Kaarla Wood-Fire Grill and Bar @ CapitaSpring - Pivoted From Fine Dining to Casual Australian-Japanese Restaurant

Formerly a fine dining concept, Kaarla at 1-Arden CapitaSpring has transitioned into a casual Australian-Japanese restaurant that offers a welcoming space for communal dining over wood-fire sharing plates and classic cocktails. Diners can also look forward to regular live entertainment for a chillout evening. Despite this pivot, Kaarla continues its commitment to sustainable dining by using ethically sourced ingredients from artisanal producers and local farms, incorporating over 158 species of edible greens, herbs, and flowers from its 10,000 sq-ft urban farm.

Yuzu Shoyu Salmon Skewers 4/5

Deep-Fried Lotus Root Chips 4/5

Parker Brioche 4/5

Instead of courses and a la carte dishes, the menu is now categorised into more affordably-priced sharing plates suitable for communal dining or after-work drinking sessions. To start the evening, we enjoyed some bar snacks, including crisped Deep-Fried Lotus Root Chips ($12), which were moreish with sweet-savoury furikake and dashi honey. The Parker Brioche ($10) with shio kombu butter added extra butteriness, and the Yuzu Shoyu Salmon Skewers ($15) satisfied with their fatty texture and smoky umami flavour.

Burrata 3/5

Coal Roasted Tiger Prawns 2.8/5

We tried the Coal Roasted Tiger Prawns ($22) and Burrata ($14) from the small plates. The burrata was lusciously soft and pillowy, complemented by a contrasting garlicky goma sauce. However, I couldn't help wondering what happened to the other half of the burrata. The prawns had good flavours imparted from sansho pepper and a tangy native tamarind jam, but they weren't as succulent as expected.

Natural Pork Loin 4.5/5

John Dory 2.5/5

For mains, the Natural Pork Loin ($36) was excellently done over a wood fire, served pink-tender over a bed of braised barley and garden vegetables from the farm. However, the John Dory ($46) fell short with a rubbery texture.

Wood Roasted Pumpkin 5/5

The Wood Roasted Pumpkin ($14) was a highlight for me. Slow-roasted, it had a dense and starchy texture, with a sweetness aptly contrasted by sharp goat's feta cheese and an umami miso glaze made from its own seeds, ground and mixed with miso. Atop the feta cheese was a handful of watercress from its farm, which surprised me with a refreshing, crunchy texture.

Cherry Ripe 4.5/5

Rounding off our meal was a divine Cherry Ripe ($18), featuring a classic combination of tart cherries and bitter dark chocolate ganache, brought together by a creamy coconut fudge.

Garden Fizz, Old Fashioned Kaarla

Alongside the revamped menu, the drinks selection has been refined to a concise selection of four signatures (all at $22), maximising house-grown herbs and kitchen ingredients. The Garden Fizz is a citrusy drink accented with rosemary, while the Old Fashioned Kaarla exudes a much bolder flavour, concocted with Australian bush tomatoes muddled with bourbon to give a slight caramel hint.

For the upcoming National Day, Kaarla is also one of the best options to catch the fireworks:

* Indulge in a 5-Course National Day Dinner priced at $168++ per person. (Available on July 27th, August 3rd, and 9th)
* Raise a Toast with Free-Flow Alcohol for $59++ per person on August 9th, from 6-8PM
* Join the Skyline Sparkle Party every Saturday from June 22nd to August 9th, Tickets are $30 nett per person and include one drink (choice of soft drink, juice, beer, housepour spirits, or wines).

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.


Kaarla Wood-Fire Grill & Bar
CapitaSpring
88 Market Street
#51-02
Singapore 048948
Tel: +65 8518 3763
Instagram
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon- Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to Malacca Street. Walk down Malacca Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Man Fu Yuan @ InterContinental Singapore - Welcomes the Year of the Dragon with Golden Resplendence

Man Fu Yuan at InterContinental Singapore invites patrons to partake in an opulent Lunar New Year feast from 15 January to 29 February 2024, promising an immersive experience that captivates the senses and ushers in good fortune.

