In continuation of my MIGF exploit here in Mandarin Oriental, I headed over to Mandarin Grill right after my Lai Po Heen MIGF dinner (review–> HERE), to be acquitted with the new chef at helm, the young but capable Chef Reto Weber.
True to be told, though I’m a big lover of steaks, my previous visit (review –> HERE ) did not make an impression. I have not been back since.
MIGF 2011 :
Appetizer
Diver scallops, ricotta dumplings and tomatoes with olives
Competently prepared. But boring.
However, it’s definitely time for a re-visit; as I have a hunch that the new chef will shake things up a little in here and I’m looking forward to (hopefully) new recipes/items on the Mandarin Grill menu.
Starter
Foie gras and confit smoked duck leg, marinated Shimeji mushrooms,
caramelized orange vinaigrette
This was luscious, as all foie gras rightfully should be; but interestingly matched with the smoked duck, though the duck was minicule at best.
I really wished then that I have some bread to spread this smooth pate over. The orange dots you see below were more than just for aesthetic; as the sweet, tangy caramelized orange vinaigrette was perfect when eaten together with the salty, rich foie gras. The play of flavours on the tastebuds was enthralling.
The Fish**
Josper roasted Monk Fish Fillet, coriander tagliatelle, olive oil poached green asparagus
** we skipped this.
….
The Refresher
Iced raspberry-bell pepper cappuccino
Our palate cleanser. Sour with a hint of pepper. Some of us find it tasting a bit “medicinal“.
The Main Event
Slow cooked ‘soux-vide style’ wagyu beef cheeks, summer truffles,
celeriac roots and horseradish foam
Anything sous-vide is good for me since I like my meat with a melt-in-mouth texture. This happens to be wagyu somemore so you can imagine how tender it was.
The knife they gave us was purely ornamental when served with such soft meat. For a bit of differing flavours, swipe your meat with the celeriac roots puree at the side.
Cheese**
Chaource with plum compote clove sentenced oil, hazelnut bread
**we skipped this
Dessert
Albaco chocolate cremeux, meringue, passion fruit sphere, frozen yoghurt
A pleasant enough end to the meal but it was both the passion fruit sphere and the frozen yogurt that was worth a mention. The sphere was like a molecular gastronomy- prepared ball that burst in the mouth upon contact and flooded my mouth with sweet & tangy passionfruit puree while that tear-drop shaped “frozen” yogurt you see below was like a sweet marshmallow!
So that was the MIGF 2011 menu by Mandarin Grill.
It didn’t totally “wow” me as most items are familiar stuffs, sous-vide, beef cheeks, scallops, chocolate dessert but it was at least competently prepared.
Nonetheless, I’m serious about popping in here again just for the meats, as Mandarin Grill is famed for steak dining. This time it shall be a 250g and at minimum, a wagyu grade steak, but heck.. God willing, KOBE if possible! 
For reservations, please contact Lai Po Heen at +60(3) 2179 8885, [email protected] or Mandarin Grill at +60(3) 2179 8960, [email protected].
All pictures taken with the:
oooh, pretty decadent ingredients … foie gras, truffles, wagyu. this really would pamper the palate. i think my favorites would be the pate and the cheeks too 😀
Haha yes Sean, I was thinking of you too when I ate that!
Sean = foie gras. 😛
Really fine dining lor… so little d.. :good:
Hahah! Small portions hor?? But many courses!
Nom nom nom :yahoo:
U like to eat MEATS??? 😛
Wait, wonder if I can get a MO card!
I had it last night, overall I like the foie gras pate, the monk fillet, wagyu cheek and the passion fruit sphere.
Urs are the invited review right? The full portion set menu really going to explode my stomach, lucky I didn’t get any cake from the Mandarin Cake Shop before dinner.
I’ll text you regard the post in my blog later, yesterday truly a tired day for me :p
Hey Fui! We liked the same thing! 😛
Hehe.. it was those few that stood out right? The passion fruit sphere is delightful.
But I didnt try the monk fillet! Darn!
I was start learning about molecular cuisine, and I found out the Mandarin Grill really do it well, flavored foam, sous vide, and this year even with the spherical caviar, although not surprise me but absolutely that taste good.
The monk also great come with a huge portion like the German sausage and also great white asparagus that not mentions in the menu.
On the way writing the review but going out for Chalet soon then continue after come back ^.^
Wow! I’m glad you enjoyed it that much!
I’m thinking of coming back here to try the ala-carte menu next. See what Chef Reto has up his sleeves.
Really small portion, but then again quality comes first before quantity ya 😀 I havent try dining here.. maybe one day !!!
Yea, try it here next time. 🙂
Also, the portions are HALF of the usual, cos we had tasting portions that night.
Hi rebeccasaw,
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really really good, moist and yummy, my crew loved it.
Oh? The normal menu or the MIGF menu? Which did you guys try?? Share please! 🙂