Kaarla Wood-Fire Grill and Bar @ CapitaSpring - Pivoted From Fine Dining to Casual Australian-Japanese Restaurant

Formerly a fine dining concept, Kaarla at 1-Arden CapitaSpring has transitioned into a casual Australian-Japanese restaurant that offers a welcoming space for communal dining over wood-fire sharing plates and classic cocktails. Diners can also look forward to regular live entertainment for a chillout evening. Despite this pivot, Kaarla continues its commitment to sustainable dining by using ethically sourced ingredients from artisanal producers and local farms, incorporating over 158 species of edible greens, herbs, and flowers from its 10,000 sq-ft urban farm.

Yuzu Shoyu Salmon Skewers 4/5

Deep-Fried Lotus Root Chips 4/5

Parker Brioche 4/5

Instead of courses and a la carte dishes, the menu is now categorised into more affordably-priced sharing plates suitable for communal dining or after-work drinking sessions. To start the evening, we enjoyed some bar snacks, including crisped Deep-Fried Lotus Root Chips ($12), which were moreish with sweet-savoury furikake and dashi honey. The Parker Brioche ($10) with shio kombu butter added extra butteriness, and the Yuzu Shoyu Salmon Skewers ($15) satisfied with their fatty texture and smoky umami flavour.

Burrata 3/5

Coal Roasted Tiger Prawns 2.8/5

We tried the Coal Roasted Tiger Prawns ($22) and Burrata ($14) from the small plates. The burrata was lusciously soft and pillowy, complemented by a contrasting garlicky goma sauce. However, I couldn't help wondering what happened to the other half of the burrata. The prawns had good flavours imparted from sansho pepper and a tangy native tamarind jam, but they weren't as succulent as expected.

Natural Pork Loin 4.5/5

John Dory 2.5/5

For mains, the Natural Pork Loin ($36) was excellently done over a wood fire, served pink-tender over a bed of braised barley and garden vegetables from the farm. However, the John Dory ($46) fell short with a rubbery texture.

Wood Roasted Pumpkin 5/5

The Wood Roasted Pumpkin ($14) was a highlight for me. Slow-roasted, it had a dense and starchy texture, with a sweetness aptly contrasted by sharp goat's feta cheese and an umami miso glaze made from its own seeds, ground and mixed with miso. Atop the feta cheese was a handful of watercress from its farm, which surprised me with a refreshing, crunchy texture.

Cherry Ripe 4.5/5

Rounding off our meal was a divine Cherry Ripe ($18), featuring a classic combination of tart cherries and bitter dark chocolate ganache, brought together by a creamy coconut fudge.

Garden Fizz, Old Fashioned Kaarla

Alongside the revamped menu, the drinks selection has been refined to a concise selection of four signatures (all at $22), maximising house-grown herbs and kitchen ingredients. The Garden Fizz is a citrusy drink accented with rosemary, while the Old Fashioned Kaarla exudes a much bolder flavour, concocted with Australian bush tomatoes muddled with bourbon to give a slight caramel hint.

For the upcoming National Day, Kaarla is also one of the best options to catch the fireworks:

* Indulge in a 5-Course National Day Dinner priced at $168++ per person. (Available on July 27th, August 3rd, and 9th)
* Raise a Toast with Free-Flow Alcohol for $59++ per person on August 9th, from 6-8PM
* Join the Skyline Sparkle Party every Saturday from June 22nd to August 9th, Tickets are $30 nett per person and include one drink (choice of soft drink, juice, beer, housepour spirits, or wines).

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.


Kaarla Wood-Fire Grill & Bar
CapitaSpring
88 Market Street
#51-02
Singapore 048948
Tel: +65 8518 3763
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon- Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to Malacca Street. Walk down Malacca Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Morsels @ Dempsey Hill - Chef Petrina Launches new Menu 3.0 showcasing Skilful Blend of Eastern and Western Influences

I recently returned to Morsels to experience its new Menu 3.0. The innovative new creations will delight fans of Chef Petrina's cooking style, which seamlessly incorporates East and West influences with fermented sauces.

Aka Ebi Tartare 4.2/5

We started our dinner with the Aka Ebi Tartare ($18). The red shrimp is tossed in a mixture of green grape raisin and raspberry gochujang, paired with a crispy nori cracker. This dish offers a multi-textural enjoyment, with each bite bursting with vibrant flavours.

Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio 4.2/5

Next up was the Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio ($28). Light, bright, and vibrant, the scallops are tossed in aguachile and paired with a smooth cannellini bean puree, making for a refreshing and delightful appetiser.

