Teepee Bar and Restaurant: Burgers & Cocktails match

Sure, it took me awhile before the shutters on this one were open to actually pay my maiden visit. But I'm certain my somewhat tardiness paid off.

Opened last Wednesday, Teepee Bar Bar is a casual joint hidden behind a non-descript frontage on 31 Hong Kong Street, just opposite the alley way from Pyxiemoss. Judging by the erratic working hours, Teepee is a true-blue all-day dining concept. Churning out hot cuppa joes from 8am in the morning and transiting into 'too-cool-for-school' intimate burger and cocktail bar by night.

Ordering is a walk in the park given the concise menu of a few burgers and rice bowls. I dived in straight for a customised cocktail - a White Negroni, padded with my favourite old suze bitters in place of campari. The result was a sensory overload , the herbaceous root flavor earthing the heady sweet mixture. If you're gunning for one of their signature cocktails, let it be the Dark and Stormy ($16) - Diplomatico rum meets homemade cola syrup and East Imperial's Ginger Beer for a concoction that is as tingling cold as it is fresh and punchy.

Where burgers are concerned, pick the Umami Swiss ($18) featuring a 150g beef patty, caramelised onions and mushroom trio blanketed by melted cheese. Sure, this does bring to mind the Burger King perennial favourite: mushroom swiss, only BETTER! Pick it up between your fingers and dig in, safe to say this needs about 3 napkins but I managed with 1. The challenges were aplenty as the double slice of thick juicy tomato and lettuce attempt to steal the limelight with every bite; I removed those successfully in order to enjoy my burger in its full glory.

The partner's Buttermilk Chicken ($17) burger did have a nice ring to it, with brined chicken thigh, apple raisin slaw, cheese and caramelised onion. The amalgamation worked miraculously, although he did feel that the protein was a little too turgid to the bite. 'It's chicken thigh, honey'.

For what it's worth, Teepee Bar and restaurant serves as an idyllic den for escapism from the world and indulgence of the burger sort. They do have a couple of rice bowls on the menu for those on the prowl for something a little more 'hipsterish', but for me, the familiar formula of burgers is unavoidable. And for that, I can safely say I will be back to suss out the rest of the burger menu.

p.s. I hear they are running a 31% off promotion till the end of the year. With the exception of Public Holidays and the day before public holidays, meaning that today is technically the LAST day you get to enjoy a big cut off your bill. Jump on it!

Teepee Bar and Restaurant

31 Hong Kong Street #01-02

S(059670)

t: 6225 0025

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teepee.sg/

Operating Hours:

Mon - Sat: 8am - 12pm

Sun: Closed

Lan Ting: for Crackin' Dim Sum this festive season

If the trayfuls of roast meat and leftover turkey are starting to give you the heebie jeebies then look no further than the wealth of dim sum choices at Lan Ting.

The only folks I know to churn our dim sum at 8 am in the morning, you'll be sure to visited by pangs of nostalgia similar to those you get when making your rounds of the Hong Kong dim sum restaurants.

Phat Cat Laundry: Not a Washout

Jiak Chuan road has a party vibe that has made it synonymous with neon lights. And that is what you get with a brief introduction to Phat Cat Laundry as you stumble past the fake facade of a laundromat up front (apparently licensing for a proper laundromat, to throw guests off is quite a hard deal to get around). Instead you find lengthy black marble bar counter and heaps of lounging space illuminated by artificial candle light. The walls meandering in the same backwash with cheeky aphorisms with visuals to match: dry hump with consent? do not dampen spirits? - a tad cheesy we think but superimposed on white laundry tag like cloth, it does relay a strong theme.

Monday Light Bites: Roxy Laksa EST 1952 @ Timbre+

Not to be confused with the original Roxy Square laksa, Roxy Laksa EST 1952 was borne out of humble push cart origins. Started by Mr Lim Kiok Seng who used to station his cart outside the Roxy Theatre, the recipe has since then been passed down to its current 3rd generation runner, and endearingly, his grandson, Mr. Mike Lim.

