La Table d'Emma @ Mercure ICON Singapore - Classic French Flavours with Alsatian Soul

Tucked within Mercure ICON Singapore, La Table d’Emma is the brainchild of acclaimed Chef Michael Muller, whose stellar culinary journey spans from the Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne at the Eiffel Tower to his former role as Executive Chef at JAAN. With decades of experience and having coached Singapore’s team for the prestigious Bocuse d’Or, Chef Michael now brings his refined vision and deep-rooted Alsatian heritage to life in his very own restaurant.

As the restaurant marks its first anniversary, Chef Michael celebrates with a refreshed and elevated menu, a tribute to classic French recipes reimagined with a modern twist, each dish subtly echoing the traditions and flavours of his hometown in Alsace.

Mushroom Consomme "Cappuccino" 4.8/5

A standout opener, the Mushroom Consommé "Cappuccino" ($22) instantly captivated with its intense, earthy aroma. The robust shiitake broth, crowned with button mushroom foam and grilled portobello julienne, made for one of the most memorable mushroom soups I’ve had in a long while. What elevated the experience even further was the accompanying warm cepe mushroom and parmesan brioche, a savoury delight that could easily shine on its own.

French Onion Soup en Coute 4.2/5

Next came the comforting French Onion Soup en Croute ($26), topped with a golden puff pastry lid that not only sealed in the flavours but added a satisfying crunch. The addition of emmental cheese enriched the sweet onion and beef stock, giving the classic soup an indulgent lift. The crispy pastry also served as the perfect vessel to soak up that hearty broth.

Traditional Pot-Au-Feu of My Childhood 4.2/5

The Traditional Pot-Au-Feu of My Childhood ($42) is a nostalgic dish that pays homage to Chef Michael's upbringing. The poached beef was wonderfully tender, having soaked up the essence of the aromatic vegetable stock. Paired with a generous slab of roasted bone marrow and a bright horseradish cream, this dish evoked warmth and rustic charm. The bone marrow with sourdough toast feels like a whole separate indulgence, like getting a bonus dish.

Les Bouchees A La Reine D'Emma 2.0 4.2/5

Originally created by a royal chef for the queen, the Les Bouchees A La Reine D'Emma 2.0 ($34) holds personal significance for Chef Michael, as it was the first dish he cooked for his wife, Emma. The updated version 2.0 features veal, chicken, and mushroom velouté encased in a buttery puff pastry, laced with a well-balanced white wine reduction. Rich, comforting, and elegantly presented, this was classic French fare with a loving twist.

Lobster and St Jacques French Raviole 4.5/5

This was hands down the dish of the night. The Lobster and St Jacques French Raviole ($42) impressed with its oversized, housemade ravioli generously filled with scallop mousse. The luscious tarragon-infused lobster sauce added a luxurious depth, tying the whole dish together. And just when we thought it couldn't get better, the dish came with an entire lobster tail, which is a true showstopper.

Ending on a sweet (and very Singaporean) note was the Kaya Mon Amour ($16). This creative dessert features a warm Kougelhopf, filled with housemade gula melaka kaya and chilled pandan mousseline cream, alongside a kaya parfait glacé. This fusion dessert was both nostalgic and innovative. Honestly, we wouldn't be surprised if Chef Michael opened a bakery just for this.

Kaya Mon Armour 5/5

La Table d'Emma is not just a celebration of French cuisine, but also a heartfelt reflection of Chef Michael's culinary journey, deeply infused with memories, love, and Alsatian spirit. Whether you're here for the refined Lobster Raviole, the soul-warming Pot-Au-Feu, or the unforgettable Kaya Mon Amour, there's a palpable passion in every dish. Chef Michael's cooking isn't just about flavours; it tells a story. And it's one well worth tasting.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


La Table d'Emma
8 Club Street
#01-04
Singapore 069742
Tel: +65 81018691
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight down Pagoda Street to North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to Mohd Ali Lane. Walk down Mohd Ali Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Black Olive Bakery & Cafe @ Keong Saik Road - A Surprisingly Cosy Spot For Mediterranean Fare

Black Olive Bakery & Cafe is a cosy space nestled along Keong Saik Road, focusing in Mediterranean fare and handmade baked goods. The moment I stepped inside, its warm and inviting space offered a welcome respite from the buzz of the neighbourhood. The menu is versatile — equally suited for a quick stopover for sandwiches, pastries, and coffee or a more leisurely meal with complete courses and wine. All the breads and toasts on the menu are baked in-house by owner Suzanne, who brings years of experience from her time helming the baking departments of prestigious kitchens before settling into this venture.

