Showing posts with label Tartare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tartare. Show all posts

Sunday, February 16, 2025

GU:UM @ Keong Saik - Contemporary Korean Steakhouse Lunaches Refreshed Menus

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GU:UM, which literally means to grill, roast, or cook over fire in Korean, is a premium Korean steakhouse by One Michelin-starred NAE:UM’s Chef Louis Han. Unlike traditional K-BBQ restaurants, GU:UM elevates the experience with top-quality meats, refined techniques, and distinct Asian influences, creating a sophisticated and modern take on Korean barbecue.

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Yukhwae Jeon 5/5

We started with the Yukhwae Jeon ($32), a creative pairing of Korean beef tartare with a crispy potato pancake. This combination was nothing short of brilliant—the rich, umami-packed tartare contrasted beautifully with the crisp, starchy pancake. It’s a unique dish that I have never seen elsewhere, making it a must-order.

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Mulhwae 4.5/5

The Mulhwae ($28) followed — a refreshing cold salad soup with raw fish. It’s somewhat reminiscent of ceviche, but with more intricate layers of flavor. The sharp, tangy notes of the broth were incredibly appetising and invigorating, making it a perfect dish to whet the appetite.

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Surf & Turf Plattter 4.5/5

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Perfect for sharing, the Surf & Turf Platter ($328) was a showstopper. It featured a variety of premium cuts from both land and sea, accompanied by grilled vegetables and side dishes. The beef and pork were grilled to perfection, exuding deep, smoky flavours that showcased their high-quality marbling. The seafood selection, including lobster and abalone, further elevated the indulgence of this luxurious platter.

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To enjoy it the Korean way, wrap the meats in lettuce with a variety of condiments — a satisfying experience that enhances the flavours.

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Al Bibimbap 4.2/5

For those who want something more filling, the Al Bibimbap ($34) is a delightful twist on the classic Korean mixed rice dish. This white-based bibimbap comes with chunks of lobster, seaweed flakes, and roe, adding an extra layer of umami richness. A good mix of all the ingredients ensures a harmonious balance of textures and flavours in every bite.

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Hotteok 4.8/5

Even after a hearty meal, saving space for dessert is a must. The Hotteok ($18) was a standout, featuring a pan-fried Korean pancake with a chewy, almost mochi-like texture. It was exceptional when paired with the burnt honey ice cream, which added a sweet, caramelised depth to the dish.

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Injeolmi Tiramisu 4.2/5

Another noteworthy dessert was the Injeolmi Tiramisu ($16), an innovative take on the classic Italian dessert. Served inside a tart shell, the Nespresso-infused tiramisu was enhanced with toasted rice cake powder, creating a unique fusion of flavours. This Korean-inspired twist on tiramisu was a fantastic way to end the meal.

GU:UM is a game-changer in Korean barbecue, seamlessly blending premium steakhouse elements with Korean culinary traditions. The Yukhwae Jeon, Surf & Turf Platter, and Hotteok were clear highlights, showcasing Chef Louis Han’s creativity and finesse. Whether you're looking for a refined dining experience or a luxurious take on Korean grilling, GU:UM is a must-visit destination for steak and barbecue lovers alike.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


GU:UM
29 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089136
Tel: +65 8831 6308
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 6pm - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sun: 1130am - 430pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight towards Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Siak Road. Walk down Keong Siak Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road to Teck Lim Road. Turn right onto Teck Lim Road. Walk down Teck Lim Road to Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 mintues. [Map]

Friday, February 7, 2025

Tajimaya Yakiniku @ VivoCity - Golden Feast Yakiniku Platter in an Elegant Revolving Carousel with Premium Cuts and Seafood

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For this Chinese New Year, Creative Eateries brings a touch of innovation to the festive season with a variety of celebratory menus across its restaurant brands, including a unique Japanese twist at Tajimaya Yakiniku with their Golden Feast Yakiniku Platter.

