Wagyu X @ Club Street - Serving A Hokkaido Special Wagyu Crossbreed Not Commonly Found Outside Japan

At Wagyu X, a recently opened Japanese steakhouse on Club Street, Chef Masahiro Takada showcases a rare Hokkaido special wagyu crossbreed, a delicacy not often found outside Japan. This particular breed is celebrated for its exceptional balance, offering both the melt-in-your-mouth texture of Wagyu and the rich, beefy juiciness reminiscent of Angus beef.

Vinaigrette Cherry Tomatoes and Seaweed 3/5

The dining experience kicks off with a delightful Amuse Bouche - Vinaigrette Cherry Tomatoes and Seaweed, adorned with luscious Ikura pearls. This appetizer expertly whets the appetite for the dinner ahead.

Corn Mousse with Uni 4/5

The spotlight at Wagyu X remains firmly on the beef. While the restaurant prides itself on its exquisite cuts of Hokkaido special Wagyu crossbreed, it also boasts a well-curated selection of seasonal appetizers to complement the star of the show. The Corn Mousse with Uni ($30) is a silky revelation. The dish offers a mouthful of corn mousse, tantalizing the palate with the delightful popping pearls of salmon Ikura. The crowning touch of Bafun Uni adds a burst of flavour, resulting in an explosion of taste that sets the tone for what's to come.

Hokkaido Scallop 4.5/5

A Hokkaido Scallop ($26) creation further excites the senses. This dish takes sashimi-grade whole medallions of scallops and bakes them in a flavoured butter infusion. Accompanied by a housemade capsicum puree, it elevates the sweet creaminess of the scallop to another level.

Wagyu X Ribeye 4.8/5

Onto the main attraction, the Wagyu X itself, which comes in three iterations - Wagyu X Sirloin (500g $160, 1kg $300), Wagyu X Ribeye (500g $125, 1kg $240), and Wagyu X Tenderloin (250g $120, 500g $230). We started our carnivorous adventure with the Wagyu X Ribeye. Each slice is thoughtfully seasoned with a gentle sprinkle of salt, allowing the bold natural flavour and texture of the meat to shine. The ribeye boasts an ideal balance of lean meat and fats. Grilled to perfection, it presents a delightful charred edge, with the fats, after grilling, exuding a tantalizing aroma.

Wagyu X Sirloin 4.5/5

For those who prefer a more substantial bite, the Wagyu X Sirloin will be a suitable choice. This cut offers a bolder and more intense flavour than the ribeye, ensuring a satisfying indulgence for meat lovers.

Cream Spinach 4/5

Matsutake Fries 3/5

Roasted Japanese Pumpkin with Walnut 4.2/5

To round off the dining experience, diners can complement their steak with an array of tantalising sides. The Creamed Spinach ($12), sautéed in garlic, the Matsutake Fries ($12), and the Roasted Japanese Pumpkin with Walnut ($12) are excellent choices. Personally, I found the Roasted Japanese Pumpkin with Walnut to be a standout. This dish features sweet and tender pumpkin complemented by candied walnuts, adding a delightful nutty dimension.

Tiramisu 4.2/5

For dessert, the house speciality is the Tiramisu ($18). It's created from the same recipe as Chef Masa's sister restaurant, Ristorante Takada. This deconstructed masterpiece allows diners to savour the individual ingredients or enjoy them as a harmonious whole. What sets this tiramisu apart is the preparation of the ladyfingers. Instead of soaking them in coffee liqueur beforehand, they are quickly dipped upon order, resulting in a tiramisu with a delightful crunch, a unique twist on this classic dessert.

Burnt Cheesecake with Ice Cream 4/5

Alternatively, those with a sweet tooth can opt for the Burnt Cheesecake with Matcha Affogato ($24). This rich cheesecake is a delightful conclusion to the meal, especially when paired with a cold serving of vanilla ice cream and matcha sauce.