With a short stint at East Coast Lagoon Food Village, the stall has now relocated to Timbre+, this brazen move in collaboration with lawyer-turned-chef Willin Low of famed Wild Rocket. It's long heritage a tad aloof to the new-ish facade of the shipping container composed grounds. Still, food standards here are kept on a tight ship and artisanal integrity is preserved, right down to the itty gritty details. Mind you, Mike still takes to squeezing his own coconut milk by hand, daily.

Ordering is kept fuss-free at the stall, and unlike the usual where you get a choice of noodles and the decorative sides of egg and cockles. Roxy Laksa only does theirs one way - the Roxy  Laksa ($4.50) comes served with slices of fishcake, prawns and beansprouts. All splayed out over thick rich gravy with hand chopped spices for a touch of Perenankan nostalgia. To be perfectly honest, I've not quite savoured a broth like this, chock full of prawn bits and thick with nyona influences, this will have you slurping till the bottom of the bowl.

So if you're around the area and looking for a quick laksa fix, visit Roxy Laksa EST 1952 and show your support! Last I've heard Chef Willin and Mike are working out plans to create a production kitchen that will make hawker food on a more scalable level without compromising on flavors!

Roxy Laksa EST 1952

Timbre+

73A Ayer Rajah Crescent

S(139957)

Operating Hours:

Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm

Sun: Closed

13 Duxton Hill: BEST EVER Birthday meal by a long shot

One of the 9 or so courses (non-inclusive of the escapades on the drinks frontier) served to me the first time I ate at the new 13 Duxton Hill was a cathedral rock formation cluster of daikon rolled shavings and cured apple with a raw sunchoke creme filling ($10).. It looked pretty and almost pagan at the same time, I could have sworn it was sorcery when the first mouthful touched my lips and the vinegar lit a steady burn on my ulcered lips.

This plate was more than just a pretty picture. Wrapped inside its towering lengths was an earthly whirl of goodness, pulverised till it no longer resembled its usual crunchy state. In the following dish, there was baby corn, salted prawn head butter and dusted with meanders of burnt cocoa powder ($16) for that slight astringency amidst lashings of lavishness. The combination of prawn head butter and toasted croissant was a complete surprise, extraordinary in ways I'd never imagined before.

Tippling Club's NEW Sensorium Menu has got something that would stir those memories

An aromatic affair greets those looking to venture to Tippling Club. I've always treasured my sense of smell, sure, my taste buds may be faulty at time, but nothing trips the nose. So imagine my delight when I found a cocktail at Tippling club with a description of "rain"- one thing you gotta know about me is the inexplicable swell of joy in my heart whenever the smell of incoming rain hits. The thousands of memories evoked turns the corners of my lips, such is the effect of Tippling Club's recently conceived Sensorium Menu.

Tippling Club and International Flavors and Fragrances have collaborated to put the boundless possibilities of a flavors and scents marriage into actualisation through the Sensorium Menu. Designed to stir deeply-rooted memories by nervous-system information carried down the olfactory nerve, this 'new technology' is as deeply profound as it is delicious.

Big Lazy Chop 大懒排: Where size really does matter.

I love it when restaurants make the ordering process a breeze. 

At Big Lazy Chop, a speciality zi-char stall just a stone's throw away from Rocher MRT; it's exactly like that. First there's the pictorial spread of the menu followed by a clear and concise referral to the specialities of the kitchen via the full page visual on the left side of the fold-out menu. Decisions are usually made fast and furious with a little unease displayed during the choice of sizes for their signature Indo Curry Crayfish Beehoon. $13 gets you a small portion whilst $19 gets you a medium. Here's a quick tip, for two, if the intention is to order ribs and other dishes, make do with the former. However, if you're feeding the alcohol munchies with no other sides as distraction, make a beeline for the medium.

[POP-UP] WOLF X Bird Bird: The Burger Breakdown

Lest we forget, a good burger is a thing of beauty. Oneness in the patty fat-to-meat ratio and sauces knitting all into a 'perfect burger'. It's satisfying, messy manifestation of all things umami: beef, melted cheese and tomatoes, all ready to be augmented by additions such as bacon, relish, slaw... there are a few things culinary that can be relied on to do their job as effectively. Much less in a tidy package. But hey, it's personal, a burger does the job of lifting the spirits for me, it might not for you, but hold on to your horses as I reveal one of the newest burger kids on the 'Ann Siang Road' block. Get your paper towels ready.

