Ureshii @ The Arts House - A Korean-Japanese Fusion Culinary Haven at the Old Parliament House

Embarking on a culinary journey that defies convention, Ureshii, the brainchild of Chef Jung from Tanoshii, presents a fusion of Korean, Japanese, and European influences. Situated at the venerable Old Parliament House, facing the picturesque Padang, Ureshii beckons with promises of a unique gastronomic adventure. Beyond its captivating dishes, the restaurant's exquisite interior weaves a sense of classic elegance with a hint of enigmatic charm.

Ureshii Kimchi Salad 4.2/5

Setting sail into our culinary voyage, we indulged in the Ureshii Kimchi Salad ($13), a refreshing starter that marries the zest of kimchi dressing with the sweetness of pear, cherry tomatoes, and capsicum. This delightful overture awakened our taste buds, paving the way for the symphony of flavours that followed.

Gujeolpan 3/5

The Gujeolpan ($38) was a majestic offering from Joseon court cuisine. Arriving in an octagon box, it showcased a harmonious assembly of nine ingredients, including meat and vegetables. To enjoy, we orchestrated our own wrap, skillfully combining a thinly fried pancake with various ingredients. This dish not only tantalized the palate but also encouraged shared moments at the table.

Monkfish Fillet Karaage 4/5

A symphony of flavours was furthered with the Monkfish Fillet Karaage ($18), an ideal companion to Ureshii's expansive sake collection and curated wines. The deep-fried Anglerfish from Jeju Island boasted a moist interior and a delicate crunch, beautifully complemented by Ureshii's tartare sauce.

Yook-hoe 5/5

A stand-out among the dishes was the Yook-hoe ($38). It is a work of art, both visually and gastronomically. The Korean beef tartare, toasted in aromatic sesame oil, danced with the sweetness of pear and the added dimension of a rice cracker. This dish was a true testament to Ureshii's fusion mastery.

Gochoojang Galbi Kimchi Taco 3.5/5

With the Gochoojang Galbi Kimchi Taco ($18 for 2pc), Ureshii seamlessly merged Mexican and Korean flavours. The generous taco is wrapped with stir-fried short ribs and kimchi, resulting in a bold and robust combination.

Osaka Okonomiyaki 4.2/5

The Osaka Okonomiyaki ($28) transported us to the streets of Osaka, its savoury pancake showcasing an ensemble of octopus, scallops, shrimp, cabbage, and egg. This dish was a symphony of textures and flavours topped with katsuobushi and a special okonomiyaki sauce.

Octopus Steak 4.2/5

From the ocean realm, the Octopus Steak ($48) shone with its perfect texture, lightly grilled for a hint of smokiness. Served with truffle mashed potatoes, romesco sauce, chickpeas, and stir-fried kimchi, this dish epitomized Ureshii's fusion philosophy.

Ureshii Tteok-Galbi 4.5/5

Gochoojang Galbi Yakiniku 4.5/5

The parade of culinary marvels continued with the Ureshii Tteok-Galbi ($38), featuring prime-grade minced beef ribs marinated in a special soy sauce and grilled to perfection. The Gochoojang Galbi Yakiniku ($38) followed suit, grilling prime-grade ribs with Ureshii's signature gochujang seasoning.

Ureshii Bibimbap 3.8/5

Adzuki Bingsoo 4/5

The Ureshii Bibimbap ($28) captured the heart of Korean cuisine with its array of vegetables and beef, served with gochujang sauce. Wrapping up our culinary escapade, we savoured the Adzuki Bingsoo, a delightful treat of shaved ice topped with sweet red beans and chewy mochi.

Garlic Butter & Cream Cheese Bread 4.5/5

Surprising us all, the Garlic Butter & Cream Cheese Bread emerged as a dessert revelation. This toasted bun, adorned with a luscious blend of garlic butter and cream cheese, was a divine conclusion to a mesmerizing dining experience.

