Folks Collective: food that brings tears to your eyes.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I tucked into the food. Yes, so admittedly, the food was good, but it was even spicier.
Having quite a reputation as a drinking spot of sorts, we put the food at Folks Collective to the taste test.
The Grilled Pork Neck Salad ($10.90) packs quite a mean punch and had us gathering our skirts up in buckets of sweat and dirty whistling in between gulps of ice cold water. Sips on our house wines that came surprisingly cheap due to the festive promotions ($5.50 for a glass of NY Merlot/NY Sauvignon) did aid in putting out the fire. Putting its fury aside, the dish was nothing short of excellent, tender pork neck with a slight smoky tang, well balanced with a good splash of lime, crushed nuts and cool herbs. Heat seekers wouldn't want to miss out on this one.
One bite into the Signature FOLKS Wings ($6.90) revealed that bar snacks is Folk's Collective forte. The spicy notes again, part of an outrageously clever plan to up sell plenty more pints of ice cold draft beer. The wings were juicy, finger licking good with crisp heads of fried skin that shatters in the mouth. Shards of crispy fried garlic creates a separate party in the mouth.
For something a little more substantial, indulge in the Chicken Pad See-Eww ($8.90). Successfully sweet, wok-hei kissed bowl of noodles tantalises ones taste buds. A simple yet satisfying choice should you be thinking of just choosing a single dish to partake in.
A wonderful addition to the table is the Prawn Omelette ($10.90), So it may appear a bit underwhelming as the prawns are chopped to tiny pieces and then scattered midst the fluffy golden crackling of fried egg, but there are apparently advantages to this method as the distribution of prawns is more even and there was zero risk of overcooked prawns.
Offering affordable cuisine with the combination of a chill out environment, Folks Collective has got all the right qualities to draw in the crowds and I'm sure I'll be back to sample more dishes in the near future.
Folks Collective
20 Cross Street
#01-25 China Square Central
S(048422)
t: 6536 6739
w: http://www.folkscollective.com/
w: http://www.folkscollective.com/
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 11am - 11pm
Sat: 12 pm - 11pm
Mon - Fri: 11am - 11pm
Sat: 12 pm - 11pm
Thai Village: things that go bump at night
Labels:
banquet,
chinese food,
circle line,
crab,
family friendly,
hidden finds,
must go,
seafood,
sharks fin,
special occasion,
stadum,
thai food,
will return
·
If you're a real stickler for fresh seafood and quality with rebellious disregard for price tags, then Thai Village would be your best bet to impress the family!
Located at what used to be Le Bistrot at the Indoor Stadium, the restaurant doesn't hide in any way, with a visually grand entrance that calls out to most patrons marching in from the carparks. Thai-teochew cuisine is served here, so should you be feeling strongly compelled to mix up your two major food groups or just plain curious as to what that is, then do swing by and give this establishment a shot!
Shi Fu Korean BBQ: Meat Lovers Rejoice
Labels:
affordable,
barbeque,
big groups,
bras basah,
dhoby ghaut,
family friendly,
hidden finds,
korean,
korean bbq,
little india,
no frills,
will return
·
Shi Fu sited below the bright florescent lights of the many KTVs located near peace centre, may not be the most attractive sight to wander into. The thick fumes of garlic laden smoke streaming out of the open doors, yet again another dampening factor. But Shi Fu Korean BBQ is the common's best Korean BBQ in a joggers mile. So karoke party revellers seeking something to chew on after a madhouse session, this would be your best bet!
Spathe Public House: Colour me in
Labels:
affordable,
australian,
family friendly,
fish&chips,
fusion,
hidden finds,
modern,
mohammed sultan,
must go,
salad,
will return
·
This day, I turned one year older.
Older, translating significantly into physical ageing as well as a mental maturation. For once in my life, I didn't feel compelled to be so much of a nomad, relationship ties and job commitments weighing heavily on my spirit; I'm guessing it may not be such a bad thing after all since its about time such a change occurred.
Celebrations this year were more toned down, and I took to riding it out in a very hush-hushed manner. My better half decided on Spathe Public House for my birthday dinner and I happily obliged recalling our previous delightful dining experience (read here!)
