Sunday, November 5, 2023

Experience The Magic of 'A Christmas Tale' at The Marmalade Pantry

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Step into the enchanting world of 'A Christmas Tale' at The Marmalade Pantry and discover a festive feast that promises to make your celebrations truly special this holiday season. The bistro has unveiled an impressive lineup of tantalising treats and bundles catering to intimate gatherings and larger festivities, ensuring that everyone can savour the magic of the season.

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[NEW] Roasted Maple Bourbon Turkey 4/5

New stars on the menu include the Roasted Maple Bourbon Turkey ($158+, 3.6kg). This succulent turkey boasts a unique blend of flavours derived from marination in bourbon, maple syrup, apple juice, mustard, and black pepper. To ensure that every inch of meat is infused with this delectable medley, the turkey is first sous vide, then roasted to perfection. The result is a taste masterpiece bound to steal the spotlight.

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[NEW] Baked Maple Gammon Ham 4.5/5

Another standout newcomer is the Baked Maple Gammon Ham ($98+, 2kg). This classic ham presents a delightful interplay of sweet and savoury. The ham is marinated and sous vide in a reduction of maple syrup, honey, apple juice, yuzu juice, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. It's then roasted to a glorious glaze that makes every bite a flavour revelation.

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[NEW] Porchetta 4/5

Porchetta ($108+, 1kg) is a dish that promises to take your taste buds on a journey. It combines the richness of unctuous meat with the irresistible crunch of crispy crackling. The pork belly is meticulously rubbed with a blend of herbs before being expertly rolled and roasted to a golden brown finish.

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[NEW] Beef Short Ribs Bone-In 4.2/5

For beef fans, the Beef Short Ribs Bone-In ($108+, 1kg) is an exquisite choice. These fork-tender short ribs are seasoned with salt and pepper, browned, and then sous vide with thyme. A final searing imparts a smoky char, and they're served with roasted tomatoes for an unforgettable taste experience.

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[NEW] Lemon & Dill Salmon 4.2/5

For seafood enthusiasts, the Lemon & Dill Salmon ($108+, 0.8kg) is a revelation. Norwegian salmon is meticulously cured overnight with lemon zest and dill before being slow-baked to a delightful, moist, flaky texture. A squeeze of roasted lemon adds a burst of brightness to every bite.

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Roasted Harvests 4/5

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Quinoa Salad with Prawns 4.2/5

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Mac N' Cheese 4.5/5

The carvery delights are beautifully complemented by a selection of signature sides, including the ever-popular Mac N' Cheese ($25, 0.4kg), Quinoa Salad with Prawns ($28, 0.6kg), and Roasted Harvests ($25+, 0.6kg). These festive favourites are perfect for sharing and offer a comforting and hearty addition to your feast.

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[NEW] Roasted Pumpkin 4.2/5

A new side making its debut this year is the Roasted Pumpkin ($25, 0.6kg). This dish exudes warmth and comfort, featuring the hearty flavours of roasted pumpkin delicately topped with toasted almond flakes.

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[NEW] Merry Berry Cheese Log Cake 4/5

No Christmas celebration is complete without a delightful dessert. The Merry Berry Cheese Log Cake ($68+, 0.68kg) is a sweet and fruity indulgence. It features vibrant flavours of berries, including raspberry, blueberry, and strawberry, harmoniously blended with white chocolate crunch and rolled with cream cheese frosting to achieve a perfectly balanced taste.

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[NEW] Nutty Noel Chocolate Log Cake 4/5

If you're a chocolate lover, the Nutty Noel Chocolate Log Cake ($68, 0.68kg) will surely satisfy your cravings. Crafted from rich 70% dark chocolate crème, chocolate macadamia crunch, and chocolate sponge, it's a luxurious and decadent treat bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

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In addition to these tantalising takeaways, The Marmalade Pantry offers an unforgettable dining experience with The Yuletide Afternoon Tea. Available for dine-in, takeaway (self-collection), and delivery, this delightful tea experience is served at the Downtown outlet from 1 November 2023 to 7 January 2024, daily from 3pm to 6pm. The Anchorpoint outlet also offers this treat daily from 3pm to 6pm. An exclusive offering at The Marmalade Pantry Petite Bugis outlet from 1 November 2023 to 7 January 2024 is the Yuletide Petite Afternoon Tea Set, available for dine-in from 2pm to 5pm daily.