Paprika Chicken Salad 4.5/5

I began with the Paprika Chicken Salad ($11.80) and Truffle Mushroom Soup ($6.80). I loved the addition of olives to the salad. Their briny tartness kept me going back for more. The sous-vide chicken breast was nicely cooked. It was tender and moist even when thinly sliced.

Truffle Mushroom Soup 2.8/5

The soup came with house-made truffle focaccia crouton, which, I enjoyed more than the soup itself. The truffle flavour in the soup was a tad too overwhelming for my liking.

Prawn Linguine 4/5

From the pasta selection, the Prawn Linguine ($19.80) carried more of a tropical vide. While coconut isn't typical in Mediterranean cuisine, it worked well here as a dairy-free alternative to creamy sauces. The spicy coconut cream was rich in aromatics, punctuated by bursts of sweetness from cherry tomatoes, and the fresh tiger prawns were well-seasoned. The linguine was al dente and held the sauce beautifully. That said, a squeeze of lime would have added a welcome lift to balance the richness.

Shakshuka 3.8/5

Moving on to the mains, I tried the Shakshuka ($15.90), which is available as part of their lunch set, along with the earlier salad. It's vegetarian-friendly (with the option to swap the egg for mushrooms), and the vegetable stew is slow-braised for around three hours. The result was tender bites of vegetables infused with herby, aromatic depth. I only wish the spice profile was a little bolder, and the egg could have been creamier. Overall, it was a comforting, anytime kind of dish.

Portuguese Pork Shoulder 4.8/5

The Portuguese Pork Shoulder ($18.90) was a highlight for me. Bold and full of character, the tender pork was rich with spices and chilli, balanced by a generous dollop of Greek yoghurt that added just the right amount of creaminess. The lemon cilantro rice was fluffy and fragrant, though I personally would have preferred a punchier hit of cilantro and a sturdier basmati grain to better stand up to the richness of the pork.

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.


Black Olive Bakery & Cafe
7 Keong Saik Road
Singapore
Tel: +65 69707568
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (DT, NE, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 10pm
Fri: 1130am - 11pm
Sat: 11am - 7pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight towards Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Siak Road. Walk down Keong Siak Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road to Keong Saik Road. Turn right onto Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 mintues. [Map]

Armoury Steaks & Craft Beer Bar @ Orchard Central - Prix Fixe Menu for 2pax from $128

When it comes to indulgent dining experiences, Armoury Steaks & Craft Beer Bar stands out as a haven for food enthusiasts. Renowned for its mouthwatering steaks, this establishment is a must-visit for anyone seeking a hearty meal with elevated flavours.

Starting at $128, the Prix Fixe menu for two offers an excellent introduction to Armoury's speciality. Designed to impress, it features delectable starters, premium mains, and indulgent desserts, creating a memorable dining experience perfect for sharing.

Blue Pea Lemonade and Yuzu Calpis Fizz 3/5

We began our meal with two refreshing drink options: the Blue Pea Lemonade ($9) and Yuzu Calpis Fizz ($10). Both drinks offered tangy notes that perfectly complemented the richness of the courses ahead, ensuring a balanced start to our feast.

Mushroom Soup 3.8/5

The Mushroom Soup opened the meal with a comforting, creamy texture and an aromatic drizzle of truffle oil. Paired with crispy garlic bread, it was a classic yet satisfying start.

Grilled Octopus 4/5

The highlight of the appetizers was undoubtedly the Grilled Octopus (+$12). Tender octopus pieces were served atop velvety mashed potatoes, enhanced by chimichurri and crunchy radish for a delightful contrast in textures.

Bacon Mac & Cheese 3.8/5

For our pasta choice, we selected the Bacon Mac & Cheese. Topped with tobiko for a unique texture, this dish was indulgently rich. However, the creaminess became slightly overwhelming over time, leading us to think the lighter aglio olio option might be a better choice for future visits.

A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Ribeye 4/5

The centrepiece of our meal was the A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Ribeye (+$60). This 500-gram cut featured an excellent balance of fat and meat, offering buttery tenderness in every bite. While the fat rim may not suit all diners, it can be easily trimmed off if you are not a fan.

The steak comes with two side dishes from the à la carte menu. We opted for Sweet Potato Fries and Baby Spinach. Although the fries were slightly over-fried, the spinach provided a refreshing balance to the richness of the meal.

