Poisson @ Bukit Pasoh Road - Newest Seafood Restaurant Taking Guests Around The Globe With Premium Seafood

Opened in March 2022, Poisson is the newest seafood restaurant located in a restored heritage shophouse on the ground floor of Bukit Pasoh Road. The marine-inspired restaurant features an innovative menu inspired by the world's coastal cities with a distinct Poisson twist.

The menu at Poisson is mainly made up of two sections - Cold Stream and Hot Stream. There are referring to small plates and big plates for sharing. There is even an Omakase Platter priced at $360++ per couple.

Smoke Uno 5/5

Making an impressive entry in a smoked jar is the Smoke Uno ($62). Not only is it pretty, but it is deliciously good too. It features a prized assembly of bafun uni, caviar, negitoro, salmon roe, tamago, and seaweed on top of a housemade crispy cereal crunch. Though there are many flavours and textures at play, they complemented one another harmoniously.

Rainbow 4.2/5

The Rainbow ($26) is a refreshing starter whereby cured salmon trout is served with baby beetroot, basil-infused ricotta with the crunch of red radish and pickled fennel.

The Game 4.5/5

A favourite dish is The Game ($24) which features grilled squid marinated in garlic and finishes with a tangy onion and tomato puree. The excellent pairing brightens the enjoyment of the squid.

John 4.2/5

The next seafood dish we had was John ($48). The John Dory is perfectly grilled to showcase the firm-textured fish's moist fine flakes. The white fish is lightly seasoned and paired with basil & tomato vinaigrette to appreciate the buttery fish.

Good Catch Toff 4.5/5

The Good Catch Toff ($35) is a vegetarian dish and the only carbo dish on the menu. The creamy housemade toffee pasta is tossed with luscious hand-peeled mangrove crab and salted bottarga. Both comforting and hearty, this is a must-order dish at Poisson.

Choco De Coco 4.2/5

There are only three choices for dessert on the menu, and we decided to go for the Choco De Coco ($15), comprising 70% warm chocolate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can even find bits of chestnut in the chocolate for that extra textural enjoyment and sweetness.

Besides the food, Poisson also has an extensive wine list hand-pick from the finest French vintages from Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Cote des Blancs, Loire Valley and Provence with a careful focus on organic, sustainable wines from independent boutique wineries. It also offers an impressive sake selection, offering diners an alternative to wines.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Poisson
48 Bukit Pasoh Road
Singapore 089859
Tel: +65 62232131
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE,TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 12midnight
Sat: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun & Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park. Take Exit 4. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

1-ATICO @ ION Orchard - Newest Sky-High Luxe Multi-Concept Housing 3 Different Concepts: FLNT, FIRE & ATICO Lounge

1-ATICO is the latest sky-high luxe multi-concept on level 56 of ION Orchard that houses an Argentinian restaurant FIRE, Japanese-Peruvian influenced sumiyaki bar and grill FLNT and ATICO Lounge, which will be launched at a later date. Located at the top level of ION Orchard, with floor-to-ceil windows around the place, it also offers a spectacular panoramic view over the city.

Mizuame 4.2/5

We started our gastronomy journey at FLNT with a couple of their signature cocktails - Mizuame ($25) and Nuevo Casa ($23). The Mizuame is an easy and fruity drink that consists of cognac, kyoho grape sake, blood orange liqueur, cheery blossom syrup and fresh citrus.

Nuevo Casa 4.2/5

The Nuevo Casa is another easy drink that is a mixture of kumquat, pisco, yuzu sake, cherry blossom syrup, yerba mate orange tea and tonic water.

Ceviche Nikkei 4.2/5

While the cocktails at FLNT are beautiful, what attracts me is the food. Being Singapore's only Nikkei-influenced sumiyaki bar and grill, I look forward in tasting the culinary movement that started in Lima in the 1980s. First up is the Ceviche Nikkei ($25) comprises of seasonal raw fish with leche de tigre, lime, yuzu, roasted hazelnuts, shallots, tomatoes, avocado and white corns. It is best to enjoy together with the taco. The combination of sweet, sour and different textures make the dish a multi-sensory enjoyment.

