The Gyu Bar @ Stevens Road - Launches Omakase Menu For Beef Enthusiasts

The Gyu Bar at Dine At Stevens, a 35-seater yakiniku restaurant offering premium quality Japanese beef has recently launched a beef-centric omakase menu for both lunch and dinner. I dropped by for dinner to try their 10-course dinner omakase menu priced at $138. It also have a 6-course lunch omakase menu priced at $68.

Truffle Edamame & Assorted Namuru

Our Amuse Bouche is a trio of Truffle Edamame, Marinated Bean Sprout and Housemade Leek Kimchi. A great way to nibble on them, with a few glasses of sake before starting on the omakase meal.

Uni Yukke Cone 4/5

Next is the house signature, Uni Yukke Cone. The waffle cone is stuffed with beef tartare and crowded with fresh Japanese uni. It is small but luscious with the tender beef and sweet uni. The fussy me felt that the sweetness of the waffle cone distorted the appreciation of the uni's sweetness. Maybe using plain waffle cone would be a better choice, allowing the main stars to shine.

Rib Finger Salad 4.2/5

For the cold starter, I had the Rib Finger Salad. It comes with seared beef and cucumber in a chef's special dressing. The sweetness of the dressing complemented the slightly fatty seared beef, resembling the local char siew. The crunchy cucumber provided the refreshing touch some what like our local achar.

Truffled Chicken Somen 4/5

The hot starter is the Truffled Chicken Somen. Love the smooth and silky somen, paired excellently with the boneless chicken thigh and truffled mushroom puree.

Scallop Croquette 3/5

The Scallop Croquette is the chef's daily special. The hokkaido scallop is lightly wrapped in a crispy breaded layer and seaweed, paired with uni sauce. I thought the uni sauce can be more piquant to brighten up the dish.

Yakiniku 4.2/5

Moving to the Yakiniku, we have 5 different cuts of beef and a pork. The chef will showcases the fresh meat to the diners before sending them to the grill. The five different cuts of beef are Wagyu Tongue, Top Round (Rosu), Chuck Rib (Karubi), Shoulder Clod (Misuji), Rib Eye. For the pork, we are served the Pork Neck (Tontoro)

Yaki Shabu 4.5/5

My favourite has to be the Yaki Shabu. The thinly sliced sirloin is grilled and paired with Japanese egg yolk (Miyaki egg) and black truffle. Surprisingly the egg yolk is very fragrant. Not only giving the beef a subtle coating of creaminess but also elevated the flavour.

Ishiyaki Beef Fried Rice 4/5

If you are still not full, worry not as the next course is Ishiyaki Beef Fried Rice. The fragrant bowl of fried rice is further perfumed by the fats from the Ishiyaki beef.

Matcha Ice Cream with Okinawa Brown Sugar 4.2/5

Wrapping up the meal is the Matcha Ice Cream with Okinawa Brown Sugar. I really enjoy the creaminess of the matcha ice cream, ending the meal on a sweet note.

For this December, The Gyu Bar also launches their Japanese celebratory package which includes the thrilling "Kagami-biraki Ceremony" for all corporate/group lunch or dinner bookings, where guests get to wield a wooden mallet to break open their own sake barrel in full Japanese tradition. The corporate/party package is open to anyone who wish to have an intimate sit-down meal from 25 pax or a larger event for mingling with up to 100 guests. From $2,500, all bookings come with their own sake barrel and a delectable menu, with the entire restaurant to themselves.


The Gyu Bar
30 Stevens Road
#01-08
Singapore 257840
Tel: +65 67320702
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Stevens (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Stevens MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to bus stop at Stevens Court (Stop ID 40229). Take bus number 105, 132, 190 or 972. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Halcyon & Crane @ Paragon - A New Cafe In The Heart Of Orchard Road

The legend Halcyon (kingfisher) from the Greek mythology and Crane from the Chinese have flown into Paragon with the opening of Halcyon & Crane, a cafe and bar concept where modern European cuisine is given a touch of Sichuan flavours, offering all day dining at the heart of Orchard Road. The cafe is opened by the same folk behind Birds of A Feather.

