Showing posts with label Wagyu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wagyu. Show all posts

Saturday, December 20, 2025

Fiamma @ Capella Singapore - A Celebration of Italian Family Cuisine Rooted In Heritage and Crafted With Passion

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Nestled within the lush grounds of Capella Singapore, Fiamma is a heartfelt tribute to the warmth and generosity of Italian cuisine. In this place, the flame's glow brings people together in moments of celebration. The kitchen is helmed by Executive Sous Chef Antonio Corsaro, whose Neapolitan heritage shapes every creation, and the table comes alive with flamboyantly colourful dishes that highlight the natural beauty and freshness of seasonal ingredients. From richly hued sauces to hand-finished plates, his dishes are as pretty to look at as they are delicious to eat.

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Bread Basket

For our dinner, we savoured an elaborate, curated selection of dishes from Fiamma's festive menus and seasonal à la carte menu, a showcase of the range of their culinary artistry. We started with the bread basket and two beautifully plated antipasti, each bursting with colour and intricate plating.

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Carpaccio di verdure e frutti invernali 4.5/5

The Carpaccio di verdure e frutti invernali was a medley of finely sliced Italian winter fruits and vegetables, accented with the gentle tang and complexity of aged balsamic, the crunch of walnuts and pomegranate seeds, and the aroma of black truffle. The dish is finished with an artistically arranged selection of edible flowers and fresh herbs.

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Carpaccio di ricciola marinata 4.2/5

Offering a contrasting expression of freshness, the Carpaccio di ricciola marinata showcases marinated kingfish paired with sweet pumpkin, orange, spaghetti seaweed, tangy oxalis, and savoury bottarga. Also well-presented with many different elements and textures in the dish.

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Gnocchi Fegato Grasso e Funghi 4.8/5

Moving on to the primo piatto, typically a starch-based course, we had three outstanding dishes, making it difficult to rank them. After some deliberation, however, both my dining companion and I agreed that our favourite was the Gnocchi Fegato Grasso e Funghi. This deeply indulgent, earthy dish showcases a balance of finesse and comfort. Excellent house-made gnocchi form the foundation, generously coated in a velvety Albufera sauce with mushrooms, cacao and foie gras. A decadent yet balanced dish that does not feel overly heavy.

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Risotto Di Barbabietola E Ricci Di Mare 4.5/5

My second favourite primo piatto was the Risotto Di Barbabietola E Ricci Di Mare, visually striking with the risotto rice dyed a rich, jewel-like pink that contrasts beautifully with the orange uni. The rice is al dente with a slight bite, and each spoonful delivers a creamy, sweet-savoury richness from the beetroot combined with the uni.

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Tagliatelle Fatte A Mano Allo Scoglio 4.2/5

My dining companion, on the other hand, preferred the Tagliatelle Fatte A Mano Allo Scoglio. This dish will delight seafood lovers, as it is heaped with clams, plump mussels, squid, and a striking red Mazara del Vallo prawn. The pasta is coated in a rich, flavourful seafood sauce that ties together all the ocean-fresh ingredients.

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Filetto Di Wagyu Cotto A Legna Alla Rossini 4.8/5

Between the three Secondi Piatti, the most impressive was the Filetto Di Wagyu Cotto A Legna Alla Rossini, a sumptuous Wagyu beef fillet served with a rich sear of foie gras and generous shavings of aromatic black truffle. Finished with a red wine sauce, this dish is the epitome of indulgent fine dining, a very premium special occasion treat.

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Rombo Alla Griglia Spinaci, Gambero Rosso Di Mazzara Del Vallo 4/5

We also had the Rombo Alla Griglia Spinaci, Gambero Rosso Di Mazzara Del Vallo, charred turbot served with spinach and a Sicilian red prawn. The fish was cooked nicely, but the turbot head reduction sauce was a touch too intense for our taste. Thankfully, the touch of lemon and cream added a refreshing lift to the dish.

