Xin Cuisine @ Holiday Inn Atrium Singapore - A Luxury Chinese New Year Celebration

Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant at Holiday Inn Atrium Singapore will be launching its Lunar New Year 2019 Set Menu on 14 January 2019 and will be available till 20 February 2019.

Salmon and Tuna Yu Sheng

Fresh on the menu is the Salmon and Tuna Yu Sheng with Fish Skin and Kumquat Sauce ($78/$98) The tuna is seared on the surface which adds to its texture and bite. Order online before 31 January to enjoy a 20% early bird discount.

Xin's Barbecue Meat Platter

From Xin's Barbecue Meat Platter, I had a taste of their Roast Duck, Roast Pork and Soy Sauce Chicken, which also form their Trio Barbecued Meat Platter in the Set Menu. The roast duck was lean but the skin was crisp and meat was still quite tender. The pork is the one that many will dive right into it.

Double-boiled Matsutake with Hasma

Part of the set menu, Double-boiled Matsutake with Hasma is a clear soup that is deeply nourishing, a good respite for the body from all the rich celebratory dishes.

Xin’s Abalone Treasure Pot

Xin’s Abalone Treasure Pot ($288/$428) is apparently one of the most popular festive takeaways and is possibly one of my favourite Pen Cai so far, thanks to the well braised sea cucumber and collagen-rich fish maw. I also like that the roast duck has its crispy skin retained and not dumped in like a stewed meat. The second layer of vegetables comprises items like mushrooms and radish, were equally delectable.

Wok-fried Glutinous Rice

Something familiar and comforting, wrap up your Lunar New Year meal with their Wok-fried Glutinous Rice with Chinese Sausage and Preserved Meat. It is this time of the year that I truly appreciate the complex flavours of our traditional cured meats and how they could make simple rice taste so unbelievably good.

Mango Pomelo Sago and Niao Gao

One of the desserts served is a refreshing Mango Pomelo Sago with Dragon Fruit, accompanied by Deep-fried Xin’s Red Dates and Assorted Nuts Nian Gao. The Niao Gao is a healthier version - loaded with nuts, so each bite is not just empty calories but of good nutrients from the mixed nuts. I like the extra crunch and bite from the nuts but they tasted a bit too raw for my liking. A good old traditional Niao Gao, intense and gooey, might be more satisfying.

Festive takeaways will be available for order from their eShop (http://singaporeatrium.holidayinn.com/eShop) from 2 January to 17 February 2019. Enquiries and reservations can be made through xin.sinhi@ihg.com or 6731 7173.

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.


Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant
Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
317 Outram Road
Singapore 169075
Tel: +65 67317173
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Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Tiong Bahru MRT station (Stop ID 10169). Take bus number 123. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

L'Espresso @ Goodwood Park Hotel - The 'Chocolate Divine' English Afternoon Tea

source: Goodwood Park Hotel

Well known for its elegant English Afternoon Tea buffet that has garnered loyal fans, L'Espresso at Goodwood Park Hotel presents the 'Chocolate Divine' English Afternoon Tea from 9 March to 8 April 2018, where chocoholic guests can look forward to an enhanced selection of irresistible chocolate highlights with four specially crafted savoury chocolate creations for this occasion, apart from its already dazzling assortment of dainty sandwiches, salads, traditional English scones, savouries and pastries.

The sweets section will be adorned with specially-created pastries that encompass white, milk and dark chocolate varieties, with delectable chocolate pralines and macarons.

The mouthwatering cake selection includes the Ivory Chocolate Brownies; Bitter Chocolate Mousse Delight; Tiramisu with Chocolate Flakes; Chocolate Marble Cheese Cake; Chocolate Hazelnut Crunchy Cake; White Chocolate Green Tea Cake; Jivara Earl Grey Raspberry Cake, and Double Chocolate Mud Cake.

Always up for a fun challenge, the chefs have created two Italian-style breadsticks with the much-loved ingredient – Chocolate and Sea Salt Grissini and Chocolate and Japanese Spicy Shichimi Grissini.

Apart from the sweets selection, there is also a wide variety of savouries such as the cold delicatessen section, soup of the day, as well as hot savouries of the simmering Braised Pork with Chorizo and Lentils in Hot Pot with Brioche, which makes for a comfort dish.

The croissants are freshly made, with 2 flavours to choose from: Spicy Tuna with Cucumber, and Ham and Egg Salad with Peppery Maple Corn.

Guests will be spoilt for choice with L’Espresso’s ever-popular finger sandwiches and tantalising fillings. Flavours include the Breakfast Omelette with Gruyere Cheese Cucumber and Cream Cheese; Egg and Tomato with Smoky Tomato Aioli; Slow Roasted Tomato Confit with Feta Cheese and Spinach; ‘Chicken Kiev’ Lemon Butter and Crispy Garlic; ‘Beef Wellington’ Parma Ham, Beef Pastrami and Portobello Confit.

