Saturday, December 9, 2017

Ginett Restaurant & Wine Bar @ Hotel G Singapore – A Fizzy Citrus Fiesta

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Situated in the heart of Singapore's Arts District and also a ground floor tenant of Hotel G Singapore is Ginett Restaurant & Wine Bar which houses a contemporary all-day dining concept, offering superb french wines and hearty European fare since February 2017. Helmed by the acclaimed chef Sylvain Royer and also sister to the popular Scarlett Restaurant & Wine Bar in Bangkok and Hong Kong, expectations were naturally high.

Their delicious gourmet offerings are constantly refreshed to excite taste buds, and this November, an all new Fizzy Citrus Fiesta menu was introduced, rolling out a variety of exquisitely curated citrus infused dishes and mixes. Available till 2 January 2018, the new citrus menu features new appetisers, mains and desserts, not just gorgeously plated in a burst of refreshing, zesty flavours and vibrant colors, but also a boost to the nutritious well-being of diners as well.

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Burrata Cheese 4/5

For starters, we had the Burrata Cheese ($32) which comes with green salad and mixed citrus garnish. While the burrata cheese boasts a soft, creamy texture, the beetroots added a nice crunch to the dish and the watermelon cubes had a subtle sweetness which balances the citrusy dressing.

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Smoked Salmon Celeriac salad 4/5

The Smoked Salmon Celeriac Salad ($30) features smoked salmon and blood orange slices sitting on a bed of celeriac salad. Most may not be familiar with the celeriac, which is actually the root portion of the celery. It has a crunchy texture with a subtle sweetness and juiciness that goes well with the smoky, slightly salty smoked salmon, and sourness of the orange slices.

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Pork Belly with Kaffir Lime Leaves 4.2/5

Moving on the mains, we had the Pork Belly with Kaffir Lime Leaves ($36) which comes with a side of pumpkin mash. With a thin layer of crisp skin on the outside, the tender pork belly had a nice ratio of fats and meat, albeit slightly tough when biten into. Perhaps the flavour of the pumpkin mash is too light to add any distinct dimensions to the taste of the pork belly but the kaffir leaves and little buds of plums lends a nice citrusy flavour to the dish.

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Pan Seared Scallops 4.5/5

The Pan Seared Scallops ($36) comes in huge juicy pieces of scallops, perfectly seared to bring out its freshness. A classic yet ingenious combination with a bed of soft velvety mashed potatoes, the addition of pomelo salad further lifted the entire dish with a citrusy flavour that is a perfect complement to the rest of the ingredients.

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Citrus Lemon Tart 4.2/5

To end off the meal, we had the Citrus Lemon Tart ($12) for desserts which comes in the form of a deconstructed lemon tart. A huge dollop of meringue sits centerpiece on lemon curd with smaller dollops of meringue nicely piped around. Pieces of crisp and buttery tart shells are placed around the dish for a “deconstructed” feel. The meringue – almost similar to the taste of fresh cream, light, soft and airy with a subtle sweetness. It was a well balance of flavours when paired with the tangy lemon curd. The sourness is non too cloying as well.

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Grapefruit Sour Sangria 4/5

Besides the delectable mains, you can also indulge in cocktails specially concocted with a fizzy kick by mixology talents. We had the Grapefruit Sour Sangria ($16/gls) which boasts a strong citrusy flavour with a slight bitter aftertaste. A few orange slices are added to balance out the tartness of the grapefruit, making this drink a refreshing one.

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Gin Fizz 4/5

The other cocktail on the citrus is the Ginz Fizz ($16/gls) is a classic mixed drink with a very light, sour citrusy note that settles well on the palate.

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Australian Angus Beef Ribeye 4/5

Apart from the new citrus menu, we also had the Australian Angus Beef Ribeye ($42/300g) from the Charcoal Grill signature selections, served with crispy and fluffy potato wedges. Done medium rare, the steak was seasoned simply with salt and pepper, and grilled to a nice succulent texture on apple wood charcoal, delivering an excellent tenderness and juiciness in every bite. While the accompanying sauce may be a tad too salty, having the well-seasoned steak by itself already suffices as an enjoyment on its own.

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Profiteroles 4.5/5

The Profiteroles ($12) features light chewy choux pastry shells, encasing huge dollops of creamy vanilla ice cream in between and complete with a generous drizzle of rich chocolate sauce from an accompanying small jug. A simple platter of desserts, yet well-executed and impressionable. Probably one of the most popular desserts in the restaurant. There were quite a number of tables ordering the same dish as well.

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The restaurant also features an extensive menu for their weekdays’ lunch set, ladies night on Tuesdays where every group of 4 ladies gets a free bottle of rose or sparkling wine, as well as their weekends ala carte T.U.F. (Till U’re Full) brunch at only $42 per pax, where diners can choose from their wide selection of eggs, roasted meats and vegetables. Do note that their ongoing Fizzy Citrus Fiesta menu is only available till 2 January 2018. With so many menu options and dishes available, diners will be spoilt for choices over at Ginett.

