Armoury Craft Beer & Steak @ South Beach Quarter - Craft Beer Bar That Offers Spanish Tapas and Wagyu Steaks

Armoury at South Beach Quarter started in 2016 as a craft beer speciality bistro. Collaborating with local and international breweries, it introduces a wide range of craft beers, including its very own Armoury Lager and Armoury IPA. The food menu was basic back then, but it has now evolved to include Spanish-style offerings such as tapas, paella and even wagyu ribeye for the gourmands.

Its Armoury IPA is suitable for an easy start, as well as the Watermelon Martini.

Madrid Broken Egg 4/5

Our evening started strong with very enjoyable dishes from the Tapas menu. Madrid Broken Egg ($16) is a dish that will cure your hangover and set you up for more alcohol! I love the broken pieces of gooey egg yolks tossed alongside roasted potato chunks and chorizo sausages. It is on the saltier side but deeply satisfying nonetheless.

Spicy Mussel Bowl 4.5/5

The Spicy Mussel Bowl ($20) will whet your appetite with its garlic white wine broth. Aromatic with a depth of flavour lent from the white wine, it comes with a fiery kick but is gentle on the taste buds.

Gambas al Ajillo 4.5/5

Gambas al Ajillo ($20) was simple, with all three ingredients done well - prawns, olive oil and garlic. The perfectly browned chopped garlic was indeed the flavour bomb, which explained the side toasts to mop up the garlic-infused olive oil.

Mediterranean Seafood Paella 4/5

Mediterranean Seafood Paella ($39) is wholesome for mains with prawns, squids and scallops. The rice had a delicious bite, and the various seafood added to that enjoyable texture.

Armoury Wagyu + Pork Ribs Set 4/5

When you have a curation of craft beers to choose from, perhaps one way to amp up the experience is to have something luscious and sinfully indulgent. Other than its Spanish-style tapas and mains, what's worth highlighting is its wagyu steaks which are not so commonly available in such places. We had the Wagyu Ribeye and Pork Ribs Set ($95) served with Mentaiko Fries.

Molten Lava Cake 4/5

If you do need a dessert, the Molten Lava Cake($14) is good for sharing.

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.


Armoury Craft Beer & Steak
South Beach Quarter
36 Beach Road
#01-01
Singapore 189766
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Tapas 24 @ Robertson Quay - A Special Menu Welcoming Founder Chef Carles Abellan To Singapore

Since its opening in May 2021, Tapas 24 at Robertson Quay, Singapore, has received raving reviews. Tapas 24 is a Barcelonian concept that offers Spanish ingredients in traditional tapas with a twist. Chef Carles Abellan founds it with the original outlet located a stone's throw from Passeig de Gracia, a prime shopping and business area in Barcelona, Spain. Tapas 24 Robertson Quay has put together an exclusive limited-edition menu of new creations from 17 February to 27 February 2022 to celebrate Chef Carles Abellan's long-waited trip from Barcelona to Singapore.

King Crab Ensaladilla Rusa 4.5/5

The luxe version of the King Crab Ensaladilla Rusa is topped with egg yolk, tobiko and miso mayonnaise. I have not eaten anything like it before. It reminds me of our Chinese Sai Pang Xie (Stir Fry Egg White) but an elevated Western version.

McFoie Burger 5/5

This is the only place you can have the McFoie Burger in Singapore, one of the signature dishes that brought Tapas 24 to fame in Barcelona. Unfortunately, it is no longer served in Spain. The Foie patty sandwiched between grilled, soft brioche buns is served with foie gras mousse on the side. Spread the foie gras mousse onto the burger for a hot and cold, umami enjoyment.

Squid Ink Paella 3.8/5

I felt the Squid Ink Paella with slivers of cuttlefish was a bit heavy-handed for it. Though so, the Spanish saffron rice infused with squid ink is deliciously flavourful coupled with delightful bites.

Truffle Spanish Tortilla 4.8/5

Another favourite item on Chef Carles's special menu is the Truffle Spanish Tortilla. I had the potato and egg omelette in Spain but not this version with a molten interior accentuated by the truffle's earthiness. It is hearty and comforting, and most important, deliciously good.

Churros 4.5/5

Wrapping up our dinner is the Churros and Chocolate Cake. My eyes brightened when I saw the churros because they are the thin and airy type I like. It is accompanied by three different dipping sauces - Chocolate, Coffee Toffee, and Mango & Passionfruit. For the chocolate lover, you will love the chocolatey richness.

