American Mass Hall @ Lumiere - Classic Amercian Food Layered with Vibrant Asian Nuances

American Mass Hall at Lumiere revives classic American comfort food while introducing creative dishes layered with vibrant Asian nuances. Chef Heman Tan oversees the menu, which spans a broad spectrum — from sides and soups to salads, appetisers, mains, and desserts. We began our meal with a selection of appetisers, soups, and a salad.

Mass Hall’s Oyster Bay 4/5

French Onion Soup 4/5

Hush Puppy Corn Ball 4/5

Mass Hall's Oyster Bay ($5/pc) showcased plump Japanese oysters topped with orange granita, adding a burst of citrus acidity that brightened the brininess of the oyster. Though made with vegetable stock, the French Onion Soup ($9) impressed with its well-balanced sweetness and savoury depth — a surprising feat given the absence of beef stock. The Hush Puppy Corn Ball ($8) was a delight with its crisp exterior and sweet corn-studded interior. A dollop of spicy mayo added a satisfying sweet-spicy kick and boosted its overall mouthfeel.

Chilli Crab Mac & Cheese 2/5

Moving to the heavier plates, the Chilli Crab Mac & Cheese ($18) came loaded with rich, gooey cheese and a unique chilli crab topping. While the spicy crab element helped to cut through some of the richness, the dish leaned too sweet for my liking, and the macaroni was somewhat overwhelmed by the cheese.

Burrata Lava Cheesy Wonderland Lovers 2/5

The same sentiment applied to the Burrata Lava Cheesy Wonderland Lovers ($24), for which I found the execution a little one-dimensional. To balance out the richness, I would have preferred a blend of cheeses with varying sharpness and complexity. The dough, too, could have been more aerated for that chewy bite.

Octopus 4.5/5

The Octopus ($22), served with mashed potato, sous vide egg, and hollandaise sauce, was an interesting and indulgent dish. Digging into the combination of buttery mash, runny egg, and rich hollandaise felt luxurious — creamy, velvety, and deeply satisfying. What elevated the dish was the charred edges of the sous vide octopus, which added a gentle smokiness that helped balance the overall richness.

Burrata Salad 2.5/5

For something lighter, we tried the Burrata Salad ($19), which paired burrata with watermelon, tomato, and Parma ham. The combination was refreshing and offered a nice interplay of sweet, juicy, and savoury elements. Unfortunately, the burrata itself was a letdown — too firm, lacking the pillowy softness and milky freshness that a good burrata should deliver.

“Bone Drop” BBQ Iberico Prime Ribs 4.2/5

120-day Grain Fed Angus Beef Short Ribs 3.8/5

For mains, we feasted on the "Bone Drop" BBQ Iberico Prime Ribs ($39), served with fresh coleslaw and potato wedges. True to its name, the meat was tender, succulent, and finger-licking good, coated in a sticky, smoky BBQ glaze that hit all the right notes. The 120-day Grain Fed Angus Beef Short Ribs ($30), smoked tableside, could have been more tender but made up for it with a satisfyingly rich, beefy flavour.

Fish & Chips 3.5/5

Cajun Blackened Barramundi Fillet 3.8/5

From the sea, the classic Fish & Chips ($18) uses Barramundi fillet instead of the usual dory, which gave the dish a more flavourful bite. The thin and airy crust was especially enjoyable. The Cajun Blackened Barramundi Fillet ($25) was well-executed with just the right amount of char. The smoky flavour from the blackening added depth to the naturally sweet and moist fish.

Spaghetti Prawn Aglio Olio 4/5

The Spaghetti Prawn Aglio Olio ($22) was a true crowd-pleaser. Tossed in a specially concocted Aglio Olio chilli, the al dente spaghetti was loaded with umami and a spicy kick. Slices of mushroom soaked up the sauce beautifully, adding layers of spicy, savoury richness to each bite.

Desserts

Desserts were varied and playful. My personal favourite was the Deconstructed Apple Crumble ($9), which delighted with chunks of cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery crumble bits that offered a satisfying crunch. Though eggless, the Tiramisu ($9) was impressive — light mascarpone cream paired with bittersweet, generously boozy ladyfingers made for a decadent treat. As for the Crème Brûlée Cempedak ($10), the dessert itself was delectable, perfumed with fragrant cempedak and topped with a nicely caramelised crust. However, while delicious, the scoop of ice cream atop added a touch too much sweetness and softened the brûlée's crisp surface more than I'd like.

