The Astor Grill @ St. Regis Singapore - Expanded Menu Focusing on Heritage Breeds of Beef from Farms Around the World.

Expanding on its initial pop-up concept, The Astor Grill by St. Regis has introduced an enhanced menu under the guidance of the newly-appointed Chef de Cuisine, Angelo Sergio. This extended selection boasts an array of premium beef cuts sourced from reputable farms in the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Amuse Bouche 4/5

Our dinner commenced with a delightful Amuse Bouche featuring Beef Croquettes crowned with a dollop of Horseradish Dip. These golden-brown croquettes were deep-fried to perfection, offering a satisfyingly crispy exterior that gave way to a burst of flavours upon every bite.

Traditional Beef Tartare 4/5

Transitioning to the appetisers, we started with the Traditional Beef Tartare. This classic dish featured finely chopped raw beef, expertly seasoned to strike a harmonious balance between the pure, unadulterated essence of the meat and the complementary seasonings. It was a luxurious and velvety delight, embodying freshness in every mouthful.

Grilled Spanish Octopus 4/5

A new addition to the appetiser menu was the Grilled Spanish Octopus, served with a delectable chorizo chickpea puree and garnished with semi-dried tomatoes. The octopus tentacles were grilled to perfection, exhibiting a tantalising char on the exterior while remaining tender and slightly springy within. The smokiness of the grill imparted a flavorful crust that elevated this seafood dish.

Grilled Butternut Squash Salad 4/5

The Grilled Butternut Squash Salad was a medley of delightful flavours, combining the smokiness of grilled butternut squash with a vibrant assortment of greens. The golden-brown squash created a striking contrast with the greens, and accompaniments like olives, tomatoes, diced cucumber, and feta enriched the overall experience.

Grilled Live Boston Lobster 4/5

For those who prefer alternatives to beef, the menu offers excellent choices like the Grilled Live Boston Lobster, bathed in butter and fragrant herbs. The butter complemented the lobster's succulent meat, while the herbs introduced a flavorful lift to the seafood dish.

Pork Chop, US Grilled Kurobuta 4.5/5

Served with a slight pinkness in the centre, the Grilled Kurobuta Pork Chop is renowned for its exceptional marbling and tenderness. The pork was perfectly grilled, presenting a rich golden-brown crust on the outside while retaining its juicy and tender interior.

45 Days Dry Aged Bone-In Shell Loin 4.2/5

A signature menu highlight is the 45 Days Dry Aged Bone-In Shell Loin from the United Kingdom. This extraordinary offering, comprising three distinct cuts - Bone-In Striploin, Bone-in Ribeye, and T-Bone, is 100% grass-fed and dry-aged for 45 days to infuse with a distinctive and intense beefy flavour.

Full Blood Autumn Wagyu, MB4+/220g 4.8/5

The Full Blood Autumn Wagyu, sourced from Robbins Island, Australia, offers an artisanal striploin known for its natural saltiness from the island's botanicals. The cattle are subjected to a 500-day grain-fed diet, ensuring a tender and flavorful finish.

Hanger Steak, Black Angus 4.2/5

Among the secondary cuts, we savoured the Hanger Steak, a distinctive Black Angus cut from Victoria, Australia. It boasted a subtle sweet aftertaste that added depth to the dining experience.

Baked Alaska 4.5/5

Our meal concluded with the delightful Baked Alaska, presented under a grand dome. This dessert featured a medley of pistachio gelato and raspberry sorbet, resting on a chocolate sponge base, all topped with Italian meringue. This light and refreshing dessert was the perfect finale, offering a delightful contrast to the richness of the preceding beef dishes.