The Alchemist Beer Lab: Food before Drinks. always.

Who's a Top Chef fan like I am? The first time I saw infusion used to similar capabilities as what The Alchemist Beer Lab does was when Season 10 winner Kristen Kish picked up a cream whipper in a quick-fire challenge; stuffed in her slab of fish coupled with a few sticks of bruised lemongrass and other aromatics and charged it twice before giving it a good hard shake. Why? Simply because pressure causes the flavors to be pushed into the protein faster, almost like marination on steroids. Now, why didn't I think of this...

Apologies for the geek talk, let's move on the subject of The Alchemist Beer Lab and their striking new presence in the South Beach precinct. What I love about this place, aside from the looming towers of ice cold beer, are the towering ceilings. There's nothing quite like a spacious act to induce the thirsties. At Alchemist Beer Lab, they perform major reconstructive work on the beers by injecting flavor via infusion. And not just any beer at that, since they are the brainchild by the same team behind microbrewery pub Little Island Brewing Co., mostly their concoctions are put in play. Soliciting the help of beer towers imported from Poland and The United States, ingredients ranging from marshmallows to pineapple slices, apple slices and thyme are placed in (HUGE AMOUNTS) the fusion chamber and this is followed by a quick release of compressed gas before beer is dispensed into the tower. This tedious process which involves lots of sanitisation in the midst helps to maximised flavor extraction to produce some delightful twists to the base beer.

Monday light Bites: Cafe de Hong Kong and their legendary French Toast

What I was trying to do was solve a problem. It's December, you can guess the problem. The... OMG! I have so much food entry backlog to clear. Let's ogle at my #foodporn photos instead Problem. You can only imagine the amount of build up in the 'bank' given my tortoise rate of expressing myself. Lol, I would like to think of it as 'managing expectations' since plowing into the field of the 'newest and bestest' just crimps my style.

Speaking of bestest, these images, albeit from a long while back, made me stop and stare.

Yes, it's non other than Cafe de Hong Kong and their legendary French Toast. Disclaimer: This may induce severe lust and will cause an almost immediate response of kicking off your PJs in a bid to get there. They don't open on Mondays though. Just saying.

Talay Thai: a Drinking hole with Thai twists

A new urban watering hole backed by Thai influenced nosh has just opened up in Clarke Quay. An area more known for the seductive night life and late-night libations, Creative Eateries have yielded to conventions with their newest concept, Talay Thai. Upon traversing through the ostentatious interiors, you will notice the rustic red floors, large screaming neon sign " Love you long long time" and eclectic fish scale feature walls. These are details mandatory for any exotic drinking hole to stand out in the precinct.

The Clifford Pier: presents a localised Singapore Heritage AfternoonTea

The Clifford Pier is in a league of its own. That's in terms of heritage value as well as ambiance. First and foremost, being a landmark built to serve as a landing point for immigrants and other sea passenger, the place is steeped in history and it's emulated through the grandeur and majesty of the venue which Fullerton has painstakingly taken to restore.

For a taste of localised flavors, interlocking tastes of sambal chili, dark soy sauce and garlic; look to The Clifford Pier's new Singapore Heritage Afternoon Tea. The selection of 8 savoury and 8 sweet items, a thoughtful representation of Singapore's culinary past and present. Make sure to complement your afternoon tea experience with a choice of beverage ranging from local Teh Tarik to a selection of excellently curated tea, each touting a fancy name such as Silver Moon and Magic Moment.

Park Bench Deli: X'mas 2016 Festive Meats

Christmas eats takes on new fangled shapes this year at Park Bench Deli! Yes, we're talking about sandwiches and there's no one we trust more than PBD to deliver top notch renditions that won't cost you and arm and a leg.

Classic roasts are packed into big boy sandwiches with 2 new festive sandwiches that will be available for a limited time only.

