

Another favourite at Lawry's The Prime Ribs is their Broiled Atlantic Lobster Trio and Wild Salmon Roe. For a change, instead of the meat, these broiled lobsters will delight you with their delicate freshness. Not only one but you get 3 pieces of it. It is served together with US Idaho mashed potato, sauteed vegetables and drawn butter.

For dessert, one can choose between the Sakura Cremeux with Mango-Pear Coulis and Haagen-Dazs Chocolate Ice Cream or Glazed Chocolate Mousse Praline Dome with Haagen-Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream.  Subject to individual preference, the sakura cremeux is light with a little sweetness from the mango-pear coulis while the glazed chocolate mousse praline is pack with the bittersweet chocolate richness. One can order either coffee or tea to go with their dessert.

For the festive set course menu, guests will get a 10% discount if all guests are seated between 5-6pm. On top of that, for every three set course menu ordered, you will receive a bottle of Bolla Prosecco (750ml) or Casillero del Diablo Devil's Brut Sparkling Wine (750ml) for takeaway subject to which set course menu ordered.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Lawry’s The Prime Rib
Mandarin Gallery
333A Orchard Road
#04-01/31
Singapore 238897
Tel: +65 68363333
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Racines @ Sofitel Singapore City Centre - Refreshed Menu That Showcases Both French & Traditional Chinese Cuisines

Racines at Sofitel Singapore City Centre has recently launched a new menu that further amplifies its duality of authentic French and traditional Chinese cuisines. By preparing a selection of ingredients in two distinct styles, you will see how a common ingredient stands out in two directions led by Executive Chef Jean-Charles Dubois and Executive Chinese Chef Andrew Chong respectively.

Clear Lobster Broth 4.5/5 and Classic Lobster Bisque 4.5/5

It was such a bliss to start our meal with the Lobster ($26) as the main ingredient to make my soup. Deep with crustacean flavours, the Classic Lobster Bisque with Scallop Mousse Quenelle was savoury with a rounded sweetness and given a touch of creaminess to give that satiable mouthfill. On the other hand, the Clear Lobster Broth surprised me with its depth of flavours that was intertwined with tangy notes coming from pieces of pickled kohlrabi.

Mosaic of Foie Gras Terrine 3.5/5

Pan-Seared Foie Gras 3/5

For starters, we also had Foie gras ($24) delivered 2 ways - Infused with cocoa and Szechuan pepper, the Mosaic of Foie Gras Terrine left a more profound impression than Pan-Seared Foie Gras, which comes with a caramelised fig that wasn't pushed to the edge enough to draw out its sweetness.

Pan-Seared Atlantic Scallops 3.8/5

Scallops ($42) is presented as a pre-main and main. In Pan-Seared Atlantic Scallops, the zesty and buttery Iranian black lemon beurre blanc not only brightens up the dish, but it also boosts the texture of the succulent scallops.

Singaporean Seafood Laksa 3.8/5

As a main, the Hokkaido scallop crowns the Singaporean Seafood Laksa, accompanied by a fried rock lobster. The capellini was well done, so much so that the coconut broth could be poured over without weighing it down. I like the consistency of the broth, which is light but packed full of flavours.

Slow-cooked Australian Wagyu Beef Cheek 3/5

For Wagyu Beef ($42), the Slow-cooked Australian Wagyu Beef Cheek was not as fork-tender as I expected it to be, and much of the red wine infused jus was needed to bring out its flavour.

Soy-Braised Wagyu Beef Short Rib 2.8/5

Whereas for the Soy-Braised Wagyu Beef Short Rib, mine was rather tough and the foie gras sauce didn't quite complement the short rib either.

Rich Valrhona Chocolate Creme Brulee 3.8/5

For dessert, we had Rich Valrhona Chocolate Creme Brulee with Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream and Orange Ginger Coulis. The ice cream with orange ginger coulis was yummy enough to be a dessert on its own. The chocolate creme brulee was like a much-needed chocolate ice cream after a long day if only the thick buttery biscuit underneath was a thin crisp wafer instead.

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.

Racines
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Level 5
9 Wallich Street
Singapore 078885
Tel: +65 64285000
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun: 630am - 1030am, 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right on Peck Seah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]