Madame Fan @ The NCO Club - A Mythical Spring Odyssey at Madame Fan this Lunar New Year

Madame Fan welcomes the Year of the Dragon by rolling out their meticulously crafted festive Spring creations. From 15 January to 25 February 2024, diners can select from dine-in Set Menus (from $108 per pax) and a la carte items, highlighting elevated modern Cantonese dishes made with premium ingredients.

Additionally, a special Lunar New Year Edition of the restaurant's Dim Sum, Drink Sum Brunch (from $118 per pax), will feature items such as Steamed Black Truffle Dumpling with Wild Mushroom and Crab Roe Har Gao alongside Madame Fan's Signature Salmon Yu Sheng and new-to-menu cocktails. This will be available from 10 to 12, 17 to 18 and 24 to 25 February 2024.

For our dinner, we sampled highlights from the various menus.

Bountiful Blessings Lobster Yu Sheng 4.2/5

Exclusively available for dine-in, the Bountiful Blessings Lobster Yu Sheng ($238 serves 8 persons) is presented with the traditional Chinese character of the dragon 龍. The star here was the fleshy and sweet chunks of Australian Lobster paired with an assortment of other fresh ingredients.

This refreshing modern take was vibrant yet pleasingly light, with the combination of homemade bak kwa, crispy lotus root slices, green mango, longan, pomegranate, guava, apple, mango and grapefruit, dressed in a Honey Grain Mustard Yuzu Yogurt sauce.

Madame Fan’s Prosperity Poon Choi 4.5/5

Another must-have for Lunar New Year would be poon choi. Madame Fan's Prosperity Poon Choi (from $438 for 5 pax) contains top ingredients of abalone, sea cucumber, scallop, and tiger prawns simmered with premium yam in a homemade abalone broth. The base is slow-cooked for over four hours, further enhanced with the addition of a roasted pork knuckle.

The Poon Choi is available for takeaway as well. Diners can opt to upgrade to the Prosperity Poon Choi Bundle ($698 for 6 pax), which includes Abalone Yu Sheng, Wok Fried Glutinous Rice with Preserved Sausage, Dried Shrimp and Yam as well as Pan Fried Nian Gao with Coconut Crumb.

Geoduck with Japanese Cucumber, Black Fungus, Aged Vinegar 4.5/5

The chilled Geoduck with Japanese Cucumber, Black Fungus, and Aged Vinegar ($68 per a la carte portion) was an inviting starter, with the sweet and crunchy geoduck complementing the mild acidity from the aged vinegar jelly.

Sea Urchin Shumai 4/5

Aside from the Geoduck, we also had the Sea Urchin Shumai, which is recommended to enjoy in a mouthful.

Imperial Bird’s Nest Golden Broth 4.8/5

One standout dish for me that evening was the luxurious Imperial Bird's Nest Golden Broth. This slow-cooked velvety broth boasted rich umami flavours and was elegantly adorned with bird's nest, fresh crab meat and roe. The touch of crispy shreds of scallop added an extra layer of indulgence.

Braised Giant Grouper 4/5

Chef's Braised Giant Grouper was presented with its fish skin, beancurd fupi, and chu hou sauce. While the Cantonese preparation rendered the grouper's meat tender, I personally found the braised sauce a tad too sweet.

Stewed Seafood Beancurd Rice 4.8/5

Another remarkable dish was the Stewed Seafood Beancurd Rice. The base stock, enriched by Gu Yue Long Shan rice wine, created a flavourful stew that allowed the natural seafood sweetness to shine through, topped with caviar for an extra touch of lux!

Mango Fountain Chiffon Cake 4.5/5

The chef puts a creative spin on the traditional Mango Sago dessert with the Mango Fountain Chiffon Cake ($22 for a la carte). This delightful conclusion to the meal presents a medley of textures, including crumbs, ice cream, mousse, chiffon, and fresh mango slices. I appreciated the well-balanced sweetness and the added zest from Australian finger lime.

To place your dine-in reservations, email madamefan.nco@marriott.com, call 6818 1921 or visit their website at www.madamefan.sg.

For takeaways, visit www.madamefan.oddle.me to view their full range of offerings. These are available from 15 January to 25 February 2024 and must be made at least 2 days in advance. Receive a limited edition keepsake of Madame Fan's exclusive Mahjong Set with a minimum spend of $3,888 nett for dine-in or takeaways.

