Lobby Lounge @ Conrad Centennial Singapore - The Return of the Strawberry Afternoon Tea Featuring Amaou Strawberries

As January heralds in the peak season of Amaou Strawberries of Fukuoka, Conrad Centennial Singapore's Lobby Lounge has recently relaunched its exclusive Strawberry Afternoon Tea. Also known as the "King of Japanese Strawberries," delight in Amaou's sweetness from now till 31 March 2024. The specially curated menu features fresh Amaou Strawberries sourced from Fukuoka, farmed under stringent guidelines to preserve their exceptional flavour and deep red hue appearance, and includes exquisitely crafted strawberry-centric delights for a complete Amaou experience.

Start your afternoon tea with Air Flown Japanese Strawberry with Valrhona Chocolate Dip while the chocolate is still warm. The classic pairing of chocolate and strawberries will create a perfect prelude to a relaxing afternoon. The Amaou strawberries, given their exceptional flavour, are just as indulgent on their own.

Whipped Brie

Fresh Strawberry Balsamic Bruschetta

The savoury items were delectable, with a well-considered blending of savoury ingredients and the sweet, fruity, fresh profile of strawberries. My favourite items were the Fresh Strawberry Balsamic Bruschetta and Whipped Brie. The bruschetta was layered with Citrus Cream Cheese, topped with sliced strawberries and seared duck, and sweetened with Cantaloupe Gel. The latter, featuring whipped brie, was topped with Balsamic Strawberry, Fruit Chutney, and Kiwis. The contrasting flavour notes and creamy mouthfeel amped up the lusciousness of the strawberries.

Strawberry, Mango, Scallop Tart

Strawberry, Mango, Scallop Tart was interesting with saltish Pickles and sweet Candied Orange. Again, the juxtaposition of the sweet and savoury notes of the ingredients was delicious, and in addition to that, this dainty pink tart was packed with textural crunch as well. The strawberry tart itself emanated a delightful whiff of strawberry aroma each time I took a bite of the tart.

Salmon Rillettes

Besides strawberries, Salmon Rillettes also highlights the use of Sustainable Caviar - Avruga caviar, distinguished by the Marine Stewardship Council's "Chain of Custody" certification.

Strawberry Meringata

Moving on to the sweets, the Strawberry Meringata was well-received by diners. A balance of creamy, fruity freshness and crunchy elements was put together using decadent double vanilla cream and tangy marinated strawberry spiked with crisped slow-baked Meringue.

Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Shortcake is a classic done right with softy and fluffy sponge cakes layered with Fresh Strawberries and Hokkaido Whipping Cream.

Strawberry Mint

Strawberry Mint was gorgeous in a bright red hue - this strawberry treat was filled with Fresh Strawberry Mint Compote encased within a layer of Vanilla Whip.

Tahitian Vanilla Whip

Tahitian Vanilla Whip, Strawberry Compôte is pretty with Strawberry Marmalade, Vanilla Ganache. Its sweetness was a bit too much for me.

Scones

Homemade Strawberry Scone and Raisin Scone didn't disappoint. It wasn't too buttery, with just a hint of sweetness. Hence, the accompanying clotted cream and Homemade Wild Strawberry Jam were the ideal spread for them.

The Strawberry Afternoon Tea is served at Lobby Lounge daily from 8 January 2024 to 31 March 2024 in two seating: from 1 pm to 3 pm and 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm, priced at $50++ per person on weekdays and $52++ per person on weekends, inclusive of a two-hour free flow of tea and coffee, with an option to include 2 hours of unlimited Prosecco at $28++. For more information or to make reservations at Lobby Lounge, please visit the website or call +65 6432 7483 / 7357.

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.


Lobby Lounge
Conrad Centennial Singapore
2 Temasek Blvd
Singapore 038982
Tel: +65 6432 7483 / 7357
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
First seating: 1pm to 3pm
Second seating: 3:30pm to 5:30pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit B. Continue walking along Temasek Avenue to destination Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

AMI Patisserie @ Scotts Road - Popular Online Pastry Shop Opens First Physical Concept, Crafting Fine Pastries through an ode to Japanese and French Traditions

AMI Patisserie, celebrated for its online prowess in crafting exquisite pastries under the skilled hands of Chef Makoto Arami, has finally materialised into a physical haven at 27 Scotts Road. The Kyoto-style wooden townhouse on the grounds of the colonial black and white bungalow marks AMI Patisserie's debut in the brick-and-mortar world.

