Barossa Steak & Grill @ Vivocity - Debuts All-new Menu of Chargrilled Meats, Seafood Platters and More, Together with Seaside Vibes and Live Music

Barossa Steak & Grill at Vivocity has launched an all-new menu showcasing char-grilled meats, fresh seafood platters, and delightful sides, making it a destination for meat lovers and seafood enthusiasts. With its waterfront location and live music every Thursday to Saturday from 7.30 pm, the restaurant offers a relaxing seaside dining experience that's perfect for unwinding with family and friends.

Cold Seafood Platter 4/5

To kick off our meal, we indulged in the Cold Seafood Platter ($88), a seafood lover's dream that serves 3-4 people. This generous platter comes with half a dozen oysters, chilled tiger prawns, Chardonnay wine Yumbah mussels, and fresh scallops. It's accompanied by an array of dipping sauces, including cocktail sauce, mignonette, seaweed granita, sauce vierge, and fresh lemon — allowing you to customise each bite to your liking.

The plump and briny oysters were my favourite, while the prawns were sweet and firm. Each seafood item was fresh and chilled, making it a great dish to enjoy as a starter or as a lighter option on a warm day by the sea.

Seafood Bouillabaisse 4/5

For something a little heartier, we tried the Seafood Bouillabaisse ($58), another new addition that serves 2-3 people. This dish is packed with a medley of seafood, including Humpty Doo Barramundi, Yumbah Mussels, Char Baby Squid, and Tiger Prawns. The seafood is nestled in a rich broth along with Potato Fondant and Char Fennel, creating a dish with both depth of flavour and texture. The broth was flavourful, and each bite of seafood was cooked to the right doneness, making this dish perfect for sharing.

Buffalo Cauliflower 3.5/5

For something on the lighter side, we also sampled the Buffalo Cauliflower ($14), a char-grilled, crunchy cauliflower dish dressed in a tangy, spicy sauce and finished with ranch dressing. The pickled onions added a sweet contrast to the fiery cauliflower, resulting in an explosion of satisfying and guilt-free flavours. It's a great vegetarian option that delivers a punch of bold flavours.

Barossa Mac & Cheese 4/5

No steakhouse experience is complete without a good Mac & Cheese ($14), and Barossa's version didn't disappoint. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to a delightful golden-brown crust, the Barossa Mac & Cheese offered a comforting side dish that paired wonderfully with the chargrilled meats. It's the kind of dish that brings a sense of indulgence to the table, elevating the meal with its richness.

Trio Cuts of Australia Grass-Fed Beef 3.8/5

For meat lovers, the highlight of the meal was the Trio Cuts of Australia Grass-Fed Beef ($105). This platter, perfect for 3-4 people, features three different cuts: Ribeye (250g), Striploin (220g), and Tenderloin (200g). Each cut had its own unique texture and flavour profile, allowing diners to enjoy a variety of beef experiences in one sitting. The tenderloin was especially succulent and tender, while the ribeye offered more marbling and a richer flavour. It's a great sharing platter showcasing the best Australian grass-fed beef.

Aburi Brulee Cheesecake 4/5

We wrapped up our meal on a sweet note with the Aburi Brulee Cheesecake ($18). This dessert is a delightful fusion of rich cheesecake topped with a brulee layer, offering a satisfying caramelised crunch. The dish is beautifully garnished with summer berries, raspberry gel, and butter cookies, adding both a fresh and buttery contrast to the creamy cheesecake. It’s the perfect dessert for those who love a sweet, creamy treat with a bit of texture.

