[FOOD] La D'Oro - Michelin Guide Italian Restaurant @ Mandarin Gallery, Singapore

When Japanese ingredients meet Italian elegance....

During our recent birthday celebration, we were at the La D'Oro, an upscale restaurant that blends Italian and Japanese flavours in a pretty unique way. The fact that it is listed on 2023 and 2024 Michelin Guide Singapore kinda sets our expectations high and we were excited to experience what they have got to offer. 

La D'Oro, located at Mandarin Gallery on Orchard Road, Singapore, is helmed by Chef Yohhei Sasaki, who has extensive culinary experience in both Tokyo and Tuscany, giving him a deep understanding of both food cultures.

Since rebranding in 2023, La D’Oro has featured a seasonal omakase menu that changes every two months. Chef Sasaki skillfully combines traditional Italian and Japanese influences to create complex and unique dishes, using ingredients air-flown from both Japan and Italy to ensure distinctive flavours. 

 

Our visit here mainly focused on the ala carte menu which made it a great casual dining experience with the classic Italian dishes and seasonal Japanese menu. 

Complimentary House Bread

Iberico Bellota (50g @ $34)

Raspadura Cheese @ $6

For our starter, we began indulging in the slices of Iberico Bellota, paired with freshly shaved artisanal Raspadura Cheese. The rich, savoury flavour of the pork was deeply satisfying, especially when enhanced with subtle smoky notes. I enjoyed how the slightly fat cut melted luxuriously in the mouth. 

Whereas the shaved cheese added a creamy finish that balanced the saltiness of the pork. The combination was a delightful contrast! Perfect option to enhance every sip of wine.

Herb Roasted French Chicken Breast @ $22

Caccio cavallo cheese sauce, herb bread crumbs

For the main, we had the roasted chicken breast, crowned with herb bread crumbs and served on a bed of asscaccio cavallo cheese sauce. Each bite of the mild and succulent chicken was a perfect combination of herby goodness and natural sweetness of the meat, with a right amount of crunch from the crispy crust. Definitely a comfort food with a fancy touch.  

Nagasaki Meji Maguro Cold Capellini @ $34

Wasabi and Nagasaki hakusai sauce

We also tried one of the seasonal items on the menu, featuring Nagasaki's local produce. The thin, delicate strands of capellini pasta were tossed with a medley of fresh, crisp Japanese cabbages and young bluefin tuna. Topped with fragrant wasabi shaving, each bite tasted like a cool, satisfying pasta salad with fresh, summery vibe. 

Tiramisu @ $14

The showstopper of the evening was definitely the deconstructed tiramisu (and the amazing presentation for the special occasion). It was a playful twist of the classic dessert - with rich mascarpone cream, coffee-soaked fingers and cocoa powder stacked in an elegant arrangement - allowing each bite to deliver the perfect balance of smooth, creamy and coffee-infused sweetness. Will definitely be back for this! 

 

Verdict:

Overall, La D'Oro is a great spot if you are looking for something different, offering both casual and fine-dining experience with an interesting Italian-Japanese twist. Whether you are in the mood for a laidback meal or a refined omakase experience, this place has got you covered.

La D'Oro 

Mandarin Gallery, #01-16/17

333A Orchard Road

Singapore 238897.

 Call/Whatsapp: +65 83826200

Email: ladoro@ladoro.sg

Instagram: @ladorosg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ladoro.Singapore

Operating Hours:

Monday to Sunday

Lunch - 12:00pm - 3:00pm

Dinner - 5:00pm - 10:30pm

[TRAVEL] Summer Day Trip to Kibune (貴船), Kyoto, Japan

Kibune (貴船) - the summer haven ❤

Welcome to Kibune, the forested valley in the northern mountains of Kyoto City! People often travel to Japan during summer because of the massive summer firework festivals, like what I did in the late July of 2023 for the largest Atami Fireworks Festival. Fast forward to 2024, I decided to make an early summer trip (early June) to enjoy a more gentle weather without missing out the summer special activities.  

If you are in Kyoto during this season, Kibune is a must-visit area that is worth making a day trip from Kyoto city centre. In Kibune, you can explore the sound of summer - waterfall, natural breeze and rustling of the leaves!

Travel tips - You can experience the beauty of snow during winter time here too, just like how it is filmed in the Japanese movie "River" (2023) set in Kibune, 

How to get there:

❤ 36 minutes by car from Kyoto Station

❤ 2 hours by bus and train from Kyoto Station

 

Upon arrival at Kibuneguchi (貴船口駅) train station, you can hop on the local bus that allows you to get to the nearby shrines and eateries without any hassle. Personally, I prefer strolling along the quiet pathway up the valley and immerse myself into the nature (approximately 3km walk in total).. 

