Mo'mor Izakaya Tapas & Grill @ Tanglin Road - Contemporary Izakaya Boasting A Japanese-European Charm

Located at the junction of Tanglin Road and Napier Road is Mo'mor Izakaya Tapas & Grill, a new member in the neighbourhood. The brain child of the concept is non other than industry veteran Chef Martin Woo. The contemporary Izakaya place offers an exquisite gourmet experience which is inspired by Japanese-European charm.

Edamame Beans 3/5

We started our dinner from the Tapas menu with some light snack bite in the Edamame Beans ($6) while waiting for the rest of the group to arrive. The steamed edamame is lightly seasoned with seasalt for the full appreciation of its natural flavour.

Botan Ebi Sashimi 4.5/5

Once the group arrived, we kick started our dinner with the Botan Ebi Sashimi ($28). The fresh and huge prawn eaten raw is extremely sweet on top of its crunchy texture. You can also dip with the shoyu and wasabi for a rounder enjoyment.

Oyster 4.2/5

Minimum order of 3 pieces, the Oyster ($5.50/pc) is served with a citrus jelly which is an interesting substitution of the usual lemon. The creaminess of the oyster and the zest from the citrus jelly worked harmoniously for a well balanced goodness.

Soft Shell Crab 4.2/5

The crispiness of the Soft Shell Crab ($12) with its natural sweetness, may looked simple but works wonderful on the palate with a dash of the lemon and a dip of the tempura sauce.

Sword Fish Belly 4/5

The other raw item we tried on the tapas menu is the Sword Fish Belly ($15). The clean taste of the sword fish is further elevated by the accompanying ponzu sauce, grape fruit and garlic chips.

Hokkaido Scallop 3/5

The plump charcoal grilled Hokaido Scallop ($24) is topped with ikura for a contrasting saltiness to balance the sweetness of the scallop. Unfortunately the scallop did not have that grilled aroma or sweetness, hence the ikura sort of throw the balance off.

Unagi Japanese Eel 4.2/5

I marination sauce for the Unagi ($22) is usually on the sweet side but the execution here is nicely balanced with the used of sesame seed and sansho pepper.

Saikyo Miso Chicken 3/5

Moving on from the tapas to the mains, we tried the Saikyo Miso Chicken ($22) with natural jus and pumpkin puree. I don't like the texture of the chicken, it was kind of mushy. The flavour was also a bit one dimensional. It felt that something is missing in the dish, probably needed more of the pumpkin puree or sauce to complete the whole dish.

Cod Fish 3/5

Cod Fish ($34) is usually known for its fatty and buttery sweet flavour but then the char grilled cod fish tasted bland. In fact, there was even a hint of burnt taste to it. I am not sure whether it is due to the fact that the kitchen sliced up the fillet, not allowing it to lock the essence within the fillet.

Black Angus Ribeye 3/5

The Black Angus Ribeye ($38) is dressed in a natural jus and paired with onion confit. The beef itself was cooked to beautiful pink sealing the lovely flavour in it. Unfortunately the beef itself was a bit tough to chew which actually was a bit puzzling to me.

Hasselback Potato and Shredded cabbage 4/5

I thought the sides we ordered, the Hasselback Potato ($9) and Shredded Cabbage ($6) fares much better than the steak. The hasselback potato is paired with sour cream and topped with chives. The refreshng shredded cabbge is dressed in a goma sauce for a delectable touch.

Melon Gazpacho

Wrapping up the dinner at Mo'mor Izakaya is the Melon Gazpacho ($12). Served in a bottle, the melon gazpacho is poured onto the plate to be enjoyed together with the raspberry sorbet and berries salsa.

Overall, Mo'mor does not feel like a Izakaya place at all. Many of the dishes are very Japanese inspired but served in tapas style. During my visit, our group finds that the tapas menu fares better than the mains. It is quite telling that the mains which needed more cooking is missing the refinement to complete a good dish. The kitchen needs to buck up or it may start losing its customers.