Chocolate Cake 4/5

In light of Chef Carles’ visit, the restaurant will also present a carte of exclusive ‘Carles Abellán Specials’ (17 to 27 February 2022) and 3-day only (25 February, Friday, 6pm; 26 February, Saturday, 12pm and 6pm; and 27 February, Sunday, 12pm) lunch and dinner set menus that unabashedly showcase the Chef’s inimitable personality. Reservations are for a minimum of two persons and maximum of five and may be made online at https://www.tapas24.sg/ under Reservations.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tapas 24
60 Robertson Quay
#01-04
Singapore 238252
Tel: +65 65136810
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Fort Canning (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop opposite State Courts (Stop ID 06171). Take bus number 51 or 186. Alight 1 stop later. Cross the road and walk to Alkaff Bridge. Cross the bridge and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite UE Square (Stop ID 04329). Take bus 64 or 123. Alight 1 stop later. Cross the road and walk to Alkaff Bridge. Cross the bridge and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction River Valley Road and Clemenceau Ave. Cross the road and turn left onto Clemenceau Ave. Walk down Clemenceau Ave to the river. Turn right and walk down the river. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Kwee Zeen @ Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa - Christmas Mega Safe Brunch

Paying homage to the Christmas traditions of old, Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa presents a full-fledged Christmas Town in this season of merry-making. Over at Kwee Zeen, guests can look forward to spectacular holiday buffet spreads. Besides the traditional holiday classic, guests can also look forward to an eclectic lineup of fresh seafood, international cuisines and a full dessert counter with quintessential panettone, chocolate fondue, log cake, stollen and much more.

The highlight of the Christmas Mega Safe Brunch at Kween Zeen has to be the Seafood of Ice and oyster counter. The Oyster counter has four different varieties, while the seafood of ice has a massive selection of crustaceans and shellfish. You can eat to your fill.

In every festive celebration, the festive roasts such as Turkey, Beef Ribs, Tomahawk, Sausages and Ham are not to be missed. Best to have them together with sides like roasted potatoes and vegetables.

The huge paella pan brimming with seafood and the various ham on the buffet spread caught my eyes. It brings back memories of my Spanish trips.

Diners can also look forward to other Asian and Local cuisines, such as the popular Japanese section for sashimi and sushi. My personal favourite is the noodle station where I can have the local laksa. I even asked the staff to add a few pieces of roasted duck from the Chinese's section. There is even an Indian section where you can indulgent in an array of aromatic dishes, curry and naan.

What is Christmas without the sweet treats? So do save your stomach to a full dessert counter with quintessential panettone, chocolate fondue, log cakes, stollen and much more.

Festive Sunday Brunch
Date: 5, 12, 19 December
Time: from 12pm
Price: $128++ per pax ($218 for TWO) | $60++ per child

Magnifique Hawker Yuletide Dinner
Date: 24 December
Time: from 6pm
Price: $88++ per pax

Christmas Mega Safe Brunch
Date: 25 December
Time: from 12pm
Price: $228++ per pax | $88++ per child

Boxing Day Brunch
Date: 26 December
Price: $228++ per pax ($248 for TWO)  | $88++ per child

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kwee Zeen
Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa
2 Bukit Manis Road 
Singapore 099891
Tel: +65 67088310
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Harbourfont MRT (CC Line, NE Line)

KULTO @ Amoy Street - Honouring The Spanish Roots, Taste The Elevation

KULTO, nestled in a historic unit along Amoy Street, is a new homely space serving Spanish food that reflects Chef-Owner José Alonso's philosophy of respecting traditions, seasonality of produce, and elevated precision. Beverages also play a huge part in the experience of his guests. Other than the usual Sangria, Chef Alonso's extensive list includes wines featuring the different terroir.

Chili Crab Croquette 4.5/5

We had a variety of Tapas, starting with Chili Crab Croquette ($12). They were simply delicious, definitely one of the more refined croquettes I have to date. The mixture had a good ratio of béchamel sauce, shredded jumbo crab meat, caramelised onion and paprika, resulting in a well-blended creamy texture without being overly rich. The accompanying housemade chilli crab sauce may seem tiny, but it did reinforce that chilli-crab nuance with much intensity.

Jamón Ibérico Bellota 4.5/5

I like the Jamón Ibérico Bellota (36-months) with Tomato Bread ($29) just as much too. The housemade tomato spread on the house-baked sourdough is made with grated roma tomato, minced garlic and olive oil. Refreshing on the palate, that made the crispy toast the perfect pairing for the sliced jamón ibérico, which was incredibly rich, mouth-filling and savoury.

