Vin Geek @ Pacific Plaza - Launches A New 3-Course Set Menu From $25 Onwards

Vin Geek at Pacific Plaza is a cosy wine bar and retail concept designed to allow you to experience the joy of wine drinking in a light-hearted atmosphere. It has recently expanded its offerings to include lunch service, which means you can have the pleasure of early-day wine drinking if you are in the mood for it.

Burrata 4/5

Introducing its first Set Lunch menu, priced at just $25, you have the option of 3-course (Starter, Main, Dessert) or 2-Course (Starter/Dessert, Main) with a choice of red or white wine. As a Starter, I had a Burrata. The burrata itself boasted a fresh and creamy flavour and was further complemented by the juicy sweet tomatoes and the earthy green peas.

Cioppino 4/5

As a Main, I relished in a comforting and wholesome plate of Cioppino (+$10) featuring sweet Maine lobster meat, prawns, seabass and clam. There was a rustiness to it, which I enjoyed. The broth was light and well-balanced, with a pronounced depth of crustacean flavour, which complemented the seafood.

Affogato 4/5

Summing up, my lunch is a simple and classic Affogato.

Smoked Butter, Salted Butter, Kombu Butter

There is also a special menu that includes curations based on collaboration with makers dedicated to a speciality product. Within these couple of months, Vin Geek and @atasbutter have come out with 2 specials. One of which is Sip & Spread: The Geek's Butter & Wine Flight ($30). It showcases a trio of flavoured cultured butter paired with a flight of white wines served with sourdough bread. Fans of butter, this is highly recommended!

One of the key highlights of Vin Geek is that it has a DIY wine dispenser of 24 bottles that offers a 30ml tasting portion, which is just $2.50! Simply order via the QR code tag on each bottle. Showcasing 12 red, 2 rose, and 10 white, the selection of wines rotates every 3 to 4 months.

Vin Geek also has a unique way to help you decide on your bottle of wine - according to your mood. Hence, each bottle of wine is painstakingly categorized by the sommelier and labelled with in-house mood stickers. At every turn you make of this 52-seater space, there is always something for you to explore - from the wine dispenser to the wine shelves and chillers, cheese counter, and shelves filled with artisanal jams, condiments and chocolates. You can perhaps DIY your charcuterie board to pair with your favourite wines.

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.


Vin Geek
Pacific Plaza
9 Scotts Road
#01-04/05/06/07
Singapore 228210
Tel: +65 63341622
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Follow the underground walkway to Shaw House. Walk to the ground level. Walk to Scotts road. Turn left and continue down Scotts road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Gaston Burgundy Bistro & Wine Bar @ Keong Saik Road - Hearty Comfort French Fare With Delectable Wines

Within the bustling stretch of Keong Saik is a new all-day bistro and wine bar - Gaston Burgundy Bistro & Wine Bar, offering comfort French fare and delectable wines from Burgundy. The bistro is helmed by owner and general manager Geoffrey Daurelle from Burgundy, who is inspired to bring the taste and culture of Burgundy to Singapore. He has rooted in Head Chef Julius Soo Thoo, who has worked in the kitchen of L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon and Iggy's to bring the classic Burgundy cuisine to the table.

Croquettes Bourguignonnes 4/5

The Croquettes Bourguignonnes ($9 for 3pc / $18 for 6pc) is like our cheese and ham sandwich except it is in a croquette form. It uses Epoisses cheese which is is known as Burgundy's most pungent cheese. I didn't find it that smelly at all.

Oeufs en Meurette 4.2/5

The Oeufs en Meurette ($13/$21) is like our local soft boiled egg breakfast in dark sauce. It comes with a poached egg in red wine sauce paired with onions, bacon and mushrooms. I do recommend saving some bread to mop up the dish just like how we local have our egg and toast for breakfast.

Escargots de Bourgogne 3.5/5

Some diners can be deterred by the sight of the escargot in its shell but the Escargots de Bourgogne ($15 for 6pc / $28 for 12pc) here is de-shelled and served in a pastry shell paired with garlic, butter and parsley. Love the idea as it is really easy to just pick it up and pop it into the mouth.

