March 2016 | Fundamentally-flawed | Singapore Food Blog

Hansang Korean Family Restaurant: BBQ lovers unite

Hansang Korean Family Restaurant is no ordinary Korean BBQ. It's racy expansion from its comfortable enclave in Holland Village to the simple fit out in Square 2, a demonstration of versatility and its basic attention to authenticity being highlighted with the more discerning crowds. Stove tops ring with satisfying, sizzling noises as gorgeously marbled meats turn a light shade of brown. Food here is so messy, you want to eat it in private. Perhaps the smaller the party, the better; that way you won't have to stave off too many wandering chopsticks.

Cook & Brew: [NEW MENU] spearheaded by a throng of Burgers

Picture this, you get set up on a date by your best friend with the captain of the school football team. Sure, he's got dreamy eyes and features so sharp that they could easily saw through the thickest hunk of steak, hence the extra preparation effort. Heels, check! Poofed up hair on hairspray hyper drive, check!, and you even dragged out the most decent set of knickers you have from your wardrobe. Kudos for that. He arrives at the door with a bunch of flowers and whisks you away in mist of charm, raising the bar even higher with an idyllic choice of a dinner venue, one that offers bedazzling views of the cityscape at dusk. However, as the meal unravels, you realize that beneath the chiseled good looks, is an empty vessel, one that was dull and lacklustre beneath its misleadingly glamorous facade. - my experience at Cook and Brew can be summed up in the same manner.

Launching a new menu helmed by a selection of mouthwatering gourmet burgers, the craft beer watering hole located at the Westin Singapore's speciality gastro-bar at Level 33 sets to sweep diners off their feet, with a combination attack of killer views and American comfort food.

Kilo at Pact: Datenight surefire

When it comes to dining at Kilo at Pact, I'm a woman of few words. Especially after it dawned upon me that the successful kilo empire stemmed from its predecessor Raw Kitchen Bar which opened in the vicinity of Bukit timah's old fire station in 2008; my guilty conscience forcing me to recall how I condoned the outlet (mainly for its choice of outlandish pretentious location) to imminent death even before giving the kitchen a chance. Bad habit, yes I know. But fast forward 8 years and I'm swallowing my words, or rather, taking my time to savour the goodness of the unearthly sweet compressed watermelon as I dredge it through the delightfully perfumed red Thai curry gravy. Service here was gracious and kind, almost like a stab in the back as I relinquish the intimate dining experience founded by the essence of Kilo's communal spirit.

Katong Kitchen: Peranakan Halal-certified Buffet

With a wealth of dining options in the east, it's hard to concur on a destination, especially in the influence of strong foodie friends. Fortunately, attending to both the needs of the diners in search of quality as well as quantity is the impressive halal-certified spread at Katong Kitchen, located on the 4th level of Village Hotel Katong.

From the superb regale to the decor, Katong Kitchen exudes similar nostalgic vibes from its wooden flooring to the marbled coffee table tops. Delighting its guests with a well formulated line up of both International and Peranakan inspired local cuisine since 2013.

A quick glance of the room will reveal all stations in full view; despite its seemingly modest confinement, the detail is in the fabric. Each hot-hold revealing something mysteriously darkened and aromatic.

Long Chim: Celebrate the celebrity restaurant's 1st Birthday with $9 dishes all day long

Come end of March, Long Chim turns 1 and in lieu of these festive occasion, they will be offering a plethora of signature dishes, new offerings and iconic Thai cocktails for just $9++ on the 30th March, all day from 12pm-12am.

The specially curated menu includes charming starters such as chiang mai larp of chicken, grilled pork skewers and crunchy prawn cakes while an entourage of spicy knock-out curries, red curry of roast duck will also be peddled at 9 dollars. Should the food be a tad too overwhelming in flavors, take a swig of the special beverages on offer. The melrose fizz getting my vote for best thirst quencher, its bubbly personality making for better conversations across the table.

