Tuesday, May 5, 2015

The Royal Mail @ The Ascott Raffles Place

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The Royal Mail Restaurant & Bar enclaves within a corner of the historical and culturally rich Ascott Raffles Place is a modern British restaurant that has its own take on Classic British Cuisine. Constantly striving to awe its customers with superior and value-for-money dining experience, it has established a solid foothold since its opening 3 years ago. Its a la carte menu has recently been given a face lift using even finer ingredients, churning out dishes that claim to suit even the taste buds of the "royalty". There are 2 main stayers, Honey Glazed Kurobuta Pork ($56++) and Eton Mess ($18++) which after tasting, I can understand why they have been the chosen ones.

Ascott Raffles Place building was completed way back in the 1950s. After a change of hands in 2006, this charming old building was being restored and converted to its current use. Several features of the original building have been preserved, including the mosaic staircase with timber railing which will lead you to the restaurant's main door. Level 1 is the bar while the restaurant itself is located at Level 2.

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Scallop Carpaccio and Tuna 3.5/5

We started off the evening with an aesthetically pleasing Scallop Carpaccio and Tuna ($26) consisting of Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio and Lightly-seared Tuna. The scallop has been skilfully sliced thin hence eating it was almost effortless. I do however find the tuna slightly tough. Perhaps, serving it in slices may make it more enjoyable which I have experienced elsewhere before.

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Trio of Tomatoes 3/5

The Trio of Tomatoes ($18) being the second dish seems to pale a little in comparison. Nonetheless, this simple dish exudes a charm of its own with its delicate choice of ingredients.

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Seafood Bouillabaisse 3.8/5

Next came a really rich and flavourful stew Seafood Bouillabaisse ($28). Conjuring the taste are Red Malabar Snapper, Langoustine and Blue Mussel. I can imagine the hours behind cooking up such a thick seafood broth. While it may please seafood lovers, some of you may not enjoy the slight bitterness that comes with it. Still, I really appreciate the fineness of the ingredients and the effort behind this dish.

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Honey Glazed Kurobuta Pork 4.5/5

For the main courses, we first had one of their signatures- Honey Glazed Kurobuta Pork ($56). I learnt that Kurobuta pork is known for its flavour, marbling, juiciness as well as tenderness. Too much seasoning or sauces might potentially kill it. Fortunately, the tangy apple butter sauce that comes with it, did a beautiful job in balancing the richness of the meat which I thought really completes the dish. I also love the charred edge of the pork which has caramelised beautifully under the presence of honey.

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Miso Black Cod 4.2/5

Their Miso Black Cod ($42) in Leek Fondue will delight you equally with its melt-in-your-mouth texture. Though I find the Leek Fondue a little too creamy with the Seaweed Butter, its overall flavour still sits well with my palate. I thought the piece of Sesame Tuille at the side is a thoughtful little touch by the Chef.

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Whole Roasted Japanese Yellow Sea Bream 3.5/5

The Whole Roasted Japanese Yellow Sea Bream (S$78) is one of their new additions. Specially flown in from Japan, the taste is expected to be more intense, carrying the subtle nuances of freshwater sweetness. However, apart from the freshness and the tender texture of the fish, I didn't find it exceptionally memorable as compared to the previous 2 main dishes.

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Sticky Date Pudding 3/5

The team did a great job in pampering us tonight, allowing us to try 4 desserts - Enhanced Bergamot Earl Grey Jelly ($15), Sticky Date Pudding ($18), Peanut Butter Jelly ($18) and Eton Mess ($18). My favorites are the Enhanced Bergamot Earl Grey Jelly and Eton Mess.


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Enhanced Bergamot Earl Grey Jelly 4.5/5

The first is simply invigorating. I love the scent of the Bergamot Earl Grey that exudes out upon every taste of it. Enlivening this dessert further is frozen yoghurt, passion fruit coulis and macerated berries. Together with the melt-in-mouth jelly, this creation is simply devine.

eton mess
Eton Mess 4.2/5

Eton Mess, to me, is really an interesting creation. It came to me as almost formless, made with Strawberries, Meringue, Hazelnut Crunch, Salted Caramel and Devon. The Devonshire cream is surprisingly light and binds the array of ingredients together to form a comforting taste. I couldn't be more satisfied after I took the last of it. You may even wipe the glass clean!

peanut butter
Peanut Butter Jelly 3/5

After your meal, do take a walk to the lift lobby of the Ascott. You will see a vintage brass mail chute where the postman continue to drop their mails into, till this very day. It is also inspiration for The Royal Mail concept, as conveyed to us - to " provide guests with a touch of Old World elegance from the days of letter-writing, Doris Day, Grace Chang and policemen in shorts." I can't think of any other concept that will better suit the colonial ambience of this place. Their impeccable service enlivens the entire dining experience. If you are keen to try out this place, now is a good time. To share their turning of 3, all of their guests will enjoy 20% OFF Dinner Menu, everyday till 30 May 2015.

Written and photography 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. 



[CLOSED]
The Royal Mail
The Ascott Raffles Place Singapore
2 Finlayson Green
Singapore 049247
Tel:+65 65093589
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheRoyalMailSG
Website: http://www.theroyalmail.sg/
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 630am - 1030am, 12pm - 3pm, 630pm - 11pm
Sat: 7am - 11am, 630pm - 11pm
Sun & PH: 7am - 11am

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

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Long Kuan Hung Crocodile Farm (农光行鳄鱼场) @ Neo Tiew Crescent (Kranji)

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Earlier this month, I have the privilege to join the Singapore Chefs Association to visit to Long Kuan Hung Crocodile Farm (农光行鳄鱼场) at Neo Tiew Crescent, Kranji I felt like a kid going on an excursion again. The farm covers an area of around 12 football fields and breed around 14000 saltwater crocodiles.

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Long Kuan Hung Crocodile Farm is the only crocodile farm in Singapore and comes with a full suite faculty for the full life cycle of the lifespan. The farm has its own breeding pond, incubator, pens, slaughter house, tannery and R&D.

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Above is one of the breeding ponds at Long Kuan Hung Crocodile Farm. After mating, the female crocodile will swim to the pens around the circumference of the pond to lay the eggs.


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This is the nest of the crocodile with the female crocodile will laid their eggs. Each laid is about 60 eggs.

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This is my first time I seen the inside of the egg. It has a huge egg yolk and it is rather rubbery inside.

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Actually when the female crocodiles laid their eggs, the staff will collect them from the pen and bring it to the incubator. The temperature controlled incubator will allow the eggs to be developed and hatched into little baby crocodile in a safe environment that is sheltered from being prey in the natural environment and weather.

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One purpose of crocodile farming is the skin which is used for making handbags and wallets.

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Many of you may not know that crocodile meat is actually quite palatable if you know how to prepare it. In addition, it is low fat, low cholesterol and high protein. After the tour around the farm, we were treated to crocodile feast such as Crocodile Satay, Crocodile Meat Patty and Crocodile Spare Ribs.

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I would like to extend my appreciation to Long Kuan Hung Crocodile Farm, The Seafood Company, Singapore Chefs Association and Tony Tee for the opportunity to learn more about crocodile farming in Singapore.


Long Kuan Hung Crocodile Farm
321 Neo Tiew Crescent
Singapore 718914