Merry Yuletide Offerings at Mandarin Orchard Singapore

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

Ring in the season with the perfect Yuletide celebration at Mandarin Orchard Singapore, featuring an array of Christmas roasts and signature delicacies available for takeaway, lavish dinner spreads at Triple Three, and a festive getaway package for two!

Can I just say that Mandarin Orchard’s Christmas offerings are one of the few things I look forward to every year-end?

Your presents is requested.

Making a comeback due to popular demand is the Sakura Chicken ($108), oven-roasted and stuffed with an indulgent medley of Black Truffle, Quinoa, and Wild Rice. For something new, add the succulent Roasted Lamb Roll with Thyme Jus to your list of must-have Christmas dinner centrepieces this year!

Also available for the more health-conscious is the Baked Norwegian Salmon encased in Seafood and Chia Seed Mousseline, and served with mushroom sauce. Making for the perfect complement to this guilt-free dish is an assortment of seasonal vegetables.

Next featuring the MVP: no feast is complete without Mandarin Orchard Singapore’s signature Premium Honey-glazed Boneless or Bone-in Gammon Ham, a timeless favourite prepared using an original recipe that remains a closely guarded secret since 1971.

Innovative creations also make their way out of the Hotel’s Christmas kitchens this year, featuring a decadent line-up of yule log cakes that includes the highly popular Valrhona Delicious Dulcey, as well as new flavours such as Soursop and Lychee, Tropical Fruit and White Chocolate, and Raspberry Namelaka. The latter is not to be missed—made with chocolate dacquoise and feuilletine bars generously layered with raspberry jelly, chocolate mousse, and raspberry namelaka, then topped off with rich chocolate ganache.

Deck The Halls

Christmas takeaway goodies by Mandarin Orchard Singapore are available from 23 November to 31 December 2020. For orders and enquiries, call +65 6831 6272/6320 or email festivedesk.orchard@meritushotels.com, or visit Coffee & Crust located on Level 5 from 11am to 8pm.

Download the 2020 Christmas Goodies Brochure here and the Christmas Order Form here.

Good Things Can Come In Threes

Want to dine in person instead?

Showstopping spreads at Mandarin Orchard Singapore’s Japanese-inspired international buffet restaurant, Triple Three, will showcase Christmas roasts such as the much-acclaimed Honey-glazed Gammon Ham, Roasted U.S. Turkey with Cranberry and Giblet Sauce, and Roasted Lamb Rack with Thyme Jus.

Other highlights of the buffet will include Pan-seared Foie Gras with Truffle Miso, Oven-baked Boston Lobster with Uni Sauce, Lobster Mentaiyaki, Freshly-shucked Oysters, and Assorted Seafood on Ice.

An elaborate array of Christmas desserts also awaits festive diners at Triple Three, with Christmas Pudding, Stollen, Fruitcake, Panettone, Yule Log Cakes, and Festive Cookies adding to the delectable selection of sweet treats.

Prices from Christmas Eve till New Year’s Day Start from $99++ for lunch ($33++ for children), and $128++ for dinner ($48++ for children). For festive dinner reservations and enquiries, call +65 6831 6288/6271 or email dine.orchard@meritushotels.com.

CHRISTMAS GETAWAY

Bask in the excitement of the Holiday Season right in the heart of bustling Orchard Road. Book the Hotel’s Christmas Getaway package and have a jolly holiday experience with friends and loved ones!

At $268++, enjoy a night’s stay for two inclusive of breakfast and set lunch at Chatterbox. The set lunch includes the legendary Mandarin Chicken Rice, Seafood Laksa, a side of rojak, two scoops of the signature Coconut Ice Cream, and two glasses of soft drinks.

Book the Christmas Getaway package direct on mandarinorchard.com.sg. Alternatively, call +65 6737 2200 or email resvn.orchard@meritushotels.com for booking assistance and enquiries.

This release is brought to you by Mandarin Orchard Singapore.

Editor’s note: As part of ongoing COVID-19 Safe Management Measures, your safety and health during your visit is important to the venue. You will be required to adhere to SMM actions such as SafeEntry, and social distancing. Stay safe, fellow otters!

28 August 2020 Food

LUNA Patisserie’s New Cake Flavours (Aug 2020)

Stressed? Reverse it for Desserts!

LUNA Patisserie is a relatively new entry in the dessert scene in Singapore, opened in March 2020.

Having known for their superbly minimalistic aesthetics when it comes to the food, let’s let the pictures do the talking.

