Showing posts with label Trout. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trout. Show all posts

Sunday, May 14, 2023

Morsels @ Dempsey Hill - Celebrates 10th Anniversary With A New Spring Menu

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Morsels at Dempsey Hill celebrates its 10th anniversary with a renewed concept. Moving away from its small plates sharing menu concept, Morsels 2.0 offers a new fixed course tasting menu concept to showcase the season's best produces with Chef Petrina's fermented sauces.

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Season Oyster 4.2/5

We had the 9-course Full Tasting Menu ($188++), starting with four snack items. Interestingly, Chef Petrina incorporates East and West influences into each snack. We kickstarted with the fresh Season Oyster (French + Japanese) paired with citron green tea kombucha vinaigrette and olive gel, brightening the taste profile of the shellfish.

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Sanchoku Corned Beef Cream 4/5

Next is the Sanchoku Corned Beef Cream (British + Indian) that is presented in the form of a Pani Puri. The blended Sanchoku beef d-rump is mixed with crunchy cornichon stuffed inside a crispy pani puri shell. Bite into it and get an explosion of flavours.

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Zucchini Pancake 4/5

The bite-size Zucchini Pancake (Korean + Spanish) coated in egg batter is pan-fried till golden brown and topped with ricotta cheese, red bell pepper and boquerones. I felt the soul of the dish come from the marinated anchovy fish, accentuating the whole dish.

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Mushroom Garum Broth 3.8/5

Lastly is the Mushroom Garum Broth (Chinese + Indian), packed with the essence from the smoked willow tree mushrooms and blaze mushrooms, topped with burnt banana leaf oil. It even comes with a crispy light puffed pastry twist dusted with oregano, thyme and onion powder.

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After the snacks, we had the bread course, in which a warm and fluffy Brioche is served together with seaweed herb butter.

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Cured Stolt Farm Turbot Carpaccio 4.2/5

We moved on to the entree, starting with the Cured Stolt Farm Turbot Carpaccio. The sustainably sourced turbot is aged for 3-5 days, then thinly sliced and dressed in smoked zucchini dashi to enjoy the turbot. It is paired with crunchy ice plant, cucumber and crispy rice puff for texture, enhanced with 8 Gems caviar for popping brininess.

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Toriyama A4 Japanese Wagyu Eye Round Tataki 4.2/5

Next is the Toriyama A4 Japanese Wagyu Eye Round Tataki paired with a spring salad. The wagyu eye round is cured overnight in Morsels's two years old corn miso and finished in the hibachi for a pleasant smokiness while retaining the tender and juiciness. Round up the enjoyment with the thick creamy sabayon and cured eye yolk.

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Chinese Celery Tortellini 4/5

Another beautiful dish is the Chinese Celery Tortellini. The delectable texture of the pasta dough is stuffed with wild mushrooms and potato duxelles, served in a vibrant green pea sauce and preserved lemon foam. Lastly, the morsel is topped with charred fermented asparagus for texture.

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Jeju Abalone & Sakura Chicken 3/5

The Jeju Abalone & Sakura Chicken is a rice dish. The bouncy abalone and tender chicken rested on a bed of multigrain risotto flavoured with Morsels's four year old doenjiang. I enjoyed the risotto texture comprising Koshihikari Japanese rice, Calrose Californian short grain rice, Cambodian brown rice, and barley. It felt like travelling to Jeju island with the beetroot stock surrounding the dish, poured at the tableside. However, there was a lack of sharpness in the flavour, and it was too earthy for my preference.

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Fjord Trout 4/5

Still from the ocean, we had the Fjord Trout that is lightly cured and smoked, complemented by a delicious soy dashi stock, rhubarb compote and edamame cereal. Though cooked using Western techniques, each bite has flavours resembling our local fish soup.

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Primrose Farm Pork Tenderloin 4.2/5

I have already lost count of the number of dishes I had, and we are just moving to the mains. For mains, there is a choice of Primrose Farm Pork Tenderloin or Rougie Magret Duck. The sous vide Primrose Farm Pork Tenderloin was tender and succulent, enlivened by the accompanying kumquat red pepper kosho. The other components on the plate are potato pave and grilled baby gem.

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Rougie Margret Duck 4.2/5

The other main is the Rougie Margret Duck presented in Western and Asian styles. The grilled duck breast grilled and glazed with ume bbq sauce is tender and comes with a hint of smokiness and sweetness. For the Asian style, it is served as a Japanese duck tsukune.

