SKAI @ Swissotel The Stamford Singapore - Launches New Skai High Tea With Sweeping Views Of The City Skyline

Enjoy a luxurious afternoon tea experience accompanied by impressive skyline views from the 70th floor of Singapore’s acclaimed Swissotel The Stamford, as Contemporary grill and restaurant, SKAI launches its latest traditional English afternoon tea available from 14 October 2019 onwards. The curated selection of exquisite treats is inspired by English afternoon tea rituals and accented with Japanese and Asian culinary sensibilities for that perfect afternoon indulgence.

The afternoon tea menu serves up a variety of sweet and savoury snacks on an elegant 3-tiered stand. Savouries include the Asparagus Feta Quiche, Loch Fyne Smoked Salmon with Trout Roe, Maitake Truffle with Celeriac on Flat Bread, and Truffle Egg Yolk Gel on Brioche.

One of my favourite picks goes to the fresh Lobster Roll with ikura and celery, sandwiched in between a soft buttery charcoal bread roll. The succulent, bouncy lobster meat was a welcoming contrast to the softness of the bread roll. Another calorie-worthy treat is the unbelievably creamy slab of foie gras sandwiched in between mini polo buns.

The other two tiers on the serving platter were packed with an array of dainty sweets, which ranges from the Sugarless Dark Chocolate Bonbon, Cocoa Bean Ruby Chantilly to the Raspberry Cream Cheese Macarons.

Exquisitely presented, lovers of matcha will love the Matcha Tea Mascarpone, which features a soft globule of matcha dessert, as well as a matcha flavoured chocolate stick piped with more matcha cream on top, which adds on a generous hit of green tea aroma.

The Candied Black Bean Sesame has a roasty earthiness from the black sesame flavour, which makes it a perfect accompaniment to the sweetness of the candied black bean.

My favourite is the 72% Chocolate Sable Tart, which comes in a sable chocolate tart encasing chocolate cream, and generously showered in a mountain of chocolate crumbles. Not overly sweet yet sufficiently rich, the lusciously smooth cream adds a textural dimension to the crumbly sable tart and chocolate crumbs.

Fans of fruity flavours will love the Mango and Strawberry Gateau. A delicious, well-crafted representation, the shape is reminiscent of the mango fruit. Mango lovers will enjoy this dessert which has a delicate soft texture and a rich mango aroma.

An English Afternoon Tea doesn't get more traditional with the obligatory scones with lemon curd, Devonshire cream and strawberry jam. Buttery and crumbly just the way it should be.

Situated at one of the highest points on the 70th floor for your afternoon tea indulgence, the elegant space at SKAI serves as the perfect respite with sweeping city views and seamless service. Sink into absolute bliss as you dig into the scrumptious high tea delights. The SKAI High Tea is available from Friday to Sunday, 3pm-5pm and is priced at S$60++ per person with choice for TWG tea or Suzuki coffee.

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.


SKAI
Swissotel The Stamford
2 Stamford Road
Level 70 The Stamford
Singapore 178882
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Website
Tel: +65 63388585
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening hours:
Fri-Sun: 3 - 5pm

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

Lobsters & Ice Cream @ Tanjong Pagar Plaza - More Than Just Lobster Roll With A Variety Of Complementing Sauces

Lobsters & Ice Cream at Tanjong Pagar Plaza serves up U.S style lobster rolls, alongside several variants of seafood rolls. It is not here to fight with the Lobster bars that have already gained much reputation but to fill the gap in the dining options where you can get your hands on the traditional east coast style rolls in a fast and casual manner. Aside from Maine style, you get to the style that you want your seafood roll to be served. Each sauce is created to highlight and complement the delicate flavours of seafood.

Premium Lobster roll Maine style 4/5

2 types of Lobster rolls are available - Premium ($16 half-roll/$29 full-roll) and Standard ($18/full-roll). Premium roll uses live lobsters air-flown from North America (Canada and US) and arrive at the bistro every morning, which they are par-cooked and deshelled before being finished off on the pan upon order. Maine style would be the most ideal way to enjoy the quality of the lobster. Sauteed and seasoned with celery salt, oregano, pepper, thyme and a dash of lemon. I appreciate the fact that the mayo is only being spread lightly on the bread roll instead of mixing it with the lobster, which some places overdo it. That allows me to enjoy even the very faint notes of herbs, which enhance the taste of the entire roll.

