BOTANY @ Robertson Quay - Aesthetic & Pet-Friendly Botanical-themed Restaurant Featuring East-West Fusion Flavours

BOTANY, nestled in Robertson Quay, has undergone a refreshing transformation into a warm, botanical-themed space. By day, it serves as an all-day dining spot; by evening, it becomes an intimate venue for any occasion. Founder Cassandra Riene commits to providing a diverse menu that caters to various dietary preferences, including meat, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with the outdoor area overlooking the scenic river, and ideal for diners with pets. Indoors, a cosy, laid-back ambience prevails, enhanced by a chill playlist.

A range of promotions adds to the experience:
● Ladies' Night: 1-for-1 Botanical Cocktails (U.P. $18 each) every Wednesday from 6pm to 9pm
● Men’s Night: 1-for-1 pints on Thursdays from 6pm to 9.30pm
● Daily Free Flow: $48++ for house wine, draft beer, and Moscato with a 2-hour limit starting at 6pm

Mocktails

We kicked off our meal with refreshing albeit sweet mocktails: Dancing Petals ($12), featuring a blend of assam tea, lemon, raspberry, and honey, and Younger Days ($12), made with apple juice, cinnamon, and rosemary.

Gochujang Cauli 3.5/5

First up was the Gochujang Cauli ($15), lightly battered cauliflower coated in a sweet gochujang sauce with spring onions and sesame seeds. I personally found the sauce too sweet and a bit overpowering, and I thought a lighter touch would have enhanced the dish.

Otah Fritters 4.2/5

Next, we had the Otah Fritters ($15), which were a standout. Slightly crisp on the outside, the fritters revealed a tender otah interior with chunks of fish and prawns, perfectly spiced for a satisfying bite.

Scallop Truffle Capellini 4/5

For mains, we started with the Scallop Truffle Capellini ($29), a chilled capellini dish dressed in truffle salsa and sakura ebi, topped with torched scallops and salmon roe for delightful pops of briny savouriness.

‘Hae Mee’ Pasta 4.2/5

We then tried the 'Hae Mee' Pasta ($29), BOTANY's twist on our local prawn noodles. While I thought the spaghetti could be a touch more al dente, the pasta was bathed in an umami-rich prawn bisque and crowned with a torched tiger prawn and tobiko.

Impossible Rendang Meatball with Mash 4.2/5

A pleasant surprise was the Impossible Rendang Meatball with Mash ($22). The Impossible meatballs, simmered in an aromatic rendang sauce, paired wonderfully with the creamy, buttery mash, making it a hearty plant-based option.

Signature Basque Cheesecake 4.2/5

We couldn't resist the Signature Basque Cheesecake ($12) for dessert, and the decadent piece did not disappoint. It was super cheesy and just slightly creamy in texture.

Overall, our lunch experience at BOTANY was delightful, with friendly service. We recommend making a reservation, especially if you prefer the cosy indoor seating.

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.


BOTANY
86 Robertson Quay
#01-03
Singapore 238245
Tel: +65 6951 4861
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 9am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 830am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight down Havelock Road towards Four Points by Sheraton. At Four Points by Sheraton, walk to the river. Cross the river and walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Alice Boulangerie & Restaurant @ ICON Village - Reopens As The New Go-To Restaurant For Modern Contemporary Food With A Whimsical Touch

Renowned for its artisanal pastries, Alice Boulangerie has recently undergone a stunning transformation. After a month-long makeover, this beloved café has evolved into an elegant restaurant and dining space. Guests can now savour a contemporary dinner menu with a unique Asian flair, offering a modern twist on classic flavours.

Herb Bread with Kombu Butter 4.5/5

We began our meal with a delightful complimentary appetiser: Herb Bread with Kombu Butter. The bread was served warm and pillowy-soft, paired perfectly with the house-made kombu butter, which was both savoury and aromatic. As I write this, I find myself longing for another taste.

Ruby Oolong Cooler & Virgin Fruity Mojito Cooler 3/5

They have an array of alcoholic drinks, but we picked 2 non-alcoholic coolers instead, which were decent.

Seabream Crudo 3.8/5

The Japanese-inspired appetiser, Seabream Crudo ($28), features delicately sliced Japanese 'Tai' fish drizzled with ponzu sauce, complemented by Aji Amarillo (Peruvian yellow chilli pepper) and crispy ginger threads. Lightly torched for added depth, this elevated sashimi dish offers a superb texture and a well-balanced flavour profile, making it an excellent choice for sharing and a refreshing start to the meal.

Otak Prawn Coquette 4/5

The Otak Prawn Croquette ($19/5pc) features juicy halibut and tiger prawn encased in a crispy panko shell. Unlike the mushy, potato-filled croquettes we often encounter, this dish surprises us with its satisfying texture and flavourful filling. The kaffir lime mayonnaise and a hint of curry leaves elevate the experience, adding an extra layer of depth and complexity.

Seared Foie Gras Toast 4/5

Our final appetiser, the Seared Foie Gras Toast ($32), was a true indulgence. Perfectly seared French foie gras rests atop house-made brioche and is garnished with pistachios, pickled raisins, green peppercorn jus, and a fig and balsamic compote. A side of herb salad adds a refreshing contrast, making this dish one I could easily savour on my own.

Laksa Paella 4/5

Designed to serve two, the new Laksa Paella ($46) combines the essence of traditional Spanish paella with a rich, homemade laksa gravy. Each grain of rice is perfectly coated, making it irresistibly moreish. This comforting dish features a generous array of ingredients, including Spanish grilled seafood (octopus, black mussels, and tiger prawns), quail eggs, and the essential tofu puffs. A squeeze of lime enhances the flavours, balancing the richness and adding a refreshing touch.

