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

Monday, August 11, 2025

Quenino @ Artyzen Singapore - Launches A New La Carte Menu

Octopus-1

It was a pleasure to return to Quenino at Artyzen Hotel, which has just been recognised as a MICHELIN-selected restaurant. Guided by Melbourne-based Chef Victor Liong and led by Chef Su of Indian-Chinese heritage, Quenino offers a richly layered, multicultural dining experience with a strong Asian focus. We were there to enjoy the latest iteration of their menu. We were pleased to find out that in addition to their Discovery Menu ($200++ per guest), Quenino has also introduced an à la carte menu, giving diners the freedom to curate their own experience.

Tamarillo tart-2
Quenino Prelude- Tamarillo Tart 4/5

The first bite of the Quenino Prelude is the Tamarillo Tart, where a crisp tartlet is topped with tamarillos from the Cameron Highlands, paired with rasam gel, balonglong and chilli caviar. I liked that they showed us the actual Tamarillo fruit to smell and touch!

Spiced yam dumpling-1
Quenino Prelude- Spiced Yam Dumpling 4.2/5

The second bite is a Spiced Yam Dumpling, drawing inspiration from both Indian vadai and Chinese dim sum wu kok. Encased within its crisp, golden shell is a savoury filling of prawns and poached oysters, enhanced with oyster kijap.

Octopus-4
Octopus 4/5

Next came a beautifully plated salad starring Australian Octopus, loosely inspired by Sotong Kangkong. Instead of kangkong, however, the dish features a medley of locally sourced herbs and flowers such as pea tendrils and sweet potato leaves. It is finished with sweet soy sauce espuma, tempeh cream, green mango and Jicama terrine, crispy fish snacks, and macadamia nuts, giving us a playful, textural dish that is both vibrant and intriguing.

Indonesian mud crab-4
Indonesian Mud Crab 4.5/5

The next course of Indonesian Mud Crab was one of my favourites of the evening, a bold and flavourful take on both the hairy crab and the local classic white pepper crab. On top of the egg white custard is rich mud crab and roe, turmeric white peppercorn sauce, fragrant deep-fried shallots, puffed grains, and a savoury touch of cured egg yolk.

Amur caviar-1
Amur Caviar 4.2/5

For something more indulgent, you can opt for the Amur Caviar (supplement +20), sourced from Yunnan, China. It’s elegantly served on a silky bed of dragon chive custard, with scallop mousse, razor clams, and a touch of fermented chilli. A luxurious dish for true caviar lovers, but personally, I found the Indonesian Mud Crab course more memorable.

Green lip abalone-3
Green Lip Abalone 4.8/5

The Green Lip Abalone resembles a piece of Yong Tau Foo, but with a creative twist. Instead of stuffed beancurd, the abalone is filled with prawn and green chilli, then delicately wrapped in veiled bamboo fungus. It's served with a rich brown butter sauce infused with Chinese Angelica herbs. A fusion dish where East meets West, executed flawlessly.

Peach popsicle-3
Peach and Young Gingerflower Popsicle 4.2/5

As a palette cleanser, we were served a Peach and Young Ginger Flower Popsicle topped with cured and candied peach, edible flowers, and served on a dish of dry ice. It was a light and sweet floral interlude that was both visually pleasing and refreshing.

Striploin-2
Stone Axe M9 Wagyu Striploin 5/5

Every dish had been delicious thus far, but the highlight for me was this Stone Axe M9 Wagyu presented with Variations of Garlic. The Stone Axe M9 Wagyu Striploin was juicy, tender, and delightfully marbled, but what truly made the dish outstanding and unique was the imaginative presentation of garlic in five distinct forms. There was jungle garlic dust, a tangy pickled garlic sprout salad, airy black garlic foam, and Quenino’s house green garlic chilli sauce, playfully presented in a fast-food-style packet.

Pink garlic broth-2

Adding a local touch, the dish also came with a warm pink garlic broth inspired by Bak Kut Teh, the beloved herbal pork rib soup. A very clever celebration of garlic that complemented the Wagyu beautifully and gave guests a lot of personal choice as to how to best enjoy their beef.

Fried rice-1
“Fried Rice" 4.8/5

Another standout on their menu is the “Fried Rice”, a creative reinterpretation inspired by three Southeast Asian rice dishes: Fried Rice, Mui Fan, and Nasi Ulam. Guests are presented with condiments carefully arranged in a ring. There is ham floss, house-made X.O. sauce, Chinese olive relish, pickled bean sprouts, cucamelon, spring onions, coriander, garlic sesame crumbs and fried moringa leaf. The rice is then ladled into the centre, inviting guests to sample each condiment with the rice individually, before mixing it all up to enjoy.

Green chilli ice cream-1
Green Chilli Ice Cream 4.2/5

The Green Chilli Ice Cream dessert draws inspiration from Chef Su’s Chinese New Year traditions and the familiar ingredients she often finds at home during the festive season. It features pineapple, almonds, and bakkwa, while the ice cream delivers an extra creamy texture due to the inclusion of yoghurt and cheese.

