Atrium @ Pan Pacific Singapore - Launches New Weekend High Tea Buffet With Peranakan And English Delights

Atrium at Pan Pacific Singapore launches a new Weekend Afternoon Tea Buffet, which takes places on every weekend from 2:30pm to 5:30pm, where it will feature a variety of English and Peranakan signatures, enhanced with Nyonya highlights dishing out at live stations helmed by Pan Pacific Singapore chefs.

Served on a 22-metres long bar, diners can literally take a trip down memory lane with the nostalgic Peranakan signatures, such as the Nyonya Kueh, and Heritage Coconut Scones with Kaya and Pineapple Jam.

Not to be missed are all-time favourites – the D-I-Y Kueh Pie Tee. Make your own Kueh Pie Tee by your crispy tart shells with cooked turnip, vegetables, egg yolk and fresh shrimps.

The Nyonya Chicken Curry with French Baguette has a thick coconuty aroma with flavourful chicken and potato chunks. Best paired with the crispy French Baguette. Diners can also pop by the live stations serving Popiah with Sweet Turnips and Condiments and the hearty Pacific Lobster Laksa, a recipe created by the resident Nyonya Chef Nancy Teo.

Apart from the classics, delve deeper into the Orient with the unique East-Meets-West dishes where the chefs infuse Peranakan ingredients and spices into dishes. Expect Peranakan Pork Sausage with Achar, Otah Quiche, Ayam Panggang Skewers to excite taste buds.

Those who prefer a quintessential English afternoon tea can look forward to a curated lineup of finger sandwiches such as the Organic Egg Mayonnaise English Cucumber Sandwich.

Indulge in savoury delights including Roasted Beef and Apple Remoulade on Ciabatta, Norwegian Salmon and Fruit Puree on Malt Toast and Foie Gras Terrine and Fig Marmalade on Brioche.

Not to be missed is the Mini Wagyu Beef Sliders, which feature mini-sized tender beef meat with melted cheese in between pillowy slider buns.

Round up the weekend high tea with a plethora of petite sweets such as the Blueberry Cheesecake and Strawberry Pistachio Shortcake. Starring the cake of the month (April) - Matcha Opera Entremet. The cake flavour changes every month to excite tastebuds, so you will be in for a surprise with something different served in the following month.

One of my favourites is the fragrant and fluffy Pandan Gula Melaka Chiffon Cake, which is made using fresh juice extracted from pandan leaves and authentic Gula Melaka from Malacca. Expect intricate and delicious desserts such as the Araguani Hazelnut Royaltine Entremet as well.

Among the various sweets available, the buffet line also features a series of colourful macarons and homemade Bonbons with different flavours. It incorporates the bright colours, intricate beading and rich embroidery to reflect the elements of the Peranakan culture.

The Nostalgic Weekend High Tea Buffet comes with two beverages of your choice. New additions to the beverage menu include two special cold brew teas – the Earl Grey infused with Orange and Cinnamon and Chamomile infused with Berries. For those who prefer the freshly brewed tea or coffee, pair the delectable canapés with a range of TWG teas or Lavazza coffee.

Nostalgic Weekend High Tea Buffet
Date: From 24 March 2018, every Saturday and Sunday*
Price: $48 per person, includes two beverages from the high tea menu.
All prices are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing Goods & Services Tax.
*Blackout dates apply, including eve of and on Public Holidays.

Words and photos by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Atrium @ Pan Pacific Singapore
Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore
Level 3
7 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039595
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sat-Sun: 230pm - 530pm

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

Tea Lounge @ Regent Hotel Singapore - Afternoon Tea In A Contemporary Colonial Garden

Tea Lounge at Regent Singapore has reopened and you will find yourself stepping into a contemporary colonial garden with lush tropical greens and warm sunlight piercing through the window binds. Having Afternoon Tea here is made even more tranquil than before. Along with the refurbishment, interactive elements are added to bring your food closer to your senses. Unlike the usual Three-tier Afternoon Tea set which comes with an assortment of savoury delights, scones and sweets, Gold culinary Olympian Pastry Chef Alex Chong and his team will be crafting and sculpting your sweets a la minute, prepared at the Chef's work table.

