Thursday, June 15, 2023

Portman’s Bar @ PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay - Enjoy Wellness-themed Afternoon Tea of Delectable Treats Made With Ingredients From Urban Farm

IMG_6432

For a limited time till 30 June 2023, Portman's Bar at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay has launched a special Wellness-themed Afternoon Tea set. The highlight of this set is not only on how the items are served in a luxurious-looking picnic basket but that the full selection of savoury and sweet treats are made with ingredients freshly harvested from the hotel's urban farm. These include fresh herbs, edible flowers and vegetables.

IMG_6425

At $58 per pax (min. 2 pax), you can further sweeten your afternoon with a two-hour free flow of Taittinger Champagne at $68 or Prosecco at $38.

IMG_6426

Indeed, the environment at Portman's Bar allows a time to relax, as it is surrounded by greenery and pleasant soft music in the background.

IMG_6428

Beverages included in the set are free-flow of their coffee and chocolate options as well as a range of TWG Teas served by the pot. You can make swaps any time throughout the dining period. Other than the coffee options, I recommend skipping the Hot/Iced Chocolate and heading straight for the reliable TWG Teas.

IMG_6427
Homemade Carrot Scone 4/5

The first item served was the Homemade Carrot Scone, with sides of clotted cream, grated carrot and orange jam to pair.

IMG_6451
Picnic Basket

Right after the scones, we were presented with the Picnic Basket, which had seven types of savouries and four sweets delicately placed within.

IMG_6450
Healthy Salmon Sandwich 4/5

We went for the Healthy Salmon Sandwich with sustainable salmon, cucumber and cream cheese between wholegrain bread. The bread was soft, while the salmon was fresh and lightly salted. It was a lovely piece to start with.

IMG_6433
Nourishing Smoked Chicken Focaccia 3.8/5

Next was the Nourishing Smoked Chicken Focaccia. The smoked chicken and grilled zucchini made a good pairing. The focaccia was soft but slightly too moist on the bottom due to the dressing.

IMG_6434
Savoury Scallop with Tomato Salsa 4.2/5

The Savoury Scallop with Tomato Salsa was a bright palate cleanser in shot glasses. There was a base of avocado, tomato salsa, scallop, and toast. The mix of savoury and tangy sweetness was refreshing.

IMG_6430
Zesty Prawn Tartlet 4.2/5

My dining companion’s favourite was the Zesty Prawn Tartlet. The base had a nice and firm cookie-like texture, with a surprising combination of diced prawn, mango and pomelo.

IMG_6429
Indulgent Lobster Roll 4.5/5

Aptly named the Indulgent Lobster Roll, the chunky and sweet lobster meat was dressed in mayonnaise sauce, topped with tobiko and sandwiched between buttery and lightly toasted brioche.

IMG_6437
Mini Pie 3.8/5

While I enjoyed the creamy and earthy filling of leek, potato and sauteed mushroom in the Mini Pie, my dining companion and I felt they could be more generous. The pastry was average, lacking a crunch and buttery fragrance.

IMG_6436
Impossible™ Meat Puff Pastry Roll 3.8/5

Similar to the Mini Pie, the puff pastry of the Impossible™ Meat Puff Pastry Roll could be better, but we quite liked the savoury Impossible™ meat filling.

IMG_6435
Petite Mango Passion Fruit Gateaux 4.2/5

The Petite Mango Passion Fruit Gateaux was a likeable piece comprising mango, passion fruit, and Breton almond biscuits. It was not too sweet and had tangy notes.

IMG_6438
Harmonious Panna Cotta 3.5/5

The Harmonious Panna Cotta featured vanilla and carrot-flavoured panna cotta with a candied carrot and pistachio biscotti. Unfortunately, I was not a big fan of the watery texture and how distinct the carrot notes were.

IMG_6431
Peanut Coconut Praline Cake 4.2/5

If you are a fan of peanuts or nutty flavours, the pebble-looking Peanut Coconut Praline Cake is the one to look out for. The cake had a peanut praline emulsion that was rich but not cloying, with a surprise lemongrass jello in the centre, all built on a coconut sponge cake.

IMG_6439
Sweet Wagon

On top of the scones and treats above, diners of the afternoon tea can also select from the Sweet Wagon, which offers an assortment of patisseries, macaroons, pralines and cookies.

IMG_6440
Chocolate Tart 4.2/5

I recommend giving their Chocolate Tart a try. The tart base could be a tad thinner, but I loved the chocolate filling's intensity, richness and smoothness. It was not too sweet either.

Reservations should be made via phone call +65 6845 1119 or email at portmansbar.prsmb@parkroyalcollection.com. Any special dietary requests should also be made known upon reservation.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Portman’s Bar
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay
Level 4
6 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 68451119
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

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

IMG_5101

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.

IMG_5099
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.

IMG_5089
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.

IMG_5105
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.

IMG_5081
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
Facebook
Instagram
Website
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]