Showing posts with label ala carte. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ala carte. Show all posts
WTF (We Talk Food): let's talk Barachirashi Don
Labels:
affordable,
ala carte,
chirashi don,
family friendly,
hidden finds,
japanese,
live sports,
will return
·
I too, honestly, cannot wrap my mind around the establishment's name. WTF easily becoming the butt of all jokes. But name aside, WTF does one of the most legit and comfortably priced Chirashidon bowls you can find in this part of town. Barachirashi Don ($18.90) served in a wooden bowl is a treasure trove of ingredients with everything from scallops to ikura, amaebi, tuna, scallops tossed in a scrumptious soya dressing over rice.
The joint is simple, down-to-earth and awfully souless if I might add. The al-fresco area charming those tipple-lovers looking for a little peace and quiet while willing to endure the distressing heat; whereas the humdrum indoor seating area is monotonous but offers a plain view of the kitchen augmented by roaring burst of gas for flames. If you're looking for a place to impress your date, this is not one of them. Instead, visit when the hunger pangs hit and you've exhausted all other choices in the region.
Monday Light Bites: Yusheng @ Shin Minori - Japanese Ala-carte buffet at River Valley Road
Labels:
affordable,
ala carte,
buffets,
hidden finds,
large groups,
robertson quay,
will return
·
In the blink of an eye, Chinese New Year is upon us. And as most of you would come to know, majority of the larger Chinese restaurants would have long closed reservations by now. So if you're seeking a fuss-free alternative, look no further than Shin Minori (located on the 3rd floor of UE Square) where you can get their signature yusheng in conjunction with the hearty ala-carte buffet you're about to tuck into.
The Harvest Yusheng ($69.90 ++) can feed 8 -12 comfortably - apple ponzu plum sauce is drizzled over a myriad of fresh and pickled vegetables along with slices of fresh sashimi. Running till the 11th Feb, you can call a day in advance and reserve your party pack for a special promotion price of 1-for-1 when you takeaway.
Hokkaido Sushi Restaurant @ M Hotel: launches The Hokkaido Buffet Experience
Labels:
affordable,
ala carte,
buffets,
family friendly,
hidden finds,
japanese,
large groups,
may return,
sashimi,
sushi
·
Gone are the days when I used to gorge myself silly on mediocre ala-carte buffets. Shin Yuu in 2012 being my last undertaking; memories of overtenderised wafu steak leaving a bad taste in my mouth. So when broached with the subject of attempting The Hokkaido Buffet Experience at Hokkaido Sushi Restaurant in M Hotel; I held my breathe. Is it worth all the apprehension and grief it occasions?
At the end of the day, pushing past the ugly, Hokkaido Sushi is worthy of a shout out; especially for the sushi and sashimi stalkers. Here are some star attractions to place your bets on; and others that you should steer clear of.
First and foremost, a brief introduction to the joint that occupies a section of the 9th floor of M Hotel. Famous for dishing out ala-carte items as well as Omakase set menu; the venue presents itself as a bit dated; it's shady pine interior with the usual bamboo work and ghastly purple table cloths in the private dining room impressing no one. But you're not here to be charmed by the ornamentation; you're here to stuff yourself silly on the free-flow of fresh fish and seafood. And that's exactly what you should be doing.
Sumiya @ Suntec City: of sake dispensers and table-cooked rice
Labels:
ala carte,
dinner,
expensive,
japanese,
large groups,
lunch,
restaurants,
romantic,
sake,
seafood,
sunteccity,
will return,
wines
·
I remember the first time I visited the Suntec City branch of Sumiya (read my previous post here) - all eyes lit up when we spotted the gleaming elephant in the room. A spotless temperature controlled Sake dispenser that taps 16 different varieties of Japanese fermented rice wines from taps at the command of a key card - a seemingly illustrious process up til the bill shows its associated tabs afterwards. But for now, let's dine with no care for consequence, shall we?
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.
