Sinfonia Ristorante @ Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall - Rebranded with Contemporary Italian Cuisine

With its high ceiling and towering Corinthian columns, embedding a history of 150 years, Sinfonia Ristorante at Victoria Concert Hall is immense at first glance. To conquer such a space, perhaps only Sardinian-born Chef Simone Depalmas with his big personality and infectious laughter, is able to do that, in his illuminating green chef coat. Formerly FOO’D By Davide Oldani, the restaurant is rebranded to mean 'symphony' in Italian, giving Chef Simone the autonomy to design the menu himself. You can expect bold, yet delicate flavours that are inspired from different regions of Italy and put together based on his 21 years of culinary experience.

Truffle Chicken Liver Brulee 4/5

Truffle Chicken Liver Brulee ($26) is what I meant by bold. To balance the rich flavours of the liver, Chef uses several different wines, including Madeira wine, Port wine, Marsala wine and even Chinese wine. It kind of reminds me of red wine chicken when wine is used to work magic with the beautiful juices seeping out from the skin and meat. Adorning the mousse are black truffle from umbria, leek mousse and minty local herbs. The idea of presenting it like a crème brulee is baffling but as you crack the sugar coat, spread it on the roasted focaccia and you know it works.

Smoked Mackerel 3.8/5

Smoked Mackerel (Available in Lunch Menu) comes in bite size served on roasted polenta. The polenta is dense but soft. This tartine is full in texture and flavour-packed with savoury and smokey nuances. Topped with dill sauce and avocado gazpacho, they infuse a lift to the dish, while the plumy black garlic sauce adds a layer to the taste and draws the components together into a piece of artwork.

Rice Roll 3.8/5

Soon you will see the dishes here are just as aesthetically pleasing as the surroundings, such as this Rice Roll. Sardinia is all about the sea and here you have a rice roll wrapping Hokkaido sea urchin, Alaskan king crab, Japanese rice (Available in Lunch Menu with a top up of $10) accompanied with tomato crumble, piquant sea urchin sauce and clam foam. Nothing is too empowering, allowing the sweet and delicate flavours to seep through and bind with another.

Mushroom Soup 4/5

Easing the stomach before the mains was the Mushroom Soup ($18) made with a blend of 6 different mushroom varieties. No cream and butter, what you are savouring is the taste of nature. Rich in taste and mouth fill, the sautéed sliced mushrooms elevate the taste while adding some texture and bite. And just before it gets too much, the candied pine nuts pulls it back with its nutty sweetness.

Porcini Risotto 3.8/5

If that level of shroom intensity is not enough, Porcini Risotto ($28, Available in 5-course & 7-course Degustation Menu) made using fresh Porcini mushrooms from Italy may seal the deal. The rice I had was evenly cooked with a nice chewiness. Just look at its color and you know it's truly a gourmet mushroom dish.

Squid Ink Tagliolini 3/5

Hand-made Squid Ink Tagliolini ($34) again showcases the flavours of the Mediterranean sea. Freshly made in the kitchen daily with real squid ink, the tagliolini is loose and light. The lobster sauce is so welcoming on the palate that even without the king prawn and bottarga, I believe one could easily finish off the pasta.

Frog Leg 3/5

I always thought that frog leg dish is a very Asian food, till I came across this Frog Leg ($36) in Italian tempura style. Apparently, frog legs are very popular in French cuisine and the French species are fleshier as compared to her counterparts. The refreshing sauce made from milk, vinegar and lemon brightens up the dish, along with the tangy berry and passionfruit sauces that add tartness to it. How much more elegant can it get to consume frog legs in such a manner!

Beef Short Ribs 3.8/5

One may easily mistaken this Beef Short Ribs (Available in 5-course & 7-course Degustation Menu) as beef cheek. Marinated for 6 hours, then slow-cooked for another 12 hours, the USDA Wagyu Beef is soft and fork tender. I love the sweet chestnut at the side which I find rather appetizing to have it in between the meat.

Cod Fish 3.5/5

Served on the artsy beautiful pattered plate is Cod Fish ($44). The fish is rich and buttery, with the top seared to a slight crisp. The smoked caviar atop teases out its sweetness and milky flavor. While the butter lemon sauce doesn't quite complement the meaty fish, the tart berry drops in the sauce manage to lend a level of zest to the dish.

