Full Circle by J-man @ Thye Hong Centre - Semi-Fine Dining Restaurant Hidden Within A Business Centre

Full Circle by J.man at Thye Hong Centre is a semi-fine dining restaurant serving progressive Asian cuisine, helmed by Chef Jay Teo. Its circular logo, with a stray end, symbolise the start of a new journey for Chef Jay - from culinary school as a trainee to a fully-fledged Chef, then back to being an instructor, completing a full circle with him back being a chef once again. Weekdays dinner and Saturday lunch feature a $168 Tasting Menu, alongside an option for Full Wine Pairing $128 and Abridged Pairing $88.

‘Lap Cheong’ Croquette

Cured Mackerel

The Tasting Menu is really interesting. I experienced five unique 'snacks', followed by a 'bread' item with a wine pairing. We started with a rose to complement the savoury snacks.

Smoked Chicken Cigar

‘Char Siew’ Tartlet

Cured Mackerel and 'Lap Cheong' Croquette were served together, followed by Smoked Chicken Cigar and 'Char Siew' Tartlet. Though dainty in size, each was packed with flavours. The Char Siew tartlet came loaded with caramelised fatty goodness and was rich and mouth-filling.

Blue Swimmer Crab Broth

Oyster Bread

The items that made a statement for me were the Blue Swimmer Crab Broth and Teochew oyster puff-inspired Oyster Bread. 2kg of blue swimmer crab to produce a litre of broth; hence each bowl is a full-bodied broth with depths of flavours. Sandwiched between each fluffy bread is a plump oyster, complementing each other perfectly.

Hokkaido Scallop 4.5/5

Hokkaido Scallop features a refreshing mix of Hokkaido scallop and water chestnut. Green apple slices and ginger flower sorbet served with pickled jicama jus added to that lightness and crunch. After all the savoury snacks, this refreshed my tastebuds with its citrus-forward flavour profile.

Obsiblue Prawn 3.8/5

The next course was Obsiblue Prawn, served with piquant pineapple, bamboo shoot and tamarind chutney, and coconut cream spiced with kaffir lime leaves and tamarind oil. I love how the tropical flavours played out in this dish and the mingling of the cold and warm elements, producing a very cohesive dish.

Quail 2.5/5

One of the mains featured was Quail served in 2 ways - one with angelica root infused jus and the other deep-fried with a tempura batter. Either way didn't quite work for me.

Duroc Pork Belly 4.8/5

On the other hand, the Spanish Duroc Pork Belly was deeply satisfying. Each laced with perfectly crisped skin amazed me with its clean flavour and optimal lean meat and fats ratio. Drawing ideas from Korean BBQ, diners are given lettuce to wrap each piece of pork belly, with coriander pesto and fish sauce caramel on the side to slather them with. Similar to kimchi, there are also some pickles to help cut the meat's richness. I was surprised that I was able to finish all of it without feeling of being overloaded. Thumbs up for this dish!

Red Snapper 4.5/5

You can choose to add on a Red Snapper course (+$28). Reminiscent of otah, the snapper was aromatic with the warm notes of banana leaf. Slathered with laksa rempah and coconut, the snapper was delicious with punchy spices. The juicy pomelo salad served on the side was an equally thoughtful touch to the dish.

Pre-dessert

There's also a pre-dessert course - Chrysanthemum Jelly with Goji Berry Sorbet. The chrysanthemum scent was uplifting, and I enjoyed how the sorbet sweetened the jelly, which carries a slightly bitter note.

Porcini Parfait 4.5/5

Dessert was a Porcini Parfait with Miso Sorbet paired with sesame crumbles and poached pear. Savoury ice creams are common, but I rarely get to try a plated dessert that is so well executed. The porcini had a distinctive taste but melded harmoniously with the miso sorbet, with added textures and nuances from the sweet pear and nutty sesame crumble.

Sweet Endings 4.5/5

Summing up our meal was Sweet Endings, featuring 9-spice Madeline and adorable Kaya Toast Macarons. The latter had a crust creatively done by mixing real toast with meringue to create the bread-meringue crust. The kaya custard had just the right amount of sweetness for the pandan flavour to come through.

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.


