Mio Fine Foods ( 美桜 ) @ Neil Road - Celebrates Its First Anniversary With An Updated Menu

Mio Fine Foods, located on Neil Road, celebrates its first anniversary with a refreshed menu. Known for its modern and artistic interpretations of Japanese cuisine, Mio's new menu features a more refined version of their crowd favourites from past seasonal menus and traditional staples.

Kaki Ikura 4.5/5

From their previous Winter Menu, we enjoyed an enhanced version of the Kaki Ikura ($24/6pcs), showcasing plump Japanese fresh oysters adorned with ikura and enlivened with the tangy zest of Japanese ponzu.

Grab Sushi 3/5

Grab Sushi ($25/5pcs) is from their previous Summer Menu, featuring Spicy salmon avocado, unagi cheese, negitoro tanuki, hotate mentaiko, ebi fry wasabi mayo. The way to eat it is to wrap each sushi with a piece of nori. While they looked stunning on the plate, the elongated rice roll was a challenge to be picked up without the risk of breaking it. I tried the Negitoro Tanuki. It didn't deliver the expected unctuous texture, which would have brought a better balance to the amount of rice in the sushi.

Sanshoku Maki 2.8/5

Sanshoku Maki is a new traditional staple created. I enjoyed the interplay of textures - crunchy fried ebi and cucumber, contrasting with raw salmon and akami. The rice, however, needed to be more compact, dampening the maki's overall experience.

Niku Enoki Roll 2.8/5

Niku Enoki Roll ($20/5pcs) is also from their Summer Menu. We had pan-seared sliced beef roll with golden mushrooms in sweet butter sauce on the plate. While the beef was tender and flavourful, the sweet butter sauce and soft beefy roll combination was a tad cloying.

Waygu Uni Don 4.5/5

Wagyu Uni Don ($62) is a luxurious, refined dish showcasing Japanese Wagyu's excellence. Enhanced with fresh nama uni, thinly sliced fried garlic, ikura, and a shoyuzuke egg yolk, the beef's flavour is elevated further by a drizzle of momidare sauce. The cured egg yolk boasts a rich and creamy texture, beautifully binding the ingredients with the sushi rice. The sushi rice's vinegary notes balance the dish's richness with its pleasant acidity.

Kinoko Tofu 4.2/5

Hamachi Kama 4.5/5

We also had two popular items that continued from the previous menu - Kinoko Tofu and Hamachi Kama. Kinoko Tofu stood out with its clear bonito soup that delivered a complex depth of umaminess. The tofu was gratifying, with a nice creamy texture encased within the crust and moreish with a savoury mushroom flavour. The Hamachi was perfectly grilled with a juicy texture, seasoned with just a touch of salt to bring out its subtle flavour.

Mochi and Berries 4/5

Summing up the evening is Mochi and Berries ($15) from Spring Menu, pleasurable with chewy handmade Japanese mochi, lightened with summer strawberry ice cream, berries and maple drizzle. There was a good balance of sweetness, but more ice cream would be great, given the number of mochi.

The Beverage menu has also been updated, featuring creative mocktails and cocktails concocted with sakes.

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.


Mio Fine Food
82 Neil Road
Singapore 088843
Tel: +65 62912330
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 930pm
Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 12pm - 4pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Cut through Duxton Plain Park to Keong Saik Road. Turn left onto Keong Saik Road and walk towards Neil Road. Turn left on Neil Road and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road. Turn right and walk down Neil Road. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

G Izakaya @ Golden Mile Tower - Offering Both Izakaya And Omakase For Lunch And Dinner

G Izakaya at Golden Mile Tower is an izakaya and an omakase restaurant, offering an extensive menu of Japanese dishes for lunch and dinner.

3 Kind Sashimi 3/5

We started with 3 Kind Sashimi that was served thick cut. The portion was generous, suitable for 2 or even 3 pax.

