$100Gourmet June 2016 - Kentaro & Keisuke @ Lewin Terrace

Finally decided to give this a try. The $100Gourmet series is a monthly ongoing affair where an award winning overseas chef will fly in to Singapore to pair up with two Singapore-based restaurants to create a collaborative 6-course meal. Priced at SGD100++ per ticket for Citibank cardmembers.

Took a  look at the menu and decided to go for Chef Kentaro Torii and Chef Keisuke Matsumoto's collab at Lewin Terrace. First time to Lewin Terrace and also a first in trying the creations of the two chefs. Expect Italian and French Japanese fusion from Chefs Kentaro and Keisuke.

valet parking

path leading to Lewin Terrace

Chose the 1.30pm seating and the sun beating down on us. Lucky to have requested for indoor dining in the cool airconditioned comfort.

looking outside

indoor comfort

looking forward to the 6-course gourmet dining from Chef Kentaro and Chef Keisuke

fusion of east-west cutlery

Had their namesake cocktail, the "Lewin Terrace". Sweet and refreshing but first time having a cocktail served in such a glass. Haha!

Lewin Terrace cocktail @$18++ - Sake, Yuzu Ju, Sakura Syrup

First course was the "Hassun" or small selections of amuse bouche. Lewin's Chef de Cuisine, Chef Igarashi was on-hand to explain about our first course. There were 6 small items presented. There's Agu Okinawan Pork Rillettes & Onion Tartine, Amakusa 'Buri' Yellowtail Carpaccio, White Asparagus and Truffle Marmalade, Broad Beans Espuma & Pecorino Romano, Mozarella Pannacotta & Tomato and Kumamoto Shrimp with Provence Herbs. This platter of amuse bouche was crafted by both Chef Kentaro and Chef Keisuke.

Hassun (amuse bouche) - (front) Agu Okinawan Pork Rillettes & Onion Tartine and Amakusa 'Buri' Yellowtail Carpaccio

Since Chef Igarashi didn't say which one to start with, I went with the ones from the bottom row. Particularly enjoyed the yellowtail carpaccio, broad beans espuma and the mozarella pannacotta. The least enjoyed item was the shrimp. It tasted rather peculiar!

White Asparagus with Truffle Marmalade

(left to right) Mozarella Pannacotta & Tomato, Broad Beans Espuma & Pecorino Romano

The broad beans fragrance and flavours were good, with lovely mild pecorino cheese taste towards the end of the mouthful. The pannacotta was lovely with its wobbly 'sticky' texture, combined with salty bits of ham (I think?) and sweet tangy tomato.

Next up, was the Foie-Gras & Corn Velouté. Velouté is a French word and means "a white sauce made from a roux of butter and flour with chicken, veal, or pork stock". This dish was the creation of Chef Keisuke Matsumoto. Served in a large bowl and with a thin layer of custard-looking velouté sitting right at the bottom of the bowl. Kind of zen. 

Foie-Gras & Corn Velouté, with soba seeds

do you wonder how the Foie-Gras & Corn Velouté taste like?

The first mouthful brought on a smile. Now I understand. It was like eating an upside down sweet corn crème brûlée. The foie-gras must have been infused into the pudding, and each bite brings about a smokey, slight savoury and sweet crunchy sensation wrapped in silky creme pudding. What a lovely dish!

After the teasers, now it was time for something more substantial. Chef Kentaro's Tagliolini. When this dish was brought out, our attention fell onto the Kumamoto Noble Scallop with its interestingly, brightly coloured shell. "Natural colours." We were informed. So cool to see bright orange and purple coloured scallops shells!

Tagliolini - Kumamoto Noble Scallop, Mussel, Saffron Sauce, Bottarga and Lemon

The Tagliolini was topped with dried (or was it deepfried? Sorry, my memory is failing...) chopped parsley and rocket leaves for the herbed flavours. If you're expecting a burst of umami flavours... don't. It was a given that the pasta was cooked to the perfect texture. The small mussels were rather cute and lent a somewhat slightly briny flavour to the dish. First time having bottarga too. Bottarga is a delicacy of salted, cured fish roe. Hmm...it's one of those things that you either like or don't like.

Next, Chef Keisuke Matsumoto himself came to the table to present his creation; the Amakusa Sea Bream with Shiso, Tomato and Purslane. I must say that it is kind of rare to see Purslane used in restaurants. This plate has many components going in it; sharp herby shiso flavour, sweet flavours from leek, carrot puree and tomato, the slightly salty and bitter taste of purslane, and it was a pleasure to enjoy each distinctive taste profile as well as the overall harmony of those flavours. The sea bream seemed to be the blank canvas that drew out the rest of the flavours.

