Flee Away Cafe: Fly me to the Moon
Labels:
affordable,
cafe,
dinner,
dunlop street,
hidden finds,
little india,
lunch,
sandwich
·
Flee Away Cafe has long been on my to-do list. Unfortunately it was a mission I've never came to succeed till a recent event organised by the good folks at Openrice and Nikon.
After a rather heart pulsating play session with some of the Nikon cameras brought in for us, invitees, to fiddle with; we settled down to a feast of rather strange proportions.
Here, customers are fazed with a menu filled with Willy-Wonker versions of the usual sandwiches. A tad sceptical first at the outcome, I was completely taken by this understated concept at the end of dinner. Vowing to head back to satiate the anticipated craving for Le Char Kueys that I could see shuffling its way into my heart.
The Le Char Kuey with Chicken Bak Kwa ($15.50) that hit every flavor on the grid at once was sensational with chewy oddments of honey chicken bak kwa stuffed in crusty you tiao over crushed cream crackers tossed in wasabi mayo. The usage of the word 'Le' making reference to the employment of the French baguette normally in a sandwich, except that here, a custom made super-sized you tiao is used as a carb substitute. As strange as it sounds, this combination was everything I could ask for after a devastating day at work.
The Le Char Kuey with Dry Laksa ($15.50) is another popular option with diners. Filled with fish cake, boiled egg, noodles and laksa sauce, this didn't quite float my boat as the one-noted textures did nothing to liven up the mix.
Another successfully innovative dish in Flee Away Cafe's repertoire is the Tau Kwa Salad with Grilled Chicken Sausages ($12.50). Spices are spread onto the slices of tau kwa before grilling hence each acquiring a smoky sweet layer of caramelization on its surface that sang beautifully with the lightly seasoned greens.
Other dishes to watch our for are the Chicken Luncheon Meat Chips and the Beef Hash Pie tee ($12.50 for 6); the latter reinventing the classic kui pie tee with heaping amounts of American chow down, corned beef hash. Love at first taste.
Such is our love for the nostalgic factor in the food items here that we continued with the Waffle with Gula Melaka Pudding ($8.50), a wrong move considering it's disappointing delivery on the grounds of an overly eggy waffle with slightly dense innards and an oddly gummy and tasteless sago pudding perched on the top of the griddled square. The thin gula melaka sauce doing nothing for the fading flavors,
Oh, but the Irish Cream Mud Pie ($8.50) raised the bar slightly with its creamy dark and opposing vanilla-ry tones in contention with each other. The shaved chocolate overhead providing a bit of crunch.
Out of all the fine tastiness that came our way, it is the Le Char Kuey with Bak Kwa that keeps this cafe front and centre in my heart and mind. I will definitely be making a beeline for Flee Away for a repeated iridescent experience soon.
Flee Away Cafe
70 Dunlop Street
opening times:
Mon-Thu: 11 00 - 21 00
Fri - Sat: 11 00 - 22 00
Sunday: 10 00 - 17 00
Seasonal Taste @ The Westin Singapore: What do you fancy?
Labels:
beef,
buffet dinner,
buffets,
desserts,
food tasting,
lunch,
media event,
the westin singapore
·
That's a sight to behold. The elaborate spread on the dessert counter beckoning out to me upon entering the premises of Seasonal Tastes, the signature dining premises of the new Westin Hotel Singapore, located on the 32nd floor of the Asia Square Tower 2.
Since it was a Monday, that was technically Mama Mia Pasta Night featuring a live pasta cooking section in the buffet line as its highlight. I brushed the irrational decision to dive head in for dessert and navigated the line like a regular commuter would.
This large spacious premises (with some of the more secluded corners blessed with boulevard views to die for) is a congregated hot pot for a myriad of cuisines. From grilled lobsters to Indian pakoras, marmite chicken to lobster Russian salad with vodka mayonnaise; the spread had a little something to please even the most finicky of palates.
Since it was pasta night, it didn't take much persuasion to sway its way. I had a go at the Vegetable Lasagna, a decent rendition which didn't exactly hold a formula for excitement but was tidy in execution; apart from certain portion of the dish where I stumbled upon some harder, uncooked pieces of eggplant. The Mushroom Tortellini Aglio Olio was not complicated at all but most of it tastes good enough to justify the gratifying belly rubbing motion at the end of the meal. The blatant use of crispy garlic working well with the subtle filling of mushroom wrapped within the tortellini's delicate flesh.
The Roast Beef was too narrow minded. Sinewy and a tad on the dry side. Make your way around the deceptively attractive looking Marmite Chicken as well, overly battered and disappointing. I recommend the sashimi, solid enough for a small meal on its own for the peckish. From the roasted meats and local noodles section to the more exotic Gosht Gaag (mutton cube with spinach sauce); it is clear as day where the skills of the kitchen lay, with the latter, hence save a little space for the briyani.
