Kaarla Wood-Fire Grill and Bar @ CapitaSpring - Pivoted From Fine Dining to Casual Australian-Japanese Restaurant

Formerly a fine dining concept, Kaarla at 1-Arden CapitaSpring has transitioned into a casual Australian-Japanese restaurant that offers a welcoming space for communal dining over wood-fire sharing plates and classic cocktails. Diners can also look forward to regular live entertainment for a chillout evening. Despite this pivot, Kaarla continues its commitment to sustainable dining by using ethically sourced ingredients from artisanal producers and local farms, incorporating over 158 species of edible greens, herbs, and flowers from its 10,000 sq-ft urban farm.

Yuzu Shoyu Salmon Skewers 4/5

Deep-Fried Lotus Root Chips 4/5

Parker Brioche 4/5

Instead of courses and a la carte dishes, the menu is now categorised into more affordably-priced sharing plates suitable for communal dining or after-work drinking sessions. To start the evening, we enjoyed some bar snacks, including crisped Deep-Fried Lotus Root Chips ($12), which were moreish with sweet-savoury furikake and dashi honey. The Parker Brioche ($10) with shio kombu butter added extra butteriness, and the Yuzu Shoyu Salmon Skewers ($15) satisfied with their fatty texture and smoky umami flavour.

Burrata 3/5

Coal Roasted Tiger Prawns 2.8/5

We tried the Coal Roasted Tiger Prawns ($22) and Burrata ($14) from the small plates. The burrata was lusciously soft and pillowy, complemented by a contrasting garlicky goma sauce. However, I couldn't help wondering what happened to the other half of the burrata. The prawns had good flavours imparted from sansho pepper and a tangy native tamarind jam, but they weren't as succulent as expected.

Natural Pork Loin 4.5/5

John Dory 2.5/5

For mains, the Natural Pork Loin ($36) was excellently done over a wood fire, served pink-tender over a bed of braised barley and garden vegetables from the farm. However, the John Dory ($46) fell short with a rubbery texture.

Wood Roasted Pumpkin 5/5

The Wood Roasted Pumpkin ($14) was a highlight for me. Slow-roasted, it had a dense and starchy texture, with a sweetness aptly contrasted by sharp goat's feta cheese and an umami miso glaze made from its own seeds, ground and mixed with miso. Atop the feta cheese was a handful of watercress from its farm, which surprised me with a refreshing, crunchy texture.

Cherry Ripe 4.5/5

Rounding off our meal was a divine Cherry Ripe ($18), featuring a classic combination of tart cherries and bitter dark chocolate ganache, brought together by a creamy coconut fudge.

Garden Fizz, Old Fashioned Kaarla

Alongside the revamped menu, the drinks selection has been refined to a concise selection of four signatures (all at $22), maximising house-grown herbs and kitchen ingredients. The Garden Fizz is a citrusy drink accented with rosemary, while the Old Fashioned Kaarla exudes a much bolder flavour, concocted with Australian bush tomatoes muddled with bourbon to give a slight caramel hint.

For the upcoming National Day, Kaarla is also one of the best options to catch the fireworks:

* Indulge in a 5-Course National Day Dinner priced at $168++ per person. (Available on July 27th, August 3rd, and 9th)
* Raise a Toast with Free-Flow Alcohol for $59++ per person on August 9th, from 6-8PM
* Join the Skyline Sparkle Party every Saturday from June 22nd to August 9th, Tickets are $30 nett per person and include one drink (choice of soft drink, juice, beer, housepour spirits, or wines).

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.


Kaarla Wood-Fire Grill & Bar
CapitaSpring
88 Market Street
#51-02
Singapore 048948
Tel: +65 8518 3763
Instagram
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon- Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to Malacca Street. Walk down Malacca Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Akanoya Robatayaki & Bar @ Orchard Rendezvous Hotel - A Revamped Robatayaki Experience with a $48++ Lunch Set

Nestled within the Akashi Group, Akanoya Robatayaki, a renowned Japanese bincho grill restaurant, has unveiled a fresh chapter in its culinary journey. After 8 years of serving delectable robatayaki dishes, the restaurant underwent an extensive transformation, modernising its space to provide an enriched dining encounter. This makeover added more booths, private rooms, and a bar while keeping the central robatayaki dining counter intact. Simultaneously, as part of this renaissance, Akanoya Robatayaki introduced lunch service for the first time in its history. The Hirugohan Lunch Set, priced at $48++, presents an indulgent collection of 8 delightful dishes.