Otto's Deli Fresh: Wholesome bites in the heart of Holland Village

I had my qualms about this place initially. It's rather peculiar positioning in Raffles @ Holland Village reinforced by second floor placement raising concerns about low footfall and visibility even if placed in the bustling neighbourhood. The newest labour of love, Otto's Deli Fresh by one of the most respected veterans in Singapore's Food and Beverage industry, Otto Weibel sets to present a curated food selection showcasing provenance and quality in a snugly familiar way. The all-day dining menu allowing customers to enjoy even the most illustrious of breakfast dishes late at night.

Botanist Islay Dry Gin: makes a splash in Gin Jubilee 2016

Rewind to two months ago where Botanist Gin first made its landing on Singapore shores. Now, Gin Jubilee 2016 is upon us, running from 20 - 26 November across various establishments in Singapore.

Botanist Gin will be making its presence at several events and even mixed into two #ginjubilee2016 local entries hailing from Ah Sam's Cold Drinks Stall and Neon Pigeon. For those of you who aren't aware, 36 bars across Singapore are vying for the title of Singapore's Best Gin & Tonic and all you have to do to cast your vote is to take a picture of the special entry consumed and hash tag it #ginjubilee2016. Participating bars include Smoke & Mirrors, Spago, Tippling Club, Spiffy Dapper, The Other Room, The Horse's Mouth and High Ball amongst many others.

[GIVEAWAY] Sawadee Thai Cuisine: Traditional and Radical all at once

After settling into its humble abode on Tan Quee Lan Street, Sawadee Thai Cuisine is back with a vengeance to win over palates with their display of cuisine originating from the Land of Smiles. In line with its 15th Anniversary this October, it has launched a refreshing new menu that has injected a breath of fresh air into the run-off-the-mill Thai cuisine that we all too familiar with.

Hokkaido Izakaya @ Japan Food Town: Worth queuing in line for

Hokkaido Izakaya in Japan Food Town is an extension of its exuberant culture displayed on Tanjong Pagar road. Yet, even with it branching out into a less exciting venue (in a mall), the restaurant always sees the backing of long lines. If that doesn't say something about the quality of food here, I really don't know what else justifies as valid proof.

Relying on Hokkaido's produce as vision, the establishment dishes out the best of ingredients from towns such as Yakumo, Akkeshi, Furano and Kamishihoro - albeit not in your usual omakase fou-fou but in a more approachable manner with wallet friendly prices to boot. Hence the long lines that you'll have to endure. But let's get this straight, if you're looking to kick off an illustrious night with friends, then a meal at Hokkaido Izakaya would be 'it'. Bearing in mind that they do carry a rather pervasive list of sake and shoju to fuel any conversation.

Suntory Beer Dinner - Enjoy The Premium Malt's at ADRIFT by David Myers

To announce the introduction of Suntory The Premium Malt to Adrift's great beverage menu, we were honoured to be able to attend a special dinner with food pairing specially curated by Chef David himself. Describing itself as a modern take on the vibrant Izakaya, Suntory beers' fit into the menu is almost seamless; pairing effortlessly with the small plates and meats grilled over bincho tan.

But first, fried chicken. and I must admit that the Crispy Karaage here is truly legit. Best dredged thru the accompanying furikake mayo for an explosion of umami flavors.

Manhattan Bar presents a walk through Central Park

Alright, so my favourite Black Tuesdays (pictured above) has been wiped clean off the menu at Manhattan Bar, but hey.. the new Central Park menu does prove to contain some gems in its sprawling green realms. Representing the 843-acres of public park, Central Park provides a piece of tranquil serenity in the midst of the concrete jungle it is located in; the alcoholic libations and accompanying snacks do walk in the same relaxed stride.

[NEW] Suzette: Esplanade's newest Dessert bar

I hate to say, but I missed the memo about it being an outdoor picnic event. And as much as I despised the heavy smokescreen of humidity there was in the bay area, a well-thought out launch party coupled with gorgeous wicker baskets and flower arrangements pretty much MADE my Saturday.

