L'Angelus @ Club Street - Elevates The French Dining Experience With A New Menu

Known for its top quality authentic French cuisine, L'Angelus at Club Street launched a delicious line-up of new dishes to their grand menu. Though the restaurant has been around since 1998, this is my first time visiting it. I am so looking forward to my dinner after hearing so many good reviews of their food.

Ventrèche en Tartare 4.2/5

Starting our meal is the Ventreche en Tartare ($34++), giving the classic tartare a Japanese take in the use of Japanese blue fin tuna belly, decadently combined with nori, homemade seaweed mayo and shallots, paired with crispy bread chips over-baked with extra virgin olive oil.

Oeufs Meurettes 4.2/5

The Oeufs Meurettes ($24++) is a hearty and comforting dish, comprising of 2 poached eggs, wild mushrooms, pancetta, red wine reduction and croutons. It remembers me of our local soft boiled eggs breakfast. I am craving for some bread to soak up that delicious sauce. It is also available as a option on the Three-Course All-Day Set Menu ($72) but it only comes with one poached egg.

Carpaccio de Saint Jacques 4.2/5

Another beautiful entree choice on the Three-Course All-Day Set Menu ($72) is the Carpaccio de Saint Jacques comprising thinly sliced Hokkaido scallop,topinambour purée, black truffle vinaigrette and pickled radish. I enjoyed the refreshing touch from the pickled radish that freshen the palate with each mouth bite.

Calamars Farcis 4.8/5

One of my favourite dish for the night is the Calamars Farcis ($42). The wild-caught squid is stuffed with couscous infused with preserved lemon, rosette and zucchini. It is then pan-roasted with butter for that extra lift in flavour, further topped with a vibrant Italian-style Romesco sauce and premium ikura.

La Légine 4.2/5

Another beautiful dish on the menu is the La Legine ($52) glazed with miso and sake-mirin reduction. The gorgeous Patagonian toothfish is paired in a sweet bafun uni butter sauce, complete with French beetroot and crispy wheat pastry.

Yugo Wagyu MS7 4.2/5

Moving from the sea to the land, we have the priced Yugo Wagyu MS7 ($92, 200g), an award-winning Australian full-blood ribeye boasting a marbling score of 6-7. The impressive cut is tender and juicy, paired with seasonal vegetable and pomme puree.

Crepe Suzette 3.5/5

The dessert that makes every heads in the dining hall turn is the Crepe Suzette ($26++). The dessert is prepared tableside, cooked i homemade orange syrup and flambeed with the classic Grand Marnier. A scoop of vanilla ice cream completes the treat.

Lavender Crème Brûlée 4/5

Last but not least, we ended out meal with the Lavender Creme Brulee ($16). The cream brulee is fragranted with lavender buds, complemented by the sourish rhubarb puree for a balanced and enjoyable finish, accompanied by a piece of homemade sable Breton (shortbread).

Note: This is an invited tasting.


L'Angelus
85 Club Street
Singapore 069453
Tel: +65 62256897
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Continue to the end of Amoy Street. Climb the stairs beside Siang Cho Keong Temple, up Ann Siang Hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down South Bridge Road towards Ann Siang Road. Turn right onto Ann Siang Road. Walk down Ann Siang Road. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 4 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the road and turn right. Walk down South Bridge Road. Turn left onto Ann Siang Hill and then left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

KULTO @ Amoy Street - Honouring The Spanish Roots, Taste The Elevation

KULTO, nestled in a historic unit along Amoy Street, is a new homely space serving Spanish food that reflects Chef-Owner José Alonso's philosophy of respecting traditions, seasonality of produce, and elevated precision. Beverages also play a huge part in the experience of his guests. Other than the usual Sangria, Chef Alonso's extensive list includes wines featuring the different terroir.

Chili Crab Croquette 4.5/5

We had a variety of Tapas, starting with Chili Crab Croquette ($12). They were simply delicious, definitely one of the more refined croquettes I have to date. The mixture had a good ratio of béchamel sauce, shredded jumbo crab meat, caramelised onion and paprika, resulting in a well-blended creamy texture without being overly rich. The accompanying housemade chilli crab sauce may seem tiny, but it did reinforce that chilli-crab nuance with much intensity.

Jamón Ibérico Bellota 4.5/5

I like the Jamón Ibérico Bellota (36-months) with Tomato Bread ($29) just as much too. The housemade tomato spread on the house-baked sourdough is made with grated roma tomato, minced garlic and olive oil. Refreshing on the palate, that made the crispy toast the perfect pairing for the sliced jamón ibérico, which was incredibly rich, mouth-filling and savoury.

