Som Tam @ Orchard Central: Modern Thai Fusion Cuisine
Labels:
affordable,
burgers,
fusion,
orchard,
orchard central,
thai food,
will return
·
When it comes to food, the possibilities are endless. The prospects of fusion and implementing the basic fundamentals of natural selection into the flavor structuring of its signatures is indeed limitless and awe-inspiring - as a result, many food establishments jump on the bandwagon in order to invigorate and tease their audience's palate. In fact, it's funny how Orchard Central plays hosts to several of these rogue identities - 49 Seats, Joie by Dozo and Tanuki by Standing Sushi bar among others. New to the scene is Som Tam - a modern Thai fusion restaurant bent on giving Thai food a new lease of life. It's grand gesture beginning with its ambitious placement in the hip hangout Orchard Central.
Fort by Maison Ikkoku: Raise your glass this holiday season
Labels:
barfood,
cocktails,
expensive,
fort canning,
hidden finds,
romantic,
tapas
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When I first heard that the trio behind Maison Ikkoku bar was opening a bar on Fort Canning, it got me really really excited. Afterall, this new bar would be highly perched on quiet grounds, far away from the usual drinking holes down south of the river. More importantly, it was an effort of Maison Ikkoku, one of the pioneers and shakers of the local bespoke scene.
For this project, the folks at Maison Ikkoku also decided to rope in F&B veteran Ethan Leslie Leong who doubles as one of Fort's directors and master mixologist. Many might have heard of the world's most expensive cocktail, but they might not know that Ethan was the one that conceived the recipe for "The Jewel of Pangaea" which is sold exclusively in Club Pangaea for a whopping $35,000 per glass. Still, holding the reigns as the world's most expensive drink.
A celebrity in his own rights, he had done countless collaborations with international renowned brands such as Chanel, Montblanc and Polo Ralph Lauren, among others. Ethan was also appointed the Brand ambassador for Martell, in line with the celebration of Martell's 300 years anniversary earlier this year.
With so many accolades to his name, it was hard not to pin my hopes high.
Megumi Japanese Restaurant @ Upper East Coast Road: Japanese nosh with a local spin
Labels:
affordable,
alfresco,
big groups,
family friendly,
hidden finds,
japanese,
must go,
ramen,
restaurants,
sashimi,
tempura,
udon,
will return
·
I'm just going to dive straight into the food. Because that's mainly what it is about at this no-frills Japanese eatery tucked away in the Upper East Coast Road region, flanked by the ever-so crowded Perle Noire and Strictly Pancakes on the other side.
Focus on the sashimi, and not the stiff faces of the floor staff, whom not once in my time spent at the joint even lifted the corners of their lips. Since the ordering is done through an IPAD system, it more or less lessens the interaction between these drones and the diners, so I'm not complaining. It just bugs me a little that the kitchen which bears so much soul in its cooking is cold and barren on the outside.
My orders of Mekajiki ($14 for 5 slices) and Salmon Belly ($12 for 5 slices) was inspiring. Thick slices of omega-3 laden treasure pots on a single dish definitely is a sight for sore eyes. We could have eaten 5 of these and begged for more. The Ebi Tempura ($15) was your run off the mill regular fare, the light batter not possessing as much crispness as I would like, however, the stiff, crystal snap of the prawns within, do make a difference.
[GIVEAWAY] Quayside Isle @ Sentosa Cove: Celebrate the Magic of Christmas
Labels:
belgian,
christmas,
family friendly,
giveaway,
hidden finds,
large groups,
mussels,
must go,
restaurants,
sentosa,
sentosa cove,
special occasion,
thai food,
wines
·
There's nothing quite as magical as sipping on some champagne by the harbor at sunset. With a view to die for, and a coldish breeze adrift, this is pretty much as good as gets here in Singapore.
The developers behind Quayside Isle have nailed it; killer views matched with a formidable force of food and beverage establishment lining the picturesque wooden docks - this is the place you want to be on an anniversary, a birthday celebration or even just for Friday chill out sessions with the homies.
