Showing posts with label Salmon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Salmon. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

LUCE @ InterContinental Singapore - Banquet of Hoshena Festive Edition

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This festive season, the Banquet of Hoshena promises a dining experience like no other, where every detail is carefully crafted to transport you to a magical realm. From the twinkling lights to the delightful seasonal flavours, this festive edition enhances the spirit of the season. Let the magic unfold as you indulge in a feast as captivating as the season itself.

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The 7-course festive menu is priced at $158++ per person and is available until 1 January 2025. This enchanting experience takes place in a cosy private room within LUCE, where you will be graciously hosted by the charming Queen and her magical mirror as they take you on a journey to a land far, far away. As you dine, expect the table to come alive with stunning animated displays, interactive tasks, mythical creatures and a sense of wonder that elevates every moment.

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Rosemary & Olive Tartlet 4/5

To begin our evening, we were presented with the Keys to A Parallel world, in the delicious form of a Rosemary & Olive Tartlet with caramelised fig, duck rillette and onion jam. This bite-sized creation was a perfect balance of flavours, as the buttery tart shell paired beautifully with the rich, savoury rillette, sweet figs, and tangy jam. A delectable start to our dinner.

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Truffled Celeriac 4/5

The Truffled Celeriac comes with a touch of playful magic. It features a stick of Granny Smith apple suspended in a floating bowl at the centre of the table. Alongside it is a dish of tender celeriac shaved fresh truffles and Amalfi lemon gel, inviting diners to combine the elements for a refreshing bite to whet the palate.

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Salmon Tartare 4.2/5

We enjoyed the Salmon Tartare, delicately balanced on a hot, crispy shiso leaf tempura that provided a satisfying crunch. It is an indulgent bite that offers a nice contrast in textures, with the richness of the salmon tartare offset by the crispness of the leaf.

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Chestnut Soup 3.8/5

Next, we were served a hearty Chestnut Soup with crispy bacon bits, chickpeas, and garlic croutons. The velvety texture is comforting, with a subtle, earthy sweetness from the chestnuts. The chickpeas, bacon bits, and croutons also added a nice bite to the soup. However, I detected some citrusy notes that felt slightly out of place. The soup is served with bread and a nice, light seaweed butter.

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Pasta al Granchio 4.5/5

The Squid Ink Spaghetti is served with impressive flair, accompanied by a fiery red animation display that adds to the drama of the dish. It features generous chunks of blue crab meat, Calabria Nduja sausage, and a rich tomato ragout, creating a wonderful combination of flavours. The dish can be further spiced to your liking with three condiments — Sichuan pepper, Timut pepper, and chilli oil — allowing you to adjust the heat and elevate the experience to your preferred level of spice. A very enjoyable pasta dish that left us wanting more.

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The dinner experience also includes a ‘potion-making’ session, where diners are invited to follow the Queen's instructions to craft their very own apple drink (non-alcoholic). It's a delightful and engaging way to add an extra layer of fun to the dining experience.

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Chicken Roulade 4/5

The main course was a lovely Chicken Roulade elegantly paired with chicory, mascarpone, braised red cabbage, cress salad, and a vibrant salsa verde. The roulade itself was tender and juicy, with the mascarpone adding a luscious creaminess to the dish. The slight bitterness of the chicory and the braised red cabbage provided some contrast. It is a tasty dish; however, this dish is overall on the rich side.

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Dessert 3.8/5

Dessert arrives amidst a stunning animated display of colourful blooms, and the Guanaja 70% Chocolate Raspberry Gâteau is suitably pretty in pink. This creation features layers of rich cocoa sponge, decadent chocolate crunch, and a raspberry marmalade. A raspberry sorbet adds a refreshing, tangy contrast. Whilst it was fine for me, I can imagine that some diners will find this cake a tad too sweet for their liking.

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I was also fortunate to dine alongside two couples celebrating an anniversary and a birthday. The atmosphere was thus made even more lively with special animation effects, and the whole table joined in their celebration. Each couple was presented with a slice of cake to mark their special occasion.

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It was definitely a memorable night out, and I appreciated the thought and creativity behind each element of this immersive dining experience. The food is good, and the animations and theatrics added a unique touch to the dinner experience. The cosy, intimate atmosphere also makes this a great choice for those celebrating a special occasion, offering a perfect blend of warmth, magic, and indulgence.

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Menu suitable for Vegetarians ($158++) and Young Ones ($108++) are available. For reservations and enquiries, please contact the Dining Reservations Team at +65 6825 1008, or email InterContinental.Dining@ihg.com

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


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

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

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

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Choupinette @ Bukit Timah - Cosy French Cafe Founded in 2002 Offers Festive 5-Course Meal at $68/pax

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Founded in 2002, Choupinette is a charming and quaint French cafe tucked along Bukit Timah, next to Coronation Plaza. Opened daily from 8am, it offers breakfast through dinner and a variety of pastries for takeaway.

