Chef's Tavern @ Craig Road - Affordably Priced Exquiste European-Japanese Cuisine

Chef Stephan Zoisl, previously of Chef's Table at Tras Street, returns with a brand-new concept – Chef's Tavern, a casual European-Japanese eatery tucked along Craig Road. Unlike the Western Omakase experience at his former restaurant, Chef's Tavern offers a more approachable menu built around premium ingredients, well-executed dishes, and warm hospitality.

Tavern Style Teishoku Sets 4.2/5

The Tavern Style Teishoku Sets are available during lunch (Mon–Sat, 12pm – 230pm) from $28++, and offer excellent value. Each set comes with a choice of rotating mains, such as pork or monkfish, served alongside salad, soup, vegetables, fruit and a choice of sourdough or Japanese rice. A satisfying and wholesome one-tray meal that combines quality produce and comforting flavours.

Hokkaido Scallop Crudo 4/5

A refreshing and vibrant start was the Hokkaido Scallop Crudo ($19). Stuffed with mint and shiso, the sweet scallops were paired with a tangy mango leche de tigre, pomelo sacs, calamansi juice, and topped with trout roe and avocado cream. Bright, zesty and texturally pleasing.

Hamachi Sashimi 4/5

The Hamachi Sashimi ($18) was clean and simple, allowing the freshness of the fish to shine through. Paired with lightly pickled vegetables and grapes compressed in sweet Austrian wine, this was a light and elegant appetiser to whet the appetite.

Anchovy Puff Pastry 4/5

The Anchovy Puff Pastry ($12) was another favourite. Ricotta cream and savoury anchovy on a crispy puff base, finished with olives. It had great flavour contrast and texture in each bite.

Prawn & Lobster Ramen 3.8/5

The Prawn & Lobster Ramen ($24) came with a rich, house-made lobster bisque broth simmered over 24 hours. It was packed with deep umami and sweetness, paired with juicy Argentine prawns and an onsen egg. While I enjoyed the broth, the ramen noodles were a little too soft for my liking.

Cold Kombu Angel Hair Pasta 4.2/5

A signature dish here is the Cold Kombu Angel Hair Pasta ($22). Chilled angel hair pasta is dressed in a tom kha coconut and lobster bisque sauce, topped with warm Argentine prawns and crispy artichoke chips, and finished with kombu, chives and lemongrass. It is a cold dish that is packed with flavour.

Schnitzel 'Wiener Art' 4.2/5

Chef Stephan pays homage to his Austrian roots with the Schnitzel 'Wiener Art' ($28). Pork loin coated in kaisersemmel breadcrumbs and deep-fried to golden perfection. It came with a butterhead lettuce salad in a citrusy vinaigrette, cranberry jam, fried capers, and anchovy brown butter, a delightful European take on comfort food.

Maple Leaf Duck Breast 4/5

The Maple Leaf Duck Breast ($32) was perfectly cooked, tender and juicy. Underneath the slices was a rich duck leg confit and duck jus. The dish was lifted with a mix of caramelised onion cream, shallot crumble, charred leek, pickled pearl onions and chive oil. It was a well-balanced and hearty plate.

Alaskan Black Cod 4.2/5

A standout dish was the Alaskan Black Cod ($34). Pan-roasted with a crisp exterior and buttery interior, it was paired with earthy salt-baked celery root. The Madras curry beurre blanc and passionfruit gel added aromatic spice and acidity, finished with trout roe and tarragon oil.

Pina Colada 4/5

The Piña Colada ($14) dessert was a fun play on the tropical cocktail. Coconut parfait, pineapple sorbet, rum caramelised pineapple and gula melaka sauce, all layered with crisp filo pastry. It was refreshing and not too sweet.

White Peach Mousse 3.8/5

The White Peach Mousse ($14) came with white peach compote, oolong ice cream, buttery sable and berries in berry gel. Light and fruity, though the flavours were more subtle compared to the other desserts.

Chocolate Gateau 4.2/5

For chocolate lovers, the Chocolate Gateau ($16) was an indulgent treat featuring multiple layers of chocolate mousse and glaze. Served with yuzu sorbet, yuzu gel, cocoa nibs, chocolate chantilly and popping candy. It is a well-thought-out dessert with different textures and a citrusy lift.

