Showing posts with label beef. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beef. Show all posts
Dining with a view [Part 1]: Stellar at 1-Altitude presents their special Tajima Wagyu program
Labels:
beef,
cityviews,
degustation,
expensive,
hidden finds,
must go,
romantic,
set lunch,
set menu,
wagyu,
will return
·
Clearing my throat and attempting to get rid the ear barotrauma that had developed from the swift elevator ride up to 62nd floor of One Raffles Place Building; the cool gust of air that greets me at the tip of the spacious natural light awashed dining room worked wonders in refreshing the senses instantaneously.
The purpose of my visit, to explore Chef Christopher Millar's brand new nip tuck culinary program featuring Tajima Wagyu which the restaurant now painstakingly sources and wait for it... rears their own cattle at Australia's premium Wagyu farm Tiana Park (NSW). Talk about dedication to curating the best produce! This process devising a canny way of getting back in the media again. We're talking the opportunity to feature a myriad of cuts (both secondary and premium) in mixed fashion and with the added flexibility of dry-aging at your own will; Chef Christopher Millar has definitely got it all figured out.
Hokkaido Izakaya @ Japan Food Town: Worth queuing in line for
Hokkaido Izakaya in Japan Food Town is an extension of its exuberant culture displayed on Tanjong Pagar road. Yet, even with it branching out into a less exciting venue (in a mall), the restaurant always sees the backing of long lines. If that doesn't say something about the quality of food here, I really don't know what else justifies as valid proof.
Relying on Hokkaido's produce as vision, the establishment dishes out the best of ingredients from towns such as Yakumo, Akkeshi, Furano and Kamishihoro - albeit not in your usual omakase fou-fou but in a more approachable manner with wallet friendly prices to boot. Hence the long lines that you'll have to endure. But let's get this straight, if you're looking to kick off an illustrious night with friends, then a meal at Hokkaido Izakaya would be 'it'. Bearing in mind that they do carry a rather pervasive list of sake and shoju to fuel any conversation.
Dehesa: Meat-Lovers Nirvana
Labels:
beef,
hidden finds,
meatlovers,
restaurants,
special occasion,
steak,
will return
·
The past F1 weekend reached fever pitch in the city with each revving and screaming of tires. Similarly, a wave of primal craving rises with each juicy, succulent offering from Dehesa - home of the complete nose to tail experience, right down to the finish line.
Chef and owner Jean-Phillippe Patruno, one of the innovative forerunners of this culinary revolution in Singapore, commits his craft to whole animal usage in his alternative cut and offal delicacies. The price of which is kept very low at only $28++ per head, with each new lunch set menu primed for a quick yet deliciously sinful experience.
Red Eye Smokehouse opens in Jalan Besar
Labels:
affordable,
american,
anymap,
beef,
craft beers,
hidden finds,
jalan besar,
must go,
smokehouse,
will return
·
Little Island Brewing Co: for seriously crafty people
Labels:
beef,
beer,
big groups,
brunch,
burgers,
craft beers,
family friendly,
hidden finds,
must go,
smokehouse,
special occasion,
sunday brunch,
will return
·
So another restaurant bartering craft beers opens up - what's new? Well, here's the scoop. Little Island Brewing Co isn't just another run of the mill hipsterish cafe/restaurant pitching an extensive list of speciality beers just to rally the crowds; its sprawling grounds and glistening vats locked behind caged frames revealing ballsy plans to embark on a journey of brewing and achieving status quo as one of Singapore's few local breweries.
During one of my visits, I was fortunate enough to exchange pleasantries with Steve Spinney, Little Island's consultant brewer who talked about some of his brews he had planned for the joint including a pale, a wheat and a coffee stout which are currently in the pipeline till more equipment and ingredients arrive in their quarters. Owner, Francis Khoo is one of the four shareholders in this grand venture; a humble chap who was benevolent enough to entertain my partner and I, through some alcohol laden meals; it was plain to see that his passion for craft beer and its gradual assimilation into the local lifestyle, was his main driving force in the process. Combined with the culinary prowess of Chef John Edwards, manning the smokers and the grills, you have a force to be reckoned with.
Caffe B: Affordable Set lunches in MBS
Labels:
affordable,
beef,
cocktails,
fusion,
italian,
japanese,
marina bay sands,
pasta,
setlunch,
will not return
·
Caffe B set in lush satin settings, a secretive sort of environment fine-tuned by plenty of luxe design decisions, offers diners an oasis perfect for constructive business meetings. These are complemented by bespoke light details, grand chandeliers overhead and raw metal grills reminiscent of Aztec cultures, that work effectively as partitions, offering enclaves for private discussions. The veteran F&B patron in the mall has recently rolled out an inexpensive $25++ three-course set lunch menu to lure in the office crowds. Ok, so let me deliberate before you go down.