Their selection of open-faced sandwiches is a must-have with the unique sweet-savoury combination in bite-size portions. Flavours include the Turkey Pinwheel with Cranberry, Candied Orange and Pistachios; Salchichón with Olives and Pommery Mustard; Crabmeat Tartlet with Feta and Watermelon; Shrimp Ceviche with Tomato Basil Cream; Brie Cheese with Cinnamon Apple and Raisin.

L’Espresso’s famous homemade scones are well-loved for their irresistible buttery fragrance as well as perfectly balanced texture. Plain, blueberry and raisin scones are available, along with assorted jams, clotted cream and butter.

Indulge in the roasts available such as the juicy Beer and Honey Roasted Chicken at the Roast section, with the tender succulent meat which is really enjoyable.

source: Goodwood Park Hotel

There are also fresh fruits to round off the Afternoon Tea, with a chocolate fountain to drench them in as well.

A cosy café by day and chic lounge by night, L’Espresso is the destination of choice for those who love Afternoon Tea or enjoy relaxing with cocktails in the evenings. Note: The 'Chocolate Divine' English Afternoon Tea is available for a limited time only from 9 March to 8 April 2018.

source: Goodwood Park Hotel

The buffet will be available at $48++ per adult, $24++ per child from Fridays to Sundays , eve of and on public holidays; and $45++ per adult and $22.50++ per child from Mondays to Thursdays. The price includes two servings of coffee and tea from a selection of premium coffee and TWG Tea.

If guests fancy some tipple to perk up their afternoon, they can choose to accompany their afternoon tea with a glass of champagne at S$68++ per adult from Fridays to Sundays, eve of and on public holidays, or S$65++ per adult from Mondays to Thursdays, or a free-flow of bubbly at $118++ per adult from Fridays to Sundays, eve of and on public holidays, and $115++ per adult from Mondays to Thursdays.

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.


L'Espresso
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301743
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

English Afternoon Tea:
Mon-Thu: 2pm - 530pm
Fri-Sun & PH: 12pm - 230pm, 3pm - 530pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Mei Mei Roast @ Ubi Road - Roast Meats Stall By Kay Lee's Younger Sister

Many of you may know of Kay Lee Roast Meat Joint at Paya Lebar which sold their business to Aztech group for $4 million. Since then it has expanded into may outlets across the island but somehow I find that it has lost its authenticity, not to mention the stingy portion of roast meat that comes with a higher price tag now.

I got to know about Mei Mei Roast at Ubi Road 1 when I came across a posting by my fellow foodie kaki, Uncle Bob. It got me even more excited to read that the stall is operated by Kay Lee's younger sister. Hence I decided to make my way down to the stall on a Sat to check it out since it is now more accessible with the new Downtown Line 3.

Roasted Duck 4.5/5

I ordered a platter of roasted duck, char siew and sio bak. Among the 3 different roast meats, my favourite is the Roasted Duck. The bird is given a coat of crispiness with a nice hint of charred smokiness. The meat was also tender and juicy. I enjoyed so much that I gone back to packet a whole duck back for my parents.

Char Siew 4/5

The Char Siew was also very enjoyable with the right proportion of lean meat and fats, with the bittersweet charred bits. However I felt the marination was a bit too sweet for my liking.

Sio Bak 4.2/5

To my little surprise, the Sio Bak turned out pretty good too. The succulent pork belly has a enjoyable layers of lean, fats and char. On top of that, it is crowned with a layer of crispy and crackling skin.

Besides the different roasted meats offer at the stall, Mei Mei Roast also offers noodles, kway chap, braised duck and soups. The humble stalls sell quite a lot of items indeed. Thanks to Uncle Bob's posting on facebook, I have discovered a new found love for roasted meat, especially the roasted duck.


Mei Mei Roast
Blk 3014 Ubi Road 1
#01-308
Tel: +65 98208391
Singapore 408702
Nearest MRT: Ubi (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 5pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Ubi MRT station. Take Exit. Walk down junction of Ubi Ave and Ubi Road 3. Cross the road and walk down Ubi Ave. Walk towards block 3021. Turn right and cut across the industrial estate to block 3014. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Jade Restaurant @ Fullerton Hotel Singapore - A Whole New Dim Sum Experience

Jade Restaurant at Fullerton Hotel Singapore has just undergone a revamp. Imbued with elegance, garden-inspired wallpaper now adorns the partitioned areas with hues of Spring. With this new light and warm interiors, yes, Spring it is with Jade's new experience - Gourmet Dim Sum Treasures, available on weekends and public holidays. Reflecting the native birds residing on the wallpapers, master Chef Leong Chee Yeng and his award-winning team named their new dim sum set menus Purple Finch, Paradise Flycatcher and Royal Peacock respectively.