The Hirugohan Lunch Set ($48++) commences with a parade of 5 diverse appetisers, which vary daily to ensure a fresh experience. This initial array aptly reflects the restaurant's meticulousness and commitment to quality.

Sashimi 4.2/5

Additionally, an optional Sashimi course is available for an extra $20. Our sashimi ensemble spotlighted Maguro, Hamachi, and Salmon, each exhibiting the impeccable freshness synonymous with Akanoya Robatayaki.

Meat Skewer with Half-boiled Egg 4.5/5

Moving ahead, we savour the Meat Skewer with Half-boiled Egg. This creation boasts a unique combination of meat with soft bone, providing a captivating textural interplay. As the half-boiled egg complements the skewer, a delightful fusion of flavours emerges, evoking memories of a classic Singaporean breakfast.

You can also order a couple of cocktails from the bar to complement the lunch. If not, it also has a stellar sake list offers 30 to 40 selections of rare sakes carefully sourced from various parts of Japan

Grilled Japanese Vegetables and Mushrooms 4/5

Enhancing the culinary affair, Grilled Japanese Vegetables and Mushrooms come into play. These delectable bites, caressed by the bincho charcoal's essence, acquire a subtle smoky allure while retaining their inviting crunch.

Beef Croquette 4.2/5

Among the highlights of the lunch set is the Beef Croquette, a scrumptious creation that marries flavoursome, juicy beef with a crispy exterior.

Wagyu 4.2/5

The main course offers a choice between Wagyu and Cod. Opting for the Wagyu, diners are treated to marbling that translates to a heavenly blend of flavour and melt-in-the-mouth texture, an epitome of culinary delight.

Donabe 4/5

The finale arrives with the Donabe, where fragrant rice dances with sakura ebi and salmon roes. Each spoonful bursts with intricate flavours, crafting a memorable conclusion to the meal.

Dessert 4.5/5

As a final touch, a duet of Japan Melon and Nashi Pear provides a sweet epilogue, aligning harmoniously with the lunch's unbeatable value.

This splendid 8-course lunch set, priced at $48++, is not limited to weekdays. The offering extends its allure on Saturdays, providing an equally captivating afternoon escapade. Akanoya Robatayaki beckons all who seek a revitalised robatayaki encounter brimming with authenticity, innovation, and culinary finesse.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Akanoya Robatayaki & Bar
Orchard Rendezvous Hotel
1 Tanglin Road
#01-01
Singapore 247905
Tel: +65 6732 1866
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 130am
Sun-Mon: 530pm - 1030pm

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. Walk down Orchard Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Estate @ Hilton Singapore Orchard - Unveils New Epicurean Buffet Offerings For Lunch And Dinner

Hilton Singapore Orchard's residential all-day buffet restaurant, Estate unveils a range of sumptuous new gourmet offerings on their spread for lunch and dinner from May 5, 2023 onwards. Diners can indulge in a tantalising variety of elevated local and regional dishes, each crafted with the finest and freshest ingredients to delight the taste buds and awaken the senses.

Guests looking to start their dinner light can first head to the Raw and Seafood Bar, where in addition to the succulent seafood available for lunch, diners can also enjoy freshly shucked seasonal oysters on ice and thick cuts of sashimi and sushi rolls.

Exclusively for dinner are the Premium Meats and Live Carvings of Estate Signature Black Truffle Roasted Duck with fried tofu and peanut crust, as well as the locally sourced Whole Barramundi with green pepper, chilli, potato, coriander and spring onion.

Another new highlight exclusive to dinner is a refreshed take on flavours for the Grilled Skewers, where carnivores will find a delectable range of meats well-marinated with homemade marinades created by Sri Lankan chef and butcher Bala from Estate's culinary team. Highlights include Chicken Shish Taouk, Fish Kebab, Beef Kofta, and Black Curry Pork Skewer.

The dinner buffet boasts a daily rotational menu of Western and modern Asian delights that will appeal to every palate. Diners who enjoy French specialities can indulge in the Baked Chicken with Dijon Creme Sauce and Grilled Angus Cube Roll with rich peppercorn brandy cream sauce.

The Carribean Coconut Mussel Curry is not to be missed, where perfectly cooked mussels are drenched in a rich and fragrant coconut curry sauce.

One of our favourites is the cooked-to-order Cantonese-style Wagyu Beef Handmade Noodles with tender beef tendon, white radish and a rich, soothing beef broth at the Noodles Kitchen.

