Showing posts with label Tomatoes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tomatoes. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

VUE @ OUE Bayfront - Launches New Summer Tasting Menu Featuring Kokuou Wagyu and Eyrewoolf Abalone

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Perched on the 19th floor of OUE Bayfront, VUE has launched its new Summer Tasting Menu, showcasing premium seasonal ingredients such as Kokuou Wagyu, Eyrewoolf Abalone and Kaluga Queen Caviar. We had the opportunity to try the 4-course menu ($168), featuring beautifully plated dishes, while enjoying one of the best views of Marina Bay Sands.

If you’re looking for better value, VUE is also running a Sunset Dinner Promotion from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, where diners can enjoy a 3-course menu from just $98 or a 4-course menu for $138. Wine pairing is also available should you wish to elevate the dining experience.

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42-Month Aged Jamon Iberico 4.5/5

Black Lip Abalone Crudo 1
Eyrewoolf Black Lip Abalone Crudo 4/5

We started with two cold appetisers. The 42-Month Aged Jamón Ibérico was paired with preserved Charentais melon and Pedro Ximénez dressing, which complemented the ham beautifully. The melon’s sweetness balanced the jamón’s savoury richness really well.

The Eyrewoolf Black Lip Abalone Crudo, served with smoked ikura, shio kombu, pickled wild garlic and nori oil, was a refreshing way to start the meal. The abalone had a firm, chewy texture with a clean briny flavour that wasn’t overpowering.

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Holland White Asparagus 3.5/5

Wagyu Steak Hache 1
A5 Kokudo Wagyu Steak Hache 5/5

For the hot appetisers, we had the Holland White Asparagus, served with fermented lemon purée, crispy melted leek and saffron beurre blanc. While the combination was interesting, we felt the dish lacked depth.

On the other hand, the A5 Kokuou Wagyu Steak Haché was easily our favourite from this course. Despite its petite size, it packed plenty of flavour. Topped with a fried quail egg, it looked almost like a miniature burger. The nicely charred Wagyu paired really well with the ginger-yuzu soy dressing, making every bite enjoyable.

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Wild Forest Mushroom Risotto 4/5

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A5 Kokudo Wagyu Beef Duo 4/5

For mains, we had the Wild Forest Mushroom Risotto topped with fried porcini mushrooms (what a luxury!) and freshly shaved black truffle. We wished the porcini mushrooms were crispier and the risotto a little more al dente, but overall the earthy flavours came together really well.

The A5 Kokuou Wagyu Beef Duo featured both rump and brisket cuts. The rump was incredibly tender and literally melted in the mouth. The brisket was equally soft, although we weren’t huge fans of its slightly fibrous texture. Served with colourful cauliflower, creamy mashed potato and fresh truffles, it made for a beautiful main course.

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Before dessert, we were served a Palate Cleanser - Yoghurt Melon Sorbet topped with brown sugar and grapefruit sauce. This was really refreshing and delicious, and definitely did its job well of cleansing our taste buds before the sweet ending.

Summer Stone Fruits 1
Summer Stone Fruits 4/5

Tomato Strawberry 1
Tomato Strawberry 4.5/5

The Summer Stone Fruits came with almond chantilly, apricot yoghurt mousse and sakura powder. The combination was interesting, although some components leaned slightly more sour than what we usually enjoy.

The Tomato Strawberry, however, completely surprised us. Sweet cherry tomatoes and strawberries paired with white chocolate ganache, calamansi bergamot and strawberry yoghurt sorbet sounded unusual on paper, but everything worked beautifully together. We honestly didn’t expect tomato to pair so well in a dessert.

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Petite Four

We were also presented with Petite Four, which came with pecan nut cookies, chocolate lollipops and financier. We enjoyed them as a nice little ending to the meal, especially the financier and cookies. The chocolate lollipop was cute, though not particularly memorable compared to the rest.

Drinks

To celebrate the upcoming National Day, VUE also introduced three locally inspired cocktails — Kopi Martini ($28), Solero ($26) and Rose of Bandung ($18).

The Kopi Martini was our favourite, capturing the familiar aroma and flavour of local kopi much better than a regular espresso martini. The Rose of Bandung was another pleasant surprise, with the addition of lychee purée giving it an almost coconut milk-like finish. The Solero, however, was refreshing but didn’t quite leave the same impression as the other two.

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Besides the food, one of the biggest highlights at VUE is undoubtedly the view. Overlooking Marina Bay Sands and the city skyline, it’s an ideal spot for celebrations, date nights, or simply enjoying a leisurely dinner with friends. The dining room is elegant, although slightly dimly lit, while the service throughout the evening was attentive and professional.

