UNA @ The Alkaff Mansion - New Menu Introducing Spain’s Finest Rubia Gallega Beef

UNA at The Alkaff Mansion celebrates its 10th anniversary with a new menu co-conceptualised by Chef Diego Grimberg, Culinary Advisor and Head Chef of the Michelin-starred Hofmann Restaurant in Spain, and Chef Tom Kung, UNA's Executive Chef. A key highlight of this menu is the revamped selection of Asado grilled meats, with UNA being the first restaurant in Singapore to introduce Spain's prized Rubia Gallega beef.

Cinco Jotas “5J” Jamon Iberico 4/5

Pan Con Tomate 3/5

The menu still offers the restaurant's signature tapas, including the renowned Cinco Jotas "5J" Jamon Iberico ($46), made from Spain's finest 48-month acorn-fed 5J Iberico pork. It pairs beautifully with the crisp Toasted Crystal Bread, Pan Con Tomate ($7/2 pcs; $12/4 pcs), served with fresh tomato purée.

Gazpachuelo De Gambas Roja 3/5

The Gazpachuelo De Gambas Roja features Red Prawn Tartare, which has a delightful mouthfeel with creaminess from the avocado. The cherry slices atop punctuated the tartare with welcoming sweet-tart notes. While the gazpacho was rich in crustacean flavour, I personally prefer the original non-meat version.

Pulpo a La Parrilla 4/5

The Pulpo a La Parrilla ($36) presents a smoky grilled octopus, artfully paired with baby potatoes and purple vitelotte potato and complemented by red pepper and cilantro sauce.

Mariscos Paella 4.5/5

For the main course, we tried the Mariscos Paella ($62/$82), which impressed me with its robust umami flavour, packed with red sea prawns, fresh clams, and black mussels. The dish had a generous amount of soccarat, adding a smoky flavour and extra bite. A squeeze of lemon juice would have elevated the dish even further.

Rubia Galicia Gold 4.8/5

The Asado grilling technique, deeply rooted in Spanish culinary tradition, infuses meats with a charcoal fragrance, enhancing their natural flavours. The star of the menu is the Rubia Galicia Gold - Costillas A La Parrilla ($138), a prime rib served with fricando sauce, pumpkin purée, and oyster mushrooms. Known for its exceptional flavour and marbling, the Rubia Galicia Gold's slow grilling over an open fire renders its fat into a tantalising smoky crust, contrasting with its succulent texture and releasing robust flavours.

Asado Moralejo Lamb 5/5

Alongside the Rubia Gallega beef, the menu features other premium meats, such as the newly approved milk-fed Moralejo Lamb in Singapore, also prepared with the Asado grill method. The Asado Moralejo Lamb ($46) with Cauliflower was incredibly tender and flavorful, with minimal gaminess, perfectly complemented by the buttery and creamy cauliflower purée.

Crèma Catalana 2.5/5

Turrón de Almendras 2.8/5

For dessert, the Crèma Catalana ($16), a Spanish crème brûlée torched with a charcoal-scorched plate, was unfortunately rather cloying, and the method didn't significantly enhance the taste. The Turrón de Almendras ($22), an almond nougat cake served with raspberry sorbet, offered an interesting flavour reminiscent of egg yolk custard, though the hazelnut streusel tasted a bit off.

To celebrate the launch of UNA's new menu, American Express cardholders will enjoy 20% off items on the à la carte menu from 16 August 2024 to 15 September 2024.

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.


UNA
The Alkaff Mansion
10 Telok Blangah Green
Singapore 109178
Tel: +65 8126 8844
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Nearest MRT: Telok Blangah (CC Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Telok Blangah MRT station (Stop ID 14169). Take bus number 176. Alight 2 stops later. Walk down Henderson Road. Turn left onto Telok Blangah Green. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

Ingleside @ Tras Street - From Fermentation to Fire

Ingleside is a new modern European restaurant in the heart of Tras Street in Tanjong Pagar. Spearheaded by the husband-and-wife team of Louis Chan and Jana Jusman as Head Chef and Head Fermentation Specialist respectively, Ingleside brings time-honoured techniques of fermentation, dry-aging, and wood-fired cooking, melded with innovative approaches to craft a contemporary European menu.