Standard Lobster with Truffle Sauce (tasting portion) 3/5

Standard Lobster uses lobsters that are more common for commercial use, in which they are precooked by suppliers in large quantities. I had mine with truffle sauce (+$4). It tasted all right, but I think it is more worthwhile to spend that extra bucks on a side dish.

Seafood roll with SG Chilli Crab Sauce (tasting portion) 3.8/5

The Seafood Roll ($23) with SG Chilli Crab Sauce is highly recommended. Using a half crab half lobster mix, you have the texture from the lobster, and punch of flavours from the chilli crab layered below the lobster. That allows the buttered toast to sop up the sauce, which replicates the classic experience of fried mantou dipped in chilli crab sauce. Made in-house by the chef-owner, the chilli crab sauce is impressive. It was robust, assertive and not overly sweet.

Prawn roll (tasting portion) 3.5/5

Reminiscent of a Mexican taco, my Prawn Roll ($18) was zesty with Mexican sauce. I love the bright flavours and crunch of this Mexican style roll, especially with the addition of the punchy jalapeno slices.

Scallop Roll 3.5/5

Scallop Roll ($18) is recommended to pair with Mentaiko sauce (+$2), for the extra briny and savoury flavours. The Mentaiko sauce is not your usual mentaiko flavoured mayonnaise but made with real spicy pollock/cod roe mixed with flying fish roe. The scallops were seared to a beautiful golden brown, which imparted a smoky flavour to the roll.

What can perhaps be better is the type of bread roll used. While the bread roll is quite light and able to hold the filling well without turning soggy, a fluffier and a more buttery version will make each roll more indulgent and satisfying.

Truffle Feta Garlic Fries 3/5 and Crispy Fried Whitebait 3/5

Seafood Soup 3.8/5 and Organic Potatochips 3/5

There are several sides available to complete your meal, and I highly recommend the Seafood Soup ($7). It is almost like a clam broth, which surprised me with its depth of flavours. An interesting item is the housemade Organic Potato Chips ($5).

Cherry Beer Ice Cream 4/5

Kriek Boon Beer

A wide range of craft beers is available here too, including beer on tap. And the best part is that the team managed to churn one of them into ice cream! The Cherry Beer flavour ($5) is one of my favourites, made using Kriek Boon. Expect its texture to be a tad grainy, due to the carbonation in the beer. An extensive list of flavours to entice you, including unique variants such as whisky which tastes like a classic Rum & Raisin and Pandan Gula Melaka. I would encourage you to try the Savoury range, which offers a refreshing Lime Mirin Tarragon, and a rather rare Truffle Ice Cream.

Written 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.


Lobsters & Ice Cream
Blk 7 Tanjong Pagar Plaza
#02-101
Singapore 081007
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun: 11am - 1045pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Burger & Lobster @ Jewel Changi Airport - Exclusive Sambal Glazed Lobster On Top Of Their Signature Lobster And Lobster Roll

The long wait is finally over. Burger & Lobster has finally opened at Jewel Changi Airport. The luxe-casual restaurant is located at the Canopy Park in Jewel's topmost level.

Tropicana and B&L Pineapple Iced Tea 4/5

Treat yourself to a couple of drinks at the bar before tucking into the succulent lobster. The beverage menu features some unique beverages such as the B&L Pineapple Iced Tea ($9) and Tropicana ($8). The pineapple iced tea is a concoction of black tea, pineapple puree, lemon juice and palm sugar, served in a biodegradable bag. As for the Tropicana, it is a fruity mixture of passion fruit, lime, orange and lemonade. Both drinks are light and refreshing, which is ideal for Singapore's weather.

Mayfair 4.2/5

As the name of the restaurant suggests, it is not all about lobster here. The Mayfair ($25) comprises of a tender and juicy 170g grilled Nebraskan beef patty, dressed in melted cheese and finished with housemade pickles, onions and a secret B&L burger sauce. Psst... their fries are damn addictive.