Tuna Tartare & Shrimp Tullie 3/5

Tuna Tartare & Shrimp Tullie ($22) fell short a little. Though the diced fresh tuna loin was plump and well seasoned, the shrimp tuille was too oily. A simple toast to go with it would have been enough for me.

Ibérico Chorizo, Confit Potatoes & Soft Eggs 4.2/5

Ibérico Chorizo, Confit Potatoes & Soft Eggs ($22) was almost like a good old hangover dish - comforting warm and soft confit potato, oozy eggs and chunks of josper grilled smoky Ibérico chorizo.

Grilled Avocado, Homemade Pesto & "Pipirrana" 3.8/5

Compared with the above, the Grilled Avocado, Homemade Pesto & "Pipirrana" ($22) was a bit muted in terms of flavours.

Mushroom and Pork Sausage Paella 4.5

Squid Ink Paella 4.2/5

The paellas here are done specially on Josper Grill, and you have a choice of Seafood Paella, Squid Ink Paella, or Mushroom and Pork Sausage Paella. We had the Pork Sausage and Mushroom Paella and Squid Ink Paella ($38 for 2-3 pax/ $62 for 3-5 pax). I very much prefer the first, perhaps it was brighter and more vibrant in terms of flavour profile, and the charred edges were also more pronounced than the latter. A housemade master pork stock is used, which the bomba rice absorbs as it cooks, then french beans, sweet peas, pork sausage and mushroom are added. As for the Squid Ink Paella, a housemade master seafood stock is added instead, followed by french beans, sweet peas, mussels, asari clams and baby squid.

Cheese Cake 4/5

For dessert, we had a beautifully crafted Cheese Cake ($12) made with Manchego cheese blended with a few other soft kinds of cheese, served with a molten centre. Its creaminess was balanced by the burst of acidity from the dried freeze raspberries.

Sponge, Whisky-infused Chantilly Cream and Nikka Whiskey 4.8/5

My favourite dish of the evening was this slab of dessert made with a layer of sponge, Whisky-infused Chantilly Cream and egg yolk ganache. Served with a drizzle of Nikka Whiskey over the cake, the sponge underneath sopped up the whiskey was given a bitter-sweet profile, and every layer came together in harmony. So good.

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.


KULTO
87 Amoy Street
Singapore 069906
Tel: +65 96205626
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Sat: 530pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

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

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Pura Brasa @ Guoco Tower - Popular Spanish Restaurant Chain Unveils New Weekend Brunch Menu

Originated from Spain, Pura Brasa at Guoco Tower is the place to go to if you want to have a taste of its famed high-quality, Josper-grilled Spanish dishes. The restaurant has specially curated a new weekend brunch menu for you with some of its signature Spanish dishes. Available every weekend from 12pm to 4pm, each set comes with 4 tapas, 2 main courses and 1 dessert, priced at $79.90 for 2 pax.

White Sangria

Other than the new Brunch offering, it also includes an option of 2-hour free-flow tipples of Cava, wines and beers for $39.90. Otherwise, the drinks menu is decent with a range of cocktails and alcohols, in which I had a light and refreshing White Sangria.

Tuna on Toast 4.2/5

We started off with Tuna on Toast, which was one of my favourite dishes on the set menu. The huge dollop of tuna was luscious but not overly creamy. Balancing its richness was a contrasting crispy toast, which was flaky like a puff pastry but without the presence of butter that would possibly make the entire bite overly heavy.

Homemade Spanish Croquettes 2.5/5

However, on the other hand, the Homemade Spanish Croquettes was a tad too cloyingly rich and possibly the least favourable croquette I had till date.

Josper® Grilled Wings 4/5

Pura Brasa may possibly be one of the very few places that you will get to try Josper® Grilled Wings, an elevated version from your usual grilled chicken wings. There wasn't much distraction from marination or seasoning, but just a simple layer of smokey flavour imparted from the grill that made these wings more superior than what's out there. The fries served along with it is a bonus!

Calamari Andalusian Style 4/5

I like this Calamari Andalusian Style too. Made with fresh squid rings, each ring was springy-tender with a nice contrasting crispy coat.