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!
Relish by Wild Rocket: Not your average joe of a Burger
Labels:
american,
beef,
beer,
botanic gardens,
burgers,
circle line,
cluny court,
cocktails,
family friendly,
milkshakes
·
We tip-toed every so carefully around the ticking time bomb, but as predicted earlier, his 'child-unfriendly' presence had become known in the room and the flood gates of persistent wailing from the infant opened wide, reigning painful cries between gurgles down upon us and the other diners. All this unfolded much to his annoyance, of course, so we requested a change of tables that the staff were very much happy to attend to.
A quick run thru the menu revealed a tight selection of burgers and other comfort foods. Never mind the background jargon, pass the lady a burger please!
Reflecting the simplicity of of its environment, the fare was quick and concise. My billboard special of b3 Mushroom Cheese Burger ($18.40) was all the works, sauteed and well seasoned mushrooms, greasy smoked bacon (+$3), melted emmental cheese, medium-rare juicy beef patty all lewdly forced between two sesame buns. The buns could have used a good lashing of butter and a good toasting; put that out of the picture and you've got results that show more finesse than your regular burger. What stole the limelight was the patty alone, deliciously scorched and still juicy on the inside.
The boy was silent as he chowed down on his Blue Cheese and Pear Burger ($21.90). Take a classic combination, transcribe that into burger formula and you've got a sure winner. The walnut peanut butter providing firm nutty notes for the singed sweetness of the poached pears and that grounding the outlandish flavors of the Auvergne bleu cheese. To be frank, I was grateful to even get one tiny bite of this baby.
Definitely one of more impressive burgers I've had in Singapore so far. The search continues...
Relish by Wild Rocket
501 Bukit Timah Road
#02-01, Cluny Court
S( 259760)
t: 6763 1547
Opening Hours:
Tues-Sun 9am-10pm
ON-YASAI @ Chijimes: A Welcome Relief
Labels:
ala carte,
beef,
beer,
buffet dinner,
buffets,
chijmes,
cityhall,
family friendly,
health,
shabu shabu,
steamboat,
vegetables,
wagyu
·
Weekends are when the guilt sinks in, a culpability towards the stress that I put my body through with my horrendous diet during the weekdays. Take today for example where I followed a Chicken Tikka Naanwich from Fix with Pulled Pork tacos from Mex-out and then rounded up the whole sinful affair with the BEST fried chicken and waffles at The Beast. All this washed down with copious amounts of alcoholic beverages... hey.. don't judge.. after all #TGIF folks! Continuous days of dietary insurgence with hardly any greens in sight usually leaves me feeling sluggish and out of shape. Then, as my mind shifts to the notion of healthy eating, I am deterred by the thought of bland tasteless dishes. Well, if some of you out there are faced similar dilemmas, fret not, I reckon I've found a solution to this problem.
ON-YASAI is a shabu shabu joint hailing from Tokyo. With origins since 2000, this chain currently has more than 300 outlets in Japan alone. ON-YASAI aims to challenge the common concepts, firstly that shabu shabu is an expensive affair and secondly, to delineate the all-you-can-eat steamboat experiences you often get in Singapore brimmed with cheap ingredients and frozen meats. Targeted at the families, couples and the professional woman, they strive to provide a healthy selection of ingredients driven by seasonal produce with a creative array of soup bases.
Besides its usual ala-carte menu, there is the buffet option which comes with 40 different types of vegetables and appetizers. Each diner also receives 1 tray of meat, 1 Chicken Tsumire (Japanese minced chicken in bamboo stick) and 1 dessert. Priced at just $49.90++ on weekdays and $54.90++ on weekends for adults; this is a wallet friendly manner of eating healthy yet eating well. Do take heed that there is a time limit of 1.5 hour per table on the buffet so pace yourselves.
Japanese hospitality meant us trying a multitude of appetizers before the real deal. Jagakara ($8.90) was a peculiar combination of potato and pickled squid that was very much acquired taste, the distinct poignant taste of the sea with the squid kicking up an appetite. Another stellar dish to order with your beers is the Brown Sugared Broad Beans ($3.90), sugar coated with a brief touch of salt, this crunchy snack is extremely addictive and I dived at it continuously much to my embarrassment when the host offered to refill my bowl.
One of the main characteristics of ON-YASAI is the assortment of soups, there are Tomato Soup, Citron Soup with Collagen, Japanese Style Spicy Soup, Golden Soup (truffle flavored), Seaweed Soup, Sichuan Spicy Soup, Soyamilk Soup and secret Sukiyaki Soup. Best part is.. you get to select 2 soups for every pot!