Cafe Brio's: Christmas Festivities
Labels:
barbeque,
buffet dinner,
buffets,
cakes,
clarke quay,
desserts,
grand copthorne waterfront,
havelock road,
laksa,
meatballs,
must go,
outram,
sashimi,
tiong bahru,
will return
·
I'm not usually one to take to buffets, but if I have to recommend one for dining with the family during this holiday season, it would have to be Cafe Brio's at Grand Copthorne Waterfront.
First things first, let's talk prices, the Festive Buffet Dinner (ongoing from the 1st to the 30th Dec) is priced at just $62/adult and $31/child on weekdays (mon-thurs) and $72/adult, $36/child on weekends (fri-sun). If you're looking for something a little more extravagant to rake in the new year with a bang, there's the Christmas eve buffet dinner and Christmas day buffet brunch priced at $136/adult; and here's the catch, free flow red/white wine, chilled juices and soft drinks. Perfect for some merry making.
Amidst all the price jargon, here's why I think these mentioned figures are a steal.
Stirling Bar and Grill:Officially Missing You
Labels:
american,
beer,
bukit timah,
burgers,
comfortfoods,
craft beers,
desserts,
family friendly,
hidden finds,
may return,
salad,
steak,
upperbukittimah
·
Stirling Bar and Grill, is a casual bistro-bar concept located along the bustling Al Ameen stretch on Bukit Timah road. Known among revellers for being a destination for late night eats, this joint injects a bit of fresh blood, booted by its craft beer and munchies offerings. I'm not too sure about the Scottish influences in this establishment, the name as explained, expressing the brothers and owners' love and respect for good English history; pitching the harmony and well-being of previous capital city of Scotland, Stirling. Gateway to the highlands, I prayed sincerely that the good nature of the city would translate into some solid comfort food.
Spruce: lights will guide you home
Labels:
affordable,
american,
beer,
brunch,
burgers,
christmas,
dinner,
drinks,
hidden finds,
may return,
pasta,
pie,
roast,
salads,
soup,
upperbukittimah
·
Spruce has a special place in my heart despite the fact that I've never paid the outlet a visit before. The proximity to my previous home and my love for burgers (Spruce has reportedly one of the best burgers in Singapore) creating a mockery of this circumstance. With a change of fortune, I was lucky enough to land an opportunity to dine at Spruce, just in time for the launch of their Christmas specials. Needless to say, I allowed the neon lights to lead me home.
Miam Miam SG :The Perfectly Engineered Meal
Labels:
affordable,
bugis,
desserts,
family friendly,
fusion,
japanese,
may return,
pasta,
souffle
·
Miam Miam, a newish French-Japanese casual cafe kitchen, is a love child spawned by a group of globetrotting friends with a common adoration for food. Upon introduction, I was surprised to find out that the kitchen was run on a tight ship; subscribing to the Japanese ideologies of kaizen and kanban; the latter bringing about strict obedience to scheduling, keeping to a lean and time centered production process. With a 'made-to-order' guarantee put in place, food should take a little longer to reach the table, however, you get the benefit of consistencies across the board. That, my friends, is key to keeping your regulars coming back.
French boulangerie PAUL: New French Classics Menu
Change is a cardinal rule to ensure the sustainability of any food business, here in Singapore. French Boulangerie, Paul does so in a timely manner with Christmas just around the corner, sprucing up its menu offerings to boost the festive mood.
This season, whet your palate with 26 new items on the menu from savoury mains to sweet indulgences. Note that, the menu is available in all PAUL restaurants in Singapore which include 7 locations covering East to West destinations such as Westgate and Changi Airport Terminal 3.
The Underground Supper Club: with Chef Paul Hallett
Labels:
cityhall,
dinner,
hidden finds,
media event,
supper club,
swissotel
·
Just recently, I had the opportunity to attend the exclusive DBS Indulge underground supper club at the EquÃnox restaurant at Swissotel, featuring Chef de Cuisine Paul Hallett. As name states, this was a hush-hush event, kept well confined within the perilously high four walls of our glass faced room on the 69th floor of the Swissotel. The guests, a mixture of media and loyal club members, all dressed to the nines, looked ready to be swept away by the exquisite creations and nouvelle cuisine of Chef Paul Hallett as they took their place at the lavishly decked out long table that graced the middle of the room.