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Palate Cleanser

After all the savoury dishes, we had a cup of refreshing beverage comprising a mixture of lemongrass, pear juice and yuzu juice as a palate cleanser.

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Apple 4/5

Moving to desserts, we started with the Rice Whipped Panna Cotta, which is topped with sago and diced apple. The dessert, served chilled with shiso granita and apple lemon balm kombucha, provided the acidity for a light and refreshing finish.

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Ang Butter 3.8/5

Morsels's version of Any Butter comes in the form of a polenta cake crowned with Amalfi lemon cream, sitting atop a bed of sweet red bean paste, paired with rosemary namelaka and kinako sable. It is richer in flavour than the first dessert, but the combination worked beautifully.

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Petit Fours

Wrapping up the 9-course meal is the Petit Fours comprising of choux, nougat, and pear sour cherry pate de fruit.

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Note: This is an invited tasting


Morsels
25 Dempsey Road
#01-04
Singapore 249670
Tel: +65 62663822
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Instagram
Website
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]

Sunday, February 5, 2023

Alkove Bistro @ Kovan Road - Michelin-starred Chef Serving Up Casual French Fare In The Heartlands

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Alkove Bistro is a new venture by Chef Haikal Johari, a French-inspired bistro fare in the heartlands of Kovan. The casual bistro is supported by a team of young talents, offering familiar savoury and sweet French favourites with prime ingredients used throughout the menu.

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We started our brunch with a cup of coffee to perk up the day. The coffee menu at Alkove Bistro was created in collaboration with CATA Coffee.

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Croque Monsieur 3.8/5

The Croque Monsieur ($17.90), a classic ham and cheese sandwich, comes with two thick, fluffy brioches sandwiched with Bayonne ham and comte. It is a hearty and cheesy toastie that is packed with rich flavours.

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Chicken Vin Blanc 4/5

We enjoyed the Chicken Vin Blanc ($27.90). A whole free-range chicken leg and morel mushroom complement the perfectly cooked pasta. The creamy vin blanc sauce lifted the enjoyment, making me return for more. It will be one of the dishes I will order in my return.

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Wagyu Onglet Steak Frites 3/5

I did not enjoy the Wagyu Onglet Steak Frites ($29,90). I was not too fond of the cut of the Margaret River Wagyu, which is a bit tough to my liking.

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Ocean Trout 4/5

The Ocean Trout ($26.90) fares better than the beef. The ocean trout is cooked to a beautiful moist with crispy skin, paired with olives, anchovies, boiled eggs, potatoes, kenya fine beans, and couscous.

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With Chef Haikal Johari's fame behind the causal bistro, I was expecting more from the food menu. However, while the food was decent, it was safe, lacking that wow factor that made it stand out against other bistros.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Alkove Bistro
Simon Plaza
2 Kovan Road
#01-10
Singapore 548008
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Nearest MRT: Kovan MRT station (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Mon: 8am - 6pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Kovan MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight to Simon Road. Turn left onto Simon Road. Walk down Simon Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, December 8, 2022

Restaurant JAG @ Duxton - Michelin-Starred Immersive Vegetable-centric Journey

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To say our dinner at Restaurant JAG was amazing is an understatement. It was a brilliantly and intricately put-together vegetable-centric journey featuring the highest quality of produce.

I absolutely loved how vegetables and fruits were the main focus, while the usual meats and seafood served as wonderful complements. If you are not usually a fan of your greens, a meal here might open your eyes to the diversity of flavours and textures possible.

Helmed by Chef-owner Jeremy Gillon, this 8-Course Dinner Experience features the Summer - La Balade du Végétal Découverte at $298++ per guest with wine pairing at $248++ per guest.


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Beetroot | Agastache | Raspberry

Our first canapé highlights Beetroot - beetroot and raspberry juice, beetroot chips with raspberry and beetroot powder. The fruity sweetness and surprisingly umami notes made for an exciting start.

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Corn | Sage | Polenta, Coco de Paimpol | Aubepine | Soybean

Corn highlights a pastry tart made of dehydrated white and yellow corn powder, further topped with yellow corn cream, blanched white corn, fermented white corn jelly and white corn powder. This light bite had a balance of sweetness and acidity.

