Hiroki88@Infusion is a new addition to the Dempsey Hill enclave offering French-Japanese bistro dining experience. This cosy restaurant seats up to 50 people indoors and alfresco. The Restaurant Association of Singapore recently awarded Hiroki88@Infusion the first ‘Overall Winner – Best New Concept Award 2010′
Recently awarded Best new restaurant from the I-S Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards 2010, the emphasis here is on serving top-notch fare at prices that won’t break the bank.
‘Best New Concept’ – a new open category award created by the Restaurant Association of Singapore (‘RAS’) this year seeks to recognise a unique contribution to the local dining culture through a restaurant’s concept. Newly established and young restaurants of less than 3 years since opening were eligible to participate for the award.
Nominated restaurants were put through a rigorous selection process with judges from the various government bodies such as the Singapore Tourism Board, Spring Singapore and International Enterprise Singapore. Once shortlisted as the finalist, judges then paid a visit to the shortlisted restaurant to experience for themselves the concept put forth.
During their visit to Hiroki88, judges were served the Prosciutto on Vine Tomato and Fresh Basil Salad topped with Cheese Ice Cream and the Sakura Bark Home Smoked Fresh Salmon on Garden of Beetroot for appetizers. For maincourse, they had the Slow cooked Garoupa with Creamy Risotto and Shiso sauce. At the end of the meal, Chef Hiroki served them his home made Vanilla Ice Cream with jelly, sprinkled with shredded nuts and Es Puma.
The handsome 29 year old Japanese chef is extremely charismatic and charming. With a background in fine dining, Chef Hiroki Yoshitake has been mentored by famous Iron Chef competition winner, Chef Sakai Hirokyuki in Japan and most recently as the assistant to three Michelin star chef, Chef Pascal Bardot of L’Astrance in Paris.
Being a “people’s Chef”, Chef Hiroki believes that high quality cuisines should not be confined to just the affluent, hence his desire to set up a restaurant in Singapore with the concept of bistronomy serving fine French-Japanese cuisine at bistro prices in a casual setting. Bistronomy is highly popular in Paris where Chef Hiroki was working until he recently came to Singapore to head his own kitchen.
Occasionally, Chef Hiroki makes his rounds in the restaurant if it is not too crowded to talk to his guests.
It was a Tuesday night and we sat indoors where most of the tables were filled with groups. I particularly enjoyed the warm bread and slightly salted and creamy homemade herb spread which was harvested from the restaurant’s garden.
After that, we had Chef Hiroki’s signature Sakura Bark Home Smoked Fresh Salmon on Garden of Beetroot as appetizer. The beetroot compliments the smoked salmon tataki exuding a sweet taste.
For our mains, Chef Hiroki cooked up the chicken with brown wasabi and herb sauce. I must say this is the first time that I have tasted chicken breast that is as tender and juicy as the thigh. I highly recommend this dish and you have to eat it while it’s hot.
My friends and I shared a bottle of Spanish Red Wine from Bonjorne. Bonjorne’s constitution consists of 3 varietals of grapes – Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah Envejecido. Slightly sweet and lightly well bodied.
Because, I had skipped lunch that day, I ordered another main course – Squid with handmade squid-ink pasta with cauliflower puree and mango sauce. What I enjoyed most from this dish was the cauliflower puree and the texture of the squid was just right – not too chewy.
Appetizers start as low as $8. However, you have to try the set meals to get a more holistic experience of Chef Hiroki’s creations. For $48, you can enjoy a 3 course set meal, $88 for a 6 course degustation set and $108 for the serious gourmands
Now Serving Lunch
Hiroki88 @ Infusion will be open for weekend lunch from 3rd April onward.
Lunch Opening Hours:
Saturday and Sundays: 12pm – 3pm, last orders at 2pm.
Overall experience at Hiroki :
Food (Consists of Presentation and taste): 5 out of 5Ambience: 4 out of 5 Service: 4 out of 5 Price: 3 out of 5
Read what other people at HungryGoWhere are saying about Hiroki88@Infusion.
About Chef Hiroki Yoshitake
Chef Hiroki Yoshitake acquired his culinary excellence predominantly from Tokyo and Paris where he worked and learnt in several Michelin award winning restaurants such as Fogon, La Magnolia, Ze Kitchen Gallery and the 3 Michelin star restaurant, L’Astrance, Paris.
Chef Hiroki Yoshitake professes that he was first inspired to be a Chef after having watched the ever popular Iron Chef competition held in Japan when he was in his teens. Since then, Chef Hiroki has had the privilege of actually being under the mentorship of Chef Sakai Hirokyuki for 3 years at La Rochelle.
His culinary adventures journeying across more than 35 countries, spanning from Europe to Asia and the Middle East also sets him apart from his peers. This exposure has allowed him to expand his knowledge of cultures and cuisines.
Chef Hiroki is pleased to share his culinary skills and adventure with gourmands in Singapore at Hiroki88 where as the Chef de Cuisine, he will be creating fine contemporary French-Japanese menus served in a casual bistro setting.
Only 29 years old, and already with 11 years of culinary experience, Chef Hiroki is constantly on the lookout for new culinary adventures. He currently spends time in France and Japan, and will be adding Singapore to the list.
Chef Hiroki was last here in Singapore in September 2009, being one of the 10 chefs featured in this year’s Asia On The Edge Festival where his cuisine was showcased in ‘Jing’. Response to his dishes was eagerly awaited with the delectable morsels disappearing within minutes as they were brought out by the servers!
Expect meticulously presented dishes, refreshing use of ingredients and an approach to food informed by his love for discovering different culinary methods and foods. Must try dishes include Chef Hiroki’s Miso Marinated Foie Gras served with Black Sesame Tofu which epitomises the calculated precision and sensitivity with which he interprets French and Japanese flavours and culinary methods.
Located at: Block 16A, Dempsey Road, Singapore 247695 | Reservations: (65) 6474 7896 or email reservations@hiroki88.com | Website: www.hiroki88.com | Opened: Tuesdays to Sundays, 6.30pm to 11pm, Saturday and Sundays: 12pm – 3pm, last orders at 2pm or email reservations@hiroki88.com today.
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