Tea Lounge @ Conrad Singapore Orchard - Art of Chocolate, An Indulgent Afternoon of Valrhona-infused Delights

Tea Lounge at Conrad Singapore Orchard has launched a decadent Weekday Afternoon Tea in collaboration with Valrhona, featuring a curated selection of pastries and cocoa-infused creations crafted with Valrhona's signature couverture chocolates.

We started with a warm, creamy, indulgent Hot Chocolate, though a more bittersweet profile might have made for a better opening given the sweets ahead.

Finger Sandwiches

The tier of savoury finger sandwiches was nothing short of elegant and satisfying. The ratio of soft, fluffy bread to fillings was spot on. The Devilled Mimosa Sandwich offered a classic egg mayo filling, while the Cured Cucumber Sandwich delivered a pleasant savoury crunch. The Smoked Salmon Sandwich with Caviar was mouth-filling and luxurious, while the Smoked Roasted Chicken Sandwich leaned more towards a shaved ham sandwich, though still delectable with its tender bite.

Vanilla Moist Layer Cake

The tea cakes and pastries tier showcases some of Valrhona's key couverture chocolates, including Guanaja 70% that goes into making the Vanilla Moist Layer Cake. I learnt that Guanaja 70% is regarded as the world's first intensely bitter chocolate with 70% cocoa, when it was first introduced in 1986!

Crémeux and White Miso Tart

The Crémeux and White Miso Tart stood out the most for me. It features Matcha inspiration, made with Kagoshima matcha and cocoa butter. The savoury white miso tart also draws on umami, reinforcing the creation's Japanese flair. Among the sweets, I thought this had the most balanced sweetness.

Raspberry Crémeux and Coco Biscuit features Opalys 33%, known for its pure white colour and velvety texture. Coconut is infused into the pastry as well, imparting a gentle tropical note. The Hazelnut Travel Cake is a vegan-friendly cake made using Amatika 46%, Valrhona's first vegan couverture. The nuttiness of the cake came through beautifully. Roasted Buckwheat Mandola is created with Hukambi 53% milk chocolate and elevated with a nutty crunch from roasted buckwheat.

Mushrooms Royale and Dark Chocolate Quiche

In between, we were also served Mushrooms Royale and Dark Chocolate Quiche, both of which were among my favourite items. The dark notes of the pastry tart complemented the creamy and savoury filling especially well. The scones are served with clotted cream, salted caramel chocolate jam, strawberry jam, and calamansi curd.

Scones

In addition to the Classic Plain, there is also the Manjari 64% Chocolate and Candied Orange Zest Scone. Studded with chunks of luscious Manjari 64% chocolate in every bite, it was delicious enough to enjoy with just the clotted cream.

Sweet Risotto

Sweet Risotto was served à la minute, with a choice of three flavours — dark chocolate, raspberry, and matcha. During our visit, guest Pastry Chef Arief Rusli of Valrhona was in residence at Tea Lounge, and we had the privilege of having him finish our risotto with a pepper-spiked mousse. Its contrasting peppery note offset the milky sweetness of the risotto, creating a more balanced and nuanced finish.

Beyond the existing selection of teas and coffee, you can also customise your own Gryphon tea at a dedicated tea station with a variety of ingredients to choose from.

Art of Chocolate is available Mondays to Fridays from 30 March to 10 July 2026, 12pm to 5pm.

Pricings
$54++ per adult
$27++ per child with selection of tea and coffee
An additional $50++ per adult for free-flow prosecco and wines
An additional $70++ per adult for free-flow champagne and wines

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Tea Lounge
Conrad Singapore Orchard
Lobby Level
1 Cuscaden Road
Singapore 249715
Tel: +65 67253245
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Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 5pm
Sat-Sun: 12pm - 215pm, 3pm - 515pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard Boulevard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Turn right and walk down Cuscaden Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes.[Map]

Lime Restaurant @ PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering - "Hokkaido Treasures of the Sea" Buffet celebrates Rich Seafood Heritage of Hokkaido.