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Melanzane Alla Parmigiana 4/5

For a vegetable-forward option, the Melanzane alla Parmigiana features tender layers of eggplant, smoky scamorza cheese, and a rich, luscious tomato sauce, baked to perfection. Ideal for vegetarian diners or anyone seeking a lighter, yet satisfying alternative this season.

We were more than stuffed by this point, but still eagerly looking forward to the Dolce course because who doesn't love desserts?

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Amarena al Tiramisu 3/5

The Amarena al Tiramisu puts a twist on the classic Italian dessert, with Mascarpone Amarena cream, biscuit, espresso, and Amaretto, a sweet, almond-flavoured Italian liqueur. While it is generous with both espresso and Amaretto, this resulted in a dessert that was a bit too soft and watery, and overly sweet.

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Panna Cotta Citrus Saffron 4.8/5

We were, however, a lot more impressed by the Panna Cotta. In fact, this is probably the best Panna Cotta I've eaten so far. It's usually not my go-to dessert due to its often gelatinous texture and bland flavour, but this one surprises with a silky, creamy softness and fragrant vanilla bean. The addition of citrus and fresh fruits keeps it light, lively, and utterly delightful.

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Overall, Fiamma presents a celebratory affair this festive season, where authentic flavours, shared moments, and beautifully crafted dishes take centre stage. Coupled with its intimate setting, exclusive location, and friendly service, it offers a memorable experience for life's special occasions.

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Fiamma
Capella Singapore
1 The Knolls
Singapore 098297
Tel: +65 6591 5046
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch: 12pm - 230pm
Dinner: 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Vivocity Shopping Mall. Go to Sentosa Express Station at Level 3 of Vivocity. Take the Sentosa Express Train to Imbiah Station. Alight at Imbiah station. Proceed to Artillery Ave. Walk along Artillery Ave until you come to a road (slope) to the Capella Hotel. Turn right onto the road and walk up the hill to the destination. Journey time is about 25 mins. [Map]


Saturday, December 13, 2025

Robata Akari @ Duxton Hill - Showcases Traditional Robatayaki with Premium Ingredients

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Robata Akari, located along Duxton Hill, is a Japanese robatayaki-style izakaya that opened in September 2025. The restaurant centres on the traditional robatayaki grilling technique, where premium ingredients are slow-grilled over charcoal, offering diners an authentic, communal Japanese dining experience in a warm, inviting setting.

We went with the Special Menu ($189), which provided a well-paced journey through appetisers, sashimi, grilled items and hearty mains. There is also a premium menu at $289.

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Chef's Selection of 3 Appetisers 3.5/5

The meal began with the Chef's Selection of 3 Appetisers, featuring Wagyu with Sea Urchin, Cream Cheese with Wasabi, and Potato Salad. Among the trio, the Wagyu with Sea Urchin stood out effortlessly. The rich marbling of the wagyu paired beautifully with the briny sweetness of the uni, delivering a luxurious bite that set the tone for the meal.

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Chilled Starters - Japanese Salad with Colourful Vegetables

The chilled course was a Japanese Salad with Colourful Vegetables. Unfussy and straightforward, it was light and refreshing, allowing the natural freshness of the greens to shine through. It's a good light starter before the heavier courses.

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Sashimi - Chef's Selection of Sashimi 5 Kinds 4/5

Next came the Chef's Selection of Sashimi 5 Kinds, comprising Salmon, Bonito, Tuna, Yellowtail, and Shrimp topped with Salmon Roe. Each slice was fresh and clean-tasting, showcasing high-quality seafood with a balanced mix of textures and flavours.

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Deep-Fried - Seasonal Vegetable & Agedashi Tofu 4/5

For the deep-fried course, we had Agedashi Tofu paired with capsicum and Eggplant. The tofu was soft and silky inside, with a light exterior that absorbed the savoury sauce nicely.

