Ureshii @ The Arts House - A Korean-Japanese Fusion Culinary Haven at the Old Parliament House

Embarking on a culinary journey that defies convention, Ureshii, the brainchild of Chef Jung from Tanoshii, presents a fusion of Korean, Japanese, and European influences. Situated at the venerable Old Parliament House, facing the picturesque Padang, Ureshii beckons with promises of a unique gastronomic adventure. Beyond its captivating dishes, the restaurant's exquisite interior weaves a sense of classic elegance with a hint of enigmatic charm.

Ureshii Kimchi Salad 4.2/5

Setting sail into our culinary voyage, we indulged in the Ureshii Kimchi Salad ($13), a refreshing starter that marries the zest of kimchi dressing with the sweetness of pear, cherry tomatoes, and capsicum. This delightful overture awakened our taste buds, paving the way for the symphony of flavours that followed.

Gujeolpan 3/5

The Gujeolpan ($38) was a majestic offering from Joseon court cuisine. Arriving in an octagon box, it showcased a harmonious assembly of nine ingredients, including meat and vegetables. To enjoy, we orchestrated our own wrap, skillfully combining a thinly fried pancake with various ingredients. This dish not only tantalized the palate but also encouraged shared moments at the table.

Monkfish Fillet Karaage 4/5

A symphony of flavours was furthered with the Monkfish Fillet Karaage ($18), an ideal companion to Ureshii's expansive sake collection and curated wines. The deep-fried Anglerfish from Jeju Island boasted a moist interior and a delicate crunch, beautifully complemented by Ureshii's tartare sauce.

Yook-hoe 5/5

A stand-out among the dishes was the Yook-hoe ($38). It is a work of art, both visually and gastronomically. The Korean beef tartare, toasted in aromatic sesame oil, danced with the sweetness of pear and the added dimension of a rice cracker. This dish was a true testament to Ureshii's fusion mastery.

Gochoojang Galbi Kimchi Taco 3.5/5

With the Gochoojang Galbi Kimchi Taco ($18 for 2pc), Ureshii seamlessly merged Mexican and Korean flavours. The generous taco is wrapped with stir-fried short ribs and kimchi, resulting in a bold and robust combination.

Osaka Okonomiyaki 4.2/5

The Osaka Okonomiyaki ($28) transported us to the streets of Osaka, its savoury pancake showcasing an ensemble of octopus, scallops, shrimp, cabbage, and egg. This dish was a symphony of textures and flavours topped with katsuobushi and a special okonomiyaki sauce.

Octopus Steak 4.2/5

From the ocean realm, the Octopus Steak ($48) shone with its perfect texture, lightly grilled for a hint of smokiness. Served with truffle mashed potatoes, romesco sauce, chickpeas, and stir-fried kimchi, this dish epitomized Ureshii's fusion philosophy.

Ureshii Tteok-Galbi 4.5/5

Gochoojang Galbi Yakiniku 4.5/5

The parade of culinary marvels continued with the Ureshii Tteok-Galbi ($38), featuring prime-grade minced beef ribs marinated in a special soy sauce and grilled to perfection. The Gochoojang Galbi Yakiniku ($38) followed suit, grilling prime-grade ribs with Ureshii's signature gochujang seasoning.

Ureshii Bibimbap 3.8/5

Adzuki Bingsoo 4/5

The Ureshii Bibimbap ($28) captured the heart of Korean cuisine with its array of vegetables and beef, served with gochujang sauce. Wrapping up our culinary escapade, we savoured the Adzuki Bingsoo, a delightful treat of shaved ice topped with sweet red beans and chewy mochi.

Garlic Butter & Cream Cheese Bread 4.5/5

Surprising us all, the Garlic Butter & Cream Cheese Bread emerged as a dessert revelation. This toasted bun, adorned with a luscious blend of garlic butter and cream cheese, was a divine conclusion to a mesmerizing dining experience.

In essence, Ureshii stands as a testament to culinary ingenuity, weaving a tapestry of diverse influences into a harmonious whole. Beyond its exceptional dishes, the restaurant's timeless ambience is an invitation to explore, and savour flavours that bridge continents and cultures. Ureshii is a celebration of the culinary arts in their truest and most imaginative form, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an unforgettable fusion feast.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ureshii
The Arts House
1 Old Parliament Lane
#01-02
Singapore 179429
Tel: +65 63224054
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1150am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm (Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk towards the riverbank. Cross the bridge and walk to Empress Place road. Walk down Empress Place road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Humpback @ Bukit Pasoh - A Refreshed Space With A New Menu

After two months of renovation, Humpback, the modern seafood restaurant and wine bar at Bukit Pasoh, has reopened with a refreshed space and a new menu. In line with the restaurant's commitment to transparency in its food sourcing chain, the menu is ingredient-focused, with the country of origin informed. Dishes are executed using European culinary techniques with Japanese influences, showcasing the best seafood of the season.