Barossa Steak & Grill’s new menu offers something for everyone—whether you’re in the mood for fresh, chilled seafood or hearty, chargrilled meats. The Cold Seafood Platter and Trio Cuts of Australia Grass-Fed Beef are definite highlights for sharing, while sides like the Buffalo Cauliflower and Mac & Cheese bring depth to the overall dining experience. Paired with the restaurant’s breezy waterfront views and live music, Barossa Steak & Grill is an ideal spot for an unforgettable seaside dining experience at Vivocity.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Barossa Steak & Grill
Vivocity
1 Harbour Front Walk
#01-161/162
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 62551855
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 1030pm
Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm
Sat: 12pm - 11pm
Sun: 12pm - 1030pm

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

Summer Hill @ Claymore Connect - Provençal Pique-Nique Brunch Trolley Inspired by The French Tradition of Elegant Picnics

Summer Hill first made a name for itself in the quaint neighbourhood of Sunset Way, Clementi. Since then, the restaurant has relocated to a more central spot at Claymore Connect on Orchard Road, where it continues to charm diners with its rustic French fare. I recently visited Summer Hill on a Saturday to experience their new Provençal Pique-Nique Brunch Trolley, which showcases an array of southern French summer delicacies.

The concept behind the Provençal Pique-Nique Brunch Trolley is simple and delightful. The staff serve one round of everything on the menu, and if you find something you particularly love, you can request more. It's a leisurely, indulgent experience that makes you feel like you're dining in the French countryside.

The Provençal Pique-Nique Brunch Trolley
Available from 15 June 2024 onwards
Every Saturday & Sunday; 11am & 1.30pm (2-seatings)
$69++ per person (half price for kids under 12 @ $34.50++)
$55++ for free flow prosecco & wines

Artichoke, Roasted Red Pepper and Whipped Goats Cheese, Herbs & Olives Dips 4.2/5

Provencale Pate de Campagne 4.2/5

We began our brunch with warm Baguette served alongside a trio of dips: Artichoke, Roasted Red Pepper, and Whipped Goat's Cheese, Herbs & Olives. The baguette was perfectly crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, making it the ideal vehicle for the rich, flavorful dips. I also enjoyed pairing the warm baguette with the Provençale Pate de Campagne, which had a lovely depth of flavour.

Sauce Gribiche with Grilled Zucchini 4/5

Grilled Swordfish Nicoise Salad 4/5

Next, we moved on to some lighter appetisers, including Sauce Gribiche with Grilled Zucchini and Grilled Swordfish Niçoise Salad. The zucchini was perfectly grilled, with a slight char complementing the tangy sauce gribiche. The swordfish Niçoise salad was fresh and well-balanced, with tender grilled fish paired with the classic Niçoise components like olives, eggs, and tomatoes.

Mac & Cheese 3.8/5

Lamb Shoulder Parmentier 4.2/5

After the appetisers, the first trolley arrived with Mac & Cheese and Lamb Shoulder Parmentier. The dishes were served tableside, adding a touch of elegance to the experience. The mac & cheese was creamy and comforting, while the lamb shoulder parmentier was hearty and rich, with tender lamb layered over buttery mashed potatoes.

Provencale Fried Chicken 4.8/5

The standout dish for me was the Provençale Fried Chicken. Summer Hill's signature French Fried Chicken gets a Provençale twist with a fragrant herbs de Provence-infused butter drench. The result is a crispy, aromatic exterior that gives way to juicy, flavourful chicken. It was so good that I couldn't resist asking for a second helping.

Beef Steak 4/5

The brunch menu also featured a beautifully grilled Beef Steak. The beef had a gorgeous exterior char with a perfectly pink centre, offering a robust and satisfying flavour. It was an excellent complement to the other dishes on the menu.

Clams Marinere 4.8/5

The seafood trolley brought a pot brimming with Clams Marinière. The clams were fresh, plump, and juicy, cooked in a white wine broth that was both light and flavourful.

Snow Cone Bar 4/5

Midway through the meal, the Snow Cone Bar opened, allowing diners to create their own shaved ice desserts. It was a fun, interactive element that added a touch of nostalgia to the brunch. Diners could drizzle different syrups and pair them with a selection of toppings, making for a refreshing palate cleanser.

Provencale Roasted Pork Belly 4.5/5

Summer Bean Stew with Green Chilli Persillade 4.8/5

The highlight of the brunch for me was the Provençale Roasted Pork Belly. The pork belly had an incredibly crispy crackling skin and succulent flesh, which paired beautifully with a bowl of Summer Bean Stew with Green Chili Persillade. The stew was hearty and flavourful, with a hint of spice from the green chilli that complemented the richness of the pork.