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Akari's Special - Premium Wagyu Shabu-Shabu/ Sukiyaki 4.5/5

The highlight of the Special Menu is undoubtedly Akari's Premium Wagyu, available as either shabu-shabu or sukiyaki. I opted for the shabu-shabu, which allowed the beautifully marbled wagyu to shine. The beef was incredibly tender, delivering a melt-in-the-mouth texture with rich, beefy flavours.

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Robata-Grilled - Eggplant 2.5/5

A series of robata-grilled selections followed, showcasing the restaurant's robata-grilling techniques. The Eggplant paired with Bonito came first, with the skin removed to reveal a very soft interior. Unfortunately, this dish did not quite resonate with me, as the flavours felt relatively mild and the texture leaned towards the mushy side.

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Robata-Grilled - Black Cod 3.8/5

The Robata-Grilled Black Cod fared much better, offering a rich, buttery flesh with a pleasing crisp on the skin.

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Robata-Grilled - Salmon with Salmon Roe 3.8/5

This was followed by the Robata-Grilled Salmon topped with Salmon Roe, which was cooked precisely, resulting in a moist texture without being dry, reflecting good control over the grilling timing.

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Robata-Grilled - Chicken Meatballs with Egg Yolk 3/5

Rounding off the robata items were the Chicken Meatballs with Egg Yolk; while flavourful, the texture was a little too soft for my personal liking, making it less memorable compared to the other grilled dishes.

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Claypot Rice with Wagyu & Corn 3.8/5

The Claypot Rice with Wagyu & Corn was a comforting and satisfying dish. The rice was fragrant, infused with wagyu fat for added depth, while the corn introduced a pleasant sweetness and textural contrast.

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Dessert - Sweet Potato & Vanilla Ice Cream 3/5

Dessert was Sweet Potato with Vanilla Ice Cream. The sweet potato was naturally sweet with light smoky notes from the fire, pairing nicely with the cold, creamy vanilla ice cream for a simple yet effective hot-and-cold contrast.

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Black Throat Sea Perch 4.5/5

We also tried the Black Throat Sea Perch from the à la carte menu. Skewered and slow-grilled over charcoal in irori style, the fish was evenly cooked, moist, and naturally sweet, allowing its quality to shine without excessive seasoning.

Overall, Robata Akari delivers a refined robatayaki experience, with strong execution of its grilled items and premium ingredients, making it a noteworthy addition to Singapore's Japanese dining scene — especially for those who appreciate charcoal-grilled flavours executed with restraint and precision.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Robata Akari
10 Duxton Hill
Singapore 089594
Tel: +65 9647 5330
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Website
Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 5pm - 12midnight

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

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Walk down Craig Road towards Neil Road. Turn left onto Neil Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to the staircase behind the open-air car park. Take the stairs to Duxton Plain Park. Turn right and walk down Duxton Plain Park. Cross the tunnel, take the stairs to the road level and walk down Neil Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time bout 6 minutes. [Map]


Thursday, December 11, 2025

The Masses @ Arcade The Capitol Kempinski - Celebrates The Festive Season with 7-Course Chef Menu Priced at $68.90 per pax

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The Masses is ringing in the festive season with a playful, French-Asian inspired Christmas and New Year menu that showcases Chef Dylan’s signature flair for bold flavours, familiar comforts, and unexpected twists. We were invited to preview the 7-Course Chef Menu (from $68.90 per pax) and their seasonal beverages. What unfolded was a lively mix of colours, textures and creative pairings that will spark conversation around the table.

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The Jingle Juice and The Grinch 3/5

We began with two festive drinks created specially for the season - The Jingle Juice and The Grinch. The Jingle Juice ($7.90/glass or $17.90/jug) is a refreshing cranberry-apple mocktail brightened with lime and mint. It tastes exactly as cheerful as it looks, making it an easy pick for non-alcohol drinkers. The Grinch ($18/glass or $49.90/jug), on the other hand, is a melon-liqueur and Prosecco cocktail that arrives in a gorgeous sparkling green. Visually enticing, though we found the flavour slightly muted compared to its vibrant appearance.

