Showing posts with label Steak. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steak. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Wild Blaze @ Tras Street - Newly Launched $38++ Lunch Set At a Premium Dining Experience

Vintage Ribeye 2

Located along the bustling street of Tras Street, Wild Blaze is a premium steakhouse that has been quietly making waves since its opening nine months ago. This elegant establishment is helmed by Chef Nic Wong, who spent 12 years as the executive chef at Brasserie Gavroche before taking over the space. At Wild Blaze, the dining experience extends beyond perfectly cooked steaks – it's about craftsmanship, attention to detail, and an all-around elevated experience.

Restaurant 1

The restaurant exudes sophistication, with plush interiors, warm lighting and exceptional service. Their newly launched $38++ lunch set offers incredible value despite the fine-dining ambience. With quality ingredients, hearty portions, and thoughtful presentation, it's a steal!

Foccacia

Foccacia Bread with Sundried Tomato Butter
Focaccia with Sundried Tomato Butter 4/5

Each set begins with a serving of their homemade Focaccia paired with Sun-Dried Tomato Butter — a combination so delicious that it's hard to stop at just one slice. The butter is rich, tangy, and aromatic, elevating the freshly baked bread effortlessly.

Group

Chef Nic presented us with four out of the five appetiser choices (the fifth being a Beetroot Salad with Goat Cheese). Here's what we tasted:

Clam Chowder 1
Clam Chowder 4.2/5

This comforting bowl of Clam Chowder was rich without being overly heavy. Brimming with ingredients, the soup was creamy, flavourful and satisfying.

Salmon Tartare 1
Salmon Tartare 4/5

A visual delight, the Salmon Tartare (+$4) was fresh and well-balanced, with crème fraîche, chives and cucumber pickles adding a nice zing. It paired beautifully with their house focaccia – we recommend saving a piece (or asking for more) to mop up the goodness.

Fried Calamari 1
Fried Calamari 3/5

While we appreciated the use of fresh squid, the Fried Calamari was slightly over-fried, resulting in a tougher texture. The seasoning was spot on, and the chorizo aioli added a nice kick, but the chewiness slightly overshadowed the dish.

Melon Ham 1
Melon Ham 3.8/5

A classic combination of sweet Melon and savoury Ham. While the flavours worked, the portion felt a bit lean – just three slices of ham to a generous heap of melon. Still, it was a refreshing start to the meal.

Melon Ham 3

We sampled three of the five main options. Grilled Miso Salmon and Beef Bourguignon Bone Marrow Pie were not featured.

Fettuccine Crab Pasta 1

Fettuccine Crab Pasta 4
Fettuccine Crab Pasta 4.2/5

The Fettuccine Crab Pasta was a delightful surprise. The tomato-based sauce, subtly spiced, reminded us of our local dish - chilli crab. Generous shreds of crab clung to every al dente strand of pasta, delivering a flavourful, comforting bite. It grew on us quickly – not a strand was left behind!

Vintage Ribeye 1
Vintage Ribeye 4.2/5

Another thing Chef Nic takes pride in, other than great cooking, is ageing meats. Their ageing room is visible to all guests, where premium cuts of meat undergo a meticulous transformation, enhancing their natural flavours and creating unparalleled depth. This process is overseen by Chef Nic Wong, who travelled to Italy to earn his certification from the prestigious Stagionello Academy. His mastery of ageing techniques elevates every steak to a true work of art.

For just $10 more, you can upgrade to their Vintage Ribeye – a must-try. The steak was beautifully seared, well-seasoned and cooked to our preferred medium doneness. It had a familiar depth of flavour reminiscent of Cantonese roast pork on our first bite, which was both surprising and enjoyable. Served with bearnaise sauce and the in-house fries, which were crisp and addictive – no frozen alternatives here! Tip: Request for the mini chopper instead of the regular steak knife for cute photos.

Duck Parmentier 1
Duck Parmentier 3.8/5

The Duck Parmentier felt like a French twist on shepherd's pie, featuring shredded duck beneath a layer of mashed potatoes. While flavourful and comforting, it leaned a bit heavy and dry after several bites. It works better as a sharing dish than being a main dish.

Apple Pie 1
Apple Pie 3.8/5

To end the meal, we tried both dessert options. Served with Madagascar vanilla ice cream, the Apple Pie featured apple slices that retained their crunch. Not too sweet and fragrant from real vanilla beans, it's a lovely ending for those who enjoy a fruity dessert.

Creme Brulee 1
Crème Brûlée 4.5/5

This is a clear winner in our books. Creamy, silky, and with just the right level of sweetness, the Crème Brûlée was rich and satisfying, with a perfectly torched caramel top. It was a standout finish to the meal.