Tuna Tartare & Shrimp Tullie 3/5

Tuna Tartare & Shrimp Tullie ($22) fell short a little. Though the diced fresh tuna loin was plump and well seasoned, the shrimp tuille was too oily. A simple toast to go with it would have been enough for me.

Ibérico Chorizo, Confit Potatoes & Soft Eggs 4.2/5

Ibérico Chorizo, Confit Potatoes & Soft Eggs ($22) was almost like a good old hangover dish - comforting warm and soft confit potato, oozy eggs and chunks of josper grilled smoky Ibérico chorizo.

Grilled Avocado, Homemade Pesto & "Pipirrana" 3.8/5

Compared with the above, the Grilled Avocado, Homemade Pesto & "Pipirrana" ($22) was a bit muted in terms of flavours.

Mushroom and Pork Sausage Paella 4.5

Squid Ink Paella 4.2/5

The paellas here are done specially on Josper Grill, and you have a choice of Seafood Paella, Squid Ink Paella, or Mushroom and Pork Sausage Paella. We had the Pork Sausage and Mushroom Paella and Squid Ink Paella ($38 for 2-3 pax/ $62 for 3-5 pax). I very much prefer the first, perhaps it was brighter and more vibrant in terms of flavour profile, and the charred edges were also more pronounced than the latter. A housemade master pork stock is used, which the bomba rice absorbs as it cooks, then french beans, sweet peas, pork sausage and mushroom are added. As for the Squid Ink Paella, a housemade master seafood stock is added instead, followed by french beans, sweet peas, mussels, asari clams and baby squid.

Cheese Cake 4/5

For dessert, we had a beautifully crafted Cheese Cake ($12) made with Manchego cheese blended with a few other soft kinds of cheese, served with a molten centre. Its creaminess was balanced by the burst of acidity from the dried freeze raspberries.

Sponge, Whisky-infused Chantilly Cream and Nikka Whiskey 4.8/5

My favourite dish of the evening was this slab of dessert made with a layer of sponge, Whisky-infused Chantilly Cream and egg yolk ganache. Served with a drizzle of Nikka Whiskey over the cake, the sponge underneath sopped up the whiskey was given a bitter-sweet profile, and every layer came together in harmony. So good.

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.


KULTO
87 Amoy Street
Singapore 069906
Tel: +65 96205626
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Sat: 530pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time 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 destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Pura Brasa @ Guoco Tower - Popular Spanish Restaurant Chain Unveils New Weekend Brunch Menu

Originated from Spain, Pura Brasa at Guoco Tower is the place to go to if you want to have a taste of its famed high-quality, Josper-grilled Spanish dishes. The restaurant has specially curated a new weekend brunch menu for you with some of its signature Spanish dishes. Available every weekend from 12pm to 4pm, each set comes with 4 tapas, 2 main courses and 1 dessert, priced at $79.90 for 2 pax.

White Sangria

Other than the new Brunch offering, it also includes an option of 2-hour free-flow tipples of Cava, wines and beers for $39.90. Otherwise, the drinks menu is decent with a range of cocktails and alcohols, in which I had a light and refreshing White Sangria.

Tuna on Toast 4.2/5

We started off with Tuna on Toast, which was one of my favourite dishes on the set menu. The huge dollop of tuna was luscious but not overly creamy. Balancing its richness was a contrasting crispy toast, which was flaky like a puff pastry but without the presence of butter that would possibly make the entire bite overly heavy.

Homemade Spanish Croquettes 2.5/5

However, on the other hand, the Homemade Spanish Croquettes was a tad too cloyingly rich and possibly the least favourable croquette I had till date.

Josper® Grilled Wings 4/5

Pura Brasa may possibly be one of the very few places that you will get to try Josper® Grilled Wings, an elevated version from your usual grilled chicken wings. There wasn't much distraction from marination or seasoning, but just a simple layer of smokey flavour imparted from the grill that made these wings more superior than what's out there. The fries served along with it is a bonus!

Calamari Andalusian Style 4/5

I like this Calamari Andalusian Style too. Made with fresh squid rings, each ring was springy-tender with a nice contrasting crispy coat.

Charcoal Seafood Paella 4.2/5

The Mains include its best-selling dishes - Charcoal Seafood Paella and Josper® Grilled Spanish Pork Ribs. The rice of the paella was plump and firm, with added textural bites lent from green peas and diced prawns that were mixed within. Its sweet and tangy, tomatoey flavour profile, in comparison with the more highly flavoured tapas, made it even more moreish and delectable.

