Mizue @ Club Street - Newly-Opened Multi-Concept That Boasts a Japanese Kissaten Café by Day Transforming into a Vibrant Wine Bar by Night

Mizue is an exciting new multi-concept dining destination. By day, it offers a Japanese Kissaten café and transforms into a vibrant wine bar by night. In the evening, the space comes alive with an extensive selection of wines and sake curated by General Manager Myra Buccat, paired with Japanese-Italian-inspired bites by Head Chef Vikern Chua. I visited Mizue for dinner, eager to explore its unique blend of flavours.

Buckwheat Shokupan, Smoked Goma Butter 4/5

Our meal began with the Buckwheat Shokupan (12 for 3pc), a soft and fluffy Japanese-style light yet satisfyingly chewy bread. It was paired with smoked goma butter, which had a nutty aroma and a subtle smokiness, making it a simple but addictive start to the meal.

Whipped Burrata, Frozen Momotaro Tomato, Yuzu Oil 5/5

The Whipped Burrata with Frozen Momotaro Tomato and Yuzu Oil ($22) was an unexpected but brilliant pairing. The whipped burrata was smooth, creamy, and delicate, while the frozen momotaro tomato introduced a natural sweetness and refreshing chill that contrasted beautifully with the cheese. The yuzu oil added a zesty brightness, lifting the dish with a citrusy, aromatic note.

Scallop & Maitake Risotto 4.2/5

Unlike traditional Italian risottos that retain a firmer bite in the rice grains, Mizue's version of Scallop & Maitake Risotto ($28) was softer and creamier, leaning towards a more comforting texture. The plump, juicy scallops provided a sweet seafood richness, while the Maitake mushrooms introduced an earthy depth that complemented the dish wonderfully.

Pappardelle Kombu Beef Ragu, Parmesan, Togarashi 4.8/5

The Pappardelle Kombu Beef Ragu ($30) was another standout dish, featuring perfectly cooked pasta with a delightful bite. The kombu-infused beef ragu provided a deep umami richness, while the Parmesan and Togarashi elevated the flavours further, adding a hint of spice and complexity. This dish was a satisfying and well-balanced fusion of Japanese and Italian elements.

Tripe Fromage: Mascarpone, Parmesan, Cream Cheese 4.8/5

We indulged in the Triple Fromage, a moist and luscious cheesecake made with Mascarpone, Parmesan, and Cream Cheese for dessert. The combination created a perfect balance of light creaminess and rich umami notes, offering a sweet yet sophisticated ending to the meal.

Mizue impresses with its thoughtfully curated menu, blending Japanese and Italian influences in an elevated yet approachable way. The combination of expertly curated wines, bold flavours, and a chic ambience makes it a must-visit for those looking for a unique dining experience in Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Mizue
87 Club Street
Singapore 069455
Tel: +65 96395914
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Maxwell (TE Line), Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue: 6pm - Till Late
Wed-Sat: 10pm - 3pm, 6pm - Till Late
Sun: 10am - 4pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Continue to the end of Amoy Street. Climb the stairs beside Siang Cho Keong Temple, up Ann Siang Hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down South Bridge Road towards Ann Siang Road. Turn right onto Ann Siang Road. Walk down Ann Siang Road. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 4 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the road and turn right. Walk down South Bridge Road. Turn left onto Ann Siang Hill and then left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Locanda @ Rowell Road (Jalan Besar) - A Cosy Italian Trattoria Offering Hearty Classics

Locanda is a delightful new Italian trattoria nestled in the vibrant heritage district of Little India. Conceptualized by the Michelin-starred team behind Buona Terra, Locanda exudes the warmth and charm of a classic Italian "inn." In the past, locandas in Italy were places where weary travellers could find refuge and refuel with simple, hearty meals. Locanda brings this tradition to life in Singapore with a menu filled with comforting Italian classics.

Locanda Soft Roll with Eggplant, Tomato Dip 4.2/5

We began the evening with the Locanda Soft Roll with Eggplant, Tomato Dip ($8). The bread was warm, soft, and buttery, making it the perfect pairing with the tangy, flavourful eggplant and tomato dip. It was a simple yet satisfying start to our meal.

Gnocco Fritto E Affettati 3.5/5

Next, we moved on to the Gnocco Fritto E Affettati ($15/50g of selected cold cuts). The Gnocco Fritto — golden-brown fried dough puffs — was an absolute delight. The crispy exterior gave way to a soft, airy interior, which paired beautifully with the selection of classic Italian cold cuts.