Upon entering, patrons are greeted by a serenely elegant Patisserie Café, offering seating for 12. This inviting space provides the perfect backdrop for intimate brunches or leisurely afternoon teas, showcasing fine a la carte sweets, savouries, and viennoiseries — all artfully prepared a la minute. The Chef's Table Discovery Experience ($118++) awaits for a deeper gastronomic affair in the exclusive 8-seat Tsudoi Dining Room.

Piedmont Hazelnut Financier 4.8/5

I had the privilege of embarking on the Chef's Table Discovery Menu — an exquisite 6-course culinary journey that delved into the artistry of pastry creation by Chef Makoto Arami. The Piedmont Hazelnut Financier initiated our journey. Spread with hazelnut praline and adorned with shaved roasted Piedmont hazelnuts, it provided a sweet overture to our 6-course symphony.

Bread Basket 4.5/5

A complimentary Bread Basket graced our table, featuring Sourdough Bread and Iwa Nori Escargot Bun. Accompanied by applewood-smoked and whipped unsalted Lescure butter, these creations showcased Chef Makoto's prowess in bread making too.

1st Course - Signature Choux 5/5

The Signature Choux held a special place in Chef Makoto's heart, paying homage to his father's choux recipe. This Japanese egg-filled craqueline choux, topped with crème fraîche, Schrenckii caviar, hanaho, and edible gold flakes, delivered a delightful blend of sweet and savoury flavours — a perfect harmony of crispiness and complexity.

2nd Course - Shizuoka Tomato Tartelette 4.8/5

The Shizuoka Tomato Tartelette drew inspiration from Chef Makoto's love for Italian flavours. Aged parmesan tartelette, topped with fromage blanc cream, fresh Amela tomatoes, basil oil, micro basil, and cornflower, harmonised Italian classics with a modern twist.

3rd Course - Japanese Uni Brioche 4.8/5

The Japanese Uni Brioche showcased Chef Makoto's fusion prowess, featuring brown butter brioche topped with lime cream, sea urchin, grated fresh wasabi, finger lime, and lime zest. This creation provided a burst of flavours, bursting with a firework of delights.

4th Course - Nasu Brulee 4.2/5

Inspired by Kyoto's Miso Dengaku, the Nasu Brulee featured bruleed eggplant custard, grilled beinasu dusted with sansho powder, and miso caramel. Paired with soy and miso ice cream, it presented a unique and complex flavour profile.

Palate Cleanser - La France Pear 4.2/5

A refreshing interlude came in the form of La France Pear — fresh pear topped with pear puree, chamomile gelee, and yuzu and pear granita. It is a sweet and invigorating dessert that cleanses the palate.

5th Course - Marble Dark Chocolate 4.2/5

The Marble Dark Chocolate was an artistic ode comprising three types of ganache, layered with plain and chocolate tuile and finished with a quenelle of Amaretto ice cream. This dessert celebrated the craftsmanship of the ceramic ware master who crafted the tableware for the Tsudoi Dining Room.

6th Course - Ichigo Milk 4.2/5

The Ichigo Milk, a finale featuring Amaou strawberries, showcased the 'king of Japanese strawberries.' With strawberries mixed in strawberry sauce, fromage blanc mousse, mint gelee, Hokkaido milk ice cream, strawberry granita, and edible gold flakes, it was a delightful conclusion — a light yet sweet ending to the culinary journey.

Oyatsu - Kumquat & Kokuto Pineapple Pie 4.5/5

To cap off the experience, the Oyatsu — Kumquat & Kokuto Pineapple Pie — offered a taste of Lunar New Year festivities. A Mille feuille puff pastry filled with almond cream, pineapple jam simmered with Okinawan kokuto black sugar, and kumquats from Miyazaki prefecture provided a sweet and symbolic ending.

In conclusion, the Chef's Table Discovery Experience at AMi Patisserie transcended a mere culinary journey — a symphony of flavours, artistry, and sentiment. Chef Makoto Arami's meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful compositions elevate pastries to a form of culinary art, offering patrons an unforgettable and deeply personal gastronomic encounter. AMi Patisserie's physical concept place is more than a patisserie. It is a testament to the craftsmanship and passion that defines Chef Makoto Arami's culinary world.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


AMI Patisserie
27 Scotts Road
Singapore 228222
Tel:+65 8907 6146
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Nearest MRT: Newton (DT, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Patisserie Café
Tue-Fri: 1130am - 6pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 11am - 6pm
(Closed Mon-Tue from 19 Feb 2024 onwards)

Tsudoi Dining Room - Chef's Table Discovery Experience
Wed-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 7pm - 9pm
Sun: 12pm - 6pm

Diretion:
1) Alight at Newton MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Scotts Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Bacha Coffee @ ION Orchard - Features Over 200 Types Of Coffee Around The World

First established in Marrakech in 1910, Bacha Coffee has set up its first coffee room and boutique outside of Marrakech at ION Orchard. Features over 200 single-origin coffees, fine flavoured coffees and fine blended coffees, the Arabica coffee beans are sourced from Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Asia and beyond, gathered and hand-roasted in Singapore. The interior is quite opulent, and I learnt Bacha at ION inherits the grandeur of Bacha Coffee's first coffee room in the Dar el Bacha Palace, where it still remains till date.

