Showing posts with label alfresco. Show all posts
Showing posts with label alfresco. Show all posts
Beast and Butterflies: where culinary insurgence takes trip
Labels:
alfresco,
beer,
big groups,
chinese,
fusion,
happy hour,
hotel,
m social,
must go,
pork knuckle,
restaurants,
robertson quay
·
I'm saying this only because of the Crispy Pork Knuckle, served with the most ridonkulous Nam Jim sauce that you'll just want to bottle and use at BBQs, with grilled chicken wings, etc... Okay, then maybe I'll also make leeway for the Scallop Carpaccio and the Yam Brulee - a most ambrosial ramekin of orh nee blessed with a crackin' caramelised lid - both humble, but no less, better, incarnations of their original inspirators.
Kinki: Maki with a View
Labels:
alfresco,
cityhall,
cityviews,
japan food town,
japanese,
large groups,
maki,
onefullerton,
restaurants,
sake,
waterfront,
will return,
wines
·
If you're looking for the best maki in Singapore, Kinki won't be it. But if it's #makiwithaview that you're seeking, the casual establishment sporting stunning panoramic view of the bay area sees little competition in this aspect.
Kinki is famous for two things: their makis and Japanese anime decorum which translates into their convivial dining atmosphere. The space makes use of the abundant natural light and their open-air entertainment quarters on the top deck to shake off the austerity and stuffiness shrouding the dining establishments in the bay area. It's important to note the beverage offerings; this is first and foremost an after-work watering hole. Once you're seated, a spirited menu packed with refreshing sakes and fizzy beers is called to your attention. I would admit that it's either an old-school dining sensibility or a money-making strategy. Needless to say, we welcome the gesture with open arms (and livers), and order carafe of Echigo Tsurukame Junmai from Niigata prefecture. One does have to whet one's appetite, after all.
VLV Riverside - New Riverside Zi-Char Dining Experience
Labels:
alfresco,
clarke quay,
family friendly,
large groups,
local food,
might return,
seafood,
zi char
·
Zi Char is a never-dying trend in Singapore, with crowds willing to bear with the uncomfortable coffeeshop stools, creaking fans and the shouting aunties for a sumptuous meal of home-style dishes. But what if I told you that these dishes can also be enjoyed in a more comfortable setting; one that overlooks the Clarke Quay riverfront, with cushioned chairs and even live music to boot?
Look no further than VLV Singapore, as they have recently introduced their newest dining concept, VLV riverside, which offers diners local zi char favourites with a twist.
The Chophouse (Vivocity): where the Pork Chop reigns supreme.
Labels:
alfresco,
beer,
family friendly,
happy hour,
harborfront,
large groups,
must go,
pork chop,
restaurants,
steak,
wines
·
Drenched in natural light, open spaces and a gorgeous long table on the al-fresco patio, you can get a sense that communal dining is encouraged here. The notion of feasting, boosted by a plethora of meaty delights and impending gluttony, highly likely under such jovial circumstance. Casual and unpretentious, you might just want to get a pint of Paulaner Weisse ($11) to start, the generous folks at The Chophouse runs happy hour all day long, so that's definitely worth a mention.
Get started on the Fillet Mignon Salad ($17) only because you're probably gunning for the pork chop upon entrance yet still want to make a move on the beef, so here's your best bet for satiety on both protein fronts. Pan-fried fillet mignon, plump and red in the middle is plonked down on a cushy bed of argula, romanie lettuce, shredded fennel, baby spinach, roasted peppers and cherry tomatoes salad, dressed in a luscious coat of aioli to ensure you dive into your daily dose of greens. I would recommend you wash it down with a glass of their house-wine, the Malbec ($12) from Alamos, Argentina is a mild-mannered spiced up red that will kick-start the palate for what will eventually spiral into an afternoon of debauchery.
Botanico: Contemporary season-focused fare below lush foliage.
