Showing posts with label Prawn Toast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prawn Toast. Show all posts

Sunday, April 2, 2023

Binary @ Palais Renaissance - Celebrating One Year Milestone With A Revamped Menu

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Binary at Palais Renaissance is a gastro-bar that conceptualises its menu based on the concept of Binary. Presenting a single produce in both Asian and Western versions, you can choose either one flavour or even both if one intrigues you just as much as the other. One year on, Binary has recently refreshed its menu to incorporate new creations in a more considered format that better reflects its binary approach towards cuisine.

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Signature Kubaneh Bread 5/5

Kubaneh is a Jewish Yemeni pull-apart bread, and what we had was done using the chef's very own winning formula. Apparently, this Signature Kubaneh Bread ($14) has made itself quite a name for the past year. And indeed, it was on every occupied table. Its beautiful gold crust illuminated in the light, and pulling it apart revealed the soft and fluffy interior. While some like it slathered with the accompanying garlic butter and kombu butter, I enjoyed it equally with the small plates and mains that were served after.

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Octopus/Lao Gan Ma Chilli Crisp 4.5/5

From Small Plates Section ($18 each), we were first served with Octopus tossed with Lao Gan Ma Chilli Crisp (+$14) was moreish and definitely the most innovative way of presenting a grilled octopus. Using the household Lao Gan Ma Chilli, the crisp itself was piquant with a desired amount of heat. The grilled octopus is served thoughtfully sliced up instead of whole, allowing each slice to be enjoyed easily with the crisp without having to slice it up with utensils.

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Sesame Prawn Toast 2/5

The following Small Plate, however, paled in comparison. The Asian approach of the Tiger Prawns is presented through a Hong Kong-style sesame prawn toast. A housemade tiger prawn paste is spread onto white bread, deep-fried and finished with a drizzle of kecap manis sauce. The idea is appealing, but not our greasy toast and the salty prawn paste.

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Fresh Burrata 4.5/5

Coming to the single produce Cheese, we had a vegan-friendly Western style - Fresh Burrata, served with homemade impossible meat sauce and basil. The meat sauce was impossibly delicious! Like a good bolognese sauce, it was well seasoned with herbs, spices and sweetness from plumb tomatoes, and the minced impossible had a nice bite to it, unlike some other vegan versions, which turned out somewhat mushy. It was indeed a fitting match with the divine pillowy soft burrata.

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Wagyu Petit Tender 3/5

The Asian-style Wagyu Petit Tender is new, glazed with savoury char siew sauce. My favourite parts were the tail and front, fully caramelized on one side. Unfortunately, the larger slices in between were a tad underseasoned.

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King Prawn 2.5/5

We had King Prawn (tasting portion) oven baked with cajun herb butter for the Mains. The flavours were good, but the prawns lacked the desired firmness.

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Oven-Roasted Whole Spatchcock Chicken 4/5

We also had Asian-style Oven-Roasted Whole Spatchcock Chicken (tasting portion). It has the flavours of an Asian soy chicken but is even tastier with a savoury-sweet, slightly charred skin. The meat was tender, and even the lean breast meat portion was delectable.

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Grilled Asparagus 3.5/5

New highlights under Sides ($14) include a Grilled Asparagus flavoured with housemade egg aioli, grated Parmigiano and salt-cured egg yolk. I couldn't taste the latter as it was being grated, but overall, it was an excellent complement to the mains.

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Hongkong Egglet 4/5

The Dessert section surprised us with an unexpected offering - Hongkong Egglet with blue sea salt ice cream, yuzu jam and chocolate balls. I enjoyed it far more than any egglet I have tried in Singapore. You get an abundance of textures. Some egg pockets were fluffy, some were crisp on one side and doughy on the other, just like a typical egglet. I was impressed! The accompaniments are odd though. Perhaps they should just serve in Hongkong style, with condensed milk, sugar and peanut butter.

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Alongside Binary also debuts a cocktail menu that adopts the same binary presentation, where you get a list of Classic offerings synergised with another list with an Asian style.

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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.


Binary
Palais Renaissance
390 Orchard Road
#01-01A
Singapore 238871
Tel: +65 93630101
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours
Sun-Tue: 1130am - 1030pm
Wed–Sat: 1130am to 12midnight

Direction:
Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to Wheelock Place. Walk to traffic junction of Orchard Road and Angullia Park. Cross the road to Royal Thai Embassy. Turn left and continue down Orchard Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, April 25, 2021

Jiang-Nan Chun @ Four Seasons Hotel Singapore - Launched Signatures by Executive Chinese Chef Albert Au

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Michelin-starred Jiang-Nan Chun at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore has recently launched Signatures by Executive Chinese Chef Albert Au. Available at both lunch (Six-course $178/pax) and dinner (Seven-Course at $198/ pax), menus showcase fresh, seasonal produce in dishes executed by weaving fresh, seasonal produce and a passion for bringing a dynamic perspective to classic techniques.

