Don & Tori @ Tras Street - Modern Japanese Restaurant With Japanese Inspired Cocktails

Burgeoning craft cocktails and tapas concepts makes Don & Tori at Tras Street stands out in the way of offering a more wholesome menu. As a modern Japanese restaurant, it features donburi bowls that are high on quality ingredients, such as Truffle Wagyu Foie Gras Don, along with crowd pleasing dishes like your Sakura Ebi Angel Hair Pasta.

Its Omakase (Lunch $45/$60 Dinner $128/$158) could be worth exploring if you wish to have a taste of fresh seasonal ingredients flown the renown Tsukiji Fish Market in Japan. Ours began with appreciating the taste of nature - Japanese Fruit Tomato. The sprinkle of salt atop draws out the sweetness which is intense and deep, and the flesh of the tomato is almost meaty.

Next we had the Sashimi Platter. What's interesting is the dressing of the sashimi with truffle paste, which does a good job in plumping up its texture and layering the taste. Equally enticing is the sushi platter and my favorite is definitely the hotate - sweet, firm yet tender to the core.

Happy to see beautifully seared Cod Fish as my grilled dish, though it's nothing surprising. Buttery with crisp edges, ensuing a satisfying mouth-fill.

Presented as Pumpkin under a Cloud, our stew dish, stewed pumpkin crowned with a egg white cloud, bound together by mashed peppery onions (I assume). I didn't feel that the layers manage to come together as one and the flavourful broth fails to permeate the pumpkin. It doesn't comfort my senses as a good Japanese stew would.

We were then introduced to one of its highly sought after Don - Truffle Wagyu Foie Gras Don ($38). 3 premium, luscious ingredients coming together, turns out to be a crowd for me. The wagyu was beautifully seared and the accompanying creamy foie gras was in a balanced portion. The sliced garlic crisps punctuates the dish with an aromatic bitter-sweetness. The truffle, which comes in a form of truffle paste, simply weighs the dish down. It could have been a different story should the truffle comes in the form of shaved truffles.

If you love Japanese black sesame ice cream, be sure to try its Homemade Goma. Its coarsely ground texture assures you that it is really homemade! I really like the coarse texture, which elevates the enjoyment.

Other staples are available, such as yakimono and makis, which what make this place a considerable option if you want a drink and proper food, not just small bites. Cocktails here are quite intriguing, not just being Japanese inspired, but imagine one with savoury ingredients such as salmon and wagyu. There are always safer choices such as those with yuzu and sakura and house-made syrups. The bar here could be more prominent though, rather being tuck all the way to the back of the restaurant.

Decent food, but what might make you come back may be its spacious, yet warm interiors that allow you to have your Japanese meal in comfort.

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.


Don & Tori
74 Tras Street
Singapore 079013
Tel: +65 98117888
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right on Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sky 22 @ Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena - Dine With A View At The Heart Of Novena

Sky 22, an all day dinning concept has landed in the heart of Novena at the all-new Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena. Located on the 22nd floor, the restaurant features panoramic views of the nature reserve. The restaurant focuses on healthy, wholesome culinary creations that is inspired by local cuisine, using premium quality ingredients and local aromatics.

Nasi Ulam Wild Rice Salad 4.2/5

An interesting dish on the menu is the Nasi Ulam Wild Rice Salad ($22) which has been given a richer and modern rendition. The play of textures and flavours has been enriched by the use of charred octopus, long beans, fire-roasted sweet potato, organic betel leaf, ginger flower, crushed peanut and toasted coconut.

Oven Baked Camembert Cheese 3.5/5

For the cheese lover, there is the Oven Baked Camembert Cheese ($18). You get the whole block of cheese to go along with the rosemary-balsamic Portobello mushroom, arugula walnut pesto and grilled sourdough.

Prosciutto & Belgian Endive Salad 3/5

For something light and healthy, the Prosciutto & Belgian Endive Salad ($22) will be a good choice. The sweetness of the roasted Japanese pumpkin and caramelised fig are complemented by the pomegranate dressing, with the savory granola providing the extra crunch.

