You can’t and shouldn’t compare what is served here to a classic sushi restaurant because they are simply not the same thing. Although he trained in Japan for a while, to me, Chef Jeffrey is a wisecracking rebel who marches to his own beat. He is unapologetically himself (you should have the audio on when watching my video), and chooses to do what he damn well pleases. How lucky for those of us who lust after Japanese fishes in all their many-splendoured glory. Our Omakase (we paid $130 each but I heard it might be adjusted slightly due to an increase in rent) at @ovenbird_sg began at with a skewer of ginkgo nuts. The first course proper was a Chawanmushi that had a jaw-dropping combo of two kinds of 4-day-aged Sujiko - one with shoyu, the other with Kasuzuke (sake lees), as well as Ankimo (monkfish liver) that’d been cured in two ways - with sake and shoyu. It was one of the most extraordinarily decadent and delicious steamed egg custards I’ve had. I was still talking about the course that came after in reverential tones at the end of dinner. How could I not when it was my first encounter with a white-from-fat Saba?! Its incredible full flavour was a match made in heaven with the red vinegar and ginger rice it came on. Alongside it was a line-caught, Ikejimei (a spike to the brain immediately after being caught) Aji that’d been aged for 3 days and lightly cured, which was really good too. Thanks to @eechong who convinced Chef Jeffrey to save the last of his 8-day-aged Hiramasa for us, we each had a slim piece of the sublime Yellowtail Amberjack to savour. Scored with fine lines, its texture was close to that of crunch. A wild-caught, 5-day-aged Buri was where he turned our attention to next. The aburi Harikami cut was served with a sprinkle of Hokkaido salt first. An equally chunky slab, dabbed with soy sauce, came second, so we could try the fish in different ways. Chef Jeffrey then moved to the belly section of the same Buri which he paired with his housemade ponzu. Sliced from the fattiest part of the belly, the pale pink slab (the equivalent of Otoro for a tuna) resembled a highly marbled Wagyu and melted in the mouth. ⬇️Continued in Comments⬇️

I like #quiet Monday evenings with my #koi fishes. How's your Monday evening doing? 🧡 #koifish #koipond #koimoments #mondayevening

(Sponsored Preview) The short story: Starting from today to 30th Oct, @ginzashintosg is serving a $99++ Omakase for both lunch and dinner. The long, interesting story: A protégé of the late Japanese Chef Yoshio Nogawa (he’s known as “the Godfather of Sushi” in Singapore having founded his eponymous restaurant in 1978), Head Chef @ron_newton_leo helms the kitchen at @ginzashintosg. He created this special value menu to mark their first anniversary. Having honed his craft for 28 years, Chef Ron prefers to buy whole fishes to break them down himself for his sushi. He also seasons the shari (the sushi rice) with a housemade vinegar. The other things I learned from Chef Ron during my visit is that a lot of care must be taken when adding vinegar to the rice. Splashing it on with force can cause the grains to break. He also emphasises the importance of forming an air pocket inside each piece of sushi rice. This is to allow the grains to fall apart easily in the mouth, and thus, become one with the fish more easily for greater deliciousness. Even with this $99++ Omakase, the pride he takes in his work is apparent. Here is what you can expect: - Appetiser: Very lovely chilled starter of fresh Ikura, Shiro Ebi and Caviar brightened by yuzu zest. - Sashimi - We enjoyed Kampachi, Chutoro, aburi Hotate (scallop) from Hokkaido and Ama-ebi with freshly grated wasabi. - Grilled - Presented whole in an eye-catching wavy pose, the seasonal Ayu (sweet trout) was coated in salt and grilled. Its creamy flesh tasted even better dipped in the unusual green vinegar sauce. The colour is derived from leaves found on the rivet banks where the Ayu swims. Fun fact: This fish is suppose to smell as sweet as watermelon when it’s freshly caught. - Steamed - The tasty and substantial ball of soft mashed pumpkin with small pieces of scallops and prawns arrived in a pool of luscious sauce. - Sushi - Chef Ron prepared them fully dressed so no additional condiments were required. That day, he served Shima-aji with ginger, Tai with housemade soya sauce,… ⬇️Continued in Comments⬇️