Fine Dining in Singapore at Guy Savoy

How do you pronounce Guy Savoy? I was educated by my bro on this.  It's not English so...it's pronounced as Ghee Sav-wah.  I know what you're thinking.  My colleagues gave me bug-eyed looks when I mentioned the restaurant that I booked for our event's speakers.

Anyway, we had an event at Marina Bay Sands last week so as to thank our speakers, moderators and masters of ceremonies, we had lunch at Guy Savoy where we ordered the "TGV" set lunch (S$55++ for 2 courses).  Let the eating adventure begin!

I don't know whether to call this an amuse bouche or just a treat.  After we made our choices of starters and mains, the waiter handed each of us foie gras on crispy toast on a metal stick.  Delightfully light and crispy, I then wondered whether I should've ordered the crab starter instead.  Haha!

This is the 'real' amuse bouche by the chef.  It first came like this and had us all bewildered.  I can see the paprika and what looks like minced cucumber and crab at the bottom of an interesting bowl/cup.

The magic was completed when the waiter poured chilled asparagus soup into our bowls and instructed us to push the paprika into the bowl before slurping it.  When you lift the bowl, you'll discover a hidden dome of asparagus done in another way.  Sorry about not taking a pic of that.  Was too busy eating.  All I could say is that I would not have known that it was asparagus if the waiter didn't mention so.

For my starter, I chose the pan seared foie gras with potato roll.  The original version came with horse radish but I requested mine without (you guys ought to know how much I detest horse radish by now).  Two words to describe this dish - beautifully executed.  That twirl and roll of potato is one continuous piece! It lightly absorbed the accompanying broth but yet managed to retain its flavour.  Of course, the foie gras was pan seared to perfection.  This dish was refined and elegant.

I. Love. This. Soup.
It's Artichoke and Truffle soup and layered brioche with mushrooms and truffle cream.  You could taste the woody, oaky flavours of the truffles and mushrooms in a warm, comforting soup.  To remind you that this isn't your mother's concoction, the creaminess of the brioche adds that decadence that one expects in fine dining.

For my main, I chose the Atlantic Cod with artichoke polvrade, barigoule aioli and summer condiment of sundried tomato and (I think) thin slices of freeze dried mushrooms.  I quite liked the theatrics of bringing the whole darn fish to our table in the pot before slicing and plating.  Although tasty, I feel that I could probably recreate this dish if I put my mind to it.  The potatoes were nice.  The artichoke was lightly acidic which cuts any fishy taste from the cod.  I liked the texture of the condiments but otherwise, this was not a true party in the mouth.  It's dressed like it's going clubbing but ended up at an Italian family restaurant.

Above is what my colleague ordered and we had a good shock (plus laughter) when they presented the whole pork shank at the table.  The whole shank was HUGE but after cutting it, the small and non-intimidating piece was served with salad and special mineral salt from Spain.  I was told that the special salt was really yummy.  I didn't steal a bite so I can't describe it to you.  :(

 Oh...the petit fours! Too pretty to eat! I'm going to guess the exact names of the petit fours...first is the strawberry shortcake variation, coconut-marshmallow-like cube with fruit jam, chocolate dome and passion fruit macaron with chocolate filling.

To end the wonderful meal, we were served a scoop of earl grey sorbet with black pepper cream.  It was really yummy, which really surprised me because I'm not a huge fan of early grey since it has bergamot. Nonetheless, it is a lot nicer than eating lime sorbet and you could not taste the pepper in the cream.  Delicious!

The view from the restaurant is nothing to shout about (who cares about the casino?) when the true wonderful view is in front of you, in a plate.

Guy Savoy
10 Bayfront Avenue
L2, The Shoppes, Casino Atrium
Marina Bay Sands
Tel: +65 6688 8513
email: guy.savoy@marinabaysands.com
websites:  www.guysavoy.com OR https://www.marinabaysands.com/Singapore-Restaurants/Celebrity-Chefs/Guy-Savoy/

More eating at HIFUMI

Went back to Hifumi again and this time, I ordered their special Green Tea Rice with Salmon Tataki.  I shan't blog about their appetiser spread since I've already blogged about it and the spread does not change.

