Ash & Elm launches a new theme featuring Nordic cuisine to our Sunday Champagne Brunch from 6 October 2019 til end January 2020. The brunch spread is inspired by the culinary philosophy from the wintery Northern Europe regions, emphasising locality and tradition. You'll find not just classic Nordic dishes but also the fine produce flown in exclusively from Iceland, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Get ready for a bumper post here.
Chef Eric Neo is Singapore’s first Nordic-Asia Culinary Ambassador appointed in 2018. He promotes interactions and collaboration opportunities between the food and culinary institutions of both regions. In heading up this Nordic Sunday Champagne Brunch, he and his team have put a lot of thought and research into this curated spread.
“The Nordic region is renowned for its fresh locally grown ingredients and preservation techniques. However, Nordic cuisine is still relatively unknown in Singapore – to date we have not seen many products nor dishes from the likes of Finland and Iceland, served on our tables or sold in stores. I believe more can be done to bring awareness to this exquisite cuisine, and enhance food diversity in Singapore at the same time”, says Chef Eric, who is also the President of Singapore Chef Association.
Where do we even start? Well, with champagne of course. Freeflow Taittinger Champagne to lubricate the occasion. Bubbles = happiness.
Of course the popular mainstays are still here. Help yourself to all the seafood on ice you want: Chilled Tiger Prawns, Black Mussels, Boston Lobster, Clams, Whelks, Scallop, Finnish Crayfish, Swedish Oysters. We saw Canadian oysters when we went though.
Seafood on ice always looks so good here.
And the Caviar Station is not to be missed: Queen Kaluga Caviar, Ikura, Avruga, Wasabi Tobiko, Ebiko with Condiments and Blinis for the taking! I even put it on pizza (makes a better blini, no??) haha!
However, I feel certain shellfish should be left as they are. Anything that looks like snails. But hey, to each his or her own. #FearFactorFoodForMe #AlsoNoEscargotPourMoi
But let's get on with the hot mains!
Lihapullat Muuilla Ja Puolukkahillolla:
Meatballs, Tender Potato, Creamy Brown Jus and Cranberry Preserves
Meatballs but so much better than the floury Swedish kind we get at you-know-where. These beautiful lean bites went so well with the tangy cranberry and creamy potato. I wish I had taken more.
Farikal: Lamb, Cabbage Stew and Black Pepper
I really loved this; it's probably my favourite main. This was succulent lamb stewed to perfection. Well, I deliberately chose a fatty cut, so it was tender and so full of flavour. I overheard a lady at neighbouring table saying this was too tough. Don't fear fat, girl!
Salmon Sandefjord Mor:
Pan-seared Salmon, Lemon-Herb and Butter Sauce
Can't have Scandinavian fare without salmon! :)
Makaronilaatikko: Baked Macaroni with Minced Meat
This hearty pasta was super satisfying too. It's more like pulled pork than minced meat, which is even better!
From inside the kitchen are (feel free to wander inside, it's open to guests on Sundays) we have more special mains.
Beef Wellington. All pink and pretty, served with Nordic potatoes, which seem a bit more starchy and dense (must be that cold weather packing them them tightly with more carbs)
Parchment Roasted Cod with Fennel, Lemon and Tomatoes Roasted Root of Vegetables and Baby Potatoes, Mustard Sauce
This will be poached right in front of you, so you get a fresh parcel of steaming hot cod. The seasoning is kept minimal, so you can taste the natural sweetness of the fish. But I do feel it could do with a bit more salt.
There are a lot more Nordic touches in the bitesize appetisers. I know we have it all backwards, eating mains first. But hey, these are easy to try. Bitesize.
Gravlax: Beetroot and Gin-Cured Salmon with Pickled Cucumber
Get your gin-soaked salmon here. Not too strong, still kid-friendly.
Kartoflusalati: New Potatoes Salad, Apple, Hard-boiled Egg, Pickles and Red Onion
I liked how refreshing this one was. Crunchy potato, sweet tart apple and creamy egg tying it all together.
Vihersimpukka: BBQ Sauce Green Mussel Meat with Lentil and Homemade Sweet Pickles
Oh the lentils added a subtle nutty taste to the mussels. Interesting combination.
Skagenrora: Shrimp Salad with Dill and Capers
These went so quickly, we didn't have a chance to try them. Should not have let the camera eat first!
Rödbetssallad Med Fetaost: Beetroot Salad with Feta Cheese, Chick Pea, Pumpkin Seed and Mixed Olives
These little shot glasses hold so much complexity in flavour and texture.
For those who really insist on carbs. But these are great with the soups. There's Humarsúpa, a creamy langoustine soup reminiscent of a lobster bisque (but lighter). And Hernekettoja Pannukakku, an unusual green pea soup with fennel.
From the gas-and-wood-fired oven, we have pizzas baked before your eyes.
Eat the rainbow on the thin crust pizzas. This is the Vegetarian Pizza: Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Artichokes, Onions, Capsicum, Olives, Mozzarella. But look out for the Blood Sausage & Cheese pizza when they have it.
Complement the with some cold cuts too. And cheese!
The cheese room will feature a selection of Nordic Cheeses from Andre Farm, Jukolan Juusto and Farm House Cheeses. Andre Grand, Andre Excellent, Aito Cheddar, Brie de Meaux, Fourme D'ambert, Comte with Crackers, Lavosh, Fruit Paste and Dried Fruits.
Desserts - so much to choose from!
Summer Berries Pie: this was probably our favourite. Lovely custard and aromatic crust, topped with the juicy freshness of summer.
Semlor is the plural of semla. Yes, these delectable cream buns.
Lingonberry Cream Brulee
Rhubarb Cake, Swedish Cheesecake, Norwegian Strawberry Cake, a variety of chocolate fixings...something for everyone.
Complement brunch with a handcrafted gin cocktail, Aurora, inspired by the
Northern lights. Concocted using Metsis Gin, specially imported from Estonia for the brunch, it is available for top-up at S$15 nett per glass.
Or calm the tummy with some tea. They do great coffee here too. Three hours goes by all too quickly. I feel like we only started tasting a little bit of everything and there's not enough time (or tummy space) to go back and get seconds of the stuff you like. I'll just have to come back again...
Nordic Sunday Champagne Brunch
With addition of festive specials
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Every Sunday from 6 October to 17 November 2019
12:00pm to 3:00pm
Every Sunday from 24 November to 29 December 2019
12:00pm to 3:00pm
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S$148 per adult
Includes unlimited Taittinger Champagne, cocktails, house wines, beers, soft drinks and juices.
S$98 per adult Includes unlimited cocktails, soft drinks and juices. $48 per child Includes unlimited soft drinks and juices. All prices quoted are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing government taxes. |
Many thanks to InterContinental Singapore for the invitation and flawless hospitality!
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