Sláinte @ Paragon Shopping Centre - Café By Day, Whiskey Bar By Night

Located in Paragon Shopping Centre, Sláinte offers a distinctive experience that seamlessly transitions from a cosy café by day to an elegant whiskey bar by night. The menu presents brunch favourites in the morning and charcoal-grilled specialities by evening, with an impressive selection of auction-sourced whiskies that elevate the night experience.

Boxty 3.5/5

One unique dish from the breakfast menu was the Boxty ($19.90) — an Irish potato pancake paired with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and crème fraîche. The chunky bacon was savoury, smoky, and nicely charred, complementing the buttery richness of the potato pancake and the eggs. While deliciously buttery, the pancake could benefit from a crispier exterior, as some portions felt a bit soggy. The crème fraîche was more of a sweetened yoghurt, which didn't quite complement the dish as a crème fraîche should.

Ayam Bakar 4.5/5

Sláinte's main courses are charbroiled over applewood, imparting a distinct smokiness. The Ayam Bakar ($24.80) is a must-try — spatchcock chicken marinated overnight. The chicken was juicy and tender throughout, with even the breast meat retaining succulence. Served with a brown sauce and house-made chilli, the dish was flavourful enough to enjoy on its own.

Pulpo a la Plancha 3/5

Another grilled speciality we tried was the Pulpo a la Plancha ($34.80) — a slow-charcoal-grilled octopus leg accompanied by fried onions, mashed potatoes, and grilled vegetables. While the dish was enjoyable overall, some parts of the octopus were slightly off in texture, leaving room for improvement.

Wood Fired Marshmallow 4/5

For dessert, the Wood Fired Marshmallow ($19.80) offered a hands-on treat. After roasting the marshmallow over the fire, we dipped it into salted chocolate ganache and then into crushed pistachios, a fun and satisfying end to the meal. The extensive drinks menu showcases rare auction-sourced whiskies alongside a broad wine selection.

Avery Shake

For non-alcoholic options, the milkshakes are a must-try; the Avery Shake was particularly rich, featuring avocado, berries, and milk. Their coffees, brewed from Allpress Espresso beans, are equally noteworthy.

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.


Sláinte
Paragon Shopping Centre
290 Orchard Road
#04-09
Singapore 238859
Tel: +65 87594368
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line), Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 9am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 10pm

Direction: 1. Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. At the traffic junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link, cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 2 or 3. Proceed to the road level. Walk down Orchard Road until the junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link. Cross the road and walk to Paragon. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Opus Bar & Grill @ VOCO Orchard Singapore - Flame-grilled Haven for Discerning Steak Enthusiasts

Opus Bar & Grill, nestled within VOCO Orchard Singapore, unveils a new Executive Chef, Dean, boasting an impressive career spanning over 25 years across the United Kingdom and Singapore. Known as a haven for discerning steak enthusiasts, we visited Opus Bar & Grill for a dinner that promised the elevation of flame-grilled perfection.

Crab Cake 4.5/5

The Crab Cake ($29) emerged as a star-studded starter. Crafted into a jumbo sphere, it showcased a decadent crab meat filling. The crispy exterior of the croquette-like creation harmonised impeccably with the mango puree, wasabi mayo, pickled pineapple, and a crowning touch of caviar. A luxurious prelude that set the stage for what was to come.

Burrata Salad 4.5/5

Following next, the Burrata Salad ($28) offered a refreshing interlude. The fresh and creamy texture of burrata paired seamlessly with fermented chitose cherry tomato and plum gel, creating a symphony of flavours. The addition of crispy basil crackers contributed a delightful textural contrast, elevating the overall dining experience.

Charred Cabbage Steak 4.8/5

Diverging from the conventional steak offerings, Opus Bar & Grill introduced the Charred Cabbage Steak ($22). This innovative dish showcased sweet cabbage with a smoky aroma from the grill, enhanced by the firework of flavours from herb cheese mousseline, shallot crisps, hazelnut snow, and chilli oil. It is an unexpected delight reminiscent of okonomiyaki, challenging the norms and delighting the palate.