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.


American Mass Hall
Lumiere
2 Mistri Road
#01-01
Singapore 079624
Tel: +65 9743 0116
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am to 10pm (Closed on Sun, PH)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit D or H. Walk straight down Anson Road to Parsi Road. Turn left onto Parsi Road. Walk down Parsi Road towards Mistri Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Opus Bar & Grill @ Voco Orchard Singapore - Launches the All New Grill Out Sunday

Opus Bar & Grill's newly launched Grill Out Sunday might hit the spot if you're looking for a satisfying Sunday lunch spot. Think endless appetisers, sides, and desserts alongside a variety of grilled mains - all served à la carte style to your table. There is no need to leave your seat for the buffet line; sit back and indulge.

With quality ingredients, freshly grilled meats, and comforting sides done right, it's the kind of restaurant where you leave full, happy, and already planning your next visit.

A good variety of appetisers and sides accompany your grilled meats. Here are our highlights from what we tried:

Shrimp Cocktail — This cocktail is beautifully presented with fresh, crunchy shrimp paired with Marie Rose sauce, shredded lettuce, and tomato chutney. It's a classic done well.

Beetroot and Feta — Pickled beetroot paired with feta cheese, rocket, and almond flakes. It's tangy and refreshing, a great palate cleanser between bites of meat.

Beef Fat Roasted Potatoes — Potatoes and meat are a match made in heaven. These crispy, well-seasoned roasted potatoes are dangerously addictive. They are a must-order.

Creamed Spinach with Egg Yolk — This one surprised us! Silky creamed spinach is topped with a raw egg yolk that adds richness and depth. We liked it so much that we ordered seconds.

Yorkshire Pudding — This pudding is a nod to a traditional British roast. While nicely baked, it lacks the essential gravy and can get a little dry. Tip: Pair it with creamed spinach!

Pumpkin Soup 4/5

Mac & Cheese 4.8/5

The last two dishes we want to highlight are Pumpkin Soup and Mac & Cheese. The pumpkin soup was creamy and comforting, with a lovely balance of savoury and sweet. It was topped with herb oil and almond flakes for added texture.

As for the Mac & Cheese, let's say I haven't had one this good in a long time! It was gooey, rich, and incredibly satisfying. The macaroni still had a slight bite, and the cheese blend was spot on, with quality cheese used. We wished we had space for another bowl.

On to the live grill station, we told them to make us a platter of everything so we could sample it all. Since it is a buffet, you may order more of what you like afterwards. They have every type of meat available: Roasted Tandoori Chicken, Beef Prime Rib, Crispy Pork Knuckle, Smoked Lamb Leg, Grilled Seabass, and Roasted Spicy Cauliflower.

The Roasted Tandoori Chicken was juicy and well-seasoned, one of our favourites. The Grilled Seabass was fresh and had nice char, though you should watch out for the tiny bones. The Roasted Spicy Cauliflower was another standout. It was smoked, flavourful, and a great meat-free option.

Apple Crumble 3.8/5

To end the meal, we were served the Gueridon Dessert of the Day - Apple Crumble made tableside with a touch of flambé flair. The apples retained a nice crunch, complemented by crumble bits, whipped cream and caramel sauce.

Other desserts, like Crème Brulee and Ice Cream Sundae, are also available, but we were far too full to continue. Do come with an appetite on your next visit!

This is a great way to spend your Sunday afternoon, with delicious food, good variety and a relaxed setting. Do note that service can be a little slow, but that's expected with an à la carte buffet where everything is cooked fresh upon order.

Grill Out Sunday is available every Sunday from 12pm to 3pm at $88++ per adult and $44++ per child, inclusive of free-flow fresh juices, speciality coffee, and artisanal teas. There’s also an à la carte option at $48++, which includes one main and two sides, perfect for lighter eaters.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Opus Bar & Grill
VOCO Orchard Singapore
581 Orchard Road
Singapore 238883
Tel: +65 6730 3390
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Walk down Orchard Road to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

The Orchard Cafe @ The Orchard Hotel Singapore - Lavish Buffet Featuring Finest Cut of Meats and BBQ Seafood

The Orchard Cafe at The Orchard Hotel Singapore has a brand new lineup with Flaming Feast: Prime "Meats" Seafood BBQ Buffet. Running from 1 March to 4 May 2025, the feast also showcases American flavours, offering a range of BBQ meats with hearty US flavours, comforting Western fare, and indulgent desserts.