Passionfruit, Raspberry Meringue, Rose Lychee Sorbet 3/5

Summing up the meal were two desserts, both equally delightful. The first is the Passionfruit, Raspberry Meringue and Rose Lychee Sorbet ($18). Its essentially passionfruit curd paired with raspberry meringue, accompanied by a rose lychee sorbet with chocolate crumble at the bottom. The rose flavor adds a depth to the lychee sorbet, be it colour, fragrant or taste.

The Mandarin 3.5/5

The Mandarin  ($18) is simply a 'orange' filled with mascarpone cheese and fresh orange juice, delivering a joy far beyond its 2 ingredients.

To be free from the reins of previous branding, it must have been a joy and relief to Chef Simone. To be able to allow his creativity to flow and eventually get translated onto the table, with each and every dish exuding his personality and thoughts.

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.


Sinfonia Ristorante
Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall
11 Empress Place
#01-01
Singapore 179558
Tel: +65 63855588
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk towards the river. Cross the bridge. Walk to Empress Place road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

L’eclair by Sarah Michelle @ Singapore Shopping Centre - Introduces High Tea Degustation Set

An affinity with eclairs spurred Sarah and Michelle to open L’eclair, with a vision to bring eclairs to and beyond its realm of plain pastry cream. Located at Singapore Shopping Centre, L’eclair by Sarah Michelle then became Singapore’s first eclair specialty store and cafe. One year into its opening, High Tea Degustation Set is now available, showcasing not just their signature e'clairs but also tantalising savouries that are all crafted with their own hands.

This degustation set will be strictly for reservations only with limited slots per day. What distinguishes it from other high tea set is that the sweets comes in the form of mini eclairs in various flavours, hence you get to try 5 different flavours in one go! For the savoury, you get an assortment of homemade canapes. Each high tea set comes with two complimentary drinks.

Truffle Egg Mayo Choux Puff, Tomato & Basil Bruschetta. Foie Gras Pate & Tomato Relish Crostini 3.8/5

We started off with the cold canapes sitting on the top tier - Truffle Egg Mayo Choux Puff, Foie Gras Pate & Tomato Relish Crostini and Tomato & Basil Bruschetta. My personal favourite would be the crostini. The piquant homemade tomato relish has deep, sweet notes edged with a bit of tang which balances the creamy pate that carries a slight gaminess. The textural contrast of the creamy topping and the crunchy crostini is excellent.The choux puff delivers a satisfying creamy mouthfill with its egg mayo and spongy choux puff, while the bruschetta brightens up my palate with simple, fresh ingredients.

Smoked Salmon & Dill Mousse Tartlet 3.8/5, Roasted Mushrooms Vol au Vent 3.8/5

Moving on to the warm canapes, the Smoked Salmon & Dill Mousse Tartlet is light on the taste buds but is packed with the wonderful flavour of smoked salmon. The Roasted Mushrooms Vol au Vent fares just as well. It is thin with flaky crust that is just right for the strong earthy mushrooms.

Signature Chicken & Bacon Pie 3.5/5

Trained at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, the pies here are notable too. Along with the warm canapes, you got to try their signature Signature Chicken & Bacon Pie. Baked to a gorgeous brown, the crust was flaky, leaving a warm, buttery aroma on my fingertips. The filling is not too heavily peppered and is on the sweeter side but there are bacon within to lend a savoury note. If this mini version has proven its worth, you could get it at its original size.

Done with their savouries, the pretty eclairs beckons. You will be treated with 2 seasonal editions - Lime Basil & Coconut and Lemon Meringue, and 3 classic flavours - Salted Caramel, Ispahan and Dark Chocolate.

Lime Basil & Coconut 2.5/5, Lemon Meringue 3/5

While I have tasted really good desserts that have a herbaceous profile such as Shiso leaf sherbet, the addition of basil to the Lime Basil and Coconut doesn't quite work here for me. The Lemon Meringue fares much better in importing the flavours of a classic Lemon Tart.

Salted Caramel 3/5, Isphan 3.8/5, Dark Chocolate 3/5

Out of the 3 classics, my favourite would be the Ispha, perfumed with rose and sweetened with lychees with tartness lent from raspberry. The filling seems less dense compared to the rest. Salted Caramel and Dark Chocolate cater to you if you are craving for warm and rich flavours. Overall, the sweetness level of their eclairs is acceptable but a lighter and fluffier filling is much preferred. The pastry is airy and would have been more so should the pastry carries that delicate crisp which I was anticipating as I suck my teeth into it.