Amakusa Sea Bream

Next, was the highlight of the meal. Chef Kentaro's 'Steak & Chips'. Comprising of a succulent gorgeous-looking Kagoshima Wagyu Sirloin, and potato textures. I think the potato textures referred to potato done two-ways; fried potato squares and creamy mash. Served with two small ravioli-like parcels of cheese and pickled onion.

For this main course, Chef Kentaro himself was there to present his dish, asked us about the food and to put the finishing touch, of drizzling some beef jus over the juicy steak.

Steak & Chips

look at that juicy grilled Kagoshima wagyu steak

Yummy and satisfying. Grilled Kagoshima wagyu, I liked you a lot! Such a charming dish. 

If the Sea Bream dish was like a walk in the park where one could leisurely spot a squirrel, pretty flowers and birds chirping, the Steak & Chips was more like going to an amusement park and head-on straight to the rollercoaster! 

Soon, it was the last course of the meal, the desserts. It was as pretty as a picture. Assembled to resemble  a tree, it felt like summer.

Miyagi Strawberry Two Ways

White Chocolate, White Balsamic Vinegar and Passionfruit (Chef Kentaro's Italian sweets)

Baba Bouchon, Bee Pollen, French Rum (Chef Keisuke's French sweets)

And, we had coffee with our desserts.

coffee @$6++

Overall, quite an interesting experience. Service was good and we enjoyed our food. Thank you to the Chefs and staff of Lewin Terrace. And thanks dear friend for your company.

Lewin Terrace

Address: 21 Lewin Terrace Singapore, Singapore 179290
Website: http://lewinterrace.com.sg
Contact: 63339905
Business Hours:
Monday to Sunday
Lunch: 12:00pm – 03:00pm (Last order at 02:00pm)
Dinner: 06.30pm – 11:00pm (Last order at 09.30pm)

RedDot Brewhouse @ Dempsey

Visited recently and discovered that their menu had changed somewhat. There was a special brew called Yuzu Biru in the drinks menu. Was interested to try that but it was unavailable on the day of visit. Also noticed that they do seasonal drinks per month. So for the month of June, it is the Saison, described as a Belgian ale with citrusy spicy pepper flavour, floral aroma, medium bodied and dry finish. Ok, liked all that was described except the spicy pepper flavour.

Saison

I liked the Saison, and thankfully the spicy pepper taste, was barely noticeable. As refreshing as the Kölsch but with a stronger finish. It was a mid-week night and the place was not very crowded. For food, we ordered the chicken wings and fish & chips to share. Oops, both deep fried!

Zing Wings

Fish & Chips

The fish and chips had some thick batter and that made the taste a tad doughy but it did fill us up quite a bit. Good for the hungries.

Monster Green Lager

Ended with a Monster Green, which is a spirulina infused lager beer. This drink is synonymous with Reddot. Who says, I didn't have any greens that day?

Expect to spend about $45 per pax.

[Media Invite] Brownice Italian Bistro @ 53 East Coast Road (Katong)

Brownice has a two shops; one at Sin Ming (Brownice Ice Cream) and the main branch is actually Brownice Italian Bistro at Katong, or more accurately at 53 East Coast Road (near 328 Katong Laksa). Was invited by Tiara to join her for a food tasting at Brownice Italian Bistro, together with Kris, Justin, Ivan and Jennifer.

Brownice Italian Bistro offers Italian vegan food options and, yes vegan ice-cream included! While we know that vegan is not the same vegetarian, but how many of us knows what's the difference? While I have friends on vegetarian diet, there was no personal encounter with vegan friends, yet. Hence, had to seek some answers from Google master to satisfy my curiousity. While both practices meatless diet, vegans do not take dairy product nor eggs but garlic and onions are alright. My vegetarian friend, could consume dairy products and eggs but no to garlic and onions.

menu

alfresco area

indoor dining

Brownice Italian Bistro offers alfresco and indoor dining. Walking into the shop, one would be captivated by the colourful display of housemade ice-creams at the ice-cream counter. Free to sample the flavours.

ice-cream

and more ice-cream

But, it's not time yet for desserts. Let's start proper for dinner. My first ever dining experience of Italian-styled vegan cuisine.

we are about to start, have you chope'd a place?

Here we go, starting with the drinks. A trio of two milkshakes (minus the milk) and a smoothie. Guess which was my favourite.

hazelnut 'milkshake' @$8

Passionfruit Mango Smoothie @$8

Very Chocolate 'Milkshake' @$8

My favourite was the Passionfruit Mango Smoothie, with the passionfruit flavour edging out the mango by quite a bit.