Restaurant 2

Wild Blaze’s $38++ set lunch offers tremendous value for a premium dining experience. With its sophisticated setting, warm hospitality and Chef Nic’s thoughtful menu, it’s a treat for both steak lovers and those seeking quality European fare. There’s also a well-curated wine selection for those who wish to pair their meal with a glass (or two).

For private occasions, the restaurant features an intimate dining room that seats up to 12 guests. The minimum spend for lunch is $2,000, and for dinner, it is $4,000 — ideal for celebrations or corporate gatherings.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wild Blaze
66 Tras Street
Singapore 079005
Tel: +65 9371 3900
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

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

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, February 16, 2025

GU:UM @ Keong Saik - Contemporary Korean Steakhouse Lunaches Refreshed Menus

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GU:UM, which literally means to grill, roast, or cook over fire in Korean, is a premium Korean steakhouse by One Michelin-starred NAE:UM’s Chef Louis Han. Unlike traditional K-BBQ restaurants, GU:UM elevates the experience with top-quality meats, refined techniques, and distinct Asian influences, creating a sophisticated and modern take on Korean barbecue.

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Yukhwae Jeon 5/5

We started with the Yukhwae Jeon ($32), a creative pairing of Korean beef tartare with a crispy potato pancake. This combination was nothing short of brilliant—the rich, umami-packed tartare contrasted beautifully with the crisp, starchy pancake. It’s a unique dish that I have never seen elsewhere, making it a must-order.

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Mulhwae 4.5/5

The Mulhwae ($28) followed — a refreshing cold salad soup with raw fish. It’s somewhat reminiscent of ceviche, but with more intricate layers of flavor. The sharp, tangy notes of the broth were incredibly appetising and invigorating, making it a perfect dish to whet the appetite.

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Surf & Turf Plattter 4.5/5

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Perfect for sharing, the Surf & Turf Platter ($328) was a showstopper. It featured a variety of premium cuts from both land and sea, accompanied by grilled vegetables and side dishes. The beef and pork were grilled to perfection, exuding deep, smoky flavours that showcased their high-quality marbling. The seafood selection, including lobster and abalone, further elevated the indulgence of this luxurious platter.

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To enjoy it the Korean way, wrap the meats in lettuce with a variety of condiments — a satisfying experience that enhances the flavours.

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Al Bibimbap 4.2/5

For those who want something more filling, the Al Bibimbap ($34) is a delightful twist on the classic Korean mixed rice dish. This white-based bibimbap comes with chunks of lobster, seaweed flakes, and roe, adding an extra layer of umami richness. A good mix of all the ingredients ensures a harmonious balance of textures and flavours in every bite.

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Hotteok 4.8/5

Even after a hearty meal, saving space for dessert is a must. The Hotteok ($18) was a standout, featuring a pan-fried Korean pancake with a chewy, almost mochi-like texture. It was exceptional when paired with the burnt honey ice cream, which added a sweet, caramelised depth to the dish.

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Injeolmi Tiramisu 4.2/5

Another noteworthy dessert was the Injeolmi Tiramisu ($16), an innovative take on the classic Italian dessert. Served inside a tart shell, the Nespresso-infused tiramisu was enhanced with toasted rice cake powder, creating a unique fusion of flavours. This Korean-inspired twist on tiramisu was a fantastic way to end the meal.

GU:UM is a game-changer in Korean barbecue, seamlessly blending premium steakhouse elements with Korean culinary traditions. The Yukhwae Jeon, Surf & Turf Platter, and Hotteok were clear highlights, showcasing Chef Louis Han’s creativity and finesse. Whether you're looking for a refined dining experience or a luxurious take on Korean grilling, GU:UM is a must-visit destination for steak and barbecue lovers alike.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


GU:UM
29 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089136
Tel: +65 8831 6308
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 6pm - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sun: 1130am - 430pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight towards Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Siak Road. Walk down Keong Siak Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road to Teck Lim Road. Turn right onto Teck Lim Road. Walk down Teck Lim Road to Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 mintues. [Map]

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Armoury Steaks & Craft Beer Bar @ Orchard Central - Prix Fixe Menu for 2pax from $128

A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Ribeye 2

When it comes to indulgent dining experiences, Armoury Steaks & Craft Beer Bar stands out as a haven for food enthusiasts. Renowned for its mouthwatering steaks, this establishment is a must-visit for anyone seeking a hearty meal with elevated flavours.

A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Ribeye 4

Starting at $128, the Prix Fixe menu for two offers an excellent introduction to Armoury's speciality. Designed to impress, it features delectable starters, premium mains, and indulgent desserts, creating a memorable dining experience perfect for sharing.