Lime Restaurant launches its first-ever "Hokkaido Treasures of the Sea" buffet theme, celebrating Hokkaido's rich seafood heritage. Available from 13 March to 26 April 2026 for dinner only, the luxurious buffet spread showcases prized Hokkaido ingredients through a range of creations, spanning both local and international favourites inspired by the region's specialities.

Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio

Hokkaido Ramen Salad

To start, there are cold appetisers such as the exquisite Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio, alongside the light and refreshing Hokkaido Ramen Salad.

Hokkaido Scallop Gratin

Miso Butter Salmon

Hot small bites include Hokkaido Scallop Gratin, Mini Lobster Sliders and Miso Butter Salmon skewers, offering comforting flavours with a touch of indulgence.

Stir-fried Baby Octopus

Crispy Hokkaido Pork Schnitzel

One of the highlights is definitely the selection of hot specialities. Local interpretations such as Assam Saba Fish and Stir-fried Baby Octopus incorporate familiar Southeast Asian flavours. Alternatively, the Crispy Hokkaido Pork Schnitzel offers a heartier European touch, with its golden, crisp breaded exterior encasing succulent pork.

King Crab Parmesan Wheel Risotto

On Friday and Saturday evenings, the feast gets even grander with the King Crab Parmesan Wheel Risotto, which was one of my favourite dishes of the evening. The warm, melted, sharp Parmesan enhanced the natural sweetness of the crab meat while adding an indulgent richness to every bite.

Unagi Claypot Rice

Another must-try is the Unagi Claypot Rice, which exuded a delightful hint of wok hei as I scooped into the fragrant rice.

Elevating the entire Hokkaido seafood experience is the Live Maguro Tuna Cutting. You can witness an up-close look at the skills behind preparing premium tuna, which then makes its way onto the table as freshly prepared sushi such as Negi Maguro, Uni, and Ikura.

Hokkaido Cheesecake

Japan Melon Panna Cotta

Desserts were equally sublime, featuring a spread of Japanese-inspired creations that were elegantly presented and pleasantly light on the palate. Notable highlights include the fluffy, spongy Hokkaido Cheesecake and the light, creamy Japan Melon Panna Cotta.

To further enhance the dining experience, guests may also opt for pairings from a curated à la carte sake menu. To mark the launch, diners can also enjoy 20% savings on bookings made for the first seven days of dining, from 13 to 19 March 2026.

HOKKAIDO TREASURES OF THE SEA
13 March to 26 April 2026
Dinner Buffet, Daily from 6pm to 930pm

Buffet options include unlimited servings of speciality hot coffee and tea.

Sunday to Thursday: SGD 108 per adult, SGD 54 per child
Friday and Saturday: SGD 138 per adult, SGD 69 per child

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Lime Restaurant
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering
3 Upper Pickering Street
Singapore 058289
Tel: +65 6809 8889
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line), Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast (Daily): 7am - 1030am
Lunch Buffet (Mon-Fri): 12pm - 230pm
Lunch Buffet (Sat-Sun): 1130am - 230pm
Cheers O'Clock (Sat-Sun): 3pm - 5pm
Dinner Buffet (Daily): 6pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to the junction of Upper Pickering Street and New Bridge Road. Turn right and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to the junction of Upper Pickering Street and New Bridge Road. Cross the road. Turn left and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Gordon Grill @ Goodwood Park Hotel - New Winter Indulgence Menu Featuring a 1.5kg Wagyu Beef Tomahawk Steak Flambéed Tableside

There’s something about dining at a classic grill restaurant that feels especially fitting during the cooler months - imagine cosy interiors, rich sauces, indulgent ingredients and the occasional tableside theatrics that make the experience feel a little more special. Gordon Grill’s A Winter Indulgence menu leans fully into this mood, offering a comforting yet refined selection that spans land and sea, with premium produce, generous portions, and a touch of old-school charm throughout the meal.

Complimentary Amuse-Bouche 3.8/5

Complimentary Bread Basket 4/5

We started the meal with a complimentary Kimchi Chicken Tartlet as an amuse-bouche and a Bread Basket served with butter. The tartlet was a pleasant opener with a hint of spice, while the bread selection was satisfying and a simple but welcoming start to ease into the meal.