Singapore Chilli Crab Pizza 3.5/5

Chilli crab on a thin crust pizza is an interesting interpretation of the national dish. The Singapore Chilli Crab Pizza ($26) is topped with generous chunks of crab meat and garnished with Spanish onions, red chilli and scallions. Initially I felt that the pizza needs to be more spicy but then it is a pizza after all, so the sweet tomato base actually fits the characteristic of a pizza. Reducing the heat is also make it more palatable for the foreigners.

Iberico Pork 4.5/5

Cooked to perfection is the Iberico Pork ($36), tender and juicy. What I like most is that it does not have that porky smell. It is served with oven baked baby radish, hummus, wilted Chinese spinach and yellow soy beans. The accompanying balsamic sauce provided the extra zest to lift the enjoyment.

Pan Seared Red Spotted Grouper

Inspired from the local sambal stingray, the Pan Seared Red Spotted Grouper ($26) is topped with red cherry shrimps and okra, served with a slather of sambal olek and light turmeric coconut sauce. To be frank, I don't find any association in taste to the sambal stingray. However it is a well executed dish that will delight one's taste buds.

Purple Potato Gnocchi 3/5

A vegetarian dish on the menu is the Purple Potato Gnocchi ($24) which is made from scratch by the kitchen. The comforting dish comes with a medley of fire-roasted vegetables, mascarpone and tossed in burnt sage butter. I felt that the gnocchi was a thick for bite, and probably a little bit more colours for the dish will make it for appetising.

Tiger Prawn Laksa Lemak 4.5/5

The signature at Sky 22 has to be their Tiger Prawn Laksa Lemak ($24) that is an atas version of the local street food. Comes in a rich spicy coconut gravy, there are thick vermicelli, charred tiger prawns, quail eggs, beancurd puffs and fish cake. I finished the bowl of laksa to the last drop.

Bubur Cha Cha Cup 3/5

Last but not least, we had the Bubur Cha Cha Cup ($12) for dessert. It is a deconstructed rendition of the popular nyonya dessert, which comes in a combination of sweet potato, yam, banana, pandan jelly and sago, with a a scoop of coconut ice cream. I actually still prefer my traditional bowl of bubur cha cha, in which I can get every textures and flavours in one spoonful.

Besides the a la carte menu, Sky 22 also offers a healthy lunch or dinner B.Y.O.B (Build Your Own Bowl) concept allowing diners to create personalised bowls accordingly to their taste and preference. Dinners can start by selecting from different salad bases topped with vegetables, cold cuts and a choice of a house dressing. They can also warm their appetite with hot bowls of soup before working on their built bowls. Top up an additional $4 for a dessert for a sweet finish.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Sky 22
Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena
Level 22
99 Irrawaddy Road
Singapore 329568
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Website
Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily:
630am - 1030am (breakfast)
12pm - 230pm (lunch)
3pm - 5pm (Tea)
6pm - 10pm (Dinner)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Lotus Kitchen @ Chinatown Point - Creative Vegetarian Dishes That Will Even Convert A Carnivore

Chinatown Point welcomes a new vegetarian restaurant - Lotus Kitchen located right at the main entrance on level 1. The new vegetarian restaurant is the spinoff of the famous Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant at Quality Hotel. Diners can find new creations as well as some of the best selling mainstays from predecessor.

Signature Lion's Mane Mushroom Pan Fried Dumpling 4/5

Taro Mee Sua Cake 4.2/5

Have you ever try Vegetarian dim sum? You can savour these delights at Lotus Kitchen such as the Signature Lion's Mane Mushroom Pan Fried Dumpling ($8.80) and Taro Mee Sua Cake ($6.80). The pan fried dumping is stuffed with crunchy lion's mane mushroom and water chestnuts. For the best of both world is the taro mee sua cake where you get to enjoy the fragrant taro complemented by the mee sua encased in a crisp batter.