Whipped Burrata 4/5

The Whipped Burrata ($22) comes with glazed baby carrots, Brazil nuts, and a kale salad. The burrata is creamy and luxurious, while the glazed baby carrots add a nice sweetness and crunch. The fresh kale provides a crunchy bite, making this dish a well-balanced starter.

Duck Dumplings 4/5

We then had the Duck Dumplings ($30), served in brodo stock, paired with fermented garlic mash, and finished with juniper kombu oil. The dumplings were flavourful and satisfying, and the brodo added depth to the dish.

Galician Octopus 3/5

The Galician Octopus ($42) is grilled to a perfect char, resulting in a tender and bouncy texture. It comes with farfalle pasta tossed in squid ink assam sauce. While each component is delightful on its own, the combination did not quite gel together for me.

Mangalica Pork Loin 4.5/5

For the mains, we had the Mangalica Pork Loin ($44). The clean-tasting pork was tender and succulent. However, the accompanying pulled pork tortellini felt a bit unnecessary, with the skin being slightly dry from sitting too long. It seemed the chef wanted to showcase different ways to enjoy the beautiful pork or offer a replacement for the usual carbs like mash and fries.

BVP Quail 5/5

The BVP Quail ($50) was a standout dish. I thoroughly enjoyed the rub, which gave the tender quail a delicious flavour coat. It was paired with smoked corn miso cream and lacto-fermented baby corn, adding complexity to the dish.

Morsels Signature Milo Tiramiso 5/5

We ended our meal with a must-try dessert, Morsels Signature Milo Tiramiso ($17). This unique take on the classic tiramisu incorporates Saratoga dark rum and shiro miso for a deliciously sweet ending that left us thoroughly satisfied.

Morsels' new Menu 3.0 continues to impress with its creative and flavourful dishes. Highlights include the Aka Ebi Tartare, Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio, Mangalica Pork Loin, BVP Quail, and the delightful Milo Tiramiso. Chef Petrina's skilful blend of Eastern and Western influences and her innovative use of fermented sauces make dining at Morsels a memorable experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Morsels
25 Dempsey Road
#01-04
Singapore 249670
Tel: +65 62663822
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sun: 1130am - 3pm
(Closed on Sun dinner and Mon Full Day)

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop at Opposite Botanic Gardens (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 and 174. Alight 2 stops later. Take the flight of stairs up to Dempsey Hill. At Dempsey Road, turn left and walk to the open-air carpark in front of block 25. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Soaring Into a Prosperous Lunar New Year 2024 with Crystal Jade Group of Restaurants

As the vibrant Lunar New Year approaches, Crystal Jade Group, with its esteemed portfolio of 19 casual and fine dining outlets, stands ready to welcome the Year of the Dragon in grand style. Renowned for its culinary prowess, the group unveils an extraordinary line-up of dishes and set menus, promising a dining experience that is nothing short of exceptional.

Prosperity Yu Sheng with Boston Lobster Tail, Aburi Scallop & Fruit 4.8/5

Commencing the celebratory feast is the Prosperity Yu Sheng with Boston Lobster Tail, Aburi Scallop & Fruit ($138 small/ $208 large). This masterpiece is a symphony of flavours and textures, featuring fresh and dried fruits like juicy red dragon fruit, tangy green mango, sweet longan, pomelo sacs, dried apricot, and jackfruit. It creates a vivid and delectable medley with tomatoes, purple cabbage, cucumber, deep-fried yam strips, pickled onions, walnuts, and crunchy Hsin Chu bee hoon. Dressed with scallion oil and an Okinawa acerola juice-infused plum sauce, this yusheng is light, refreshing, and immensely appetising.

Available at Crystal Jade Palace, Crystal Jade Golden Palace and Crystal Jade Pavilion for dine-in and takeaway

Double-boiled Kampong Chicken with Fish Maw, Sea Whelk & Maitake Mushroom Soup 4.2/5

The Double-boiled Kampong Chicken with Fish Maw, Sea Whelk & Maitake Mushroom ($42.80 per person) is a heartwarming start to the feast—a bowl of nourishing soup brimming with rich flavours and wholesome ingredients.

Available at Crystal Jade Pavilion

Pan-fried South Africa Abalone with Assorted Mushroom & Crispy Leek 4/5

A highlight is the inventive Pan-fried South African Abalone with Assorted Mushrooms and Crispy Leek ($48 per person). The abalone, first steamed and then pan-seared, retains its inherent sweetness. Fragrant deep-fried leeks and mushrooms in an abalone liver sauce enhance the dish, offering a delightful twist on this Chinese New Year delicacy.

