Wednesday, January 31, 2024

MOSS CROSS TOKYO Singapore @ Capri by Fraser China Square - Debuts its First Outlet Outside Singapore

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MOSS CROSS TOKYO Singapore, located in Capri by Fraser China Square, is the brand's debut outside Japan. Helmed by Executive Chef Akihiro Masuyama, boasting a wealth of experience in French cuisine, the restaurant presents traditional Japanese flavours infused with a modern French flair, showcased in its omakase menus.

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Shokado-9 5/5

Two lunch menus start from $69, and two dinner menus start from $128. We had the 7-course $150 Dinner Menu alongside a 7-flight alcohol pairing ($90). Shokado-9, the dish signature to MOSS CROSS TOKYO, is presented as the First Course for all menus. The 9-course small-bite masterpiece is pieced together by arranging each dish (vary by season) according to their distinct flavour profiles. Unfolding from right to left, top to bottom, the sequencing allows diverse flavours to build up on one's palate gradually. First to awaken our palate is a chilled, tangy Tomato Raspberry Fruit Salad of Tomatoes, Fresh Raspberries and Blackberries in a Plum and Tomato Compote, followed by Seared Madai in Chef Masuyama's renowned Herb Dressing, a signature blend hailing from Tokyo. Then we moved on to a slightly spicy and creamier Chutoro Wasabi Tartar and a more vibrant Squid Shiso Sauce Orange. What came after was a delightfully sweet and rich Carrot Mousse Crab Tomato Consommé before proceeding to a savoury-sweet Corn Jelly Caviar Yuzu that exuded an intense corn sweetness.

The last column began with an interesting blend of texture and flavour - Octopus Mango Gochujang, balanced with a Red Bell Pepper Herb Rice Sushi that follows. We ended with a mouth-filling Roasted Wagyu Seaweed Sauce Avocado, featuring tender, roasted Wagyu elevated by an umami homemade seaweed sauce crafted with Marushin soy sauce from Shimane Prefecture.

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Alcohol pairing: Mutsu-Hassen Prototype from Hachinohe Sake Brewery

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Hyogo Oyster 4.5/5

The second course, Hyogo Oyster, is paired with a Camembert mousse and milk foam, topped with Caviar and konbu. The Camembert mousse gave the oyster a further textural boost with complementing milky notes. The dish's robust flavours are punctuated by punchy diced raw onions and tangy bursts of yuzu pearls and lime zest, adding the right amount of acidity to the overall composition.

Alcohol pairing: Matsumidori S.Tokyo Junmai Ginjo Aroma is like green apple and muscat.

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Molten Crab Chawan-mushi 4.5/5

Third Course Molten Crab Chawanmushi. Done using the French technique, the spoonful of the chawanmushi was exceptionally soft and pillowy, with textural contrast lent from bits of Lily Bulb. Bisque Emulsion provided a delectable crustacean flavour to the dish.

Alcohol pairing: 2022 Sato 'L'Atypique' Orange Pinot Gris

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Hokkaido Tokachi Herb-fed Beef Cutlet 5/5

Fourth Course Hokkaido Tokachi Herb-fed Beef Cutlet. Chef Akihiro Masuyama would like to showcase the lesser-known Tokachi beef in this course. While slightly less marbled than Wagyu, Tokachi beef boasts a profound and rich flavour profile, elevated by its unique diet featuring over ten types of herbs. With a slightly crisped breading of parsley and breadcrumbs, the exceptional texture of the meat was accentuated even further. The addition of Parmesan cheese sprinkle added a depth of savouriness to the accompanying homemade Worcestershire sauce.

Alcohol pairing: Wakaze Red Wine Barrel Sake

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Roasted Hirame 4/5

The Fifth Course of Roasted Hirame is served with toasted Almond Flakes in Sake-Beurre Blanc with Herb Oil. While I found the fish slightly drier than desired, the sake cream sauce provided that additional richness to balance the fish.

Alcohol pairing: Folium Sauvignon Blanc 2022 This Sauvignon Blanc exhibits vibrant aromas of citrus fruits

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Kyoto Wagyu Sushi, Sea Urchin 4.5/5

Sixth Course Kyoto Wagyu Sushi, Sea Urchin, Truffle Soy Sauce served with Tsugani (Crab) Miso Soup. Again, much attention was given to providing a satisfying mouthfeel. Sushi rice is marinated overnight with red wine, which helps to blend even better with the luxurious slices of tender Kyoto Wagyu and creamy sea urchin sitting atop. Bringing the elements together is a dab of truffle soy sauce spiked with more assertive Middle Eastern spices.

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Alcohol pairing: Chanter Muscat Bailey A Ycarre CuveeK.

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Daikon Compote Tiramisu, Mikan 5/5

Seventh Course Daikon Compote Tiramisu, Mikan. The dessert was definitely the highlight for me. A tiramisu dessert that uses daikon as the cake base. The daikon is boiled with rice to enrich its sweetness. I love the charred fresh Mikan Mandarin oranges that imparted a lot of freshness to the dish and the vibrant accompanying Mikan puree that paired perfectly with the dusting of Chinese five-spice powder and cacao powder. The airy mascarpone cheese provided that creaminess that bound everything together in harmony.

