Sunday, September 3, 2023

One-Ninety Restaurant @ Four Seasons Hotel Singapore - 3 Months Argentinian Takeover by Brasero and Florería Atlántico Pop-Up

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Starting from August 1, 2023, an extraordinary gastronomic adventure awaits as the world-renowned mixologist Renato "Tato" Giovannoni, celebrated as one of the top 10 bartenders globally, and the seasoned hospitality maestro Alex Resnik, make their debut in the Garden City. They embark on a thrilling culinary journey with a three-month-long takeover of the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, promising an unforgettable Argentinian culinary experience.

Brought to you from the bustling streets of Buenos Aires to the heart of Singapore, this South American brasserie pop-up at One-Ninety Restaurant and One-Ninety Bar will whisk diners away to the enchanting world of Argentina. Prepare to immerse yourself in the country's rich culinary traditions and vibrant atmosphere, making for an exceptional dining escapade.

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The restaurant, Brasero Atlántico, serves up an à la carte dinner menu and a tantalising seven-course Chef's Table dinner experience at SGD 168 per person, thoughtfully curated by Chef Alex Resnik. It captures the essence of Argentinian cuisine with dishes ranging from the famous asado (Argentinian barbecue) to mouthwatering empanadas and much more.

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Octopus Confit 4/5

Indulge in the sublime Octopus Confit ($42), a dish where every bite is a symphony of flavours and textures. The octopus has been lovingly slow-cooked for at least 4 hours, allowing it to reach the pinnacle of tenderness and softness. Bathed in a harmonious blend of coconut and olive oil, with subtle hints of cinnamon and fragrant orange peel, it's a culinary masterpiece that dances on your palate. Each bite is an exquisite journey through layers of flavour, showcasing the chef's dedication to perfection.

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Veal Tongue "Pampa Style" 3.8/5

A unique preparation of Veal Tongue ($28) involves slow-cooking it in an acidic sauce for at least 3 hours alongside vegetable pickles, onions, and celery. Drizzled with criolla sauce and sprinkled with baby chervil and extra virgin olive oil, the dish brings out the tender flavours of veal tongue.

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Empanada 3.8/5

Two delightful Empanadas graced our table - Ossobuco ($15) and Leek ($10). These savoury pastries are filled with mouthwatering ingredients. The Ossobuco version features braised shank slow-cooked with vegetables for 8 hours, while the Leek empanada combines leeks, onions, and garlic sautéed with butter and provolone cheese for a rich and cheesy filling.

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Aged Provoleta Cheese 4.2/5

The Aged Provoleta Cheese ($28) is heated until it becomes irresistibly soft, melty, and slightly browned on top. The ageing process intensifies its flavour, offering a combination of sharp, nutty, and slightly fruity notes. It's beautifully complemented with Calabria oregano and criolla sauce.

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Frog Legs “A la Provenzal” 3.8/5

The Frog Legs "A la Provenzal" ($28) presents tender frog legs from France sautéed with roasted fingerling potatoes, garlic, butter, sage, and a splash of white wine. The result is moist and tender frog legs, although I preferred a richer sauce.

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Lomo Tenderloin 4.5/5

The Lomo Tenderloin ($65, 350g) is perfectly grilled. It acquires a captivating smokiness. Paired with chimichurri sauce, it's an explosion of succulent flavours. The chimichurri sauce adds its own zesty, herbaceous essence.

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Beets Salad 4.2/5

The Beets Salad ($18) combines crunchy quinoa, potato puree, soft-boiled egg, and fresh beetroot tossed with olive oil. The beetroot offers a subtle earthy sweetness, making it a well-rounded side dish.

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Fennel 3.5/5

The Fennel Salad ($18) comprises finely sliced fennel paired with watercress, grapefruit, and orange segments drizzled with a house-made lemon olive oil vinaigrette. The result is a refreshing salad with a tangy finish.

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Dulce de Leche Flan 4/5

The Dulce de Leche Flan ($18) is a smooth and creamy creme caramel pudding with a layer of clear caramel sauce, served with mascarpone cheese cream and nuts. The balance between sweetness and creaminess is perfected when enjoyed with the mascarpone and textured nuts.

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Valrhona Chocolate Lava Cake 4.2/5

The Valrhona Chocolate Lava Cake ($24) is a chocolate lover's dream. The chocolate lava cake comes with a liquid yerba mate chocolate centre, served with a scoop of ice cream. The cake is moist and slightly crisp on the outside, while the yerba mate infusion adds an interesting twist to the classic chocolate lava cake.

Brasero Atlántico truly transports diners to the vibrant streets of Argentina, offering an exciting culinary journey filled with traditional flavours and innovative twists.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


One-Ninety Restaurant
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248646
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 11. Walk straight down Orchard Boulevard Road. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, September 2, 2023

Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe (大南洋) @ Craig Road - A Nostalgic Blend of Old Malaysian and Singaporean Kopitiam Flavours

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Great Nanyang (大南洋) on Craig Road invites you to take a nostalgic journey back in time, offering a delightful blend of old Malaysian and Singaporean kopitiam flavours. Founded by the mastermind behind Yang Ming Seafood, this charming establishment brings forth the cherished dishes of both countries, encompassing Hainanese Chicken Cutlet, Nasi Lemak Kukus, and Dry Mee Siam.