Soon, the pots of soup (we chose the citron soup, golden soup, seaweed soup and soyamilk soup) placed on the induction stoves had reach a rolling boil and we proceeded to cook our meats with gentle precision. The Japanese Wagyu Chuck Roll ($34.90) and Australian Wagyu Chuck Roll ($23.90) both had excellent marbling and cook within seconds of its interaction with the hot stock. Boosted by a refined setup, we were encouraged to leave our meats on a drip tray before dipping in our choice of goma or ponzu suce to prevent watering the sauce down. Utter brilliance and such attention to detail on the restaurant's part. The Japanese Momoiro Pork Collar ($18.90) was best savored in the soyamilk soup, the milky richness of the soup enhancing the fattiness of the protein. I found refuge in the exquisite goma sauce, the use of foie gras adding an extra flavor dimension. Truth be told, I would have loved to take a swim in this sauce had it not been for my nagging reminder to maintain proper table manners in front of my hosts.
The Chicken Tsumire ($6.90) is a house special of chicken mince stuffed in a bamboo skewer that eventually becomes meatballs as you carve them with a spoon into the pot of soup.
Let the feast begin.
The assortment of fresh vegetables and mushrooms filled us up quickly. The excellent broths adding to the pageantry of the dish, the restaurant's consideration for every aspect of the meal pushing it past any type of expectations I've had for a shabu shabu experience.
The Soya Milk Cheese Risotto Set ($5.90) hit the nail right on the head with a grand finale that I've yet to encounter anywhere. At the end of the meal, instead of letting a good rendered down broth with the essence of all that cooked meats and vegetables in it go to waste, we are given cheese, rice, condiments and an egg. After a few magical whisks of the wrist, we were presented with a bowl of silky smooth risotto. As simple as it sounds, it's an ingenious and satisfying way of appreciating the entire shabu shabu experience at ON-YASAI.
The meal concludes in a wave of gustatory pleasure capped off with a dazzling cat-walk of light desserts to sweeten the deal. The Homemade Pumpkin Pudding ($8.90) comes strongly recommended, the dish entailing a restrained sweetness with elegance, stacking earthy flavors from the steamed pumpkin to comforting nuances of cream with the warm toasty notes from the brown sugar syrup.
We also indulged in the Peach Sorbet ($6.90) and the ON-YASAI ice cream ($7.90), a pleasant way to round up the evening of food festivities.
ON-YASAI on the grand scheme of things offers up a holistic experience that intends to debacle some old school shabu shabu controversies. With the backing of such an excellent array of soup bases to boot, I reckon that factor alone seals the deal for many return visits.
ON-YASAI
Chijmes
30 Victoria Street
#01-03/04
t: 6336 4002
Website: http://on-yasai.co.sg/
Fat Cow: Leaves a bad taste in my mouth
Labels:
ala carte,
beef,
lunch,
special occasion,
the entertainer app
·
Leave it in the hands of the experts of course.
Over at the Fat Cow, located aptly at the Camden Medical Center (in the case of heavy heart palpitations caused from gluttony); the Zen-like surroundings prepares one for the thrill of the cuisine at hand. The atmosphere is mildly cold and a tad intimidating for most, so, warm up with a cup of hot green tea or some well acquainted company is advised too.
The Donabemeshi ($68) is a pulse quickening dish of Wagyu beef grilled over charcoal and finished in a claypot of baked rice with onsen egg and house-seasoned shoyu. For those that relish in a good slice of claypot rice action, this my friends is a Rolls Royce version. The deliciously rich and salty wagyu breaking down at the slightest touch, it's delicate marbling combined with a gingerly sweetened basting sauce is a joy to eat with the plump Japanese rice. The grains of charred rice at the bottom providing a pleasing textural contrast to the conjugal bliss of melt-n-your mouth goodness.
My 45 Dry Aged Sirloin from Rangers Valley ($68) was a sight to behold when it was portioned out by the craftsman right before my eyes. My heart pleading with him to stop as he shaved the steak till it sat with prim precision on the flat board. I'm not fussed. The cooking was long tedious affair, the thickness of the steak warranting a longer time on the Teppen, it's blistering heat building a distinctive crust. All went downhill as the Chef took the paddle to the metal with a deft slicing motion almost immediately after the steak came off the grill. The lack of resting time meant the muscle fibres haven't had time to relax and retain its juices, resulting in a deluge of juices flooding the plate. Outrageous... this is no way to treat a 400 day grain fed wagyu. I ate with grim face, the less than succulent meat leaving a bad taste in my mouth. Call me a snob but I believe that some respect is called for in such situations.
Word of advice, make your reservations before hand to avoid being disappointed. The Fat Cow sees a very busy lunch crowd so do take heed.
Fat Cow
#01-01
Camden Medical Centre
1 Orchard Boulevard
Website: http://www.fat-cow.com.sg
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
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/
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