SPRUCE @ HillV2 - 15th Anniversary Grand Reopening with New Menu Featuring Collaboration by MasterChef Singapore Season 4 Winner Inderpal Singh

SPRUCE recently celebrated its 15th anniversary with a grand reopening at HillV2 and introduced a new bakery and bistro concept. Their all-new menu features a range of new dishes alongside an exclusive MasterChef collaboration with MasterChef Singapore Season 4 winner, Inderpal Singh. This collaboration consists of 5 items by Chef Inderpal, which showcase his expertise in spices.

The new modern space is adorned with warm lights and lots of greens, making it a cosy space for gatherings.

Beverages

Their beverage list is extensive, with homemade drinks such as Homemade Lemonade ($8), freshly squeezed lemon with fresh mint, and Arnold Palmer ($7), a blend of freshly brewed tea and homemade lemonade. Cocktails, created in collaboration with award-winning mixologist Nithi, are also available.

MasterChef Laksa Pumpkin Soup 3.8/5

The MasterChef Laksa Pumpkin Soup ($15) caught our eye for its intriguing combination of sweet pumpkin, laksa leaves, galanga and chilli! The creamy soup took some getting used to but paired well with a crunchy slice of garlic bread.

MasterChef - Fenugreek Crab Cake 4.2/5

A popular MasterChef creation is the Fenugreek Crab Cake ($22). Despite its price, it was chock full of succulent crab meat. We were also fans of the rich and aromatic fenugreek chutney, which enhanced the overall umami flavours.

MasterChef “Chilli Prawn” Roti John 3.5/5

The MasterChef "Chilli Prawn" Roti John ($27) featured prawns in chilli crab sauce on a basil roti john, offering a special twist on the classic beef or chicken versions. However, it was a tad pricey for its portion.

Prawn Orecchiette 4/5

For mains, we first had the Prawn Orecchiette ($24), which saw orecchiette pasta tossed in spinach and garlic cream sauce, with tiger prawn chunks and zucchini. While I would have liked the pasta a touch softer, the garlicky sauce was quite enjoyable.

Truffled & Mushroom Risotto 3.8/5

The Truffled & Mushroom Risotto ($23) was decent, with carnaroli rice simmered with mushrooms and mascarpone cheese. The thick texture made it better suited as a sharing dish.

Chimichurri Baby Back Ribs 4.2/5

Apart from the Fenugreek Crab Cake, our other unanimous favourite of the night was the Chimichurri Baby Back Ribs ($26). I rarely order baby back ribs as they usually come doused in a thick, sweet sauce, which I am not a fan of. SPRUCE's rendition, however, has the tender ribs served with a zesty homemade chimichurri sauce and shoestring fries on the side.

MasterChef - Barramundi & Coconut Briyani 4/5

The MasterChef — Barramundi & Coconut Briyani ($28), aptly described by my dining companions as a healthy briyani, was clean-tasting in a good way. The pan-seared barramundi had a crisp skin, while its meat remained tender. It was atop coconut briyani with pistachio and raisins and accompanied by a side of refreshing yogurt.

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.


SPRUCE
HillV2
#01-01
4 Hillview Rise
Singapore 667979
Tel: +65 9759 5790
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Nearest MRT: Hillview MRT (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 10am = 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Hillview MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Hillview Road. Turn right onto Hillview road. Walk down Hillview Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Moxie @ Alumni Association Medical Centre (SGH) - A Modern Mediterranean Dining and Lifestyle Destination

Moxie, the fresh-faced Mediterranean dining and lifestyle haven, has gracefully descended upon the Alumni Association Medical Centre (SGH), replacing the erstwhile Kah Soh. Transforming the space into a modern beach house with a lively coastal vibe, Moxie offers a delectable array of shared plates and refreshing cocktails throughout the day.

The ambiance at Moxie is a breath of fresh air—literally. The modern beach house aesthetic is both inviting and chic, transporting diners to sun-soaked coastal getaways. The airy and vibrant atmosphere complements the Mediterranean fare perfectly, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely meal or casual gatherings.

Moxie Dip Platter with Sourdough/Pita 4.5/5

Kickstarting the coastal journey, we dived into the Moxie Dip Platter with Sourdough ($22). The platter offers a trio of delightful dips—Spinach Yogurt, Smashed Kabocha, and Whipped Ricotta. Each dip is a star in its own right, but if one has to be crowned, the Whipped Ricotta takes the throne. The interplay of textures and flavours, coupled with the choice of either Sourdough or Pita, is a crowd-pleaser.