Focaccia Bread, Casera Cheese, Lardo, Hazelnuts, Truffle, Honey 4/5

Focaccia, Scamorza, Black Pepper, Grilled Zucchini 4/5

We had the pleasure of trying two variations of focaccia, starting with the Focaccia Bread, Casera Cheese, Lardo, Hazelnuts, Truffle, Honey ($18). Topped with melted Casera cheese, lardo, and toasted Piedmont hazelnuts, it was finished with a drizzle of truffle honey and shaved black truffle. Every bite was a symphony of creamy, nutty, and earthy flavours.

The second version, Focaccia with Scamorza, Black Pepper, Grilled Zucchini ($18), was equally delightful. The smoky Scamorza cheese paired with the fresh crunch of grilled zucchini and a hint of black pepper. Both focaccia options were so good that I honestly couldn't choose a favourite.

Deep Fried Marinated Sardine, Onion and Raisin 4.2/5

One of the standouts for me was the Deep-Fried Marinated Sardine, Onion, and Raisin ($22). Deep-fried and marinated in vinegar, the sardines were served atop a crispy fried polenta base, accompanied by braised onions, raisins, pine nuts, and a hint of mint. It was a perfect blend of sweet, savoury, and tangy flavours.

Yellowtail, Lemon, Fennel Oil 3.8/5

We also tried the Yellowtail, Lemon, Fennel Oil ($28), a light and clean dish featuring fresh slices of yellowtail dressed with a bright lemon dressing and a sprinkle of sea salt. The charred orange segments added a hint of bitterness that balanced the dish beautifully, while the fennel oil provided an aromatic finish.

Veal Eye Round, Tuna Sauce and Capers Berry 4/5

The Veal Eye Round ($24) is a boneless cut from the rear leg of the calf that's first sous-vide, then seared to perfection in the pan. It's thinly sliced and served with a classic tonnato sauce, then garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and caper berries. The dish is understated, focusing on the pure tenderness of the veal and its mild, delicate flavour. It's a straightforward preparation that highlights the quality of the meat without unnecessary embellishments, perfect for those who enjoy simple yet expertly executed dishes.

Tagliolini, Fresh Tomato, Crab, Lemon 4.2/5

When it comes to pasta, Locanda does not disappoint. The Tagliolini, Fresh Tomato, Crab, Lemon ($28) was one of my favourites, featuring perfectly cooked tagliolini in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce with generous chunks of crab and a zesty hint of lemon. It reminded me of a refined version of Singapore's chilli crab but with pasta — a real treat for seafood lovers.

Pappardelle Ragu Genovese, Mix Mushrooms 4.2/5

The Pappardelle Ragu Genovese, Mixed Mushrooms ($24) was another excellent option. The wide, ribbon-like pasta was coated in a rich, hearty beef ragu made from different cuts of Australian beef, slow-braised until tender. The addition of braised mushrooms added depth to the dish, creating a perfect balance of flavours and textures.

Malloreddus, Red Wine Octopus Ragu, Capers 3.8/5

We tried the Malloreddus, Red Wine Octopus Ragu, Capers ($28) for something a bit different. The shell-like pasta had a pleasant bite, and the octopus ragu was flavorful and rich, elevated by the capers' briny punch.

Spaghetti ai Frutti di Mare 4.5/5

I recommend the Spaghetti ai Frutti di Mare ($118++) for larger groups, which is good for up to 4 people. This seafood pasta was tossed in a luscious tomato sauce and topped with an assortment of sautéed seafood, including clams, lobster, scampi, and red prawns. A seafood lover's dream!

Secreto Iberico Pork, Braised Endive, Apple 4.2/5

The Secreto Iberico Pork, Braised Endive, Apple ($39) stood out among the mains. The Iberico pork was beautifully glazed with pork jus, honey, and spices, then grilled over binchotan for a smoky, caramelized exterior. The tender meat was perfectly complemented by the slightly bitter braised endives and sweet apple sauce.

Hanging Tender, Rucola & Parmesan 4.2/5

We also tried the Hanging Tender, Rucola & Parmesan ($42). The lesser-known cut of beef was simply seasoned with salt and grilled to perfection, served with beef jus, a peppery rucola salad, and shavings of Parmesan. It was a no-frills dish that allowed the beef's rich, natural flavour to shine.