In essence, Ureshii stands as a testament to culinary ingenuity, weaving a tapestry of diverse influences into a harmonious whole. Beyond its exceptional dishes, the restaurant's timeless ambience is an invitation to explore, and savour flavours that bridge continents and cultures. Ureshii is a celebration of the culinary arts in their truest and most imaginative form, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an unforgettable fusion feast.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ureshii
The Arts House
1 Old Parliament Lane
#01-02
Singapore 179429
Tel: +65 63224054
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1150am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm (Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk towards the riverbank. Cross the bridge and walk to Empress Place road. Walk down Empress Place road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Elixir Coffee and Wine @ Holland Grove - Indulge in Elevated Brunch and Coffee During the Day, Delight in Pizzas and Wines for the Evening

Elixir Boutique Roasters, known for its artisanal coffee and cafe fare, may ring a bell for many cafe-goers. Formerly located in Bukit Timah, the reimagined establishment has since found a new home in Holland Grove under a new name, Elixir Coffee and Wine.

With a brand new menu created by Executive Chef Victor Loy, Elixir invites diners to indulge in brunch and coffee during the day and delight in pizzas and wines in the evening. The menu offers elevated brunch classics, fun bites, and unique sourdough pizzas.

Coffee lovers would be happy to know that they serve coffee brewed using beans from award-winning Blacklist Coffee in Perth. For wine lovers, the restaurant holds a curated wine list of old and new world vintages.

Stracciatella 4/5

Our meal began with a more classic dish, the Stracciatella ($20). Here in the Stracciatella, we had sourdough bread smothered with creamy burrata, complemented by pecorino cheese and sweet and slightly smoky blistered tomatoes.

For all three tartines we sampled, their bread base is all made using the same sourdough recipe as their pizza dough.

Turkish Eggs 4.5/5

Try the Turkish Eggs ($16) for something more exciting. Chef Victor told us that this is one of their bestselling brunch dishes.

On the sourdough, the flatbread is baked to order. It's topped with garlic yoghurt, paprika oil, poached egg and a super addictive Lao Gan Ma-inspired housemade chilli crunch. The added pomegranate gave pops of refreshing sweetness amidst the spicier and garlicky bites.

Salumi 4/5

The Salumi ($16) would be a treat for bolognese lovers. The flatbread is generously topped with nduja and accompanied with tangy sumac onions and a blend of fresh herbs like coriander, arugula, mint and dill. I recommend sharing this for more enjoyment, as the heaviness may feel a little flat halfway through.

Salad 4/5

Next, we moved on to the Bites section, which is available for order from 12pm. The simple-looking Salad ($12) had a refreshing mix of radicchio, wombok and mint in white balsamic with crunchy hazelnuts.

Burrata 4.5/5

Bet you’ve never had burrata done in this manner! Elixir’s Burrata ($24) continues an unexpected use of the housemade chilli crunch we loved on the Turkish Eggs.

While the flavourful chilli crunch may slightly mask the creamy sweetness of the burrata, we thoroughly enjoyed the exciting pairing and side of pickled cherry tomatoes! This will be up your alley if you're looking for something different.

Tête de Moine 4/5

Consider the Tête de Moine ($22) for a side to pair with your wine. The beautifully shaved Swiss semi-hard cheese is served with poached apricot and fried walnuts, boasting a creamy and nutty flavour with a subtle tangy finish.

Baby Octopus 4.5/5

My favourite from the Bites menu was Chef Victor's Baby Octopus ($18). It had baby octopus coated in a thin exterior of seasoned flour and deep-fried to the perfect crunch.

I thoroughly appreciated how the light batter allowed you to still enjoy the octopus's chewiness and how the umami black aioli didn't overpower. This is one dish I will definitely re-order on my next visit.

