藝 yì by Jereme Leung @ Raffles Hotel Singapore - Refreshed Menu By MasterChef Jereme Leung with New Specialities

藝 yì by Jereme Leung at Raffles Hotel Singapore has recently launched a refreshed menu. Put together by MasterChef Jereme Leung and Executive Chef Yap Poh Weng, 藝 yì continues to bring to you Chinese provincial dishes with a touch of modern artistic flair whilst retaining traditional flavours and classic styles.

Deep-fried Marinated Pork Belly with Black Garlic 3.5/5

The evening started with a couple of Chef Jereme's drinking snacks. First was a bowl of moreish Deep-fried Marinated Pork Belly with Black Garlic. These golden morsels had a thin, puffed-up crisp exterior that remained crunchy even after sitting out for a while. The pork belly still retained that expected tenderness despite being thinly sliced.

Pan-fried Cuttlefish Cake on Quinoa 3.5/5

Pan-fried Cuttlefish Cake on Quinoa had an enjoyable bouncy texture. I love the accompanying Spicy Tangy Salsa had all the zest of a green Nam Jim.

Hokkaido Scallops 4.5/5, Deep-fried Shrimp Balls 4.5/5

Sliced South African Abalone & Vegetarian Abalone 4/5, Crispy Pork Belly 4/5

We had an appetiser sampler platter. Hokkaido Scallops on Cordyceps Flower & Spinach Rolls in spicy sesame sauce epitomise the chef's artistic approach to the cuisine. A cold dish from the Zhejiang coastal province, the Hokkaido scallop sits on a 'ying-yang' handmade rolls of cordyceps flowers and spinach. The same goes for the Sliced South African Abalone & Vegetarian Abalone. A combination of freshly sliced South African and vegetarian abalone presented elegantly in a cocktail glass, Chef's Sichuan green pepper dressing laced the dish with a fragrant and citrusy note.

Deep-fried Shrimp Balls

The Deep-fried Shrimp Ball surprised me with its lightness- its crisped exterior had an airy-like texture, with a delightfully juicy and well-seasoned shrimp mixture that paired well with cheddar cheese. The Crispy Pork Belly didn't disappoint with crackling skin and tender meat.

Iberico Pork Roll wrapped with Crispy Seaweed 4.5/5

Iberico Pork Roll wrapped with Crispy Seaweed with Pickled Sliced Green Mango & Homemade Specialty Sauce is prepared with a 10-hours of careful slow-cooking of the pork in Chef's homemade brine. Next, it is wrapped with a layer of seaweed and then fried. The savoury, crispy seaweed gave the juicy, tender meat a nice contrasting crunch, while the sweet Specialty Sauce that carried a bit of sourness cut the meat's richness.

Double Boiled Chicken Soup 4.5/5

The Double Boiled Chicken Soup was nourishing with Fish Maw, Bamboo Fungus and Matsutake Mushroom, and the warmed coconut elevated the soup with a comforting coconut aroma. The softened coconut made this light soup pretty hearty too.

Poached Rice 4.8/5

The Poached Rice with Assorted Seafood in Shrimp Broth was wholesome and delicious with succulent seafood, singing with umami-ness from flavours imparted by the rich shrimp broth.

Double-boiled Hokkaido Milk and Ginger Pudding 5/5

Steamed Red Dates & Coconut Cake 5/5

The desserts are the highlights for me, especially the Double-boiled Hokkaido Milk and Ginger Pudding with Butterfly Pea Bird's Nest. It was mellow sweet, soft and soul comforting. The Steamed Red Dates & Coconut Cake was just as marvellous with its chewy texture and well-balanced sweetness.

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.


藝 Yi By Jereme Leung
Raffles Arcade
328 North Bridge Road
Singapore 188719
Tel: +65 63371886
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 2pm, 6pm - 930pm

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]

Nosignboard Sheng Jian @ Northpoint City - New Flagship Shanghai Sheng Jian Bao Specialty Shop By No Signboard Group

No Signboard, known as the original creators of Singapore's White Pepper Crab with over 40 years of heritage, has launched the group's latest casual dining concept - Nosignboard Sheng Jian at Northpoint City. It specialises in the popular Shanghai Sheng Jiao Bao and a whole lineup of Northern Chinese dim sum and dishes.

Tricolour Sheng Jian Bao 4.2/5

The highlight definitely has to be the Sheng Jian Bao here which boosts a delightfully chewy texture. There are four flavours here. They are the Signature Popping Juices ($5.50 for 3pc), Chilli Crab and Pork ($6.30 for 3pc), Spicy Dried Shrimp ($5.80 for 3pc) and Vegan Sheng Jian Bao ($5.30 for 3pc). Are you spoilt of choices? Then go for the Tricolour Sheng Jian Bao ($10.80 for 6pc) to get a taste of a variety of the Sheng Jian Bao. My favourite has to be the signature popping juices pan-fried bun for its savoury and juicy pork filling.

