[NEW] Krakakoa: Launches their Chocolate products in S'pore this September

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Having received overwhemingly positive responses at the Singapore Coffee Festival last month, Krakakoa Chocolate is officially launching their products in Singapore this September!

Bar and Billiard Room @ Raffles Hotel: Sunday Champagne Brunch

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This one tops it all.

I've had the good fortune of patronising a couple of Sunday champagne brunches over the past year, mildly impressed by some, chuffed that I couldn't stomach any more at others; BUT, it is my most recent endeavor at Bar and Billiard Room that takes the cake.

There's just something about dining in the age-old institution complete with grand chandeliers hanging down from high ceilings and navigating your way around a stand alone saloon-style bar right smack in the middle of the dining room,  that makes the experience so charming. Despite the buzz in the room generated from the the popping of champagne bottles, the Bar and Billiard room feels like a quiet harbor away from the eddies and currents of commuters outside. Almost like stepping into a time portal that transports you to experience the hospitality of the colonial period.

Yunnan Bridge Crossing Rice Noodles: Vivocity Food Republic's latest addition

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The air-conditioning was blasting with immense ferocity causing an involuntary shiver to travel down my spine; my squishy footsteps accompanied by the periodic drippings of my pitiful looking umbrella which had taken a beating from the looming storm outdoors; were all that one could hear as I paced through the grounds.

It was 11 00am and the crowds were nowhere to be seen in the usually packed Food Republic in VivoCity. Brushing past the various stores, each one peddling their goods in aromas and sweat over furrowed brows - the anticipation for a good lunch crowd is real and the vibe in the room, a contained sort of electrifying.

Apolo Bistro: an offshoot of the instituition Banana Leaf Apolo - except, Mexican?

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We made the same mistake. Twice. First, we found ourselves at the food of Indian chaos and a riot of flavors and aromas adrift at Banana Leaf Apolo on race course road; and then once again, with beads of sweat trickling down our backs at The Banana Leaf Apolo (Little India Arcade), quizzical as to where the rest of the tasting gang were. Apparently, we weren't let in on a little secret - walk up a tiny flight of starts residing on the outer caverns of the banana leaf apolo and you'll be lead through ornate swings doors to the Apolo Bistro.

[NEW] PizzaExpress: Renowned global chain makes it first foray into Singapore

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Do we need another pizza joint? I say YES!

PizzaExpress has finally opened its doors in Singapore, at Scotts Square, on 29th July '16. As the 576th outlet in the world, the 51-year old PizzaExpress has launched its first outlet at Scotts Square, all in good time too since the Orchard region sees a dire need for wine and dine revamp. The arrival of Japan Food Town in Wisma, a strict contrast to the popular London chain featuring its signature marble counters and tables as focal points. The 3000 sq foot restaurant located in the basement level of Scotts Square churns our gorgeous smells of freshly baked dough and melted cheese amongst boisterous laughter. Calabrese and dough balls along with a mouth-watering array of homemade pizzas are the name of the game here. A liberal touch of local flavors (chilli crab pizza, which has yet to be launched on the menu) thrown in the menu to prevent locals from feeling alienated whilst most of the menu runs in a more classical vein.

[NEW MENU] Sumire Yakitori House: More than just the usual Yakitori

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Sumire Yakitori House was first introduced to me as the chicken specialist tbh, that sent a shiver down my spine - was it a slaughterhouse? Apparently not as it is backed by a rich history and firm footing in Japan itself where it already has over 50 outlets located around the country. Yakitori items are the name of the game here, the intimating stacked menu of grilled sticks throwing me off just a little. But I was here for the new menu - featured wholesome dishes and lunch sets that gets customers more bang for their buck. 

At Sumire, you get a taste of Japanese restraint amidst breezy casual settings (during the day) that transits into the usual more stark and formal becomings at night fall. Booth seating ensure privacy settings are kept in check and do I even need to mention the small of flame-licked fats that float out from the kitchen occasionally?

[NEW] Olivia and Co: Modern bistro in the heart of the CBD

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Just opened in March of this year, Olivia and Co. is a modern bistro at the heart of Suntec City, serving up fare fit for anyone from busy executives to families on a day out. Named after Olivia Cassivelaun Fancourt, the first wife of Sir Stamford Raffles, the menu is centred around the theme of an intrepid traveler bringing home experiences from cuisines all around the globe. Tales are told and memories can be relieved straight from the plate!

Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake - introducing the Kenwood Chef Sense Mixer

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The long story short, I made cake... It's not that I don't usually do (in actual fact, the struggle to churn out stuff amidst a busy schedule is truly daunting) - BUT I make exceptions. And when someone delivers a spanking new Kenwood Chef Sense KVC5000T to your doorstep, you whip it out from its box with the enthusiasm of a thousand horses before a chariot, and proceed to test out its speed control with the simplest of ingredients such as cream and eggs. The smooth whirring of the motor as it fluffs up billowy mounds of cream, the epitome of true ecstasy.

NOX - Dine in the Dark: 3rd Anniversary Bash

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Photo Credits: NOX
In our current Instagram-obsessed society where drool-worthy visuals of succulent food rules over taste, textures and smell, one singular restaurant in Singapore is leading the resistance against the food porn phenomenon. Nox may seem like a novelty to many, but its concept of dining in total darkness has raised many eyebrows in food circles. Declamatory in their mission to let food speak for itself, diners are urged to let their other senses to take over in a pitch-black room, guided by blind waiters and transported to another world.

As most fine dining goes, one is immediately ushered to a seat by the ground level at the cocktail bar for a welcome drink. Here, amidst the cool contours of low lights, Thomas Sobota, the head bartender works his Slovakian magic even before the food theatrics begin. Expectedly, the new cocktail menu is a treat. Testament to his roots, the "What's the Thyme" ($20) brings back halcyon days. With its ingredients of Tequila, Sherry and Maracatu Cachaca, thyme syrup and lime juice is admittedly worth half the price of admission alone. If you're looking for a stiff nightcap with an abundance of complex taste palette, this is the drink. 

Seoul Jjimdak: Hearty Korean Stews in the heart of Little India

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Korean stews in the heart of Little India. No, we ain't kidding.

City Square Mall may be a bit of a stretch for a west-sider like me. However, if drastically erratic weather patterns beckons for indoor dining action; I would definitely pitch the idea of venturing to the mall situated conveniently above Farrer Park Mrt Station for food and perhaps a little 'after-dinner' activities either at Golden Village theatres of the mega sporting shop Decathlon hawking all sports apparel and accessories you'll ever need.