Evoking the same archetypal atmosphere of a classic high-end steakhouse in New York—from their mahogany furnishings to the sounds of Sinatra playing in the background—Morton’s The Steakhouse beautifully encapsulates the classic, speakeasy-style of American fine dining.

This steakhouse juggernaut in Mandarin Oriental impresses in more ways than one, from the impeccable standards upheld by their service staff to their array of phenomenal meat and seafood offerings. Every detail—the honest selection of succulent, wet-aged USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, extensive and award-winning wine list etc—attributes to why we absolutely love dining here.

The signature orders here include the wet-aged Prime Ribeye Steak and the colossal 48-ounce Porterhouse but for non-meat eaters, they also serve up a solid range of fresh seafood such as Maine Lobster, Honey-Balsamic Glazed Ora King Salmon and the must-try Seared Cod with Romesco Sauce that you can opt to have off their seasonal menu.

It’s easy to feel intimidated by a high-end restaurant like Morton’s especially so in all its classy, mahogany-clad glory, but truly, there is so much more to this steakhouse institution that goes far beyond just being a destination for business meetings and special occasions. With their stellar line-up of house classics coupled with their ever-changing seasonal menu, there’s bound to be something to tickle even the most discerning of palates.

CHILLED OCEAN PLATTER

For those who want to complement the steak meal with fresh flavours of the ocean, fancy their Chilled Ocean Platter (S$98++, serves 2) or even their Baked Ocean Platter (S$93++, serves 2). Believe us when we say that Morton’s will not let you down as far as freshness and quality is concerned.

The medley on-ice features premium items such as Maine lobster, jumbo lump crabmeat, fresh oysters on the half-shell, Alaskan king crab legs and enormous shrimps.

Accompanying it is a tray of condiments of which you can enjoy these crustacean delights with. We were particularly fond of their house-made mignonette which is made using Champagne vinegar, minced shallots and horseradish.

BAKED OCEAN PLATTER

We were utterly blown away by their baked version; the grilled oysters with garlic herb butter, in particular, were our favourite.

Topped with a rich sauce comprising butter, parsley and bread crumbs and broiled until the top layer develops a gorgeous golden-coloured hue but just enough such that the oyster still retains its pristine tenderness, our palates were literally transported to flavour heaven.

LOBSTER BISQUE

The focus of Morton’s Lobster Bisque (S$38++) is on a quality base that is made using only lobsters of the finest quality.

The bulk of the work is done with time and lots of attention. Allowing the rich broth to simmer low and slow over a long period of time develops deep, well-rounded flavour and is also what gives the bisque its classic creamy and decadent profile.

CENTRE-CUT PRIME RIBEYE (16OZ)

Those of you who love a proper steak will find nothing short of sheer satisfaction here at Morton’s. With an extensive array of steak cuts from the classic porterhouse, signature New York strip to their prime ribeye and more—what you can expect is a phenomenal and memorable steak experience.

We ordered the 16oz Centre-Cut Prime Ribeye (S$118++) and were treated to one of the best medium-rare steak experiences ever. The steak itself is wet-aged for up to 30 days and seasoned simply with just salt and ground black pepper, but the real money-maker lies in the way the steak is cooked. The exterior is charred to utmost perfection, providing a nice crunch, while the inside remains pink and succulent.

Accompanying this glorious hunk of meat, you can have your choice of flavoured butter to truly amplify the flavour. There are a total of 5 unique kinds of butter to choose from but perhaps the best pairing with our glorious steak would be the Foie Gras-Cognac Butter (S$6++).

AMERICAN WAGYU FILET MIGNON

As far as wagyu is concerned, it’s all about the intense, fat marbling in the meat—which is what gives it its distinct, buttery flavour. Here at Morton’s, they use American Wagyu which has a good fat-to-lean ratio, allowing their steaks to give off a much beefier note without being overly buttery.

We had the pleasure of savouring their American Wagyu Filet Mignon ($108++) that was a notch more tender in comparison to the ribeye but still brimmed with an intense beefy quality. The thick-cut medallion of American wagyu comes topped with a flavoured poblano butter that melts beautifully over the steak.

HONEY-BALSAMIC GLAZED ORA KING SALMON

When aspiring to exceptional culinary standards, the highly-acclaimed Ora King salmon (S$72++) is the first and only choice for discerning chefs around the world.

Hailing all the way from New Zealand, what makes this particular breed of salmon so much more delicious is the high oil content present in the Ora King itself that can be seen in the striking marbled fat lines within the bright orange flesh. A fair match to the prestigious wagyu of Japan if you ask us.

SEARED COD WITH ROMESCO SAUCE

Off the restaurant’s seasonal menu, we tried the Seared Cod with Romesco Sauce (S$78++). Treated with nothing more than some light seasoning, this delicate dish of fish and vegetables truly stole the show.