Other Asian specialities include Szechuan-style Spicy and Soup with tofu, black fungus, mushrooms, sea cucumber and shredded chicken to start, and stop by the porridge station for a comforting bowl of Hong Kong-style Chicken Ball Congee with minced chicken ball, braised peanuts, century and salted eggs.

The dessert selection for dinner offers guests an even more comprehensive choice of toothsome treats like Rose Velvet Cake, Mixed Nuts Fudge Brownie, Bread and Butter Pudding. Diners can also head over to the Charcoal Waffle Ice Cream corner to enjoy freshly made charcoal waffles with creamy vanilla and chocolate gelatos.

Estate offers a range of sweet treats served in the restaurant’s iconic glass jars. Highlights include the Black Sesame Taro, Lychee Sakura Velveteen, and Coconut Pineapple Panna Cotta.

Estate Dinner Buffet
• Mondays to Sundays | 6:30 pm to 10 pm
• $88++ per adult (Sundays to Wednesdays)
• $108++ per adult (Fridays, Saturdays, Public Holidays & Eves of Public Holidays)
• Children aged between 6 and 12 years old dine at 50 percent off adult price. Children aged 5 years and below dine for free.
• Estate’s Lobster, Crab and Seafood Dinner Buffet (Every Thursday), priced at $158++ per adult

Estate Lunch Buffet
• Mondays to Saturdays | 12 pm to 2:30 pm
• $72++ per adult (Mondays to Thursdays)
• $78++ per adult (Fridays, Saturdays, Public Holidays & Eves of Public Holidays)
• Children aged between 6 and 12 years old dine at 50 percent off adult price. Children aged 5 years and below dine for free.
• Estate Grand Champagne Brunch (Every Sunday), priced from $158++ per adult

Prices include chilled juices, soft drinks, homemade iced tea, coffee and tea.

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]

L'Espresso @ Goodwood Park Hotel - English Afternoon Tea Buffet With Rosy Delights In Support Of Breast Cancer Awareness Month This October

In support of the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) this October,  Goodwood Park Hotel proudly presents a line-up of rosy-themed treats as special highlights within the popular English Afternoon Tea Buffet with Local Favourites and Rosy Delights at L'Espresso. In addition, a $3 nett donation will be made to the Breast Cancer Foundation for every adult dining on this buffet from 1 to 31 October 2022.

Diners are invited to feast on an indulgent selection of petite sandwiches, pink finger sandwiches of cucumber & cream cheese, and egg & truffle aioli.

The mini croissants include favourite flavours like tuna salad and salmon & brie cheese with honey mustard.

The dainty savoury tarts feature interesting flavour combinations such as the stone crabmeat salad with pink grapefruit and mentaiko dressing, greenland shrimp with raspberry mango aioli and beetroot cream cheese with forest berries compote. The fruit zestiness added a refreshing twist to the seafood.

The fried food section includes the juicy baked Mexican-style chicken mid-joint wings, crispy cheese croquette, spam fries and popcorn chicken.

One of our favourites is the mini pork burger with seafood cutlet and mentaiko mayonnaise. The seafood cutlet was superbly tender, which paired well with the mentaiko sauce.

There are also meaty choices of an assortment of skewers and roast carvings. Not to be missed is the beef wellington which has an incredibly tender and succulent beef tenderloin wrapped in a crispy, buttery pastry shell.

For local favourites, mouth-watering dishes like Laksa, Dry Mee Siam, Png Kueh, Crispy Yam Cake and Singapore Chilli Crabmeat with Mantou are not to be missed.

To end the meal or enjoy in-between, savour a wide array of rosy-themed desserts such as the Pink Pomelo Cream Tart and Raspberry Cheesecake that will delight those with a sweet tooth.

ENGLISH AFTERNOON TEA BUFFET WITH LOCAL FAVOURITES & ROSY DELIGHTS 1 October to 30 November 2022

- Two seatings on Mondays to Fridays (12pm to 2.30pm; 3pm to 5.30pm)
- Three seatings on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays (11am to 1pm; 1.30pm to 3.30pm; 4pm to 6pm)

Mondays to Thursdays: $65++ per adult; $39.80++ per child
(inclusive of coffee or tea (one serving) and free-flow self-serve cold fruit tea)

Fridays to Sundays: $68++ per adult; $40.80++ per child
(inclusive of coffee or tea (one serving) and freeflow self-serve cold fruit tea)

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.


L'Espresso
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301746
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 3pm - 530pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 11am - 1pm, 130pm - 330pm, 4 - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]