For the chef's special, the Lobster Thermidore was perfectly seasoned; fresh lobster topped with a bechamel sauce made from white wine and gruyere cheese, with a tinge of mustard to inspire the concoction. Eat this piping hot to avoid being disappointed by a cold clammy unpalatable situation.
If you're still not satisfied at the end of the meal, round it all up with a trip to the dessert line. The pride and joy of the crew at Westin lies in their in-house Gelato. My bets are placed on the Avocado and Dark chocolate
flavors, the former doesn’t require that adventurous a palate to stomach as the
natural creaminess of the avocado blends so sneakingly into the smooth mixture.
The classic chocolate flavour offers a bittersweet happy ending you won’t quite
find anywhere else as the robust earthiness of the dark chocolate runs truly
and freely with every bite.
Up in the air, Seasonal Tastes is spared from the bustle of
the activity from the streets below. It’s luxurious layout offers a spacious
breezy affair with an unfussed range of savouries and desserts. Embark on a
gastronomic journey that’s fuelled by the intermittent breaks of pacing the
room and taking in the sights. Here, the views of the bay and calm waters in the distant are a temporary
distraction from the hearty dishes and the daily grind.
Priced at $42++ for lunch and $62++ for dinner. The Seasonal Tastes
buffet offers a range of daily specials to target the specific food fanatics.
So choose a day, and knock yourselves out!
| Monday | Mama Mia Pasta NightSelection of handmade pasta and sauces | ||
| Tuesday | German ClassicsPerennial favorites such as crispy pork knuckle, farmer’s meatloaf, braised veal shank, bratwurst, kassler and sauerkraut | ||
| Wednesday | Sweet SweetsMouthwatering dessert spread which includes profiteroles, mini cakes, cupcakes, macarons and berry pink chocolate fountain with marshmallows and fruits | ||
| Thursday | Carving & RoastsSmorgasbord of roasts and prime cuts | ||
| Friday | Seafood NightAll time favorite buffet night with our freshest selection of crustaceans and salmon sashimi |
Fundamentally Flawed dined as a guest of Seasonal Tastes. A major thanks to Hungry Go Where for arranging the dinner.
Seasonal Taste
32, The Westin Hotel
Asia Square Tower 2
12 Marina Square View
{Wordless Wednesdays}: Curbside Cafe and Wine Bar
Labels:
affordable,
all-day-breakfast,
biopolis,
Brownies,
brunch,
cafe,
Cheesecake,
coffee,
desserts,
milkshakes
·
Rounding off the National Day weekend with the family over a round of guilty pleasures. Spam fries, Red velvet cheesecake chocolate brownie, homemade apple pie and a smorgasbord of sticky milkshakes.
#getyourfatpantsready
Curbside Cafe & Wine Bar
21 Biopolis Drive
Nucleous #01-21
Singapore 138567
Saveur: [The Hundred-Foot Journey] Menu
Labels:
affordable,
far east plaza,
french,
fusion,
Indian food,
media event,
orchard
·
In line with the release of The Hundred-Foot Journey, popular, affordable French joint, Saveur has created an exclusive French-Indian 3 course fusion menu which fundamentally flawed had the privilege of tasting at it's pre-launch event.
If you've not watched the trailer, you're missing out on a great deal. For your benefit, here you go!
Starting off with Saveur's pre-existant signature dishes disguised in the form of canapes these prep our appetites for the real bollywood fiestas ahead. The delightful trio displayed so daintily on the platter hitting all the right notes, the trademark Saveur pasta of capellini with chilli oil, finely chopped konbu, topped with minced pork sauce, chives and sakura ebi was a stunner and I wished there and then I had an entire bowl to tuck into. I was equally enamoured with the Salmon Confit paired with a delicate combination of apple and fennel tossed in lemon vinaigrette. The Duck Rillette did not take flight with a rather stodgy crostini that did nothing to highlight the complexities of the quenelle.
That aside, the real question still remains. How did the fusion component in the subsequent dishes go?
Starting off with the first course, the Seafood Bouillabaisse; here the brash fishy flavors of lobster and fish lend themselves to the broth, tempered by an over the top scoop of curry powder that hadn't been cooked out yet thus leading to a chalky mouth feel in the dish; or perhaps it could have been the blending of cooked fish into the soup that led to that texture; I give them the benefit of the doubt. The elegant pieces of seafood perched on top of the playful stew were expertly cooked except for the sea bass which had been seared just a little too gregariously.
Lamb shoulder, too reflected Saveur's eagerness to incorporate the mastery of Indian flavors into traditional french techniques. Here, lamb shoulder is braised with "curry de madras" and served with coco bean cassoulet. A traditional South Indian curry is a tricky one to master, and Saveur's version unfortunately fell short -white the lamb was sufficiently tender, the spices that accompanied tasted watered down and could have used a lifting of flavors with a final addition of yogurt.