So...the salmon dish above looks super yummy, right?  Well...I will only give it a 3 out of 5.  Why?  The rice brought out the very fishy taste of the salmon, which is very ironic considering that salmon is one fish that has the least fishy taste! Needless to say, I didn't finish the rice.  I think the green tea with the vinegar did not blend in well with the fish.  Epic disappointment.  Thank goodness it's a seasonal special and is not on their permanent menu. 

Now...what else should I order?

Good Value For Money at HIFUMI Japanese Restaurant

You are looking at appetisers buffet part 1 of Siew Mai and myself.  List of the sides available:

• chawanmushi (steamed egg)
• chasoba with creamed fish sauce 
• edamame with shrimp
• broccoli and okra in seaweed broth
• braised eggplant
• vegetable chips
• roasted sweet potato
• sweet potato salad
• boiled gyoza
• mixed vegetables in cheese fondue
• braised fish in cream sauce
• onion steak (no beef...the onion was the steak)
• stewed vegetables in a wasabi sauce  

Where is this wonderful place that gives you a buffet spread of yummy sides when you order a set meal?  It's called Hifumi and we tried out the food at their latest branch at the refurbished 'Dining Room' section of Marina Square, opened only on 1 July.

I ordered their normal Pork Tonkatsu set (S$13.99++) while Siew Mai ordered the Miso Tonkatsu (S$14.99++) where the sauce had the distinctive miso flavour without it being too overpowering.  I would be super happy just eating this crispy porky goodness with the miso soup and rice.  It was honestly good on its own!

The set meals come in a neat tray which reminded me of the breakfast food trays in Japan where you get a bowl of steaming rice, a slice of super salty grilled fish and miso soup...in a standard overnight hotel for drunk/hardworking businessmen.  

The sesame pestle was so cute that it deserved its own photo!  It's an actual tree branch!! It just makes me feel good about being earthy (all puns intended) while grinding the sesame to top my rice.  Siew Mai sprinkled her sesame over her katsu.


Thirsty?  Top off your meal with refillable drinks at S$1.99++.

Like the price, Hifumi in general makes you feel like you're paying good value for your meal and you will most definitely leave feeling full.  It's not pretentious, neither is it utilitarian.  It's just good Japanese food at a reasonable price!  Love it!

Hifumi
6 Marina Boulevard
#02-106A Marina Square
Tel: +65 6337 4721

Nails of the week - 22 Jul 2013, Graffiti Sparkles

Since I have an event this weekend, I decided to go with something that's simple and will not cause the men to stare at my nails incredulously.  LOL.  Strangely enough, the dark blue (China Glaze) caused more reactions from my female colleagues.  Hmm...anyway, I bought the sparkle glitter on sale and I named this Graffiti Sparkles because unlike the usual glitter, the 'glitter' in this polish was like shredded tinsel.  Simple but yet striking.  Like me? Wahahahaha...

Best Brunch Spots in Singapore

After having visited a few brunch spots in Singapore, I reckon its time to make a comparison study and make a personal recommendation on where you can get the best breakfast grub in Singapore!  Cafes/ Restaurants in the running are:

• Barossa @ Holland Village
• Spruce @ Upper Bukit Timah, Old Fire House
• Toby's Estate @ River View
• Parco Caffe @ the old Gan Eng Seng School
• Prive @ Keppel Island

As tempted as I am to bring out a table (which I think is fair) I shan't because I'm too lazy to type the html for a table.  Anyhows, let's try to compare 'apples' to 'apples' or in this case, it would be eggs to eggs as well sausages, price and drinks.  Eggs are VERY important in one's brunch and I'm only a scrambled or poached eggs kind of girl so that's what we're going to compare first.

Eggs

For poached eggs - Prive, Spruce, Parco and Barossa passed the test.  Their eggs were not sour from the added vinegar in the water and they didn't over cook the yolk.  However, Parco Caffe's one was the most sour and it's most definitely NOT from the balsamic vinegar dressing at the side.

For scrambled eggs - Toby's and Barossa had the best ones.  Spruce's scrambled eggs were well seasoned but overcooked.

Choice of sides
I do not need a photo to just tell you that Barossa wins this hands down.  Although the breakfast menu is short, you just order their breakfast set which has EVERYTHING you want in a brunch:

• choice of eggs
• focaccia toast
• 2 types of sausages
• roasted tomatoes
• salad
• baked beans
• smoked salmon
• mushrooms or garlic spinach
• choice of beverage

That said, Prive had the best smoked salmon.  It was not too salty and they were rather generous with the serving.  Too bad the Hollandaise sauce is too oily and sometimes, overpowers the salmon.  Special mention - I liked that Parco went off the traditional route and had salmon tartare and avocado!