Not-Carbonara 4.5/5

For fans of white pizzas, go for the Not-Carbonara ($26), the restaurant's signature pizza inspired by the well-loved carbonara dish. While you will see authentic-carbonara toppings of egg yolk, guanciale, prosciutto and pecorino cheese, the play on its name is due to the inclusion of a rich and creamy mornay sauce on its base.

While we found the pizzas slightly too thick around the crusts, we enjoyed the chewiness from the sourdough and the flavourful combination. It leans on a saltier end with a generous hand of fragrant black pepper, but my dining companion and I did not mind it at all.

Hot Mama 4.2/5

Here is another appearance of the special housemade chilli crunch on the Hot Mama ($28) pizza. This is one boldly flavoured piece, with the fragrant spiciness from the chilli crunch and additional spiciness and saltiness from slices of Calabrese salami, alongside onions and fennel.

Cali Cali 4/5

Cali Cali ($26) was inspired by Chef Victor's trip to California, focusing on the marriage of flavours from the country and Italy. This piece saw toppings of sausage, chopped kailan, guacamole and chilli flakes. After sampling the first two, the flavours here are more 'safe'.

Pistachio Cake 3.8/5

Our dessert for the day was the Pistachio Cake ($14) drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and a dollop of crème fraiche chantilly. This was a piece that was light and nutty but not exceptional.

Travelling to Elixir Coffee and Wine is out of the way. Hence, I recommend making reservations at https://elixircoffeeandwine.com/pages/reservations to ensure an available table.

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.


Elixir Coffee and Wine
24 Holland Grove Road
#01-18
Singapore 278803
Tel: +65 6908 5547
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC, EW Line), Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 830am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 830am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Buona Vista MRT station (Stop ID 11361). Take bus number 92. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road, turn right and walk towards Holland Grove Road. Turn left onto Holland Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Aliight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Holland Village, Holland Road (Stop ID 11261). Take bus number 7, 61, 75, 156 and 165. Alight 3 stops later. Walk towards Holland Grove Road. Turn left onto Holland Grove Road. Walk to destination. ourney time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Sky22 @ Courtyard by Marriott - Experience Sky22’s Mediterranean-Inspired Delights, A Limited-Time Menu Available Till 31 August 2023

This season, the special menu launch at Sky22 features Mediterranean-inspired flavours thoughtfully assembled by the restaurant's chefs. Featuring both a la carte options and set dinners, it offers dishes for starters, sharing plates, mains and desserts using flavours from countries like Greece, Italy, Spain and Morocco. The menu's emphasis is on proteins, the use of herbs, whole grains, spices and fresh vegetables.

If you are dining as a duo, the Set Dinner for Two is priced at $48/pax and $45/pax for a group of four. This time-limited menu will be available daily from 6pm to 10.30pm till 31 August 2023.

Sky22 boasts a breathtaking skyline view that surrounds the restaurant space. I recommend reserving a window seat if you are coming by - we were there for dinner and were rewarded with a gorgeous sunset. Our Set Dinner for two included a starter, two mains and two desserts of our choice.

Grilled Octopus 3.8/5

The Grilled Octopus ($28) showcased the Mediterranean influences using Muhammara, smoked paprika, capers and white anchovy. Unfortunately, the octopus was too chewy for my liking, though I appreciated the complementary bursts of sweet pomegranate and tang of capers.

Tiger Prawns 4/5

The Tiger Prawns ($32) main had a bed of squid ink rice cooked with garlic, chilli, and cognac. While the prawns fell short of expectations being slightly overcooked and dry, the miso butter slab gave the dish great depth. I recommend mixing the butter in before enjoying it.

Kleftiko 4/5

For our second main, we chose the Kleftiko ($36, Additional $6 Top Up for Set). It features a roasted lamb shank accompanied by potato, lemon and dukkah. My dining companion enjoyed the meat's gaminess more than I did and gave thumbs up to the meat's tenderness.

Apple Spiced Cake 4/5

The delightful Apple Spiced Cake ($14) was our first dessert choice. It was served with a butterscotch rum sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Although the alcohol spiked apples could have been cooked softer, the cake was moist with a pleasant hint of spices.