Burrata 4.8/5

The Italian Burrata ($19) is a masterpiece. Paired with pickled red beets, charred grapes, pistachio dukkah, and red beet gel, the dish is a symphony of colours and flavours. The creaminess of the burrata finds harmony with the tanginess of the beets and sweetness of the grapes, creating a palate-pleasing experience.

Spiced Corn Ribs 4.5/5

The Spiced Corn Ribs ($16) are a revelation. Dressed in cumin-infused aioli, grated feta, and lime, the corn bursts with flavors. Eating it like a rib, squeezing lime included, adds an interactive element to the dish, enhancing the sweetness of the corn.

Grouper Crudo 4.5/5

The Grouper Crudo ($25) is a highlight for seafood enthusiasts. Local flower grouper meets Zhoug coulis, pickled Japanese cucumber, and diced red radish, creating a refreshing and vibrant dish. The coriander seeds sprinkled on top add a final layer of complexity.

Arugula Pesto Orecchiette 4.2/5

The Arugula Pesto Orecchiette ($38) is a flavorful pasta dish. Al dente orecchiette, sautéed prawns and scallops, crab meat, shaved parmesan, fresh arugula, and toasted pine nuts come together harmoniously, offering a medley of textures and flavors.

Catch of The Day - Fillet (200g) 4.2/5

The Catch of The Day (Fillet, $42, 200g) showcases the versatility of Moxie. With a weekly rotation of fish, the pan-fried fillet with clarified butter, browned almonds, and capers is a delightful dish. The moist fish comes with a hint of smokiness, nuttiness from almonds, and tanginess from capers, creating a symphony of flavours.

Moxie Mille Feuille 4.8/5

Save room for dessert, as Moxie's Mille Feuille ($19) is a showstopper. Layers of filo pastry, whipped cream cheese, strawberries, and blueberries, crowned with kataifi and raspberry, deliver a sweet ending with myriad textures.

Dark Chocolate Mousse 4.5/5

Concluding the feast is the Dark Chocolate Mousse ($16). Rich dark chocolate meets hazelnut ice cream, berry compote, toasted hazelnuts, and streusel, creating a well-balanced and indulgent dessert.

Moxie succeeds in bringing the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean to Singapore's shore. From the captivating ambience to the thoughtfully crafted dishes, each aspect of the dining experience at Moxie reflects a commitment to quality and creativity. The menu's diversity caters to various palates, ensuring that Moxie stands out as a delightful addition to Singapore's F&B scene. Whether you're craving a leisurely lunch or a lively dinner, Moxie beckons with its coastal charm and culinary prowess.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Moxie
Alumni Association Medical Centre
Singapore General Hospital (SGH)
2 College Road
Singapore 169850
Tel: +65 9339 3380
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT. Take Exit 1. Cross the road. Turn right and walk down Outram Road towards the flyover. At the junction of Outram Road and Chin Swee Road, turn left and walk to College Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Waterfall Ristorante Italiano @ Shangri-La Singapore - New Chef De Cuisine Featuring Pugliese Classics, Signature Handmade Pasta And Pizza

Waterfall Ristorante Italiano at Shangri-La Singapore welcomes new Chef De Cuisine, Simone Loisi. Chef Simone Loisi is formerly from iO Italian Osteria, a popular Italian restaurant in HillV2. With Chef Simone Loisi at the helm, customers can look forward to a new and refreshed menu.

Caprese Di Mare 4/5

We started our dinner with the Caprese Di Mare. What you get is a beautiful plate of marinated salmon and buffalo cheese atop a bed of fennel salad. It is a light yet appetising starter to kickstart the meal.

Porchetta Alla Birra 4.2/5

A worthy dish to order is the Porchetta Alla Birra. It is Chef Simone's rendition of the sumptuous beer-marinated pork belly that is both crispy and juicy. It is best to enjoy with the honey mustard adding a touch of tangy sweetness, while the tangy homemade sauerkraut helps to temper the meat's richness.

Pizza Mortadella Stracciatella 4/5

Italian cuisine is known for its pizza and pasta; hence, we need to try them. From the pizza selections, we had the Pizza Mortadella Stracciatella. The thin crust pizza comes with delightful toppings of stracciatella cheese, mortadella, grounded pistachio and sundried tomato.

Gnocchi Mare E Monti 4.2/5

We tried a couple of pasta dishes from the menu, starting with the Gnocchi Mare E Monti. The soft and fluffy handmade potato gnocchi is tossed in an umami prawn bisque sauce.