Upholding the grand tradition, Man Fu Yuan unveils the colossal 'Dragon's Wealth' Yu Sheng 龙飞凤舞喜捞生 ($888++ serves up to 10 guests), a 60-inch spectacle that symbolizes strength, power, health, and good luck for the New Year. Packed with shredded vegetables, it is adorned with indulgent ingredients like rock lobster, sea urchin, ikura, shredded dried Hokkaido scallops, salmon sashimi, and crispy fish skin. A refreshing honey miso golden peach dressing and shallot oil complete this masterpiece.

Man Fu Yuan Abundance Treasure Pot 4.8/5

Taking centre stage is the Man Fu Yuan Abundance Treasure Pot ($498 nett), a culinary treasure trove featuring rock lobster, premium sea cucumber, five-head whole abalone, tiger palm mushroom, dried whole scallop, South Africa fish maw, goose web, pig trotters, dace fish ball, oysters, chicken wings, preserved Kurobuta sausage, pork liver sausage, Japanese premium flower mushroom, and more.

Steamed Atlantic Cod Fish Fillet 4.2/5

The Steamed Atlantic Cod Fish Fillet, topped with crispy preserved radish and scallions, offers a buttery and moist texture. It's paired with umami superior soya sauce, complementing the richness of the cod fish.

Oven-baked Lobster with Golden Butter Sauce and Cheese 4.5/5

The Oven-baked Lobster, bathed in golden butter sauce and cheese, presents sweet lobster meat with a finishing touch of smoky aroma from torching.

Sichuan Style Roasted Chicken 4/5

A firework of fiery flavours, the Sichuan Style Roasted Chicken features dried chilli, sesame seed, peanut, Sichuan spice, and scallion, complementing the tender chicken with crispy skin.

Lobster Mapo Tofu 4/5

Elevating Mapo Tofu with lobster meat, the dish boasts soft and silky tofu, robust flavours, and a good Sichuan spicy punch leaning towards appetizing rather than overly spicy.

Roasted Suckling Pig with Five Grain Glutinous Rice 4.5/5

A signature delight, the Roasted Suckling Pig ($528++) is stuffed with five grain glutinous rice, ensuring crackling crisp skin and tender, juicy meat infused with the delicious jus of the pig through roasting.

Chilled Pumpkin Puree, Longan, Lotus Seeds, Peach Collagen 4.5/5

Sweet Golden Nian Gao 3.5/5

To conclude the feast, the Chilled Pumpkin Puree with Longan, Lotus Seed, and Peach Collagen offers a refreshing and soothing dessert. Additionally, the symbolic Sweet Golden Nian Gao, a Chinese New Year sticky rice cake, signifies growth, progress, and the attainment of new heights.

Man Fu Yuan's Lunar New Year Extravaganza promises not just a feast but a culinary symphony of prosperity and good fortune.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Man Fu Yuan
InterContinental Singapore
Level 2
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 63387600
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1145am - 330pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Experience The Magic of 'A Christmas Tale' at The Marmalade Pantry

Step into the enchanting world of 'A Christmas Tale' at The Marmalade Pantry and discover a festive feast that promises to make your celebrations truly special this holiday season. The bistro has unveiled an impressive lineup of tantalising treats and bundles catering to intimate gatherings and larger festivities, ensuring that everyone can savour the magic of the season.

[NEW] Roasted Maple Bourbon Turkey 4/5

New stars on the menu include the Roasted Maple Bourbon Turkey ($158+, 3.6kg). This succulent turkey boasts a unique blend of flavours derived from marination in bourbon, maple syrup, apple juice, mustard, and black pepper. To ensure that every inch of meat is infused with this delectable medley, the turkey is first sous vide, then roasted to perfection. The result is a taste masterpiece bound to steal the spotlight.