Charcoal Seafood Paella 4.2/5

The Mains include its best-selling dishes - Charcoal Seafood Paella and Josper® Grilled Spanish Pork Ribs. The rice of the paella was plump and firm, with added textural bites lent from green peas and diced prawns that were mixed within. Its sweet and tangy, tomatoey flavour profile, in comparison with the more highly flavoured tapas, made it even more moreish and delectable.

Josper® Grilled Spanish Pork Ribs 4.5/5

Josper® Grilled Spanish Pork Ribs is probably the item that brings customers back again and again. Again, similar to the chicken wings, the meat is seasoned minimally, which allows the smoky nuances of the meat to stand out. The meat was really tender and unctuous, but I thought a minute more on the grill, rendering more fats may make the ribs even more flavourful.

Churros 4/5

Dessert is two mini Churros They were crispy on the outside, and the core was slightly chewy. Served with thick, hot chocolate sauce, they were gone in minutes!

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.


Pura Brasa
Guoco Tower
5 Wallich Street
#01-16
Singapore 078881
Tel: +65 63869678
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun: 12pm - 11pm 

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

The Line @ Shangri-La Hotel - Presents Flavours Of Singapore With Fresh Durians, Tropical Fruit And Hawker Favourites

In commemoration of the coming National Day, The Line at Shangri-La Hotel launched the Flavours of Singapore buffet inspired by the traditional street food of the 1980s. Available from 18 July to 10 August 2019, diners get to indulge in tropical fruits, including durians and retro snacks, as well as a full spread of dinner buffet featuring nostalgic food and beverage favourites from the restaurant’s 16 live-cooking stations.

The highlight of the buffet is, of course, the durians. Enjoy your fill of durians with free-flow servings of the freshly opened Golden Phoenix durian, Hong Xia (red prawn) durian and D13 durian. There are also tropical fruits, such as mangosteen, rambutan, longan and jackfruit, are also available at the outdoor stall every Thursday to Sunday.

This will be complemented with childhood snacks, including Kacang Puteh, Satay Ampai, White Rabbit Sweets, Lobster Cube Biscuit, Wheel Crackers and more.

Guests can also enjoy an enhanced buffet spread with old-time food and beverage highlights, such as the Char Kway Teow and Oyster Omelette.

We had the Bak Kut Teh which was a comforting bowl of goodness prior to a night of indulgent feasting. The rich, flavourful broth was worth going for a second round.

Prepared by Chef Raymond Yin Teng Poh, The Line’s Asian chef with more than 44 years of culinary experience specialising in local cuisine, the local highlights will be served along with a wide range of international delights. Dishes are freshly prepared a la minute, enabling diners to watch the chefs in action.

For something more substantial, go for the Seafood Paella, filled with a variety of crustaceans and shellfish, or the Braised Pork Leg with Hokkien Noodles, and Thai Style Seafood Fried Rice.

Take your pick from the scrumptious range of familiar Asian delights such as the crispy, tender Pork Belly, and Deep Fried Pork Ribs with Orange Sauce.

Not to be missed out is the local favourite Chilli Crab and Signature Black Pepper Crab using Sri Lankan Mud Crab.

Highlights include the Crustacean Bar, with its appetising display of fresh seafood. It has an extensive array of premium ocean-fresh seafood, such as the Jonah Crab Claw, Snow Crab, Clam, Oysters, and Black Mussel. These changes based on what is available.

The feasting is complete with a magnificent display of desserts, with traditional favourites of Kueh Lapis, Heritage Cakes, and Nonya Kueh. Other must-try desserts include the rich Hazelnut Royaltine, Green Tea Financier, Green Tea Strawberry, Raspberry Opera, Coffee Orange Profiterole, Coconut Pistachio Tartlet, American Cheesecake and more.

Not forgetting the exclusive durian treats such as the Durian Profiterole, Durian Cheesecakes, and Durian Coconut Cake.

Buffet Pricing 
- Thursday SGD128++ per adult; includes unlimited servings of local fruits, beers and soft drinks SGD 64++ per child (6 to 11 years old)
- Friday and Saturday SGD118++ per adult; includes unlimited serving of local fruits SGD59++ per child (6 to 11 years old)
- Sunday SGD108++ per adult; includes unlimited serving of local fruits SGD54++ per child (6 to 11 years old)
- National Day SGD128++ per adult; includes unlimited servings of local fruits SGD 64++ per child (6 to 11 years old)

Prices are subject to a 10% service charge and 7% GST.

Photos and words 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.


The Line
Shangri-La Hotel Singapore
Lobby Level
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 62134398
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. 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]