Shelter in the woods: Be still my heart
Shelter in the woods is every bit a restaurant I would choose for any occasion. It's straight up heart-warming classics highlighted by the culinary dexterity of Chef Masashi. Finally, a press release that tells it as it is, "The result is a cuisine of rare depth and purity. Ingredients and seasoning achieve a distinct presence and discreetness... The food literally blooms" ~ and truly, dining here is a treat for the senses. Not only is the service flawless, but so is the food. Stepping into Shelter in the woods is akin to walking into a time portal where time literally stands still as you tuck into your fare, wide eyed stares and all.
RamenPlay: New Japanese Shabu-shabu hotpot experience
Labels:
affordable,
ala carte,
beer,
big groups,
circle line,
comfortfoods,
family friendly,
must go,
ramen,
shabu shabu,
will return
·
Like it's parent company, BreadTalk Group Limited, RamenPlay is always on the mode of reinvention in order to keep its diners interest piqued by fresh offerings and better menu options. Just a few weeks back, I was fortunate to be able to get taste of the latest debut of their Shabu Shabu set. But first, we take a tour of the unprecedented heavy weights on the menu.
The Royal Mail: New Menu Offerings
Labels:
ala carte,
british,
desserts,
expensive,
hidden finds,
may not return,
raffles place,
romantic,
seafood,
special occasion
·
Modern British Restaurant The Royal Mail Restaurant has always been occupied a spot on my 'to-do'' list for the longest time. Hearing the high praises for the Roast Prime Rib escape the lips of many who have made their pilgrimage to the restaurant; I was ecstatic to be able to try the unveiling of the new menu in conjunction with their 3rd Anniversary. So get this, there will be a 20% off at dinner until the 30th May, so perhaps this place would be a good spot to bring the royal highness to for dinner on Mothers Day. Better still, intoxicate her with a complimentary bottle of wine if you spend a minimum of $200; so get on it and round up the siblings!
Daikokuya (Paragon): Ramen stop.
Labels:
affordable,
ala carte,
big groups,
dinner,
family friendly,
japanese,
lunch,
may return,
orchard,
ramen,
restaurants,
salad,
tonkatsu
·
Ramen is a meal option in abundance, especially when straddling the length of Orchard road. There's just something about a group of friends bent over hot bowls of noodles, slurping on thick broth full of umami that sets the stage for feelings of camaraderie.
Daikokuya located in the basement of Paragon with its long term residence in the same location has been on my "to-try' list, at least subconsciously, for the longest period of time.
It was a Monday night when we set foot in the establishment. Business was all but a thin whisper of cold air apart from the subdued laughter from our table. Perhaps it's the Monday blues at work, but with the queue system at Din Tai Feng in full swing next door; one begins to wonder if the change in menu has had an adverse effect on business.
[Mother's Day Special] TAO Seafood Asia: Mrs Lee's Favourite
Labels:
affordable,
ala carte,
banquet,
big groups,
chinese,
chinese food,
comfortfoods,
family friendly,
may return,
raffles place,
shenton way
·
I don't want to sound like a douche bag, but, if you have some form of culinary skills, it would probably be a good time to dig it out of the bag and give it a good dust just in time for Mothers Day. What's better than cooking up a humble storm for the most noble women in our lives.
But then again, there's the less messy option of dining out; if that's the path you've chosen to trod on, then it would be wise to dig a little deeper into the pockets and vet your choices with an iron fist. After all, its an golden opportunity to buy favours and 'get-timeout' from the provocation and nagging that ensues soon after. There's no denying it... it's going to happen, just like how everyday IS NOT Valentines' day.
Paddy Hills: A welcome addition
Labels:
ala carte,
australian,
big groups,
circle line,
cocktails,
dinner,
fried chicken,
fusion,
hidden finds,
korean,
pasir panjang,
romantic,
special occasion,
wines
·
Driving up to Paddy Hills, I felt a certain sense of loss as I witnessed the misplacement of tradition. The old shop front which use to house a darn good duck rice stall, now replaced by something bright, something gleaming and undeniably sexy in a rebellious sort of way. Paddy Hills, clocking in just a few months of business, is new to the game of pleasing the finicky taste buds of Singaporeans. It's recent misfortune with the press regarding its lengthy waiting times hitting a sour note with many potential customers looking to visit the new joint.