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Home Made “Rainbow” Brioche 4/5

Louis Oyster 2
Louis Oyster 3.8/5

Gougeres 2
Gougeres 3/5

The meal opens with a trio of breads and snacks, and the standout for us was the Home Made “Rainbow” Brioche, which came warm, crusty, and beautifully speckled with pecans and prunes for added dimension. Slightly dense but very satisfying, especially when paired with the accompanying umami butter.

The Louis Oyster, topped with Bloody Mary, lime and a rim of smoked chilli salt, brings acidity and spice, though subtly. The Gougeres, stuffed with black truffle and finished with melted comté and kumquat, were adorable and aromatic, but flavour-wise leaned milder than expected.

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Wagyu Beef Tartare 3.5/5

Kawaebi Pasta 2
Kawaebi Pasta 4.2/5

Foie Gras 2
Foie Gras 4.2/5

Among the four starter options, our table sampled three. The Wagyu Beef Tartare surprised us with the clever addition of nashi pear, which added crunch and gentle sweetness to balance the beef. The Kawaebi Pasta was easily the most memorable, packed with “prawn mee” umami thanks to Penang laksa prawn stock, minced pork, confit lemon, kawaebi shrimp and tiger prawn. What the menu didn’t mention but elevated the dish tremendously was the pork lard hidden within.

If you want something indulgent, the Foie Gras (+$15) is a worthy upgrade. Generously portioned, luscious and beautifully complemented by cranberry mostarda, petite apple and poultry jus.

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Duo Irish Duck 3.8/5

Halibut 3
Halibut 4/5

We continued with all three main options. The Duo Irish Duck features a flavourful confit portion and a tender duck breast, which is slightly gamey for my palate but still well-executed. The carrot-tangerine purée was bright, though the purple cabbage purée felt less cohesive, and we ultimately preferred the duck enjoyed on its own.

The Halibut was the favourite among us! A moist, clean-tasting fillet sitting atop a luxurious shellfish fondue hidden underneath. Elegant, balanced and something I would return specifically to order.

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Wagyu Petite Tender 4/5

For beef lovers, the Wagyu Petite Tender (+$15) is a satisfying upgrade. The meat is fork-tender, but the true scene-stealer is the much-talked-about potato pavé that we absolutely couldn’t get enough of. While the miso aubergine purée added depth, it didn’t particularly enhance the wagyu itself.

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Blood Orange Granita 3.8/5

A refreshing interlude arrives before desserts: the Blood Orange Granita, which reminded us of a refined take on mango-pomelo dessert. The combination of mango sorbet and pomelo works as a bright palate cleanser after the richer courses.

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Chestnut Crème Caramel 3/5

Truffle & Tulakalum 3
Truffle & Tulakalum 3/5

There are two dessert choices. The Chestnut Crème Caramel brings together chestnut ice cream, gingerbread spice and spiced honey under a crème brûlée. Individually, each element is enjoyable, but together the flavours didn’t harmonise as well as expected.

The Truffle & Tulakalum is undoubtedly unique, with a heavy focus on truffles. The truffle ice cream, however, was a touch oily, likely due to truffle oil, but the Valrhona dark chocolate ganache and mousse were rich and well executed.

Restaurant

In true Chef Dylan fashion, the festive menu is creative, bold and peppered with unexpected pairings that make dining here a lively experience. While not every component landed perfectly for us, the menu offers variety, value and conversation-worthy dishes especially for festive gatherings with friends and loved ones.

Aside from the 7-Course Chef Menu, diners can also opt for a 10-Course Communal Menu ($68.90 per pax, min. 3 pax) and a 2-Course Lunch Menu (from $30.90 per pax) if you’re planning a daytime get-together.

