Tuesday, November 28, 2023

sen-ryo @ Suntec City - Popular Japanese Restaurant at Ion Orchard Opens 2nd Outlet Offering Exclusive Items

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sen-ryo has recently opened its second outlet in Suntec City. While the brand continues to deliver the brand's philosophy of 'affordable luxury' with a menu much similar to its outlet at Ion, you may look forward to outlet-exclusive platters, draft sake – a rare offering – as well as new set lunches from just $15.80.

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Appetiser Platter 4/5

We started our dinner with the outlet-exclusive sen-ryo Appetiser Platter ($26.80). Aesthetically pleasing with 4 seasonal creations. My favourite is the mouth-watering Wagyu Sando. The rich and savoury beef notes against the sweet buttery notes of the brioche are deeply satisfying. The Monaka-Negitoro with Bafun Uni sandwiched between 2 crisp wafers was also a delightful treat. Hyogo Oyster with Ikura will definitely excite oyster fans, but for the Spicy Tuna in Black Sesame Cone, I feel it can do more with more tuna for a better mouthfeel.

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Bamboo Shoots 4.5/5 (Tasing Portion)

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Tsubugai Wasabi 4/5 (Tasting Portion)

This new outlet is also specially designed to be a space for a great drinking experience, both in the interior and the menu, offering a lineup of new appetisers. Slow-cooked Bamboo Shoots ($19.80), simmered in shoyu and bonito, allowed me to enjoy the beauty of both its mildly sweet-earthy flavour and crunchy texture. Using Ice Plant, Tsubugai Wasabi ($16.80) plays on the crunch element as well, with the zest of Wasabi Root to bring a kick to its neutral flavours.

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Abalone Sashimi 5/5

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Ankimo Ponzu 5/5

Abalone Sashimi ($20.80) features green-lipped abalone aged for three days after steaming and marinated in shoyu. Every bite released its beautiful intricate flavours accentuated by the whole process. What intrigued me the most was the Ankimo Ponzu (monkfish liver) ($19.80). It's neither fishy nor liver-y, and I love its melt-in-your-mouth texture that spreads its deliciousness into my mouth.

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Signature Sushi Platter 4/5

The outlet-exclusive sen-ryo Signature Sushi Platter ($68) was a feast for my senses, with various crafted sushi on the platter. The huge and plump Hotate topped with Seaweed jam and shredded fried leek was one of the first that caught my eye, followed by the jumbo-sized Salmon and Anago sushi. Others include sweet Botan Ebi, melt-in-your-mouth Otoro, Uni, Ika, Negitoro, Akami, Ikura, and Madai (sea bream). Sen-ryo's signature Tamagoyaki provided a sweet note to this platter.

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Maguro Sashimi Trio Don 3/5

Tuna continues to the star offering in Sen-ryo. One of the popular items is the Maguro Sashimi Trio Don ($32), offering tuna sashimi with varying degrees of fattiness, paired with a fragrant bed of Koshihikari rice from Aomori Prefecture. Given the taste and the varieties offered, I enjoyed the Sushi Platter more.

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Kaki Soy Nabe 2.5/5

A new addition to the Mains is Kaki Soy Nabe ($38.80), which features fresh Hyogo oysters. While the oysters looked enticing, the soy broth disappoints with a thin consistency.

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Complementing the mains was a refreshing Kaisen Sashimi Salad ($17.80) that delivered a harmony of varying bites and textures lent by the Ice Plant and sashimi, with a welcoming touch of sweetness from the corn.

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Premium Sashimi Platter 4.5/5 (Tasting Portion)

The Premium Sashimi Platter ($26.20) offers a premium cut of sashimi, mainly the belly portion, such as Salmon Belly and Otoro.

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Peach Sorbet 3.8/5

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Watermelon Sorbet 3.8/5

Our desserts were so cute! We had Peach Sorbet, and Watermelon Sorbet contained within the fruit itself. They were on the sweeter side, but they paired well with the draft sake that we had. Rumiko Kinmoto Tokubetsu Junmaishu Kijioshu, being full-bodied and strong, was recommended for dessert pairing. This premium sake is outlet-exclusive as well.

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As mentioned, Sen-ryo at Suntec City amps up the dining experience with the inclusion of KEG Draft into its beverage offerings. You can choose from a menu of diverse and exquisite flavour profiles, which includes the SENSUKE KEGDRAFT Special Junmai, an elegant, unfiltered sake renowned for its melon and muscat aroma. Selections will change according to availability. You may approach the staff for personalised recommendations to accompany your meal.

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.


sen-ryo
Suntec City Mall
Tower 5
5 Temasek Boulevard
#01-434
Singapore 038985
Tel: +65 6957 7978
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

2) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Monday, November 27, 2023

LAVI TACO @ Pearl’s Hill Terrace - Hidden Al Fresco Mexician Dining Up on Pearl's Hill

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It takes a walk to reach LAVI TACO at Pearl's Hill Terrace, whether or not you're heading there from Chinatown or Outram Park MRT. But make your way up, and you will be welcomed to an al fresco dining space with laid-back and chill vibes, perfect for a night to unwind over food and drinks with friends.

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The brand prides itself on offering an authentic spread of Mexican fare.

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Nachos 4/5

The classic starter of Nachos ($15) came with crunchy corn tortilla chips and jalapeno pickles, with salsa verde, pico degallo and sour cream to pair. At another $5 top-up, you can opt for the loaded option that provides a topping choice of birria oxtail & brisket or pulled mushrooms.

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Birria 4/5

Available in limited portions daily, the Birria ($25) tacos are the one to go for if you are a fan of beef and bolder flavours. The slow-cooked oxtail and brisket, braised in a spicy and aromatic birria broth, is topped with melted cheese and held between tortillas. These are served with an additional cup of broth for you to dunk in or enjoy as soup.

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Pulled Mushroom 4.2/5

I first tried LAVI TACO's vegetarian Pulled Mushroom ($18) tacos at their gourmet food truck pop-up in Resorts World Sentosa. I enjoyed the generously filled shells with a very well-textured mushroom filling. The plant-based slow-cooked pulled mushrooms were smoky and flavourful, complemented well with a refreshing and tangy mix of red cabbage, cheese, cilantro, pico de gallo, sour cream and salsa verde.

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Taco Meat Platter 4.5/5

Named the "ultimate taco experience", the Taco Meat Platter ($129 for 3-4 pax) is the perfect choice if you're here in a group. The interactive DIY element here adds an extra layer of fun.

Loaded up and served on a tray, it features rows of various taco toppings, including flame-grilled steak, crunchy Argentinean garlic prawns, chipotle pepper chicken thigh, alongside grilled vegetables, an assortment of taco condiments, and a good number of corn tortillas. A smaller portion that feeds approximately 2 pax is also available at $69.

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While the prices are on a slightly higher end, they are all nett, without gst and service charges. I would highly recommend making a reservation here https://reserve.oddle.me/kultyard before heading down!

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.


LAVI TACO
195 Pearl's Hill Terrace
#01-54
Singapore 168976
Tel: +65 9763 8931
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown MRT (DT Line and NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 5pm - 930pm
(Closed on Mon & Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk straight to the food centre. Cut through the food centre to the back. Walk towards the hill on the left. Take the flight of stairs up the hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]