MEDZS: taking you over the rainbow this Christmas
Labels:
beer,
buffet dinner,
buffets,
cakes,
CBD,
Cheesecake,
christmas,
cityhall,
desserts,
family friendly,
may not return,
mediterranean food,
milleniawalk
·
With Christmas sneaking up fast and furiously upon us, I find myself stumped, for the very first time, by the question "where should we have Christmas dinner this year?", seeing their our yearly affair had always been held in the comforts of my Auntie's place. Her retirement from the tireless role of Christmas dinner host has left the family pretty much stranded; and I'm left to figure out our venue options. Only with such an opportunity do I realize the vast amount of choices we have for Christmas cakes and venues.
Take for example MEDZS Rainbow Log Cake ($46.90 for 1.2kg), a limited edition offering that takes their signature rainbow cake, puts some magic into its step and viola, a bedazzling logcake that would be the pride and joy of any dinner feast. Unlike any rainbow cakes that I've come across before, MEDZS's version shines from the extra efforts that have gone into the thought process. The cake comes with seven layers of flavoured cream sandwiched in between the light and cottony sponge cake. There's cream cheese, orange cream, caramel, blueberry, peppermint, chocolate chip and almond; a revelation in intense flavor matching that strangely works in cohesion with every forkful.
Horizon Bistronomy: somewhere in the middle of no where
Labels:
affordable,
ala carte,
bistro,
braised pork,
Cheesecake,
desserts,
french,
hidden finds,
may return,
pasta,
pork belly,
punggol
·
The latest addition to North Eastern dining on our sunny island is the Punggol Settlement. A dining collective of food and beverage establishments housed in a rebooted colonial settlement that is set to charm the hearts of locals with its natural ambiance in cahoots with its natural surroundings of flora and fauna.
We were privileged enough to get a first hand look at the newly opened Horizon Bistronomy spearheaded by Chef Chris Fong who has received tutelage from renowned Bruno Menard and helmed his first bridgade at Anthesis at Roberston Quay. His vision to introduce fine food to the masses at affordable prices with no compromise on quality has now translated into a casual restaurant joint, Horizon Bistronomy, tucked away on the 2nd level of the Punggol Settlement.
Good Chance Popiah: tracing back my roots
Labels:
chinese food,
family friendly,
local food,
outram,
popiah,
tiong bahru
·
Mastering languages has never been my forte. My existing problems with spoken Mandarin, a tell tale sign of my skills, or lack thereof. That being said, I've always held deep regrets for not picking up dialect when I was younger, seeing that it serves as a potential tool to bridge gaps in working relationships; especially so in the kitchen environment; I am always ashamed to say that I am Hokkien but sadly I do not speak the language.
The language of food, on the other hand. That, I can comprehend.
In fact, the language like 5-dimensional travel in the Interstellar; transcends all boundaries, a simple dish evoking memories, transporting you thousands of miles away in a seconds, bonding strangers, it seems that possibilities are endless when it comes to the all important grub.
At Good Chance Popiah, an air-conditioned zi char store set in the outskirts of sleepy Tiong Bahru, traditions are kept alive with the communal practise of rolling Hokkien Popiah together at the table.
Overeasy: What's your Burgernality?
Labels:
ala carte,
beef,
burgers,
CBD,
cityhall,
dinner,
family friendly,
lunch,
onefullerton,
raffles place
·
All hope is not lost in the world, and contrary to popular belief, there is still such a thing as a free meal and you're looking right at it!
Complete the quiz over at this address , do a quick share on your facebook page and claim your free burger at Overeasy!
Momiji Japanese Restaurant: Oysters Haven
Labels:
affordable,
beer,
brunch,
buffet dinner,
family friendly,
farrer park,
japanese,
may not return,
novena,
oysters,
tempura,
teppanyaki
·
Daunting. That was the word that first popped up in my head when faced with an invite to a buffet restaurant. For starters, I do not have a small appetite. However, when greeted with such a lavish spread of pabulum, my brain feeds on the matter way quicker than my stomach; and before you know it, I'm stuffed. *sulks*
Thankfully, I approached the Momiji Japanese Buffet with a different strategy in mind. Spurred on by the Oyster Festival (promotion available till 1 Jan); there was no beating around the bush, I went straight in for the kill.
