Sunday, October 13, 2019

Denzy Gelato @ Bishan Street 11 – Awarded As "Singapore's Best Gelato" With Unique And Adventurous Flavours

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Located in the heart of Bishan, new and upcoming gelateria, Denzy Gelato was announced as the winner of the inaugural Singapore Gelato Championship on 28 August 2019, earning the prestigious title of "Singapore's Best Gelato". Helmed by founder Damien, he is trained the art of gelato creation in Italy and uses only quality ingredients in his unique handmade ice cream creations. Expect exclusive gelato flavours such as the Persian Prince, Elderflower Mojito, Ruby Chocolate & Raspberries, Basil, and Cereal Milk - adventurous and distinctive flavours which were inspired by this time overseas.

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Single Scoop ($3.60) + cone ($0.50) 4/5

We went for the award-winning flavour - Pear, Ginger and Ginger Flower. The gelato has a stronger ginger flavour on a cone, which has a light pear fruit touch and floral finish. Crediting part of his imagination as a time in his youth while observing his father use the ginger flower to prepare Chinese rojak for their customers, owner Damien was determined to create this unique flavour based on exotic local ingredients and eventually won the competition with his innovative craftsmanship and exquisite creation.

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Waffles ($5) + 1 scoop ($3) 4.2/5

The quaint 30-seater gelateria also offers waffles, coffee and assorted tea as well. Don't miss out on their waffles when you're here! Extremely crispy outside and fluffy within, the warm waffles is an absolute enjoyment to go with their ice cream. We went for our favourite flavours - a double scoop of the Persian Prince and Skinny Dark Chocolate Sorbet.

The Persian Prince features a combination of almond and saffron (one of the most revered spices in the world). A unique Italy-inspired flavour which you probably cannot find elsewhere in Singapore, it has a creamy, nutty taste. The almonds are also stone-grounded for 10 hours prior, adding to the authenticity of the flavour.

Another signature flavour is the Skinny Dark Chocolate Sorbet, which is a lighter, and more refreshing version to the creamier Dark Chocolate Gelato. It may appeal more to people who favour the non-creamy and delectably light texture of the sorbet while retaining the richness of the chocolate flavour.

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Affogato ($6) 4/5

Diners may choose any gelato flavour to go with the Affogato, giving them a chance to create unique flavours to their likings. We opted for the Whiskey & Salted Pecan Brittle to go with the bitterness of the coffee, which gave the affogato a little more of a kick, while the pecan brittles added an addictive crunch.

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New gelato flavours are invented every week to keep things fresh and exciting, and the exclusive gelato flavours available only at Denzy Gelato promises a unique and unforgettable experience for all who patronise them. Together with waffles, coffee and tea available, it serves as the perfect dessert chill spot.

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.


Denzy Gelato
Blk 506 Bishan Street 11
#01-404
Singapore 570506
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Bishan (NS Line, CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 1030pm

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

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Yan Restaurant (宴) @ National Gallery Singapore - Encapsulates The Heart And Soul Of Cantonese Cuisine With A Refreshed Menu

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Yan Restaurant (宴) at National Gallery Singapore welcomes new Head Chef Ng Sen Tio. Under his belt is three decades of experience in the kitchens of Chinese restaurants in Singapore. Staying true to Yan's ethos of offering a convivial feast of Cantonese flavours for the tummy, eyes and soul, Chef Ng curates a new and refreshed menu.

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We started with a trio of starters which gives us a glimpse of the refreshed menu. On the plate, we have the Marinated Okra with Homemade Spiced Sauce, House Special Caramelized Barbecued Pork and Fried Minced Duck Meat with Cuttlefish Paste in Egg Pancake. The spiced sauce for the okra is like our local "Hae Bee Hiam" which complements the crunchy green excellently. The barbecued pork uses the "wu hua rou" cut which has a delectable fat to lean ratio. It is also beautifully caramelised and not overly sweet, this is a joy to eat. Lastly, the egg pancake comes with different layers of texture at play. This is a traditional dish taught by his mentor in the 1970s. While it is good, I can't really taste the duck meat in it.

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Golden Pumpkin Broth with Seafood and Chicken Paste Beancurd 4.2/5

The Golden Pumpkin Broth with Seafood and Chicken Paste Beancurd ($18 per serving) is a dish that can be enjoyed by both young and old. The paste beancurd ball is so soft that it is easy for the old to indulge in. The young can have it with the ease of mind that they will not find fish bones in it. As for me, the sweet pumpkin broth packed with essence from the pork and chicken consomme goes really well with the pillowy paste beancurd ball. Each spoonful feels like floating on cloud nine.

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Claypot Work-fried Prawns with Fish Maw, Vermicelli and Homemade XO Sauce 4.5/5

A dish that I will definitely order in my re-visit is the Claypot Work-fried Prawns with Fish Maw, Vermicelli and Homemade XO Sauce ($38/$57/$76). The ingredients are braised separately and cooked with the XO sauce, melding everything the flavours together. It is then garnished with fresh buds of night-blooming jasmine, emitting a sweet scent as the lid is lifted.

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Wok-fried Crab with Homemade Pumpkin Sauce 4.5/5

For those that have gotten tired of chilli, salted egg or black pepper crab, the Wok-fried Crab with Homemade Pumpkin Sauce will be a delightful substitute. The sauce is creamy and sweet. The addition of curry leaves perks it with aromas. It is one finger-licking tasty dish that you probably doesn't want to miss. Not to forget ordering some fried mantou to wipe clean the sauce.

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House Special Local Lobster Porridge with Clams and Puffed Rice 4.2/5

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For something comforting, there is the House Special Local Lobster Porridge with Clams and Puffed Rice. The robust broth is made from chicken stock, lobster and prawn shells. Then steamed rice and seafood are added, allowing the rice grains to absorbed the flavours. Before serving, deep-fried crispy purple rice is added for that extra textural enjoyment.

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Chilled Peach Resin with Osmanthus and Aloe Vera Jelly 4/5

Finishing off the dinner, I have the Chilled Peach Resin with Osmanthus and Aloe Vera Jelly. It is light and refreshing, yet not overly sweet with crunchy peach resin.

Noted: This is an invited tasting.


Yan Restaurant (宴)
National Gallery Singapore
1 St Andrew's Road
#05-02
Singapore 178958
Tel: +65 63845585
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Turn left onto Coleman Street. Walk down Coleman Street. Walk to destination. Journey time around 5 minutes. [Map]