Peach Garden Chinese Restaurant @ OCBC Centre - Oishi Flavours Of Japan

For a limited period from 02 March 2020 to 30 April 2020, Peach Garden Chinese Restaurant presents "OISHI Flavours of Japan", a delectable menu with Japanese-inspired creations to celebrate the Cherry Blossom season. The menu showcases the chefs' culinary skill incorporating Cantonese fare with premium ingredients sourced directly from Japan, rolling out the brand new dim sum, a la carte and set menu offerings.

Dim Sum 4.2/5

The restaurant has jazzed up the dim sum creations with fine Japanese ingredients such as Steamed Siew Mai with Sea Urchin ($8.80), Steamed Xiao Long Bao with A5 Wagyu Beef ($8.80) and Steamed Dumpling with Japanese Geoduck Clam ($7.80). The classic siew mai is crowned with premium-grade uni, while the xiao long bao is levelled up with the use of top-grade A5 wagyu beef silvers within. My favourite is the steamed dumpling with Japanese geoduck clam. It is a luxe version of the har gow, topped with a slice of crunchy clam paired with ginger.

Chilled Sea Urchin Tofu 4.2/5

Served in an ice bowl is the Chilled Sea Urchin Tofu ($22) inspired by the Japanese pitan tofu dish. While the tofu was smooth and silky, I couldn't really taste the uni. However, the star for me is the piquant sake-spiked century egg sauce, that brings the dish together. The century egg "white" topping provided that extra textural enjoyment, garnished with tatami iwashi.

Pan-fried Shirobuta Pork with Chef's Special Sauce 4.2/5

Meat lovers will enjoy the Pan-fried Shirobuta Pork with Chef's Special Sauce ($28). It is simply seasoned with salt and pepper for diners to appreciate the natural flavour of the beautiful meat. It is paired with seasonal vegetables, edible golden popped rice and a choice of chef's special sauce. There are 3 flavours to choose from black pepper, mala or mushroom. An A5 wagyu beef option is also available on the new menu.

Flaming Seafood Fried Rice in Whole Japanese Pumpkin 3.5/5

If you order the Flaming Seafood Fried Rice in Whole Japanese Pumpkin ($28), the staff will set it alight at the table. Actually, I find it gimmicky as the dish is not infused with the liquor aroma. Inside the Japanese pumpkin is fragrant fried rice with prawns, scallops and morsels of sweet pumpkin, blanket with a layer of melted cheese.

Poached Surimi-men with Japanese Oyster 4.5/5

Besides the a la carte dishes. There is a 6-course set menu priced at $68 per person for the Oishi Flavours of Japan promotion. A highlight of the set menu is the Poached Surimi-men with Japanese Oyster. The pink noodle is made from fish paste hence the springy bite, complemented by the comforting superior broth. It comes with 2 juicy and plump Japanese oysters too.

Sweet Temptation 3.8/5

For a sweet ending, there is the Sweet Temptation which comprises of half creamy pumpkin and half pandan-infused sweet potato paste. On the side is a flower-shaped pastry filled with Mandarin peel accented red bean paste.

The Oishi Flavours of Japan promotion will be available at all seven Peach Garden Chinese Restaurants across the island except for the dim sum items which are only available at Thomson Plaza and Hotel Miramar outlet.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Peach Garden Chinese Restaurant
OCBC Centre
65 Chulia Street
#33-01
Singapore 049513
Tel: +65 65357833
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Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 6 - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Chulia Street. Turn left onto Chulia Street and walk down the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

One-Ninety @ Four Seasons Hotel - Festive Celebrations At Its Best

With less than a month to Christmas,  One-Ninety at Four Seasons Hotel has lined up a series of classic dining menus and lavish buffets, as well as gourmet takeaways for the festive celebrations.

Fresh Seafood on Ice 4.8/5

Christmas is a time of giving and sharing, and what best is to have the Fresh Seafood on Ice to share with family members and friends. Accompanying is the cocktail sauce, horseradish cream and marie rose sauce which brightens the sweetness of the seafood. This is only available during Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve Semi-Buffet Dinner and Christmas Day Brunch.

Winter Squash Soup with Goat Cheese 3.5/5

For something homely and comforting is the Winter Squash Soup with Goat Cheese. Mix reviews from the table. Some likes it sweeter whole others appreciate the natural flavour of the winter squash lifted by the goat cheese when eaten together.

