Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Ren Lounge @ South Beach Avenue - Vibrant Japanese Restaurant, Bar and Lounge With Omakase, Whisky and More In City Centre

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Ren Lounge is a new Japanese restaurant, bar, and lounge opened at South Beach Avenue. The restaurant, helmed by Executive Chef Samuel Lau, offers Edo-style Japanese omakase for lunch and dinner. It also has a separate lounge and private room where diners can relax at the end of the day over a dram or two, with a choice of tasty bar bites that range from Japanese appetisers to western mains.

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Trio of Oysters

We started with a Trio of Oysters from the bar bites section to sample the seasonal live oyster available on their menu and the different ways of appreciating it. You can have it on its own to enjoy the freshness, baked and topped with bread crumbs & bacon, or baked with cheese can cream spinach.

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Roasted Lamb Rack

The Roasted Lamb Rack cooked to a beautiful pink is accentuated by the spiced rub for a well-flavoured and tender enjoyment.

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Appetisers

After having a glimpse of the bar bites, we move over to our omakase dinner. We had the Hana Omakase ($250), which comprises Seasonal Appetisers, Sashimi, Uni, Yakimono, Sushi, Donburi, Soup, and Dessert. Starting from the left to the right, we started with the refreshing Figs, followed by the creamy Monk Fish Liver and popping surprises from the Herring Roe.

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Seasonal Sashimi

Next, is the Seasonal Sashimi showcasing the freshest catch f the day. On my plate, I have Katsuo, Kanpachi (Amber Jack), and Kimedai (Golden Eye Snapper).

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Uni Special

A crowd favourite has to be Uni Special. In the glass, the Shiro Ebi hailed as the jewel of Toyama Bay is paired with uni and ikura. The chemistry of the three ingredients brings out the ebi's sweetness excellently.

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Yakimono - Tachiuo Shioyaki

From the grilled section, we had the Tachiuo Shioyaki (grilled belt fish). The white fish is light and clean tasting.

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Sushi

Our next course is the Sushi course, which comprises five different sushi - Hirame, Shima aji, Akami, Chutoro and Otoro. The rice to fish ratio is perfectly balanced and hand-pressed into a delicate morsel. The vinegar flavoured rice beautifully accentuated the freshness of the raw fish.

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Negitoro & Ikura Donburi

To ensure one is full from the omakase meal, it is wrapped up with a Donburi and Soup course. The donburi is topped with Negitoro and Ikura. Though simple, it is very satisfying and accompanied by a warm bowl of soup.

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Last but not least, we end the omakase dinner with a slice of Melon and Sea Salt Ice Cream for dessert.

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Besides having Japanese omakase at the main hall, Ren Lounge is also a space to meet with friends over drinks and casual bites. At the separate lounge and private room, the compact drinks menu offers the choice of Champagne, wine, sake, whisky and more to pair with your tasty bar bites that range from Japanese appetisers to Western mains. In addition, an enclosed private room offers more space for guests to hold their special events and celebrations, with customised menu options available.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ren Lounge
South Beach Avenue
30 Beach Road
#01-01
Singapore 189763
Tel: +65 69834825
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 5pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to the exterior of South Beach Avenue facing Suntec. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Friday, August 6, 2021

Moonbow @ Dempsey Hill - New Royal Midday High Tea, 70% Savoury 30% Sweet

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Having visited Moonbow when it opened earlier in the year, I was back at the restaurant on a weekend afternoon to check out the newly launched Royal Midday High Tea. The high set is available on Friday to Sunday, from 230pm to 530pm.

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High Tea Set

I am not a high tea person because I do not have a sweet tooth. Thanks to Chef Heman, who has come up with the new High Tea Set ($68.80) that focuses more on savoury than sweet. I was overwhelmed as 70% of the high tea set is savoury, and only 30% is sweet. For the savoury items, diners can look forward to Parma Ham Rose, Evvo Caviar, Salted Egg Bacon Bits Choux Pastry, Scallop Flower Amuse Bouche, Braised Short Rib Artisan Squid Ink Bread and Dark Chocolate Coated Foie Gras Lollipop.

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High Tea Set

There are Green Tea Fondant, Black Berries Rice Sorbet, Bacon Cheesecake and Mango Chocolate Mousse for the sweets selection.

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Tomato Butter Scones

A must-have to complement the high tea experience is the Tomato Butter Scones. Unlike the traditional English scone, Chef Heman's version is infused with tomatoes giving it a sweet, tangy finishing.

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As it is the truffle's season, Chef Heman has also incorporated the premium ingredients into the high tea menu.

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Cheesy Truffle Curly Fries

Besides the high tea set and scone, do check out the small plates to complete the high tea experience. The Cheesy Truffle Curly Fries covered with Parmesan Cheese and paired with Truffle Mayo Dips are delightfully addictive.

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Crispy Salmon Finger in Drawer

I feel that the Crispy Salmon Finger in Drawer is worthy of a shot at the main menu. Deep-fried to golden brown and looks like our local goreng pisang, it is a unique take of the usual deep-fried fish with a crispy exterior coat. In addition, it comes with two dipping sauces - truffle mayo and arrabbiata olio for the fullest enjoyment of the crispy salmon finger.

Suppose you are someone like me preferring savoury over sweets. In that case, you will enjoy the high tea set at Moonbow, which is different from other places with more sweets than savoury. As you can see from the set that I tried, it's not your usual cake, tart, sandwich or kueh.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


[CLOSED]
MOONBOW
Block 10 Dempsey Road
#01-21
Singapore 247700
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Holland Village (CC Line), Farrer Road (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 10am -3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop along Orchard Boulevard (Stop ID 09022). Take bus number 7, 77, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 7 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 30 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Block 12 (Stop ID 11401). Take bus 106. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Farrer Road MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Farrer Road MRT station (Stop ID 11119). Take bus number 174 or 564. Alight 5 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]