Foie Gras Taco 4/5

A delightful snack or appetiser is the Foie Gras Taco ($12/pc), in which you get a chunky piece of grilled foie gras resting on a deep-fried taco. It brightens up by the toppings of rocoto yogurt, flying fish roe and kaffir lime.

Gindara Misoyaki 4.5/5

From the grill section of the menu, we tried the Gindara Misoyaki ($28). The highlight is the greenish Aji Verde sauce. It is a vibrant Peruvian green sauce made with mayonnaise, nutty cheese, cilantro, spicy peppers, garlic and lime.

Inka Sushi 4.2/5

For something more filling, you can go for the Inka Sushi ($14), which is similar to a chirashi bowl. It comes with fresh ingredients such as flame-seared salmon, ikura, seaweeds and aji amarillo. Arousing my interests is aji amarillo, a type of yellow pepper that is commonly grown in Peru.

Wood-fried Sourdough 4.2/5

After checking out FLNT, we proceed to FIRE restaurant upstairs for their dishes cooked by various Argentinian fires - Parrilla, Asado, Rescoldo, Caldero, and Chapa. Upon settling down at our table, we are served Wood-fired Sourdough ($10) brushed with wagyu fat paired with yerba mate smoked sea urchin butter. The first item already got me excited for the rest of the menu.

Mud Crab 'Rescoldo' 4.2/5

Served in a scallop shell is the Mud Crab 'Rescoldo' ($36); Rescoldo is an ancient method of ingredients buried and cooked under the embers. Nothing fancy, just allowing the sweetness of the mud crab and Hokkaido scallop to shine through.

Patagonian Red Prawns "Parrilla" 4.2/5

Next, we have the Patagonian Red Prawns "Parrilla" ($28) dressed with northern criollita sauce. Parrilla is an open wood-fire hearth grill with adjustable grates.

Salt-Baked Whole Rainbow Trout 3/5

Guests having the Salt-Baked Whole Rainbow Trout ($52 for 400g/ $70 for 600g) has to be careful. It is quite an unpleasant experience as I need to stop eating a few times to remove the fish meat bones. I also notice my dining companion sitting opposite me doing the same thing.

'Devesa' Argentinian Grain-Fed OP Rib 4.2/5

Plato de Verduras 3.5/5

The night's highlight has to be the 'Devesa' Argentinian Grain-Fed OP Rib ($210 for 1kg). The beautiful piece of beef is grilled to perfection, allowing the natural flavour to shine through. It is paired with red chimichurri sauce made with chopped fresh parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. You may want to order the Plato de Verduras ($36) to go along with the beef. The platter comprises pickled heirloom carrots and new world potatoes 'Rescoldo', purple Asparagus 'Parilla, wood-fire white corn & corn 'humita', and wood-fired palermo peppers and smoked salt.

Flan 'Adriana' 4/5

Besides the savoury items, there is a selection of desserts such as Flan 'Adriana' ($24), Alfajores & Dulce de Leche Cookies ($3 each), and Choco Torta with Gianduja Sorbet ($22). The Flan 'Adriana surprises with its rich creaminess, complemented by the acidic strawberries and berries.

Alfajores & Dulce de Leche Cookies 3.5/5

Choco Torta, Gianduja Sorbet, Hazelnut 4.2/5

The Choco Torta with Gianduja Sorbet may appear very rich, but surprisingly, I didn't find it. I kept going back for more though I am not a sweet person.

Note: This is an invited tasting


1-ATICO
ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
Level 56
Singapore 238801
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
FLNT
Daily: 1130am - 11pm

FIRE
Daily: 12pm - 2pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Culina Bistro @ COMO Dempsey - The World On A Plate

The past 25 years have seen Culina evolving, with a tremendous leap into what it is today. Located at COMO Dempsey, stepping into Culina brings you into a European-inspired food hall with speciality stalls, a bakery, wine bar and delicatessen, a gourmet market and modern bistro, as well as a renowned Sydney floral boutique, Grandiflora. From premium cuts of meats, sustainably-farmed fish and seafood to fine wines and other fresh produce and gourmet products, a tour around may just entice you into grabbing some of the items and whip up a few dishes like a professional home cook. Alternatively, selected products from the Culina Market that you have picked up can be prepared and served to your table right at the Culina Bistro.

