Salut Private Dining @ Grange Heights - A New Private Dining Concept By Chef Karl Dobler

Celebrate and entertain your friends and loved ones in this beautiful, intimate space. Welcome to Salut Private Dining, a new dining concept helmed by Karl and Jessica - one with excellent culinary skills, the other with impeccable taste.

Austrian Chef Karl Dobler's culinary repertoire spans from Michelin-starred restaurants to luxury hotels across Europe and Australia. You might also remember him from Flutes Restaurant or then Restaurant Salut Private Dining in Dempsey. With great respect for classic flavours and culinary techniques, Chef Karl personally sources fresh seasonal ingredients and carefully prepares them. While contemporary European cuisine is his speciality, he is adept at Asian and Peranakan cooking and whips up a very popular Prawn Noodles. Meanwhile, Jessica works her magic to create the perfect ambience for your dinner event and can set the table for personalised themes. Tonight, we're enjoying a romantic candlelit table set with white roses and artfully strewn crystals.

As guests stream in, smartly dressed wait staff warmly welcome them with flutes of champagne and canapés of the most luxurious degree - smoked salmon with cream cheese & caviar, beef cheeks mini puffs and burrata & tomato mini toasts. Feel free to bring your own wines and spirits. There is no corkage charge. A generous policy!

A dish of Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio appears in front of us. It's delicately sliced and draped like a flower, drizzled with truffle soy dressing and some olive pearls.

As White Asparagus is in season, the Chef prepares it as a warm appetiser served with a soft hen egg, truffle hollandaise and bellota ham, which is the finest grade of Jamón ibérico with a smooth texture and a rich, savoury taste.

Next comes a pan-seared NZ Bass Grouper prepared with artichoke mash, edamame, and scampi glaze. The fish's flesh is firm, white, and flaky. Delicious!

We got to try the Chef's signature Crispy Roasted Suckling Pig, which had a crackling skin. It is served with smoked pancetta cabbage, rosemary potatoes, and star anise jus.

The dessert was well-timed. We caught an aromatic whiff of the soufflés baking as we were about to finish our main course. Out from the kitchen came those piping hot ramekins of Passionfruit Soufflé, baked with real fruit bits. It was delightfully melty and absolutely enjoyable.

We thought dinner had come to an end but were presented with Hand-rolled Hazelnut Chocolate Truffles. As a chocolate lover, I can only say that I wished I had the whole tray to myself.

Afterwards, a fine selection of Cheese, Dried Fruits, and Crackers accompanied the post-dinner wine and conversation.

Although newly opened, Salut Private Dining has already received strong interest from regulars, who invite Chef Karl to their homes for private catering. A minimum party of 6 persons is required, and the dining room can accommodate up to 20. Typically, a 5-course menu starts from $198 per pax, with no service charge or GST. If interested, do reserve at least 2 weeks to 1 month in advance.

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


Salut Private Dining
Grange Heights
15 Saint Thomas Walk
Singapore 238145
Tel: +65 9831 3067
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Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Direction:
1) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk to bus stop at Riva Lodge (Stop ID 13071). Take bus number 32, 54, 139 or 195. Alight 1 stop later. Walk to Saint Thomas Walk street. Turn right onto Saint Thomas Walk street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk down River Valley Road towards Saint Thomas Walk. Turn left onto Saint Thomas Walk. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Le Matin Patisserie @ ION Orchard - Expanded Menu of French Fare with Crab Waffles, Brown Butter Artichoke Wedges, Soufflé Au Chocolat and More

Le Matin Patisserie first unveiled its new permanent space in ION Orchard earlier in February this year and has now launched an expanded menu of French fare that is available every Wednesday to Sunday, for brunch from 11am to 2.30pm and dinner from 6pm to 9pm.

The exciting new selections continue to tap on Chef-Owner Mohamed Al-Matin's vast expertise in fine pastries and French techniques, putting together options from entrées, mains, sides to desserts.

Salade 4/5

For a light start, consider the Salade ($12). This dish features a combination of fresh baby spinach and arugula, along with roasted and fresh beets, mixed citrus, and pine nuts.

