Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Raffles Courtyard @ Raffles Hotel - Newly-launched Weekend Brunch Menu With Asian And Western Delights

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Raffles Courtyard at Raffles Hotel now presents a new weekend brunch menu to include both Asian and Western delights, as well as healthy beverages to fuel you for the rest of the week.

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Antipasti 3/5

If you are reaching out for some bubbly or wines, the Antipasti ($58) would be ideal for 3 to 4 pax. It comes with an Anchovy spread, selection of Cold Cuts, Smoked Salmon, Marinated Vegetables, some cheeses and a couple of raisins. The Anchovy spread was really yummy, and to appreciate its flavours, simply spread it onto the breads that is served with the antipasti. The bunch of raisins was abit awkward on the plate, a handful more dried fruits would definitely help to make this platter more complete.

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Avocado Tartine 2.8/5 

You can go for ala carte or create your own Courtyard Brunch ($28) which will provide you with a Main Course, a Cold Beverage and a Hot Beverage. For Main Course, I had a Tartine from the Heartier Options category, that is to be topped with Avocado Hash, Guacamole, Toasted Pine Nuts, Rocket and Parmesan Cheese (ala carte $22). Although this dashed my hopes of a creamy, satisfying avocado toast luxe for carrying only a thin spread of Guacamole and heaps of rocket, the refreshing bitter greens that was beautifully salted, in combination with the toasty pine nuts, was very much enjoyable.

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For beverages, there are some interesting choices for juices, customisable smoothie and teas.

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Kaya Toast Set 3.5/5 

From the Asian Delights, the Kaya Toast Set delights with its thick slices of butter and mellow sweet kaya. I hope the toasting of the bread can be improved over time, as mine felt like it needed a minute more. It comes with traditional kopi or teh.

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Popular local items such as Nasi Lemak and Mee Goreng are also available, as well as the quintessential egg-centric dishes which can be found in the Protein category.

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The weekend brunch is served on weekends from 930am to 3pm.

Photos and 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.


Raffles Courtyard
Raffles Hotel
328 North Bridge Rd
Singapore 188719
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 3pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 930am -10pm

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 down North Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, July 19, 2020

Miss Vanda - The Delivery Arm of One Michelin-Starred Restaurant Labyrinth

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Miss Vanda is the delivery arm of Michelin-starred restaurant Labyrinth. The menu consists of local favourites which are somewhat familiar but yet different with an elevated twist. The concept was originally Chef Han's expansion into casual dining, but the pandemic gives birth to the delivery service instead.

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Singapore Style Laksa with Premium Seafood

The Singapore Style Laksa with Premium Seafood ($28) blown me away with with its no holds barred rich flavours. The laksa broth made from fresh coconut milk, belachan and prawn heads hit me like a tank with its richness. Look deeper into the creamy broth, you will discover a treasure of pan-seared Hokkaido scallop, local Green Lip Mussel stuffed with Fish Paste, and Her Geow with Crabmeat filing. This is definitely an atas rendition of the local laksa.

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Boneless Crispy Har Cheong Chicken Wings

Unfortunately the Boneless Crispy Har Cheong Chicken Wings ($14) did not travel well. It lost its crispiness when I received the delivery. However, I can imagine how good it will tastes if I get to have it pipping hot as the distinct prawn paste flavour was well marinated into the chicken wings.

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Labyrinth Signature Claypot "Ang Moh" Chicken Rice

If you have tried the Labyrinth's "Ang Moh" Chicken Rice, now you have the full portion at Miss Vanda. The Labyrinth Signature Claypot "Ang Moh" Chicken Rice ($18) is created in memory of Chef Han's grandmother. She created the version during the colonial era whilst working for a British family, pairing Hainanese chicken rice with creamy chicken mushroom sauce. For those that is used to our local Hainanese chicken rice, it will take sometime to appreciate it.

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Hainanese Style Sweet & Sour Sakura-Kurobuta Pork Collar

Unfortunately another dish that didn't manage to travel well is the Hainanese Style Sweet & Sour Sakura-Kurobuta Pork Collar ($24). It lost its crispy when its reached me. Putting that aside, the pork collar was tender and the accompanying sauce complemented it excellent.

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Wagyu Beef Rendang with Buah Keluah

A dish that I enjoyed a lot is the Wagyu Beef Rendang with Buah Keluah ($28). This is so good with the buah keluah giving the whole dish that extra oomph. Not to mention how tender the beef rendang was, well flavoured with the aromatic rempah.

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Bo Luo Bao - Char Siew Creme Diplomat Choux Puff

An interesting take of the choux puff, giving it an Asian twist is the Bo Luo Bao - Char Siew Creme Diplomat Choux Puff ($15). You can even find bits of diced bak kwa in it.

To be frank, I am glad that Chef Han is able to adapt to the new norm and started Miss Vanda. During the pandemic, the most worry thing is resistant to change and not moving on. I applaud the courage of Chef Han to take the first step. My favourite dishes are the Laksa and Beef Rendang. This is a must order.


Miss Vanda by Labyrinth
Esplanade Mall
8 Raffles Avenue
#02-23
Singapore 039802
Tel: +65 62234098
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to Raffles Avenue. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]