Kith Cafe (Sentosa Cove): Breakfast for Champions (CLOSED)
Labels:
all-day-breakfast,
brunch,
cafe,
coffee,
hidden finds,
restaurants,
sentosa cove
·
What happens when off days and public holidays collide?
You get a crescendo of epic dining experiences, boosted by an eager spirit desperate for adventure. So off to Sentosa Cove we went.
Kith cafe located at the Sentosa Quayside Isle is a scene of rigorous activity when we arrived there 10am on Hari Raya Puasa . Take note that since Kith does not take reservations, be prepared to put your patience to the test, as seats are slowly bestowed down the snaking waiting list.
Similar to its other branches, Kith cafe at Sentosa Cove has a light and neutral color palette of shades of greys and cream complemented by the occasional whimsical touches of blackboard covered walls with the in-house menu scribbled on top. Service staff were enthusiastic and attentive, as if feeding off the crowds energy.
I settled down to a double shot Cappuccino to sooth the nerves, With orders already locked in, we braced ourselves for the next extended period of waiting; an inevitable resolution given the dining area that was filled to the brim.
About a fair 20 minutes later, our meals touched down at the tables; thank goodness for that since any added suffering of food envy, from coveting my neighbours' food would have sent me into a mental rage. My Mexican Eggs($18) consist of 2 perfectly poached eggs, topped with avocado and mayo, served on 2 slices of thick multigrain bread, with a bed of baby spinach, on the side, a generous serve of smoked salmon christened with black caviar and a dollop of spicy tomato beans. Essentially an eggs benedict with a twist, I adored the overwhelming "greenery" on the plate (that proved a little too small for conducive eating of contradicting large portions), the mixture of textures, freshness of the ingredients and punchy flavors creating a sweet dance of sensations on the palate.
My mother's Pork Belly Fried Eggs ($20) features a large slab of fat laden braised soya pork belly topped with two sunny side up eggs and finally sprinkled with magic pomegranate seeds. On the side sits a bed of wild rocket leaves with shaved parmesan cheese. The Ciabatta hidden beneath the mound of dark goodness absorbing all the wonderful juices. It might sound like a bit of work to get through, but the melange of flavors worked so well together, she polished off the dish easily.
We ordered a Strawberry smoothie to conclude the meal, something that I found paled in comparison to the rest of the meal. The sourness of the yogurt used dominating the entire configuration, it could have benefited from a little more honey in the equation.
A pit stop at Kith Cafe lets one fuel up on gargantuan servings of their signature dishes. Be sure to check out the lunch menu as well while you're at it; I've heard some good stuff about the pasta as well.
31 Ocean Way
Quayside isle
#01-08
Singapore 098375
Prego: Italian food that doesn't come in jars
Labels:
cityhall,
desserts,
fairmont hotel,
italian,
restaurants
·
Fans of hearty Italian cuisine have lots of options to choose from these days, what with the recent spate of fine dining restaurants that have opened in recent months. But few outlets can challenge the quality delivered by an old timer on the scene, Prego at Fairmont Hotel. Honest, homey Italian fare in Trattoria style. Think large wheels of Parmesan cheese on marble counter tops, strings of Italian Proscuitto and sausages hanging from the awnings and large wooden communal tables awaiting to be filled up with a tidal wave of generous feasting.
Kick starting the night, we were treated to a basket of bread baked in-house served with a variety of dips. Tomato with Basil, Caramelized Onion with Ricotta Cheese and Truffle with Ricotta Cheese. I adored the rich intensity of the Truffle with Ricotta Cheese sauce, creamy with tantalising nuances of forest mushrooms, it made for a memorable way to whet our appetites for what was coming our way.
Insalata Mista ($19) - mixed green salad, radicchio, fennel, red onion and lemon dressing
Not my favourite dish of the night since I wasn't feeling the part of a cow this evening. Pardon my prejudices.
Not to be missed is the Stracciatella di Bufala($26), a crystal clear marinated king prawn topped with a mixture of fresh tomatoes, oregano and spring onions and finally placed idyllically on a bed of pillowy buffalo stracciatella. A love story to be savoured in small doses.
Let me bring to your attention, the wine cart at our disposal. Under the guidance of our friendly wine expert, Avy, we sampled a couple of wines that were suggested as complimentary to the courses being served. The Riesling Donnhoff, Nahe, Germany (off dry) being one of the memorable ones for me; with intense lemon and lengthy mineral notes.