Boeuf Bourguignon 4.2/5

Passed down to Geoffrey Daurelle is his mum's recipe for the Boeuf Bourguignon ($32). The beef stew in red wine sauce is cooked to tender with carrots and mushrooms. Noteworthy is the creamy and smooth mash potato, which consists of 50% potato and 50% butter, similar to what the now defunct L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon Singapore used to serve to their diner.

Truite a l'Aligote 4.2/5

The Truite a l'Aligote ($28) is a match in heaven with the white wine sauce made of Aligote (white grape from Burgundy) complementing the steamed trout fillet. The trout fillet is rested on pommes fondant and pair with asparagus. A clean, light and delicate dish.

Flan Patissier 4/5

The Flan Patissier ($12) comes in a light pastry crust filled with smooth and eggy vanilla crustard. It is served together with a scoop of vanilla artisan gelato.

Eclair au cassis 4.2/5

For something richer in taste, there is the Eclair au cassis ($14). The classic French choux dough shell are filled with purple cassis custard cream, instead of the usual chocolate or vanilla cream. The cassis berry which is an iconic fruit of Burgundy gives the eclair a sourish finish that is very appetising.

Contrary to popular belief that wines from Burgundy are expensive, the wine bar offers value for money gems, especially those from lesser-known sub regions in Burgundy such as Côtes Chalonnaise and Mâconnaise, as well as appellations like Macon. There is an extensive selection of quality, great value vinos of close to 350 labels from Burgundy and beyond held within the wine bar’s dedicated walk in cellar. Committed to ensuring that the wine programme is highly accessible, varied and exciting, the wines are sourced directly from the vintners themselves. With an extensive wine-by-the glass programme of close to fifteen wines (including premium Champagnes) as well as a rotating ‘Wine Flight of the Week’, there is something for everyone from novices to seasoned wine drinkers to tantalise the palate.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Gaston Burgundy Bistro & Wine Bar
25 Keong Saik Road
#01-01
Singapore 089132
Tel: +65 69098120
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 5pm - 12midnight
Tue-Fri: 12pm - 12midnight
Sat: 5pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight down New Bridge Road. Turn right onto Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right again onto Keong Saik Road. Walk down Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Basilico @ Regent Singapore - $40 For Over 40 Varieties Of Cheeses On Every Wednesday Night

Probably the best hidden secret of Regent Singapore is the cheese room at Basilico which houses a huge collection of cheeses. There are more than 40 varieties of cheeses ranging from soft, hard to blue cheeses. For cheese lovers, every Wednesday night at Basilico is Formaggissimo Night, diners can skip the buffet and get to have a standalone access to the cheese room to enjoy the huge varieties of cheeses for only $40. A selection of free flow wine is also available for an additional $38.

Gran Gueriero

I am not a fan of blue cheese as I find the smell too piquant for my liking. The thoughtful team at Basilico has infused them with other ingredients, to develop new taste profiles that are more palatable. A few of these infused in-house cheeses which caught my attention are Gran Gueriero, White Chocolate & Truffle Gorgonzola and Dark Chocolate & Chilli Gorgonzola. The Gran Gueriero is infused with honey and walnut. The sweetness of the honey definitely harmonize the sharpness of the blue cheese.

White Chocolate & Truffle Gorgonzola and Dark Chocolate & Chilli Gorgonzola

A very unique infusion is the White Chocolate & Truffle Gorgonzola and Dark Chocolate & Chilli Gorgonzola. For one that dislikes the piquancy blue cheese, I found myself enjoying them.

Dolomitico 

One of the Chef's favourite as well as mine is the Dolomitico. It has a subtle red wine or grape profile as the cheese is aged with grape marc. Appreciating the semi-soft cheese is like sipping a glass of red wine.

Ubriaco al Amarone

Guess I like cheese aged with wine. Another favourite of mine is the Ubriaco al Amarone which is aged with Amarone wine. It as a smooth, rich taste that is nutty with winey in flavour.

Besides the cheeses, there is an array of dried fruit, nuts, jams and compotes, bread sticks, oat crackers and various honeys to complement the appreciation of the cheese selections.