The seasonal Coco de Paimpol is the highlight for the next amuse bouche, boasting an overall sweet and buttery profile. The light Coco de Paimpol biscuit with puree is elevated with fermented soybean gel and Coco de Paimpol powder.

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Bread Basket

The amount of thought JAG puts into each dish continues to be showcased, even in its Bread Basket. Warm sourdough and watercress with black pepper bread are served with two types of housemade butter.

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Cucumber | Ortis | Kombu

A traditional French dish, the cucumber salad, inspired this next course. Cucumber, green apple and celtuce juice are served with coconut foam, kombu confit, lettuce seaweed and diced cucumber. A mouthful hits you with a burst of freshness and pleasant grassy notes.

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Romanesco | Sapin | Oyster and Caviar 5/5

Romanesco, done in different methods, brought this dish beautifully together. The variety of textures and layered flavours were the highlights for me, with romanesco done raw, blanched, braised, puréed and finally, as a dressing, accompanied with caviar and lightly creamy oysters.

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Zucchini | Ricola Mint | Trout 4.8/5

I adored how fresh and clean tasting this Zucchini dish was, with its zucchini salad paired with banana shallots and smoked trout. Salad’s mild with a modest hint of mint, juxtaposed with the trout’s smokiness and salinity.

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Tomato | Sariette | Prawn 5/5

Many of the courses were lovely, but this Tomato was spectacular and one of my favourites of the whole meal. It was inspired by Chef's experience of enjoying tomatoes in his mother's garden perfectly encapsulated what JAG strives to do.

With a base of 'sand' made from dehydrated sourdough, the texture is further elevated with crisp rice puffs, quinoa, coriander roots and more. A medley of tomato creations lay on top - a green tomato sorbet, heirloom tartare and a roasted tomato dressing, sitting aside Chef's carefully selected protein, a lightly savoury prawn. It was fresh, acidic, sweet and savoury, all in one. The tangy and aromatic sorbet was something I couldn't get enough of.

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Bellpepper | Motricaine | Black Pepper

An unassuming cup of warm Bellpepper tea with motricaine and black pepper-infused oil gently transported us from the cold dishes into the next phase of the meal of warm plates.

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Potato | Verveine | Scallop 4.8/5

On this plate, we had Potato foam, tuile, and crumble served with scallops and shaved truffle. It was a bit saltier than I'd preferred, but the harmonious combination was likelier. Scallops were plump and sweet.

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Eggplant | Melisse | Lobster 5/5

The play on Eggplant comes through distinctly here, as it is not only puréed and pan-seared but even made into a sauce, tuile and meringue, all served with tender, sweet lobster. Again, we were impressed by the creativity and textures achieved.

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Haricot Verts | Hysope | Artic Char 4.8/5

The cod-like Artic Char leaves a buttery mouthfeel, further enhanced with green and yellow Haricot Verts, parsley and hysope pesto. It was one of the heavier-tasting dishes for its creaminess, and I enjoyed that bit of sweetness and brightness that the haricot verts brought in.

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Sweet Cabbage | Thym Citron | Pigeon 4.5/5

At first glance, what looked like roast pork was actually compressed baked Cabbage. The sweet cabbage components are balanced with pigeon served with gastrique sauce and zesty calamansi and lemon dressings for that extra acidity.

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Cheese Trolley

Before heading into desserts, we were treated to a variety of hard and soft cheese from their Cheese Trolley. The range they have will leave you spoilt for choice.

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Peach | Rosemary | Cream Brioche

Our pre-dessert featured Peach in a gorgeous set-up of fresh flowers. This sweet number has rosemary-infused peach sorbet, peach foam with cream brioche, and fresh yellow peaches.

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Strawberry | Reine Des Pres | Vanilla

Drawing on the classic Strawberry tart, Chef's rendition sees a more tangy and tart strawberry sorbet from adding strawberry vinegar. It's finished with pickled strawberries, a thin strawberry tuile and vanilla cream. What a refreshing piece to close our 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.


