Showing posts with label Short Ribs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Short Ribs. Show all posts

Friday, October 25, 2019

Makino @ Paya Lebar Quarter - New Japanese Dining And Shabu Shabu Hotpot Concept

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Nestled within the new Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ) mall, just next to Paya Lebar MRT station, Makino is the first shabu shabu concept launched by Asahi Group, where you can savour fresh seafood, meat and vegetables all cooked to your preference in a fragrant stock permeated broth.

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Choose from their variety of special Japanese soup bases such as the spicy Tsurai Miso Soup, Mentaiko Soup, Kinoko Soup and Tonkotsu Soup laden with rich flavours.

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Kickstart the meal with their popular Royal Milk Tea with Azuki Beans ($5.80). Instead of the usual boba pearls, azuki beans are used as toppings which adds a subtle sweetness to the drink. We found the Citrus Fruit with Homemade Barley drink ($5.80) to be quite an interesting combination as well, with an additional zesty touch to the usual barley flavour.

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With quality ingredients and an extensive menu that features all types of seafood, meat and vegetables, we had a good mix of everything from the Ebi Shinjo (Makino special minced prawn), Tori Menchi (minced fresh chicken thigh with chicken soft bone), Reito Tofu and Kyabetsu cabbage to the Zuwai Kani (Japanese snow crab legs).

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I actually like to have the Uzura Tamago (quail eggs) served cold, but a dip into the flavoursome boiling pot rendered the yolk all melty and gooey, with a delicate pork bone flavour added to it.

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For the meat lovers, go for the Karubi US short ribs ($16.80) and the Butakara Kurobuta Pork Collar ($12). We loved the Karubi for its well-balanced flavours and marbling. The thinly sliced meat has a fast cooking time in the steaming hot broth and just melts in your mouth instantaneously. The Butakara is also rich in flavours while possessing a remarkable melt-in-your-mouth texture.

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If that's not enough to satiate your hunger, load up on the carbs with their noodles selection such as the Ramen ($6.80), Gyo Somen ($9.50), Inaniwa Udon ($6.80), and Cha Soba ($6.80).

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Besides the shabu shabu option, the menu also offers a plethora of appetising popular Japanese dishes. If shabu shabu is not your thing, go for their range of ala carte donburis, tempura, sushi and sashimi instead.

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.


Makino
Paya Lebar Quarter
10 Paya Lebar Road
#03-28/29
Singapore 409057
Website
Tel: +65 60722770
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, July 11, 2019

Curious Palette @ Prinsep Street - Presents A New Menu Of Tantalising Creations By Consultant Chef Desmond Shen, Formerly From Magic Square

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This June, Curious Palette collaborates with Magic Square alumnus, Chef Desmond Shen to roll out a new menu with expanded offerings. The tantalising line-up of starters and sides combine seasonal vegetables, pristine seafood, and robust meats with house-made sauces and dips to form inventive and sophisticated creations to pique your tastebuds.

Together with the Curious Palette team, Consultant Chef Desmond Shen has created a menu encompassing an all-day selection of starters and sweets (available from 9am – 10pm), brunch (9am – 3pm), lunch (12 – 10pm), and dinner (6 – 10pm).

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Tomato, Tamarind Ponzu 3.8/5

To kickstart our meal, we had the appetiser, Tomato, Tamarind Ponzu ($10.90) which is a refreshing palate-cleanser with its plump and juicy tomatoes, along with yuzu and pickled lemon to enliven the dish with a subtle citrusy, tangy flavour.

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Fried Cauliflower with Fish Sauce Caramel 4.2/5

The Fried Cauliflower with Fish Sauce Caramel ($11.90) was a highly addictive snack comprising of crispy battered and fried cauliflower florets dusted with curry powder. The fragrant lemon emulsion provides a tangy contrast to the luscious house-made savoury-sweet fish sauce caramel.

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Sugarloaf Cabbage with Seaweed Butter 4/5

The Sugarloaf Cabbage with Seaweed Butter ($12.90) come in a bundle of juicy, roasted cabbages and a generous sprinkling of toasted nuts, seeds, buckwheat and crispy curry leaves. The cabbage boosts a natural sweetness to it, while the toasted nuts add a nutty, smoky aftertaste. The dish is also accompanied with an umami creaminess of the seaweed butter, and a perfectly poached egg to harmonise the various components.

