Showing posts with label salad. Show all posts
Showing posts with label salad. Show all posts
Quick Picks: Katto @ One North
Labels:
affordable,
delivery,
healthy eating,
lunch,
must go,
onenorth,
poke,
quick picks,
salad,
sashimi,
will return
·
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)
Operating Hours:
Mon - Fri: 11am - 8pm
Sat: 11am - 2pm
Daikokuya (Paragon): Ramen stop.
Labels:
affordable,
ala carte,
big groups,
dinner,
family friendly,
japanese,
lunch,
may return,
orchard,
ramen,
restaurants,
salad,
tonkatsu
·
Ramen is a meal option in abundance, especially when straddling the length of Orchard road. There's just something about a group of friends bent over hot bowls of noodles, slurping on thick broth full of umami that sets the stage for feelings of camaraderie.
Daikokuya located in the basement of Paragon with its long term residence in the same location has been on my "to-try' list, at least subconsciously, for the longest period of time.
It was a Monday night when we set foot in the establishment. Business was all but a thin whisper of cold air apart from the subdued laughter from our table. Perhaps it's the Monday blues at work, but with the queue system at Din Tai Feng in full swing next door; one begins to wonder if the change in menu has had an adverse effect on business.
[CNY'2015] Oceans of Seafood: Japanese inspired Yu-Sheng
Labels:
affordable,
all-day-breakfast,
bukit timah,
clarke quay,
family friendly,
japanese,
may not return,
pasta,
salad,
sashimi,
seafood
·
With Chinese New Year just around the corner, the pressure is on, to get hold of a jaw-dropping yu-sheng to impress the family. If the normal yusheng just doesn't cut it for you anymore. Look no further, Oceans of Seafood is proud to present its unique take on the traditional yusheng with "Vibrancy of Life". A mainly sashimi dominated dish composed of the freshest seafood flown in from Tsukiji Fish Market. Impressive to look at, and even more eloquent on the palate, the 'atas-salad' stole my breathe away with its generous flourishing of rock lobster, salmon and amberjack sashimi. The Japanese inspired goma sauce had a nutty and slight acidic tang that pulled the entire medley together. To further drive it's origins of inspiration home, imported vegetables from Japan are incorporated into the yusheng, take for example the red and white radishes that really add to that quintessential crunch. Priced at $128++ (Dine-in) and $128+ (take away), this out of the ordinary yusheng is available for pre-order now and will also be purchasable for a limited period from 31st Jan to the 5th March.
Outback Steakhouse: Magic, Madness, Heaven, Sin
Labels:
ala carte,
alfresco,
american,
australian,
banana bread,
beer,
big groups,
buffalo wings,
circle line,
cityhall,
cocktails,
desserts,
family friendly,
ice-cream,
Milennia Walk,
nachos,
restaurants,
ribs,
salad,
steak
·
I can never say no to ribs. And seriously, looking at those peeking honeyed strands of tender meat percolating barbecued goodness, only a saint can resist (or can they?)
Dinner at Outback Steakhouse was an interesting experience since my previous exposure was in Sydney. Uprooting, might I add, since I had the misconception that Outback steakhouse as name stakes was an all Australian joint, NO, in fact, it's an Australian-themed American casual dining restaurant chain based in Tampa, Florida with over 1200 locations in 23 countries now. Pardon me for the large rock I've been hiding under...
So moving on, we started our feast with non other than the quintessential American pub grub classic, Buffalo wings dressed as Kookaburra Wings (half $9.90, full $14.90), chicken joints tossed in a savoury blend of spices and then fanned out around a well of creamy blue cheese dressing. If you appreciate a good chunky blue cheese dressing then this would be one not to miss. A quick dipping with the fresh celery sticks would satiate those with a penchant for sauces.
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!)
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.
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.
Saboten: Still haven't found what I'm looking for
Labels:
family friendly,
japanese,
orchard 313,
salad,
tonkatsu,
will not return
·
One of the several reasons to like Saboten is the bona-fide promise to get some deep-fried food into your system without the whole cloying oil-laden regrets that come an hour later.
In Tune with the opening of its new outlet in 313 Somerset, Saboten has released some new menu speciality items such as the Iberico Loin Katsu Set ($28) and the Fried Jumbo Prawns Set ($28.50) to create a stir amongst its diners. To be fair, Saboten has never quite stolen the residency of 'Singapore's King of Tonkatsu' throne in my heart, and I broached the repeated challenge with indifference.
The promise of more glamorous waves unfortunately was met with a barrage of quizzical looks round the table as diners found themselves tucking into a chewier cut of meat masquerading as Iberico pork, this pedigreed species which supposedly delivers more succulence and delicacy of flavor from it's excellent marbling had no such luck here.