Josper® Grilled Spanish Pork Ribs 4.5/5

Josper® Grilled Spanish Pork Ribs is probably the item that brings customers back again and again. Again, similar to the chicken wings, the meat is seasoned minimally, which allows the smoky nuances of the meat to stand out. The meat was really tender and unctuous, but I thought a minute more on the grill, rendering more fats may make the ribs even more flavourful.

Churros 4/5

Dessert is two mini Churros They were crispy on the outside, and the core was slightly chewy. Served with thick, hot chocolate sauce, they were gone in minutes!

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.


Pura Brasa
Guoco Tower
5 Wallich Street
#01-16
Singapore 078881
Tel: +65 63869678
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Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun: 12pm - 11pm 

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Monte Risaia @ Duxton - A Contemporary Italian-Japanese Omakase Experience

Monte Risaia at Duxton is a contemporary Italian-Japanese Omakase restaurant managed by the Marusaya group. The man behind helming the restaurant is Chef Taizo Yamada, who specialises in creating Japanese inspired Italian cuisine using premium and seasonal ingredients from Japan. Monte Risaia started as a dinner only restaurant initially, and is now open for lunch as well.

 
Lunch fare at Monte Risaia is a simpler version of its dinner omakase, offering lunch menus which includes Signature Omakase Course ($79), Omakase Pasta Course ($39) and Omakase Carne Course ($49). I had the Signature Omakase Course which serves up 2 Antipasti, 1 Pasta, 1 Meat and a Dessert.

Antipasti 4.5/5

We started off with Prawn, Tuna and Scallop in Frutti di Mare Sauce topped with Ikura. I was quite impressed by what this spoonful of ingredients had managed to deliver. The combination of the various seafood resulted in a very meaty mouth-filling texture. The intensity of the sweet and tart Frutti di Mare Sauce did a good job in tying the various ingredients together, and I love how the Ikura lent burst of saltiness to every bite, which brought out the sweetness of the seafood. Served chilled, there was no better way to kick start a meal. 

Antipasti 4.2/5

Our second antipasti was a hot favourite among the regulars - Uni Chawanmushi (Silky Egg Custard topped with Sea Urchin). It wasn't just the case of topping a regular chawanmushi with uni, but the egg custard itself was enriched with uni, adding an extra oomph factor. 

Pasta 4/5

For the Pasta dish, we had Tagliatelle with Shiso Leaf. Layered with crab and clam dashi, the bright and punchy tomato based sauce had an added dimension of flavour in the background. Its richness is punctuated with herbaceous notes of the aromatic shiso leaf, and I also appreciate the use of a more intense olive oil that laced the pasta with a tinge of pepperiness.

 

Meat 3.5/5 

For Carne (Meat) course, we were being served with Iberico Pork and Maple Duck Dolce. The Maple Duck was juicy and plump in blushing pink, while I reckoned the pork needed a to be in the heat for a while more to render off its fats to release its flavours.

 

Dessert 3.5/5 

The sweet ending to our meal was Chocolate Cake with Caramel Ice Cream with raspberry sauce and cream and accompanied with diced mango. I love that the caramel had been pushed to the edge to attain a slight bitterness, hence the caramel ice cream was a taste of an inviting bitter-sweetness. The presence of the raspberry sauce helped to achieve a sweet tart balance.

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. 


Monte Risaia
59 Duxton Rd
Singapore 089523
Tel:+ 65 69700067

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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm – 230pm, 5pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road, cross the road. Walk to Craig Road. Turn left onto Craig Road. Walk down Craig Road. Turn right onto Duxton Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke @ Paya Lebar Square - Unique Tuna and Salmon Rare Tonkatsu

Ramen Champion Mr Keisuke Takeda, known for its multiple ramen concepts in Singapore, has launched first-of-its-kind Tonkatsu dining for health-conscious diners. The new concept, Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke, is located at Paya Lebar Square incorporating a mini salad bar and sauces for both rice and katsu.

Most tonkatsu restaurants come with free flow of cabbage, and Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke has brought it a notch up with the mini salad bar, giving diners more varieties. On top of the black vinegar and olive oil dressing, there will be four other seasonal salad dressings each day to pair with the salad.

Unlike other tonkatsu restaurants, diners can create their own blend of Tonkatsu sauce from a spread of over 10 different sauce bases. It is like those hot pot places whereby diners can mix and match their own dipping sauce. Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke aims to cater to different taste profile and create a different experience for diners.