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Choupinette is decked out in delightful Christmas decorations to celebrate the festive season and introduces a special Five-Course Meal ($68/pax), comprising an Aperitif, Soup, Main, Dessert, and Drink.

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Bread

Before starting the course, we began with warm, house-baked, light and crisp bread - a testament to the cafe's dedication to fresh, in-house baking.

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Cocktail Joyeuses Fêtes

The first course, a festive cocktail named Cocktail Joyeuses Fêtes, sets quite a celebratory tone.

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Crab Bisque 4.2/5

The Crab Bisque is a flavourful option for soups, balanced with bits of crab meat without being overpowering.

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Soupe à l'Oignon 4.2/5

The classic Soupe à l’Oignon satisfies with its soft caramelised onions and gooey melted Gruyère.

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Duck Breast Served with Raspberry Sauce 3.5/5

Next, we moved on to mains with the Duck Breast Served with Raspberry Sauce. Sliced thick, the duck was slightly chewy and leaned more gamey.

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Salmon en Papillote with Herb Sauce 3.8/5

Our other main, the Salmon en Papillote with Herb Sauce, while generous in portion, fell short due to its dry texture.

Other main options for the course include Boeuf Bourguignon and Vegetable Gratin with Ratatouille.

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French Apple Tart with Ice Cream 4.2/5

We went for the highly recommended French Apple Tart with Ice Cream for desserts. The warm, thin-crusted pastry carried slight sweetness from the apple slices, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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Chocolate Mousse 4/5

The indulgent Chocolate Mousse delivered in intensity in flavour, but my dining companion and I could have benefitted from a crunchier texture for balance. This would definitely be better for sharing as both texture and flavour could get too heavy for one.

Alternatively, the menu offers a classic Crème Brûlée as well.

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The meal ends on a comforting note with a choice of tea or coffee, including options like Earl Grey, Chamomile, and Moroccan Mint.

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.


Choupinette
607 Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 269708
Tel: +65 6466 0613
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Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 8am - 4pm
Tue-Sat: 8am - 930pm
Sun: 8am - 430pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Bukit Timah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Chamoon Hot Pot (享月汤皇) @ Scotts Square - China’s Top Hot Pot Restaurant With Nourishing Soup Bases Opens in Singapore

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Chamoon Hot Pot (享月汤皇) has opened its first overseas outlet in Scotts Square, expanding its Sichuan-based origins across China, where it has more than 30 branches. Originally a soup restaurant, Chamoon evolved into a hotpot brand due to its popular, nourishing vegetarian broths.

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Apart from à la carte dishes, diners can choose curated sets for 2 to 6 people. The Tiger Prawns, Abalone, and Premium Beef Set for 2 ($134++/pax or $149++/pax for members) is one option, offering a range of premium ingredients like A4 Japanese Wagyu, Hokkaido Iberico Pork, Tiger Prawns, 5-head Abalones, and more.

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The main dining area is quite spacious, catering to both small gatherings and larger groups. Induction cookers are seamlessly integrated into each table, giving diners their own individual pots. For those seeking privacy, private rooms are available for reservation with a minimum spend.

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Chamoon Hot Pot 3.5/5

The menu offers six nourishing soup bases, including the signature Truffle-Based Matsutake Mushroom, Beauty-Enhancing Papaya Tomato, Singapore-exclusive Mala, True Morel Mushrooms, Bamboo Fungus, and Cordyceps Mushroom.

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Truffle Based Matsutake Mushroom

I opted for Chamoon's signature Truffle-Based Matsutake Mushroom Soup ($9.90), renowned for its earthy depth and pleasant aroma. The broth was light yet flavourful and retained its nourishing quality without becoming overly salty after cooking several ingredients.

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The individual hotpot portions were especially appreciated, as they allowed each diner to personalise their meal.

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Braised Delicacies Platter

We were served a chilled starter. The Braised Delicacies Platter ($44) featured two cuts of beef with slices of lotus root.

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Meats

Meat lovers can indulge in a variety of premium options, such as A4 Japanese Wagyu, Japanese Kurobuta Pork, Hokkaido Iberico Pork, and Grain-Fed Angus.

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Norwegian Salmon

We also tried the Norwegian Salmon ($38), which could be enjoyed raw due to its sashimi-grade freshness or cooked briefly in the broth. However, the raw salmon wasn't as buttery as we had hoped, and we found the price too steep.

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Tiger Prawns

The standout seafood dish was the Tiger Prawns ($14.80), which the service staff kindly peeled for us. After a short time in the broth, the prawns came out crunchy and sweet, maintaining their natural flavour.

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Fresh 5-Head Abalone

The Fresh 5-Head Abalone ($29), while tender with a slight chew, didn't leave a strong impression.

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Vegetables

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Matsutake Mushroom Dumplings

We got to try the Matsutake Mushroom Dumplings ($12.80), but unfortunately, the dumpling skin was slightly doughy. Otherwise, the juicy filling was well-seasoned.