Spicy Chicken in Sichuan Style 3.5/5

Besides the Sheng Jian Bao, the restaurant also offers a selection of other tasty dishes, rice and noodles. We had the Spicy Chicken in Sichuan Style ($7.80) served chilled. It comes in fiery-looking Sichuan Mala spicy sauce prepared in a blend of Sichuan peppercorns, spices and chillies. I find the sauce lacks the aroma of a good Kou Shui Ji, though.

Famous Wu Xi Braised Pork Cube 4/5

The Famous Wu Xi Braised Pork Cube ($14.80) fares much better. The braised pork belly cubes are fork-tender and coated in a deliciously thick, luscious red sauce with sweet vinegar.

Fried Noodle with Scallion & Dried Shrimps 3.8/5

The Fried Noodle with Scallion & Dried Shrimps ($6.80) looks plain without any accompanying ingredients. Still, it is packed with exquisite flavours from scallion oil and dried shrimps.

Crispy Rice with Chill Crab Meat Sauce 3.8/5

Crispy rice is well enjoyed in Northern China, traditionally eaten on its own or with a rich dip or gravy. At Nosignboard Sheng Jian, the Crispy Rice with Chill Crab Meat Sauce ($14.80) is given a local touch by pairing the Chinese rice crisps with Singapore chilli crab dip.

Deep Fried Radish Pastry 4.2/5

Besides the sheng jian bao, the other item on the menu that I enjoyed a lot is the traditional Shanghainese pastry - Deep Fried Radish Pastry ($5.80 for 3pc). Inside the light and buttery, flaky pastry is a savoury filling of flavourful white radish.

Chilled Coconut Papaya Pudding 3.5/5

The Chilled Coconut Papaya Pudding ($4.80 for 3pc) stands like the Marina Bay Sands towers. I enjoyed this simple dessert because it has two of my favourite fruits: coconut and papaya.

Crispy Purple Sweet Potato Balls 4.2/5

A delightful dessert is the Crispy Purple Sweet Potato Balls ($4.80 for 3pc) served warm. Inside the crispy sphere's skin is soft custard filling to end the meal on a sweet note.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Nosignboard Sheng Jian
Northpoint City
South Wing
#01-137/138
1 Northpoint Drive
Singapore 768019
Tel: +65 66659959
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Website
Nearest MRT: Yishun (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Yishun MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Rockon Tokyo @ Tanjong Pagar - Serving Up Obanzai With Premium Sake

Brought to you by famed sake sommelier Koki Miyoshi and head chef Sekiya Katsuyuki, Rockon Tokyo at Tanjong Pagar serves up obanzai, a traditional Kyoto home-cooked style, along with a selection of premium and rare sake. The menu revolves around seasonal ingredients that are presented in their best form without any MSG or preservatives.

Homemade Cold Tofu 5/5

One of the best ways to experience this cosy little place (seats only 22 pax maximum) and its homely cuisine is perhaps by ordering the omakase menu (8 courses for $88). It will include a starter, assorted obanzai, a warm dish, seasonal sashimi, charcoal-grilled seasonal fish, seasonal fried fish, tamago kake gohan and a homemade honey lemon pudding for dessert. Starting with a Homemade Cold Tofu, its texture and taste seem to be telling me that this is how tofu should taste.

Assorted Obanzai 4/5

On to the second course, we had the Assorted Obanzai. Each dish carries a distinct texture and flavour characteristic of its own. The Hijiki Seaweed, Beans & Tuna Salad ($6 ala carte) was very savoury with a starchy texture, probably from the addition of chickpeas. The Lotus Root Ohitashi with Minced Shrimp ($9 ala carte) highlighted the crunchy texture and sweetness of the lotus root by simply adding a sprinkle of minced shrimp. Lastly, the Octopus & Okra dressed with Japanese Plum Sauce ($12 ala carte) was pretty intense, bringing out the subtle flavours of the 2 key ingredients.

Boiled Shogoin Turnip & Chicken Dumpling 4.5/5

One of my favourite dishes of that evening other than the tofu was this Boiled Shogoin Turnip & Chicken Dumpling with Special Lemon Oil. Akin to a good oden dish served with a nicely boiled turnip, its clear broth was delicious.

Sashimi 4.5/5

It is hard to resist the fresh Sashimi that is imported from different parts of Japan depending on their seasonal catch.

Charcoal-grilled Spanish Mackerel 4/5

We had Charcoal-grilled Spanish Mackerel which was in season. The skin was perfectly crisped, with the meat firm and sweet.

Deep-fried Crab Dumpling 4/5

The Deep-fried Crab Dumpling was like a Japanese style crab cake. I like how thin and crisp the crust was, encasing a sweet and savoury crab filling.