Orange Yuzu Passionfruit Coffee Cubes Latte 3.5/5

If you are not into cocktails, Halcyon & Crane offers some fancy coffee selection on the menu. I went for the Orange Yuzu Passionfruit Coffee Cubes Latte ($14) which is an interesting combination. You pour the jar of orange juice into the glass of coffee ice cubes.You get the sweetness of the orange juice followed by the bitterness of the caffeine at the end.  It sounds weird but the end product is quite tasty. Come to think of it, we usually have both coffee and orange juice for breakfast, why not combine the two together?

Cured Sausage Shakshuka 4/5

At Halcyon & Crane, the kitchen as given the shakshuka a modern and Asian twist with their version of Cured Sausage Shakshuka ($22). The baked egg in tomato sauce is paired with Sichuan spicy cured sausage, mushroom, corn, white beans and cheese. The clever use of the spicy and mala cured sausage lends the heat to the dish, which is similar to the original recipe of cayenne pepper. This is best enjoyed together with the toasted beetroot bread.

King's Chicken Hash Benedict 3/5

If you are bored with egg benedict with hollandnaise sauce, Halcyon & Crane offers a good change with the King's Chicken Hash Benedict ($21). 64-degree eggs rested on top of English muffin and blanket with cheddar cheese. The twist is the use of gong bao chicken replacing the hollandnaise sauce, giving it an Asian touch. The crispy leeks on top of the leek provide a enjoyable crunchy touch. Unfortunately I find the gong bao sauce and cheddar cheese did not quite work for me.

Ham & Cheesy Crepes 4/5

If you love your ham & cheese, I find the Ham & Cheesy Crepes ($19) here is a much elevated version. The crepe is actually quite thick in texture, more like a wrap, holding ingredients such as forest ham, cured sausage, lettuce and cheesy scrambled egg. The magic that brings everything together is the dou ban mayonnaise sauce, giving it a hint of spiciness among all the different flavours.

Smoked Tuna Tataki Salad 3/5

For something light and healthy, one can go for the Smoked Tuna Tataki Salad ($21). The salad is tossed in a tantalising spicy red oil vinaigrette and citrus dressing. This is paired with the clean tasting smoked tuna and quinoa salsa.

Australia Black Angus Beef Carpaccio 4.2/5

Another delightful dish I enjoyed is the Australia Black Angus Beef Carpaccio ($23). The slices of flavoursome beef is topped with wild chilli vinaigrette, pickled daikon, white quinoa salad and scallion & Sichuan pepper dressing. I would recommend having the beef carpaccio together with a bit of the salad to keep that spicy kick from the salad dressing, for a complete enjoyment of the dish.

Beetroot & Seafood Risotto 3/5

The Beetroot & Seafood Risotto ($32) may look pretty in its stunning pink colour presentation, I did quite enjoy it. Topped with seafood such as clams, prawns, squid and quail egg, I find the texture of the pearl rice too mushy.

Seafood & Spicy Sour Capellini 4.5/5

Most of the dishes I tried so far comes with some form of spiciness. Hence if you can't take spicy, then I would recommend the Seafood & Spicy Sour Capellini ($25). Don't be mislead by the description. First it is not spicy, second it is not capellini but bee hoon. The bee hoon soup in its light broth with a hint of tanginess is very appetising. In the bowl of noodle soup, you can find ingredients such as mussels, clams, prawns, squid, leek and pickled long beans.

Marinated Baby Octopus Salad 4.5/5

The Marinated Baby Octopus Salad ($20) supposed to be a salad item but I thought its more like a xiao cai  which goes really well with the earlier dish, Seafood & Spicy Sour Capellini. What I like most is the pickled and smoked pepper and egglant, it just opens up appetite. 

Baby Chicken Roulade 3/5

Using spring chicken, the meat for the Baby Chicken Roulade ($32) is marinated with honey fish sauce, five-spice powder and Sichuan pepper. It is then cooked to a delectable tender texture, paired with creamy pomme puree. Unfortunately the dish pale in comparison to the other dishes I tried.