Labels:
alfresco,
botanic gardens,
family friendly,
hidden finds,
large groups,
must go,
romantic,
spanish,
tartare,
will return
·
New kid on the block worth you throwing out the dollar bills for is Botanico. Make sure you grab a seat on the outer patio while you're at it, fully air-conditioned and blessed with an concave type structure pushed up against a slight hill, you'll be assured a cool and almost chilly type atmosphere even as you embrace the last drops of sunshine from the day as it dissolves it's imprints on your skin. Fairy lights, wooden paneling and navy blue sofa couches. I love it. It's cheerful as hell.
The Pelican Seafood Bar & Grill: brand new ala-carte brunch menu
Labels:
alfresco,
american,
brunch,
might return,
onefullerton,
prosecco,
raffles place,
waterfront
·
As if finding a brunch spot worthy of some Sunday sauntering isn't easy enough; The Pelican does some internal revamps to introduce the new ala carte brunch menu focused on classic East Coast American breakfast favourites. Fuelled by the affordable option to pair your meal with a free flow prosecco; it's little wonder that this establishment gets the chops from me.
However, do note that timing is a little tight on the ultimate weekender session and this boozy brunch is available only on Saturdays from 11am to 3pm with Sundays being represented by tight barricades around the restaurants - closed. Added merits include the stunning views of the Marina Bay waterfront area - tranquil waters lap at your feet (well, technically about a grass patch and pavement away) as you sip on that bubbly with little care in the world.
Greenwood Fish Market and Bistro @ Sentosa Cove: 4th World Oyster Festival
Labels:
alfresco,
events,
food festival,
greenwood avenue,
must go,
oysters,
quayside isle,
sashimi,
sentosa,
sentosa cove,
will return
·
It's that time of the year again for Greenwood Fish Market's 4th World Oyster Festival!
Having attend the previous year's session, expectations for this years round up were sky high, spurred on even more by the prospects of new grounds at Quayside Isle where the balmy seaside breeze fortifies the need for more seafood!
The new Greenwood Fish Market and Bistro at Sentosa Cove features a light and airy set-up. Walls are dealt away with and instead, the longish restaurant boosts a mix of al-fresco and indoor seatings tinted in muted shades of blue, marbled wood and silver accents. Hosting a mini market place on its peripherals, the shelves are stocked with decently priced wines, dry produce and chunks of handsome looking fish perfect to indulge in a little kitchen experimentation with.
But what you're really gunning for are the oysters. Especially so, this time of year when Greenwood Fish Market brings in 20+ different oysters, each with its unique characteristics to be enjoyed fresh and unadulterated. The World Oyster Festival lasts about a month from 1st - 31st July'2016 and is held at both it's first outlet as well as the newly minted Quayside Isle branch to grant more people the opportunity to sample the varieties they have to offer.
iNCOGNiTO Bar: Chye Seng Huat Hardware, After Dark
Labels:
alfresco,
burgers,
craft beers,
hidden finds,
jalan besar,
pubfood,
romantic,
will return
·
So, if you think Chye Seng Huat Hardware is hip, with its obscure industry-chic settings and hidden entrance way; then you'll love what it transforms into, after dark.
Once the sun sets, the outer dens evolves into a candle-lit craft beer garden, shrouded in waves of secrecy and lingering shadows cast on white walls to match. After the thrill of discovery has washed over you, proceed to up your booze knowledge with a round of craft beers, available in both the bottled form and a healthy range of 4 alternating drafts on tap.
Casual pub life is clearly reflected in the stripped down 'interior' of Chye Seng Huat and these impressions run through the simple food menu as well. You can't fault the concept, the stark contrast to nearby craft beer snob, Druggist and its tish-tosh set up; sending younger hipsters, mostly noobs to the subject of craftbeers, straight to their doorstep.