[NEW] Baked Maple Gammon Ham 4.5/5

Another standout newcomer is the Baked Maple Gammon Ham ($98+, 2kg). This classic ham presents a delightful interplay of sweet and savoury. The ham is marinated and sous vide in a reduction of maple syrup, honey, apple juice, yuzu juice, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. It's then roasted to a glorious glaze that makes every bite a flavour revelation.

[NEW] Porchetta 4/5

Porchetta ($108+, 1kg) is a dish that promises to take your taste buds on a journey. It combines the richness of unctuous meat with the irresistible crunch of crispy crackling. The pork belly is meticulously rubbed with a blend of herbs before being expertly rolled and roasted to a golden brown finish.

[NEW] Beef Short Ribs Bone-In 4.2/5

For beef fans, the Beef Short Ribs Bone-In ($108+, 1kg) is an exquisite choice. These fork-tender short ribs are seasoned with salt and pepper, browned, and then sous vide with thyme. A final searing imparts a smoky char, and they're served with roasted tomatoes for an unforgettable taste experience.

[NEW] Lemon & Dill Salmon 4.2/5

For seafood enthusiasts, the Lemon & Dill Salmon ($108+, 0.8kg) is a revelation. Norwegian salmon is meticulously cured overnight with lemon zest and dill before being slow-baked to a delightful, moist, flaky texture. A squeeze of roasted lemon adds a burst of brightness to every bite.

Roasted Harvests 4/5

Quinoa Salad with Prawns 4.2/5

Mac N' Cheese 4.5/5

The carvery delights are beautifully complemented by a selection of signature sides, including the ever-popular Mac N' Cheese ($25, 0.4kg), Quinoa Salad with Prawns ($28, 0.6kg), and Roasted Harvests ($25+, 0.6kg). These festive favourites are perfect for sharing and offer a comforting and hearty addition to your feast.

[NEW] Roasted Pumpkin 4.2/5

A new side making its debut this year is the Roasted Pumpkin ($25, 0.6kg). This dish exudes warmth and comfort, featuring the hearty flavours of roasted pumpkin delicately topped with toasted almond flakes.

[NEW] Merry Berry Cheese Log Cake 4/5

No Christmas celebration is complete without a delightful dessert. The Merry Berry Cheese Log Cake ($68+, 0.68kg) is a sweet and fruity indulgence. It features vibrant flavours of berries, including raspberry, blueberry, and strawberry, harmoniously blended with white chocolate crunch and rolled with cream cheese frosting to achieve a perfectly balanced taste.

[NEW] Nutty Noel Chocolate Log Cake 4/5

If you're a chocolate lover, the Nutty Noel Chocolate Log Cake ($68, 0.68kg) will surely satisfy your cravings. Crafted from rich 70% dark chocolate crème, chocolate macadamia crunch, and chocolate sponge, it's a luxurious and decadent treat bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

In addition to these tantalising takeaways, The Marmalade Pantry offers an unforgettable dining experience with The Yuletide Afternoon Tea. Available for dine-in, takeaway (self-collection), and delivery, this delightful tea experience is served at the Downtown outlet from 1 November 2023 to 7 January 2024, daily from 3pm to 6pm. The Anchorpoint outlet also offers this treat daily from 3pm to 6pm. An exclusive offering at The Marmalade Pantry Petite Bugis outlet from 1 November 2023 to 7 January 2024 is the Yuletide Petite Afternoon Tea Set, available for dine-in from 2pm to 5pm daily.