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Mentaiko Belacan Pasta 4.2/5

The Mentaiko Belacan Pasta ($18.90) comprises creamy al dente pasta tossed in a heady sauce prepared with prawn and shallot oil, butter, and a hint of belacan to give it a rich, briny umami flavour. Topped with a trio of charcoal-grilled tiger prawns and chilli powder to complete the dish.

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Cray Roll 3.8/5

The Cray Roll ($19.90) comes in generous, tender chunks of crayfish and ebikko stuffed into a fluffy, toasted brioche roll. Topped with prawn mayonnaise and fried capers which adds an umami creaminess to the roll, and served with a pile of crispy golden shoestring fries.

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Slow Cooked Shortrib 4/5

The Slow Cooked Shortrib ($29.90) features a beef short ribs sous vide in soy sauce, mirin, burnt onions, and apple juice. It is finished off with treacly burnt soy and brown butter. The juicy short rib boosts a fork-tender consistency, with slightly crispy edges which adds a charred smokiness to the meat. It is best enjoyed wrapped in fresh lettuce, with pickles and yuzu kosho for a touch of tang.

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Kaya, Coffee Butter 3.5/5

End the meal on a sweet note with the Kaya, Coffee Butter ($9.50) which features a crispy buttered and toasted white bread with a generous spread of kaya (coconut jam) made with gula melaka (palm sugar), and a thick slice of fridge-cold coffee butter tucked within. For the quintessential experience, dip the kaya toast in the accompanying saucer of sous vide egg and espresso shoyu (soy sauce).

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.


Curious Palette
64 Prinsep Street
Singapore 188667
Tel: +65 62381068
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Bras Basah (CC Line), Bencoolen (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 9am - 10pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bencoolen MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 mins minutes.[Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit D & E. Walk down Bras Basah road towards Prinsep Street. Turn right onto Prinsep Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Monday, June 3, 2019

Racines @ Sofitel Singapore City Centre - Refreshed Menu That Showcases Both French & Traditional Chinese Cuisines

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Racines at Sofitel Singapore City Centre has recently launched a new menu that further amplifies its duality of authentic French and traditional Chinese cuisines. By preparing a selection of ingredients in two distinct styles, you will see how a common ingredient stands out in two directions led by Executive Chef Jean-Charles Dubois and Executive Chinese Chef Andrew Chong respectively.

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Clear Lobster Broth 4.5/5 and Classic Lobster Bisque 4.5/5

It was such a bliss to start our meal with the Lobster ($26) as the main ingredient to make my soup. Deep with crustacean flavours, the Classic Lobster Bisque with Scallop Mousse Quenelle was savoury with a rounded sweetness and given a touch of creaminess to give that satiable mouthfill. On the other hand, the Clear Lobster Broth surprised me with its depth of flavours that was intertwined with tangy notes coming from pieces of pickled kohlrabi.

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Mosaic of Foie Gras Terrine 3.5/5

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Pan-Seared Foie Gras 3/5

For starters, we also had Foie gras ($24) delivered 2 ways - Infused with cocoa and Szechuan pepper, the Mosaic of Foie Gras Terrine left a more profound impression than Pan-Seared Foie Gras, which comes with a caramelised fig that wasn't pushed to the edge enough to draw out its sweetness.

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Pan-Seared Atlantic Scallops 3.8/5

Scallops ($42) is presented as a pre-main and main. In Pan-Seared Atlantic Scallops, the zesty and buttery Iranian black lemon beurre blanc not only brightens up the dish, but it also boosts the texture of the succulent scallops.

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Singaporean Seafood Laksa 3.8/5

As a main, the Hokkaido scallop crowns the Singaporean Seafood Laksa, accompanied by a fried rock lobster. The capellini was well done, so much so that the coconut broth could be poured over without weighing it down. I like the consistency of the broth, which is light but packed full of flavours.

