Always on the hunt for new dining spots? We bring you sound bites on where to eat, including new restaurant and eatery openings, the best places for your after-work tipple, and what’s new in the food scene.
What to check out now: Goodwood Park Hotel’s durian fiesta is back for its 40th birthday, Conrad Centennial Singapore has rolled out an Aroy Thai buffet, dive into Japanese delights at the Sakura Matsuri fair at Nex, and more.
Goodwood Park Hotel’s annual Durian Fiesta has made its celebrated return, this time for its 40th birthday.
Classics like the durian puffs and mousse cake are available, but it’s also showcasing new creations, from fruity delights to ones that nod to local delights. The D24 Honeyed Pear Mousse ($22 nett per slice) is a well-balanced concoction that marries refreshing Williams pear slices and mousse, together with indulgent D24 durian mousse atop a biscuit base. Another fruity morsel is the D24 Pineapple-Lime Zest Dome ($22 nett per piece), pairing the king of fruits together with a zesty mix of pineapple and lime, white chocolate hazelnut and Chantilly cream.
There’s also no going wrong with the Mini D24 Chocolate Ganache Almond Delight ($39 nett for six) which has durian mousse sandwiched between two housemade chocolate ladyfingers with crunchy feuilletine bits, or the fragrant D24 Pandan Coconut Gula Melaka Cake ($20 nett per slice) that has coconut and D24 mousse layered between soft pandan sponge.
Of course, fans of its signatures can still get their hands on the likes of the D24 mousse cake, puff and crepe. Its Mao Shan Wang mousse cake and the popular jumbo-sized Mao Shan Wang power puff will also be available (for a limited time from May 6 to Aug 6, 2023).
Available from Mar 6 to Aug 6, 2023, at The Deli, Goodwood Park Hotel Singapore. Order here.
Conrad Centennial Singapore is dishing up sumptuous Thai flavours and whisking guests to the Land of Smiles with its Aroy Thai buffet at Oscar’s restaurant. It has invited Chef Chukiat Subsombut from Conrad Bangkok to showcase his recipes of Thai classics, served alongside Oscar’s regular spread.
Whet your appetite at the salad bar, with a variety of Thai salads, including pla goong (spicy shrimp salad), larb moo (minced pork salad), yam nua yang (spicy steak salad), and som tam (papaya salad).
You’ll also find Thai classics like Phad Char Seafood, Phad Thai Goong, Pha Lo Moo with Egg, Green Curry with Beef, and of course – Tom Yum soup. Many of its dishes aren’t overwhelmingly spicy, and well-suited for kids or non-spice eaters.
Over at the live station, you can order a portion of Thai-style omelette too, with an array of toppings to choose from. From the grill, there’s Gai Yang Jim Jaew and Nua Yang Jim Jaew — juicy grilled chicken and beef served with a Thai chilli dipping sauce.
Even dessert has been given a Thai touch, with options like sweet Mango and Sticky Rice Mousse Cake and Taro with Coconut Milk.
From Mar 12 to April 7, 2023, available for dinner only (6.30pm to 10pm). $85++ per person (Mon to Tues) and $95++ per person (Wed to Sun). Visit its website, call 6432 7481/7357 or email sinci.oscars@conradhotels.com for reservations.
Dive into the flavours of Japan at Nex, which is holding the Isetan Sakura Matsuri fair from now till Mar 26, 2023. Feast on mouthwatering skewers, assorted croquettes, sweet treats, street food and premium fresh produce from 33 renowned brands
Tsukiji Unagi Shokudo, which is famous for its unagi, will be dishing up tempting Eel and Scallop Skewers ($4 each or three for $10), cooked with baby eels and scallops from Mutsu-City, Aomori. Higo Marunoya will be serving its award-winning karaage and there are also delectable wagyu skewers from Niku Masters.
Get your sugary fix with the array of Japanese sweets, like tempting strawberry crepes ($10) from Fruits Café Tokio, and shaved ice with fresh luscious Japanese strawberries from Itoshima Farm. Also look out for traditional snacks like Ningyo Yaki (baked sponge cake with fillings like red bean paste and sweet potato) and Dango.
From Mar 14 to 26, 2023, at Nex Atrium Level 1, 10.30am to 9.30pm daily (10.30am to 8pm on the last day of the fair). Visit Nex’s website and Facebook page for more information about the Isetan Sakura Matsuri Fair.
Celebrated for its hearty Tuscan fare, Ristorante Pietrasanta has refreshed its dining menu with comforting new flavours.
Start with Bruschetta Con Vongole E Pomodoro ($23.90++), served with juicy clams in a rich tomato sauce that you can drizzle atop grilled fresh bread, or like Insalata di Cavolo Nero, a bright organic Tuscan kale salad with dollops of blue cheese. There’s also the La Ribollita ($16.90++), a comforting traditional vegetable soup with crisp croutons, though the portion did seem a little for the price.
For pasta, we enjoyed the Pici Cacio E Pepe ($25.90++) In place of spaghetti, it uses a thicker and chewy house-made hand-rolled pici pasta coated in a luscious sauce of fresh pecorino cheese and pepper. Don’t miss the Tordelli Al Ragu Chiantigiano ($27.90++), that sees freshly made ravioli filled with juicy minced beef and chard. The moreish parcels are cooked in a traditional Chianti-style beef Bolognese sauce laced with lashings of red wine.
If you’re embracing more carbs, dive into the Burrata E Pomodorini ($28.90++), a pizza with mozzarella cheese, rocket salad, fresh tomatoes, and Pietrasanta’s crowd-favourite burrata.
Formerly available only in seasonal and special menus, the Secreto Alla Griglia (39.90++) has returned as a menu mainstay. The prime-cut black pork shoulder is cooked till slightly pink in the centre and perfectly tender.
For desserts, we had Profitterols ($17.90++), filled with milk gelato from its sister brand GelatiAmo and drizzled with a rich chocolate sauce. Or if you prefer a refreshing end to your meal, try its Italian Sorbet too. The Blood Orange ($7.90++) option’s bright, sweet and citrussy without being overly tart.
Ristorante Pietrasanta is at 1 Fusionopolis Way, #01-08 Connexis, Singapore 138632. Visit its website for reservations or more information.
1-Group is celebrating cocktail culture with its month-long extravaganza across various watering holes that sees regional guest shifts by award-winning bars in Malaysia and Thailand, boozy parties and grill-outs as well as dine-and-drink promotions across eight iconic 1-Group destinations.
Guest Shift x Budi Bar Melaka
It’s now down to its last two events. For one, there’s the Budi Bar (Melaka) guest shift at The Alkaff mansion, where you can sip on libations by Budi Bar’s talented bartenders. They will showcase of Malaccan flavours at the hidden bar within the historic mansion.
Guest Shift X Budi Bar Melacca (The Alkaff Mansion) is on Mar 25, 2023, 6pm, at The Alkaff Mansion.
Sip & Savour Closing Grill-out Party
Ending things with a bang is the Sip & Savour Closing Grill-out Party, which is taking place at The Summerhouse’s garden space. Dive into grilled meats and seafood by the Wildseed Bar team, while you soak in live music performances under the stars. You can also pair your grub with all of the eight Sip & Savour-exclusive cocktails and a surprise rotation of guest bartenders.
The Sip & Savour Closing Grill-out Party is on Mar 26, 2023, at The Summerhouse.
Visit 1-Group’s website for more information and the calendar of events.