Tsarskaya Oyster 4/5

Tsarskaya Oyster Thermidor 4.2/5

Oysters play a starring role in the Winter Indulgence menu, featuring live Tsarskaya oysters from France presented two ways. Fresh Oysters (6 pcs $58 / 12 pcs $118) were served simply with mignonette sauce and lemon - clean, briny, and refreshing, allowing the natural sweetness of the oysters to shine through.

For the Baked Oysters options (6 pcs $68 / 12 pcs $133), diners can choose between Kilpatrick or Thermidor style. We tried the Thermidor, and it was excellent! Cheesy and creamy, yet not overpowering, striking a good balance while still letting the oysters remain the star. It’s a more indulgent take and one we would happily order again.

Sautéed Chanterelle Mushroom 3.8/5

From the land, we had the Sautéed Chanterelle Mushroom ($29), served with an onsen egg, shaved truffles and natural jus. Beneath it sat a layer of creamy mashed potato. While the flavours were comforting and earthy, the dish leaned heavily towards soft and creamy textures. We found ourselves wishing for a bit more contrast to elevate it further.

Risotto 4.5/5

The Risotto ($29), on the other hand, was very well executed. Made with morel mushrooms and finished with shaved truffles, it was rich yet balanced, with well-cooked grains that retained their structure. This was easily one of the stronger savoury dishes of the night and a comforting choice for truffle lovers.

Wagyu Beef Tomahawk Steak 4.5/5

One of the highlights of the meal was the Wagyu Beef Tomahawk Steak ($372), which comes with an impressive tableside flambé. Cooked medium as recommended, the steak was tender and flavourful, especially the parts with well-rendered fats. It was served with roasted potatoes, baked tomato, sautéed vegetables and red wine jus. A definite dish to share and savour. The other beef option on the menu is the Black Angus Beef Porterhouse Steak ($348), which also looks equally tempting.

Seared Red Emperor Snapper 4/5

From the sea, we tried the Seared Red Emperor Snapper ($38), served with truffle petit pois, fresh maize and split fish jus. The skin was nicely crisp, the fish was fresh and delicate, with clean, restrained flavours. Simple yet well-executed, allowing the quality of the fish to speak for itself. The menu also offers a Pan-Seared Red Grouper ($38) as an alternative seafood option.

Crêpe Suzette 5/5

Desserts were a definite highlight and deserving of full marks. Gordon Grill’s signature Crêpe Suzette ($26) is a must-have, especially for fans of classic French desserts. Flambéed tableside with Cointreau and brandy and served with vanilla bean ice cream, the soft crêpe, soaked in citrusy syrup, was both nostalgic and indulgent. Not many places in Singapore still do this, and I found myself salivating just thinking about it again while writing this.

Morello Cherry Tart 5/5

The Morello Cherry Tart ($18) also impressed us. It may look simple, but the buttery tart shell was so good it left us wanting more, even with already very full stomachs.

Overall, Gordon Grill’s A Winter Indulgence menu is a comforting, well-curated offering that showcases classic flavours with a touch of tableside drama. While some dishes stood out more than others. The Winter Indulgence menu is available till 31 March and is best enjoyed unhurriedly, with good company and a hearty appetite.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Gordon Grill
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301744
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 7pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

Tina’s Kitchen Private Dining – A Refined Showcase of Technique and Ingredients

Tina's Kitchen Private Dining is helmed by Chef Tina, a Taiwanese chef trained at Le Cordon Bleu. She does not host private dining sessions regularly, usually opening her cosy home kitchen only a couple of times each month, so securing a dining slot felt especially fortunate. Priced at $188 per pax, we were treated to a thoughtfully curated 10-course dinner that showcased her culinary skills and training.

While the menu does not strictly focus on Taiwanese cuisine, it felt more like a personal culinary résumé — highlighting refined techniques, quality ingredients and elegant presentations, with subtle Taiwanese influences woven through the courses.

