Restaurant JAG @ Duxton - Michelin-Starred Immersive Vegetable-centric Journey

To say our dinner at Restaurant JAG was amazing is an understatement. It was a brilliantly and intricately put-together vegetable-centric journey featuring the highest quality of produce.

I absolutely loved how vegetables and fruits were the main focus, while the usual meats and seafood served as wonderful complements. If you are not usually a fan of your greens, a meal here might open your eyes to the diversity of flavours and textures possible.

Helmed by Chef-owner Jeremy Gillon, this 8-Course Dinner Experience features the Summer - La Balade du Végétal Découverte at $298++ per guest with wine pairing at $248++ per guest.

Beetroot | Agastache | Raspberry

Our first canapé highlights Beetroot - beetroot and raspberry juice, beetroot chips with raspberry and beetroot powder. The fruity sweetness and surprisingly umami notes made for an exciting start.

Corn | Sage | Polenta, Coco de Paimpol | Aubepine | Soybean

Corn highlights a pastry tart made of dehydrated white and yellow corn powder, further topped with yellow corn cream, blanched white corn, fermented white corn jelly and white corn powder. This light bite had a balance of sweetness and acidity.

The seasonal Coco de Paimpol is the highlight for the next amuse bouche, boasting an overall sweet and buttery profile. The light Coco de Paimpol biscuit with puree is elevated with fermented soybean gel and Coco de Paimpol powder.

Bread Basket

The amount of thought JAG puts into each dish continues to be showcased, even in its Bread Basket. Warm sourdough and watercress with black pepper bread are served with two types of housemade butter.

Cucumber | Ortis | Kombu

A traditional French dish, the cucumber salad, inspired this next course. Cucumber, green apple and celtuce juice are served with coconut foam, kombu confit, lettuce seaweed and diced cucumber. A mouthful hits you with a burst of freshness and pleasant grassy notes.

Romanesco | Sapin | Oyster and Caviar 5/5

Romanesco, done in different methods, brought this dish beautifully together. The variety of textures and layered flavours were the highlights for me, with romanesco done raw, blanched, braised, puréed and finally, as a dressing, accompanied with caviar and lightly creamy oysters.

Zucchini | Ricola Mint | Trout 4.8/5

I adored how fresh and clean tasting this Zucchini dish was, with its zucchini salad paired with banana shallots and smoked trout. Salad’s mild with a modest hint of mint, juxtaposed with the trout’s smokiness and salinity.

Tomato | Sariette | Prawn 5/5

Many of the courses were lovely, but this Tomato was spectacular and one of my favourites of the whole meal. It was inspired by Chef's experience of enjoying tomatoes in his mother's garden perfectly encapsulated what JAG strives to do.

With a base of 'sand' made from dehydrated sourdough, the texture is further elevated with crisp rice puffs, quinoa, coriander roots and more. A medley of tomato creations lay on top - a green tomato sorbet, heirloom tartare and a roasted tomato dressing, sitting aside Chef's carefully selected protein, a lightly savoury prawn. It was fresh, acidic, sweet and savoury, all in one. The tangy and aromatic sorbet was something I couldn't get enough of.

Bellpepper | Motricaine | Black Pepper

An unassuming cup of warm Bellpepper tea with motricaine and black pepper-infused oil gently transported us from the cold dishes into the next phase of the meal of warm plates.

Potato | Verveine | Scallop 4.8/5

On this plate, we had Potato foam, tuile, and crumble served with scallops and shaved truffle. It was a bit saltier than I'd preferred, but the harmonious combination was likelier. Scallops were plump and sweet.

Eggplant | Melisse | Lobster 5/5

The play on Eggplant comes through distinctly here, as it is not only puréed and pan-seared but even made into a sauce, tuile and meringue, all served with tender, sweet lobster. Again, we were impressed by the creativity and textures achieved.

Haricot Verts | Hysope | Artic Char 4.8/5

The cod-like Artic Char leaves a buttery mouthfeel, further enhanced with green and yellow Haricot Verts, parsley and hysope pesto. It was one of the heavier-tasting dishes for its creaminess, and I enjoyed that bit of sweetness and brightness that the haricot verts brought in.

Sweet Cabbage | Thym Citron | Pigeon 4.5/5

At first glance, what looked like roast pork was actually compressed baked Cabbage. The sweet cabbage components are balanced with pigeon served with gastrique sauce and zesty calamansi and lemon dressings for that extra acidity.

Cheese Trolley

Before heading into desserts, we were treated to a variety of hard and soft cheese from their Cheese Trolley. The range they have will leave you spoilt for choice.

