Tuesday, 22 August 2023

One-Ninety Restaurant and One-Ninety Bar – Argentinian Takeover at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore [MEDIA INVITE]

From Buenos Aires to Singapore, award-winning Renato “Tato” Giovannoni (recognised as one of the top 10 bartenders in the world) and culinary and hospitality maestro Alex Resnik, are taking over One-Ninety Restaurant and One-Ninety Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore. This three-month stint will start from 1st August 2023, diners are invited to experience the rich culinary heritage of Argentina.

One-Ninety Restaurant - Part of Dining Area
Every night diners will embark on a culinary journey of Argentina’s food culture, a melting pot of flavours originating from traditional native dishes, flavours brought by the immigrants across the Atlantic Ocean plus the delectable European influences.

One-Ninety Restaurant with South American Wines
One-Ninety Restaurant x Brasero Atlántico (“BA”) – will feature à la carte dinner menu and a six-course Chef’s Table dinner experience (SGD 168 per person) specially curated by Resnik, that showcase diverse flavours and traditional techniques. The dishes are created focused on simplicity, with the most fresh, local and best ingredients, all cooked “a las brasas” (on the grill), inspired by immigrants who arrived in Rio de la Plata. To complement the meal, diners can also look forward to sipping on an impressive selection of South American wines, including malbecs and torrontés, which perfectly pair with the bold flavours of the cuisine. Cocktail flights (SGD 68 per flight) and wine flights (SGD 88 per flight) are also available.

Panera - House-made “Masa Madre” Bread served with
Spanish Anchovies and unsalted Bordier Butter
The tasting started with Panera, House-made “Masa Madre” Bread served with Spanish Anchovies and unsalted Bordier Butter. Masa Madre is a traditional and ancient bread-making method, equivalent of sourdough starter. The version here has a soft, pillowy texture with the taste of rye bread. The smooth and silky Bordier Butter compliment the bread nicely, but adding the anchovies into the mix, just create the outstanding umami flavour. Yum.

Octopus Confit
Starters are served family style; Octopus Confit, 2 types of Empanadas, Veal Tongue “Pampa Style” and Aged Provoleta Cheese. Octopus Confit cooked with cinnamon and orange. It is soft, tender infused with zesty refreshing orange flavour. The same texture can also be experienced in the Veal Tongue. It is fork-tender, with a hint of vinegar and topped with Argentinian Salsa Criolla.

Veal Tongue “Pampa Style”
BA served 2 types of Empanadas, the most popular street food in Argentina. The non-meat version is filled with leek and provolone, while the meat version is filled with ossobuco (veal shanks). The empanada is baked, resulting in a crisp and crunchy pastry that is not oily. The leak and provolone tasted light and creamy, while the ossobuco is hearty and fulfilling. My pick is the ossobuco empanada.

Empanadas
Empanada with Leek & Provolone
Empanada with Ossobuco
The Aged Provoleta Cheese is a popular Argentinian dish that uses Provoleta (cheese specifically for grilling) commonly eaten as an appetizer for the chargrilled meat. Traditionally a thick size of Provoleta is placed on a hot grill over charcoal fire until crisped and browned with a gooey just-melted centre. Here, BA seasoned the Provoleta with oregano and topped with Salsa Criolla, this dish is packed with flavour and a must-try for cheese lovers. Just make sure you eat it as soon as it served, before the texture hardens.

Aged Provoleta Cheese
For the mains, we have Wagyu Flank Steak, Rib Eye, Whole Baby Spring Chicken, Frog Legs “A la Provenzal” and Gnocchi.

Wagyu Flank Steak
The Wagyu Flank Steak and Rib Eye are cooked the asador way. Each steak is nicely charred, while the interior is cooked to the point of medium rare. The flank steak is on the leaner side, it is tender with a nice bite to it. Meanwhile, the Ribeye is from Entre Todos Farm in Argentina. The meat is tender, juicy and fatty. Yummy.