White Rose Cafe @ York Hotel: 30th anniversary Penang Hawkers' Fare

When my early retirement plans from the baby shower revealed itself as foodie trip to York Hotel's Penang Hawker Fare, my aunts' eyes lit up like Christmas lights, evoking memories of her previous yearly ritual visits to the buffet line. Praising it to the high heavens with accompanying introductions of what dishes to look out for. Bemused, I went ahead with heightened expectations, hoping to get an taste of the illustrious laksa she was painting fairytale picture about.

For the 30th year in a row, York Hotel rolls out their Penang Hawker's Fare with relentless effort. For fans of the wildly popular buffet, this annual event is something to look out for. Besides the usual showcase of perennial favourite Penang street food, sizzling hot new dishes are gracing the line while exclusive cooking workshops are available to those more familiar in the kitchen.

[NEW MENU] Hungry Heroes: Burgers Galore in the shadows of Superheroes.

I have high expectations when it comes to burgers.

No shit, Sherlock (Hey, Captain America, I think I just said a bad word). *grimaces* Bad jokes aside, my intolerance for poorly constituted piles has become much talked about topic among fellow foodies. So upon arriving at Hungry Heroes and presented with a media-tasting menu that features 3 different burgers, not one of which was the conventional beef variation, my hairs stood on ends.

But first, appetizers to let the Proper Job IPA slide down a little easier. Heros Fries ($10) and Clash of the Potato, Mayo and Scallions ($7) are diet fiends that may just be well worth its calories. The former is your usual skinny fries topped with a landslide victory of chilli con carne, criss cross drizzles of nacho cheese and then another solid lattice of mayonnaise overhead. Talk about overkill. I would however, point you in the direction of the latter, the clash of the potato, a winsome potato salad dish enhanced by crispy duck fat cooked potatoes, a zeng-ed kewpie mayo sauce and huge pilings of spring onion. Rub it all in and you're most certainly to overindulge on this course alone.

[Singapore Cocktail Week 2016] Top 10 Cocktails you must try: Part 2

Just in time for #TGIF celebrations, here's a continuation from where we left off in the first part of the [Singapore Cocktail Week Special]: Top 10 cocktails you must try. Despite my recent liver liberations making me feel giddy; someone has to do the dirty work (self voluntarily in this case). So with another 3 days, 12 cocktail bars (a mish-mash of staple establishments and guest bartender shifts) and 32 different cocktails (who's counting?) under my wing, here is my take on the other 5 cocktails you don't want to miss throughout the festival.

1) Charles Muse (Neon Pigeon)

Mark Graham Thomas, previously of Bacchanalia bar and general manager of Club39 has nestled at Modern Izakaya, Neon Pigeon parked on the once sleazy street of Keong Saik this SGCW. His preference for savory concoctions over sweet proving to be quite a challenge for the average palate to wrap their beak around; but truth be told, the Charles Muse, inspired by comfy carrot soup and the infamous Hot&Cold from Operation dagger is effin' delicious. Carrots are cooked down, with fennel, caramelised onions and a good measure of salt for that savoury element and blended to a umamified soup which is then shaken with tanqueray gin. The foam that glides effortlessly above the drink consisting of fresh apricot puree and cream together with fat-rushed rum for that buttery edge.

2) Rock and Rye (Operation Dagger)

A well hidden space - a basement off the hustle and bustle of Ann Siang Hill - Operation dagger is practically a speakeasy. Here the Rock and Rye impresses, enlivened with ruby tones of seasonal stonefruit and oils expertly wrung from generous peels of lemon.

3) Swizzle with Swagger (Anti:dote)

A curious concoction with a good hit of local flavors, the Swizzle with Swagger combines Black monkey rum, gula melaka Falernum; which upon further investigation is a Carribean type spiced syrup cooked with gula melaka and tons more asian spices; and lime served with crushed ice. Too easy to drink if not for its crushing alcoholic effects masked by an innocent sweet facade.

4) All Shall Perish (HOD)

Highly recommended, the All Shall Perish comes fortified with subtle notes of ash and chocolate from the Mezcal, dashes of coffee brown Rabarbaro Nardini (rhuarb apertif) as well as Rhubarb bitters scenting the mix with a bodacious herbal drive. Great for those who love their tonic soups.