It was my fortune perhaps to have been invited on a night nosh session which seemingly is less popular in contrast to the posh cafe fare churned out in the daytime. Perhaps its the hefty prices or the lack of lighting that would discourage the crowds; but the cool vibes discharged were succinct, engaging the inner-Aussie in me, the flawless transition from cafe to savvy tapas bar at night hitting it straight home on a personal level.
Meat Smith: All that Jazz
Labels:
affordable,
ala carte,
american,
barfood,
beer,
big groups,
cocktails,
good eats around tanjong pagar,
must go,
ribs,
smokehouse,
tanjong pagar,
will return
·
Meat Smiths on Telok Ayer road is one of a rare breed of diners dedicated to smoking their own meats in Singapore. Opened in February 2015, it is the newest wing of the expansion plan by hotelier-restaurateur Loh Lik Peng, whom together with his investors have a serious heavyweight league of hotels such as Wanderlust, Hotel 1929; and restaurants, Majestic, Ember, Cocotte and the ever trendy, Esquina under his Unlisted Collection. In fact, stationed in plain sight of the diner is his other restaurant, The Market Grill, situated directly across the road.
So, you would think that with so much roaming credentials and experience under his belt, that a meal at the casual joint Meat Smiths would be flawless. Truth be told, my meal was highly delectable and I would gladly endorse a trip here for anyone looking for a fun-filled dinner.
Montana Brew Bar: Waffles Gone Rogue
Labels:
affordable,
ala carte,
bras basah,
cafe,
coffee,
dhoby ghaut,
family friendly,
fried chicken,
little india,
mac&cheese,
may return,
selegie,
student friendly,
waffles,
x
·
Montana Brew Bar is one of the newest kids on the block to amp up the waffle game in town. Yes, it is evident that these honeycombed imprinted crisp vessels do have a soft spot in our hearts and stomachs; and with these validation, MBB takes it to level with their ingenious savoury adaptations.
I'm here at brunch hour on a Saturday; a modest trade is coming and going in that lazy weekend kind of way. Tables are packed with languid diners hoping to score a waffle or two with friends; most of them young and vivacious, in the mid twenties; a crowd seemingly drawn from its location advantage , right smack in the middle of several schools and learning institutes in the vicinity. On a weekend, this isn't the kind of place you want to sit and linger for too long if you're a party of one; the glaring lights (plus odd stares from other people) and bustling foot traffic traversing through the malls, not exactly conducive for 'me-time'; perhaps the odd hours of the weekdays would be a better choice.
New Openings & Re-openings: De-Burg + Druggists
Labels:
affordable,
ala carte,
beer,
burgers,
craft beers,
family friendly,
hidden finds,
jalan besar,
kallang,
lists,
must go,
will return
·
My first visit to De-Burg was in 2011 (please refer to my super old but good post here), that was still the days when they occupied a non-descript hawker stall in the quiet neighborhood of Ghim Moh. Imagine tucking into a burger surrounded by the banter and chatter of boisterous old men taking swigs at their tiger beer in frozen mugs. Yes, that was what it was like back then. No hipster alcove here. Just some burger loving action going on in the back as the kitchen works hard to churn out everything to order; no pre-fried bacon nor chips, that's a crime.
Fast forward several years and De-Burg has tunnelled its way into the hearts of many. It's move to the popular Bukit Merah Lane (where Two Wings and Immanuel French Kitchen are now located) improving its reach to the public.
But despite the transformations, one thing remained steadfast, my love for their burgers.
Hence I was truly excited to hear of their re-opening at CT Hub a week ago. What's a better date-night option then a trip to our favourite burger joint?
Just a heads up, the menu can be pretty intimidating. Beef burgers, lamb burgers and seafood burgers, the list runs 2 A3-size papers long. But fret not, if you have a solid idea of what your burger ought to look like, it's going to be a breeze.