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Kaya Butter Toast and Traditional Kaya Butter Thick Toast 4.2/5

Start your day at Great Nanyang with a cultural and flavourful awakening through their kopi, teh, and toast offerings. The Traditional Kaya Butter Toast ($2.50) and Traditional Kaya Butter Thick Toast ($2.70) make for a heartwarming breakfast or snack. These toasts boast a delightful crispness, generously slathered with aromatic kaya and a layer of rich butter.

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Egg Mayo Toast 4/5

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Chicken Floss Toast 4.5/5

For those seeking a more diverse experience, there's the Egg Mayo Toast ($4) and Chicken Floss Toast ($4.80), each offering distinct toppings. The Egg Mayo Toast features creamy egg topping, with meticulous separation of egg whites and yolks for a velvety texture. However, the standout here is the Chicken Floss Toast, boasting melt-in-the-mouth strands of sweetness and savoury perfection, heightened by the aromatic hae bee hiam.

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French Toast with Peanut Butter 3.5/5

The French Toast with Peanut Butter ($4.50) presents a nutty twist but leans on the richer side, with the creamy peanut butter slightly overpowering the fragrant egg wash.

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Soft Boil Kampung Eggs (2 Eggs) 4/5

To complete your toast set, you can add Soft Boil Kampung Eggs and a hot coffee or tea for an additional $3. The eggs are sourced fresh from Johor Bahru, known for their lower cholesterol content and higher nutritional value.

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Coconut Coffee Iced, Hor Ka Sai Iced 4.5/5

Great Nanyang offers a well-balanced coffee blend, combining local and Arabica beans to create an aromatic and satisfying cup of joe. If you're looking for something unique, the Iced Coconut Coffee ($5.90) and Hor Ka Sai Iced ($5), a blend of Milo and coffee, offer a refreshing twist.

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Assam Laksa 4.2/5

Dive into their main offerings, such as the Assam Laksa, which bursts with robust flavours, complemented by julienne onions and cucumbers to provide a textural contrast and a touch of freshness. What sets this Assam Laksa apart is its commitment to authenticity. Great Nanyang goes the extra mile by importing the authentic thick rice noodles used in Assam Laksa directly from Malaysia. This dedication to using traditional ingredients ensures that each bowl captures the true essence of this beloved Malaysian dish, making it a must-try for laksa enthusiasts.

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Dry Mee Siam with Sambal Prawn Petai 3/5

The Dry Mee Siam with Sambal Prawn Petai ($10.90) at Great Nanyang left me with mixed feelings. While it was a flavourful dish, I found it on the lighter side, especially when compared to my personal preference for a Mee Siam, bursting with the rich flavours of dried shrimp and an invigorating tanginess. However, what truly stood out in this dish were the prawns and petai cooked in a fragrant and utterly delightful sambal sauce. The sambal's aromatic and spicy kick added an extra layer of flavour to the overall experience, making it a memorable part of the meal.

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Nasi Kukus 3/5

The Nasi Kukus at Great Nanyang, priced at $8.90, offers a plate of enticing elements. It features flavourful fried chicken pieces, a sunny-side-up fried egg, crunchy peanuts, and a zesty sambal, and all served atop a bed of coconut-infused rice. The rice is aromatic and beautifully infused with coconut flavours, adding a delightful depth to the dish. However, there's room for improvement when it comes to the star of the plate, the chicken. While it's packed with flavour, the chicken could benefit from a touch more moisture to reach its peak tenderness. Despite this, the combination of the aromatic rice, the crispy chicken, and the spicy sambal makes for a satisfying meal with layers of texture and taste.

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Curry Chicken 4.2/5

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Prawn Paste Chicken Wings 4/5

Don't miss out on a la carte options, like the Curry Chicken ($6.90), showcasing a Malaysian-style curry infused with Indian spices and chunky, tender chicken pieces. The Prawn Paste Chicken Wings ($6.90 for 4 pieces) offer crispy exteriors and juicy, prawn-infused interiors for an elevated wing experience.

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Signature Hainanese Chicken Cutlet 3.8/5

The Signature Hainanese Chicken Cutlet ($15.90) may seem unassuming but is marinated to perfection, rendering it exceptionally tender and juicy. It's even accompanied by a delectable butter-based sauce that enhances its complexity.

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Great Nanyang is a testament to Keith's passion, drawing inspiration from his memories of growing up in Penang, Malaysia, and his career in Singapore's thriving coffeeshop scene, including Yang Ming Seafood. It serves as a cultural time capsule, preserving the disappearing flavors of the old kopitiams and sharing them with new generations, making it a true gem of a kopitiam, celebrating the Great Nanyang heritage.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe (大南洋)
5 Craig Road
Singapore 089665
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 830pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn right onto Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]