Alma by Juan Amador @ Goodwood Park Hotel - Festive Set Lunch by 1-Michelin-starred Restaurant at $78++

This festive season, Alma by Juan Amador, a 1-Michelin-starred European restaurant at Goodwood Park Hotel, unveils its 4-course Festive Set Lunch ($78++), showcasing “affordable luxury” with a refined twist on Christmas classics.

Festive Set Lunch 4.2/5

Chef Yew Eng Tong crafts an indulgent menu reinvented with Alma's signature finesse, featuring premium ingredients like turkey, beef, and lobster.

Cauliflower Tartlet, Takoyaki Potato Gratin

The meal begins with a delightful duo of snacks: the Cauliflower Tartlet, which is both flavorful and intricately crafted, and the Takoyaki Potato Gratin, Chef Yew’s creamy, garlicky reinterpretation of the beloved Japanese snack.

Tuna Tartare

The starter offers two options: the Tuna Tartare, served atop crispy rice paper layered with nori, smoked soy-infused mayo, and horseradish for a mild kick, or the Wagyu Beef Tartare, a rich and decadent alternative. Both starters are thoughtfully plated, delivering a harmonious balance of flavour and textures.

Agnolotti of Lobster

Next comes the Agnolotti of Lobster, a pasta course filled with lobster meat. For added depth, it is served with a crustacean crème, bouillabaisse foam, and a hint of coriander. While flavourful, the filling edges slightly on the salty side for me.

Crispy Skin Barramundi & US Scallop

For the main course, diners can choose fish, turkey or beef. For fish, it features Crispy Skin Barramundi with US Scallop paired with a smooth pumpkin purée, burnt butter, and saffron sauce.

Drunken Stuffed Turkey Breast

The festive Drunken Stuffed Turkey Breast is elevated with pan-fried foie gras, daikon, and scallion. The turkey breast impressed with its tenderness, while the daikon absorbed the rich and buttery flavours of the foie gras.

For diners who are fans of beef, there is also an option to upgrade to the Yukimuro Snow-Aged A5 Wagyu (+$58).

Rose Financier

Desserts began with the Rose Financiers, which carried subtle floral notes.

Black Forest Chocolate Cake

Lastly, there was the Black Forest Chocolate Cake, accompanied by cherries, vanilla ice cream, and a dollop of chantilly. This reinvented rendition was a sweet treat to end the 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.


Alma by Juan Amador
Goodwood Park Hotel Singapore
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 6735 9937
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes.[Map]

Peppermint @ PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay - Invites You to A Joyous Christmas Celebration

Step into a world of festive indulgence at Peppermint, where the charm of Christmas meets culinary excellence. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by a vibrant farm-to-table salad bar featuring produce harvested from Peppermint's very own urban farm — an eco-conscious touch that set the tone for the meal.

The Seafood-On-Ice spread showcases Tiger Prawns, Clams, Mussels, Scallops and Crawfish, sure to satisfy your bellies. The Japanese section is delighted with fresh chef-sliced Sashimi including Salmon, Tuna, and Tako, alongside a colourful selection of Sushi and Maki. A rare highlight was the Seasoned Jellyfish, an exquisite find that added a unique twist to the buffet. For noodle lovers, a DIY station offers Udon and Soba with an array of condiments to help you create your perfect bowl.

The Festive Carving Station was a showstopper featuring a sumptuous array of holiday classics, such as Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing, Honey Baked Chicken Ham, and Roast Beef.

A decadent Brie Cheese Dip served inside a roasted Pumpkin, paired beautifully with Ham and Cheese Rolls, added a creative flair to the spread.

Diners seeking bold flavours will be satisfied with the rich variety of Indian dishes. A standout was the Crispy Prata Puff, which was perfectly golden and sized to complement the fragrant curries and creamy Butter Chicken.

Meanwhile, the Southeast Asian section shone with its diverse offerings, from Dry Laksa and Prawns in Collagen Broth to JB-style Curry Fish Collar with Urban Farm Eggplant. Live stations feature made-to-order Chicken Rice and Seafood Noodle Soup. We do find the chicken rice lacking in fragrance; go for the noodle soup, which is light on the palette but rich in flavour.

To satisfy our other (dessert) stomach, the dessert spread featured an enticing mix of Nonya Kueh, Christmas-themed Yule Logs, crafted cakes, petite pastries, and verrines. Ice cream lovers could indulge in four refreshing flavours, with the Mint Cucumber Sorbet emerging as our surprising favourite. This refreshing sorbet was the perfect finale to a heavy meal.

Peppermint's festive décor, adorned with elegant Christmas-themed embellishments, creates a magical atmosphere ideal for celebrating the season. Peppermint is also Halal certified. Given the popularity of the buffet, reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot.