Saveur: Second time's not quite a charm
Labels:
affordable,
dinner,
duck confit,
family,
family friendly,
far east plaza,
french,
lunch,
may not return,
orchard,
pasta,
setlunch
·
First time round, Saveur at Far East Plaza was an absolute sweet talker. (you can read about it here). With humble beginnings from a coffee shop in Ali Baba eating house, the boys from Shatec have pushed their earnest attempts at serving up fashionably austere cuisine to a new level, with their recent opening of Saveur Art located at Ion Orchard. Since crowds were diverted to the new establishment, the partner and I took the opportunity to visit the original branch, the fears of being greeted by obscene queues significantly lowered.
Shabu Shabu Ramen by Ramen Champion: Swish Swish
Labels:
beer,
dinner,
family friendly,
great world city,
healthy eating,
hotpot,
japanese,
lunch,
shabu shabu,
soup,
steamboat,
tiong bahru
·
Under the same roof of Ramen Champion Dining comes Shabu Shabu Ramen, targeted at ramen lovers whose cravings can't be satisfied with just one bowl of ramen. Think about it, what's better than indulging in an ambrosial spread of shabu shabu ingredients with bowlfuls of aromatic flavoursome soup on a rainy day (which happen more often than I like it in December)? To top off the experience, a tray of tantalising home-made ramen noodles accompanies the feast instead of the conventional white rice.
Skyve Wine Bistro & Bar: Hidden Gem
Labels:
beer,
dinner,
hidden finds,
lunch,
must go,
newton,
pubfood,
special occasion,
the entertainer app
·
Skyve wine bistro & bar was my destination choice for dinner after being arrowed the mammoth task of choosing a venue for our long awaited family gathering. With the rather lacklustre District 10 taking tenancy of the same spot before Skyve, I made the mental preparation to face the mediocrity of the food I was about to dig into, as if in sync with the mundane and somewhat accusational talk from the parents.
Skyve Wine Bar & Bistro sports a rather cliched look, low sofa seats strewed across the dimly lit room highlighted by incandescent spot lights that puncture the cold muted air. Pardon my antagonism, but conversations with the apprehensive mother just leaves me in shambles.
Platypus Lobster Shack: Weak in the knees
Some nights I dream about this.
The thoraic warmth of the creamy homemade mayonnaise mixed in with the succulent chunks of butter poached lobsters; the smell of grilled, slightly charred bread filling my nostrils. This makes for such a umbrian treat.
Repeated visits, and I've always called for the same item. Like a blindfolded mission evoked by memory sensory pleasures. Not tonight, not this night cause when 5 and a 1/2 unite , a larger congregation of seafood delights can come together.
Foodology Fresh: That's why eating greens are so hard
Labels:
croissant,
healthy eating,
lunch,
raffles place,
salads,
sandwich,
soup,
tanjong pagar,
will not return
·
I've always had a penchant for vegetables, noming my way through my plate of greens like a meek cow during meal times. No signs of rebellion whatsoever. I would often stare with awkward befuddlement whenever another kid would shove away his vegetables, nudging it to the side of the plate and then subsequently throwing a fit when circumstances gets to forceful. 'Why?' Don't they see its' allure?
Growing up, and gaining access to the covers of the vegetable dictionary; I embraced my edible greens with a tighter affection. My stint in Australia reinforcing our relationship with love gifts in the forms of ruby red beetroot, bitter endives and hybrid broccoli. It is a libation that brings back many happy memories - a time where getting your hands on a superb salad at any deli or even making your own at a fraction of the cost was as easy as pie. The salad maker driven by a purpose to to do as little as possible to highlight the vitality of the greens. I've since then feasted on countless salads, ranging from those of more innovative nature, incorporating deep fried quinoa; to the classics like caesar salads with a glorious homemade anchovy dressing that throws it into a class of its own.