Ricotta Tortellini with Truffle Mushroom Sauce 4/5

It is a joy to receive gifts during Christmas and what best gift is this little parcels filled with ricotta and paired with truffle mushroom sauce. What I enjoyed most is the delightful texture encasing the creamy ricotta. The Ricotta Tortellini with Truffle Mushroom Sauce is available only during Semi-Buffet Lunch and Christmas Day Brunch.

Oven-Roasted Organic Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing 4/5

A must-have in every Christmas dinner is the turkey. Not to be missed at Four Seasons Hotel is the Oven-Roasted Organic Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing which uses a house-secret recipe, prepared for 18 hours before roasting, The turkey is stuffed with chestnuts and served with homemade bread, chestnut stuffing and condiments. This is also available for the festive takeaways.

Asian Spices Glazed Ham with Lemongrass and Pineapple Raisin Sauce 4.2/5

The Asian Spices Glazed Ham with Lemongrass and Pineapple Raisin Sauce is a new rendition of the well-loved festive ham. A perfect balance of local spices and herbs, for that festive indulgence. This is available only for festive takeaways.

Cherry Panna Cotta 3.5/5

Valrhona Chocolate Pot de Creme 4.5/5

Moving to the desserts, we have the Cherry Panna Cotta, Valrhona Chocolate Pot de Creme and Pumpkin Pie. I love all three desserts. If only I have the stomach space to clean all up. The Cherry Panna Cotta while light and delicious, would be more enjoyable if it is smoother and creamier. As for the Valrhona Chocolate Pot de Creme, it is rich with a bittersweet aftertaste. Fans of chocolate will love it.

Pumpkin Pie 4.2/5

Usually eaten during Thanksgiving, the Pumpkin Pie is not to be missed. With a delectable pumpkin-based custard filling in a buttery pie shell, this is the perfect after-meal sweet treat for the festive celebration.

Holiday Cookies and Sweets 4/5

In the spirit of giving, you can let the hotel's Gift Professionals put together an impressive gift or design your own Yuletide Hamper. With an extensive selection of signature goodies, traditional treats and festive sweets such as Nicolai Bergmann Signature Preserved Flower Box, Chombost Salami from Lyon, Marron Glacé, Musical Box with Fine Oblaten Lebkuchen (German cookies) and a variety of Panettones to select from, a Four Seasons Yuletide Hamper is perfect for business associates and loved ones.

These festive takeaway items will be available from 12 November to 24 December 2019 at the Festive Desk (Lobby Level) of Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, 10.00 am to 7.00 pm daily. An advanced order of three days is required. For orders and enquiries, speak with us at (65) 6831 7253, email festiveseason.sin@fourseasons.com or visit http://bit.ly/FSSIN-XmasGoodies2019

Min Jiang @ Goodwood Park Hotel Singapore - A Hearty Vegetable Harvest

For a limited period from 02 August to 13 September 2019, Min Jiang at Goodwood Park Hotel introduces a new "A Hearty Vegetable Harvest" menu. The menu highlights humble vegetables like pumpkin, lotus root and cauliflower. There are seven brand new classic and contemporary Cantonese dishes created for this vegetable-centric menu, showcasing the innovative approach of Master Chef Chan Hwan Kee.

Crispy Fried Pumpkin with Salted Egg Yolk and Pork Floss 4.2/5

Our dinner started with the Crispy Fried Pumpkin with Salted Egg Yolk and Pork Floss ($12). At first glance, one may mistake it as potato wedge. Crispy on the exterior and soft inside, it has an additional layer of sweetness compared to the potato. The coating of salted egg yolk and pork floss further enhanced the whole flavour. This is dangerously addictive.

Double-boiled Lotus Root Soup with Adzuki Bean and Pork Shoulder Meat 4.2/5

Revitalising your soul with the flavourful and nutritious Double-boiled Lotus Root Soup with Adzuki Bean and Pork Shoulder Meat ($10/portion). It has been simmered over low fire for a good three hours, extracting the essence of the ingredients for the delicious soup.