Rock On! Treasure Box 3.8/5

Gout-O I.C.U 3.8/5

For the next course, we had an add on - Rock On! Treasure Box (+$90) and the Gout-O I.C.U (+$60). Rock On! Tokyo Treasure Box features tamago kake gohan with white/black truffle, uni, caviar, crabmeat and ikura while Gout-o ICU serves the holy trinity of ikura, caviar and uni. As lavish as they might seem, I very much prefer the original tamago kake gohan. Align with the essence of obanzai; the steamed Japanese rice comes served under a blanket of torched egg white meringue and egg yolk. I had a few spoonfuls of that on its own, and the simple taste of the fragrant white rice with the egg was highly comforting. The rich and savoury toppings had kind of masked the beautiful flavours of the rice and egg.

Honey Lemon Pudding 4/5

Dessert was a Home-made Honey Lemon Pudding ($8). Its creamy texture was like a hybrid of a rich mousse and custard. Sweet and tangy, the caramelised sugar crust added a balancing hint of bitterness.

You may add on 5 glasses of sake pairing for $60.

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.


Rockon Tokyo
106 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088525
Tel: +65 97311136
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue- Sun: 5pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road. Turn right onto Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Goodwood Park Hotel Singapore - Celebrates 120th Anniversary With Mao Shan Wang & D24 Durian Delights

Goodwood Park Hotel celebrates its 120th anniversary with a lavish durian dessert buffet spread, featuring Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights. Available from 17 October to 15 November at Coffee Lounge, indulge in an exclusive line-up of durian delights such as Mao Shan Wang Mousse Cake, Crepe, Swiss Roll and Mini Eclair, including hot D24 favourites such as D24 Puff and D24 Ice Cream!

Mao Shan Wang Mousse Cake

Such a thick layer of pulpy Mao Shan Wang Mousse layered in between airy sponge cake, the Mao Shan Wang Mousse Cake is definitely my favourite of the lot.

Mao Shan Wang Crepe

The Mao Shan Wang Crepe is also highly sorted after with its super thin egg crepe encasing the rich, creamy durian mousse, with no other fillers such as cream or sponge cake whatsoever in between.

D24 Puffs

For D24 Delights, there's a reason why these chubby D24 Puffs are such a huge drawn year after year. Each airy choux pastry is filled with a luxuriant swirl of creamy D24, and it was such a pleasure finishing this pillowy durian goodness. 

D24 Mini Peanut Tart, Mao Shan Wang Swiss Roll, Mini Eclair

There's also petite size durian pastry such as the Mao Shan Wang Swiss Roll, a daintier version of the mousse cake, as well as D24 Mini Peanut Tart and Mao Shan Wan Eclair.

A limited item among the spread is the D24 Ice Cream (one serving per guest). I would prefer it to be lightly more bitter-sweet.

The dessert buffet also includes other pastries and warm desserts such as Cheesecakes, Mango Pudding with Crème Chantilly and Fresh Mango, Cherry Crumble and a Bread and Butter Pudding with Vanilla Sauce. The extravagant Dessert Buffet with Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights spread is priced at $58.80++ per person, available during lunch from 12pm to 230pm and dinner from 6pm to 1030pm.

Deep-fried Pomfret in Feng Sha Style

Goodwood Park Hotel is also known for its Taiwan Porridge A La Carte Buffet. You can also opt for the Taiwan Porridge A La Carte Buffet inclusive of Dessert Buffet with Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights at $72++ per adult, $43.20++ per child. Out of the entire spread, we tried a few dishes which were all well executed. The Deep-fried Pomfret in Feng Sha Style was impressive. The meaty part of the fish was skilfully sliced out, leaving minimum to the bones and fried to perfection. As promised, each piece was crispy on the outside, juicy and moist on the inside. The sugary crispy rice puff and raisins topping elevated the crunch factor as well.

Steamed Minced Pork with Salted Egg Yolk

The Steamed Minced Pork with Salted Egg Yolk has a very homely flavour, yet incredibly satisfying. Loosely packed and juicy, the seasoning was just right on bringing out the flavours of the meat.

Fried Omelette with Silver Fish

This UFO looking Fred Omelette with Silver Fish was simple but substantial with silverfish packed within its fluffy interior.

Braised Chinese Mustard with Sakura Ebi

The Braised Chinese Mustard with Sakura Ebi was not just aesthetically pleasing, but soothing to the palate as well.

There are also other ways to enjoy the dessert buffet. It can also be paired with Coffee Lounge’s signature offerings:

- Top-up of Dessert Buffet with Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights with any A La Carte Main Course order $48.80++ per person.
- 3-course Design Your Own Local Degustation Menu, inclusive of Dessert Buffet with Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights $62++ per person.
- 4-course Design Your Own Local Degustation Menu, inclusive of Dessert Buffet with Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights $66++ per person.