Every alternate month, Basilico will also combine its impressive cheese room with its year-long Italian wine tour. Known as Formaggio E Vino, it presents a wine and cheese journey every alternate month that focuses on Italy's iconic wine regions (Veneto, Sicily, Tuscany and Piedmont).

Note: This is an invited tasting


Basilico
Regent Hotel Singapore
Level 2
1 Cuscaden Road
Singapore 249715
Tel: +65 67253232
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast:
Mon-Sat: 630am - 1030am
Sun: 7am - 1030am
Lunch:
Mon-Sat: 12 - 230pm
Sun: 12 - 3pm
Dinner:
Daily: 630pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue onwards to Forum Shopping Mall. Walk further down to Orchard Parade Hotel. Turn left onto Tanglin Road. Continue walking down Tanglin Road. Turn left onto Tomlinson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

Morton's of Chicago @ Mandarin Oriental Singapore - All Natural Steak and New Fall Menu

In celebration of its 40th anniversary this year, Morton's of Chicago at Mandarin Oriental Singapore introduces a selection of mouth-watering seasonal items as part of their new Autumn menu. Morton's of Chicago also kicks up the festivities a notch with its all-natural, hormone-free tender cut for diners to indulge in this season.

All Natural 10oz Filet with Bone Marrow 4/5

One of my favourite dish is the All Natural 10oz Filet with Bone Marrow ($108) which boosts an exceptionally smooth texture for the meat. While the filet is lean and lacks marbling, the robust fatty coverted bone marrow was a great complement to the meat which enhances the flavours and textures of the dish.

Dry-Aged Prime Bone-In New York, 18oz 4.2/5

The Dry-Aged Prime Bone-In New York, 18oz (S$138) features a fine silky marbling and firm texture. By removing moisture through the carefully managed dry aging process, the steak’s natural taste is intensified to give a full-bodied flavor and succulent tenderness in each bite.

Nueske’s Bacon Steak 4/5

Back by popular demand, the Nueske’s Bacon Steak (S$20) was a combination of both bacon and steak. Prepared in a similar method as to a traditional steak, the thick-cut apple-smoked pork belly was coated with an autumnal sweet mustard glaze to provide a sweet flavour to the savoury dish. This sweet-savoury roasted slab of bacon, along with its juicy fats was an absolute enjoyment, ideal for sharing as an appetizer or as a side dish to accompany Morton’s selection of mains.

Truffled Mashed Cauliflower 3.8/5

We had some of their seasonal sides which were best paired with the richly-flavoured meat dishes. The Truffled Mashed Cauliflower ($28) was a light accompaniment to the hearty steaks, with its soft and fluffy cauliflowers exuding a strong whiff of aromatic truffle to tease the tastebuds for more.

Sauteed Wild Mushrooms 3.5/5

The Sauteed Wild Mushrooms ($23) features cremini, shiitake and oyster ceps, sautéed with butter and garlic and served on top of grilled golden baguette slices. Flavourful with a subtle saltiness, the dish is full of buttery and creamy goodness filled with heaps of juicy shiitake mushrooms.

With robust flavors setting the tone for a fall meal at Morton’s, the steakhouse’s 2015 Caymus, Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, is highly recommended as a tableside companion. Enjoy a specially-priced bottle at $180 while supplies last. From now through December 30th, guests can also enjoy a fabulous Steak & Lobster dish for $108. The succulent 8oz. Filet topped with a Whole Maine Lobster & Bearnaise sauce is bound to satisfy even the most fervent of carnivores.