The expanded menu at The Astor Grill, curated by Chef de Cuisine Angelo Sergio, offers an impressive array of beef cuts, including bone-in, shell loin, dry-aged varieties, and non-steak main alternatives. These cuts are perfectly prepared on a custom-built parrilla grill using charcoal and vulcan stones. This results in a symphony of new flavour profiles and robust nuances created during caramelisation, complete with a slightly charred crust.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Astor Grill
St. Regis Singapore
Lobby Level
29 Tanglin Road
Singapore 247911
Tel: +65 65066860
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Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard (TE Line), Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm 1030pm
Sun: 630pm - 103pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. 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. St Regis is just beside Tanglin Shopping Centre. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard Boulevard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Turn left onto Cuscaden Road. Walk to Tomlinson Road. Turn left onto Tomlinson Road. Walk to Tanglin Road. Turn right onto Tanglin Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

SIRI House @ Dempsey Hill @ Bubbles & BBQ Experience amidst The Lush Greenery of Dempsey Hill

Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Dempsey Hill, Siri House presents an enchanting open-air dining escapade known as Bubbles & BBQ. Tailored for groups of 12 or more, this opulent garden soiree showcases a live BBQ station brimming with contemporary Asian BBQ delicacies. To elevate the experience, guests have the option to bedeck their tables with exquisite tropical adornments courtesy of Estilo & Co. These include hanging, table, and buffet floral centrepieces that infuse a touch of nature's elegance. And for a bit of effervescence, a champagne bar cart awaits, where patrons can concoct their own bubbly elixirs using fresh fruit, citrus, herbs, and liqueurs.

Siri House’s Bubbles & BBQ Private Dining Experience unfolds in three captivating packages:

1. Standard Package: Priced at $128++ or $148++ per person, this package entitles you to savour the live BBQ station's offerings, relish the buffet spread, and dine amidst a basic table setup.

2. Tropical Chic Package: For $208++ or $228++ per person, this package embraces the live BBQ station, the sumptuous buffet, and the enchantment of a stunning tropical table setup bedecked with captivating floral centrepieces by Estilo & Co.

3. Champagne Trolley Add-on: Available for $108++ per person, this add-on enriches your experience with 2 hours of free-flowing Champagne accompanied by delightful accompaniments.

Apple Coleslaw 4.5/5

Diving into the delectable spread, We commenced with the Apple Coleslaw, a delightful blend of red and white cabbage, mesclun, green apple, raisins, cashews, and house-pickled carrots. The addition of house-pickled carrots provides a tantalizing textural contrast.

Arugula Beet Salad 4/5

Another vibrant salad, the Arugula Beet Salad, combines arugula, pickled beetroot, pomelo, feta, and pistachios, elevated by a zesty dressing comprising yuzu kosho, yuzu juice, lime juice, and olive oil.

Nori Potatoes 4.8/5

The Nori Potatoes are a delightful treat, featuring cut potatoes blanched and deep-fried, then elevated with a dash of nori seaweed butter. The result? Fluffy and utterly addictive potato bites.

Nuoc Cham Street Corn 4/5

Grilled yellow Corn is impeccably dressed in Siri House's rendition of Nuoc Cham, featuring minced grilled spring onions, shallots, ginger, garlic, coriander, fish sauce, and lime juice, all perfectly punctuated with a drizzle of hot oil. This dish delivers sweet corn with a delightful hint of spiciness.

Mushroom Risotto 4.5/5

Japanese rice takes on a whole new dimension in the Mushroom Risotto, infused with a blend of burnt onion dashi and burnt mushroom puree. The dish is beautifully seasoned with the essence of burnt nori, creating a comforting and flavorful rice experience.

Green Curry Baked Mussels 4.2/5

The Mussels are bathed in a flavorful paste crafted from green chilli, coriander, lemongrass, holy basil, coconut milk, and coconut cream, with a rich finish of garlic butter. It's a Thai-inspired delight that marries beautifully with the plump mussels.

Sambal Grilled Barramundi 5/5

The Barramundi takes centre stage, adorned with a fiery sambal paste crafted from red chilli, shallots, garlic, lemongrass, galangal, and dried shrimp. Slow-cooked and nestled in banana leaves before grilling, it's a triumph of flavours. The sambal sauce deserves special mention—it's so good that it could easily outshine our local sambal stingray.

Duroc Pork Collar 4.2/5

The succulent Pork Collar is marinated in a tantalising blend of hoisin, fish sauce, ginger, garlic, shallots, coriander, chilli, cardamom, and brown sugar, then sous-vide cooked and expertly grilled. The result is a hint of smokiness with the perfect ratio of lean and fats.