View

VUE also has several al fresco tables overlooking Marina Bay, perfect for those who prefer dining outdoors. Right beside the restaurant is its rooftop bar, which shares the same spectacular skyline views, making it a great place to continue the evening over a few drinks.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


VUE
OUE Bayfront
Level 19
50 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049321
Tel: +65 8879 0923
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon – Thu: 1130am - 2pm, 530pm - 1am
Fri: 1130am - 2pm, 530pm - 2am
Sat: 1130am - 430pm, 530pm - 2am
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Clifford Centre. Cut across the building. Take the overhead bridge link across the road. Turn right at the base of the overhead bridge. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, July 12, 2026

CUDO @ Stanley Street - Vibrant Latin Flavours Take Centre Stage at Cudo’s New Saturday Brunch

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Tucked along Stanley Street, Cudo brings a fiery, free-spirited energy to the weekend dining scene with its newly launched Saturday brunch. Drawing inspiration from modern Latin cuisine, the menu leans into bold flavours and vibrant combinations, while keeping things approachable with brunch-friendly plates and shareable dishes designed for leisurely grazing.

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Sundried Tomato and Artichoke Dip 4/5

We began with the Sundried Tomato and Artichoke Dip ($15), a comforting yet flavour-packed starter. The dip blends sundried tomatoes with cream cheese and sour cream, further enriched with aromatic basil oil. Topped with chopped green olives, artichokes and a drizzle of chipotle oil, each scoop delivers a tangy, smoky depth. The accompanying fried tortilla chips are crisp and sturdy, making them perfect vessels to mop up every bit of the creamy dip.

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Chilli Scramble 4.2/5

The Chilli Scramble ($17) offers a Latin twist on a brunch staple. The softly scrambled eggs are laced with chilli tomatillo salsa, giving the dish a gentle heat and a slightly tangy lift. Finished with feta and sour cream, it strikes a balance between richness and brightness. Paired again with fried tortilla chips, it becomes a hearty, satisfying plate that works equally well as a light main course.

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Torched Truffadito 4.2/5

One of the highlights is the Torched Truffadito ($27). Featuring thick slices of yellowtail, the dish showcases the fish’s freshness and clean sweetness. The interplay of shoyu, ancho chilli and truffle-infused tiger’s milk adds layers of umami and citrusy brightness, while pickled radish introduces a refreshing crunch. The torching lends a subtle smokiness, rounding out a vibrant and well-composed dish.

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Cauliflower 4.2/5

Vegetable dishes are far from an afterthought here. The Cauliflower ($16) impresses with its bold seasoning and textural contrast. Baked with house pesto, the florets retain a pleasant bite before being paired with a creamy Aji Amarillo-based sauce — a hallmark of Peruvian cuisine. Enhanced with shallots, garlic, jalapeño, turmeric and lime juice, the sauce is both zesty and indulgent. Finished with Cotija cheese and torched until lightly caramelised, the dish is further lifted by a side of fresh pico de gallo and parsley, adding brightness to each mouthful.

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Lobster Enchiladas 4.5/5

For something more indulgent, the Lobster Enchiladas ($38) delivers on both flavour and richness. Generous chunks of Boston lobster are folded into a luscious mixture of shallots, garlic, pickled jalapeño, cream, caper juice and a blend of cheddar and smoked cheeses. Wrapped in a flour tortilla and baked, the enchiladas are served with a deeply flavourful lobster bisque enriched with kani miso, with a hint of lime to cut through the richness. The addition of salsa, crema, chipotle oil and herb oil provides layers of flavour, allowing diners to customise each bite.

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Lamb Pastor 4.2/5

The Lamb Pastor ($28) showcases robust, slow-cooked flavours. The lamb shoulder is braised for six hours in an adobo chilli paste with cumin and coriander, resulting in tender, flavourful meat that pulls apart easily. Served on a corn tortilla, it is layered with smashed avocado, pineapple pico de gallo and Salsa Rosada, then finished with pickled onions. The combination of smoky, savoury lamb with sweet pineapple and creamy elements creates a well-balanced and satisfying taco.

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Coconut Tres Leches 4.2/5

To end on a sweet note, the Coconut Tres Leches ($14) is a light yet indulgent dessert. The airy sponge is soaked in a mixture of coconut milk, condensed milk and cream, then lightly sprayed with white rum for added depth. Topped with thick coconut cream, toasted coconut flakes and berry compote, it offers a tropical finish that is both fragrant and refreshing.