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You can order The Marmalade Pantry's 'A Christmas Tale' festive gourmet highlights until 23 December 2023, 12pm, or while stocks last, at all outlets – The Marmalade Pantry ION, Downtown, Anchorpoint, Novena, as well as The Marmalade Pantry Petite Bugis, and through the online store. Collection is available for takeaway (self-collection) at The Marmalade Pantry Downtown and delivery from 1 to 26 December 2023. Pre-order with Mastercard® by 30 November 2023 to enjoy 15% off festive à la carte orders (not applicable for Festive Bundles) – use promo code "FESTIVE15" for online purchases. With a spend of $180 or an order of a festive bundle, you'll receive a limited edition The Marmalade Canvas Jute Tote Bag while stocks last. Each festive bundle also comes with rose gold disposable cutlery in the quantity specified for the highest serving size of the respective bundle.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Marmalade Pantry Downtown
Oasia Hotel Downtown
#01-01
100 Peck Seah Street
Singapore 079333
Tel: +65 63850741
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Saturday, November 4, 2023

Homura by Kai @ Orchard Plaza - A Hidden Yakitori Omakase Inside An Unassuming Shopping Mall

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Homura by Kai, nestled discreetly on the third floor of Orchard Plaza, is a yakitori omakase haven awaiting discovery. This unassuming restaurant opens its shutters precisely at 6:30 pm, revealing a cosy space with 12 counter seats that provide a full view of the chef orchestrating his culinary magic over a charcoal pit.

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I had the 18-course Yakitori Omakase ($188), which promises an array of flavours and textures. The feast includes 3 Appetisers, 13 Skewers, 1 Signature Ramen/Soup, and a Dessert. There's also a slightly more modest 12-course Yakitori Omakase available at $138.

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Chawanmushi 4/5

We embarked on this journey with a delightful Chawanmushi. This Japanese classic presents a smooth and silky steamed egg bathed in dashi broth and adorned with a slice of chicken and a mushroom. It's a soothing prelude to the meal.

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Spanish Mackerel 4.5/5

A highlight of the evening was the Spanish Mackerel. At first glance, it might appear straightforward, but upon closer examination, it reveals two distinct textures. The top layer is slightly grilled to a delicate crisp, while the other half is served as sashimi. This clever preparation combines two different textural experiences in a single bite.

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Chicken Neck 4.2/5

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Chicken Skin 3.5/5

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Chicken Heart 4/5

We continued the journey through the diverse world of chicken skewers. The Chicken Neck surprised me with its pleasantly meaty bite, while the Chicken Skin was delightfully crispy. Chef Roy even meticulously trimmed away charred bits, ensuring no unpleasant burnt taste lingered. The Chicken Heart offered a delectably tender texture, showcasing the art of grilling different chicken parts.

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Shirako 4.5/5

Moving on, we encountered Shirako, cod fish's milt, a delicacy in season. Chef Roy coated it with a sweet sauce and grilled it over charcoal, adding a slight crispness to the exterior and a smoky aroma, all finished with a hint of sweetness.

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Zucchini 4.2/5

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Mushroom 4/5

The exploration of skewers continued with a focus on vegetables. The Zucchini, kissed by the fire and lightly seasoned with salt, brought out its natural sweetness. The Mushroom was perfectly grilled, preserving its juicy core.

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Chicken Oyster 4.5/5

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Chicken Wing 4.2/5

Next in line were the Chicken Oyster, a prized part of the chicken located on the back near the hip joint, offering a moist, juicy, and slightly silky texture. The Chicken Wing, as one might expect, was packed with flavour due to its bone-in preparation.

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Gingko Nuts 3.8/5

Gingko Nuts made an appearance, with their green hue resembling grapes, though the taste was quite different, offering hints of sweetness and nuttiness after grilling over charcoal.

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Japanese Yam 2.8/5

Japanese Yam, however, was the least favourite. The skin-on grilling left it somewhat dry, with a lingering aftertaste that might not appeal to all palates.

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Chicken Gizzard 4/5

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Chicken Cartilage 4.2/5

The Chicken Gizzard and Chicken Cartilage provided a delightful crunch, demonstrating the versatility of various chicken parts. These skewers were a testament to how even less common parts can be transformed into delectable treats.

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Chicken Liver 4/5

Chicken Liver followed, my personal favourite among chicken innards. Typically enjoyed with chicken rice, it presented a unique flavour profile after grilling, resembling pig's liver more closely than the usual boiled variety.

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Tsukune 4.5/5

The Tsukune, seasoned ground chicken formed into oval shapes, was a beloved dish in Japanese cuisine. It showcased the art of grilling and flavouring meat to create savoury and slightly sweet bite-sized portions of grilled chicken.

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Quail Egg 4/5

The omakase feast culminated with Quail Egg, grilled and seasoned with pepper. Unlike the usual tough texture of quail eggs, these retained a soft, runny centre, a testament to Homura's grilling skills.

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Ramen 3.8/5

The savoury part of the meal ended with Ramen served with an onsen egg and seaweed. The broth, light yet rich, was the perfect ending to a fantastic feast. Finally, for the grand finale, a scoop of Ice Cream, available in Matcha, Black Sesame, or Vanilla, rounded off the dining experience.

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Homura by Kai offers an exceptional yakitori omakase feast where each ingredient is expertly grilled to bring out its full flavour. The chef and service staff provide not only delicious dishes but also a warm and attentive dining experience. It was a truly enjoyable and memorable omakase dinner.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Homura by Kai
Orchard Plaza
150 Orchard Road
#03-16
Singapore 238841
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to traffic junction of Orchard Road and Killney Road. Cross the road. Walk to Orchard Plaza. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]