You can order The Marmalade Pantry's 'A Christmas Tale' festive gourmet highlights until 23 December 2023, 12pm, or while stocks last, at all outlets – The Marmalade Pantry ION, Downtown, Anchorpoint, Novena, as well as The Marmalade Pantry Petite Bugis, and through the online store. Collection is available for takeaway (self-collection) at The Marmalade Pantry Downtown and delivery from 1 to 26 December 2023. Pre-order with Mastercard® by 30 November 2023 to enjoy 15% off festive à la carte orders (not applicable for Festive Bundles) – use promo code "FESTIVE15" for online purchases. With a spend of $180 or an order of a festive bundle, you'll receive a limited edition The Marmalade Canvas Jute Tote Bag while stocks last. Each festive bundle also comes with rose gold disposable cutlery in the quantity specified for the highest serving size of the respective bundle.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Marmalade Pantry Downtown
Oasia Hotel Downtown
#01-01
100 Peck Seah Street
Singapore 079333
Tel: +65 63850741
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Open Farm Community @ Minden Road - New Farm To Feast, Reinvigorate The Different Relationships Found On The Dining Table

Open Farm Community (OFC), Singapore's pioneering urban farm and restaurant concept, launches Farm Feast. It is a new family-style tasting menu designed to reinvigorate the different relationships on the dining table - between friends and families, as well as diners and their food. Each feast serves an array of snacks, starters, mains, house-made accompaniments, and desserts that can be adjusted to any group size. It is priced at $88 per pax for dinner, with a minimum company of two.

SG Grown Radishes 4.2/5

We started with the SG Grown Radishes that is freshly plucked and served from farm to table. It is paired with cultured cream and sourdough crumble. It is my first time having raw radish. It has an enjoyable sweetness similar to a guava couple with a delightful crunchy texture.

Cauliflower Wings 4/5

Interestingly the Cauliflower Wings are shaped to look like chicken drumettes. It is coated in an addictive tamarind miso sauce, finished with sprinkles of sesame and green onions. It works for me, and I think children that dislike eating vegetables will enjoy this too.

OFC Farm Sweet Corn 4.2/5

One of my favourite starters is the OFC Farm Sweet Corn from the restaurant's farm. The grilled corn is very sweet. It surprises me that our local farm can produce such top-quality ingredients.

Hokkaido Scallop 4.2/5

The Hokkaido Scallop was plump, sweet and beautifully seared. However, what caught my attention is the sweet, smooth and creamy corn puree that complement the scallop excellently.

Grassfed NZ Short Ribs 3.8/5

For the mains, we had the Grassfed NZ Short Ribs. The bone-in meat is roasted to tender and doused in a Mexican mole sauce, giving it a spicy, smoky and sweet note. It is further enhanced with the topping of caramelised, pickled and deep-fried onions.

Accompanying the mains, we have a couple of house-made accompaniments such as Ancient Grains & Seeds, Smashin' Pumpkin, SG Green Salad and QJ's Kimchi. Unfortunately, I didn't quite get my head around the concept of the accompaniments as they did not complement the short ribs.

Before moving to the dessert, we had the refreshing Cucumber Sorbet for pre-dessert. 

Wrapping up the Farm Feast is the decadent Chocolate Dessert made from Single Origin beans from neighbouring countries. Chocolate lovers will adore the dessert for its delicate sweetness.

Wine lovers can also opt for wine pairing with the Farm Feast for an extra $40 per guest. Guest will get 3 glasses of natural wine to pair with the sumptuous meal.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Open Farm Community
130E Minden Road
Singapore 248819
Tel: +65 64710306
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 9pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 330pm, 6pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT. Take Exit B. Cross the road and walk to bus stop at Boulevard Orchard opposite Orchard MRT (Stop ID 09022). Take bus no. 7, 77, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to Minden Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

Firangi Superstar @ Craig Road - Indian Cuisine That Is Authentically Inauthentic

Firangi Superstar at Craig Road is born out of love and memories of the country India. Stepping into the restaurant is a cinematic journey, transporting diners to an Officer's Club, Old Railway Room, Elephant Palace and Jungle Lodge. Here, the food takes classic Indian cuisine in unexpected forms in Head Chef Thiru Gunasakaran's hand, giving it a modern approach.