For busy executives in the CBD, Wagyu X offers a 3-Course Set Lunch Menu starting at $38++. This set menu includes a starter, main, and dessert, providing a quick yet savoury lunch option while allowing diners to experience the unique flavour of the Wagyu crossbreed. Wagyu X at Club Street indeed offers a rare and satisfying journey into the world of exquisite beef dining.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


    

Barood @ Tras Street - Modern Latin Indian Izakaya with Spiced Tapas and Inventive Cocktails

Barood has been hiding its culinary prowess for a year now, and it was high time I uncovered the gem at Tras Street above Revolver. This modern Latin Indian izakaya continues to push the boundaries with its spiced tapas and inventive cocktails, making every visit an exciting journey for the taste buds.

Sydney Spritz

Roma Amara

The evening began with a global tour of cocktails, each a liquid passport to a different destination. The Sydney Spritz ($24) and Roma Amara ($26) were our pre-dinner companions, setting the tone with their light and refreshing profiles.

Tostadas 4.2/5

We kicked off the 7-course Tasting Menu ($89/pax) with Tostadas that left us marvelling. These toasted tortillas were crowned with smoked aubergine, a seemingly humble ingredient that played a starring role. Even the aubergine sceptics among us were converted as the dish unfolded into a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.

Scallop Tart 5/5

The Scallop Tart, adorned with mango, chipotle, and curry leaf oil, was a delightful exploration of contrasts. The sweetness from the scallop shone through the layers of flavours. All encased in a crispy shell that added a satisfying crunch.

Goat Biryani Arancini 4.5/5

A highlight of the meal was the Goat Biryani Arancini, a delightful fusion of Italian rice balls with an Indian twist. Pulled goat, biryani, and pickle mayo were expertly combined, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried to perfection. The result was a burst of robust Indian spices.

Mexican Kiss

Tokyo no Sumo

We didn't stop at one round of cocktails. We sipped on the Mexican Kiss ($26) and Tokyo no Sumo ($28) for the second act, each offering a unique taste journey.

Smoked Lobster Yakitori 4.8/5

One of the menu's stars was the Smoked Lobster Yakitori, featuring sweet and bouncy lobster skewered alongside smoked chillies and chipotle chutney. The lobster's freshness and the sauce's smoky richness made for an unforgettable pairing.

Malabar Pork Taco 4.2/5

The Malabar Pork Taco was an elevated take on the traditional al pastor. Amul Cheese and fruity mango elevated the seasoned and marinated pork, creating a symphony of fireworks in every bite.

Momo Calcutta 4/5

Served in a steaming basket, the Momo Calcutta presented plump dumplings stuffed with ginger chicken, accompanied by pea shoots. The dumplings were juicy, and the pea shoots provided a delightful textural contrast. Pairing them with the Goan sambal elevated the experience.

Bombay Creme Brulee 4/5

We concluded the feast on a sweet note with the Bombay Creme Brulee, which had its own twist. Fresh corn and saffron were added, introducing new dimensions to this classic dessert. The sweet corn brought a pleasant sweetness, while the saffron added an aromatic touch.

Barood continues to stand out with its innovative dishes and inventive cocktails. Here's to another year of delightful surprises from this Latin Indian gem.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Barood
56A Tras Street
Singapore 078995
Tel: +65 96223410
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sat: 5pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun to Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right on Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Nest At One Farrer @ One Farrer Hotel - Bespoke Private Dining Experience

Nest at One Farrer Hotel offers an exclusive and unique private dining experience inside their private studios and villas on level 20, the top floor of One Farrer Hotel. Jointly designed by Executive Chef Marcus Tan and Pastry Chef Wee Pai Hau, they invite you to experience their all-new Executive Set menus alongside curated wine recommendations.

The Havens' private dining studios are converted from their hotel rooms, with a staff assigned to serve the customers in these studios. Meaning we had had the entire room to ourselves! The private studios offer two 5-course Executive Dinner menus - Lavender set menu ($98) and Wisteria set menu ($98). Two Executive menus for lunch are available as well.

We started with two warm buns, served with Truffle Butter and Unsalted Butter. The fluffy and buttery soft bun was particularly warming.

