Seafood Paradise @ VivoCity - Exciting Fusion Collaboration with Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh, Featuring Seafood-Centric Creations Like Crab Curry with Creamy Butter Mud Crab

Take advantage of the exciting fusion collaboration between Seafood Paradise and Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh by Gaggan Anand.

Available only till 17 December at both Seafood Paradise VivoCity and Clarke Quay outlets, this collaboration introduces six new seafood-centric creations that blend Singapore-style dishes with a brilliant touch of Indian-Mexican flavours.

Fresh Jumbo Canadian Oysters 4.5/5

These plump Fresh Jumbo Canadian Oysters ($12.90/pc, min. order of 2 pcs) were elevated with tangy pickled shallots, tobiko and a moderately spicy salsa taquera. I could have multiples of this!

Grilled Squid with Salsa Taquera 4.2/5

Following the oysters was the Grilled Squid with Salsa Taquera ($28.90). I really enjoyed the tenderness of the squid, accompanied by a hint of smokiness. While some of my dining companions wished for a stronger char, the dish was well-received overall. Like the oysters, it was served with a side of Mexican salsa taquera, adding a zesty touch.

Gaggan's Crab Curry with Seafood Paradise Creamy Butter Mud Crab 4.8/5

Everyone’s favourite dish of the night was Gaggan's Crab Curry with Seafood Paradise Creamy Butter Mud Crab topped with Coconut Crumbs ($128). It beautifully showcased the strengths of both restaurants, featuring Seafood Paradise’s succulent crab in its renowned creamy butter sauce, elevated by Gaggan Anand’s aromatic and spices-spiked crab curry.

The luscious and flavourful combination prompted us to order a second serving of fried mantous to mop up the sauce!

Stir-fried Live Tiger Prawn with Gaggan's Crab Curry Base 4.5/5

The Stir-fried Live Tiger Prawn with Gaggan's Crab Curry Base incorporates the same crab curry base minus the cream. The absence of cream allows the vibrant herbs and spices to shine more distinctly, especially after stir-frying with the meaty prawns.

Baked Jade Perch with Tamale Masala Sauce wrapped in Banana Leaf 4.2/5

A whole Jade Perch is marinated in a mildly spicy tamale masala sauce before being wrapped and baked in a banana leaf. This method of preparation ensures that the fish meat retains its juiciness.

Seafood Paradise Mee Goreng with Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh's Masala 4.2/5

The last creation of this collaboration is the Seafood Paradise Mee Goreng with Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh's Masala served with Papadum. This twist to our local mee goreng sees a robust infusion of malasa spices with flavours leaning more sweet.

This rare collaboration between between Seafood Paradise and Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh by Gaggan Anand is definitely worth a try, especially if you are a fan of seafood. I would highly recommend securing a table through https://bit.ly/ReservationsatSeafoodParadise before heading down.

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.


Seafood Paradise
VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-53
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 62210159
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Website
Nearest MRT: HarbourFront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 1030am - 330pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

La Bottega Enoteca @ Joo Chiat Road - Singapore’s Number One Pizzeria Unveils New Menu Celebrating Award and Second Anniversary

Celebrating its 2nd anniversary, La Bottega Enoteca has unveiled an enticing new menu. The joy is twofold as La Bottega Enoteca recently secured the 19th spot on the prestigious 50 Top Pizza Asia Pacific 2023 ranking – a remarkable achievement in the culinary world. Remarkably, it is the sole pizzeria in Singapore to earn this recognition, cementing its status as the city's premier pizzeria.

NEW: Calamaretti Alla Griglia 4.5/5

Among the new additions to the menu, the Calamaretti Alla Griglia ($25) stands out. This antipasto features grilled baby calamari adorned with pea, mint, and lemon zest. The baby calamari is impeccably tender and retains its delightful oceanic sweetness.

Newpolitan®: ½ Broccolini & ½ Mortadella 4.5/5

With the revamped menu, La Bottega introduces fresh pizza flavours. We opted for the Newpolitan®: ½ Broccolini & ½ Mortadella, which offers the delightful option of trying both. The Broccolini ($28/half) boasts charred broccolini layered with San Marzano DOP tomatoes, taleggio cheese, and a crisp blend of lemon breadcrumbs, oregano, and chilli. On the other half, the Mortadella ($32/half) entices with gooey parmesan fondue, silky Italian mortadella, red pesto, crunchy pistachios, sweet potato chips, and fresh basil. The Mortadella's complex flavours and textures were particularly captivating among the two.