Tuna Tartare 4/5

We embarked on the 6-Course Ingleside Experience Menu ($128++), starting with the Tuna Tartare. This dish features finely diced tuna housed in a crispy shell, paired with maitake shoyu, sesame oil, yuzu, and pickled shallot, and topped with caviar. Each bite is a delightful burst of flavours and textures.

Truffle Toast 4/5

Next was the Truffle Toast, where fluffy brioche is deep-fried and topped with foie gras mousse, sauternes jelly, and fresh black truffle shavings. Every bite provides an explosion of rich and decadent flavours.

Jamon Ball 3/5

The Jamon Ball, shaped into a crispy potato ball, is packed with the lovely flavours of jamon serrano and Gruyere cheese. The thin, crispy coating encases a savoury filling elevated by the sweetness of shrimp.

Hand Cut Wagyu Tartare 4/5

Following the trio of snacks, we moved on to the appetisers, starting with the Hand Cut Wagyu Tartare served atop roasted bone marrow. This dish features a myriad of housemade ferments, including shoyu made from coffee, celery vinegar, and roast chicken garum, topped with cured egg yolk. This dish requires an additional top-up of $24 but is well worth it for its complexity and depth of flavour.

Maitake & Pork 3.5/5

The other appetiser, Maitake & Pork, features confit pork cheek that melts in your mouth, paired with a split pea miso glaze. Crispy kale topped with shio koji sauce completes the dish for added crunch.

Atlantic Octopus 4/5

Moving on to the mains, we had the Atlantic Octopus, cooked over a wood-fire grill and served with smoked pepper squid garum puree, black garlic aioli, herb aioli, prawn oil, and charred fennel. The octopus was tender, with a lovely char from the grill.

Tajima MBS 6-7 Koji Picanha 4.2/5

The meal's highlight was the Tajima MBS 6-7 Koji Picanha, aged in house-grown shio koji. This ageing process adds a subtle sweetness, umami, and juiciness to the already well-marbled steak. It is accompanied by pomme puree and slow-roasted banana shallots, creating a perfectly balanced dish.

Deconstructed Lemon Meringue Tart 4.2/5

For dessert, we enjoyed the Deconstructed Lemon Meringue Tart. This dessert is a medley of textures comprising yuzu granita, smoked ice cream, lavender lemon curd, and thyme crumb. It's sweet, tangy, and refreshing, making it an ideal sweet ending to the meal.

Smoked Chocolate Brownie 4/5

For those craving a richer and sweeter finish, the Smoked Chocolate Brownie is moist and molten, paired with grilled pineapple and coconut foam. The coconut foam smoothens the richness of the brownie, although the grilled pineapple's tropical finish left me slightly puzzled by its intent.

Ingleside offers a captivating dining experience with its modern European menu, expertly crafted by the talented duo of Louis Chan and Jana Jusman. Each dish showcases its mastery of traditional techniques and innovative flair, making Ingleside a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts looking to experience a unique blend of flavours and textures in Tanjong Pagar.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ingleside
49 Tras Street
Singapore 078988
Tel: +65 88394393
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Nearest: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line). Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue: 6pm - 1130pm
Wed-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1130pm
SatL 6pm - 1130pm
(Closed on Sun and Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Morsels @ Dempsey Hill - Chef Petrina Launches new Menu 3.0 showcasing Skilful Blend of Eastern and Western Influences

I recently returned to Morsels to experience its new Menu 3.0. The innovative new creations will delight fans of Chef Petrina's cooking style, which seamlessly incorporates East and West influences with fermented sauces.

Aka Ebi Tartare 4.2/5

We started our dinner with the Aka Ebi Tartare ($18). The red shrimp is tossed in a mixture of green grape raisin and raspberry gochujang, paired with a crispy nori cracker. This dish offers a multi-textural enjoyment, with each bite bursting with vibrant flavours.

Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio 4.2/5

Next up was the Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio ($28). Light, bright, and vibrant, the scallops are tossed in aguachile and paired with a smooth cannellini bean puree, making for a refreshing and delightful appetiser.