Grain-Fed Miyazaki Striploin A4, Japan (300g) 4.5/5

A visit to Opus Bar & Grill is synonymous with savouring their flame-grilled steaks. Opting for the Grain-Fed Miyazaki Striploin A4 ($138) from Japan, we were treated to a sensory journey of exceptional marbling, tenderness, and rich flavour. The flame grilling process unveiled the steak's full potential, a testament to Opus Bar & Grill's mastery of its craft.

Coal-Roasted Spatchcock Chicken 4.2/5

For those preferring alternatives to beef, the Coal-Roasted Spatchcock Chicken ($42) emerged as a stellar choice. The caramelised char on the skin, attributed to the tare glaze, complemented the moist and tender meat. It is accompanied by a side of Nori Mash, velvety and creamy.

Jivara Floral Garden 4.2/5

Concluding our dinner, the Jivara Floral Garden dessert made a grand entrance. Beautifully presented as a lollipop, it featured Passion fruit-inspired ganache, cassis micro sponge, dark chocolate cigars, and a Valrhona Jivara 40% praline milk chocolate. It is a rich and chocolaty crescendo, providing a sweet symphony to conclude our meal.

Opus Bar & Grill, under the guidance of Executive Chef Dean, rises above the ordinary steakhouse experience. It's a sanctuary where every dish and every bite compose a symphony within an epicurean masterpiece. The expertise in flame-grilled perfection establishes Opus Bar & Grill as an essential destination for those craving superbly grilled meats and seafood.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Opus Bar & Grill
VOCO Orchard Singapore
581 Orchard Road
Singapore 238883
Tel: +65 6730 3390
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily (Breakfast): 630am - 1030am
Daily (Dinner): 6pm - 103pm
Sat (Lunch): 12pm - 2pm
Sunday Brunch Buffet: 12pm - 3pm

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 10 minutes. [Map]

Cicada @ Clarke Quay - Modern Asian Cuisine With Cocktails On Tap

Cicada is a newly opened restaurant at Clarke Quay that offers cocktail on tap and Asian-inspired dishes using Western culinary techniques. Unlike the restaurants in the area, Cicada stood out with its lush and greenery interior with softwood furniture.

Cicada Sling

Iced Kopi

We started our dinner with a couple of cocktails from the tap to go along with the small bites. From the tap, we kickstarted the diner with Cicada Sling ($18) and Iced Kopi ($18). Both are light and easy drinks that will ease one into the night. The other cocktails available on the tap are Quayside Aperol Spritz, Fennicillin, Thai Collins, Chocolate Mojito and Farang. During happy hour, the cocktails are going at $15 per glass instead of $18.

Truffled Edamame 3.5/5

Beer Battered White Bait 4/5

For small bites, we had the Truffled Edamame ($9) and Beer Battered White Bait ($12). While the truffle gives the edamame a beautiful scent, it doesn't get infused with the beans inside. Hence I doubt it is necessary to add truffle to it unless one eats the skin. Or else lightly seasoned with salt is sufficient. As for the beer-battered whitebait, topped with wasabi snow is very addictive. I could not stop going back for me.

Smokin' Dumplin's Foie Gras 3.5/5

An interesting take of the Chinese dumpling is Cicada's version of Smokin' Dumplin's served in an encased jar filled with applewood smoke. It comes in 3 stuffing options, Truffle Foie Gras ($22), Truffled Mushroom ($14) and Pork and Mushroom ($14). The dumpling skin is replaced with a crepe skin to house the stuffing in it. I didn't enjoy the dumpling because the crepe skin becomes soggy from the filling inside. However, I feel that this will be acceptable for Westerners for the innovative take of the traditional Chinese dumpling.

Cicada's Nori Tacos 4/5

The Cicada's Nori Tacos ($14) comes in trio with a crispy nori shell. Available in three flavours, they are Salmon Belly Cubes with Japanese Pickles ($14), Korean Beef Bulgogi with Kimchi Slaw ($14) and Pan Seared Foie Gras with Peanut Sauce, Pickled Cucumbers ($18). This is not the first time I have eaten such interpretation, but I really enjoy the fusion of the vibrant flavours.