Mushroom Soup 3.5/5

Somehow, I favour the savoury items here a lot more. Even their Mushroom Soup ($8.50), one of their latest savoury items, hits the notes.  Rich with mushrooms bits that are bond together with cream, the partnering toast comes in the form of bite-size crunches that allows you to just tuck into the wholesome goodness with a spoon.

Tuck away from the hustling streets of Orchard Road, High Tea at L’éclair by Sarah Michelle is a welcoming respite. High tea degustation set is available from Tuesdays to Sundays, 11am to 5pm (with 3 fixed seatings a day).

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.


L’eclair by Sarah Michelle
Singapore Shopping Centre
190 Clemenceau Avenue
#01-28
Singapore 239924
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Website
Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut (EW Line, NE Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 11am - 8pm
Sat: 11am - 9pm
Sun: 11am - 6pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road. Turn right and walk towards Clemenceau Avenue. Turn left onto Clemenceau Avenue. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Tocha Bistro @ Hotel Boss - Crazy Happy Hour With A Huge Selection Of Western Food

Tocha Bistro is the new gastropub that replaces char gril bar at Hotel Boss. The grastropub is actually located at the back of the hotel along the canal, giving diners the feel of alfresco dining alongside the river.
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Mushroom Soup 3.5/5

We started with the Mushroom Soup ($5.80) which is hearty and comforting. I enjoyed the earthy flavours of the different blend of mushroom with a creamy finishing.

Spicy Mid- Wings 3/5

The Spicy Mid-Wings ($8.80 for 10pc) was deep fried to an enjoyable light crispiness on the exterior while retaining the juiciness inside. However I did not find it spicy at it. The marination did not manage to wow me.but the children seemed to be loving it.

Baked Scallop 3/5

The Baked Scallop ($8.80 for 3pc) is baked in mayonnaise and 3 different types of cheeses. I applauded the generous used of cheese and mayonnaise but I thought it was a bit heavy handed, masking the sweetness of the scallop.

Tiger Prawn with White Wine Sauce 3.8/5

The Tiger Prawn with White Wine Sauce ($13.80) which comes with 3 huge prawns tossed in slightly spicy and robust white wine sauce. It is a pity that the spaghetti was overcooked or it will would be my favourite dish for the night. On a good day, this definitely will be the star of the menu.

Grilled Salmon 3.5/5

Grilled Cod Fish 3.5/5

For the fish items, we tried both the Grilled Salmon ($15.80) and Grilled Cod Fish ($19.80). For the pricing, I thought the portion is a bit small.While I could not really fault the cooking, I was not able to find excitement in the whole execution.

Lamb Rack 2.8/5

Tenderloin Steak 3.5/5

Moving to the meats, we tried the Lamb Rack ($22.80) Tenderloin Steak ($28.80). I probably will give the lamb rack a miss. It was dry and the pricing is too expensive for the portion served. The tenderloin steak ($28.80) fared better and was cooked to a nice pink. Once again I am not too sure about the pricing as I think I can get better quality piece of steak elsewhere at the same price or lower.

Iberico Pork 4/5

The dish that I would come back for is their Iberico Pork ($22,80). The piece of pork is well seasoned, complementing the natural sweetness of the pork. The pork was also tender and juicy. The kitchen has given justice to the beautiful piece of pork.

Hawaiian Pizza 3.5/5

Tocha Bistro has a huge selections of their menu and it includes pizza too. The Hawaiian Pizza ($12.80) is a tomato base pizza with chicken, ham and pineapple. A classic combination that works with the crispy thin crust. dough. This is best to go with a glass of beer.

If you are looking for a place to chill out, then don't miss the Crazy Happy Hour at Tocha Bistro. Crazy Happy Hour happens 5-6pm every day, where a pint of beer starts from S$7.80, and a bucket of 6 from S$25. On Mondays, the Crazy Hour Promotion runs all day and all night! Normal Happy Hour promotion will be from 6-9pm every day, where a pint of beer starts from S$10.80 and a bucket of 6 from S$35.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tocha Bistro
Hotel Boss
500 Jalan Sultan
#01-20
Singapore 199020
Tel: +65 62917118
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Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Fri: 11am - 1am
Sat: 11am - 2am

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Continue walking down Kallang Road towards Victoria Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Otto's Deli Fresh @ Holland Village - Mastery Comes To The Neighbourhood

For those that is familiar with Holland Village, you will know that the old POSB building has been demolished and replaced with the new Raffles @ Holland Village. It also sees a few new food establishments at the new building. One of them is Otto's Deli Fresh. The new deli and restaurant is opened by the revered veteran chef Otto Weibel. Chef Otto is a father figure of the Singapore culinary scene, working at the highest level of profession, promoting the Singapore F&B industry on the world stage, and mentoring young talents.