Mo'mor Izakaya Tapas & Grill
56 Tanglin Road
#B1-01
Singapore 247964
Tel: +65 64638080
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Wed: 11am - 11pm
Thu-Sat: 11am - 1am
Sun: 11am - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue onwards to Forum Shopping Mall. Walk further down to Orchard Parade Hotel. Turn left onto Tanglin Road. Continue walking down Tanglin Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

CATO @ South Bridge Road - Modern Asian Cuisine with a Holistic Range of Craft Beers and Spirits

CATO is the newest restaurant and bar that has recently become the new resident of the historical building where the first OCBC Bank was located. CATO offers modern Asian cuisine, with a holistic range of over 60 small batched craft beers and spirits from around the world.

Crispy Squid 4/5

Our dinner at Cato started with some small plates. We started with the popular Crispy Squid ($12) which comes in a sweet and salty Thai style glaze. The delectable nip is very addictive, goes well with the beers and spirits.

Prawn and Spinach Wanton 3/5

The Prawn and Spinach Wanton ($10) looks like blooming flower on the plate. The golden baked wanton parcels are stuffed with prawns, spinach and mushrooms. While the crackling wanton skin is outstanding, the stuffing did not manage to excite my taste buds. In addition, the wanton parcel is quite hard to handle and eat.

KFC Korean Fried Chicken 4/5

With the number of Korean restaurants opening around Singapore selling the popular fried chicken, the rendition of the KFC Korean Fried Chicken ($16) at Cato is as good or even better than a few places. It also comes with a sweet and mildly spicy gochujang dipping.

Mentaiko Mac & Cheese 3.5/5

My high expectation of the Mentaiko Mac & Cheese ($15) turned disappointment as I could not traced any mentaiko in the multi layers of flavours. Saying so the Southern comfort is quite enjoyable with the creamy cheese, aburi salmon cubes and tteok (korean rice cake).

Mini Braised Beef Sandwiches 3/5

The flavoursome beef is braised in black bean sauce and served in between bread. The Mini Braised Beef Sandwiches ($16) will comfort the hungry stomach, for a substantial bite.

Sizzling Hotplate Octopus 4.2/5

One of my favourite small plates is the Sizzling Hotplate Octopus ($18). The flavour is straight forward and robust amid the sun dried tomatoes and roasted new potatoes. The grilled octopus was also cooked to a nice tender texture.

Twice Cooked Iberico Pork Cheek 4/5

Moving on the big plates, the Twice Cooked Iberico Pork Cheek ($30) surprised me with the tender pork cheek slices which have been grilled and steamed, this is hold together by the rice wine mustard sauce.

Bangkok Lobster Risotto 4/5

The Bangkok Lobster Risotto ($32) comes with sous vide lobster, tom yum flavoured risotto, seasoned vegetables and lobster butter. It is a very beautiful dish with rich robust and cheesy flavour. The risotto was also cooked al dente with an enjoyable bite to it. However I probably got myself lost in Bangkok as I was not able to taste any tom yum.

Tea Smoked Chicken with Spicy Japanese Noodles 3.8/5

The Tea Smoked Chicken with Spicy Japanese Noodles ($20) comes with Chinese tea smoked chicken, soba, ghost chilli dressing, pearl tomatoes, garden greens and sweet potato chips. The tender chicken was the highlight, well infused with the tea fragrant. However the soba was kind of bland and all I can taste is the spiciness from the ghost chilli dressing.

Pineapple Pork Curry with Baked Rice 4/5

The Pineapple Pork Curry with Baked Rice ($26) is from the recipe book of Grandma Maureen. The traditional Eurasian pineapple curry comes with slow cooked pork belly and baked rice, served in a pineapple and topped with a melted cheese. The curry was some what new and unique to my taste buds. Initially I thought I tasted salted fish or anchovy in the curry gravy but it is actually belacan after checking with the kitchen.

Seared Barramundi Fillet with Homemade Curry 4.5/5

What blow the house down has to be the Seared Barramundi Fillet with Homemade Curry ($28). The pan seared barramundi is served in a traditional Indian fish curry, grilled okra and eggplants. It even comes with sliced bread to soak up the delicious Indian fish curry. This is like a deconstructed modernise fish head curry. A must try!