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.


MOSS CROSS TOKYO Singapore
Capri by Fraser China Square
181 South Bridge Road
#02-01
Singapore 058743
Tel:
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Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue–Sun: 12 – 3pm, 6 – 10pm
(Closed on Sun and Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to South Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to China Street. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes [Map]

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Min Jiang @ Goodwood Park - A Bountiful Feast to Usher in the Year of the Dragon

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In the spirit of the Lunar New Year, Min Jiang at Goodwood Park Hotel beckons guests to a lavish feast celebrating the Year of the Dragon. The team at Goodwood Park Hotel have curated an impressive array of festive takeaways, sumptuous dine-in set menus, and delectable treats to usher in prosperity and good fortune.

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Auspicious Abundance 'Lo Hei' - from Min Jiang Dempsey

We commenced with the Auspicious Abundance 'Lo Hei' from Min Jiang Dempsey. Priced at $298 for dine-in and $324.80 for takeaway, this Yu Sheng extravaganza features fresh lobster, salmon sashimi, tobiko, and abalone. Nestled amidst a kaleidoscope of greens, dragon fruit balls, and osmanthus jelly in the shape of ingots, it's a visual spectacle. Drizzled with plum sauce and fruit-based concoctions, it embodies both opulence and flavour.

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Double-boiled Chicken Soup

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One of the perennial highlights of any Lunar New Year celebration at Min Jiang is the exquisite soup that graces the table. This year, the culinary artisans at Min Jiang Dempsey have outdone themselves with the creation of the Double-boiled Chicken Soup with 6-head Abalones, Dragon Claw Fungus, and Dried Scallops in a Claypot—an elixir that transcends mere sustenance.


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Braised Whole Spring Chicken, Whole Dace Fish and Sea Treasures in Pot.

A new addition to the festive lineup is the Braised Whole Spring Chicken, Whole Dace Fish stuffed with Liver Sausage & Black Moss, and Sea Treasures in Pot ($422.90). This dish features the distinct flavour of dace fish, celebrated in Cantonese cuisine. A rich sauce infused with aromatics complements whole abalone, dried oysters, shiitake mushrooms, fried fish maw, bean gluten, and 'Tientsin' cabbage.

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Fortune Koi Fish 'Nian Gao' filled with Black Glutinous Rice

Adding a touch of sweetness to the celebrations is the Fortune Koi Fish 'Nian Gao' filled with Black Glutinous Rice ($52.80 for 8pc, Takeaway). Crafted in the shape of a Koi fish, symbolising good fortune, it presents a delightful twist with a filling of black glutinous rice.

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Pandan Pineapple 'Huat' Tart

Inspired by timeless pineapple tarts, the Pandan Pineapple 'Huat' Tart is a delightful fusion of homemade pineapple chutney and pandan-flavoured almond cream encased in a crumbly tart crust. Topped with a lattice design and an auspicious white chocolate wealth pot or 發 (fa) topper, it's a treat for both the eyes and the palate.

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Lucky Fortune Bamboo (Orange Pound Cake)

A centrepiece of every Lunar New Year gathering, the Lucky Fortune Bamboo ($148) pound cake steals the spotlight. Intricately crafted to emulate the lucky bamboo plant, this orange-infused pound cake, layered with orange zest and buttercream, is adorned with white chocolate bamboo stalks and ingots.

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Dragon Boat of Bountiful Blessings (Marble Pound Cake)

The Dragon Boat of Bountiful Blessings (Marble Pound Cake) is a visual masterpiece. A decadent and moist butter cake, complemented by chocolate swirls, is encased within an artfully sculpted white chocolate 'dragon boat.' Adorned with dark chocolate ingots and gilded coins, it's a sight to behold and savour.

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Auspicious Firecracker 'Mao Shan Wang' Durian Roll Cake

Lovers of durian are in for a treat with the Auspicious Firecracker 'Mao Shan Wang' Durian Roll Cake ($138). Luscious 'Mao Shan Wang' puree enveloped within a vibrant vermillion chiffon cake, adorned with chocolate pieces shaped as auspicious symbols, makes for a decadent and visually stunning dessert.

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Card Privileges for Lunar New Year Takeaways. 20% off selected festive takeaways from 18 January to 4 February 2024, and 15% off selected festive takeaways from 5 to 24 February 2024 for Citi, DBS/POSB, HSBC, Maybank, OCBC and UOB Credit/Debit Cardmembers.

Guests may place their online orders at goodwoodparkfestive.oddle.me for delivery or self-collection. Alternatively, guests may contact Min Jiang岷江at (65) 6730 1704 / email: min_jiang@goodwoodparkhotel.com, Min Jiang at Dempsey 岷江在登布西山at (65) 6774 0122 / email: mjdempsey@goodwoodparkhotel.com, and The Deli at (65) 6730 1786 / email: deli@goodwoodparkhotel.com to place their takeaway orders for self-collection only. Availability for all Lunar New Year specials is from 18 January to 24 February 2024. Advance order of five days is required for takeaways and the last pre-order date is on 19 February 2024.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)