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.


Madame Fan
The NCO Club
32 Beach Road
Singapore 189764
Tel: +65 6818 1921
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade MRT (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 330pm, 6pm - 10pm

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

YUN NANS (云海肴) @ ION Orchard - New Outlet With Garden-Within-A-Restaurant Theme In The Heart Of Orchard Road

One of my favourite Chinese Restaurants, YUN NANS (云海肴), has opened its latest and fourth outlet at Ion Orchard, in the heart of Orchard Road. The new space seeks to transport diners into a garden landscape, designed as a scenic garden-within-a-restaurant.

Steam Pot Chicken Soup with Lily Bulb 4.2/5

With the new opening, the restaurant also introduced new dishes, such as the Signature Steam Pot Chicken Soup ($32.90) is given an elevation with the addition of Lanzhou Lily Bulb. The lily bulb gives the light and nourishing soup an extra lift in sweetness.

Pomelo Salad with Osmanthus Dressing 4/5

The Pomelo Salad with Osmanthus Dressing ($10.90) is a refreshing and invigorating salad tossed in house-made osmanthus honey sauce, giving it a sweet and fruity finishing. Fresh lily bulb is added for that extra crispiness.

Lychee Prawn Ball 4.2/5

Shaped and looking like lychee is the Lychee Prawn Ball ($20.80). It is freshness at its best. Fresh prawns are hand-beaten to a paste, shaped into bite-sized balls and deep-fried till crispy. While the exterior is crisp, the inside is crunchy, bursting with juicy tenderness from the prawns.

Hotplate Milky Tofu with Spicy Garlic Sauce 4.8/5

A delightful new dish that goes very well with a bowl of rice is the Hotplate Milky Tofu with Spicy Garlic Sauce ($16.80). The famed Yunnan milky tofu's pillowy soft texture is achieved using Shiping's unique spring water, drenched in an appetising specially concocted spicy garlic seafood sauce.

Sauteed Cabbage with Dried Chillies 4.5/5

Sometimes simple is the best, for example, the Sauteed Cabbage with Dried Chillies ($13.80). It is simply stir-fried with garlic, thin slices of pork and dried chillies, bringing out the natural sweetness of the cabbage.

Charcoal Grilled Chicken Skin and Gizzard 4.2/5

Marinated with an in-house mix of Yunnan's spices and grilled over a charcoal fire, the Charcoal Grilled Chicken Skin ($2.80 per skewer) and Gizzard ($2.80 per skewer) are packed with beautiful aroma from the spices. The skewers are deliciously good for a few glasses of beer.

Braised Fish Maw with Porcini Mushroom

The treasure pot of Braised Fish Maw with Porcini Mushroom ($42.80 / $52.80) comprises wild porcini mushrooms harvested from the highlands of Yunnan, fresh fish maw, Yunnan solo clove garlic, Chinese yam, and Yunnan Qiubei Chillies. The ingredients are braised over a slow flame, giving the fish maw a soft texture and retaining its collagen content.

Claypot Rice with Minced Beef and Crispy Red Bean $24.90

Lastly, wrapping up our dinner is the Claypot Rice with Minced Beef and Crispy Red Bean ($24.90). It is like the Chinese take on the donabe. The stewed rice is cooked in a special in-house sauce and served with crispy red beans, minced beef, ham, crisp-fried pork lard, spring onions and salted vegetables. Mix everything together to end the meal in a finale

Note: This is an invited tasting.


YUN NANS (云海肴)
ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#B3-17
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 65130828
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 11am - 10pm

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

Exuberant Lunar New Year Creations to Usher In the Year Of The Ox At Goodwood Park Hotel

Goodwood Park Hotel has put together an exuberant Lunar New Year creations this year to usher in the Year of the Ox. Beloved signatures, as well as new goodies and lavish delicacies, are available from 24 January to 26 February 2021.

Auspicious Abundance "Lo Hei" 4.2/5

Over at Min Jiang Dempsey, the restaurant has created the new Auspicious Abundance "Lo Hei" ($268++ dine in/ $285.75nett takeaway) for both dine-in and takeaway. The elegantly present Yu Sheng comes in a crunchy rice cracker net filled with steamed Alaskan crab leg meat set atop fresh pomelo, peach, abalone and a medley of vegetables and fruit.