Words and photos by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ginett Restaurant & Wine Bar
Hotel G Singapore
200 Middle Road
Singapore 188980
Tel: +65 68097989
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bencoolen (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast: 8am - 11am Daily
Lunch: 11am - 3pm (Mon-Fri)
Brunch: 11am - 4pm (Sat-Sun)
Dinner: 6pm - 12midnight (Sun-Thu), 6pm - 1am (Fri-Sat)

Direction:
1) Alight at Bencoolen MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to junction of Middle Road and Bencoolen Street. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Middle Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]


Friday, December 8, 2017

Sky 22 @ Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena - Dine With A View At The Heart Of Novena

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Sky 22, an all day dinning concept has landed in the heart of Novena at the all-new Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena. Located on the 22nd floor, the restaurant features panoramic views of the nature reserve. The restaurant focuses on healthy, wholesome culinary creations that is inspired by local cuisine, using premium quality ingredients and local aromatics.

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Nasi Ulam Wild Rice Salad 4.2/5

An interesting dish on the menu is the Nasi Ulam Wild Rice Salad ($22) which has been given a richer and modern rendition. The play of textures and flavours has been enriched by the use of charred octopus, long beans, fire-roasted sweet potato, organic betel leaf, ginger flower, crushed peanut and toasted coconut.

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Oven Baked Camembert Cheese 3.5/5

For the cheese lover, there is the Oven Baked Camembert Cheese ($18). You get the whole block of cheese to go along with the rosemary-balsamic Portobello mushroom, arugula walnut pesto and grilled sourdough.

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Prosciutto & Belgian Endive Salad 3/5

For something light and healthy, the Prosciutto & Belgian Endive Salad ($22) will be a good choice. The sweetness of the roasted Japanese pumpkin and caramelised fig are complemented by the pomegranate dressing, with the savory granola providing the extra crunch.

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Singapore Chilli Crab Pizza 3.5/5

Chilli crab on a thin crust pizza is an interesting interpretation of the national dish. The Singapore Chilli Crab Pizza ($26) is topped with generous chunks of crab meat and garnished with Spanish onions, red chilli and scallions. Initially I felt that the pizza needs to be more spicy but then it is a pizza after all, so the sweet tomato base actually fits the characteristic of a pizza. Reducing the heat is also make it more palatable for the foreigners.

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Iberico Pork 4.5/5

Cooked to perfection is the Iberico Pork ($36), tender and juicy. What I like most is that it does not have that porky smell. It is served with oven baked baby radish, hummus, wilted Chinese spinach and yellow soy beans. The accompanying balsamic sauce provided the extra zest to lift the enjoyment.

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Pan Seared Red Spotted Grouper

Inspired from the local sambal stingray, the Pan Seared Red Spotted Grouper ($26) is topped with red cherry shrimps and okra, served with a slather of sambal olek and light turmeric coconut sauce. To be frank, I don't find any association in taste to the sambal stingray. However it is a well executed dish that will delight one's taste buds.

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Purple Potato Gnocchi 3/5

A vegetarian dish on the menu is the Purple Potato Gnocchi ($24) which is made from scratch by the kitchen. The comforting dish comes with a medley of fire-roasted vegetables, mascarpone and tossed in burnt sage butter. I felt that the gnocchi was a thick for bite, and probably a little bit more colours for the dish will make it for appetising.

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Tiger Prawn Laksa Lemak 4.5/5

The signature at Sky 22 has to be their Tiger Prawn Laksa Lemak ($24) that is an atas version of the local street food. Comes in a rich spicy coconut gravy, there are thick vermicelli, charred tiger prawns, quail eggs, beancurd puffs and fish cake. I finished the bowl of laksa to the last drop.

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Bubur Cha Cha Cup 3/5

Last but not least, we had the Bubur Cha Cha Cup ($12) for dessert. It is a deconstructed rendition of the popular nyonya dessert, which comes in a combination of sweet potato, yam, banana, pandan jelly and sago, with a a scoop of coconut ice cream. I actually still prefer my traditional bowl of bubur cha cha, in which I can get every textures and flavours in one spoonful.

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Besides the a la carte menu, Sky 22 also offers a healthy lunch or dinner B.Y.O.B (Build Your Own Bowl) concept allowing diners to create personalised bowls accordingly to their taste and preference. Dinners can start by selecting from different salad bases topped with vegetables, cold cuts and a choice of a house dressing. They can also warm their appetite with hot bowls of soup before working on their built bowls. Top up an additional $4 for a dessert for a sweet finish.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Sky 22
Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena
Level 22
99 Irrawaddy Road
Singapore 329568
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily:
630am - 1030am (breakfast)
12pm - 230pm (lunch)
3pm - 5pm (Tea)
6pm - 10pm (Dinner)

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