Toby's had the best sauteed mushrooms which they drizzle truffle oil with.

Best sausages...it's a tie between Toby's and Spruce.  The chorizo served at Toby's is savoury and packs that smoky spice while Spruce's cumberland was hearty and filled with solid meat.

Others?

SUPER yummy pancakes from Prive.  What an unbelievably wonderful way to get on a sugar high!  I have no idea how they do it but the pancakes are light and fluffy and the decadence of the sauce!!! *drool* 


Ambience
I love them all! Hahaha...well, go to Prive once just to eat next to the sea and if you want to feel like you're hob nobbing with the wealthy; Spruce and Toby's for that modern but yet industrial feel; Parco for that slightly whimisical (if you're in the small 'private' room) feel or sleek modern in their main dining hall or Barossa for that pub feel.  Most family friendly would be Parco Caffe as they have a large play area for children and when I went there the last time, they had a blown up air castle for children to bounce around in.

Value for money
Barossa.  For S$25++ (if I remember right), you get sooo much food! And a drink.  Great thing about the branch at Holland Village is that it's relatively quiet on a Sunday afternoon so you can lounge around and if you're up to it, order a beer after brunch.  Only problem after is finding a comfy spot to snooze.

Overall Champ
*Drumroll* And the winner is....BAROSSA!! They did everything right! The price, the done-ness of the eggs and the variety on the plate.  Only sad thing is that they don't do pancakes.  For that...go to Prive!

If you want to read the individual reviews of each of the brunch spots, click on the individual links below:

• Barossa @ Holland Village
• Spruce @ Upper Bukit Timah, Old Fire House
• Toby's Estate @ River View
• Prive @ Keppel Island

Hearty Italian at La Braceria

I have no idea who recommended La Braceria to my bro but he suggested that we go there for dinner so my family did.  First up, I am constantly amazed at how all these restaurants in Bukit Timah survive very well despite the horrible lack of parking and not being the most accessible by public transport, except for taxis.  Can't be total dependence on residents either, right?  Anyway, back to La Braceria.  It is nestled at the back of Glendale Avenue and the sign is rather nondescript from the road and it is only when you walk, do you see the rather large signboard.

For starters, we ordered the baked eggplant (above) as well as the seafood platter (below), which was on their special seasonal menu.

The eggplant was the expected yummy cheesy and tomato stew that I love with totally cooked eggplant.  The seafood platter had fried anchovies, smoked salmon, fish carpaccio and a 'stew' of clams and prawns.  I think the most unexpected delicious part of this platter had to be the fish carpaccio.  The slice of orange on top of it lent it that slight refreshing citrus taste while it was lightly salted.  It didn't have the smokiness of the salmon which was great because you need balance.  The stew was good but the soup was a tad spicy thanks to the chilli padi bits in side.

For mains, we ordered the Parpadele with Duck Confit which was on the special menu as well.  They ran out of black truffle so instead of paying S$28++, they only charged us S$26++ and the dish came with a very generous dousing of truffle oil.  The ducky was very well cooked and the sauce was gorgeous.  My only gripe is that the parpadele could've been cooked just a wee bit longer.  It was too aldente for me.

We also ordered a white pizza with beef tenderloin and mushrooms (S$28++).  A white pizza is essentially one without tomato paste and I can understand why they didn't want any tomato sauce to mask the pure taste of the mushrooms and beef.  Simple but there's just something comforting about melted cheese on a thin crust with sliced mushrooms and beef.  Two thumbs up!

What's life without desserts?  Despite being a bit full, we ordered the 'Must Try' Braceria special cheesecake (above, S$9.50++) which is really very different from the usual cheesecake.  It's light, less cloying in texture and felt more like eating layers of cheese panna cotta interspersed with graham crackers.  But I'm quite sure that it's not graham crackers.  I tasted hazelnuts and pistachios.  The sauce drizzled on the side was not simple chocolate either.  There was cherry glaceed into it.