Honey Soy Unagi 4/5

Both the starters were excellent. The Honey Soy Unagi (Lavender) is a warm starter that whets my appetite with savoury, unctuous unagi, complemented by a slightly sweet tamago. The al dente kimchi capellini topped with saltish ikura and scallion helped build the dish's texture.

Ceviche Hokkaido Scallop 4.8/5

As for the cold starter, Ceviche Hokkaido Scallop (Wisteria), each slice of the scallop was succulent, offering an almost melt-in-your-mouth texture, complemented by the bright flavours of the Asian citrus-soy dressing and pink ginger. The accompanying savoury kaiso salad added an extra layer of flavour dimension, and texture.

Ginseng Chicken Consommé Wolfberries, Chicken Gyoza 4.8/5

Mushroom Velouté 4/5

For the second course, the Ginseng Chicken Consommé (Lavender) stood out with its elegant consommé carrying a good depth of ginseng flavour. Partially immersed within, a chicken gyoza was a highlight, featuring a juicy, well-seasoned filling encased in a perfectly pan-fried crust. The Mushroom Veloute (Wisteria) boasted a deep, earthy flavour from sautéed forest trumpets, with a touch of truffle oil to further enhance that earthiness.

Hoisin-barbecue pork belly 4.5/5

Both the third courses were well executed, but I found the Hoisin-Barbeque Pork Belly (Wisteria) to have a better balance of flavours, thanks to a yummy house-made Hoisin sauce that elevated the barbecued pork belly. The pork belly itself was succulent and tender, devoid of any strong porky flavour, and the crunchy macadamia sprinkles on top provided a delightful textural contrast. The tangy pineapple compote added a sweet and bright acidity, cutting through the dish's richness.

Mentaiko Mayo Halibut 4/5

The flavour profile of the Mentaiko Mayo Halibut leans more towards the sweeter side, but overall, we still enjoyed the dish. The fish had a tantalizingly buttery texture and flavour, enriched by the mentaiko mayo. The fruity and savoury tomato mousseline, along with the pickled tomato, was a thoughtful touch by the chef.

Braised Beef Cheek Rendang 3.5/5

Both menus feature beef as the fourth course. The Lavender menu presents a visually appealing Braised Beef Cheek Rendang served with Blue pea glutinous rice, pickled pineapple-cauliflower, and crispy parsnip. The beef cheek was incredibly tender, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the pickled cauliflower played a role similar to our Asian achar in a rendang dish. Though the taste of the parsnip was slightly off for some reason, it was a cohesive dish.

Filet mignon 2.8/5

As for the Filet Mignon, while the 'shao xing' wine jus that dressed it was flavourful, alongside thin slices of pancetta, the meat seemed to lack seasoning to bring out its flavours fully.

White Peach Terrine 3.8/5

Apple Tart Tatin 4/5

For desserts, the White Peach Terrine with Red Muscat Granite and Aloe Vera (Wisteria) was refreshing, especially due to the delectable bite of the jelly terrine. The Apple Tart Tatin with vanilla crème anglaise (Lavender) was stunning, striking a good balance between sweetness and acidity. However, a slight, distinct bitterness came through from the apple itself, and I'm not sure if that was intentional.

For dining at The Havens, a minimum of 4 guests is required, up to a maximum of 10 guests. Floral arrangement is upon request.

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.


Nest at One Farrer
One Farrer Hotel
Level 20
1 Farrer Park Station Road
Singapore 217562
Tel: +65 6705 7828
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12 - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

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

Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant (嘉味) @ Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy - Timeless Flavours, Modern Twists: Rediscovering Jia Wei's Culinary Charms

After a hiatus, I recently dined at Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant (嘉味) at Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy, and I was delighted to discover that the restaurant's culinary standards remain consistent. Jia Wei offers a unique blend of homely, traditional dishes infused with a modern touch while staying true to its classic roots.