Cocotte: Snail-paced Rustic French in Little India
Labels:
ala carte,
dinner,
family friendly,
farrer park,
hidden finds,
little india,
lunch,
must go,
roast,
setlunch,
the entertainer app
·
I was greeted with the puffy-faced, glossy eyed stare of a man who had just spent the last 5 minutes of his time trapped in a bathroom, the tussle for life taking a toil on his ruptured oesophagus. The culprit to his misery, a measly fish bone that had somehow weaselled its way into his food and lodged itself deep in there. I looked on helplessly and dragged my fork through the mustard sauce, pausing to pass a comment in a bid to shed some calming effect. (Don't judge, I eat when I'm stressed *sheepish grin*).
After chewing on a slippery banana (offered so kindly by the worrisome staff) and several gulps of water later, the worse had come to pass and my partner resumed eating at a frenetic pace, an action spurred on by the tardiness of the food. Our orders of seabass and roast pork collar taking a solid 45 minutes after ordering to arrive at the table. Was it worth the wait you might ask?
Pie Face: Australian pie chain now on our local shores
Labels:
affordable,
coffee,
desserts,
family friendly,
lunch,
orchard,
orchard 313,
pastry,
pie,
somerset
·
The mention of Australian Pie Face rings back memories of my days well spent in Sydney. Of early morning walks to the Townhall subway station, the coffee aroma adrift from the machines already hard at work providing black elixir to commuters at this underground booth; I resist the urge to get a pie, the lingering smell of butter permeating my nostrils. Despite my somewhat extended stay in Sydney, I've never found a reason to patronise the chain mainly because of it's domineering existence in the market, almost akin to bread-talk in Singaporean context; so that makes me kind of a snob doesn't it?, but why have pie face's pies when you can get your hands on Bourke Street Bakery's lamb and harissa pie? I digress. Forgive me.
Spurred on by the very fact that pies aren't part of our culture here means that there is room for its interjection into our foodscape, and hence Pie Face's first foray into Asia is definitely timely. Unveiling its first store in 313@somerset, the chain sets out to introduce the locals to the humble pie (excuse my punt). Helmed by Mr Francois Galand, French born and trained chef, the kitchen team sets out to produce gourmet pies from scratch, using the traditional French puff pastry technique in a bid to produce flaky pie crusts to compliment the hearty fillings.
As I was one of the lucky ones privileged enough to sample Pie Face's offerings during the media launch.. these are some of my visual and taste observations...
Fun fact: did you know that the different facial expressions aren't at all random? They are used as means for the staff to differentiate the pie fillings hidden within. The 'o' for Thai chicken curry, 'v' for the vegetarian Tandoori, 'p' for the chicken and peppercorn as well as 'S' for the Chunky steak pie... What a brilliant idea!
After a taste test, I had my strict favourites. The Chicken and Mushroom Pie ($4.90 for the large, $3.00 for the mini) was a comforting creamy mixture of tender chicken breast, mushrooms and garlic. Almost like the old school chicken ala king stuffed in a golden pouch. Not to be missed is the Thai Chicken Curry Pie ($4.90 for large, $3.00 for mini), an Asian inspired pie which carries the heady aroma of coconut milk. Despite the Chunky Steak Pie ($5.20) 's claim to be the crown jewel in Pie Face's array, this pie had some major shortfalls especially dealing with the tenderness of the beef chunks that turned out a bit stringy from the braising process.
On a separate note, Pie Face does serve up some pretty good coffee, with a solid management of frothing technique sans the fancy latte artwork. But if you're going to order a takeaway, it doesn't really matter either way. Prices for coffee start from $4.00.
And if in the case you aren't a big pie fan, fret not, the chain does offer other alternatives to curb the munchies. The Almond stick and Cheese stick ($1.90 each) are pulse quickening treats that blend the likes of crispy golden puff pastry with a mish-mash of sweet and savoury fillings, almond creme in the former and a gooey cheese in the latter. Yes, admittedly these two can cause quite an oil slick in the bags, but despite the artery clogging implications behind them, it disappears all too quickly.
There are also 8 Sweet Pies ($3.30 each), with flavors ranging from butterscotch to apple crumble to my all time favourite pecan pie! These little monsters seek to entice the youngsters with their colourful hues, however, take heed that the sugar content can be a tad preposterous; so unless you have a high tolerance for sweets, avoid these.
