Showing posts with label affordable. Show all posts
Showing posts with label affordable. Show all posts
JYPSY: Casual Japanese restaurant with nomadic island life vibes
Labels:
affordable,
cafe,
date night,
fried chicken,
fries,
hidden finds,
japanese,
large groups,
martin road,
must go,
robertson quay,
romantic,
sharing,
small plates,
sushi,
will return
·
Opened this July, JYPSY is PSCAFE'S newest cafe concept - casual Japanese restaurant peddling a nomadic island life which you'll find expressed in its immaculate decor of hanging ferns, traditional Japanese paper lanterns and wind bells. It's a gorgeous space that touts an equally breezy menu of sushi rolls, sashimi and more in sharing plate formats. Despite the upmarket vibes, price remains easy on the wallet.
[Friday Date-Night]: Rosso Vino
Labels:
affordable,
date night,
italian,
large groups,
restaurants,
robertson quay,
will return,
winebar,
wines
·
Located along the banks of Robertson Quay, Rosso Vino prides itself as being one of the best Italian restaurants in the island. Being relatively new to Italian cuisine, we were thrilled to be invited to try out some of the classics on their menu.
To start, we had the Bruschetta Rosso Vino and Carpaccio Di Manzo. The Bruschetta Rosso Vino is a trio of Smoked Salmon, Diced Tomato and Mozzarella and Anchovies Bruschetta. As someone who usually strays away from tomatoes due to its distinct taste and smell, the diced tomato was surprisingly refreshing and easy to swallow. I never thought I would say this, but that was delightful and pretty addictive. Contrastingly, the smoked salmon piece was not outstanding and the mozzarella one was way too salty for my liking. Perhaps a better ove would be to order the Brushcetta Rosa, where you can better indulge in the Diced Tomato Bruschetta, which really helps to whet your appetite for the upcoming feast.
The Carpaccio Di Manzo had unbelievable thin slices of beef tenderloin served with parmesan cheese and mixed salad. The beef was so thin and moist that they broke apart easily while the cheese added a nice subtle touch of saltiness to the beef.
For our mains, we ordered the recommended Cavatelli Ragu di Maiale in Salsa Di Pomodoro and Branzino alla Toscana. The homemade pasta's name was a handful, but the reason behind its popularity was clear. The Cavatelli pasta itself was firm, with a slight bite to it, yet easy to chew through; quite the perfect al dente if I would say so myself. The addition of red wine imparts a light oaky fullness to the sauce. Each pasta piece enrobed in the rich sauce made for a very pleasant experience.
As one who is particularly averse to fishiness, I was amazed at how subdued the dish of Branzino all Toscano was. The fish was moist and flaky fresh and the tomato based stew providing relief from the fishy qualities. What's left was a really fragrant, juicy and fat fillet of white meat, it's sweetness further enhanced by the layered tomato stew.
Pair your mains with a glass of wine or rose, both giving additional dimension to the dishes ordered and adding brownie points to the romantic night out.
Rosso Vino
15 Merbau Road
S(239032)
Reservations: CHOPE
Operating Hours:
Mon - Sun: 3pm - 1am
Words and photos by Belinda Yong who wishes that every time of the day is food o'clock. She loves trying new cuisines and creations, and prays hard for a higher metabolism.
The Salted Plum joins the leagues of the Dirtyyy Late Night Eats.
Labels:
affordable,
boat quay,
casual,
cheap,
circular road,
large groups,
must go,
restaurants,
taiwanese,
will return
·
Last year, Five Ten's achingly hip temple to home cooked fare basking in Taiwanese pedigree, set the pace for Singapore's new restaurants. Even after its reincarnation as The Salted Plum along the uproarious Circular road, it's still in a league of its own.
Fat Belly - Affordable luxuries at this speakeasy steakhouse
Labels:
affordable,
botanic gardens,
date night,
intimate,
restaurants,
serene center,
steak,
wines
·
Not all steakhouses are created equal. Some come with the added luxuries of Japanese pure-bred wagyu and the accompanying bill that one would describe to be a 'highway robbery', and then some like Fat Belly, offer up standard, comforting steaks (usually secondary cuts) at affordable prices. Located in Serene Center, the 'speakeasy' steakhouse takes shape only at dusk when the spotlight is shifted from the gleaming ice cream case that houses the goodies for Sugarhaus, to the glowing embers of the binchotan.