Cicada's BaoBao Trio 3.5/5

If you not into tacos, there is an oriental interpretation of the slider using steamed mantou. Cicada's BaoBao Trio comes in 3 delightful flavours. They are Crispy Prawn Kakiage with Wasabi Mayonnaise ($14), Chicken Katsu with Rojak Salad ($12) and Aubergine & Mushroom with Teriyaki Mayonnaise ($12). Once again, these dishes are not new, but I applauded the thoughtfulness behind the sauce pairing for each ingredient.

Char-Grilled Spatchcock 4/5

For the mains, we have the Char-Grilled Spatchcock ($42) which is suitable for up to 4 people. Weighing around 800g, the bird is marinated with a middle eastern spice rub. Nothing fancy in the cooking, allowing the full appreciation of the tender meat with a subtle aroma of the spices. It comes with cherry tomatoes, potato gratin, sauteed mushroom and rojak salad as accompanying sides.

Grilled Vegetables Platter 4/5

For the vegetarians or you still want some vegetables for your meal, there is the Grilled Vegetable Platter ($35) that comprises of Impossible Meatballs, Sweet Corn, US Jumbo Asparagus, Shiitake Mushrooms, Cherry Tomatoes, Baby Carrots, Baby Potatoes and Sundried Tomato Pesto.

Oriental Braised Duck Leg 4/5

Among the dishes, the Oriental Braised Duck Leg ($24) is one of my favourites. The duck leg is cooked to tender, absorbing the sweet, savoury five-spice duck jus. Though I find the sauce is on the sweet side, it may be my own preference. This is paired with crispy yam balls, the classic duck and yam pairing in Chinese cuisine.

Sakura Ebi Capellini 4.2/5

My favourite goes to the Sakura Ebi Capellini ($22). Each mouthful of the springy capellini is filled
with the strong crustacean flavour, complemented by the toppings of sakura ebi, bonito flakes and shredded nori.

Purple Sweet Potato Panna Cotta 3/5

Moving to the desert, we began with the colourful Purple Sweet Potato Panna Cotta ($12). Aside from the vibrant plating of mixed fresh fruits, the panna cotta was a letdown. Instead of being smooth and silky, it turned out to be a mousse-like texture.

Cicada's Chendol 4/5

I am actually quite surprised with Cicada's Chendol ($12) that comes with a scoop of coconut ice cream. It hits the spot with the fragrant coconut milk and gula melaka, which to me is the deciding factors of a good bowl of chendol. The grass jelly is rather weird for chendol, but I am not complaining as I thought it gives the dessert extra textural enjoyment.

Yam Mille Feuille 4.2/5

I find the Yam Mille Feuille ($12) a creative creation that reminds one of the Chinese Orh Nee dessert. In between the layers of crispy pastry are fragrant yam paste, paired with coconut ice cream on the side.

Sticky Date Pudding 3/5

The Sticky Date Pudding ($14) with butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice cream, unfortunately, was too sweet for me. That aside, the sticky date pudding is moist and flavourful. I have to admit I don't have a sweet tooth. Hence this is hard for me to finish.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Cicada
Clarke Quay
Block 3C River Valley Road
#01-10
Singapore 179022
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line), Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Wed: 5pm - 11pm
Thu-Sat: 5pm - 1am

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT Station. Take Exit A. Turn right and down River Valley Road. Turn right onto Tan Tye Place. Walk to the end of the road. Turn left onto Clark Quay. Walk to destination. Journey time bout 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit C or G. Walk to the river front. Turn left and walk down the river. Cross the bridge. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Telok Ayer Arts Club @ McCallum Street - Where Art, Music, Food And Drink Meet

The Supermarket Company has recently revamped its space at McCallum Street into a multi-use venue - Telok Ayer Arts Club, bringing art, music, food and drink together at the heart of the business-centric Telok Ayer neighbourhood. Curating creative residences and events lead by multidisciplinary artists, themed club nights and more rule-bending programming, the team hopes to shape the way us Singaporeans approach the arts. Stimulating your senses further are food and drink created by Head chef Betram Leong and Beverage manager Din Hassan respectively.