During the scenic stroll, I was blessed with breezy, cooling weather (18°C during early summer)

and soothing sound from the waterfall adjacent to the pedestrian walk.

❤ ❤ ❤

Kifune Shrine (貴船神社)

180 Kuramakibunecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-1112, Japan.

Operating hours: 6am - 8pm daily

Entrance fee: ¥200

First stop in Kibune! After a good 2km walk from the bus station, I finally arrived at the famous Kifune Shrine (貴船神社), which enshrines the God of Water, the source of all life, and is the head shrine of over 2,000 water god shrines across Japan.

After passing through the torii gate, you will see vermilion-lacquered kasuga lanterns and stone steps on both sides. There are 87 stone steps.in total, making it a vibrant scene for photo taking during all seasons of the year. 

Kifune Shrine is famous for its "Water Omikuji (流水占卜)", which is the Japanese water fortune slip. Just donate some money then get a slip and place it in the water. The wording will miraculously appear on the slip! There are even QR codes for visitors to scan and translate the words into various languages. Amazing effort by the Japanese indeed :)  

Lovin' this quiet corner of the shrine ❤

❤ ❤ ❤

Ryori Ryokan Hirobun (料理旅館 ひろ文)

87 Kuramakibunecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-1112, Japan.

Operating hours: 11am - 3pm daily (closed if raining)

Nagashi soumen (excluding drinks): ¥2,000 cash only

The most famous attraction in Kibune is the long fleet of riverside eateries, known as “Kawadoko” restaurants, which each has its unique tiered seating for diners to enjoy the waterfall view while tucking into delicious Japanese traditional set meals, desserts or simply tea. 

We are here in Hirobun to try the very popular Nagashi Soumen (流水麵). Each seating can only fit 5 persons at once, therefore to avoid disappointment, it is strongly advisable to arrive at Hirobun at least 1 hour before the opening time and start queueing. 

You will be given a Japanese hand fan stating your queue number. Luck was on my side when I went there, as I managed to secure a queue number 10 which meant the second seating once the restaurant opened its doors for the day.

The noodles will “flow” through the bamboo pipe, and the diner is expected to catch them before they flow away. Each diner will be served with a bowl of dipping sauce and some matcha mochi to end the meal. Hygiene is well maintained as each diner will catch the noodles from separate bamboo, so don’t worry. 

However, unfortunately, the much hyped experience was very underwhelming. The portion of noodles was disappointingly small, and the last batch of noodles (pink ones) arrived too soon. Diners were expected to quickly finish the meal within 15 minutes and the next batch of diners would step in. 

If your expectation is to have some peaceful time to enjoy the meal with the breezy waterfall as the backdrop, Hirobun is sure to disappoint you.    

❤ ❤ ❤

Sagenta (左源太)

91 Kuramakibunecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-1112, Japan.

Operating hours: 10.30am - 5pm daily

Cover charge / seating charge: ¥500 to ¥1,000 per person

Then I found the perfect chilling spot at the very top of the Kibune riverside dining area - Sagenta which serves up the light Japanese casual meal, parfait and ice cream. 

I enjoyed the local specialty dish there - Deep-fried Ayu Sweet Fish (¥1,200) which was filleted and then deep-fried into crisp perfection. Tasted like fragrant bone crackers without having to worry about the bones. 

To sit at Kifune River terrace uppermost seats, I also forked out a ¥1,000 cover charge which was worth every penny for the unlimited relaxing time surrounded by the beautiful nature of Kifune. 

I also wanted to visit another popular cafe there - Hyoue Cafe (兵衛), but unfortunately it was closed on Wednesdays. Hope that I could come back here for the matcha latte and wagashi by the river. 

❤ ❤ ❤

Overall, it was an amazing day trip to Kibune. Although I visited Kibune during early summer, the overall weather was as mild and gentle as late spring - which is at least 5°C lower than Kyoto City. Perfect for a chillax day out for the beauty of nature! ❤

Much love,

FiSh

12.06.2024

[Food Review] 旬水 SHUNSUI @ Hong Kong Street, Singapore

SHUNSUI; Our favourite place for premium Japanese Omakase experience ❤

We are always excited for Japanese culinary experience and this round we were at SHUNSUI, the latest concept by the Shunsui Group, formed from the merger of Kyuu by Shunsui and 5-time Michelin Plate awardee, Kappo Shunsui.

