Crystal Jade Pavilion @ Vivocity - The Group's Third Fine-Dining Brand Opens At Vivocity

Occupying the former premises of Crystal Jade Dining IN, the restaurant has reopened as Crystal Jade Pavilion, the restaurant group's third fine-dining brand. It is located on level one at Vivocity, facing the picturesque backdrop of the waterway and Sentosa island. 

Chilled Fresh Lily Bulb and Cordyceps Flower with King Oyster Mushroom 4.2/5

Chilled Tomatoes, Chilled Homemade Tofu with Scallop, Deep-fried Mushrooms and Corn 4.2/5

We started with a couple of appetisers such as the Chilled Fresh Lily Bulb and Cordyceps Flower with King Oyster Mushroom ($13.80), Chilled Tomatoes with Roselle Plum ($10), Chilled Homemade Tofu with Scallop, Bonito Flakes and Perilla Leaf ($18.80) and Deep-fried Mushrooms and Corn with Salted Egg Yolk ($12.80). I can't put my finger on my favourite, because all of them are deliciously good.

Poached Scotland Bamboo Surf Clam in Prawn Broth 4.8/5

The Poached Scotland Bamboo Surf Clam in Prawn Broth ($26.80 per pax) is a unique soup offering if you are not looking for something different. The robust prawn broth is poured tableside into the bowl with fresh bamboo clam pieces, which are instantly cooked. Diners can choose to add condiments like julienne ginger, black fungus, coriander and deep-fried dough fritters to enjoy the soup.

Pan-fried Sliced Duck and Foie Gras with Crepe 4/5

The Pan-fried Sliced Duck and Foie Gras with Crepe ($18.80 per pax) is eaten like your Peking Duck. However, the version here has more textures, coming from the meaty slice of crispy-skin roast duck, pan-fried foie gras and crispy fried beancurd skin. To eat, wrap them up in a homemade crepe with julienne tomatoes, leeks, cucumber and refreshing butterhead lettuce.

Pan-fried Threadfin with Supreme Soya Sauce 4/5

Live seafood is available at Crystal Jade Pavilion too. A recommendation is their Pan-fried Threadfin with Supreme Soya Sauce ($58.80 for 600-700g). The firm and moist fish is deep-fried and then simmered in a superior soya sauce. However, diners must be careful as it has a lot of bones.

Fresh Chinese Yam with Sea Cucumber in Fragrant Spicy Sauce 3.8/5

Great with a bowl of rice is the Fresh Chinese Yam with Sea Cucumber in Fragrant Spicy Sauce in Claypot ($42.80). It is a treasure pot of crunchy Chinese yam and spongy Australia sea cucumber in a tongue-tingling gravy.

Poached Choy Sum, Black Fungus & Cordyceps Flower in Chinese Ginger Wine

On a lighter note, we had the Poached Choy Sum, Black Fungus & Cordyceps Flower in Chinese Ginger Wine ($24.80). The jade green veggies are steeped in a ginger wine broth.

Braised Duo Vermicelli with Pearl Abalone & Pork Belly in Abalone Sauce 4.5/5

The winsome Braised Duo Vermicelli with Pearl Abalone & Pork Belly in Abalone Sauce ($33.80) is a must-try. It combines fried beehoon and tang hoon coated in a braising liquid enriched with pork belly and abalone sauce.

Cheng Tng Sweet Soup 4.2/5

Brimming with quality ingredients such as peach gum, white fungus, ginkgo, dried longans, and lotus seeds is the Cheng Tng Sweet Soup with Six Treasures and Golden Luo Han Guo in Whole Fresh Coconut ($13.80 per pax). A light and refreshing dessert for a sweet finish.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Crystal Jade Pavilion
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-112
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 62785626/ 91772005
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Harbour Front (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 930pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 1030am - 330pm, 6pm - 930pm

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

Estate @ Hilton Singapore - Feast On An Abundant Buffet Of Lobsters And Crabs

For a limited time from 5 August to 28 August 2022, Estate at Hilton Singapore dinner buffet invites guests to indulge in a bountiful selection of lobsters, crabs and other oceanic delights. Guests can look forward to a wide array of crustacean dishes prepared in a range of mouth-watering styles alongside the restaurant's signature ensemble of dishes inspired by heritage Singapore flavours and from around the world.