Humpback's signature oyster bar has remained the star of the restaurant ever since its opening in 2015. You can find a seasonal roster of oysters from the Pacific Northwest that is shucked upon order. It showcases seasonal oysters sourced from the Pacific Northwest - Hama Hama Oyster Company, a sixth-generation family-run oyster farm in Washington State in the US. We tried all three varieties, each with its distinctiveness - clean and crisp Hama Hama, briny and sweet Summerstone, as well as an earthy sweet Blue Pool. All oysters ($8/pc, minimum six per order) are served on the half shell on ice with Humpback's house sweet-tangy mignonette, lemon and seasonal citrus.

Hamachi Pastrami 4/5

The menu is organised into Snacks and Bites, Small Plates, Large Plates and Desserts. From Snacks and Bites, we had Chef Alynna Tan's elegant portrayal of fish charcuterie - House-cured Hamachi Pastrami ($18) that is smoked with apple wood, served with thinly sliced pickled Japanese cucumber and sourdough baguette crisps. They were savoury with pastrami spices laced with a hint of smoky aroma. Each slice had a delectable meaty texture, further enriched with dots of smoked sour cream.

Buckwheat Bread with Yuzu Butter 3.5/5

While they were great with the crunchy baguette crisps, I took the liberty to have it together with the Buckwheat Bread with Yuzu Butter ($13), and the combination of the toasty bread with the luscious pastrami was equally delicious. The accompanying citrusy yuzu butter is salted with smoked salt, which works well with the deep nuttiness of the bread.

Mussel Toast 4.8/5

My favourite snack would be this Mussel Toast with Spicy Nduja ($16, two pieces). I love its mouth-filling texture accompanied by a hefty punch of flavours, which will whet your appetite too. The buttery toasted brioche fingers were airy with a crusty exterior, slathered with rich, sweet-spicy nduja that allowed it to bind with the plump Australian mussels atop. Bringing the toast close to my nose teased my senses, an elusive layer of smokey notes imparted from the mussels that had been tossed in a smoked oil.

White Asparagus with Blue Crab and White Miso 4/5

Red Prawn Tartare 4.5/5

From Small Plates, we had two cold dishes that celebrate the fresh flavours of Spring. Humpback's rendition of a cold crab salad, White Asparagus with Blue Crab and White Miso ($25), features chunks of lump blue crab from Indonesia alongside shaved white asparagus, dressed lightly with a contrasting miso-mustard dressing, followed by fresh horseradish and olive oil. While the execution brought out both ingredients' delicate and subtle flavours, it didn't excite me as much when placed amongst others on the menu. On the other hand, Red Prawn Tartare with Tosazu jelly and Pomelo ($26) stood out with Argentinian scampi that was succulent and sweet with a meaty bite. Marinated in dashi and rice wine vinegar, their sweetness came through even more.

Purple Clams with Toasted Koji and Green Asparagus 4.8/5

Among the hot selections, Purple Clams with Toasted Koji and Green Asparagus ($31) is a winner. Inspired by local milky fish soup, sweet purple clams from Hama Hama Oyster Company are simmered in sake, mirin and toasted koji cream, enlivened with Dill oil and chilli oil. The broth was milky sweet, aromatic with a whiff, liven up the dish, while asparagus chunks lend texture.

Ricotta Cavatelli 4.5/5

Ricotta Cavatelli with Swordfish Bacon and Chitose Corn ($28) is Humpback's sole pasta offering, and it is a solid one. Handmade cavatelli is tossed in corn stock with oyster mushrooms and Chitose corn from Malaysia. And what brought out the sweetness of the corn, besides the sharp cheese, were the chunks of swordfish belly bacon cured in juniper, thyme, star anise and bay leaf. These smoky fish bacon not only impart that mouthwatering savoury flavour to the pasta akin to typical bacon, but they also add little nuggets of creaminess into the dish.