Peach | Rosemary | Cream Brioche

Our pre-dessert featured Peach in a gorgeous set-up of fresh flowers. This sweet number has rosemary-infused peach sorbet, peach foam with cream brioche, and fresh yellow peaches.

Strawberry | Reine Des Pres | Vanilla

Drawing on the classic Strawberry tart, Chef's rendition sees a more tangy and tart strawberry sorbet from adding strawberry vinegar. It's finished with pickled strawberries, a thin strawberry tuile and vanilla cream. What a refreshing piece to close our meal!

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.


Restaurant JAG
76 Duxton Road
Singapore 089535
Tel: +65 31388477
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 2pm
Dinner
Tue-Sat: 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun-Mon, PH)

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Turn left and walk to Neil Road. Cross the road and walk to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. At Orchid Hotel turn right onto Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road to the opposite side of Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk along Tanjong Pagar Road to Duxton Hill. Turn left onto Duxton Hill and then turn right on Duxton Road. Journey time about 15 mins. [Map]

KOAL @ Shaw Centre - Latest Concept by Les Amis Group

KOAL at Shaw Centre is the latest addition to Les Amis Group's array of award-winning restaurants across Singapore. It is an all-day grill restaurant that marries Asian and Western flavours and grilling techniques centred on the open flame.

Chunky Salmon Sashimi 4.5/5

We started our dinner with a couple of starters, beginning with the Chunky Salmon Sashimi ($12). I can't make out what is the complementing sauce which is slightly spicy and tangy. The acidity gives the sashimi a refreshing touch.

Scallion Salad 4/5

The Scallion Salad ($6) may be seen as a pool of greens, but there is more than meet the eyes. The addition of wakame gives the salad extra textural bite. At the same time, the spicy sesame soy dressing accentuates the earthy note of the shredded scallion.

KOAL's Bread Roll 4.8/5

The KOAL's Bread Roll ($8) is a must-have baked with bacon and grilled spring onions. It is so good! The bread roll is fragrant, soft and fluffy. It is even more enjoyable with the accompanying sour cream and chive butter.

Red Skin Potato Salad 4.8/5

Words can't describe how delicious the Red Skin Potato Salad ($10) is. It is one of the best potato salads I have eaten. The chunky potatoes are dressed in mentaiko mayo and topped with tobiko. It even comes with a six-minute egg.

Crispy Pork Riblets 4.2/5

A delectable starter is the Crispy Pork Riblets ($16). The tender pork ribs come with a bit of heat from the mala honey glaze, topped with peanuts, dried chilli and coriander.

Charred Broccoli 4.2/5

The Charred Broccoli ($8) will be a delightful choice for its crunch, deliciously flavoured by the soy pickled onions, sesame dressing, and bonito flakes for a balanced diet.

Salmon with Kimchi Butter Sauce 4.5/5

Moving on to the mains, we started with the Salmon with Kimchi Butter Sauce. While the focus has been on the grill, we should not forget the effort in the sauce. The kitchen has made a delicious effort in the sauce pairing, elevating the appreciation of the fresh ingredients.

Iberico Pork Collar 180g 4.2/5

Hanging Tender 180gm 4.5/5

For the meat lovers, guests will adore the Iberico Pork Collar 180g ($19) and Hanging Tender 180gm ($24). The iberico pork collar, which has a good proportion of fat, has a delectable crunch on top of the tender meat. What is even more beautiful is the grilled Hanging Tender. It just needs a pinch of salt to enjoy the flavoursome piece of meat.

Freshly Fried Donut 4.5/5

KOAL has also caught on the donut wagon and introduced Freshly Fried Donut ($8 for 2 pc) on their menu. We had the cheesecake mousse & raspberry coulis and nutella & banana mousse. They are addictively good.

Hojicha and Whiskey Tiramisu 4.2/5

Last but at least, we have the Hojicha and Whiskey Tiramisu ($12), a twist from the classic tiramisu boosting heavenly earthy and nutty flavours.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


KOAL
Shaw Centre
1 Scotts Road
#03-09/10/11
Singapore 228208
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk along the underground path to Shaw House. Take the elevator to the ground level of Shaw House. Walk to Shaw Centre. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map] 

BoCHINche @ Club Street - A New Home With Refreshed Menu

BoCHINche has moved into their new home at Club Street. The new restaurant spots an expanded open kitchen and grill that flanks the entire length of the restaurant. Compared to its old premises, the new place is bigger and brighter, illuminated with natural light through a glass-encased stairwell.

Bomba Arroz Verde 4.2/5

The classic Spanish-style dish - Bomba Arroz Verde is topped with grilled Argentinian prawns and scallop bites on a bed of rice glazed in seafood stock. The result is a satisfying and creamy finish.