From the seafood bar, customers can pick the freshest seafood on ice, such as Maine Lobster, Snow Crab Legs, freshly shucked Oysters, Prawns, Scallops, Mussels and Clams.

With all the fresh catches on display, I could not resist helping myself to a plate of them.

For the cooked dishes, guests can indulge in an array of crab dishes cooked in different styles, such as White Crab Bee Hoon, Singapore Chilli Crab, Black Pepper Crab, Kam Heong Style Crab and Mala Yabbies.

Though the crabs are not top quality, the sauces are top-notch. The chefs can come out to open their own crab restaurant with these delicious sauces. Don't forget to get some deep-fried mantou for the chilli crab sauce.

From the grill session, you will be further satisfied with the selection of Lobster Thermidor cooked in rich wine sauce, served with an oven-browned cheese crust.

The Gluten-Free Baby Lobster Pasta from the live stations is a delectable squid ink tagliatelle pasta with cherry tomato, chilli and basil. For Asian offerings, there is the Crab Bee Hoon Soup in a light yet flavourful broth.

Besides the lobster and crab dishes, there are many other selections among the buffet spread, such as Sushi, Grilled Meat Skewers and Chinese Cooked Food.

Not to be missed is the signature Black Truffle Roasted Duck. The meat is incredibly tender and flavourful. It is served with a drizzle of truffle plum sauce and soy honey glaze, complementing the savoury meat.

Lastly, do not forget to save some stomach space for the spread of desserts to end your meal on a sweet note.

Date: August 5 to 28, 2022
Time: Dinner from 630pm to 1030pm
Price:
• $158++ (food only)
• $188++ (food and free-flow alcoholic beverages including house reds, whites, rosé and Singapore craft lager)
• Children aged between 6 and 12 years old dine at 50% off adult price. Children aged 5 years old and below dine for free.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Estate
Hilton Singapore Orchard
333 Orchard Road
Singapore 238867
Tel: +65 67374411
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 10pm
Breakfast: 630am – 1030am
Lunch: 12pm – 230pm
Dinner: 630pm – 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Yan Restaurant (宴) @ National Gallery - Nourishing Cantonese Delights To Replenish The Body With Two Wellness Menus

For a limited period from 6 June to 31 August 2022, Yan Restaurant (宴) at National Gallery rolls up two Wellness Set Menus, developed together with guidance from Zhongjing Traditional Chinese Medicine. The delicious Cantonese fare incorporates the principles of Yao Shan (药膳) through the two set menus that harmonise wellness and health to replenish the body during the hot and humid summer months.

Crispy Skin Roasted Duck 4.5/5

The six-course wellness menu is priced at $158++ per pax, while the eight-course wellness menu is priced at $108++ per pax. We had the eight-course wellness menu starting with the Crispy Skin Roasted Duck marinated with Dried Mandarin Peel, accompanied with Chinese Pancake, Cucumber and Spring Onions. The use of Mandarin peels is said to nourish the spleen and lungs.

Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Immunity-Boosting Herbs 4.2/5

The Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Immunity-Boosting Herbs is brewed for 4 hours using a herbal soup mix curated by Zhongjin's physicians. The nourishing soup combines the wholesome benefits of ingredients such as milkvetch root, siler root, lotus seed, wolfberry, red dates, and candied dates. It helps to strengthen the spleen, reinforce and harmonise the vital energy in the body for summer.

Braised Sliced Abalone with Eggplant in Oyster Sauce 4.2/5

Eggplant, known to help reduces the risk of heart disease due to its fibre, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and antioxidants, is paired with Braised Sliced Abalone in an abalone and oyster sauce. It is my first time having eggplant done this way, and I truly enjoyed it.

Wok-fried King Prawns in Hawthorn Sauce 4.5/5

The Wok-fried King Prawns are cooked in Hawthorn sauce, which has many cardiovascular benefits such as treating high blood pressure, improving blood circulation, and many more. Its sweet and sour taste profile reminds me of sweet and sour pork, which excellently complements the prawn's freshness.

Steamed Chilean Cod Fillet with Cordyceps Flower 4.5/5

A favourite dish among the dining companions is the Steamed Chilean Fillet with Cordyceps Flower. The moist buttery-sweet Chilean cod fish is paired with cordyceps flower, commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to strengthen the liver and kidneys.