Full Circle by J-man
Thye Hong Centre
2 Leng Kee Road
#01-05
Singapore 159086
Tel: +65 80310141
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Nearest MRT: Redhill (EW Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Tiong Bahru Road. Continue onto Leng Kee Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

OUMI @ CapitaSpring - New Contemporary Japanese Kappo Cuisine At The Top Of Level 51

Located on level 51 of CapitaSpring is Oumi, the newest Japanese restaurant serving contemporary Japanese Kappo cuisine. It shares the same space with Kaarla, a contemporary Australian restaurant and bar.

Momotaro Cheese 4.5/5

We started our dinner with the Momotaro Cheese ($20) whereby miso cheeses are sandwiched between slices of Momotaro tomatoes. The sweet and savoury combination worked harmoniously on the palate, while the nori rice puff topping provided the extra textural enjoyment.

Kabocha Uni Tofu 4.8/5

A beautiful dish that is both pleasing to the palate and sight is the Kabocha Uni Tofu ($30). The housemade silky smooth pumpkin tofu is accentuated by sea urchin's topping, dressed in lovely shiitake tsuyu

Nasu Dengaku 4.2/5

I felt that the Nasu Dengaku ($20) may not be everyone's cup of tea due to the egg plant's slimy texture that has been grilled over binchotan with nori white miso and chopped into chunks and garnished with deep-fried golden buckwheat, deep-fried sakura ebi, hojiso (shiso) flowers and cat whiskers from the 1-Arden Food Forest. However, I enjoyed the dish for its complex play of textures and flavours coupled with smokiness from the grilling.

Gyutan Yaki 4.8/5

The thinly sliced Gyutan Yaki ($35), seasoned lightly with salt and pepper is grilled over binchotan for a delightful crunchy finish. The serving of shio negi complemented and freshen up the appreciation of the tender beef tongue.

Foie Gras Monaka 4.5/5

The dishes at Oumi are very beautifully presented. Take for example the Foie Gras Monaka ($15/pc) which is not only appetising in sight, but bright in taste profile too. The delicious foie gras ganache is piped into the light and crispy wafer, topped with Japanese salmon roe, Japanese flying fish roe, chrysanthemum petals, kombu-pickled daikon, wasabi, edible flowers and leaves from the 1-Arden Food Forest.

Tempura Crepe 5/5

Another beautiful dish on the menu is the Tempura Crepe ($25 for 2pc). I personally felt it can be one of their signature must try items. The cheesy crepe is topped with Australian scampi roe, Japanese flying fish roe, avocado slices, Ao-togarashi yoghurt, deep-fried sakura ebi, balsamic-teriyaki sauce, hojiso flowers and chrysanthemum petals. It is another multi-sensational dish with a delightful play of flavours and textures.

Kohitsuji Yaki 4.8/5

The Kohitsuji Yaki ($70) is another item on the menu that I enjoyed a lot. The juicy and tender Australian lamb chop is coated with finely chopped lemon myrite and lemon balm, served with Japanese sweet potato puree, fresh calamansi and garnished with edible flowers from the 1-Arden Food Forest.

Buta Kakuni 4.5/5

The Buta Kakuni ($60) reminds me of Okinawa cuisine which has Chinese influence. The wobbly and melted in the mouth braised pork belly has a hint of tang from the orange peel, served with grilled eringii mushrooms, fame flower, fresh egg yolk, mountain caviar, wasabi, edible flowers and leaves.

Awabi 4/5

The exquisite Awabi ($50), fresh live Australia abalone is salt-baked on the teppan. Once cooked, it is sliced and served on its shell, together with the innards topping and chipped wasabrina.

Wagyu 4.5/5

The Wagyu ($30 per serving) with fill you up at Oumi with the luxurious Kagashma A5 wagyu sirloin on top of Akita Komachi sushi rice, topped with an onsen egg yolk, Ao-Togarashi Yoghurt, Japanese leeks, lemon balm and served with freshly grated wasabi.