Wildfire Burgers @ 313Somerset: I only see black
Labels:
affordable,
alfresco,
beer,
burgers,
craft beers,
family friendly,
fried chicken,
hollerout,
large groups,
orchard,
orchard 313,
will return
·
Honest to God, I arrived at the foot of Wildfire; my uneasy stomach full of trepidation. So I've heard a mixture of things, both good and bad, but armed with a tale to tell of bone-dry patties and irrelevant sunny-side ups, I prayed that my last visit was just an anomaly of poor performance. Squinting past the slightly whoreish neon lights guarding the entrance to the mall, there I stood with rebellious intention. So, winner of the 'Asia Burger Challenge 2015' - 'Hit me with your best shot!' - and they sure did fire away.
Megumi Japanese Restaurant @ Upper East Coast Road: Japanese nosh with a local spin
Labels:
affordable,
alfresco,
big groups,
family friendly,
hidden finds,
japanese,
must go,
ramen,
restaurants,
sashimi,
tempura,
udon,
will return
·
I'm just going to dive straight into the food. Because that's mainly what it is about at this no-frills Japanese eatery tucked away in the Upper East Coast Road region, flanked by the ever-so crowded Perle Noire and Strictly Pancakes on the other side.
Focus on the sashimi, and not the stiff faces of the floor staff, whom not once in my time spent at the joint even lifted the corners of their lips. Since the ordering is done through an IPAD system, it more or less lessens the interaction between these drones and the diners, so I'm not complaining. It just bugs me a little that the kitchen which bears so much soul in its cooking is cold and barren on the outside.
My orders of Mekajiki ($14 for 5 slices) and Salmon Belly ($12 for 5 slices) was inspiring. Thick slices of omega-3 laden treasure pots on a single dish definitely is a sight for sore eyes. We could have eaten 5 of these and begged for more. The Ebi Tempura ($15) was your run off the mill regular fare, the light batter not possessing as much crispness as I would like, however, the stiff, crystal snap of the prawns within, do make a difference.
Merdandy Raffles Place: let's focus on the grub.
Labels:
affordable,
alfresco,
bar,
barfood,
beer,
lunch,
may return,
mocktails,
pasta,
pork chop,
raffles place,
rendang,
setlunch
·
'It's a daily struggle, especially the part where we have to turn down guests who come in looking for an after-work tipple,' Alvin says, 'initially, it's heartbreaking, but after a while, it becomes normalcy.'
I hear you Alvin.
Merdandy, Haji Lane's biggest player alongside the groovy Blue Jaz cafe has decided to venture out of its comfort hipster zone and don a business suit instead. Situated on Chulia street in the midst of Raffles Place, the 2nd outlet retains its too-cool-for-school alfresco settings, but ramps up the front in the food department with a more concrete menu. Unfortunately due to a certain sort of recklessness, the granting of the alcohol license has been severely delayed, hence a trip to the joint would mean giving your liver a lovely respite from the daily damage. I speak on my part mostly; but for one, I was glad to be able to savor the quality of bar grub in absolute clarity.
Tamarind Hill: VITAGEN Less Sugar celebrates SGWeekendFeast
Labels:
alfresco,
circle line,
events,
media event,
must go,
special occasion,
thai food
·
The persistent haze has not stopped Singaporeans from dining out, judging from the turn out at the staggering number of food events in the last few weeks - we deduce that Singaporeans clearly live to eat.
Last weekend, we had the honour of attending the finale of Vitagen's fun-filled #SGWeekendFeast held at the pristine new Tamarind Hill, a modern Thai-Chinese Bar restaurant atop Labrador Hill.
As part of the unique collaboration, celebrity chefs Sam and Forest Leong were both present at their live cooking counters and the couple also came up with a special menu, together with Vitagen inspired drinks and desserts for their guests. Besides having food meticulously prepared from the counter by the duo, we were also supplemented with an endless food supply from the BBQ and buffet station! Talk about a feast...