Signature Double-boiled Herbal Tian Ma Soup 4/5

A nourishing offering on the menu is the Signature Double-boiled Herbal Tian Ma Soup ($8.80). It is understand the tian ma herb used in the the soup has liver-calming and neuroprotective some benefits. The soup is steamed and brewed with 10 different herbs and premium quality pearl mushrooms.

Signature Crispy Summer Wrap with Passionfruit 4.2/5

The Signature Crispy Summer Wrap with Passionfruit ($35.80) is your vegetarian version of Peking duck. The crispy soya slices coated with special batter is your substitution of the duck meat.  This is eaten the same way as Peking duck, wrapped it with the pancake sheet together with stripes of cucumber, carrot and passionfruit. Not to forget to dip some of the homemade sweet bean paste sauce to complete the whole enjoyment.

Signature Homemade Satay 4/5

The Signature Homemade Satay ($15.80) shows me how spices can be incorporated into vegetarian cuisine. Lotus kitchen has cleverly marinated soya slices with more than 10 different spices to create their version of the local satay. It also comes with homemade satay sauce which went very well with the satay.

Spicy Grilled Oat Slices in Hotplate 4.5/5

If you like spicy food, you will find the house blended chilli sauce laid over the Spicy Grilled Oat Slices in Hotplate ($18.80) setting you on fire. It is damn shiok. The dish is made using oats, soya and seaweed. It not only look like a fish but taste almost like it too. This is really a close rendition of the sambal fish.

Braised Mushroom in Hot Pot 4.8/5

One of the crowd favourite is the Braised Mushroom in Hot Pot ($18.80). It comes with lion's mane mushroom, shitake mushroom and bamboo shoots stir fried with chilli, ginger and basil leaves. It resembles the popular 3 cup chicken, except that the chicken is replaced with crunchy mushrooms and bamboo shoots.

Signature Stir Fried Laksa 4.2/5

I was initially sceptical about the Signature Stir Fried Laksa ($9.80) but I was wrong. The flavours were spot on, doing justice to one of the local's favourite street food. My only complain is the used of seaweed instead of laksa leaf. I find the balance of the dish distorted by the seaweed flavour.

Pumpkin Paste with Purple Rice 2.8/5

The dish that I least like is the Pumpkin Paste with Purple Rice ($6.80). I could not traced the pumpkin flavour but just sweetness over sweetness. The pumpkin paste needs to be more distinct.

Lotus Yam Paste with Purple Rice 4.5/5

A dessert not to be missed on the menu is the Lotus Yam Paste with Purple Rice ($6.80). The yam paste comes with purple rice mixture and gingko nuts. Somehow I felt like I was served the traditional Teochew yam paste together with a bowl of red bean soup, in a different way. It is like having 2 different desserts on a plate.

I have to say I am very impress with the vegetarian dishes at Lotus Kitchen. Especially on the creativity behind the dishes. It definitely changes my perspective on vegetarian cuisine. Vegetarian food is not just about deep fried flour items and greens.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Lotus Kitchen
Chinatown Point
133 New Bridge Road
#01-01/02
Singapore 059413
Tel: +65 65381068
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

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

UNA @ One Rochester - A Gastronomic Journey Through Spain

Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city is the lush greenery that surround UNA at One Rochester that is housed in a historic colonial bungalow dating back to the late 1930s and 40s. The Spanish restaurant offers South and North cuisines, marrying the characteristic of the regions for its robust and wholesome flavours.

Gambas Al Ajilo 4.5/5 and Patatas Bravas 3.5/5

From the tapas menu, we started with the Gambas Al Ajilo ($22) and Patatas Bravas ($10). My favourite is the fresh tiger prawns are sauteed in olive oil, white wine, garlic, chilli and parsley. Love the party of flavours which is kind of complex but yet beautiful firework to the palate.

Fideua De Calamares 4/5

The Fideua De Calamares ($20) serves in a pan, comes with squid ink Spanish noodles and crispy calamari. This is my first time having it and I find that it resembles our local Chao Ta Bee Hoon with its crispy exterior and soft interior.

