Showing posts with label Tart. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tart. Show all posts

Sunday, March 10, 2024

1864 The Bar @ Sofitel Singapore City Centre - Sofitel x Sulwhasoo Ginseng Afternoon Tea

IMG_2590


IMG_2613

In an exclusive partnership with renowned Korean luxury beauty brand Sulwhasoo, Sofitel Singapore City Centre has recently launched a co-branded afternoon tea experience. Available from 1 March to 26 April, this limited-time afternoon tea set incorporates the essence of the brand's signature ingredient, ginseng, into a repertoire of sweet and savoury delights. What's more, you get to walk away with a set of Sulwhasoo Anti-aging Kit.

IMG_2588
Chinese Herbal Tea Quail Egg

We started with Chinese Herbal Tea Quail Egg, which was simply adorable and tasty. I appreciate the addition of olive oil pearls which added a unique flavour and mouthfeel to the egg.

IMG_2640

Chilled Ginseng Egg Royale with Shredded Crab Meat was delicious with soft egg custard paired with sweet crab meat.

IMG_2653
Chicken Collagen Broth with Coconut Noodles and Goji Berries


Chicken Collagen Broth with Coconut Noodles and Goji Berries was my absolute favourite. Served chilled, it was like a delectable savoury-sweet ginseng shot with a texture bite lent from coconut noodles.

IMG_2599
Ginseng Crème Brûlée Sable Cookie

Among the sweets, Ginseng Crème Brûlée Sable Cookie was infused with a pronounced taste of ginseng, which harmonised well with the creme brulee. The sugar bits are reminiscent of ginseng candy. However, the uneven caramelised sugar affected the overall texture and sweetness balance.

IMG_2618
Yuzu Ginseng Tart with Swiss Meringue


IMG_2620
Caramel Ginger Puff

Adorned with a flower, both Yuzu Ginseng Tart with Swiss Meringue and Caramel Ginger Puff captivated us aesthetically. The Yuzu Ginseng Tart was like an elevated version of a Lemon Tart, offering a tangy blend of yuzu and ginseng, while the latter surprised with an interesting cylindrical puff pastry filled with sweet and eggy custard.

IMG_2655
Honey Mascarpone Lemon Cake

Among the sweet pastries, Honey Mascarpone Lemon Cake stood out with its fluffy sponge cake, honey mascarpone layer, and soft chantilly cream. Each layer harmonised with the others, and the sweetness level was just right.

IMG_2607
Chilled Hashima Ginseng Soup with Goji Berries

Chilled Hashima Ginseng Soup with Goji Berries added a nourishing and refreshing touch to the Sulwhasoo Ginseng Afternoon Tea experience.

IMG_2643

Each Sofitel x Sulwhasoo Afternoon Tea Set also comes with two sets of Sulwhasoo Anti-aging Kits worth $222. Each kit features sample sizes of Sulwhasoo's top products: Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream (5ml), First Care Activating Serum (8ml), Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum (5ml), and Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Eye Cream (3ml).

IMG_2632

Sofitel x Sulwhasoo Ginseng Afternoon Tea Price: $118++ for two persons. High tea hours is 2pm to 5pm daily. Make a reservation via their official website, call 6428 5000 or email HA152@sofitel.com

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.


1864
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Fifth Floor
9 Wallich Street
Singapore 078885
Tel: +65 6428 5000
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
High Tea: 2pm - 5pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right on Peck Seah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

VENUE by Sebastian @ Downtown Gallery - New Menu Additions to Chef Sebastian’s Range of Contemporary European Cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian Influences

IMG_4309

VENUE by Sebastian at Downtown Gallery, helmed by Chef-Owner Sebastian Ng, has refreshed the menu with new offerings. The casual restaurant's menu highlights contemporary European cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian influences, with items priced very reasonably for its quality.

IMG_4268

In conjunction with its 7th anniversary celebrations, diners can look forward to new menu additions and a newly launched three-course dinner menu available from just $58!

IMG_4301
Roasted Cauliflower Salad 4.5/5

The Roasted Cauliflower Salad ($18) provided a delightful medley of textures. Combined with toasted almonds and jewelled salad, it was finished with a dollop of mint yoghurt, lending a fresh and minty brightness. The addition of pomegranate added a clever touch of sweetness.

IMG_4303
Crispy Potato 4.2/5

A new dish on the menu, this Crispy Potato ($9) was a quick favourite among my dining companions. The crispy, thin shreds of potatoes were paired with toppings of chorizo, sautéed mushroom and a poached egg. We were recommended to break and mix the egg to allow its yolk to coat the dish evenly. It was both slightly earthy and intensely savoury.