Orecchiette Broccoli E Salsiccia 4.2/5

The Orecchiette Broccoli E Salsicca is a pasta dish from Chef Simone's hometown of Puglia. The comforting pasta features a trinity of broccoli, Italian pork sausage meat and handmade Orecchiette pasta. The ear-shaped pasta is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, accentuated by shaved Pecorino, chilli, toasted fennel seed and breadcrumbs.

Linguine Al Crostacei in Crostia Di Pane 4.5/5

My favourite pasta dish is the Linguine Al Crostacei in Crostia Di Pane. It arrived covered in a thin layer of bread dough. Cutting open the bread dough reveals a hearty pot of luscious linguine brimming with a medley of crustaceans. The highlight is the delicious housemade tomato sauce. I recommend wiping up the leftover pasta sauce with the bread dough from the plate.

Polpo Alla Plancia 4/5

It is not just about pizza and pasta at Waterfall Ristorante Italiano. There is a selection of mains too. One of them is Polpo Alla Plancia, Mediterranean octopus leg with potato cream and mixed salad. The octopus leg was huge. The kitchen got the cooking spot on for a delightful, firm and bouncy texture.

Tiramisu Classico 4.2/5

The Tiramisu Classico is a light and sweet ending to a beautiful meal at Waterfall.

Cannolo Siciliano Fatto in Casa 4.2/5

If you still have space, I recommend going for the Cannolo Siciliano Fatto in Casa. The homemade cannoli stuffed with sweetened ricotta cheese with a hint of orange zest come with bitter chocolate chips and nutty pistachio on each side. It is one dessert, two ways of enjoyment.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Waterfall Ristorante Italiano
Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
22 Orange Grove Road
Level One, Garden Wing
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 62134398
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 23 minutes. [Map]

Porta @ Park Hotel Clarke Quay - Plant-based Green Monday Menu

Porta at Park Hotel Clarke Quay goes green with a plant-based Green Monday menu in partnership with Green Monday, as part of its initiatives to support and raise awareness on sustainable future through inspiring diners on the benefits of green diets. A social enterprise group established in Hong Kong in 2012, Green Monday promotes and enables green, healthy and sustainable living to raise awareness and inspire public on the benefits of green diets, nurturing the love towards our planet, and the pursuit of harmony in life. On the Green Monday menu are 10 dishes ranging from vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and nut-free, including plant-based meat and dairy alternatives, featuring plant-based produce from Beyond Meat, Heura, as well as plant-based cheese and dairy from Daiya Foods.

Burratina 4/5

Going green also means allowing simple flavours to shine, and their subtleties always leave you wanting for more. Burratina ($22) is one such dishes, where the delicate, pillowy burrata is enlivened with savoury, peppery and sharp basil pesto shio kombu, balanced with sweet Roma tomatoes.

Beyond Burger 3/5

Beyond Burger ($29) features both the plant-based alternatives Beyond patty and Daiya cheese, bind together with housemade ketchup and mayonnaise, caramelised onions in a brioche bun. The smokey, rich ketchup and that savoury-sweet caramelised onions are to die for. However, I personally find a messy burger more fulfilling, and Beyond Burger falls short of that factor.

Orecchiette Pasta 3.8/5

Orecchiette Pasta ($24), on the other hand, is an ultimate comforting dish that will win you over by its warm and creamy aroma effusing from the housemade cream sauce. The sauce is made using cream, milk, garlic, onion, bay leaf, infused with the earthiness of wild mushrooms. Sliced and tossed in the Beyond sausage, passed off easily as the real thing with their garlicky flavour and meaty texture.

Parma Ham 3/5

Porta's all-day dining menu sees new creations as well, starting with Parma Ham ($16). Dressed with tangy balsamic vinegar and creamy Thai lime aioli, both elements cut the richness of the meat, and the latter also helped to harmonise the contrasting flavours of the savoury meat and the sweet compressed watermelon cubes.

Venus Clams Capellini 3.5/5

For the main course, a crowd-pleaser will be the Venus Clams Capellini ($24). It showcases Indonesian clams prepared in clam stock with shio kombu, spiked with heat from chilli padi and an accentuated umaminess from a handful crisp sakura ebi.

Black Cod 4/5

Adopting an earthy green-brown palette, I love the execution of the Black Cod ($29). An emerald green spinach dashi purée backdropped its ivory white self, which is further contrasted with a blanket of crushed pistachio and puffed wild rice that textured its buttery flesh.