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A post shared by luna.singapore (@luna.singapore) on Jun 30, 2020 at 6:00am PDT

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A post shared by luna.singapore (@luna.singapore) on Apr 13, 2020 at 11:46pm PDT

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A post shared by luna.singapore (@luna.singapore) on Aug 27, 2020 at 6:00am PDT

LUNA These New Flavours

So recently they launched two new flavours, almost like a small celebration of being able to come out to enjoy good food again — the Yuzu Meringue Cake and Rose Raspberry.

The Rose Raspberry ($8/slice, $80 whole cake) is made with “Vanilla sponge on a raspberry puffed rice base with layers of rose Valrhona Ivoire 30% chocolate ganache and rose mousse with raspberry bits, coated with raspberry Chantilly cream and topped with fresh berries” Indeed there is a generous body to the cake, and a rather intense hint of the rose which initially made me guess it’s a bandung flavoured cake (Disclaimer: I went totally uninformed, and I was glad to have that mystery experience after all).

The Yuzu Meringue Cake ($8/slice, $80 whole cake) is a pleasant twist to the traditional lemon variant, with a more pronounced tang to contrast the cream. There’s also strong fruity, citrus notes that you don’t get with the lemon. Otherwise it’s a no-nonsense, straightforward piece of work.

Now personally, I always appreciate flavours that complement the kind of weather we have to endure here in Singapore. The two new flavours by LUNA certainly ticks those boxes with its refreshing flavours and generous mouthfeel, perfect for the local tastebuds!

More Information

LUNA Patisserie

53 Amoy Street Singapore 069879
Mon to Fri: 12pm to 6:30pm
Sat and Sun: 12pm to 4pm
hello@luna.sg
Website: luna.sg
Facebook | Instagram

20 August 2020 Review

Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival With Mandarin Orchard Singapore’s Handcrafted Mooncakes

It’s Almost September.

Mandarin Orchard Singapore features an exquisite ensemble of classic and contemporary ~~moonkeks~~ mooncakes, specially handcrafted by the Hotel’s award-winning culinary team to celebrate the Mid-autumn Festival.

This is not my first time enjoying their signature offerings, but it’ll be my first having it delivered to my doorstep instead of enjoying them at an event. Fun fact: I held my wedding reception at the hotel too!

We both lost weight since then, I promise.

Mandarin Orchard Singapore’s Ensemble of Mooncakes

From 25 August to 1 October 2020, get yourself some two- or four-piece selections that are presented in a VERY BEAUTIFUL, lustrous blue gift box, embellished with a lattice-patterned crest and a customisable leather patch in rose gold. Touches of teal and delicate foil stamping accentuate the motifs of chrysanthemum blooms and dragonfly—symbolising good fortune, joy, and longevity.

Leading this year’s curated assortment of mooncakes is the Double Yolk and White Lotus Paste Baked Mooncake. A perennial favourite, this traditional baked mooncake is filled creamy white lotus paste to contrast the two flavourful salted egg yolks at its centre.

A nod to the Cantonese classic, the signature Mixed Nuts and Jamón Ibérico Baked Mooncake remains a popular choice with its multi-textured filling that combines sweet and savoury with every bite (pretty interesting for those looking for something different than lotus paste). Those looking for a guilt-free option will find the Macadamia Nut and Low Sugar Paste Baked Mooncake a delicious, health-conscious treat. Adding variety to the lineup is the Japanese-inspired Azuki Red Bean Paste and Pine Nuts Baked Mooncake — sweet azuki red bean paste and crunchy pine nuts encased in delicate pastry.

**Double Yolk and White Lotus Paste Baked Mooncake** (top) and **Mixed Nuts and Jamón Ibérico Baked Mooncake** (bottom)

The Mandarin Collection ($74 for 4pcs) is ideal for gifting, with each set comprising four assorted baked mooncakes—Mixed Nuts and Jamón Ibérico, Double Yolk and White Lotus Paste, Macadamia Nuts and Low Sugar White Lotus Paste, and Azuki Red Bean Paste and Pine Nuts.

Are you #snowskinfam? There’s also their range of pastel-hued mini snow skin creations including Lychee Martini and Chocolate, and Red Wine Cranberry Paste with Japanese Yuzu and Lemongrass. Filled with a creamy decadence, these delicate and refreshing mooncakes are sure to impress.

Although admittedly, Baked Mooncakes Best Mooncakes.

