LUCE @ InterContinental Singapore - Presents the Enchanting Banquet of Hoshena

Embark on a journey of culinary enchantment as LUCE at InterContinental Singapore unveils the Banquet of Hoshena, a mesmerising dining experience in collaboration with DITS ASIA group. Transporting guests into the magical realm of Hoshena, this immersive dining adventure unfolds with a captivating 7-course dinner set menu, where culinary artistry meets storytelling.

Available exclusively during dinner on Thursdays to Sundays, guests can choose from three enticing set menus: the Regular 7-Course set ($198++ per person), Vegetarian 7-Course set ($198++ per person), and Child 7-Course set ($158++ per person).

Pizza Souffle 3/5

The dinner begins with the Pizza Souffle, a tantalising symphony of sweet datterino tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala PDO, 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano, and fragrant Thai basil. Each bite is a delightful burst of flavours that sets the stage for the enchanting feast to come.

Textures of Celeriac 4/5

Delve into the Textures of Celeriac, a sensory delight featuring layers of celeriac, granny smith apple, Amalfi lemon gel, and delicate parsley micro cress. This dish offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavours that captivates the palate.

Angus Beef Tarta 4/5

Indulge in the Angus Beef Tarta, served atop a crispy shiso leaf tempura. The beef tartar, tossed in Katsuobushi vinegar and adorned with coriander cress and ginger mayonnaise, promises a flavourful and memorable dining experience.

"Sun" Raviolo 4/5

An absolute highlight of the menu, the "Sun" Raviolo enchants with its generous filling of Hungarian "Mangalica" pulled pork. Accompanied by three distinct condiments – Sichuan Pepper, timut Pepper, and Chilli Oil – this dish allows diners to customize their spice levels for a truly personalised culinary journey.

Pan-seared Halibut with Potato Gnocchi 3.5/5

Savour the Pan-seared Halibut with Potato Gnocchi, where perfectly cooked fish meets pillowy potato gnocchi. While the dish boasts impeccable execution, a more vibrant sauce would elevate the flavour profile to new heights.

Cocoa Tuile Mille-Feuille 3.5/5

Conclude your culinary odyssey with the Cocoa Tuile Mille-Feuille, featuring layers of coffee and chocolate chantilly sandwiched between crisp pastry sheets. Served with a decadent scoop of chocolate ice cream, this dessert is a fitting conclusion to an enchanting dining experience.

Experience the magic of the Banquet of Hoshena at LUCE, InterContinental Singapore, starting from 13th March. Book your dinner reservations now at singapore.intercontinental.com/offers/banquet-hoshena, and embark on a culinary adventure that promises to captivate all your senses. With vegetarian options and a special menu for young guests, the Banquet of Hoshena welcomes diners of all preferences and ages to partake in its immersive and interactive dining experience.

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]

Offbeat @ Far East Square - Asian-inspired Dishes by Coq & Balls

Offbeat, located in Far East Square, introduces the latest dining concept by Coq & Balls. The food menu showcases Asian-inspired dishes, ranging from Bites and Tapas to Mains, Grills, and Roman-style pizzas.

Salmon Tartare 4/5

We started with the Salmon Tartare ($18.90), a delightful dish featuring marinated raw salmon tossed with avocado and baby radish, garnished with tobiko. To complement the creamy tartare, crispy black sesame rice crackers were provided for a textural contrast. The combination was mouthwatering, with occasional bursts of nuttiness from the black sesame crackers.

Spanish Squid 4.5/5

From the Flamed Grill section, we indulged in the Spanish Squid ($22.90) dressed with salted egg beurre blanc and sweet tare. The expertly prepared grilled squid was delicious. It boasted a firm yet tender texture and a delightful smoky flavour. While the salted egg sauce added that Asian twist, it didn't quite elevate the natural flavours of the squid as expected.

Tiger Prawn Laksa Spaghetti 3.8/5

Drop by Offbeat during lunch and enjoy their mains at a special lunchtime price, with add-ons available, such as a glass of wine for just $6. Most items are crafted with Asian flavours, such as Pulled Pork Bahn Mi and Wagyu Beef Krapao Rice Bowl. During our visit, we tried the Tiger Prawn Laksa Spaghetti ($16.90). The Laksa sauce was more complex and heady than other laksa pasta variants I've tried, slightly reminiscent of curry noodles. The prawns were succulent, pairing well with the al dente spaghetti.

