Origin Grill @ Shangri-La Singapore - Collaboration With California Wine Institute For The First Ever California Wine Month

Experience Singapore's first-ever California Wine Month held by California Wine Institute (CWI) from now till 10 July 2022. After more than 30 years of presence here in Singapore, CWI is set to continue its effort in introducing California wines and its wine lifestyle to you that are synonymous with the attitude of the idyllic and sunshiny California. During this limited time frame, you can enjoy special menus highlighting California wines at Lawry's The Prime Rib Singapore, Rosemead, La Dame de Pic, Shang Palace, and Origin Grill & Bar.

Our experience of this exclusive event took place at Origin Grill. Keeping close to the California vibes that define the wines, instead of launching the regular wine pairing sessions, Origin Grill has created a California Wine Flight ($79 per flight, 125ml per pour) that allows you to taste and experiment with the diversity of California wines. Area Head Sommelier, Shangri-La Group Britt Ng has curated three wines from different yet iconic wine-growing regions on the North Coast, namely Napa Valley, Sonoma County and Mendocino County.

- NV Roederer Estate, Quartet Brut, Anderson Valley, Mendocino County
- 2018 Peter Michael, L’Apres Midi Sauvignon Blanc, Knights Valley, Sonoma County
- 2018 Cakebread Cellars, Merlot, Rutherford, Napa Valley

What I appreciate about this curation is that it includes a California sparkling wine Quartet Brut, which is uncommon, as well as the consideration to highlight a family-run boutique cellar, Cakebread Cellars, from the most commercialised Napa Valley.

To accompany the wines, Origin Grill Degustation Menu will be the most ideal - a 5-course menu that allows you to sip the day away.

Starters 4.5/5

The starters were made of a platter of intriguing bite-size items - Tuna Magura wrapped with Daikon, Corn Ice Cream with Kaffir Lime and Popcorn, and a Salmon Parfait with Ikura, Seaweed in Sesame Cone.

Duck Breast 4/5

Octopus 4.5/5

There were two entrees - Duck Breast and Octopus. The Octopus surprised me with an intense smokey-sweet Tomato Jam layered with nuances of cumin. Together with Garum, this dish certainly opened up my appetite.

Pork Shoulder 3/5

We also had a pre-main - Pork Shoulder with Chimichurri Rojo. While I like how the sauce cut the richness of the meat, the meat was a tad tough for my liking.

Striploin 4.5/5

My main was the Signature Black Angus Striploin MS3. Simple yet perfect for this Wine Flight Experience.

Hazelnut Gianduja 4.8/5

A beautiful Hazelnut Gianduja with an Orange Grapefruit Marmalade centre rounds up the meal. The tartness of the marmalade complemented the sweet and nutty gianduja, while the pomelo pulps atop give it a touch of freshness.

There are no rules on how to pair the wines with your food; California wines' approachability is one of their endearing factors. There will also be an array of California wines on offer at RedMart and FairPrice. For more details, you may contact the restaurants directly or visit@california.wines.singapore..


Origin Grill & Bar
Shangri La Singapore Hotel
Lobby Level Tower Wing
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 62134595
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 23 minutes. [Map]

Wild Coco @ McNair Road - A Delicious Plate Of Nasi Lemak As Good As Dickson Nasi Lemak

Are you missing Dickson Nasi Lemak after it temporarily closed its shop upon Malaysia's live chicken export ban to Singapore? If you are, I have a piece of good news. I have discovered Wild Coco at McNair Road, which sells an excellent plate of Ayam Goreng Berempah that is comparable to Dickson Nasi Lemak. Furthermore, you can dine-in at Wild Coco, unlike Dickson Nasi Lemak, which only could takeaway.

Ayam Goreng Berempah 4.5/5

We had the Ayam Goreng Berempah ($9.80), which comes with a whole spiced chicken leg, fried egg, ikan bilis, peanuts and sambal chilli. The deep-fried whole chicken leg is crispy on the exterior and well-flavoured by the beautiful aroma of the various spices. On the other hand, the meat is tender and juicy. It is comparable to Dickson Nasi Lemak.

As for the rice, Wild Coco's version is more subtle, while Dickson Nasi Lemak's version is robust and rich. The sambal chilli is also better at Dickson Nasi Lemak, which is spicier and more fragrant.

However, Wild Coco fares better in other areas. First, their Ayam Goreng Berempah comes with a fried egg instead of a hard-boiled egg at Dickson Nasi Lemak. Second, you can dine-in at Wild Coco, meaning you can have your food fresh out of the kitchen while Dickson Nasi Lemak can only takeaway.

After comparing the Ayam Goreng Berempah at both Wild Coco and Dickson Nasi Lemak, I find both have pros and cons. However, Wild Coco has a slight edge because you can dine in, and there are more varieties such as Fried Sambal Fish Nasi Lemak and other side dishes.


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Wild Coco
Blk 122 Mcnair Road
#01-45
Singapore 320122
Tel: +65 91193822
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Nearest MRT: Boon Keng (NE Line), Farrer Park (CC Line), Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 1030am - 3pm
Tue-Sat: 1030am - 830pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Boon Heng MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Towner Road. Walk to traffic junction of Towner Road and McNair Road. Cross the road onto McNair Road and walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to bus stop at Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple (Stop ID 07211). Take bus number 21, 125, 130 and 139 . Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road and walk to McNair Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Novena MRT station (Stop ID 50038). Take bus number 21. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]