Filo Pastry Cone, Cream with Kaffir Lime Zest, Caviar by Nomad, Chives 4.2/5

Dinner began with a series of bite-sized snacks, starting with the Filo Pastry Cone topped with Kaffir Lime Zest Cream, Caviar by Nomad and Chives. Crisp and delicate, the filo pastry delivered a satisfying contrast of textures, while the citrusy cream and briny caviar came together harmoniously for a multi-sensory opening bite.

Amaebi Tartare, Avocado Cream, Ponzu Cured Egg Yolk, Microgreen 4.2/5

The Amaebi Tartare was paired with Avocado Cream, Ponzu Cured Egg Yolk and Microgreens. The natural sweetness of the amaebi was allowed to shine, complemented rather than overshadowed by the creamy avocado and savoury egg yolk.

Salmon Tartare, Cured Yolk Shredded, Tobiko, Edible Flower 4/5

Served atop toasted bread, the Salmon Tartare was finished with Cured Yolk Shredded, Tobiko and Edible Flowers. Each bite delivered a burst of oceanic flavours, with the tobiko adding pops of salinity and texture.

Foie Gras Chawanmushi, Truffle Sauce, Squid Ink Tuile 4.5/5

One of the standout dishes of the night was the Foie Gras Chawanmushi with Truffle Sauce, which reminded me of the excellent version at Shisen Hanten. The egg custard was smooth and silky, enriched by the luxurious truffle sauce. A Squid Ink Tuile accompanied the dish, providing a welcome textural contrast when broken and eaten together.

Edible Oyster Shell, Oyster, Champagne Sauce Foam, Green Oil, Edible Flower 4.5/5

Creativity shone through in the oyster course. A plump, briny Oyster was presented in an Edible Oyster Shell, topped with Champagne Sauce Foam, Green Oil and Edible Flowers. Visually striking and thoughtfully composed, the flavours were elegant and well-balanced.

King Crab Bisque, Torched King Crab, Saffron, Edible Flower 4.2/5

The King Crab Bisque was comforting and deeply flavourful, packed with robust crustacean sweetness. Infused with Saffron and garnished with Edible Flowers, the bisque was further elevated by a generous portion of Torched King Crab on the side for a fuller appreciation of the prized ingredient.

Beef Consomme, Slow-Cooked 4 Hour Beef Shin, Homemade Chilli Oil 4.2/5

Inspired by Taiwanese beef noodle soup, this course featured Slow-Cooked Beef Shin, braised for four hours until fork-tender. The accompanying Beef Consomme was light yet richly flavoured, and a few dollops of Homemade Chilli Oil added depth and warmth to the dish.

Uni Risotto, Torched Scallop, Smoked Cherry Chips 4/5

Next came the Uni Risotto, paired with a torched scallop, lightly smoked with cherry chips for a subtle smoky finish. While the dish was enjoyable, the uni flavour could have come through more prominently in the risotto itself.

Watermelon, Granita

A refreshing Watermelon with Granita was served as a palate cleanser, effectively refreshing and resetting the palate before the main course.

Wagyu Beef Cheek, Truffle Sauce, Glazed Veg Assortment 4/5

The main course featured Wagyu Beef Cheek, cooked until meltingly tender and served with truffle sauce and glazed vegetables. Rich, comforting, and well-executed, it was a satisfying centrepiece to the meal.

Hazelnut Tiramisu, Crumbs, Cacao Tuile 4/5

To conclude, dessert was a Hazelnut Tiramisu paired with Cacao Tuile for added crunch. Simple yet satisfying, it wrapped up the dinner on a pleasant and sweet note.

Tina's Kitchen Private Dining offers an intimate and refined dining experience that highlights Chef Tina's training and culinary finesse. With thoughtfully composed dishes, quality ingredients and elegant execution, it is a memorable experience — especially for those who appreciate technique-driven cuisine in a cosy home setting.


Tina's Kitchen Private Dining
Upper Bukit Timah Road Area
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Nearest MRT: Cashew (DT Line)