Caviar @ Palais Renaissance - Showcasing Caviars From Around The World

New at the basement of Palais Renaissance is Caviar, Singapore's first caviar-based restaurant showcasing a wide variety of caviars around the globe, incorporating them into the menu by a team of young chefs with bags of fine-tuning experience from various Michelin-starred restaurants.

Amuse Bouche

I visited Caviar for their 4-course Lunch ($128++), starting with a glass of champagne and amuse bouche. The bite-size amuse bouche is topped with caviar from China.

Next, complimentary bread with caviar butter is served to kickstart the meal.

Swordfish 4/5

Starting our 4-course menu proper is the Swordfish served with abalone slices. It comes in a thin blanket of kohlrabi laid over the swordfish and abalone, topped with arctic char roe. A light and refreshing ginger vinegar holds everything together for a complex yet harmonious finishing.

Organic Egg 4.2/5

The Organic Egg is a beautiful dish in which the smooth and silky steamed egg custard is paired with chorizo and caviar from Giaveri White Sturgeon. However, being a caviar theme restaurant, I thought the chorizo sold the limelight of the dish. Saying so, it is a dish that everyone at my table enjoyed.

Wagyu 4.5/5

For the mains, we had the Wagyu paired with broccolini, smoked mash and topped with Royal Oscietra's caviar. The excellent cut is cooked to perfection. It is tender and juicy, not too fatty, with a fantastic bite to appreciate its natural beefy flavour. Once again, I was distracted from the caviar by the beautiful wagyu.

Coconut 3.8/5

Got to say, not everything on the menu has caviar. The Coconut dessert is a welcoming freshness from the fruity strawberries and lime to wrap up the meal on a refreshing note..

Petit Four 4/5

Lastly, the 4-course lunch ends on a high with the Petite Four. I have enjoyed my lunch at Caviar, which enriched my knowledge of caviar. I always think caviar comes from Russia, but you can source it globally. As for the food, they are well-executed and delicious. However, I felt some dishes could be better by turning the caviar into the leading actor instead of being a calafare.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Caviar
Palais Renaissance
390 Orchard Road
B1-07
Singapore 238871
Tel: +65 98881217
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sat: 12pm - 130pm, 6pm - 830pm
Sun: 1130am - 415pm
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

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]

OMMA Korean Charcoal BBQ @ Cheong Chin Nam Road (Bukit Timah) - Singapore's First Wood-Fire Korean Charcoal BBQ's 2nd Outlet

OMMA Korean Charcoal BBQ has recently opened its second outlet at Bukit Timah. Pride itself on being Singapore’s first wood-fire Korean Charcoal BBQ. Selecting natural wood charcoal that burns smokelessly, diners get to choose from five types of carefully selected wood to enhance the flavours of the ingredients.

You have 5 options of wood to choose from: Applewood, Cherry, Pecan, Hickory and Jarrah. Opt for any to cook your meal for only $3 per 30g. We started with Hickory Firewood ($3/30g), specially selected to go with the Japan A4 Grade Beef Ribeye ($81/180g). Hickory is meant to cut through the fattiness of meats to cook with punchy smokiness thoroughly. With such a high-quality piece of meat, it was such an experience to be able to barbecue it using real firewood.

For variety, a recommended item will be the Special Beef and Pork Set ($105). The set includes Iberico Pork Collar, Pork Belly, Beef Ribs, Beef Striploin, Steam Egg, Kimchi Soup and Side Dishes.

We continued with the beef before switching the Hickory Firewood to Apple Firewood as we moved on to the pork. The smell of the burning Apple firewood was extremely alluring, adding a wonderful aroma to the meats.

The accompanying piquant kimchi soup, steamed egg, and side dishes are ideal fillers in between bites to complement the meats or while waiting for them to be done.

With over 60 ala carte options starting from $8.80 and set menus from $49, there is also fresh seafood such as prawns, mussels and even oysters.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


OMMA Korean Charcoal BBQ
20 Cheong Chin Nam Road
Singapore 599744
Tel: +65 65139553
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Nearest MRT: Beauty World (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am to 1130pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Beauty World MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight to Cheong Chin Nam Road. Walk down Cheong Chin Nam Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

The Salted Plum @ Circular Road (Boat Quay) - Homely Taiwanese Tapas Concept for $5 and $10 Per Dish

I have visited Five Ten when it was a pop-up at South Bridge Road and I was impressed with the Taiwanese tapas concept. I am glad that they have now found a permanent home at Circular Road. The team has also renamed it as The Salted Plum, a fitting name to the new restaurant as it makes reference to a common ingredient used in Taiwanese cuisine.

Taiwanese Sausages Patties 4.2/5

The Salted Plum has continued the concept of offering the dishes at $5 and $10. One of the many dishes we ordered is the Taiwanese Sausages Patties ($10). It has been grilled to a nice smoky charred on the exterior on top of the succulent patty.