The Scones here are are the first to be savoured once the tier is served. Buttery, kind of spongy and yet with a crusty exterior. Traditional lemon curd is served as well. What I had was a lemony, creamy and buttery scone as I slathered the Devonshire clotted cream all over. It would have been perfect if its house-made strawberry preserve is a lot less sugary and more tart.

With the scone craving satisfied, we moved on to its seasonal Quiches. The quiche is also a hot favourite here. Within the thin and buttery crust is a creamy and eggy filling loaded with ham.

Moving to the top tier that is filled with petite savoury finger food. made extravagant with ingredients such as Perigold black truffle, Alaskan king crab and foie gras. Right in the middle is a open sandwich Roasted Wagyu Beef and Lancashire cheese on rye bread crowned with Perigold black truffle. One could easily engulf it at one go but it's worth savouring the richness and flavour in smaller bites.

The Alaskan king crab stands out with its green colour watercress crepes. The crab meat was firm and sweet. Though there isn't much taste contributed from the watercress crepes, I enjoyed its fluffy texture. Another small yet rich in flavour is the Duck Breast and Lavender infused Foie Gras Terrine on tart. It is almost like eating bone marrrow on crostini with complementary sweetness lent from Spanish black figs.

There are 4 options for the plated desserts and I chose the Dark Chocolate Forest. The Chef's work table gave me a reason to exercise a bit while waiting for the dessert to get ready. You get to see the chefs putting together the various desserts, especially for the Golden Apple, in which the Chef got to create a fairytale green apple out of sugar. While it is a good effort to engage the guests, it would have been more meaningful if the effect could be more theatrical. My adorable dessert may look monotonous but it is filled with textures and complementing flavours from caramel cream, banana chocolate gelato, pecan brownie, chocolate choux puff, banana coulis and a crunchy chocolate crumble.

Along with my dessert, i ordered a Pour Over Coffee. Highly recommended for coffee enthusiasts and coffee lovers alike. With a newly introduced tableside trolley service, the well versed staff will bring the coffee over and prepare it infront of you. I love the part where i got to breath in the aroma as the staff poured the hot water which has been brought up specifically to a few degrees shy from boiling point, over the freshly ground coffee. Teas here are also a lot more exciting than the usual TWG. Each category comes with a romantic background and infusions are blended with quality tea leaves, flowers and herbs.

I enjoy the intimacy that one gets at this newly refurbished space at Tea Lounge, with the custom made partitions, mixed of warm and natural lights surrounding it. The new plush lounge seating makes it even harder for me to leave at the end of the session.

The Weekday Three-tier Afternoon Tea is priced starting from $48 per person and available from Monday to Friday from 12pm to 5pm.

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.


Tea Lounge
Regent Hotel Singapore
Lobby
1 Cuscaden Road
Singapore 249715
Tel: +65 67253245
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Weekday Afternoon Tea: 12pm - 5pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue onwards to Forum Shopping Mall. Walk further down to Orchard Parade Hotel. Turn left onto Tanglin Road. Continue walking down Tanglin Road. Turn left onto Tomlinson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

The Lobby Lounge @ Intercontinental Hotel Singapore - Classic Afternoon Tea Showcasing Straits Heritage

Our National Day may have passed but over at The Lobby Lounge at Intercontinental Hotel Singapore celebration continues with its Classic Afternoon Tea: Straits Heritage. Commemorating Singapore's 52 years of Independence, Pastry Chef Ben Goh crafted a three-tiered showcase of iconic Afternoon Tea delights inspired by Straits-Chinese cuisine.

Alongside with the Peranakan inspired tea delights, there is a fine selection of teas and coffee. I opted for Pu-erh Tea, together with a Blue Ginger cocktail which is exclusive to this occasion only. Concocted with galangal, gula melaka and kaffir lime, I find it really refreshing. While waiting for our three-tired set, we were first served with warm scones, a choice of Lemon and Milo, along with gula melaka jam, clotted cream and strawberry jam. The scones were really yummy with the homemade jams. The 'kaya' may be a little too sweet for me but the strawberry jam has captured the sweet and tart of the fruit in a good balance.

