Tantalising and Affordable Lunch Sets from Dashi Master Marusaya @ 86 Robertson Quay

Dashi Master Marusaya, flagship restaurant of the Marusaya Group had launched their new lunch sets and I was fortunate to have the privilege for a taste. Be spoilt for choice as there's Udon Lunch Set, Dashi Shabu Lunch Set, Rice Bowl Set Lunch, Tantalising Set Lunch, Hot Toban Set Lunch and Shokado Bento Box.

Opens from 12pm to 2.30pm for lunch and from 5pm to 10.30pm for dinner. On Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays, it is open from 12pm to 10.30pm. Dashi Master Marusaya is a cosy chic 90-seater restaurant and offers a comfortable space for dining-in.

cosy interior

First things first. I'd recommend to place an order for the Shokado Bento Box as it is only available in limited quantity daily. Ideal for us who would like to have a bit(e) of everything. Multi-course meal that includes appetiser, chawanmushi, tempura, grilled fish, meat dish, 2 kinds of sashimi, small rice bowl, small udon and dessert. Beautiful Shokado Bento, a highly satisfying and enjoyable experience.

SHOKADO BENTO 松花堂弁当

Shokado Bento Box 松花堂弁当 @$58++

Super loved the thick-cut sashimi, the luscious fatty pork that glistened, healthy grilled salmon and best of all, one also gets their famed chewy udon in lovely dashi topped with katsuoboshi plus a bowl of salmon don to satisfy most cravings.

meat dish (Shokado Bento Box)

beautiful thick-cut sashimi of salmon, maguro and a white fish (part of Shokado Bento Box)

grilled fish (Shokado Bento Box)

Tempura (Shokado Bento Box)

small salmon don (Shokado Bento Box)

small udon (Shokado Bento Box)

Shokado Bento Box offers generous portions of food, but for the lighter eaters, fret not as there are enough variety from the various lunch sets that's bound to satisfy almost everyone.

RICE BOWL SET LUNCH 丼ランチ

Tuna Belly Don Set 大トロ丼セット @$38++

For most of the lunch sets (except for the Shokado Bento), one could choose 3 sides to go along with the meal. For example, one could add-on a small dashimaki tamago, fried chicken, edamame, hijiki salad, nanbanzuke, ohitashi, california roll or matcha cake.

beautiful tuna belly

For first-timers to Dashi Master Marusaya, the must-try would be the all-time favourite Dashi Shabu Set Lunch. There's Hokkaido Pork Shabu, Beef Shabu and Wagyu Beef Shabu Set to opt from. For the all luxurious mouthfeel, go for the Wagyu Shabu set!

DASHI SHABU SET LUNCH だししゃぶランチ

Wagyu Shabu Set 和牛しゃぶしゃぶセット @$48++

choose your salt

If you like your meal sizzling hot, do try the Wagyu Toban Set from the Hot Toban Set Lunch menu, Thick-cut wagyu slices, sitting pretty ontop of the grill plate. Tender meat with a good chew, with tasty jus and laid ontop of a spoonful of fluffy rice. Yums!

HOT TOBAN SET LUNCH 熱々陶板ランチ

Wagyu Toban Set 和牛陶板ランチセット @$48++

still thinking of this

Come on down to Dashi Master Marusaya today and enjoy their new set lunch menu! Price ranges from $13++ to $58++.

Once again, thank you Jennifer and Dashi Master Marusaya for the invitation.

Dashi Master Marusaya

Address: 86 Robertson Quay, #01-01 Robertson Blue, Singapore 238245

Website: http://bitejapan.asia/marusaya/

Contact: 6732 0383 or email: info@marusaya.sg

Business Hours:

Mon-Fri: 12pm to 2.30pm, 5pm - 10.30pm

Sat-Sun: 12pm - 10.30pm

[Media] Grand Shanghai Restaurant Indulgence for Mid-Autumn Festival

Would you like to bring home exquisite mooncakes that intertwines flavour and texture to
perfection, to celebrate this Mid-Autumn Festival? From 21 Jul onwards, guests could enjoy meticulously handcrafted beautiful pieces of mooncake made from the finest ingredients with no added preservatives or artificial flavouring. Imagine all that packed into a luxurious box, that's reminiscent of  the restaurant's iconic 1930s Shanghainese extravagance.

image credit: Grand Shanghai Restaurant

In the limelight this year, is the limited-edition Bird’s Nest with Almond Paste Snow Skin Mooncakes 特⾊燕窝冰⽪⽉饼 ($68 per set of six). Sweet treat that is an indulgence, made with premium bird nest and silky almond paste. Makes a delightful gift too!