Shiokoji Pork Loin Katsu Set 4/5

Inevitable I have to order the classic Shiokoji Pork Loin Katsu Set ($16.90  for 120g / $19.90 for 200g) to check out whether it is the real deal. Every tonkatsu set meal here comes with a fried half-boiled egg, rice, miso soup and Japanese pickles. The restaurant also positioned itself in serving a healthier version of tonkatsu, thanks to the state-of-the-art fryers with Water Molecule Control technology. Apparently, 50% less oil is absorbed into the meat during the frying process as compared to tradition deep-frying methods. I would say taste the texture are not comprised in the new method of cooking,

Rolled Pork & Vegetables Tonkatsu 4.2/5

Compared to the pork loin, I would prefer the Rolled Pork & Vegetables Tonkatsu. The pork is more tender due to the used of layered pork, rolled up. The mixed and match concept allows the diner to choose up to five vegetables of their choice, from over twenty different vegetables. This also gives the tonkatsu an additional crunchy texture.

Tuna Rare Katsu Set 4/5

Great news for pescatarian. Now you can also enjoy tonkatsu at Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke with Mr Keisuke new creations - Tuna Rare Katsu Set ($19.90) and Salmon Rare Katsu Set ($17.90). Uniquely, the fish is still soft and rare on the inside while the outside is crunchy.

Assorted Seafood Katsu Set 4.2/5

If you have difficulty making a decision what to order, I would recommend the Assorted Seafood Katsu Set ($20.90), which you get a bit of everything.

It is incredible to see Mr Keisuke expanding its food empire in Singapore with yet another new concept into his group of restaurants. Instead of just introducing the classic tonkatsu to Singaporean, he also gives it a healthier take with a new experience to enjoy the tonkatsu.

Note: this is an invited tasting.


Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke
Paya Lebar Square
60 Paya Lebar Road
#01-02/03
Singapore 409051
Tel: +65 62143345
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Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit A or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Sushiro @ Tiong Bahru Plaza - Japan's Number 1 Kaiten Sushi Chain Opens First Outlet In Singapore

Japan's largest kaiten sushi chain, Sushiro opens its first outlet in Singapore at Tiong Bahru Plaza. Globally it has over 530 outlets in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong. The Singapore outlet is the first in Southeast Asia, offering over 100 varieties of sushi and side menu selections, with prices starting from $2.20.

Sea Urchin Dry Ramen 3/5

During my visit, Sushiro was offering four new seasonal items for a limited period. They were Sea Urchin Dry Ramen ($8.50), Fresh Shrimp with Madagascar ($3.20), Sea Urchin & Roasted Beef ($3.20) and Scallop Tempura ($3.20).

Fresh Shrimp with Madagascar 3.5/5

While I like the unami creaminess of the Sea Urchin Dry Ramen, the portion is a little small for the price. I was worried the texture of the Fresh Shrimp with Madagascar would turn out slimy, but it was acceptable. In fact, if you can get over the barrier of its rawest, you would appreciate the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

Sea Urchin & Roasted Beef 4/5

Scallop Tempura 2.8/5

A unique pairing is the Sea Urchin & Roasted Beef. I didn't occupy to me that both items can go along. The combination is also rarely seen in local kaiten sushi restaurants. As for the Scallop Tempura, the pairing does not work for me. The idea of tempura on top sushi rice is a bit stretch for me. 

Salmon Roe Sushi 3/5

Tuna Sushi 3.5/5

With over 100 over selections in the offering, it is not possible to try everything. Hence I would recommend the Salmon Roe Sushi ($3.20), Tuna Sushi ($2.20) and Yellowtail Sushi ($3.20). They are Sushiro Japan's top 3 best sellers.

Sea Urchin Sushi 3/5

Besides the sushi, there are also side dishes which you can order from the tablet menu. Not to be used are items should as Shoyu Ramen, Chawanmushi with Scallop and Chicken Karaage. For dessert, they have Hattendo cream bun and pudding. Do save some space for these! They are so good.

While I am overwhelmed by the varieties available on the conveyor belt and menu, I find some of the sushi combinations have gone overboard. Unfortunately, I don't think every single ingredient can be made into sushi. That is why, if you realise I only gone for the more classic sushi items. Quality-wise, I think it still a notch behind some of incumbent kaiten sushi chain in Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Sushiro
Tiong Bahru Plaza
302 Tiong Bahru Road
#02-118
Singapore 168732
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Website
Nearest MRT; Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]