Egg Quinoa Cauliflower 'fried rice' 4.8/5

While most of the lunch specials are richly flavoured, there are also lighter options such as the Egg Quinoa Cauliflower 'fried rice' ($14.90), served with roasted butternut squash pumpkin. The 'fried rice' was flavourful and satisfying, with delightful bites of fried egg, reminiscent of a traditional fried rice dish. The large chunks of pumpkin were soft and deliciously sweet, accented with a hint of smoky flavour. I also appreciated the added freshness from the greens and slices of baby radish, which enhanced the dish's overall taste.

Okonomiyaki Pinsa 3.8/5

Offbeat offers Pinsa, a Roman-style stretched pizza. We indulged in the Okonomiyaki Pinsa ($24.50), a hearty Asian fusion creation featuring bacon and prawns, topped with oozy mozzarella and finished off with a drizzle of mentaiko cream and a sprinkle of bonito flakes. The ciabatta pizza base was light and airy, perfectly complementing the rich pizza toppings. While it could get a tad salty after a while, it was a scrumptious dish meant for sharing.

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.


Offbeat by Coq & Balls
Far East Square
40 Pekin Street
#01-01
Singapore 048770
Tel: +65 6322 3835
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11:30am - 11pm
Fri: 11:30am - 12:30am
Sat: 5:30pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun & PH)

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

Butcher's Block @ Raffles Hotel Singapore - A Homage to Butchery, Wood-fire, and Hawai'ian Spirit

Having visited Butcher's Block before, my return was met with heightened anticipation, eager to explore the new culinary direction spearheaded by Chef Jordan Keao. Hailing from Hawaii, Chef Jordan brings his rich heritage to the forefront, seamlessly blending the art of butchery with the mastery of contemporary wood-fire cooking. The result is a symphony of flavours that spotlight fine seasonal ingredients in all their intrinsic fullness.

Scallop, Parsnip Blini, Kumquat Kosho, Shiso 4.8/5

Embarking on the IMUA tasting menu, a gastronomic adventure awaited. The evening commenced with a trio of snacks that set the stage for what would come.

The Scallop is a delicately crafted dish featuring a plump scallop perched atop a parsnip blini adorned with kumquat kosho, scallop roe, puffed barley, and microgreens. The marriage of flavours and textural contrast showcased Chef Jordan's finesse.

Roasted Beetroot Tartlet, Taleggio 4.8/5

An unexpected yet delightful creation, the Roasted Beetroot Tartlet unfolded layers of flavour with Taleggio cream, fennel blossoms, and micro-planed roasted macadamia. It is a clever play of textures and flavours in every bite.

Korean BBQ Wagyu Tartare 4.2/5

A morsel of delight, the Korean BBQ Wagyu Tartare presented hand-chopped A5 Saga tenderloin and Wylarah striploin. Seasoned with dehydrated kimchi powder, cold-smoked sesame oil, and other exquisite elements, each bite was a burst of flavour.

Hokkaido Milk Parker Roll with Konbu Butter 4.8/5

A complimentary delight accompanying the IMUA menu, the Hokkaido Milk Parker Roll with Konbu Butter was a testament to classic recipes crafted with precision. Fluffy as an Asian milk bun left us craving for more.

Smoked Sashimi Poke, Kukui nut, Ogo Seaweed, Herb Dashi 4.2/5

A contemporary take on the traditional Hawaiian poke, the dish featured Smoked Sashimi Poke with Kukui nut, seaweed, and herb dashi. It is a visual and flavorful homage to Chef Jordan's hometown.

Dry-aged Duck, Black Garlic, Grilled dumpling 4.5/5

A masterpiece of Dry-aged Duck Breast, grilled to perfection and paired with crispy duck tongue and a pan-seared dumpling. Accompanied by black garlic puree and chive emulsion, it was a symphony of flavours and textures.

Mackerel, Starfruit Curd, Hokkaido Ymepirika Sushi Rice 4.5/5

Grilled Japanese Mackerel on Hokkaido Yumepirika sushi rice, enhanced with starfruit puree, Swiss chard achar, and a side of fish broth. A nod to Hawaii's culinary influences, this dish elevated the appreciation of grilled fish.

Wylarah Wagyu Australian Striploin 4.5/5

The pinnacle of the evening was the Wylarah Wagyu Australian Striploin MBS 8-9, grilled over wood-fire. Drizzled with beef jus and paired with Kabocha squash bone marrow puree, it was a celebration of marbling and melt-in-the-mouth perfection.

Pumpkin Pie, Burnt Marshmallow Ice Cream 4.2/5

A deconstructed Pumpkin Pie rounded off the meal with marshmallow ice cream, a five-spice biscuit, roasted pumpkin puree, coconut mochi, and fresh passionfruit. It is a light and vibrant dessert that leaves a sweet imprint. Lastly, the Petit Fours of Hazelnut Chocolate Bonbon, Lilikoi Pate de Fruit, and Charcoal Macaron—adding the perfect final notes to a memorable dining experience.