Petit fours n mignardise-2
Petit Fours and Mignardise 4/5

The Petit Fours and Mignardise showcase the effort put into the curation of the menu, right down to the very last bite. First, we have a crispy waffle infused with black sesame and sea salt, drizzled with fragrant shallot oil. Then, there is a tartlet inspired by Minjiang kueh, but featuring corn, peanut and salted egg yolk instead. On a bed of edible cocoa, we also had Kumquat and Sour Plum Sweets, as well as Bittersweet Chocolate Bonbons filled with rich black sesame paste, crafted in collaboration with Singaporean pastry chef Janice Wong.

Petit fours n mignardise-4

As with my first visit to Quenino, the food remains unique and deeply flavourful, thoughtfully crafted with a deep respect for local ingredients and familiar tastes. The elegant ambience makes it an ideal setting for a special occasion, and with the introduction of their à la carte menu, there’s now even more reason to consider Quenino for your next night out.

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.


Quenino
Artyzen Singapore
Level 4
9 Cuscaden Road
Singapore 249719
Tel: +65 6371 6030
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard (TE Line), Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue: 6pm - 1030pm
Wed-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun and Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard Boulevard MRT Station. Take Exit 1. Walk to Cuscaden Road. Turn right onto Cuscaden Road. Walk down Cuscaden Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT Station. Take Exit 11. Walk down Orchard Boulevard towards Four Seasons Hotel. Take the walk path beside Four Seasons Hotel to Cuscaden Road. Walk to the junction of Cuscaden Road and turn left onto Cuscaden Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Friday, July 25, 2025

LUCE @ InterContinental Singapore - The Bigger, Better Buffet Experience

LuceJune25-4

LUCE at InterContinental Singapore ups the ante on the hotel buffet scene with the launch of its all-new "Bigger Better Buffet", available daily for dinner and for lunch from Monday to Saturday. The refreshed spread showcases a wider variety of dishes and new live stations, all under the direction of newly appointed Chef de Cuisine Giuseppe Di Gaetano, whose Italian flair breathes fresh life into LUCE's offerings.

LuceJune25-5

LuceJune25-1

LuceJune25-8

No buffet is complete without a lavish Seafood on Ice section, and LUCE certainly delivers. Diners can feast on a bounty of ocean treasures, including Japanese oysters, Australian yabbies, cold water prawns, white clams, half-shell scallops, and sea whelk – fresh, briny, and indulgent.

LuceJune25-9

LuceJune25-12

LuceJune25-11
Premium Charcuterie

LuceJune25-14

LuceJune25-15

LuceJune25-18

Equally impressive is the Charcuterie section, featuring Smoked Virginia Ham, Chambost Saucisson, and Artisanal Pork Terrine. Paired with a glass of wine, these cold cuts set the tone for a luxurious dining experience. The rotating antipasti selection also makes for a delightful prelude to the heavier mains – light, vibrant, and flavourful.

LuceJune25-22

LuceJune25-23

LuceJune25-27

LuceJune25-28

LuceJune25-57

One of the standout sections of the buffet is undoubtedly the Asian Delights, which even includes items prepared by the Man Fu Yuan culinary team. Favourites like Netted Seafood Spring Roll, Deep-fried Tiger Prawns with Almond Flakes, Crispy Cereal Chicken, and a bold Singapore Chilli Prawn shine with authentic local flair. A rich and hearty Lu Rou Fan also stands out among the spread.

LuceJune25-30

LuceJune25-25

LuceJune25-32

Reflecting Singapore’s cultural diversity, LUCE also includes a strong showing of Peranakan and Malay dishes. On rotation are homey classics like Nonya Chap Chye, Assam Seabass Curry, and the savoury-sweet Ayam Masak Hitam, each prepared with care and respect for tradition.

LuceJune25-34

Chef Giuseppe's Italian heritage is proudly showcased in his hearty, soulful creations. The Ragout alla Napoletana, with slow-braised pork ribs and Italian sausage, is a comforting embrace of deep tomato flavours. The Agnello alla Birra Scura, featuring Guinness-braised lamb, is tender and richly layered, while the Impepata di Cozze delights with its briny black mussels in white wine, garlic, and lemon. The Sicilian-style Branzino offers a lighter, elegant counterpoint – a beautifully baked sustainable barramundi with cherry tomatoes and capers. Not to be missed are the showstoppers: the Rigatoni alla Grecia, tossed in LUCE's signature parmesan cheese wheel, and the indulgent Nero di Seppia Pinsa, topped with squid ink tomato sauce, prawns, clams, and mussels.