SHUNSUI serves authentic Kappo-style Japanese food prepared from the heart, with cutting-edge techniques and contemporary flair, amidst a vibrant, contemporary setting. 

Currently it offers 3 omakase courses; the Kacho course @ $129+, Fuga course @ $179+ and Shunsui course @ $229+, showcasing the Japan’s finest ingredients beautifully crafted into a variety of sushi as well as sashimi, cooked dishes, rice dishes and desserts. Best paired with the solid selection of alcohol served directly from renowned distilleries in Japan.

Pampering ourselves a little, our choice of Omakase dinner course of the day was the Fuga Course.  

❤❤❤

FUGA COURSE @ $179++

Let's experience through a 8-course Omakase meal that is both delicious and texturally exciting. 

APPETIZER

Lemon Bowl, Scallop, Sweet Shrimp, Surf Clam, Dashi Vinegar Jelly

Served in a cute lemon shell, the appetizer came in a myriad of flavours and textures. The natural sweetness from the scallop, shrimp and surf clam went pretty well with the tangy vinegar jelly. Perfectly executed as a great palate opener!

SOUP

Saba (Mackerel), Radish, Clear Dashi Soup

The soup, despite looking unassuming, was pretty impressive as we enjoyed the light seafood-y

flavour which was comforting on the palate, without any hint of fishy taste at all. Delicious!

SASHIMI

Today's Sashimi, Pressed Sushi, Steamed Oyster

Served for two, the sashimi platter wowed us with its beautiful presentation. We had a great time digging into the platter, savouring the fresh seafood one after another - fresh steamed oyster, medium-fat tuna belly (chutoro), crunchy prawn (ebi botan), eel (unagi) and fishes (kampachi and madai). 

The showstopper in the platter was the Spanish mackerel which was lightly torched with charcoal,

lending a smoky edge to the lean flesh of the fish.

Uni (Sea Urchin) Sashimi

If you are a fan of uni, then this course is a must-have. Huge dollops of sea urchin landed on the

wooden platter - just scoop a portion onto the crisp seaweed and enjoy it fresh with a pinch of wasabi!

WARM DISH

Gindara (Codfish) Teriyaki, Uni (Sea Urchin), Snow Flake Salt

Crowned with sea urchin and sprinkles of snowflake salt, the teriyaki-style codfish was one of the many special items on SHUNSUI's menu. The flavour of the codfish on its own already won it all!

SUSHI

Hirame (Flounder), Hotate (Scallop), Kinki (Rockish),

Kinmedai (Golden Eye Snapper), Unagi (Eel),

Honmaguro Otoro (Bluefin Tuna Fatty Belly)

While the menu changes with the season's offerings, we were glad to be able to indulge in some of our favourite sushi - flounder, juicy sweet scallop and smoky sweet rockish. 

Not forgetting to mention the Unagi Sando too! ❤

MAIN

A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Beef Sirloin and Lotus Root Tempura, Grated Radish Sauce, Yuzu Pepper

The star of the evening was the main dish, featuring a premium A5 Miyazaki wagyu beef, lightly breaded and pan-seared in tempura style, well complemented by the lotus root tempura, grated radish sauce and yuzu pepper. 

RICE

Overflowing Ikura (Salmon Roe) Rice

Nameko Mushroom Miso Soup

Lastly, here came the iconic dish of SHUNSUI group - the Overflowing Ikura Rice. The chef would generously fill the mini pot of rice with golden ikura right in front of the diners, until you say "Stop!". 

Nameko Mushroom Miso Soup

DESSERT

Yuzu Ice Cream

Matcha Pudding and Houjicha

The grand finale of our Omakase course came with a pleasant surprise - the chef made the ice cream right in front of us! Oh wow, the ice cream was so refreshing with a light fruity taste. I would definitely love to have a second helping of this. 

Matcha Pudding and Houjicha

Verdict:

Overall, SHUNSUI offers an exquisite premium Omakase experience that impresses us throughout the course - from the fresh flavours to the amazing chef's presentation of food. Definitely a great venue to celebrate special occasions.

旬水 | SHUNSUI

17 Hongkong Street #01-01,

Singapore 059660.  

