UNI Gallery by OosterBay @ The Plaza - Unveils New Menu And A $88 7-Course Omakase Menu

Uni Gallery by OosterBay welcomes a new addition to the culinary team, Chef Jayden who has over a decade of experience in Japanese restaurants, particularly in the art of binchotan grilling. With him joining the team, alongside Sashimi Master Chef Chua, they have put together a new 7-Course Omakase Menu ($88) and expand the menu to offer binchotan grilled dishes.

Hyogo Oyster Shot 4/5

The 7-Course Omakase Menu kickstarted with the huge and plump Hyogo Oyster Shot. It is rich, briny, and slightly sweet with a creamy finish.

Sashimi Platter 4 Types 4/5

Next is the Sashimi Platter which comprising Chutoro, Kinmedai, Kampachi and Hotaru-Ika. While you only get a slice each, they are fresh and thickly cut for a satisfying enjoyment.

Grill Scallop in Shell Binchotan 3.8/5

With the expanded menu to include binchotan grilled dishes, the omakase also comes with binchotan item such as the Grill Scallop in Shell, which beautifully showcase the scallop's sweetness.

Foie Gras with Asparagus 4/5

Next is the rich and melt in the mouth pan-seared Foie Gras with Asparagus. Half way to the 7-course menu, we already had oyster, sashimi, scallop and foie gras. With all these luxurious ingredients, I think it is already value for money.

Grilled Tiger Prawn with Miso Sauce Binchotan 3.8/5

Another item from the binchotan is the Grilled Tiger Prawn with Miso Sauce. The firm and bouncy tiger prawn is perfectly grilled infushed with the smokey aroma. 

Uni Ice Somen 3.8/5

Spectacularly presented in an ice block is the Uni Ice Somen with uni in a dashi broth. It is very refreshing, zested upwith the addition of yuzu and lime.

A5 Wagyu with Uni Cream Donburi 4/5

Not to worry if you are not full, as the A5 Wagyu with Uni Cream Donburi will fill you up. The fluffy rice comes with tender and fatty A5 wagyu bind together by the the unami uni cream.

Vanilla Ice Cream with Red Bean Dessert 3/5

Wrapping up the 7-course omakase menu is the Vanilla Ice Cream with Red Bean for dessert. A simple dessert to wrap up the value for money omakase.

Yasai Yaki Moriwase 3.5/5

Besides the omakase menu, we also tried some of the new binchotan dishes such as the Yasai Yaki Moriwase comprising Mountain Yam, Eggplant, and Green Pepper.

Sazae Tsubuyaki 4/5

The Sazae Tsubuyaki (Japanese Sea Shell) made an impressive entry by grilling the savoury delicacy in its own shell in dashi stock and shimeji mushrooms. offering a symphony of rich and complex flavours. Separately a pot of dashi stock is served at the side which you can drink like a soup.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


UNI Gallery by OosterBay
The Plaza
7500A Beach Road
#B1-310
Singapore 199591
Tel: +65 98388209
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Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the overhead walkway all the way to The Concourse building. Take the exit down to Nicoll Highway and walk towards Parkroyal Serviced Residences. Cut through towards The Plaza at Parkroyal Hotel. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Roof Terrace BBQ Private Dining @ East Coast Road - A Feast Of Grilled Meat and Seafood

Recently, together with my foodie friends, we went to Roof Terrace BBQ, a private dining home at East Coast Road that specialises in barbeque. The action happens on the roof terrace under the stars. However, during our visit, the roof terrace's lighting was not working, so we shifted indoors.

Smoked Beef Brisket

We started the dinner with the Smoked Beef Brisket. It comes with a beautiful pink smoke ring. The smoked beef brisket was flavorful, succulent and packed with a smoky aroma.

Roasted Baby Potatoes with Fried Garlic and Shallots, Sauteed Swiss Brown Mushrooms

Japanese Coleslaw

Grilled Zucchini, Eggplant, Baby Corn, Bell Peppers

Cornbread

To go with the mains, the host has prepared a couple of sides to go along with them. They are delicious sides that complemented the mains excellently. Diners can look forward to sides such as Roasted Baby Potatoes with Fried Garlic and Shallots, Sauteed Swiss Brown Mushrooms, Japanese Coleslaw, Grilled Vegetables, and our favourite Cornbread.

