Monday, May 6, 2024

Pacific Emporium @ Pan Pacific Singapore - Local Inspired Afternoon Tea

PanPacPacificEmporium-7

A new afternoon tea experience at Pacific Emporium, Pan Pacific Singapore, celebrates our region's rich tapestry of local flavours and culinary traditions. The selection of sweet and savoury bites is thoughtfully curated and presented on a three-tier stand, accompanied by a fine selection of teas, coffee, or champagne as an add-on if you so wish.

PanPacPacificEmporium-2

The ambience is set with contemporary elegance, inviting guests to unwind and simply enjoy the afternoon. We were seated in one of the personal pods, which afforded us a cosy and relaxing space to enjoy our afternoon tea.

PanPacPacificEmporium-3

From the top tier, we had a Baba Ghanoush Avocado Bowl on Squid Ink Baguette, a colourful and tasty bite to whet the palate.

PanPacPacificEmporium-4

The middle tier showcased an exquisite selection of sweets: Hazelnut Crunchy Dark Coco, Apple Yuzu Citrus, Coconut Bandung with Chendol, and Mango Pomelo Sablé. Each one was well-balanced in flavour, and I particularly enjoyed the Mango Pomelo Sablé, which had refreshing tropical fruits encased in a buttery shell.

PanPacPacificEmporium-5

The bottom tier featured more substantial savouries, such as the Wagyu Beef Sando from Keyaki, Salted Egg Yolk Yam Puff from Hai Tien Lo, Singapore Chilli Crab Meat and Egg Custard cup with crispy Mini Bun, and Penang Crispy Pork Lobak with Five Spices wrapped in Bean Curd Skin.

PanPacPacificEmporium-15

On weekends, it gets even better with the Local Experience Live Stations, where guests can indulge in all-you-can-eat selections of local favourites. We ordered many warm, comforting bowls of tangy Penang Assam Laksa and Prawn Noodle Soup at the noodle station with fresh tiger prawn, water spinach and sliced pork. The broth was just too tasty!

PanPacPacificEmporium-10

For a bowl of Wok Hei Char Kway Teow with pacific crab meat, simply order it from the kitchen. It will come straight to your table piping hot.

PanPacPacificEmporium-8

The crêpe station was also really popular! Everyone wanted one of those freshly made crispy crêpes slathered with a thick layer of creamy D24 durian. That day, they were also offering the classic option of chocolate banana crêpes as an alternative. While waiting, feel free to help yourself to the DIY Fruit rojak.

PanPacPacificEmporium-18

This local-inspired Afternoon Tea experience is now available at Pacific Emporium with two daily seatings from 1pm to 3pm (1st seating) and 4pm to 6pm (2nd seating). The Local Experience Live Stations are available as part of the afternoon tea experience on weekends only.

The pricing is as follows:
Mondays to Fridays
$68++ per person
$88++ per person (includes a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne)

Saturdays and Sundays
$78++ per person
$98++ per person (includes a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne)


PanPacPacificEmporium-6

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


Pacific Emporium
Pan Pacific Singapore
7 Raffles Boulevard
Level 1
Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 68268240
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
1st Seating: 1-3pm
2nd Seating: 4-6pm

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

Sunday, May 5, 2024

Tribal @ Mondrian Singapore Duxton - The Modern Asian Grill That Ignites Conscious & Communal Dining with Primitive Culinary Styles

Tribal32

Nestled on the ground level of Mondrian Singapore Duxton, Tribal beckons diners to embark on an epicurean expedition through its modern Asian grill concept. With wood-fired sharing plates, hearty rice pots, and a rotating selection of beef cuts, Tribal tantalises taste buds with familiar cuisines kissed by the flame. It is complemented by an impressive cocktail program and a curated wine selection — all served with genuine warmth and hospitality.

Tribal1
Satsuma Tomatoes 4.2/5

Our dinner began with an array of small plates, beginning with the Satsuma Tomatoes ($22). Paired with pomelo, endives, sorrel, dashi, and wasabi, the tomatoes' sweetness shone through, stealing the spotlight on the plate.

Tribal7
Hamachi Crudo 4.2/5

Next, the Hamachi Crudo ($26) delighted with thickly sliced sashimi tossed in a smoky-citrusy charred orange ponzu, accompanied by pickled jicama and ikura for a tantalizing textural contrast.

Tribal11
Flat Bread 4/5

The Flat Bread ($14) impressed with its soft, fluffy texture and a delightful hint of toastiness. Slathered with abura miso butter, it was a mouthwatering indulgence.