The cod boasted a delicate, somewhat bouncy texture with a slightly sweet flavour to it and the romesco sauce—with its sweet and subtly tart qualities—really did well to reinforce the natural flavours of the fish.

SIDES – SHISHITO PEPPERS / ONION RINGS / PARMESAN & TRUFFLE FRIES

What is a steak meal without some hearty sides to go along with it? Here at Morton’s, their side dish offerings truly go above and beyond in terms of quality and taste. Their Onion Rings (S$24++) are a hot favourite and their Parmesan & Truffle Matchstick Fries (S$27++) are pretty darn solid as well, but special mention has to be made about their Shishito Peppers (S$38++).

For the uninitiated, sautéed or roasted shishito peppers are the absolute best thing to nibble on along with drinks, or even as a tasty starter to begin a full-on steak meal.

Nicely charred on all edges and seasoned with nothing but salt, these blistered bad boys are both sweet and flavourful, however, depending on how unlucky you are, some of them might pack some serious heat.

KEY LIME PIE

Morton’s Key Lime Pie (S$26++) is a perfect way to end a satisfying steak dinner. Light and tangy with just the right amount of sweetness, the custardy and zesty profiles of the dessert really did well to take the edge of all that rich, buttery goodness that still lingered on our tongues.

Morton’s The Steakhouse
5 Raffles Avenue, Fourth Storey
Mandarin Oriental,
Singapore 039797
Tel: +65 6339 3740
Mon to Sat: 5.30am – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Promenade

This post was brought to you by Morton’s The Steakhouse. 

Sunday brunches have a very special place in our hearts because it is the most important meals over the weekend; bigger than breakfast and more enticing than lunch, there is really nothing not to love about a good Sunday brunch.

Nestled in Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, Melt Café is one of the best choices if you are in the Marina Bay area. Their Sunday Champagne Brunch is simply out of the world—we are talking about endless gourmet food, including bubbles and fun in-house entertainment for everyone in the family.

From fresh oysters of different varieties, premium sashimi from the Japanese counter, a carving station that will satisfy the carnivores to their ever popular Indian cuisine and an outdoor barbecue grill, this is one champagne brunch that is deserving of an encore.

CRAZY CHEESE SELECTION

Brunch is made better when there is an amazing cheese selection and the one at Melt Café will definitely impress you.

Pair your wines with any cheese of your preference that are sourced from countries such as Italy, France and United Kingdom.

FRESH SEAFOOD ON ICE

The seafood counter is a dream come true for all oyster fans. The restaurant sources for oysters from different parts of the world and depending on seasonality, you get to slurp up varieties such as Taylor Pacific, Fine de Claire and Creuses de Bretagne.

Crustaceans such as Alaska King Crabs and Boston Lobsters also stood out among the clams, mussels and prawns at the counter.

JAPANESE DELIGHTS

Tucked away at a corner beside the desserts, the Japanese food station takes on the form of an L-shaped counter which showcases a scrumptious range of both hot and cold Japanese delights.

When you are there, keep a lookout for a large wooden basin which is filled with five types of sashimi including the likes of salmon, tuna, octopus and more. Other tantalising options are the sushi, cold soba, and crispy deep-fried tempura with Japanese curry.

FOIE GRAS & CARVING STATION

Nothing gets better than a ‘live’ carving station at a buffet—until you add on a Foie Gras counter as well. The idea of endless rounds of foie gras is tempting, yes?

To make things even better, the carving station also boasts local and western delicacies such as char siew pork, roasted pork, roasted chicken, slow-roasted Australian prime rib beef and whole baked honey ham.

INDIAN COUNTER

With its over-the-top offerings, it may not occur to you that the Indian counter is actually one of the signatures at Melt Café and let us just say that no one should leave the buffet restaurant without a taste of their savoury curries and buttery naan.

Noteworthy Indian recipes you should not miss for anything in the world are the Tandoori Chicken, Butter Chicken, and more.

OUTDOOR BARBECUE GRILL STATION

Besides the indoor carving station, meat lovers can also head outside to the al fresco terrace where the BBQ grill section is. Take your pick among tantalising options such as the Suckling Pig, Beef Steak, Barbecue Chicken Wings, Pork Collar and Grilled Salmon.

You really have to save space for their Suckling Pig, which is roasted whole in the oven at the outdoor terrace. This method of roasting ensures that the juices are all locked in so the meat remains tender.

DESSERT ENCLAVE

Melt Café’s glorious dessert shrine is reason enough to get you out of bed on a Sunday morning. Featuring desserts from award-winning pastry chefs, this is where you will find all those with a sweet tooth going nuts for the stunning desserts.