Brown Butter Artichoke Wedges 4.2/5

Despite its unassuming appearance, the Brown Butter Artichoke Wedges ($16) proved to be addictive. Crafted with nutty confit Jerusalem artichoke, it comes with a refreshing dip of lemon thyme aioli.

Bread & Butter 4.2/5

I absolutely adored the Bread & Butter ($9) dish, especially the earthy and rich fermented porcini butter served alongside two soft cubes of whole-wheat milk buns.

Crab Waffles 4.5/5

Seafood enthusiasts should not miss the Crab Waffles ($20.90). The heart-shaped crunchy waffles are made with seafood butter and dusted with nori for an added layer of fragrance. Spread on the chilled crab tartare and smoked taramasalata dip for a luxurious bite that is rich in umami, creaminess, and herbaceous notes all at once.

Fish & Chips 4.5/5

The Fish & Chips ($35.90) also left a lasting impression. Enjoy the entire battered Haddock fillet, which was not only fresh and substantial but also accompanied by an edamame mash, yuzu tartare, and thinly crusted fried potatoes. The edamame mash was a novel twist done well.

Lemon Thyme Madeleines 4.2/5

These delightful Lemon Thyme Madeleines ($12.90) are baked to order, offering a fresh and petite-sized treat that pairs perfectly with your tea or coffee. Infused with the bright flavours of lemon and thyme, they make for a delightful sharing side, especially when dipped in the herby fir syrup cream.

The texture may become denser as it cools. Hence, I recommend enjoying it warm for the best experience!

Soufflé Au Chocolat 4.5/5

The 20-minute bake time for the Soufflé Au Chocolat ($18.90) was well worth the wait. Featuring a fluffy, soft dark chocolate soufflé, hazelnut praline, and reduced milk ice cream, it promises an indulgent treat.

Mangosteen & Lychee Granita 4.5/5

For a more refreshing option, the delicately crafted Mangosteen & Lychee Granita ($14.90) is the one to go for. It features a unique and harmonious combination of mangosteen sorbet, lychee granita and lemongrass bubbles.

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.


Le Matin Patisserie
ION Orchard
B2-49
2 Orchard Turn
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6509 8801
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

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

Garden At One-Ninety @ Four Seasons Hotel Singapore - Breezy Alfresco Space With Lush Greenery And An Inclusive Menu

Probably not known to many, there is a beautiful, lush, botanical-themed dining place at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore. Garden @ One-Ninety is the extension of the terrace area behind One-Ninety Bar. Chef de Cuisine Pierre Barusta has put together a menu focusing on market-fresh produce and wholesome plant-based cuisine. The inclusive menu allows for enjoyable dining for all, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free preferences. In addition, it embraces the diversity and spectrum of personal dietary and lifestyle choices of today's guests.

Vietnamese Salad 3/5

We commenced our dinner with a couple of starters. First is the light and refreshing Vietnamese Salad dressed in "Nuoc Mam" sauce, better known as fish sauce. However, I find it too healthy to my liking. I am sure health-conscious customers will enjoy this.

Summer Rolls 3.5/5

Another Vietnamese item on the menu is the Summer Rolls that is wrapped with rice vermicelli, green mango, papaya, avocado and fresh herbs. The addition of fruit in the roll gives it extra sweetness and crunch.

Hamachi Tiradito 4/5

The Hamachi Tiradito is closer to my palate. The freshness is brightened by the citrus-soy and jalapeno garnished with daikon.

Pan Seared Seabass 4.2/5

One of my favourite dishes on the menu is the Pan Seared Seabass, which comes in laksa broth. What's more interesting, it even comes with thick beehoon, quail egg and kai lan bean sprout. I felt I had a 2-in-1 dish - local laksa topped with a huge piece of seabass fillet.

Garden Burger 3.8/5

The Garden Burger will be a good option for customers that are more conscious of the diet. Replacing the bread bun is pita bread, sandwiching a chickpea patty and semi-dried tomatoes. I would recommend drenching the burger with the hummus spread as the chickpea patty is a bit dry having it alone.