Snow Skin Selection by Mandarin Orchard Singapore.

Order Some Mooncakes

Mandarin Orchard Singapore’s 2020 Mid-autumn Collection from 25 August to 1 October at Coffee & Crust located on Level 5 of the Hotel. To order online, visit shop-orchard.meritushotels.com.

DBS/POSB card holders will be entitled to 30% discount until 1 September for early bird discount, and 25% thereafter. UOB and Citibank card holders will enjoy 20% discount until 1 September, and 15% thereafter.

For orders or enquiries, please call 6831 6320/6262 or email festivedesk.orchard@meritushotels.com.

For more information, view the brochure here and the order form here.

This content is courtesy of Mandarin Orchard Singapore.

18 August 2020 Review

Homeground Grill & Bar – A way to Away

I’ve always been a fan of SG Restaurant Week, as it lets me try really expensive and exclusive venues at an affordable price point. However one additional perk is that you can also find places you have probably never heard of, and this year was one of those times.

Homing In

You might drive past this row of shophouses along Serangoon Road (but at the Boon Keng/Potong Pasir Stretch) often, but you probably might not pay attention to some gems such as Homeground Grill & Bar, “A throwback to old school bars – a safe haven you can escape to after a hard day’s work, a place for soul-searching conversations over a beer or six.“

Cosy, and chill, yet minimal is how I would describe the interior. Kind of like your dream Qanvast house with the dark green tones and brushstroke-painted walls, complete with classy furniture and quirky accessories.

As the name suggests, they are known for their grilled food and they do serve up good meats on a charcoal grill. Beginning with appetisers, we had the Charcoal grilled whisky beef cubes w/ Truffle Mash (an existing signature of theirs) and the Charcoal grilled sweet cured bacon with vodka mustard and charcoal grilled cherry tomatoes (wow what a mouthful). From round 1 you already get sucker-punched with the strong roast umami and intense marination of the meat.

Quick pause: so they have also a flight of whisky tasters by Auchentoshan. The Lowland distillery is an easy choice for me often when I was a simple but good dram of Scotch. This time they serve the 12, 18, and Three Wood (this is good) for starters, mains, and dessert respectively.

So good that I finished the first dram without taking a picture first

Main courses had many options, but we went for the jugular with the Charcoal grilled whisky ribeye (300gm) and the Charcoal grilled lamb chops flambé with truffle mash. It’s VERY generous and I was satiated even before dessert.

To finish off the evening was another mini-adventure by itself, with the Chocolate battered deep fried banana with rum chocolate sauce and vanilla gelato, and a Lemon Meringue Tart. Doesn’t look like much, but not only it’s a mouthful to read after some Scotch and beer, but also a good sweet way to end the meal.

Homerun?

All-in all, Homeground is a straightforward, place for you to get no-nonsense food a cosy setting (there’s a more private area at the back that can sit slightly bigger groups but it’s pretty dim). The food was, I would say, fancily simple with a good twist where it could use some, while still sticking to the core of grilled meats.

Their SG Restaurant Week menu varies season-to-season and some may not be regulars, so I suggest you check out their menu here.

More Information

Homground Bar & Grill

1088 Serangoon Road S328188
Nearest MRT: Boon Keng MRT (7 mins walk)
Parking available at Beng Wan Road – I don’t recommend driving here if you can help it

Operation Hours

Tuesday – Friday : 6pm – 12am
Saturday – Sunday : 1pm – 12am
closed on Mondays

Contact

hello@homegroundgrill.com
8774 9278

1 August 2020 Food

Wursthans Switzerland – #SwissNationalDay

The Wurst Is Done

Did you know that Switzerland’s national day is August 1? That’s not too far away from us over here in Singapore (9 August)! For many a local-schooled millennial, Switzerland holds a pretty significant place in our memories in the form of a case study in our social studies textbooks (I do recall our “O” Levels paper that year had that as a topic as well). Sadly I’ve just learnt that the case study has since been taken out from the syllabus! #sadface

Well to be frank, I learnt about this from a humble wurst (German for sausage) store simply called “Wursthans Switzerland” located at Paya Lebar Quarters (PLQ). As to the origin of their name:

Originated from Switzerland, Wursthans is a German wordplay, derived from the word “Hanswurst”. where “Wurst” which means sausage, while “Hans” is a common German first name so Wursthans: (wʊəst’hans) Hans, the sausage expert or Hans, who lives for sausages and we are really hoping that all of you will be Hans in your own way!
Wursthans Switzerland Facebook Page

Phase 2 Circuit Breaker sure whets Singaporeans’ appetites!