Deep-fried Sliced Lotus Root and Prawns with Durian Mayo Sauce 4/5

The Deep-fried Sliced Lotus Root and Prawns with Durian Mayo Sauce ($36) is a unique take of incorporating the sweetness from the king of fruit into a savoury dish. Instead of the usual wasabi mayonnaise sauce, it is replaced with durian mayonnaise sauce. The result is a creamy, piquant contrast to the crispy and crunchy prawn.

Stir-fried Iberico Pork with Orange and Purple Cauliflower 4/5

The Stir-fried Iberico Pork with Orange and Purple Cauliflower ($36/$68) is probably one of the most beautiful vegetable dishes I have eaten. The vibrant colours from the orange and purple cauliflower, red and green capsicum simply whetted up the appetite. Not forgetting the tender slices of Iberico pork, completing the visually stunning dish that is packed with antioxidants and beta-carotene.

Pan-seared Wagyu Beef with Ice Plant in Japanese Goma Dressing 4.2/5

Most of us felt that the Pan-seared Wagyu Beef with Ice Plant in Japanese Goma Dressing ($78/$138) should feature permanently on their menu. The used of ice plant and goma dressing in Chinese cuisine is unusual, giving it a fragrant and refreshing finishing.

Slow-braised Duck with Fermented Beancurd, Lotus Root and Peanut 3.5/5

The Slow-braised Duck with Fermented Beancurd, Lotus Root and Peanut ($26/$48) calls for a bowl of porridge to go with it. I can't really taste the fermented beancurd in it, but that is secondary for the rich braising sauce. 

Chilled Pumpkin Puree with Red Bean, Coconut Ice Cream and Gula Melaka 4.2/5

Lasted but not least, we wrapped up the dinner on a sweet note with the Chilled Pumpkin Puree with Red Bean, Coconut Ice Cream and Gula Melaka ($16/portion). The chilled pumpkin puree comes with red beans what has been cooked with gula melaka, fresh pumpkin cubes and coconut ice creams.

"A Hearty Vegetable Harvest" dishes are available as a la carte options for lunch and dinner and are priced from $10. I really enjoyed the new creations and its a pity that it is only available for a limited period.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Min Jiang
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301704
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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 10 minutes. [Map]

Chengdu (成都) Restaurant @ Amoy Street - Authentic Sichuan Restaurant Opened By Young Bankers

A new kid on the block at Amoy Street is Chengdu Restaurant taking over the now defunct K-Tower. The kitchen at the Sichuan restaurant offers a wide repertoire of fiery and authentic Sichuan cuisine.

Chilli Beef with Sweet Corn Base 2.8/5

I don't really get the idea behind the Chilli Beef with Sweet Corn Base ($24.80). The Sichuan-style spicy marinated and air dried is spicy but dry. The fried honeycomb corn pastry at the base although crunchy but it is dry. When you have two dry items put together, it is a bit hard to eat and swallow. In addition, the spicy beef cubes are too little to go with the huge corn pastry.

Pork Belly in Garlic 4.5/5

An interesting way of presenting the Pork Belly in Garlic ($12.80) with the pork belly and cucumber slices hanging on a rack. The way to eat it is to pick up the pork belly and cucumber slices, dip it into the aromatic red chilli and garlic sauce. This is actually very appetising and I enjoy how the cucumber lends a refreshing touch to it.

Spicy Grilled Frog Skewer 4/5

Making a dramatic entry is the Spicy Grilled Frog Skewer ($29.80). The dish is presented on a straw boat with dry ice. The bullfrogs are first marinated, flash fried over high tea and then brushed with some traditional Sichuan sauce. What I like about the dish is the aromatic spices that complements the tender and juicy meat.

Beef with Pickles in Sour Soup 4.5/5

If you like the kick of mala and spiciness, then you will like the Beef with Pickles in Sour Soup ($25.80). The depth of the broth, is made from 12 different types of vegetables. The amount of peppercorn and chilli in the sour soup will set you on fire as you enjoy the thinly slices of tender beef. This is really shiok.

Chengdu 12 Flavours Chicken (Beggar Chicken) 4.2/5

The Chengdu 12 Flavour Chicken or Beggar Chicken ($36.80) is actually covered in clay and baked over charcoal fire in a special earthernware jar. This allows the flavours of the marination to permeate the tender chicken. It is then served with 12 kinds of sauces. I thought the chicken itself is already very flavourful, it didn't really need the sauces. Limited quantities are available each day and it needs to be pre-order one day in advance.