Double-boiled Abalone Soup and Eel Fish Maw 4.5/5

A new dish on the Chinese New Year menu is the Double-boiled Abalone Soup and Eel Fish Maw ($265.35 nett). I feel it a good change from the usual richly flavoured Chinese New Year dishes. In the light and refreshing soup, diners can also find handmade Prawn Dumplings and Minced Pork Balls in the claypot. It is available at Min Jiang at Goodwood Park for takeaway/delivery.

Braised Pork Belly, Meatball with Crabmeat in Beancurd Pockets and Sea Treasures in Claypot 4.5/5

Over at Min Jiang at Dempsey, diners who prefer the rich and robust flavour will enjoy the Braised Pork Belly, Meatball with Crabmeat in Beancurd Pockets and Sea Treasures in Claypot ($393.75 nett). Dig into the treasure pot to discover more delicacies such as braised Australian 10-head abalone, Chinese dried oysters, black moss, flower mushrooms, sea cucumbers, dried scallops and tientsin cabbage. The treasure pot is available for takeaway/delivery at Min Jiang at Dempsey.

Slow-braised Spicy Oxtail with Pickled Mustard and Enoki Mushrooms in Claypot 4.2/5

In conjunction with the Year of the Ox, Min Jiang at Goodwood Park Hotel has created the Slow-braised Spicy Oxtail with Pickled Mustard and Enoki Mushrooms in Claypot ($254.65 nett). The oxtail pieces are simmered in Sichuan peppercorn, fermented chilli bean paste, red chilli, star anise, cinnamon sticks, garlic, onions and carrots for 3 to 4 hours. The flavourful Sichuan spices though subtle, enhances the enjoyment of the oxtail that is cooked to tender.

Stewed Rice with Minced Chicken, Dried Scallops, Baby Abalone and Liver Sausage in Stone Pot 4/5

I find the Stewed Rice with Minced Chicken, Dried Scallops, Baby Abalone and Liver Sausage in Stone Pot a hybrid between our traditional claypot rice and poached rice. The flavoursome sauce enhanced the fluffy rice. The addition of dried scallops and liver sausage further elevating the whole enjoyment.

Besides the savoury dishes, Goodwood Park Hotel has also introduced new sweet and savoury Lunar New Year treats for takeaway/delivery. You will not be able to resist the addictive Maple Butter and Almond Garlic Lotus Root Chips ($36.80), 'Chiku' Arrowhead Chips ($28.80) and Crispy Kang Kong with Cheese & Sour Cream ($28.80).

Gong Xi 'Huat' Cai - Pineapple Crumble Tart 4.2/5

A delicious new creation Gong Xi 'Huat' Cai - Pineapple Crumble Tart ($78 nett, 700g). It is an innovative take of the traditional pineapple tart with a western twist. The tart measures 14cm in diameter is a marriage of buttery goodness and refreshing tart pineapple.

Bountiful Box of Sweet Blessings - Assorted Petit Pastries 4.5/5

Great for gifting and ending reunion dinners on a sweet note is the Bountiful Box of Sweet Blessings - Assorted Petit Pastries ($80 nett, 15pc). The stunning collection of 15 petit tarts and cakes in a medley of flavours will delight family and friends. Diners can look forward to flavours such as chocolate almond, pineapple crumble, baked cheesecake, orange chiboust and coffee vanilla.

Lucky Fortune Oranges - Kumquat Butter Cake and Marble Cake 4/5

Shaped into mandarin orange are the Lucky Fortune Oranges - Kumquat Butter Cake and Marble Cake ($138 nett, 2kg). The handcrafted mandarin oranges feature six kumquat butter cakes with a vanilla buttercream layer. Sitting underneath the mandarin oranges is a box made of moist marble cake covered in a rich red fondant decorated with symbolic greetings and design.

Fortune Koi Fish 'Nian Gao' with Red Bean Paste 4/5

A treat to both the palate and eyes is the Fortune Koi Fish 'Nian Gao' with Red Bean Paste ($45.80 nett, 8pc), filled with delectable smooth red bean paste.