Original Lobster Roll 4.5/5

Not to be missed is the famed Original Lobster Roll ($40). The buttery brioche roll comes brimming with tender lobster meat. To elevate the enjoyment, one can have it with the lemon garlic sauce and zest it up with a few squeezes of the lemon. The winner has to be the buttery brioche roll that is so sinful yet so good with the lobster meat.

Steamed Lobster 4.2/5

Grilled Lobster 3.8/5

The Whole Lobster ($56) comes in both steamed and grilled served with salad and fries. These are live lobsters flown in from Nova Scotia, Canada. They are really fresh, sweet and has a delectable bouncy texture. Personally, I prefer the steamed lobster over the grilled lobster. The steamed lobster is more succulent compared to the grilled one. Don't forget to have it with the lemon garlic sauce, for a full appreciation of the lobster meat.

Sambal Glazed Lobster 4/5

Available exclusively at the Jewel Changi Airport is the Sambal Glazed Lobster ($65). I was initially sceptical, but it turned out the restaurant got the recipe for the sambal sauce spot on. The spicy fusion of dried shrimp, chilli and Asian spices is definitely something familiar and enjoy by the local palate. It somehow resembles our local chilli crab sauce more than sambal sauce. It can be a bit messy to handle the dish. Be prepared to get your hands dirty.

Chocolate Jewel 3.5/5 and Tres Leches 4.2/5

Do save some space for dessert at Burger & Lobster too. We tried the Chocolate Jewels ($12) and Tres Leches ($12). If you are a chocolate lover, you will love the rich dark chocolate spheres topped with salted caramel sauce. My favourite goes to the Tres Leches, which is vanilla flavoured sponge cake soaked in a trio of milk, topped with green tea whipped cream, roasted pistachio and raspberries.

I have not tried Burger & Lobster in either Bangkok or Malaysia, but I was told that the lobster roll in Singapore is cheaper than these two countries. However, they will definitely give Pince & Pints a run for their money as it is significantly less expensive to have a lobster roll at Burger & Lobster. The last that I know, the pricing is about $18 different.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Burger & Lobster
Jewel Changi Airport
78 Airport Boulevard
#05-203
Singapore 819663
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am - 3am

Direction:
Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to the link bridge to Jewel. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Pince & Pints @ Duxton - Welcomes Crabs Into The Family

Since its opening in 2014, when one mentions Pince & Pints at Duxton Road, you think of nothing but lobsters and lobster rolls. Now that it has expanded its menu to include crabs as well, will this crustacean steal the limelight away from its counterpart? Using only whole live Sri Lankan mud crabs, 5 new crab dishes are here to challenge for that throne.

Crispy Soy Chicken Wings 3.5/5

Other than the new crab dishes, the menu also introduces new starters, such as Crispy Soy Chicken Wings ($12 for 6pc), inspired by Korean-style fried chicken and coated with a blend of soy sauce, Korean chilli powder and garlic. This, I believe will be enough to warm up your fingers and jaws before the real thing gets started.

Whole Grilled Crab 4.2/5

Leading the pack is the classic Whole Grilled Crab ($55 for 500-600g approx), which is also my favourite out of the lot. Due to the uneven shape of the crab, the team has to dissect it just before grilling to retain its natural juices and brushed with a light coat of butter before send it for grilling. This would ensure a more even mix of sweetness and char. Among all other renditions, this allows me to taste the sweetness of the meat the most, and the creamy butter sauce that comes with it completes it like a slab of butter on a white toast with beautiful char marks.

Whole Steamed Crab in Egg White 3.5/5

At cze char stall, steamed crab is always preferred to preserve the delicate meat. Its Cantonese version of Whole Steamed Crab in Egg White ($55 for 500-600g approx) captivates with its Huadiao wine aroma and silky egg white that has been infused with the crab juices. Jasmine white rice is served along with it for you to wipe the dish clean.

Whole Chilli Crab 3/5

Of course, the evergreen Whole Chilli Crab ($58 for 500-600g approx) is available on the menu too. I like the level of spiciness and that it isn't overly sweet to suit the international palate. It lacks robustness though, with high dosage of salt to elevate its flavours.