Chutney & Raita 4/5

We started with some Chutney & Raita (2 for $10++/ 3 for $14++) served with papads and crackers. The house-made chutney and raita selection consist of Roasted Pistachio Chutney, Jackfruit Cucumber Raita, and Garlic Dried Chilli Chutney. It is a delightful starter to go along with some cocktails or drinks before moving to the diner proper.

Scared Samosa 4.2/5

The traditional samosa is given a luxurious touch in the Scared Samosa ($26++). The open-face samosa comprises familiar flavours but with a new perspective, replaced with wagyu beef tartare sandwiched between samosa chips.

This Is Not Aloo Gobi 4.2/5

This Is Not Aloo Gobi ($16++) is a modern, deconstructed version of the Aloo Gobi. It comes with cauliflower in three ways - cauliflower cous cous, cauliflower florets and cauliflower coriander puree. Crispy sliced potatoes are layered with melted ghee and salt in between each layer for a textural uplift with each mouthful.

Sothi Fresh 4.5/5

Sothi is a traditional yellow coconut curry usually cooked with fish. The Sothi Fresh ($22++) is an elevated form paired with ceviche cured in kokum dressing, coconut jelly and shallots. What you get is a firework of flavours.

Beirut Bhatura 4.2/5

The Beirut Bhatura ($12++) comes in a bowl of celeriac hummus topped with chickpea masala, pomegranate seeds and coriander cress, drizzled over with yellow curry oil. The best way to enjoy it is to tear the bhatura (deep-fried leavened bread) into pieces to smear it with the creamy celeriac hummus.

Prata Waffle 4/5

Inspired by chicken and waffle, the chef has created the Prate Waffle ($24++), incorporating the trendy cafe dish into Indian cuisine. Sitting on the base is waffle pressed prata topped with Madras-style fried chicken and fried curry leaves. Jaggery syrup is drizzled onto the crispy and tender fried chicken. Of course, the soul of the dish has to be the butter chicken sauce at the side, giving the dish the Indian identity.

Salvador Thali 4.5/5

The sweetness of the pumpkin is showcased in the Salvador Thali. The pumpkin is marinated in sambhar marinated, oven-roasted, then tandoor charred. Lime pickle, fried salted chilli flakes, quinoa and pumpkin seeds are smothered onto the roasted pumpkin complementing the sweetness and giving it extra texture contrast and enjoyment.

Indian Saddle 4.5/5

The beautiful Tandoori Lamb Saddle ($19++ per 100g) is marinated with spiced yoghurt before cooking in tandoori. It is served with an Indian-inspired chermoula, confit garlic and curry leaves. You don't get that gamey taste, and I probably think the tender lamb is beef if I am blindfolded.

Firangi Naan Basket 4.2/5

Cumin Carrots with Dhal Makhani 4.2/5, Anise-Ghee Rice 4/5

To complete the meal, you can also order some sides, rice and naan to complete your meal. We had the Firangi Naan Basket ($12++), Cumin Carrots with Dhal Makhani ($15++)  and Anise-Ghee Rice ($6++).

Mango Kesari 4/5

I don't usually enjoy Indian desserts as they are extremely sweet. However, at Firangi Superstar, it is well balanced and has textures. The Mango Kesari ($12++) is plated with alphonso mango mousse, cubes of alphonso mango, alphonso tea gel and cream cheese. The steamed semolina cake is then topped with puffed rice, raisins and cashews for that extra textural bite.

Chocolate Jamun 4.2/5

A bed of chocolate mousse sits at the bottom of the Chocolate Jamun ($15++), smothered with gulab jamun crumble and chocolate crunch. it is further dotted with rose patisserie and topped with pistachios, rose petals and house-made cardamon vanilla ice cream.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Firangi Superstar
20 Craig Road
#01-03
Singapore 089692
Tel: +65 63043022
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Sat: 530pm - 103pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road. Walk to Craig Road. Turn left and walk down Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]