Tajimaya Yakiniku @ Vivocity - Unveils A Fresh New Concept With A Revamped Menu

Tajimaya Yakiniku has recently unveiled its newly revamped outlet at Vivocity, housing three different concepts within an elegantly designed space - Tajimaya Yakiniku, Suki-Ya KIN and MASH Whisky Bar. Tajimaya establishes itself as the purveyor of authentic Japanese Yakiniku meats. With the new a la carte and set menu, more premium and exclusive Yakiniku meats are now available. The restaurant is also completed with a Japanese high-performance "smokeless" grill exhaust system, allowing you to savour what's sizzling in front of you in great comfort.

The menu offers prime Waygu beef from Kagoshima and Miyazaki and Japanese Kurobuta pork in both set and a la carte options. We tried the Tajimaya A5 Kagoshima Karubi Set ($238.80 for 2pax). The Set Menu comes with House Salad, San Chu, Sashimi (Daily Selection)/Tempura, Chawanmushi, Miso Soup, and Garlic Fried Rice.

The platter includes A5 Kagoshima Nami Karubi Boneless Short Ribs, A5 Kagoshima Sankaku Bara Chuck Short Ribs, A5 Kagoshima Sasabara Flank, A5 Kagoshima Kainomi Flap, and A5 Kagoshima Nakaochi Karubi Ribs Finger.

All the cuts were tantalising, with beautiful marbled meats. My favourite cut is the Nami Karubi Boneless Short Ribs being the most well-balanced cut of fats and meat. They were scrumptious on their own, with or without the dipping sauces. The accompanying three sauces have different taste profiles to complement the meats - savory shoyu, garlicky miso and tare.

Cut into cubes, Nakaochi Karubi Ribs Finger gave an enjoyable bite, and I love it with the morish aromatic garlic fried rice that comes with an equally delectable chewy texture.

Another favourite is the Kainomi Flap, a small but extremely flavoursome part of the rib area.

If you wish to try a mix of Beef and Pork, there's the Yakiniku Platter Set for ($228.80 for 2 pax). The assortment of meats is served in traditional Japanese ware, featuring A5 Miyazaki Striploin, A5 Kagoshima Sasabara Flank, A5 Miyazaki Rib Rosu Shin Ribeye, A5 Miyazaki Nami Karubi Boneless Short Ribs, A5 Kagoshima Nakaochi Karubi Ribs Finger, A5 Kagoshima Misuji Top Blade, A5 Kagoshima Chuck Flap Zabuton, Japanese Kurobuta Pork Belly and Japanese Kurobuta Pork Collar.

Each set comes with a sake pairing recommendation to complete your experience. Seafood and other Japanese dishes are also available to complement your dining experience. This outlet also offers two private rooms for cosier dining experiences or special occasions.

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.


Tajimaya Yakiniku
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-102/103
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 63770070
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun, Eve of PH and PH: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Dan's Steaks Bar & Grill @ The Star Vista - A Home-grown Steakhouse By Ex-Radio DJ Daniel Ong

Dan's Steaks has expanded into 4 outlets in Singapore, one of which is at Star Vista, which I visited recently. It is known for its large cuts up to 1.2kg. House cuts that are good for one are available as well. To complement your steaks, the restaurant has also curated a list of wholesome starters and sides and a considered selection of wines, cocktails and craft beers, including the much beloved Brewlander.

Pan-seared Hokkaido Scallops 4.5/5

We started with Pan-seared Hokkaido Scallops ($27), which is very well received by customers. The scallops were served piping hot in aromatic garlic butter sauce and were exceptionally plump and succulent. I love the charred sides that gave an edge to their texture. It would have been perfect should the accompanying toasts be just plain toasts to sop up the garlic butter.

Austige Wagyu Hanging Tender 3.8/5

From House Cuts, we had Austige Wagyu Hanging Tender (230g $46 with one side) served with Chimichurri and Dan's special mustard. It is one of the more exclusive cuts the restaurant offers with a limited daily quantity. It's well-liked for its leanness and beefy flavour. Ours was beautifully charred, forming a tantalising crust. Dan's special mustard has a hint of fiery kick, which I reckoned it's from the use of wasabi, and together with the tangy Chimichurri, the sauces cut the meat's richness. However, I found the steak lacked some salt to bring out its full flavour.

Fresh Creamed Spinach 3.8/5

Each House Cut comes with one side of choice. I had the Fresh Creamed Spinach that came bright and sunny with a fried sunny side-up. Though it was just a dish of spinach and cream, I love the idea of beefing up the side with a fried sunny side-up and mixing the egg yolk in helped to make it creamier.

Dan's Mac & Cheese 3.5/5

The sides are available in generous portions for a la carte orders. Dan's Mac & Cheese ($14) with triple cheese is definitely a crowd-pleaser for all cuts. It was done al dente and wasn't overly creamy, but it was relatively mild tasting. Adding some sharp-tasting cheeses will help to give it some oomph.

Pan-Roasted Mushroom 4.8/5

The much-recommended Pan-Roasted Mushroom ($14) featuring a trio of mushrooms is one of the best I had. These well-roasted morsels, especially those with caramelised edges, were so flavoursome with aromatic white wine, balsamic and garlic. It is a must-have if you drop by Dan's Steaks.

This Star Vista outlet has a very cosy ambience, with warm natural lights from its glass facade. The drinks menu is designed to go with the food menu. Diners can look forward to good craft beers and a good selection of wines.

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.


Dan's Steaks
The Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green
#02-22
Singapore 138617
Tel: +65 81233853
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thur: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 11am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

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