Morton’s Chocolate Layer Cake 4/5

No meal is replete without sweets, and Morton's of Chicago sets the bar high with a repertoire of sweet delights, especially their all-time favourite Morton’s Chocolate Layer Cake ($24) which comes in a towering rich chocolate goodness and a drizzle of salted caramel to balance it off.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Morton's of Chicago
Mandarin Oriental Singapore
Fourth Storey
5 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039797
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line). Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 530pm - 11pm
Sun: 12pm - 9pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to Marina Square. Follow the signage to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to Marina Square. Follow the signage to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

The Wine & Gourmet Friends @ Bukit Pasoh - The Restaurant Allows You To Bring Your Own Food On Sunday

Opened in September 2018, The Wine & Gourmet Friends is an Asian tapas wine bistro located on the ground floor of a conservation shophouse on Bukit Pasoh Road. Albeit a narrow space that sits only 56 pax, it boasts a walk-in wine cellar which holds over 300 different styles of wine from over 80 old and new world wine producers, in which eighty percent are exclusive to the bistro. As the name suggests, The Wine & Gourmet Friends is all about wine over food, or vice versa, but what really lies within its core is the celebration of friendships over good wines and heart-warming food within a casual and welcoming environment. Afterall, the bistro is brought together by a group of friends with years of F&B experience under their belts.

Wines start from $6 a glass and bottles range from $25 to over $1,888, with option to drink in or takeaway. I can't read wines with my untrained palate, so if you are like me, owner William will be more than happy to help you with your purchase. To ensure that you get the most out of your purchase, an Aerating Decanter is used to efficiently and rapidly ‘open’ a bottle’s aromas and flavours. This process of decanting comprises two-steps: pouring wine into the decanter and when the wine has had sufficient time to breath, reversing the bottle to return the contents into the original bottle. This not only saves space on your table for more food, it will also prevent the mistake of accidentally mixing wines which often happens when an unmarked decanter is passed around.

Prawn & Seafood Bite 3/5

Helming the kitchen are Chef Wilson and Chef Gus, and the menu created features dishes inspired by the many that they have grown up with. The first Asian-style bite that we tried was one that we couldn't be more familiar with - Prawn & Seafood Bite (Hei Zou) ($12). This is an elevated version of Chef Wilson’s Mum’s Hei Zou, prepared with minced pork belly (hormone and antibiotic free), diced sea prawns, turnip and cuttlefish paste for bite and as a binder. I like the crunchy bits of the turnip, and appreciate the light seasoning, unlike some that filled my mouth with pepper and salt. The accompanying sweet and sour homemade achar (Peranakan spicy pickled vegetables) was addictive! I wish I had a full bowl of it to myself.

Foie Gras Lotus Leaf Rice 3.8/5

If you like Foie Gras, do order the Foie Gras Lotus Rice ($18).  Foie Gras and rice to me is an unusual combination but the chemistry between these two ingredients was better than expected. Perhaps the idea came from replacing liver with foie gras (just guessing), the role of foie gras in the rice was like that of a stir-fried pork liver but with an additional creamy texture. It was seared to attain a slight crisp on its surface, which released a layer of sweet gaminess into the savoury rice.  Being the centerpiece of a dish usually, it did not steal any limelight from the lotus leaf rice, which was just as outstanding on its own. Fragrant with oriental seasoning and condiments, Calrose rice is used instead of glutinous rice to lighten the load from your stomach.  Glutinous rice would certainly be too soft and sweet for this dish to succeed.  I love the chopped porcini and shiitake mushrooms, and the Chinese X.O. sausage which added another dimension of flavours and texture. The fried  lotus chips were not necessary, as they turned greasy towards the end.

Roast Pork Belly 3.8/5

Roast Pork Belly ($24) was a straightforward dish but deeply satisfying. The roasted Australian Bangalow sweet pork delivered what we had imagined it to be - crisp crackling with a layer of tender pork fat with no unpleasant porky taste. Like how a good piece of beef should be treated with minimum seasoning, the roast pork belly is served with a dollop of mustard and honey balsamic reduction just to kick your taste buds a bit of a kick.

Lamb Trio 3/5

This plate of Lamb Trio ($30) consists of lamb kofta, lamb rendang and rosemary grilled lamb rack, served with chilled quinoa salad and cucumber raita. Out of these 3 variations, my favourite would be the lamb rendang.  The rendang had a sweetness that helped to sooth out the gaminess of the meat. Second to that would be the lamb rack, in which I believe many would consider the fats lining the bone a delicacy.