Rib Eye - Entre Todos Farm Argentina
Frog Legs “A la Provenzal” is not a common sight in restaurants in Singapore. Alex Resnik strongly promotes this dish and it lives up to its reputation. The frog legs are huge, double the size of those we found in our local frog leg porridge. The meat on the frog legs tasted clean, bouncy and flavourful, while the sauce made from butter, garlic, parsley and lemon juice is creamy, fragrant and rich. It is served with potato, which I use to polish some of those delicious sauces. An absolutely must try!!

Frog Legs “A la Provenzal”
Frog Legs “A la Provenzal”
The roasted Whole Baby Spring Chicken is perfectly done. One of the most underrated dishes in most restaurants, but when you get the paper-thin crispy skin followed by juicy, flavourful and succulent chicken meat, like the version here, it is absolutely gorgeous. I tried the thigh and breast meat; both are moist and tender. The herbs on the skin also enhance the flavours of the chicken nicely. Yummy!

Whole Baby Spring Chicken
Gnocchi cooked with butter and topped with Pecorino. Is this an Argentinian dish? The fact is over 30 million people in Argentina claim some kind of Italian heritage. Therefore, it is not surprising to have an Italian dish as part of Argentinian food. It has a bouncy and chewy texture, while the flavour from the butter, browned exterior of the gnocchi and the pecorino cheese.

Gnocchi
To accompany the main meal, we have the following sides French Fries, Fennel, Beets, Radicchio. The French Fries have a crispy exterior followed by a moist interior. It is seasoned with algae salt where I can taste a bit of saltiness mixed with umami flavour in the fries.

French Fries with Algae Salt
The fennel salad is paired with watercress and citrus (orange and blood orange). It is light, crunchy and refreshing. The beets are a combination of beetroot, egg, mashed potato and quinoa. I like the sweet earthy texture of the beetroot, while the soft-boiled egg and mashed potato add creaminess to this salad.

Fennel

Beets
Radicchio. This salad is served with watercress and endive. It has crunchy with sweet balsamic dressing. It helps to balance the rich meaty flavour of the main dishes.

Radicchio
To the desserts, “Queso y Dulce”, Dulce de Leche Flan, Brasero Sacher Torte, Lemon Mousse and Valrhona Chocolate Lava Cake. Queso y Dulce is translated to cheese and fruit paste. BA use Galician Tetilla Cheese with Quience Jam. A nice pairing where the flavour is more neutral and lighter.

“Queso y Dulce”
Dulce de Leche Flan is made by simmering milk and sugar in low flames. The texture is soft and creamy packed with caramel flavour. The caramel sauce came out naturally from the flan during the baking and cooling time. Serve together with mascarpone and candied walnut, it is just addictive.

Dulce de Leche Flan
Brasero Sacher Torte is BA version of chocolate cake. It is soft but firm, and the chocolate flavour is rich and intense, especially in the dark chocolate glaze exterior. The Lemon Mousse is a meringue with strawberry coulis. The lemon is folded into the meringue to add a refreshing zesty flavour to the dessert.

Brasero Sacher Torte
Lemon Mousse
Valrhona Chocolate Lava Cake served with white chocolate ganache. Instead of oozing with dark chocolate, the filling in the lava cake is replaced with Yerba Mate, the Argentinian national tea. The result is like a chocolate lava cake filled with green matcha-like cream. The taste from the yerba mate fillings bodes well with the dark chocolate and white chocolate ganache. Yummy.

Valrhona Chocolate Lava Cake
To end the evening, we are served with surprise Yerba Mate with Dark Chocolate and White Chocolate bites.

Yerba Mate
Dark Chocolate & White Chocolate Bites
Dark Chocolate
Overall, it was an excellent culinary journey of Argentinian cuisine. While some of the dishes look familiar, we find the taste uniquely different due to the use of Argentinian flavour and ingredients. Salud! Cheers!

Thank you very much One-Ninety Restaurant, Brasero Atlántico and Four Seasons Hotel Singapore for the tasting invitation.