Our next course of Cotechino($23) was a rather fatty Italian pork sausage finished off in a roasted organic sweet pepper sauce. This dish was tender and juicy, the acidity of the peppers in the sauce helping to cut through the opulent fattiness of the sausage. Well balanced and extremely well received by all the diners.
If there are minor grouses, it would be the Bucatini ($36). Thick straw like pasta served with calamari, bread crumbs, chilli, black anchovies and fennel. This dish proved a little too dry for my liking and could have benefited from a heavier use of extra virgin olive oil to highlight the slick flavor of the pasta employed.
The Paccheri ($42) was perfect, large hollow tube like pasta bathed in a lovely roasted heirloom tomato sauce, adorned with fresh basil and finally graced with sweet lobster flesh cooked to a seductive firmness.
Merluzzo($42), baked cod fish was a dream in the mouth. The tender sweetness of the flesh complimented by earthy tones of the artichoke and kalamata olives, accompaniments to the dish.
the Stinco d'Agnello ($30) was yet another stellar dish featuring the likes of braised lamb served with roasted fennel and potatoes. A classic dish found on many Italian menus, Prego sure does an impressive take on the regular with fall off the bone lamb that was melt in your mouth delicious.
The end of the meal was marked by a traditional Italian dessert, Zabaglione ($14), essentially egg yolks cooked over a bain marie till it attains a light creamy texture; port wine was introduced into this rendition for a richer complimentary cream to the fresh berries it formed a nappage over.
The attention to detail on Prego's part is extremely enlightening. Prego definitely has that extra bit of polished refinement in terms of food, and for the most part, the excellent ingredients and sophisticated decor go hand in hand with the execution of the dish. Definitely highly recommended on my part should you be in dire need of an Italian fix.
Fairmont Singapore Hotel
Level 1
80 Bras Basah Road
Singapore 189560
Tel: +65 64316156
The Ascot: Breaking in the new dishes
Labels:
Bread and Butter Pudding,
british,
bukit timah,
desserts,
Grandstand,
hidden finds,
pubfood,
restaurants
·
Never have I wrote so many repeated reviews for the same establishment in such a short span of time; however with such a friendly pending invitation from owner, Sylvester of The Ascot, I couldn't resist the urge of returning once more to the grounds where I would be tasting some of the new offerings on the menu. Reinvention never sounded sweeter.
In the unadorned, almost austere interiors of The Ascot, the diner's attention is wholly focused on his company (Thank goodness for the mine) and the salubrious combination of addictive liquid diet and culinary subsistence.
We started off with the Cold Cut Platter ($20.50), featuring 3 types of cold cuts served with silver onions, gherkins, scotch egg & homemade ciabatta bread. A staple on the menu at The Ascot, this star quality dish proves that some of the finest things in life don't have to be complicated. The highlight of the dish being the scotch eggs, these crumbed balls of sausage meat hide a delicately "poached" egg in the center that sees a crisp on its exterior, while the creamy yolk ties in the entire mouthful like a blissful sigh.
While you're at it, try the Strawberry spinach salad with crumbled blue cheese, pistachios, bacon & avocado ($19). Before you decide that such a combination is way too weird for you, hear me out; this works. At the end of the day, you have a surprisingly delightful bowl of rainbow colours that is sweet, acidic, savoury and nutty all at once. The sweet slices of strawberry, natural bitterness of the spinach leaves, sour raspberry vinaigrette, creamy, ever so pungent blue cheese all comes together to render an eclectic mix of tastes and textures that I promise will have you rethinking you skepticism at the start.
Wash down the meal with a Pint of Dead Pony Club's Pale Ale($16); yet another brilliant offering of BrewDog Brewery.
Comfort foods such as the Fisherman's Pie keeps things snugly familiar here at the Ascot, break through the warm crust of mash to uncover a heartwarming mix of poached salmon, smoked haddock and hake all enrobed in a delicious white sauce. Despite it's unassuming facade, this dish would certainly have you breaking out the diet.
Another new dish on the menu is the Lamb rack served with asparagus and potato lyonnaise with mint sauce ($32.50); not your typical British fare, this did not tie in so well with the whole British soiree theme. However, that being said, any desperate carnivore would be satisfied with this meaty course. The rack, neatly trimmed, were cooked to perfection, it's pink flesh humming with the romance of that rendered down mint infused pan juices.