Arrosticini 4.2/5

In addition to the new dishes, we sampled some signature and classic favourites, beginning with the Arrosticini ($7/each, minimum 3 pieces). These lamb neck skewers are grilled in the Abruzzo style, featuring a lovely lamb flavour and a delightful crunch heightened by a herbaceous touch.

Pappadelle Al Ragú D’ Anatra 4.2/5

The Pappardelle Al Ragù D'Anatra ($34) features homemade pappardelle cooked to perfection with goose meat. The dish is elevated by adding Parmigiano Reggiano 24 Months and orange zest, resulting in a multi-dimensional flavour profile.

Pulma Alla Griglia 4.2/5

The Pluma Alla Griglia ($58) is a highlight for the carnivores. This dish showcases grilled Spanish Pluma of Iberico pork placed over a bed of crunchy asparagus and fragranced with Sicilian capers and red capsicum. Instead of traditional sauce, the tender meat pairs beautifully with Sicilian capers, which impart a salty seasoning.

Caciucco E Fregola 4.5/5

Shifting from land to sea, the Caciucco E Fregola ($68) presents monkfish cooked with Gambero Rosso, Japanese scallops, Australian mussels, and squid in a rich and flavorful tomato-based broth. Toasted bread accompanies the dish, allowing diners to savour every drop of the delectable broth.

La Focaccia di Recco Classica 4.2/5

The La Focaccia di Recco Classica (V, $52) is a must-try, featuring paper-thin layers of dough filled with soft, melted cheese. Drizzled with high-quality extra virgin olive oil, it is baked to a golden and crispy perfection.

NEW: Sfogliatella Riccia Gelato Al Parmigiano Reggiano 24 Mesi 4.5/5

Dessert lovers will be delighted with the three new desserts on the menu. The Sfogliatella Riccia Gelato Al Parmigiano Reggiano 24 Mesi ($16) showcases La Bottega's signature Parmigiano Reggiano Gelato in a delicate Neapolitan "Sfogliatella Riccia" shell. It's a delightful blend of crispy, flaky pastry with the creaminess of Parmigiano Reggiano Gelato.

NEW: Seadas 4.2/5

Another delightful surprise is the Seadas ($14), a Sardinian delicacy. This raviolo is stuffed with cow's cheese, fried to a golden crisp, and drizzled with honey. The sweet and savoury combination is a harmonious delight for the palate.

NEW: I Bomboloni “Fai Da Te” 4.8/5

Last but not least, the I Bomboloni "Fai Da Te" (V, $18) offers daily DIY baked doughnuts with a luscious Mascarpone filling. These doughnuts are incredibly soft and moist, without any greasiness, making for a delectable ending to your meal at La Bottega Enoteca.

In conclusion, La Bottega Enoteca consistently delivers classic Italian flavors that celebrate the essence of traditional cuisine. The focus here is undeniably on the food, and it shines brilliantly. From the rich and robust pasta dishes to the carefully crafted pizzas and mouthwatering desserts, La Bottega Enoteca brings Italy's culinary heritage to life with every bite. Whether you're seeking the comfort of timeless Italian classics or simply a delicious dining experience, this restaurant's dedication to the authenticity of its offerings makes it a must-visit for food enthusiasts looking to savor the very best of Italy.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


La Bottega Enoteca
346 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427596
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 530pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 2pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 16. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road, turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Si Chuan Dou Hua @ PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road - Celebrate Chef Leung Wing Cheung’s 12 Years At The Helm With 12 Of His Signature Dishes

Si Chuan Dou Hua first found itself in our local F&B scene in 1996, with its founding outlet on Beach Road. Fast forwarding to today, the restaurant has two other spaces in the iconic UOB Plaza and PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road.

This year marks the 12th anniversary of Guangdong-born Executive Cantonese Chef Leung Wing Cheung's 12th year helming the restaurant at PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road. Chef Leung has an impressive 40 over years of experience cooking Cantonese cuisine.