Suzette, the third venture from the same peeps behind popular Lola's Cafe and On The Table is a seemingly brave attempt at stepping out of its comfort zone (the suburbs and neighbourhoods). Purely dessert in concept, the smallish cafe offers a wide variety of sweets ranging from their signature tarts to a multitude of butter cream cakes on ornate cake stands. 

SPRMRKT kitchen + Bar: sprawling grounds and potent cuisine

I get asked this question a lot. "Where's a good restaurant that you've eaten at recently", people trying to fleece information off you in order to avoid a disastrous dinner date later. Maybe fleece is too bold a word to use since I'm almost always willing to share. In fact, if you had asked me (nicely), where should you embark on your next romantic dinner date. I would have this one suggestion: SPRMRKT Kitchen + Bar at STPI.

Wine Fiesta 2016: [RISING ROOTS} celebrates Farm-to-Table food and Natural Wines

Good news for all wine enthusiasts - The annual 9th Wine Fiesta Singapore is happening this weekend from 20 - 23 October 2016 at Clifford Square amidst the beautiful backdrop of Marina Bay Skyline and along the Fullerton Bay Hotel. Presented by The Straits Wine Company, this outdoor extravaganza boasts a huge tentage featuring over 350 wine labels, 70 global winemakers and more importantly, a combined vast culture of wine-making and appreciation sessions. Gracing the celebration are some of the city's most renowned chefs from Burnt Ends, Cheek by Jowl, Tin Hill Social, Meat Smith, Good Chance Popiah, Tamarind Hill and Morsels.

Every story has a beginning - this year, The Straits Wine Company is going back to their roots in a whole new exciting way. Debuting at Wine Fiesta 2016, four out of nine natural wine producers from the Basket Range region in Adelaide Hills will be features with a slew of others from New Zealand and Australia, making this year's theme 'Rising Roots' all the more poignant. "Basket Range marks a new defining moment in wine culture... a new chapter in the unique story of wine making history in Australia." Group CEO Ms Kathy Lim enthuses, adding that "enjoying wine should be a fun and more pleasurable pursuit... forget about intimidating, formal settings with conventional Western cuisine."

Fat Lulu's: For a Good Time

Had Chef Sam Chabalani become a dysfunctional alcoholic after a fruitless stint at Raven, we wouldn't have the fortune of reaping the sweet burnt fruits of his labor at the new Fat Lulu's located at the now defunct Five and Dime. If you, like me are addicted to @Sammeernoog's eccentric Instagram persona, you'll be glad to know that his outlandish character spills over into his dishes. The portrayal of friendships cemented in the kitchens evident in the nosh put up and the amicable yet spontaneous service.

Brunch threads on familiar territory with a few stand out dishes that speak in a stronger tone of the kitchen's #noburnnotaste rule. But hold up, we'll get there eventually...

Man Man Unagi Restaurant by Teppei: The Search is over.

Don't want to sound too melodramatic or anything, but the minute my calender sounded out an opportunity to photograph Teppei's latest concept, I jumped higher than an alley cat who just had a bizarre looking cucumber thrown his way. Yes, Man Man is Chef Teppei Yamashita's 5th concept after the reveal of several other stellar ventures including Hanare, Teppei Syokudo and Hana Hana. He lets out a bemused laughter when questioned about plans for another concept, in it embodying a undisclosed confidence as though he something up his sleeves. For you curious cats, you'll just have to wait and see.

But for now, there's Man Man Unagi Restaurant which puts to rest, the endless search for delicious yet affordable unagi dons. I assure, from the secret marinade to the freshly grated wasabi and use of binchotan; Chef Teppei Yamashita has got everything down pat. And it shows immaculately in the dishes.

Open Door Policy: 100% Gluten and Dairy-free joint is a treasure trove of surprises

From the get go, Open Door Policy's (or more fondly known as ODP) new 100% gluten free and dairy free menu offerings were a bit of a turn-off. If it hadn't been for the promise of uncompromised quality in comfort dishes such as pasta draped in bechamel (Wait.. what? How?) and sustainable dining by means of vertical farming, I wouldn't have been caught dead wondering in a hipster yogi joint.