Valrhona Chocolate and Pistachio Cake 3/5

There is only one dessert item on the menu and that is the Valrhona Chocolate and Pistachio Cake ($12). The decadent chocolate fondant cake served with a scoop of ice cream and fresh pomegranate. A decent chocolate cake with moist interior but the missing pistachio puzzled me. It also need to consider changing their ice cream supplier.

---

PROMOTION - COMPLIMENTARY TAPAS OF THE DAY

---

For one month period, 18 April 2016 to 18 May 2016. When you walk in to CATO, let the person at the entrance know and quote "CATO Online" to receive a complimentary Tapas of the Day. The promotion is brought to you by the kind folks at CATO.


[CLOSED]
CATO
237 South Bridge Road
Singapore 058786
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 5pm - 12midnight
Sat: 6pm - 1am
(Closed on Sun and Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight down Pagoda Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Esquina @ Jiak Chuan Road

Esquina located in the corner of Jiak Chuan Street has been known for its unique Spanish tapas since its launch in December 2011. From September 2015, new Executive Chef Carlos Montobbio helms the kitchen. At the same time, he also launches a new menu inspired by his fond memories of Spain and experiences in Singapore.

Oyster 4.5/5

Dinner at Esquina started with some Oyster ($7). The freshness paired with Jalapeno ponzu, salmon roe and pickled ginger flower works wonderfully on the palate, accentuating the whole enjoyment.

Esquina's Spanish Omelette 4/5

The Esquina's Spanish Omelette ($14) is Chef Carlos's modern interpretation of the classic dish. Comprising of confit onion, potato, olive oil caviar on a crispy bread, this is delectable especially the crispy bread giving an additional layer of texture.

Spanish Nigiri 4.2/5

How about some sushi at a Spanish tapas place? Well to be exact, this is Spanish Nigiri ($6), made from bacalao brandade and roasted bell pepper into a sushi form. The salted cod with garlic oil and the roasted bell pepper definitely is another unique experience to be enjoyed at a Spanish tapas place.

Chorizo Croquetas 4/5

The Chorizo Croquetas ($12) with piquillo mayo compared to the other dishes I have tried so far is rather straight forward in terms of textures and flavours. It just hit you like a bulldozer with its rich flavour and crispiness.

Grilled Spanish Octopus 4.2/5

A signature at Esquina is the Grilled Spanish Octopus ($28) which is first sou vide then charred for a tender and smoky enjoyment. It is accompanied with Jerusalem artichoke, burnt onion and oyster leaf.

Saffron Paella 4.5/5

The Saffron Paella ($24) is one of my favourite among the dishes I tried. The paella is not only flavourful but comes with a nice crispiness. I noticed the chef scraping the rice grains from the pan, which explains the crispy paella. The dish is further accompanied with pan fried red snapper, chorizo and snow peas for a complete meal.

Pigeon 4/5

I have tried pigeon before but they were deep fried. The Pigeon ($22) at Esquina is cooked to a beautiful pink and paired with forest berries escabeche, burnt rosemary polenta and crisp shallots. This is my first time having pigeon in this doneness and it tasted like having pig liver.

Beef Cheeks 4/5

Love the different play of textures in the Beef Cheeks ($18) with baked bone marrow, sesame pickled cabbage, wrapped in a corn tortilla. I thought a little Jalapeno will spice things up more.

US "Family Reserve" Beef Ribeye 4.8/5

The other memorable dish at Esquina is the US "Family Reserve" Beef Ribeye ($38) with charred leeks and romesco. It is cooked to a beautiful sear on the exterior while retaining the beautiful flavour and juiciness. This is pure heavenly enjoyment.

Sea Urchin 3/5

A classic from the old menu is the Sea Urchin ($22) with crab and lobster bisque, smoked herring ore and sea grapes. Unfortunately I felt disappointed with the dish. I noticed that the chef actually cooked the sea urchin before being served in the sea urchin shell. The result is a rather bland sea urchin with a cooked egg white like texture. In short, the unami flavour of the sea urchin is lost in the execution.

We were served some palate cleanser before moving to our dessert.

"BBC" Dessert 4.8/5

A real unique and surprise dessert is the "BBC" dessert ($15). It stands for Banana, Beer and Caramel. After many trial and errors, Chef Carlos finally found the right beer to his beer ice cream. I was really taken back by the distinct beer flavour in the ice cream. More so how the banana and warm caramel sauce work hand in hand for this amazing dessert.

