Souper Tang: Nourishing Chinese Nosh

With over 18 outlets spread out across Malaysia, I was surprised to not have heard of  Souper Tang 汤师父 before. Why, of course! My usual aversion for Chinese soups explaining my lack of knowledge of the brand. Still, I went in with an open mind, my body yearning for the comfort and nourishment the cuisine promises.

Greenwood Fish Market and Bistro @ Sentosa Cove: 4th World Oyster Festival

It's that time of the year again for Greenwood Fish Market's 4th World Oyster Festival!

Having attend the previous year's session, expectations for this years round up were sky high, spurred on even more by the prospects of new grounds at Quayside Isle where the balmy seaside breeze fortifies the need for more seafood!

The new Greenwood Fish Market and Bistro at Sentosa Cove features a light and airy set-up. Walls are dealt away with and instead, the longish restaurant boosts a mix of al-fresco and indoor seatings tinted in muted shades of blue, marbled wood and silver accents. Hosting a mini market place on its peripherals, the shelves are stocked with decently priced wines, dry produce and chunks of handsome looking fish perfect to indulge in a little kitchen experimentation with.

But what you're really gunning for are the oysters. Especially so, this time of year when Greenwood Fish Market brings in 20+ different oysters, each with its unique characteristics to be enjoyed fresh and unadulterated.  The World Oyster Festival lasts about a month from 1st - 31st July'2016 and is held at both it's first outlet as well as the newly minted Quayside Isle branch to grant more people the opportunity to sample the varieties they have to offer.

Full of Luck Club: Bringing sexy Cantonese cuisine back

So, this is about the reset button, breaking from the proven structured Chinese fine-dining formula that has made Li Bai the darling of Cantonese cuisine lovers.

Full of Luck club  福乐, a brainchild of the same team behind the opulent Li Bai Cantonese restaurant in Sheraton Towers (read about my previous dining experience here) first made their debut at Craft Singapore in March. Pitting themselves against food giants such as Vatos Urban Tacos and Park Bench Deli in a bid to satiate the alcoholic munchies of the beer crowd. I recall vividly being drawn immediately to its hipster-ish graphical menu boards, the bold use of color and the boisterous voices rising out from behind the booths, egging you on to sink your teeth into the Braised Pork Belly bao. And so I did. In fact, I had those 2 days in a row.

Fast forward 2 months later and the physical unit of the contemporary Cantonese joint has now taken shape in the heart of Holland Village, erected in the stilled site where Wendy's used to be. The menu maintains a tight focus on Cantonese cuisine, albeit with a more progressive and contemporary approach - shredding its pish-posh image and dishing out sharing plates and baos amidst other Asian inspired cocktails and craft beers. Then again, knowing that poets work better under the 'inspiration' of alcohol, perhaps this is Li Bai's Jekyll and Hyde moment?

A Four Hands Chocolate Afternoon Tea @ Antidote with Chef Jean-Michel Perruchon MOF

For those of your looking to lap up the waves of chocolate luxury over the weekends, look no further than Anti:dote Bar in Fairmont Singapore for the exclusive Four Hands Chocolate Afternoon Tea presented by Fairmont Singapore and Cacao Barry guest Pastry Chef Jean-Michel Perruchon Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF). YES, you've heard me right. those of you who have watched the documentary Kings of Pastry would know about the tumultuous efforts behind stepping into this revered role. Hence, at the media invite, I was humbled, in fact a little embarrassed to be in the presence of 'royalty'; Chef Jean-Michel's graceful and cordial spirit helping to bridge the gap as he painstakingly describe the special petit dessert creations he had conceived for the special occasion.

TAP Craft Beer Bar: Asian Invasion (tap takeover)

Barely a week after the adrenaline-pumping action of Beerfest Asia, the good folks at TAP Craft Beer Bar are presenting the Asian Invasion - a tap takeover at their Capitol Piazza premises headlined by Asian beer. A total of 14 beers will be available on tap, from breweries in Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand and our very own Singapore.

The HungryGoWhere Awards 2016 & my vote for 'Best New Restaurant' - KITE

The HungryGoWhere awards are back with an exciting season this year in search of crowning Singapore's best food and drinks in over 21 categories ranging from 'Best Buffet' to 'Best Bar/Lounge' and a more expansive Hawker category including specific dishes such as 'Roti Prata', 'Laksa' and 'Hainanese Chicken Rice'.

This year, aside from voting via their website (link here), the public can now cast their votes via social media by posting a public post on facebook, twitter or instagram with these two hashtags: #HGWawards and #(business name). Note that voting ends on the 26th June'2016 11:59pm so speak your mind quickly! Bonus reasons for casting your votes includes the chance to win a pair of tickets to $100Gourmet, a dining event which sees Michelin Starred chefs collaborate with local talents happening in August and September 2016 - you could be one of the lucky 50 voters!

