The Lobby Lounge @ InterContinental Singapore - Launches New Classic Afternoon Tea: The Orchard

This season, InterContinental Singapore launches new classic afternoon tea: The Orchard at The Lobby Lounge, available from 1 April 2019 to 31 July 2019. In collaboration between Executive Pastry Chef Ben Goh and RaviFruit's Executive Pastry Chef Jean-Francois Devineau, diners get to indulge in the 13 exclusive creations specially crafted by the two chefs, inspired by fruits from around the world.

The variety of luscious savoury treats and sweets infused with seasonal fruit flavourings are showcased in elegant gold-rimmed cases and a two-tiered stand reminiscent of terrariums.

Sweets crafted by Chef Ben Goh include the Chocolate Cone with Strawberry Beetroot Cream, Mandarin Orange Crémeaux and Carrot Jelly, Apple Milk Chocolate Mousse with Rhubarb Compote, and Ruby Peace and Yuzu Praline.

Sweets crafted by RaviFruits' Executive Pastry Chef Jean Francois Devineau include the Mango, Passionfruit and Coconut Cream Verrine, Morello Cherry and Pistachio Tart, Cake Roll with Blueberry Compote and Raspberry Yoghurt, as well as Caramel Orange Scone & English Scones with homemade peach jam, strawberry jam and clotted cream.

Some of my favourites from the afternoon tea were the sweets which feature a combination of fruit and vegetable, such as the Mandarin Orange Crémeaux & Carrot Jelly, and Chocolate Cone with Strawberry Beetroot Cream. The Caramel Orange and English Scones are best enjoyed with the homemade fruit jams, clotted cream and a pot of tea/coffee.

The repertoire of fruity sweets extends into the savoury treats as well. Relish in the Andalusian Gazpacho, Smoked Chicken Mousse, Chestnuts and Walnuts Tart, Smoked Salmon Sandwich, Brie Cheese, Chives and Horseradish Cream, Prawn with Avocado and Grapefruit Emulsion, Tuna with Risotto and Coconut-lime Dressing, as well as the Ratatouille Quiche.

Begin with the Andalusian Gazpacho, which is a cool and refreshing starter

One of the highlights is the Tuna with Risotto which comes in a bite-sized risotto piece. The pearly grains of rice has a rich and creamy consistency, leaning on the softer side of al dente, while the coconut-lime dressing gave a lift in its flavours.

The Prawn with Avocado and Grapefruit Emulsion is an interesting combination with the fresh, juicy prawns, creamy avocado, and a subtle sweetness from the grapefruit emulsion. Complete the experience with unlimited servings of a la minute crepes and ice cream, or a flute of Taittinger Brut Champagne, perfect for an indulgent afternoon.

Classic Afternoon Tea: The Orchard is available at The Lobby Lounge from 1st April 2019 to 31st July 2019, from 2pm to 5pm daily. The set is priced at:$78++ for two guests, inclusive of a fine selection of loose-leaf teas and coffee, $108++ for two guests, inclusive of two flutes of Taittinger Brut Champagne, and a fine selection of loose-leaf teas and coffee. For reservations, please visit TheLobbyLounge.sg, email InterContinental.Dining@ihg.com, or call +65 6825 1008. >

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.


The Lobby Lounge
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 2pm - 5pm

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

Celebrate Mother's Day and Father's Day at Crystal Jade Restaurants

With the upcoming Mother's Day and Father's Day in May and June. Crystal Jade Restaurants will be launching several promotions at its group of restaurants for this two months. A line up of thoughtfully crafted dishes and tantalising set menus to celebrate the occasions.

Pan Seared Foie Gras with Crispy Beancurd wrapped with Crepe 4/5

Probably inspired by the way we have Peking duck is the Pan Seared Foie Gras with Crispy Beancurd wrapped with Crepe ($16.80/pax). I find this combination much better than Peking duck. The creaminess of the foie gras gives it a substantial bite while I though the crispy beancurd is a good substitute of the crispiness duck skin. This dish will be available at Crystal Jade Palace which has re-opened in early June after a major renovation,

Supreme Fried Rice with Prawn, Bacon and Lychee wrapped in Lotus Leaf 3.5/5

Another dish available at Crystal Jade Palace is the Supreme Fried Rice with Prawn, Bacon and Lychee wrapped in Lotus Leaf ($30). The fried rice is wok fried to fragrant with the egg aroma. However the sweetness from the lychee in the savoury dish needs getting use to.

Double Boiled Giant Grouper Head with Ginger and Premium Nan Zao 3.8/5

Over at One-Michelin Crystal Jade Golden Palace, look forward to a bowl of nourishing and collagen rich Double Boiled Giant Grouper Head with Ginger and Premium Nan Zao ($22/pax). The giant grouper is prized for its high collagen content while the Nan Zao also known as black date has several health such as enhancing the digestive system, keeping blood pressure normal, high in vitamin C and more.

Deep Fried Groupa Fillet with Prawn Paste tossed with Crispy Garlic 4.2/5

One of our favourite dishes is the Deep Fried Groupa Fillet with Prawn Paste tossed with Crispy Garlic ($26.80 for 4pc) available at both Crystal Jade Kitchen and Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao. The prawn paste gives the generous pieces of grouper fillet an addition crunch in texture complemented by the crispy garlic that has been tossed with curry leaves and sliced chillis.

Deep Fried Yellow Croaker with Sweet Vinegar Sauce and Pine Nuts 4.2/5

Over at their newest concept Crystal Jade Jiang Nan, one can look froward to the Deep Fried Yellow Croaker with Sweet Vinegar Sauce and Pine Nuts ($29.80). This is a classic Jiangsu dish in which the deep fried fish is cloaked in an appetising sauce concocted with vinegar, hawthorn and red wine lees.

Chargrilled Iberico Pork Rib 4/5

There are also some items that is available at all the three Crystal Jade fine-dining (Crystal Jade Palace, Crystal Jade Golden Palace and Crystal Jade Dining In). One of these is the Chargrilled Iberico Park Rib ($26.80 per portion). To appreciate the dish, one needs to dip the tender pork with the piquant mala dip.

Creme Brulee Ginger Egg Tart Topped with Bird's Nest 4/5

Exquisitely crafted is the Creme Brulee Ginger Egg Tart Topped with Bird's Nest ($6.80/pc) and Lychee Begonia Flower-Shaped Pastry ($11.80 for 3pc). The egg tart with its caramelised surface is an inventive take of the traditional snack. While I applauded the crowning of bird's nest, it didn't really help to elevate the flavour. As for the lychee begonia flower-shaped pastry, lotus paste is filled inside the flaky pastry.

Lychee Begonia Flower-Shaped Pastry 3.5/5

During the promotional periods, diners who dine at Crystal Jade Jiang Nan, Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao and Crystal Jade Kitchen will receive origami paper with instructions to fold an origami tuip to present to their parents. Customer who share a photo of the completed tulip origami with any Parent's Day special dish on instagram will stand a chance to be one of five lucky winners to win $100 Crystal Jade Dining voucher. Those who also share a memory of their first gift to their mum or dad in the caption of the post will receive double the chance to win.

For more details of the promotions and outlets, do log on to the website at www.crystaljade.com