Button Mushroom Soup with Toasted Brioche 4/5

Dinner at the new Otto's Deli Fresh started with the Button Mushroom Soup with Toasted Brioche ($8.50). Besides button mushroom, other ingredients such as dried porchini powder, cream, caramelized onion and chives are added for a flavourful and comforting bowl of soup.

Burratina Roquette Salad 3.5/5

Moving on to the next dish is the Burratina Roquette Salad ($17) that comes with baby arugula, Italian burrata, Jamon Iberico de Bellota, tomato chutney and cherry tomato dressing. It is a light and simple salad dish with each components playing their respective role and coming together as one.

Pulled Pork Burger 3.5/5

For the hungry, you may want to check out the Pulled Pork Burger ($19) that is served with fries and condiments. The pork cheek is slow cooked for 5 hours, shredded and tossed in a housemade BBQ sauce. What aroused my palate for a balanced finishing is the used of housemade pickled Japanese cucumber for a contrasting tang to the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.

Beef Stroganoff Fettuccine 4.2/5

A beautiful dish on the menu is the Beef Stroganoff Fettuccine ($17). The pasta dish is served with hanger steak and white button mushrooms. The fettuccine is braised together with beef jus, carmelised onions and gherkins, infusing the essence of the ingredients for a slurping goodness.

Heritage US Kurobuta Pork Rack 300g 4.2/5

The Heritage US Kurobuta Pork Rack 300g ($39) is another dish on the menu that I enjoyed. The Japanese pork is grilled until colour develops, and then finished off in oven. Only lightly seasoned with salt, its amazing how it can taste so good.

Burnt Banana Waffles 4.5/5

The Burnt Banana Waffles ($11.50) comes with a whole burnt banana literally. Please do not eat the banana skin, it supposed to be peeled off. Spread the banana flesh onto the waffle and have it with some of the peanut butter gelato. The hot and cold combination worked excellently for a well fitting ending to the dinner.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Otto Deli Fresh
Raffles @ Holland Village
118 Holland Avenue
#02-01
Singapore 278990
Tel: +65 66943291
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Ash & Elm @ InterContinental Singapore - Launches A New Sunday Brunch Buffet Menu

Ash & Elm at InterContinental Singapore introduces a new Sunday Brunch buffet menu, conceptualised to showcase all their three culinary theatres - Charcuterie & Cheese Room, Wood-Fired Oven and Charcoal Grill. With static buffet counters replaced by theatre-style cooking stations, this European themed restaurant sets to make buffet dining an experiential one for you.

D.I.Y. Bloody Mary Cocktails

Get your creativity juice flowing at the vibrant D.I.Y. Bloody Mary cocktails bar! How many times do you get to be your own bartender? However, if you want to hold it for a while, the neighbouring juice bar with all the colourful freshly squeezed juices is just as inviting. 

Freshly Baked Flat Breads 4/5

For pizza fans, I guess nothing beats those that come freshly out from Wood-Fired Oven, for that unique smoky taste imparted from the fire woods. A range of healthy breads are available too.

Egg "Mimosa", Beef Tartare, Tomato Mozzarella, Tuna Carpaccio, Pomelo 4/5

Their appetiser bar is one of my favourite stations. In particular, I like their tangy Beef Tartare, which was extremely light. The creamy and savoury, Egg Mimosa as well as the refreshing Pomelo Salad that comes with a nutty crunch.

Oyster, Lobster, Prawn and Alaskan King Crab 4/5

What is notable at their grand seafood corner is definitely the Alaskan King Crab. A range of dips are available to elevate the subtle sweetness and oceany taste of these fresh seafood.

Caviar with Blinis 4/5

I learnt that the Russians taught us to serve caviar with Blinis, the mini pancakes placed besides the caviar counter. A glass of their Perrier Jouet Champagne certainly enhanced the enjoyment of these lavish scoops of luxury.