Chef's Tavern by Chef Stephan Zoisl is a great addition to the Craig Road dining scene. Whether you're looking for a value-for-money lunch or refined dinner plates, the dishes here deliver comfort, flavour and finesse without being overly fussy. It's a hidden gem worth checking out.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Chef's Tavern
Craig Place
20 Craig Road
#01-02
Singapore 089692
Tel: +65 6224 4188
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 930pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn right onto Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

L’Espresso @ Goodwood Park Hotel - Afternoon Tea Buffet with English Classics and European Delights

From now until the end of April, L'Espresso at Goodwood Park Hotel presents an Afternoon Tea Buffet featuring English Classics and European Delights. You can indulge in a delectable array of European-themed sweets and savouries alongside traditional English Classics, which include quintessential sandwiches, a live Carving Station, and more. L'Espresso also introduces its latest Scone Bar, offering a delightful selection of freshly baked scones in assorted flavours.

Seafood Croquettes

Prawn Twister

Golden Crispy Battered Fish Fillet

The Hot Delights section is where you will find all the scrumptious fried morsels, such as Golden Crispy Battered Fish Fillet, Seafood Croquettes, and Prawn Twister. Each item is served with its respective pairing sauce — Tartar Sauce & Malt Vinegar for the English touch, Rémoulade for a French flair, and Roasted Garlic Aioli for a taste of Spain.

Spanish-style Chicken Drumettes

Pork Schnitzel

Grilled Bratwurst with Sauerkraut

For some meatier delicacies, there are Spanish-style Chicken Drumettes, Swiss-style Pork Schnitzel with Cheese, and Grilled Bratwurst with Sauerkraut. The Pork Schnitzel, reminiscent of the one I enjoyed in Vienna, was a delightful surprise. It was well executed - perfectly flat as it should be, with a tender texture that made each bite pleasurable.

Sourdough Pizza Margherita

Not forgetting the Italian touch, you can savour the Sourdough Pizza Margherita, where the simplicity of the ingredients accentuates the sourdough crust's airy texture.

Beef Bourguignon

One of the standout offerings was this French Beef Bourguignon. It was hearty and flavoursome, featuring tender beef cubes alongside chunks of moreish courgettes and soft, sweet carrots.

Croffle Herb-roasted NZ Beef Tenderloin

The Chef Action Station is also a key highlight of this buffet, offering freshly made Croffle topped with Herb-roasted NZ Beef Tenderloin. While the tenderloin was commendable, some inconsistencies were noted. My first plate was delighting with thin slices of beef tenderloin, yet the second serving was disappointing with an overdone tenderloin and a thicker cut.

Prawn Cocktail with Fresh Mango

Under the Sandwiches section, selections include Finger Sandwiches, Open-Faced Sandwiches and Croissant Sandwiches. Similar to hot delights, you get both a touch of English and European flavours — Prawn Cocktail with Fresh Mango & Lime Zest (English), Ham & Swiss Cheese (Swiss), Bocadillo de Atún (Tuna & Egg) (Spanish) and Basil Pesto Caprese (Italian).

Herb & Garlic Cheese Tartlet with Cranberry Compote, Smoked Salmon Bruschetta with Mascarpone

The Open Sandwiches offers dainty Herb & Garlic Cheese Tartlet with Cranberry Compote and Smoked Salmon Bruschetta with Mascarpone. I like how each small bite was so packed with mouthfeel and flavours.

Salmon Gravlax

Charcuterie

I visited this section the most for the luscious slices of Salmon Gravlax. The chilled section also offers a selection of Charcuterie with Pickles & Mustard.

Plain, Raisin, Coffee, Apricot, Pistachio & Maple Pecan Scone

As mentioned, a brand new Scone Bar has been added to the buffet menu, presenting an assortment of scones with new flavours such as Coffee, Apricot, Pistachio, and Maple Pecan alongside classics like Plain and Raisin. The Plain remained my top choice, followed by Maple Pecan for the additional nuttiness, which worked well with the wide selection of condiments, which even includes Lemon Curd and Caramel Banana, among others.

Tarta De Manzana

Desserts

I enjoyed the wide variety of desserts from various parts of Europe. The German Donauwellen (Marble Cake) was yummy with tart cherries embedded. The Spanish Tarta De Manzana (Apple Tart) is a must-try, boasting a layer of beautiful custard base topped with apples. Equally satisfying was the Swiss Apricot Cake, which highlighted the flavours of the summer fruit.

Limited-time Chef Specials will be available only twice during Monday to Thursday seatings and once during each seating from Friday to Sunday and Public Holidays. What was served during my visit was Creamy Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry and Peppermint & Strawberry Lollipop.

Afternoon Tea Buffet with English Classics and European Delights
8 March – 30 April 2024
Mon-Thu: 2pm - 5:30pm ($65 per adult/ $39 per child)
Fri-Sun & PH: 12pm - 2:30pm, 3pm - 5:30pm ($68 per adult/ $40.80 per child)

Photograph and written 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.