Petite Tender 4.2/5

The Petite Tender Steak takes a journey through sous-vide cooking in olive oil, garlic, shallots, thyme, and tarragon before grilling. The finishing touch comes in the form of a housemade kombu aioli, where garlic aioli is artfully blended with charred onion puree, kombu, and lemon juice. This pairing elevates the tender beef to a mouthwatering

Tarts 4/5

To conclude your culinary voyage, indulge in two delightful Tarts. The first is crowned with chocolate ganache and adorned with seasonal fruits, while the second is generously filled with housemade passionfruit curd, leaving a sweet and tangy impression.

The enchanting experience is open for bookings for groups of 12 or more, from Tuesdays to Sundays, between 11:30 am and 8:00 pm. To make a reservation, you can email reservations.sg@sirihouse.com or book online via www.sirihouse.com/private-dining. A minimum of 7 days' advance notice is required to confirm date availability, and menu pre-orders are necessary 5 days ahead.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Siri House
Dempsey Hill
8D Dempsey Road
#01-02
Singapore 249672
Tel: +65 96670533
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sun: 1130am - 4pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop opposite Singapore Botanic Gardens (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 2 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 12 minutes. [Map]

Baristart Coffee Singapore @ Wisma Atria - Hokkaido Cafe’s 3rd New Outlet in Town with Popular Hokkaido Cream Puffs, Coffee and Japanese Western Food

Good news to those who work in town, as Baristart Coffee welcomes its newest outlet at Wisma Atria, located within the OCBC branch on the fourth floor. It may be tricky to find as the third outlet is nestled within the bank's largest integrated lifestyle and banking branch with a fun retail space featuring books and selected lifestyle brands.

The brand is most known for its use of the creamy Hokkaido BIEI Jersey Milk, and it features it across several items on the menu, such as its beverages, cream puffs, and soft serves.

Baristart Latte

If it is your first visit here and you’re thinking of grabbing coffee, go for their smooth and aromatic Baristart Latte ($6.70). It's available both hot and iced, and you can top up a dollar for add-on flavours of caramel, vanilla or honey.

Mixed Berries Yoghurt Smoothie

The Mixed Berries Yoghurt Smoothie ($8.50) is one of the beverages under the non-caffeine list. However, it was a little too icy and muted than I was hoping for in its yoghurt flavour.

Hokkaido Tontoro 3.8/5

The Hokkaido Toronto ($17.80) features a light garden salad mix with tangy-sweet raspberry pommery dressing, yuzu ponzu radish sauce, and slices of Hokkaido Snow Pork Jowl. Although the dressing was appetising, the dish was pretty average and pricey.

Hokkaido Zangi 4.2/5

Drizzle lemon juice over the Hokkaido Zangi ($14.80) for that extra freshness to the crunchy bites. These well-marinated Hokkaido-style fried chicken chunks make an excellent sharing choice.

Wafu Pasta 4.2/5

We sampled a couple of main dishes, the first being a classic Japanese fusion dish, the Wafu Pasta ($19.80). While it was a touch oily, the spaghetti was well coated in an umami butter and dashi sauce mix with a slight kick of spice and studded with several toppings - prawns, bacon strips, asparagus and nori.

Obihiro Butadon 4/5

The Japanese rice-based Obihiro Butdaon ($19.80) is served with grilled pork belly dressed in a homemade teriyaki sweet sauce. A bowl of Shiro Miso soup also accompanies it.

Tonkatsu 4/5

The Tonkatsu ($18.80) is one of the three sandos on the menu. A thick, deep-fried Hokkaido pork loin patty is sandwiched between two soft and crustless white breads. It's finished with cabbage, mustard butter and sweet tonkatsu sauce, which gives a delightful mix of sweet, savoury and tangy notes. It's best to enjoy this while it's still hot.

