Opus Bar and Grill @ VOCO Orchard Singapore - Grilled Out Sunday Edition 2.0.

Opus Bar and Grill has recently rolled out a refreshed edition of its Sunday brunch, Grilled Out Sunday Edition 2.0. This new concept introduces a bi-monthly themed culinary series, where each edition has its own menu, ranging from classic roasts and slow-smoked meats to local flavours, spit-roast specials, and festive holiday grills. The experience is further elevated with curated beverage pairings, including wines, cocktails and beers.

Taking centre stage in this Grilled Out Sunday Edition 2.0 à la carte buffet is the mains selection, where the sumptuous meat platter is as much a visual feast as it is indulgent. The Sunday roasts highlight four distinctive fire-led cooking techniques — Grilling, Josper Roasting, Smoking and Rotisserie.

Black Angus Striploin

From the grill, the Black Angus Striploin delivered the expected beefy flavours. The Josper oven was key in building intense depth in the Garlic and Rosemary Lamb Leg, sealing in its aromatic richness. The Smoked Duck Breast stood out for its tender, unctuous texture, gently infused with a lingering smokiness. A familiar crowd-pleaser, the Rotisserie-roasted Chicken was evenly cooked, with golden skin and a desired succulence. That said, the oven -roasted Crispy Pork Belly fell short of expectations. The crackling lacked the desired crispness, and a slight gamey note detracted from its overall appeal.

An engaging highlight of the brunch is the live guéridon service, where selected savoury items are finished tableside, adding an interactive and theatrical touch to the dining experience.

Moules Marinière

Completing the brunch is a selection of appetisers and sides. The starters were delectable - Crab and Potato, Moules Marinière, and Roasted Tomato Soup were enjoyable and, in fact, more memorable than the sides.

Cauliflower Gratin

Yorkshire Pudding

Among the sides, the warm, cheesy Cauliflower Gratin and the classic Yorkshire Pudding stood out. The latter, being a must-have with any proper Sunday roast, was fluffy and chewy.

Salad Bar

A thoughtful addition is the self-service Salad Bar, where we helped ourselves to fresh salads, cheeses and crackers as we await our orders.

Creme Brulee

For desserts, we had the Apple Crumble, Crème Brûlée, and Ice Cream Sundae. The latter charmed with its nostalgic, old-school presentation. My favourite was the Apple Crumble, served warm with a generous dollop of cream. The buttery sweetness of the crumble hit just the right spot, making it a comforting and satisfying end to the meal.

Ice Cream Sundae

For more information and for dining reservations, please call Opus Bar and Grill at +65 6730 3390 or visit orcharddining.vocohotels.com/dining/opus-bar-grill

Grilled Out Sunday (a la carte buffet)
Every Sunday, 12pm to 3pm $78++ per adult | $39++ per child (6 to 12 years old)
Free-flow alcoholic beverages at $48++ per adult

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Opus Bar & Grill
VOCO Orchard Singapore
581 Orchard Road
Singapore 238883
Tel: +65 6730 3390
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Walk down Orchard Road to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

LUCE @ Frasers House - Unveils a Richer, More Immersive Dining Experience

Curated under the direction of Chef de Cuisine Giuseppe Di Caetano, Luce at Fraser House introduces a more indulgent and dynamic dining experience, marked by an expanded lineup of live stations and a deeper repertoire of dishes.

Seafood on Ice

The experience began the moment I stepped in, greeted by an impressive seafood-on-ice display showcasing premium selections such as Japanese oysters, wild-caught Australian spanner crab, and an array of seasonal shellfish.

Cold Cuts and Charcuterie

The Cold Cuts and Charcuterie Room is an ideal way to start, a dedicated space housing an extensive selection of artisanal cheeses from Italy and France, including a noteworthy 36-month-aged cheddar, alongside premium cured meats like the 18-month dry-cured Prosciutto di Parma.

Chilled Antipasti and Salads

Burrata

The spread includes a variety of chilled antipasti and salads, with burrata as a highlight. A sushi and sashimi selection is also available alongside.