Fish with Green Pepper Soup 4.2/5

Quite similar to having hot pot, the Fish with Green Pepper Soup ($26.80/$35.80) comes in a piping hot rectangular pot in which the soup is consists of green pepper, millet, garlic, fermented black beans that has been stir fried until fragrant before adding into the superior soup stock. Fish slices from the daily live stock that is delivered daily is added into the soup to cook, ensuring freshness and tenderness of the fish meat.

Pumpkin Pancake 4/5

Brown Sugar Glutinous Rice Stick 4/5

For desserts, we tried the Pumpkin Pancake ($6.80) and Brown Sugar Glutinous Rice Stick ($6.80). For the pumpkin pancake, it has a delightful chewy texture that comes with sweet pumpkin paste. As for the glutinous rice stick, it reminds me of the "Kee Chang" whereby the alkaline rice dumpling is dip with sugar. Over here you dip the glutinous rice with the brown sugar sauce.

Giant Sesame Ball 3.5/5

Needing great skill to crisp fried it to the gigantic sphere shape is the Giant Sesame Ball ($16.80). While I enjoyed its crispiness, I felt its a bit too airy for a substantial bite to complete the whole enjoyment.

Chengdu Restaurant is opened by 2 younger bankers Stella Wang and Ma Jie, quitting the finance sector to pursue their passion in the F&B industry. It is a very tough industry and Sichuan cuisine is not as popular compared to the other cuisine in Singapore. Hopefully they have the perseverance to see it through. I wish them all the best.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Chengdu Restaurant
74 Amoy Street
Singapore 09893
Tel: +65 62219928
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left and walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk down Telok Ayer Road. Turn right onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes.  [Map]

Fifty50 Cafe @ Tanjong Pagar - Cosy Cafe Offering Flexitarian Menu

Fifty50 at Onze@Tanjong Pagar is a cosy little cafe that offers a 'flexitarian' menu. With meat free dishes occupying half of it, so should either you or your dining partner decide to skip the protein for a meal, both of you could still tuck into proper hot food together at Fifty50, saving that salad bars for other rainy days. Healthy indulgence and balanced living are what is all about here, hence you will discover that some of the instore elements are about recycling, reducing and reusing, such as the menu board, takeaway boxes etc.

Soup 2.8/5

Started my meal with a Hearty Soup of the day - Tomato based Crab Bisque, served with a side of garlic bread ($5). I'm not a fan of cream based soups, hence this works well for me. I would say it tasted a lot better than it looked. The bisque was well-seasoned and flavourful, and the sweetness of the crab meat was quite pronounced.

Penne Pumpkin 3/5

For my lunch, I opted for the Penne Pumpkin ($10.50),served in a marinara cream sauce. The combination of the dense feta cheese and soft pumpkin gives a rich, mouth-filling texture, and their juxtaposing flavours coupled with nutty nuances from the pine nuts makes the pasta really appetizing. Perhaps that was why I was barely half-way through when all that was left was only pasta and the sauce. Still, I feel the portion of the toppings can be a lot more generous.

Daily Green 3/5

Fifty50 Daily Greens ($6.50) changes regularly and what I had was seasonal vegetables with cous cous and house pickled beetroot, served with a zesty orange dressing. Options to add on proteins are available, including Crunchy Falafel which is less commonly available in cafes.

Scrambled Eggs On Sourdough Toast 2.5/5

A couple of beakfast items are available till 11am, which I feel they could have been done a lot better. Looking at my Scrambled Eggs On Sourdough Toast ($6.50) with a Smoked Salmon (+$2), I actually miss my own homemade eggy breakfast.

Seven Spice Chai 4/5

Even you don't intend to have a meal, there are very decent coffees are served at Fifty50 from Allpress Espresso but what I really miss is its Seven Spice Chai ($5). Mildly sweet, it was such a comforting post-meal drink. Highly recommended if you are always looking around for a decent Chai Latte.

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.