Chocolate Babka French Toast 4/5

Lastly, we had the Chocolate Babka French Toast ($12). The chefs used chocolate babka bread instead of the usual french toast to pair with a more refreshing, tangy-sweet labneh (a strained yoghurt). There were also bits of almond and a sesame brittle for added crunch.

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.


Sky22
Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena
99 Irrawaddy Road
Level 22
Singapore 329568
Tel: +65 6378 2040
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Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast: 630am to 1030am
Lunch: 12pm to 230pm
Dinner: 6pm t0 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]

Trovato @ Seletar Hills Estate (Jalan Selaseh) – Cosy Italian Restaurant With Italian Classics And Brick-Fired Pizza

Tucked in the serene Seletar Hills neighbourhood, Trovato is a casual, cosy Italian restaurant that serves a modern twist of dishes, pasta and freshly stretched brick-fired pizza.

Octopus A La Plancha 4.2/5

We started the meal with their antipasti of the Octopus A La Plancha ($28.90). The octopus legs were tender and chewy, packed with flavours from the briny squid ink aioli and pesto.

Trovato's Special 4.5/5

The unique brick-fired pizza selections present Trovato's Special ($35.90) served with a crispy charcoal pizza base, topped with chef's choice of ingredient selection of 4 different flavours, namely: Granchio Piccante (chilli crab), Prosciutto Rucola, Salmone Affumicato (smoked salmon) and Margherita. We enjoyed all the pizza flavours, especially the chilli crab, for a local twist on an Italian favourite.

Risotto Al Gamberi 4/5

The Risotto Al Gamberi ($25.90) features al dente, tender and creamy arborio rice cooked in a flavourful Italian tomato sauce, topped with fresh tiger prawns and scallops.

Croissant French Toast 4/5

They also offer a brunch menu on the weekends, available from 9am to 2.30pm. It includes a variety of breakfast items such as the Trovato's Full Breakfast, Italian Egg Benedicts, Fried Chicken on Toast and Smoked Salmon Bruschetta. We ordered the Croissant French Toast ($18.90), sliced in half and pan-fried to a soft and custardy texture akin to French toast, instead of using the usual brioche toast. It is then topped with berries, honey drizzle and fresh whipped cream to add some sweetness to the dish.

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.


Trovato
26 Jalan Selaseh
Singapore 808445
Tel: +65 88429826
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Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC, NE Line), Ang Mo Kio (NS Line), Yio Chu Kang (NS Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit B or E. Walk to bus stop at Serangoon MRT station (Stop ID 66351). Take bus number 70 Alight 12 stops later. Walk to Jalan Selaseh. Turn right onto Jalan Selaseh. Walk to destination. Journey time about 40 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to bus stop at Serangoon Bus Interchange (Stop ID 66009). Take bus number 103 Alight 14 stops later. Walk to Jalan Selaseh. Turn right onto Jalan Selaseh. Walk to destination. Journey time about 45 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop after Ang Mo Kio Interchange (Stop ID 54391) near block 711. Take bus number 50. Alight 14 stops later. Walk to Jalan Selaseh. Turn right onto Jalan Selaseh. Walk to destination. Journey time about 45 minutes. [Map]

4) Alight at Yio Chu Kang MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Yio Chu Kang Bus Interchange (Stop ID 55509). Take bus number 70. Alight 13 stops later. Cross the road, walk to Jalan Selaseh. Walk to destination.Journey time about 45 minutes. [Map]

Binary @ Palais Renaissance - Celebrating One Year Milestone With A Revamped Menu

Binary at Palais Renaissance is a gastro-bar that conceptualises its menu based on the concept of Binary. Presenting a single produce in both Asian and Western versions, you can choose either one flavour or even both if one intrigues you just as much as the other. One year on, Binary has recently refreshed its menu to incorporate new creations in a more considered format that better reflects its binary approach towards cuisine.

