Tocha Bistro - Chill and Dine Around Lavender

July 31, 2017

Residing within the parameters of Boss Hotel, along the Rochor River of Lavender, Tocha Bistro is a fairly new place to chill and dine. Its bar well stocked with a huge selection of alcohol, particularly whiskies due to its owner's love for it. Crazy Hour is from 5pm to 6pm daily, where beer buckets go as low as S$25++ for half a dozen!

Since cocktails are available, I might as well start off with Sex, I mean the cocktail named Sex On The Beach (S$15.00) which was a fruity subtle-sweet concoction of cranberry juice, orange juice, peach and vodka. My friend's neon blue Singapore Sling (S$18.00) was rather refreshing and I kind of enjoyed sipping it.

Homemade Mushroom Soup was first served, brimming with chunky bits of diced button mushrooms. Enjoying every mouthful of soup, alternating between the perfectly crisp garlic bread. Both the Baked Scallops (S$8.80) as well as the Smoked Duck Roll (S$6.80) do make excellent accompaniment to alcohol.

I had the luxury to try a mix platter of Tenderloin Steak, Iberico Pork, Lamb, sausages and marsh potato, with a side of additional 3 sauces for the meats. I am a sucker for beef steaks and the Tenderloin Steak did not disappoint me. It was chilled and airflown from Australia, served rare which was my preferred doneness. Not bloody nor too chewy yet retaining its juices in the slab. I totally enjoyed the Marsh Potato due to its delicate texture as well as it being drenched by sauce.

Having tried both the Grilled Salmon and Grilled Cod, my friend and I each have our individual preference. Both were comparable, just that I would prefer the oilier flesh of cod as compared to salmon. The skins of both fishes were similarly grilled to crisp and thankfully scaleless.

Probably my personal favourite dish that night that won my tummy over was the fork-tender Braised Lamb Shank (S$16.80) that was slow cooked overnight with herbs and red wine, served on a bed of mashed potatoes and baby carrots. Perhaps I could have slices of bread where I could dip or wipe the entire plate clean from savoury sauce.
(Note that this dish is available in limited quantities daily.)

Do check out their affordable Set Lunches, S$18 at nett prices available the entire week! Each set comes with salad, mushroom soup, fries and a choice of soft drinks.

Address: 500 Jalan Sultan #01-20

Singapore 199020

Contact: 6291 7118

Sex On The Beach (S$15.00) (left) ; Singapore Sling (S$18.00) (right)

Mushroom Soup with Garlic Bread

Baked Scallops (S$8.80)

Smoked Duck Roll (S$6.80)

Platter of Tenderloin Steak, Iberico Pork, Lamb, sausages and marsh potato drenched with sauce

Mixture of Grilled Salmon and Grilled Cod with salad and carrots

Braised Lamb Shank (S$16.80)

Kam's Roast, Michelin Star Restaurant in Singapore

July 04, 2017

Marinated Duck (1/2 for S$38 ; Whole for S$65)

Kam's Roast would be the first Michelin Star restaurant I have patronised and I probably could no longer proclaim myself as a hardcore foodie for a delayed review. I seldom select Chinese food as my option when I dine out as I have the tendency to select other cuisines instead. Kam's Roast was perhaps a game changer since I actually craved for some of its dishes once every now and then.

My dinner started off with a couple of braised dishes such as the Marinated Chinese

Mushroom ($5.80), Marinated Duck's Wings ($8.80) and Marinated Tofu ($4.80). I definitely love the marinated tofu so much due to its smooth silken texture.

I tried both the Marinated Duck and Roast Duck which were contrasting in taste and for you to define which you would prefer. My preference was obviously the roasted duck since I prefer roasted food as compare to 'lor' (gravy).

My favourite dish was the Toro Char Siew! The meat itself was tender and it probably comprised of more than 50% fats that readily melts in my mouth. Not for the faint hearted.

It was my first time hearing about Lean Pork Sausages as I usually ate the commonly known Pork Sausages with bits of fats. I could easily differentiate between them based on their texture and mouth feel and I was totally engrossed with the lean ones.

Last but not least, I ended off my meal with a hearty bowl of Red Bean Soup with Aged Orange Peel ($5.80) for dessert that night. The dessert wasn't too sweet, contained loads of easily mashed red beans with a hint of orange peel. The orange peel did enhanced the soup making it less 'ni'.

Having Chinese food in a restaurant, especially a Michelin star-ed one could be an option for me in future.