Switzerland cuisine, along with most of the country, is a huge cultural melting pot of German, Italian, and French references. Kind of how we have yellow noodles dishes from literally all significant ethnic groups here in Singapore as well.

In German efficiency, the food at Wursthans is straightforward yet still has a a good variety — you either pick from a selection of Rösti meals, or you can make your own meals from a list of mains and sides. If potatoes are not your thing, there’s the Swiss Meatloaf Sandwich and other things like salads for your consideration. One super worth meal is their Swiss Rotisserie Chicken, which is worth a meal for two.

For reference of our simple brunch, we had a Gotthard Rösti which has a Cervelat sausage and topped with an egg, and a Rösti (half portion) with spicy sausage with mixed greens (a DIY).

#SwissNationalDay

To celebrate #SwissNationalDay, they’re now offering some specials just for the occasion. Featuring:

Kalbsbratwurst an Zwiebelsauce mit Rösti:
Veal Bratwurst, Onion Sauce, Wursthans Jumbo Rösti, Swiss Barley Soup – $19.90

Wurst-Käse-Salat mit Bündner Gerstensuppe:
Cervelat Cheese salad with smoked Pork Cervelat, Emmental Cheese, Cherry Tomatoes, Iceberg Lettuce, Cornichons, Onions, Mustard Vinaigrette, Swiss Barley Soup – $16.90

Takeaways and delivery available (for a fee). Order here!

Till then, we’ll be back for more Swiss casual dining!

More Information

Wursthans Switzerland

10 Paya Lebar Road, #01-39 Paya Lebar Quarter, Singapore 409057
Facebook | Instagram

30 July 2020 Food

Kiap – Let’s Taco-Bout It

Having had one too many chicken rice or vegetarian economic beehoon where I stay, when Phase 2 came about I decided to be a bit bougie when our friends could finally come over (while still observing the safe distancing rules!). Away from the usual pizza or fried chicken group party food, I recall this thing I came across on an episode of Food King for Kiap:

Segment Starts at 5:30

KiapTogether with Kiap

Kiap is the brainchild of The Slake Collective, who also run Slake located at Swan Lake Avenue (geddit?). On the menu are tacos and sammies (sandwiches) with an Asian twist. I’m not even going to call this FuSiOn FlAvOuRs because it’s straight-up a-to-the-z-n Asian!

So we went ahead to order their Taco Feast Bundle ($99) which came with 12 assorted tacos. While they don’t look big, they were pretty much as wide as your hand goes, so it fills you up pretty fast (most of us could only manage 2 at most).

The flavours themselves while familiar to all, had quite a delighful rendition. Kind of like your favourite National Day songs having a lofi-hiphop remix.

My personal favourites were the Filipino Pork Belly Sisig where you can get your babi goodness, Torikatsu Curry Chicken which packs some rich Japanese curry, and the Thai Basil Pork, which actually is really authentic!

Also paired with the set was some Har Cheong Kaarage and 2 packs of Mala Popcorn, which were quite the stars of their own right. Special stan to the popcorn as they were really the BOMB! They look to be only available to the Taco Feast Bundle so you know what you gotta do!

Order Together Amigo

You can order your fix of asian-flavoured tacos on their website here. Be sure to do it in advance to avoid disappointment.

Also don’t forget to look at their sandwiches. The last I saw, they even had a Roti John Sammie! Right now, they have the 55 NDP Taco Set ($55+) special. You Otter Kiap Together!

More Information

Kiap
Address: 15 Swan Lake Ave, Singapore 455711
Order URL: https://order.slake.sg/
Facebook | Instagram
#kiaptogether

16 March 2020 Food

Burger Frites

Burger Frites – Bringing Back The Classics

With the advent of global burger joints in Singapore in the past year, there comes a discussion amongst burger fanatics over what constitutes the best meat-in-buns concoction – is it the glazed and juicy patty, seared to a perfect medium doneness? The fluffy, toasted buns? Or the entire presentation of a no-nonsense, clean burger?

Inspired by his love for steak and food in general (vibing with practically everyone), Alexandre Pini founded Burger Frites with dedication to quality and value-for-money.

Read Between The Buns

Burger Frites’ mantra is a no frills, no-nonsense approach to the age-old burger, yet with modern culinary finesse — using only the best U.S. Angus beef, artisanal brioche buns and hand-crafted french fries, it represents a good mince of old-school and new-school.