For some sweet endings to the night, order the Classic Bread & Butter Pudding ($10.50). I adored the crumbly cubes of brioche, sticking out from the saccharine rubble; that had browned so beautifully in the oven. Warm and comforting, every spoonful draped with the richness of cream, milk and butter.
The Deep-fried Mars Bars in batter($10.50) not so good for your waistline was heaven on the lips for a brief moment. The melted innards of the mars bars creating an amalgam of emotions when combined with the fried batter.
Last but not least, the Eton Mess ($8.50), macerated strawberries, fresh cream and crisp meringue create a riot of colors. It's general make-up giving off a balanced tone of sweetness and muted acidity. To be honest, I much preferred the Bread and Butter pudding; but then again, any women would be drawn to this sunny homemade dessert that flaunts the humble fresh cream.
Read my other reviews on The Ascot here and here.
A major thanks once again to Sylvester for hosting the dinner!
The Grandstand
200 Turf Club Road
#01-16
Singapore 287994
Tel: +65 64620881
Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant: the state of opulence
Labels:
cantonese,
chinese food,
dim sum,
food tasting,
media event,
mooncakes,
newton,
restaurants
·
Not so recently, I had the pleasure of attending a Mid-Autumn Media Dinner at Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant located in Sheraton Towers. Haunted by the idea that the dinner would turn out to be a non-stop tekan session of Moon Cake chow down, made possible only by the interspersed sips of free-flow tea in between, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the PR team at Sheraton Towers had actually organised an elaborate dinner feast which would then be drawn to a close with moon cakes as desserts.
Entering one of the private dining rooms of Li Bai, I was intimidated by the restaurant's imposing opulence. Regal aesthetics surround the space and the room was bathed in the reflection of rich tones of gold and silver. I kept my cool, unfettered, spurred on by the warm greetings of my fellow bloggers present at the scene.
We kicked off the night with Deluxe Combination, comprising a twin set of deep fried salted crab claw and scallop with black truffle. The dish was presented with an elegant, meticulous touch; it's immaculate nature going hand in hand with the aesthetics of our surroundings which provoked an emotional response that the dish was to be eaten slowly, appreciatively. I adored the latter of the pair, the juxtaposition of earth to sea flavors; deliberate and extremely intriguing. The crab claw was a tad too salty for me, weaning off the sweetness of the crab meat.
What followed was the Braised Thick Soup of Bird's Nest with Homemade "Pi Pa" Beancurd. With the use of bird's nest being a alternative to shark's fin, I love the social conscious efforts on the restaurant's part. The soup was warm and comforting, every spoonful draped with the richness of the bird nest's which helped to provide that bit of gelatinous texture.
As the compulsory vegetable dish on a chinese menu, we were served a Braised Assorted Vegetables with Bird's Nest. Despite it's simple constitution as medley of vegetables, presentation was tight once more. The crisp vegetables offering our palates a cool refreshing respite, however, I didn't quite make out the birds nest within the dish, what a shame.. perhaps such a luxury item should be better showcased as the highlight of a dish, instead of lack luster efforts to incorporate it into savoury dishes.
the limelight fell mostly on the Baked Fillet of "Kurobuta" in capsicum, each sliver of kurobuta pork, tender, juicy and lined with an unctuous layer of fat.
Visually impressive, our last dish of Crispy Noodles Rolled with Lobster was a hard one to capture given the lobster's long pair of feelers being a chore to fit in the frame. That, eventually came back to bite us the ass, threatening to stab us in the eyes as we leaned over to feast on the dish. In my humble opinion, I found the ratio of crispy noodles to be a tad overwhelming in comparison to the lobster flesh. The sweet tenderness of the crustacean muted and possibly murdered by it's time in the fryer.
Desserts were the representative Snow Skin Moon Cakes from Sheraton Towers current line up. There was the Mini White Lotus Seed Paste with Champagne Truffle, Mini White Lotus Seed Paste with Cranberry and Chrystanthemum Truffle and the Mini Green Tea White Lotus Seed Paste with Raspberry Rum Truffle. I loved the latter the most, the white lotus seed paste carrying the heady aroma of infused green tea. One thing's for sure, the folks over at Sheraton Towers are definitely generous with their alcohol, the rum truffled centers each carrying lethal doses of alcohol that sure brought a devilish smile to my face.
