Monthly Archives: February 2014

BWB – Burgers VS Wings + Bar

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One of the hippest dining spots in town today, Burger VS Wings + Bar is an American-style restaurant that inventively links scrumptious nosh with a sports theme –boxing. Not to worry, violence is not involved; it is pure entertainment.

The most violent affair that could possibly occur would be a debate on whether to order the burger or wings, and perhaps relentless chomping on wings and burgers.

The vast and spacious interior accommodates up to 180 diners, encompassing a theatrical open kitchen, tapas and dessert buffet stations, a ‘boxing ring’, punching bags and props.

Engaging the crowds are hyperactive boxers, and ring card girls who often appear during ‘half-times’ with placards featuring incredibly attractive offers from 1-for-1 deals to items going at $1 and more. Continue reading →

Din Tai Fung’s Art of Making Xiao Long Bao hands-on Workshop with The Lion Men

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Screaming fans lined up outside the entrance of Suntec’s Din Tai Fung on 12 February 2014, anticipating the arrival of the lead actors, Wei Liang and Tosh from Jack Neo’s latest movie, The Lion Men, who arrived in a trishaw in style accompanied by the vibrancy of a lion dance performance.

Recently awarded as Most Influential Brand (Restaurant Category) voted by Generation Y (age 18 to 28), household brand Din Tai Fung is proud to be a title sponsor of The Lion Men.

Fans and several members of the media partook in the Xiao Long Bao culinary workshop, which started with a demonstration, followed by a hands-on session, and ends with a sumptuous Lo Hei High Tea session.

The Art of Making Xiao Long Bao is no small feat. Each Din Tai Fung Xiao Long Bao undergoes 6 precise preparatory stages, weighing 20.8 to 21.2 grams each, and pleated with a minimum of 18 folds. Continue reading →

Swensen’s presents 21 New Disney Princess Ice Cream Cake Designs

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Pretty pastel hues, thick moist and creamy ice cream cake, and edible printed princess designs –doesn’t that make up many young girl’s dream cake?

Swensen’s presents 21 new Disney Princess ice cream cake designs featuring the new generation of princess characters, who are more than just princesses waiting for their Prince Charming and ‘happily ever after’; they are the dynamic, ambitious, independent, strong and courageous bunch. Continue reading →

“Savour the Seasons” at Basilico

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Il Crudo – Sicilian Tuna Loin tossed with Bronte Pistachio; Sea Bass Fillet cured with Amalfi Lemon; Cured Salmon marinated with Wild Fennel

A change of season sparks new inventive flavours at Regent Singapore’s flagship Italian restaurant, Basilico. “Savour the Seasons”, a seasonally driven Basilissimo menu, features seasonal produce and ingredients at their peak, rendered exquisitely and beguilingly.

The set dinner is available daily at $82++ per person, comprising a choice of a la carte main course and a buffet spread of antipasti and dessert. Here’s a peek at the choices of mains that will be available in the spring and winter menus.

Check out my previous post for more pictures of the buffet spread: https://melicacy.com/?p=5528


Risotto ai Porcini

Risotto with Porcini Mushroom, Braised Young Leek and Cured Venison Tenderloin with Juniper Berries in a Gaia Barbaresco Wine Reduction –this is an exemplar of elevated comfort food.

The Inverno (Winter: January to March) menu showcases ingredients such as Sicilia’s globe, violet and spiny Artichokes, Chioggia Beetroot, Violet Potatoes, game meats such as wild boar, venison and quail, as well as Piemonte’s famous Tartufo Nero (black truffles). Drool-inducing dishes include Risotto with Porcini and Leeks with Cured Venison in a Barbaresco Wine Reduction, handmade Winter Herb Riminesi Pasta with Tuscan-style Pork Ragout and Pecorino Cheese, and Roasted Quail stuffed with Chestnuts and Black Truffle. Continue reading →

News Flash: Celebrate Love at the Top of Mount Faber this Valentine’s Day

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Photo provided by Mount Faber

Perched 106 metres above sea level, Mount Faber is the place to be for a memorable Valentine’s Day, where romance meets delectability. Apart from the spectacular view of Singapore, the establishments at Mount Faber have rolled out exquisite Valentine’s Day menus.

Dining options include a relaxing dinner at the top of the hill at Spuds & Aprons, at the tranquil setting of Faber Bistro, or Sky Dining in the cable car.