One-Ninety Restaurant x Brasero Atlántico
When: 1 August 2023 to October 2023.
Time: Nightly, 18:00 to 22:30 (Last Order at 22:00)
For reservation, call +65 831 7653 or email
Menu and details available at:

Food & Drink: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Service: N/A (Tasting Invitation)
Ambiance: 8.75/10
Budget per Person: $81 & Above

One-Ninety Restaurant
190 Orchard Blvd
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Singapore 248646

T: +65 6831 7250
OH:
Breakfast: 06.30 – 10.30 (LO 10.30)
Weekday Lunch: 12.00 – 14.30 (LO 14.00)
Weekend Brunch: 12.00- 15.00 (LO 14.30)
Brasero Atlántico Pop-up: 18.00 – 22.30 (LO 22.00)


One-Ninety Bar - Outdoor Seating Area
Moving on to the bar – One-Ninety Bar x Florería Atlántico (World’s 50 Best Bars - #18) is where cocktails are based on the contribution left by the migratory waves that came across the Atlantic Ocean in the 1900s and helped build the country, focusing on local products and how the immigrant communities adapted their customs to the lands. The brainchild of Giovannoni, the spirit of the cocktail list was designed in partnership with Felipe Pigna, one of Argentina’s most notable and influential contemporary historians, exploring the land’s original colonies and its native inhabitants.

One-Ninety Bar - Outdoor Seating Area
Cocktail highlights include Florería Atlántico’s classics such as the Negroni Balestrini (SGD 27), made with gin, Campari, Amaro Averna, eucalyptus, pinon (Pine) and seawater, as well as the El Dorado (SGD 29), a refreshing mix of Cachaça, Manifest, house-made Mate Tereré, sugar cane juice and tropical fruits. To accompany the tipples, a Raw Bar with a selection of crudo will be offered daily.

Mocktail - made with Yerba Mate
Bar Bites - La Fugazzeta Rellena Argentina

One-Ninety Bar x Florería Atlántico
When: 1 August 2023 to October 2023.
Time: Nightly, 17:30 to Midnight (Last Food Order at 22:30; Last Beverage Order at 23.30)
For reservation, call +65 831 7653 or email
Menu and details available at:

One-Ninety Bar
190 Orchard Blvd
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Singapore 248646

T: +65 6831 7653
OH:
Breakfast: 08.00 – 10.30
Lunch: 10.30 – 14.00
Afternoon Tea, Sat & Sun: 14.00 – 17.00
Florería Atlántico Pop-up: 17.30 – Midnight (LO Food 22.30, LO Drinks 23.30)

Sunday, 13 August 2023

Kwong Cheong Thye x Celebrity Chef Heman Tan [MEDIA INVITE]

Asian Sauce Manufacturer Kwong Cheong Thye (“KCT”) unveil its latest line of specialty Western Paste and Sauce, Aglio Olio Chilli Paste & Paprika Hickory BBQ Sauce. This project is spearheaded by Mr. Alvin Choo, the 5th generation co-owner of KCT in collaboration with Celebrity Chef Heman, Winner of World Gourmet Awards 2022 (Western Cuisine Chef of the Year).

Signature Soya Sauce by Kwong Cheong Thye
Kwong Cheong Thye Products
The Aglio Olio Chilli Paste, a harmonious blend of zesty garlic and fragrant herbs, promises to transport your taste buds to the South of Italy, delivering an explosion of flavours that will leave you craving more. Meanwhile, the Paprika Hickory BBQ Sauce, infused with the smoky allure of the finest hickory wood, will likely transport you to a sizzling barbecue haven of South Carolina, where every bite is a revelation.

Aglio Olio Chilli Paste & Paprika Hickory BBQ Sauce

During the launch of Aglio Olio Chilli Paste & Paprika Hickory BBQ Sauce, we were treated to a scrumptious meal by Chef Heman and the team at KCT. The meal showcases the usage of both Aglio Olio Chilli Paste and Paprika Hickory BBQ Sauce in various dishes.

It started with bread platter; sourdough served with butter infused with Paprika Hickory BBQ sauce. The hickory sauce adds spice and smoky aroma to the smooth and creamy butter.

Sourdough Bread
Butter infused with Paprika Hickory BBQ sauce
For Amuse Bouche, we had Pulled Lamb Leg En Croute, Prawn Dumpling, Crispy Squid Dumpling and Cold Tofu. The pulled lamb leg is slow-cooked over 24 hours with Paprika Hickory BBQ sauce. The result is a fork-tender leg of lamb infused with lovely smoked paprika and hickory wood aroma inside the crispy pastry. The flavour of the BBQ sauce is less prominent in the crispy squid dumpling and cold tofu dishes. It is more subtle, but it adds another layer of flavour to both dishes.