BBQ Smoked Hickory US Beef Brisket

Slow Roasted US Kurobuta Pork Shoulder

Slow Roasted US Grain Fed Prime Rib

Over at the Prime Meats & Signature Carving station, you will find beastly-looking roasts and BBQ meats — Slow-Roasted US Grain-Fed Prime Rib, BBQ-smoked hickory US Beef Brisket, and Slow-Roasted US Kurobuta Pork Shoulder. While the meats were truly the stars of the offerings, given their succulency and bold flavours, the sides were delectable as well. The Yorkshire puddings were excellent with the US prime rib, and the buttery mashed potatoes for the pork shoulder were sinfully delicious.

Charcoal Grilled Meats

New Orleans BBQ Prawn

Alongside the BBQ meats, the Charcoal Grill Selections features tantalising items such as Flank Steak. Short Plate, Lamp Chops and Beef Sirloin. The New Orleans BBQ Prawn offered a fresh take on their usual grilled prawns.

Pumpkin Croquette, Maryland Crab Cakes, Fries, Buttermilk Chicken

Another station offered the comfort of Fried Basket. There were Fish & Chips, succulent Buttermilk Chicken, and my favorites were the Pumpkin Croquette and Maryland Crab Cakes.

Seafood on Ice

The Seafood on Ice station was also delightful, with Snow Crab Legs among other usual favourites such as Red Prawns and Black Mussels. Boosting the seafood offering, there is also a Sashimi and Sushi counter offering Norwegian Salmon sashimi, Yellow Fin Tuna and Hokkaido Tako.

Banana Foster with Caramel Ice Cream

Snicker Chocolate Bar

Blueberry Cheesecake

Another highlight was the dessert lineup. Not only are there regular crowd-pleasing and comforting sweets such as Bread & Butter Pudding, Blueberry Cheesecake, and Key Lime Pie, but also unique creations such as the Snicker Chocolate Bar, which offers a whole new experience in enjoying the familiar flavours of a Snickers. The live station whipped up delicious Banana Foster with Caramel Ice Cream made of caramelised bananas served with a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.

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 Orchard Cafe
Lobby
442 Orchard Road
Singapore 238879
Tel: +65 67396565
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) 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 10 minutes. [Map]

The Line @ Shangri-La Singapore - Modern Vietnamese Pop-Up By LILY.S Till 29 Sept With 30% Off Buffet

LILY.S, a modern Vietnamese restaurant, has taken over one of the buffet stations at The Line, Shangri-La, until 29 September. Every Thursday to Sunday, guests can enjoy a rotating menu of Vietnamese dishes in addition to the usual international buffet spread.

A special promotion also offers diners 30% off when paying with GRAB Dine-Out, making the buffet price start at $68++ per adult before the discount.

During our dinner visit, we sampled traditional Vietnamese dishes such as Hanoi Buncha and Vietnamese Beef Pho, the latter being freshly prepared at a live station.

A selection of skewers and fried items were also available, with the crunchy Yam & Carrot Roll and the pan-fried Meat Patties standing out as our picks.

Moving to the international buffet, we particularly enjoyed the fresh sashimi options, including salmon, scallops, and amaebi. However, the shellfish offerings paled in comparison in both their freshness and sweetness.

The Carving Station was particularly popular among the hot stations, serving up Roasted Australian 100-day Grain-fed Angus Prime Rib with Red Wine Jus.

Other hot stations included a variety of Western Mains, Asian Dishes, an Indian Station, and a Noodle Station.

My dining companion and I were both impressed by the line-up of Desserts. They offer a wide range of items and deliver on taste.

We highly recommend saving room for their ice creams and sorbets, which are rich in flavours without being too sweet.

Standout options included the creamy Durian and Strawberry ice cream, especially when paired with the freshly made Mochi Waffle.