Pie Face
313@Somerset
#B3-10
S(238895)
Bugis Village
249 Victoria Street
S(188034)
Operating Hours:
10am - 10pm
Pantler: A Promise-land of Honey and Sweets
Labels:
cafe,
cakes,
coffee,
desserts,
good eats around tanjong pagar,
hidden finds,
tanjong pagar
·
Peering down the grey minimalistic hallways of the shop house, my heart was gripped by eager anticipation to dive straight into the rows of sweet desserts. Here at Pantler, breads and pastries rule the land, there's no gimmick to the concept here, and hence decor is understandably stark.
For the neat freaks, Pantler's setup is the hinterland of your fantasies, entremets placed fastidiously on clinical silver trays lined up with tangential precision to its neighbours. Here, attention to detail has spilled over from Japanese foreshores, manifesting itself in exquisite looking cakes and tarts that makes for drool worthy eye candy.
Two separate visits later, I was sold. This is what Singapore's commercial district is in dire need of. A boutique purveyor of quality patisserie and boulangerie items in a simple yet classy environment. Perfect for mid-afternoon tea breaks or client meetings, if you may.
Founded by Baker Matthias Phua and partner, Head Chef Tomoharu Morita whose credentials span from highly acclaimed Grand Hyatt Tokyo to Joel Robuchon Singapore. The two have dedicated their passion and skills to creating products that are authentic and beautiful, paying special attention to produce, Beurre d'Isigny French butter and Japanese flour milled by Nishio Milling from Aichi Prefecture. This high quality ingredients takes precedence in the boulangerie items, the croissant ($3), crispy on the outside with light and fluffy innards. Unfortantately Singapore's humidity has dealt it a bad card and the exterior suffered a little, texturally. Nothing that a little warming up in the oven won't solve.
The Mango Passion ($5.80) and Creme Caramel ($5.80) comes highly recommended. Diving into the former will lend your mind a chimera of narratives; the tantalising creaminess of the mango flavoured panna cotta spiked by a slight tang from the passion fruit coulis pooled over the top. The 'jiggly-ness' of the pudding a testament to the Chef's profound pastry knowledge and skills. Touted to be Matthias's dessert of choice, I was eager to get a glimpse of what he saw in this humble offering. Lo and behold, this was frickin' magic in the mouth; I lapped it up greedily. What this traditional dessert has on the other versions is the caramel sauce that had been pushed to the edge of caramelization without burning. That's talent right there.
Other offerings that I've since tried are the signature Yatsura ($8.50) - hazelnut dacquoise, dark chocolate mousse and hazelnut feuilletine. Almost like the makings of a ferrero rocher in a more sophisticated form. The Pantler roll cake ($4.80) failed to leave an impression, and I took a back seat on the Pantler Cheesecake ($6.80) that was a tad too crumbly and dry for my liking.
The best desserts causes a clamour, sharing them provokes tension. The question of who's settling the last bite clearly defining likes and dislikes within the gang. My choice amongst the spread, the Pithivier ($7.50), a dessert that I've not had since making my own in pastry school a couple of years back. This traditional round French puff pastry circle filled with almond frangipane brought back flashbacks of the days of struggles with handmade puff pastry armed with only a rolling pin. Delicious in every right, the pastry was undeniably fresh and flaky whilst the almond filling fragrant, almost like eating a 100% marzipan. Don't judge.
The Ricotta Cheese Tart ($8.50) is another formidable dessert with soft and tangy innards backed by a crisp short crust pastry. Perfect for those who like something a little lighter.
Then there's the much talked about Choux Creme ($5.50). Details elevate this humble dessert such as the crisp nougatine topping that caps the choux pastry just before entering the oven; and the velvety smooth vanilla bean flecked pastry cream filling. My only wish would be a better cook on the puffs that would render the innards a little drier and crisper.
Coffee at Pantler is from Dutch Colony, so fans of the blend can now get your fix in the city!
Judicious with butter, sugar and everything nice, Pantler is set to steal the hearts and minds of dessert lovers and cafe go-ers alike. Be sure to make your rounds quick before the news gets out!