Gourmet Pork Sausage Roll 2.8/5

Gourmet Pork Sausage Roll ($21) is the latest brunch item, featuring a gourmet pork sausage roll with jalapeno salsa. The sausage was juicy, but the salsa lacked both the fiery and kick. Similarly to Beyond Burger, it was a brunch item that left me feeling a little empty.

Kopi "O" 4/5

Coffee lovers will appreciate the bitter-sweetness in the new dessert creation - Kopi "O" ($12), a 'parfait' in a traditional coffee cup made with housemade dark chocolate coffee sponge, coffee crumbles, coffee jelly, milk sauce, and espresso ice cream, completed with butter sugar toast on the side.

Meyer Lemon Trifle 4/5

If you are a fan of lemon tart, this Meyer Lemon Trifle will be right up on your alley with a tangy concoction of Victorian sponge and housemade lemon curd. I actually like it even better with the thyme-infused whipped cream, which is lighter and less cloying than meringue.

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.


Porta Fine Food & Import Company
Park Hotel Clarke Quay
1 Unity Street
Singapore 237983
Tel: +65 65938888
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight At Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to junction of River Valley Road and Clemenceau Ave. Cross the road and turn left onto Clemenceau Ave. Walk down Clemenceau Ave. Turn right onto Unity Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to bus stop at Clark Quay Station (Stop ID 04222). Take bus number 54. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to the end UE Square Shopping Mall. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

IL DEN @ Orchard Plaza - Hidden 8 Seater Restaurant By Ex-Iggy's Chef

Who would expect to find a restaurant hidden on the fourth level of Orchard Plaza? IL DEN is a hole in the wall restaurant with only 8 seats run by Chef Javier, who also double up as the waiter, cashier and dish washer. Yes this is a one-man show restaurant. The young chef has bags of experience working in Iggy, Cenci in Kyoto and Jekyll & Hyde.

Kakiage 4/5

There is only 3 set menu offered at the restaurant. Lunch Set Menu starting from $25, Dinner Set Menu at $75 or Omakase Menu for $120. We tried the $75 dinner set menu starting with the crispy Kakiage which is made up of sakura ebi, shisho and ginger. The aromatic from the deep fried ebi perfumed the air and whets up the appetite for what is to come.

Somen 4/5

Next is a cold wheat noodle dish tossed in a cream based sauce and crowned with caviar. The Somen is served slightly chilled and it is recommend to have it fast before it dries up.

Chawanmushi 3.5/5

The Chawanmushi would take a bit of understanding to appreciate the dish as the steamed egg custard is actually quite bland. To appreciate the silky egg custard, one has to have it together with the painstaking prepared chicken wing stock, that marries the dish together. The foie gras is a welcome bonus in both flavour and texture.

Scallop 4.2/5

The Scallop is lightly seared on the outside while the inside is still raw. This comes with house-made pickled radish in balsamic and sweet creamy uni. What interests me is the unorthodox pairing of house-made pesto sauce to go with the scallop. I would never thought it actually works quite well with the shellfish.

Orecchiette 3.8/5

Chef Javier made the Orecchiette pasta inhouse and cooked them in a delish prawn head broth. These cute looking pasta is also known as little ears pasta. It is paried with ebi, ebiko and broccoli. It has an enjoyable textural bite. Someone in the group commented that its like having Mee Hoon Kueh.

Beef Short Ribs 4/5

Resting on the smooth bed of potato puree and roasted vegetables is the Beef Short Ribs that has been cooked to a beautiful fork tender, falling apart with ease. The meat's texture is more towards the braised type with a slight char on the exterior.

Panna Cotta 4.2/5

Wrapping up the meal is the Panna Cotta that comes with a layer of ginger sake jelly, yuzu and raspberry. The play of flavours especially the used of the sake's sweetness to elevate the enjoyment of the panna cotta strikes a memorable note for my meal at IL DEN.

Overall I have enjoyed the Japanese-Italian fusion cuisine at IL DEN. The execution is still a bit rough in my opinion but there are warm and soul in the food. It felt like dining in one's private home. Words have gotten around about this hidden dining spot and as far as I know reservation can be up to a month now.


IL DEN
Orchard Plaza
150 Orchard Road
#04-21
Singapore 238841
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 930pm
Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 3am
Sat: 6pm - 3am

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to ground level. Walk to junction of Orchard Road and Koek Road. Cross the road. Walk down Koek Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]