Crispy Local Soft Shell Crab, Ice Plant Ume infused Tomato, Yuzu Dressing 4.2/5

I had previously enjoyed the Crispy Local Soft Shell Crab with Ice Plant ($23), and I was pleased to find that it still featured the refreshing salad dressed in vibrant yuzu dressing. The use of ice plant, not commonly found in Chinese cuisine, provided a delightful combination of crispiness from the soft shell crab with the crunch and refreshment of the ice plant.

Ah Ma Prawn Hae Chor 4.2/5

The Ah Ma Prawn Hae Chor ($22) was deep-fried to a golden brown. Unlike the usual Hae Chor, which tends to be meaty, this version had a delightful crunchy bite enriched by the sweetness of prawns.

Braised Beetroot Soup, Sweet Corn, Beancurd 4.2/5

Having tried the Kale Soup on a previous visit, I opted for the Braised Beetroot Soup ($14) this time. The sight of the colourful soup was already appetising, and the addition of sweet corn balanced the earthy profile, resulting in a delicious finish. The beancurd added an extra layer of texture contrast.

Wok Fried A4 Wagyu Striploin, Fresh Wasabi 4.8/5

The Wok Fried A4 Wagyu Striploin ($68) was thickly cut into cubes, showcasing impressive marbling. It was cooked to perfection—tender and juicy, complemented by asparagus to cut through the richness of the beef.

Wok Fried Scallop, Japanese Mountain Yam, Edamame, Yuzu Miso Sauce 4.5/5

The Wok Fried Scallop with Japanese Mountain Yam ($40) featured plump and sweet scallops, complemented by fresh and crunchy Japanese mountain yam. Edamame provided extra texture and enhanced the overall enjoyment, all brought together by a delicious yuzu miso sauce.

Jia Wei Ocean Gems Vermicelli in Opeh Leaf 4.2/5

For a taste of nostalgia, the Jia Wei Ocean Gems Vermicelli ($28) was served in an opeh leaf, a tradition that's somewhat uncommon nowadays. The opeh leaf infused the dish with a subtle aroma. Despite its pale appearance, the dish was bursting with robust flavour from a variety of seafood.

Chilled Homemade Coconut Pudding, Vanilla Ice Cream 5/5

A must-try dessert is the Chilled Homemade Coconut Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream ($16). The coconut pudding is crafted from fresh coconut water, resulting in an extremely light, smooth, and refreshing treat. Served with vanilla ice cream and lychee pops, it's a delightful conclusion to the meal.

Chilled Osmanthus Jello 4.2/5

Another delightful dessert is the Chilled Osmanthus Jello ($7.80), which strikes a perfect balance of sweetness and features the beautiful aroma of osmanthus.

Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant continues to offer a delightful dining experience with its harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary flavours. Whether you're savouring familiar classics or innovative creations, there's a treat for every palate.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant (嘉味)
Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy
50 East Coast Road
Marine Parade Road
Singapore 428769
Tel: +65 6340 5678
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line), Paya Lebar (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 31. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop along Paya Lebar Road (Stop ID 81111). Take bus number 43, 76, 134 or 135. Alight 8 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

SENSHI Sushi & Grill @ Dorsett Singapore - All-You-Can-Eat A La Carte Japanese Buffet with Newly Expanded Menu

SENSHI Sushi & Grill sits in the corner of Dorsett Singapore, a stone's throw away from Outram Park MRT Station. The Japanese restaurant offers both a la carte dishes and an all-you-can-eat buffet that has recently introduced a refreshed selection. Diners can expect new dishes that include Aburi dishes, Kaki Fry, Kani Gratin, Niku Jaga Braised Beef, Buta Kakuni Braised Pork and Japanese Mochi.

The buffet rates are as follows:

Lunch (11.30am to 3pm)
Weekday: $40+/pax
Weekend: $48+/pax

Dinner (6pm to 10.30pm)
Weekday: $50+/pax
Weekend: $55+/pax

The buffet includes free-flow drinks of house tea, soda and juice. With an add-on of $38/pax, you can also enjoy free-flow alcohol.