Jungle Bird

Beverage manager Din Hassan put together a Drink Menu that feature Southeast Asian Classics and Reinvented Classics. From Southeast Asian Classics, I had Jungle Bird, a well known cocktail in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and a reinvented Cheery Blossom concocted with cherry heering, cointreau, homemade pomegranate juice.

Tomato & Tofu 3.5/5

What's on the menu are Chef's rendition of French Mediterranean cuisine, accented with Asian flavours. We started off with some Small Plates. Tomato & Tofu ($14) is an Asian twist on the traditional caprese salad. The umami Shitake pesto and the acidity of the red wine vinegar made the simple ingredients really appetizing. The miso flavoured tofu had been toasted to give it that firmer exterior, and attention to such details made this dish even more delightful.

Octopus & Shrimp 3.8/5

Octopus & Shrimp ($18) was probably my favourite of the night. I love the texture of the chunky octopus which was chewy but not rubbery. Each piece of seafood was coated in a vinaigrette of traditional Chinese Shacha BBQ sauce, which gave it a very smoky flavour. I only wish there was a squeeze of lemon to brighten it up slightly.

Dumplings 3/5

Dumplings ($11) is a crowd-pleaser with its pork & chicken filling that comes with a bocconcini cheese centre. Lightly seasoned with shoyu and sesame oil, the filling was juicy and bursting with flavours as I suck my teeth into the crispy pocket.

Tuna Nicoise Salad 3.5/5

High in demand during lunch hour are their Grains & Salad Bowls. The base of the Tuna Nicoise Salad ($17) is quite common with mesclun salad, French bean, olives, ratte potato, grape tomato and egg but the star was the Tuna loin that was seared tataki style. Marinated with paprika, sugar, salt, lemon zest and oregano, it shouldered much of the dish's taste and flavours which is elevated by the citrusy and earthy rosemary lemon vinaigrette.

Mediterranean Couscous 2.8/5

Mediterranean Couscous ($15) has all the superfood ingredients - hummus, olives, cucumber, avocado, pine nuts and feta cheese but that was pretty much it. There was red wine shoyu dressing which supposedly to bring the ingredients together but it didn't come through at all.

Locally-Bred Spatchcock 4/5

Moving on to Large Plates, Locally-Bred Spatchcock ($28) stole the show with not just its look but its fork tender meat and extremely flavourful sauce and crisp skin. Inspired by the Portuguese-style Carne Assada, the herbs and spices used make this traditional French roast chicken extra aromatic. To achieve the crisp skin and tender interior, the chicken was brined in a salt and sugar mixture for a few hours, before being left to dry for a full day in a chiller. After which it was being roasted in butter with honey, paprika and herbs, and drizzled with a red wine sauce. So do not chuck the skin aside! I love the vegetables that came with a hint of smokiness, thanks to the bacon strips that were sautéed with it.

Cauliflower Steak 3.5/5

Cauliflower Steak ($19), like Mushroom Burger, set to entice you with a play on its hardy texture and smoky flavour. Charred to bring out its flavours, like most grilled hardy vegetables, that bitter, smoky notes had the ability to make this humble ingredient more tasty than ever. Scallion remoulade made using charred spring onions and roasted garlic elevated that flavour profile. All was good, except for the bechamel sauce that almost drenched the whole steak.

Seafood Fettuccine 3/5

Seafood Fettuccine ($25) is modeled after the traditional French bouillabaisse. The sauce is more of a seafood stew made of shellfish reduction, little neck clams, crab meat, baby squid. It reminded me of a wet Hokkien mee. It was acceptable but i think the stew works better as a seafood stew on its own instead of using it as a pasta base.

Baked Chocolate Pudding 3.8/5

Dessert was a comforting Baked Chocolate Pudding ($10). Like a classic brownie and ice cream combination but I love this version much more - the chocolate pudding was not as heavy as Brownie but its wet, spongy texture tasted rich in the mouth and no less chocolaty. The salted jaggery crystal bits distributed bursts of saltiness, punctuating through the sweetness of the coconut crumble and French vanilla ice cream.

