Molecular cuisine is witnessing a resurgence thanks to Dolce Vita at Mandarin Oriental. The celebrated restaurant is bringing in Michelin-star chef Jeff Ramsey of Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo to create a sumptuous spread of molecular tapas that will sate discerning taste buds. In fact, this will be chef Ramsey’s second return following last year’s successful gastronomic adventure held at the same establishment. From 30 March to 3 April 2010, the 32-year-old American-born chef will be presenting a 23-course molecular set menu at Dolce Vita Chef’s Bar over the five-day period. The chef brings to the event an expertise in combining the elements of physics and chemistry in cuisine preparation.  With a total of 14 years of culinary experience across America and Japan, chef Ramsey was awarded one star by Michelin Guide Book Tokyo 2009, where he currently serves as the chef de cuisine of Tapas Molecular Bar for Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo. The extensive menu during the promotion includes chef Ramsey’s signature items such as “Salad Jim Lambie”, an inverted salad with dressing on the plate, topped with fresh and marinated vegetables; and sautéed shellfish, “Xiao long bao”, wherein a frozen cube of lamb jus is implanted and sealed in the centre of a lamb chop so that the juices ooze out when the meat is cut; and “Ratatouille”, a vivid and colourful caviar presentation comprising ratatouille vegetables such as roasted eggplant, roasted red pepper, tomato, zucchini and squash with thyme and garlic.  Other scrumptious creations include “Electric Eel”, roasted eel with roasted pineapple, avocado-scallion-lime sauce, port wine with soy reduction, and Szechuan buttons; “Suika-wari”, a venerable Japanese summertime game turned into haute cuisine where guests are to smash the watermelon presented before they tuck in. Another must-try is the “Black Truffle” dessert – a decadent chocolate truffle combined with cream and dark chocolate that looks exactly like a real black truffle; and “Cherry Blossom”, a frozen powder with cherry blossom petal essence that spews smoke when in the mouth. Available at $218 per person and $318 per person inclusive of champagne and wine, molecular tapas by chef Ramsey is on offer during only two seatings: 6.30pm to 8.30pm and 9pm to 10.30pm, with a maximum of eight guests per seating.  For reservations, please call Dolce Vita on 6885 3551 or e-mail mosin-dolcevita@mohg.com. Dolce Vita, 5 Raffles Avenue, Marina Square, Level 5, Mandarin Oriental