Category Archives: CBD

Marina South Curry House -Comforting Tze Char Fare in the CBD

Posted on by Melissa Koh
1

Marina South Curry House fuels the CBD (Central Business District) crowd with a rustic taste of Singaporean-Malaysian tze char fare. The interior is reminiscent of a refurbished coffeehouse from the 70s era, with vintage elements that prompt diners of the good old times.

Heading the kitchen is Chef Gan Seong Teik, whom hails from Ipoh with over 40 years of cooking experience and has cooked in restaurants around the globe such as Mexico (1 year), Japan (1 year), Taiwan (3 years) and New Zealand (8 years).

If you ask me, I would say he has far better prospects tossing woks in foreign or western countries to pander to the homesick Asian expats and spreading the magnificence of the Asian food culture, rather than competing with like-minded countrymen. But he has chosen to settle down in Singapore at his current age of 56, as it is of closer proximity to his hometown. The CBD crowd get to benefit from it!


Fish head Bee Hoon ($7.90 for single portion/$18.90 for 2-3 pax, served in claypot)

The signature Fish Head Bee Hoon warms the stomach with a comforting broth that’s rich, milky and thick without the addition of milk, and tasty without the use of MSG in the cooking process. It is made up of a combination of ingredients simmered for over 6 hours. Fresh chunks of sea bass bring glee to fish lovers, with thinly sliced ginger refreshing the palate between sips and bites.

Continue reading →

Tiger Beer-inspired Menu at Restaurant Labyrinth in celebration of National Day

Posted on by Guest Writer
Reply

“Uncaged” is a term defined by Singapore’s national icon Tiger Beer as having the courage to follow your instincts, live on your own terms and look at things afresh. The home of the 82-years-old brand, Tiger Beer looks to become the symbol of courage, inspiring young adults and the new generation to ‘uncage’ their ambitions, igniting and leaping full of passion to achieve their dreams. This campaign upholds the pride of the Singaporean identity and it is only fitting to lead the launch of Tiger’s global repositioning on home grounds.

This symbol of courage is also portrayed and runs deeply in Chef Han’s culinary roots –Chef Han of Resetaurant Labyrinth being one of Tiger’s Uncage personalities. Continue reading →

Xperience Restaurant & Bar at Sofitel So Singapore

Posted on by Melissa Koh
Reply


Before I begin on my review of Xperience Restaurant & Bar at Sofitel So Singapore…


Panoramic view of the hotel room

When I uploaded a photo of one of the rooms in Sofitel So Singapore on and casually captioned “Staying here tonight!!!…In my dreams hurhur…” everyone seemed to have taken no notice of the second half of the caption and I suddenly became the subject of envy.

Well… I imagine me snuggling up in the lush comforts of the bed, reaching out to the iPad and start browsing; my finger swiping across the iPad, pitting against the constant dilemma on what show to watch. Then falling into deep slumber.

On a side note, Sofitel So Singapore’s rooms are furnished with iPhones and iPads.

Toiletries are kept in an enthralling His and hers drawer unit designed in their iconic hexagonal shape. So if I’m staying here with my girlfriend, we’ll be vying for the ‘Hers’ drawer.

Spotted throughout the hotel are commissioned objects featuring Karl Lagerfield’s “The Lion’s Seal” emblem.

Stylish, fashionable, sophisticated, glamorous and luxurious are words that would describe Sofitel So Singapore best.

You need not book a night’s stay just to soak up the glamorous vibes. Dine at Xperience Restaurant & Bar and be dazzled by the culinary flair of Chef Ann-Cecile Degenne in the sophisticated environs of Sofitel So Singapore.


Seared Pork Knuckle & Pickles ($12/$21/$31)

The menu does not abide by the standard way of categorising (appetisers, sides and mains); instead, dishes are categorised according to textures and tastes: crunchy, zesty, smoky, spicy, silky, saucy and juicy.

The restaurant lets you customise your dining experience based on the occasion by offering three portion sizes: tasting XS portions, personal XM portion, or sharing XL portion.


Mushroom Soup and Celery Royal (set lunch menu)

Those working in the CBD/Shenton Way area will find more reasons not to rush through unhealthy lunches at the desk; fuss-free set lunch menus are priced at $38++ for two courses (entrée and main) or $43++ for three courses (entrée, main and dessert). Xperience Restaurant & Bar Xperience makes for an ideal spot for business lunches as well. Continue reading →

L’Aiglon Cocktail Bar (July 2014 Summer Aperitif Cocktails)

Posted on by Melissa Koh
Reply

I don’t mean to sound like I’m turning into a chronic alcoholic, because I used to avoid alcoholic beverages like plague. The thing is, I’ve taken a huge fancy to cocktails in recent times, more or less in the influence of the growing numbers of new-fangled cocktail bars that slowly helped change my perception of libations. One of which that left a deep impression was L’Aiglon, a charming cocktail bar ensconced in a shophouse along the Tanjong Pagar dining district.


