665°F @ Andaz Singapore - Gourmet Cuts & Seafood Grillhouse with Skyline Views

If temperature is one of the keys to get your meats perfectly grilled, is there a magic number to it? 665 Fahrenheit could be it, hence the moniker 665°F of the premium steakhouse belonging to Andaz Singapore. Sitting right at the top at Level 38, it offers exceptional views of the Singapore skyline. Not uncommon, you might be thinking, since there are indeed many others that offer somewhat similar views. But what's captivating, is the rich interior of this restaurant that will elevate your dining experience.Tailored by famed designer Andre Fu of AFSO, 665°F is seamed with traits of a traditional Savile-Row tailor shop. Think Kingsman. Walk through a narrow doorway that seems to encapsulate time with a copper-arched ceiling, and eventually you will find yourself in a dining room of its own that is strong with solid furnishings, tone with hues of walnut, burgundy and copper. The focal point of this room is the show kitchen, almost as wide as the room and at the heart of it sits the Pira oven and grill. Set at temperature 665°F, it's where your prime selection of meats are being chargrilled to your desired doneness.

Lime-cured Kingfish 3.8/5

Made with hefty ingredients such as kingfish, yellowfin tuna, jumbo lump crab, you soon realise that the appetizers here are to be recognised. Lime-cured Kingfish ($29) is firm and meaty, which formed a strong but welcoming textural contrast with the twirl of watermelon radish underneath. The radish has a pink-magenta core, hence the watermelon reference. The mustardy notes of the radish, together with the acidity of finger lime, cut the fattiness of the fish and gave a clean finish.

Yellowfin Tuna Tartare 3.8/5

Equally refreshing is the Yellowfin Tuna Tartare ($48) which is crowned with a luxurious layer of cavier. its beef-like texture satisfied even more than the former, as it tasted fuller and creamier with the avocado.

Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes 3.8/5

Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes ($32) are seared on both sides. Encased in it is shredded bits of crab meat in a slightly creamy mixture. I love the tanginess that accented the crab cake, tinkling my taste buds as I bit through. The herbs and seasoning within highlight and boost the natural flavours of the crab meat. The only problem I had with this dish, as well as the first two, was the amount of salt that went into them, which hampered the sweetness of the meats from coming through fully.

Beef Carpaccio Celeriac, Truffle 4/5

Beef Carpaccio Celeriac, Truffle ($39) is more moderately salted. So soft and tender, every piece is something to slowly savour upon. The truffle fails to exude much presence however. I reckon it works better with warm dish, when there's some heat to help release its aroma and flavour.

Patagonian Toothfish Fillet 4.5/5

Moving on to the mains. Being a fan of fatty fish, the Patagonian Toothfish Fillet with Lemon and Dill ($60) sits really well with me. Baked and lightly seasoned with lemon and dill, such simple cooking method to treat a good piece of fish is really the way to go.

Boston Lobster with Thermidor 4.2/5

Boston Lobster with Thermidor ($80) is an extravagant dish with a luscious blanket of cheese. The lobster flesh underneath the golden brown crust was firm and bouncy.

USDA Prime, Omaha, USA Sirloin 4.2/5

Australian Lamp Chops 3/5

As for the meats, the affordable pricing may make you smile. We had the grain-fed USDA Prime, Omaha, USA Sirloin ($69 for 340gram) and Australian Lamp Chops ($55). While we loved the flavourful medium rare sirloin that came with a deep rich crust, the lamp chops however fell short with a gamey taste.

Mac & Cheese 4.2/5

Sides are available to complete your meal. Both Mushrooms ($15) and Mac & Cheese ($14) live up to expectations, especially the latter, which hit the spot with its al dente macaroni just gently bathed in cream and cheese.

Vegetable Dauphinoise 3/5

Green Asparagus 2.8/5

However, I can't say the same for the Green Asparagus ($14).  Not only was it limp in the truffle butter, I did not enjoy the soft texture of the asparagus. The Vegetable Dauphinoise ($15) also failed to showcase the qualities of root vegetables.

Ivory and Bitter Chocolate Mousse 4/5

Desserts here are meant to be fun and messy. But I feel Ivory and Bitter Chocolate Mousse ($28) is a case of lacking in texture, which is a pity as the bitter sweet mousse tastes really good with the tart cassis compote that spreads along the surface of the chocolate sphere. I would probably be happier if it is solidified into an ice cream. While the Baked Alaska, Passion Fruit, Raspberry Sauce ($28) has an old-fashion sweetness that I couldn't deal with.