Chef Ryan Clift pulls of the new menu with the same razzle dazzle of a magician. Building climaxes of expectations with words such as grilled bread, and maccheroni pasta and finally being greeted by thunderous applause when the rabbit is pulled out of the hat. Yes, executing the new concept at ODP does require a whole bag of tricks, back-breaking work and definitely can be described as a magical experience in most ways.

Dehesa: Meat-Lovers Nirvana

The past F1 weekend reached fever pitch in the city with each revving and screaming of tires. Similarly, a wave of primal craving rises with each juicy, succulent offering from Dehesa - home of the complete nose to tail experience, right down to the finish line.

Chef and owner Jean-Phillippe Patruno, one of the innovative forerunners of this culinary revolution in Singapore, commits his craft to whole animal usage in his alternative cut and offal delicacies. The price of which is kept very low at only $28++ per head, with each new lunch set menu primed for a quick yet deliciously sinful experience.

Brez'n: Winding down with Bavarian food

There's nothing like a pint of ice-cold Hefe Weissbier to wind down to after a back-breaking day's worth of work. Better yet, if its accompanied with good food. Enter, the new Brez'n in Valley Point which combines the two on an unprecedented scale with the menu presenting a very niche offering of Bavarian delights ranging from the vegetarian Spinatknodel Spinach dumplings ($22) to the staple twists of Baum (aka pretzels), handmade and baked in-house.

Murphy's: Not your regular Fish & Chips monger in the heartlands

Murphy's follows the route of your classic cafe settings albeit caught in a past era, the kitschy paper advertisements stuck to glass walls, small little book corner constructed for book swaps tucked into the corner and unorthodox kitchen specialities yielding a stronger voice. It's a grand narration of what the joint was meant to deliver - British styled Fish & Chips with a side of Victorian charm; yet these notions have been seemingly watered down by expectations and survival instincts. Cakes, all-day-breakfast and salted egg yolk calamari occupy the menu for a more wholesome family approach.

Sen of Japan: walk the talk

Described as a casual dining Japanese restaurant and bar with intimate settings and then further elaborated to have its menu inspired by Chef Nakano, previously of NOBU at Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas's fame; Sen of Japan hits the nail on the head. Casual? - not so much for the everyday user; but for a high-roller who have just been dealt a lucky hand at Baccarat; this my friends, is what you would call fast-food; the retracing of steps back to the table fast and furious following a quick refuel.

Sen dishes out modernist Japanese cuisine, the kitschy influence of American culture on the menu highly evident and most enjoyable (if I must say so) at most times.

Quick Picks: Katto @ One North

Let's be honest, the thing that first drove us to Katto was the *drum roll*, craft beers. Just the mere sight of Stone Go to IPA, which the husband claims is in short supplies throughout most bottle shops, led to us venture out of our comfort zones in search of a meal.

And boy were we rewarded.

One-month old Katto in One-North Galaxis wing (just opposite the BreadYard) finally brings poke a little closer to home. To break it down, $12.90 gets you a sturdy carton of either salad/brown rice/ white rice and 2 choices of marinated fish in 70g portions each, finished with a choice of 2 sides.

Choices are aplenty here with the diverse range of marination on both tuna and salmon, including everything from the original shoyu to goma sesame to ginger shoyu and more. My picks would be the original shoyu and the CRC salmon - the latter, a short form for chicken rice chili. Here the cubes are enrobed in a spicy sesame oil laden dressing which packs quite a feisty punch. The perfect accompaniment to the hop heavy GO to IPA.

Sides aren't that exciting in the spectrum of things but provide enough color and texture to keep the party going. The mushrooms are excellently seasoned and juicy, lending the poke bowl the moisture it needs. 

If you're not a fan of marinated dish, there's the new Yakitori Chicken bowl with leeks and onsen egg that sounds terribly attractive as well. One-North residents, you guys sure are fortunate to have a new haunt for poke bowls; but to the rest of us, fret not! Katto has recently joined the ranks as a Deliveroo vendor, so you can now get your healthy fix via delivery. Chew on that.