Speciality Beef & Tomato Braised Rice 4.5/5

A not to be missed dish is the Speciality Beef & Tomato Braised Rice ($28). The mixed grains consists of pearl rice, brown rice, pearly barley and kamut doused in a rich tomato based beef stew. It is very flavourful and comforting. Somewhat like an angmo version of mui fan. It is topped with a sous vide egg and buffalo mozzarella, stir them into the braised rice for a creamy finish.

Molten Matcha Lava 3/5

Last but not least, we ended our dinner with the Molten Match Lava ($16) for dessert. I thought lava cake was passe, I was hoping for something more exciting.

While some of the dishes didn't quite meet my expectation, I still applaud the European-meets-Sichuan philosophy, it spices up the usual cafe-style dining. I would recommend the Beef Carpaccio, Seafood & Spicy Sour Capellini, Marinated Baby Octopus Salad and Speciality Beef & Tomato Braised Rice.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Halcyon & Crane
Paragon
290 Orchard Road
#03-09
Singapore 238859
Tel: +65 97275121
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit C or D. Proceed to the road level. Walk down Orchard Road until the junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link. Cross the road and walk to Paragon. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Proceed to the road level. Turn left on Orchard Road and walk down Orchard Road until junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link. Cross the Road and walk to Paragon. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Spinelli Coffee @ Tampines Hub - Very First Outlet In The Heartland

Spinelli Coffee has opened its very first suburban outlet in the heartland at Tampines Hub. The newest outlet is located near the library side, directly opposite NTUC income. It has both air conditioned and outdoor sitting area.

Ice Mocha, Iced Latte 4/5

Matcha T-Twist 4/5

The weather has been extremely hot lately, and what better way to cold down at the cafe with a cold drink. A few recommend choices would be the Ice Mocha, Ice Latte and Iced Matcha T-Twist. An interesting twist is the matcha t-twist, which is a blend of matcha powder with cranberries. The combination of bitterness and sourness surprisingly works harmoniously together.

Quinoa Salad Bowl 3.5/5

For the health conscious eater. there is a number of salad bowls at Spinelli Coffee. One of these is the Quinoa Salad Bowl ($9.80). The bowl comes filled with fresh crunchy greens, sweet tomatoes and quinoa patties. I love the roasted sesame sauce that is drizzled on top, boosting a flavourful finishing.

Bagel Tomate Olive 3.8/5

I am not a bagel person as I dislike the dense texture of the dough. However the Bagel Tomate Olive ($4.50) turns out pretty good. The open-faced bagel topped with cheesy pizza toppings is soft and fluffy.

Beef Lasagna 3/5

As for the Beef Lasagna ($10.80), I didn't quite enjoy it. While the flavours from the cheese and beef are spot on, I felt that the pasta sheets are too soft, without texture. This doesn't help with the layer of gooey stretchy cheese on top. it just made the whole dish collapsed into a pool of softness.

Devil's Chocolate Cake 4.2/5, Carrot Cake 2.8/5, Strawberry Shortcake 3.8/5

If you are at Spinelli Coffee just to chill, you may want to order some cakes to go along with your drinks. They have a number of cakes such as the Strawberry Shortcake ($6.80), Carrot Cake and Devil's Chocolate Cake ($5.20). If you like something light, then I would recommend the strawberry shortcake, if not my personal favourite the the rich Devil's Chocolate Cake.

Cold Brew Ice Cream 3.8/5

Another first at Spinelli Coffee besides opening its first suburban outlet is the introduction of their freshly churned Cold Brew Ice Cream ($4.20). The ice cream is infused with the rich coffee aroma on top of its smooth creamy swirls.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Spinelli Coffee
Our Tampines Hub
1 Tampines Walk
#01-K8
Singapore 528523
Facebook
Website
Nearest: Tampines (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 8am - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 8am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Tampines MRT station (DT Line). Take Exit F. Walk down Tampines Central 2 road to Tampines Ave 5. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tampines MRT station (EW Line). Take Exit C. Walk down Tampines Central road to Tampines Central 6 road. Walk to NTUC Income Tampines Junction. Walk to traffic junction of Tampines Ave 5 and Tampines Ave 4. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Lewin Terrace @ Fort Canning Hill - Offers A Revamped Menu With More Choices

Housed in a colonial bungalow nestled in the outskirts of Fort Canning Park, Lewin Terrace is known for its Japanese-French cuisine. With its revamped contemporary menu, expect a more extensive selection of its exquisite dishes, including ‘top up’ options if you would like a bit more from classic choices.

