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
Carpenter and Cook: sweet treats for the afternoon
Labels:
bakery,
bukit timah,
cafe,
hidden finds,
patisserie
·
Carpenter and Cook has been on my radar for the longest time. Funnily, having live so close by, I've not found the chance to stop by despite my incessant visits to other similar cafes on the opposite corners of the island.
Finally on a quiet placid off day, I scooted over to the cafe patisserie. Dressed to the nines in vintage pieces and mismatched prints, we instantly hit it off.
Cocooned within its cool, softly lit interiors with warm friendly staff, there was no lingering signs of interruption from the bustle of the city outside. Just a delightfully warm resonating vibe afloat despite my unaccompanied visit. Lunch there was a treat of hidden gems. Starting with the Bacon and Egg Quiche ($7), this treat of warmed eggy custard between two delicate walls of pastry, comes stuffed with all manner of good things. Perfect touch of seasoning, with the bacon bits providing hints of quintessential savouriness throughout, I devoured this one like a hungry ghost along with accompanying mixed salad on the side.
For dessert, I stuck to the comforts of the Apple Cobbler Loaf Cake ($5), personally, I feel that the cake itself could have been a little moister, perhaps the use of applesauce could have enhanced the mix; however, I loved how the crumble toppings were so beautifully crisp. The thin slices of apple interspersed within the cake doing nothing for the overall flavor.
rounding off the experience with a Cappuccino ($5) which was decent, if not one of the better cups that you can find in the west. Only for the lack of better choice.
At 3pm in the afternoon on a Thursday, a modest trade was running in a lazy Sunday kind of way. And I'm thinking to myself, 'don't these people need to work?'
In it's defense, Carpenter and Cook pretty much sells a lifestyle, a quaint joint filled with hand-picked vintage furniture which you could use to set your arse on during your stay there; an advocate of a state of happy-go-lucky that is so evident from it's ever-changing menu and home styled bakes. Most, would feel at home here, hence the tight following. Don't believe me, go check it out yourself!
19 Lorong Kilat #01-06
Tel: 64633648
Balzac Brasserie: Old school French
Labels:
bras basah,
circle line,
dhoby ghaut,
food,
french,
hidden finds,
restaurants
·
There are just some days when you crave for traditional foods. Debating our choices for dinner venues, my companion (a schoolmate from Le Cordon Bleu Sydney) and I settled on Balzac Brasserie for a quick escape from the usual rigours of nouvelle cuisine. Tonight we go old school.
Balzac Brasserie is exactly what you would picture a typical French brasserie that claims to serve simple, homey food: the interior styled in a interesting juxtaposition of sidewalk cafe and Parisian bar and bistro, with deep shade of mahogany and leather. To one side of the dining area are cafe chairs that usually line the sidewalks of Paris with a back drape of luscious greenery cascading from the high ceilings; the other side features a antique zinc bar with high chairs and booth seats, exuding a cool underground vibe as the trades picked up pace through the night.
Drawing inspiration from his own family's recipes, Executive Chef Jean-Charles Dubois serves up a classic french menu and manges to do so with aplomb; highlighting the integrity of the fresh produce he employs. Perusing the menu, it wasn't hard to zoom in our final decisions despite the rather extensive menu.
The meal begins with Foie Gras de "Castaing" ($24) for me; homemade foie gras terrine served with fig and raisin compote, farmer's toast and petite salade. Seriously rich stuff with the crunchy farmers toast helping to mitigate the taste. I adored the delicate endive salad on the side which helped me to ease into each sumptuous bite of the good stuff.
The Escargots de Bourgogne (Dozen for $22);gratinated beure Provencale style with parsley, garlic and butter; was a real disappointment. Bland. We had to resort to massive movements with the salt shakers to achieve a nice balance of flavors. And honestly, service standards were truly lacking. If you want to ask us how the meal was, please stand still for a moment at the table instead of zipping around the tables, leaving our answers hanging in mid air. Basic courtesy.
Entrecote ($34) - 200gr black angus served with bearnaise sauce and pommes frites. Definitely a commendable dish with the red meat cooked to a perfect medium rare , an enthralling sear on the outside to seal in the juices. The sauce also made a world of a difference - the bernaise made of clarified butter emulsified in egg yolks, white wine vinegar and flavoured with herbs, well seasoned, it's lusciousness a good partner to the integrity of the steak.
Another success was the Duck Confit($26) , the duck, a melt in your mouth kind of delicious, humming with the romance of a fine pinot noir. The bed of truffle mash, so smooth, almost like it was sieved thru the finest strainer. With crispy skin, the salt helping to draw any left remnants of moisture out, this provides for the only textural contrast required in this traditional dish. Very well executed indeed.