Baked Alaska, Passion Fruit, Raspberry Sauce 3/5

Have a feel of the exclusive and intimate atmosphere of 665°F yourself. The menu carries a range of produce and ingredients sourced directly from the United States, Ireland, Australia, the United Kingdom and more. With time, I believe the dishes delivered will be just as polished as the interiors.

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.


665°F
Andaz Singapore
Level 38
5 Fraser Street
Singapore
Tel: +65 64081255
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Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 6pm - 10pm

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

Ninja Cut @ Seah Street - Celebrates 1-Year Anniversary With Hawaiian Inspired Menu Additions

Opened a mere 5 months since the successful launch of sister outlet Ninja Bowl, Astronaut Group's second venture, Ninja Cut has made quite a name for itself over the year with an extensive, ever-changing menu of all-day brunch offerings, robust meats and fresh seafood dishes. As it hits its one year hallmark of operations, a whole new slew of Hawaiian inspired dishes are introduced in celebration of its one year anniversary, with ingredients thoughtfully sought out and put together to curate items infused with a taste of Polynesian food in America. Available for a limited time only, before they ninja away to a different themed menu inspired by another country all together.

Moana Love 4/5

The Moana Love ($18) allows diners to choose between salmon or tuna, and a choice of truffle yuzu or spicy lime cilantro sauce on a bed of green coral lettuce, mashed avocado, mixed with mango bits, cherry tomatoes and mixed nuts. I opted for the salmon with truffle yuzu sauce with an addition of quinoa rice. Gently poke the onsen egg and let the runny yellow coat the rest of the ingredients sitting below as you mix everything in. The addition of mango bits lends a subtle sweetness, while the mild truffle yuzu aroma further enhances the dish with a refreshing zesty twist. The Moana Love is a gorgeously presented dish featuring a medley of colours and flavours. An ideal and delicious option for the health-conscious. And besides, what’s a hawaiian menu without some poke?

Maui Dream 4.2/5

The Maui Dream ($22) comes in a generous serving of jumbo crab lumps with mentaiko sauce cream, cheese scrambled eggs with a very subtle kick of chilli spice, and tobiko served on a perfectly toasted croissant. Definitely an indulgent brunch fare pairing those soft and fluffy eggs and tender mentaiko crab lumps with a crispy buttery croissant.

Unagi Burger 4.5/5

Taking inspiration from the large number of Japanese residing in Hawaii, the Unagi Burger ($22) was created with an infusion of the japanese element. It features a large slab of char-grilled unagi in between brioche burger buns, with smashed avocado and an onsen egg. The unagi boasts an extremely soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture, flavorous with a smoky taste. It is an ingenious pairing with the soft and fluffy burger buns, which were buttered on the underside to add a subtle sweetness to the dish. The side of sweet potato fries were executed excellently as well, crispy with a distinct sweet potato flavour. All the Hawaiian inspired dishes served fared well but this Unagi Burger is hands down my favourite.

Happy Hula 4.2/5

End the meal on a sweet (and zesty) note with the Happy Hula ($19) which comes in a crispy buttery toasted croissant, topped with fresh mango, fresh coconut meat, passionfruit honey, a scoop of smooth and creamy coconut-pineapple ice cream, and sprinkled with toasted coconut flakes and almonds. A mix of mangoes, coconut, passionfruit and pineapple plays out a perfect balance of sweet and sourness, and creates a refreshingly unique combination that I really enjoyed.

Constantly innovating and crafting new dishes through experimentation on different ingredients to dish out unique combinations that actually work out, Ninja Cut continues to excite tastebuds and surprise customers from time to time with their creative ideas and brilliant executions. After its much lauded previous menu, Ninja Cut continues to raise its bar and set expectations several notches higher with each visit. I reckon their next inspired menu will fare even better, but these impressive Hawaiian inspired specials are definitely something not to be missed.

Words and photos 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.


Ninja Cut
32 Seah Street
Singapore 188388
Tel: +65 62647727
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 930am - 730pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road. Cross the road, walk towards Raffles Hotel direction. Walk down North Bridge Road and turn right on to Seah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]