Elderflower Spritz ($14)

The owner is French native Pierre-Emmanuel Plassart, also a film director, photographer and avid traveller. Not unexpectedly the stylish bar exudes French masculinity accented with Asian touches, seating 80 guests in three distinct spaces –an outdoor terrace, a private room, and a lounge flaunting an attention-grasping 8.2 metre-long bar.


Cocchi Cooler

This season, L’Aiglon brings forth a refreshing Summer Aperitif Cocktails menu that’s available from 5pm to 8pm daily, priced at $14++ each. The menu is made up of 8 light and easy-to-drink aperitif cocktails, a mix of both classic and original concoctions, with the aim of tempting you out of the office before sunset. Continue reading →

Senso Ristorante & Bar celebrates its 14th anniversary with a month-long “Best of Senso’s Signatures Menu”

Posted on by Melissa Koh
1


Risotto (Singapore, 2006) ($36)

Senso Ristorante & Bar, possibly Singapore’s longest standing Italian dining destination, commemorates its 14th anniversary this July with a month-long “Best of Senso’s Signatures Menu”, featuring a line-up of impactful dishes that once shone on the restaurant’s ever-changing menu.


Tiramisu Revisto (Singapore, 2011) ($22)

The “Best of Senso’s Signatures Menu” is a collection of loyal patrons’ favourites over the last 14 years, of starters, soup, pasta, risotto, mains and dessert, tracing the restaurant’s culinary highlights since its establishment in 2000.


Manzo (Crans Montana, 2010) ($32)

The restaurant is also introducing two dishes from the restaurant’s outlets in Geneva and Crans Montana so Singaporean diners can have a taste of the restaurant’s gastronomic offerings from across the globe. The well-loved Manzo – essentially beef tartare served with roquette and Parmesan, olive oil, chervil and roasted potatoes – was a sell-out dish in Crans Montana, bound to make your palates swoon.


Premium NZ Lamb Rack (Singapore, 2011) ($44)

The Premium NZ Lamb Rack that made its first appearance on the menu in 2011 is feverishly encrusted with a crushed black olive mixture for that elevated salty intensity. Relatively lean yet utterly moist, this dish is an obvious choice for carnivores. Continue reading →

Bar-Roque Grill counts down to Bastille Day with celebrations from 1 to 14 July 2014

Posted on by Melissa Koh
3

Bar-Roque Grill celebrates its first year anniversary with 13 days of classic French dishes from 1 July 2014, leading up to French’s National Day, Bastille Day, giving lovers of French cuisine more reason to indulge in a flamboyant feast revolving around the best of France in this cosy yet sophisticated enclave.


Charcuterie board ($38/$62) – pork rillette, foie gras, chicken & sunchoke terrine, pork knuckle terrine, white kurobuta smoked ham, duck prosciutto, salami, country duck pate and rabbit rillette

The celebratory menu features classic Northern and Southern French dishes not commonly found in Singapore, such as Escargot Fricassee, Provencal appetiser Pistou Soup, Veal Cordon Bleu, classic steak dish Tournedos Rossini, slow-cooked casserole Cassoulet, hearty Braised Lamb Shank Provencal and more. Throughout the celebrations, a variety of five to seven types of French cheeses will also be available, as well as Burgundy and Champagne wine promotions (from 1 to 6 July) and wines from the South of France (from 7 to 14 July).


Classic Tarte Flambee ($14/$22)

Dining at Bar-Roque Grill transports one to the dazzling Baroque period of 17th century Europe. Alsace-born Chef Stephane Istel who helms the kitchen draws deep from traditional roots, with dishes classic yet powerfully responsive to modern times.

The Classic Tarte Flambée carries familiar features one would associate with pizza –crust and toppings. Unlike pizza, the crust of this tart flambée is light, crispy and cracker-thin. Topped with bacon, onions and of course lovingly melted cheese to bind everything together.


Bouillabaisse ($42)

The Bouillabaisse arrives in three separate components: saffron broth, croutons with rouille, and of course the focal point, grilled seafood accented with fresh dill, perked up with grilled red peppers, and laced caramelised onion that elevates this dish to a whole new level. Continue reading →

Senso Ristorante & Bar presents a Spring & Asparagus Menu

Posted on by Melissa Koh
Reply

An established and well-favoured Italian dining destination in Singapore, Senso Ristorante & Bar has just past the 14-year mark in Singapore’s culinary scene since its inception in 2000 –a huge achievement indeed. It is one of the longest standing Italian restaurants in Singapore, continually winning the hearts of returning patrons with its no-nonsense and well-executed fine contemporary Italian cuisine and consistent quality.

On a side note, Senso seems to be exceedingly popular with marriage proposals; its charming and intimate environ makes for the perfect setting for anything that spells romance. And due to its close proximity to the CBD area, lunch on weekdays is always a busy affair. On many occasions, this 156-seater establishment has to cope with being fully booked; it is certainly in capable hands to be able to do so.


Carnaroli Risotto ($30) – Traditional carnaroli risotto with white and green asparagus, aged parmesan flakes and fresh basil

This season, Senso updates its spring a la carte menu with intriguing possibilities, and at the same time, bringing forth a menu revolving around the vegetable of the season –asparagus, both white and green.
Continue reading →