The Deli also features five delectable Mao Shan Wang and D24 durian creations from 17 October to 30 November for a decadent treat any time of the day.

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. 


Coffee Lounge
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301746
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

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

COMO Cuisine @ Dempsey - A Collection Of Global Cuisines Across COMO Properties And COMO Shambala

Mentioned COMO Cuisine at Dempsey, many will think that the food here is about wellness. It is actually not that. The menu at COMO Cuisine comprises of signatures dishes handpicked from across the COMO properties and COMO Shambala. It is a unique culinary journey where you can experience a collection of global cuisines sans having to get on a plane, all in one place.

Bhutanese Momos 3.5/5

We started with some Bhutanese Momos ($12++). At a glance, it looks like Chinese dumpling, but the dough is thicker, made from a combination of buckwheat flour and wheat flour. It is quite substantial, filled with pork, garlic, coriander and Szechuan pepper. I was actually disappointed that the accompanying Ezay chilli sauce did not use Bhutanese sun-dried chilli powder but Korean chilli powder which lacks the spicy kick.

Mangrove Crab Salad 4.5/5

The Mangrove Crab Salad ($24++) may look a little dull in colour but don't be deceived by it. It is a colourful firework of flavours from the fish sauce, lime juice, garlic and palm sugar. This is COMO Cuisine's interpretation of Thai Som Tum with fresh-picked mud crabs tossed in a salad of green mango, starfruit, cherry tomatoes, beansprouts, mint, coriander, Thai basil, fresh coconut slices and cashew nuts.

Spicy Prawn Relish 4/5

The Spicy Prawn Relish ($12++) is not spicy at all. It is like a bowl of chilli soup with chopped local tiger prawns and grilled corns. What is more interesting is the accompanying starfruit, guava, cucumber crudites and house-made rice crackers for dipping into the relish.

Golden Beetroot 4/5

A clean and delicious tasting dish is the Golden Beetroot ($20++). The heirloom beetroot is roasted in oil and vinegar, and served with Australian goat's feta cheese and finished with poppy seed dressing.

Lobster Biryani 4.5/5

The Lobster Biryani ($48++) really comes as a surprise for me. I thought COMO cuisine is all about the western fare, but this really was unexpected. I like how it is cooked with a house-made naan covering the bowl of basmati rice, locking in all the flavours. On the side, we have raita and guava pomegranate salad, for a balanced diet.

Tandoor Cauliflower 4.2/5

I guess COMO Cuisine never failed to surprise me with the Tandoor Cauliflower ($22++). I mean who will skewered chunks of cauliflower and roasted them in tandoor oven. What brings the dish together is the lemon dressing, giving it the needed acidity on top of the smokiness.

Pappardelle 4.2/5

Freshly made daily is the Pappardelle ($30++) that is cooked to a beautiful al dente bite. I love my pasta saucy and hence the duck ragout was a match in heaven for me. This is further topped with radicchio, basil and shaved pecorino.

Lamb Shank Massaman 4.5/5

Another beautiful dish on the menu is the Lamb Shank Massaman ($45++) served with naan bread and lightly pickled pineapple and cucumber. The lamb shank is cooked to fork-tender, falling off the bone with ease. It is so good that I could not stop going back for more naan to mop up the sauce.

Rich Chocolate Cake 4.2/5

The Rich Chocolate Cake ($14++) is COMO Cuisine's take on the chocolate florentine. The tart base is made from digestive biscuits and then covered with Michel Cluizel 70% chocolate. It is then served with rum-marinated cherries, fresh berries, coffee caramel, mascarpone chantilly infused vanilla bean and edible gold leaf.

Mocha Soft Serve 4/5

Subject to daily flavour, we had the Mocha Soft Serve ($10++). Who can resist a soft, creamy and refreshing soft served to wrap up dinner? It actually tastes like milo soft serve.

Jackfruit Pudding 4.2/5

Another beautiful dessert on the menu is the Jackfruit Pudding ($14++). The soft and moist ginger jackfruit pudding is served warm and topped with fresh jackfruit, passionfruit and coconut slivers. This is complemented by a scoop of house-made jaggery ice cream

Note: This is an invited tasting.


COMO Cuisine
Dempsey Hill
Block 18A Dempsey Road
Singapore 249677
Tel: 1800 3046688
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Holland Village (CC Line), Farrer Road (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast
Mon-Fri: 8am - 12pm
Lunch
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 3pm
Afternoon Menu
Daily: 3pm - 6pm
Dinner
Sun-Thu: 6pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat, PH: 6pm - 1030pm

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 to Dempsey Road. Walk to the round about near block 17 and 18. 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 to the round about near block 17 and 18. 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 to Dempsey Road. Walk to the round about near block 17 and 18. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]