Forest Mushroom Soup 3.5/5

Over at Culina Bistro, other than preparing and serving you the delicacies of your choice, a staple menu as well as a seasonal menu are available for a fuss-free dining experience. Forest Mushroom Soup, for instance, you see chunks of button mushrooms and blue foot mushrooms that are currently in season in Australia presented as-is in vegetable stock, flavoured with onions, fennel, parsley, and porcini powder. Rustic yet flavourful, simplicity is perhaps one of the best ways to showcase seasonal produces which are at their best.

Escargot 3.5/5

Similarly, the classic pairing of Escargot with garlic, parsley, and butter allows you to get the most out of the ingredients. The crisped butter garlic is so yummy, I wonder if it is the escargots or the moreish topping that makes the hero of the dish.

Smoked Trout Tartare 3.8/5

We tried a special - Smoked Trout Tartare, featuring an ocean trout which has been tea smoked and mixed with fresh smoked salmon and crème fraiche. I like how it falls in between a tartare and a rillette. You get the delish and creamy side of the latter without losing the meaty texture of the trout.

Endive Salad 3/5

Upon request, enjoy a beautiful Endive Salad tossed with seasonal Holland quinces and blue cheese. The quinces are poached in merlot, cinnamon, star anise, sugar, and orange zest for 45 minutes until soft, and their heightened sweetness mellows the sharp flavours of the endives and blue cheese.

Hokkaido Clams 3.8/5

From the Culina Market, your chosen bag of Hokkaido Clams (market price. prep fee $15) will be transformed into a comforting pot of juicy clams in white wine, garlic, parsley, and lemon, which is reckoned to be the most ideal way to enjoy these fresh clams. They were exquisite and pleasingly softer than what I had before.

King George Whiting 3.8/5

After seeing King George Whiting appearing in several episodes in Masterchef Australia, I finally get to witness its elegant white meat. (market price. prep fee $15 - $25). The fillet is grilled and served with asparagus and lemon, leaving its delicate meat pretty much untouched. The meat is firm but extremely moist, and the olive oil dressing enhances that quality.

Grain Fed Wagyu Beef 4/5

A dish that calls for a bottle of wine and cheers will be this Grain-fed Wagyu Beef from Snake River Farms (market price, prep fee $15 - $25). A gorgeous piece of meat rich in good fats, its flavours were intense and full.

Octopus 3/5

From its staple menu, we tried Octopus ($32), which is grilled and served with paprika potatoes. Firm and meaty, fluffier potatoes would have made it a better deal.

Profiteroles 3.5/5

For desserts, Profiteroles ($15) is definitely crowd-pleasing with its housemade vanilla ice cream and thick hot chocolate sauce.

Apple Tarte Tatin 4.5/5

But my favourite of the evening is this Apple Tarte Tatin ($15). It has a much higher level of tartness, and that works well with the salted caramel ice cream. The puff pastry is fragile, crisp and flaky, which is a great departure from the usual thick crust pastry.

Custard Tart Armagnac Laced Prunes 3.5/5

I enjoy the Custard Tart Armagnac Laced Prunes ($15) as well, but I like the dark, sweet Armagnac prunes a lot more, wishing that it could be a prune tart with custard sauce rather than it being a custard tart.

The wine bar is very popular as well. Apparently, it is full most of the time, so be there early if you want to grab a seat.

Words and photos 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.


