Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Camille @ 1-Flowerhill Sentosa - A New Floral Landscaped Multi-concept Destination By 1-Group

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A multi-concept destination by 1-Group, 1-Flowerhill at Sentosa is the brand's latest floral-landscaped lifestyle F&B project. Three concepts — Wildseed Café, Wildseed Bar & Grill, and a French-Japanese restaurant, Camille — are housed within the century-old hilltop conservation house.

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Textures of Artichoke 4/5

We had dinner at Camille, starting with the Textures of Artichoke ($28). Drizzled with burnt leek dashi and dill oil, the sunchoke chawanmushi base was delectable, but the artichoke variations seemed to lose their textural individuality. I also found the dill oil slightly assertive in the overall flavours.

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A5 Hokkaido Beef & Tuna Akami Tartare 4.5/5

The A5 Hokkaido Beef & Tuna Akami Tartare ($42) followed this. Assembled tableside, I witnessed the luxurious combination of cold-smoked A5 Hokkaido Beef and tuna akami being accented with wasabi and crispy rice alongside other condiments. Such thoughtful combination offered a texture and mouthfeel that was a true delight.

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Heirloom Tomatoes 4.2/5

The Heirloom Tomatoes ($26) offered a refreshing counterpoint—beautiful Australian tomatoes dressed with light Hōjicha tomato consommé and goat cheese croquettes. The shiso sorbet complemented the tomato flavour profile. I like the idea of having a warm element in a cold dish, but the croquettes' assertive flavour slightly overpowered the dish. Even though the croquette mixture was already sweetened with honey and sugar, a final touch of honey drizzle could have balanced the profile.

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Robbins Island Wagyu Flat Iron MBS 7 3/5

For mains, the Robbins Island Wagyu Flat Iron MBS 7 ($62) arrived with salt-baked celeriac and caramelized shallots. While the accompaniments were interesting, the wagyu itself could have benefited from a bit more rendering to unlock its full flavour profile.

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Magret de Canard 3.8/5

The Magret de Canard ($46) fared better. The roasted duck breast, dressed in a tart and sweet ume shiso jus, provided an excellent contrast. The marinated plum and heirloom beetroot perfectly complemented the duck's richness.

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Marseille Seafood Stewed Papilotte Style 3.8/5

The Marseille Seafood Stewed Papilotte Style ($45) offered a comforting seafood medley in a flavorful lobster bisque subtly infused with yuzu. While the bisque could have been richer, it delivered a satisfying depth of flavour.

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Camille Garden 2.8/5

Unfortunately, the vegetarian option under Mains, Camille Garden ($32), fell short. While the menu description promised a lot more, I found the dish rather hollow, with what were essentially carrot sticks standing on celeriac and butternut pumpkin puree. This dish could have been more delightful with a more substantial and flavourful execution that truly showcases the quality of heirloom carrots.

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Deconstructed Black Forest 4.5/5

Ending the meal on a high note with the Deconstructed Black Forest ($28). Theatrical preparation added to the experience as the chef assembled the dessert tableside. Crafted with Valrhona chocolate mousse, frozen chocolate clouds, and cherry elements, it offered a delightful play on textures and classic black forest flavours. This dessert was a perfect finale to a unique dining experience at Camille.

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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.


Camille @ 1-Flowerhill
Sentosa
6 Imbiah Road
Singapore 099696
Tel: +65 9630 1008
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfont (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue–Sun: 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit E or C. Go to the top floor of Vivocity. Take the Sentosa Express to Sentosa. Alight at Imbiah Station. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Monday, June 3, 2024

Little Pond 小鱼塘 @ Holland Village - Sauerkraut Fish Hotpot and Prawn Pot Restaurant with Unlimited Drinks, Ice Cream and Condiments at $1/Pax

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I’ve been curious about Little Pond (小鱼塘) after visiting the relatively new One Holland Village. The Chinese restaurant sits on the second floor, just next to Lau Wang Claypot.

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The restaurant was filled with a constant stream of diners on a weekday night. Little Pond specialises in Golden Sauerkraut Fish (酸菜鱼) and Fried Prawn dishes available in different flavours.

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For $1 per person, you get unlimited drinks, ice cream, condiments, and sauces.

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A special mention to their drinks - apart from the typical sweet cold beverages, they offer healthier customisable drinks using a range of tea ingredients, such as Jasmine Tea, Rock Sugar, Chrysanthemum Flowers, and more.

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Golden Sauerkraut Fish 4/5

What differentiates Little Pond from other sauerkraut fish places is that their Golden Sauerkraut Fish ($39.90 for Small) can be enjoyed like a steamboat! After having the fish, you can opt for additional sides to cook in the soup afterwards.

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The induction stove in the middle of each table will help keep your pot bubbling hot, and the service staff will assist in adding more broth along the way. While it may not be the best sauerkraut fish we've had, we liked the freshness and texture of the fish slices. We found it pretty value for money too. By default, the pot comes with slices of snakehead fish, cabbage, enoki mushrooms and tofu puffs. Note that the broth can get quite salty, especially after you've added additional ingredients.

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For our ‘steamboat ingredients’, we had Sliced Chestnut Pork Neck Roll ($8.50), Mashed Shrimp Meat Paste ($7), 6 Sec Seaweed ($5), Cheerful Farm ($12), and Sweet Potato Noodle ($3.80).

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I would skip the Sweet Potato Noodle next time, as the type they use disintegrates too quickly for my liking.

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Signature Fragrant Spicy Prawn 4/5

Moving on to their Signature Fragrant Spicy Prawn ($49.90 for Small), it was a pity that even though the prawns were sizable and meaty, we found them overcooked. The prawn pot was a lot more oily but had good heat. It came with a bed of ingredients such as konjac, corn cobs, potato strips, lotus root, and more.

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Cold Mixed Shredded Vegetables 4.2/5

If you're coming in a bigger group, try their starters too. We particularly enjoyed the Cold-Mixed Shredded Vegetables ($8) and Cold-Mixed Tofu and Dried Moss Vege ($6). The former had a mix of kelp, carrot, beancurd skin, peanuts, and more in a tangy seasoning.

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Cold Mixed Tofu & Dried Moss Vege 4.2/5

On the other hand, the Cold Mixed Tofu & Dried Moss Vege ($6) had crunchy dried moss vegetables and slices of beancurd in a mild dressing.

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Orlean Chicken Skewers 4/5

We also had the Orlean Chicken Skewers ($3.90 for 2 Sticks), which were seasoned well but slightly pricey.

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.


Little Pond
One Holland Village
#02-32
7 Holland Village Way
Singapore 275748
Tel: +65 8013 2050
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Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 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]