Armoury Molten Lava Cake with Ice Cream 4/5

We concluded our feast with the signature Armoury Molten Lava Cake with Ice Cream. Made fresh to order in 15 minutes, the dessert delivered a perfectly molten centre with a hint of sea salt, beautifully paired with creamy vanilla ice cream for a satisfying end to our meal.

Dining at Armoury Steaks & Craft Beer Bar is a journey through bold flavours and premium ingredients. Each dish showcases the chef's attention to detail and passion for quality, from the tender Wagyu steak to the indulgent molten lava cake. The restaurant is spacious, with various decorations at each corner, suitable for all occasions.

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


Armoury Steakhouse
Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
#11-03/04
Singapore 238896
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Tue: 1130am - 10pm
Wed-Sat: 1130am - 1030pm

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

Gordon Grill @ Goodwood Park Hotel - 4 Course Dinner Highlighting The Best of Land & Sea

Nestled within the historic Goodwood Park Hotel, Gordon Grill has long been celebrated for its fine steaks and Continental cuisine. With its new Surf & Turf Experience available from October to November 2024, the restaurant once again showcases its flair for elevating classic flavours. This 4-course dinner highlights the best of land and sea, presenting a thoughtful marriage of textures and tastes.

Complimentary Amuse-Bouche 3.8/5

We began our meal with a complimentary basket of freshly baked bread and Amuse-Bouche.

Chilled Angel Hair Pasta 4/5

The appetiser course to start our dinner was this Chilled Angel Hair Pasta, an intricate combination of snow crab leg, caviar, and sakura ebi, enhanced by a drizzle of fragrant truffle vinaigrette. Each bite was a delightful symphony of freshness and umami, especially refreshing with the squeeze of lime.

Cream of Mushroom Soup 4/5

Lobster Bisque 4/5

For the second course, we sampled both soup options. The Lobster Bisque was a decadent, rich and velvety offering, bursting with the sea's essence. It was contrasted by the Cream of Mushroom Soup, which exuded earthy warmth, perfect for those seeking a comforting and familiar taste.

Carpetbag Steak 3.8/5

For the mains, we also tried both options, and this Carpetbag Steak is such an intriguing dish with roots in the UK. The tender beef tenderloin, stuffed with briny oysters, created a luxurious blend of flavours heightened by a bold red wine sauce. However, we find the taste of oysters overpowers the flavour of the steak.

Lamb Loin with Hokkaido Scallop 4/5

Meanwhile, the Lamb Loin with Hokkaido Scallop served with rosemary sauce, was a standout with its interplay of flavours. The succulent lamb paired beautifully with the pan-seared scallop, while the accompanying rosemary sauce, potato medallions, and sautéed vegetables completed the dish, offering a balance of hearty and delicate notes. The scallops are plump and perfectly seared.

Dark Chocolate Strawberry Crèmeux 3.5/5

We ended the meal on a sweet note with the Dark Chocolate Strawberry Crèmeux. The dessert, which features a smooth layered dark chocolate sponge cake, pairs well with the sweetness of strawberries and vanilla ice cream. We didn't find the cake any extraordinary though, but the vanilla ice cream was good.

For those looking to indulge in a refined surf and turf menu, Gordon Grill's latest offering is not to be missed.

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


Gordon Grill
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301744
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 7pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Jiak Kim House @ Jiak Kim Street (Kim Seng Road) - Former Zouk Transformed into a Beautiful Modern Asian Restaurant by The Brewerkz Group

Stepping into the former Zouk, one encounters the metamorphosis into Jiak Kim House, an enchanting dining venture brought to life by The Brewerkz Group. Chef-Partner Seow Tzi Qin takes the reins, introducing an inventive menu that weaves modern Asian cuisine with Southeast Asian flavours, all within a contemporary framework. This establishment is more than a restaurant; it celebrates evolution against the backdrop of Zouk's storied past.

The dinner commences with complimentary rotating bread, with the noteworthy Bolo Bun stealing the spotlight with its century egg and salted egg filling. This treat could easily grace the shelves of a bakery. Following this, an Amuse Bouche takes the stage, presenting a delightful ensemble of crunchy jellyfish paired with a palate-refreshing sorbet, setting the tone for the dining experience.