Shaburi and Kintan: In the mood for a meat fix?
Labels:
affordable,
barbeque,
buffet dinner,
buffets,
grilled meats,
japanese,
jem,
jurong east,
large groups,
must go,
restaurants,
shabu shabu,
will return,
yakiniku
·
It's been almost 2 years since my last visit to the much lauded shabu shabu establishment Shaburi and Kintan in JEM mall and judging from the crowds that have amassed in the premises at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon, the folks of Jurong East have taken to the concept very well. The place is filled to the rafters with enthusiastic diners filling up at the new and improved greens section of the side-dish buffet. On top of that, main menus for the Shaburi have seen drastic improvements with the inclusion of a larger variety of meat choices such as chicken and seafood shabu.
Pastaria Abate: Good times for both the wallet and the finicky eaters
Labels:
affordable,
casual,
cheap,
craig road,
date night,
family friendly,
must go,
outram,
pasta,
tanjong pagar
·
Now that we're in the thick of Singapore Cocktail Festival. Here is a word to the wise. Make sure to line the stomachs before hitting up those bars. #DrinkResponsibly.
And in case you're looking for something easy on the wallet in and around the bar hot spots that will leave you more liquid funds for later, here's a gem of a suggestion - Pastaria Abate on Craig Road, where fresh pastas made daily are emphasised and every table is vacated with empty plates. It's a tell tale sign that there is pedigree here and the crowds flocking in on a Thursday night is living proof.
[WED Buzz] Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf introduces new Peach Jasmine range
Labels:
affordable,
cakes,
coffee,
coffeebean,
desserts
·
Cheers to the weekend (wait, what? it's only Wednesday?) with Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's new Peach Jasmine Nitro Cold Brew Tea and Peach Jasmine Cold Brew. The Nitro Cold Brew Tea is the first ever in Singapore - jasmine tea cold steeped for 5 hours before adding in peach puree made of real peaches and finally infused with nitrogen.
Blue Label Pizza: we don't stay for desserts, because the pizzas robbed us of our tummy real estate
Labels:
affordable,
ann siang,
casual,
club street,
large groups,
must go,
pizza,
restaurants,
will go,
wines
·
We fall utterly silent, albeit for the appreciative hums that escape our lips between bites. It's a ferociously interesting night out with the boy, and based on all the delicious rumours that were circulating about this basement joint; we were half anticipating the night to cumulate in a smack down of exhilarating flavors. And boy weren't we disappointed.
Tok Panjang, a long table CNY heritage feast at Folklore
Labels:
affordable,
beach road,
bugis,
chinese new year,
CNY,
destination hotel,
family friendly,
heritage,
local food,
must go,
set menu
·
Like a breathe of fresh air, Folklore celebrates Lunar New Year with Tok Panjang - a lavish heritage feast sprawled out over a long table - a ritual at Peranakan households meant to mark special occasions. Here, there are no traces of the stodgy peng cai nor tacky heaviness of nian goa (apologies if I've stepped on anyone's feet with that remark. Do note that I do love a good Nian Gao), instead, the tabletop is covered with 15 heritage dishes prepared true to Chef Damian's Peranakan maternal grandmother. Talk about embracing the communal spirit, Folklore's Tok Panjang has got it down pat.
25 Degrees Singapore wishes to cast a spell with their Black Magic Burger
Labels:
affordable,
beer,
burgers,
casual,
comfortfoods,
diner,
family friendly,
fries,
large groups,
late night eats,
little india,
middle road,
rocher,
set lunch,
supper,
will return
·
As much as I was put off by the tag-line of 'endorsed by A-List celebrities as their go-to burger joint', I could understand what was the fuss about. Rich burgundy hued wallpaper, black leather booth seats and just enough natural light streaming in. If the Los Angeles branch emulates the same feel, it would probably be the perfect spot to be captured devouring a heavy stack while still sporting a cropped top revealing chiseled abs underneath - cue the headlines "How __ Stays Fit - While Modelling and Eating Burgers". oh pls...
HolyCrab!: Let's Get Physical
Labels:
affordable,
bugis,
crab,
hidden finds,
Hokkien mee,
large groups,
noodle,
tan Quee lan,
will return
·
Another Crab restaurant has popped up in Singapore, but wait, one that serves White Pepper, Butter, Green Chili and Balsamic Vinaigrette crabs? Count me in!