The star of the show, presented on an elegant revolving carousel surrounding the charcoal grill, was a decadent assortment of 8 premium meat cuts and 2 types of fresh seafood. The carefully curated lineup included A5 Miyazaki Striploin, A5 Miyazaki Nami Karubi Short Ribs, A5 Kagoshima Zabuton Chuck Flap, A5 Kagoshima Sasabara Flank, MS6/7 Australian Wagyu Rib Fingers, MS6/7 Australian Wagyu Tongue Negi Shio, US Kurobuta Pork Belly, US Kurobuta Pork Jowl, Mekajiki (Swordfish) and Hokkaido Hotate Scallops.

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A5 Miyazaki Striploin

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A5 Kagoshima Zabuton Chuck Flap

The Miyazaki and Kagoshima cuts stood out with their rich, buttery flavours and melt-in-your-mouth textures, delivering an indulgent experience. However, the MS6/7 Wagyu Rib Fingers proved a little tough to chew, and I would have preferred the Wagyu Tongue to be served in thinner slices for a more enjoyable bite.

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Kurobuta Pork Jowl

Among the pork selections, I enjoyed the Kurobuta Pork Jowl, which had a more balanced fat-to-meat ratio than the pork belly.

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Mekajiki

The Mekajiki (Swordfish) was an unexpected delight, especially when grilled to form a golden crust that added a satisfying crunch to its firm, dense, and meaty texture. Its natural fattiness created a luscious mouthfeel rivalling the premium meats.

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Truffle Kaisen Tartare with Tenkatsu

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Japanese Wagyu Sukiyaki Don

The menu also featured Zansai, a starter course showcasing Truffle Kaisen Tartare with Tenkatsu and a mini Japanese Wagyu Sukiyaki Don topped with a silky onsen egg yolk. The don's slices of meat were slightly dry despite the creamy egg yolk adding richness.

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Japanese Yuzu Sorbet

The meal concluded with a refreshing scoop of Japanese Yuzu Sorbet, offering a bright and citrusy finale that cleansed the palate beautifully after the indulgent feast.

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Golden Feast Yakiniku Platter is from $178++ for two persons and $348++ for 4 persons. Promotion Validity: 15 January 2025 - 12 February 2025

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.


Tajimaya Yakiniku
VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-102/103
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 3125 8831
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 1130am - 10pm

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

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Alma by Juan Amador @ Goodwood Park Hotel - Festive Set Lunch by 1-Michelin-starred Restaurant at $78++

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This festive season, Alma by Juan Amador, a 1-Michelin-starred European restaurant at Goodwood Park Hotel, unveils its 4-course Festive Set Lunch ($78++), showcasing “affordable luxury” with a refined twist on Christmas classics.

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Festive Set Lunch 4.2/5

Chef Yew Eng Tong crafts an indulgent menu reinvented with Alma's signature finesse, featuring premium ingredients like turkey, beef, and lobster.

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Cauliflower Tartlet, Takoyaki Potato Gratin

The meal begins with a delightful duo of snacks: the Cauliflower Tartlet, which is both flavorful and intricately crafted, and the Takoyaki Potato Gratin, Chef Yew’s creamy, garlicky reinterpretation of the beloved Japanese snack.

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Tuna Tartare

The starter offers two options: the Tuna Tartare, served atop crispy rice paper layered with nori, smoked soy-infused mayo, and horseradish for a mild kick, or the Wagyu Beef Tartare, a rich and decadent alternative. Both starters are thoughtfully plated, delivering a harmonious balance of flavour and textures.

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Agnolotti of Lobster

Next comes the Agnolotti of Lobster, a pasta course filled with lobster meat. For added depth, it is served with a crustacean crème, bouillabaisse foam, and a hint of coriander. While flavourful, the filling edges slightly on the salty side for me.

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Crispy Skin Barramundi & US Scallop

For the main course, diners can choose fish, turkey or beef. For fish, it features Crispy Skin Barramundi with US Scallop paired with a smooth pumpkin purée, burnt butter, and saffron sauce.

