Salut Private Dining @ Grange Heights - A New Private Dining Concept By Chef Karl Dobler

Celebrate and entertain your friends and loved ones in this beautiful, intimate space. Welcome to Salut Private Dining, a new dining concept helmed by Karl and Jessica - one with excellent culinary skills, the other with impeccable taste.

Austrian Chef Karl Dobler's culinary repertoire spans from Michelin-starred restaurants to luxury hotels across Europe and Australia. You might also remember him from Flutes Restaurant or then Restaurant Salut Private Dining in Dempsey. With great respect for classic flavours and culinary techniques, Chef Karl personally sources fresh seasonal ingredients and carefully prepares them. While contemporary European cuisine is his speciality, he is adept at Asian and Peranakan cooking and whips up a very popular Prawn Noodles. Meanwhile, Jessica works her magic to create the perfect ambience for your dinner event and can set the table for personalised themes. Tonight, we're enjoying a romantic candlelit table set with white roses and artfully strewn crystals.

As guests stream in, smartly dressed wait staff warmly welcome them with flutes of champagne and canapés of the most luxurious degree - smoked salmon with cream cheese & caviar, beef cheeks mini puffs and burrata & tomato mini toasts. Feel free to bring your own wines and spirits. There is no corkage charge. A generous policy!

A dish of Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio appears in front of us. It's delicately sliced and draped like a flower, drizzled with truffle soy dressing and some olive pearls.

As White Asparagus is in season, the Chef prepares it as a warm appetiser served with a soft hen egg, truffle hollandaise and bellota ham, which is the finest grade of Jamón ibérico with a smooth texture and a rich, savoury taste.

Next comes a pan-seared NZ Bass Grouper prepared with artichoke mash, edamame, and scampi glaze. The fish's flesh is firm, white, and flaky. Delicious!

We got to try the Chef's signature Crispy Roasted Suckling Pig, which had a crackling skin. It is served with smoked pancetta cabbage, rosemary potatoes, and star anise jus.

The dessert was well-timed. We caught an aromatic whiff of the soufflés baking as we were about to finish our main course. Out from the kitchen came those piping hot ramekins of Passionfruit Soufflé, baked with real fruit bits. It was delightfully melty and absolutely enjoyable.

We thought dinner had come to an end but were presented with Hand-rolled Hazelnut Chocolate Truffles. As a chocolate lover, I can only say that I wished I had the whole tray to myself.

Afterwards, a fine selection of Cheese, Dried Fruits, and Crackers accompanied the post-dinner wine and conversation.

Although newly opened, Salut Private Dining has already received strong interest from regulars, who invite Chef Karl to their homes for private catering. A minimum party of 6 persons is required, and the dining room can accommodate up to 20. Typically, a 5-course menu starts from $198 per pax, with no service charge or GST. If interested, do reserve at least 2 weeks to 1 month in advance.

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavors and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Salut Private Dining
Grange Heights
15 Saint Thomas Walk
Singapore 238145
Tel: +65 9831 3067
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Direction:
1) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk to bus stop at Riva Lodge (Stop ID 13071). Take bus number 32, 54, 139 or 195. Alight 1 stop later. Walk to Saint Thomas Walk street. Turn right onto Saint Thomas Walk street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk down River Valley Road towards Saint Thomas Walk. Turn left onto Saint Thomas Walk. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Crystal Jade Okinawa Fare Promotion Available Until 5 May 2024, Showcasing the Bountiful Produces From Okinawa

Recently returning from a trip to Okinawa, I found myself at Crystal Jade to explore their latest promotion, Flavours of Okinawa. This promotion, running until May 5th, 2024, celebrates the vibrant flavours and fresh produce of Okinawa, often referred to as the Hawaii of Japan.

Some of the ingredients from Okinawa that Crystal Jade will be using and incorporating into the dish are Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed, Sea Grape, Bittergourd and Brown Sugar.

Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed:
One of the stars of the promotion, Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed, takes centre stage in several dishes. Renowned for its briny flavour and delicate texture, this seaweed adds a distinct umami richness.

Sea Grape:
Another Okinawan gem is the Sea Grape. Rarely seen outside of Okinawa, this unique seaweed variety offers a burst of freshness and a delightful crunch, elevating dishes with its unique texture and flavour profile.

Bittergourd:
Bittergourd is a beloved ingredient in Okinawan cuisine. It is used in various dishes. Known for its creamy texture and mild flavour, bittergourd adds depth and richness to soups, stir-fries, and other delights.

Brown Sugar:
No exploration of Okinawan cuisine would be complete without the use of Brown Sugar, a staple ingredient in many traditional dishes. Adding a subtle sweetness and depth of flavour, Okinawan brown sugar lends a unique character to both savoury and sweet creations.

Chilled Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed 4/5

We began our dinner with the refreshing Chilled Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed ($22.80), a delightful dish paired with wasabi-aged vinaigrette, fresh lily bulb, and cherry tomato. Available at all Crystal Jade fine dining outlets, it sets the tone for the evening ahead.

Okinawa Sea Grapes 3.8/5

A rare find in Singapore, the Okinawa Sea Grapes ($19.80) showcased the uniqueness of Okinawan produce. Served on a bed of ice and paired with fragrant, spicy soy sauce, it offered a crunchy texture and a burst of flavour.

Crisp-fried Shredded Taro with Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed 3.5/5

Next, we indulged in the Crisp-fried Shredded Taro with Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed ($19.80 for 4pc), a harmonious blend of fragrant taro and briny seaweed, providing a multi-textural experience.

Crispy Okinawa Bittergourd & Shimeiji Mushroom with Salted Egg 3/5

While flavourful, the Crispy Okinawa Buttergourd & Shimeiji Mushroom with Salted Egg ($12.80) at Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen left me wishing for a more distinct salted egg flavour. Nevertheless, the addition of rice puff added an enjoyable crunch to the dish.

Pan-fried Prawn & Chives with Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed Pancake 3.5/5

Reminiscent of okonomiyaki, the Pan-fried Prawn & Chives with Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed Pancake ($13.80) at Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen was a delightful treat. Topped with prawns, chives, and seaweed, it offered a crisp and flavorful experience.

Spicy Szechuan Chicken with Okinawa Bittergourd 4/5

The Spicy Szechuan Chicken with Okinawa Bittergourd ($22.80) at Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao stood out as a bold and flavourful dish. The fragrant spicy sauce perfectly complemented the tender chicken and bittergourd.

Stewed Noodle with Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed & Prawn 3/5

Ending our savoury journey, the Stewed Noodle with Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed & Prawn ($15.80) provided a comforting experience. While the noodles were soft and silky, the flavour was subdued, probably to allow the seaweed to shine.

Acerola Cherry Mochi 3.5/5

We savoured the Acerola Cherry Mochi ($9.80 for 4pc) and Mini Chocolate Tart with Okinawa Brown Sugar ($8.80 for 4pc) for dessert. Both offered a sweet ending to our meal, with the latter standing out for its elevated aroma and indulgent sweetness from the brown sugar.

Mini Chocolate Tart with Okinawa Brown Sugar 4/5

Crystal Jade's Flavours of Okinawa promotion is a delightful exploration of Okinawan cuisine, showcasing the freshness and diversity of the region's produce. Available until May 5th, 2024, across various Crystal Jade outlets, it offers a tantalising glimpse into the tropical flavours of Okinawa.

Note: This is an invited tasting.