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Caramel and Date Pastel 4.2/5

The Caramel and Date Pastel ($15) leans towards a richer profile. The moist date and chocolate sponge is layered with luscious caramel sauce and complemented by a brown butter crumble. A scoop of coffee ice cream adds a bittersweet contrast, balancing the dessert’s sweetness while enhancing its depth.

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Cudo’s Saturday brunch is a lively expression of modern Latin flavours, weaving together bold spices, bright acidity and comforting textures. With its mix of vibrant small plates and hearty mains, it offers a refreshing alternative to the usual brunch fare in the city.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


CUDO
13 Stanley Street
Singapore 068732
Tel: +65 8221 6330
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 1130pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street, walk to Boon Tat Street. Turn left onto Boon Tat Street. Turn right onto Stanley Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to McCallum Street. Turn right onto McCallum Street. Turn left onto Stanley Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]



Friday, April 24, 2026

MODU High @ Amoy Street - Elevated Next Chapter of Singapore's first premium Samgyetang specialty restaurant, Bigger Menu and Bigger Space

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MODU, Singapore’s first premium Samgyetang speciality restaurant, has recently opened its latest outlet along Amoy Street, MODU High. Transforming the entire shophouse into a modern Hanok-inspired space, the new outlet offers a more intimate and spacious setting to enjoy its signature organic spring chicken Samgyetang, alongside an expanded menu featuring twelve distinct flavours.

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Appetisers 4/5

We were served the 2-Gather Set ($118), a curated sharing set for two. It includes a pot of tea, appetisers, two bowls of Samgyetang, a shareable plate, and a traditional dessert to round off the meal. To start, we were each served a trio of appetisers: Honey Marinated Garlic & Ginseng, Steamed Eggplant with Soy Vinegar Sauce, and Tomato Carpaccio with Balsamic Vinegar. The standout was the Honey Marinated Garlic & Ginseng, offering a distinctive interplay of sweet, bitter, and garlicky notes that lingered on the palate.

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Buckwheat Crepe Samhap 3/5

For the shareable plate, we chose the Buckwheat Crepe Samhap. This featured delicate buckwheat crepes, meant to wrap slices of grilled tofu and kimchi. Unfortunately, the crepes were disappointingly small and insufficient for the size of the tofu, which also leaned greasy. The saving grace here was the housemade kimchi, delivering a unique nutty and savoury depth.

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Wild Mushroom Samgyetang 4.5/5

Moving on to the stars of the meal, the Samgyetang bowls. We tried the Wild Mushroom ($38), a new addition to the menu, featuring the rare and hence highly prized uncultivated neungi mushrooms. While the broth itself did not fully capture the mushrooms’ essence, biting into the chewy, dark-fleshed mushrooms released an intense, woody flavour that added depth to the Samgyetang. As for the halal-certified organic spring chicken, it impressed with its tenderness and, more importantly, its clean, natural flavour. A simple dip into the accompanying pepper salt was more than sufficient to bring out its qualities.

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Perilla Seed Samgyetang 4.5/5

The Perilla Seed Samgyetang ($38), one of the two creamy variations, offered a completely different expression of Samgyetang. Rich and aromatic, it carried notes reminiscent of soybean and tahini. The experience evolved as we topped it up midway with the free-flow herbal broth, which lightened the richness while introducing more herbal complexity.

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Dessert 4/5

Ending the meal on a comforting note was a traditional Korean Honey Cookie, paired with a mellow, gently sweet housemade Jujube and Cinnamon Punch.

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Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


MODU High
96 Amoy Street
Singapore 069916
Tel: +65 8035 7883
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Firebird by Suetomi @ Mondrian Singapore - An Intimate Tori-focused Wood-Fire Yakitori Omakase Experience From Japanese

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Firebird by Suetomi, located at Mondrian Singapore Duxton, marks the first international outpost of acclaimed Tokyo chef Makoto Suetomi. The restaurant offers an intimate, tori-focused wood-fire yakitori omakase experience, where premium chicken takes centre stage. Cooked over a custom-built wood-fire grill, each skewer highlights different cuts — from familiar favourites to lesser-known parts — grilled with precision to achieve a delicate balance of smokiness, tenderness, and deep umami.

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Beyond yakitori, the multi-course omakase is thoughtfully paced, featuring seasonal dishes and comforting highlights that add dimension and variety to the dining journey. Set within a sleek counter-style space that allows diners to watch the chefs at work, and complemented by a well-curated selection of sake and wines, Firebird by Suetomi delivers a refined yet soulful Japanese dining experience that celebrates the purity and artistry of fire-driven cooking.

