Showing posts with label Wine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wine. Show all posts

Saturday, June 22, 2024

SIP Wine Bistro @ Regency House - Sharing Good Wines Over Delicious Food

IMG_4837

IMG_4780

SIP Wine Bistro is a cosy dining spot located at Regency House, right in the heart of the city, yet away from the hustle and bustle. Co-founder Martin, who has been in the wine business for a decade, created this bistro out of his passion for sharing good wines over delicious food. Six months into its opening, the menu has been refreshed with a more focused curation of dishes.

IMG_4801
Pani Puri Bruschetta 4/5

IMG_4794
Beef Cubes 3.8/5

For starters, we had the delightful sharing plates of Pani Puri Bruschetta ($12) and Beef Cubes ($24). The crispy, paper-thin Pani Puri papad was stuffed with homemade salsa that had a delightful bite, featuring the sharpness of onions, the sweetness of tomatoes, and the crunch of capsicum. The beef cubes, made from sirloin, were flavourful on their own and served simply with mustard and salt flakes for the fullest appreciation of its natural flavour.

IMG_4822
Goat Cheese Salad 5/5

The St. Maure Goat Cheese Salad was a highlight. It was served warm and soft with caramelised surfaces. The assertive flavour of the goat cheese was well balanced by the sweetness of the apples and candied walnuts. The salad was brought together with a dressing made from honey and apple cider vinegar, adding a hint of acidity. I believe such combination would also make for a delicious tartine.

IMG_4846

IMG_4857
Beef Tartare 4.5/5

For the main course, I had the pleasure of enjoying the Beef Tartare ($36), a rare delight. The tartare mix included chunky knife-cut beef, capers, and gherkins and was seasoned with Worcestershire sauce and mustard. The dish was completed with toasted sourdough and crispy shoestring fries. Indulging in this dish with a glass of Chateau Cordet Margaux 2016 was an exceptional experience. Martin works closely with small wine producers, ensuring an exquisite selection of wines at SIP.

IMG_4885
Tiramisu 5/5

Rounding up my meal was a simple yet decadent Tiramisu. The airy, light layers of mascarpone cheese, combined with bittersweet coffee and Havana-soaked sponge fingers, made for a delightful finish.

IMG_4790

SIP Wine Bistro has a very conducive environment for a laid-back coffee break. Sunday Brunch is also available. SIP collaborates with a local coffee roaster for its own blend of coffee.

IMG_4789

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.


SIP Wine Bistro
Regency House
123 Penang Road
#01-12
Singapore 238465
Tel: +65 6022 1878
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 12midnight
Sat: 5pm - 12midnight
Sun: 11am - 5pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk down Someset Road to Penang Road. Cross the road at the junction of Penang Road and Oxley Road. Walk down Penang Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, June 2, 2024

Jones The Grocer @ Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 - Cheese & Wine Nights with Free-Flow Fine Wines

JoneTheGrocerT2Exterior-4

Jones the Grocer recently opened a new outlet at the refurbished Changi Airport Terminal 2, offering travellers and locals a gourmet dining experience. One of the highlights of this new location is the Cheese & Wine Nights, held every Wednesday and Friday from 6 PM onwards. These evenings are a paradise for cheese lovers and wine enthusiasts, providing a curated selection of artisanal cheeses and a free-flowing variety of fine wines for two hours.

JoneTheGrocerT2-3
Cheese Platter 4/5

The Cheese Platter ($68, U.P. $88) for the Cheese & Wine Nights comprises a selection of unique cheeses: a robust blue, a rich hard cheese, and a creamy soft cheese. These are complemented with crisp crackers, seasonal fruits, and delightful jams, providing a balanced and indulgent experience.

JonesTheGrocerT2--3

JoneTheGrocerT2-39
Charcuterie Board 4/5

To elevate the experience, diners can add a Charcuterie Board for an additional $20. This board pairs beautifully with the cheese and wine, offering an array of cured meats that enhance the whole dining experience.

JonesTheGrocerT2--1

JonesTheGrocerT2--6

JoneTheGrocerT2-13
Cheese Croquettes 4/5

Those who RSVP via Chope with the promo code "JTG88" are in for a treat with a complimentary appetiser: Cheese Croquettes worth $16.90. These delightful bites are stuffed with chorizo, manchego, and mozzarella, encased in a crispy breadcrumb coat. The accompanying macadamia romesco sauce pairs excellently, adding a nutty and slightly tangy note.

JoneTheGrocerT2-21
Grilled Steak and Chargrilled Artichoke Salad 4/5

Beyond the cheese and wine offerings, Jones the Grocer's menu is diverse and appealing. The Grilled Steak and Chargrilled Artichoke Salad is a hearty option, priced at $25.90. This generous salad includes fresh ingredients like avocado, shallots, radishes, and mixed greens, all topped with a cumin and brown sugar-rubbed flank steak. The chargrilled artichokes add a lovely smoky flavour, making this dish both substantial and satisfying.

JoneTheGrocerT2-17
Tagliatelle with Braised Short Rib Ragout 4.2/5

The Tagliatelle with Braised Short Rib Ragout ($27.90) is a standout dish for pasta lovers. The tagliatelle is perfectly cooked, and the rich, flavoursome braised short rib ragout is complemented by crispy sage and parmesan. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavours, creating a delightful mouthful.

JoneTheGrocerT2-27
Italian Stallion 3.5/5

From their pizza menu, we tried the Italian Stallion ($29.90). This pizza is topped with green peppercorn salami, fior di latte, chilli peperonata, Persian feta, mint, and parsley. The thin, non-doughy crust was perfect for my taste, and the combination of toppings worked beautifully together, offering a spicy, creamy, and refreshing bite all at once.

JoneTheGrocerT2Exterior-2

Jones the Grocer at Changi Airport Terminal 2 has successfully blended gourmet dining with a relaxed, accessible atmosphere. The Cheese & Wine Nights are a particular highlight, offering great value and an enjoyable midweek indulgence. While some dishes shine more than others, the overall experience is satisfying and worth visiting. Whether you're a traveller passing through or a local looking for a new dining spot, Jones the Grocer delivers a delightful and varied menu that caters to a wide range of tastes. Keep an eye out for their menu revamp, promising even more exciting options in the future.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jones The Grocer
Singapore Changi Airport
Terminal 2 Departure Hall
#02-01
Singapore 819643
Tel: +65 9297 8851
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 24 hours

Direction:
1) Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Terminal 2 departure hall. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Friday, July 7, 2023

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

IMG_5761

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.

IMG_5745
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.

IMG_5756
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.

IMG_5766
Affogato 4/5

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

IMG_5738
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!

IMG_5759

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.

IMG_5730

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
Facebook
Instagram
Website
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]

Saturday, March 30, 2019

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

Gaston9

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.

Gaston1
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.

Gaston3
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.

Gaston6
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.

Gaston8
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.

Gaston10
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.

Gaston11
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.

Gaston12
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
Facebook
Website
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]

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

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

Bascilico1

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.

Bascilico25
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.

Bascilico14
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.

Bascilico30
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.

Bascilico29
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.

Bascilico23

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.

Bascilico9

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
Facebook
Website
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]

Friday, November 30, 2018

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

MortonsOfChicago4

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.

MortonsOfChicago1
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.

MortonsOfChicago3
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.

MortonsOfChicago7
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.

MortonsOfChicago6
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.

MortonsOfChicago5
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.

MortonsOfChicago9

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.

MortonsOfChicago8
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.

MortonsOfChicago10

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
Facebook
Website
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]