Gelati & Sorbetti 4/5

To finish, we had a scoop of Gelati & Sorbetti ($9/scoop). While the pistachio and chocolate gelati were delicious, I found them a bit pricey for the portion size. However, the real star of the dessert menu was the Sicilian Cannolo ($15/2pc). Each cannolo was filled with a luscious mix of Artigiana ricotta, chopped Valrhona 55% chocolate, candied orange and lemon, and finished with Sicilian pistachio on each end. It's a perfect sweet ending to an indulgent meal.

Sicilian Cannolo 4/5

Locanda brings the warmth and hospitality of a traditional Italian inn to Singapore, with a menu full of comforting and well-executed Italian classics. Whether you're in the mood for delicious pasta, hearty meat dishes, or an authentic Italian dessert, Locanda delivers a memorable dining experience in the heart of Little India. It is an excellent spot for a cosy meal with friends or family, and I'll definitely be back to try more of their offerings.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Locanda
109 Rowell Road
Singapore 208033
Tel: +65 9619 2691
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Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Fri: 6pm - 12midnight
Sat-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Jalan Besar MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight down Jalan Besar Road. Walk to Rowell Road. Turn left onto Rowell Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

La Bottega Enoteca @ Joo Chiat Road - Singapore’s Number One Pizzeria Unveils New Menu Celebrating Award and Second Anniversary

Celebrating its 2nd anniversary, La Bottega Enoteca has unveiled an enticing new menu. The joy is twofold as La Bottega Enoteca recently secured the 19th spot on the prestigious 50 Top Pizza Asia Pacific 2023 ranking – a remarkable achievement in the culinary world. Remarkably, it is the sole pizzeria in Singapore to earn this recognition, cementing its status as the city's premier pizzeria.

NEW: Calamaretti Alla Griglia 4.5/5

Among the new additions to the menu, the Calamaretti Alla Griglia ($25) stands out. This antipasto features grilled baby calamari adorned with pea, mint, and lemon zest. The baby calamari is impeccably tender and retains its delightful oceanic sweetness.

Newpolitan®: ½ Broccolini & ½ Mortadella 4.5/5

With the revamped menu, La Bottega introduces fresh pizza flavours. We opted for the Newpolitan®: ½ Broccolini & ½ Mortadella, which offers the delightful option of trying both. The Broccolini ($28/half) boasts charred broccolini layered with San Marzano DOP tomatoes, taleggio cheese, and a crisp blend of lemon breadcrumbs, oregano, and chilli. On the other half, the Mortadella ($32/half) entices with gooey parmesan fondue, silky Italian mortadella, red pesto, crunchy pistachios, sweet potato chips, and fresh basil. The Mortadella's complex flavours and textures were particularly captivating among the two.

Arrosticini 4.2/5

In addition to the new dishes, we sampled some signature and classic favourites, beginning with the Arrosticini ($7/each, minimum 3 pieces). These lamb neck skewers are grilled in the Abruzzo style, featuring a lovely lamb flavour and a delightful crunch heightened by a herbaceous touch.

Pappadelle Al Ragú D’ Anatra 4.2/5

The Pappardelle Al Ragù D'Anatra ($34) features homemade pappardelle cooked to perfection with goose meat. The dish is elevated by adding Parmigiano Reggiano 24 Months and orange zest, resulting in a multi-dimensional flavour profile.

Pulma Alla Griglia 4.2/5

The Pluma Alla Griglia ($58) is a highlight for the carnivores. This dish showcases grilled Spanish Pluma of Iberico pork placed over a bed of crunchy asparagus and fragranced with Sicilian capers and red capsicum. Instead of traditional sauce, the tender meat pairs beautifully with Sicilian capers, which impart a salty seasoning.

Caciucco E Fregola 4.5/5

Shifting from land to sea, the Caciucco E Fregola ($68) presents monkfish cooked with Gambero Rosso, Japanese scallops, Australian mussels, and squid in a rich and flavorful tomato-based broth. Toasted bread accompanies the dish, allowing diners to savour every drop of the delectable broth.

La Focaccia di Recco Classica 4.2/5

The La Focaccia di Recco Classica (V, $52) is a must-try, featuring paper-thin layers of dough filled with soft, melted cheese. Drizzled with high-quality extra virgin olive oil, it is baked to a golden and crispy perfection.

NEW: Sfogliatella Riccia Gelato Al Parmigiano Reggiano 24 Mesi 4.5/5

Dessert lovers will be delighted with the three new desserts on the menu. The Sfogliatella Riccia Gelato Al Parmigiano Reggiano 24 Mesi ($16) showcases La Bottega's signature Parmigiano Reggiano Gelato in a delicate Neapolitan "Sfogliatella Riccia" shell. It's a delightful blend of crispy, flaky pastry with the creaminess of Parmigiano Reggiano Gelato.