Pulpo A La Parilla Con Papas Arrugadas Y Mojo 3.8/5

Don't be overwhelmed by the lengthy name of the dish. Pulpo A La Parilla Con Papas Arrugadas Y Mojo ($32) simply means grilled octopus with potatoes and coriander sauce. From what I understand from the kitchen, the octopus came from Spain and it is slow cooked in water with onions for around 65 minutes. I enjoyed how the slightly sweet and sharp sherry vinegar sauce complemented the smokey flavour of the grilled octopus. Unfortunately the texture was a bit chewy for me.

Coca De Higos Y Foie Con Vermouth 4.2/5

If you like foie gras, you will enjoy the Coca De Higos Y Foie Con Vermouth ($26). The foie gras is paired with grilled figs and sits on a toasted Spanish flatbread. It is then dressed in a vermouth reduction. I enjoyed how the sweetness and crispiness of the flatbread held the creaminess of foie gras together. However I thought the grilled figs was a bit strange in the pairing.

Paella De Chorizo Y Habitas 3.5/5

A staple Spanish dish is the paella and not to be missed is the Paella De Chorizo Y Habitas ($46/$66). The rice is infused with chorizo and saffron which added an extra layer of shine to the flavoursome paella. However I thought the texture of the rice was a bit on the moist side.

Cochinillo Asado 4.2/5

One of my favourite Spanish dishes is the Cochinillo Asado ($36). It is really hard to resist the succulent suckling pig with thin crispy skin. The plate also comes with fresh citrus salad which helps to cut the greasiness.

Pescado A La Parilla 4.2/5

Making a stunning entry is the Pescado A La Parilla ($42). The catch of the day is slow grilled without any marination. Just some simple seasoning to enjoy the natural flavour of the fish. It comes with a bowl of fennel salad on the side too.

Queso Fresco Calabaza Y Membrillo 4/5

For dessert, we started with the Queso Fresco Calabaza Y Membrillo ($14) which is roasted pumpkin ice cream with fresh cream cheese mousse, quince jelly and caramelized walnuts. The roasted pumpkin ice cream is kind of unique, it felt more like a savoury dish. First taste was a bit weird but it slowly grown in me as the palate started to accept the new taste.

Churros Con Chocolate Y Cafe 4.2/5

I am not really a big fan of churro but surprisingly I finished the a whole stick of the Churros Con Chocolate Y Cafe ($14). The crispy deep fried choux pastry is dusted with cinnamon and sugar nad this goes excellent with the dark chocolate sauce nad coffee infused cream.

Noted: This is an invited tasting.


UNA
One Rochester
1 Rochester Park
Singapore 139212
Tel: +65 67730070
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Website
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 5pm - 11pm
Sun Brunch: 11am - 3pm (once a month)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to Star Vista. At Rochester Drive turn left. Continue on Rochester Drive to the end of the road. Cross the road and continue on Rochester Park. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Firebake @ East Coast Road - The Very First Full Scale Woodfire Bread Oven In Singapore

Something new but yet old has descended at East Coast Road, firing the community spirit of celebration through breadmaking, food and tradition. Firebake is a new woodfired bakehouse and restaurant at East Coast Road, using the European historical methods of sourdough breadmaking. It also features contemporary dishes cooked with traditional European techniques, which complement and showcase the range of woodfire baked sourdough bread.

Taking centre stage is the twin woodfire oven that is hand built from 5000 bricks weighting 37 tonnes. The 4 different sourdough bread - Organic White Sourdough Loaf ($8), Organic Wholemeal Sourdough Loaf ($9), Organic Rye Sourdough Loaf ($11) and Organic Sourdough Fruit Loaf ($13) are all baked in house. Everything here is done on site from the milling of flour, mixing, fermentation, shaping, proofing and baking. Firebake is all about back to basics.

Firebake Bread Board With Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Butter 4/5

The best way to get a taste of the different sourdoughs from the oven is the Firebake Bread Board With Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Butter ($10). My favourite is the fruit sourdough but individually they have their own characteristic and fans. You can also ask for the kitchen to have the sourdoughs toasted for the extra crisp.