Whatsapp: +65 8669 7068

Website: www.shunsui.sg

Facebook: fb.com/shunsuisg

Instagram: @shunsui_official

Business Hours:

Lunch - Monday to Friday: 11:30am to 3:00pm

Dinner - Everyday: 5:30pm to 11:00pm  

[Food Review] Tomo Tokyo @ Clarke Quay, Singapore

Let's enjoy a modern fusion Izakaya experience! ❤

Something caught our eyes during an evening stroll along the waterfront promenade of Clarke Quay - it was Tomo Tokyo, a Japanese Izakaya restaurant standing prominently in a vibrant block right next to the bridge. We decided to give it a try since we love the vibrant atmosphere of an izakaya. 

Tomo Tokyo serves the best of authentic and exquisite modern Japanese fusion cuisine. The newly-launched menu created by Chef Luke is here to elevate the diners' experience through his creative and experiential courses that evoke a sense of nostalgia and whimsy.

Shareable, bold, and brimming with flavour, some of the signature dishes here include the seafood, sashimi, and nigiri sushi, charcoal-grilled delights, as well as delectable pasta and a variety of Japanese tapas.

While the interior of Tomo Tokyo boasts a dramatic and modern furnishing with a touch of creativity from the contemporary artworks on the walls, the al fresco dining area allows diners to experience the vibrant atmosphere by the river with an added touch of energy from its surrounding. The outdoor seating area is pet-friendly too! 

[Cocktails]

Sake Sunrise (Sake, Pineapple Juice, Grenadine)

Yuzu Sour (Shochu, Yuzu, Lemon, Soda)

Dining in the spirited tradition of Izakaya calls for some refreshing cocktails, especially when it comes with a 1-for-1 Happy Hour deal that one must not miss. We are excited to pair our booze with the small-plate dishes and try a wide variety of flavours here. 

Uni Cloud

Sea Urchin Roe, Deep Fried Gyoza Skin, Cucumber Mint and Cream Cheese

Our appetizer is a great palate opener as the bite-sized fresh sea urchin melts in the mouth with a refreshing taste from the mint leave, cucumber mint and light cream cheese. A petite yet innovative creation! 

Salmon Crudo

Thinly Sliced Salmon, Salmon Roe, Karashi Dressing, Calamansi

Aspara Maki

Pork Belly Wrapped Asparagus

One of our favourites of the evening goes to the asparagus wrapped with grilled pork belly. The yakitori here is bursting with flavours, and I can probably down a whole platter of yakitori assortments with some beer or sake.

Brussels Sprouts

with Bacon and Parmesan Cheese

Another light yet addictive snack we have for the evening is the brussels sprouts, drizzled with shaved parmesan cheese and bacon bits. The overall savoury flavour is very robust, and good to go with a booze or two. 

Truffle Cold Udon

Cold Udon Noodle, Truffle, Scallops Ikura, Tobiko, Ponzu Jelly

For the mains, we are treated with a fresh selection of seafood (sweet ebi and hotate) sitting on a bed of truffle udon noodles, adorned with dollops of ikura and tobiko. The overall combination is refreshingly light and packed with oceanic sweetness. 

[Sushi Roll] Tororo Roll

Aburi Chu Toro, Tempura Prawn, Avocado, Gobo, Japanese Mayonnaise

Tomo Tokyo also presents a sophisticated twist on classics like maki rools with diverse flavours and textures such as the signature Tomo Wagyu Roll. However, as we are non beef eaters, we try the house signature Tororo Roll instead - and it is pleasantly huge in portion! 

Crowned with a thick slice of glazed fatty tuna, each piece of the maki comes with thick cut of avocado and tempura prawn. We enjoy the use of special sauce that brings out the flavours even better. 

 

[Dessert] Paris-Brest

Hazelnut Crème, Raspberry Butterscotch Caramelised Almond

We complete our meal with the signature Paris-Brest, a classic French pastry featuring a crisp almond-studded baked ring of choux pastry that looks so dainty and melts smoothly in the mouth. 

Verdict:

If you are in the vicinity of Clarke Quay and hunting for Japanese fusion cuisine, it is worth exploring your senses through the creative culinary experience in Tomo Tokyo. Ideal location for dinner dates, casual dining and private group gatherings too.

Tomo Tokyo

3A River Valley Rd,

#01-04 Block A,

Singapore 179020.

(across the bridge from Clarke Quay Central)

Reservation: +65-6336 0100

Website: tomotokyo.com.sg

Facebook: fb.com/tomotokyosg1

Instagram: @tomotokyosg  

Business Hours: 

Sun-Thurs: 12pm-3pm, 5pm-11pm

Fri, Sat, and PH: 12pm-3pm, 5pm-1am

#TomoTokyo #TomoTokyoSG