Crabmeat Fried Rice 3.8/5

As a non-chinese restaurant, I think they did a great job with the Crabmeat Fried Rice ($18), and the bonus goes to the house made chilli oil. It wasn't greasy, and the grains were neatly separated and imbued with slight wok hei. The chilli oil has texture like that of Ding Tai Fung's chilli but with added sweetness and complexity. Thumbs up!

Nonya Chilli Lobster Roll 2.5/5

As for the latest Nonya Chilli Lobster Roll ($58), the Nonya Chilli was just too overwhelming, soaking through the buttery bun, weighing down delicate flavour of the lobster.

Other cooking styles for the whole live lobsters are available as well, such as in the form of Lobster Noodles and Lobster Mac & Cheese. To dethrone the King Lobster, that would probably take a while.

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.


[CLOSED]
Pince & Pints
32-33 Duxton Road
Singapore 089496
Tel: +65 62257558
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Outram Park (EW Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 5pm - 11pm
Sat: 12pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Cross Tanjong Pagar Road and walk to Craig Road. Walk along Craig Road and turn right onto Duxton Road. Walk along Duxton Road to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Outram MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk straight along New Bridge Road to Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Kreta Ayer Road and walk to the end. Cross the road and turn left onto Neil Road. From Neil Road walk to Duxton Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20  minutes.  [Map]

Seasonal Tastes @ The Westin Singapore - Surf + Turf Themed Buffet Showcasing Bold Flavours Of American & Taiwanese Classics

The Surf + Turf themed buffet at Seasonal Tastes showcases a wide array of sensational classics, with creative spins taken to dishes with seafood and red meat ingredients, as guest Chef, Joshua Marshall, executive chef of W Taipei brings back flavours from his hometown of South California and his second home, Taipei to The Westin Singapore this season.

Only available during dinner from 2 July to 30 September 2018, diners can expect a luscious spread of staples which Seasonal Tastes is known for – the freshest seafood, crustaceans and salmon sashimi.

The ‘live’ carving station with a hearty selection of roasts and prime cuts.

The Brown Sugar Jack Daniels Baby Back Pork Ribs features tender flavourful ribs that fell off the bone easily.

With guest Chef, Joshua Marshall at helm, diners can expect bold-flavoured American classics such as the Mini Boston Lobster in Brioche which features juicy lobster meat sandwiched in between fluffy brioche bread.

Originally from a small town outside of LA with his cooking largely influenced by his grandmothers and fathers’ passion for cooking, Chef Joshua Marshall also married to a Taiwanese, whom he got his recipe for authentic Taiwanese dishes. For fans of Taiwanese food, expect nothing less than classics such as the Oyster Noodles, Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup, as well as Wok-fried Beef Tenderloin with Taiwanese Barbeque Sauce.

Not forgetting the local favourites of Chilli Crab with mantous. The chilli sauce has a sweeter taste with a rather mild spicy flavour which is a perfect complement to the fluffy mantous. For the meat lovers, there is also slices of authentic tender Hainanese Chicken.

At the dessert station, expect a myraid of nonya kuehs and kueh lapis, as well as an assortment of cakes, tartlets, macarons and, gelato and sorbet to end your meal on a sweet note.

Pricing
$88 adult, $44 child (4 to 12 years) - Valid till 31 July 2018
$98 adult, $49 per child (4 to 12 years) - 1 August to 31 September 2018
Children below the age of 4 dine for free

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.


Seasonal Tastes
The Westin Singapore
Level 32
12 Marina View
Asia Square Tower 2
Singapore 018961
Tel: +65 69226968
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit E. Turn left and walk down Marina View. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Pince & Pints Lobster Restaurant & Bar @ Katong – One Of The Best Lobster Places In Singapore Opens New Outlet

Pince & Pints. A name that invariably comes to mind when I ponder over a place to get that lobster craving fixed. Reputed as one of the best lobster restaurants in Singapore, its popularity with the first outlet opened in 2014 along Duxton Road is pretty evident with its infamous snaking long queues and no reservations policy. Food consistency and attentive service still holds despite years into its operations. The talk of the town - that got all the seafood lovers flocking to this happening lobster joint. Food so good, the 'hype' over its lobster rolls never really dies down.

