Dozo: 7 Courses to Mix and Match

As a student, there are some places which I have heard about and wanted to try for the longest time, and as the wishlist grew even longer after years I somehow forgot about their existence. When the girlfriend asked me what I wanted to have for my birthday in July (yes, very slow I know), I thought of Japanese cuisine and so she made a surprise reservation for a place long forgotten: Dozo Restaurant.



Situated in the rather quiet Valley Point, I have heard much about the Japanese fusion restaurant in my post-army days. Back then however, the 7 course set dinner at $59.80++ per pax was a little hard on the wallet and thus we shelved the idea. Fast forward 4 years later, we finally found our way here and anticipated the meal with much excitement.

Operated by the same group of people behind the other set-menu-focused restaurants of Tao's and Zero Zero, Dozo has themed private rooms as well as spacious dining halls. Age, however, seemed to be catching up as a closer look at the furniture (and toilets too) revealed that they were slightly worn out. Service standards were nonetheless very pleasant as staff were polite and well-versed with the menu.


Amuse Bouche

Shooters of grape juice to whet the appetite and pasta-looking cracker sticks to tease our tastebuds. Interesting!


Starter: Chef's Selection of Assorted Platter

With a trio of Smoked Salmon, Grilled Scallop and Pan Seared Foie Gras, we were recommended to eat in that order of increasing flavours. The tiny cubes were gone in a flash and I could only wished for a bigger piece of liver.



Cold Dish: Beef Tataki with Shaved Parmesan, Sashimi Platter

I started off my meal proper with a bang as the beef tower was simply fantastic with well-marbled slices, pieces of savoury cheese and drizzles of truffled mayonnaise. An excellent creation!

The girlfriend's sashimi platter was supposed to be a variety of fishes, but she actually only liked salmon and thus made a request for the rest to be swapped. Fresh indeed.



Side Dish: Foie Gras Chawanmushi with Truffle Slice, Tempura Battered Soft Shell Crab

My second dish was unfortunately disappointing as I could taste none of the foie gras while the truffle wasn't as fragrant as the mayonnaise even. The girlfriend's choice, on the other hand, was nicely done as the meaty crab was served hot and crunchy on a bed of mashed potato.



Soup: Mushroom Soup with Truffle, Crab Bisque Cappuccino

Very thick and creamy mushroom soup for me, but still no truffle taste. A hint that I should probably stop my truffle obsession here. Should have taken the girlfriend's choice too as we all loved the bisque's rich flavours.



Mains: Kurobuta Pork Cheek with Onion Jam, Baked Atlantic Cod Fillet

Not much surprises here, as the pork cheek was rather thin and coated a tad too thick with crumbs and herbs. Her fish choice wasn't particularly outstanding too.



Desserts: Espresso Creme Brulee, Baked Warm Chocolate Cake

Now this one I like; Intensive coffee taste in the light creamy pudding with burnt sugar surface. Girlfriend's option was pretty normal as only a small volume of lava flow out.



Drinks: Iced Rose Lemon Tea, Iced Mallow Apple Melody

Cool, fruity choices to digest the dinner.


Birthday Special

Ah yes, much thanks to the lovely girl for getting them to prepare this!

Bill for two was $139.90 after taxes. With at least 5 options for each course, you can make a mind-boggling combinations of dinner sets and with the various hits and misses, it will be wise to make your choices carefully. One off the wishlist!

Dozo Restaurant
491 River Valley Road
#02-02/03 Valley Point Shopping Centre
Tel: 6838 6966
Check out their online menu and plan your own mix and match first!

Taken with Nikon D70