Uni Sakura 3/5

Next was a dainty bite I reckoned more befitting as an omakase course - Uni Sakura. Sandwiched between 2 thin wafers are pieces of tamago, pickled radish, and uni. While I didn't find it a cohesive dish, I appreciate its creativity.

Tsukune 2.5/5

Butabara Yuzu Miso 3.5/5

Expect the quintessential skewers. We had Tsukune (chicken meatballs) and Butabara Yuzu Miso. I didn't enjoy the taste of the Tsukune somehow, but the latter fared much better with well-charred pork-belly fats flavoured with tangy and savoury yuzu miso.

Soft Shell Crab Tempura 4/5

The Soft Shell Crab Tempura was pleasing with airy batter. There was a light crunch in every bite, and the best bits were those that gave way to the sweet meat inside.

G Dragon Maki 4/5

One of the recommended dishes at the restaurant is the G Dragon Maki, scrumptious with fried King Prawn, salmon, and a spicy housemade sauce. The fiery savoury sauce brought out the sweetness of the prawns, and I enjoyed the overall mouth-filling texture.

Unagi Don 3.8/5

If you are here for lunch, there are also simple yet pleasing Dons such as Unagi Don at affordable prices. The Unagi was served glazed with tare sauce and slightly charred, adding a delicious smokey flavour layer. The meat was unctuous too. Hence the humble pickled shallots and radish slices were the perfect accompaniments to punctuate the dish with their acidity.

Photos and 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.


G Izakaya
Golden Mile Tower
6001 Beach Road
#01-52A/B
Singapore 199589
Tel: +65 91835393
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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]

Sushi Kyuu @ Orchard Plaza - 20-Course Omakase At $99 Promotional Price (U.P. $129++) For 1st Seating

Sushi Kyuu, located at Orchard Plaza, is a new omakase restaurant concept under the same group as the four-time Michelin Plate awardee between 2018-2022, Kappo Shunsui. Serving high quality seasonal ingredients is what Sushi Kyuu is all about, flown in from Toyosu, Japan. Diners can choose between two omakase course menus - the Omakase ($129++) or Premium Omakase ($159++) that offers 2-3 more courses, including a luscious uni roll.

We had the Omakase ($129++), with a total of 20 courses on the menu. The menu line-up features 10 pieces of Sushi and a Maki, and in between are courses such as sashimi, soup and dessert.

Akimo 4/5

For a start, we had a very yummy savoury Akimo made with Monkfish Liver, drizzled with citrusy ponzu sauce.

Dashi Soup 3/5

Sashimi 4.2/5

After cleansing our palate with a light Dashi Soup, we had the Sashimi course showcasing Shark Skin Flounder, Scallop and French Mackerel. The scallop was plump and had an almost creamy texture.

Hirame 4.2/5

Ika 4/5

Kinmedai 4.5/5

Mekajiki 4/5

What followed consecutively were 4 sushi -Hirame, Ika, Kinmedai and Mekajiki

Chawanmushi with Wakame 4/5

Next was Chawanmushi with Wakame, which is also one of my favourite courses of the night. The flavour of the wakame worked surprisingly well with the egg layer.

Buri 4.5/5

Amami-zuke 4.5/5

Chu-toro 4.2/5

Another 3 sushi were served - Buri, Akami-zuke and Chu-toro. I really enjoyed the Akami-zuke in particular. I learnt that the tuna's belly has a red section named akami, and when marinated in shoyu, it is named "zuke". The shoyu-infused tuna definitely had a much more flavour profile to it.

Unagi Sandwich 4.5/5

An interesting course Unagi Sandwich. Though its presentation was a tad flimsy, the combination of aburi unagi, plump sushi rice and roasted nori was just mouthwatering good.

Satsumaage 4.8/5

Next is Sushi Kyuu's homemade Satsumaage, a homely dish that is the tastiest fish cake I have ever had.

O-Toro 4.5/5

Aji 4.5/5

The last 2 sushi we had was O-Toro, an all-time favourite, and Aji.

Maki Roll 3.8/5

The Maki Roll could have been better if not for the over dose of shoyu.