LuceJune25-37

LuceJune25-35

LuceJune25-45

With the addition of more live stations to the buffet, guests can now enjoy interactive dining with a touch of drama. The Oven-Roasted Angus Beef Striploin is carved to order and paired with shallot red wine jus and gourmet mustards, while the Baked Norwegian Salmon in Puff Pastry, filled with Cajun-spiced salmon and savoy cabbage, impresses with its balance of texture and flavour. At the Italian station, the Tagliatelle al Ragout di Pesce – tossed in a lobster seafood sauce and finished tableside in the parmesan wheel – is rich, luxurious, and beautifully executed. Another highlight is the Signature InterContinental Laksa, a refined version of the local favourite, made à la minute with tiger prawns, quail eggs, and a housemade laksa broth infused with laksa leaf powder for an aromatic finish.

LuceJune25-21

LuceJune25-20

LuceJune25-19

Cheese lovers will appreciate the dedicated cheese room, offering a curated selection of Cheeses and accompaniments. Be sure to save room for desserts – meticulously crafted confections that are as stunning as they are satisfying, offering a sweet finale to an impressive buffet journey.

LuceJune25-38

LuceJune25-42

With its expanded spread, elevated live stations, and Chef Giuseppe’s Italian signatures, LUCE’s Bigger Better Buffet lives up to its name – a sophisticated, well-rounded buffet experience that’s both indulgent and memorable.

LuceJune25-41

LuceJune25-44

LUNCH
Monday to Friday
$59++ per adult | $29++ per child
Saturday
$69++ per adult | $29++ per child

DINNER
Monday to Thursday
$78++ per adult | $39++ per child
Friday and Saturday
$92++ per adult | $44++ per child
Sunday
$88++ per adult | $39++ per child

Note: This is an invited tasting.


LUCE
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 6825 1008
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 2pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sun: 6pm - 10pm

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

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Morita Unigoro @ Stanley Street - An Exclusive 1-for-1 Six-course Dinner at $298++

MoritaUnigoro22

Osaka’s acclaimed uni omakase specialist Morita UNIGORO at Stanley Street launches an exclusive 1-for-1 six-course dinner at $298++, available daily for dinner until 31 July 2025. This limited-time offering presents a more accessible way to enjoy the restaurant’s premium uni-focused omakase, showcasing Hokkaido sea urchin alongside seasonal Japanese ingredients.

MoritaUnigoro2
Duo Sashimi 4.8/5

Our first course is a sashimi dish featuring two different cuts of tuna - Chutoro and Otoro. To enhance the enjoyment of the fatty tuna, diners can pair it with the accompanying sea salt and wasabi.

MoritaUnigoro7
New "Uniku" (Uni & Meat) 5/5

The next course is the New "Uniku" comprising Uni and Meat. The A5 Wagyu Uchimomo (top round) is slightly torched and served together with egg yolk and uni. The three ingredients seem unassociated or unrelated, but when you have them all together, the combination of flavour and texture is out of this world. It was almost heavenly, deliciously good.

MoritaUnigoro13
Tempura Scallop with Uni 4.5/5

Following that, we were served the Tempura Scallop with Uni. The plump and juicy scallop was lightly coated in a delicate, crispy batter, perfectly complementing the creamy sweetness of the uni. A touch of roasted seaweed tied all the elements together, enhancing both the aroma and umami, making for another beautifully executed and well-balanced dish.

MoritaUnigoro21

MoritaUnigoro18

The highlight of the six-course dinner is the Signature Uni Hot Pot. The hot pot comes with premium ingredients, including Uni, Lobster, Clam, Abalone, A5 Wagyu Beef Ribeye, Japanese Pork Belly, and Vegetables.

MoritaUnigoro23

MoritaUnigoro26

MoritaUnigoro30

MoritaUnigoro34
Signature Uni Hot Pot 4.8/5

The hot pot is brought to a boil, with uni added to the broth. Parmesan and olive oil are further added to elevate the taste profile. The ingredients are top-notch quality, too. The clam was the biggest I had ever seen and eaten; it was as big as my palm. The other highlight is the melt-in-the-mouth A5 wagyu.

MoritaUnigoro38
Uni Mixed Rice 4.2/5

To fill one's up, the last savoury course is the Uni Mixed Rice. The rice was fluffy and well-infused with the robust flavour from the uni. My only complaint is that the portion is too small. I don't understand why the restaurant is reluctant to offer a larger portion or provide diners with the option to choose a different-sized portion of rice to their preference.

MoritaUnigoro41
Homemade Granita 3.5/5

Last but not least, we wrapped up the meal on a sweet and refreshing note. The Homemade Granita was ideal after all the richness.

To book, make reservation at https://reserve.toretaasia.com/moritaunigorosg#/


Morita Unigoro
10 Stanley Street
Singapore 068729
Tel: +65 85256553
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 2pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street, walk to Boon Tat Street. Turn left onto Boon Tat Street. Turn right onto Stanley Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to Mccallum Street. Turn right onto Mccallum Street. Turn left onto Stanley Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]