3 Assorted Dim Sum 4/5

We started off with a trio of contemporary bites from Royal Peacock ($108* per pax) - Scallop Dumpling topped with Salmon Roe, Golden Sea Urchin Siew Mai, and Foie Gras Truffle Shrimp Dumpling. Crowned with luscious ingredients, each dainty piece of dim sum is packed with extravagance in both taste and texture. Served in an individual basket, I love the fact that I get to have a private moment with all the 3 assorted dim sum instead of having to pick from the common basket.

Double Boiled Fish Maw 4/5

One of the most prided dishes in Cantonese cuisine is of course the double boiled soup - Double Boiled Fish Maw from Paradise Flycatcher menu ($88* per person). Despite it's clear base, I could instantly taste the collagen rich consistency in one sip.

Garden of Roasted Delight 4/5

The roasts here are highly recommended. None of the set includes that, so you got to order from the Master Chef’s Specialty section. Our Garden of Roasted Delight is made of Honey-glazed BBQ Pork, Roasted Duck, Thousand Layer of Pig's Ear, Thinly Sliced Pork and Crispy Roasted Pork Belly. The cold and crunchy pig's ear, which reminds me of Sichuan's pig's ear salad, adds an interesting character to this garden of roast meats. Start off with this appetising crunch before you proceed with the rest. The char siew has fats that melts away readily to flavour its caramelised sweet sauce encasing the meat, and the Crispy Pork Belly provides the same satisfaction with its incredibly crispy skin atop its tender meat which is almost wobblingly tender.

Wok-fried Rice Flour Rolls with Scallop in X.O. Sauce 4/5

To cap the meal, we had Wok-fried Rice Flour Rolls with Scallop in X.O. Sauce from the Purple Finch menu ($68* per person). The star of the dish is not the scallop but the umami-laden X.O sauce here that makes any plain carbs a treat on its own. The essence of dried scallops and prawns, spiced up with chilli, garlic and onion, brings life to the otherwise plain rice flour rolls as it imprints a layer of wok-hei on its surface.

Dessert 3/5

Wrapping up is a summery dessert - Shaved Pineapple Coconut Ice with Champagne Jelly, that comes together with a Bird’s Nest Egg Tart. The icy dessert is indeed a refreshing respite from the meal. Served warm, the egg tart perfumed my fingers with its buttery crust which is so fine that I could barely hold it without crushing it.

Although the new menu is a lot more refine, I feel the spirit of chit chatting with loved ones over sharing baskets of dim sum is lost. That said, single portion serving allows much more intimate dining, especially for table of two. Moreover, you get to enjoy the luxurious dim sum in an unhurried manner as there is only one seating implemented from 12.00 p.m. to 3.00 p.m.

*All set menus require a minimum of two persons to dine. Prices are subject to service charge and prevailing government taxes.

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.


Jade Restaurant (玉楼）
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
1 Fullerton Square
Singapore 049178
Tel: +65 68778188
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Dim Sum
Weekends & PH: 12pm - 3pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT Station. Take Exit H. Turn right and walk towards the river. At the river, turn right again and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Beach Road Kitchen @ JW Marriott Singapore South Beach - An Epicurean All Day Dining Restaurant

The new JW Marriott Singapore South Beach along Beach Road is one of the newest hotel in Singapore. It boasts a total of nine dining concepts at the property. I dropped by its all-day dining restaurant - Beach Road Kitchen to check out its scrumptious buffet spread.

Seafood 3.5/5

The first station I checked out its their Seafood Room. They are many seafood on ice such as prawn, crab, mantis shrimp, clam, mussel, oyster and even razor clam, an item I seldom see on buffet line. A highlight in the seafood room is an array of smoked fish. There were green tea salmon, spiced salmon, gravlax salmon, smoked mackerel and smoked martin

Rib Eye 4.2/5

Not to be missed is their Charcoal Grill station that features handsome cuts of meat such as Rib Eye. The beautiful roast is best to paired with some grilled asparagus, broccoli and mushrooms. I also tried the Korean BBQ which is well seasoned and marinated, delivering a smoky sweetness to the tender meat.

Indian Food 4/5

International fare sch as Western and Indian cuisine are also available among the spread. I could not resist trying some of the Indian dishes such as the biryani, curry fish, lamb and curry vegetables. The aroma of the spices will spiced up your diner experience.

For those that want to have a taste of the local food, you can head to the Local Favourites section. You can find many Local Favourites such as the Hainanese chicken rice, char kway teow, nasi goreng kampong and angus hor fun.

Laksa 4/5

Head to the Noodle Bar for a bowl of comforting Laksa cooked a la minute by the staff at the live station.

