Shima @ Goodwood Park Hotel - A New Refreshed Spring Kaiseki Menu

To mark the Spring season in April, Shima at Goodwood Park Singapore unveils a fresh Spring Kaiseki menu, specially crafted by award-winning Chef Hoshiba Fumihiko. To imbue in his dishes the seasonal feel and flavours of Spring, only premium seasonal ingredients are chosen, inviting diners to have a taste of an authentic kaiseki meal of Japan.

Appetizer 3.5/5

Sakura blossom, an indicator of Spring, comes in a form of an intricate handmade Sakura Beancurd, plated alongside with fermented and salted bonito on Japanese mountain yam, and springtime favorite Turban Shell. Lifting the lid of the porcelain bowl uncovers a rare spring delicacy, the Hotaruika Firefly Squid, marinated in a vinegar miso. I learnt that this well-loved springtime ingredient actually glows in water and lights up the waters of Toyoma Bay every Spring.

Stewed Dish 4/5

Shark's fin is considered a delicacy and a form of status symbol in Japan. Served atop the Chawanmushi, it contributes to an even smoother mouth-fill of the egg custard, that quivers readily. What piqued my taste buds was the sweet sesame tofu cube at the core. Relatively denser and firmer, the contrasting texture and flavor against the silky and savoury egg custard makes this dish really enjoyable.

Seasonal Sashimi 4.2/5

Flown in once a week from Japan, we had Otoro, Japanese Seabass and Sweet Prawn. Every piece of it was luscious and left me craving for more.

Simmered Dish 3.5/5

A Kaiseki meal not only showcases the beautiful flavours of the season but also the chef's collection of skills and techniques mastered over the years. A rich broth of Mackerel and Sweet Rice wrapped in pickled cherry blossom leaf and then slow-simmered. A nimono dish as such typically takes a chef at least 10 years to master, with preparation done over the course of two days under constant supervision. So do take your time to appreciate each and every element, including the cherry blossom leaf, an edible wrapper which imparts a interesting flavour to the sweet rice.

Grilled Dish 3/5

Fresh Red Sea Bream is topped with bright tamago, as motif of the sakura’s pollen during Spring. However, the highlight of the dish is neither the fish nor the Hokkaido abalone but the baby green peach that bursts with refreshing sweetness.

Fried Dish 3.8/5

We had crispy fried Asparagus, Sakura Ebi mixed with soramame (broad bean) and a hand carved butterfly from Sweet Potato to symbolises Spring. I like the ebi soramame mixture. It's like eating a piece of nicely fried yam but denser with an elevated savouriness.

Pink Sakura Noodles 4.2/5

Before coming to dessert, we had a romantic bowl of Pink Sakura Noodles, made by blending specially selected cherry blossoms. Firm and springy, this is possibly my favourite dish of the evening.

Sakura Mochi and Fresh Fruits 4/5

Dessert was Sakura Mochi and Fresh Fruits. What's notable is that the mochi is made with real grains, which gives a lot more bite and texture. I love the fruits, especially the honeydew that releases an intense sweet and almost winey juice.

The seasonal spring kaiseki menu has already started on 1st April. Lunch kaiseki menu starts from $68++, and the dinner kaiseki menu starts from $88++. For the premium dinner sets at $138++, $188++ and $288++, diners get to enjoy more premium ingredients such as A5 Wagyu with King Prawn and Oyster, Japanese Lobster and Hokkaido Abalone.

Photograph and written 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.


Shima
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scott Road
Level 1
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67346281
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Yakiniku Heijoen @ 100AM - All You Can Eat Wagyu Beef

For my age, buffet is no longer my thing. However when I heard of Yakiniku Heijoen that serves unlimited wagyu beef, I have been wanting to visit the place which is known to serve good quality beef for the BBQ buffet. Yakiniku Heijoen is established in 1976 in Japan, and it has over 24 outlets in Tokyo alone. Currently it has 2 outlets in Singapore, one at Wisma Japan Food Town and the other at 100AM Itadakimasu by PARCO.

Japanese Wagyu Kalbi and Harami in Sweet BBQ Sauce 4.2/5

If you are going for the All You Can Eat Buffet, basically there are 3 pricing - Beef ($35.90/pax - 35 items, 70min), Rich ($48.90/pax - 46 items, 90min) and Premium - ($59.90/pax - 56 items, 90min). I decided to go for the Premium which has more items. Do not that there is a time limit for the buffet.

Japanese Wagyu Kalbi and Harami in Garlic Salt 4.2/5

As it is my first time dining at the restaurant, I asked the staff for recommendation. She is nice and helpful, suggested we tried the four different cuts and marination of the wagyu beef. Hence we ordered the Japanese Wagyu Kalbi and Harami in Sweet BBQ Sauce and Japanese Wagyu Kalbi and Harami in Garlic Salt. I prefer the harami cut more for its richer flavour with the garlic salt marination. The sweet bbq sauce is slightly too sweet for me, masking the natural flavour of the beef.

Beef Tongue Garlic Salt 4/5

If you are adventurous, you can try the Beef Tongue in Garlic Salt. It is not as fatty as the kalbi or harami cuts but it has an enjoyable crunchy texture once cooked.

Scallop, Prawn, Mackerel in Foil 3.5/5

Besides the wagyu beef, there are many more items on the menu. For the seafood, I had the scallop, prawn, mackerel and squid.

Pork 4/5

On top of the different beef selections available on the menu, there are other meat selections such as Pork and Chicken. If you are a carnivorous, you can eat to your fill.

Assorted Namul 4.2/5

It can be quite boring if the bbq buffet is still all about meat. Lucky it offers other side dishes such as beansprouts, spinach, zenmai, radish and kimchi. Actually you can order a plate of lettuce, have it together with the grilled meats.

Egg Soup 4/5

Akaoni Spicy Soup 4/5

There are even soups on the menu. I tried both the Egg Soup and Akaoni Spicy Soup. The Egg Soup is light, flavourful and comforting. The Akaoni Spicy Soup is a beef stock base soup which is packed with a spicy robustness, whetting up the appetite.

If you are a big eater and you love our meat, I really think the buffet is worth it. The quality of the meat served for the buffet is not the top graded one but it is still quality premium cuts. A little small tip here, just whack the wagyu beef and don't get distracted by the other items on the menu.

Yakiniku Heijoen
100AM
100 Tras Street
#03-11
Singapore 079027
Tel: +65 65382981
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Gopeng Street and turn into Tras Street. Walk to Amara Hotel. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]