Hokkaido Cream Puff 4.8/5

We definitely couldn't leave Baristart without having one of their well-loved Hokkaido Cream Puffs ($7). Baristart's rendition is one of my favourites. It is always generously piped with its signature BIEI Jersey Milk custard cream, so rich and luscious, paired with the irresistible crunchy crust.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Baristart Coffee Singapore
Wisma Atria
#04-01
435 Orchard Road
Singapore 238877
Tel: +65 9836 9113
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

One-Ninety Restaurant @ Four Seasons Hotel Singapore - 3 Months Argentinian Takeover by Brasero and Florería Atlántico Pop-Up

Starting from August 1, 2023, an extraordinary gastronomic adventure awaits as the world-renowned mixologist Renato "Tato" Giovannoni, celebrated as one of the top 10 bartenders globally, and the seasoned hospitality maestro Alex Resnik, make their debut in the Garden City. They embark on a thrilling culinary journey with a three-month-long takeover of the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, promising an unforgettable Argentinian culinary experience.

Brought to you from the bustling streets of Buenos Aires to the heart of Singapore, this South American brasserie pop-up at One-Ninety Restaurant and One-Ninety Bar will whisk diners away to the enchanting world of Argentina. Prepare to immerse yourself in the country's rich culinary traditions and vibrant atmosphere, making for an exceptional dining escapade.

The restaurant, Brasero Atlántico, serves up an à la carte dinner menu and a tantalising seven-course Chef's Table dinner experience at SGD 168 per person, thoughtfully curated by Chef Alex Resnik. It captures the essence of Argentinian cuisine with dishes ranging from the famous asado (Argentinian barbecue) to mouthwatering empanadas and much more.

Octopus Confit 4/5

Indulge in the sublime Octopus Confit ($42), a dish where every bite is a symphony of flavours and textures. The octopus has been lovingly slow-cooked for at least 4 hours, allowing it to reach the pinnacle of tenderness and softness. Bathed in a harmonious blend of coconut and olive oil, with subtle hints of cinnamon and fragrant orange peel, it's a culinary masterpiece that dances on your palate. Each bite is an exquisite journey through layers of flavour, showcasing the chef's dedication to perfection.

Veal Tongue "Pampa Style" 3.8/5

A unique preparation of Veal Tongue ($28) involves slow-cooking it in an acidic sauce for at least 3 hours alongside vegetable pickles, onions, and celery. Drizzled with criolla sauce and sprinkled with baby chervil and extra virgin olive oil, the dish brings out the tender flavours of veal tongue.

Empanada 3.8/5

Two delightful Empanadas graced our table - Ossobuco ($15) and Leek ($10). These savoury pastries are filled with mouthwatering ingredients. The Ossobuco version features braised shank slow-cooked with vegetables for 8 hours, while the Leek empanada combines leeks, onions, and garlic sautéed with butter and provolone cheese for a rich and cheesy filling.

Aged Provoleta Cheese 4.2/5

The Aged Provoleta Cheese ($28) is heated until it becomes irresistibly soft, melty, and slightly browned on top. The ageing process intensifies its flavour, offering a combination of sharp, nutty, and slightly fruity notes. It's beautifully complemented with Calabria oregano and criolla sauce.

Frog Legs “A la Provenzal” 3.8/5

The Frog Legs "A la Provenzal" ($28) presents tender frog legs from France sautéed with roasted fingerling potatoes, garlic, butter, sage, and a splash of white wine. The result is moist and tender frog legs, although I preferred a richer sauce.

Lomo Tenderloin 4.5/5

The Lomo Tenderloin ($65, 350g) is perfectly grilled. It acquires a captivating smokiness. Paired with chimichurri sauce, it's an explosion of succulent flavours. The chimichurri sauce adds its own zesty, herbaceous essence.

Beets Salad 4.2/5

The Beets Salad ($18) combines crunchy quinoa, potato puree, soft-boiled egg, and fresh beetroot tossed with olive oil. The beetroot offers a subtle earthy sweetness, making it a well-rounded side dish.

Fennel 3.5/5

The Fennel Salad ($18) comprises finely sliced fennel paired with watercress, grapefruit, and orange segments drizzled with a house-made lemon olive oil vinaigrette. The result is a refreshing salad with a tangy finish.

Dulce de Leche Flan 4/5

The Dulce de Leche Flan ($18) is a smooth and creamy creme caramel pudding with a layer of clear caramel sauce, served with mascarpone cheese cream and nuts. The balance between sweetness and creaminess is perfected when enjoyed with the mascarpone and textured nuts.