While you can select your choice of coffee according to their flavour profiles stated in the list, feel free to turn to any of the coffee masters for suggestions! All 200 of the Bacha coffees are served either hot or iced poured from gooseneck Bacha coffee pots, and you get to vary each cup of your coffee with its signature Bacha Coffee whipped cream, steamed milk, raw sugar and cracked vanilla bean.

From Single Origin Coffees, Fine Blended Coffees and Fine Flavoured Coffee, we tried Ethiopia - Sidamo Mountain Coffee ($9/pot), Saigon Morning Coffee ($9/pot) and 1910 Coffee ($9/pot) respectively. Each pot of coffee speaks true to its descriptions, especially for 1910 Coffee, which carries notes of strawberries and cream that lingers on the tongue even long after the cup returns to the table. It was quite a revelation to be able to 'read' coffee in such a manner, as I managed to do it once in Perth at a small cafe.

Coffee with cracked vanilla bean

Surprise, surprise. The coffee that I will return for is Kahwa! Kahwa! Decaffeinated Coffee ($9/pot) from the list of Fine Decaffeinated Coffees. Naturally C0₂ decaffeinated, decaffeinated coffee has never tasted so good. Instead of dulling the tastebuds, which I feel most coffees do, this seemed to have the ability to open up my senses even more.

Croissants 3.8/5

The menu is designed to enhance the coffee drinking experience, offerings include signature croissants with an array of sweet or savoury fillings, pastries, salads and mains. After trying a few of their pastries and dishes offered on their menu, I find the croissants ($8 for 2) are still the best accompaniments to my coffee. The simple formula of butter and coffee just seems so right.

Orange Almond Croissant

Nothing beats Butter Croissant, which you can fully appreciate the lovely aroma of the butter and the airiness of the croissant. The middle portion is where the dough has fully bloomed, with a crisp layer wrapping around it. I couldn't help but to tear it with my fingers and savour it. I like the size of it because compared to a larger one, you get four edges to munch on! As for the flavoured ones, you can't go wrong with the citrusy Orange Almond and Lemon. The tart Raspberry and Cinnamon will have been better if it isn't so sweet. 1910 Coffee and Chocolate sounds promising, but the chocolate filling wasn't to my liking. Pistachio disappoints with its flavourless filling.

Comte Cheese Croissant

Comte Cheese Croissant ($18) was voted one of the favourites too. It was loaded with warm, melted sharp cheese. Its dainty size comes in handy, as it may be too rich if it's any inch bigger.

Cucumber Tzatziki 2.8/5

On the menu, there are also Salads and Mains. Cucumber Tzatziki ($20) comes with caramelised watermelon and shredded cucumbers. Refreshing but it lacks some warm elements such as nuts or nutty dressings to balance the fresh ingredients.

Barramundi Tajine 4/5

For mains, Barramundi Tajine ($26) was wholesome and hearty with chunks of vegetables, with the Barramundi moist and tender. The broth was robust with seafood flavours, zesty and uplifting with spices.

Moroccan Pastilla 3.5/5

Traditionally made with pigeon, the Moroccan Pastilla ($24) here is made with chicken. Although I have never tried the original version before, this to me was delicious, especially when the filo crust was pleasingly thin and crisp. Again, I love the spices used in the filling, which add tons of flavours to the filling without being overpowering.

Strawberry Soup with Vanilla Ice Cream 3/5

We had a plated dessert as well - Strawberry Soup with Vanilla Ice Cream ($12), alongside with other pastries - Chocolate, Cocoa Bean Cake ($8), Tiramisu ($12) and Pandan Cheesecake ($9). The Strawberry soup was light and not cloyingly sweet. I like the density of the Chocolate and Cocoa Bean Cake, but it lacks richness. The Tiramisu is a child-friendly version, while the latter isn't worth the calories I would say.