All things [NEW] at Earle Swensen's, Steam Box and Eat @ 7

2016 has passed by in a flash, hasn't it? It seems like it was just yesterday that we are toasting to a new year, and now we find it already half over. But hey, look at it a different way and its half yet to begin. There's no better time than now to celebrate all things new, and no better way to do it than with food indeed! Here are some of the freshest pickings from eateries islandwide.

Beerfest Asia 2016: The Road to El Dorado

Listen up alehounds, because Beerfest Asia 2016 running till the end of this weekend (16 - 19th June) is the festival you ought to begin your weekend beer trawling at. And here's why.

1. 500 different brews

Upping its quotient from last years' impressive 400 skus to 500 this year means more assortment and a mind boggling selection for festival go-ers. With everything from the big boys like Asia Pacific Breweries peddling white and black Tiger drafts (which have been alleged to sell out like hot cakes); to local microbreweries such as the 1925 Microbrewery & Restaurant tapping 4 varied styled beers and the higher powers represented by hipsterish distributors such as Beerstyle Distribution carrying a odd supply of heavier ABV stuff such as Russian Imperial Stout and Kaiju Where Strides the Behemoth Double Black IPA - there's something for everyone.

MUSEO Restaurant: introduces a new Mezzanine 'Dine in a Cup' Menu

3pm on a Saturday afternoon and the reflective glow off the calm waters in the quay area bathes the darkened arenas of Museo in a mysterious yet somber lighting. The mum squeals and lets off a sigh of disapproval, fueled by memories of discomfort from having to endure those chic sofa-like seating during a recent wedding banquet. I made a mental note then skimmed past those dubious looking couches in search of more comfortable grounds; seeking solace in a pain-splattered high grounds of the restaurant which offered a birds eye view of the establishment.

On the table, a newly minted mezzanine 'dine-in-a-cup' menu featuring some of their signature dishes in cup-sized portions; enabling diners to enjoy a larger range of the eclectic cuisine on offer. 

Long Chim: Luxurious Weekend Brunch

Come weekends, Long Chim  rolls out a red carpet of fiery dishes that are set to spoil your taste buds. The restaurant's imposing opulence had dulled done several notches in the daylight. The tall glass panelled windows near the frills of the restaurant allowing for the room to be bathed in natural light. Sure, it does sting the eyes of the wretched and severely hungover (recalling that certain occasion); but the full-flavored menu boasted by the likes of a spicy Bloody Mary on the side sure does put things in perspective.

For $60++ per person, diners are offered an endless deluge of dishes chosen with care from the extensive a la carte menu; which takes away the painstaking efforts of having to make a choice. Diners can now enjoy the unique Long chim experience (traditional, family style dining inclusive) with the distinct flavors of Bangkok street food represented every Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 4pm.

Craftsmen Specialty Coffee (Thomson): rolls out some new Burgers and Pasta dishes

Inspite of its name, Craftsmen Specialty Coffee isn't all coffee snob talk, aeropress and V60 with exotic roasts procured from round the world. In fact, the classic coffee menu is preceded by a selection of sizable dishes; both brunch worthy and now, fit for fulfilling those dinner woes.

I've always been a big fan of the 'Far-east' find; my older brother's trip to the joint affirming it's strong stance on exceptional sourdough centric brunch dishes. So when I heard that the establishment had taken to expanding across the island at cozy little corner just off Goldhill Plaza in Novena; I was beyond ecstatic.

Chow Fun Restaurant and Bar: Modern Noodle bar in the Grandstand

Nestled in the heart of The Grandstand, everything about the newly opened Chow Fun Bar and Restaurant is fresh and fun! Stepping in, one is almost instantaneously transported to an underground American Chinatown eatery. The intimate space sports quirky decor, everything from vintage 1930 postcards to a feature wall of fortune cat figurines to a hand-painted dragon mural. The space practically thrums with energy and character, something also reflected by the concept and menu.

Having spent 20 years in the US, Singaporean chef and owner Alicia Lin serves up an unconventional menu of 18 different Asian and Western inspired noodle dishes, many with innovative interpretations. To bump up the unique factor, all noodle dishes are served in $2.90 tasting portions, inviting guests on a gastronomic adventure where one can try a myriad of noodle types and tastes. As someone with eclectic inclinations and who is admittedly insatiable when it comes to food flavors, this concept is absolutely perfect.

Tempted yet? Get ready to be spoilt completely rotten for choice!