That's his Mushroom Cheese ($14.90 for 200g), AUS beef patty, cheese, greens and portobello mushroom gravy. No money squandered here.
But taking the cake was my Baconcheese ($15.50 for 220g), you know, because of the jealous stares cast across the table, the sudden spikes of crispy bacon shards pressed into the melted cheese paired with that juicy beef patty done medium rare will have you hankering for your next fix.
Of course, you don't have to be bores like us, there's a full range of Signature and Celebrity Burgers that will certainly knock your socks off for example the UnXpected Burger, with sauerkraut on the heel and currywurst on the patty or the Dee Kosh umamified with inclusion of a deep fried spam ring. Do also note that all burgers are served with an endless supply of fries; the staff are always making their rounds holding metal bowls of salted fries and smiles.
Another great love of mine, besides burgers is my love for craft beer. So for you beer geeks out there, you'll be thrilled to know that a new beer destination has popped up in the jalan besar region, just a walk away from CT hub. This region, popularised by the gentrification of one too many hipster joints, chye seng huat comes to mind obviously, invites a lovely new neighbour, the Druggists.
It is, too, guilty of hitching the hipster vibe bandwagon, preserving it's "Chinese Druggists Association" signboard up front and remodeling the interior to looks like traditional Chinese diner, complete with mosaic floor tiling and old school kopitiam furniture. Personally, I don't give two hoots, after all, we're here for the 23 beers on tap! And Druggists does a good job of procuring the strangest and the most exotic beers.
Intrigued by the Mikkeller range, we settled for the Peter Pale & Mary Ale ($8/$15) and the K=rlek Pale Ale ($8/$15), the former carrying slight citrusy notes with piney and grassy hops.
Besides the ales, there is plenty of variety to provoke the senses, everything from fruit beers to stouts and porters. You name your flavor profile, and the good-humoured staff would have something for you.
Definitely a beer destination worth checking out if you're in the area.
De Burg
2 Kallang Avenue
CT Hub
#02-15
S(339407)
w: https://www.facebook.com/deburgsingapore
Opening Hours:
Weekdays: Lunch 11am - 3pm (last order 2 30pm)
Mid afternoon drinks in between (beers and side orders avaiable)
Dinner: 5 45pm - 10pm (last order 9 30pm)
Weekends: 11am - 10pm
(closed on every last Monday and Tuesday of the month)
Druggists
119 Tyrwhitt Road
S(207547)
Opening Hours:
Tues - Fri: 5pm-11pm
Sat-Sun: 2pm - 11pm
Outback Steakhouse: Magic, Madness, Heaven, Sin
Labels:
ala carte,
alfresco,
american,
australian,
banana bread,
beer,
big groups,
buffalo wings,
circle line,
cityhall,
cocktails,
desserts,
family friendly,
ice-cream,
Milennia Walk,
nachos,
restaurants,
ribs,
salad,
steak
·
I can never say no to ribs. And seriously, looking at those peeking honeyed strands of tender meat percolating barbecued goodness, only a saint can resist (or can they?)
Dinner at Outback Steakhouse was an interesting experience since my previous exposure was in Sydney. Uprooting, might I add, since I had the misconception that Outback steakhouse as name stakes was an all Australian joint, NO, in fact, it's an Australian-themed American casual dining restaurant chain based in Tampa, Florida with over 1200 locations in 23 countries now. Pardon me for the large rock I've been hiding under...
So moving on, we started our feast with non other than the quintessential American pub grub classic, Buffalo wings dressed as Kookaburra Wings (half $9.90, full $14.90), chicken joints tossed in a savoury blend of spices and then fanned out around a well of creamy blue cheese dressing. If you appreciate a good chunky blue cheese dressing then this would be one not to miss. A quick dipping with the fresh celery sticks would satiate those with a penchant for sauces.