Quail 4.2/5

The Quail ($28) is beautifully charcoal grilled to tender paired with salted crust beetroot, berries,  hazelnut and garden leaves, held together by a rich buttermilk sauce.

Rib Eye Steak 4.5/5 and Vintage Galiciana Striploin Bone In MBS 3+ 4.2/5

Not to be missed at BoCHINche is their steak. We tried the Rib Eye Steak ($65 for 300g) and Bone-In Galiciana Striploin ($140 for 400g). The classic Argentinian rib eye steak is exceptionally tender and juicy, best shown in its beautiful marbling. On the other hand, the bone-in Galiciana striploin is richer in flavour with a well-muscled texture that has been dry-aged for 38 days.

Hand Cut Chips "Provencal" 4.2/5

Roast Cauliflower 3.5/5

There are a list of yummy side dishes such as the Hand Cut Chips "Provencal" ($10) and Roast Cauliflower, Pine Nuts, Raisins & Pistachio Pesto ($15) to go along with the meats

Espresso Martini Creme Brulee 4/5

Last but not least, end the dinner on a sweet note with the Espresso Martini Creme Brulee ($19), finished with a scoop of brown sugar ice cream.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


BoCHINche
27 Club Street
Singapore 069413
Tel: +65 62354990
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Chinatown (NE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

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

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight down Pagoda Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the road. Walk to Mohd Ali Lane. Walk to the end of the lane. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

3) 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 5 minutes. [Map]

Birdfolks @ NEWest - American-inspired Fried Chicken With A Hint of Japanese Influence, Local Flavours And Casual Street Concept

Located within NEWest West Coast Drive, the inconspicuous cafe - Birdfolks serves up delicious American-inspired fried chicken with an Asian twist. You can now have your Nanyang kopi with fried chicken burgers or big breakfast platter. If you're craving for Japanese, they also offer mentaiko salmon bowl and tamago bowl.

Crispy Bun & Condensed Milk 3.8/5

To start the meal, we had their Crispy Bun & Condensed Milk ($4). While the brioche buns were soft and fluffy, they were barely toasted and lacked the crispiness that we had anticipated. However, we still enjoyed the pillowy soft brioche buns, with ample condensed milk to sweeten up the deal.

BF Eggs Benny 3.5/5

From the brunch menu, which is available only from 11am to 5pm, we had their BF Eggs Benny ($13), which features turkey ham, ikura and hollandaise sauce and eggs on soft brioche buns. We found that the eggs are cooked soft-boiled rather than poached, which is likely an interesting Asian twist to the classic egg bens. The combination of turkey ham and ikura also made the dish lean towards the salty side. We wished there were other elements to help balance the dish's flavours.

Classic Buttermilk Pancakes 4/5

When you're at Birdfolks, a must-try is their signature fried chicken. The Classic Buttermilk Pancakes ($11) features fluffy buttermilk pancakes with fried chicken, crushed pistachios, cranberries and served with maple and butter. The chicken pieces were well-marinated, prepared and fried upon order, making it even juicier and tender while being perfectly crispy and crunchy on the outside.

Potato Wonderland 4/5

The Potato Wonderland ($15) is an ultimate platter of oregano fries, sweet potato fries, curly fries, tater tots and croquette, paired with mayo. The perfect side to share with your friends, as the huge platter has a bit of everything fried, so there is simply no lack of choices. We recommend sharing it with at least 4 friends or more.

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.


Birdfolks
NEWest
1 West Coast Drive
#01-75
Singapore 128020
Tel: +65 69240876
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Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 9pm
Fri-Sun: 11am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station (Stop ID 17171). Take bus number 201 or 154. Alight 3 stops later. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Hathaway @ Dempsey Hill - New Restaurant At Dempsey Showcasing A Strong Local Influence Interlaced With French or Middle-Eastern Cuisine

A new addition to Dempsey Hill enclave is Hathaway by the same folk behind Bread Yard. The interior feels casual, more like a cafe/bistro though it categorises itself as a modern Asian restaurant. The menu showcases a strong local influence interlaced with French or Middle-Eastern cuisine.

I started with my daily dose of caffeine. I mentioned earlier that the place is more like a cafe because the restaurant has a proper barista coffee machine with skilful barista making each cup of coffee with beautiful latte art.

Whole Baby Potato Cottage Fries 4/5

I have tried fries served in many ways such as curly, wedges, waffle, shoestring etc. but the Whole Baby Potato Cottage Fries ($16) is a unique cut. It is almost like having a begedil topped with garlic and rosemary. It comes with za'atar labneh and chilli-lime cilantro dipping sauces.