The new Amaretto Sabayon—exclusive to Melt Café’s Sunday Champagne Brunch—is a real showstopper, as the dessert is doused with liquid nitrogen to create an enchanting theatrical effect before it is paired with red fruit compote and a topping of your choice.

Other sweet treats that are worth all the calories include the handmade waffles, handcrafted cakes, chocolate fondue, tiramisu in a chocolate cup and premium chocolates.

UNLIMITED CHAMPAGNE, WINES, COCKTAILS, BEERS AND MORE

Alongside world-class international cuisine, Melt Café also offers a neat range of alcoholic beverages because what is a champagne brunch without downing back a tipple or five?

For S$178++, you get to enjoy free-flow Ruinart “R” de Brut Champagne, wines, cocktails, beers, juices and soft drinks. But if you are looking for something more premium to spoil yourself with, there is also an upgraded option at S$218++ which entitles you to unlimited flow of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne.

ENTERTAINMENT FOR EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY

When it comes to Sunday Champagne Brunch at Melt Café, everything is spot on and we are talking about more than just the food. To elevate your dining experience, diners also get to interact with a magician who will perform numerous magic tricks to entertain you and your guests.

Parents will also be delighted to know that they will be able to relax and enjoy their brunch and drinks while their little ones are kept entertained in the Little Fan Land. The interactive kids’ room is equipped with soft toys, finger snacks, desserts, a movie screening and colouring stations for your kiddos.

Sunday Champagne Brunch
Every Sunday
12pm – 3pm
Adult: S$218++ (includes free-flow Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne, wines, cocktails and beers)
Adult: S$178++ (includes Ruinart “R” de Brut Champagne, wines, cocktails and beers)
Adult: S$118++ (includes free-flow chilled juices and soft drinks)

Melt Café
Mandarin Oriental, Singapore
5 Raffles Avenue, Marina Square
Singapore 039797
Tel: +65 6885 3500
Daily: 6.30am – 10.30am, 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Promenade

This post is brought to you by Melt Café.

Champagne Dim Sum Brunch buffet at Cherry Garden

After I took sip(s) of champagne, someone stared at me for giggling, but ten seconds later, she did the same thing. Champagne does funny things to people, and you know what? Weekends are meant for Champagne Brunch!

I never liked the idea of Dim Sum Buffet. Before my virgin attempt at Cherry Garden’s Champagne Dim Sum Brunch, that is. It seemed ridiculous to me that I’d have to fork out 50 bucks just to gorge myself silly, when I could have treated myself better by going ala carte style and probably pay a lot lesser.

But I know better now. Weekend brunch is indeed different from the usual Dim Sum Lunch. On our regular sessions, the practice is to savour a few baskets of our preferred dim sum over a pot of good tea. But everyone should deserve something special for a weekend brunch.

The brilliant minds behind Cherry Garden created a whole new sensation by introducing the pairing of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut champagne with dim sum! The idea of sipping champagne together with the partake of dim sum may come across as peculiar. But hey! Think about it this way – Everyone loves dim sum, and nobody will refuse champagne. Won’t having them together make an extraordinary Weekend Buffet Brunch? Sounds like a splendid way to go, yes?

You can have any excuses for drinking champagne. Allow me to toast a glass in your honor, allow me to toast another glass because it’s the weekend!

… And Oh my juicy Xiao Long Bao, steamed har gau, and steamed dumplings!

With over 50 dim sum items on their menu, Cherry Garden takes pride in presenting their buffet in an orderly fashion for optimized dining pleasure. The items are dished out in individual portions with every allowance for slow appreciation and indulgence in each delicate piece of dim sum. Coupled with free flow of champagne, what better way to spend a lazy afternoon than enjoying the goodness of Cherry Garden’s Champagne Dim Sum Brunch Buffet with your loved ones?

Feel free to make your second, and third orders of the same items that you enjoyed. Technically speaking, this is an all you can eat buffet since there’s endless flow of dim sum. But you probably want to go easy on the dim sum since there’s other main courses to choose from too!

It was a shame that the famous Cherry Garden’s roasted pork wasn’t available on the Champagne brunch dim sum buffet menu. Luckily, there’s the Honey-glazed Kurobuta pork char siew, which was a very competent replacement for the roasted pork. It was sweet, and tender, and extremely juicy. Yum! The braised soya chicken was not too bad, but it was largely overshadowed by the fantastic kurobuta pork char siew.

We also had the Roasted pork ribs in spicy Sichuan sauce from the Poultry section of the Buffet Brunch menu. The portion of the Wok-fried Kurobuta pork was pretty substantial, but it was slightly over-done and had this rubbery taste.

Other than the dim sum items, the Champagne Dim Sum Brunch Buffet at Cherry Garden also offers Sour & Appetizers. Their soups include: Hong Kong style minced pork and shrimp dumpling soup (very delicious), Double-boiled fish broth (light, and refreshing), Imperial hot and sour seafood soup, and the Double-boiled trio mushroom soup.