What's stood out in Telok Ayer Arts Club is how the walls are being used as exhibition walls, with spot lights served as both gallery and restaurant's lights. The whole space is itself a gallery, doubling up as a restaurant or vice versa. \On the menu, a dish and a drink will be specially created to mirror the artist's exhibition for a stipulated period of time, so do check these out when you visit this unique space of Telok Ayer.

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.


Telok Ayer Arts Club
2 McCallum Street
Singapore 069043
Tel: +65 62210712
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pager (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn right onto McCallum Street. Wak to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Salt Tapas & Bar @ Raffles City Shopping Centre

It is not difficult to find Salt Tapas & Bar. A chic looking island right outside Raffles City Shopping Centre, it satiates its customers with fun and creative Australian accented tapas, along with a wide range of drinks. In step with the festive season, it has specially designed a New Year Eve's Menu, which is only available only on the night of New Year Eve. It is called the King Feast NYE Menu. Opulent sounding indeed.

There are 2 options for you to choose from - King Feast Sea Four-course Set Menu and the King Feast Land Four-course Set Menu. Rather self explanatory, one offers seafood, and the other focuses on meat. Each priced at $100 ++ and $80++ per pax respectively, in which we were lucky enough to be trying out both tonight.

Grilled Sourdough with Prawn and Bacon Bone Marrow Butter 3.5/5

Our feast started with dollops of luscious spread - Prawn Butter and Bacon Bone Marrow Butter. Amazing fluffiness. Simply slather it on the grilled sourdough, and deliver it into your mouth. A royalty treat indeed.

Warm Oyster with Samphire Soy Scallion Dressing 3.5/5

Pan Seared Foie Grass with Sherry Eschalot Vinegar 4/5

The first course is Warm Oyster with Samphire Soy Scallion Dressing and Pan Seared Foie Gras with Sherry Eschalot Vinegar respectively. I personally prefer my oyster to be cold. As for the foie gras, every individual polished it off the plate effortlessly. Make an effort to savour it slowly if you can.

Spatchcock Mushroom with Cepe Paella 3.5/5

Lobster Paella 4/5

Paellas are the second course - Lobster Paella and Spatchcock Mushroom with Cepe Paella respectively. Both were quite on par with one another - rice was pearly, chewy and well flavoured with the generous portion of meat and seafood. Every mouthful satisfied my appetite. Most of us prefer the Lobster paella mainly because of its tanginess as well as its succulent lobster meat.

Char Grilled Rainbow Trout with Garlic Dill Dip 4/5

Boiled Brown Crab 3.5/5

For the seafood menu, you will get an entire fish and crab. I have always love salmon with dill sauce, hence Char-grilled Rainbow Trout with Garlic Dill Dip is my favourite among all the mains. I almost cleaned the fish off its fine bones. As for the Boiled Brown Crab, the first thing that caught our eyes was its roes in abundance. It comes with 3 difference dips (chipotle tartare, crab infused clarified butter with chives and garlic, ponzu dressing) to complement its subtle flavour and sweetness.

Spatchcock Confit with Thyme and Garlic 4/5

When the Mains from the Land was making its way to our table, it garnered several looks of envy. I know many wish to reach out their hands and grab a piece of it. I appreciate how the chef preserves the beauty of these meats by going very easy on the cooking and seasoning. The smoked beef sauce was just right, enlivening the Wagyu Sirloin up a notch.

Wagyu Sirloin with Smoked Beef Jus 4/5

Salt Tapas & Bar New Year's eve menu is available on 31st December from 6pm to 10.30pm. Not all things come for those who wait. Reservations are already coming in. Hence if you really want it, you better act fast.

Photograph and written 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.


Salt Tapas & Bar
252 North Bridge Road
#01-22A
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 68370995
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 10pm
Fri: 1130am - 11pm
Sat: 1130am - 1030pm
Sun & PH: 1130am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to junction of North Bridge Road and Bras Basah Road. Turn right onto Bras Basah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to junction of Beach Road and Bras Basah Road. Cross the road towards Fairmont Singapore. Continue walking down Bras Basah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]