Pantler
198 Telok Ayer Street
S(068637)
t: 6221 6223
Operating Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8 30am - 8 30pm
Sat: 10 30 am - 5 30pm
Online Order available here
Atmosphere Bistro.Bar : The watering hole
Labels:
affordable,
beer,
desserts,
East Coast/ Joo Chiat,
family friendly,
hidden finds,
pizza,
pubfood,
ribs,
will not return
·
Have my eyes betrayed me? A quizzical look hung out on my face as the snow mountain pile of Kirin Frozen beer ($13) started rapidly on its descent. My first 'gulp'got me a mouthful of flavourless foam; endearingly referred to as beer slushie by Kirin's patented technology. I would advise you give this a pass. Since you've already made your way to the watering hole, get your hands on the Heinkein or Erdiner white draft beers instead; word has it that there's a promotion ongoing now for 3 pints at just $30.
The Atmosphere Bistro & Bar is a brand new establishment that has just opened its doors to the public on October 6. Located at Parkland Greens, a sprawling landscape of green along East Coast Park just right across from Parkway Parade. With the booming amount of space at the park, this creates an entirely family oriented environment where children can partake in outdoor activities whilst parents lounge in the cooler interiors of the restaurant, enjoying a cold pint or two. Technically, the location advantages already makes the Atmosphere a winning concept; but how does food fare?
From the extensive menu of pub bistro favourites, we chose two starters to tease our taste buds. The Spam Fries ($7.80) was a simple snack but given a little snap, crackle and pop from the kaffir mayo served on the side. Deliciously rich and salty, this would make the perfect snack for the young ones. Not so outstanding was the Escargot ($10.80) which regurgitated funky chewy nodules swimming in a bland garlic butter and covered with melted cheese. Hear me out, cheese doesn't make everything better. Skip this and give their truffle fries a shot instead.
The Baby Back Ribs ($19.80) lacked conviction: the citrus BBQ sauce bearing a strange resemblance to satay sauce and the meat an uncanny textural likeness to the local snack, (not exactly desirable in the case). With a little more time invested, the dish could have fared a whole lot better.
For the grazers, there is the Caesar Salad ($6.80). a creamy confetti of bacon bits, stodgy croutons and grated Parmesan over an avalanche of bottled caesar dressing. Overly sweet and immensely overdressed for such a humble setting, this is one salad on the menu to skim past. Let me lament about the rather poor renditions of Caesar salads I've delivered to my system lately; what happened to the handmade herbed croutons and dressings with that piquant scent of anchovies recognised in the aftermath?
Jacked up on cheese, the Squid Ink Pizza ($20.80) anticipates the roaring appetites of the young and the drunk. Atmosphere puts an innovative spin on the usual classics with such outrageous outputs; squid rings, sliced garlic, onion, squid ink tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese are stacked on with Pythagorean precision. The result grows on you after its slightly peculiar first impression. You might want to pry away the limp dough base and eat the meltingly moist interior spiked with a little dabble of Tabasco sauce.
Instagram darling, Atmosphere Burger ($19.80) left more oohs and aahs on the photographer instinct than on the palate. The monstrous triple stack of pork, turkey and chicken patties, over processed and struggling to reconcile with each other. If you're bought into the lore of this skyscraper-esqe burger, save your pretty penny for a trip to Suprette instead.
Desserts were a safe bet with assorted cakes, obviously outsourced with a good palate in tact. The Red velvet ($5.80) and Rainbow Cake ($5.80) were both moist and spongy in all the right places, the former edging out the multi-coloured unicorn with its charismatic cream cheese frosting.
If you're feeling a little fancier, order the Atmosphere Molten Lava Cake ($11.80), watch in glee as warm chocolate pours out from the molten core. A decadent treat for the discerning diners who delight in the alchemy of gooey chocolate with the blissful sigh of cold vanilla ice cream.
For all its flaws, the Atmosphere Bar.Bistro still packs promise, and with the throngs of people that trawl the parks on weekday nights as well as the weekends serving as potential customers; the establishment sits on a pot of gold. Only if the food is improved of course.
Fundamentally Flawed dined as a guest of Atmosphere Bistro. Major thanks to Cynthia of DFW Creative Private Limited for the invite and her gracious hosting.
The Atmosphere Bar and Bistro
920 East Coast Parkway #01-25/26/27
S(449875)
Opening Hours:
Mon - Thurs: 5pm -12am
Fri: 5pm - 1am
Sat: 10am - 2am
Sun and PH: 10am - 1am
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