Sauteed Australian Scallops, Asparagus with Fresh Lily Bulbs 3.5/5

Sauteed Australian Scallops with Asparagus is a common dish in most Chinese restaurants. At Yan, it is elevated with the addition of lily bulbs promoting lung health, such as relieving coughs, dry throats, and other respiratory conditions.

Stewed Ee-fu Noodles with Mushrooms

Like every Chinese restaurant, we ended the meal with a carbo dish before the dessert. The stewed Ee-fu Noodles come with three different mushrooms - King Oyster Mushrooms, Enoki Mushrooms and Shimeji Mushrooms loaded with antioxidants.

Chilled Mao Shan Wang Durian Pudding 3/5

Last but not least, we had the Chilled Mao Shan Wang Durian Pudding to wrap up the dinner. While it is packed with the distinct aroma from the king of fruits, I didn't enjoyed the custardy texture of the pudding.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yan Restaurant (宴)
National Gallery Singapore
1 St Andrew's Road
#05-02
Singapore 178958
Tel: +65 63845585
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Turn left onto Coleman Street. Walk down Coleman Street. Walk to destination. Journey time around 5 minutes. [Map]

Estate @ Hilton Singapore Orchard - Experience An Elevated Buffet Selection

Hilton Singapore Orchard has recently opened on 24 February 2022, located in the hearts of Orchard. Following the opening is the launch of the hotel's residential all-day dining restaurant on level five, Estate, inspired by the heritage of Orchard Road’s early years. The all-day dining buffet restaurant showcases culinary experiences and flavours from around the world while elevating familiar regional favourites that resonate with local residents.

Central to Estate's dining experience is the residential-style open kitchens that set the stage for a live display of culinary showmanship. The team, led by Director of Culinary Vijayakant Shanmugam, whips up tantalising dishes a la minute in full view of guests.

Kickstart the feast with cold cut appetisers - Coppa Ham, Salami, Air-dried Beef, and Prosciutto de Parma. or Salads such as the Greek salad with feta cheese, wardorf salad.

The Seafood on ice features a fresh selection, such as the Tiger Prawns, Black Mussels, Clams and Scallops in Shell.

Don't miss signature dishes from the Wok, Fry & Premium Kitchen featuring signatures like the Estate Black Truffle Roasted Duck. The meat is incredibly tender and flavourful. It is served with a drizzle of truffle plum sauce and soy honey glaze, complementing the savoury meat. The Black Truffle Roasted Duck is best paired with a piping hot bowl of flavourful Signature Peking Duck Consomme.

The Grill Kitchen features a selection of Asian-inspired skewers, including the Beef Kebab, Kurobuta Pork Teriyaki, Wagyu Kofta, and Black Miso Chicken.

Not to be missed are the Asian favourites - Singapore XO Hokkien Mee, Carrot Cake with Chinese Sausage, and the Steamed Glutinous Rice with Chinese Sausage, and Crispy Cheong Fun with Soft Shell Chilli Crab.

The Cantonese Style Wagyu Beef Noodle is one of my favourite dishes. The non-oily broth had a distinct beefy taste, noodles were al dente to bite, and the wagyu beef meat was tender and flavourful.

The Squid Ink Homemade Gluten-Free Tagliatelle with Octopus Confit from the Noodle & Wrap Kitchen is also delicious, with a rich, briny flavour.

There is also a Dim sum station which offers a small selection of dim sum - Siew Mai, Har Gow, Lotus Paste Pau and Chicken Char Siew Pau.

End the feast on a sweet note with desserts such as the Rainbow Kueh, Kueh Lapis or the Original Cheesecake.

There is also a beautiful range of masterfully handcrafted desserts by beloved Executive Pastry Chef Cindy Khoo, such as the Marsala Wine Tiramisu, Champagne Raspberry Gelee, Torch Citron Tarte, and Mango Infused Jasmine Gateaux.

Lunch: $62++ (Mon to Thu) and $70++ (Fri to Sun)
Dinner: $82++ (Sun to Thu) and $99++ (Fri & Sat)

Child aged 12 years old and below dines at 50% off adult price and for child aged 5 years old and below dines on complimentary.

Photos and words 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.


Estate
Hilton Singapore Orchard
333 Orchard Road
Singapore 238867
Tel: +65 67374411
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 10pm
Breakfast: 630am – 1030am
Lunch: 12pm – 230pm
Dinner: 630pm – 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]