Our three-tiered set came with tantalising savouries at the base and pretty desserts embellishing the top. Take a closer look and you will notice that the colours of the Peranakan porcelains and ceramics that adorns the Lobby Lounge for the time being are translated to the tea delights as well! For savouries we have modern renditions of Peranakan dishes including popular ones such as Ayam Buak Keluak Crostini, Kurobuta Pork Ngo Hiang, Satay Lilit and Otak Quiche. My favourite is the otak quiche for its execution and taste.

For finger sandwich, we have here a Chilli Crab version that is equally finger licking good. The Kurobuta Pork Ngo Hiang was a little letdown as I thought the fineness of the meat is lost.

The desserts are the highlight. What captivated me first was the mini Ang Ku Kueh. It is so cute, almost resembling a miniature. Ondeh Ondeh Cake comes with a soft, bouncy texture with a much anticipated molten core. The Banana Genoa Tart surprised me with its caramelised banana filling which is slightly sticky. It has a sweet burnt taste that harmonised with the coconut cream atop. The Chendol Agar Jelly is like a compressed solidified form of chendol with red beans sitting at the bottom to complete the experience.

While most Afternoon Tea sets tend to be more towards the sweeter side, this Classic Afternoon Tea: Straits Heritage has quite a good balance of sweet and savoury. It will be available at The Lobby Lounge from 7 August to 19 November 2017,  2pm to 5pm daily. The three-tiered set is priced at $78 for two persons, inclusive of a fine selection of loose-leaf teas and coffee; and at S$108 for two persons, inclusive of two flutes of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Champagne or Blue Ginger cocktail.

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.


The Lobby Lounge
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 2pm - 5pm

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

Shelter in the Woods @ Greeenwood Avenue (Bukit Timah Road)

Christmas brings joy and what joy is it to know that the popular Shelter in the Woods has finally reopened on the 12 November 2014. Besides offering the ever popular traditional rotisserie's dishes, the restaurant has up its game with the appointment of Consulting Chef Masashi Horiuchi who has more than 20 years of experience in Michelin restaurants across Europe, combining homely rusticity with finesse of execution.

Shelter Charcuterie Board 4.5/5

A great platter for sharing while waiting for the mains  is the Shelter Charcuterie Board ($40). The charcuterie board features the BurgundyTerrine, Foie Grs Au Torchon, Pork Hat Terrine and Pate En Route. A ideal platter to kick start with some drinks.

Pate En Croute 4.8/5

What really stood out on the Charcuterie Board is the Pate En Croute. This is really something new to me for the less travelled and shallow culinary knowledge. It is amazing how something that look quite ordinary which I thought was some sort of a pie can taste so beautiful.

Pate En Croute 4.8/5

Slicing into the Pate En Croute revealed the different layers of duck foie gras, pork, veal, forest mushrooms, pig liver and consomme jelly wrapped in pastry. The harmony of all the ingredients took me by surprise with the consomme jelly and buttery pastry complementing it.

Shelter Quiche 4/5

I have learnt that while quiche is a classic French dish, it actually originated in Germany. A signature at Shelter in the Woods is the Shelter Quiche ($12.50). The short crust pastry is filled with forest mushrooms, Swiss gruyere cheese, garlic/herb butter, eggs and Swiss cream. I am not a big fan of quiche but this actually tasted quite yummy with the cheesy and earthy mushroom flavours.

Endive & Roquefort Salad 3/5

I thought the Endive & Roquefort Salad ($26) could be a bit acquire in taste for some. While the salad has a refreshing finishing with the used of green apple strips, cherry tomatoes and honey dressing, the Belgian endives were on the bitter side for me.

Lyonnaise Salad 4.2/5

I would prefer the traditional Lyonnaise Salad ($20) to the endive & roquefort salad. The savoury and tangy combination of Dutch smoked bacon and confit pearl onions dressed in a sherry vinaigrette provided the zest for the crunchy greens.

Creamy Corn Soup Trio 4.2/5

The Creamy Corn Soup Trio ($12.50) showed a glimpse of the chef's finesse in execution. The Japanese corn and onions are boiled in water and then mixed with roasted corn, hence a hint of smokiness. Milk is added, blended and sleved. The soup is then garnished with roasted corn, pop corn and parsley oil. The detailed into a simple soup dish elevated the whole experience which used to be only know of its homely, rustic, tradition food.

