G Izakaya @ Golden Mile Tower - 1-for-1 8-Course Japanese Omakase Till 31 May 2024, Featuring Lobster Tail, Chutoro, and Uni Hand Roll

From now till 31 May 2024, G Izakaya at Golden Mile Tower is offering a value-for-money 8-course Omakase at a promotional price of $188++ for two pax. The restaurant has garnered popularity for its seasonal omakase menus, which are offered at attractive prices.

It took us a while to locate the restaurant. When facing Golden Mile Tower, veer to the left instead of entering from the main entrance. The cosy 10-seater omakase space is next to their larger izakaya dining area.

Welcome Drink

We were each given a shot glass of Butterfly Pea Welcome Drink to start. I would have liked this a lot less sweet.

Hotaru Ika with Yuzu Miso

The starter featured Hotaru Ika with Yuzu Miso. Hotaru ika, currently in season, boasted a rich and briny flavour. It harmoniously paired with the zesty yuzu miso.

Lobster Tail with Uni Paste & Pan-Fried Scallop

The succulent Lobster Tail was served warm and accompanied by an intriguing combination of uni paste, pan-fried scallop and tempura bananas. This unexpected mix of elements was surprisingly likeable, with the sweetness from the lobster and banana complementing the umami notes of the uni paste.

3-Kind Sashimi

Next was 3-Kind Sashimi, with fresh and thick cuts of Shima Aji, Akami and Otoro.

Gindara Saikyo with Sweet Potato

Following that, the chef presented us with the Gindara Saikyo with Sweet Potato. The miso cod was firm yet flaky, and despite the side of shiokoji dressing, we found it to be adequately flavourful on its own.

Noresore with Mozuku Seaweed

I was excited to try the chef's palate cleanser of Noresore with Mozuku Seaweed, as I had never tried noresore (young conger eel) before. The noresore was light with a subtle sweetness, refreshing when paired with the tangy vinegared seaweed.

Isaki

The next part of the omakase was the 6-Piece Nigiri Sushi. First was Isaki, a lean cut white-fleshed fish.

Madai

The Madai was served next. The sea bream was mild with a clean sweetness and became one of my favourites.

Hirame

The chef lightly torched a piece of engawa for our third sushi to add on top of our Hirame.

Chutoro

The Chutoro was served with slender strips of delicate young spring onion, which I found particularly enjoyable. The fatty cut of chutoro melted in the mouth.

Hotate

Lightly dressed in soy, the plump and fresh Hotate will satisfy scallop lovers.

Uni

The last of our 6-Piece Nigiri Sushi was also a highlight of the meal. The luxurious mouthful of Uni hand roll was layered with sushi rice, chutoro, and a generous scoop of uni, all finished with a spray of gold dust. This was a flavour explosion of the sea.

Pumpkin Fish Soup with Fish Curd

The soup course varies daily, and during our visit, we were served the Pumpkin Fish Soup with Fish Curd. With its thicker consistency, the warm soup was a comforting closure before desserts.

Pineapple Sherbet and Warabi Mochi

The desserts didn't quite match the preceding dishes. We tried the Pineapple Sherbet and Warabi Mochi; while the sherbet was refreshing, it was pretty average.

Pineapple Sherbet and Warabi Mochi

The homemade warabi mochi paired with azuki beans was better, but the combination was slightly too sweet for my liking.

8-Course Omakase 4.5/5

At this 1-for-1 price point, G Izakaya's omakase offered excellent quality and value. Overall, I thoroughly appreciated the thoughtful curation of the dishes and the quality of the ingredients. I particularly liked how the ingredients' natural flavours are allowed to shine without being overshadowed by additional seasonings.

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.


G Izakaya
Golden Mile Tower
6001 Beach Road
#01-52A/B
Singapore 199589
Tel: +65 91835393
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 130pm, 530pm - 930pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge to Beach Road. Turn right onto Beach Road and walk down Beach Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Man Fu Yuan @ InterContinental Singapore - Highly Anticipated 8-Hands Showcase Returns with ‘Echoes of Canton 粤做粤精菜: Honouring Culinary Heritage’

Man Fu Yuan returns with its second edition of the 8-Hands collaboration, themed ‘Echoes of Canton 粤做粤精菜: Honouring Culinary Heritage’ from 1 to 30 April 2024. This culinary extravaganza features four curated set menus, each comprising six delectable dishes presented by renowned Chefs Fok Wing Tin, Peter Tsang, Pung Lu Tin, alongside Man Fu Yuan’s resident Executive Chinese Chef Aaron Tan.