To mark this joyous occasion, Chef Leung invites diners to travel back in time, specifically from the 1970s to 1980s, to enjoy delicacies inspired by his hometown of Guangdong, China. Aptly named Chef Leung''s 12th Anniversary: A Classic Feast 梁师傅十二周年: 梁家经典怀旧五味篇, this time-limited menu features 12 specially crafted dishes, all of which are rare Cantonese and Sichuan dishes, seen on the restaurant's menu for the very first time.

From now till 31 May 2023, diners can enjoy a Buy-3-Free-1 or Buy-6-Free-2 promotion with any orders from this anniversary menu. Each dish is priced at $33.

Wok-Fried Squid Stuffed with Prawn Paste, Bi Feng Tang Style 4.2/5

We first had the Wok-Fried Squid Stuffed with Prawn Paste (避风塘百花酿吊片), featuring Chef Leung's take on "har gao" in the shape of a squid. The Hong Kong sun-dried squid pieces are stuffed with prawn paste, fried, and paired with an addictive base of crunchy rice crackers, shrimp and garlic.

Stewed Seafood with Assorted Vegetables and Crystal Vermicelli Served in Casserole 4/5

Introducing the Stewed Seafood with Assorted Vegetables (海味粉丝什菜煲) on the menu was meant to recreate regal one-pot-stews often made during festive seasons. Flavours here are more delicate while carrying a depth of sweetness from slow-cooking dried shrimps and squid. What we appreciated was the clean stock that contains no artificial flavourings. Main toppings include fish beancurd, broccoli and crystal vermicelli.

Poached Giant Garoupa Fillet with Luffa Melon in Fish Stock 4.5/5

One of our favourites for the night was the Poached Giant Garoupa Fillet with Luffa Melon in Fish Stock (鱼汤胜瓜浸龙趸球). The cloudy broth was brimming with natural sweetness and creaminess from hours of simmering fish bones and meat. I particularly enjoyed the addition of black fungus and, my favourite luffa, for the refreshing crisp. My only gripe was that I preferred a cleaner texture on the giant garoupa fillets instead of the slightly floury mouthfeel.

Slow-Cooked Roast Duck with Sea Cucumber and Shrimp Roe 4.2/5

The Slow-Cooked Roast Duck with Sea Cucumber and Shrimp Roe (虾子海参焖火鸭煲) was served sizzling hot in a claypot. The mix of tender slow-cooked duck, sea cucumber, shrimp roe and tofu skin rolls were covered in a sweet seafood-based gravy.

Boiled Sliced Venison with Spicy Chilli Sauce 4.5/5

Most of my dining companions and I have not had many venison dishes before, but we thoroughly enjoyed the Boiled Sliced Venison with Spicy Chilli Sauce (沸腾爽滑鲜鹿肉). Using the same Si Chuan recipe from Chef Leung's childhood, it features tender and lean venison slices that were first boiled before adding to the numbing spicy chilli sauce. Digging into it past the peppercorns, minced garlic and dried chillies, you will also see strips of celtuce, leek and beansprouts which provide a complementary crunch.

Steamed Kampong Chicken with Fragrant Scallion Oil 4/5

Using a fragrant house-made scallion oil, the Steamed Kampong Chicken (葱油走地鸡) has tender meat and silky skin.

Poached Tianjin Cabbage Topped with Dried Shrimp and Conpoy in Superior Stock 3.5/5

Next was the Poached Tianjin Cabbage (虾亁瑶柱扒津白), which had dried shrimp and conpoy toppings. While we enjoyed the depth of the clear superior stock, we wished for more, especially the portion, considering its price tag.

Pan-Fried Tofu Stuffed with Minced Fish Paste in XO Sauce 4/5

Another classic dish is the Pan-Fried Tofu Stuffed with Minced Fish Paste in XO Sauce (极品酱鱼腐煎豆包). The rich and slightly spicy XO sauce with dried scallop bits scattered on top would go great with a bowl of white rice. Each piece of pillowy soft tofu is stuffed with minced fish paste.

Sauteed Egg with Kurobuta Honey Pork 3.8/5

The Sauteed Egg with Kurobuta Honey Pork (黑豚叉烧炒滑蛋) was much smaller than we expected but was creamy and buttery. The slices of Kurobuta pork were tender and lent a sweetness.

