I was invited for lunch at El Fuego by COLLIN'S, a fine Western HALAL Restaurant at Jewel - Singapore's newest, still hot, dining and shopping hotspot.
Coming to Jewel Changi Airport, I can't help but be drawn to the spectacle of the iconic indoor waterfall. Jewel is linked directly with Terminal 1 (which is connected by monorail with Terminal 2 and 3.)
I can spend an entire day at the Jewel just gawking at the awesome water
Anyone can get carried away, mesmerised by the waterfall. Fortunately, my phone rung, reminding me of my appointment at Elfuego at L2-216.
Elfuego is a nice comfortable, welcoming, family friendly space. I was granted the privilege to meet the kitchen crew.
I was immediately struck by the youthful energy, enthusiasm and confidence of Team Elfuego. The oldest member is 27 years old.
This is quite an extraordinary squad. Team leader Head Chef Koh Han Jie clinched the championship for French cuisine at the prestigious Young Talents Escoffier 2018 held in Zurich. On the road to the championship, Han Jie won the national and Asian qualifying rounds in Singapore and Hong Kong respectively.
Just 26, Han Jie already has Marina Bay Sand's Bread Street Station, Sky on 57, three Michelin Star Maison Pic (in Valence, France) and Les Amis under his belt.
That's not all.
Han Jie's demi chef is his younger brother Han Wei, 23. Han Wei is gifted like his elder brother. Following his elder brother's foot steps, Han Wei is representing Singapore at the Young Talents Escoffier 2019 after winning the national Singapore selection. He will be competing in the Asian round in Hong Kong in November. We wish Han Wei the best.
Wait, there's more.
Sous chef Neo Jun Hao, 24 is equally impressive. He brought home to Singapore from Jeunes Talents International Final in Bordeaux, France 2019 two coveted titles - Vice Champion and Best Dish Award.
Chatting with the accomplished young culinary stars was awe inspiring, humbling and also made my stomach growl 😂
Hokkaido Scallop Ceviche appetiser. Green apple slaw, pickled shallot, fresno chili, dill vinaigrette, Mekong apple juice. Blend of gently savoury, sweet flavours and appetite whetting citrusy taste. Price $23++.
Beet cured King Salmon gravlax. Pickled kohlrabi, burnt orange, citrus vinaigrette. I loved the briny savoury taste of cured fish zested up and brightened with refreshing fruity flavours. Price $20++.
Elfuego is a MUIS certified HALAL restaurant. The talented, innovative Team Elfuego substituted ingredients to create HALAL compliant French classics.
Irish Oysters with cucumber granita. Price $18++ for three pieces.
Freshly shucked briny oysters complemented with refreshing bright tasting cucumber.
Charcoal Grilled Australian Lamb Shoulder main course. Price $78++ (about 1.2kg).
Marinated with thyme oil, rosemary etc and sous vide cooked for 12 hours. The large lamb shoulder is finished in a charcoal fired oven before it is served boneless.
The finished lamb shoulder is presented for customers' inspection before it is cut.
I love the tender moist savoury meat which was well infused with mild savoury and subtle herbal flavours. My favourite was the visceral fat for the mild natural gamey taste it added to the dish.
We had a couple of légume sides simply salted and grilled or sautéed, to go with the meat.
Strawberry dessert, price $14++. Macerated strawberry, white chocolate cream, strawberry mousse, strawberry consomme, speculoos sabre, basil oil
The strawberry tower represents an auspicious fountain. Mix of sweet tangy flavours with soft, tender and crunchy crisp textures.
Note that El Fuego does not serve the usual carbs like pasta, risotto, paella etc
Glad to experience the cuisine of Singapore's world class young talents. I came away satied by the hearty meal and brimming with pride with Singapore's place in the world's culinary stage thanks to our young chefs. (Now, if only, we are 10% as good in football 😂 )
Keep up the great work Team Elfuego 👏👏👏
Disclosure: Please note that this was an invited tasting.
More Singapore food adventures with Johor Kaki 👈 click
Restaurant name: El Fuego by COLLIN'S
Address: #02-216, Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore
GPS: 1°21'35.6"N 103°59'25.8"E 🌐 1.359888, 103.990502
Tel: +65 6513 0716
Hours: 10:00am - 10:00pm
MUIS Certified HALAL
Date visited: 23 Aug 2019
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