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Drunken Stuffed Turkey Breast

The festive Drunken Stuffed Turkey Breast is elevated with pan-fried foie gras, daikon, and scallion. The turkey breast impressed with its tenderness, while the daikon absorbed the rich and buttery flavours of the foie gras.

For diners who are fans of beef, there is also an option to upgrade to the Yukimuro Snow-Aged A5 Wagyu (+$58).

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Rose Financier

Desserts began with the Rose Financiers, which carried subtle floral notes.

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Black Forest Chocolate Cake

Lastly, there was the Black Forest Chocolate Cake, accompanied by cherries, vanilla ice cream, and a dollop of chantilly. This reinvented rendition was a sweet treat to end the meal.

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.


Alma by Juan Amador
Goodwood Park Hotel Singapore
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 6735 9937
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes.[Map]

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

LUCE @ InterContinental Singapore - Banquet of Hoshena Festive Edition

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This festive season, the Banquet of Hoshena promises a dining experience like no other, where every detail is carefully crafted to transport you to a magical realm. From the twinkling lights to the delightful seasonal flavours, this festive edition enhances the spirit of the season. Let the magic unfold as you indulge in a feast as captivating as the season itself.

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The 7-course festive menu is priced at $158++ per person and is available until 1 January 2025. This enchanting experience takes place in a cosy private room within LUCE, where you will be graciously hosted by the charming Queen and her magical mirror as they take you on a journey to a land far, far away. As you dine, expect the table to come alive with stunning animated displays, interactive tasks, mythical creatures and a sense of wonder that elevates every moment.

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Rosemary & Olive Tartlet 4/5

To begin our evening, we were presented with the Keys to A Parallel world, in the delicious form of a Rosemary & Olive Tartlet with caramelised fig, duck rillette and onion jam. This bite-sized creation was a perfect balance of flavours, as the buttery tart shell paired beautifully with the rich, savoury rillette, sweet figs, and tangy jam. A delectable start to our dinner.

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Truffled Celeriac 4/5

The Truffled Celeriac comes with a touch of playful magic. It features a stick of Granny Smith apple suspended in a floating bowl at the centre of the table. Alongside it is a dish of tender celeriac shaved fresh truffles and Amalfi lemon gel, inviting diners to combine the elements for a refreshing bite to whet the palate.

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Salmon Tartare 4.2/5

We enjoyed the Salmon Tartare, delicately balanced on a hot, crispy shiso leaf tempura that provided a satisfying crunch. It is an indulgent bite that offers a nice contrast in textures, with the richness of the salmon tartare offset by the crispness of the leaf.

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Chestnut Soup 3.8/5

Next, we were served a hearty Chestnut Soup with crispy bacon bits, chickpeas, and garlic croutons. The velvety texture is comforting, with a subtle, earthy sweetness from the chestnuts. The chickpeas, bacon bits, and croutons also added a nice bite to the soup. However, I detected some citrusy notes that felt slightly out of place. The soup is served with bread and a nice, light seaweed butter.

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Pasta al Granchio 4.5/5

The Squid Ink Spaghetti is served with impressive flair, accompanied by a fiery red animation display that adds to the drama of the dish. It features generous chunks of blue crab meat, Calabria Nduja sausage, and a rich tomato ragout, creating a wonderful combination of flavours. The dish can be further spiced to your liking with three condiments — Sichuan pepper, Timut pepper, and chilli oil — allowing you to adjust the heat and elevate the experience to your preferred level of spice. A very enjoyable pasta dish that left us wanting more.

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The dinner experience also includes a ‘potion-making’ session, where diners are invited to follow the Queen's instructions to craft their very own apple drink (non-alcoholic). It's a delightful and engaging way to add an extra layer of fun to the dining experience.

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Chicken Roulade 4/5

The main course was a lovely Chicken Roulade elegantly paired with chicory, mascarpone, braised red cabbage, cress salad, and a vibrant salsa verde. The roulade itself was tender and juicy, with the mascarpone adding a luscious creaminess to the dish. The slight bitterness of the chicory and the braised red cabbage provided some contrast. It is a tasty dish; however, this dish is overall on the rich side.