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Slow-cooked Australian Wagyu Beef Cheek 3/5

For Wagyu Beef ($42), the Slow-cooked Australian Wagyu Beef Cheek was not as fork-tender as I expected it to be, and much of the red wine infused jus was needed to bring out its flavour.

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Soy-Braised Wagyu Beef Short Rib 2.8/5

Whereas for the Soy-Braised Wagyu Beef Short Rib, mine was rather tough and the foie gras sauce didn't quite complement the short rib either.

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Rich Valrhona Chocolate Creme Brulee 3.8/5

For dessert, we had Rich Valrhona Chocolate Creme Brulee with Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream and Orange Ginger Coulis. The ice cream with orange ginger coulis was yummy enough to be a dessert on its own. The chocolate creme brulee was like a much-needed chocolate ice cream after a long day if only the thick buttery biscuit underneath was a thin crisp wafer instead.

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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Racines
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Level 5
9 Wallich Street
Singapore 078885
Tel: +65 64285000
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun: 630am - 1030am, 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right on Peck Seah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

15 Stamford by Alvin Leung @ The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore - A Wood-Fired Steakhouse With Whole Giant Turbot

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After the opening of the Forbidden Duck Singapore last year, Chef Alvin Leung has opened another new restaurant 15 Stamford by Alvin Leung at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore. The new restaurant focuses on wood and charcoal grill, a grill house that uses a fete of fine Asian flavours with its exquisite dry-aged beef and premium seafood.

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Bluefin Tuna Tartare 4.2/5

Dinner at the beautiful restaurant started with the Bluefin Tuna Tartare ($18 for 3pc) served in a nori taco shell. The aroma from the seaweed definitely whetted up the appetite. The bluefin tuna cubes are tossed in housemade Gochujang sauce which enliven the flavour with a tad of spiciness.

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Grilled Hokkaido Scallop 4/5

The plump and juicy Grilled Hokkaido Scallop ($12) is paired with soy garlic vinegar butter sauce and topped with deep fried shredded ginger. Have a squeeze of the calamansi to elevate the enjoyment.

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Indonesian Spiced Roasted Bone Marrow 4/5

The highlight for the Indonesian Spiced Roasted Bone Marrow ($22) is actually the accompanying shallot marmalade (shallots reduced by red wine and zhenjiang vinegar). It is like icing on the cake. The bone marrow and ox tongue braised in beef jus, garlic and soya sauce, jump to live when eaten together with the shallots.

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72 Hours US Bone-In Short Ribs Rendang 3.5/5

Sous vide for a good 72 hours to achieve the tender texture is the US Bone-In Short Ribs Rendang ($68). I find the rendang sauce slightly on the sweet side and lacked that rempah fragrant, taste more like a peanut sauce instead. On a side note, I enjoyed the pickled cabbage at the side to cut through those richness.

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Chargrilled "Bak Kut Teh" Pork Chop 4/5

Marinated for 12 hours with over eight different Bak Kut Teh spices is the Chargrilled "Bak Kut Teh" Pork Chop ($38). The tender meat alone may not be able to highlight the characteristic of the local pork bone soup. Hence I would recommend having it together with the housemade barbecue sauce which has been infused with Bak Kut Teh herbs. It will taste closer and more familiar to the bak kut teh dish that we know.

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"Har Mi" Linguine 4/5

The "Har Mi" Linguiine ($38) may looking assuming, like any other ordinary plate of pasta with grilled tiger prawns. Be surprised to be hit by a tsuami flavour of prawny robustness infused into the pasta. The pasta that has been cooked in prawn stock, and stir fried with ebiko, shrimp oil and shrimp floss.

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Turbot 4.5/5

One of the my favourite dishes is the chargrilled whole Turbot ($120). Nothing fancy, just lightly seasoned with salt and chargrilled to bring out the natural sweetness of the white fish. It comes with lemon and 2 housemade sauces (Thai Salsa and Spicy Peppercorn Sauce).

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Mashed Potatoes and Salted Fish 4.5/5

To complete your meal, you may want to order some sides to go along such as Grilled Eggplant ($12) and 50-40-10 Mashed Potatoes and Salted Fish ($12). The mash potatoes is to die for. It uses a ratio of 50% potatoes, 40% butter and 10% salted fish. The addition of salted fish is like bacon on baked potatoe for the smooth and creamy mash potatoes, providing the addition texture and flavour.