After seven years of operating as a private dining enterprise, HolyCrab has opened its first outlet at Tan Quee Lan Street, showcasing the titular crustacean in unique flavours that are bound to leave an impression.
Winter is coming: PORTA Fine Food and Import Company rolls out Christmas specials
Labels:
affordable,
cakes,
christmas,
clake quay,
fusion,
hotel,
restaurants,
spanish,
special occasion,
will return
·
Alaturka Turkish and Mediterranean Restaurant: Faith in Middle Eastern restored
Labels:
affordable,
arab street,
desserts,
dips,
exotic,
grilled meats,
kanafe,
middleeastern,
must go,
restaurants,
shish tawook,
Turkish,
will return
·
A few years back, having returned from a short business-related stint in the Middle East and subsequently working under a throng of Lebanese bosses whilst living in Sydney, Australia; I've entertained thoughts that if in the case I weren't born Chinese, Middle eastern would be the next best thing. Reason being, the cuisine was gorgeous.
I had grown a furtive love for all things Middle Eastern, baba-ganoush, hummus, fattoush, baklava, halva - I wanted them all. Simple, satisfying and supposedly good for you.
OSO Ristorante: Italian restaurants takes to newer heights at its new location @ OASIA Hotel Downtown
Labels:
affordable,
business lunch,
italian,
large groups,
pasta,
risotto,
tanjong pagar,
will not return
·
The real question is whether or not the food delivers on the same front as its new established heights off the ground.
OSO Ristorante previously located on Bukit Pasoh Road maintains its rigour and unmistakable melancholy in its set-up. White, stiff starched linen greets table tops, the oddly angled ginormous mirrors pandering to your stalkerish ways of taking stolen glanced at your picture perfect date. Don't get me wrong, it's a gorgeous space, the dry aging cabinet behind the high counter and the cheese room stowed away at the entrance providing inspirations for the meal to evolve. However, the real anchor in the equation is the emergence of a blue oasis, the sight of OASIA Hotel downtown's swimming pool through tall glass windows that provides a stark contrast and balances out the grandeur in the space.
Braseiro Restaurant: Steaks and the whole she-bang at just less than $20.
Labels:
advertorial,
affordable,
barbeque,
casual,
East Coast/ Joo Chiat,
family friendly,
large groups,
restaurants,
steak,
will return
·
Remember the steak article that I did a year back regarding 28 Juicy Steaks under $30? Truth is, I never really got round to trying all those on the list for fear of gout. However, a year has past and it has been my fortune to be able to continue the stake out, this time extending my footprint to the far east of the island.
As far as affordable steaks go, Braserio in Joo Chiat is up there with my personal favourites of The Betterfield and iSTEAKS. It takes little convincing to know that you've stumbled upon a bargain; one step into the establishment and the throngs of diners, large families with every member working their way through individual steaks with voracious appetites affirming the affordable yet luxurious deal.
Kori King: Kakigori that's as easy on the wallet as it is on the eyes
Labels:
affordable,
desserts,
japanese,
new openings,
orchard,
shaved ice,
takeout
·
Kakigori is a Japanese shaved ice dessert that dates back to the 11th century. It was initially made only for the Japanese elites but have since gained popularity in Japan over the past few decades. Riding on the wave of shaved ice, Kori King is the pioneer to offer Kakigori in Singapore in a young more hipster-ish kind of settings at really wallet-friendly pricing.
Made from ingredients imported from Japan with no additives, colourants or chemical flavours, Kori King offers its customers an extensive menu of different flavours to choose from. This includes local delights such as Gula Melaka, popular favourites - Matcha and fruity flavours such as Mango and Strawberry.
Five-Ten: Taiwanese inspired Pop-Up
In place of the late CATO along South Bridge Road comes Five Ten, a trendy spot sporting homely Taiwanese inspired eats. Judging from the long queues snaking out the door every weekday night, its popularity amongst the young and voguish is unmistakable. A major home-run, evidently seeing that its name is based off a beloved pre-drinking game enjoyed by most Singaporeans (preferably equipped with adequate counting skills); conceptualised by the Kishore brothers most known for helming the 90s themed club FRESH!; their appeal preceding over the same audience in their latest establishment.