We were each presented with a box of moon cakes on our way out. A lovely gift which I so deftly devoured through the following week.
Thanks to Sheraton Towers for the invite.
Sheraton Towers Hotel
Level 1
39 Scotts Road
Tel: 6839 5623
Fika Swedish Cafe and Bistro: Breaking Fast
Labels:
cafe,
halal,
hidden finds,
meatballs,
Milennia Walk,
promenade,
restaurants,
salads,
swedish
·
Planning to hit the malls this weekend, and need a casual quick bite? I'm guessing Fika Swedish cafe and bistro situated at Milennia Walk could become one of your best choices.
Stepping into the warm luminance of it's IKEA inspired decked out interior, I was surprised to find the entire establishment filled to the brim. Then, later, not so surprised after the waiter kindly explained to me that my order would be slightly delayed due to priority being given to the guests breaking fast. It dawned upon me... yes.. It's Ramadan after all; and being one of top Halal restaurants in Singapore, it was no wonder business was brisk. Kudos to the waiter for informing me about the company's policy (even so, my food arrived shortly after; another plus point for quick service).
One word of advice, avoid the specialty drinks unless you want your night filled with snide remarks of 'feeling cheated' by your neighboring aunties who very well serve as loud-hailers too. The Trocadero ($7.90) and Nygarda Hallon Soda ($7.90), garbage.
Moving on to the real deal, the Smoked Salmon Savoury Crepe ($17.90) set flutters of anticipation within me. Despite its fuss free appearance, this cold roulade flaunts a fresh dill mayonnaise that is neither sickeningly sweet nor cloying and has the right level of creaminess, enhanced further by the crunch of raw onions within.
My order of Swedish Homemade Meatballs ($19.50)certainly satisfied my carnivorous appetite on all levels; the creamy sauce that doused the meat, my guilty pleasure. The parsley potatoes on the side balancing out the meal.
last but not least, the most unassuming dish of the lot turned out to be a real winner. The Langedrag ($16.50) was surprisingly savoury, crunchy, refreshing and delicately sweet all at once. A mix of Swedish fresh water shrimps, sliced hardboiled egg, cherry tomatoes, leek and olives, I adored the assertive mustard based dressing that the greens were tossed in. And I worked my way easily through this huge bowl of salad that looked seemingly bottomless at first.
That being said, service leaves a lot to be desired. Food hits the table even before anyone notices that there isn't a sign of cutlery anywhere to be seen on the table. Inexcusable... Yes, I know I ain't breaking fast; but hey.. please do pay me a bit of attention too alright?
9 Raffles Boulevard
#01-20 Millenia Walk
Tel: 6336-7234
Necessary Provisions: The image of perfect calm
Labels:
bukit timah,
cafe,
cakes,
coffee,
hidden finds,
toh tuck,
upperbukittimah
·
There are few things one needs when hiding out here from the rest of civilisation.
Number one, a well-made cup of coffee and number two, a kick-ass piece of pandan chiffon cake. (read this to understand my deep rooted love for this sweet treat)
From the same people behind Smitten Coffee, Homebodies and now defunct Henry Congressional, now comes Necessary Provisions. Providing a much needed shot of caffeine into the deprived neighborhood.
The Barista working on the Spirit model espresso machine by Kees van der Westen; honestly quite a sight for sore eyes given its slick levers and gauges, aerodynamic design and smooth stainless steel surfaces.
Situated in the introverted neighborhood that is Eng Kong Terraces, Necessary Provisions grants a perfect sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of life in general. The vibe is rustic-chic, industrial cemented floors coexisting with stained wooden communal tables and vintages vases filled with exotic flowers. And despite it's casual settings, the cafe takes their coffee seriously. Much to my delight of course.
Pay a visit sometime, grab a cup of coffee with a loved one, browse at the endless selection of magazine sprawled lovingly on the communal table (pss, it goes full circle), dabble in a bit of wanderlust, nibble at a bit of Pandan Chiffon cake whilst you're day dreaming (the dessert table can be quite alluring at this point, but please don't go overboard), bite the dust and head home to reality once its over.
the Pandan Chiffon cake does indeed have a great texture, albeit lacking a little with reference to the grassy distinctive fragrance of pandan. Still, a pretty darn good rendition. And my coffee (4oz version), needless to say, was indispensable.
Address: 21 Eng Kong Terrace Singapore 598993
Tel: 9231 7920
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