Many reviewers recommended ordering the Flaming Lava Cake (S$9.50++), so we did.  It comes in this souffle bowl where Grand Marnier was poured on the surface.  With a lighter, the waiter set it on fire and voila! A flaming lava cake!

I was not impressed by the lava cake.  It was gooey and soft on the inside but one gets a satisfaction from seeing the molten centre oozing out onto the plate.  No such satisfaction here.  Also, Grand Marnier is orange flavoured brandy liquer and how do I feel about pairing orange and chocolate? I loathe it.  I only enjoyed the alcohol with the chocolate but it's orange...so...ugh.  Bro enjoyed the crispy bits though.

Overall, this meal was good.  There's no denying how authentic and hearty this Italian meal was.  There is no fancy schmancy plating and is just as good as Valentino's or Trattoria Noona Lina or any other famous Italian joints in Singapore.  I highly recommend dropping by if you're in the neighbourhood!

La Braceria
5 Greendale Avenue
Singapore 289501
Tel: +65 6465 5918
Website: http://labraceria.com.sg/

Sunday Brunch at Spruce @ Bukit Timah, Old Fire House

Met up with a couple of ex-colleagues for brunch at Spruce, specifically the one at the old fire station along Upper Bukit Timah.  I never knew about this place but one of my friends (ex-colleague) keeps passing by this particular branch (the other one is at Phoenix Park, Tanglin) whenever she takes the bus towards Bukit Timah.

The restaurant takes up the old fire station where the fire engines were parked so the high ceiling and large floor to ceiling windows gave the place a very spacious and chic feeling.  The wooden floors gave it a modern but yet earthy tone which contrasted with the bright red "doors" and black furniture.  I'm already liking this. :)

But the mood was killed slightly when it took us asking the wait staff 3 times before someone came to take our order.  Also, a few wait staff kept knocking into my friend's baby's highchair!

I ordered the British Brekkie (S$19++) as well their signature iced lychee tea (S$7++).  It does seem rather 'British' minus the black pudding (disappointment to me).  So, it's a plate of eggs (choose from scrambled, poached or sunny side up), bacon, cumberland sausage, baked beans, sauteed mushrooms, grilled tomatoes and focaccia toast.

Taste test time.  Overall, I was rather disappointed.  In my opinion, it's just 1 point above Toby's Estate (read about my review on Toby's here).  Again, my eggs were overcooked.  Although they were scrambled, it was overdone and reminded me of a posher version of Mac's scrambled eggs.  But they did do my friend's poached eggs perfectly!  The dish holding the baked beans can only be described as a sauce plate.  Very shallow. The mushrooms? Too little! Focaccia toast? Not. More like normal white bread.  Redeeming parts: the sausage and the bacon.

Sigh.

I could cook this easily.  I'll charge people S$15 only ok?  I'll even douse the mushrooms with truffle oil like what Toby's did to their sauteed mushrooms. Only catch is that my cafe is my home.  LOL.

My friend and I were looking at all the other dishes that went to the other tables.  The burger looks good as well as the Spruce Signature Steak Benny (S$31++) which comes with a nice piece of steak.  Hmm...

Kudos goes to the uber friendly waiter who spoilt the toddler by giving him not one, but TWO plates of cookies!! Service also seemed to pick up only when it was past noon.  Overall, the good company definitely outweighed the disappointment in the food because we felt that we didn't order a dish that was too difficult to cook but...alas, it could've been better.  Especially at $19++.  The location of Spruce definitely works on their side because it's really cool and allows all the Bukit Timah folks a nice place to brunch at.  I might just got to the Phoenix Park branch and order the steak dish.  But...Lenas has Wagyu Ribeye at S$38++ too.  Choices, choices...

Spruce At Fire Station
260 Upper Bukit Timah Road
#01-01
Singapore 588213
Tel: +65 6466 5582
website:  www.spruce.com.sg 

Ending the week at Salt Tapas & Bar

This is how one should end the week - with a nice cold drink! In my case, it's a glass of frozen lime Daiquiri (S$15++) at Salt Tapas & Bar.  I've always been meaning to try the food out here but one of my directors had said that the food was so-so while my bro and his friends also gave that same review.

Nonetheless, I would like to try it out for myself since they do have a steady flow of customers and it is by a 'celebrity' chef Luke Mangan.  So Mel Li and I headed over for a nice Friday dinner.  First dish on our table was the Chicken Liver and Foie Gras Parfait with Pear Chutney & Toasted Brioche (S$18++).