Snow-skin mooncake fans rejoice as Grand Shanghai has specially curated two new snow-skin flavours; Taro Paste with Ginkgo Nuts 芋蓉福果冰⽪⽉饼 ($58 per set of six) and Green Bean Paste with Pandan and Custard 绿⾖奶⻩冰⽪⽉饼 ($58 per set of six). Such pretty colours!

image credit: Grand Shanghai Restaurant

Again, back by popular demand is the Signature Crispy Lava Salted Egg Yolk 招牌酥蓉溏⼼脆⽪⽉饼 ($68 per set of six). Imagine crispy flaky outer layers with molten lava center, yums!

image credit: Grand Shanghai Restaurant

But then, its other signature the Shanghainese Crispy Yam Paste Mooncake上海酥⽪芋蓉脆⽪⽉饼  looks good too. This could be my first choice at the moment!

Not forgetting  the classics of Traditional Baked White Lotus Paste with Double Yolks 双⻩⽩莲蓉⽉饼（ ($62 per set of four) or Traditional Baked White Lotus Paste with Single Yolk 单⻩⽩莲蓉⽉饼 ($60 per set of four).

I'd go for the double-yolk, what about you?

image credit: Grand Shanghai Restaurant

The above exquisite mooncakes can be ordered from 21 July 2020 to 1 October 2020 by calling +65 6836 6866 or emailing restaurant@grandshanghai.com.sg


Psst: There's an early bird promo till 18 August 2020, so hurry now! Terms and conditions applies!

Grand Shanghai Restaurant

Address: 390 Havelock Road Level 1 King's centre, 169662
Website: https://www.grandshanghai.com.sg/Mooncakes

Staycation @ M Social Hotel Singapore

Been waiting for a staycation? As more and more hotels are being approved for staycation, let's check out what Millennium Hotels and Resorts have in mind for their guests.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) has come up with a package centred on its “We Clean. We Care. We Welcome” commitment. Guests are assured of 10 key hallmarks of cleanliness and safety

designed to safeguard guests throughout their stay, such as contactless check-in and check-out. The package also offers free accommodation for kids and flexible cancellation of up to two days before stays without charges.

photo credit: M Social Hotel Singapore

M Social Hotel Singapore was recently awarded the SG Clean Quality Mark Certification by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Enterprise Singapore.

Here are two staycation packages curated specially to welcome guests back to M Social Hotel; "The Mix and Stay" or "Bottle Up Happiness" package. The Alcove Cosy room features bare concrete walls with mirrored surfaces, which then extends into a striking 4m-tall pitched roof, creating a spacious vibe. 

photo credit: M Social Hotel Singapore

While you are doing the staycay at M Social, head on to Beast and Butterflies during meal times for a brand new culinary experience with Executive Chef Bryce Li. Diners can also look forward to the $1 Oyster Friday Night promotion. 

photo credit: M Social Hotel Singapore

Don't forget to redeem the complimentary workshop of cocktail making from their in-house Mixologist; Vladyslav Yesepiv if you're doing the "Mix and Stay" package!

photo credit: M Social Hotel Singapore

Mix and Stay

S$180++

1 Night in Alcove Cosy

Breakfast for 2 Person

A complimentary M Social Cocktail Shaker

A complimentary Workshop: Learn about cocktail making from Beast & Butterflies Mixologist -

Vladyslav Yesepiv

Bottled Up Happiness

S$240++

1 Night in Alcove Cosy

Breakfast for 2 Person

A complimentary Workshop: Create your Own Perfume with Maison 21G Singapore

A complimentary bottle of perfume

For enquires & bookings, email reservations.mss@millenniumhotels.com or call +65 6206 1888

Here's wishing you a happy and safe staycation, peeps!

