Thursday, July 20, 2023

Sky22 @ Courtyard by Marriott - Experience Sky22’s Mediterranean-Inspired Delights, A Limited-Time Menu Available Till 31 August 2023

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This season, the special menu launch at Sky22 features Mediterranean-inspired flavours thoughtfully assembled by the restaurant's chefs. Featuring both a la carte options and set dinners, it offers dishes for starters, sharing plates, mains and desserts using flavours from countries like Greece, Italy, Spain and Morocco. The menu's emphasis is on proteins, the use of herbs, whole grains, spices and fresh vegetables.

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If you are dining as a duo, the Set Dinner for Two is priced at $48/pax and $45/pax for a group of four. This time-limited menu will be available daily from 6pm to 10.30pm till 31 August 2023.

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Sky22 boasts a breathtaking skyline view that surrounds the restaurant space. I recommend reserving a window seat if you are coming by - we were there for dinner and were rewarded with a gorgeous sunset. Our Set Dinner for two included a starter, two mains and two desserts of our choice.

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Grilled Octopus 3.8/5

The Grilled Octopus ($28) showcased the Mediterranean influences using Muhammara, smoked paprika, capers and white anchovy. Unfortunately, the octopus was too chewy for my liking, though I appreciated the complementary bursts of sweet pomegranate and tang of capers.

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Tiger Prawns 4/5

The Tiger Prawns ($32) main had a bed of squid ink rice cooked with garlic, chilli, and cognac. While the prawns fell short of expectations being slightly overcooked and dry, the miso butter slab gave the dish great depth. I recommend mixing the butter in before enjoying it.

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Kleftiko 4/5

For our second main, we chose the Kleftiko ($36, Additional $6 Top Up for Set). It features a roasted lamb shank accompanied by potato, lemon and dukkah. My dining companion enjoyed the meat's gaminess more than I did and gave thumbs up to the meat's tenderness.

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Apple Spiced Cake 4/5

The delightful Apple Spiced Cake ($14) was our first dessert choice. It was served with a butterscotch rum sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Although the alcohol spiked apples could have been cooked softer, the cake was moist with a pleasant hint of spices.

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Chocolate Babka French Toast 4/5

Lastly, we had the Chocolate Babka French Toast ($12). The chefs used chocolate babka bread instead of the usual french toast to pair with a more refreshing, tangy-sweet labneh (a strained yoghurt). There were also bits of almond and a sesame brittle for added crunch.

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.


Sky22
Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena
99 Irrawaddy Road
Level 22
Singapore 329568
Tel: +65 6378 2040
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Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast: 630am to 1030am
Lunch: 12pm to 230pm
Dinner: 6pm t0 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]


Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Mama Jac's Kitchenette Private Dining - A Memorable and Satisfying Cantonese-Peranakan Dinner

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During my visit to Mama Jac's Kitchenette Private Dining in April 2023, I had the pleasure of experiencing an 8-course meal priced at $125.50 per person. Mama Jac specialises in Cantonese-Peranakan cuisine, offering a unique fusion of flavours and culinary traditions.

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Mango Salad 4.5/5

Our private dining experience commenced with the tantalising Mango Salad, a refreshing appetiser that combined the perfect balance of crunch and pungent flavours. The vibrant mangoes added a delightful sweetness to the dish.

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Hai Zhou 4.8/5

Next, we indulged in the Hai Zhou, a substantial dish featuring plump prawns wrapped in crispy beancurd skin. The prawns were succulent, bursting with natural sweetness, while the beancurd skin added a satisfying crunch to each bite.

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Bakwan Kepiting 5/5

One of the standout dishes was the Bakwan Kepiting, a meatball soup packed with depth and robust flavours. The generously sized meatball was juicy and tender, enhanced by the addition of crabmeat, which imparted a delightful seafood sweetness. The bamboo shoots added a layer of texture and flavour to the dish.

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Brandy Cincalok Ayam 4.8/5

A highlight of the evening was the Brandy Cincalok Ayam, a unique Peranakan creation that surprised and delighted my taste buds. The combination of cincalok, a traditional fermented shrimp paste, with brandy brought a new depth of flavour to the tender chicken, resulting in a deliciously unique culinary experience.

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Nonya Chap Chye 4.8/5

The Nonya Chap Chye was executed flawlessly, with the various ingredients retaining their crunch and the fermented soybean imparting a distinct savoury note that elevated the dish's overall taste.

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Mengkabo (Babi Masak Asam) 4.2/5

Mengkabo, also known as Babi Masak Asam, was another standout dish on the menu. The tender pork slices were cooked in a spicy and tangy sauce, tantalising the palate with their robust flavours. We were even encouraged to enjoy the dish with cut green chilli for an added dimension of enjoyment.

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Assam Pedas Stingray 4/5

The Assam Pedas Stingray, a classic fish stew, is further impressed with its tangy and spicy profile. The addition of pineapple lent a fruity sweetness that beautifully complemented the tender stingray.

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Panna Cotta Chendol

We savoured the Panna Cotta Chendol for dessert, a delightful conclusion to our meal. The homemade chendol, sea coconut, corn, and red beans were immersed in a thick and creamy coconut milk infused with the rich sweetness of Gula Melaka. While the dish was served without ice to allow the natural flavours to shine, I preferred it chilled for a more refreshing experience.

Mama Jac's Kitchenette Private Dining provided an enchanting culinary journey through Cantonese-Peranakan cuisine. The meticulously prepared dishes showcased a harmonious blend of flavours and textures, with each course leaving a lasting impression. Mama Jac's passion for her craft was evident in every dish, making this private dining experience a memorable and satisfying exploration of unique flavours and cultural influences.


Mama Jac's Kitchenette Private Dining
Blk 434 Clementi Ave 4
Singapore 120434
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Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)