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Jiang-Nan Chun Trilogy 4.8/5

Dinner is a seven-course experience that begins with a Jiang-Nan Chun Trilogy. It was a plate of 3 very luxurious bites - starting from a succulent and meaty Blue Prawn Toast, followed by a brilliantly executed slice of Crispy Suckling Pig layered with red wine jelly and a generous dollop of osetra caviar, and rounding off the first course is the signature Honey Glazed Pork Collar.

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Double-boiled Fish Maw Soup 4.5/5

Next up, we have the classic Double-boiled Fish Maw Soup. It is doubled boiled for 6 hours with Sea Whelk and Dried Scallops, resulting in a gelatinous texture.

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Braised Star Garoupa Fillet 4.8/5

The next course was my favourite, which features a wild-caught Braised Star Garoupa Fillet with Daikon in Superior Sauce. Chef Albert specially chose the Japanese daikon for its flavours, and it went all tender and sweet in the rich superior sauce. The fish on its own was outstanding, but the addition of the perfectly stewed daikon brought the dish up a notch.

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Boston Lobster 4/5

The next dish highlights a style of cooking 避风塘 that is said to originate from Hongkong Causeway Bay. Such a cooking method was traditionally used with seafood. Here we had an elevated version using Boston Lobster with fragrant Garlic and Dried Chilli. Known for its aroma and robust flavours, the garlic and dried chilli brought out the lobster's sweetness, especially when the meat remained tender and juicy.

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Braised Pork Belly with Pineapple 4.2/5

The next course is another Chef's signature - Braised Pork Belly with Pineapple. When the dish was served, there was an immediate pleasing waft of citrusy orange peel coming through. To counter the meat's richness, the pork belly was braised together with pineapple and other dried fruits for their tartness and acidity.

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Handmade Noodles with Baby Abalone and Vegetables 4.8/5

The last savoury dish was a highlight for me as well - an extraordinarily homely and comforting Handmade Noodles with Baby Abalone and Vegetables. Both the broth and the texture of the noodles were superb, reflecting Chef Albert's culinary expertise and knowledge.

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Oolong Tea infused Jivara Chocolate Sphere with Kumquat 3.5/5

Dessert is Oolong Tea infused Jivara Chocolate Sphere with Kumquat. It was pretty interesting to see a kumquat replacing the usual orange. I feel the extra acidity from the citrusy kumquat filling worked even better with the chocolate.

You can also opt for a pairing of Taittinger Prestige Rosé and fine wines, curated to perfectly complement the full seven-course menu, available at $298 per person. For dining reservations, please speak with Jiang-Nan Chun at 6831 7220 or email jnc.sin@fourseasons.com.

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.


Jiang Nan Chun (江南春)
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Second Floor
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248646
Tel: +65 68317220
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue walking along Orchard Road. Walk to Hilton Hotel. Go to level 2. Follow the passageway to Four Seasons Hotel. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 12 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Full Of Luck Restaurant @ Holland Village - Hearty New Menu

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Full of Luck Restaurant at Holland Village, known for its modern touch for classic Cantonese fare has launched a new menu to tantalise the taste buds of its diners. We dropped by the restaurant recently to try out some of the new dishes on the new menu.

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Sesame Prawn Toast with Yuzu Mayonnaise 3/5

We started our dinner with some light bites such as the Sesame Prawn Toast with Yuzu Mayonnaise ($12) and Salted Egg Molten Lava Cheese Tart ($10 for 3pc). Prawn toast is not new. What makes the classic dim sum item different from the norm is the addition of yuzu in the sauce, enliven the enjoyment.

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Salted Egg Molten Lava Cheese Tart 3/5

Quite similar to the Hokkaido cheese tart, the Salted Egg Molten Lava Cheese Tart ($10 for 3pc) is an upgraded version with oozing salted egg filling. A delightfully sweet and savoury combination. However, I find it a bit stretch for modern Cantonese cuisine.

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Black Vinegar Pork Ribs 4/5

One of my favourite dishes is Black Vinegar Pork Ribs. It has a beautiful coat of sticky sweetness complementing the folk tender pork ribs. This is best to have together with a bowl of steam rice.

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Chicken Poached Rice in Collagen Broth

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A hearty and comforting bowl is the Chicken Poached Rice in Collagen Broth ($16). A housemade broth that is slow-boiled for hours is poured into the pot of rice and chicken. Looking out for the dancing rice, when the fried rice crisps are poured into the sizzling hot broth. We were told that their Poached Rice with Fish in Pumpkin Broth is as good too.

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Crispy Pu-Er Tea Smoked Chicken 4.2/5

We waited for a while for the Crispy Pu-Er Tea Smoked Chicken ($20), but it is worthwhile. It is a delightful aromatic dish. The chicken is tender and juicy, with super crispy skin. I also like the thoughtful touch of the Japanese cucumbers marinated with osmanthus and plum sauce at the side that helps to cut the grease. It even comes with homemade ginger-scallion sauce to complement the smoked chicken.