Whipped Burrata 4/5

The Whipped Burrata ($22) comes with glazed baby carrots, Brazil nuts, and a kale salad. The burrata is creamy and luxurious, while the glazed baby carrots add a nice sweetness and crunch. The fresh kale provides a crunchy bite, making this dish a well-balanced starter.

Duck Dumplings 4/5

We then had the Duck Dumplings ($30), served in brodo stock, paired with fermented garlic mash, and finished with juniper kombu oil. The dumplings were flavourful and satisfying, and the brodo added depth to the dish.

Galician Octopus 3/5

The Galician Octopus ($42) is grilled to a perfect char, resulting in a tender and bouncy texture. It comes with farfalle pasta tossed in squid ink assam sauce. While each component is delightful on its own, the combination did not quite gel together for me.

Mangalica Pork Loin 4.5/5

For the mains, we had the Mangalica Pork Loin ($44). The clean-tasting pork was tender and succulent. However, the accompanying pulled pork tortellini felt a bit unnecessary, with the skin being slightly dry from sitting too long. It seemed the chef wanted to showcase different ways to enjoy the beautiful pork or offer a replacement for the usual carbs like mash and fries.

BVP Quail 5/5

The BVP Quail ($50) was a standout dish. I thoroughly enjoyed the rub, which gave the tender quail a delicious flavour coat. It was paired with smoked corn miso cream and lacto-fermented baby corn, adding complexity to the dish.

Morsels Signature Milo Tiramiso 5/5

We ended our meal with a must-try dessert, Morsels Signature Milo Tiramiso ($17). This unique take on the classic tiramisu incorporates Saratoga dark rum and shiro miso for a deliciously sweet ending that left us thoroughly satisfied.

Morsels' new Menu 3.0 continues to impress with its creative and flavourful dishes. Highlights include the Aka Ebi Tartare, Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio, Mangalica Pork Loin, BVP Quail, and the delightful Milo Tiramiso. Chef Petrina's skilful blend of Eastern and Western influences and her innovative use of fermented sauces make dining at Morsels a memorable experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Morsels
25 Dempsey Road
#01-04
Singapore 249670
Tel: +65 62663822
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sun: 1130am - 3pm
(Closed on Sun dinner and Mon Full Day)

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop at Opposite Botanic Gardens (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 and 174. Alight 2 stops later. Take the flight of stairs up to Dempsey Hill. At Dempsey Road, turn left and walk to the open-air carpark in front of block 25. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Ajoomma Korean Charcoal BBQ Restaurant @ Gemmill Lane - Celebrates June Holidays with Moo-ve & Tail Campaign, and A Revamped Menu Featuring Seafood Barbecue and Traditional Korean Dishes

Ajoomma Korean Charcoal BBQ Restaurant at Gemmill Lane is celebrating the June holidays with a new "Moo-ve & Tail" campaign. The campaign offers diners a chance to win various prizes, such as a free steamed egg, complimentary side dishes, free plates of pork/beef, and more. The grand prize is 30% off the total dining bill. Along with this exciting campaign, the restaurant has revamped its menu, featuring seafood barbecue delights and traditional Korean dishes.

Black Trumpette Angus Beef Tataki 4/5

We began our meal with the Black Trumpette Angus Beef Tataki ($32) and Truffle Steamed Egg ($16) to whet our appetites before diving into the barbecue. The Angus Beef Tataki was a standout, with its beefy richness beautifully complemented by the accompanying components.

Truffle Steamed Egg 4/5

The Truffle Steamed Egg, resembling a soufflé, was extremely fluffy and pillowy. The truffle's earthy note elevated its flavour profile.

Korean BBQ 4.2/5

Marinated Chicken Thigh 150gm

US Prime 2MM Beef Short Plate 150gm

2MM  Pork Belly 150gm

Moving on to the highlight of the night, the Korean Charcoal BBQ, I appreciated the use of charcoal fire, which imparted a wonderful smokiness to the grilled ingredients. For our BBQ selection, we had:

- Marinated Chicken Thigh (150gm)
- US Prime 2MM Beef Short Plate (150gm, $31)
- 2MM Pork Belly (150gm, $28)

Marinated US Scallops with Dill

South Africa Live Abalone

Besides the meats, the restaurant also offers a variety of seafood for grilling. We tried the Marinated US Scallops with Dill ($36 for 5pcs) and the South Africa Live Abalone ($18/pc). Watching the live abalone being grilled over the charcoal fire was a unique experience, as this is not commonly seen in most Korean BBQ restaurants.