Marble Goby 4.5/5

Of the Large Plates, what's highly recommend is the Marble Goby ($52). Wild-caught marble goby from Tembilahan River in Sumatra, Indonesia, is filleted and pan-seared with thyme and brown butter, served with a reduction of mussel jus and butter, as well as a dollop of sweet-tangy black garlic and shallot puree. I love the idea of blending black garlic into black garlic and shallot puree, as that mellows the intensity of it, allowing it to complement the fish without overpowering the dish. The accompanying juicy Australian mussels cooked in sake gave the dish an additional bite and flavour.

Toasted Castella Cake 4.5/5

Our dessert was a very comforting Toasted Castella Cake with Crème Fraîche Ice Cream and Soy Caramel ($14), conceived by Chef Alynna out of her food memory of a toasted angel food cake dessert in San Francisco. It's a very well-considered plate of dessert with balanced flavours. Evident in the chosen ingredients - you have the warm and indulging sweetness from the light and airy toasted Japanese-style castella cake, contrasted with a scoop of cold, mildly acidic crème fraîche ice cream, finished with a drizzle of umami soy caramel and a layer of saltish snow salt flakes that counterbalanced the overall sweetness of the dish.

Promotions/Special Nights - Oyster Happy Hour: Enjoy oysters at half price all day every Monday at Humpback Oysters at $4++ per piece (minimum 6 pieces per order) on Mondays and public holidays From opening to 6.30pm on other days of the week

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.


Humpback
20 Bukit Pasoh Road
Singapore 089834
Tel: +65 97729896
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 5pm - 11pm
Sat: 12pm - 11pm
Sun: 12pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Turn right and walk down Teo Hong Road. Continue left onto Bukit Pasoh  Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

The Astor Grill @ St. Regis Singapore - A Pop-up Restaurant Inspired By The Heritage of St. Regis, New York

Nestled within the St. Regis Singapore, The Astor Grill is a pop-up dining experience that promises an unforgettable culinary journey from 1 June to 31 August 2023. This exclusive pop-up brings together premium cuts from renowned artisan suppliers and introduces bespoke dining rituals from the esteemed House of Astor in New York. Available for a la carte lunch and dinner at Brasserie Les Saveurs, The St. Regis Singapore, The Astor Grill offers a truly exquisite experience.

Assorted Bread Basket

To kickstart the gastronomic adventure, diners are treated to a complimentary Assorted Bread Basket featuring a delightful selection of Sourdough, Curry Leaves, and Seaweed-infused bread.

Amuse Bouche

The culinary journey begins with a tantalizing Amuse Bouche—grilled sourdough topped with Tomato and Iberico Ham. While a small morsel, it serves as a flavorful teaser to awaken the taste buds.

Traditional Beef Tartare 4/5

King Crab Salad 4.2/5

Grilled King Prawn 4.2/5

Impeccably crafted starters grace the menu, including the Traditional Beef Tartare ($30), King Crab Salad ($52), and Tiger Prawns 'A la Plancha' with Avocado, Peach, and Basil ($39). Each dish offers a unique combination of flavours and textures, making it difficult to choose a favourite. However, the grilled tiger prawns stand out with their sweet succulence, complemented by the fruity peach and creamy avocado.

Tomahawk Australia Angus Grass Fed 4.2/5

From the signature sharing cuts menu, we had the 1.4kg Australian Grass Fed Angus Tomahawk ($290) grilled over the custom-built parilla grill. The whole tomahawk will be presented on a steak trolley and carved tableside. Beautifully marbled texture, tender and succulent. A rich and robust full-bodied flavour enhanced with the rosemary aroma.

Striploin Japan Full Blood Wagyu A5 4.5/5, Bavette Australian Angus 4.8/5

For discerning palates, The Astor Grill offers artisanal cuts and monthly exclusives. We had the pleasure of savouring the Striploin Japan Full Blood Wagyu A5 500 Days Grain Fed ($170) and Bavette Australian Angus 200 Days Barley Fed ($62). Our table was divided in preferences, with some favouring the Japanese Wagyu for its exceptionally high marbling content, resulting in buttery tenderness. On the other hand, I found the Bavette more appealing, with its well-rounded beefy flavour and a slightly firmer bite, striking a perfect balance between tenderness and texture.

Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb 4.2/5

The menu also features non-steak options, such as the Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb ($76). Perfectly grilled, tender, and devoid of any gaminess, it is a delightful choice for those seeking an alternative to beef.

Grilled Whole Turbot 4.5/5

The Grilled Whole Turbot ($298) is ideal for sharing, and it impresses with its impeccable texture and flavours.