4-Spice Chicken Liver Pate 4/5

For sourdough lovers, there are many ways to enjoy the freshly baked bread. One of which is the 4-Spice Chicken Liver Pate ($12) which comes with in house cured pickles and onion.

Anchovy Dip, The Field 4.2/5

A favourite of mine is the Anchovy Dip, The Field ($8). The organic wholemeal sourdough is paired excellently with the savoury anchovy dip.

Heirloom Tomato 3.8/5

From the small plates menu, there are many delectable items such as the Heirloom Tomato ($17) which comes in a pretty bowl of pickled cucumber, feta and mountain oregano. The version at Firebake is rather interesting with a layer of smokiness from the charcoal oil holding the different flavours together. It is interesting but I thought the smoky flavour was too strong, masking the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Smoked Eggplant 4/5

I know not many people like eggplant and there is also very limited way of cooking the dish. What Firebake has done is to smoke the eggplant and stuffed it with spiced hummus. The Smoked Eggplant ($15) further topped with tomato manchego, cheese and crispy barley for the additional contrast of textures and flavouts.

Woodfired Pumpkin Burrata 4/5

Pairing Woodfired Pumpkin and Burrata ($16) is a rather new combination. I like how the sweetness of the grilled pumpkin is complemented by pistachio dukkah for a nutty finish. There are even orange blossom and molasses to further enhanced the enjoyment.

Roast Half Spring Chicken, Grilled Beans 4.2/5

The Roast Half Spring Chicken and Grilled Beans ($23) comes with both chicken leg and breast meat dressed in beef jus. It is brined, sou vide and roasted to perfection, giving the chicken a nice tender texture. It is something homely and comforting which I will go back for.

Norwegian Blue Mussel 4.5/5

The dish I heart most is the Norwegian Blue Mussel ($25) which is cooked with lager and chrizo. Besides the juicy mussel, the highlight has to be the sauce and it is best to soak them up with white sourdough.

Grilled Pork Belly 4.5/5

A popular dish among the group is the Grilled Pork Belly with Garden Vegetable Broth ($22). The broth is made from vegetables such as celery, fennel and pumpkin. The taste of pumpkin is quite prominent lending the sweetness to the light broth. The pork belly which was sou vide and pan fried, was fork tender, a bit like the Chinese sio bak.

Cured Norwegian Salmon 4/5

Braised Lamb Shoulder with Root Vegetables 4.2/5

As you can tell, Firebake is not just your bakehouse, it has quite an extensive menu. On top of what we have tried, the Cured Norwegian Salmon ($25) and Braised Lamb Shoulder with Root Vegetables ($26) are the other mains which you probably would not want to miss.

Rangers Valley Striploin 300gm 4.5/5

Good for sharing is the Rangers Valley Striploin 300gm ($38) which has cooked perfectly to the doneness I like, succulent and had a nice charred flavour. It was so good on its own, there isn't a need of any sauces. The other joy on the plate is the woodfired Jerusalem artichoke for its crunchy texture and smoky flavour.

Peach, Vanilla, Sourdough Ice Cream, Rye Chip 4/5

Moving to dessert, we tried the Peach with Sourdough Ice Cream and Rye Chip ($12). Maybe my taste buds are not as sensitive as others, I do not really know how sourdough ice cream should taste. All I can register is the vanilla base. Putting that aside, I enjoyed the combination of the poached peach and ice cream, sweetening the dinner experience.

Firebake Bread and Butter Pudding 4.2/5

This is probably one of the better Bread and Butter Pudding ($10) I have tried. The soft pudding is made using the woodfire baked fruit sourdough. The warm dessert definitely warmed my heart with its rich flavour.

Firebake
237 East Coast Road
Level 1
Singapore 428930
Tel: +65 64401228
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Website
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 1130am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take exit A. Walk to bus stop at Blk 99 Old Airport Road (Stop ID 81181). Take Bus 10 or 32. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]