Drinks 1
Blue Pea Lemonade and Yuzu Calpis Fizz 3/5

We began our meal with two refreshing drink options: the Blue Pea Lemonade ($9) and Yuzu Calpis Fizz ($10). Both drinks offered tangy notes that perfectly complemented the richness of the courses ahead, ensuring a balanced start to our feast.

Mushroom Soup 1
Mushroom Soup 3.8/5

The Mushroom Soup opened the meal with a comforting, creamy texture and an aromatic drizzle of truffle oil. Paired with crispy garlic bread, it was a classic yet satisfying start.

Grilled Octopus 1

Grilled Octopus 2
Grilled Octopus 4/5

The highlight of the appetizers was undoubtedly the Grilled Octopus (+$12). Tender octopus pieces were served atop velvety mashed potatoes, enhanced by chimichurri and crunchy radish for a delightful contrast in textures.

Bacon Mac & Cheese 1
Bacon Mac & Cheese 3.8/5

For our pasta choice, we selected the Bacon Mac & Cheese. Topped with tobiko for a unique texture, this dish was indulgently rich. However, the creaminess became slightly overwhelming over time, leading us to think the lighter aglio olio option might be a better choice for future visits.

A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Ribeye 1

A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Ribeye 3
A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Ribeye 4/5

The centrepiece of our meal was the A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Ribeye (+$60). This 500-gram cut featured an excellent balance of fat and meat, offering buttery tenderness in every bite. While the fat rim may not suit all diners, it can be easily trimmed off if you are not a fan.

Sweet Potato Fries 1

The steak comes with two side dishes from the à la carte menu. We opted for Sweet Potato Fries and Baby Spinach. Although the fries were slightly over-fried, the spinach provided a refreshing balance to the richness of the meal.

Molten Lava Cake 1
Armoury Molten Lava Cake with Ice Cream 4/5

We concluded our feast with the signature Armoury Molten Lava Cake with Ice Cream. Made fresh to order in 15 minutes, the dessert delivered a perfectly molten centre with a hint of sea salt, beautifully paired with creamy vanilla ice cream for a satisfying end to our meal.

Restaurant 2

Dining at Armoury Steaks & Craft Beer Bar is a journey through bold flavours and premium ingredients. Each dish showcases the chef's attention to detail and passion for quality, from the tender Wagyu steak to the indulgent molten lava cake. The restaurant is spacious, with various decorations at each corner, suitable for all occasions.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Armoury Steakhouse
Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
#11-03/04
Singapore 238896
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Tue: 1130am - 10pm
Wed-Sat: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit C or D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, February 9, 2025

Wagyu X @ Club Street - Launches Wagyu X Platters with Complimentary Sides

Wagyu X Major platter -3

Wagyu X, the renowned Japanese steakhouse by Chef Masahiro Takada, has launched an exciting new addition to their menu: the Wagyu X Platters.

There are two types of Wagyu X Platters available: the Wagyu X Origins (Sirloins) ($180++), which is good for 2-3 guests, and the Wagyu X Major (Sirloins) ($370++), which is good for 4-6 guests. Carefully curated by Chef Masa and his team from over 100 beef varieties sourced globally, these premium platters feature exceptional cuts from three top beef-producing regions: the US, Australia, and Japan. A must-try experience for steak lovers!

Crab stick snack-2
Crab Stick Salad and Cherry Tomatoes

While waiting for dinner to begin properly, we were served a complimentary small snack of Crab Stick Salad and Cherry Tomatoes to whet our appetites and get us excited about our food.

Pumpkin with cheese-2
Kabocha, 4.5/5

The Kabocha ($26) was adorably presented and also delicious! The contents of the mini pumpkin are cooked with a creamy béchamel sauce and caramelised walnuts, then filled back into the pumpkin shell, topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and baked. The result is a sweet, creamy indulgence in each scoop and a beautifully golden, cheesy crust.

Tuna steak-2
Tuna Steak 4.2/5

For the Tuna Steak ($24), sashimi-grade tuna is selected for its freshness. The sides are coated in sesame seeds and pan-fried. The steak is served with a dipping red wine apple sauce, which has a slight tartness that nicely complements the tuna.

Somen-2
Chilled Somen with Scallops 3.5/5

This dish was promising. It was a classic combination featuring smooth, chilled Japanese Somen Noodles ($26) tossed in a sauce of konbu, truffle oil, and truffle paste and topped with fresh scallops. The flavour was quite nice, but the dish was let down by either too little sauce or an uneven toss before serving. As a result, the somen did not have the silky texture I like and turned out slightly dry.