Lemon Tart 4.2/5

Astor Grill Tiramisu 4.5/5

To conclude the meal on a sweet note, The Astor Grill offers a selection of delectable desserts. The Lemon Tart ($22) is a perfect choice for a light and refreshing option. Those with a sweet tooth will delight in the Chocolate Mi-Cuit ($22) and Sticky Toffee Pudding ($22). However, my personal favourite is the Astor Grill Tiramisu ($22)—a deconstructed yet well-balanced rendition comprising espresso-soaked ladyfingers, coffee gelato, and crispy gold crumbs.

Chocolate Mi-Cuit 4/5

Sticky Toffee Pudding 4/5

The Astor Grill at St. Regis Singapore is a culinary haven that delights diners with its exquisite cuts, bespoke dining experiences, and impeccable flavours. Whether you're a steak aficionado or searching for a remarkable dining adventure, The Astor Grill will leave a lasting impression on your palate. There is even a value-for-money 3-course Set Lunch priced at $48.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Astor Grill
St. Regis Singapore
Lobby Level
29 Tanglin Road
Singapore 247911
Tel: +65 65066860
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Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard (TE Line), Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm 1030pm
Sun: 630pm - 103pm

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. Continue onwards to Forum Shopping Mall. Walk further down to Orchard Parade Hotel. Turn left onto Tanglin Road. St Regis is just beside Tanglin Shopping Centre. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard Boulevard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Turn left onto Cuscaden Road. Walk to Tomlinson Road. Turn left onto Tomlinson Road. Walk to Tanglin Road. Turn right onto Tanglin Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Boeuf @ Telok Ayer Street - 2Hr All You Can Eat Free Flow Argentinian Ribeye On Weekends

Boeuf, located in the Central Business District, is a new steakhouse that offers a variety of aged prime ribs as well as steak with varying marbling scores and beef sourced from around the globe without breaking the bank.

Bone Marrow 4/5

We started with the Bone Marrow ($18/$30) with toasted bread, perfect for mopping up the creamy, rich-tasting bone marrow.

Wagyu Tartare 4/5

Next is the Wagyu Tartare ($28). The portion is generous. Using 400+ days grass-fed Australia Wagyu MB5, the raw beef tossed with capers, shallot, and gherkins is packed with lovely flavours. I am told the chef added mayonnaise, giving it a delightful creamy texture.

Board Minnie 4/5

The Board Minnie ($48) is great for sharing and comes with two kinds of cheese, bresaola and veal rillette. You can also create your own board at $13 each per selection.

Signature Dry Aged Prime Rib Bone-In 4.5/5

The highlight has to be their Signature Dry Aged Prime Rib Bone-In ($18/100g). It comes bone-in, with a minimum of 1kg of charcoal-grilled beefy goodness. Customers get to pick their own dry-aged option, grilled over charcoal on a lava stone, giving it a good char and infused with a smoky aroma. It is then popped into the oven to lock in the juiciness. There are four different accompanying sauces - Steak Butter ($5), Pepper ($5), Mushroom ($6) and Blue Cheese ($6).

Potato Gratin 4.5/5

Kenya Bean 3.5/5

Hand Cut Fries 4/5

We had some sides to go with the beautiful charcoal-grilled prime ribs. Out of the six items available on the sides menu, we picked the Potato Gratin ($12), Kenya Bean ($9) and Hand Cut Fries ($9). Out of the three sides, the Potato Gratin stood out. The layered potato slices baked in cream and cheese were deliciously flavoured with herbs adding a subtle earthy taste profile. The kenya bean and hand-cut fries were comforting dishes that complemented the steak and frites dining experience.

Argentinian Ribeye 4/5

Beef lovers will rejoice that Boeuf has a 2-Hour Eat All You Can Free-Flow Argentinian Ribeye promotion for only $48++ on weekends. However, despite free flow, the restaurant did not shy away from offering quality cuts.

Choco De Coco 4/5

After all the meats, it is good to end the meal on a sweet note. Chocolate lovers will revel in the Choco De Coco ($13) served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. There is even chestnut in the dark chocolate dessert.

Creme Brulee 4/5

The Cream Brulee ($13) was soft and creamy with a crackling caramelised sugar on top. The contrast provides a wonderful textural experience for a satisfying sweet ending.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Boeuf
159 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068614
Tel: +65 69701255
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Telok Ayer Street. Turn left and walk down Telok Ayer Street. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left and walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]