The Marmalade Pantry @ Oasia Hotel

Frustrated with the long queues at The Marmalade Pantry bistros at Ion and Stables? Let me let you into a little secret not many is aware. The Marmalade Pantry has opened a third bistro at Novena, Oasia Hotel lobby level back in February 2015. During my visit, there was a slow stream of diners but the place is not as crowded compared to the other 2 outlets.

Lobster Barley Risotto 4.8/5

I was blown away with the first dish that is packed with multifold of flavours in the Lobster Barley Risotto ($32). The dish comes with butternut, carrots, onion, garlic flower, lobster chunks, lobster braised barley, parmesan, sour cream and tarragon. I like the substitution of the rice grain with barley giving the dish a more textural bites that is well infused with the lobster's essence.

Pork Chop 4/5

The Pork Chop ($32) was cooked to perfection retaining the juiciness of the meat. It is served with mashed potatoes, apple compote, crisp sage, spinach and bacon fat split jus

Salmon 3.8/5

A classic Pan Seared Salmon ($28) with a little twist. It is served on a bed of chilled sweet potato noodles, sesame and yuzu dressing, topped with cucumber. The idea actually added a light and refreshing element to pinkish salmon.

Miso Lobster 4/5

Lobster roll maybe the in thing but how about Miso Lobster Burger ($34). Chunks of lobster meat is tossed in a tobiko and miso mayo mix together with cucumber and red radish, sandwiched on a sesame bun and served with shoestring fries. The different play of flavours and textures actually works. in harmony.

Lemon Brulee Tart 3.5/5 and Sticky Date and Toffee Pudding 4.5/5

Wrapping up the dinner with some desserts, I got to try the Lemon Brulee Tart ($14) and Sticky Date and Toffee Pudding ($14). I felt that the lemon brulee tart has gotten the flavour spot on, not overly too sour but nicely balanced. However because it was blow torched the lemon curd actually liquefied and became a bit messy and hard to eat. The sticky date and toffee pudding on the other hand is a must try. the pudding was really moist and flavourful. I actually could not resist going back for a few more helping.

Overall I have enjoyed the food and ambience at The Marmalade Pantry at Novena, Oasia Hotel. If you prefer somewhere quiet and away from the crowd, this is a good consideration compared to their 2 other outlets. Price is on the steep side but portion is actually quite big.


The Marmalade Pantry
Oasia Hotel
8 Sinaran Drive
#01-02/04
Singapore 307470
Tel: +65 66640348
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarmaladePantry
Website: http://themarmaladepantry.com.sg/oasia/
Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alighat at Novena MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and take the underground walkway to Oasis Hotel. Take the level to Novena Specialist Centre lobby. Walk to hotel lobby next door. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Diamond Kitchen (钻石小厨) @ Science Park 1

The shining gem, Diamond Kitchen has made the journey to the West and opened their second outlet at Science Park. Diamond Kitchen has been one of the most memorable meal I had in 2014. In fact, so memorable that I have gone back four times to dine at the restaurant. I am glad and those staying in the West should rejoice with the opening of Diamond Kitchen at Science Park 1.

Diners can taste the same menu from the Marine Parade flagship restaurant. On top of the new opening, it has introduced a promotional Diamond Seafood Signatures set menu ($88++ per pax) at the science park outlet valid until 31 July 2015, minimum 4 persons to dine.

Shredded Chicken Salad with Abalone 3.5/5

The 7 course Diamond Seafood Signatures set menu started with the Shredded Chicken Salad with Abalone. The salad comes with celery, carrot, black fungus, red chilli, poached chicken and Australian abalone lightly dressed in a sesame oil. It is quite a refreshing and crunchy salad to start with but it somehow felt out of place for a Chinese dinner.

Garlic Steamed Bamboo Clam 4/5

Next is the Garlic Steamed Bamboo Clam. The Scottish bamboo clam steamed in a Hong Kong sauce was springy but not rubbery. The used of fried garlic further accentuated the flavours. The glass noodles, enoki mushrooms and water chestnuts provides the additional bites and textures to the dish.

Hong Kong Steamed Giant Grouper 4.5/5

A dish not easily found in many restaurants is the giant grouper weighting a stunning 20kg that is prized for its think, gelatinous and collagen rich skin. For the set menu, the diner can choose from the two different cooking methods, Hong Kong Steamed Giant Grouper or Superior Claypot Giant Grouper. The steamed giant grouper uses the belly of the fish while the claypot giant grouper uses the fin of the fish.

Superior Claypot Giant Grouper 4/5

There were mixed preference from the group but I personally preferred the steamed giant grouper belly with Hong Kong steamed sauce brewed with top grade soya sauce. I felt that the cooking technique brought out the flavour and texture of the giant grouper more. With the firmness and buttery sweetness, I would probably think that I was having the flesh of a crab claw in a blind test.

Stir Fried Sweet Potato Leaf with Salted Fish 4.2/5

This may look like just another ordinary Stir Fried Sweet Potato Leaf dish but once you tasted it, you will know that there is more than meets the eyes. The sweet potato leaves are cooked with garlic, pork lard, chilli padi and salted fish. The combination has turned a simple dish into an excellent dish.

Lobster Porridge 3.8/5

A dish that is not in the a la menu is the Lobster Porridge. The Pao Fan is cooked in a chicken stock with chinese wine, ginger and steamed local lobsters. On its own it is a very tasty bowl of porridge with a flavourful chicken stock. However I felt the porridge is missing the lobster essence. Which is a slight let down.

Gan Xiang Crab 4.5/5

Gan Xiang Crab is one of the signature dishes from the the flagship restaurant. The Sri Lankan crab is wok fried with the chef's secret spices retaining the juiciness of the crab. This mouthwatering crab dish probably can be tasted at Diamond Kitchen only. A must try if you like spicy food and wants a change from the usual chilli or black pepper crab.

Lemongrass Jelly  3/5

Wrapping up the 7 course Diamond Seafood Signatures set menu is the Lemongrass Jelly. The shaved lime and honey ice, lemongrass jelly and lemongrass water dessert is cooling and refreshing. Perfect after a hot and spicy crab feast.

The new Diamond Kitchen science park outlet can sit up to 300 people with 2 private dining rooms. The place is also more spacious compared to their Marine Parade branch. The Marine Parade branch is usually packed with diners and advance reservation is greatly encouraged. To avoid disappointment, the chances of getting a table at science park outlet is much higher. I personally recommend going for the a la carte menu to try out more of their signature dishes even thought the Diamond Seafood Signatures set menu is value for money.


Diamond Kitchen (钻石小厨)
Science Park 1
Oasis
87 Science Park Drive
#01-01
Singapore 118260
Tel: +65  64640410
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiamondKitchenSeafood
Website: http://www.diamondkitchen.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Kent Ridge (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Kent Ridge MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop opposite Kent Ridge MRT station (Stop ID 15139). Take bus number 92. Alight 5 stops later. Walk towards Technology Crescent. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]