Chef Jordan Keao's culinary finesse, coupled with Butcher's Block's commitment to quality, resulted in an evening of gastronomic excellence, a testament to the evolving culinary landscape at this esteemed establishment.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Butcher's Block
Raffles Hotel Singapore
Raffles Arcade
328 North Bridge Road
#02-02
Singapore 188719
Tel: +65 6337 1886
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch (Thu-Fri): 12pm - 230pm
Dinner (Wed-Sun): 6pm - 945pm
(Closed on Mon and Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Junction of North Bridge Road and Bras Basah Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to Beach Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

HANAZEN @ CHIJMES - Indulgent 9/10-course Dinner Omakase Crafted by Michelin-Starred Chef, Inspired by French and Japanese Cuisine and Techniques

HANAZEN at Chijmes unveiled a completely new menu under the guidance of Michelin-starred Chef Taiseo Iwao. Chef Taiseo brings with him a depth of knowledge and culinary experience with Japanese ingredients alongside French cooking techniques.

The meticulously curated menu strives to showcase the finest globally sourced ingredients tailored to suit the local palate. The highlights are the 9-course ($180/pax) and 10-course ($210/pax) omakase options.

I highly recommend securing a seat at the counter that wraps around the kitchen. It provides a fantastic view of the chefs in action. During the visit, we had the fantastic opportunity to sample Chef Taiseo's 10-course menu.

Uni Brioche 4.5/5

The first dish of Uni Brioche made a remarkable impression, offering a burst of flavours with generous fresh Murasaki uni, Gruyère cheese, and a capsicum-based sauce done intentionally lighter atop a crisp square of brioche.

Tuna Tartare 4.2/5

The Tuna Tartare presented a luxurious blend of Nagasaki Chutoro and Akami, adorned with caviar and gold leaf.

Hotate 4.5/5

Our third course featured the Hotate, showcasing a lightly seared and plump Hokkaido scallop. It was accompanied by broccoli with clam chowder sauce, broccoli espuma, parsley oil, kale and coriander leaf, creating a harmonious blend of umami and buttery notes.

Lobster 4.8/5

I had been anticipating the Lobster since the start of the meal after watching the chefs skillfully working on its preparation with flames over the grill. The amount of seafood explosion here was spectacular. The Australian lobster delivered succulent meat, perfectly complemented by creamy béchamel sauce, lobster miso, and an intensely flavourful crustacean sauce with blue crab espmua.

Awabi 4.8/5

Another of my favourite courses was the Awabi (abalone). A spoonful of Koshihikari rice was accompanied by a bubbling hot mini-well of abalone liver sauce that was incredibly rich. You could either dip the tender abalone cut directly into the sauce or spoon it over the rice. Either way, it was delicious.

Iberico Pork 4.2/5

Next, I enjoyed the Iberico Pork with fresh wasabi and onion sauce, enhanced with sweet peppercorn that boasted mild and fruity notes. As a default, this course would be prepared with Kagoshima A4 Beef unless dietary restrictions are specified.

Pork Curry 4.5/5

Made with premium Miyazaki mangoes, mixed fruits and vegetables, Chef Taiseo’s rendition of Curry was delicately and comfortingly balanced. It was rich and creamy, carrying a mild heat and pleasing sweetness derived from the fruits and vegetables. Similarly, I had this paired with pork, which was a replacement for the original beef.

Peach Soup 4.5/5

Fresh peach and celery ice cream in a single dish? All of us had to do a double take when we heard of this combination in the Peach Soup. Both elements surprisingly matched, each carrying subtle flavours. It was very refreshing, and I loved having the additional bits of Yamanashi peach underneath.

Mont Blanc 4.5/5

There were many intricate elements in Chef Taiseo’s rendition of Mont Blanc. Next to a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, you have creamy chestnut puree, cheese mousse, Graham cracker crumbs and thin strips of sweet potato crisps. The varied textures and flavours were a delight.

Raisin Butter Cookie 4.5/5

Our final dessert, the Raisin Butter Cookie, featured raisins thoroughly soaked in Yamazaki Whisky. It looked unassuming, but the mouthful surprised with a decadent burst of fragrant liquor.

In addition to the new omakase options, HANAZEN has introduced a revamped à la carte menu for their outdoor bar setting, emphasising sharing dishes.

Japanese Oysters Platter 4/5

The Japanese Oysters Platter ($28) was prepared in varied ways with punchy dressings.