Cherry Tart 3.5/5

Chocolate Stout Cake 4/5

The dessert trolley featured both a Cherry Tart and a Chocolate Stout Cake. While these desserts were sure to satisfy those with a sweet tooth, I found them a bit too sweet for my liking.

Lavender Milk Cake 4.2/5

Instead, I adored the Lavender Milk Cake. It was well-balanced and not overly sweet, with a lovely lavender fragrance that made for a perfect ending to the meal.

Summer Hill’s Provençal Pique-Nique Brunch Trolley is a delightful experience that transports you to the south of France. The variety of dishes ensures there’s something for everyone, and the free-flow option for prosecco and wines makes it even more enjoyable. Whether you're a fan of French cuisine or simply looking for a unique brunch experience in Singapore, this is definitely worth checking out.

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 - 1030pm
(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]

The Marmalade Pantry @ Tanjong Pagar - Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Refreshed Menu of Light and Vibrant Flavours

The Marmalade Pantry is celebrating its 25th Anniversary with a refreshed menu across its four outlets in Tanjong Pagar, Novena, ION, and Anchorpoint. The menu introduces lighter and more vibrant flavour profiles, incorporating new dishes and enhancements to its signature items.

The extensive line-up includes a variety of starters, salads, mains, pasta, risottos, and desserts, as well as an updated beverage selection featuring NON, an Australian non-alcoholic wine alternative.

Red Velvet Latte 3.5/5

I decided on the Red Velvet Latte ($8) as I was curious about adding fresh beetroot to the dark cocoa drink. While it was a tad sweet for me, I appreciated the subtle earthy notes from the beetroot.

Fried Brussels Sprouts 4/5

We began our meal with the Fried Brussels Sprouts ($16), which had a delightful Japanese twist. The brussel sprouts are dressed in sesame soy kewpie mayo and topped with pickled chillies, nori strips, and sesame seeds.

Roasted Smashed Sweet Potatoes 4.2/5

Next up was the Roasted Smashed Sweet Potatoes ($16). A fresh dill and chives, yoghurt dressing, and tangy pickled onions nicely balanced the potatoes' natural sweetness.

Chicken Salad 4.2/5

Another standout starter for me was the Chicken Salad ($23). This vibrant and healthy dish was a colourful mix of fresh salad vegetables, green apples, cherry tomatoes, cashews, and coriander, all tossed in a tangy Viet-Thai dressing. The sous vide chicken strips were particularly tender and well-seasoned.

Crispy Barramundi 3.8/5

Moving on to the mains, we tried the Crispy Barramundi ($32). The fish was lightly seasoned and paired with stronger aromatics from the masala potatoes and vegetable chutney.

Chicken Burger 3.8/5

The Chicken Burger ($28) surprised us with its spicy kick. It featured a crunchy chicken thigh sandwiched between soft potato buns, accompanied by tangy slaw and spicy garlic soy. The burger was served with a side of fries and beet-pickled cauliflower.

Tomato Risotto 4.2/5

Next, we were served with the Tomato Risotto ($26). The risotto was creamy yet not too heavy, thanks to the addition of stracciatella cheese, cherry tomatoes, and a Thai basil salsa. It was a comforting dish.

Butternut Mac & Cheese 4.5/5

The unanimous favourite of the meal was the Butternut Mac & Cheese ($26). A signature dish of The Marmalade Pantry has been refined in the new menu with a rich truffle cream and blue cheese base, enhanced by sweet roasted butternut squash and a black vinegar glaze. This dish is a wholesome, decadent, and balanced cheese lover's dream.

Miso Sesame Cupcake 3.8/5

We tried the Miso Sesame Cupcake ($6.50), a new addition to the brand's cupcake range for dessert. The savoury-sweet frosting had a nutty flavour with hints of peanut butter, complementing the moist cake base.

Green Tea Basque 3/5

Lastly, we ended with a slice of Green Tea Basque ($15). This double-layered baked cheesecake had a top layer of white chocolate and green tea, which balanced the richness of the cheese. However, I found it too sweet for my liking.