This Christmas season, Quayside Isle is spreading the joy of giving with exclusive promotions and dining options that promise a one-of-a-kind experience. Sure, bright lights, joyous cheers and plenty of good food to savour is one thing, but congregating the loved ones where the magic unravels is another more important reason to congregate at Quayside Isle @ Sentosa Cove. Expect roving acts on deck as whimsical angels on stilts and dynamic LED jugglers make special appearances on the 19th and 25th December.
The Knolls @ Capella: Sunday Brunch featuring Nespresso Pure Origins Journey
Labels:
champagne,
desserts,
expensive,
hidden finds,
hotel,
restaurants,
romantic,
sentosa,
special occasion,
sunday brunch
·
Escape the madness of the city with a quick drive across the waters to Sentosa , where the peacocks roam the grounds with a streak of haughtiness in their stride (and a bit of viciousness when food is in plain sight); Here at the luxurious sprawling expense of Capella, a deep dark intense secret is brewing.
To bid farewell to the remaining months of 2015, Capella presents their usual Sunday Brunch at The Knolls with a twist. Working in sync with Nespresso to feature their Prestige Range of Pure Origins Grand Crus in an enticing range of coffee-infused canapes.
So, if you have plans to navigate their crowd-pleasing Sunday Brunch, do make a detour from the usual sashimi and oyster bar and ensure a good fill of the new canapes which not only pack a big hit of caffeine, but also exhibit high levels of finesse and attention to balance of sweet and savoury flavors.
OverEasy (Orchard): you make it so easy to love you
Labels:
affordable,
american,
burgers,
cocktails,
desserts,
donut,
family friendly,
large groups,
must go,
orchard,
pasta,
restaurants,
revisit,
roast
·
Sweet redemption.
The instant gratification that washed over me as he nodded in agreement to the reinstated goodness of the 'to-die-for' burger.
Okay, so here's a recap, I've always been a big fan of Overeasy's burgers as seen from here and here. It's succulent patties matched alongside divine pillowy soft buns, attaining some sort of legendary status in my books, that I would happily expound fairytales about, to friends enquiring about my favourite burgers. However, the story goes that that a recent trip to their new joint at Orchard Road (here), resulted in some very distraught sentiments after the jump. The lacklustre sear and uneven seasoning in the patty left a good three-quarters of my burger left untouched on the plate. Fortunately, after a bit of damage control, reparations were made and faith restored.
The 'To Die For' burger is a passionate contender for the best burger with its beautifully charred patty exterior and perfectly cooked medium rare innards. Simple does it here at OverEasy and their signature burger is done in good ole' diner style. slapped with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles and a special burger sauce. Set in a potato bun that helps to keep the juicy mixture intact as you lift it to your lips, the bun is the perfect candidate, hard on the outside, a spongy, soft natured on the inside. I couldn't have done it better.
Weekend Haunts: Places worth checking out for their [NEW MENUS] part 2
Labels:
affordable,
all-day-breakfast,
big groups,
brunch,
burgers,
cafe,
circle line,
dinner,
eggs benedict,
hidden finds,
must go,
orchard,
orchard 313,
pasir panjang,
restaurants,
sunday brunch,
tacos
·
Happy Sunday Folks!
If you're enjoyed our part 1 of the "Places worth checking out for their NEW MENUS" then, you're gonna love our second instalment.
More places to wine and dine this weekend without bursting the budget. We've got everything from
fish tacos to the jumbo breakfast burrito, and even a Chia Seed coconut rose yogurt with homemade maple granola and berry compote for the health freaks. Loud and rowdy, with loads of laughter and way too many empty plates. That's how you know you're doing your weekends justice.
