Friday, November 29, 2024

Coucou @ Craig Road - New Look and Menu Elevated With Additional Swiss Classics

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Coucou, the Swiss Restaurant located at Craig Road, has recently unveiled a refreshed new look and menu. The revamped cosy interior brings to our sunny island the ambience of a snug alpine cabin in the Swiss mountains, making it a cosy spot to gather over bubbling hot cheese fondue.

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Malakoff 4.5/5

Part of the mainstays, Malakoff features a golden, deep-fried dome of Gruyère cheese with a crispy exterior and gooey, molten centre. It is a Swiss speciality, unique to only three villages in the "La Côte" region. Served with vinegary Dijon Mustard to cut its richness, Swiss mercenaries once enjoyed this treat with local white wine. Over here at Coucou, a curated list of wines is offered.

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Fondue Moitié Moitié 4/5

A staple for almost every table at Coucou, Fondue Moitié Moitié is a decadent pot of melted Vacherin Fribourgeois and Gruyére, served with crusty bread. Sides such as potatoes and pickles for add-ons are available.

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La Fameuse Salade Coucou 4/5

It is recommended to have some La Fameuse Salade Coucou alongside to complement its richness - a curly chopped salad tossed with housemade 'Grand Père' dressing, a recipe passed down from the co-owner Yves' grandfather.

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Le Tartare De Boeuf 4/5

Coucou offers a Le Tartare De Boeuf prepared tableside. The beef tartare is mixed with Sbrinz Cheese, Rucola salad, chopped onions, chilli and mustard. A sampling is given to ensure that the spice and tang levels are suited to your preference. I had mine with more mustard for an extra kick of tang.

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L'iconique Emince De Veau Zurichoise 4.5/5

The Traditional Zurich Style Veal Ragout with Rosti is a crowd-pleaser for mains. The mushroom sauce was comforting and flavoursome, and the rosti was fluffy with crispy sides. While some of the sliced veal were slightly dry, the delightful creamy mushroom sauce compensated for it.

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Pave De Bar Au Safran 4.5/5

The Sea Bass Fillet is a lighter option. The moist and flaky fish paired aptly with a subtle floral saffron sauce. The sauce had an excellent consistency, adding a gentle yet flavorful note to the delicate sweetness of the fish.

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Tartrelette Au Citron De Mrs Chin 4/5

Dessert was a Lemon Tart with raspberry and its top brûlée. The tart shell was buttery and delicious, and I appreciate how the bitter caramelised notes and the tart raspberry balanced the sweetness of the curd.

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.


Coucou
9 Craig Road
#01-01
Singapore 089669
Tel: +65 9642 1624/+65 6226 0060
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun - Thurs:12pm - 230 pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn right onto Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, November 24, 2024

Umami 10 @ Telok Ayer Street - A Refined Japanese-European Fusion, Tapas-Style Experience

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Located in the vibrant Telok Ayer district, Umami 10 delivers an elevated dining experience, blending the artistry of Japanese cuisine with refined European influences. Designed around a tapas-style concept, it offers a curated menu of inventive small plates, all served in an inviting setting perfect for savouring fine food, wine, and sake.

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Premium Hyogo Oysters 4.2/5

The Premium Hyogo Oysters ($36) set the tone for the meal. Plump, juicy, and boasting a clean, briny flavour. The creamy oysters are elevated with uni and ikura toppings, delivering an exquisite taste of the sea in every bite.

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Truffle Pitan Tofu 4.2/5

A standout dish was the Truffle Pitan Tofu ($20). This luxurious creation combines silky tofu with a rich, creamy century egg sauce, delivering a bold and savoury depth. Snow crab meat adds a delicate sweetness, while ikura pearls provide bursts of umami flavour. A subtle hint of truffle oil ties everything together with its earthy aroma, making it a must-try.

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Cod Fish Shirako 4/5

The Cod Fish Shirako ($28) is a seasonal delicacy that should not be missed. The creamy texture and mild sweetness of the shirako are perfectly complemented by the house-made sauce, creating a delicate yet indulgent dish.

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Gold Charcoal Karaage 4.2/5

The visually striking Gold Charcoal Karaage ($19) is as delicious as it is eye-catching. The chicken is coated in charcoal powder and finished with edible gold, delivering a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior. It's a perfect balance of flavour and texture, making it a treat for both the eyes and the palate.

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Wagyu Boneless Short Ribs 4.2/5

The Wagyu Boneless Short Ribs ($35) are braised for 12 hours in a red wine blend, resulting in an incredibly tender, melt-in-the-mouth texture. The buttery flavour of the wagyu is enhanced by the richness of the braising liquid, offering a luxurious bite that's worth savouring.

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Garlic Fried Rice 4.2/5

The Garlic Fried Rice ($20) is comfort food at its finest. Fluffy Japanese rice is cooked to perfection, with prawns adding a touch of sweetness. The garlicky and eggy fragrance is well-balanced, making it an irresistibly satisfying dish that complements the richer items on the menu.

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Three Liqueur Tiramisu 4.2/5

To end on a sweet note, the Three Liqueur Tiramisu ($18) is a bold twist on the classic Italian dessert. The blend of three distinct liqueurs brings depth and complexity to the dish, striking the perfect balance between sweetness and subtle warmth from the alcohol. It's a decadent and satisfying finale to the meal.

Umami 10 impresses diners with its innovative Japanese-European fusion dishes, offering them an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Telok Ayer. From indulgent small plates to exquisite seasonal offerings, each dish reflects a perfect harmony of flavours and textures. Pair it with their curated selection of sake or wine, and you have a dining destination that's perfect for both intimate meals and celebratory occasions.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Umami 10
163 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068616
Tel: +65 65135789
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Sat: 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes.  [Map]