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Pandan-infused Black Glutinous Rice with Mango (Hot) 3/5

For dessert, we tried both the Pandan-infused Black Glutinous Rice with Mango (Hot) and Steamed Milk Pudding with Ginger (Chilled). Unfortunately, dessert is not their forte. The combination for the Pandan-infused Black Glutinous Rice with Mango (Hot) is a bit weird for me. I would prefer to stick with the classic. The Steamed Milk Pudding with Ginger is also not as silky and smooth as I would have liked.

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Steamed Milk Pudding with Ginger (Chilled) 3/5

With the new menu launched, Full of Luck Restaurant has also rolled out a few promotions. If you are looking for a quick or casual business lunch, there is Weekday Lunch Delight priced at $12.80 with delectable choices of appetisers, mains and beverages. Citibank credit cards member will also get to enjoy 15% discount on regular priced items up to 28 February 2020.

Note: This is an inviting tasting.


Full Of Luck Restaurant
243 Holland Ave
Singapore 278977
Tel: +65 62086845
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 2 minutes. [Map]

Monday, May 27, 2019

Chico Loco @ Amoy Street - A New Concept By The Loco Group Focusing On Spit Roasted Chicken

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Chico Loco at Amoy Street is the latest concept by The Loco Group - casual Mexican spit-roasted chicken joint that serves locally farmed chickens which are raised with an organic diet, plus probiotics! Healthy but dirty as what Chico Loco would like to describe their food, bringing the chickens a secret house blend of 11 herbs and spices including quintessentially Mexican ingredients like achiote, dried oregano and mustard powder before sending them off into the spit roaster. And the verdict?

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Spit Roasted Chicken 3.8/5

Even against the exposed brick walls, terracotta tiles, the Spit Roasted Chicken (Quarter $9/Half $17/Whole $32) is not as 'dirty' as I thought it will be. Rustic perhaps. But if you add on the funky sides and incredible sauces, it is a different story. Homemade sauces are laborious tasks, so at $2 each is reasonable to me. Furthermore, each sauce is so punchy and full of kicks that you don't really need to soak your meat in it. Smokey Chipotle BBQ would be a safe bet, but what stood out for me is the Habanero & Mango, a fruity sauce with a fiery kick. The Chimichurri Yoghurt is superb with their lamb shoulder. All sauces and dressings are made with avocado oil if that is ever your concern.

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Dry Rubbed Lamb Shoulder 3/5

Chico Loco also offers Dry Rubbed Lamb Shoulder (125g for $12/250g for $23) as well, which is less commonly offered elsewhere. What we had was excellent in terms of its flavours, but the texture was a tad mushy. I reckon it goes better in their Lamb Burrito ($16), which is a better option for a quick lunch.

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Guacamole 4/5

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Chicoslaw 4/5

Yes, you do need sides to accompany your meats, or is it the other way round? The sides intrigued me much more. I have no complaints with the creamy yet zesty Guacamole with Corn Chips ($7), or the Somtum inspired Chicoslaw ($6) which caught my attention the moment I set my eyes on the menu. Always up for one! Not to be missed it their mouthwatering Street Corn ($6), glazed with chipotle mayo, cheese and lime. Each corn kernel was plump and juicy. But I think the corn is prepared steamed rather than grilled, and charred edges would have elevated it up a notch.

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Mexican Mixta 4.5/5

All the meats and hefty dishes such as the Huge Chicken Taco or Buttermilk Chicken Burger might just overshadow this humble green Mexican Mixta ($11). Overflowing with textures rendered from mouth filling avocado slices, crisp romaine lettuce, chunky cucumber, nutty activated pepitas and crunchy tortilla strips, the fat corn kernels made it even more pleasurable. Even the yoghurt - based ranch dressing, enlivened with dills and herbs, was yummy on its own.

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Super Natural Coconut Soft Serve 3.5/5

Their dessert goes really well with the entire 'dirty health' concept. Unlike some coconut ice creams which are sickly sweet with a thin consistency, this Super Natural Coconut Soft Serve ($6) is dense with a sweet fragrance of coconut. All the toppings seem really interesting ($1), so to complete the tropical feel, we had fresh pineapple and agave. I would advise against adding the agave as it tends to overpower the ice cream.

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For Snacks, we also had a Mexican Prawn Toast ($13). I ever had one in Melbourne that comes with tamarind sauce which pairs reasonably well with the prawn mousse, but Chico uses chilli, salsa macha and a slightly acidic pickled cucumber, which overwhelms the mousse.

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Given the vibe and atmosphere, it is kind of hard to resist the Loco Group’s brand - new draught beers inspired by trips to Mexico and a selection of over 30 craft beers. Happy Hour takes place from 5pm to 7pm on weekdays.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Chico Loco
102 Amoy Street
Singapore 069922
Tel: +65 97387828 (Whatsapp Only)
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours
Mon-Thu: 8am - 10pm
Fri: 8am - 12midnight
Sat: 5pm - 12midnight
(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]