IMG_4325
Foie Gras Mousse 4.5/5

For a more luxurious starter, go for the Foie Gras Mousse ($19). I loved how it was very simply presented but tasted otherwise. In fact, all that the creamy and rich foie gras mousse needed to be paired with, was their lightly toasted and soft housemade brioche. I would like more bread to make the most of the spread!

IMG_4304
Farro & Mushrooms 4.8/5

Calling out to fellow mushroom lovers to try this new Farro & Mushrooms ($26) dish! It was profoundly earthy yet not at all overwhelming, unlike how some similar risotto dishes may be. The bed of farro had a slight chew, done with a generous amount of mushrooms and kombu butter, topped with parmigiano reggiano and a poached egg.

IMG_4305

I loved the combination of textures and flavours here. Even though this was meant to be a starter, it would also work perfectly as a main.

IMG_4306
Braised 12 Hours Wagyu Beef Cheek Au Jus

While I couldn't take beef, my dining companions sang praises of the Braised 12-hour Wagyu Beef Cheek Au Jus ($38) for its texture. The beef was served with pomme purée and broccolini.

IMG_4307
Chilean Seabass 4.5/5

The Chilean Seabass ($42) was tender and flaky. It was served with mushroom-bacon ragout and sat in truffle yuzu butter sauce. The flavours were well-balanced, but the portion of seabass could be slightly bigger.

IMG_4308
Iberico Pork Collar 4/5

Our last meat dish was the grilled Iberico Pork Collar ($38). I appreciated the smoky char on the slices, but I found the cuts slightly too chewy. The mint yoghurt lent a refreshing touch.

IMG_4312
Pistachio Financier 4/5

Our first dessert featured the nutty Pistachio Financier ($15) paired with a scoop of grand marnier ice cream and tangy raspberry yoghurt dressing. We heard that the dessert components were all homemade.

IMG_4310
Pear Tart 4.5/5

Next was the unassuming Pear Tart ($15). It had an impressively light and thin pastry with sweet pear bits within, topped with crumble and paired with Bailey ice cream. The crisp texture was a lovely surprise.

IMG_4311
Classic Peach Melba 4/5

Finally, we sampled the new Classic Peach Melba ($15) with vanilla ice cream, chantilly cream and fresh raspberry sauce. This would be a good choice if you're craving for something more sweet to end the meal, although I would have preferred a bit more crunch for texture.

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.


VENUE by Sebastian
Downtown Gallery
#01-02
6A Shenton Way
Singapore 068815
Tel: +65 6904 9688
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar MRT (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to traffic junction of Maxwell Road and Shenton Way. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 6. Walk to Shenton Way. Cross the road. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Akira Back @ JW Marriott Hotel South Beach - Indulge in “The Omakase Dinner Experience”, A Luxurious 5-course by Chef Akira Back and Chef Bill Hong

IMG_3788

Akira Back's "The Omakase Dinner Experience" is a new 5-course dinner you do not want to miss. Chef Akira Back with Chef de Cuisine Bill Hong has joined hands for this seasonal offering, which is available for dinner daily at $148 per pax. Diners can also opt for a specially curated sake and wine pairing at an additional $88 per pax.

The menu showcases seasonal specialities using quality produce, with each dish highlighting both chefs' expertise in modern Japanese cuisine with Korean accents.

IMG_3789
Treasure Box with Citrus Striped Jack Bite

We started with a special treat of the gorgeous Treasure Box with Citrus Striped Jack Bite. While this is not part of the 5-course Omakase, it was definitely an intriguing start to the dishes to come.

IMG_3790
Umami Hokkaido Uni 4.5/5

First on the omakase menu was the beautifully presented Umami Hokkaido Uni. The creamy and indulgent mouthfuls of uni were paired with goma miso and maitake, a combination I’ve not had before but became a fan of.

IMG_3792
New AB Sashimi 4.2/5

Right after, we were served the New AB Sashimi. This dish features fresh slices of kanpachi dressed in a zesty tomato citrus sauce, with karasumi, ankimo and pickled radish for additional crunch.

IMG_3793
Halibut 4.5/5

While I found the clam ang-sauce and apple purée a tad sweet for my liking, the Halibut itself was impressively buttery and tender. The sauces were also helpful to cut through the richness.