Pulled Lamb Leg En Croute
Crispy Squid Dumpling
Cold Tofu
The prawn dumplings dish is similar to the spicy sour prawn dumplings version in Asian cuisine. The aglio olio chilli paste is added to the mix; however, it is overshadowed by the strength of the vinegar and chilli padi.

Prawn Dumplings
Amuse Bouche
The next dish is seafood bisque. Initially, we were served the Crab Timbale, a mixed of crab meat with prawns. Chef Heman and his team then bring in the hot soup (bisque) and pour it on the bowl tableside, till it covered the crab timbale. The bisque is thick and robust bisque, paired beautifully with the crab timbale. Chef Heman uses the oil from the paste to add a fragrant and spicy flavour that cuts through the robustness of the bisque. Yummy.

Seafood Bisque
Seafood Bisque
We had two main dishes Coral Cod Fillet and Aglio E Olio KCT Ramen. The Coral Cod is lightly seasoned and plated on top of tosaka and black fungi salad. At the bottom, the sauce is a mix of hollandaise sauce with Paprika Hickory BBQ Sauce. I like how the flavours interact, with the moist and crispy cod. The creamy hollandaise sauce absorbs the unique paprika and the lovely hickory sauce, at the same time tempering the strong flavour from the sauce so it paired well with the fish.

Coral Cod Fillet
For the Aglio E Olio KCT Ramen, Chef Heman takes a liberal approach with the paste. Each strand of KCT ramen is filled with the explosive flavour of Aglio Olio Chilli Paste. It was an explosion of flavour in each slurp. Very spicy!

Aglio E Olio KCT Ramen
Aglio E Olio KCT Ramen
Dessert is Spicy Chocolate Lava Cake with Lime Sorbet Crumble. This is not your ordinary Chocolate Lava Cake. The Aglio Olio Chilli Paste is folded in with the chocolate lava. I have tried chilli chocolate cake before, but this is at another level. Level 10. Though the lime sorbet supposed to cool down the fire, I was still unable to finish the chocolate lava cake, but LD did.

Spicy Chocolate Lava Cake with Lime Sorbet Crumble
Overall, Celebrity Chef Heman and the team at KCT have demonstrated the application of Aglio Olio Chilli Paste and Paprika Hickory BBQ Sauce creatively into these delicious dishes. With the availability of Aglio Olio Chilli Paste and Paprika Hickory BBQ Sauce, it is easier for us to recreate the restaurant flavours in our home. Hopefully, they can provide some interesting recipes in the future, so it is easier to guide the consumers on how to use KCT western sauce and paste. Cheers!!

Kwong Cheong Thye x Celebrity Chef Heman Tan
Speciality Western Paste and Sauce

Available flavours:
- Aglio Olio Chilli Paste ($5.95)
- Paprika Hickory BBQ Sauce ($5.95)

Both these paste and sauce are available at
- Kwong Cheong Thye online shop (www.kct.sg)
- Kwong Cheong Thye factory: 12 Senoko Ave, S758302
- Kwong Cheong Thye retail outlet: 61 Lorong 27 Geylang, S388187.

Thank you very much CQ Works, Kwong Cheong Thye and Chef Heman for hosting us.

Sunday, 6 August 2023

BBQ Under the Stars – BBQ Without The Smoke [MEDIA INVITE]

BBQ Under the Stars (“BUTS”) is an Italian barbeque concept launched by Chef Marcus, who founded the Rubato Group. This 5th concept by the Rubato Group uses a traditional Argentinian grill, known as Parrilla Grill, where the entire cooking process is fully fuelled by charcoal to achieve the unique smoky flavour of the grilled meats.

Parrilla Grill
We started our dinner with Fresh Oysters. It is fresh and briny, a good start to the meal. The clams are also fresh, plump and juicy, cooked with a dash of white wine. It will be good if we have some bread or garlic bread to dip into the broth.