French boulangerie PAUL: New French Classics Menu
Change is a cardinal rule to ensure the sustainability of any food business, here in Singapore. French Boulangerie, Paul does so in a timely manner with Christmas just around the corner, sprucing up its menu offerings to boost the festive mood.
This season, whet your palate with 26 new items on the menu from savoury mains to sweet indulgences. Note that, the menu is available in all PAUL restaurants in Singapore which include 7 locations covering East to West destinations such as Westgate and Changi Airport Terminal 3.
Horizon Bistronomy: somewhere in the middle of no where
Labels:
affordable,
ala carte,
bistro,
braised pork,
Cheesecake,
desserts,
french,
hidden finds,
may return,
pasta,
pork belly,
punggol
·
The latest addition to North Eastern dining on our sunny island is the Punggol Settlement. A dining collective of food and beverage establishments housed in a rebooted colonial settlement that is set to charm the hearts of locals with its natural ambiance in cahoots with its natural surroundings of flora and fauna.
We were privileged enough to get a first hand look at the newly opened Horizon Bistronomy spearheaded by Chef Chris Fong who has received tutelage from renowned Bruno Menard and helmed his first bridgade at Anthesis at Roberston Quay. His vision to introduce fine food to the masses at affordable prices with no compromise on quality has now translated into a casual restaurant joint, Horizon Bistronomy, tucked away on the 2nd level of the Punggol Settlement.
Overeasy: What's your Burgernality?
Labels:
ala carte,
beef,
burgers,
CBD,
cityhall,
dinner,
family friendly,
lunch,
onefullerton,
raffles place
·
All hope is not lost in the world, and contrary to popular belief, there is still such a thing as a free meal and you're looking right at it!
Complete the quiz over at this address , do a quick share on your facebook page and claim your free burger at Overeasy!
Cocotte: Snail-paced Rustic French in Little India
Labels:
ala carte,
dinner,
family friendly,
farrer park,
hidden finds,
little india,
lunch,
must go,
roast,
setlunch,
the entertainer app
·
I was greeted with the puffy-faced, glossy eyed stare of a man who had just spent the last 5 minutes of his time trapped in a bathroom, the tussle for life taking a toil on his ruptured oesophagus. The culprit to his misery, a measly fish bone that had somehow weaselled its way into his food and lodged itself deep in there. I looked on helplessly and dragged my fork through the mustard sauce, pausing to pass a comment in a bid to shed some calming effect. (Don't judge, I eat when I'm stressed *sheepish grin*).
After chewing on a slippery banana (offered so kindly by the worrisome staff) and several gulps of water later, the worse had come to pass and my partner resumed eating at a frenetic pace, an action spurred on by the tardiness of the food. Our orders of seabass and roast pork collar taking a solid 45 minutes after ordering to arrive at the table. Was it worth the wait you might ask?
[The Entertainer App GIVEAWAY] Pappasan: Watermelon Sangria
If you're a big fan of the Entertainer App, we've got good news for you! The 2015 version will soon be launched in Mid November and as a sneak preview, we got to sample some of the offerings from PappaSan, one of the new merchants to be featured in Entertainer Singapore 2015.
For those of you are unaware of the lucrative savings and scrumptious deals associated with the app, I implore you to look at some of my personal dining experiences at the following merchants, The Roundhouse, Fat Cow, and Chez Petit Salut. But to cut to the chase, The Entertainer Singapore gives subscribers access to all 770+ '1-for-1' offers to some of Singapore's hottest restaurants, nightspots, informal dining spaces, spas, activities, attractions and more. With 3 vouchers per merchant, you can pay a visit to your favourite listings more than once! Evidence of my loyalty to the app can be seen in the figures below. Yes, cause numbers don't lie!
To kick start the evening, there were Watermelon Sangria shots in a watermelon, I refuse to approve the term 'shots', instead using a pint size glass to store the luscious liquids. The decapitated melons lining the decked out tables, held a mixture of fruit cocktail and wine infused juice; a sip of this will certainly get the party going. This was an introduction to the new Watermelon Sangria Tapas Fiesta (a package worth 98++ for 2 pax and starting at 438++ for a party of 10 and above); the deal includes five delicious small-plate special hot tapas to aid the festive alcohol ingestion. Certainly worth checking out if you're accompanied by a rowdy bunch and want to be spared the agonising wait between drinks for everyone to decide on their food orders.