Bak Kwa 4.5/5

You probably not known is the moreish Bak Kwa ($56 nett for 600g/ $88 nett for 1kg), marinated in a proprietary blend of spices and barbecued by the hotel's Chinese chefs and sold pre-cut in small slices.

The Lunar New Year Treats and Abundant Feasting Specials will be available for takeaway or delivery from The Deli and Min Jiang (Goodwood Park Hotel) as well as Min Jiang at Dempsey. Guests may place online orders at https://goodwoodparkfestive.oddle.me for delivery or self-collection.

Alternatively, guests can contact Min Jiang at (65) 6730 1704 / email: min_jiang@goodwoodparkhotel.com, or Min Jiang at Dempsey at (65) 6774 0122/ email: mjdempsey@goodwoodparkhotel.com, to place takeaway orders for self-collection only. Advance orders of five days are required for deliveries and takeaways. Availability for all Lunar New Year specials is from 24 January to 26 February 2021, and the last pre-order date is 21 February 2021, 12pm.

SEAR @ Singapore Land Tower

With Valentine's Day falling on Saturday this year, I am sure a lot of couples and lovers are planning for a romatic dinner date. If you are still researching and looking for a restaurant, I would recommend Sear, a modern American steakhouse recently opened in November 2014 on the 45th storey of Singapore Land Tower overlooking the scenic Marina Bay.

Crispy Pork Belly 4.2/5

Specially for Valentine's Day, Executive Chef Claudio Sandri has specially created an elegant three course meal for this special day. Tempting the palate, is the amuse bouche of Crispy Pork Belly with clementine sorbet and hoi sin sauce. The pork belly was perfectly done with crackling skin and succulent meat. I like the pairing of the sorbet more than the hoi sin sauce. Nevertheless, this is a beautiful dish to impress your perfect. Do note amuse bouche is only available for the second seating.

Seasonal Oysters 4.2/5

Grilled Hokkaido Scallops & Foie Gras 4.5/5

Sweet Corn Soup 4.2/5

For the starters, there is a choice of Seasonal Oysters, Grilled Hokkaido Scallop & Foie Gras or Sweet Corn Soup. The seasonal oyster is paired with iberico chorizo and tomato cloud to boost the natural creaminess of the oyster. The sweet and plump scallop was beautifully seared and paired with the foie gras. The bowl of comforting sweet corn soup made from pearl corn and PIRA grilled baby corn will be a delightful treat.

PIRA Grilled Canadian Tenderloin 3.8/5

For the mains, one has a choice between the PIRA Grilled Canadian Tenderloin and Spanish Rice Stew. The PIRA Grilled Canadian Tenderloin is served with basil gnocchi, baby carrots and red wine sauce. While the Canadian tenderloin was perfectly grilled and tender, I felt that it lacked that natural beefy flavour that I enjoyed. However my attention went to the basil gnocchi which was extremely good with the added basil.

Spanish Rice Stew 4.5/5

The Spanish Rice Stew on the other hand fares better with its robust flavours. Cooked with Canadian lobster, chorizo and Roma tomatoes, this is a one pot rainbow of flavours that will send you over the moon.

Marshmallow and Double Chocolate Mud Cake 3.5/5

Raspberry Souffle 3.8/5

Every meal is not complete without the dessert. Wrapping up the 3 course meal is the choice of Marshmallow and Double Chocolate Mud Cake, and Raspberry Souffle. The Marshmallow and Double Chocolate Mud Cake is served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This dessert will be a joy to the chocolate lover with its rich and intense chocolatey flavour. The Raspberry Souffle on the other hand is lighter in flavour but as good. A hole is further cut in the middle of the souffle and chocolate sauce is pour into it.

Diners can choose from two seating times on 14 February 2015. First seating at 6pm is priced at $108++ per person or Second seating at 830pm is priced at $138++ per person. Special early bird offers are available till 1 February at $88++ per person (first seating) and $118++ per person (second seating). Wine pairing is also available for an additional $35++ per person.


Sear
Singapore Land Tower
50 Raffles Place
#45-01/02
Singapore 048623
Tel: +65 62219555
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/searsteakhouse.sg
Website: http://www.fiftyrafflesplace.com/
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opeing Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Chevron House. At Chevron House, turned left and walk down the walkway. Continue to the end of the walkway, the destination is the building on the right. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]