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Chicken Consomme 4/5

I had the 15-Course Omakase ($188++), which began with a Chicken Consomme. Light yet intensely chicken-flavoured, the clear broth gently warms the stomach and sets the tone for the courses to come, whetting the appetite without overwhelming the palate.


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Chicken Thigh 4.8/5

The first skewer featured Chicken Thigh, which was meaty, tender, and exceptionally juicy. Simply seasoned and expertly grilled, it showcased the quality of the chicken and the precision of the wood-fire cooking.

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Water Spinach 4.2/5

Next was Water Spinach, grilled over the wood fire. The greens retained their crunch while picking up a subtle smokiness, offering a refreshing vegetal contrast to the meats.

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Chicken Breast 4/5

The Chicken Breast, paired with okra and eggplant in a light and refreshing dashi sauce, was surprisingly tender and moist. It is a testament to the careful control of heat and timing.

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Chicken Neck 4.8/5

The Chicken Neck delivered a delightful crunch alongside its meatiness, offering a textural contrast that innard lovers will appreciate.

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Chawanmushi 4.5/5

One of the standout dishes of the night was the Chawanmushi. Silky smooth and custard-like, it was paired with mountain yam in a gobo and burdock root sauce. Its luxurious texture reminded me of the foie gras chawanmushi from Shisen Hanten — rich yet refined.

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Shiitake Mushroom 4.5/5

The Shiitake Mushroom was impressively large — unlike any shiitake I’ve encountered before. Extremely tender and juicy, it was elevated with a mushroom Mont Blanc and white wine sauce, making it one of the most memorable non-meat dishes of the meal.

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Chicken Breast with Harissa Sauce 4.2/5

The Chicken Breast with Harissa Sauce introduced a bold and spicy note to the progression. The tender meat absorbed the flavours well, while the harissa added depth and a gentle kick.

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Chicken Gizzard 4/5

As an innard fan, I thoroughly enjoyed the Chicken Gizzard, grilled to perfection with a satisfying crunch and clean, robust flavour.

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Toast with Mushroom Paste 3.8/5

The Toast with Mushroom Paste was deceptively simple yet incredibly addictive. Crisp toast paired with earthy mushroom paste made for a comforting and flavourful bite.

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Chicken Wing with Fermented Chilli Sauce 4.2/5

The Chicken Wing with Fermented Chilli Sauce was another highlight. Grilled with the skin on, the wing was fragrant with rendered fat and crisped skin, while the fermented chilli sauce lent the dish a tangy, spicy edge.

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Chicken Heart 4/5

For the final skewer, we were given a choice, and I opted for the Chicken Heart — unsurprisingly, given my fondness for innards. It was firm, juicy, and grilled just right, closing the yakitori sequence on a satisfying note.

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Marinated Tomato 4.2/5

After the tori-heavy courses, the Marinated Tomato was a welcome palate refresher. Sweet and juicy, it helped cleanse the palate and cut through the richness of the earlier dishes.

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Donabe with Minced Chicken 4/5

The final savoury course was the Donabe with Minced Chicken, cooked over a piece of charcoal to infuse the rice with a subtle smokiness. The fluffy, fragrant rice could be enjoyed in multiple ways — on its own, with various condiments, or finished with an egg yolk for added richness.

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Before moving on to the dessert, we are served some grapes as a palate cleanser.

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Cherry Wood Smoked Sorbet 3.5/5

To end the 15-course omakase, we had the Cherry Wood Smoked Sorbet. Sour, refreshing, and lightly smoky, it was a clean, elegant finish to a thoughtfully curated meal.

Overall, Firebird by Suetomi offers a carefully curated tori-focused omakase experience that goes beyond the usual expectations of grilled chicken. Through precise wood-fire cooking, thoughtful pacing, and a deep respect for ingredients, each course showcases a different expression of tori — from comforting to refined. Combined with its intimate counter setting and attentive service, Firebird by Suetomi stands out as a destination for diners seeking a sophisticated yet soulful Japanese dining experience in Singapore, especially for those who appreciate the artistry behind fire-driven cuisine.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Firebird by Suetomi
Mondrian Singapore
83 Neil Road
#01-04/05
Singapore 089813
Tel: +65 97762476
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Outram Park (DT, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 530pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun & Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and turn right onto Neil Road. Walk down Neil Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Walk to the end of Craig Road. Turn left onto Neil Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to the staircase behind the open-air car park. Take the staircases to Duxton Plain Park. Turn right and walk down Duxton Plain Park. Cross the tunnel, take the stairs to the road level and walk down Neil Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time bout 6 minutes. [Map]