Burnt Chilli Chicken 4/5

Another beautifully grilled dish is the Burnt Chilli Chicken ($10). Nicely charred on the exterior, the chicken thigh was tender and juicy. The menu description says it is cooked with loads of chilli but it was not spicy at all. Saying that, the chicken thigh pairs excellent with the accompanying chilli dipping sauce.

Brussels Sprouts with Shiitake Mushroom 3.5/5

The Brussels Sprouts with Shiitake Mushroom ($5) is stir-fried to a delectable crunch. There is also a bit of heat from the chilli padi.

Oyster Steamed Egg 3.5/5

Steamed egg probably is a common dish served on the dining table at home. Over here, it has been given a uplift with the used of dashi to heighten the flavour on top of its smooth texture. You can also find baby oysters in the Oyster Steamed Egg ($10) topped with chopped spring onions.

Grilled Squid 3.8/5

One of the dishes I remembered having at Five Ten is the Grilled Squid ($10). The squid is glazed with housemade five-spice BBQ marination and grilled to a nice tender bite.

Braised Pig Intestines with Fresh Garlic 4/5

If you think that The Salted Plum is only good at grilling, then you are wrong. Their braised items are even better. If you are afraid of having pig intestines, then you should try the Braised Pig Intestines with Fresh Garlic ($10). The large intestines are not gamey and well infused with the braising sauce.

Braised Pork Belly 4.5/5

Not to be missed is the Braised Pork Belly ($10) in special haus saus. The pork belly which has absorbed the flavourful braising sauce, literally melts in the mouth. This goes perfect with a bowl of Shiny Rice ($0.50). The rice here is also extra fragrant as it is drizzled with lard and garlic oil.

Besides the variety of dishes at The Salted Plum, it also offers 7 different type of rice bowls at only $10 for lunch. This caters for the office workers that just want to have a quick lunch.


The Salted Plum
10 Circular Road
Singapore 049366
Tel: +65 62600155
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 930pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the road. Walk to Carpenter Street. Walk to the end of Carpenter Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the Road. Walk to junction of South Bridge Road and Circular Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight At Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to Circular Road. Walk down Circular Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Royal J's Premium Taste @ Bishan Street 11 - Bringing Their Signature Fried Porridge to Bishan

I am glad to know that John Ng of Royal J has opened a new restaurant at Bishan Street 11 called Royal J's Premium Taste. I first get to know John Ng when he opened his first stall at Macpherson Road selling the signature Fried Porridge. He then relocated to a coffeshop in Foch Road known as Royal J Seafood. Now with the latest restaurant bring the fried porridge and other cooked dishes to the folks in Bishan.

Signature Fried Porridge 4.5/5

A must have at the Royal J's Premium Taste is their Signature Fried Porridge. I am glad that the consistency is there. Plain porridge is fried in a wok with the addition of cuttlefish, yam cubes, dried shrimps and pork lard, finished in a flavourful dark brown sauce to hold the dish together.

Signature Kampong Chicken 4/5

Only available on weekends is the Signature Kampong Chicken ($18 for small). The poached chicken is soft and tender. I like the fried garlic that is sprinkled on top of it, giving it a nice lift in aroma.

Green Dragon Chive 3.5/5

For the greens, we had the Green Dragon Chive ($10) which is quite commonly available in Chinese restaurant nowadays. Simply stir fried, I enjoyed its nature flavour and crunchiness.

Yin and Yang Tofu 3/5

The Yin and Yang Tofu ($12) is a 2-in-1 dish. It comes with a bed of steamed egg in a delicious broth with some minced meat and 2 pieces of tofu. Unfortunately I did not like the type of tofu used. It's the firmer type like tau kwa.

Special Lemon Fish with Beehoon 3.5/5

Lastly we tried the Special Lemon Fish with Beehoon ($26). It tasted a bit Thai inspired from the sour lemon sauce. However I felt it needed a bit of that chilli fiery to give it a bit more punch.


Royal J's Premium Taste
Blk 151 Bishan Street 11
#01-195
Singapore 570151
Tel: +65 91223993
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Nearest MRT: Bishan (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bishan MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to Bishan Bus Interchange (Stop ID 53009). Take bus number 54, 56 or 410. Alight 2 stops later. Walk straight to the traffic junction of Bishan Street 13 and Bishan Street 11. Cross the road and turn left onto Bishan Street 11. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Tendon Ginza Itsuki @ Tanjong Pagar Road

Tendon Ginza Itsuki at Orchid Hotel, Tanjong Pagar is Ramen Keisuke's eighth and latest concept outlet in Singapore. The newest concept offers delightful one bowl soul food meals to the diners, served in a special porcelain bowls by Arita (a 400 year old porcelain brand from Japan).

