Tetsu: The Season and Reason for Indulgence

We'd enjoyed our first trip to Tetsu, and for the second time, we were invited back here in this surprise-filled restaurant to sample their very own Festive Menu. It was exciting as we sat back in anticipation and await the 8-course journey to unfold.

Kani Tofu, Swordfish Tataki, Sake Namazuke
(Part of Tetsu Christmas and New Year Set),   S$58++,   

Don't be deceived by the tiny sizes of these three appetisers - they got our appetites kicking up in big churns! It might be the sour factor that played off so well with the fresh Swordfish Tataki and Sake Namazuke (Salmon with vinegar), while the Kani Tofu evened out the acidity levels pleasantly.

In fact, the Kani Tofu WOW-ed us with so much amazement that we began to doubt our own taste buds being 'haters' of century egg and plain tofu - yes, the gray stuff is actually blended century egg. Speak about creations!

Sashimi Moriwases (Part of Tetsu Christmas
and New Year Set),   S$58++,   

Salmon sashimi, tuna sashimi, and yellowtail sashimi presented in an artsy manner. The raw fish slices were fresh in general, but the tuna one lacked a special kind of firmness which we personally like.

Gindara Sukiyaki (Part of Tetsu Christmas
and New Year Set),   S$58++,   

The nub of this flavoursome paper pot soup came from the sweet cod fish slices, which melts snowily between our tongue and palate.

Rosu Katsu with Ebi Katsu and Garlic Fried Rice
(Part of Tetsu Christmas and New Year Set),   S$58++,   

When we saw these being served, we could already feel the bloatedness up mentally. For the Rosu Katsu (pork loin), it turned out to be dry and rigid, completely opposite from what we'd expected after trying out the Hire Katsu previously. The Ebi Katsu (shrimp) fared much better, but above all, we still appreciated the extremely light batter used.

Despite knowing the amount of carbos present in that bowl of sinful Garlic Fried Rice, we couldn't resist its fragrant temptation! It was a breeze wolfing down three quarters of this awesome mishmash of garlic, rice, eggs, and spring onions. But sadly, just when we thought all was good and dry, we found oil soaking at the very last quarter.

Dragon Roll (6 pieces) ,   S$18++,   

The Dragon Roll was heavenly, celestial, and whatever deific terms you could think of to describe this! Ebi (shrimp) sushis laid in the resemblance of a majesric dragon, topped with crispy Tempura crumbs, cod roe, and a drizzle of Japanese mayonnaise. Shiok shiok SHIOK! This had become our 'favouritest' dish of the afternoon!

Homemade Sesame Ice Cream (Part of Tetsu Christmas
and New Year Set),   S$58++,   

I guess this Homemade Sesame Ice Cream was a well made one considering the presence of sesame bits in addition to its very strong flavour. However, the taste is strongly personal. I hate black sesame, so it sucked, but Lionel found it quite nice. Hence, it really has to depend.

Banana Tempura and Ice,   S$7.80++,   

Perhaps by the end of a complete 8-course meal, we were way too full to take in any more taste. The Banana Tempura was okay lah - resembled much of the Japanese version of Goreng Pisang served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

VERDICT
Even though this meal was on Tetsu, me and Lionel both agreed that we seriously wouldn't mind paying for it; because we know what we're paying for - quality. Anyway, with Christmas and New Year rolling in at such a time together with your bonuses, it sure does call for a reason to luxuriate doesn't it? And FYI, this Tetsu Festive Menu is available from 23 December 2008 till 2 January 2009.

Enjoy your year-ends everyone!

Tetsu
#03-18, Tanglin Mall
163 Tanglin Road, S(247933)
(+65) 6836 3112
Mon - Sun: 11.30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
http://www.tetsu.com.sg

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Kyomomoyama: Still Room for Improvements

A random impromptu choice among the bulk of Japanese restaurants over at The Central ©.

Modern zen interior decor of the restaurant, neat and simple. Surprisingly it was rather empty compared to the raging queue at Waraku during the common 7 p.m. dinner time.

6 Sashimi Mori,   S$45++,   

Sashimi Mori! One of the most expensive starters in the menu, with an assortment of 6 different types of Sashimis - salmon, tuna, swordfish, octopus, plus some other kind of fish which we couldn't really tell. Served chilled on ice shavings, the slices of raw meat were reasonably fresh and firm, and they melt right into your mouths.

Tempura Mori,   S$19.80++,   

The Tempura flour clumped up too much on a few parts, but overall, the dish felt neither too heavy or soggy, even after leaving aside for quite some time.

Hotate Mentai Yaki,   S$15.80++,   

An oh so delicious giant Hotate (scallop) with molten cheese blanketing all over. Be careful not to let it drip!

Steak Don,   S$19.80++,   

The entire Don was filled with tender beef steaks and that only, accompanied with an aromatic gravy sauce. First few scoops were wonderful, but soon it became a routine when the same food just got repeated over and over, even with pickles and miso soup as occasional diversions.

Salmon Oyako Don,   S$18.80++,   

Again, salmon Sashimis were fresh, but not so for the salmon roe if we were to pick on. Yes, they still burst and squirted juice upon pressure, but we were expecting a higher grade from such price.

VERDICT
With prices ranging from mid-high to high, the food seemed just slightly above average. The menu choices were a little restrictive and were mostly 'a la carte' - Kyomomoyama could do better by offering food in sets during dinner (and not just over lunch).

Kyomomoyama 京桃山
#03-87/100/101/110, The Central ©
6 Eu Tong Sen Street, S(059817)
(+65) 6534 8001
Mon - Sun: 11.30 a.m. - 11 p.m.

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