Cafe Natsu | Western Brunch with Japanese Flair
Hotels News
ameky , , , ,
Cafe Natsu | Western Brunch with Japanese Flair

Cafe Natsu is known for serving western brunch with a Japanese flair. The brainchild of Chef Lewis Barker, Cafe Natsu opens its second outlet at Clemenceau Citadines Connect Hotel, just six months after its debut at Joo Chiat. We visited the Joo Chiat outlet on a rainy afternoon and it was bustling. We were told that there is a refreshed menu that was recently launched to exude a stronger Japanese influence.

Café Natsu 01
For starters, we had the Ebi Croquette ($12++). Ebi prawns that are soft and creamy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Kewpie mayo is then drizzled and finished with some prawn oil.
Café Natsu 02
We also tried two items from their new menu. The first was the demi-glazed Wagyu Hamburg ($26++) served with okonomiyaki pancakes and mixed green salad. The hamburg had a pinkish-red center and retains some moisture despite having been seared to finish. It is well-seasoned and we liked the accompanying okonomiyaki pancakes that were slightly crispy. The green salad has a refreshing dressing which cuts through the heavier hamburger and okonomiyaki.
Cafe Natsu 03
The second main we had was the Short Rib Ragu Kare Casarecce ($24++). Casarecce Pasta is used as a base and cooked with tender short ribs braised in Japanese curry spice. The heat is mild for this dish so those who don’t take much spice can still have this. The pasta was a tad too firm to our liking. So if you prefer pasta that has a somewhat firm texture but is still slightly tender, you may want to highlight it to the staff when ordering.
Café Natsu 04
For desserts, we tried the Mochi Fried Donuts with Salted Hokkaido Milk Ice-Cream ($12++). This was a delightful end to the meal – the donut balls with chewy mochi in the center, lightly dusted with fragrant cinnamon powder and sugar. The cold salted hokkaido milk ice-cream is a good pairing too.

You may wish to check out their new outlet at Clemenceau Avenue. We noticed many patrons having their Wagyu Sandos during our visit this time so that will probably be the dish that we go for on our next visit!

Budget per person: $20 to $30 per person

  • Café Natsu

  • Phone

    +65 8886 4497
  • Address

    283 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427537

The post Cafe Natsu | Western Brunch with Japanese Flair appeared first on food gem: Food & Travel.

Vin Geek | Restaurant Bar with DIY Wine Dispenser
Hotels News
ameky , , , ,
Vin Geek | Restaurant Bar with DIY Wine Dispenser


  • Vin Geek | Restaurant Bar with DIY Wine Dispenser

Vin Geek | Restaurant Bar with DIY Wine Dispenser

Restaurant bar Vin Geek quietly opened its doors mid-this year at Pacific Plaza. However, its name is probably known by wine-lovers. Upon entering the restaurant bar, you’ll be greeted by the DIY wine dispenser – with approximately 20+ bottles on tap at any time, a selection of whites, reds and roses. All of them are available in a tasting portion (30ml), half glass (90ml) or full glass (180ml), with prices as low as $2.50+ for a tasting portion.

Ordering is simple: choose a wine, scan the QR code and cart out. The chosen vino will then be dispensed into your glass!

Vin Geek 01
This Christmas, they are serving a special 3 or 4-course menu: a salad, a small plate, main and dessert. The salad is a 125g burrata cheese with a generous serving of arugula, cherry tomatoes and balsamic dressing.
Vin Geek 03
For the small plate, we have the scallops & endive, which comes with a cauliflower puree and dill.
Vin Geek 02
The lobster risotto is my favorite dish. The risotto is cooked in lobster stock, garnished with parsley and hints of fresh lemon. A good portion for sharing if you’re in a group, but otherwise it’s also good for one with your choice of wine to wash down the carbs.
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Some other sharing dishes from the menu include the pork loin served with charred cabbage and mango chutney. The meat is tender and sliced ​​for easy eating and pairs well with the red wine on tap.
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The flat steak was another dish that stood out in terms of flavour. Well-seasoned and finished with a sear for a smoky aftertaste. The accompanying charred broccolini was also on point. However, when the steak was first served to us, it was a tad too pink in the middle so we had to send it back.
Vin Geek 05
We also had the Tiramisu as our dessert. The menu at Vin Geek is fairly “safe” and does not reinvent the wheel. Most of the dishes are well-executed save for some hiccups along the way. However, the focus of the place is definitely on the wines. And the food is conceptualized to complement the vinos. Check out the place if you’re keen to sample a variety of wines or are exploring which sorts of wines you would like. There is also a range of gourmet food products available so feel free to wander about.

Budget per person: $35 to $50 per person

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