Fifty50
Onze @ Tanjong Pagar
11 Kee Seng Street
#01-04
Singapore 089218
Tel: +65 98552848
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 5pm
(Closed on Sat-Sun)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road at Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn right onto Kee Seng Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

HRVST @ Kilter Avenue OUE Downtown Gallery - Rooftop Vegan Restaurant Bar

Kilter Avenue at Downtown Gallery is a fitness lifestyle space that comprises a studio gym, a restaurant and a bar that advocates healthy moving and clean eating. Its in-house restaurant and bar - HRVST, is a vegan concept that serves a full menu of vegan starters, mains and bar snacks, aims to craft an alternative commonplace to change perceptions, to provoke thought and deliver impact.

Like most cleaning eating concepts that arise these days, HRVST aims to change the not-so positive perceptions of vegan eating. I always have a healthy relationship with my vegetables but I was really excited to try out HRVST, simply because of the huge roofstop garden that resides just outside their doorstep. Lush dill plants, herbs, spices etc.

Twice Cooked Spuds 3/5

Can you imagine vegan bar snacks?! It's kinda of an oxymoron to me, really. Served with garlic aioli, the Twice Cooked Spuds ($8 for 5pc) were moist in the inside and crisp on the outside. Steam before frying is the trick. The soy based aioli surprises many with its creamy texture, with the apple cider vinegar lending a clean acidity to the finishing.

King Oyster 'Scallops' Mushroom 3.5/5

King Oyster 'Scallops' Mushroom ($12) is an aesthetically pleasing dish. Made with garlic and modified tapioca starch, the garlic snow that falls on the garden of vegetables is flavour lifting. Lightly seasoned and grilled, the savoury mushrooms and the crunchy roots may just take your mind off meats in that very moment.

Soy Satay and Chips 3/5

The Soy Satay and Veggie Chips ($10), I believe would become a popular bar snack. It smells and tastes pretty close to a chicken satay, \and the creamy peanut sauce can be dangerously moreish. But mock meat being mock meat, I still find them a tad oily and I still very much prefer animal fats to vegetables fats - natural vs processed. I like the veggie chips more actually, consisting of zucchini and sweet potatoes. The process of dehydration then baking seems to have concentrated their flavours, as I could taste the sweetness of them even more.

Sourdough 2.5/5

I thought the Sourdough ($14) would be a sandwich that would challenge the classic avocado sandwich combination but it just cements the position of the latter. It is a joyless dish that may just make you stay firm with your current non-vegan diet if switching ever crossed your mind. The pickled zucchini, broccoli and cauliflower fell apart before anything else, and I really feel a lot more can be done to the orange glazed grilled tofu because it really tastes nothing more than just a piece of slightly sweetened tofu, that is being placed onto a piece of bread out of convenience in trying to form a sandwich. And when you have the entire garden at your doorsteps, why only just a sprinkle of the basil leaf's flowers?

Pumpkin Gnocchi 2.8/5

The Pumpkin Gnocchi in Tom Yam Broth ($16) has a lot of potential in becoming a mainstayer if the gnocchi can be improved. The tom yam broth is made using sweetcorn to give that sweetness and coconut milk is added to thicken its consistency. Robust and fiery with a kick, I wiped the bowl clean. The homemade coriander oil heightens the aroma. What disappoints is the gnocchi made from butternut squash. I reckon the ratio of the flour is a lot higher for its a lot tougher than what I had before. Too little protein and fibre in a bowl too.

Matcha Ice Cream 4/5

The star of the day, is definitely this Matcha Ice Cream ($8) made with coconut milk. This is what I called a truly naturally ice cream. Hand churned, you should just throw that supposedly healthy yogurt or gelato ice cream into the bin. Served with blood orange puree, poached plums and pistachio, you got your balance of sweet and acidity. They should just set up an ice cream parlour outside the gym!

When one of the intentions is to complete the experience of the gym-goers here, the meals don't seem to be that appealing to a hungry body. After a spirit lifting workout, I need a full, energising meal - colourful, vibrant, loaded with fibre especially. I do look forward to what HVSRT can offer at its bar, as I heard the botanicals from the garden will be used for their cocktails. I shall just stick to the notion of balanced meal for now. If I crave for a satay, I will take a real meaty satay laden with fats. Not vegan for sure!

Words and photos 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.


HRVST
Kilter Avenue OUE Downtown Gallery
6A Shenton Way
#05-01
Singapore 068815
Tel: +65 69207500
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 230pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sat: 9am - 3pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pager MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to traffic light junction. Cross the traffic light to Maxwell Road. Turn right and walk towards Shenton Way. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]