IMG_3794
Shiso Sorbet

For our palette cleanser, we had the refreshing and minty Shiso Sorbet.

IMG_3795
Sanchoku Ribeye

While I can’t take beef, my dining companions were raving about their Sanchoku Ribeye. It was served with cauliflower miso cream, burdock jam and myoga, a Japanese ginger.

IMG_3796
Pork Chop 4.8/5

In replacement of the ribeye, I had a generous serving of Pork Chop. I absolutely loved the grill on the pork, which gave a thin crispness to the exterior while the meat within remained juicy. It was one of the best pork chops I've had recently!

IMG_3798
Lobster Claypot Rice 4.8/5

The Lobster Claypot Rice can be opted for at an additional $65 top-up, and I would highly recommend it. With toppings of ikura and negi, this bowl of rice was light yet flavourful, allowing the sweetness of the tender lobster to come through.

IMG_3797
Lobster Claypot Rice

Alongside the rice, you will be served a comforting bowl of miso soup and intricate homemade banchan.

IMG_3799
AB Tuna Pizza 4.5/5

Before we dug into the final dessert course, we were treated to Chef Akira Back's signature dish, the AB Tuna Pizza. The crunchy crust was paper thin and laid with a blissful mix of herbs, fresh tuna and a drizzle of truffle oil.

IMG_3800
Matcha Tart with Hazelnut Chantilly and Barley Ice Cream 4.8/5

The Matcha Tart with Hazelnut Chantilly and Barley Ice Cream was a lovely end to the meal. I thoroughly enjoyed the well-balanced mix of hazelnut nuttiness, bittersweet matcha and crisp tart shell.

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.


Akira Back
JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach
30 Beach Road, Level B1M
Singapore 189763
Tel: +65 6818 1914
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade MRT (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

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

Sunday, December 24, 2023

Kimchi Dining @ Orchard Central - Aesthetic Korean Restaurant Offering Modern Korean Dining Concept

IMG_0495

Kimchi Dining is a modern Korean dining concept located on the 6th floor of Orchard Central. The menu offers ala carte dishes as well as set menu for 2-pax and 4-pax. We tried the 2-pax set menu ($60/pax) that comes with appetisers and mains, 2 desserts and 2 makgeolli cocktails (tea options are also available).

IMG_0485
Makgeolli Bread 4/5

Our meal started with warm and comforting Makgeolli Bread, served with a generous portion of White Bean butter. The bread was mildly sweet and fluffy with a slight chewy texture.

IMG_0481
Kimchi Platter 3.5/5

Next came the Kimchi Platter, showcasing 6 types of house-fermented kimchi. While the portion of some of the kimchi was rather sad-looking with a couple of vegetable strands, I enjoyed the experience of being able to try their different taste profiles.

IMG_0465
Gaji Ganjeong 3.8/5

Then came Gaji Ganjeong. This charcoal tempura eggplant had an airy batter and was delectable with an umami-sweet honey soy dressing.

IMG_0461
Gamjajeon 5/5

The set includes the much highly-raved Gamjajeon. These potato pancakes are shaped into mini rosti with moreish crispy edges. Topped with sharp Parmesan cheese, radish, and tangy onion jangaiji, the various flavour nuances woven into these otherwise simple potato pancakes make them even more irresistible. The creamy Siberian onion truffle mayo gives it a satisfying, mouth-filling texture.

IMG_0476
Arongsatae & Dogani 4/5

IMG_0490
Jeju Pork Noodle 3/5

For Mains, we chose Arongsatae & Dogani and Jeju Pork Noodle. Arongsatae & Dogani is a beef heel muscle and tendon braised for over six hours. The beef itself impressed with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. As for the tendons, I appreciated their clean taste, but some were less tender than expected. The Jeju Pork Noodle, on the other hand, while it had a light and tasty Jeju-style pork broth, paled in comparison due to a rather tough pork belly.

IMG_0509
Black Sesame Injeolmi Sundae 3/5

IMG_0511
Chocolate Injeolmi Tart 3.8/5

For desserts, we had Chocolate Injeolmi Tart and Black Sesame Injeolmi Sundae. Both desserts incorporated chewy rice balls, adding a contrasting texture. I prefer the bitter-sweet notes of the chocolate tart. The sundae was a tad too sweet due to the drizzling of jujube syrup.

IMG_0517

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.