Octopus Bakar & Sambal Udang 4.2/5

We actually skipped the brunch menu and dived for the mains because we find them more interesting over the usual egg benedict and toasts. We started with the Octopus Bakar & Sambal Udang ($42). The octopus grilled will kecap manis gives the tentacle a delectable sweetness and smokiness. 

Ah Nya's Fish Curry 4.2/5

The Ah Nya's Fish Curry ($32) is an exciting dish on the menu that comes with a whole fillet of local Kuhlbarra barramundi, fondant potatoes and a super long toasted bread to soak up that delicious curry sauce.

Seri Muka 4.2/5

The dessert at Hathaway is definitely worth your calories. We have the Seri Muka ($16) whereby the kueh salat is accompanied with a scoop of apom berkuah ice cream in pengat pisang sauce. The binding of Nonya kueh with western techniques delivers the traditional Nonya snack a new form of appreciation.

The Queen's Conserve 4.5/5

Last but not least, we have The Queen's Conserve ($16). A scoop of lavender ice cream is sandwiched two pieces of crispy and flaky kouign amann paired with passionfruit curd.

The food at Hathaway is really delicious and unique as they are items not commonly offered elsewhere. However, the price is quite expensive. For the cost of the mains, it almost the same as for the more high end or Michelin starred restaurant.


Hathaway
Blk 13 Dempsey Road
#01-07
Singapore 249674
Tel: +65 96650681
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Holland Village (CC Line), Farrer Road (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 9am - 9pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop along Orchard Boulevard (Stop ID 09022). Take bus number 7, 77, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 7 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 30 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Block 12 (Stop ID 11401). Take bus 106. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Farrer Road MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Farrer Road MRT station (Stop ID 11119). Take bus number 174 or 564. Alight 5 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]

Butcher's Block @ Raffles Hotel Singapore - Premium Meats Cooked Over Different Types Of Charcoal & Wood

Raffles Hotel has reopened after a two years renovation work back on 01 August 2020. With the re-opening, it also welcomes Butcher's Block, one of the new restaurants in its property. The restaurant premium cuts of meats sourced and procured from dedicated farms that show utmost care and respect for their livestock cocked over wood fire.

Unlike the usual steak house or grill house, Butcher's Grill offers a Carte Blanche menu ($198 per person) which is a Chef's daily surprise menu for the whole table on top of their ala carte menu. Our dinner started with some Anchovy on toast.

Big Eye Tuna Tartare 3.8/5

Moving to our first course, we had the Big Eye Tuna Tartare. The finely chopped tuna is paired with a savoury mixture of tuna blood and soy sauce. It may sound intriguing, but it is like have a steak with beef jus. The white jelly-like stuff on top is truffle bone marrow. It doesn't have any taste but interesting gelatine-like texture.

Beef Tartare 4.2/5

If I have to choose, I would prefer the Beef Tartare. Partly it is more finely chopped and the addition of bread crumbs give it a delightful textural bite, paired with an egg dressing. It even comes with a sweet roscoff onion at the side which helps to cut the richness.

Grilled Octopus 4.5/5

One of my favourite dishes for the night is the Grilled Octopus. It has a beautiful char on the exterior but what brightens up the dish is the accompanying sauce, which is slightly tangy and spicy.

Grilled Fish 3.5/5

Next, we have the Grilled Fish in which the server will portion the fish at the tableside. Simply seasoned just with salt and grill to a beautiful moist texture. Interestingly the chef chooses to pair it with red wine sauce. Personally, I felt the sauce is a bit heavy for the lightness of the fish to appreciate its natural flavour.

Beef On the Bone 4.5/5

Baked Potato 4.5/5

Similar to the grilled fish, the Beef On The Bone is portioned out at the table side too. Cooked perfectly to medium-rare, the beautiful piece of meat is juicy and packed with flavours. What I enjoyed, even more, is the Baked Potato. This simply demonstrates that good and delicious food does not need to be sophisticated in cooking.

Roasted Pineapple 4.5/5

Last but not least, we have the Roasted Pineapple dessert to wrap up our dinner. The sweet and refreshing dessert also comes with a scoop of pineapple sorbet in a bowl of coconut cream. 

If you have time to take a little tour around the restaurant, you will notice a glass cooler near the entrance whereby the restaurant dry-aged not only the meat but seafood too. The open kitchen gives the customers a front seat view of the orchestra behind the delicious and not forget the open concept wine cellar that houses more than 200 different wine labels, including a good selection of natural wines.

Noted: This is an invited tasting.


Butcher's Block
Raffles Arcade
328 North Bridge Road
#02-02
Singapore 188719
Tel: +65 63371886
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch (Sat-Sun): 12pm - 230pm
Dinner (Wed-Sun): 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon and Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Junction of North Bridge Road and Bras Basah Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit F. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]