Signature Kubaneh Bread 5/5

Kubaneh is a Jewish Yemeni pull-apart bread, and what we had was done using the chef's very own winning formula. Apparently, this Signature Kubaneh Bread ($14) has made itself quite a name for the past year. And indeed, it was on every occupied table. Its beautiful gold crust illuminated in the light, and pulling it apart revealed the soft and fluffy interior. While some like it slathered with the accompanying garlic butter and kombu butter, I enjoyed it equally with the small plates and mains that were served after.

Octopus/Lao Gan Ma Chilli Crisp 4.5/5

From Small Plates Section ($18 each), we were first served with Octopus tossed with Lao Gan Ma Chilli Crisp (+$14) was moreish and definitely the most innovative way of presenting a grilled octopus. Using the household Lao Gan Ma Chilli, the crisp itself was piquant with a desired amount of heat. The grilled octopus is served thoughtfully sliced up instead of whole, allowing each slice to be enjoyed easily with the crisp without having to slice it up with utensils.

Sesame Prawn Toast 2/5

The following Small Plate, however, paled in comparison. The Asian approach of the Tiger Prawns is presented through a Hong Kong-style sesame prawn toast. A housemade tiger prawn paste is spread onto white bread, deep-fried and finished with a drizzle of kecap manis sauce. The idea is appealing, but not our greasy toast and the salty prawn paste.

Fresh Burrata 4.5/5

Coming to the single produce Cheese, we had a vegan-friendly Western style - Fresh Burrata, served with homemade impossible meat sauce and basil. The meat sauce was impossibly delicious! Like a good bolognese sauce, it was well seasoned with herbs, spices and sweetness from plumb tomatoes, and the minced impossible had a nice bite to it, unlike some other vegan versions, which turned out somewhat mushy. It was indeed a fitting match with the divine pillowy soft burrata.

Wagyu Petit Tender 3/5

The Asian-style Wagyu Petit Tender is new, glazed with savoury char siew sauce. My favourite parts were the tail and front, fully caramelized on one side. Unfortunately, the larger slices in between were a tad underseasoned.

King Prawn 2.5/5

We had King Prawn (tasting portion) oven baked with cajun herb butter for the Mains. The flavours were good, but the prawns lacked the desired firmness.

Oven-Roasted Whole Spatchcock Chicken 4/5

We also had Asian-style Oven-Roasted Whole Spatchcock Chicken (tasting portion). It has the flavours of an Asian soy chicken but is even tastier with a savoury-sweet, slightly charred skin. The meat was tender, and even the lean breast meat portion was delectable.

Grilled Asparagus 3.5/5

New highlights under Sides ($14) include a Grilled Asparagus flavoured with housemade egg aioli, grated Parmigiano and salt-cured egg yolk. I couldn't taste the latter as it was being grated, but overall, it was an excellent complement to the mains.

Hongkong Egglet 4/5

The Dessert section surprised us with an unexpected offering - Hongkong Egglet with blue sea salt ice cream, yuzu jam and chocolate balls. I enjoyed it far more than any egglet I have tried in Singapore. You get an abundance of textures. Some egg pockets were fluffy, some were crisp on one side and doughy on the other, just like a typical egglet. I was impressed! The accompaniments are odd though. Perhaps they should just serve in Hongkong style, with condensed milk, sugar and peanut butter.

Alongside Binary also debuts a cocktail menu that adopts the same binary presentation, where you get a list of Classic offerings synergised with another list with an Asian style.

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.


Binary
Palais Renaissance
390 Orchard Road
#01-01A
Singapore 238871
Tel: +65 93630101
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours
Sun-Tue: 1130am - 1030pm
Wed–Sat: 1130am to 12midnight

Direction:
Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to Wheelock Place. Walk to traffic junction of Orchard Road and Angullia Park. Cross the road to Royal Thai Embassy. Turn left and continue down Orchard Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]