5) Sesame Street (Tess Bar)

Quite the charmer, sesame street, concocted by Diageo Reserve World Class S.E.A Bartender '2015, Steve Leong is perfectly balanced. Smoked Black sesame seed lacing the glassware wafts up memories of breakfast - peanut butter sandwiches, but it soon matures with a sip of the Old Fashioned inspired brew - Wild Turkey 81 Bourbon with orange bitters. Those interested in more local concoctions should head down to Timeout's kopitiam styled Jio You Cocktail Club where Steve Leong will be shaking up drinks, inspired by what else? - hawker fare. We've got Crab those Buns and pandan and coconut infused barley water medley Seah Street Power Nasi Lemak on the bucket list!

And there you have it... our Part 1 and 2 of the Top Cocktails to revel in the last two days of Singapore Cocktail Week 2016. So go forth and grab a drink of two; besides its friday night, there's really no excuse too. Or follow us on @thedrinkseekers Instagram for updates!

Tin Hill Social: AIX Rose Sunday Brunch

Free flow AIX French Rose at only $14++? - there's no way I wasn't knock this game out of its ballpark. My last experience at Tin Hill Social Sunday brunch held in conjunction with Straits Wine Company was a home run. Cozy vibes and mad bokeh game within spacious grounds, with a genial carpet of natural light draped over all its corners; it was love at first sight. Then there was the food - leave it to Chef Michael Lewis to make a lasting impression with his cuisine overflowing with laid back Australian vibes with a strong emphasis on produce.

Orchard Central: Japanese Food Trail

Not the first time I'm expounding its merits but Orchard Central is a treasure trove of brilliant activities, cool stores peddling niche goods and food meccas worth boasting about. When it comes to dining in OC, we're completely spoilt for choice, whether it be fusion-Thai at Som Tam or rambunctious casual izakaya style dining at Sumiya; there's loads of ways to fill the stomach. I didn't want to get all excited but the prospects of embarking on a purely Japanese centric food trail around Orchard Central was enough for me to let our a rip-roar cheer. Delving into the heights of Orchard central and sifting through the various Japanese offerings from shabu shabu to home styled grilled items and finally ramen, we bring you the best of OC. Think of this as your definitive check list for your next visit. I assure you, my recommendations are true.

Such is the density of Japanese restaurants on the 8th floor of OC that, of an evening, the various smells adrift from boiling stock pots, grilled pork bellies and the different cook stations on the buffet line can be intoxicating. For shabu shabu, head on over to Shabu Sai, a casual Japanese sukiyai/shabu shabu establishment that does good food and remarkably good value (especially considering you can eat to your hearts content and that sauce counter tho.).

[Singapore Cocktail Week 2016] Top 10 Cocktails you must try: Part 1

3 days, 12 bars and 32 cocktails later.

Here's our pick of the lot. Needless to say, this 8 day mothership of cocktail-focused gatherings featuring international and local bartenders helming the bars with their wacky creations will lead to an alcoholic chase like non other. However, we would strongly suggest these beverages for the everyday enthusiast, you bet your bottom dollar they will be worth your while.

1) Juliet's Secret (Manhattan Bar)

Senior bartender Cedric Mendoza translates family tradition through his submission for round two of the Diageo World class competition based on the fruit and plant theme with the Juliet's Secret. A rum based concoction, combining sublime Ron Zacapa 23 with Pedro Ximenez, homemade Pistachio Orgeat syrup and fresh lime juice. Brimmed on all sides with a trio of dehydrated tomatoes, mushroom and pineapple dust; this refreshing drink with a creamy edge transmutes itself depending on which way you sip from the glass.

2) Monkey Business (La Maison Du Whisky)

Trust the whisky fanatics at LMDW to work their magic with a bottle of Monkey Shoulder. Combining Gin, Sloe Gin, simple syrup, lemon juice a pinch of salt and lavender. The Monkey Business contains no soda of any sort, deploying an egg white instead to supply a frothy tingle.

3) Boston Tea Party (Jim Meehan, PDT)

Complex, balanced and dangerous. Layers and layers of new sensations arise as the sencha green tea and Bittermens boston bitters rise above the base spirits of Banks 5 Island Rum and dry vermouth - creating a symphony of colors, if only for a brief moment before residing to its alcoholic roots. Stunning. Watch out for PDT (Please Don't Tell) resident bartender, Jim Meehan guest shift at The Cufflink Club later tonight, 15th March.