Amaebi Salad 4.2/5

While slightly on the pricey side, the Amaebi Salad ($24) was still a delightful and refreshing dish, featuring sweet amaebi, avocado, and various vegetables.

Hanazen’s Charcuterie Platter 4.2/5

The Hanazen’s Charcuterie Platter ($28) was a beautiful mix of sweet figs, foie gras, brioche toast, Iberico ham, cheese and more.

Braised Beef Short Ribs

Although I couldn't try the Braised Beef Short Ribs ($34), this won praise from my fellow diners, who were fans of the tender 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.


HANAZEN
CHIJMES
#01-21/22
30 Victoria Street
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 9820 2963
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, cross the road to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk southwards towards Victoria Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Road, cross the junction to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Little Farms Bistro @ Katong Point - Introduces Brand New Wood-fired Creations

Located at Katong Point, Little Farms Bistro introduces its brand-new wood-fired gastronomic creations. Head Chef Ming Earn curates a menu that celebrates the finest farm-fresh ingredients, emphasizing wood-fired grilled dishes featuring high-welfare meats from renowned brands, elevating dining with a harmonious fusion of flavours, from vibrant salads to satisfying mains, all prepared thoughtfully to deliver exceptional taste and nutritional value.

Kickstart the meal with thirst quenchers such as the Grapefruit & Hibiscus Lemonade ($8) and Orange & Lavender Earl Grey Iced Tea ($8). The latter stands out for its delicate fragrance of orange and lavender, a refreshing beverage for those who appreciate a touch of floral and citrus in their tea.

Prawn & Bourbon Bisque 4/5

The Prawn & Bourbon Bisque ($14) is a sumptuous soup offering a rich and creamy base infused with the essence of prawns. The addition of bourbon adds a unique depth and sophistication to the flavour profile, creating a harmonious blend of smoky and slightly sweet notes.

Cured Salmon Tartare 4.2/5

The Cured Salmon Tartare ($12) features finely chopped cured salmon, accompanied by grilled Wawa cabbage for a smoky dimension, creamy avocado wasabi for a touch of heat, and garnished with lumpfish roe, which adds briny notes that accentuate the flavours of the salmon.

Chermoule Braised Fable Mushroom 3.8/5

The Chermoule Braised Fable Mushroom ($24) features meaty Fable Mushrooms braised in a fragrant and slightly spicy Chermoula sauce. Accompanied by grilled aubergine, tangy tomato, and cauliflower rice, the dish offers a harmonious fusion of textures and flavours. It is served atop grilled pita bread, adding a delightful crunch and toasty aroma to the dish.

Thai Style Organic BBQ Chicken 4/5

The Thai Style Organic BBQ Chicken ($30) features organic BBQ chicken expertly grilled to perfection, achieving a juicy and tender texture. The grilling process imparts a smoky char and a mouthwatering barbecue flavour to the chicken, enhancing its natural juiciness. This Thai-inspired creation is accompanied by a refreshing scallion, pickled garlic salad, and a sweet-spicy Thai sauce, offering a harmonious blend of flavours and textures and giving the dish a distinct Thai flair.

Roaring Forties Lamb Cutlet 4.2/5

From the wood-fired grill, we tried the Roaring Forties Lamb Cutlet ($42/200g) served with mint sauce. The grilling process over the wood-fired grill imparts a delightful smokiness to the lamb, enhancing its overall flavour profile. The exterior achieves a beautiful char and slightly crispy texture, pleasingly contrasting the tender and succulent interior. The classic mint sauce adds a refreshing and herbal note, creating a harmonious balance of flavours.

Yakult Peach Mousse 4/5, Black Sesame Opera 3.5/5

For desserts, they have a selection of delectable choices, such as the Yakult Peach Mousse ($10), which features Yakult's refreshing, tangy taste paired with the sweetness and aroma of peaches. It is a harmonious and light dessert that perfectly balances fruity and creamy flavours, making it a delightful and refreshing conclusion to your meal. The Black Sesame Opera ($12) delivers a sophisticated blend of flavours. While it has a faint black sesame undertone, the predominant taste is that of nutty chocolate. It caters to chocolate lovers while offering a subtle nod to the unique taste of black sesame.

Photos and words 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.


Little Farms Bistro
Katong Point
451 Joo Chiat Road
#01-01
Singapore 427664
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 8am - 930pm
Tue-Thu: 8am - 830pm
Fri: 8am - 9pm
Sat: 730am - 9pm
Sun: 730am - 830pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Walk to bus stop at Block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 16. Alight 4 stops later. Walk down Joo Chiat Road to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]