The Fried Jumbo Prawn Set is an immaculate gathering of gold treasures in various shapes and sizes. It's entourage including a wild-catch tiger prawn, creamy crab croquette and a hunk of original loin katsu. Indecisive ones will feel a strong tug to check out this 'surf & turf' set and hope for the best for at least one of the lot. For those who venture into this terrain, you'll be rewarded with an even showing from all aspects of the meal, the jumbo prawn grown to such large proportions that a quick trip to the deep fryer still render its deep innards unimaginably creamy. The crab croquette which tasted more of potato than crab meat had a melted cream cheese like texture when pried apart. Last but not least, the piece of original loin katsu peculiarly nudged the Iberico katsu off its pedestal and had a better luscious quality to it.
Now filled up on free-flow cabbage and fried food, we wrapped up the ingloriously diet-betraying affair with the Fried Hotate ($12 for 2 pieces) which are only available till the end of October in line with the seasonal Hotate Feast. These beauties were pulled from the heat precisely at the moment their flesh turns from translucent to a crystal white, before they had a chance to seize up into a rubbery puck that would chase away their sweet oceanic juices. Definitely a dish worth splashing the extra couple of bucks for.
Surrounded by a deluge of similar concept restaurants with identical menu, Saboten misses the mark pertaining to specific issues such as the quality of its cuts (as explained before), however, some of it's less common offerings ups the ante for those craving a little bit more variety.
Saboten
Orchard 313
#B2-02/03
w: https://www.facebook.com/saboten.sg
Opening Hours:
Daily 11:30am to 10:00pm
Ootoya: From Farm to Table
Labels:
clementi,
dinner,
health,
japanese,
media event,
orchard central,
restaurants,
salad,
salads,
sommerset,
vegetables
·
Most of the time, being a 'food blogger', and we often get blinded sided in our rat race to get to latest food fads; more often than not, losing sight of the true essence of food and it's humble beginnings. Especially in Singapore, because of geographical limitations and monetary considerations, very rarely do we come across individuals or corporations that show a remote passion in stressing the importance of sustainability practises in the Food and Beverage industry. While living in Sydney, 'farm to table' movements and 'local produce used' were a dime in a dozen. akin to the magnitude of the waffle and gelato craze here on our local shores, yet returning back to my motherland has cast a huge soaking wet blanket over my conviction to pursue environmental sustainability through local produce. Up till now...
A recent invite to Ootoya opened my eyes to a whole new realm of farming in Singapore. Panasonic Factory Solutions Asia Pacific (Panasonic) has announced it's pilot commercial supply of locally harvested vegetables to Japanese restaurant Ootoya. Cultivated in a 248 square meter indoor agriculture facility, 10 types of vegetables are grown via soil based environment with LED lighting, out with which 3 varieties are now employed in Ootoya's local menu. What impressed me the most tenacity of Panasonic in using their advancements in technology to derive methods to drive self sufficiency through a sustainable cultivation method. In the course of doing so, astutely roping in Ootoya whose focus on quality of life by offering up authentic home cooked Japanese food to their customers is unquestionably in sync with Panasonic's vision to adopt an sustainable and cost efficient method of farming that still hits the home run with the freshness and quality of its vegetables.
Shrimp Salad with Aurora dressing ($4). Mini Red Radish, red leafy lettuce, mizuna and shrimps served with creamy dressing made from bell peppers and tomatoes. Not my favourite but still does a great job in highlighting the great produce that is the local farm vegetables.
For the mains, we were treated to a choice of 3 sets of different proteins. S couldn't get past the Hokke Set, consisting of a charcoal grilled fish, miso soup, chawanmushi, rice and a side dish of braised vegetables; this instantly took me back to my experiences of dining at a Japanese home stay. The style of cooking so delicate and earnest that it almost felt like you were dining under the expert care of a matronly chef, the pride and meticulous ways of the kitchen individuals shining ever so brightly.
My Pork Belly Shiokuji Set presented different flavor dimensions and textures with each bite. The tenderness of the grilled pork belly achieving transcendence with the diners in the room.
Watch out for the new salads featuring the locally grown vegetables to be released officially somewhere in Mid-August. Meantime, for you faithful followers of Ootoya, here's a little something special.
fundamentally-flawed dined as a guest of Ootoya. A major thanks to Adrienne of Golin Harris for the kind invite!
Ootoya Japanese Restaurant
#08-12 Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
Seasons Bistro: Seasonal based Cuisine in the heart of Orchard
Seasons Bistro located at Triple One has given residents a new neighbourhood place where they can have a really simple meal, or, when they feel like it, something more extravagant.
It's name conveniently convenes it's principals, "seasons" touting it's homage to a seasonally driven menu with constantly changing fare showcasing the freshest ingredients; "bistro" speaking volumes about the affordability of it's offerings. Executive Chef Benjamin Fong is the man responsible for flicking the dust off traditionally dearly priced seasonal menus, focusing mainly on the multifaceted American cuisine, with influences from Canada, New England, Mexico and the cosmopolitan New York City.