Balzac Brasserie separates itself from the throngs of new and old restaurants springing up all over the island with its dedication to old school French cookery techniques and dishes. For one, the food certainly hits the spot, but the same cannot be said for the whole dining experience. The service could use a little fine tuning: more attention to detail, perhaps a little more friendly interaction with the guests? I'm not asking for a lap dance over here, maybe just a sincere warm smile once in a while wouldn't hurt?
Balzac Brasserie
#01-01,
Rendezvous Hotel,
9 Bras Basah Road
Phone: 63360797
Website: http://balzacbrasserie.com/
Sumiya Charcoal Grill Izakaya
Labels:
japanese,
media event,
orchard,
orchard central,
restaurants,
sommerset
·
Media Invite
Located at the pinnacle of Orchard Central, the newly opened Sumiya Charcoal Grill Izakaya is a rambunctious casual dining joint that scores high points for its decor (a graduation from 1950s roadside setup to 1960s Orchard Yokocho and finally to the 70s -80s Dining Izakaya) and merry making ambience. With roof access and a lovely sunset view to boot, there's more reason for food and booze enthusiasts to nestle themselves in the enclaves of Sumiya. Note that Asahi Draft Beer are priced at $4.90++ per mug as per the ongoing promotion which is proclaimed to be the lowest price in town, now that's worth a try!
On our gastronomic journey through the premises, we were brought to the outdoor terrace, where the kindest looking Japanese gentleman greeted us. Here, patrons can have a go at the Do-It-Yourself Garden BBQ. Some of the offerings include Angus Beef, beef tongue, wagyu beef, marinated chicken and assorted vegetables. Start your weekend night of partying with an invigorating pint of beer and cheerful company over the BBQ, that pretty much sounds ideal to me.
As we were lead back into the smokey depths of the restaurant, I came to realise how the laid back atmosphere sprawled across the huge decks sophisticated diner and outdoor terrace was conducive to the endless chatter amongst its delighted guests. Expect the standard fare at Sumiya Charcoal Grill Izakaya, boosted only by a sprinkling of marketing magic (adore the $6/grab Moshio Edamame btw). We started with the Prawn Tempura Roll Sushi, simple and unassuming. Then moved on to the Potato Salad with Mentai Mayonnaise and Sweet Pumpkin Salad , both of which were seasoned beautifully and its creamy luscious texture added a bit of full bodied lavishness to the spread that night. The Salmon Sashimi tempted me into submission with its gorgeous rubied tones of the sliced salmon, the fresh hamachi beckoning with its evident suppleness.
Fancy something a little off the beaten track. Try out the Do-It-Yourself Table Sumiyaki of Assorted Dried Fish, consisting of a platter of conger eel, soft smoked squid, dried baby squid, semi-dried hage fish ready to be placed on the mini barbecue pits at our tables. Curling in silent resistance to the heat emitted,their protests lead to a loud spates of natural flavors of the seas to be enjoyed. I was fond particularly of the dried baby squid that was excellent partner to a stiff glass of sake from the old fashioned tubs placed so conveniently in front of us.
Let's not forget the promotion for the $6/grab Moshio Edamame, a real good bargain for those with seriously BIG hands. The duo, one carrying a towering basket of willowy gently salted beans at hand, and the other, toting percussion drums sure created a stir in the dining room.
The Char-grilled Wagyu Beef Skewer and Bacon wrapped Eringi Mushroom Skewer is a delight, an example of a classic main done right. Since Sumiya specialises in the art of charcoal grill, I expected nothing less. The former served with leeks on a stick, helped to enhance the tenderness and fragrance of the beef slices.
Last but not least, we dug into the Deep-fried Squid with Chilli Sauce, a showcase of the deep fried items included on the menu. This dish, with a sweet and savoury mix, did not pay off for me, the freshness of the squid squandered away in a chaotic mish-mash of thick red sauce.
Sumiya pleases most with its attention to detail; memorabilia collected lining the counter tops, old school Japanese decor, completed with prompt and attentive service. Throw in the killer view and boisterous cries from the ever-so-happy staff, there's no lack of reason for more visits to Sumiya Charcoal Grill Izakaya, especially with your best mates in tow.
Thanks once again to Rachel from The Asia Media for the gracious invite!
#12-02, Orchard Central,
181 Orchard Road
Website: http://www.sumiya.com.sg/
Phone: 65099618
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