Available at Crystal Jade Golden Palace

Pan-fried Dace Fish Paste with Black Moss in Shunde Style 3.5/5

Nostalgia takes centre stage with the Pan-fried Dace Fish Paste with Black Moss in Shunde Style ($39.80 for a whole). This old-school classic involves meticulous preparation—removing fish flesh, mixing it with various ingredients, stuffing it back into the fish, and deep-frying to a golden brown. While a bit bony, it evokes a sense of tradition.

Available at Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen

Premium Loin Rib coated with Cointreau Orange Sauce 4.2/5

For a sumptuous treat, savour the Premium Loin Rib coated with Cointreau Orange Sauce ($42 regular). Fork-tender, tasty to the bone, and bathed in a luscious sauce intensified with orange-flavoured liqueur, this dish is a celebration of succulence.

Available at Crystal Jade Palace

Eight Treasure Vegetable wrapped in Beancurd Skin 4.8/5

A new festive takeaway highlight is the Eight Treasure Vegetable wrapped in Beancurd Skin ($29.80), a visually stunning centrepiece. This vegetarian delight features artfully arranged shiitake mushrooms, large dried scallops, lotus seeds, glass noodles, wood ear mushrooms, and black moss, braised in a luscious sauce that ties the dish together beautifully.

Dry La Mian with Prawn, Celtuce & Lobster Oil 3.5/5

Delight in the Dry La Mian with Prawn, Celtuce & Lobster Oil ($15.80 for a regular portion). Al dente noodle strands, slicked with homemade lobster oil, are crowned with a delectable combo of prawns and spring onions.

Available at Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao

Green Tea, Tangerine Peel & Red Bean Ruyi Roll, Lava Kumquat Taro Puree Doughnut

Round off the feast with two delightful desserts. The Green Tea, Tangerine Peel & Red Bean Ruyi Roll ($10.80 for four pieces) presents a soft and pleasantly chewy jade-green glutinous rice flour roll enveloping smooth red bean paste accented with tangerine peel. Additionally, the Lava Kumquat Taro Purée Doughnut ($12.80 for four pieces) offers light and fluffy deep-fried balls filled with taro puree, elevated with a touch of kumquat zest.

Available at Crystal Jade Palace (Ruiy Roll), Crystal Jade Golden Palace (Doughnut)

Well-regarded for its impeccable cuisine and service, Crystal Jade offers something for every reunion, whether for a large gathering or an intimate celebration. Group Executive Chef Martin Foo and his team of chefs have meticulously crafted an extensive variety of delicious and auspicious specialities, ensuring that the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration is off to a roaring start. Takeaway goodies can be pre-ordered online at estore.crystaljade.com and outlets from December 5, 2023, to February 25, 2024. Pick up your orders from select outlets between January 19 and February 25, 2024.

Note: This is an invited tasting.

Kinki Restaurant + Bar @ Customs House - A Bigger, Bolder, Badder Revamp

Time flies, and  Kinki Restaurant + Bar at Customs House has been around for more than 10 years since May 2010. On the cusp of a new decade, Kinki starts a new chapter with an audacious revamp. Gone is the sumo, passing his legacy to the Geisha for her epitome of Japanese femininity and hospitality.

Cassava Nachos 4.2/5

We started our dinner with some light bites. First up is the Cassava Nachos ($18) topped with tomato miso beef, guacamole, creme fraiche, Japanese cucumber and cherry tomatoes. Kinki substituted the usual tortilla chips with tapioca chips for a more delightful textural bite. At the same time, the Japanese cucumber gives it a refreshing finish.

Corn Duo 4.8/5

Next is the Corn Duo ($16), which comprises baby corn and corn puree. The addition of furikake elevated the enjoyment of the corn's sweetness.

AC/DC Dynamite 4.5/5

I would highly recommend the AC/DC Dynamite ($22) for an explosion of flavours. The tempura-fried mixed seafood roll is capped by a slice of Japanese cucumber with fresh raw seafood and avocado. The homemade Sriracha sweet soy provides the ignition to the explosion.

Cowabunga 4.2/5

Beef lover will enjoy the Cowabunga ($36) compromising Japanese rice rolled with cream cheese, cucumber, homemade spicy mayo, and melt-in-the-mouth seared A4 Wagyu beef slices. The parcel is topped with tobiko, potato floss and soy reduction for the different textural contrast.

Unagi Claypot 4.5/5

The off the menu Unagi Claypot ($35), which only served during special occasions, has now made it permanently to the menu. Besides the huge piece of unagi on top of the charred fried rice, chopped unagi is also tossed in it, doused in a homemade unagi sauce. Each mouthful is full of addictive charred flavour for a comforting enjoyment.