Following the success with its first and second outlet (in KL), the much-anticipated third outlet is opened today, 16 October 2017. This 60-seater restaurant is nestled along the charming, heritage-rich streets of Katong, located conveniently just across the Katong 112 mall. Owner Frederick Yap imports delicious seafood decadence from North America to his restaurant - Air-flown live and direct from the Alantic Coast to the storage tanks at Pince & Pints all within 3 days, the wild caught lobsters are so deftly handled that they might be tricked into thinking that they are still swimming in the waters on the other side of the world. The importing process takes place 2-3 times a week depending on demand, and no lobster is allowed to stay in the restaurant for over a week. This guarantees the freshness and quality of the lobsters served at the customers' tables.

Similar to its flagship outlet, the menu may not be be extensive. It consists of a few main dishes such as the Live Whole Lobster, Chilli Lobster and the Lobster Roll. It gravitates towards a strong emphasis on quality ingredients used and ensuring the finest execution on each of its dishes. Expect two new additions to its menu as well - The Lobster Burger with a lobster patty in the middle, served with sweet potato fries and 3 housemade sauces, and The Lobster Noodles to cater to the local’s palate, with its wok fried egg noodles, generous chunks of shell-on lobster served with housemade sambal and chili oil for that extra shiok-ness.

The Lobster Roll 4.8/5

I must say - This is my favourite item on the menu. The Lobster Roll ($58) comes in a buttery hotdog bun, stuffed to the brim with a generous amount of lobster meat and a side of chef's salad, straightcut fries and garlic aioli. The bread roll, butter-soaked and pan-fried golden has a slightly toasted crisp exterior while being irresistibly soft and fluffy inside, exuding a buttery fragrance when biten into. The hearty chunks of lobster meat, on the other hand are steamed and tossed in mayo, salt and pepper. It boasts a bouncy texture and you can taste the juiciness and freshness of the seafood. It is totes satisfying when eaten with the warm fluffy bread roll. That said, this is one of the best lobster rolls I had. I will definitely return to have this anytime again.

Live Whole Lobster 4.5/5

The Live Whole Lobster ($58) is served with a choice of either grilled or steamed versions and comes with a side of chef’s salad, straightcut fries and butter sauce. I had the grilled version of the dish and it did not disappoint. Fresh and well-grilled, it is straightforward dish recommended for a full appreciation of the natural sweetness and freshness of the lobsters. Though it might be a tad bland on its own, the pairing of the butter sauce served alongside imparts a richer flavour to the dish which I really enjoyed.

Chilli Lobster 4.2/5

To cater to the Singaporean’s palate, The Chilli Lobster ($58) comes with a side of 5 small fried mantous, nicely fried to a golden brown, with the lobsters soaked in a bowl of chilli sauce. The lobster meat is no doubt sublime – firm, succulent and fresh. While the sauce leans towards a sweeter taste with just a hint of spiciness. Dip those fluffy mantous into the sauce, and well, it gives me immense satisfaction sweeping the bowl clean with it.

Lobster Mac & Cheese 4.5/5

The Lobster Mac & Cheese ($29) is categorised under side dishes on the menu but it feels more like a main course instead. This dish consists of elbow pasta, lobster meat, mozzarella cheese, and cognac. The cheesiness is not too watered down nor overpowering. It is done just perfect, gooey, and satisfying with bits of fresh lobster meat in between bites. A well-executed variation of the Mac & Cheese dish overall that I am really impressed with.

Crispy Fish Skin 3.8/5

Another side dish I had was the Crispy Fish Skin ($10++). It arrives in a small bowl of fried fish skin pieces and sweet thai chilli sauce for dipping. Although it is crunchy and gets pretty addictive after a while, the taste of the fish skin fell flat on its own and is only slightly lifted when paired with the sweet chilli sauce.

 The high price point of the lobster rolls may set one back from frequent visits but for the quality I’d say it is pretty value for money, and definitely worth a try to indulge in a satisfying lobster meal. One of the best around, the experience at Pince & Pints will not disappoint.

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


Pince & Pints
95 East Coast Road
Singapore 428793
Tel: +65 63863988
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take exit A. Walk to bus stop at Blk 99 Old Airport Road (Stop ID 81181). Take Bus 10 or 32. Alight 6 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]