Valrhona Chocolate Lava Cake 4.2/5

The Valrhona Chocolate Lava Cake ($24) is a chocolate lover's dream. The chocolate lava cake comes with a liquid yerba mate chocolate centre, served with a scoop of ice cream. The cake is moist and slightly crisp on the outside, while the yerba mate infusion adds an interesting twist to the classic chocolate lava cake.

Brasero Atlántico truly transports diners to the vibrant streets of Argentina, offering an exciting culinary journey filled with traditional flavours and innovative twists.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


One-Ninety Restaurant
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248646
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 11. Walk straight down Orchard Boulevard Road. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

Town Restaurant @ The Fullerton Hotel Singapore - Straits from the Heart: An Ode to Peranakan Cuisine

In collaboration with Chef Philip Chia, a local culinary master and best-selling cookbook author known for his Peranakan cuisine, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore presents "Straits from the Heart: An Ode to Peranakan Cuisine" at Town Restaurant alongside their signature spread of local and international fare. From 14 August to 14 September 2023, you can taste Chef Philip's prowess as a purveyor of Peranakan cuisine in the dishes created in the lunch and dinner buffet menus from Monday to Saturday.

Egg Prawn Salad with Khong Th’ng

Cucumber Pineapple Prawn Salad

We started with some cold salads that whetted our appetites with zesty and piquant dressings - the Egg Prawn Salad with Khong Th'ng (Peanut Candy) Dressing and the Cucumber Pineapple Prawn Salad. Both salads were ultra-refreshing, featuring crunchy cucumbers, juicy pineapples, and prawns and eggs that added delightful textures. I found them rather addictive - the fiery dressings had a good amount of heat and acidity yet were well balanced by the sweetness of the tomatoes and pineapples.

Otah Otah

Ngoh Hiang

Familiar and well-loved appetisers Ngoh Hiang and Otah Otah are also available.

Kueh Pie Tee

One of the highlights is the DIY Kueh Pie Tee station, complete with crispy, thin tart shells and well-stewed turnips.

Babi Pontay

The Mains were superb. The Babi Pontay (braised pork belly in fermented soybean sauce) was truly memorable, featuring fork-tender and unctuous thick-cut pork belly, along with generous chunks of mushrooms and bamboo shoots that had absorbed the flavoursome sauce, softening and enhancing their taste.

Ayam Buah Keluak

Beef Rendang

Other meat dishes featured include tantalising Ayam Buah Keluak (chicken and black nuts in tamarind gravy) and Beef Rendang (slow-cooked beef curry). Both delivered flavoursome and tender meats, and it was even more satisfying when I had them together with the warm and fragrant Jasmine rice served alongside.

Assam Pedas

Udang Goreng Assam

Seafood dishes provided a delightful addition to the line-up. The Assam Pedas was a highlight for me; the sour and spicy gravy was irresistible, accentuated by substantial chunks of pineapple that had been simmered to release bursts of sweet and tangy juice with every bite. The fish was cooked to perfection, boasting a tender and flaky texture. The Udang Goreng Assam (fried prawns with tamarind) were finger-licking good.

Nyonya Chap Chye

And my favourite, Nyonya Chap Chye, didn't disappoint either! The vegetables had been braised until tender, absorbing the delectable umami broth.

The dessert counter showcases a live station serving Chendol, along with an array of bite-sized kueh such as Kueh Salat, Bengka Ubi, Kueh Kosui, and more. My personal favorite is the Rainbow Lapis, which in my opinion was the best Rainbow Lapis I have had to date. They were so good that you had to be quick, as they were snapped up shortly after being replenished.

Straits from the Heart: An Ode to Peranakan Flavours
- Executive Lunch Buffet Monday to Friday S$48* per adult, S$24* per child
- Seafood Symphony Dinner Buffet Wednesday and Thursday S$128* per adult, S$64* per child
- Dinner Buffet with Barbecued Selection Friday and Saturday S$118* per adult, S$59* per child
- International Lunch Buffet Saturday S$68* per adult, S$34* per child

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.


Town Restaurant
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:
Daily: 630pm - 1030pm

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]