M Social Singapore

Address: M Social Singapore 90 Robertson Quay Singapore 238259

Website: https://www.millenniumhotels.com/en/singapore/m-social-singapore/

THE MAST' of Mozzarella & Co @ 182 Cecil Street

Was looking for a brunch place when Hence suggested to try this place. Italian food for brunch? Well, why not? The Mast' hails from Rome, Italy and specializes in freshly made mozzarella.

The Mast' is located near Amoy Street Food Centre and the taxi couldn't find the exact drop-off point so, it was a curbside alight that's right in front of the entrance to the restaurant. Sweet.

inside the restaurant

counter view

The interior is spacious with comfortable vibe. For our group of 5, we shared two starters, three mains and two dessert over a bottle of wine. We ate, conversed over food and drinks for almost 3 hours. Happiness.

what would be our aperitif of choice?

Ivan picked the wine, and food orders were mainly left to Tracy and Hence. Everything was on-point.

Caparzo Toscana Sangiovese 2018 @$65++

The dark berried red wine was very drinkable, sweet and with a spiced finish. It was one juicy drink that's low in tannin. Yums!

lovely red

Let's not drink on an empty stomach, shall we? On to the appetisers! First up, the mushroom crostini. It has sauteed mushrooms, stracciatella and truffle. Was curious so, did a look up on a the definition of stracciatella. It is from mozarella strings, mixed with cream for a soft creamy texture. Imagine crispy toast, laid with abundance of this creamy white cheese and topped with sauteed earthy flavourful shrooms and drizzled with some truffle oil. A good starter that excites!

Crostini E Funghi (vegetarian) @$20++

Ready for more, so let's move on to their signature burrata. Small fist sized burrata, drizzled with olive oil, and served with rocket leaves, tomato slices and parma ham. Am no expert of cheese, and burrata doesn't really have any flavour to it, in my honest opinion. The texture was soft and creamy as befitting of fresh cheeses. Tracy said that the burrata seemed smaller than the other time when they tried it.

Burrata pomodoro e proscuitto crudo @$30++

And, we need to have our quotient of meat and on the menu, there's one item each for beef, chicken and fish (excluding the burger option). So we got ourselves a 300gm grain fed ribeye done medium rare. Everyone loved the veal jus, and the accompanying cherry tomatoes, baby potatoes and asparagus. The beef was a good chew and paired well with the Sangiovese.

300g Grain-Fed Ribeye @$42++

Now, having had our fill of meat, let's try on some carbs. What's Italian dining, if we didn't get ourselves a plate of pasta?

Rigatoni Carbonara @$25++

the secret is in the bacon

It is rare to see rigatoni for carbonara. Al-dente as expected and not very saucy. Someone asked in IG, like how is this a carbonara? Well, if the Chef wants to call it a carbonara, whom am I to disagree? I enjoyed this version of the pasta as it has a stronger flavour due to the chopped bacon that's the main contributor to the flavour game here. Most importantly, is to eat it while it is hot.

And, we thought we did well to end it there. But nooOOoo... we have not tried the pizza! So, ended up with a large Funghi pizza. Didn't expect to see bacon slices on the shrooms pizza as topping, but there it was and no complaints though! The pizza was pleasant and a good filler if you needed more carbs. Non-greasy and with a good cheese pull.

Funghi Pizza @$27++

look at the pull!

Now, we are full and about to have our last sip of the wine. But, could we really leave without trying any of their dessert? Take a guess.

Zuccuto Amarena @$12++

Tiramisu @$12++

Yeah, we ended up with two dessert to end the meal. Hmm, the Zuccuto Amarena is for cherry lovers. I didn't like it because it tasted like cough syrup (all artificial cherry will taste like cough syrup to me). I reckoned it tasted like a cherry flavoured ice-cream cake.

The tiramisu had the classic flavour, with not too strong of the coffee taste. The sweetness was rather pronounced.

All in all, it was a good meal to share with friends. Service was friendly and non-intrusive. One thing to note is that they don't serve complimentary water here, so guests will have to opt for sparkling or still if they want to. We had a large sparkling for $7++.

Expect to spend about $40 to $60 per pax.