We didn’t order all of the appetizers as we really had too much food. But some of the signature ones that we had: Crispy eggplant tossed with chicken floss and Braised beef fillet with five spices & Sea Salt.

For completeness sake, they also have a Congee/Rice/Noodle section: Shredded pork and century egg congee, Kurobuta pork char siew egg fried rice and Braised Ee-fu noodles. But no one in their right mind would want to order them. Skip the carbs, and save the stomach for the other good food!

The Crisp Wasabi-aioli prawn with fresh mango and fish roe was excellent. The prawns were fresh and crunchy, while the mango and wasabi sauce added to the intensity of the flavor — it was so difficult to stop eating them!

The Beauty Blogger enjoyed the Steamed scallop with silken tofu in black bean sauce, which was surprisingly meaty. We didn’t order the Crisp-fried shredded squid and Steamed patin fish from the Seafood menu, so be sure to check them out if you are there for the buffet brunch!

The Deep-fried potato dumplings are available on their normal ala carte menu. Stuffed with cheese crab meat and onions, the potato dumplings were crispy outside, and mushy inside. You like the combination of fried food and cheese? You’d like the Deep fried potato dumplings.

The Steamed radish cake is among the 20 items on the dim sum buffet menu.

Joy has many interpretations and comes in all aspects. To some, it may mean a hearty bowl of Cereal with Milk or a sinful slice of Chocolate Cake. To others, it can be having a drink after a long day of work. But to me, Joy is having a leisure champagne dim sum brunch. 

If you don’t drink champagne, or find that the $118++ Champagne Brunch is too pricey, you may choose the normal Dim Sum brunch buffet at $48++ per head. Note that the dim sum brunch (without champagne) comes with endless flow of dim sum, but only one order of soup, appetizer, main course and dessert per person, which is available for two seating: from 11am to 1 pm. and from 1.30pm to 3 pm.

Cherry Garden
Mandarin Oriental Singapore
5 Raffles Avenue
Tel: +65 6885 3500
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall/Promenade
Note: This is an invited tasting session.

“The Morton’s Steakhouse Burger is really good!” My friend Mike told me solemnly. “It’s possibility the best burger in Singapore.”

When he first raved that the best burger in Singapore was from Morton’s Steakhouse Mandarin Oriental Hotel, I was really excited to check it out for myself.

Many people will agree that Morton’s Steakhouse is one of the best steakhouse in Singapore, and I know what you are thinking, Morton’s Steakhouse — the burger? Are you sure about that? The Morton’s Bar has always been known for their weekday happy hour during 5pm – 7pm where there’s free-flow steak sandwich with every order of martini. Just in case you are confused, the Morton’s Burger is available at the Bar (not inside the Steakhouse), from 8pm – 11pm for $25 $30 (usual price $30 $35). *they have recently increased prices.

I am a superficial guy. When it comes to burger, size does matters!

The Morton’s USDA Prime Burger in every aspect, was like the perfect burger. Within the softly toasted bun with freckles of sesame, was a huge beef patty that’s firm and juicy and extremely satisfying. While it didn’t exactly had the melt-in-mouth-effect, the beef patty was pretty close in replicating the religious experience.

The additional cheese and topping completed the making of the perfect burger. I love a good cheesy cheeseburger. You know, a burger just isn’t complete without cheese, and at Morton’s bar, there’s swiss, crumbled blue or cheddar cheese to choose from. Other than the cheese, each burger gets a separate topping in the form of of either crisp bacon, sauteed mushrooms or onions, served with French fries.

I wasn’t sure if I should write about the fries since it’s a very ordinary side found on the plates of almost every western food. But good things are meant to be shared, and you must believe me — the fries were really good!

The Four Petite Filet Mignon Sandwiches ($20) pales in comparison to the Morton’s USDA Prime Burger, but that’s not to say that it wasn’t good. With a generous chunk of beef fillet sandwiched in between the bread, it was a good appetizer to kick-start our palate for the best burger in Singapore.

* *  *

// Edited: They have recently increased the prices to $30 (after 8pm) for the burger. I’m not sure if I will pay $30++ for a burger, but you may want to try it out at least once.

Twenty five bucks (before taxes) isn’t cheap for a burger, but considering that there are plenty of mediocre burgers that are going for twenty bucks, I’d gladly pay a little more for this wholesome combination.

My dear friend, this is the best burger in Singapore. To quote mike, it felt like we just swallowed a cinder-block after eating the Morton’s cheeseburger, but we would do it again in a heartbeat.

Restaurant Review
Morton’s The Steakhouse
5 Raffles Avenue 4F
Mandarin Oriental Singapore Singapore
Tel: +65 6339 3740

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