Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Gyu San Sando @ Forum the Shopping Mall - New Outlet In The Heart Of The City

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Known for its luxurious Kamichiku's Satsuma Gyu Sando, Gyu San Sando is now even more accessible with a new outlet at Forum The Shopping Mall.

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A5 Striploin Sando 4.8/5

Featuring the highly prized Kamichiku's Satsuma Gyu 4% Miracle, this A5 Striploin Sando ($52) is one of the most extravagant sandos. Done in katsu style, the striploin's melting texture was accentuated. The wagyu fats are rendered in the mouth with each bite, releasing decadent beefy flavours in every mouthful. Elevating the overall taste is the thin spread of sweet-tangy Gyu San Tare, which complemented the robust flavour of the meat. At the same time, the contrasting sharp, creamy Wasabi Aioli on the other side of the bread cut through the richness of the beef.

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Tamago Sando 4/5

Tamago Sando ($18) came vibrant with a generous portion of thick and fluffy tamago. Also prepared in katsu style, the crisp panko made it extra tasty by taking on the tare and wasabi aioli while also giving it an additional texture. While the overall taste was enjoyable, the sweetness level of the tamago could be reduced for a more balanced flavour.

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Salmon Pizza 4/5

The Salmon Pizza ($32) surprised with a thin and flaky crust. Brimming with toppings, the combination of the crispy base, luscious salmon and the various saltish pops of Tobiko, Squid ink Tobiko and ikura brought a pleasing textural contrast. The crust was slightly buttery, which worked well with the briny notes of the pizza.

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Wagyu Chips 4.5/5

Wagyu Chips ($8) is another highly raved dish. The ultra-thin Russet potato chips were fried to perfection in top-grade Wagyu fat and finished with a sprinkle of sweet, sharp, mustardy Gyu san wasabi furikake, making them even more irresistible.

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.


Gyu San Sando
Forum The Shopping Mall
583 Orchard Road
#01-28
Singapore 238884
Tel: +65 83136655
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am – 10pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Walk down Orchard Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Monday, June 12, 2023

Restaurant Espoir @ Amoy Street: Experience Modern European Cuisine With A Malayan Twist

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Restaurant Espoir, the sister establishment of The White Label at North Bridge Road, offers a captivating culinary experience with its modern European cuisine infused with a delightful touch of Malayan influence. As a Muslim-owned restaurant, it provides a warm and inclusive atmosphere where diners can savour the flavours of European dishes enhanced by local inspirations.

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Compressed Watermelon 3/5

The Compressed Watermelon Salad ($14) presents a delightful combination of flavours and textures. The soy-glazed compressed watermelon is accompanied by creamy feta cheese, fresh mesclun salad, tangy yuzu vinaigrette, and bursts of sweetness from the pomegranate. The yuzu vinaigrette adds a harmonious touch, bringing all the ingredients together in a tantalizing medley. While the dish is enjoyable, some diners might desire a greater quantity of watermelon and a chunkier cut to enhance the refreshing aspect of the salad.

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Crab Croquette 3/5

The Crab Croquette ($24) presents a delightful combination of blue swimmer crab and cream filling encased in a light batter shell. Served with kaffir lime mayo, the croquette could benefit from a lighter cream filling to allow the natural sweetness of the blue swimmer crab to shine through.

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Fish Consomme Heritage Style 4/5

For a taste of local inspiration, the Fish Consommé Heritage Style ($15) showcases a fish soup made from fish bone stock and dried flounder. Topped with chunky sous vide halibut and tomato caviar, this dish offers a unique fusion of European and local flavours.

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Mushroom Veloute 4.5/5

Mushroom lovers will appreciate the Mushroom Veloute ($13), a rich and flavorful soup packed with sautéed mushrooms, black summer truffle, porcini tapenade, and mushroom emulsion. The earthy mushroom flavours create a comforting and satisfying dish.

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Slow Cooked Breast of Lamb 3.5/5

Experience a unique take on the classic lamb dish with the Slow Cooked Breast of Lamb ($44). This rendition deviates from the conventional lamb rack. Tender and aromatic, the lamb breast is accompanied by garlic herb, pearl onions, baby carrots, tomato confit, salsa verde, and spiced lamb jus. While the dish is well-executed, the presence of the lamb skin might not be to everyone's taste.

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Sea Urchin Tagliatelle 3/5

The Sea Urchin Tagliatelle ($39) offers a delicate and flavorful pasta dish for seafood enthusiasts. Although the tagliatelle is cooked to al dente perfection, the sea urchin flavour in the sauce could be more pronounced for a stronger umami experience.

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Sticky Date Pudding 4/5

To conclude the dining experience, indulge in the Sticky Date Pudding ($13), featuring orange-infused sticky date pudding, almond crumble, orange caramel sauce, and a scoop of French vanilla gelato. The harmonious combination of sweetness and textures provides a satisfying and memorable ending to the meal.

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Restaurant Espoir invites diners to explore modern European cuisine with a delightful twist of Malayan influence. With its unique flavour profiles and thoughtful presentations, it promises a dining experience that blends tradition and innovation in every dish.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Restaurant Espoir
70 Amoy Street
Singapore 069889
Tel: +65 88605935
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 10pm
Sat: 830am - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]