The menu at Tendon Ginza Itsuki is very simple. There are only 2 items on the menu. Special Tendon  - Tempura on Rice ($13.90) and Vegetable Tendon - Vegetable Tempura on Rice ($12.90). Complimentary pickled cabbage are served at the table. Diners can help themselves to them. Tempura is all fried stuff, so these pickles are very thoughtful to help cut through the greasiness.

Steamed Egg 4/5

Besides the complimentary pickled cabbage, the Tendon also comes with Steamed Egg and Miso Soup. It basically is like having a set meal.

Vegetable Tendon 3.5/5

The Vegetable Tendon comes with tempura pumpkin, shiitake mushroom, lotus root, eggplant and 4 pieces of other vegetables. This is a delightful rice bowl with abundance of vegetables to fill up the stomach. The other highlight is the tendon sauce that is drizzled over the rice bowl, which lifted the flavour of the tempura and rice. The tendon sauce is also available at table side if you want to add more of it.

Special Tendon 4.2/5

My recommendation would to go for the Special Tendon that comes with 2 pieces of prawn, 2 pieces of chicken and 4 pieces of vegetables. There is even a half boiled egg hidden underneath the pile of tempura. I find that this is a more satisfying rice bowl with the prawn, chicken, egg and vegetables. Drizzled with the tendon sauce, this accentuated the flavour a notch.

I think Tendon Ginza Itsuki is really value for money with its hearty and comforting bowl of tempura on rice. It was also quite entertaining sitting at the bar counter watching the chefs preparing each tendon upon order. However be warn that you will leave the place smelling like tempura. Do spread yourself with some Febreze fabric refresher provided at the cashier counter before leaving the restaurant.


Tendon Ginza Itsuki
101 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088522
Tel: +65 62216678
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Orchid Hotel. Turn right at Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk down Tanjong Pagar Road towards the row of shop houses. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Fukuichi Japanese Dining @ Hotel Chancellor

With the success of the first outlet at Triple One Somerset, Fukuichi Japanese Dining opens it's second outlet at Hotel Chancellor. If you have been to their flagship outlet, you would know how popular and crowded the restaurant is. If  you do not want to join the queue, you can head to their second outlet which is still not known to many yet.

Kani Tofu 4.5/5

Dinner at Fukuichi Japanese Dining started with the Kani Tofu ($7). The silky smooth bean curd is comes with surprises of crab meat inside with the century egg sauce bringing the whole dish today and lifting the enjoying to the next level.

XO Chawanmushi 4.5/5

I am actually lost of words to describe the XO Chawanmushi ($14). The steamed egg with xo sauce is a first for me, Rich in flavour, smooth in texture and a tad of spiciness from the xo sauce, worked in harmony to create this excellent dish.

Gyuniku Fagura Sauce 4.2/5

Another very delectable dish is the Gyuniku Fagura Sauce ($38) that comes with tender and juicy grilled beef cubes drenched in a delish goose liver sauce.

Spider Maki 3.5/5

For some carbo intake, the Spider Maki ($18) comes stuffed with deep fried soft shell crab and cucumber. The fluffy rice, crispy soft shell crab, crunchy cucumber and popping roes all rolled up into a lovely delectable choice.

Ebi Teppanyaki 4.2/5

I am so glad that I do not need to get my hands dirty peeling the Ebi Teppanyaki ($25). The teppanyaki prawns are served peeled, tossed in a mayonnaise sauce and torched before servicing. The creaminess with smoky aroma made this a very addictive dish.

Fukuichi Indulgence Teishaku Set 3.5/5

For the opening of the second outlet, Fukuichi Japanese Dining is offering a special opening promotion from 18 August to 30 September 2015 at the new outlet. The Fukuichi Indulgence Teishoku Set available for dinner comes at a special price of $30 (usual price $45). The Fukuichi Indulgence Teishoku Set comprises of eight different items. There are appetiser, green salad, sashimi moriwase, sushi moriwase, ura maki, sake mentaiyaki, tempura and miso soup.

Fukuichi also offers a extensive selection of lunch set ranging from $18 to $22. For the opening promotion period up to 30 September 2015, for every three set lunches, get the fourth one free.


Fukuichi Japanese Dining
Hotel Chancellor
No. 28 Cavenagh Road
#01-05
Singapore 229635
Tel: +65 67370788
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Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line), Dhoby Ghaut (CC Line, NS Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight

Direction: 
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to ground level. Walk to the traffic junction at Orchard Road and Killiney Road. Cross the road and turn right. Walk towards Cavenagh Road. Turn left onto Cavenagh Road and then right onto Kramat Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk down Orchard Road towards Istana. Walk to traffic junction at Orchard Road and Buyong Road. Cross the road and turn right onto Buyong Road and then turn left onto Kramat Lane. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]