Let's start the ball rolling with the familiar Oriole Coffee + Bar stationed under the big ass fans in the vicinity of the Pan Pacific suites in 313Somerset. Under the influence of head chef Randy Torres who is a true blood Texan; the menu has taken a sharp curve in a South American direction with inspiration drawn from many comfort dishes in that region. Breakfast for examples sees two newcomers, the Jumbo Breakfast Burrito ($16) and the Humble Baked Egg Skillet ($16); both of which are real treats except that my allegiance falls with the latter. The lovely amalgamation of flavors you get when churning your spoon through the hot cast skillet of tender roast stew, sweet potatoes, and the piece de resistance - caramelised emmantal cheese forming chunks of savoury shards throughout the full bodied mixture. This disappears way too easily, as so does the jumbo breakfast burrito which so happens to be the perfect kind of hangover cure. Stuffed with Spanish chorizo, scrambled eggs, chipotle puree and smoked cheddar cheese, these tight rolls are then seared on all 4 sides till a desirous shade of brown; abetting the eating experience, where you'll gratefully avoid the situation of burritos that fall all over your plate instead of your mouth. Oriole does it right, and they know it.
Weekend Haunts: Places worth checking out for their [NEW MENUS] part 1
Labels:
affordable,
all-day-breakfast,
american,
brunch,
coffee,
comfortfoods,
desserts,
eggs benedict,
food news,
fried chicken,
fusion,
hidden finds,
high tea,
list,
lists,
may return,
pasta,
restaurants,
tacos
·
With a whole slew of restaurants/cafes being opened every week; diners are being spoilt for choice whenever the weekend rolls in and the hellish decision as to 'where to eat' has to be made. Take our advice and commit to visiting the oldies (but goodies). Here are some of our picks for the newest menus in town, discounting the fact that these joints have been stationed there long enough to prove that they have a certain amount of substance to survive the gruelling trials of the F&B scene in Singapore. These joints are dishing out heavenly fried chicken, tender beef cheek rendang and outstanding eggs benedict, all guaranteed to make your weekends a whole better.
Oxwell & Co.: Christmas Fabulous Feast
Labels:
affordable,
ala carte,
big groups,
british,
christmas,
cocktails,
gastropub,
hidden finds,
may return,
roast,
set menu,
special occasion
·
Christmas kind of snuck its way into our calenders once again, the entire year passing us by like a whirlwind affair. Now, its time to line your stomachs with traditional Christmas roasts and prepare for the assault of one, too many alcoholic beverages in the course of merry-making. Naughty or nice, I'm sure Santa's too busy overworking his minions to tell.
So, moving on, Oxwell and Co.; the British inspired gastro-pubs rolls out its festive menu in true English style, with traditional roasts and pork crackling to foster the spirit of sharing and caring with a convivial communal dining practice.
Oxwell & Co. resides in this over-trodden neighborhood of Ann Siang Hill being knocked around mercilessly by the well-heeled crowd, bar-crawling their way through the vicinity and punishing their livers in the midst. Walk in the front door and you're in a wood sheathed interior with minimalistic walls decorated with twisted piping, similarly defiant lamp shadings bouncing off the walls in a free spirited disarray. It's a bohemian space, like a dingy pub gone rogue; and the food here is equally manic.
Masizzim: Heart Warming Korean stews in the heart of town
Labels:
affordable,
family friendly,
korean,
orchard,
orchard 313,
student friendly,
will return
·
I may not be the most up to date when it comes to imported Korean establishments nor am I the most enthusiastic. But when something as good as Masizzim washes ashore and you get the privilege to try it for the first time, during which the dining experience brings on a rhapsody and chimera of narratives; you share it.
And not just in terms of words or preachings, but very soon I was back at the joint, with boyfriend in tow. And boy did we enjoy the food, apart from the mishap that occurred when we realized that we got charged for rice balls that never quite made it to the table. *hic*... rookie mistake... too much cocktails before got us all muddled up. Looking past that, you can't quite fault the food, especially with a menu as tight and well focused as the one at Masizzim.
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