Kyoho Sorbet 4/5

To wrap up our dinner, we had the Kyoho Sorbet ($20) paired with warabi mochi and black sesame praline. A light and delicious dessert to end the dinner on a sweet note.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Oumi
CapitaSpring
88 Market Street
#51-01
Singapore 048948
Tel: +65 83383251
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Malacca Street. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

sen-ryo @ ION Orchard - Celebrates First Anniversary With Special Dishes And New Lunch Offerings

sen-ryo, which originates from Tochigi, Japan, celebrates its first anniversary in Singapore. Open on 01 April 2021, the restaurant is known for its well priced, top-notch offerings. It is hard to get a seat at the Japanese restaurant with reservations 2-3 months in advance. To commemorate this momentous occasion, Sen-ryo presents special dishes and new set lunch offerings to add to its already popular ones. There is even an exclusive gift for dine-in customers.

Tai Carpaccio with Truffle Soy and Shio Konbu 4.5/5

We start with the Chef's special of the day - Tai Carpaccio with Truffle Soy and Shio Kombu ($19.80). The addition of truffle soy and shio kombu accentuated the enjoyment of the clean tasting sea bream.

Otoro with Shio Koji Negitoro 4.8/5 & Abalone Sushi 3.8/5

Next, for the sushi dish, we had the Otoro with Shio Koji Negitoro ($11.80) and Abalone Sushi ($6.80). I love the otoro with shio koji negitoro for its multi-textural melted in the mouth enjoyment.

Kaki Soy Nabe 4.8/5

The restaurant has levelled up the popular Kaisen Soy Nabe with the introduction of the new Kaki Soy Nabe ($38.80), whereby freshly shucked Hyogo Oysters are added to the hotpot. The Japanese soy milk-dashi soup base is super good. So good that I have gone back for a few extra bowls. Besides the plump and sweet oysters, diners can also find chewy Kuzukiri noodles, tofu, vegetables and shiitake in the hotpot.

Sen-ryo Premium Sushi Set 5/5

Not to be missed at Sen-ryo is their lunch sets. One of the popular lunch sets is the sen-ryo Premium Sushi Set ($32.80) which comes with an assortment of sushi with premium seafood. On the plate, customers can look forwardto a beautiful plate of chutoro, maguro with spicy sauce, salmon, hamachi, hotate, akaebi, unagi, ikura gunkan and ebi fry maki. Completing the sets are chawanmushi, miso soup and tomato salad.

Sen-ryo Special Bento 4.2/5

Another popular lunch set is the sen-ryo Special Bento ($29.80) which comprises nine of the chef's recommended side dishes, including assorted sashimi flown in fresh from Japan, signature sen-ryo tamagoyaki, tofu in goma sauce, ebi tempura and tako karaage. The set also comes with rice, miso soup and warabi mochi. Some items may change.

Sen-ryo Kushiyaki Set 4.2/5

It has also launched three new lunch sets in conjunction with the restaurant's first anniversary. One of the three new lunch sets is the sen-ryo Kushiyaki Set ($20.80), which will delight skewer-fan with five sticks of ebi, hotate, tsukune, shiitake and onion, complete with rice, chawanmushi, miso soup, salad and pickles.

Peach Sorbet 4.5/5

Lemon Sorbet 4.5/5

Be in for a cute and sweet ending surprise in the range of fruit desserts specially brought in from Toyama, Japan. We tried the Peach Sorbet ($11.80) and Lemon Ice Cream ($6.80), which tasted and came in the shape of the real fruit.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


sen-ryo
ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#03-14
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 69746782
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am to 1030pm

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

Hanare By Takayama @ Takashimaya - Value For Money 6 Course Dinner At S$110 For 2 Pax

Hanare by Takayama at Takashimaya is Chef Taro Takayama's new concept, offering all a taste of the traditional Japanese rice dish known as Kamameshi. At Hanare, you get to experience the warmth of comfort food. There is also a chance to try some of Chef Taro's signature favourites from his omakase menu in a relatively more social and casual way of dining.

Sashimi

Tofu Salad

We had a special Dinner Set Menu which allows diners to try 6 courses of the restaurant's best dishes in one seating. We started with 2 appetisers - Tofu salad and Sashimi for two. The Tofu Salad was made extra scrumptious with a heap of crispy whitebait, brought together in harmony with a tangy-sweet ume dressing. The Sashimi also shone with freshness.