DIY Steak Tartar 4.5/5

A great starter will be the DIY Steak Tartar ($18 for 100g). The Do It Yourself steak tartar of handcut Australian Black Angus beef comes with capers, cornichons, beet, onion, chives and served with toasted farm bread. Mixed them all together with the quail egg to bond all the flavours that burst into a blossom in the mouth.

Rotisserie Suckling Pig 4.5/5

I was expecting a whole Rotisserie Suckling Pig ($35) such as those you get in a Spanish restaurant. Once again I was given a glimpse into his fine dining trained experience. The plating was beautiful. Cooked in the traditional flame rotisserie, the suckling pig is served with rotisserie pineapples, confit onions and gravy made of veal jus and caramelised onions. Perfectly executed, the skin was crackling while still retaining that juiciness. The used of pineapple also freshen up the palate from the natural greasiness of the meat.

Seafood Casserole 4.8/5

Seafood Casserole 4.8/5

The Seafood Casserole ($35) is great for sharing. The luxurious pot of seafood features seasonal fish, prawns, mussels and clams. The highlight has to be the rich seafood broth made from fish soup, fish, prawns, lobster, fennel, leeks, celery. carrots, tomatoes and saffron. The hearty harvest from the sea will get all your senses singing in praise.

Rotisserie Rack of Lamb 3.8/5

I love my lamb but the Rotisserie Rack of Lamb ($39) fell slight short of my expectation. While it was cooked to a nice tender and juicy in the traditional flame rotisserie and bathed in a garlic confit oil, the NZ rack of lamb somehow was lacking that gaminess which I enjoy tearing it off the bone.

Roasted Chicken 4.8/5

Being curator of the Ultimate Hawker Fest 2014 working with Tian Tian Chicken Rice and Toh Thye San Farm using the corn fed Anxin Chicken, I have known how good and sweet these chickens are. They are unlike the normally commercial boiler. I was quite excited to be reunited with Anxin chicken at Shelter in the Woods with the Roasted Chicken ($19 for half, $35 for whole). The rotisserie chicken is bathed in a garlic confit oil and served with roasted potatoes, mesclun salad and veal jus, caramelized onions gravy. I am glad that I can taste Anxin chicken again cause its sweetness is just so sweet on its own that you do not need any gravy or sauce.

Rotisserie Pineapple Crumble 2.8/5

I like the idea of using the pineapples crumble for the suckling pig and I have enjoyed it. However, knowing that it is available in another dish less the ice cream and having tried it, I am not sure I will pay the money for the Rotisserie Pineapple Crumble ($14). Putting the taste aside, it is too simple for a dessert and probably would not get the satisfaction out of it.

Tiny Crispy Apple Tart 4/5

Having a warm sweet finish to a delicious feast is the Tiny Crispy Apple Tart ($12). The tart topped with Fuji apple, butter and brown sugar is thin and crispy. Paired with a scoop of their house made vanilla ice cream for a comfort finishing.

Meringue Glacee 3.5/5

On a sweet note, there is the Meringue Glacee ($12) that come with a scoop each of the house made raspberry sorbet and vanilla ice cream, topped with baked meringue cones and pistachio.

The re-opening of the Shelter in the Woods with its new chef and revamped menu definitely made a return with a louder bang. Combining the chef vast experience and rustic tradition, it has bring the restaurant to a new height. The extensive menu is really worth a visit or two and everything on it is worthy for recommendation. It definitely falls into one of favourite restaurants his year that I would want to return to check out the rest of the menu.