Kimchi Dining
Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
#06-10
Singapore 238896
Tel:+65 9113 7090
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm 0 930pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 1130am - 930pm
(Closed on Tue)

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

Saturday, November 11, 2023

Ring in the Holiday Season with Goodwood Park Hotel's Christmas Gourmet Specials

GoodwoodXmas24-32

Goodwood Park Hotel welcomes the festive season with a tempting array of Christmas gourmet specials available from 15 November to 26 December 2023. This year's lineup features sweet and savoury delights, promising a feast beyond tradition.

GoodwoodXmas24-11

GoodwoodXmas24-15

GoodwoodXmas24-14

Breaking away from the conventional, the North Indian-style Roasted Turkey with Makhani Sauce, Vegetable Korma, Kashmiri Rice & Plain Naan ($288 nett for 8-12 persons) takes centre stage. Marinated in fragrant aromatics for two days, the turkey is finished with cheddar cheese and fresh cream before being roasted to succulent perfection. What sets it apart is the unique pairing of Kashmiri Rice and plain Naan, offering a delightful twist to the Christmas table.

GoodwoodXmas24-24
Slow-roasted Iberico Pork Belly with Crackling, Potato Gratin, Pickled Cabbage

A signature favourite, the Slow-roasted Iberico Pork Belly with Cracking, Apple Sauce & Pork Jus ($428 nett for 6-8 persons) is a showstopper. With crispy cracking and succulent meat, this dish is complemented by Potato Gratin and Pickled Cabbage, providing a perfect balance to the richness of the pork.

GoodwoodXmas24-23
Herb-Crusted Roast Leg of Lamb with Roasted Potatoes, Lamb Jus & Mint Sauce

The Herb-Crusted Roast Leg of Lamb with Roasted Potatoes, Lamb Jus & Mint Sauce ($358 nett for 6-8 persons) is a delectable choice for lamb enthusiasts. Coated in a housemade herb marinade and roasted to perfection, the golden parmesan and butter-coated crust add a layer of richness.

GoodwoodXmas24-28
Baked Turkey & Chorizo Cannelloni

The Baked Turkey & Chorizo Cannelloni ($52 nett for 4 persons) is a comforting dish featuring tomato sauce ladled over six al dente cannelloni tubes stuffed with a rich filling of minced turkey, chorizo and zucchini and topped off with slices of chorizo, cherry tomatoes and a layer of molten mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Multi-layers of flavours work harmoniously together.

GoodwoodXmas24-21
Shanghai-style Pan-fried Turkey Buns

Adding an Asian flair, the Shanghai-style Pan-fried Turkey Buns ($42 nett for 10 pieces) bring a unique twist. These buns are stuffed with well-seasoned minced turkey filling and a robust broth encased in a soft, pillowy skin with a crispy pan-fried base.

GoodwoodXmas24-8
Snowy Splendour Log Cake

GoodwoodXmas24-10
Merry-licious Fruity Cake

For a sweet conclusion, the Snowy Splendour Log Cake ($99 nett for 1kg) is a new creation featuring Dulcey chocolate mousse, raspberry confit, and chocolate fudge on a white chocolate macadamia nut base. The Merry-licious Fruity Cake ($92 nett for 700g) offers a refreshing option with mango confit, light coconut mousse, strawberry yoghurt mousse, and a buttery almond crumble base.

GoodwoodXmas24-5
Santa’s Reindeer Tart

A delightful addition is the Santa's Reindeer Tart ($72 nett for 1kg), a pecan pie tart with a crumbly pastry crust, generously slathered with crushed pecans and dried cranberries, topped with charming gold-foiled white chocolate reindeers.

GoodwoodXmas24-2
Goodwood ‘Mao Shan Wang’ Durian Christmas Log Cake

GoodwoodXmas24-1
Christmas Durian Combo $70 nett for 6 pc

Durian lovers are in for a treat with the Goodwood "Mao Shan Wang" Durian Christmas Log Cake ($148 nett for 800g) and the Christmas Durian Combo ($70 nett for 6 pieces), featuring cherished classics from Goodwood Park Hotel's iconic Durian Fiesta throughout the years.

Takeaway festive offerings are available from The Deli, and orders can be placed at the Festive Online Shop goodwoodparkfestive.oddle.me for delivery or self-collection. Alternatively, visit The Deli or contact the Christmas Call Centre at (65) 6730 1867/68 from 10 am – 6 pm. Email festive@goodwoodparkhotel.com to place takeaway orders for self-collection only. Advance orders of five days are required for takeaways, with the last pre-order date on 19 December 2023. Let Goodwood Park Hotel elevate your festive celebrations with these culinary delights.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)