Lewin Terrace Cocktail

To get you started, perhaps order one of their cocktails from a menu inspired by Fort Canning Park’s Spice Garden at the Bar, such as this Lewin Terrace Cocktail of Sake, Sakura and Yuzu. For lunch courses, you will be presented with 6 starter options with 11 mains, as well as 4 types of dessert. A 2-Course ($38) includes a starter and main, or complete it with dessert in 3-Course ($58). For an all-rounded lunch with starter, two mains and dessert, opt for 4-Course ($88) that allows you to choose from one fish and meat main course each.

Cured Salmon 3/5 and Mushroom Soup 3.8/5

For starters, we had Cured Salmon with Pickled Vegetables and Fresh Truffle Mushroom Soup (+ $5) with 67°C Onsen Egg. The cured salmon allures with its cheerful colours. Refreshing but a tad too vinegary. I was more delighted by the latter, that came sealed with a paper thin membrane. Unveiling the bowl unleashed whiffs of truffle aroma and as you spoon the soup right from the bottom, an orangey egg yolk rises, with a creamy consistency that adds to the body of the soup.

Cod Fish 3.8/5

Ishikawa Fish 3/5

From the mains, we had Cod Saikyoyaki with Kyoto Saikyo-Miso, bathed in a dashi broth with a touch of yuzu. The cream added to the broth boosts the rich texture of the cod while the yuzu gives its buttery taste a lift. If you are more into seasonal dishes, it would be the Ishikawa Japanese Fish with Fresh Greens. Smoked with applewood, it was served to us in a smoking pot and I really love the therapeutic smell of the burnt applewood and coal emitting from the pot. But other than the execution of the dish, the dry texture of the fish is a letdown.

Wagyu Beef 4/5

From Meats, Lewin Terrace's Japanese Wagyu Beef (60g + $32) is highly recommended. Seared and paired with a homemade sauce, every bite releases its fats, juice and flavour that keep spreading to each and every corner of your mouth. A 100g may be a better option, if you love your Wagyu.

Desserts are interesting with a revolving themed Dessert Buffet included as one of the options, which is available from 1 - 3pm. The theme in September was Oh! Matcha x Matchaya Dessert, a collaboration between Lewin Terrace and Matchaya. What stood out for me are the mousse base items such as the Matcha Tiramisu, Babaroa, Hojicha Blancmange, Matcha Montblanc, not forgetting the homemade Matcha Ice cream! Come 3rd October, taking over the theme will be The Trinity Dessert Buffet with Matchaya, TWG Tea and Awfully Chocolate.

Matcha Heavenly Duo Parfait 3.5/5

If you love the surprises found in the layering of a Japanese parfait, Matcha Heavenly Duo Parfait would be a better choice - 8-layer parfait infused with tea products from Matchaya, topped with 94% Ishikawa gold flake. It is served with a bowl of warm milk where you whisk and create your own matcha latte.

The portions served are dainty, hence a 4-course set lunch may be a better choice. Though it is high up on a hill, Lewin Terrace is quite accessible with its main entrance situated at Coleman Street. Hence, do also considering dropping by for their Happy Hour, from 5 to 7pm on Tuesday to Fridays, for an aperitif or a glass of Kirin Beer at $8 nett and Glass of Wine at $10 nett. Probably one of the best ways to enjoy its historic atmosphere.

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.