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


The Masses
Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski
13 Stamford Road
#01-84
Singapore 178905
Tel: +65 6518 4988
Facebook
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 1030pm
Sun: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]


Saturday, December 6, 2025

Goodwood Park Singapore Christmas - Eat, Drink and Be Merry with Enchanting Selection of Festive Treats and Exclusive Dining Experiences

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This Christmas, Goodwood Park Hotel marks its monumental 125th anniversary with a spectacular lineup of festive treats. An impressive collection that blends the hotel’s timeless culinary heritage with fresh, innovative flavours. Available for walk-in purchases at The Deli from 15 November to 26 December 2025, the selection spans hearty savoury centrepieces, playful sharing favourites and stunning desserts. Online pre-orders are also available via their festive site.

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Among this year’s standout creations is the Steam-Baked Turkey stuffed with Chestnut, Ham and Vegetables, served uniquely with Yam Rice and Chef’s Special Chilli Sauce. This delightful Asian-inspired twist feels both nostalgic and comforting. The bird is tender and aromatic, while the accompanying chilli sauce adds a punch that sets it apart from typical takeaway turkeys.

Goodwood Park also introduces two versions of Turkey Pot Pie, reinvented with flair. The curry-spiced rendition is full-bodied and fragrant, while the creamy butternut squash version, with caramelised onions and cranberries, strikes a lovely balance of sweet and savoury. For something heartier, the Turkey Spinach Lasagne layers soft sheets of pasta with creamy spinach and turkey, making for a cosy, festive staple. The Snowy Nyonya Turkey Buns are a charming addition — pillowy-soft steamed buns wrapped around a moreish turkey filling, evoking a nostalgic Singaporean touch.

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Meat lovers can look forward to the beautifully Roasted Australian Wagyu Ribeye with Yorkshire Pudding, Vegetables and Merlot Sauce. The ribeye is juicy with a satisfying crust, paired with airy Yorkshire pudding and a rich wine sauce that ties everything together.

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Equally indulgent is the Slow-roasted Ibérico Pork Belly, roasted low and slow for over three hours with sherry vinegar and white wine. The result: immaculate crackling, luscious layers of fat and meat, and deep flavour. The sides — Potato Gratin with Gruyère and Parmesan, tangy pickled white cabbage, apple sauce, and smoked bacon-infused jus — complete the dish with satisfying richness and balance.

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A classic staple, the Honey-glazed Boneless Ham with vanilla-pineapple sauce offers sweet, tender slices that appeal to all ages.

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Back by popular demand, the DIY Turkey Popiah Set (up to 10 pax) remains a crowd favourite. It’s perfect for potlucks, bringing fun to the table with tender turkey breast, sweet turnip, eggs, peanuts, mushrooms, sambal and more — an interactive and flavour-packed way to celebrate together.

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No Goodwood Christmas is complete without their star-studded dessert lineup. This year introduces the elegant Earl Grey Winter Sleigh Log Cake — a sophisticated creation featuring an Earl Grey crémeux with Jivara chocolate, pistachio sponge and raspberry compote resting on a crisp kunafa base. Encased in pistachio mousse and adorned with reindeer-shaped white chocolate décor, it delivers fragrance, crunch and creamy indulgence in every slice.

Another new creation, the Yuletide Chocolate Travel Cake is a superb option — rich, dense and intensely chocolatey, featuring Manjari chocolate cake, a vanilla-spiced apricot compote centre, and a glossy dark chocolate almond glaze. Its whimsical miniature log shape makes it ideal for gifting.

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The Crisp-mas Pistachio Kunafa Tart (500g) is a visual and textural showstopper, combining caramelised pistachios, roasted kunafa, and silky pastry cream in a chocolate-sugar crust — reminiscent of the viral Dubai Chocolate flavour profile but elevated with Goodwood Park finesse.

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For those who prefer something lighter, the Merry Berry Nutty Tart offers a refreshing mix of fruits and nuts atop almond cream and pastry cream — pretty, bright and delightfully festive.

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In the spirit of the holidays, Goodwood Park Hotel will donate 10% of sales from Christmas log cakes and tarts to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund, making each purchase a meaningful contribution.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301746
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)