Shelter in the Woods 
22 Greenwood Avenue
Singapore 289218
Tel: +65 64666225
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShelterInTheWoods
Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6pm - 10pm
Sun Brunch: 1130am - 230pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to Exit B. Walk straigh to Hillcrest Road. Turn right onto Hillcrest Road. Walk down Hillcrest Road and make a left into Greenwood Avenue. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Foodology Fresh @ URA Centre

Healthy food and beverage concepts are indeed sprouting, especially in the CBD area. Foodology Fresh nestled in the ground floor of URA Centre is one of the latest to offer such meals to the health conscious crowd. They have just launched their revamped menu with mains starting from $7 onwards  that comes with choices of Salads, Sandwiches and Wraps. Their ordering style differs slightly from the rest in which you can take directly from the shelf, even for soups. After which you pay at the cashier. Something that I find quite enjoyable.

photo credit: Foodology Fresh

Smoked Duck Breast Salad 4.2/5

If you are somebody who are quite choosy on your greens, their salads will be right for you. I like the way Foodology play with textures and taste profiles of the different ingredients in their salads. Take their Smoked Duck Breast Salad ($8.50) which is one of my favourites. The Smoked Duck had been cubed so you don't get too much of the smoky and salty flavour in one mouthful. Putting the arrays of ingredients together gave a burst of texture and flavours. Fresh Mescluns, chunky beetroots, soft sweet potatoes, creamy cheese, smokey duck breast and sweet crunchy walnuts.

photo credit: Foodology Fresh

Roasted Chicken, Grape & Apricot Salad 4.2/5

I would also recommend their Roasted Chicken, Grape & Apricot Salad ($8.50) with White Wine Vinaigrette. I took a spoonful of all the ingredients, arugula, chicken, grapes and apricot together. I got the arugula's sharp herbaceous taste , the juicy chicken with a tinge of spices, the sweetness of the grapes and the tanginess of the apricot. I like how the fruits elements zest up the overall flavours which is quite refreshing.

Quinoa Salad 3.5/5

If you want something more grainy, you may want to try either the Brown Rice & Promegranate Salad or Quinoa Salad. I often have brown rice at home so to me the Quinoa Salad ($8.50) is more interesting. Both use ingredients that come with a bit of crunch and with sweet, tangy and savoury ingredients all pooled together, I find them pretty fun to eat and equally delectable.

photo credit: Foodology Fresh

Smoked Salmon & Avocado Wrap 3.8/5

There is variety of wraps of the shelf for you to choose from. I took my all-time favorite, Smoked Salmon & Avocado Wrap ($8.80). It didn't disappoint me. Though I find the wrap slightly too thick, the generous filling makes up for it. The sweet tangy honey Dijon mustard makes it really refreshing especially so when I had it straight from the chiller. I prefer this much more to their Roasted Chicken & Avocado Sandwich ($7) as I find the latter's taste slightly bland. But given the amount of chicken and avocado, I find it quite value for money.

Mushroom Soup 3.8/5

 For every Salad, Wrap or Sandwich you order, you can just top up $3 for an additional soup, muffin, or a Quiche. There are three soups to choose from, in which I had the Mushroom Soup ($5.80). I have always like mushroom soup but I find most either too creamy or too watery. Theirs is definitely one of the better ones which I have tried. The soup was loaded with mushrooms with the right amount of cream.

Spinach & Mushroom Quiche 3/5

I tried their Spinach & Mushroom Quiche ($5.80). I would prefer one with a much thicker filling, but it is still acceptable. It wasn't too creamy and has a good portion of spinach and mushroom.

photo credit: Foodology Fresh

Summerberry Yoghurt Tart 4/5

They also offer a variety of desserts and surprisingly good, considering their mains are salads and wraps. Summerberry Yoghurt Tart. I find this a perfect closing to tonight's dinner. It has a firm texture, and yet it melts readily in my mouth. The biscuit base gave it a good crunch. Almost like a non-bake cheesecake, but it is much lighter and refreshing.

Amidst the competition, I feel Foodology Fresh stands out in its own way. Its creative use of ingredients have made salads more exciting to the taste buds. It also offers delivery service around the Chinatown area. So if you happen to work at that area and rushing for time, you may want to do away with your usual delivery menu and engage their service for a change.

Written and Photography 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. 


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Foodology Fresh
URA Centre
45 Maxwell Road
#01-02
Singapore 069118
Tel: +65 62239274
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foodologyfresh
Website: http://www.foodologyfresh.sg/
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 6pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to Maxwell Road. Turn right and walk down Maxwell Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]