For more information and menus, visit http://www.mountfaber.com.sg/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=55&Itemid=50

Hinoki Japanese Dining

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Chef’s Recommendation – Tokusen Sashimi ($110 for 2 persons)

There are several tiers in the Japanese dining scene in Singapore, mostly categorised by pricing, and identified by ambience, setting and of course reputation. Hinoki Japanese Dining happens to fall snugly in the upper-middle tier –not too shabby, but not fine-dining calibre.

We would usually associate the lowest tier with offering uninspiring and mass produced sushi that are made of low quality ingredients, and the highest tier offering exquisite kaiseki ryori (a multi-course meal showcasing the deft hands and creativity of the kaiseki master), made of the finest and freshest ingredients.


Assorted Tempura – Tempura Moriawase ($30)

Hinoki Japanese Dining is owned by restaurant group Epicurean Concepts Pte Ltd that concurrently runs 2Fifteen Kitchen at (read my review here: https://melicacy.com/?p=4860).

Tucked in China Square’s Nankin Row within the bustling Central Business District, this restaurant has earned a marvellous reputation over the years, and is seemingly exceedingly well received by native Japanese. Continue reading →

JAAN at Swissotel The Stamford presents Seasonal Harvests of Autumn/Winter from now till end of March 2014

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From January till March 2014, JAAN at Swissotel The Stamford brings forth a new seasonal menu that features the nostalgic flavours of autumn and winter.

Chef de Cuisine Julien Royer’s artisanal menu is inspired by the bounty of fruits and vegetables harvested back in his hometown of Cantal, France, during the cold European seasons.

I speak of my dining experience at JAAN with exuberance and fervour. The dining experience embodies unparalleled splendour in all aspects; starting right from the moment you enter the premises.

Follow me through this gastronomic journey that is like no other, as my photos take you on a visual treat. Continue reading →

Zenxin Organic Park in Kluang, Malaysia

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What better way to spend a weekend after a gruelling stressful week at work, than with Mother Nature herself? If you’re looking for a mini getaway, a day trip out of Singapore to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of city life, you can consider exploring Zenxin Organic Park in Kluang, Malaysia, an hour and a half’s drive from Singapore.

By the way doesn’t the name “Zenxin Organic Food” ring a bell? I can imagine enthusiastic nods from the health-conscious group. Its label is ubiquitous at leading supermarkets in Singapore. Continue reading →

Highlights of Lunar New Year 2014 in Singapore

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Here are some of the highlights of Lunar New Year in Singapore this year, from reunion dinners and festive menus to Lo Hei Yu Shengs to Pen Cai to festive goodies, Melicacy has got it covered.

Reunion Imperial High Tea at Si Chuan Dou Hua at PARKROYAL on Beach Road (https://melicacy.com/?p=7003) offers great value for money at $32++ for a 8-course high-tea menu paired with teas.

Resorts World Sentosa is one of my favourite destinations in Singapore –not for the casino but for the unrivalled gastronomy and fun attractions (Universal Studios Singapore!!). Chek out the festive menus at Feng Shui Inn and Forest here: https://melicacy.com/?p=6960

For high calibre Cantonese cuisine, Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant at Sheraton Towers Singapore is a top pick. The Braised Superior Bird’s Nest with Crabmeat and Crab Roe is particularly outstanding. Check out their festive menus here: https://melicacy.com/?p=6973

For an elegant and classy Lunar New Year, Jiang-Nan Chun at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore gets my pick. Check out their festive menus here: https://melicacy.com/?p=6993

We’ve encountered fruit-incorporated Yu Shengs, but Peach Blossoms at Marina Mandarin takes it up a notch by using organic fruits in their Yu Sheng. Check out their festive menus here: https://melicacy.com/?p=6995

A go-to place for Barbeued Goose would be Restaurant HOME at The Rail Mall by Chef Tan Yong Hua. A homely and cosy restaurant that serves comforting Chinese cuisine. Check out the festive menus here: https://melicacy.com/?p=6975

Buffet lovers would be flocking to Plaza Brasserie at PARKROYAL on Beach Road for the festive buffet. Have you checked out the new Ballrooms? Read more here: https://melicacy.com/?p=6997

As for the ‘Best Pen Cai’, the award goes to Cherry Garden, Mandarin Oriental Singapore’s extravagant Cherry Garden Treasure Pot ($328 for 6 persons) –also identified as the largest pen cai in Singapore, weighing a hefty 25 kilogrammes and measuring 45 centimetres in diameter. Check out their festive menus here: https://melicacy.com/?p=6987