Appetiser 4.2/5

To tantalise our taste buds, the appetiser trio boasted Chilled Lobster with Chicken Salad, Chilled Mini Lotus Roots marinated in Orange Jus and Green Sichuan Peppercorn, and Spinach Roll with Seaweed, Tobiko, and Sriracha Aioli.

Soup 4/5

Seafood 4.2/5

The meal continued with a hearty and comforting bowl of Braised Seafood Bisque with Fish Mouth and Bamboo Pith, followed by the innovative Crispy Cod Fish Stuffed with Caviar — a fusion of Chinese ingredients presented in a Japanese sushi-inspired form, delightfully coated in a thin batter for extra crispiness.

Poultry 4.5/5

For poultry lovers, the Wok-fried Venison Cube with Ginger, Lemongrass, and Black Pepper Sauce served in Claypot offered tender venison complemented by a pungent black pepper sauce, creating a robust infusion of umami heightened by aromatic spices.

Superior Seafood 4/5

A dish tracing back to the Manchu-Han imperial feasts developed in the Qing Dynasty, the Braised 18-19 head Dried Abalone with Giant Grouper Skin showcased painstaking preparation to achieve the perfect texture of the giant grouper skin, complemented by premium abalone in a delicious sauce.

Rice 4.5/5

The meal reached its crescendo with the Wok-fried Crispy Rice with Prawns, Mushrooms, and Scallion — a delicious interpretation of Seafood Pao Fan, where the rice was wok-fried and allowed to soak up the robust seafood flavours for an exquisite dining experience.

Dessert 4.8/5

To conclude on a sweet note, the Warm Roasted Peanut Rice Cream with Superior Red Bird's Nest offered a smooth, creamy, and nutty dessert with an added texture from the bird's nest, providing the perfect finale to a memorable dining experience.

Available for both lunch and dinner, ‘Echoes of Canton 粤做粤精菜: Honouring Culinary Heritage’ offers menu prices ranging between $98++ for a lunch-only sharing menu and $158++ to $398++ per person for individual-served portions, with options for wine pairing also available at $88++.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Man Fu Yuan
InterContinental Singapore
Level 2
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 63387600
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1145am - 330pm, 630pm - 1030pm

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

Akira Back @ JW Marriott Hotel South Beach - Indulge in “The Omakase Dinner Experience”, A Luxurious 5-course by Chef Akira Back and Chef Bill Hong

Akira Back's "The Omakase Dinner Experience" is a new 5-course dinner you do not want to miss. Chef Akira Back with Chef de Cuisine Bill Hong has joined hands for this seasonal offering, which is available for dinner daily at $148 per pax. Diners can also opt for a specially curated sake and wine pairing at an additional $88 per pax.

The menu showcases seasonal specialities using quality produce, with each dish highlighting both chefs' expertise in modern Japanese cuisine with Korean accents.

Treasure Box with Citrus Striped Jack Bite

We started with a special treat of the gorgeous Treasure Box with Citrus Striped Jack Bite. While this is not part of the 5-course Omakase, it was definitely an intriguing start to the dishes to come.

Umami Hokkaido Uni 4.5/5

First on the omakase menu was the beautifully presented Umami Hokkaido Uni. The creamy and indulgent mouthfuls of uni were paired with goma miso and maitake, a combination I’ve not had before but became a fan of.

New AB Sashimi 4.2/5

Right after, we were served the New AB Sashimi. This dish features fresh slices of kanpachi dressed in a zesty tomato citrus sauce, with karasumi, ankimo and pickled radish for additional crunch.

Halibut 4.5/5

While I found the clam ang-sauce and apple purée a tad sweet for my liking, the Halibut itself was impressively buttery and tender. The sauces were also helpful to cut through the richness.

Shiso Sorbet

For our palette cleanser, we had the refreshing and minty Shiso Sorbet.

Sanchoku Ribeye

While I can’t take beef, my dining companions were raving about their Sanchoku Ribeye. It was served with cauliflower miso cream, burdock jam and myoga, a Japanese ginger.

Pork Chop 4.8/5

In replacement of the ribeye, I had a generous serving of Pork Chop. I absolutely loved the grill on the pork, which gave a thin crispness to the exterior while the meat within remained juicy. It was one of the best pork chops I've had recently!

Lobster Claypot Rice 4.8/5

The Lobster Claypot Rice can be opted for at an additional $65 top-up, and I would highly recommend it. With toppings of ikura and negi, this bowl of rice was light yet flavourful, allowing the sweetness of the tender lobster to come through.