Seasonal Pickles 3/5

Overflowing Ikura Rice Bowl 3.5/5

After Seasonal Pickles, a much anticipated Overflowing Ikura Rice Bowl was served, with an accompanying bowl of comforting Miso Soup. Despite the overloading amount of Ikura, the rice bowl did not become overly saltish but rather moreish instead.

Mochi 3/5

As Chinese New Year is approaching, Sushi Kyuu keeps the tradition going and served us homemade Mochi, with red bean paste and kinako.

The menus change with the season's offerings. Sushi Kyuu is currently offering the Omakase menu at a promotional price of $99 (UP $129++) for a limited time only, which is available only at the 5:30pm or 6pm seatings (not available for the 8:15pm seating).

Photos and 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.


Sushi Kyuu
Orchard Plaza
150 Orchard Road
#03-55
Singapore 238841
Tel: +65 88764733
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 6pm (1st Seating), 814pm (2nd Seating)
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT Station. Take Exit D. Walk to traffic junction of Orchard Road and Killiney Road. Cross the road. Walk to Orchard Plaza. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

SENS Dining @ Holland Village - New Menu With Innovative Add-ons Plus A Hidden Bar Concept

Known for its contemporary Japanese cuisine, SENS Dining at Holland Village has recently launched a new menu, offering innovative new dishes and sets for sharing. In addition, to deliver an even more unique experience, SENS Dining has also incorporated a Japanese whisky and cocktail bar concept - Bar Nikai.

Yagura Ketsuga Sushi Box 4.5/5

Available in limited sets daily, Yagura Ketsuga Sushi Box ($88) allows you to create your own handrolls using the beautiful ingredients provided - a combination of fish and seafood, beautifully arranged in a tower modelled after an ancient Japanese fortress. The first tier of the box (the roof of the tower) holds the pieces of crispy seaweeds; the second tier is loaded with uni, negitoro, ikura and avocado, while the last tier is a chirashi of scallops, salmon, tuna and Hamachi atop sushi rice. It is a tasty and fun way to present and enjoy the food.

Sushi Tacos 4.5/5

Its all-new Sushi Tacos fit perfectly into its Bar Nikai concept. The taco shell is made of ebi senbei prawn crackers, available in five flavours: Ebi with Tobiko ($8), Tsubugai Shellfish ($8), Salmon Mentai ($12.50), Negitoro ($13.20) and Hotate Uni ($25.80). As the ingredients for the sushis were pretty mouth-filling and buttery, the extra crunch and slight savouriness from the taco shell complement the texture and flavour exceptionally well.

Hokkaido Treasure Don 4.5/5

Hokkaido Treasure Don ($48.80) highlights the freshness of the ingredients. Revamped with additional ingredients, the oyster is a rare treat from a don.

Aburi Sugoi Maki 4/5

A crowd-pleaser is the Aburi Sugoi Maki ($18.50) - Seared Avocado Salmon maki roll with Century Egg sauce and Flying Fish roe. What makes this special is the use of century egg sauce. The maki was good, but the century egg sauce was less distinctive than I had expected.

Wagyu Sukiyaki Set 4.5/5

The Wagyu Sukiyaki Set ($39.50) is my all-time favourite with its extremely comforting broth. The broth's recipe has been tweaked to make it even more flavourful.

Kurobuta Rosu Katsu 4/5

Kurobuta Rosu Katsu ($19.80) features an aged Kurobuta pork cutlet. The pork has been aged for a richer flavour. The katsu wasn't as moist as I had wanted, but I still enjoyed its clean taste and crusty texture.

Bar Nikai curates a wide array of rare Japanese whiskies and Sakes from independent breweries. In addition, the cocktail menu features Japanese culinary-inspired drinks.

Enjoy 1-for-1 tacos for the entire month of November 2022. You get the options of Tsubugai Taco, Negitoro Taco or Salmon Mentai Taco. The free taco will be of the same flavour and exclusively for dine-in. Best to go with a drink or two from the bar!