Eggs Cocotte 4/5

Their Eggs Cocotte at the Egg Station is a must-try! Though it may easily be overshadowed by its meat counterparts. The combination of the warm, earthy and creamy morel sauce, the spinach, and the oozy warm egg yolk, surprised me with their hearty flavours and delighted my taste buds much more than a regular egg benedict.

Pan Seared Premium Beef 4/5

Designed to showcase their culinary theatres, Ash & Elm's Sunday Brunch ensures hot and piping dishes serve to you, done a la minute, which is really rare for buffets. Apart from starters, you have a selection of premium meats, seafood and pasta dishes. The best thing is that they all come in petite portions and unlimited servings.

My food orders set the kitchen in heightened motion. From my seat, I had the privilege of watching the chefs in action. That's the beauty of an open kitchen. I ordered 3 to 4 items each time and surprisingly the waiting time was short.

Cep Mushroom Truffle Cappuccino 4.5/5

Once you have tasted their mushroom soup, you will understand why it comes in a espresso shot. Thick, earthy, it does taste like a mushroom soup concentrate. 

Foie Gras 4/5

I adored this piece of princessy foie gras. I'm always not that comfortable to have a big slab of foie gras right in front me, hence their dainty version suits me best. Paired with blueberry compote, it is a joy to savour it bit by bit.

Chargrilled Iberico Pork Loin 3.8/5

One of the restaurant’s signature is Chargrilled Iberico Pork Loin from the charcoal grill. As the pork loin itself has very little fats, hence be sure to eat the tasty charred fats lining, which imparts a smoky sweet flavour to the lean meat.

Baked Cod Fish with Fennel Confit and Saffron Sauce 4.5/5

Their Cod Fish, with crispy sides and buttery meat, is my favourite. The fennel confit was delicious with flavour from the saffron sauce and richness oozed from the baked cod.

Confit Duck Leg with Mashed Potato 4/5

I was amazed that Duck Confit could be done petite size too. The duck meat was tender with skin beautifully crisp. I really like the sauce that glazed over it, seemingly to be red wine raisin which complements the richness and flavour of the meat. The mashed potato after taking in the fats drained into it, was tastier than ever.

Boston Lobster Risotto with Diced Asparagus 3.5/5

Seafood is not my ideal ingredient for risotto, but I like the consistency and texture of the rice. It was creamy with a firm bite without any hard center.

Beef Cheeks 4.2/5

The melt in the mouth texture of their Braised Beef Cheeks reminded me of the one I had in an authentic French restaurant a couple of years back. To be able to savour the same quality, in a buffet setting, that is really unexpected. Steaks, sunday roasts are common, definitely not beef cheeks with such fine execution. Perhaps a little salty, but the mash made it right.

Their dessert station is lined with pretty cakes, pastries, adorned with colourful macarons, and not forgetting the quintessential chocolate fountain. Apart from the ready made items, there is also a crepe counter where you get to choose your own toppings. Their crepe was soft and fluffy, and comes in a petite size too. Be sure to get scoops of their gourmet ice creams!

My DIY Cheese Platter 4.5/5

All guests will have the privilege to gain a walk-in-access to the Charcuterie & Cheese Room. Impressive range of cheeses and in house cured meats for you to create your own cheese board. Unlike commercial cured meats which are often dry, salty and one dimensional in flavour, theirs are more complex in flavour with a more chewy texture. Apart from the usual nuts and dried fruits, Italian antipasto are also available such as sundried tomato and artichokes. I had a lot of fun plating it myself!

I feel the way how this Sunday Brunch has been set up, allows me to appreciate my food more. Buffets usually have rounds and rounds of table to dazzle their diners, and very often, plates and bowls of food items grow cold and go to waste at the end of the day. However, over here at Ash & Elm, quality definitely speaks volume over quantity.

Priced at $98, the menu is inclusive of free - flowing juices, soft drinks and D.I.Y. Bloody Mary cocktail. Those with a preference to ease over bubbles, wines or beers can go for the $138 option for unlimited pours of Perrier Jouet Champagne, select wines and beers in addition to the juices and D.I.Y. Bloody Mary cocktail. All prices are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing government tax. Main selections on the menu and items on the buffet line are subject to change with dishes replaced or additional rotations added.

Written and photograph 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.


Ash & Elm
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

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