UsQuBa: Scottish Restaurant & Bar at One Fullerton, where the bar is the real deal

I did mean to talk first about the expansive selection of whiskies and various collectors spirits procured by dark horse of a bar manager Fong Chan Teng (previously from La Maison Du Whisky) - behind the bar; there's just about something great for everyone. A lesson we learn first-handedly by introducing UsQuBa's refreshing Gin & Tonic into the adolescent encyclopedia of our greenhorn tastemaker seated at our table. He loved it. And so did we love our classic Negronis, stirred up using award-winning London Dry Gin, NB Gin and a rather intriguing bottle of sweet white vermouth del Professore from Piedmont, Italy.

I digress. Because, what you're really here for is the food. The menu at UsQuBa (pronounced as us-kew-bah) offers a little for everybody, especially the person curious for fresh insights into New Scottish cuisine. A very detailed food map in the front of the menu depicting the various local produce and zones in and about Scotland; building anticipation for diners as they browse the premium ingredients featured. Chef Guven who helms the kitchen is the enabler in this extraordinary enlightenment process - his portrayal of Scottish ingredients with unique creativity stemming from his tour of Claridge's kitchen, Maze Restaurant and Newport Room, under the mentorship of Thomas Keller.

Barrio by MexOut: Mexican in da' hood!

If you frequent Somerset MRT as much I do, you would probably notice the newest fairy-light lit venture that has occupied quite a generous space on the ground floor of 313@Somerset. Yes, the space is quite a looker! Built with the theme of a Mexican beer garden in mind, it's thoroughly convincing complete with fresh fun colors splashed across the walls and neo-Aztec patterns subliminally infused into the menu. The idea is flawless and the cool unfettered spirit of the place beckons passer-bys to explore its contained yet airy space.

Compared to its predecessor outlet, Mexout, which oozes urban contemporary vibes with its black-washed interiors and quirky fast-food like operations (read my review here); Barrio by Mex Out boosts a more standard ordering process and therefore a more extensive menu with more snacks and its latest delve into Tortas, or otherwise known as, Mexican burgers.

Oxwell and Co presents The Ladies Dining Society: seasonal 3-course menu for $50++

Remember the bohemian space, like a dingy pub gone rogue that once churned out the darnedest Christmas menu I've ever laid eyes on? (read about it here) They've returned with an equally lunatic deal for the satisfaction of the fairer sex whilst their other half does the usual pub-crawl to placate the dog-tired humpday spirit. 

Every Wednesday from 8th June 2016 onwards, ladies get to enjoy a glass of Perrier Jouet champagne followed by an exclusive three-course dinner menu specially crafted by the deft Head Chef Nick Scorpion, finished with a chaser of sweet nothings in the form of a dessert cocktail pairing. Read, cocktail and dessert inclusive, for a tight package of just $50++. OH...Oxwell and Co; you've got other business owners wagging their droopy tails in bewilderment. But then again, being on the receiving end, you'll come to realise that this deal is indisputably worthwhile.

[GIVEAWAY] Food Trail with Quandoo: Singapore online reservation platform

There were drinks. Plenty of drinks. And for an instant, I was convinced that Quandoo was the best restaurant reservation platform there was. Not to sound cheap or anything, but let's do a recap of the food trail arranged by Quandoo and PR Bespoke; the fabulous foodie adventure unravelling in such halcyon fashion with a clear reflection of the various establishment's concept that you'll come to admire the curation of brands in Quandoo's care.

Quandoo, launched in Singapore in late 2014; now has a network of over 720 bookable restaurants and seated over 1.5 million diners over that course. Clearly remarkable for a business that has only been around the block for a while. 

Teppei Daidokoro: Food on sticks and a mean Kaisendon

I've always shied away from standing, take-away food kiosks. Mainly because I used to shun the thought of judgemental stares when eating alone or when I pick unglamorously at my teeth for stray strands of fibres fearfully under the public's watchful eye. But for once, I would actually consider ordering from a kiosk and braving the ridicule (apparently this only exists in my imagination) for a quick lunch - reason being, the food at Teppei Daidokoro, a spin-off the original and almost out-of-reach Teppei - is reasonable on the pockets and surprisingly gratifying for what it's worth.

The latest Japanese yakitori concept of Chef Teppei Yamashita and a local couple. Daidokoro is a takeaway kiosk concept offering yakitori sticks, fried croquettes in various shapes and sizes as well as their infamous kaisendon. Despite it not having the customisation options of the Syokudo in ION Orchard (read my review here), you'll still be bogged down for choices given the extensiveness of the small kiosk's menu; each and every glistening stick vying for attention.