Esquina definitely has live up to its name for creating unique Spanish tapas. I was really impressed with my dining experience. Chef Carlos has also brought in new refreshed idea to the menu that will delight both old and new diners.


Esquina
16 Jiak Chuan Road
Singapore 089267
Tel: +65 62221616
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Outram (EW Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun & Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk straight down New Bridge Road. Turn right onto Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right again onto Keong Saik Road. Walk down Keong Saik Road. Turn left onto Jiak Chuan Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes.[Map]

Salt Tapas & Bar @ Raffles City Shopping Centre

It is not difficult to find Salt Tapas & Bar. A chic looking island right outside Raffles City Shopping Centre, it satiates its customers with fun and creative Australian accented tapas, along with a wide range of drinks. In step with the festive season, it has specially designed a New Year Eve's Menu, which is only available only on the night of New Year Eve. It is called the King Feast NYE Menu. Opulent sounding indeed.

There are 2 options for you to choose from - King Feast Sea Four-course Set Menu and the King Feast Land Four-course Set Menu. Rather self explanatory, one offers seafood, and the other focuses on meat. Each priced at $100 ++ and $80++ per pax respectively, in which we were lucky enough to be trying out both tonight.

Grilled Sourdough with Prawn and Bacon Bone Marrow Butter 3.5/5

Our feast started with dollops of luscious spread - Prawn Butter and Bacon Bone Marrow Butter. Amazing fluffiness. Simply slather it on the grilled sourdough, and deliver it into your mouth. A royalty treat indeed.

Warm Oyster with Samphire Soy Scallion Dressing 3.5/5

Pan Seared Foie Grass with Sherry Eschalot Vinegar 4/5

The first course is Warm Oyster with Samphire Soy Scallion Dressing and Pan Seared Foie Gras with Sherry Eschalot Vinegar respectively. I personally prefer my oyster to be cold. As for the foie gras, every individual polished it off the plate effortlessly. Make an effort to savour it slowly if you can.

Spatchcock Mushroom with Cepe Paella 3.5/5

Lobster Paella 4/5

Paellas are the second course - Lobster Paella and Spatchcock Mushroom with Cepe Paella respectively. Both were quite on par with one another - rice was pearly, chewy and well flavoured with the generous portion of meat and seafood. Every mouthful satisfied my appetite. Most of us prefer the Lobster paella mainly because of its tanginess as well as its succulent lobster meat.

Char Grilled Rainbow Trout with Garlic Dill Dip 4/5

Boiled Brown Crab 3.5/5

For the seafood menu, you will get an entire fish and crab. I have always love salmon with dill sauce, hence Char-grilled Rainbow Trout with Garlic Dill Dip is my favourite among all the mains. I almost cleaned the fish off its fine bones. As for the Boiled Brown Crab, the first thing that caught our eyes was its roes in abundance. It comes with 3 difference dips (chipotle tartare, crab infused clarified butter with chives and garlic, ponzu dressing) to complement its subtle flavour and sweetness.

Spatchcock Confit with Thyme and Garlic 4/5

When the Mains from the Land was making its way to our table, it garnered several looks of envy. I know many wish to reach out their hands and grab a piece of it. I appreciate how the chef preserves the beauty of these meats by going very easy on the cooking and seasoning. The smoked beef sauce was just right, enlivening the Wagyu Sirloin up a notch.

Wagyu Sirloin with Smoked Beef Jus 4/5

Salt Tapas & Bar New Year's eve menu is available on 31st December from 6pm to 10.30pm. Not all things come for those who wait. Reservations are already coming in. Hence if you really want it, you better act fast.

Photograph and written 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.


Salt Tapas & Bar
252 North Bridge Road
#01-22A
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 68370995
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 10pm
Fri: 1130am - 11pm
Sat: 1130am - 1030pm
Sun & PH: 1130am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to junction of North Bridge Road and Bras Basah Road. Turn right onto Bras Basah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to junction of Beach Road and Bras Basah Road. Cross the road towards Fairmont Singapore. Continue walking down Bras Basah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]