Katto

1 Fusionopolis Place

Galaxis Building

#01-21

S(138522)

w: https://www.facebook.com/kattosingapore/

Operating Hours:

Mon - Fri: 11am - 8pm

Sat: 11am - 2pm

Spuds and Aprons: Food that tugs on your heart strings

"Stop at one", my emerging muffin top beckoning for a bit of repentance on the dietary front. But there was no way in the world and no will-power that strong to resist the sight of stringy cheese, the reserves of liquid gold dousing steak house frites egging you on to reach for another strand. It isn't long before the entire pile is demolished, the stray sweet potato fry from another appetiser used to mop up the residual of the 6 cheeses. The diet starts tomorrow... trust me, the guilt factor will set in.

The name of the establishment is a dead giveaway; Spuds and Aprons, yes, there are spuds in many shapes, forms and sizes presented throughout the menu. It's comfort factor, unparallelled, yet seemingly a bit out of place in such romantic settings at the joint perched on Mount Faber overlooking a spectacular sunset. It becomes obvious that the only kind of date you're going to get away with is with a lady who appreciates the finer things in life - CARBS.

SUN with MOON explores Kyushu Japan!

SUN with MOON is a cosy, intimate restaurant and cafe nestled on the third floor of Wheelock Place. Starting this September, they are launching On the Food Trail "Kyushu!", the ninth edition of a gastronomic journey to the southernmost Japanese island with a valued reputation for its natural wonders, hot springs, and of course, amazing food. Working together with Fukoka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, SUN with MOON is sourcing for the freshest, most exceptional ingredients and bringing the distinctive flavours of Kyushu to you.

Hajime @ MyVillage: Tonkatsu that feeds the illusion

Shan't beat around the bush here. Hajime Tonkatsu Ramen situated on the 2nd floor of MyVillage in Serangoon Gardens does one of the most perfect renditions of Tonkatsu I've ever had, with a serious consideration of price context of course. 

Maggie Joan's: Lunch affairs and the Prince of Pasta

Adding to the diversity of its night menu, Maggie Joan's rolls out equally delicious lunch exclusives that have the intention of setting the days' grievances right without taking too big a wedge from your wallets.

Taking inspiration from familiar Mediterranean flavors, the lunch menu delves in the same field without being too overly abstract. Start your meal off with the usual.. their Homemade Sourdough still rakes in as one of the best renditions I've had the blessing of slathering butter on, and not any normal butter at that, we're talking Smoked Beef Fat Butter... yes, talking about over-indulgence here.

FORT by Maison Ikkoku: 12-course omakase and a bevy of cocktails. What diet?

It's been awhile friends since I last penned down my biased thoughts and discrimination. Here's one to roll off the short week...

Maison Ikkoku, as I've touted before, is an institution. And even more so now that it has occupied the grounds at the Singapore Pinacotheque De Paris; a luscious sprawling minimalistic cocktail den splayed in cool colors of violet and blues to lure the passive drinkers. Here at FORT, Executive Chef and Senior Master Mixologist, Ethan Leslie Leong applies his cocktail (perceptibly expensive as I've noted in 2013 : read here) techniques with a balanced selection of food, delicate soups, salads, maki and other signature dishes made from scratch within the same fundamental grounds. A pretty impressive feat if you've take a look at the make-shift bar counter doubling up as a fully functional kitchen.

For just $68++, one can sink your teeth into a progressive 12-course omakase with no obligations of cocktails at all, though one must admit, the lures are evident, especially when only bar-seats are available. And if you should choose to, trust that you'll be in safe hands with resident mixologist Matteo Cadeddu working his magic behind the bar -  his dabble in alcoholic libations fuelled by memories and inspirations from his homestead; Italy. Take for example the Bloody Memory he fixed me, fortified with bottarga -  a salted. cured fish roe, shaved over the fiery concoction. Eccentric but oh, so good!