The Marmalade Pantry's 25th-anniversary menu refresh has something to offer for everyone, whether you're a fan of their classic dishes or eager to try something new.

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.


The Marmalade Pantry
Oasia Hotel Downtown
#01–1
100 Peck Seah Street
Singapore 079333
Tel: +65 6385 0741
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar MRT (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjang Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to destination. [Map]

Crossroads Buffet @ Marriott Singapore Tang Plaza - Step Into Lobster Haven on Thursday to Sunday with Lobster Nights

With so many hotels offering lobster theme buffets, step into a lobster haven with Crossroads Buffet's Lobster Nights, which had our bellies smiling. Crustacean lovers can expect over 15 unique lobster and crab dishes across multiple live stations. Available till 30 September (Thursday-Sunday) at $128++ per person.

Mentaiko Grilled Lobster 4/5

Other than the Boston Lobster on ice, there were 2 types of grilled lobster on rotation. We tried the Mentaiko and Curry Mayo flavours, and they are divine! The lobsters are really fresh, and the flesh is plump with a good bite. Another honourable mention will be the Snow Crab Legs on Ice, which are super sweet!

Lobster and Sea Urchin Risotto 3.5/5

Black Truffle Lobster Risotto 3.8/5

At the Lobster and Crab Market station, there were three types of Lobster Risotto made to order. We tried the Lobster and Sea Urchin Risotto and Black Truffle Risotto, and we preferred the latter as the truffle flavour stood out better. The sea urchin was somewhat a dried version, where the chef shaved it onto the risotto upon serving. We also asked for a smaller serving to taste more of the items.

Crab Brioche Roll 3/5

Another item at this station is the Crab Brioche Roll, which comes in three flavours: Signature Salted Egg, Truffle Crab, and Mentaiko Mayonnaise. We found the brioche bun too dry, and the crab meat was in chunks instead, so we didn't really enjoy this.

Lobster Mac & Cheese 3/5

We got excited when we saw Lobster Mac & Cheese, but unfortunately, it lacks the umami flavour of lobster, and the cheese sauce is mediocre.

Oven Roasted Lamb Leg and Oven Roasted Bone-in Ribeye 3/5

Western Cooked Food

Pizza

There was a good spread of Western-cooked food, such as Roasted Lamb Leg, Roasted Ribeye, Pizza, and more. We really like the Italian-style lobster Bisque, which is a clearer and lighter version but packed with umami seafood flavour.

Chinese Roasts 3/5

The Asian cooked food line also has a wide variety of dishes, but we didn't have enough stomach space to try them all. We tried the Chinese Roasts, but they failed to impress us. We recommend skipping them and keeping your stomach space for more lobsters!

Cold Cuts 4/5

Japanese Section 3/5

The Cold Cuts selections were good, but we could only sample a minimal amount. The Japanese Section was labelled, but fresh sashimi was nowhere to be found. This is probably one of the rare buffets we went to that doesn't serve sashimi.

Noodle Station

We typically like to have a bowl of Laksa before we start on the desserts. The Noodle Station also has Golden Chicken Collagen Soup with assorted condiments, which you can pick yourself and hand over to the chef to cook. We were impressed by the noodles available as well.

An array of desserts was available, such as mini cakes, pastries, verrines, puddings, and Movenpick ice cream. There is supposed to be a live dessert station where they serve French Crepe with Nutella, but the crepes were made and displayed in the open. We find the crepe too thick for our liking. There is also a Chinese dessert, which we believe is on rotation.

All in all, Crossroads Buffet's Lobster Nights truly stayed true to the theme of lobsters along with many other seafood. There is just too much to eat; we wish we had a bigger stomach capacity. There is also an Ultimate Seafood Feast Buffet from Sunday to Wednesday at $88++ per person if you aren't a big lobster fan.

You can also get free flow of non-alcoholic beverages at $22++ and $42++ for alcoholic beverages such as draught beer, prosecco, and house red and white wine. We are already planning our next visit before the Lobster Nights end!

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


Crossroads Buffet
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 68314605
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 10pm

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