Restaurant JAG
76 Duxton Road
Singapore 089535
Tel: +65 31388477
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 2pm
Dinner
Tue-Sat: 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun-Mon, PH)

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Turn left and walk to Neil Road. Cross the road and walk to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. At Orchid Hotel turn right onto Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road to the opposite side of Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk along Tanjong Pagar Road to Duxton Hill. Turn left onto Duxton Hill and then turn right on Duxton Road. Journey time about 15 mins. [Map]

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Taiga Dining @ Regent Hotel Singapore - Semi Hidden Omakase Restaurant Offering Edomae Style Sushi

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Taiga Dining is a 13-seater fine-dining sushi-ya located in Regent Hotel Singapore. The restaurant is somewhat semi-hidden behind a mountainous rockscape. Upon finding the hidden entrance, diners are transformed into a dark and contemporary interior. The restaurant is helmed by Master Chef Taiga Kanekuni, who specialises in Edomae-style sushi.

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Pumpkin Ravioli and Biwa Trout 4/5

We had the Hi To To Se Omakase Menu ($480), which comprises 5 Signature Appetisers, 9 Pieces of Sushi, Trio of Uni Hand Roll, Miso Soup and Dessert. The omakase dinner kickstarted with the 5 appetisers, starting with the Pumpkin Ravioli and Biwa Trout, served with pumpkin sauce. I enjoyed the layer of crispy skin on the trout. However, I didn't expect to have ravioli in a Japanese restaurant, which made me slightly confused about what cuisine I was having for a moment.

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Striped Jack with Mikan Orange and Caviar 4.2/5

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Sandborer Tempura 4/5

Next is Striped Jack with Mikan Orange and Caviar served chilled. A light and refreshing appetiser that whetted up the appetite. Coated in a light tempura batter is the Sandborer paired with matcha salt. It is light and clean tasting. Though deep-fried, it is not greasy at all.

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Fatty Tuna Pickled in Soy Sauce 5/5

Completing the 5 appetisers is the Fatty Tuna Pickled in Soy Sauce and White Shrimp with Murasaki Uni and Autumn Truffles. These were my favourites among the five appetisers. The melted in the mouth fatty tuna, complemented by mustard, tasted heavenly.

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White Shrimp with Murasaki Uni and Autumn Truffles 5/5

Shaved Autumn truffles are piled atop sweet white shrimp with Murasaki uni hidden in it. Have it all in one bite to get a burst of luxe flavours working harmoniously together.

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Sea Bream 5/5

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Sardine 4.2/5

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Lean Tuna 4.2/5

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Sujiko Roe 3.8/5

Following that, we moved on to the Sushi course. There are 9 sushi pieces starting with the Sea Bream, Sardine, Lean Tuna and Sujiko Roe. Sitting at the sushi counter, it is with great pleasure to see Chef Taiga meticulously put each morsel together, giving justice to the premium and fresh ingredients.

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Medium Fatty Tuna 4.5/5

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Blackthroat Seaperch 5/5

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Orient Clam

The Medium Fatty Tuna, Blackthroat Seaperch and Orient Clam are next. The highlight has to be the blackthroat seaperch which comes with a hint of charred fragrance, lightly seared on the surface over binchotan.

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Sea Urchin Handroll 5/5

Who can resist the Sea Urchin Handroll brimming with three different types of sea urchin? Atop the sushi rice is Bafun Uni and two varieties of Murasaki Uni wrapped in A-grade jet black nori seaweed.

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Botan Shrimp 4.8/5

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Sea Eel 4.2/5

Wrapping up the sushi course are the Botan Shrimp and Sea Eel. We are given a glimpse of the fresh, enormous botan shrimp before Chef Taiga skilfully deshelled and served the sweet and meaty shrimp on top sushi rice. The sea eel grilled over binchotan has an incredibly soft texture that easily falls apart in my mouth.

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Dessert 3.8/5

Wrapping up our omakase meal, we are served a bowl of Miso Soup followed by a platter of Fresh Fruits with a scoop of chestnut ice cream.

Besides the Hi To To Se Omakase Menu ($480) we had, Taiga has another two menus. They are Ino Shika Cho Omakase Menu (3 appetisers, 8 pieces of sushi, miso soup and dessert) and Ka Cho Huu Getsu Omakase Menu (4 appetisers, 9 pieces of sushi, uni hand roll, miso soup and dessert) priced at $280 and $380 respectively.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Taiga Dining
Regent Hotel Singapore
1 Cuscaden Road
#01-03/04
Singapore 249715
Tel: +65 80314306
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard Boulevard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Turn right and walk down Cuscaden Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 mintues. [Map]