Alternatively, order the classic Duck Confit with truffle mash if you're not a fan of the lamb's gaminess. The orange segments and orange infused jus deftly balances out the dish's composition, highlighting the succulent flesh with a rousing crisp cap of skin. A star quality dish.
If you're already full by then, try to practise a bit of meditation because the course that follows is not to be missed out. Mind over matter. The Tarte au citron is a dessert that comes highly recommended. A puckery dish made of smittereens of goodies scattered over the plate that melds into a perfect mouthful with every spoon. Buttery crumbs of sable breton, tangy rich lemon curd, sweet vanilla bean speckled mousseline, intense hits of sour from lemon gelee cubes, meets pillowy marshmellow kisses and that oh-so-crisp citrus tuille. It disappears all a little too quickly from the plate. *burps*
At $36.0++, the Hundred-Foot Journey menu is slightly pricey, but showcases the tenacity of the young chefs at work in the Saveur kitchens. As much as it delivers on it's French promises, the Indian aspect is a bit of a let down. Well, nobody said that fusion was going to be easy hey? Running from the 1st August to the 14 September exclusively, try it at your own will.
Saveur
14 Scotts Road
Far East Plaza, #01-07B
Singapore 228213
T: 6736 1131
Website: www.saveur.sg
Chabuton: Ramen with the Stars
Labels:
japanese,
may not return,
noodle,
orchard central,
ramen
·
Just a week ago, I was next door sampling the offerings of Saboten at their newest outlet housed in the quiet enclaves of the Orchard Central basement levels. The opening of Chabuton was a welcomed diversity to the area, the bright white furnishings of the establishment suggesting a focus on food rather than creating a chic ambiance.
Impressive credentials have driven swarms of Ramen hungry fans to its doors in the first few weeks of its start-up in Singapore and I trod lightly around the media rave and heavy publicity. Only with a slight plea from S prompted me to make an early trip on a weekend before the lines formed. Spearheaded by Chef Yasuji Morizumi, the restaurant demands respect with the first ever Michelin star being awarded to his Ramen restaurant. I arrived at its doors with a wall of expectations and vacant stomach.
Perusing the predictable menu at lightning speed, I decidedly placed my bets on the signature Chabuton Tonkatsu Ramen ($8.30 for small/ $11.90 for large) while S opted for his usual miso version, the Chabuton Miso Ramen ( $8.60 for small/ $12.40 for large). For an additional $3.00, we got our mandatory side order of soft boiled egg and Buta Kakuni (Japanese Braised Pork Belly).
Service was attentive but yet lacking in the sincerity you often find with Japanese hospitality. Our dishes, or rather our steaming bowls of noodles reached the table at lightning speed whilst the sides crept like tortoises to the bar at various stages of our meal. My Tonkatsu ramen looked every bit the picture perfect representation of a comforting bowl of goodness, unfortunately, it fell short with the noodles perhaps a tad too eggy and chewy. The hint of alkaline on the finishing cheapening the dish altogether. The soup base was deficient in natural pork bone richness, possessing an over salted quality. All was forgotten when I bit into the char-siu, its smoky tenderness reflecting the chef's mastery of flavors. I wish there was more of that as the soft boiled egg and buta kakuni missed the mark with it's hard-boiled interiors and the latter falling flat with a chewy texture that required at least another 4 hours of braising to achieve that level of delicateness.
The Restaurant's recent opening seems to draw in a never ending spate of customers into their dining room. All embracing high hopes for the ramen, as much as I would consider the affordable prices to be a major draw factor, I reckon a meal here leaves much to be desired. There are too many unmistakable misses in execution and quality that requires immediate rectification in order to keep it's following as it settles into it's Orchard Central Perch. I shall be back in a couple of months...
Chabuton
Somerset 313
#B2-01
Singapore 238895
The Lokal: The Good and the Bad
Labels:
all-day-breakfast,
banana bread,
brunch,
desserts,
outram,
overrated,
sandwich,
toastie
·
With the Lokal cafe, there were a glaring amount of performance disparities, adamant even on my first visit about a month ago. The highs bringing me to dizzying heights, breath stopping moments. Like this Toasted Banana Bread ($12.00) which I'm so fixated on waxing lyrical about except that I figured the drool-worthy photos would suffice. Served warm with a sexy sluice of homemade vanilla yogurt forming a pristine blanket enveloping the slightly crusty slice, roasted macadamias are then sprinkled over the heavily caramelized bananas, pushed to the brink of the mallard reaction. The light dusting of confetti like lime and lemon rind over the yogurt act like pockets of sunshine, clearing the palette for the next rapacious bite.
Definitely the best piece of banana bread I've had since my return from the land down under thus far.