Sauteed Minced Fish with Celery, Honey Peas, Celtuce and Bell Pepper 4/5

We learnt that this dish of Sauteed Minced Fish (生煎鱼崧炒荷芹) is one typically eaten during New Year in the past but is less commonly found around now due to its laborious cooking process. First, the minced fish paste is fried and thinly sliced before being sauteed with sweet celery, honey peas, celtuce and bell pepper.

Pan-Fried Minced Pork with Salted Fish 3.8/5

Finally, the Pan-Fried Minced Pork with Salted Fish (马友咸鱼生煎肉饼) features lean pork laced with bits of salted fish. While we enjoyed the texture of the patties, we found these too salty for our liking.

My dining companions and I don’t take beef, but the last of the 12 dishes is the Wok-Fried Rice Noodles with Sliced Wagyu Beef and Bitter Gourd 和牛凉瓜炒河粉.

Alongside the Buy-3-Free-1 / Buy-6-Free-2 promotion, diners can enjoy 30% off one of Si Chuan Dou Hua's signature dishes. The selection includes Signature Roast Duck with Truffle Sauce (Half $68, Whole $128), Double-boiled Soup of the Day ($30), Signature Bean Curd Medley ($28) and Signature Claypot Rice with Waxed Meat ($36).

Reservations are recommended and can be made via https://www.tablecheck.com/en/parkroyal-kitchener-road-si-chuan-dou-hua/reserve/landing.

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.


Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant
PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road
181 Kitchener Rd, Level 3
Singapore 208533
Tel: +65 31385359
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Weekday Lunch: 1130am to 3pm
Weekend and PH Lunch: 1130am to 115pm, 130pm to 3pm
Daily Dinner: 6pm to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Kitchener Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

One Prawn & Co @ MacPherson Road - Brand New 12-Course Seafood Grill Dinner Situated In A Coffee Shop

One Prawn & Co by Chef Gwyneth Ang is best known for its robust prawn noodle claypot soup, recognised by the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2022. While retaining its signature offering in the day, Chef Gwyneth wants to spice things up by transforming her coffee shop in MacPherson into a space to offer her brand new 12-Course Seafood Grill Dinner at night. The team carefully picks and procures all seafood ingredients, and dietary restrictions can be highlighted prior.

Made available from 21 February 2023, the seafood-focused menu is set at $128 per pax with a minimum of 2 to dine, with the choice of a top-up of $30 per pax for the free flow sake of the day. Diners can also opt for curated seasonal sakes that are rotated bi-monthly or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Amaebi

To start off our dinner, we had an amuse-bouche of Amaebi. Topped on a crisp rice flower are avocado, tomatoes and sweet amaebi.

Starters

Next was a 4-item starter: a fresh Hyogo Oyster paired with mignonette granita, cured Amberjack with soy and crisp seaweed, poached White Shrimp with coconut and garam masala, and Soft Shell Crab in tempura style with a unique choice of kicap manis.

Our favourite was the White Shrimp for the harmonious blend of flavours - especially the choice of garam masala gave it a fragrant touch of heat.

Maitake Mushrooms on Bed of Burnt Barley Risotto 4.2/5

Moving on to the sharing plates, the Maitake Mushrooms impressed me with their earthiness and the great bite from the bed of burnt barley risotto underneath. We enjoyed this but wished the portion was bigger and the smokiness could come through a tad more.

Squid ‘Noodles’ with Salsa Verde, Black Olives 4.5/5

This Squid 'Noodles' with Salsa Verde had appetising salsa verde paired with squid noodles carrying a lovely smokiness. The zestiness, tanginess and hint of spice were perfect.

Scottish King Scallop with XO Chilli Jam 4.8/5

One of our favourites for the night was the Scottish King Scallop with XO Chilli Jam. While the king scallop was plump, tender and smokey, the flavour-packed XO chilli jam stole the show for us. It came in a generous portion of scallop shreds that carried just the right kick of spice. I would be the first to join the queue if Chef Gwyneth decides to sell this addictive chilli jam by the bottle!

Pork with Apple Compote 3.5/5

The highlight for proteins was the Onglet, a hanging tender steak with sunchoke cream and chives. As we don't take beef, it was replaced with Pork. Even though the grilled pork's texture was spot on, the seasoning was too salty.