Lobster Claypot Rice

Alongside the rice, you will be served a comforting bowl of miso soup and intricate homemade banchan.

AB Tuna Pizza 4.5/5

Before we dug into the final dessert course, we were treated to Chef Akira Back's signature dish, the AB Tuna Pizza. The crunchy crust was paper thin and laid with a blissful mix of herbs, fresh tuna and a drizzle of truffle oil.

Matcha Tart with Hazelnut Chantilly and Barley Ice Cream 4.8/5

The Matcha Tart with Hazelnut Chantilly and Barley Ice Cream was a lovely end to the meal. I thoroughly enjoyed the well-balanced mix of hazelnut nuttiness, bittersweet matcha and crisp tart shell.

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.


Akira Back
JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach
30 Beach Road, Level B1M
Singapore 189763
Tel: +65 6818 1914
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade MRT (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

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

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒) @ Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel - Usher In The Year of the Dragon with A Reunion of Bountiful Blessings

As the Wood Dragon graces us with its presence, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel invites you to embrace the Lunar New Year at the esteemed Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant. Renowned for its culinary finesse, Wan Hao presents specially curated set menus, exquisite a la carte dishes, and a delectable range of takeaway treasures, promising an auspicious start to the Year of the Dragon.

Wan Hao Prosperity Yu Sheng with Bayberry Dressing

The Wan Hao Prosperity Yu Sheng with Bayberry Dressing kicked off the celebration — an opulent rendition featuring rock lobster, scallop, Irish smoked salmon, yellowfin tuna, caviar, and salmon roe. The bayberry dressing, meticulously crafted from the best harvest between March and June, adds a refreshing touch with its sweet and tart notes. Toss to abundance and prosperity with this vibrant and flavourful Yu Sheng.

Wan Hao Bird's Nest Eight Treasure Pot

Diverging from the traditional Pen Cai, Wan Hao presents the Bird's Nest Eight Treasure Pot — a collagen-rich concoction brimming with indulgence. Laden with Bird's Nest, 5-Head Australia Abalone, Fish Maw, African Premium Sea Cucumber, Black Moss Dace Fish Bean Curd Skin Bag, Live Prawn, Pork Tendon, Free-Range Chicken, and Japanese Shiitake Mushroom, this modern interpretation symbolizes harmony and prosperity. A lighter, healthier twist on a Lunar New Year classic. Roast

Duo Style Turbot Fish

Fish, a symbol of abundance, takes centre stage with the Sauteed Turbot Fish Fillet. It is served with fresh lily bulb, pan-fried lotus root stuffed with minced dace fish, and barbeque sauce. The dish captures the essence of prosperity and good fortune. It is a delightful addition to the Lunar New Year set menus.

Braised Lobster with Passion Fruit Custard Sauce

The Braised Lobster with Passion Fruit Custard Sauce is a symphony of sweet and tangy flavours. The succulent lobster, coated in a luscious custard sauce, creates a harmonious balance that delights the palate.

Claypot Rice with Chinese Sausage and Cured Duck in Superior Soya Sauce

The Claypot Rice with Chinese Sausage and Cured Duck in Superior Soya Sauce is a highlight that resonates with simplicity and comfort. The richness of preserved meats infuses the fluffy rice, and a drizzle of superior soya sauce elevates the aroma — a bowl of pure comfort that captures the essence of traditional Lunar New Year feasting.

Osmanthus with Water Chestnut Jelly and Wolfberry, Golden Pandan Nian Gao Tart

Dessert unveils a trio of delights—Osmanthus with Water Chestnut Jelly and Wolfberry, Double-boiled Bird's Nest with Whole Coconut and Rock Sugar, and the star of the show, the Golden Pandan Nian Gao Tart with Gula Melaka & Grated Coconut. Wan Hao's perennial favourite, Nian Gao Tart, takes centre stage this year with a golden pandan twist that garners raving approval. The tart is a delightful creation that deserves applause and, perhaps, a standing ovation.

Double-boiled Bird's Nest with Whole Coconut and Rock Sugar

Available from 4 January to 24 February 2024, toss up good fortune with an exquisite 6 or 8-Course Lunar New Year Chinese Set Menu – prices start from $138.80++ per person. For gourmet takeaway treasures, guests can pre-order online beginning on 26 December 2023 at https://celebratorydelights.com/cny or visit our Lunar New Year booth at the hotel's forecourt starting 4 January 2024.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒)
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 6831 4605
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11.30am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

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