To say that the next dish that followed suite was less successful would be a massive understatement. I cringe at the lack of culinary muscle and professionalism demonstrated in our next experience. It was the Toastie of the Day ($14) that brought my enchanting moment to an abrupt end. The proclaimed 'Tomato, mushroom and cheese toastie' first arrived at the table sans the tomatoes, pompously flaunting inch thick toasts on both sides. When we questioned the staff about the stolen identities, instead of having the dish brought back to the kitchen and reassembled, we had a service tray containing two measly grilled tomatoes brought to our presence.
"The chef left out the tomatoes from the toastie, we're sorry".
Moments of awkward silence passed. erm..."And, by the way, there is hardly any cheese in there too" says S, motioning to the absolutely spartan innards of the sandwich.
"Would you like us to take it back and make another one for you Sir?"
oh geez, I thought you would never ask... "Yes, please"
A good 20 minutes later, the toastie made it's comeback to the table. Mushrooms had no inkling of seasoning and to make matters worse, it was burnt on one side and a sickly white on the other. oh come on... We took two bites and walked out of the restaurant. Silently retreating whilst the memory of that ambrosial banana bread still remained fresh in our minds.
愛你沒差 那一點時差
你離開這一拳給的 太重
我的心找不到 換日線 它在哪
我只能不停的飛
直到我將你挽回
The Lokal
136 Neil Road
0888865 Singapore
T: 6423 9918
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
The Pelican: Nothing like the fireworks that once were
Labels:
beef,
may not return,
onefullerton,
pasta,
seafood,
special occasion,
the entertainer app,
waterfront
·
My previous dining experience at The Pelican had showcased a history of epicurean highlights; unfolding in waves of gustatory pleasures, followed by a extended night capping period that fed my demons.
In this ill-fated episode however, the same dishes did not deliver the same 'wow-factor' it did on the first occasion.
Held in conjunction with the Entertainer , the event at The Pelican entitled us to use our 1-for-1 main course deal. For those of you who have the app or are mulling over the choice (please spare your brain cells and GET IT ALREADY!); you'll be pleased to know that the Entertainer members are entitled to unlimited 1-for-1 Belvedere cocktails when a voucher for a main course is used! Given the Pelican's heftier price tags, the definitely appeals to the penny-pincher side of me. That being said, the award-winning waterfront views makes it worth splashing out at least once in your life.
The Double Atlantic linguine and Clams ($58) garlic, chili flakes and white wine is your pretty generic aglio olio on steroids with a gob smacking amount of clams thrown into the mix. Certainly worth the money if you ask me.
The Ribeye Cap Steak with mashed baked potato ($58) built up a flutter of anticipation with my heavy recommendations from our previous excursion... sad to say, the dish came out looking a little sparse. Beautifully crusted and deftly executed in terms of the doneness, the linchpin on the platter was perfect throughout; however, what disappointed was the smear of mashed baked potato that had acquired a rather parched consistency on its surface. The dish cried out for a bit of jus or reduction to elevate it to higher eminence.
My Skate Wing Chop with burnt lemon butter ($36) was cooked with faultless timing as well but threw my taste buds into panic mode with the heavy hand of salt grains tossed over the delicate white cartilaginous fish. Burnt lemon butter punctuated with salty capers jazzed up the rich flesh and it all made for a terrific dish if it hadn't been for the salt over dosage situation.
With The Pelican's idyllic waterfront settings, for sure, there will be plenty of tourists, but you'll also be rewarded with delightfully cliched but authentic slice of Singapore life alongside the office workers taking chill pills after a stressful day at work. Sit out on the high tables along the outdoor terrace to enjoy the brilliant views and knock back a drink or two.
For my readers: Purchase the Entertainer Singapore One Month Mobile priced at just S$19 if you use my unique promotional code 'fundamentally'. Click here to be redirected!
If you're still unconvinced, check out my other dining experiences using the Entertainer app!
The Pelican Seafood Bar and Grill
1 Fullerton Road
#01-01
One Fullerton
T: 6438 0400
Website: http://thepelican.com.sg/
{Wordless Wednesdays} at the Royal Mail
Labels:
bar,
beer,
burgers,
CBD,
raffles place,
will return,
wordless wednesdays
·
Hearing news of the $10 Burger and Beer promotion that ran through the month of July at the Royal Mail at the Ascott Raffles Place, we decided to make a quick trip down.
That was a mistake.
This got a freezing cold reception from both S and I (pun intended)
Everything but the patty was frigid. I kid you not.
Sometimes we all try to bite off more than we can chew. Don't do that.
Listen to your guts and stick to doing your roast prime ribs right people.
The Royal Mail Restaurant and Bar
Ascott Raffles Place
Singapore
2 Finlayson Green
Tel: 6509 3589
Website: http://www.theroyalmail.sg/
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