Lewin Terrace
21 Lewin Terrace
Singapore 179290
Tel: +65 63339905
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 630pm - 1100pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Take left onto North Bridge. Walk to the traffic light junction of North Bridge Road and Coleman Street. Cross the road towards Peninsula Plaza and continue walking towards the junction of Coleman Street and Hill Street. Cross the road to the central fire station. Continue on Coleman Street until Singapore Philatelic Museum. Look out for the metal gate before the museum, turn left in and take the stairs to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Lewin Terrace @ Fort Canning Hill - Introduces Luxurious Spring 2018 7-Course Dinner Menu

Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Fort Canning is Lewin Terrace, a Japanese-French fusion restaurant which is housed in a gorgeous colonial-style bungalow. Helmed by a talented team of culinary professionals which includes Director Mr. Kosuke Shima and Chef de Cuisine Hiroyuki Shinkai, Lewin Terrace rolls out a luxurious 7-course dinner menu with beautifully-crafted Japanese-French fusion dishes to present flavours of Japanese Spring. Amidst the tranquil environment of Lewin Terrace, the dining experience is further heightened with Jazz Nights at Lewin Terrace, bringing guests the best of both worlds.

Bread & Yuzu Butter 4/5

To kickstart the sumptuous dinner, some fluffy freshly-baked bread were served with generous lashings of creamy yuzu butter. WIth a fine balance of the subtle tangy yuzu and sweet flavour of the spread, the bread & butter served is a simple yet well-thought starter.

Seabream Carpaccio 4/5

The first course was an appetizer of Seabream Carpaccio that comes beautifully plated akin to a vibrant garden on a plate with sakura peel, dashi jelly, and "Amazu" marinated carrot. The latter ingredients lent a refreshing tangy flavour and a crunchy texture to the softer and more tender seabream, playing out a harmony of flavours and textures with a presentation that is also pleasing to the eyes.

Foie Gras Confit with Fig Chutney 3.8/5

The second course was an appetizer of Foie Gras Confit with Fig Chutney and Spice Bread at the side. The fig chutney helps to balance the rich and creamy foie gras confit, while the spice bread adds a stronger flavour with lingering edging notes of the sharp spice fragrance that just cuts through the dish.

Le Poisson 4.2/5

Le Poisson features lobster meat with mushrooms, risoni, topped with lobster white wine sauce and coconut foam. The lobster meat is buttery and succulent, while the white wine sauce adds a subtle sweetness to the savoury components of the dish with a coconut fragrance from the coconut foam.

Le Viande 4.5/5

The star highlight would be the Le Viande which features smoked Japanese wagyu with seasonal Japanese vegetables, pomegranate puree and red wine cream sauce. While the well-seasoned smoked wagyu meat boasts an extremely succulent texture, the red wine cream sauce elevates its taste with another dimension of flavour, as it adds a delicate sweetness to the meat. It is complemented by seasonal vegetable at the sides for a favourable crunch to the dish.

Matcha Parfait 4.2/5

For desserts, we had the Matcha Parfait which that comes in intricate strips of matcha ice cream, 'Warabi" Mochi, Chocolate crumble and drizzled with hot chocolate sauce. While the matcha ice cream has an authentic bitter sweetness, the chocolate sauce has a more bitter taste to it, which helps balance the overall flavour of the dish. Together with the chewy warabi mochi and crunchy chocolate crumble, all the elements simply come together to form a well-balanced sweet ending to a wonderful meal.

The mouthwatering dishes from the Spring Menu were executed brilliantly, with every aspects of the dishes in line with the theme of Spring and entwining flawlessly with one another, perfect to indulge in on a nights out. The ambience at Lewin Terrace is also fantastic for a date, celebration of special occasions and private events. With Jazz nights that happen fortnightly on certain days of the month, it is truly a dining experience like no other.

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.


Lewin Terrace
21 Lewin Terrace
Singapore 179290
Tel: +65 63339905
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 630pm - 1100pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Take left onto North Bridge. Walk to the traffic light junction of North Bridge Road and Coleman Street. Cross the road towards Peninsula Plaza and continue walking towards the junction of Coleman Street and Hill Street. Cross the road to the central fire station. Continue on Coleman Street until Singapore Philatelic Museum. Look out for the metal gate before the museum, turn left in and take the stairs to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]