The Festive Feast buffet is available daily for lunch and dinner, starting from $72++ per person. For more information and a detailed menu, visit https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pr-collection-marina-bay/dining/peppermint.html

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


Peppermint
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay
6 Raffles Blvd
Level 4
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 68451111
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade MRT (CC, DT Line), Esplanade MRT (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch
Weekdays: 12pm - 2.30pm
Weekends: 12pm - 3pm

Dinner
Daily: 6.30pm - 10pm

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

2) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Edge @ Pan Pacific Singapore - Embrace the Joyous Season and Endless Celebrations with Extravagant Buffet Spreads

Embrace the joyous season with endless celebrations and a luxurious dining experience at Edge, Pan Pacific Singapore. From 21 November 2024, indulge in a feast curated by Executive Chef Andy Oh and his talented culinary team. The buffet showcases a harmonious blend of festive classics and international delights, featuring premium seafood, succulent roasts, and the season's signature favourites.

The Seafood on Ice station boasts an impressive selection, including Boston Lobsters, Freshly Shucked Oysters, Prawns, Pacific Clams, Sea Conch, and Crawfish. The lobster meat is so sweet, but the oysters are a little less plump than expected.

Edge never disappoints when it comes to its cheese offerings. A standout for us was the Port Salut, a soft cheese with a smoky undertone that makes it an irresistible treat. We also discovered the Red Pesto Tomme, which adds an intriguing twist to the classic Tomme with its vibrant pesto-infused flavour.

A highlight of the buffet is the Miso Cod Fish. While it may not rival Nobu's version, this dish impressed me with its soft texture, fresh quality, and delicate marinade. Served alongside tender okra, it's a must-try!

Meat lovers are in for a treat with an extensive selection of festive specialities. The Traditional Roasted Turkey Breast is perfectly cooked to retain its juiciness, while the Maple-Glazed Gammon Ham offers a delightful balance of sweet and savoury flavours. Other highlights include the Roasted Whole Lamb, which is tender and aromatic, and the succulent Roasted Pork Porchetta with its crispy crackling. For a touch of indulgence, the Australian Black Angus Beef Tomahawk steals the spotlight with its rich, smoky flavours. Pair these dishes with a variety of sauces such as apple sauce, olive sauce, and red wine sauce to elevate your dining experience.

The Live Grill Station offers an exciting array of freshly prepared delights. From the smoky and flavourful Salt & Pepper Squid to the tender Marinated Angus Beef Short Rib, every bite is a testament to the chefs’ skill. The Grilled Chicken, seasoned to perfection, is a crowd favourite, while the variety of homemade sausages ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Western classics are another highlight of the buffet. The Slow-Baked Fish Filet in Minestrone Mussels Broth is light yet satisfying, combining the delicate flavours of the sea with a comforting broth. Meanwhile, the Oven-Baked Chicken with Cacciatore and Olive provides a hearty and flavourful option.

Pizza lovers can indulge in freshly hand-stretched pizzas with a range of toppings. It's worth a slice if you have a stomach for some carbs!

Indian station featuring flavoursome curries and traditional favourites such as Butter Chicken, Papadam, Naan and Fish Tikka from the Tandoori oven.

The buffet's Asian and local offerings are equally impressive. At the Indian station, diners can savour robust curries and other traditional dishes. Local favourites include the iconic Singapore Chilli Crab, paired with fluffy mantou for dipping, as well as a variety of double-boiled soups and stir-fried dishes. The Asian Live Station features piping hot bowls of Laksa, a selection of Yong Tau Foo Soup, and the fragrant Penang Wok-Hei Fried Kway Teow. For those who love roasted delicacies, there are Peking Duck, Roasted Chicken, Pork Belly, and Honey Glazed Char Siew.

No meal at Edge is complete without a visit to the dessert station. The festive spread includes Christmas Log Cakes, Verrines such as Panna Cotta and Durian Pengat, a decadent Chocolate Fountain, and a selection of gelato and sorbet. For those with a penchant for local sweets, the Nyonya Kueh and hot desserts like Cheng Teng provide a comforting end to the meal.

An exciting addition is the Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream, made fresh on the spot. The Milo flavour is a standout. Just be sure to enjoy it quickly, as it melts fast!

The praline selection is a delightful surprise, with unique flavours like Mango, Cranberry, Strawberry, and Bandung. Each piece is exquisitely crafted, offering a burst of flavour we absolutely love.

The entire restaurant is beautifully decorated with Christmas-themed décor, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. With big groups of diners filling the space, the celebrations felt vibrant and joyful. Reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot.

The buffet is available daily for lunch and dinner, starting from $88++ per person. For more information and a detailed menu, visit https://www.menu-ppsin.panpacific.com/edge-festive-2024

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


Edge
Pan Pacific Singapore
Level 3
7 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 6826 8240
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade MRT (DT, CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]