Assorted Tempura

 Original Dahimaki

The next course is Assorted Tempura with Tiger Prawns, mushrooms, lotus root and Shishito peppers and an Original Dahimaki. The sweetness and succulency of the Tiger prawn tempura were notable. The latter showcases the finesse of Chef Taro's skills. The humble rolled egg omelette was delicious with the deep and exquisite flavours of the dashi stock, infused and served with Chef Taro's special dashi stock.

Unagi Kamameshi

Halfway through the dishes, our Unagi Kamameshi finally arrived. And on it is a card earnestly telling diners, "good things come to those who wait", and let the pot cook for a precise 18 minutes till the portable fire dies out before you lift the wooden lid. The rice was plumped with a specially brewed dashi stock reduced for 1 - 2 hours. The unagi was delightfully unctuous, and I loved how the tiny pickles accented the pot of goodness with bursts of acidity.

Yuzu Sorbet

Dessert was a scoop of refreshing Yuzu Sorbet to round up the dinner.

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.


Hanare by Takayama
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
391 Orchard Road
#03-07
Ngee Ann City
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 82989369
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight at Ngee Ann City until destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Binary @ Palais Renaissance - New Gastrobar Featuring Asian And Western Cuisines

Newly opened at Palais Renaissance is Binary, a gastrobar that offers both Asian and Western cuisines complemented by a remarkable selection of 60 wine labels and cocktails. The menu allows guests to choose from two culinary approaches or enjoy both styles on the same plate.

Home-made Kubaneh Bread 4.5/5

A crowd favourite with almost every diners that I know that has visited the gastrobar is the Home-made Kubaneh Bread ($14) served with garlic butter and kombu butter. The Jewish Yemeni pull-apart bread is so soft and fluffy that is addictive so good with the butter pairing. 

Tomato Bruschetta 3/5

The other bread item on the menu is the Tomato Bruschetta ($14) served with fresh tomato concasse and sour plum infused tomatoes. Tomato is served two ways incorporating both Asian and Western flavours. It is enjoyable but not something extraordinary.

Deep-fried Burrata 

It is my first time having a Deep-fried Burrata ($18). The whole burrata is coated in panko and deep-fried. It is paired with pesto alla genovese. It may be an interesting idea, but I didn't find it helps elevate the enjoyment. I still prefer the burrata in its original form.

Chicken Wings 4.5/5

I adore the "Nasi Lemak" style Chicken Wings ($18) served with sambal tumis. It is very flavourful and aromatic from the various spices marination. The accompanying sambal tumis is an excellent pairing for the delicious chicken wings.

Tiger Prawns 4.5/5

A beautiful dish on the menu is the classic Spanish tapas, Gambas Al Ajillo. The bouncy and crunchy tiger prawns are sauteed in olive oil, garlic, chilli flakes, parsley, lemon juice and white wine.

Octopus 4.5/5

The Grilled Octopus in Lao Gan Ma Chilli is a unique dish on the menu. It is an interesting combination that works for me. I have tried a local take using sambal, but Lao Gan Ma Chilli's version is even better.

Iberico Pluma 4.5/5

The Iberico Pluma ($38) is marinated with Korean Gochujang, served with fresh green coral lettuce, ssamjang sauce, chopped kimchi and sea salt. The best way to enjoy the tender meat is to eat it like a wrap, wrapping it with lettuce.

10 Veg Chopped Salad

Parmesan Bacon Cauliflower

You can also order some sides to go along with your mains such, as 10 Veg Chopped Salad ($14) and Parmesan Bacon Flower ($14).

Ice Jelly, Yuzu Sorbet

Warm Homemade Fudgey Brownie, Vanilla Ice Cream

Ending the night on a sweet note, we have the Ice Jelly, Yuzu Sorbet ($16) and Warm Homemade Fudgey Brownie, Vanilla Ice Cream ($16). I prefer the Aiyu Jelly as it is sweet and refreshing.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Binary
Palais Renaissance
390 Orchard Road
#01-01A
Singapore 238871
Tel: +65 93630101
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction:
Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to Wheelock Place. Walk to traffic junction of Orchard Road and Angullia Park. Cross the road to Royal Thai Embassy. Turn left and continue down Orchard Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes.  [Map]