NEW: Seadas 4.2/5

Another delightful surprise is the Seadas ($14), a Sardinian delicacy. This raviolo is stuffed with cow's cheese, fried to a golden crisp, and drizzled with honey. The sweet and savoury combination is a harmonious delight for the palate.

NEW: I Bomboloni “Fai Da Te” 4.8/5

Last but not least, the I Bomboloni "Fai Da Te" (V, $18) offers daily DIY baked doughnuts with a luscious Mascarpone filling. These doughnuts are incredibly soft and moist, without any greasiness, making for a delectable ending to your meal at La Bottega Enoteca.

In conclusion, La Bottega Enoteca consistently delivers classic Italian flavors that celebrate the essence of traditional cuisine. The focus here is undeniably on the food, and it shines brilliantly. From the rich and robust pasta dishes to the carefully crafted pizzas and mouthwatering desserts, La Bottega Enoteca brings Italy's culinary heritage to life with every bite. Whether you're seeking the comfort of timeless Italian classics or simply a delicious dining experience, this restaurant's dedication to the authenticity of its offerings makes it a must-visit for food enthusiasts looking to savor the very best of Italy.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


La Bottega Enoteca
346 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427596
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 530pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 2pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 16. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road, turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

The Marmalade Pantry @ Anchorpoint - New Outlet With New Menu-exclusives And Retail Items

The Marmalade Pantry has recently launched a new outlet at Anchorpoint. For a limited time until 31 August 2023, you get to enjoy new menu-exclusive Anchorpoint Specials alongside the familiar classics of the restaurant.

Fried Artichoke with Lemon Ricotta 4/5

From the outlet's exclusive menu, we started with Fried Artichoke with Lemon ($20). The Polenta-coated fried artichokes were crisped on the outside, with some of the inner petals remaining succulent and tender. The cold and zesty ricotta provided a cool and creamy contrast to the crispy artichoke.

Tortilla with Mesclun Salad 3.8/5

The next appetiser was Tortilla with Mesclun Salad ($16) that was goozy within, loaded with deep-fried cubed potatoes, flavourful diced Spanish Chorizo and sweet caramelised onions. The dollop of soy-based garlic aioli added a subtle tanginess to the tortilla and further enriched the mouth feel of the dish.

Pork Cheek and Carrot Puree 3.5/5

For mains, we had Pork Cheek and Carrot Puree ($28), served with roasted cabbage, tamarind, and ginger carrot puree. The texture of the braised pork cheek could be more tender, but overall they were nicely flavoured and enjoyable. A notable element of this dish is the sweet-sour tamarind and ginger carrot puree, which helped cut through the meat's richness.

Black Pepper Seafood Spaghetti 4/5

Black Pepper Seafood Spaghetti ($29) stood out with all elements done right. The black pepper sauce made with Sarawak black pepper was punchy, and the charred capsicum's fruity sweetness brought out the succulent seafood's sweetness. The seafood was at their right doneness with a good bounce, and the al dente spaghetti was a very satisfying plate of food.

Duck Ragu Pappardelle 3.8/5

Duck Ragu Pappardelle ($30) was hearty with a tantalising combination of flavours - plump, sweet tomatoes punctuating the deep and rich flavours of the balsamic braised duck. The large surface of the pappardelle and its relatively rough texture made it ideal for such a robust ragu. However, the texture of the pasta could have been better.

Kimchi Steak Fried Rice 3.8/5

A mainstay on the menu, Kimchi Fried Rice served with Argentinian Grass-Fed Sirloin Steak, 100g ($28) is a dish that excites the palate. The steamed rice was mouthwatering with soy sauce, sesame oil and fiery with chilli. The plancha-grilled sirloin steak had rich beefy notes, which complemented the bold flavours of the kimchi rice. However, some fresh elements as garnishes would help give this dish a more well-rounded taste.

Honeycomb Poached Pear 3.8/5

The outlet's exclusive dessert is Honeycomb Poached Pear ($16). The pear was made by poaching it in an aromatic ginger flower syrup. While I wished the flavour of the ginger flower could be more pronounced, it was tender and not overly sweet. The accompanying whipped mascarpone provided a decadent creaminess, while the unassuming honeycomb gave a delectable crunch and sweetness.

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.