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Grilled Eggplant 4/5

The Mango Pomelo Sago with Coconut Snow ($16) is an elevated inspiration of the local "Ice Kachang" with the crowning of nitrogen coconut ice for a dramatic entry.

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Mango Pomelo Sago with Coconut Snow 4.2/5

Besides the grilled items on the menu, 15 Stamford also offers some local renditions such as laksa and chicken rice. Unfortunately the local favourites in my opinion is quite expensive considering there are many options around the vicinity. I would recommend the grilled item instead, especially their steaks and turbot.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


15 Stamford by Alvin Leung
The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
15 Stamford Road
Singapore 178906
Tel: +65 67156871
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A or D. Walk to traffic junction North Bridge Road and Stamford Road. Cross the road. Walk down Stamford Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, March 23, 2019

Sky 22 @ Courtyard By Marriott Singapore Novena - Flavours Of Korea Buffet

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For a limited period from 15 March to 28 April 2019, Sky22 at Courtyard By Marriott Singapore Novena will be offering the Flavours of Korea buffet during the weekends. The Korean themed buffed is specially curated by their new South Korea Chef Hwang In Yong (Ian) and Executive Chef John Chye. Guests will be in for a feast of Korean classics as well as popular Korean street foods.

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Cabbage Kimchi

Not to be missed is the housemade Cabbage Kimchi, they are so good. It has the right balance of sourish and spiciness on top of the crunchy texture. I was hoping that I can buy some of these to take home.

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Spicy Seafood Tofu Soup 3/5

While my group of diners love the Spicy Seafood Tofu Soup, I have different view. The flavour is there but I felt that it lacked the heat to match its description. I really hope it can be spicier.

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Braised Short Ribs 4/5

The Braised Short Ribs on the other hand was spot on. They were well infused in the sweet sauce with fall of the bone meat. A very delightful dish to go with some steamed rice.

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Kimchi Fried Rice 3/5

Unfortunately I could not taste the robustness of kimchi in the Kimchi Fried Rice. The chef definitely need to improve on the dish or it will be passed off as normal fried rice.

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Braised Kimchi Pork 3.5/5

Contradicting to the kimchi fried rice, the Braised Kimchi Pork Ribs came across more flavourful with the distinct kimchi flavour. As for the braised pork, it can be more tender.

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Sweet and Spicy Deep Fried Chicken Cube 4/5

I actually enjoyed snacking the Sweet and Spicy Deep Fried Chicken Cube. The chicken pieces are well coated with the sticky sweet and spicy sauce, fragrant with sesame seeds. Some of the diners felt that it is a bit dry but I actually like the slightly tough texture for that bite to chew on.

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Bibimbap 4.2/5

Diners at the Korean themed buffet can also have a little fun creating their own Bibimbap at the DIY  Bibim Bar. Have some fun putting the bibimbap together. The food will always taste better when you make it yourself.

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Vegetable Pancake 3.5/5

I find the Vegetable Pancake will be subjective to individual liking. If you are not into greens than you will not like it. As for me I like the fact that there was not a lot of batter on the pancake, allowing me to appreciate the greens.

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Korean Sweet Pancake 4/5

Complete the feast on a sweet note with Korean desserts such as Rice Cakes, Chestnut Balls and Sweet Pancakes. For the buffet spread, on top of the Korean delights, there are also a myriad of seafood from the steam & grill seafood bar to complement the spread.

Flavours Of Korea
Date: 15 March to 28 April 2019
Time: 12pm - 230pm (Sat-Sun, except Easter), 6pm - 10pm (Fri-Sat)
Price: $56++ adult, $28++ child (6 to 12 years old)
- Add $28++ per pax for free flow house pour red & white wine, prosecco, soft drinks.
- Add $12+ per pax for free flow soft drinks and juices.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Sky 22
Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena
Level 22
99 Irrawaddy Road
Singapore 329568
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily:
630am - 1030am (breakfast)
12pm - 230pm (lunch)
3pm - 5pm (Tea)
6pm - 10pm (Dinner)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]