Friday, February 2, 2024

Golden Peony @ Conrad Centennial Singapore - Celebrate the Roaring Year of the Dragon with a Line-up of Cantonese Creations

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Weaving his expertise in Cantonese cuisine with modern elements, Executive Chinese Chef Ku Keung of Golden Peony presents an array of Lunar New Year set menus and a la carte specialities to celebrate the roaring year of the Dragon.

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From now until 24 February 2024, diners can select from lavish set menus for intimate and group celebrations. The chef has even thoughtfully prepared a vegetarian menu for vegetarian diners. The 6 set menus range from $178 per pax to $2698 per table of 10.

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Fortune Gold Flakes ‘Yu Sheng’ 4.2/5

The Fortune Gold Flakes 'Yu Sheng' ($188 for 10 pax) features a medley of ingredients, including lobster, baby abalone, crispy whitebait, golden coin chicken bak kwa, fish skin, and fresh fruit. This festive mainstay dish is also available for takeaway or delivery.

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Multigrain Rice Ball Infused with Chicken Purée and Smoked Chili Sauce 4/5

The chef's disciple created the Multigrain Rice Ball Infused with Chicken Purée and Smoked Chili Sauce. It had several unique elements that were all made from chicken - a chicken purée, chicken pâté, and even a chicken bak kut teh like jelly on the side.

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Spanish Carabinero Prawn ‘Yuan Yang’ Fish Paste Noodle 4.2/5

My favourite dish of the night was the Spanish Carabinero Prawn 'Yuan Yang' Fish Paste Noodle ($48 per person). The slightly springy fish paste noodles sit in a delicate egg white and Chinese wine broth, with two pieces of sweet Spanish Carabinero Prawns done two ways - thoroughly steamed and half cooked.

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Duck Breast Stewed with Hawthorn, Snow Pear and American Ginseng 4/5

Next was the Duck Breast Stewed with Hawthorn, Snow Pear and American Ginseng ($38 per person). While the duck was tender, the sauce was a bit sweeter than I'd prefer.

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Lobster Superior Broth with Preserved Vegetables, Tomato and Beancurd 4.2/5

Another highlight for me was the Lobster Superior Broth with Preserved Vegetables, Tomato and Beancurd. It is Chef's rendition of the increasingly popular suan cai yu, with a bolder and spicier kick. The plump and fleshy lobster was sweet and tender.

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Roasted Suckling Pig Stuffed with Kimchi Fried Rice and Chicken 4.2/5

The Chef's unique suckling pig creation is an annual Lunar New Year highlight at Golden Peony. This year, the Chef brought to the table a Roasted Suckling Pig Stuffed with Kimchi Fried Rice and Chicken ($468 for Whole). It's packed to the brim with kimchi fried rice and a surprise centre of fried chicken.

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Chilled Dragon Fruit with Crystal Pearls 4/5

We wrapped up the dinner with a two-part dessert. First, it was the refreshing Chilled Dragon Fruit with Crystal Pearls. It was put together with the fruit's flesh, popping pearls and a scoop of dragon fruit ice cream.

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Trio of Warm Desserts 4.2/5

Second, the warm Trio of Crispy Sesame Ball was filled with Egg Custard, Dragon Beard Candy with Crushed Peanuts and Tau Sar Piah. These were classic snacks done well.

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.


Golden Peony
Conrad Centennial Singapore
2 Temasek Boulevard
Singapore 038982
Tel: +65 6432 7482
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 1pm, 130pm - 3pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit B. Continue walking along Temasek Avenue to destination Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, February 1, 2024

Ginkyo by Kinki @ One Holland Village - Redefining Japanese Dining with a Festival of Flavours

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Nestled in the heart of One Holland Village, Ginkyo by Kinki emerges as a vibrant social haven, weaving a tapestry of contemporary creativity into the fabric of traditional Japanese dining. Drawing inspiration from the Icho Matsuri 'Ginkgo Festival' in Tokyo, this modern Japanese bistro is the brainchild of the visionaries behind Kinki Restaurant + Bar at Customs House. Ginkyo doesn't just offer a meal; it orchestrates an experience, blending authenticity with a touch of avant-garde flair.

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Truffle Fat Wings 4.2/5

We first sampled the Truffle Fat Wings ($19) - a delightful symphony of textures and flavours. Deboned wings, generously stuffed with Niigata Koshihikari rice infused with truffle paste, edamame, and sea kelp. Charcoal-grilled to perfection and glazed with housemade yakitori sauce, these wings transcend the ordinary. The oil from the chicken skin elevates the dish, and a squeeze of lemon adds the perfect zing.

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Uni, Caviar, Ikura 4.2/5

The Uni, Caviar, Ikura dish ($22) is a visual and gustatory masterpiece. Resembling sushi, the rice is seasoned with kombu, shaped, and pressed overnight. Tempura-battered and deep-fried for a crispy texture, it's adorned with negitoro, Tokujo grade uni, Magnum ops, Oscietra caviar, Kita-sanriku ikura, sliced cucumber, and gold flakes. A symphony of flavours unfolds with each bite—a perfect harmony of the sea and land.

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Kimchi Onigiri Arancini 3.8/5

Ginkyo's playful creativity shines in the Kimchi Onigiri Arancini ($14). A Japanese twist on Italian arancini, deep-fried kimchi rice filled with gorgonzola is wrapped in seaweed and served with kimchi aioli. The result is a tantalising explosion of spicy and savoury notes, redefining the boundaries of fusion cuisine.

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Swordfish Ceviche 4/5

The Peruvian Swordfish Ceviche ($19) is a journey to South America and Japan on a single plate. Diced swordfish marinated in fig-infused Japanese rice vinegar and lime juice meets a medley of citrus, tomato, avocado, Japanese cucumber, shallots, pickled green chilli, and spicy mayo. Enjoy it on crispy rice crackers for a burst of textures and flavours — a delightful wrap of freshness.

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Hamburg Wagyu 4.2/5

For a carnivorous indulgence, the Hamburg Wagyu ($36) steals the spotlight. Kagoshima A4 wagyu, minced and seasoned to perfection, graces a bed of crispy rice. Topped with a hot egg bath, burdock chips, and oba tempura, this dish is an orchestra of flavours and textures — grilled elegance that unfolds with every bite. There is also the option of topping up $15 for foie gras.

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Okonomi-Rosti 4.5/5

The Okonomi-Rosti ($30) offers a quirky take on the traditional okonomiyaki. Grated potatoes seared to a crisp form the base, adorned with cabbage, bacon, Hokkaido scallops, bonito flakes, mentaiko sauce, and shredded nori. Each bite is a dance of flavours — a perfect fusion of Japanese and European influences.

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Ginkyo by Kinki is more than a restaurant; it's a culinary overture that celebrates the fusion of tradition and innovation. The menu is a curated symphony, with each dish a note in the harmonious composition of Japanese flavours and global influences. As you step into Ginkyo, prepare for a gastronomic journey that transcends boundaries, guided by the expert hands of culinary maestros.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ginkyo by Kinki
One Holland Village
7 Holland Village Way
#03-01 to 04
Singapore 275748
Tel: +65 9337 7451
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Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 230pm, 5pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 5pm - 1030pm
Sun: 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Lorong Liput. Turn right onto Lorong Liput. Walk down Lorong Liput. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]