Le Binchotan: French-Japanese tapas with a mean cocktail bar @ Amoy Street

Perched behind closed doors... Yes... that seems to be the trend nowadays. The presence of open-air brasseries with doors flung wide open, a thing of ancient history. Yet another dining concept to join the ranks is Le Binchotan, BurgerJointsg's not-so-simple girl next door. Here, Chef Atsuhiko Hagiwara from Ginza Tokyo restaurant En.Terrible together with Singapore Head Chef Jeremmy Chiam churn out a sophisticated bar menu with a Japanese touch and a special homage paid to the technique of smoking meats and seafood over bincho-tan (white charcoal).

By lunch, the dark den offers a much-needed respite from the hard-knocked life awaiting most executives on the outside. Lunch sets range from $38+ for 3 courses to an affordable $48+ for 4 courses with the added luxury of having one of the city's more talented bartenders Sugar Ray Ruban (previously of Cufflink Club and Vasco) mix you a stiff one to while away the remaining dreary afternoon.

SAVOUR Wines 2016: reasons to visit Singapore's BIGGEST ever Food and Wine Festival

If you did patronize the SAVOUR event in May this year (read about my experience over here); you would have known what a huge success it was in combining the prowess of several home-grown culinary talents and their mentors together with the magic of fresh produce from far-away lands all under one roof! Good news! as SAVOUR makes a second comeback this year with an event that piques the interest of wine-savvy members with a larger-than-life wine market housing over 400 labels of wines, specially curated from all over the globe.

Xiao Ya Tou: Mod-Sin Brunch of epic proportions

Tied of fighting the crazy queue situation at Symmetry on Sunday mornings? Fret not, as their baby sister outlet Xiao Ya Tou dishes out an equally epic Asian brunch on weekends from 9am to 4pm! Opened by Abby Lim, chef-owner of Symmetry; you can expect to find the same league of brunch nosh here, but served up with an ode to Asian and Mod-Sin fare.

Miam Miam: New Pasta & Pancake Creations

Miam Miam's newest menu addition is the alluring Mentaiko King Crab Pasta ($19.80). This Squid Ink Pasta Dish features juicy Alaskan King Crab slathered with cod roe mayo! The first bite will surely knock you off your feet, for the dark strands of pasta belie some real powerful spiciness that keep you coming back for more. You'll end up with some goth lips and stained teeth, and with a satisfied grin to show them off!

The Best Brew @ Four Points by Sheraton Singapore: Brew & BBQ

Nestled comfortably within the newly renamed Four Points by Sheraton Singapore (formerly Riverview Hotel), restaurant and bar The Best Brew has unveiled its latest offering of the sizzling monthly Brew & BBQ night. The perks are plenty. For a romantic night out, the establishment boasts an intimate view of the Singapore River, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Inside, the bar churns out live music for a fun night out.

[NEW] Shaburi and Kintan: Two all-you-can-eat dining concepts under one roof!

I honestly do love my yakiniku; just not the smell that sticks to your like a monkey on your back - the stark realization creeping up on you as you make tailwind of the restaurant. Fret not, even if the new Kintan buffet in JEM inflicts the same 'punishment' on its guest, it's all worth it. The free-flow Japanese BBQ experience reaping large amounts of satisfaction stemming from the superb meat quality and variety displayed. Perfumed with smoked fats, you'll leave with a smile plastered to your face, that I can guarantee you.

Sugar & Spice: French Nougat from Taiwan

Making Nougat isn't an easy process... I can personally vouch for this as looking back on pastry school a couple of years ago. I've witnessed many eager beavers making the mistake of adding the sugar syrup way too early in the game (of making French Montelimar nougat) resulting in the whipped egg whites being reduced to a soupy mess. It's finicky business where nougat is concerned and to be honest, not something that I can usually get my hands on due to its holiday gift connotations.

Thanks to the parents who recently came back from a trip to Taichung, I managed to score several renditions off the flagship stall of Sugar and Spice. The French Nougat (approximately $21.30) is a cracking snack, that exercises the jaws when consumed in larger amounts (*gulps* guilty as charged). Suitable sweet with a firm body that allows for easy removal from the wrapper and yet chewy innards perforated with toasted Californian almond nuts - these are so addictive and there's no stopping at one. Then again, I might have overkilled and performed a full-fledged rampage one the seal was broken; hence explaining the massive amount of ulcers I'm nursing right now.