Wagyu X Major platter -3
Wagyu X Major (Sirloins) 5/5

Then came the pièce de résistance of the evening — the stunning Wagyu X Major (Sirloins) Platter, featuring five premium cuts of beef that looked absolutely incredible. To make the tasting experience more fun and interactive amongst diners, Chef Masa invites guests to participate in a blind-tasting challenge, where they'll match each cut to its name and rank their favourite ones.

This platter consists of the following cuts:
· Wagyu X 250g
· Wagyu X Aged 250g
· Wagyu A5 Kyoto Hirai 160g
· USDA Prime MacClaren Farm Angus 300g
· Australian Wagyu F1 Stockyard 250g

1. USDA prime MacClaren Farm Angus-2
1. USDA Prime MacClaren Farm Angus

The USDA Prime MacClaren Farm Angus comes from a five generation family-run farm in Texas known for its ethically raised, all-natural Black Angus beef. Each steak boasts exceptional marbling, and a juicy, tender texture.

2. Australian Wagyu F1-1
2. Australian Wagyu F1 Stockyard

Coming from the other side of the world, the Australian Wagyu F1 Stockyard comes from a family-owned farm in southeast Queensland. The cattle are fed a nutritionist-approved special diet of steam-flaked grains and locally sourced feed products, contributing to its unique flavour profile.

3. Wagyu A5 Kyoto Hirai-1
3. Wagyu A5 Kyoto Hirai

This Wagyu A5 Kyoto Hirai was the cut everyone could easily recognise — the distinctive Japanese Wagyu, known for its luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth marbling. It offers an unrivalled flavour and a buttery texture that's truly in a league of its own. It would be perfect with rice, as the very high-fat content quickly makes it a bit rich.

4. wagyu X aged -1
4. Wagyu X Aged

5. wagyu X-2
5. Wagyu X

Wagyu X's signature offering is a unique Hokkaido breed, the result of crossbreeding a Kuroge Black Wagyu cow with an Aberdeen Angus bull. This blend combines the best of both worlds: the beautiful marbling that Wagyu is known for, together with the robust flavours of Angus beef. It's indeed delicious and less rich than the traditional Japanese wagyu cut. Wagyu X can also be further wet-aged for a more complex and more full-bodied flavour profile.

It's worth noting that while the meat is served medium rare by default, don't hesitate to request a more well-done version if that's your preference! Our table found the platter too rare for our liking and sent it back to be cooked to medium. We certainly enjoyed it even more once it was just right for our comfort level.

You can also order a wide variety of side dishes to complement your meal, such as mashed potatoes, onion rings, mushrooms, cucumber, charred asparagus, white rice, Japanese tomatoes, and more.

Agedashi tofu-1
Agedashi Tofu 4/5

The first side dish we tried was Agedashi Tofu ($16), a Japanese side dish that I really enjoy. It arrived piping hot, with a light and crispy batter that was spot on.

Fries-1
Beef Tallow Fries 4.5/5

The Beef Tallow Fries ($16) might look like ordinary shoestring fries at first glance, but they are absolutely delicious! Cooked in beef tallow, they're wonderfully fragrant and incredibly crisp. Lightly seasoned with salt and furikake, they have an irresistible crunch that keeps us reaching for more. We found ourselves running out of fries before we realised it!

Spinach salad-1
Horenso Gomaae 2.8/5

The Horenso Gomaae ($16) features blanched spinach that's cooled and mixed with brown sugar, salt, sesame, olive oil, and furikake. The dish was a refreshing break after so much meat, but it felt too simple for the price.

From now until 28 February 2025, Wagyu X is celebrating the launch of its Wagyu X platters with limited-time promotions. Enjoy complimentary sides and a return voucher for your next visit.

· ⁠Wagyu X Origins (Sirloins) ($180++) – Free 1 Side (Beef Tallow Fries)
· ⁠Wagyu X Major (Sirloins) ($370++) – Free 2 Sides (Beef Tallow Fries, ⁠Horenso Goma Ae)
· Return voucher with purchase of any Wagyu X Platter: 20% off appetisers, sides & desserts

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


Wagyu X
82 Club Street
Singapore 069450
Tel: +65 8795 6664
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Continue to the end of Amoy Street. Climb the stairs beside Siang Cho Keong Temple, up Ann Siang Hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down South Bridge Road towards Ann Siang Road. Turn right onto Ann Siang Road. Walk down Ann Siang Road. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 4 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the road and turn right. Walk down South Bridge Road. Turn left onto Ann Siang Hill and then left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]