The Succulent Beef Tenderloin Skewers behaved true to description, juicy cubes of tenderloin soaked to the core with a herbaceous marinade and then licked by hot flames on all sides. The char grilled marks, a good contrast to the slight sweetness resulting from the beef's luxurious bath.
If you like your garlic, turn your sights to the Prawns with Tomato and Italian Gremolata, the sauteed fresh prawns cooked to bouncy perfection, the aromatic gremolata giving the prawns a flavor edge and the cliched topping of parsley lending a hand to the dish's profile. I should have stuck it out and piled my plate high with these firecrackers, just 4 of these left my tummy hankering for more.
Lemongrass Chicken Wings adds to the pageantry of the spread with it's deep fried factor. Pity that these were just a tad overcooked and under seasoned; the golden crusted poultry crying out for the aid of a creamy dip to salvage it's forlorn state.
Another dish whose looks presides it's actual taste was the Crusted Chicken Rice Balls, as much as the concept is novel, the deep fried panko crusted mounds of chicken rice enveloped dry and tough bits of chicken.
Dinner continues with a bit of theatrics, the Mullets are wheeled out. Covered in a mountain of salt and set ablaze with brandy. Touted as the Snow Mountain Baked Fish ($48), this age old Italian technique of cooking fish with a heavy crust of salt guarantees a moist and perfectly seasoned fish almost all the time. Unfortunately, what we received must have been the oddment of this promise, the fish lacking in seasoning and dry despite the Chef's conscious effort to stuff it with garlic, onion, ginger, chilli and lemongrass.
The rock 'n' roll concert continues with the Whole Roasted Crispy Suckling Pig ($268, available only on pre-order). As tradition calls for it, as testiment to the pig's crispness, two lucky diners had the privilege of chopping the baby pig up with the edge of a regular dinner plate. The brashness of each move coupled with the gentle crackling of bones like music to my ears. The experience unfolds in waves of gustatory pleasure, the flesh of the pig, gelatinous,succulent and sapid from the liberal use of Portuguese special herbs. Pry open the hungry lips of a fried mantou and fill it with the likes of coleslaw, pork crackling and suckling pig dipped in a fiery sweet, chilli padi flecked dark soy mixture and you've got a winning formula. My only gripe would be that the glass-like wafer thin skin could have used a tad more salt to enhance it's flavor. But other than that, this dish indulged me and all my food fetishes.
The final flourish to the meal was the stereotypical chocolate lava cake, the twist lying in rather unorthodox brandishing of orange caramel sauce and cubes of mango. A sweet move to tighten the deal.
PappaSan is just one of the new merchants to be joining the entourage of The Entertainer App's 2015 versions and I, for one, am eagerly anticipating the exciting line-up for participating merchants to be revealed soon.
For now, I will be hosting a {GIVEAWAY} - 10 of my lucky readers will be given the Entertainer Singapore 2014 Mobile product for FREE!!! However, this will expire on Dec 31, 2014, but with all the upcoming festivities approaching, perhaps the app will come in useful, especially if hosting larger group gatherings. Imagine all the savings you could acquire!
To enter, all you have to do is
- Follow me on instagram at @fundamentally_flawed, find the picture of the suckling pig and give me shoutout!
- Comment on this blogpost telling me which restaurant/cafe you would love to see registered on the new merchants listing on The Entertainer 2015 app. Make sure to leave your name and email address to qualify as well.
- 'Like' the Entertainer Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/
TheEntertainerFB)
Please note that this contest ends on the 16th Novemeber, so quickly get to it!
PappaSan
01-01, 333 New Bridge Road
S(088765)
t: 8188 7189
Opening Hours:
daily 6 30am - 10 30pm
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