Soft Serve Ice Cream 4.5/5

Do remember to leave some space for the Dessert station. It features an delightful spread of homemade desserts and pastries., fresh waffles and crepes with compotes and sauces. There are also fruits and nonya kuehs among the sweet selections. You can also have some fun making your own soft serve ice-cream cone.

Cakes & Pastries 4.2/5

Price of Buffet
Breakfast Buffet - $42
Lunch Buffet - $58
Dinner Buffet  - $78
Sunday Brunch Buffet - $108

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Beach Road Kitchen
JW Marriott Singapore South Beach
30 South Beach Road
Singapore 189763
Tel: +65 68181913
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 10pm

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

Ellenborough Market Café @ Swissôtel Merchant Court - Return Of The Matriarch

Stepping into the dining halls of Ellenborough Market Café at Swissôtel Merchant Court, and you know you are in for something slightly different - Not the usual warm lights, solid wooden furnishing against generic tiles and neutral walls of a typical international buffet restaurant in a hotel. Instead, pretty turquoise walls made bold with sparkling diamond-cut glass wall features, backs contemporary furnishings that stand elegantly on vintage-style Peranakan floor. What a chemistry between heritage and modernity.

Stir Fried Slipper Lobster in Black Bean Sauce 3/5

In a new look, but old fond flavours stay. Led by Executive Chef Louis Tay, not only the team continues to whip up signature dishes, they now expanded the international hot dish selection.

Roast Beef 3.8/5

Well roasted with a pink core, drizzled with the sauce made with its own juice and fats, my salad could not be more sumptuous than this!

La Mian with Lion Head Meatball 4/5

I don't usually take 狮子头 or Chinese Meatballs as they are always just a compact ball of meat like siew mai but theirs turned out to be exceptionally tasty - juicy, tender and sweet, like a exquisite xiao long bao that falls apart easily in my mouth. The broth was sweet and the La Mian, hand-pulled by their La Mian Master was light and springy.

Kuey Pie Tee 4/5

One key ingredient to a delicious Kuey Pie Tee is of course the little golden shells. Though left out in the open, each thin shell remained airy and crispy. Being my own chef adds to the experience - scooping heaps of tunips and vegetables into the golden shell right up to its brim, topping it with succulent shrimps and mash eggs, dressing it with sweet sauce, and down to the sprinkling of ground peanuts and chopped parsley for the final touch. Not forgetting a dash of chilli!

Salads - Nonya Wing Bean Prawn, Chicken Feet Kerabu, Prawn & Mango Kerabu 3.5/5

At the Peranakan station, one of my favourite items are their peranakan appetisers. Tangy with a hint of spiciness, they did get my appetite going. I love the combination of the different ingredients to create that crunchiness, even the deboned chicken feet got my jaw moving quite abit. My favourite is the Prawn & Mango for that extra fruity sweetness. They go really well with the traditional signatures such as signature Ayam Buah Keluak and Babi Pongteh, which are more robust and heavier in taste.

Chilli Crab with Fied Man Tou

Herbal Pork Loin 4/5

Pretty good line-up at their hot station. Their Chilli Crab even comes with fried man tou. The star for me though, its their Herbal Pork Loin. I love the broth. It was light but extremely flavourful with herbs. The chef certainly didn't scrimp on the ingredients. The pork loin was fork tender. If only, there was some dark soy sauce with chilli padi and a bowl of white rice. It will felt like a comforting, nutritious home cooked meal.

Traditional Muah Chee 3/5

While they have a huge chiller full of dainty western patisseries, the star is really their traditional kueys and hot desserts. They have our childhood favourite - Homemade Muah Chee, which was soft and chewy, and if you ain't fast enough, expect to queue for the hot favourite Nyonya Kueh Dadar, which is made fresh in front of your eyes.

Peanut Paste with Ah Balling 4/5

I didn't expect to see such a wide variety of traditional desserts. Do try their homemade Ah Balling. A gentle bite on the delicate skin and out oozes warm black sesame lava.

Durian Pengat 3.5/5

Enjoy Durian Pengat at its place of 'origin'.

Assorted Kueh

Great selection of food but i wish the selection of their Peranakan dishes could be more. That perhaps allow me more space for their comforting desserts.

Price
Lunch Buffet
Mon-Sun: $52 per adult
Dinner Buffet
Mon-Thu: $62 per adult
Fri-Sun, Eve of PH & PH: $68 per adult
High Tea
Sat-Sun & PH: $42

Written 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.

Ellenborough Market Café
Swissôtel Merchant Court
20 Merchant Court
Singapore 058281
Tel: +65 62391848
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Clark Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Buffet Lunch: 12pm - 230pm
Buffet Dinner: 630pm - 10pm
Buffet High Tea: 330pm - 530pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clark Quay MRT station: Take Exit E. Walk straight to Tew Chew Street. Cross the road and turn right. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]