Other dessert options included the Mini Fruit Tartlet, Uji Matcha Tiramisu, Raspberry Coconut Mousse, and a delightful selection of nonya kueh, such as Ondeh Ondeh, Rainbow Lapis, Ubi Bingka, and Kueh Salat.

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.


The Line Restaurant
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 6213 4398
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Nearest MRT: Stevens MRT (DT, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 2.30pm, 6pm - 9.30pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 23 minutes.[Map]

UNA @ The Alkaff Mansion - New Menu Introducing Spain’s Finest Rubia Gallega Beef

UNA at The Alkaff Mansion celebrates its 10th anniversary with a new menu co-conceptualised by Chef Diego Grimberg, Culinary Advisor and Head Chef of the Michelin-starred Hofmann Restaurant in Spain, and Chef Tom Kung, UNA's Executive Chef. A key highlight of this menu is the revamped selection of Asado grilled meats, with UNA being the first restaurant in Singapore to introduce Spain's prized Rubia Gallega beef.

Cinco Jotas “5J” Jamon Iberico 4/5

Pan Con Tomate 3/5

The menu still offers the restaurant's signature tapas, including the renowned Cinco Jotas "5J" Jamon Iberico ($46), made from Spain's finest 48-month acorn-fed 5J Iberico pork. It pairs beautifully with the crisp Toasted Crystal Bread, Pan Con Tomate ($7/2 pcs; $12/4 pcs), served with fresh tomato purée.

Gazpachuelo De Gambas Roja 3/5

The Gazpachuelo De Gambas Roja features Red Prawn Tartare, which has a delightful mouthfeel with creaminess from the avocado. The cherry slices atop punctuated the tartare with welcoming sweet-tart notes. While the gazpacho was rich in crustacean flavour, I personally prefer the original non-meat version.

Pulpo a La Parrilla 4/5

The Pulpo a La Parrilla ($36) presents a smoky grilled octopus, artfully paired with baby potatoes and purple vitelotte potato and complemented by red pepper and cilantro sauce.

Mariscos Paella 4.5/5

For the main course, we tried the Mariscos Paella ($62/$82), which impressed me with its robust umami flavour, packed with red sea prawns, fresh clams, and black mussels. The dish had a generous amount of soccarat, adding a smoky flavour and extra bite. A squeeze of lemon juice would have elevated the dish even further.

Rubia Galicia Gold 4.8/5

The Asado grilling technique, deeply rooted in Spanish culinary tradition, infuses meats with a charcoal fragrance, enhancing their natural flavours. The star of the menu is the Rubia Galicia Gold - Costillas A La Parrilla ($138), a prime rib served with fricando sauce, pumpkin purée, and oyster mushrooms. Known for its exceptional flavour and marbling, the Rubia Galicia Gold's slow grilling over an open fire renders its fat into a tantalising smoky crust, contrasting with its succulent texture and releasing robust flavours.

Asado Moralejo Lamb 5/5

Alongside the Rubia Gallega beef, the menu features other premium meats, such as the newly approved milk-fed Moralejo Lamb in Singapore, also prepared with the Asado grill method. The Asado Moralejo Lamb ($46) with Cauliflower was incredibly tender and flavorful, with minimal gaminess, perfectly complemented by the buttery and creamy cauliflower purée.

Crèma Catalana 2.5/5

Turrón de Almendras 2.8/5

For dessert, the Crèma Catalana ($16), a Spanish crème brûlée torched with a charcoal-scorched plate, was unfortunately rather cloying, and the method didn't significantly enhance the taste. The Turrón de Almendras ($22), an almond nougat cake served with raspberry sorbet, offered an interesting flavour reminiscent of egg yolk custard, though the hazelnut streusel tasted a bit off.

To celebrate the launch of UNA's new menu, American Express cardholders will enjoy 20% off items on the à la carte menu from 16 August 2024 to 15 September 2024.

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.


UNA
The Alkaff Mansion
10 Telok Blangah Green
Singapore 109178
Tel: +65 8126 8844
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Nearest MRT: Telok Blangah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sun: 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon, Sat)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Telok Blangah MRT station (Stop ID 14169). Take bus number 176. Alight 2 stops later. Walk down Henderson Road. Turn left onto Telok Blangah Green. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]