Housemade Squid Ink Tagliolini

Pasta station

At the heart of Luce lies its Italian culinary tradition. One of the standout live stations features the Housemade Squid Ink Tagliolini, prepared tableside on a gueridon. Tossed with fresh river prawn and a fragrant kaffir crustacean bisque, the dish is finished in a signature Parmesan wheel for added depth and richness. The pasta station also offers choices such as Trofie, Cheese Ravioli, and Rigatoni, complemented by sauces like Guanciale Carbonara and slow-cooked Beef Bolognese.

Bone Marrow

Brandy and Mustard Marinated Angus Beef Striploin

From the live stations, the Brandy and Mustard Marinated Angus Beef Striploin is a notable highlight, served alongside indulgent open flame bone marrow, green asparagus, vine tomatoes, and a brandy rosemary sauce.

Louisiana Style Barbecue Pork Ribs

Pollo Limone

Rotational roasts add variety, including Louisiana Style Barbecue Pork Ribs with Grilled Pineapple and Pollo Limone, featuring free-range chicken marinated with Cajun spices and finished with a lemon-and-mushroom cream sauce.

Oven Baked Sustainable Barramundi

Amongst the Italian specialities, channelling the essence of coastal Italian cuisine, the Sicilian-style Whole Branzino, presented as an oven-baked sustainable barramundi, was moist and tender, scrumptious with capers, tomatoes, olives, and perfectly cooked potatoes that brought everything together beautifully.

Seafood Stew

Vegetable Stew

Comforting classics such as Il Caciucco di Mare, a robust mixed seafood stew, and Frecanto di Verdure, a full-bodied vegetable medley brimming with the vibrant flavours of black olives, oregano, capers, tomato, garlic, onion, and white wine.

Homemade Meatballs

For homely fare, the Homemade Meatballs in fresh basil and tomato marinara deliver familiar comfort. At the same time, the Ragout alla Genovese, featuring slow-braised Wagyu with durum wheat pasta, was a pleasing staple.

Signature Pork Lup Cheong e Gorgonzola Dolce Pizza

The Pinsa station dishes out freshly made pizzas that take centre stage, including a cross-cultural creation: the Chef’s Signature Pork Lup Cheong e Gorgonzola Dolce Pizza, where the savoury, smoky lup cheong is balanced by a cream-softened Gorgonzola.

Fraser House Signature Laksa station

Satays

Local favourites remain a strong draw, with Fraser House Signature Laksa and Grilled Chicken and Beef Satay continuing to impress, the latter particularly notable for its spice-forward marinade and aromatic depth.

Braised Pork Belly

The Asian selection features staples such as Mee Goreng, Dim Sum, and curries. However, the standout was undoubtedly the Braised Iberico Pork Belly with dried chilli and five spice, meltingly tender and richly flavoured.

Dessert Station

LUCE-misu

To conclude, the dessert station is nothing short of abundant. Expect a Valrhona Chocolate Fountain, an assortment of Nyonya kueh, and an elegant spread of cakes. The signature LUCE-misu is given its own dedicated live station, offering a decadent finale.

Visit www.lucesingapore.com to explore monthly exclusive dining privileges at LUCE. In celebration of the relaunch, guests are invited to enjoy 30% dining privileges on weekdays with LUCE30 and 25% dining privileges on weekends with LUCE25. For reservations, please contact the Dining Reservations team at +65 6825 1008 or email tlc.sinlb.luce@luxurycollection.com.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


LUCE
Fraser House, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 6825 1008
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Coucou @ Craig Road - A Charming, Cosy Spot For Authentic Swiss Fare

Known for its Swiss cuisine, Coucou at Craig Road can be easily overlooked amid its louder neighbours. The menu features Swiss staples such as fondue and rösti, complemented by a curated selection of Swiss wines.

Malakoff 4.5/5

Over at Coucou, a great starter to your meal is always the indulgent Malakoff ($12), a traditional dome of Gruyère cheese, deep-fried to form a golden, crusty exterior with a gooey, molten centre.