4) Ratu Pa Lo (Long Chim)

A single cocktail from their SGCW menu effectively makes this new revamped bar at Long Chim one to seek out. The alcohol force is strong in this one, so let the good times roll. Rum, gin and five spiced syrup are smoothed with velvety froth, the fresh mandarin infused with egg white conjuring up memories of mango lassi.

5) Rye Dynasty (Gibson Bar)

Ever wondered what a negroni taste like at the end of a drunken night? This drink would be most certain to wake up even the sleepiest drunk. A twist on the classic drink sends the tongue careening into new frontiers, Rye Whisky meets Creme de cassic, cocchi Americano and bitters in a stiff cocktail adventure. Best one for a night cap.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our list to be published nearing the end of the working week or follow us on Instagram @thedrinkseekers to catch a glimpse of the action.

Portico Prime: 'Portico Favourites' New High Tea Set

Here it is, a high tea stand exuding grandeur and finesse from all angles; even from the makeshift Velcro strips stuck to the edges, converting a humble wine rack into a garden-esque display of petite sweet treats and savory bites. All is innocent and expectations kept to a minimum, until you chomp down on the dainty Eclair of Singapore-style chili crab meat and there is an explosion of flavors.

[Singapore Cocktail Week special]: The Vagabond Bar

Singapore Cocktail Week kicks off to a roaring start this weekend with a great many events, workshops and guest bartender shifts to please both the novice drinkers and industry peeps alike. Amidst a flurry of activities and slurred words to ensue, there is Vagabond Hotel, tucked away in the seemingly forgotten part of Jalan Sultan. This ostentatious boutique hotel needs no introductions, it's seductive yet clearly artsy direction scoring points on my staycation chart, earning it a place in the Top 5 Trendiest staycations in the City list. Similarly, the resident bar veers away from the textbook, hotel lobby bar. No tiki cocktails nor cliched alcoholic punches are insight here. Instead, the bartenders dig deep, procuring brands that are hard to find and beyond the comprehension of most common tastebuds, till a sip of the forbidden potion reveals that inner snob in most of us.

Specially for cocktail week this year, Vagabond bar has churned out a grand 5 cocktails for at a reasonable $14++ only. With the usual suspects stripped off from the regular cocktail menu and a few exciting additions to make up the coveted list, you'll be assured a exciting if not gustatory experience at the bar, honed by ostentatious mad men vibes and a 'monkey on your back'. Unfortunately, only holders of the wrist-bands will reap the rewards, so if you haven't laid hands on the set of 8 bands, you had better jump on the bandwagon soon!

Tonkotsu Kazan Ramen: Signature Volcano Ramen and a [GIVEAWAY]

"Order the Kazan Ramen," the PR mistress beckons via text. Impervious to her pleas, I browse through the menu, setting my sights on the chashu karamiso ramen at first, only to be distracted by a mere glimpse of the next page - a firewall display of smoking chimneys and black claypots of bubbling ramen. "OOoooo" Could it be? Did she mean these? - at this juncture, there was no turning back; the impressive poster stealing our hearts and guts instantly.

The signature Kazan Ramen served in stonepots to maintain its sizzling hot consistency may seem like a gimmick to some but I can assure you that in some ways, this method of service does have its merits. For starters, the stone bowls are preheated to a whopping 300 degree celsius and ingredients neatly arranged within; once at the table, the waiter will then proceed to pour in half the soup and slap on the funnelled lid, VOILA! volcano eruption! or essentially steam generated from the fiesty interaction. Let it cook for a minute and you're ready to eat.