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Truffle Fried Rice

The fragrant Truffle Fried Rice ($22 for Small, $32 for Large) won the table with its balanced flavour. We enjoyed the slight char and the truffle's lack of overwhelm.

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Overall, Chamoon's individual hot pots and nourishing broths were the highlight for us, but we found the prices of the ingredients to be too steep for its quality.

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.


Chamoon Hot Pot 享月汤皇
Scotts Square
#03-01/02
6 Scotts Road
Singapore 228209
Tel: +65 6258 5232
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to Scotts Road. Turn right onto Scotts Road. Walk down Scotts Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Kulto @ Amoy Street - Bringing Vibrant Spanish Flavours to Singapore

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Kulto, located along Amoy Street, has garnered a loyal following for its authentic Spanish fare, surviving even the challenges of COVID-19 in Singapore's highly competitive food scene. Having heard much about the restaurant, I had the opportunity to visit recently and try a selection of their dishes. It was a meal that transported my taste buds to Spain, right in the heart of Singapore.

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Jamon Iberico Croquettes and Truffle Mushroom Croquettes 4/5

We started with the Jamon Iberico Croquettes and Truffle Mushroom Croquettes, and they set the tone for the rest of the evening. Deep-fried to a perfect golden brown, each croquette boasted a crisp exterior while the inside was irresistibly creamy and pillowy. The savoury Jamon Iberico and earthy truffle mushroom filling made for delightful bites — simple yet packed with flavour.

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Iberico Pork Belly with Piquillo Peppers & Caramelized Onion Pintxos 4/5

Next, we tried the Iberico Pork Belly with Piquillo Peppers & Caramelized Onion Pintxos. A slab of chargrilled Iberico pork belly was served atop a piece of toasted bread, and the pork itself was rich and flavourful. The caramelized onions added a perfect sweetness, cutting through the richness of the pork and creating a balanced and satisfying bite.

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Salmon Tartare, Crispy Avocado & Almond Cream 4.5/5

A standout dish of the evening was the Salmon Tartare, Crispy Avocado & Almond Cream ($26). At first, the combination seemed unusual, but it turned out to be a unique pairing that worked surprisingly well. The freshness of the salmon paired beautifully with the creamy avocado, while the almond cream brought everything together with its rich, nutty flavour. It is a harmonious and inventive dish that I'd happily order again.

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Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic Chilli Sauce, Hummus & Hazelnuts 4.8/5

I'm a fan of roasted cauliflower, having tried an excellent rendition at Kulto's sister restaurant. When I saw the Roasted Cauliflower ($24) on Kulto's menu, it was a must-order for me. This version did not disappoint — the spicy kick from the garlic chilli sauce elevated the charred and crunchy cauliflower. The creamy hummus and the delightful crunch of hazelnuts further enhanced the dish, adding multiple layers of texture and flavour.

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Iberico Pork Rib Eye with Celeriac Puree & Broccolini 250g 4.5/5

For the main protein, we opted for the Iberico Pork Rib Eye with Celeriac Puree & Broccolini ($38). The pork rib eye was perfectly cooked, with a beautiful char on the outside, yet tender and juicy on the inside. The accompanying celeriac puree was smooth and earthy, complementing the pork, while the broccolini added a touch of freshness to round off the dish. It is a hearty and satisfying choice for those who enjoy robust flavours.

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Squid Ink Paella 4.5/5

A highlight of Kulto's menu is their Squid Ink Paella, which comes in two sizes ($55 for a small portion, $75 for a larger one). Looking around the dining room, it was clear this dish was a crowd favourite, with many tables opting for it. The squid ink-infused rice was rich with the briny essence of the sea, and the dish was loaded with seafood, including seabass, mussels, clams, and squid. Every bite bursts with flavour, making it a must-try if you're a paella fan.

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Kulto Cheesecake 5/5

To wrap up the meal, we indulged in the Kulto Cheesecake ($16). This dessert was a showstopper. Creamy and cheesy with a beautifully caramelized top, it had just the right amount of richness. The biscuity base added a satisfying crunch, while the accompanying raspberry ice cream helped cut through the cheesecake's richness. It was the perfect way to end the meal and is a definite must-have for any visit to Kulto.

Kulto impresses with its vibrant and flavourful Spanish fare, offering a variety of dishes that showcase the best of Spanish cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant's cosy and laid-back ambience adds to the overall dining experience, making it a great spot to enjoy with friends and family. Whether you're in the mood for a rich Squid Ink Paella or looking to end your meal on a sweet note with their creamy Kulto Cheesecake, this Amoy Street gem delivers in every way.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kulto
87 Amoy Street
Singapore 069906
Tel: +65 96205626
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street towards Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Follow the covered walkway to the junction of Mccallum Street, Telok Ayer and Amoy Street. Turn left at the junction onto Amoy Street. Continue on Amoy Street to the end of the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]