Fondue à la Truffe et Champagne 4.2/5

One of the biggest drawns of Coucou I would say is the fondues. We tried Fondue à la Truffe et Champagne ($45/pax), a luxurious pot of melted Vacherin Fribourgeois and Gruyère, elevated with truffle and champagne, served with crusty bread. Add-ons like potatoes and pickles are available. Compared to the regular Fondue Moitié-Moitié, the truffle adds an additional depth of flavour. That said, I reckon the simpler version would offer a more profound cheesy and boozy taste.

La Fameuse Salade Coucou 4/5

La Fameuse Salade Coucou ($12) is another staple, often ordered by regulars to balance the richness of the other dishes. It features curly chopped salad tossed in a tart house-made “Grand Père” dressing, a recipe passed down from co-owner Yves’ grandfather.

To complement the rich cheesy starters, crisp Swiss white wine is perfect, or you can opt for a more casual Coucou Sour or Aperol Swifz.

Magnifique Faux-Filet de Boeuf 4.8/5

For mains, we had the Magnifique Faux-Filet de Boeuf ($48), featuring grass-fed striploin aged 55 days, served with the signature Morel Mushroom Sauce. Cooked evenly with a blushing pink centre, the meat had a slight charred crust on the exterior, adding a satisfying bite. The flavour was excellent even without sauce.

Le Rösti Classique 5/5

On the side was brilliantly executed Le Rösti Classique ($16), fluffy on the inside with a delectably crisped exterior. To accompany the main, we enjoyed a light-bodied Swiss Pinot Noir.

Crème Brûlée XL au Toblerone 3.5/5

Concluding our meal was Crème Brûlée XL au Toblerone, served with an expertly caramelised crust. The chocolate and nutty flavours were comforting, although the texture was slightly grainier than the classic version.

Coucou’s menu is concise but distinctive, serving dishes with a flair unique to the brand. With its cosy ambience and consistently genuine food and service, it’s easy to see why regulars keep coming back for more of their Swiss fare.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Coucou
9 Craig Road
#01-01
Singapore 089669
Tel: +65 9642 1624/+65 6226 0060
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230 pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn right onto Craig Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

SUSHISAMBA Singapore @ Capital Tower - 3-Course Alegria Dinner from Monday to Wednesday

SUSHISAMBA Singapore at Capital Tower offers an Alegria Dinner menu from Monday to Wednesday, a vibrant three-course experience from $78 per person, celebrating Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisines.

Bahia Roll 3/5

For starters, we had the Bahia Roll (+$10), a maki sushi roll with tuna, shrimp tempura, jumbo crab, avocado, and spicy aji panca. The roll offered a delicate, creamy mouthfeel, while the shrimp tempura provided a satisfying crunch and textural contrast.

Beef Tenderloin Anticucho 3/5

Given SUSHISAMBA's reputation for robata grill specialities, we also tried the Beef Tenderloin Anticucho (+$10). The meat was expertly grilled, tender and blushing pink, though the flavour mostly came from the charred exterior and accompanying sauce rather than the cut itself.

Australian Grassfed Striploin 4.5/5

For mains, the Australian Grassfed Striploin (+$18) delivered unexpectedly rich, beefy notes for such a lean cut. It was evenly cooked with a consistent char on the exterior, enhancing the steak's natural flavour.

Chilean Sea Bass 5/5

I also enjoyed the Chilean Sea Bass (+$18), with firm, buttery flesh complemented by a umami white miso. The vibrant hajikami garnish added a refreshing contrast, cutting through the richness of the fish.

Passionfruit 3.5/5

Pistachio Ice Cream 4/5

Desserts were straightforward yet satisfying, featuring a citrusy, tart Passion Fruit (+$5) and a velvety Pistachio Ice Cream.

Alegria Dinner (Mon-Wed from 6pm)
3-Courses | $78 per pax
2-Hour Free Flow | $80++ per pax (Add-On)

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Sushisamba Singapore
Capital Tower
168 Robinson Road
#52-01
Singapore 068912
Tel: +65 6550 2290
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1am
Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 2am
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]