The menu is sprinkled with strange and contemporary choices geared for the curious diner. Lunch time sees a value-for-money set menu priced at the affable $12.99 for a choice of soup, main and coffee/soft drink (add $5 for a choice of desserts), a penny pinchers dream come true. With dark wood finishes and sleek varnished counter tops, bringing a company function to its midst now seems like a viable and slightly classier option.
I went ahead with the set lunch. Opting for the soup of the day for starters. The potato and leek soup probably doesn't sound like a bell ringer, however its deliverance was stellar. Clean flavors without the distracting chunks of potatoes nor irrelevant carrots, as most cafe renditions are, you would expect to taste a tinge of raw starch from the mindless cooking; that wasn't the case at Seasons Bistro. A technically sound bowl of soup that saw my spoon clanging the bottom of the dish eagerly.
My main came in the form of a Cobb Salad; an uncomplicated marriage that is signified on the menu by sans-serif lists of ingredients, with no capital letters, verbs, articles or hint of how one relates to the next; yet miraculously it does... and all to well. The main-dish classic American salad isn't as straightforward as it seems. It has some rock and roll in its trousers. Cajun spiced chicken grilled till spot on, boiled eggs with a slightly soft center, crisp bacon bits, black olives, corn, watercress and tomatoes strewn the plate. While the salty blue cheese marries mixed greens and creamy avocado, the result conceived is a perfect combination that presents different flavor dimensions and textures with each bite. My only gripe would have to be the beans which I have uncanny biasness towards.
Not everything is fine and dandy; the service needs improvement and the sprawling space doesn't ultimately work in its favour during a busy lunch service as our plea for desserts to be brought out was lost in translation.
Mishap aside, Seasons Bistro does have the capacity to titillate its guests, by not dishing out over complicated cuisine but tastes good enough to leave you rubbing your belly at the end of the meal. I pray that with the constant reminder of the establishment's name overhed, the chef never loses sight of the bistro's identity.
Season's Bistro
#01-11/12, TripleOne Somerset
111 Somerset Road
Singapore 238164
Website: http://www.seasonsbistro.com.sg/
Cicheti: and then there were Italian small plates
Labels:
arab street,
calamari,
italian,
kampong glam,
overrated,
pizza,
salad
·
Before stepping through the rustic black wooden doors, a thought crossed my mind; I was sure the Italians would be equally bewildered and perhaps outraged by the notion of Italian cuisine served in small plates format. Slowly taking my time to adjust to the sheer darkness of the interiors, after just having wandered around the bright-light, touristy outskirts of Kampong Glam, I let the oddity of the situation slide. Ordering a glass of house white to soothe my nerves.
Cicheti is Kampong Glam's newest addition. A narrow shopfront reveals a massive monster of an oven right in the middle of the service floor; the pizza maker revelling (or not) in the rousing heat of its hell-like hearth, the balls of dough proofing ever so slightly from the heat of the atmosphere. Gleaming in through the glass doors meant to separate this inferno and the slightly cooler interiors, we watched as spectators, as the maestro does a pronounced counter spinning motion followed by a swift arrangement of assorted ingredients.
Our meal began with my mandatory order of Calamari Mollica Di Pane ($11). Crisp fried calamari in homemade breading served with garlic aioli dip. My feathers were left unruffled. The word 'homemade' making excuses for its crumbing which was under seasoned and slightly too stodgy. Aside from the fact that the calamari could have used a good 20 seconds out of the deep fryer; the self professed garlic aioli lacked any resounding trace of garlic (not that my companion was complaining since he's very much a hater.)
Next.
We were told the Duo Caprese was not available and pointed in the direction of a house special salad ($15) instead which turned out to be an exact replica of the former, sans the fried mozzarella and with a ton more rocket piled over the top. A decent medley of boccocini, cherry tomatoes, balsamic and rocket. There was just no 'umph' in there.
And as the oven-obsessed owner would trumpet, the heart and soul of Cicheti lies in its pizzas. I was eager to get that in my belly.
A couple more glasses of wine and a Peroni later, our beautiful bubble crusted pizza stood in full glory before us. The Bismark ($19), had ham, bacon, mushrooms lying on a bed of homemade tomato sauce, before being sprinkled with a liberal dosage of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. To further feed the illusion, an egg is cracked right in the middle, tossed in the oven for a couple more seconds before being plated. The result, an imperfect, blistered edged pizza with delicious dark patches of burn marks and a delicate spot of sunshine in the middle. Chef Lim might have misjudged the cooking time of the dough while juggling the finesse of the perfect runny egg that led to a severely under-cooked bottom. Raw dough... outrageous. Nonetheless, we polished our plates in respect of alcohol laden stomachs.
Cicheti falls short of expectations on so many levels. Yet the tight spaces within the establishment allows for a lot of food ogling situations especially with thy neighbours. Perhaps I'll be back for the pastas.
Cicheti
52 Kandahar Street
Singapore 198901
Tel: 6292 5012
Website: http://www.cicheti.com/
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