Kickass Chirashi Don 4.5/5

Being a Japanese restaurant, it can't do without fresh seafood. The Kickass Chirashi Don ($78) comes with the Chef's selection of premium seafood on sushi rice. During my visit, there is otoro, kinmedai, hirame, salmon, shima aji, hotate, botan ebi, tamago, ikura and Polanco Oscietra caviar.

Karaage Chicken Bao 4.2/5

A delightful Japanese-Chinese fusion is the Karaage Chicken Bao ($20) with juicy, deep-fried chicken thigh, momotaro tomato and pickled cucumber sandwiched in a soft, fluffy steamed bun. It is dressed in a sweet soy sauce for a multi flavour and textural finish.

Spicy Buffalo Katsu 3/5

The Spicy Buffalo Katsu ($30) was slightly disappointing for me compare to the rest. The breaded pork loin cutlet tossed in homemade Japanese buffalo sauce is slightly on the dry side for me. Furthermore, it is not spicy at all.

Grilled Squid Chimichurri 4.5/5

New on the menu is the Grilled Squid Chimichurri ($32). It is smokey and tender paired excellently with the sweet and sour sauce. Perfect to have this with a couple of drinks.

Ice Cream 3/5

We have Ice Cream ($8/ $12) to wrap up the dinner. There are flavours such as yuzu, momo, black sesame and more.

Diners can look forward to The Bottomless Brunch ($68) on Saturday, for unlimited a la carte servings of sushi, sashimi, maki, hot and cold Japanese favourites, and desserts. You can also top it up with free-flow beer, sake, prosecco or shochu for $35.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kinki Restaurant + Bar
Customs House
70 Collyer Quay
#02-02
Singapore 049323
Tel: +65 83636697
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Restaurant
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 215pm, 6pm - 1015pm
Sat & PH: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1015pm

Bar
Mon-Sat: 5pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Clifford Centre. Cut across the building. Go to 2nd floor, take the overhead bridge link across the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke @ Paya Lebar Square - Unique Tuna and Salmon Rare Tonkatsu

Ramen Champion Mr Keisuke Takeda, known for its multiple ramen concepts in Singapore, has launched first-of-its-kind Tonkatsu dining for health-conscious diners. The new concept, Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke, is located at Paya Lebar Square incorporating a mini salad bar and sauces for both rice and katsu.

Most tonkatsu restaurants come with free flow of cabbage, and Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke has brought it a notch up with the mini salad bar, giving diners more varieties. On top of the black vinegar and olive oil dressing, there will be four other seasonal salad dressings each day to pair with the salad.

Unlike other tonkatsu restaurants, diners can create their own blend of Tonkatsu sauce from a spread of over 10 different sauce bases. It is like those hot pot places whereby diners can mix and match their own dipping sauce. Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke aims to cater to different taste profile and create a different experience for diners.

Shiokoji Pork Loin Katsu Set 4/5

Inevitable I have to order the classic Shiokoji Pork Loin Katsu Set ($16.90  for 120g / $19.90 for 200g) to check out whether it is the real deal. Every tonkatsu set meal here comes with a fried half-boiled egg, rice, miso soup and Japanese pickles. The restaurant also positioned itself in serving a healthier version of tonkatsu, thanks to the state-of-the-art fryers with Water Molecule Control technology. Apparently, 50% less oil is absorbed into the meat during the frying process as compared to tradition deep-frying methods. I would say taste the texture are not comprised in the new method of cooking,

Rolled Pork & Vegetables Tonkatsu 4.2/5

Compared to the pork loin, I would prefer the Rolled Pork & Vegetables Tonkatsu. The pork is more tender due to the used of layered pork, rolled up. The mixed and match concept allows the diner to choose up to five vegetables of their choice, from over twenty different vegetables. This also gives the tonkatsu an additional crunchy texture.

Tuna Rare Katsu Set 4/5

Great news for pescatarian. Now you can also enjoy tonkatsu at Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke with Mr Keisuke new creations - Tuna Rare Katsu Set ($19.90) and Salmon Rare Katsu Set ($17.90). Uniquely, the fish is still soft and rare on the inside while the outside is crunchy.

Assorted Seafood Katsu Set 4.2/5

If you have difficulty making a decision what to order, I would recommend the Assorted Seafood Katsu Set ($20.90), which you get a bit of everything.

It is incredible to see Mr Keisuke expanding its food empire in Singapore with yet another new concept into his group of restaurants. Instead of just introducing the classic tonkatsu to Singaporean, he also gives it a healthier take with a new experience to enjoy the tonkatsu.

Note: this is an invited tasting.


Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke
Paya Lebar Square
60 Paya Lebar Road
#01-02/03
Singapore 409051
Tel: +65 62143345
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit A or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]