Truly Test Kitchen: Gen-Y hawker daredevils

This review is going to be short and sweet. Mainly because most of you who have dined there have called it as it is. Truly Test Kitchen, set up by the two tenacious owners of Truly Curry Rice formally located at Telok Blangah Drive Food Centre have since moved to 'greener pastures',which in retrospect appear to be devastatingly dreary circumstances - stranded right in the middle of Taiseng industrial estate. Located on the level 7 of Jun Jie industrial building, chills run through my spine as we rode up the passenger lifts with a peculiar long pole straddling the entrance way to prevent delivery men from their hooligan ways. Let's be honest, to say that Truly Test Kitchen serves up 'budget cuisine' wouldn't be doing it justice since I've had personal experience working in the central kitchens of Taiseng before, my only form of sustenance in the afternoons being $2 economy rice from nearby staff canteens, which proved to be beyond satisfactory on your meagre breaks. Then again, what the owners have done right is to harvest customers from both sides of the spectrum. Using attractive pricing to lock down the 'locals' and using their hipster image, touting a gansta name and riding on waves of social media to draw in the unsuspecting victims who want a slice of the provincial pie. For that, I salut the steadfast efforts of the two Gen-Y hawker daredevils.

Gemmills: Hole-in-the-wall wine bar

I've kept a secret for way too long. A hidden find,waiting like a wild child to pounce on the hearts of the free spirited and the closet introverts. Newly opened Gemmills, a drinking hole celebrating the best of affordable wines and dapper bar grub has inched its way into my heart, stealing snippets of my sorrow away as its' mischievous red trickles down my parched throat.

With wildly successful backing under its wings, (think Maggie Joan's and its wonderfully rogue cuisine); its easy to see how the new bar venture runs in the same tangent, exuding a kind of 'too-cool-for-school' vibe with patrons eagerly cradling glass vessels of ruby red or sweet crystal over jaunty conversation.

Gemmills, inspired by its namesake John Gemmill; who apparently was a successful auctioneer and banker in the 1840s donated the Gemmill fountain, a drinking fountain, and first of its kind in Singapore - in a bid to quench the parched throats of the public with nothing but the gift of sky juice. Likewise, the new all-day dining concept pushes in the same direction, except with more frivolity and a slightly exclusive conception.

The Armoury Gastrobar: The burger game here. game-changer.

A new face in the South Beach Quarters has surfaced, breaking through its former rigid armoury historical roots to reveal a contemporary gastro-bar reinforced with classic pub grub such as burgers and hearty meat pastas given a more creative approach. In the space, with its curious mishmash of upscale and casual decor, your first concern should be the beers. Sporting a rather sexy wall fitted with 15 taps, the bar pours a variety of American craft beers and ciders on tap; my advice would be head down during happy hours from 5-8pm to enjoy 1-1 beers, that way, your Deschutes Freshly Squeezed IPA will only set you back at 9++ per US pint.

Mikuni Special: Hina Matsuri or Dolls' Festival

Hina Matsuri, otherwise known as Doll's Day or Girls' Day is a Japanese festival that allows for a rather strange patronage to dolls. Platforms covered with a red carpet are used to display sets of collectors ornamental dolls representing the Emperor, Empress, attendants and musicians in traditional court dress of the Heian period. From what I gathered from the very animated Chef Moon Kyung Soo of Mikuni (whose excellent culinary antics I was exposed to earlier last year), Doll's day traditionally celebrated on the 3rd March is a day for parents to bestow their well wishes for their daughters coming of age. Starting with a glass of shirozake, a cloudy non-alcoholic sake made from fermented rice... the notion of blessings accompanied, very apt and likewise, very sweet.

Available from the 1 to 10 March, Chef Moon's specially curated lunch bento (priced at $120++) will be available only for lunch service. A deceivingly tiny trio of drawers hiding treasures in every layer, flanked by an entire platter of light-as-air tempura. One can't help but wonder if the meal sets out to challenge ones ability to eat daintily. The pre-requisite skills of nimble chopstick handling crucial in preventing wastage of even the tiniest grain.

Wildfire Burgers @ 313Somerset: I only see black

Honest to God, I arrived at the foot of Wildfire; my uneasy stomach full of trepidation. So I've heard a mixture of things, both good and bad, but armed with a tale to tell of bone-dry patties and irrelevant sunny-side ups, I prayed that my last visit was just an anomaly of poor performance. Squinting past the slightly whoreish neon lights guarding the entrance to the mall, there I stood with rebellious intention. So, winner of the 'Asia Burger Challenge 2015' - 'Hit me with your best shot!' - and they sure did fire away.

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