Black Pepper Crab Noodle 3.8/5

When I first saw Black Pepper Crab Noodle ($18) on the menu, I thought it was going to be again a rendition of a prawn pasta.  But very much adhering to the characteristic of a zichar dish, chef kept the use of noodles. Wholegrain noodle us used and because it had a firmer texture than normal yellow noodles, the black pepper sauce was able to coat them without weighing them down. The soft shell crab was quite meaty and the blue swimmer crab meat pieces tasted even sweeter against the savoury blackpepper seafood broth.

Goreng Pisang 4.5/5

The dessert that we had was excellent.  Goreng Pisang ($12) with ice cream might sound really rich against the dishes we had but this is not to be missed. Banana and chocolate is a heavenly combination but chefs took this up a notch with their own homemade dark chocolate ice cream and banana fritters, served along with a 'banana kueh' and 'banana leather'.  The batter of the fritters was airy and the banana within had soften under the heat and bursting with sweetness.  The banana kueh had a sticky and dense texture but not too sweet, which acted as a textural support for the dish. The banana leather was paper thin like chips and so moriesh.

What I find interesting here is the Sunday BYOF (Bring Your Own Food!). The kitchen will be closed on Sunday, but The Wine & Gourmet Friends stays open from noon to 9pm and you are invited to Bring Your Own Food – home-cooked or otherwise, for a day out with family and friends. All you need to do is only order a bottle of wine (minimum one bottle for every four guests) to enjoy your meal within the bistro. If you need help with your wine pairing, William and his team will be here as well.

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.


The Wine & Gourmet Friends
48 Bukit Pasoh Road
Singapore 089859
Tel: +65 62241982
Facebook
Website 
Nearest MRT: Outram Park (Ew Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 11pm
Sun: 12pm - 9pm

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

Kwee Zeen @ Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa - Launches Saturday Pink Brunch

Probably the first in Singapore, Kwee Zeen at Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa launches Saturday Pink Brunch, ideal for light-hearted gatherings, merry making and joyous dining. Besides an ambience of pink, Kwee Zeen has created a gastronomic spread of Mediterranean themed dishes to highlight the pink theme.

Domaine Ott Rose

Crowning the pink brunch is the Domaine Ott Rose wines which are produced from some of the oldest vines and most notable varietals of Provence, Southern France. The fruity and refreshing Rose wine is best enjoyed with the Mediterranean seafood spread.

Tuna Salad 4.5/5

Beetroot Salad 4/5

Starting from the Salad bar, there are many elements of pink to fit into the theme such as beetroot, cranberries, beetroot dyed quail eggs and tuna.

Cranberry Fried Rice 4.2/5

Steamed Fish with Cranberries 4.2/5

Prawn Penne with Pink Vodka Sauce 4/5

From the cooked food section, some of the pink dishes among the spread include Cranberry Fried Rice, Steamed Fish with Cranberries and Prawn Penne with Pink Vodka Sauce. These are only a few dishes among the huge selections on the buffet line.

Beet Cured Salmon with Pink Grapefruit 4.5/5

Fresh Oyster 4.5/5

Among the eclectic spread, there is an abundance of luxurious seafood such as Fresh Oyster, Sashimi, and a varieties of Shellfish to complete the whole experience.

Rounding up the Saturday Pink Brunch is a variety of specially crafted pink desserts to sweeten the whole brunch.

There is even a towering strawberry fondue to paint the restaurant in pink even more.

Cempedak and Durian Truffles 4.8/5

Not to be missed is the Cempedak and Durian Truffles. It is a rather new combination for my palate. I enjoyed how the combination work in harmony, not overpowering each other. A must try.

Kwee Zeen Saturday Pink Brunch
Time: 1230pm - 330pm
Price: $98++ adult / $49++ child with free flow of soft drinks juices.
Top up $30++ to enjoy free flow Rose wine

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kwee Zeen
Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa
Sentosa Island
2 Bukit Manis
Singapore 099891
Tel; +65 67088366
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Harbour Front (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at HarbourFront MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to pick up point at Exit D. Wait for the complimentary shuttle bus service. The shuttle service is available every 30 minutes of the hour. Journey time about 30 minutes. [Map]