Fresh Oysters
Clams
While we are waiting for our BBQ order, we proceed to the salad and finger food table. The potato salad is crunchy, creamy, and goes well with the fresh salad. The finger food that was offered on that night was chicken nuggets, breaded onion rings and fried boneless chicken.

Salad & Finger Food Table
Salads
Salad & Finger Food
Our first dish that come from the BBQ is the Arrosticini Abruzzesi (Giant Italian Skewers). The version at BUTS is made from giant chicken pieces. The exterior of the chicken pieces is nicely charred, followed by tender, well marinated and succulent flesh. It is barbequed to perfection.

Arrosticini Abruzzesi - Chicken
Arrosticini Abruzzesi - Chicken
Tuscan Ribeye Steak. Thinly sliced covered with gravy and served with mashed potatoes and vegetables. My first reaction is very salty due to the combination of the gravy plus the seasoned steak. The meat is also cooked passed the medium-rare point, making it a bit chewy. Luckily the mashed potatoes and vegetables help to reduce the saltiness.

Tuscan Ribeye Steak
We order another serving of the ribeye, without the gravy. It is better as the steak is already well seasoned, however, it is still overcooked. When the steak is thinly sliced, it is easy to overcook your steak on an open fire.

Tuscan Ribeye Steak
I like the BBQ pork ribs. It is fork tender and the meat easily falls of the bone. The sweetness of the marinate is just right, and it is better eaten using your fingers. The BBQ chicken mid-wings were plump and juicy. It is surprisingly good, although I would prefer it if they don’t serve it with chilli sauce.

BBQ Pork Ribs
BBQ Pork Ribs
The lobster is perfectly grilled. It has a charred exterior, yet the flesh remains juicy and bouncy with a hint of brininess. The same can be said about the prawns. It is grilled just right and we can taste the freshness of the prawns and the delightful bouncy texture.

Lobster
Prawns
Prawn - deshelled
The most surprising ingredients at BUTS are the mushroom dishes. LD and I enjoyed the barbequed King Oysters Mushrooms as it is juicy and packed with flavour. The mushroom pizza has a crispy crust, with a nice combination of mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce plus the sliced button mushroom. We finished the whole pizza. Yum

King Oyster Mushrooms
Mushroom Pizza
The mushrooms risotto is very tasty; however, I find the rice is a bit raw, not to the al-dente point.

Mushroom Risotto
For the desserts, we have Panna Cotta and Tiramisu. They are enjoyable; however, the Grilled Banana and Grilled Pineapples are the stars. I just can’t say no to grilled pineapples because of the combination of charred bitter flavour and sweet pineapple.

Panna Cota & Tiramisu
However, the grilled banana is just awesome. The banana is halved, coated with sugar and torched, creating a thin layer of crispy sugar and intensifying the flavour of the banana. Yummy!

Grilled Banana & Pineapple
Grilled Banana & Pineapple
BUTS have air-conditioned indoor seating and a covered outdoor seating area. Based on the current weather, I will choose the indoor. However, when the weather is cooler, I won’t mind seating outdoor.

Indoor Dining Area & The Bar
Outdoor Dining Area
Overall, we enjoyed the barbeque food offered by BUTS. It provided a good spread of options and we don’t come out smelling like barbeque meat. We recommend the oysters, lobster, mushroom dishes and grilled banana. Cheers!!

BBQ Under the Stars
When: Mon – Sun, 11.00 – 23.00
BBQ Lunch last order 15.00, BBQ Dinner last order 22.00
Price starts from $41.90++ per pax.
For Reservation: Call 9190 8258 or https://tinyurl.com/BBQUTSreservations

Food Menu
Drink Menu
Thank you very much Protegie and BBQ Under the Stars for the invitation.

Food & Drink: 7/10
Value: 7.25/10
Service: N/A (Tasting Invitation)
Ambiance: 7/10
Budget per Person: $26 - $50; $51 - $80

BBQ Under the Stars
100 Turf Club Road
Singapore 287992

T: +65 9190 8258
OH:
Mon – Fri: 17.00 – 23.00
Sat – Sun: 11.00 – 23.00

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