Spicy Kimchi Tuna Soup 3/5

Apart from the BBQ, the restaurant offers several mains. We started with the Spicy Kimchi Tuna Soup ($20), a hearty and flavorful stew that showcased the bold and tangy flavours of the kimchi, making it a comforting choice.

Korean Beef Tartare Bibimap 4/5

The Korean Beef Tartare Bibimbap ($25) is an innovative two-in-one dish where traditional Korean bibimbap is topped with beef tartare. The beef tartare added a textural contrast and an extra layer of flavour, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the dish.

Japchae 4/5

The Japchae ($23) featured glass noodles stir-fried with a variety of vegetables in a sweet-savoury soy-based sauce. The delightful mix of flavours and textures, along with the fragrance of sesame oil, made this dish a joy to eat.

Coconut Jelly with Coconut Ice Cream 4.2/5

We ended our meal with the Coconut Jelly with Coconut Ice Cream ($12.50). The coconut jelly, made with coconut water, was very refreshing, and the coconut ice cream added an extra touch of sweetness, rounding off the dinner perfectly.

Ajoomma Korean Charcoal BBQ Restaurant at Gemmill Lane offers an exciting dining experience with its "Moo-ve & Tail" campaign and revamped menu. The use of charcoal fire for grilling imparts a delicious smokiness to the dishes, while the inclusion of seafood and traditional Korean mains adds variety. Whether you're there for the BBQ or the mains, Ajoomma promises a delightful meal.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ajoomma Korean Charcoal BBQ Restaurant
No 2 & 4 Gemmill Lane
Singapore 069247
Tel: +65 8789 8650
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

SIP Wine Bistro @ Regency House - Sharing Good Wines Over Delicious Food

SIP Wine Bistro is a cosy dining spot located at Regency House, right in the heart of the city, yet away from the hustle and bustle. Co-founder Martin, who has been in the wine business for a decade, created this bistro out of his passion for sharing good wines over delicious food. Six months into its opening, the menu has been refreshed with a more focused curation of dishes.

Pani Puri Bruschetta 4/5

Beef Cubes 3.8/5

For starters, we had the delightful sharing plates of Pani Puri Bruschetta ($12) and Beef Cubes ($24). The crispy, paper-thin Pani Puri papad was stuffed with homemade salsa that had a delightful bite, featuring the sharpness of onions, the sweetness of tomatoes, and the crunch of capsicum. The beef cubes, made from sirloin, were flavourful on their own and served simply with mustard and salt flakes for the fullest appreciation of its natural flavour.

Goat Cheese Salad 5/5

The St. Maure Goat Cheese Salad was a highlight. It was served warm and soft with caramelised surfaces. The assertive flavour of the goat cheese was well balanced by the sweetness of the apples and candied walnuts. The salad was brought together with a dressing made from honey and apple cider vinegar, adding a hint of acidity. I believe such combination would also make for a delicious tartine.

Beef Tartare 4.5/5

For the main course, I had the pleasure of enjoying the Beef Tartare ($36), a rare delight. The tartare mix included chunky knife-cut beef, capers, and gherkins and was seasoned with Worcestershire sauce and mustard. The dish was completed with toasted sourdough and crispy shoestring fries. Indulging in this dish with a glass of Chateau Cordet Margaux 2016 was an exceptional experience. Martin works closely with small wine producers, ensuring an exquisite selection of wines at SIP.

Tiramisu 5/5

Rounding up my meal was a simple yet decadent Tiramisu. The airy, light layers of mascarpone cheese, combined with bittersweet coffee and Havana-soaked sponge fingers, made for a delightful finish.

SIP Wine Bistro has a very conducive environment for a laid-back coffee break. Sunday Brunch is also available. SIP collaborates with a local coffee roaster for its own blend of coffee.

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.


SIP Wine Bistro
Regency House
123 Penang Road
#01-12
Singapore 238465
Tel: +65 6022 1878
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk down Someset Road to Penang Road. Cross the road at the junction of Penang Road and Oxley Road. Walk down Penang Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]