Charcoal Grilled Turbot with Garlic Brown Butter and Capers 4.2/5

We were eyeing the Turbot as soon as Chef Gwyneth started grilling it over the bed of charcoal. The resulting fish meat was light, tender and flaky, paired with a heavier mix of garlic brown butter and capers. The unassuming pickled papaya salad on the side provided a contrasting acidity which balanced the overall dish.

Abalone Pao Fan 4.8/5

We were already quite full at this point of the meal but still wiped the Abalone Pao Fan clean. The dish is served in a claypot. One Prawn & Co's signature prawn bisque served as the base, with baby abalones, egg floss, rice puffs and rice added on. The rice puffs lost their crunchiness quickly, but the rich and hearty broth was more than satisfying.

Desserts

Dessert was a combination of Seasonal Fruits and Mini Ice Cream cones with burnt white chocolate ice cream. We appreciate the special attention down to the fruits, which were extremely sweet.

Note that reservations must be made via https://bit.ly/oneprawnandco as limited seats are available each day.
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.



One Prawn & Co
458 MacPherson Road
Singapore 368176
Tel: +65 98788897
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Mattar (DT Line), Tai Seng (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch
Tue-Sun: 11am - 5pm
Course Dinner
Tue-Sun: 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk towards Macpherson Road. Turn right at Macpherson road. Walk down Macpherson Road to the stretch of shop houses. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Mattar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Merpati Road to Jalan Anggerek. Turn right onto Jalan Anggerek. Walk to the end of Jalan Anggerek. Turn right onto Macpherson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 mintues. [Map]

SARAI @ Tanglin Mall - Refreshed Thai Fine Dining Experience With A Sleek New Interiors

SARAI is a fine dining Thai restaurant located at Tanglin Mall, helmed by Chef de Cuisine Lisa. In conjunction with its sleek new interior looks, the restaurant has put together a new menu and a curated beverage programme with in-house cocktails and mocktails infused with Thai influences to go with Thai food.

Amuse Bouche - Lab Gai 3/5

We had the Exploration Lunch Menu ($58 per pax) comprising an Amuse Bouche, Starters, Mains and Desserts. Teasing our appetite is the Lab Gai, a bite-size cucumber cup filled with spicy and sour minced chicken salad, whetting our appetite.

Starters - Nam Prik Ma Kae 2.5/5, Tod Mum Hu Plee 3.5/5

For the starters, we had the Nam Prik Ma Kae, a refreshing and textural stack of endives, Thai cucumber and jicama topped with tomato chilli dip. The other starter is the crispy Tod Mum Hu Plee. The assorted banana blossom cake is deep-fried to golden brown and paired with a spicy dip.

Tom Klong Pla 4/5

For the mains, it is a set meal on its own. It comes with a bowl of soup, a plate of rice, vegetable and protein. The sweet, spicy and tangy Tom Klong Pla comprises smoked barramundi and sweet leaf bush. It is a bowl of goodness packed with robust flavours.

Pad Hed Rum Gap Dog Pak Pang 4/5, Panang Nua Yang 4/5

The other two items, Pad Hed Rum Gap Dog Pak Pang and Panang Nua Yang are plated together with the fragrant steamed rice. The Australian Wagyu was perfectly grilled to a delightful, tender bite paired with panang curry sauce. The stir-fried Dou Miao flowers with assorted Mushrooms complete the hearty and comforting plate of rice.

Pla Hmug Nung Ma Naw 4.2/5

For the mains, diners can choose either the Australian Wagyu or Steamed Squid. If you are not into beef, you can go for the Pla Hmug Nung Ma Naw, steamed squid stuffed with roe sac with chilli lime garlic sauce. The flavours are brighter and sharper compared to the wagyu.

Jelly Bi Tuey 4/5

We ended the three-course lunch meal with Jelly Bi Tuey for dessert. The Pandan Panna Cotta with Coconut Foam was smooth and creamy, while the crispy lotus-shaped cracker provided extra texture enjoyment.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


SARAI
Tanglin Mall
163 Tanglin Road
#03-122
Singapore 247933
Tel: +65 67370818
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard Boulevard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk straight to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]