Immanuel French Kitchen @ Bukit Merah

When the foodies gang went down to Bukit Merah Salut Coffeeshop last month to check out Two Wings, my foodie radar picked up a lone figure at the other corner of the premises painstakingly preping for his stall hours before the opening. I could sense the passion in the man behind the chef apron. I made a mental note to return and try the food at Immanuel French Kitchen. After getting home that day, I got a message from Catherine who found the man behind the chef apron familiar, is non other than Immanuel Tee formerly head chef of Keystone at the young age of 26 who has worked in the kitchen of Jaan, Restaurant Andre, Guy Savoy Singapore and two Michelin starred in Pastorale in Belgium.

Duck Rillette 4/5

I was quite surprised that I can get Duck Rillette ($8.60) at a coffeeshop stall servicing casual French cuisine, served with gherkin and bread. I applaud the serving of gherkin to go with the duck rillette fatness. This shows the thoughtfulness of the chef in his food and for his customers. I look forward to trying the chicken liver pate in my next visit.

Foie Gras 3.8/5

For me the Foie Gras ($12.60) coated with black miso, served with dashi and daikon noodle has it hits and misses. I can't expect more in the quality of the ingredient as we are not dining at a restaurant. I like the pairing of the sweet black miso with the creamy foie gras, accentuating the enjoyment to a new level. I only hope that the foie gras could be more seared on the sides instead.

Frog 3.8/5

The Frog ($12.60) sauteed with shallot, garlic and parsley received mixed opinions among the gang. While we all agreed on the butter aroma, some felt that the seasoning can be heavier. I thought otherwise then. If the seasoning is too strong, it will mask the natural mild sweetness of the frog.

French Duck Leg Confit 3.5/5

A classic French dish is the French Duck Leg Confit ($15.90) that is served with mash potato, braised cabbage and au jus. I thought the braised cabbage was something very out of the norm and not French. Nevertheless, I did enjoy it. The fact that the braised cabbage comes with some acidity helped to cut through the gaminess and fatness of duck confit. The duck leg confit itself has a nice crispy skin while the meat could be more tender.

Pork Belly 4/5

From the Foie Gras and now to the Pork Belly ($16.90) braised in Kakuni style shows that Immanuel likes to incorporate Japanese influence into his French cuisine. The braised pork belly is served with duxelle mushroom, onsen egg and potato foam. I like the interpretation of the pork belly but the portion seemed a bit small.

Actually I am quite excited to chance upon Immanuel French Kitchen. I didn't expect that the humble little stall is actually run by a top chef who has bags of experience working into various top restaurants. I am sure with his culinary training and experience, it is not hard for him to helm any restaurant but he has chosen to sweat it out in a tidy space labouring his passion for his food. I look forward to Chef Immanuel bring his vision and cuisine to the next level.


[CLOSED]
Immanuel French Kitchen 
Blk 119 Bukit Merah Lane 1
#01-40
Singapore 151119
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/immanuelfrenchkitchen
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time 10 minutes. [Map]

Irodori Japanese Restaurant @ POMO (Selegie)

Whenever my friends asked me to recommend a place for Japanese buffet, I would always suggest Irodori Japanese Restaurant at Riverview Hotel for its reasonable priced a la carte Japanese buffet. Fans of Irodori will be glad that it has opened a second outlet at Pomo Selegie. Probably many is not aware of it as the second outlet compared to the Riverview hotel branch is much quieter. It will be a good alternative if you wish to avoid the crowd at Riverview hotel branch.

Sashimi Moriawase 4.2/5

One reason why I like to go for Japanese buffet is the unlimited servicing of sashimi. As usual I started off with the Sashimi Moriawase allowing me to try the different selection of raw fish available for the day. On my plate, I had the octopus, snapper, salmon, tuna, yellow tail and sword fish. The sashimi was pretty fresh and good that I went for another round.

Green Tea Cold Tofu 3/5

The Cold Tofu was pretty interesting with its silky smooth texture and green tea flavour.

Nigiri Sushi 3.5/5

Maki Mono 3.5/5

For sushi lover there is a good varieties of Nigiri Sushi and Maki on the menu. There are 11 different Nigiri Sushi available on the menu. I tired the Salmon finger pressed sushi which was nicely balanced with the right ratio of the rice and fish.

Salmon 4/5

Beef Roll with Golden Mushroom 4/5

From the Teppan Yaki section of the menu, there are all together 12 different selections of items. I tried both the Salmon and Beef Roll with Golden Mushroom which are nicely done and paired with a delightful sauce.

Age Dashi Tofu 3.5/5

Torikaraage 4/5

Tempura 4.2/5

The Age Mono or deep fried section of the menu offers an eclectic selection of 24 different items. Among the couple I tried, my favourites were the Deep Fried Marinated Chicken, Age Dashi Tofu and Tempura. The tori karaage was very well marinated with the flavours being absorbed by the meat. The tempura has a light batter giving it the crunch while still allowing one to appreciate the ingredient itself.

Shishamo 4/5

Grilled Salmon Neck 4.2/5

Besides the sashimi moriawase, not to be missed is the grilled seafood. I tried the Shishamo, Grilled Salmon Neck and Grilled Prawn. I love having Shishamo as I enjoyed biting into the roe inside grilled capelin. The Grilled Salmon Neck is another delicacy with the sweet and moist flesh of the salmon perfectly grilled with some light seasoning giving it a smoky flavour. The bed of roe mayonnaise blanketed over the Grilled Prawn further enhanced the whole enjoyment.

Grilled Prawn 4/5

Overall I have enjoyed my experience at the Irodori Japanese Restaurant. The extensive selections of items on the menu plus the price of $36.80++ for adult and $23++ for children under 10 years old is considered reasonable and value for money.


Irodori Japanese Restaurant
POMO
1 Selegie Road
#01-14/15
Singapore 188306
Tel: +65 63377230
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IrodoriJapaneseRestaurant
Website: http://www.irodorijapaneserestaurant.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Bras Basah (CC Line), Dhoby Ghuat (CC Line, NE Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit D or E. Walk down Bras Basah Road to the junction of Bras Basah Road and Prinsep Street. Cross the road and turn right onto Prinsep Street. Walk down Prinsep Street and continue onto Selegie Road. Continue walking down Selegie Road until destination. Journey time about 12 mins. [Map]

2) Alight at Dhoby Ghuat MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Orchard Road to the junction of Orchard Road and Prinsep Street. Turn left onto Prinsep Street. Walk down Prinsep Street and continue onto Selegie Road. Continue walking down Selegie Road until destination. Journey time about 12 mins. [Map]