Dark Chocolate Souffle 4.2/5

I would recommend saving some space for the desserts here. The Dark Chocolate Souffle with Darjeeling Ice Cream is worth every minute for the wait. Soft, fluffy and chocolatey for a sweet indulgence.

Profiteroles 4.2/5

Another beautiful dessert we enjoyed was the Profiteroles with Gianduja ice cream. When it was served, both my dining partner and I had a puzzled look. It is not like the usual choux pastry dessert we know. It appears like a deconstructed profiteroles, but it tasted amazing, especially with the royaltine crunch

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Garden@One-Ninety
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248646
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 11. Walk straight down Orchard Boulevard Road. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

MOONBOW @ Dempsey Hill - A Dazzling New Addition That Specialises In Modern European Cuisine With An Asian Accent

The ever-changing dining scene at Dempsey Hill sees a dazzling new addition, MOONBOW. Chef Heman Tan and Dylan Soh opened the restaurant, which specialises in modern European cuisine with an Asian influence. The glass wall in the main dining hall separating the kitchen reminds me of Hell Kitchen's scene. Diners have a full view of the adrenaline rush in the kitchen.

Candy Floss 3.5/5

Our dinner begins with the complimentary Candy Floss. It is a playful starter to kick start the dinner.

Moonbow Oyster Bay 4/5

Next up is the Moonbow Oyster Bay ($10++/pc), serves with oyster leaves at the side. The purposes of the oyster leaves are to open up the palate. The briny Fine de Claire oyster is paired with yuzu gel, cucumber pearl and yuzu granita for a flavoured and refreshing finish.

Garden of Escargot 3.5/5

The Escargot ($23++) is plated like a garden as if the snails are roaming among the fields of edible flowers, fresh micro cress, truffle gelato, mashed edamame and mushroom soil. There are even lychee pearls representing raindrops.

Jerusalem Artichoke 4/5

The Jerusalem Artichoke ($25++) is a comforting and creamy soup that comes with a 64 °C Sous Vide Egg, Caviar and Sunchoke Chips to balance the earthiness of the artichoke.

Cauliflower Bloom 4/5

The Cauliflower Bloom ($25++) is a multi-textural enjoyment of the various forms of cauliflower. On the plate, you can find warm cauliflower floret, dehydrate cauliflower, cauliflower cous cous, cauliflower puree paired with nuts crumbs, garlic crumbs, cress and hollandaise.

Tomahawk de Swine 4.2/5

Moving to the mains, we tried a couple of items from their menu. First is the gigantic Tomahawk de Swine ($68++). The restaurant uses untrimmed 4 days aged young pork tomahawk chop paired with roasted garlic, caramelized lime and pineapple compote. The pork chop glazed with BBQ marinade is grilled to a beautiful tender with a hint of smokiness and sweetness. My favourite way of appreciating the beautiful pork is to spread the roasted garlic on it.

Black Silkie Poulet 4.2/5

My first thought when I see the Black Silkie Poulet ($38++) is that the restaurant has taken a big risk. It is an ingredient that is usually used in Chinese cuisine but not in European cuisine. The sight of a black chicken may turn some diners off. I love black chicken, so I was worried but internally delight to have the dish on the menu. The black chicken's leg is chargrilled and paired with garlicky crumb, wolfberry mashed, black garlic puree, ugly heirloom tomatoes and chives. I have to call out the accompanying bearnaise sauce that brightens the tender chicken.

Chef Heman’s Black Berry 4 Grain Healthy Rice With Roasted Pork Jowl “Ton Toro” 4/5

One can opt for Chef Heman's Black Berry 4 Grain Healthy Rice With Roasted Pork Jowl "Ton Toro" ($38++) for a healthy eat. I enjoyed the different textures of the rice, and what brightens up the dish is the addition of Chinese lap cheong sausage.

Fermented Red Yeast Wine 4.5/5

Another favourite dish of mine is the Fermented Red Yeast Wine ($38++). I applaud the creativity of incorporating fermented red glutinous rice wine with the barramundi fillet. I am usually sceptical of this type of East meets West creations, but this dish has won me over.