L'Espresso
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301746
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 2pm - 5:30pm 
Fri-Sun & PH: 12pm - 2:30pm, 3pm - 5:30pm (

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Paulaner Bräuhaus @ Millenia Walk - Singapore's First And Only German Microbrewery Reopens After A Two-Month Makeover

After a two months of renovation, Paulaner Bräuhaus at Millenia Walk is re-opened again. Singapore's first and only authentic German microbrewery has a new stylish and dapper interior marked by a contemporary palette of light maple. tan leather, matt gold and royal blue. In conjunction with the re-opening, it has also updated its food menu.

We started with some beers from the tap. From left to right, we have the Paulaner Brauhaus Weissbier Wheat Bear, Paulaner Brauhaus Helles Pale Lager and Paul Brauhaus Drunkel Dark Lager.

Obazda with Pretzel 4.2/5

Kicking off the meal at Paulaner Brauhaus, we started with some light bites. First we had the Obazda with Pretzel ($16.90). The Munich-style pretzel, baked freshly in the premises daily is accompanied by a bottle of obazda (a Bavarian cheese spread). The cheese spread is made with fresh butter, camembert, various spices, chopped onions and topped with fried onions. The obazda is really very enjoyable that you may end up ordering a few pretzel to go with it.

Paulaner Trio Fish 4/5

The Paulaner Trio Fish ($15.90) is another good choice to go with the pretzel which comprises of smoked salmon in cream cheese, herring salad and red radish salad with smoked trout. My favourite is the herring salad which adds a sourish touch to whet up the appetite.

Pork Knuckle 4.2/5

A staple of German cuisine, undoubtedly is the Pork Knuckle ($31.90) served bone-in. The whole pork knuckle is marinated in Bavarian spice blend, brushed with Paulaner beer, and then oven roasted for 2.5 hours for a crackling and crispy skin with succulent flesh. It even comes with a traditional Bavarian bread dumpling for a hearty full meal. I like the sauerkraut side that helps to cut the richness.

Pork Schnitzel 3.5/5

For a meaty enjoyment, go for the Pork Schnitzel ($25.90). The pork escalope is coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and fried in butter until golden brown. It is then served together with lemon wedges, french fries and ketchup.

Spatzle 2.8/5

For diners who like to have some additional sides to go with their mains, an unique item on the menu is the Spatzle ($6.90), a homemade egg noodles. While the noodle has a enjoyable chewy textural bite, I thought the execution was a little bland. I also don't like the taste of the alfalfa sprouts.

Currywurst Hot Paula 4.2/5

Besides pork knuckle, German cuisine is also known for their sausages. Not to be missed is the Currywurst Hot Paula ($12.90) which is a six inch smoked pork sausage in a delectable curry tomato-chilli sauce, dusted with curry powder and paired with a side of fries. The addition of curry and chilli definitely made it more receptive to the local palate.

Apple Beignets 4/5

A warm and comforting dessert at Paulaner Brauhaus is their Apple Beignets ($14.90). The apple rings is coated with wheat beer batter, ddeep fried and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. Paired it with some vanilla ice cream and vanilla sauce with berry compote for a sweet treat.

Kaiserchmarrn 3/5

Guess I don't have a king's palate as I did not enjoy the Kaiserchmarrn ($14.90), which is heralded as the Emperor's Pancake because King Franz Joseph l is known to be very fond of the dish. The thick-cut pancakes are caramelised in a pan with butter and sugar. To enjoy,  have it together with the red berry compote, apple compote and vanilla ice cream.

Every Sunday, Paulaner Brahaus serves up a sumptuous German Brunch buffet from 1130am to 230pm. A myriad of hot and cold stations teeming with sausages, Bavarian meatloaf, pork knuckle, salads and much more. The dessert station station also comprises a delightful chocolate fountain, warm apple strudel and an assortment of ice cream. Activities such as colouring or mask masking are available for children during the brunch too.

Noted: This is an invited tasting.


Paulaner Brauhaus
Millenia Walk
9 Raffles Boulevard
#01-01, #02-01, #03-01
Singapore 039596
Tel: +65 68832572
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Bar
Sun-Thu: 12pm - 1am
Fri-Sat, Eve of PH: 12pm - 2am
Restaurant
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 630pm - 1030pm
German Sunday Brunch
Sun: 11am - 230pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk towards Conrad Hotel. Continue towards the direction of Suntec Convention Centre. Walk to destination. Paulaner Brauhaus is at the end of the building facing Suntec Convention Centre. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]