Most memorable from Goodwood Park Hotel was the meticulously handcrafted Fortune of Gold ($80 for 1kg) that’s sweet and entirely edible –a stunning creation that will be the star of every party. Check out their festive offerings here: https://melicacy.com/?p=6952

For affordable and halal-certified Chinese New Year baked goodies, check out PrimaDéli’s range that includes new flavours such as the Pistachio Cookies that I got hooked on: https://melicacy.com/?p=6990

One of my favourite places to get Chinese New Year goodies would be Bakerzin. Classic pineapple tarts come in two designs, ingot-shaped and leaf-shaped. Fans of yuzu can try their yuzu-flavoured pineapple tarts. Their cookies are crowd-pleasers too. All goodies are individually wrapped to maintain freshness. Read more here: https://melicacy.com/?p=6965

The Taiwan Pineapple Cakes from Din Tai Fung made with Songshan Pineapples is a must-try for those who want an alternative to the usual pineapple tarts. Free of preservatives and trans-fat. Read more here: https://melicacy.com/?p=7026

Check out the cheery festive cakes from The Icing Room here: https://melicacy.com/?p=7011

One of the most popular giveaways I’ve done was for Violet Oon’s Kitchen’s Lunar New Year hamper, with over 300 participants in a span of less than 2 weeks. Check out more of the festive goodies from Violet Oon’s Kitchen here: https://melicacy.com/?p=6955

For casual western dining and seafood lovers, Fish & Co offers the Yu Sheng at $34.80++. More on the Yu Sheng here: https://melicacy.com/?p=7017

And for the best and most opulent version of Yusheng, Hilton Singapore takes the crowning glory. Truffle, lobster, caviar, bird’s nest, … basically all the good stuff, all in the Yu Sheng. Read more about their festive menus here: https://melicacy.com/?p=6971

Here’s wishing everyone a prosperous Lunar New Year!

Mr Bean’s Dessert Concept at Bedok Mall with New Savoury Creations

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Pearly Mango Paradise ($4.50)

Mr Bean opens a new concept at Bedok Mall, where you can find a range of beancurd-associated desserts –some unique, and mostly inventive.

The Pearly Mango Paradise comprises juicy mango chunks, tapioca pearls, pomelo pulps and smooth soya pudding. The tapioca pearls provide a juxtaposing chewy element to the melt-in-the-mouth texture of beancurd while the mango and pomelo pulp provide sweetness and a little tang. Continue reading →

(Lunar New Year 2014) Din Tai Fung – Taiwan Songshan Pineapple Cakes

Posted on by Melissa Koh
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Years of house-hopping and pineapple tart-nibbling has given you the opportunity to taste diverse versions of that ubiquitous snack, and find exactly what fits your palate best: open-faced pineapple tart, the kind with pastry entirely encasing the pineapple jam filling within, the melt-in-the-mouth buttery sort, the light and fluffy variant, the dense and heavy version, or the slightly crisp one that are rather rare.

After being introduced to Din Tai Fung’s Taiwan Songshan Pineapple Cakes, I instantly fell in love and have now included it in my top favourites.


Taiwan Songshan Pineapple Cakes ($7.50 for box of 3pcs/$23.80 for box of 10pcs)

Din Tai Fung’s Taiwan Songshan Pineapple Cakes are air-flown from Taiwan, where they’re freshly baked and wrapped individually to maintain freshness. Continue reading →

Weekend Dim Sum Brunch Buffet at Yan Ting, The St. Regis Singapore

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‘Dim Sum’, ‘Brunch’ and ‘Buffet’ are three exceedingly buzzed-about terms in Singapore’s food language. Put them all together at a location like The St. Regis Singapore’s famed Yan Ting Restaurant and there you have it –heaven in a real world.


Steamed Pork and Shrimp Dumpling with Black Truffles

The weekend brunch at Yan Ting includes unlimited portions of high calibre dim sum, comforting Cantonese favourites, scrumptious appetisers, soul-warming soups, a variety of seafood and meat dishes, rice and noodles, and desserts. On top of that, each diner gets one serving of Double Boiled Abalone Soup with Chicken and one portion of Lobster steamed with Egg White and Hua Diao wine. Continue reading →