'The Italian Table' @ Zafferano: magnificent Saturday Italian brunch
Labels:
alfresco,
brunch,
buffets,
champagne,
cityviews,
italian,
must go,
raffles place,
romantic,
will return
·
If there's one thing we take seriously here, its brunch.
Hence when we heard of Zafferano rolling out its new and super indulgent Saturday Italian brunch, we stopped in our tracks and listened eagerly.
Every first and last Saturday of the month, Zafferano serves one of the most luxurious brunches around, it's arrangement gearing towards a buffet style but with hints of ala carte's service finesse. Start off with a 7 different antipastis including fresh oysters and a selection of frito misto, 3 authentic pastas and a traditional saffron risotto and finally a choice of main course. Depart on a sweet note with a quick trip over to the dessert counter, there, a humble but cleverly curated selection of pastries await.
Alkaff Mansion: Italian BBQ Nights
Labels:
affordable,
alfresco,
barbeque,
buffets,
family friendly,
hidden finds,
italian,
ribs,
romantic,
special occasion,
will return
·
A good 2 years later and here I am back at Alkaff Mansion, a lofty colonial manor nestled on top of a verdant knoll filled with luscious foliage and leafy pastures. No doubt, things have changed since my last 2 visits (the first being my cousin's wedding, and the next being a HGW tasting; you can read about it here), with speedy progressions in the marriage and a blessed baby girl born; however, things have hardly changed at Alkaff - it's pish-posh mannerisms and restrained grandeur prevail, the infrastructure still spick and span, as if it hadn't aged a day.
Well, as much as I wasn't there to inspect for the natural degradation of the establishment, one can't help but feel like a jealous schoolmate during a class reunion, positively green eyed from the lack of ageing signs, especially with my tragic loss of vitality over the last two years, attributed to my love for alcohol and the wretched night life. I digress. The rising smoke from the BBQ beckons.
Cafe Iguana: More than just Margaritas
Labels:
affordable,
alfresco,
beer,
big groups,
buffalo wings,
chickenwings,
churros,
clarke quay,
cocktails,
craft beers,
mexican,
nachos,
tacos
·
Cafe Iguana, like its big brother company, Brewerkz, just down the road; has always been an institution along these tourist busted lane ways of Clarke Quay. With mismatched walls in crazy block colors, hanging lamps and trailing fairy lights, the decor is as kooky Mexican as it can get.
Since, my covert love for a good Mexican meal has always been unrequited in Singapore, unlike in Sydney where I had my fair stash of regular haunts; I was very much open to the idea of a tasting session over at Cafe Iguana; which if my memory serves me well, saw me getting sloshed at a tender age of 18 on a flight of very potent margaritas. So, the reputation for dishing out some solid margaritas stuck. But, how does Cafe Iguana deal on the food foray? Let's suss it out!
World Gourmet Summit 2015: Sunset Celebration @ Tamarind Hill
Labels:
alfresco,
canapes,
food festival,
media event,
must go,
restaurants,
wines,
world gourmet summit
·
Decked out in a little LBD, glass of champange in one hand and the Sunset Limonata from Tippling Club in the other (yes, I do admit to being quite the alcohol hoarder), I surveyed the sprawling grounds of Tamarind Hill, devising a plan in my head as to how to approach the debauchery with certain order, yet still retaining some sanity afterwards, enough, to attend a wedding without tipping over at least.
Last week, I had the fortune of attending the cocktail evening at Tamarind Hill, featuring a astonishing spread of high cuisine and tasty tipples from a multitude of WGS's 2015 partners. Some of the restaurants which I was highly anticipating included Burlamacco, ALBA 1836, Wooloomooloo, Level 33 and Punjab Grill; not to mention cocktails wringed out by the talented folks of Tippling Club. Honestly, the sight of the bustling action and the excitement evoked was a little hard to handle. However, after calming the tingling nerves with a couple of drinks, I strike out, and trust me when I say this; I went hard.
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.