THE MAST' of Mozzarella & Co

Address: 182 Cecil St, #01-05/08 Frasers Tower, Singapore 069547
Website: https://themast.com.sg/
Contact: 6513 8010
Business Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm to 9pm
Closed on Sundays

Kiyoshi Restaurant @ 75 Amoy Street (Dine-In/Takeway/Delivery)

Kiyoshi Japanese Restaurant is a family-styled restaurant specializing in Inaniwa udon, yakitori, sushi and affordable bento sets. Have tried one of their affordable bento set and some yakitori, so I was excited to be able to try their signature noodles. If you like the chewiness of Japanese udon and prefers thinner strands of noodles, Inaniwa udon (稲庭うどん) would be the perfect choice. 

The signage was easily spotted and all guests are required to have their temperature taken and the usual Safe-Entry checked-in.

entrance

interior

The place was well-lit and spacious. Counter seats, booth seats and normal table seats are available.

menu cover

menu

Let's start with some hot green tea. It was fun to get different designs of the tea cups. I got the fish cup, there's one with sushi and another of daruma.

saw this design in Japan before!

can you see daruma design at the back?

Ok, can't blame me for being slightly excited after staying at home for a long long while. 

Started the meal with Beef Kinoko Salada with Carpaccio Dressing. Oooh, it was like the gyudon beef but on a bed of greens instead of rice! Loved the beef.

Beef Kinoko Salada with Carpaccio Dressing @$12.80

Next up, Tekka Tataki. The sauce for this was slightly more prominent (probably due to the direct contact with the tuna). Enjoyable and light tasting.

Tekka Tataki @$14.80

If you're having sake or beer, let's order a some deep fried salmon skin and a platter of yakitori to go along with the drinks! Plus, don't forget to order the tamago yaki!

The salmon skin was definitely crunchy! The next table probably can hear it from over there. Ok, maybe not. I wouldn't mind a bit more salt to the salmon skin. Otherwise, a dipping sauce with mayo is also provided.

Deep fried Salmon Skin @$6.80

My favourite item from the yakitori platter would be the tsukune. Large in size and also in taste. Lovely soft texture as well.

Tsukune @$3, Chicken Yakitori @$2, Ebi Mentaiyaki @$4 and Shishamo @$1.80

For fans of maki, I'd totally recommend the Special Salmon Mentai Roll. Generous amount of mentaiko cream which I can't get enough of! Not too salty and very tasty. Love that the deep fried shrimp batter remained crunchy, and that was a blast of contrast in texture!

Special Maki - Salmon Mentai Roll @$12.80

I know I'd want this till the last bite. No paiseh piece here!

good till the last bite

Now, are you ready for the noodles? Let's start with the classic Tempura Zaru Udon, which is basically chilled udon served with dipping sauce and tempura. The tempura selection included prawns, mushroom, sweet potato , pumpkin and enoki mushrooms. The sweet potato was indeed sweet!

Pro-tip: Don't leave the udon out for too long! Best consumed as soon as it was served.

Tempura Zaru Udon @$18.80

Next was the Aburi Salmon Salad Udon. The sauce was already at the bottom of the bowl, so just mix well before digging in! The noodles has a lovely chewy texture to it and this combination was refreshingly light on the palate. Suitable for those who prefers something healthier tasting.

Aburi Salmon Salad Udon @$18.80

If you are all about flavours and texture, the most popular udon bowl would be the Tem Chirashi Udon. Tempura of bite-sized items such as avocado slices, cherry tomato, mushrooms and even scallops, are scattered ontop of the bowl and topped with onsen egg. What do we do when we see wobbly eggs? We popped 'em! Coat the noodles with the yolk and swirl them around before catching it into your mouth. Mmmm, yummy!

Tem Chirashi Udon @$16.80

I liked mine with a dab of wasabi. Try it. 

Kiyoshi Restaurant offers a nice, comfortable ambiance for dine-in with fresh ingredients prepared using contemporary approach. If you are dining at the restaurant, there's sake available too!

Thank you Jennifer for the invite and Kiyoshi Restaurant for the meal. 

Kiyoshi Restaurant

Address: 75 Amoy Street, Singapore 069894

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/75amoystreet/

Website: https://kiyoshi.sg/

Online orders: https://inline.app/order/kiyoshi/amoystreet