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Dessert 3.8/5

Dessert arrives amidst a stunning animated display of colourful blooms, and the Guanaja 70% Chocolate Raspberry Gâteau is suitably pretty in pink. This creation features layers of rich cocoa sponge, decadent chocolate crunch, and a raspberry marmalade. A raspberry sorbet adds a refreshing, tangy contrast. Whilst it was fine for me, I can imagine that some diners will find this cake a tad too sweet for their liking.

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I was also fortunate to dine alongside two couples celebrating an anniversary and a birthday. The atmosphere was thus made even more lively with special animation effects, and the whole table joined in their celebration. Each couple was presented with a slice of cake to mark their special occasion.

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It was definitely a memorable night out, and I appreciated the thought and creativity behind each element of this immersive dining experience. The food is good, and the animations and theatrics added a unique touch to the dinner experience. The cosy, intimate atmosphere also makes this a great choice for those celebrating a special occasion, offering a perfect blend of warmth, magic, and indulgence.

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Menu suitable for Vegetarians ($158++) and Young Ones ($108++) are available. For reservations and enquiries, please contact the Dining Reservations Team at +65 6825 1008, or email InterContinental.Dining@ihg.com

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


LUCE
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

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

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

Friday, November 29, 2024

Coucou @ Craig Road - New Look and Menu Elevated With Additional Swiss Classics

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Coucou, the Swiss Restaurant located at Craig Road, has recently unveiled a refreshed new look and menu. The revamped cosy interior brings to our sunny island the ambience of a snug alpine cabin in the Swiss mountains, making it a cosy spot to gather over bubbling hot cheese fondue.

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Malakoff 4.5/5

Part of the mainstays, Malakoff features a golden, deep-fried dome of Gruyère cheese with a crispy exterior and gooey, molten centre. It is a Swiss speciality, unique to only three villages in the "La Côte" region. Served with vinegary Dijon Mustard to cut its richness, Swiss mercenaries once enjoyed this treat with local white wine. Over here at Coucou, a curated list of wines is offered.

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Fondue Moitié Moitié 4/5

A staple for almost every table at Coucou, Fondue Moitié Moitié is a decadent pot of melted Vacherin Fribourgeois and Gruyére, served with crusty bread. Sides such as potatoes and pickles for add-ons are available.

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La Fameuse Salade Coucou 4/5

It is recommended to have some La Fameuse Salade Coucou alongside to complement its richness - a curly chopped salad tossed with housemade 'Grand Père' dressing, a recipe passed down from the co-owner Yves' grandfather.

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Le Tartare De Boeuf 4/5

Coucou offers a Le Tartare De Boeuf prepared tableside. The beef tartare is mixed with Sbrinz Cheese, Rucola salad, chopped onions, chilli and mustard. A sampling is given to ensure that the spice and tang levels are suited to your preference. I had mine with more mustard for an extra kick of tang.

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L'iconique Emince De Veau Zurichoise 4.5/5

The Traditional Zurich Style Veal Ragout with Rosti is a crowd-pleaser for mains. The mushroom sauce was comforting and flavoursome, and the rosti was fluffy with crispy sides. While some of the sliced veal were slightly dry, the delightful creamy mushroom sauce compensated for it.

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Pave De Bar Au Safran 4.5/5

The Sea Bass Fillet is a lighter option. The moist and flaky fish paired aptly with a subtle floral saffron sauce. The sauce had an excellent consistency, adding a gentle yet flavorful note to the delicate sweetness of the fish.

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Tartrelette Au Citron De Mrs Chin 4/5

Dessert was a Lemon Tart with raspberry and its top brûlée. The tart shell was buttery and delicious, and I appreciate how the bitter caramelised notes and the tart raspberry balanced the sweetness of the curd.

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.


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:
Sun - Thurs:12pm - 230 pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time 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 destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]