FIX cafe: with a Halal Food Certificate to boot
Labels:
affordable,
alfresco,
balestier,
brunch,
cafe,
cakes,
desserts,
family friendly,
fusion,
hidden finds,
must go,
novena,
will return
·
Resting poolside, FIX cafe exudes an atmosphere that is breezy and relaxed, splicing beachy miami vice casual with inner city city cool. Hidden away in the peaceful enclaves of HomeTeamNS clubhouse is the newest cafe at the tip of the tongues of many Singapore foodies. Beside rousing the interest of the cafe hungry hipster crowds, Fix cafe ups the ante by attaining a halal food certification, increasing it's prospective audience massively.
Here the menu is kept snugly familiar with cafe favourites such as homemade quiche and fish & chips; then things are swayed a little with the novel introduction of naanwiches. To lay it all out, naan is baked in-house and used as a bread replacement in a typical sandwich. Before you decide that such a combination is bit too outlandish for you, hear me out; this works - the fluffy innards of the naan absorbing the defiant runaway juices from the fillings and the charred edges perfect to poke and prod at the runny yoke perched on top. The Beef and Kimchi Naanwich ($10) lends an explosion of flavors from the fillings, the slow cooked beef rendered down a fork tender consistency. Just be mindful to steer clear if you've an aversion towards fatty meats. The Chicken Tikka Naanwich ($10) in my opinion fared better with a the tender chicken slices being the perfect canvas for the melange of Indian spices. The side serving of achar imparting a sour note, helping to neutralise any greasiness. Note that a cup of nachos are served on the side with each naanwich, slightly 'lao-hong' tortilla chips drizzled lightly with melted cheese and chunky salsa. Great for the 'itchy-mouthed' companions or a single famished diner.
Putting that aside, a must try at FIX cafe is definitely its wide array of expertly executed desserts. The Strawberry Pistachio Rose Tart ($7) was my least favourite. A layer of pistachio financier sits above a uniform pate sucre base and all that topped with fresh strawberries, raspberry compote and a quenelle of rose chantilly cream . A tad too dry for my liking, the pistachio financier could have used a boost of flavor (soon to be fixed =) ) and the sable base, in disagreement with the overall parched conditions.
Moving on, we had the Passionfruit, Mango and Coconut chiffon cake ($7) , an addictive amalgamation of light tangy spring flavors with an interesting juxtaposition of Asian tradition flavors contrasted with a sparse artistic modernity. The coconut mousse pulling the weight of the other more acidic flavors in the entremet. Definitely well suited for the al-fresco dining conditions.
The piece de resistance came in the form of a hollow choux pastry capped with crunchy craquelin filled with coffee chantilly, salted caramel and a secret chocolate truffle center. The Butterscotch Arabica Choux ($6) stole my breathe and my heart.
Another heavyweight is the Chocolate Truffle Cake ($7) made using only Cacao Barry's OCOA chocolate taken from the 'Purity from Nature' range that has been created with pure cocoa beans using the Q-Fermentation method. This method basically involves extracting specific ferments on plant leaves and soil to hasten the fermentation process on the cocoa beans thus deriving the most intense and pure flavors. The Cocoa Barry Chocolate truffle cake comprises of sacher cake, OCOA chocolate cremeux, OCOA chocolate mousse and glacage and finally topped with a few shards of salted chocolate sable; a feast for the senses, the rich flavors and textural contrasts cumulating in a smackdown. This may pose a challenge to finish, even with the most serious of chocolate aficionados. Be a doll and share...
Fix cafe is a casual joint that is not to be missed despite it's rather non-descript location. In the grand scheme of things, the variety of dishes here and their near perfect execution makes it a diamond in the rough.
FIX cafe
Balestier
31 Ah Hood Road, HomeTeamNS-JOM Clubhouse
#01-06
S( 329979)
t: 6256 1484
w: http://fix-cafe.com.sg/
Opening Hours:
Daily 9 30am - 9 pm
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