My friends had long given up on finding places to go for my birthday. They just go – let me know where you wanna go and I’ll book it cos I veto their suggestions half the time. lol. I chose Sakemaru Hideout this round cos it has been on my list for the longest time. Yes I have a list, and it’s never ending, never clearing

I took a look at their sake on display and I spy Type X again

Decided to go with an easy to drink Kokuryo instead

The friend had opted for omakase menu so that she can properly enjoy a good meal without her kids around. I’m not sure whose birthday it was. lol

Appetiser: Kegani w Tosa-zu Vinegar Jelly, Hotaru Ika Tempura, Sawara sushi with Uni

We were surprised kegani was on the menu since it’s no longer winter. Chef told us we can get kegani all year around, just from which region. The whole appetiser dish on a whole was alright. Nothing to shout about

Sakura Masu Sake Soup

But the soup was good. The Hokkaido Cherry salmon was sweet, cooked well and the broth itself packed quite a flavour

Sashimi: Chutoro from Nagasaki, Hiramasa, Aori Ika

Sashimi was decent too – for the quality itself

Wagyu Striploin w Peas, Grilled Madai

Wagyu was really good, but the madai paled in comparison. Not too sure if the wagyu was too outstanding such that it stole the limelight. But I didn’t quite like the flavour on the madai

Tempura – Hirame Wrapped Asparagus, Bamboo Shoot, Prawn

Just some decent tempura, goes well with alcohol. The friend suddenly said she wanted some highball so we had one each

Seared Katsuo w Yuzu Soy Sorbet

The yuzu soy sorbet really complemented the seared bonito. It was quite a refreshing dish after an oily dish

Sakura Ebi and Onion Seasoned Claypot Rice

And ending off with donabe which was a very flavourful bowl of sakuri ebi claypot rice. This was what I called fragrant, umami and balanced. But we were too full to have another bowl

Miso Soup

Omelette

Joke was we saw this omelette being served and we said wanted to order one (despite how full we were)

Hello Type X, again

Daifuku

And ending off with some yummy daifuku

It was a night of too many drinks, too much food and hazy memories, though a good and fun one. Generally food was pretty decent but I suggest to go for their ala carte menu instead. Their omakase menu had some hits and misses and I rather you just order what you like to eat instead – izakaya style

Sakemaru Artisan Sake Hideout

55 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058686