Next up, something not so Italian as we had a side-order of White Truffle Fries. Was pretty impressed by this. The cheese taste was pretty strong and it was so enjoyable. Paired best with a sparkling soda (NC18: though you know I meant cider, or beer. So far, have yet to come across vegan beer or wine in Singapore).

White Truffle Fries @$10

In an Italian bistro, one's supposed to order something Italian, sì?

Tuscan Fennel Orange Salad @$12

Thought the plate of salad was lively and the sharp vinaigrette was pretty appetising. But a tad too much dressing though as the liquid pooled towards the bottom of the plate. After the cold appetiser, let's have a hot one.

Sicilian Arancini @$12

Cute little stuffed risotto rice balls that are coated with breadcrumbs and deep fried. Here, not only was it served with a bright tangy tomato sauce, it was drizzled with some balsamic as well. The Italian style would be to have the risotto would still be slightly crunchy (or when I first tasted it, I might think that it was undercooked). The risotto at Brownice Italian Bistro was cooked to a bit softer texture.

My favourite starter, was something simple. The fresh, thick mushroom soup with intense woody mushroom flavours bursting out to you at each mouthful. Delizioso! Bene! But Chef, please hold back a bit on the salt, ya.

Fresh Mushroom Soup @$8

Of course, in Italian food, there is pizza. Nowadays, thin crusts are more favoured than the thick ones. Suspect that it is so that we could eat more of the other things!

someone's gonna pinch one, if you're not looking - Four Seasons Pizza @$18

cured olives, sundried summer tomato (in pic), autumn mushroom, spring artichoke with soy ham

Truffle Porcini Fungi @$19

The pizza that we tasted were good. Liked the cured olives in the four seasons and mushrooms pizza tasted really creamy. One pizza could be shared by 2 pax.

Also tried the mushroom risotto and again, if you liked the mushroom soup, then this risotto would be right up your alley as well. Seemed like quite a big plate to finish on one's own, though. Best to share unless you have a large appetite.

Truffle Mushroom Risotto @$18

If you have a craving for lasagne, then you might want to try Brownice version. Layered with eggplants and tofu crumble served with tomato ragù.

Lasagne @$17 (handmodels cr: jellylovefats and ivanteh-runningman)

eggplant tofu lasagne

And then, it was time for desserts. Their waffles machine was unfortunately down so no waffles for the night. Got ourselves an ice-cream bowl with 4 scoops of ice-cream of our choice. The sampling of flavours were conducted by 3 individuals so it was our duty to bring group approved flavours back to the table.

Brownice Vegan Ice-Cream Bowl @$4 per scoop with additional $1 for premium flavours

The premium flavours require additional top-up of a dollar and these flavours are marked with a 'P' on their flavour tags at the ice-cream counter. Alright, let's see what we had; matcha, dark chocolate, peanut butter and pistachio.

The matcha flavour gave me a surprise when I first tasted it. See if it does the same to you. Would recommend matcha (only if you're game for a slight change and not a matcha purist!) and the pistachio for its really really good for its 'just-like-eating-a-real-pistachio' kind of flavour. Unadulterated goodness. Peanut butter and dark chocolate were equally good. Now I know that vegan ice-cream can be just as creamy, as delicious and satisfying as one with dairy in it.

This had been an interesting introduction to vegan food. Thank you Khai and Brownice Italian Bistro for hosting us, Brownice staff who assisted in our queries and Chefs who came out to speak to us (or rather to see what we were doing with their food!), and Tiara for inviting.

Brownice Italian Bistro

Address: 53 East Coast Road, Singapore
Contact: 6348 2295
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ilovebrownice

[Media Invite] Roosevelt's Diner & Bar @ New Bridge Road

Located at New Bridge Road, conveniently within 2 minutes walk from Exit H of Outram MRT station. Of course, the directionless me took the wrong exit and ended up having to walk for about 8 minutes to get there. Roosevelt is just round the corner of Dorsett Residences. Can't miss it, and easily recognizable by the neon lighted Teddy in a suit that smokes a cigar.

entrance to the diner

Roosevelt's Diner offers a comfortable space suitable for small and large groups alike. It also offers brunch menu whole day long everyday till 6pm. So, if you have any brunch items cravings, there isn't a need to wait till weekends! Just pop by Roosevelt's to satisfy those cravings.

interior

there's a vespa in da house!