This is perfect for 2 people who love foie gras! The brioche was nicely toasted and still soft.  The foie gras was not too rich and the pear chutney balanced all the flavours.  I can imagine washing this down with beer as well...but I always prefer the cocktails.

The dish above was the first thing that really caught my eye when we were seated.  Why? Because it is a Wagyu veal sausage with capers and chilli on soft polenta (S$18++ for the small portion).  Mel Li and I had some similar as well as opposing views on this dish and I think our conversation below will better explain:

Me:  Ooh...yum!
Mel Li:  Hmm...it is yummy but the spice from the chilli takes away the wagyu flavour.
Me:  But I really like the slight chilli taste and I thought that it's what made this really yummy!
Mel Li:  But you can't really taste the wagyu...
Me:  I think I know what you mean...this could be any type of beef. Doesn't need to be wagyu.  Maybe it's wagyu to just hook suckers like me.  But the polenta is super yummy!!
Mel Li:  Yes! I love it!

Yup, there's cheese in the polenta.  It's really delicious and if you want to know how it tastes like, iImagine super silky mash with cheese.  Yup, that's how this polenta tasted.

To balance the meat, we ordered the Salt & Pepper Squid with lime mayo (S$20++). Both of us liked that you could taste the pepper in the batter as other Salt & Pepper squid dishes tend to be more salt than pepper.  The squid was cooked perfectly and is served resting on the lime mayo.  That made it a bit sad because you could hardly get a nice dousing of the mayo for the top layer of calamari.  We had to ask for a separate sauce plate of the lime mayo.  It's really pricey at S$20++ per serving and I couldn't help but think that we should've ordered the prawns paella (S$38++) instead.

We also ordered the Asparagus & Beetroot salad (S$10++) where there is an official number of TWO asparagus spears.  Only the head of the spears.  Wow.  It's supposed to be the highlight of the dish (it is called Asparagus & Beetroot after all) but only 2 spears??

Overall, the experience was an expensive one but it was not too bad.  The staff was efficient to a fault.  They are very eager to clear your plates and when it approaches 10.30pm, be prepared to feel like you're being chased out.  The bill will come at 11pm.  It's a bar but it operates more like a normal restaurant so forget about nursing your drink but think of Salt Tapas & Bar as a place to fill your tummy.

I don't know whether I'll visit again because the overall experience for me was a little mixed.  On a cool day (like today), it is perfect to dine al fresco with the drinks and tapas. As such, I did enjoy sitting outside while we wined and dined.  However, the wait staff didn't make me feel very welcomed.  They were polite but there is a sense of forced courtesy from some of them.  I reckon that you should go to Salt Tapas & Bar in a group of 3 or more because you'll then be able to sample more tapas without really breaking the bank.  Nonetheless, I also think that this is a place to chill out on a Friday evening when you really want to semi-treat yourself.

Salt Tapas & Bar by Luke Mangan
252 North Bridge Road
#01-22A Raffles City Shopping Centre
Singapore 179103

Website:  http://salttapas.com/contact-reservation/ 
Tel:  +65 6837 0995

Despicable Me 2 - For the love of minions

I love the minions in Despicable Me!! I want some!!  Minions!!! *Starts singing the Banana Song*  If you love the minions as much as I do, just go watch Despicable Me 2 for some brainless laughter and cuteness.  This cartoon is all about the minions!

Nails for the week - 2 July 2013, Side French with Stars and Stripes

Tired but needed to remove my previous nail polish and art because the 'feathers' were feathering.  Haha...ok, I know, lame.  So, I decided to do something simple and a twist on the classic French.  It's a side French with a gold stripe accentuating it and then I stuck on gold stars on each nail too!  It was inspired by a design that I saw in Nail Up but the effect isn't the same because my nails aren't long enough and I should've used the finer tip of my dotting tool.  Alas, I made the mistake early on and I might as well continue doing it throughout all 10 fingers. 

There are a few other designs that I am tempted to do and I'd love to paint a Minion-themed one (minions from 'Despicable Me') but I do not have yellow nail polish. Nor grey.  I'm not going to buy 2 bottles JUST so that I can satisfy my love for these adorable minions.

Anyway, if you have ideas, do ping me on my chat or instagram me!