Situated in the quaint neighbourhood along Joo Chiat Road, the shophouse unit is dressed in a modern interior design of soothing teal colours and leather seats, giving you a taste of modernity to a traditional gastronomic experience.

Their menu is also considerably simple: Choose between 3 different type of patties (180g Angus Beef patty/Crispy Chicken/Breaded Brie Cheese), and choose the style of burger (plain single patty, cheese burger, bacon burger, or a combination of cheese bacon burger). Get your frites (fries in French) with cheese or not, and try out their signature milkshakes!

Prices start from $16 for a plain burger to $19 for a cheese bacon burger (add $8 for double patty).

Verdict

Sticking true to their motto of “Quality Food, Quality of Life”, you can certainly taste the uncompromising commitment to quality and fresh food, without reducing the authenticty of and over-complicating something straightforward like a burger; from the meat to the vegetables and even the sauces, it’s definitely worth the calories. Top tip, get the classic frites and enjoy their housemade sauces!

More Information

Burger Frites
340 Joo Chiat Road Singapore 427592
Opening Hours
Tue – Fri 5pm to 11pm
Sat – Sun (Inclu. PH) 12nn – 11pm
Email: contact@burgerfrites.sg
Facebook | Instagram (@burgerfrites)

2 December 2018 Drinks

Morganfield’s Rib-Tastic Christmas Feast!

Sorry for the hiatus! Been up to a lot of things in my personal life such as a new career and travels. Like Travel Frog (旅かえる / Tabikaeru)!

https://tazdevil85.tumblr.com/post/180500599482/旅かえる

Morganfield’s Rib-Tastic Christmas Feast!

That said, it’s already December! Having already endured *a month’s worth* of repetitive jingles in almost every store you go to, it’s time for Christmas!

How about having some ribs for Christmas? Indulge in a gastronomic feast with your loved ones at Morganfield’s! They’re bringing back perennial favorites together with a new line up of meaty showstoppers, which will make for the perfect centrepieces for your festive table.

This year, the team has brought together their three stars for your Christmas table: From the sweet and savoury Orange Marmalade Glazed Whole Gammon Ham ($179.90++, serves 6-8), to the melt-in-your-mouth whole rack of Barbeque Beef Ribs or succulent slow-roasted Roast Beef Ribeye (each $219.90++, serves 4-6). Mmm-erry! Be sure to order 3 days in advance before you leave Ho-Ho-home!

That’s not all; the Morgan’s Christmas Feast ($149.90++, serves 4) platter is also back. Featuring their Christmas special edition items, such as the Cranberry & Hazelnut Sticky Bones, tantalizing Crackling Pork Roast, savoury Gammon Ham slices and much much more! To end your meal on a sweet note, order the homemade Black Forest Lava Cake made with luscious flowing dark cherry chocolate ganache (it’s really a rich taste of Cocoa, just like a certain childhood breakfast cereal!)

Need a swig to wash it all down? There’s the Somerset Summer Punch for you swashbucklers, or a Christmas Fruit Tea (non-alcoholic) for the designated Drivers. Don’t drink & drive kids!

This special Christmas menu is already available now till 3 January 2019.

Feast to a Rib-Tastic Christmas at Morganfield’s, Home of the Best Ribs in Town now!

We’ll be holding a giveaway on our social media till 9 Dec 2018. Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages!

Morganfield’s also have lots of regular on-going promotions, so check them out here before you head down.

Takeaway Menu

Can’t get out of home, or having a feast for the ages? Morganfield’s will bring the halls to your deck!

Simple head down to their website (morganfields.com.sg/christmas/) and order their Christmas menu to takeaway (actual takeaway is via oddle ! Don’t forget that some items like the Whole rack of ribs will take 3 days to advance-order, so get them early and in time for your party with copious amounts of alcohol (or other non-alcoholic options for our teetotaller friends)!

Locations

Morganfield’s Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
#11-03/04
Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Reservations: 66341828
Facebook | Instagram | Website

Morganfield’s Suntec City
3 Temasek Boulevard
Tower 4 #01-645
Singapore 038983
Next to Promenade MRT
Reservations: 67361136

Morganfield’s The Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green
#02-23
The Star Vista
Singapore 138617
Reservations: 66943635

Morganfield’s Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-51A
Vivocity
Singapore 098585
(Next to Sentosa Boardwalk Exit)
Reservations: 62250501