Culina Bistro
Culina at COMO Dempsey
Block 15 Dempsey Road
Singapore 249675
Tel: +65 64747338
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line), Farrer Road (CC Line), Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to the bus stop along Orchard Boulevard (Stop ID 09022). Take bus number 7, 77, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk to the roundabout near block 17 and 18. Walk to destination. Journey time 30 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to the bus stop at Block 12 (Stop ID 11401). Take bus 106. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk to the roundabout near block 17 and 18. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Farrer Road MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Farrer Road MRT station (Stop ID 11119). Take bus number 174 or 564. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk to the roundabout near block 17 and 18. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]

Restaurant JAG @ Duxton Road - Herb Centric Dishes By Michelin Star Chef

Restaurant JAG at Duxton is a new kid on the block opened by Chef Jeremy Gillon and his partner Anant Tyagi. The French fine dining restaurant has a cosy and intimate space of 26 seats on level 1, which gets a full view of the open kitchen. On level 2, it housed a bar that makes one feel like stepping into one's home with its Chesterfield furniture. The cuisine is inspired and created from the 40 indigenous herbs that are exclusively flown into Singapore, to highlight the distinctive trait of each herb.

Serpolet Potato 3.5/5 and Ortie Cauliflowers 3.8/5

My 5 Expression Menu ($108++) for lunch started with some canapes. I have the Serpolet Potato and Ortie Cauliflowers. The potato ball is served warm while the cauliflower puree is chilled. You simply pick them up with your hand and pop them into your mouth, allowing the ingredient and herb to interact with each other.

Bread with Three Types of Butter 4/5

Have some complimentary bread with three types of butter while waiting for the next course. The three selections of butter are Citrus, Herbs and Salted Butter.

Butternut Veloute 4/5

Next is the Butternut Veloute Soup, which is warm and comforting. It comes with a hint of smokiness with roasted seeds for texture.

Smoked Foie Gras & Mushroom 4.2/5

I love the play of cold and warm of the Smoked Foie Gras & Mushroom. Usually, foie gras is pan seared, hence smoking it, gives it a new form of appreciation. The combination seems unusual, but it works excellently, with the different flavours coming through harmoniously.

Romanesco and Whelk 4/5

Another beautiful dish I enjoyed is the Romanesco and Whelk. It showcases the different textures of the romanesco, which complement the slightly charred whelk. Yes not the other way wrong, as I was told that the chef conceptualises his dish with the vegetable first, followed by the meat. Which I can understand, as the natural sweetness and crunchiness of the romanesco stood out from the plate for me.

St. Vincent Asparagus and Grenoble White Trout 4/5

The clean tasting White Trout is paired with St. Vincent Asparagus. This is probably the least sophisticated dish allowing the freshness of the fish to shine too.

Purple Artichoke and Te Mana Lamb 3.8/5

For the last savoury dish, we have the Purple Artichoke and Te Mana Lamb. While the lamb was beautifully cooked to tender, what interests me more is the crunchy purple artichoke. The roasted buckwheat rounded the dish with an additional textural dimension.

Surreal Sorbet 4.2/5

For pre-dessert, we had the Surreal Sorbet with diced pineapple, which helped to freshen the palate.

Dark Chocolate Tart & Goat Milk Ice Cream 4/5

For our dessert, we are served a Dark Chocolate Tart with Goat Milk Ice Cream. The sweet and creamy goat milk ice cream helped to balance the richness of the dark chocolate. I can taste the thoughtfulness behind the dish.

Diners have the option to complement the meal with the Cheese Platter ($40 for 12 cheese / $4 per selection) which is an exclusive collection of 18 kinds of cheese from Normandy, Loire, Savoie, Corsica, Basque, Auvergne, Burgundy, Alsace and Pas-de-Calais. Each of the cheese on the menu is subject to seasonality and sourced directly from individual cheesemakers who boast a rich history of traditional cheesemaking not necessarily made for the commercial market.

Overall I have enjoyed the experience at Restaurant JAG with its unique pairing of its dishes. It definitely has the potential of getting a Michelin star. However, I thought some refinement would improve the whole experience. While it is a great story using the 40 indigenous herbs that have been flown in from France to create the dishes, it didn't quite distinctly reflect in the dishes. Just like how the staff brings out the different herbs used in each course to let diner smell them, I could not tell the difference after the first few. Maybe presenting them pre or post dinner as a flight of herbs, can be a better idea. Instead of disturbing the diner at each course.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


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

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 12pm - 2pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat: 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun-Mon, PH)

Direction: 
1) 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]