Grilled Spanish Duroc Pork Chops

For the non-beef eaters, do not worry, as the host can customise the menu, such as the Grilled Spanish Duroc Pork Chops we had. Grilled to perfection, it is tender and juicy.

Salted Baked Fish

Grilled Jumbo Tiger Prawns

Besides the grilled meats, we also have seafood on the menu. We had a whole Salted Baked Wild Caught Red Snapper and Jumbo Tiger Prawns.

Sticky Date Pudding with Caramel and Homemade Burnt Vanilla

Wrapping the BBQ feast, we had Sticky Date Pudding with Caramel and Homemade Burnt Vanilla. A beautiful dessert for a sweet ending.

We paid $75 per pax. It is a price you can't find in the current private dining scene. Most of the private dining places are charging above $100 per pax nowadays. Unlike other private dining places, Roof Terrace BBQ does not allow alcohol.


Roof Terrace BBQ Private Dining
East Coast Road
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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]

A-Roy Thai Restaurant @ Velocity - Yummy Authentic Thai Food Which Used To Be At Funan

We were deciding where to have dinner at Novena Square when we came across A-Roy Thai Restaurant at Velocity which we thought it was rather familiar. It was not after we decided to dine at the restaurant when the memory starts to settle in. We remembered that we have dined at the restaurant when it was at Funan. We didn't know it has moved to Novena. It was quite an accidental discovery.

Upon settling down, we are served a plate of Keropok with green chilli dipping sauce. This is really addictive with the appetising dipping sauce. Initially I thought this will cost me around three dollars, like those peanuts serve at Chinese restaurant. I was quite surprise to see that I was only charge a dollar for this. I thought it is quite reasonable.

Tom Yum Talay 4.2/5

The Tom Yum Seafood Clear Soup ($15.90) comes with generous portion of seafood such as prawn, squid and fish. The clear soup may look rather ordinary but its rather potent with its fiery spicy kick. I am glad that it did not tone down the spiciness level.

Pad Pak Bung 4/5

For the greens, we decided to go for the Stir Fried Morning Glory with Chilli ($10.90). I always find that Thais know how to cook their vegetables, especially with the used of fish sauce that brings out the sweetness of vegetable. Not sure whether its there wok skill but it always seems to retain a good crunch too.

Kaeng Phet Pet Yang 3.8/5

For the protein, we had the Thai Green Curry with Beef ($15.90). Diners have the choice of pork or chicken too. The beef is a bit tough but what we enjoyed is the sweet green curry gravy. We were drenching our steamed rice with it.

Overall, I enjoyed my meal at A-Roy Thai Restaurant. What I like most is that the restaurant did not tone down the spiciness and the flavours we really close to what I ate in Thailand. While the food is on the authentic side, the price is on the steep side. I would suspect it is due to the higher rent in shopping mall. By the way, plain water is chargeable here.


A-Roy Thai Restaurant
Velocity, Novena Square
238 Thomson Road
#03-61/63
Singapore 307683
Tel: +65 63383880/ 63521446
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Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 930pm

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

Thonglor Thai Cuisine & Seafood @ West Coast Plaza - Lacklustre Thai Food Which I Would Give A Miss

The restaurants at West Coast Plaza has been changing so often that I kind of lost tracked who was the previous occupant that the current Thonglor Thai Cuisine & Seafood occupies. If I am not wrong, this is their second outlet after the their flagship restaurant at Ang Mo Kio. Since its new in the neighbourhood, I decided to drop by for dinner.

Thai Stir Fried Kang Kong 3.5/5

The Thai Stir Fried Kang Kong ($6.90) was pretty well executed with the right note of spiciness, lifted by the fragrant dried shrimp in the sambal. The greens also retains a delectable crunchy texture.

Tom Yum Seafood Soup 2.8/5

For the price of the Tom Yum Seafood Soup ($8,90). the portion is pretty generous with a variety of seafoods. The size of the prawns are quite big too. Where that is the up side, the soup is lacklustre. It lacked depth and the characteristic flavours of an authentic tom yum soup.

Steamed Seabass with Lemon Sauce 2.8/5

The Steamed Seabass with Lemon Sauce ($19.90) is a favourite dish that I always order when I dine at Thai restaurant. While the seabass was fresh and sweet, I was let down by the lemon sauce. I can only taste the lemon flavour. It is missing the spiciness and sweetness in it that makes me fall in love with this dish.