Chilli Crab Pie Tee 4/5

7-Herbed Crab Cake, Assam Mayo 4.8/5

Spanish Mackerel Otak Otak, Green Curry 3.8/5

Lamb Golash Croquette, Mint Coriander Coulis 4.5/5

For those venturing into Jiak Kim House for the first time, I strongly recommend having the Tingkat of Memories ($36). This ensemble features four distinct items: the 7-Herb Crab Cake with Assam Mayo, Lamb Goulash Croquette with Mint Coriander Coulis, Chilli Crab Pie Tee, and Tri-Colour Otak Otak. These items aptly exemplify Chef TQ's culinary vision and the establishment's unique gastronomic style. Moreover, they offer a vibrant introduction to the rich and diverse flavours of Southeast Asian cuisine.

Mushroom Herbal Tea 'Macchiato' 5/5

The Mushroom Herbal Tea 'Macchiato' ($22) is the chef's creative take on the beloved local Bak Kut Teh. The concoction comprises peppery mushroom consommé infused with a fragrant herb and spice blend. Topped with a frothy green peppercorn foam, the dish is served with a delightful side of playful mini dough fritters. I found joy in dipping the dough fritters into the comforting and flavoursome soup, a reminiscent act of savouring local Bak Kut Teh delightfully.

Hay-Smoked Wagyu Hamburg 4/5

The Hay-Smoked Wagyu Hamburg ($28) draws inspiration from the Vietnamese Bo La Lot. This delectable dish features juicy chargrilled patties made from a succulent blend of chuck, short rib, and pork belly, expertly wrapped in fragrant shiso leaves. Accompanied by a tantalising green pepper sauce, the dish is complemented by fresh kimchi pickles at the side, adding a delightful touch that helps balance the richness of the flavours.

Herbal Scallops 'Pao Fan' 4/5

The Herbal Scallops 'Pao Fan' ($42) received mixed reviews from some dining companions who felt it fell short of the traditional Chinese Pao Fan dish's expectations. Despite presenting components like puffed rice, the dish deviated from the anticipated experience. Rather than a faithful representation of Pao Fan, it resembled more of a scallop dish paired with earthy cordyceps and briny ikura in dashi buerre blanc. Nevertheless, it was still enjoyable as a scallop dish on its own.

Garum Quail Panggang 4.5/5

The Garum Quail Panggang ($46) left me in awe of Chef TQ's cooking. It stands as the most delightful way I've experienced quail thus far. The quail, expertly butterflied and beautifully chargrilled, is served alongside creamy celeriac mash, truffle sauce, crispy lotus root chips, and deep-fried cauliflower bhaji. The combination of flavours and textures in this dish is truly magical.

Kam Heong Sambal Grouper 4.2/5

The Kam Heong Sambal Grouper ($40) showcases a boldly flavoured Tiger Grouper fillet marinated overnight in black peppercorns and homemade sambal. Paired with lively mangosteen salsa and served alongside cilantro rice, the dish presents a delightful fusion of robust flavours and diverse textures, creating a unique and memorable dish.

Beef Tongue-To-Tail 4/5

The Beef Tongue to Tail ($42) presents fork-tender spice-infused rendang short ribs, torched ox tongue, and braised oxtail. Accompanied by domino potatoes adorned with grated coconut, smoky grilled shishito peppers, and a refreshing rojak salad, the dish artfully showcases the diverse and delectable facets of the cow.

Challans Duck Two Ways 4/5

The Challans Duck Two Ways ($48) is meticulously roasted to a beautiful pink, accompanied by a tangy sour plum sauce and served alongside a salted vegetable risotto. Despite the tender and flavourful duck meat, some diners felt it lacked the pronounced Southeast Asian flavours evident in the other dishes.

Snow Peak 4/5

The ethereal Snow Peak ($22) unveils a Moutai and pineapple-infused sorbet nestled on a bed of diced scoby, draped in a delicate coconut jelly, and adorned with guava, strawberries, and playful lime meringue shards. This dessert is a delightful and refreshing conclusion to the meal.

Jiak Kim 4.5/5

Jiak Kim ($22), literally translating to 'eat gold,' is an exquisite flower-shaped dessert adorned with gold foil. This dessert combines layers of roselle hawthorn jelly, earl grey mousse, Berriolette compote, and namelaka chocolate cream, delivering a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jiak Kim House
5 Jiak Kim Street
#01-16/17
Singapore 169426
Tel: +65 98315430
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock Road MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to traffic junction Kim Seng Road and Havelock Road. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Kim Seng Road towards Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel. Turn right onto Jiak Kim Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]