Included in the buffet are free flow drinks of house tea, soda and juice. With an add on of $38/pax, you can also enjoy free flow alcohol.

We tried the Weekend Dinner menu here, which differs slightly from their Weekday and Lunch menus. The range includes appetisers, sashimi, maki sushi, nigiri sushi, aburi nigiri sushi, handrolls, grilled dishes, hot dishes, deep-fried dishes, rice and noodles, and shabu shabu.

Assorted Sashimi

It's not a Japanese buffet without sashimi! We started with an Assorted Sashimi platter with salmon, tuna, swordfish, yellowtail and octopus. Their quality was decent, though some of the cuts could be improved. You can order these individually too.

Hot Appetisers - Truffle Chawanmushi

There is a selection of both hot and cold appetisers. From the Hot Appetisers range, you can choose from dishes such as Truffle Chawanmushi, Mentaiko Fries, and Asari Tofu Soup.

Cold Appetisers - Pidan Tofu

There are Pidan Tofu, Wafu Seafood Salad, Cold Spinach, Edamame, and more from the Cold Appetisers. The Pidan Tofu was a little disappointing, as I hoped the Pidan sauce would be more distinct.

Sushi

We ordered a mix of different items from the extensive range of Sushi items, consisting of maki, aburi sushi and nigiri sushi. Our favourites from here were the salmon dishes, such as the Aburi Salmon Mentaiko, Aburi Salmon Cheese and Salmon Mentaiko Maki.

Other non-salmon dishes include Chicken Floss Maki, Tuna Truffle Sushi and Aburi Ebi Mentaiko.

Handrolls

There are six types of Handrolls. We had the Softshell Crab Handroll but did not like it as the crab filling came lukewarm and needed a crunch. I suggest skipping this and trying the others instead.

Grilled Dishes - Baked Half Shell Scallop

From the Grilled Dishes section, we tried the Baked Half Shell Scallop, Baked Half Shell Oyster and Kani Gratin. These were generously topped with torched cheese! While the Kani Gratin had little crab meat, the scallops and oysters were plump and fresh.

Hot Dishes - Niku Jaga (Braised Beef)

My dining companion had the Braised Beef, one of the newest items in the Hot Dishes section. While she appreciated the flavourful sauce, the beef slices were a tad tough.

Hot Dishes - Sea Clam Butter Monte

Other Hot Dishes include the garlicky Sea Clam Butter Monte, Beef Cubes, Eggplant in Miso, Pork Yakiniku and more.

Deep Fried - Kaki Fry

My dining companion and I recommend getting their Kaki Fry from the Deep Fried selection. The oysters were creamy and fried to a crunch, faring much better than we expected.

Shabu Shabu

Their Shabu Shabu comes in a sharing portion with the choice to add on Pork Slices, Beef Slices and Sea Clams. The base broth leans towards the bland side. Hence, I suggest adding meats and clams to provide better flavour.

Beverages

For Beverages, we had their Slushies from the a la carte menu - Strawberry Yuzu ($6) and Lychee Grapefruit ($6). Unfortunately, both of them were too sweet for my liking.

If you prefer alcohol, they have quite a range of alcoholic drinks, from wines, beers and sake to soju, umeshu and Japanese whisky. Non-alcoholic options include juices, coffee, tea, soft drinks and water.

Hokkaido Cheesecake with Soft Serve Ice Cream

Desserts are not included in the buffet. We picked two from the a la carte menu, the first being the Hokkaido Cheesecake with Soft Serve Ice Cream ($9). While the cheesecake was creamy and soft, the soft serve had quite an icy texture.

Fresh Melon

The second dessert we chose to end the night was the crunchy and sweet Fresh Melon ($6).

Overall, we appreciated SENSHI’s fast and warm service in serving orders, but the buffet dishes were a mix of hits and misses.

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.


SENSHI Sushi & Grill
Dorsett Singapore
#01-01
333 New Bridge Road
Singapore 088765
Tel: +65 8518 8616
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park MRT (EW, NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1. Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]