Song Garden - Custard Salted Egg Lava Mooncakes to die for
Labels:
advertorial,
affordable,
bugis,
chinese food,
hotel,
mercure hotel,
mooncakes,
restaurants
·
Missed out on the early bird discounts for mooncakes?
Have no time to visit the mooncake fair?
Fretting over which mooncake to purchase for the family (without burning a huge hole in your wallet)?
Then you had better heed my advice and head down to Song Garden located on the 2nd floor of Mercure Singapore Bugis to get in on their mooncake selection. The emphasis on the traditional baked mooncakes a refreshing respite from the peculiarities of this year's snow skin offerings from various establishments touting strange flavours such as tom yum, pink peppercorn and more. Call me old school, but there are certain lines that can't be crossed in celebration of such a historical occasion.
Redolent with nuts, the Five Assorted Seeds is one that would pander to the more matured taste buds. Almonds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, persimmon and sesame seeds are held together with a sticky maltose filling which is just sweet enough to allow for the roast on the nuts to shine through. Unlike many renditions I've had, Song Garden's version doesn't crumble at the slightest touch nor stick to the teeth in unglamorous nooks and crannies. Definitely a keeper and a fine display of the artistry in the kitchen.
I've always been one to love white lotus paste, plain. However, come Mid-Autumn Festival, I cave in to the occasional yolk inception. The dynamite orange ball adding just that bit of luxurious salt to bring out the best of the smooth lotus paste. At song garden, the mooncakes come just a little more tanner than usual, the crust itself yielding a robust flavour that I prefer.
White Lotus (1 Box of 4 pieces): $50.80
White Lotus Single Yolk (1 Box of 4 pieces): $56.80
White Lotus Double Yolk (1 Box of 4 pieces): $62.80
Five Assorted Seeds (1 Box of 4 pieces): $62.80
Perfect little gold ingots; these salted egg yolk lava custard mini mooncakes from Song Garden are my recommended for most 'worth-it' purchase this mid autumn festival. Heat it up a little and you're guaranteed a nice flowy centre providing a faintly salty contrast to the milky crust.
Mini Custard Salted Egg Lava Mooncakes (1 Box of 8 pieces) for $62.80.
Note that this mooncakes are only available for purchase from Song Garden itself from now till the 4th October or until stocks run out.
Song Garden
122 Middle Road
Level 2
Mercure Singapore Bugis
t: 6521 9299
Rosso Vino: like an Italian Trattoria scene from Lady and the Tramp
Labels:
affordable,
family friendly,
hidden finds,
italian,
large groups,
restaurants,
robertson quay,
romantic,
will return,
wines
·
Stuck in its ways. stepping into Rosso Vino is like a step back in time. Red napkin lined bread baskets and waiters dressed in starched and stiffened white shirts; the joint cashes in on the nostalgic factor; instilling in its diners an enthusiasm quite similar to what you would experience when you were ten and were told dinner is at Jack's Place. Despite it's conservative decor and even more time-honoured menu, dining for the first time at Rosso Vino is a dangerous love affair. The said waiters and waitresses working the dining room with effortless hospitality; like they'd been doing this their whole lives. I bet a bottom dollar that partaking in their fettuccine bolognese would be like a magical scene out of Lady and the Tramp sans the waiter serenading you with his impeccable accordion skills (though they would if they could).
Pepper Lunch launches new multi-sensory dishes
Labels:
affordable,
carbonara,
chain restaurant,
family friendly,
hot plate,
might visit,
pasta,
tonkatsu
·
It all started with a humble takeaway lunch of grilled chicken rice entry on Instagram that sparked off the start of this campaign with Pepper lunch. It is with no shame to announce that I've always been a closet fan of Pepper lunch and its affordable meal options touting a healthy meat to carb ratio (as all of you know, I'm very much a carnivore 80% of the time), and to add to the pageantry of the dining experience, that hot plate which evokes certain nostalgic vibes.
This mid of year 2017, Pepper Lunch pushed out new sizzles to whet the evolving taste buds of its customers. From risottos to carbonara and curry rice, their expanded repertoire definitely piqued the picky likes of me and I was more than happy to be able to taste the entire flight in a single session.
Here's the scoop.
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