Make a date with Pavillion, the new fine dining Chinese restaurant that takes authentic Cantonese culinary traditions, incorporates Japanese and Western ingredients and influences, and presents its dishes with modern aplomb. The dining room with crystal chandeliers, rich draperies and Chinoiserie accents seats up to 90 diners, while three intimate banquet rooms for 12 to 24 fringe the main hall. From now to 31 August, a weekday lunch promotion offers diners 10 per cent discount on a la carte orders and 30 per cent discount during weekends on dim sum with any rice or noodle ordered.

Executive Head Chef Kelvin Sim Thien Chin takes the helm after honing his skills under Sam Leong at Jade, perfecting the art of creating stocks and sauces that now infuse the menu. This is the 35-year-old chef's first time as Executive Chef, and it's clear that creativity takes rein. Pan-seared scallops with avocado topping, for instance, is prettily plated with wolfberry and parsley fronds forming a tree branch. The scallops are fresh and well matched to the diced avocado and chilli relish. Pan-seared foie gras was marinated with Japanese 7-spice powder, with a grape and mango salsa and topped with a crisp slice of Peking duck skin. Slightly too much hoi sin sauce was drizzled over the dish, but the overall effect was rich and balanced. The restaurant's xiao long bao by the dim sum chef was filled entirely with rich soup and delicately steamed minced pork, the way it should be. Snow greens with roasted garlic was surprising, as the gravy took on the consistency of stew from superior chicken stock that had been boiled for eight hours. The contrast between the crunchy greens and melting garlic nibs was delightful. Grilled baby lamb rack in a rich red wine sauce rounded off the meal. For dessert, Chef Sim served a crispy battered durian ice cream with purple satsumaimo (Japanese sweet potato), a homey concoction that contrasted the crisp layer with smooth, cold durian ice cream within.

Pavillion Restaurant, 20 Craig Road, #01-02 Craig Place, 6557 2820, www.pavillion.com.sg

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