Sad to say I am not impressed with the food at Thonglor Thai Cuisine. With competition in the vicinity such as Nakhon Kitchen and Na Na Original Thai Food, I would rather give Thonglor a miss. If the jinx at West Coast Plaza continues, I suspect I would see another new tenant soon.


Thonglor Thai Cuisine & Seafood
West Coast Plaza
154 West Coast Road
#02-25
Singapore 127371
Tel: +65 62522552
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Nearest MRT: Clementi MRT (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station. (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 201. Alight 2 stops later. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Lucky House Cantonese Private Kitchen (陶然居) @ Upper East Coast Road - A Wonderful 8-Course Private Dining By Self Taught Chef

Together with 10 other foodie friends and after waiting for a good 2 months, we finally get to check out Lucky House Cantonese Private Kitchen (陶然居) at Upper East Coast Road. The venue of the private dining is actually at Chef Sam Wong's home. It opens on weekday and every night he can only accept two table of guests. We paid $80 per pax for a 8-course meal.

There are 2 rooms at Chef Sam Wong's home. We are seated at the bigger room which can sit up to 16 guests. The small room sits around 8-10 pax. Don't worry, it is air-conditioned, so you can dine in comfort.

Chef Wong does welcome his guests to step into his kitchen. This is probably the kitchen where one's grandmother used to cook in. At Lucky House, this is where Chef Wong works his magic.

Charcoal Boiled Pork Shoulder, Arrow Root and Peanut Soup 3.5/5

Our first dish is the Charcoal Boiled Pork Shoulder, Arrow Root and Peanut Soup. This has been slow cooked over charcoal fire for hours. Accordingly to Chef Wong, he used 3 batches of charcoal to cook this pot of soup. No salt is used either. For some, this may taste a little bland but I actually enjoyed the natural flavours extracted from the different ingredients and herbs.

Steamed Wild Caught Red Garoupa 4.2/5

I noticed Chef Wong was frying the shallots before drizzling them over the the Steamed Wild Caught Red Garoupa. It gives the fish a beautiful aroma, complementing the freshness of the wild caught fish.

Concubine Chicken 4.5/5

I not sure why the dish is called Concubine Chicken but the sight of it just makes me want to sink my teeth into them. The flavoursome chicken was tender and juicy. One of my favourite dishes of the night.

Fried Prawn with Rose Liqueur 4/5

The Fried Prawn with Rose Liqueur was plump, huge and crunchy. I find the seasoning a bit heavy for this dish but it goes well with a bowl of plain rice.

Lucky House Roasted Duck 4.5/5

A signature is the Lucky House Roasted Duck. The duck is marinated in fish sauce and soy sauce for 2 days and air dried. It is then charcoal grilled in his hand-built oven. The result is smokiness, crispy skin and tender meat.

Fried Organic Vegetable 4.8/5

Chef Wong doesn't like to use salt and garlic in his cooking. Hence we are surprised how sweet the Fried Organic Vegetable tasted. He shared that he uses fish sauce in placed of salt. On top of that, these vegetables are freshly harvested from a local farm.

Crayfish Omelette 5/5

The dining group's favourite dish has to be the Crayfish Omelette. I think we all have the initial thought that it is just a simple egg omelette dish. Never did we expect that the fluffy egg cooked to golden brown with chunky crayfish meat is such a perfect match. It has brought my love of egg omelette to a whole new level.

Shandong Peanuts and Kidney Beans Soup 4/5

Wrapping up our dining is the Shandong Peanuts and Kidney Beans Soup. Mildly sweetened with the used of rock sugar, I enjoyed the nutty soup which is quite refreshing after all the richness from the previous dishes. It is like have a cup of tea after a great meal.

For those that is hoping to dine at Lucky House Cantonese Private Kitchen, you have to be patient as the reservation is up to a good 2-3 months now. For those driving, parking is very limited. You have to park around Evergeen Gardens private estate. You are also welcome to bring your own wine as there are no corkage here.


Lucky House Cantonese Private Kitchen (陶然居)
267 Upper East Coast Road
Singapore 466413
Tel: +65 98237268
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Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 630pm - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Bus Stop at Bedok MRT station (Stop ID 84039). Take bus number 137. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]