Twisted -Toben Food by Design [Pop Up]

Executive Chef Toben Kochman of Toben Food by Design Catering is launching a new catering division call "Twisted" (@TWISTEDTFBD). To celebrate, they are hosting a 5 day pop-up restaurant at 2nd Floor Event (Aug 6-8 & 12-13) and we were lucky enough to be invited to the Media Preview on the 1st day.

Inspired by global street style fare, Twisted will be putting a twist on classic fine dinning by bringing the best from places that the chef traveled to; Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Jamaica, South America to Europe. As per Chef Toben, it'll be a menu that takes you on an international culinary adventure.

Our evening starts with hors d'oeuvres and an assortment of drinks from wines, beer, signature cocktails, liquors to non alcoholics drinks to choose from.

 

Organic Salmon Tataki Cones

~ w/ Avocado-Lime Mousse, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Pickled Ginger, Wasabi Vinaigrette

This was delicious, perfectly crispy cone with cold yummy tataki with the perfect amount of sour from the lime mousse and heat from the ginger wasabi.

Cantonese Fried Rice Croquette

~ w/ Pickled Chili Aioli, Fresh Chive, House Chinese Sausage, Farmer's Vegetable

Felt just like a rice croquette, couldn't really taste/make out the Cantonese Fried Rice flavors.

Cucumber-Thai Basil Martini

 ~ Dillon's Distillery Gin, Mint, Pickled Chili, Fresh Cucumber, Thai Basil-Wildflower Honey Syrup

Love this cocktail with just a hint of heat, very refreshing



Bourbon-Ginger-Lemongrass Iced Tea

~ Bullet Reserve Bourbon, Lemongrass, Egg White, Fresh Lime

 This has a much stronger alcohol taste than the previous one

Chef Toben himself giving us insight about his vision 

 Jerk Seared Ahi Tuna

~ charred corn-compressed watermelon, crispy plaintain

 This Amuse was a great way to start the night with all the components coming together so beautifully.

 "Tastes" of Heirloom Tomato

~ Lemongrass tomato water, Mango kim chi, Pickled Cucumber, Radish, Cashew, Scallion Pancake

 This was my fave dish of the night, everything just goes so well together especially love the mango kimchi with the tomato. So much flavors yet so subtle and fresh, what a refreshing dish.The Scallion pancake was also really well made but not sure how it ties together with the tomato salad.

 Lime Leaf-Sesame Fried Chicken

~ Lobster Mash, Khoa Soy Curry, Bacon-Apple-Heirloom Beet Slaw

Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs

~ Bibimbap Dumpling, Sweet & Sour Braised Cabbage, Fried Hens Egg, Scallion Mint Chimichuri

Great concept but found that it was a bit difficult to eat everything together even though all of the components are amazing except for the short ribs which was a tad too salty.

Green Tea Genoise
 ~ Citrus Curd, Plum Ginger Compote, Chantilly Cream

Coconut Tempura Peach, 
 ~ Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Peach Whiskey Coulis

Chocolate Peanut Butter Shortcake

 ~ Banana Brulée, Peanut Dust



Verdict:

There was hit and misses but this was just the launch, so I bet more good things to come.

I usually don't like Asian fusion food but this was done right and found myself really enjoying it.

Hope they'll be hosting more pop up dinner like this more often from now on.

*** This meal was complimentary. Opinions are my own***