Tribal14
Fried Duck Neck 4.5/5

The Fried Duck Neck ($24 for 3pc), derived from the 14-Day Dry Aged Duck dish, is a delightful surprise gracing the menu. Here, the culinary team at Tribal showcases their commitment to minimising waste by transforming the often overlooked duck neck into a delectable delicacy. Expertly peppered with house spices, each crispy piece offers a satisfying crunch, perfectly complemented by the refreshing mint nam pla served alongside. Priced at $8 per additional piece, this unexpected treat quickly became one of my favourites.

Tribal18
Celeriac Mille-Feuille 4.5/5

The Celeriac Mille-Feuille ($16) charmed with its aromatic grilled layers glazed with ponzu honey and adorned with macadamia nut, offering a symphony of flavours and textures.

Tribal21
Sweet Peppers 2.5/5

The Sweet Peppers ($16) failed to impress, emerging as the least favoured dish of the evening. Their anticipated sweetness was notably absent, rendering them surprisingly bland on the palate. Despite initial hopes for a burst of flavour, the peppers fell short of expectations, leaving a lacklustre impression amidst an otherwise flavourful dining experience.

Tribal26
Black Cod 3.8/5

Transitioning to the main courses, the Black Cod ($38) is cooked to perfection with its spicy-sweet soy and ginger flower reduction. The cod boasted a moist, buttery texture, complemented by its irresistibly crispy skin. Resting atop a bed of fondant potato, each bite was a harmonious blend of flavours and textures. While undeniably well-executed, the dish lacked the "wow" factor observed in some of the other mains, leaving it slightly overshadowed despite its undeniable appeal.

Tribal33
Octopus 4.2/5

A delightful Asian twist graces the Grilled Octopus ($48), complemented by vibrant flavours of green papaya and sambal bajak. Grilled to perfection, the tentacle boasts a tender texture infused with a smoky aroma that tantalises the senses.

Tribal35
Santori Organic Chicken 4.5/5

Perfect for sharing, the Santori Organic Chicken ($38) is a standout dish at Tribal. This roasted bird is generously glazed in Thailand's beloved gai yang barbecue marinade, offering a burst of savoury and aromatic flavours with every bite. Finished with a squeeze of burnt lemon for a citrusy zing, it's accompanied by a dollop of green chilli relish that adds a tantalising kick. The marinade is exceptionally flavourful, elevating the dish to a new level of culinary delight. No wonder this dish became one of my favourites of the evening.

Tribal43
Charred Pineapple 3.5/5

To round off our dinner at Tribal, we indulged in the delightful Charred Pineapple ($18) for dessert. This dish features succulent pineapple charred to perfection, elevated with a tantalising Szechuan glaze that adds a unique spicy-sweet contrast. It is accompanied by creamy homemade coconut ice cream that provides a refreshing and creamy balance to the dish, and it is finished with a sprinkle of fragrant lime zest for a burst of citrusy flavour.

Tribal39
Mango Bavarois 3.8/5

Another dessert we had was the Mango Bavarois ($18), a delightful creation that pays homage to ondeh ondeh and mango sticky rice. This delectable treat features a luscious combination of creamy egg custard infused with flavours of coconut, pandan, and lime, adorned with fresh slices of ripe mangoes that add a burst of tropical sweetness. The dessert is complemented by a scoop of indulgent gula melaka ice cream, adding a rich and caramelised note to harmonise all the flavours.

Tribal47
Bundt Cake 4.8/5

Last but certainly not least, the pièce de résistance is the Bundt Cake ($18), a divine creation that promises to tantalise the taste buds with its irresistible flavours. This decadent cake is infused with 12-year whisky, which boasts a perfect balance of sweetness and sophistication. Baked to perfection, the cake's exterior is wonderfully crunchy, providing a delightful contrast to its soft and spongey interior. Accompanying it is a generous serving of smoked vanilla ice cream, which adds a luxurious creaminess and a subtle hint of smokiness to every bite. A dollop of tangy kumquat puree is added to enhance the flavour profile even further, offering a refreshing and citrusy note that cuts through the cake's richness.

TribalInterior

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tribal
Mondrian Singapore Duxton
83 Neil Road
#01-07
Singapore 089813
Tel: +65 9789 4699
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 6pm - 1130pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn right onto Duxton Hill. Walk down Duxton Hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Walk down Craig Road towards Neil Road. Turn left onto Neil Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to the staircase behind the open air carpark. Take the staircase to Duxton Plain Park. Turn right and walk down the Duxton Plain Park. Cross the tunnel, take the stairs to the road level and walk down Neil Road. Walk to destination. Journey time bout 6 minutes. [Map]