Overall, I'm pretty impressed by the standard of coffee at Bacha, where each cup of coffee, served black, is distinctively different from one another. Bacha Coffee’s retail selection includes loose beans as well as coffees and single-serve coffee bags. Loose beans can be purchased by weight and ground to your specifications.

Written and photography 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.


Bacha Coffee
ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#01-15/16
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 63631910
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

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

Lewin Terrace @ Fort Canning - Brings Back Indulgent Oh! Matcha Season Of Ichigo New Afternoon Delight Dessert Buffet

Highly raved for its exquisite dessert series, Lewin Terrace at Fort Canning has launched their matcha, as well as Ichigo (strawberry) dessert buffet previously on separate occasions. This time, you can have the both worlds as they return with a fresh new theme - The Oh! Matcha Season of Ichigo Afternoon Delight Dessert Buffet.

Available from 9 January to 29 March 2019, Lewin Terrace has teamed up with stylist Med Kärlek Inc to present a dazzling array of delectable desserts which features a combination of the best of Japan's staples with Uji Match and Chitose Ichigo.

Diners can anticipate a range of Japanese sweet treats made from home-grown brand Matchaya's Matcha powders such as the Uji Matcha Pudding, Baked Matcha Cheesecake, Uji Matcha Madeleine, Sencha Jelly with Matcha syrup. Made using premium grade Japanese Matcha leaves from Uji - they have a distinct, full-bodied bittersweet flavour which is great for matcha lovers. Now, you don't to fly all the way to Japan to enjoy these goodness.

Try the Baked Matcha Cheesecake which sports a soft matcha cake centre and a crumbly buttery crust. It scores both on flavour and aroma with just the right amount of matcha added to it.

The Uji Matcha Madeleine has a denser texture with a nice matcha aroma to the sugary pieces. The spread does not end here, but also include the Mixed Berries Tart, Mixed Berries Mille Feuille, Ichigo Chiffon, Ichigo Tiramisu, Mixed Berry Jelly, and Ichigo Clafoutis.

One of the favourite french pastries - the Mixed Berries Mille Feuille features crunchy thin layers of puff pastry, crème chantilly and fresh berries giving it a good mix of textures

The Fresh Berries Tart features slices of pound cake with whipped cream and fresh berries atop to add a tinge of strawberry sweetness to the dessert.

The Ichigo Tiramisu features a combination of diced strawberries with mascarpone cheese in small shot glasses.

The Ichigo Chiffon has a soft and fluffy texture, with a light strawberry fragrance.

For those craving for something chocolatey, there are also the classic Chocolate Pound Cake and Chocolate Macaron.

Besides the scrumptious spread of pastries displayed on the dessert table, all diners are also treated to an exclusive box of hand-made treats, Ichigo Daifuku and Charcoal Matcha Roll Cake served in a special box. While the Charcoal Matcha Roll Cake sports a nice aroma with its matcha cream, I felt that the cake has a stodgier texture, lacking the fluffiness of the usual swiss roll that one would expect.

A serving of Ichigo and Matcha Ice Cream will also be served to all guests upon order. Creamy and light enough to end your meal on a pleasant note.

Apart from the indulgent ala carte dessert menu, Lewin Terrace also offers a 3-course lunch menu ($58++) which comes with an appetizer and main, as well as a 4-course menu ($88++) which comes with 2 mains of fish and meat options. The appetiser of Truffle Mushroom Soup with Onsen Egg is a consistent favourite around the table. The creaminess of the soup binds the different flavours together - the earthiness of the mushroom and truffle fragrance in a perfect combination. The truffle shavings adds a more pronounced truffle flavour to the dish, while the runny onsen eggs acts as an essential finishing touch to gel all the elements together.

The main dish is their Signature Cod Saikyoyaki, with a Japanese-style soft and tender cod fish soaked in flavourful miso broth. Lastly, round off the meal on a sweet ending with their dessert buffet.

Oh! Matcha Season of Ichigo is available Wednesday to Friday, 1pm to 3pm from 9 January to 29 March 2019 at $38++ per pax for the a la carte Dessert Buffet. The 3 Course Set Lunch including Dessert Buffet is priced at $58++ (from 12pm onwards).

Words and photos by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Lewin Terrace
21 Lewin Terrace
Singapore 179290
Tel: +65 63339905
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 630pm - 1100pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Take left onto North Bridge. Walk to the traffic light junction of North Bridge Road and Coleman Street. Cross the road towards Peninsula Plaza and continue walking towards the junction of Coleman Street and Hill Street. Cross the road to the central fire station. Continue on Coleman Street until Singapore Philatelic Museum. Look out for the metal gate before the museum, turn left in and take the stairs to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]