Treasure Drawer 4/5

To wrap up the dinner on a sweet note, you can try the Treasure Drawer ($32++), which comes in two trays of dessert. Diners can enjoy a sweet treat of pistachio chocolate souffle, mango passion mousse, petite apple crumble tartlets, financier raspberry, orange granita, yuzu star anise pate fruit and truffle cheese macaron. It will be a good choice as you can have a bit of everything.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


[CLOSED]
MOONBOW
Block 10 Dempsey Road
#01-21
Singapore 247700
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Holland Village (CC Line), Farrer Road (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 10am -3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop along Orchard Boulevard (Stop ID 09022). Take bus number 7, 77, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 7 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 30 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Block 12 (Stop ID 11401). Take bus 106. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Farrer Road MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Farrer Road MRT station (Stop ID 11119). Take bus number 174 or 564. Alight 5 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]

Tablescape Restaurant & Bar @ Grand Park City Hall - Old School Charm With Bread And Dessert Trolleys

Stepping into Tablescape Restaurant & Bar at Grand Park City Hall gives you an old-world charm with gueridon service. Having visited the restaurant when it first opened. I was looking forward to the new changes new Executive Chef Armando Aristarco has brought to the restaurant.

It is great to see that the bread trolley is still around. With 4 types of freshly baked in-house bread in rotation daily (out of the 14), this is paired with a choice of salted or unsalted butter that is churned in-house. This is followed by an amuse bouche whereby the Sicilian prawn is paired with burrata, zucchini and squid ink croutons.

Scallop 4/5

The Scallop ($20) is a light starter in which the raw scallop is served with a refreshing cucumber gazpacho. A dish that allows the natural freshness to speak for itself without any strong seasoning to distort the taste.

Beef Tataki 4/5

Next is the Black Angus Beef Tataki ($20). The beautiful beef slices are paired with pumpkin puree at the side and white pepper foam on top. It is another light-handed dish, allowing the main ingredient to shine.

Egg 4/5

The Egg ($28) is a luxe version of our local breakfast. The slow-cooked 62 degree Celsius egg is covered with Parmesan fondue. It is then topped with two textures of asparagus and black summer truffle. I would recommend saving some of the earlier bread to mop up the dish.

Duck Risotto 3.8/5

Moving to the mains, we started with the Duck Risotto ($38). Using camaroli rice, the rice is slow-cooked with duck stock until the starch is released from the rice, giving it a creamy consistency. This is finished with olive oil, parmigiano reggiano and parsley. Not to forget the tender smoked duck and cubes of pan-seared foie gras that adds colour to the dish.

Iberico Pork Chop 4/5

One of my favourite for the night is the Iberico Pork Chop ($42) which has been marinated with salt, sage, thyme and black pepper. The piece of pork chop is then grilled to perfection upon order. It was tender, flavourful with an exterior char. The beautiful piece of pork chop is served with pommery mustard sauce, sauteed vegetables and roasted potatoes.

Organic Chicken 4.2/5

The Organic Chicken ($28) comes all the way from France. It is sous-vide and then roasted until crispy on the exterior, moist and juicy inside. Not to forget the baby romaine lettuce with housemade cardini dressing, topped with baked bacon bits and Parmigiano Reggiano shavings.

Coconut Raspberry Mousse 3.5/5

Champagne Jelly 3.8/5

From the dessert trolley, we have the Coconut Raspberry Mousse and Champagne Jelly. The Coconut Raspberry Mousse comprises of a layer of raspberry gel, coconut mousse, and almond crumble. Each spoonful comes with a multi-textural enjoyment. As for the Champagne Jelly, it is a light and refreshing dessert, with the candied orange peel giving it a citrusy lift.

Chocolate Souffle 4.2/5

A classic dessert is the Souffle ($16), It is light and fluffy. It comes with the choice of Grand Marnier or Valrhona Chocolate and Creme Anglaise.

Executive Chef Armando Aristarco has put together a fine European menu rooted in classical cuisine made excitingly contemporary. The bread and dessert trolleys give the restaurant an old school charm too.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tablescape Restaurant & Bar
Grand Park City Hall
Level 3
10 Coleman Street
Singapore 179809
Tel: +65 64325566
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk to junction of Coleman Street and North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to Peninsula Plaza. Continue down Coleman Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]