Let's have a look at what's available in the brunch menu.

menu

no kidding, brunch menu available everyday till 6pm

What's the first thing that came to mind, when someone says "American Diner"? For me, that'll be milkshake, burgers, pies and jukebox. Yes, I watched a tad too much TV.

Here, we had a chance to sample 3 flavours out of the 7 available milkshakes; Signature Salted Caramel, Strawberry Cheesecake and Oreo. In terms of flavours that stood out, it was the Signature Salted Caramel with its gloriously sweet and salty smooth concoction. The granola bar crumblies in the milkshake added a bite to the creamy smooth texture.

Signature Salted Caramel Milkshake @$10++

But my personal favourite, was the Strawberry Cheesecake. A lady's drink, if you may. Liked the milder fruity flavour of strawberries. Yummy.

Strawberry Cheesecake Milkshake @$12++

For food, we had a taste preview of an appetiser from the Dinner menu; the Pan Seared Hokkaido Scallops. Plump, juicy seared scallops served with housemade yuzu mustard ricotta, lovingly drizzled with umami'ish seaweed brown butter and topped with toasted hazelnut and ebiko. The contrast of textures between soft, firm and crunchy worked well and loved the flavours of chopped hazelnut.

Was actually looking for some bread to mop up the seaweed brown butter. So delish! But have to restrain self. Too much of a good thing, may not be good after all.

Pan Seared Hokkaido Scallops @ $24++

Next up, we got to try some wholesome salad bowls. For some Mexican flavours, one could opt for the Charred Corn Quinoa and should you prefer Asian'ish flavours, go for the Shitake Sesame Salmon.

Charred Corn Quinoa @$17++

pouring some hot sauce yoghurt over the Charred Corn Quinoa

Quinoa is a healthier alternative to rice. The hot sauce is really not spicy, so overall, this bowl has adequate greens, pickled cabbage and lovely crunchy prawns in a good mix of pico de gallo (salsa, typicall made of fresh tomato, onion, and jalapeno) and sliced avocado.

e

Shitake Sesame Salmon @$18++

The Shitake Sesame Salmon bowl offers a taste closer to Asians with its sesame dressing. There's tofu, shitake mushroom slices, pomegranate, mixed greens, soba and edamame at the base, and a square of tender sous-vide salmon at the top, garnished with plenty of seaweed strips. Simply lovely.

But for those that loves your carbs, how about a well crafted mozarella steak sandwich? Roosevelt takes pride in curating the most suited bread to match with its tender sous-vide sliced beef chuck cooked to allow natural flavours of the meat to shine through. The wholemeal bread was toasted to a lovely crisp brown and melted mozarella over beef slices that exuded beefy flavours when chewed.

Mozarella Steak Sandwich @$16++

look at this lovely steak sandwich

how about some housepour wine to go along with steak sandwich?

For drinks, one could go for bottled craft, or Kronenbourg on tap. If you prefer wine, there are a few housepours with starting price of $8++ per glass (75ml). Or, coffee if you are like me. Mocha was my choice for the day.

coffee and latte art

Usually, brunch food will involve some eggs action. Similarly, one could get plenty of that at Roosevelt's.

If you have a big appetite, or just want to get the most variety, then you may want to order the Big Breakfast that has spiced potatoes, scrambled eggs, chipolata, bacon, shitake mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, greens and a croissant. Am inclined to think that this feeds two.

Big Breakfast @$28++

However, am excited to introduce two personal favourites from the Brunch menu. First up, a simple looking Beef Cheek on Potato Pancake. Three patties of shredded potato, lovingly stacked ontop of creamy cayenne buttermilk, topped with tender flavourful slow-braised beef cheek and on it, one perfectly poached wobbly free-range egg.

Beef Cheek on Potato Pancake @$22++

lovely side profile

What did I like about this dish? The way its flavours just come through together and the way one could still taste the flavours of the potato.

looking at delicious

Another brunch item that you need to try at Roosevelt's, is the Truffle Potato Foam with Croissant. Have never tried potato foam before, have you?

Truffle Potato Foam with Croissant @$21++

The truffle oil smell was strong, and the surprise find when one digs in. On top, one gets panko or toasted breadcrumbs, torched parmesan, then hidden inside was the free-range poached eggs and bacon bits.

so good, eat while it is hot!

For desserts, we tried the Churros Waffle with chocolate sauce. This is the good old buttermilk waffle with cinnamon spiced sugar. Served with vanilla ice-cream.

Churros Waffle @$12++

Thank you Ying and Roosevelt's for hosting the brunch preview and thank you Kris for the invite.
Click here for Roosevelt's FB page.