Braised Spanish Pork Claypot Rice 3.8/5

We were pleasantly surprised to find claypot rice on the menu! The Braised Spanish Pork Claypot Rice ($42) is served with a theatrical table-side mixing of soy sauce. While the dish leans towards a richer palate, it's packed with a variety of ingredients: Duroc pork belly, mushroom kombu rice, salted fish, Chinese pork sausage, olive vegetables, and grilled asparagus. Although we found it a bit salty, the crunch of the asparagus and the perfectly balanced fat ratio of the pork belly were the highlights. The accompanying sambal cincalok is a must-have to cut through the saltiness and add a burst of flavour.

Sakura ‘Cherry Blossom’ Pork Loin 4/5

The final dish before dessert was the Sakura 'Cherry Blossom' Pork Loin ($60 for 400g), a must-try for meat enthusiasts. This tender pork loin is marinated in honey mustard spices and herbs, then grilled over binchotan for a rich, smoky char. The side of charred mustard greens was exceptionally flavourful, offering a unique twist on a classic ingredient. To enhance the experience, the pork can be paired with either a spiced apple puree or a creamy green peppercorn sauce, each providing a distinct and complementary flavour profile.

Pebbles 3.8/5

Alice Boulangerie, renowned for its exceptional desserts, now offers plated desserts for the first time. The Pebbles ($22) features black sesame mochi set atop a bed of peanut butter crumble, accompanied by smooth peanut butter and tangy raspberry jam. The mochi combines a chewy texture with a bouncy jelly-like quality, creating a unique experience. The black sesame flavour is robust and aromatic, adding a distinct and delightful touch to the dessert.

Forrest 3.8/5

We were informed that the exquisitely plated Forrest ($23) is a deconstructed Black Forest cake. This dessert features a chocolate log crafted from 72% Araguani dark chocolate, filled with cherry compote, almond Chantilly cream, pistachio praline, and kirsch-infused Morello cherries. Accompanied by dark chocolate gelato on a bed of sea salt dark chocolate crumble, the dessert is a perfect pairing. It's a must-try for any chocolate lover.

To celebrate its re-opening, Alice Boulangerie is rolling out an exclusive promotion from now till 4 September 2024. Order a sharing platter from Monday to Thursday, 6pm to 9pm and receive 50% off your next main dish. Terms and conditions apply.

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


Alice Boulangerie & Restaurant
ICON Village
12 Gopeng Street
#01-05/11
Singapore 078877
Tel: +65 8874 3300
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 8am - 10pm
Sun: 8am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Peck Seah Street. Cross the road at the junction of Peck Seah Street and Gopeng Street. Walk to ICON village. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

SPRMRKT @ Dempsey Hill - Limited-time Collaboration with Enjoy Eating House and Bar for Redefined Local Dishes

Enjoy Eating House and Bar, helmed by Chef Joel Ong, is renowned for its elevated take on local cuisine, showcased at its flagship outlet in Jalan Besar and a second location on Sixth Avenue. Now, in collaboration with SPRMRKT, diners can savour its offerings amidst the verdant surroundings of Dempsey Hill. The collaboration is available from Thursdays to Sundays, 5pm to 10pm, until the end of July.

Black Dog Quail Egg 4/5

Served chilled and inspired by black vinegar braise, the Black Dog Quail Egg ($8) served as a tangy and appetising starter.

Kueh Pie Tee 3.8/5

The Kueh Pie Tee ($18) featured a pretty flavourful shredded jicama filling made in prawn and conpoy stock alongside handmade pastry shells. Despite this, my dining companion and I found it a tad too pricey for its portion. It was served with house garlic chilli, egg, and sweet soy to pair.

Chonky Chicken Satay 4.2/5

The Chonky Chicken Satay ($20) lived up to its name with generously sized, spice-marinated chicken chunks served alongside homemade ketupat and a side of creamy peanut sauce infused with a zesty pineapple purée. Each juicy chicken piece boasted a delightful smoky char.

Enjoy Hokkien Mee 3.8/5

The Enjoy Hokkien Mee ($34) is one of the restaurant's popular dishes. It consists of noodles simmered in a prawn broth stir-fried with wild-caught "Ang Kar" prawns, pork belly, squid, and pork lard. While the noodles carried a decent amount of wok hei and the seafood was fresh, we thought the dish was considerably pricey. If you enjoy the pork lard-laden type of hokkien mee, you will enjoy this.

Crispy Local Barramundi in Chef Joel’s Red Curry 4.5/5

For me, a must-order is the Crispy Local Barramundi in Chef Joel's Red Curry ($29). The perfectly fried barramundi sat atop a house coconut curry sauce featuring sautéed local vegetables. The fish impressed with its flaky, tender meat and lightly crisp skin, while the rich curry sauce striked a balance with its satisfyingly creamy texture and just the right amount of heat. This was value for money.

Smoked Cod Otah 4/5

Chef Joel showcased innovation with his Smoked Cod Otah ($22), a departure from the familiar smooth-textured steamed muar otah. His rendition features grilled spicy fish paste with smoked cod chunks, which offer a delightful smokiness, lingering heat and mix of texture. For an extra zest, pair it with the side cincalok.

If you frequent Dempsey Hill, this is a good opportunity to sample Enjoy Eating House’s food. SPRMRKT also offers a wide range of alcoholic drinks to accompany.

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.


SPRMRKT x Enjoy Eating House and Bar
Blk 8 Dempsey Road
#01-15A
Singapore 247696
Tel: +65 8129 8166
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Enjoy Eating House and Bar Menu
Thu-Sun: 5pm to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop opposite Singapore Botanic Gardens (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 2 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 12 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]