The Marmalade Pantry
Anchorpoint Shopping Centre
Level One (Central Atrium)
370 Alexandra Road
Singapore 159953
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Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am – 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

SIRI HOUSE @ Dempsey - Breathtaking Garden Dining Experience In Partnership with Veuve Clicquot

In partnership with Veuve Clicquot, Siri House at Dempsey presents a stunning new outdoor dining experience at their outdoor terrace. The new open-air garden trellis comes with a ceiling of greenery and light bulbs complemented by dreamy hanging glass baubles filled with candles and florals. It is a romantic setting for the night. During the day, fabrics are draped over the structure, providing shelter from the heat and excessive light.

We visited Siri House for dinner to experience the Dining at Dusk - An Outdoor Dinner Experience. Diners can indulge in an exquisite 4 or 6 course menu complemented by Veuve Clicquot Champagne. The 4 course menu is priced at $98++ per pax, and 6 course menu is $128++ per pax. Each menu includes a complimentary glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne per person.

Amuse Bouche

The 4 or 6 Course Menu starts with an Amuse Bouche that will be changed daily. Pop the bite-size morsel for a burst of flavours.

Doenjiang Glazed Beef Short Rib 4.5/5

For the Appetiser course, diners have the choice of Doenjiang Glazed Beef Short Rib and Stracciatella. The Doenjang Glazed Beef Short Rib is cooked to tender to a beautiful pink, marinated in soy, nashi pear, apples, garlic and onions. It is paired with pickled napa cabbage and pickled daikon for a refreshing touch to cut through the richness. On top of that, it is served with celeriac and parsnip puree to go with the 36 hours sous vide beef short rib.

Stracciatella

The Stracciatella is light yet flavourful appetiser with a sweet aburi amebi. The prawn head is deep-fried to crispy, which can be eaten.

Crumbled Pork Ribeye 4.5/5

Moving to the mains, diners can choose from the Crumbled Pork Ribeye, Lobster Miso Carbonara and Chilean Seabass with Sauce Vierge. Starting with the Crumbled Pork Ribeye that uses Iberico pork ribeye, it is served with a house blend of smoked chillies mixed with honey and Dijon. It also comes with shredded pickled cabbage, drizzled with an umami-rich nori mayo. Usually, tonkatsu can be pretty dry if not done correctly, but I have to admit this is one of the best I have eaten. It is succulent and yet not greasy.

Lobster Miso Carbonara 4.8/5

If you have been following me, you will know that I like my pasta to come with a lot of sauce. So though the Lobster Miso Carbonara is not that saucy, flavours come with depth and robustness made with egg yolks, 3 kinds of cheese and white miso. Noteworthy is the housemade pappardelle with a delectable textural bite paired with a whole maine lobster tail that has been bincho grilled and glazed in chicken fat.

Chilean Seabass with Sauce Vierge 4.2/5

The Chilean Seabass with Sauce Vierge is paler in flavour than the other two mains. Though so, it allows the fresh and buttery flavour of the Chilean seabass to shine through.

Orange Chocolate 4/5

From savoury, we moved on to the sweets, starting with the Orange Chocolate infused with preserved orange peel. It even comes with a scoop of hazelnut ice cream, shaved candlenut, and dehydrated chocolate mousse for added texture.

Jasmine 4.2/5

The Jasmine is a pretty dessert in which a scoop of Jasmine tea ice cream sits atop layers of puff pastry sandwiched with jasmine chantilly cream, further sweetened with a drizzle of chamomile syrup. Toasted buckwheat is scattered for extra texture.

Sicilian Pistachio 4.8/5

A must-have is the Sicilian Pistachio. The whole block of pistachio ice cream is served with brown butter crumble base, topped with shavings of cured egg yolk.

Outdoor Private Dinner bookings are available, Tuesday to Sunday Evenings, 6.00pm to 8.00pm. To complement the dinner, guests can order bottles of Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label, Rosé or La Grande Dame at special promotional prices, starting at $120 per bottle.

Outdoor Brunch Private Dining is available to book for 5 to 10pax, Saturday and Sunday Afternoons, 11.30 am to 1.30pm. Priced at $70++ per pax with a minimum of 5 pax to book, SIRI HOUSE outdoor brunch feast includes a list of 13 brunch plates to share, a bread and pastry platter and a selection of seasoned butters and jams.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Siri House
Dempsey Hill
8D Dempsey Road
#01-02
Singapore 249672
Tel: +65 96670533
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sun: 1130am - 4pm
(Closed on Mon)

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]