Photos and 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.


SENS Dining
243 Holland Avenue
Singapore 278977
Tel: +65 62625618
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Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Kinki Restaurant + Bar @ Customs House - A Bigger, Bolder, Badder Revamp

Time flies, and  Kinki Restaurant + Bar at Customs House has been around for more than 10 years since May 2010. On the cusp of a new decade, Kinki starts a new chapter with an audacious revamp. Gone is the sumo, passing his legacy to the Geisha for her epitome of Japanese femininity and hospitality.

Cassava Nachos 4.2/5

We started our dinner with some light bites. First up is the Cassava Nachos ($18) topped with tomato miso beef, guacamole, creme fraiche, Japanese cucumber and cherry tomatoes. Kinki substituted the usual tortilla chips with tapioca chips for a more delightful textural bite. At the same time, the Japanese cucumber gives it a refreshing finish.

Corn Duo 4.8/5

Next is the Corn Duo ($16), which comprises baby corn and corn puree. The addition of furikake elevated the enjoyment of the corn's sweetness.

AC/DC Dynamite 4.5/5

I would highly recommend the AC/DC Dynamite ($22) for an explosion of flavours. The tempura-fried mixed seafood roll is capped by a slice of Japanese cucumber with fresh raw seafood and avocado. The homemade Sriracha sweet soy provides the ignition to the explosion.

Cowabunga 4.2/5

Beef lover will enjoy the Cowabunga ($36) compromising Japanese rice rolled with cream cheese, cucumber, homemade spicy mayo, and melt-in-the-mouth seared A4 Wagyu beef slices. The parcel is topped with tobiko, potato floss and soy reduction for the different textural contrast.

Unagi Claypot 4.5/5

The off the menu Unagi Claypot ($35), which only served during special occasions, has now made it permanently to the menu. Besides the huge piece of unagi on top of the charred fried rice, chopped unagi is also tossed in it, doused in a homemade unagi sauce. Each mouthful is full of addictive charred flavour for a comforting enjoyment.

Kickass Chirashi Don 4.5/5

Being a Japanese restaurant, it can't do without fresh seafood. The Kickass Chirashi Don ($78) comes with the Chef's selection of premium seafood on sushi rice. During my visit, there is otoro, kinmedai, hirame, salmon, shima aji, hotate, botan ebi, tamago, ikura and Polanco Oscietra caviar.

Karaage Chicken Bao 4.2/5

A delightful Japanese-Chinese fusion is the Karaage Chicken Bao ($20) with juicy, deep-fried chicken thigh, momotaro tomato and pickled cucumber sandwiched in a soft, fluffy steamed bun. It is dressed in a sweet soy sauce for a multi flavour and textural finish.

Spicy Buffalo Katsu 3/5

The Spicy Buffalo Katsu ($30) was slightly disappointing for me compare to the rest. The breaded pork loin cutlet tossed in homemade Japanese buffalo sauce is slightly on the dry side for me. Furthermore, it is not spicy at all.

Grilled Squid Chimichurri 4.5/5

New on the menu is the Grilled Squid Chimichurri ($32). It is smokey and tender paired excellently with the sweet and sour sauce. Perfect to have this with a couple of drinks.

Ice Cream 3/5

We have Ice Cream ($8/ $12) to wrap up the dinner. There are flavours such as yuzu, momo, black sesame and more.

Diners can look forward to The Bottomless Brunch ($68) on Saturday, for unlimited a la carte servings of sushi, sashimi, maki, hot and cold Japanese favourites, and desserts. You can also top it up with free-flow beer, sake, prosecco or shochu for $35.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kinki Restaurant + Bar
Customs House
70 Collyer Quay
#02-02
Singapore 049323
Tel: +65 83636697
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Restaurant
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 215pm, 6pm - 1015pm
Sat & PH: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1015pm

Bar
Mon-Sat: 5pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Clifford Centre. Cut across the building. Go to 2nd floor, take the overhead bridge link across the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]