Showing posts with label brunch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brunch. Show all posts

[Tipsy Tuesday]: Newsletter for the Thirsty

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Pick your poison: from locally distilled gin from Mandai to epic wine pairings and alcoholic mooncakes. We round up our favourite drink-related events this autumn. All the better to prime your livers with before the holiday season.

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Wine Lust 2018, 10 Aug - 10 Sep

The much beloved oenophiles dream experience makes a comeback for a second edition this year from the 10 August to 10 September. The month long wine-filled celebration will feature a variety of wine events at 15 award-winning restaurants across the island.

Here are some of my top picks:

4-Hands Manjimup Truffle Dinner with Renato Barolo Wines
Monti
14 Aug, 7 - 10pm


Here's a match made in heaven - decadent fresh Manjimup black truffles from Australia meets the best Barolo wines from Renato Corino.

For one night only, tuck into a sensuous 6-course dinner featuring the peak produce of the winter truffle season in Australia. With Chef Christopher Millar from Stellar at 1-Altitude and Chef Felix Chong manning the stoves, rest assured that your palate is in for a treat. The cream on the cake: each guest will enjoy 30 grams of the prized fungi paired with the finest ingredients such as Black Onyx Angus beef and Live Jade Abalone.

Alan Blakers, the founding family member of Manjimup Truffles will be on location to further drive the inception of the delectable treat amongst the diners.

This indulgent truffle themed dinner will be beautifully complemented with barolo wines as is priced at $168++ per head.


Tickets available here:
https://goo.gl/PXCCU7

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Wine Lust Brunch Affair
Botanico
18 Aug, 12 - 3pm


Free flow wines at brunch just found a whole new meaning with Botanico's Wine Lust Brunch Affair this coming Saturday. Besides the delectable food by Chef Sujatha Asokan, diners get a choice to top up $55++ per pax to enjoy a complimentary tasting of over 96 unique wines from around the globe. Guests can continue to enjoy their favourite tipple at home for a special price if they decide to purchase by the bottle or case.

Facebook event:

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Le Donne Del Vino
Botanico
30 Aug, 7 - 10pm


Tucked away in the heart of Botanical Gardens is Botanico, a spot of tranquil beauty and immaculate lush green surroundings. Escape the city buzz with Le Donne Del Vino (Women of Wine) on the 30 August where the contemporary bistro will be honouring three of Italy's finest female winemakers alongside home-grown powerhouse Chef Sujatha Asokan who will be fastidiously preparing a memorable six-course menu featuring recipes disclosed from the winemakers' families themselves.

Tickets are priced at $110++ per pax and are available via

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Barolo Wine Dinner with Giovanni Oliva
The Summerhouse
31 Aug, 6 - 10pm


If you've got a soft spot for the huge reds, this dinner might pique your interest. The full-bodied red from the historical Cordero di Montezemolo family winery will take centerstage in a five-course dinner in the cosy realms of The Summerhouse dining room.

Tickets are priced at $120++ per person and are available here:

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Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival with Regent Hotel's NEW Whiskey-infused Snow Skin mooncakes


Summer Palace Dim Sum guru Chef Leong Kwok Sing partners with bar Manger Philip Bischoff of Manhattan, Asia's Best Bar to present an exquisite collection of perennial favourite alongside two new spirited snowskin variants: Barrel-aged Sazerac 6-year-old Rye with coffee and chocolate and Barrel-aged La Lousiane Cocktail with Yuzu and Green Bean Paste.

The former combines the likes of rye-whiskey aged in 10 year old tawny port washed American oak barrel for 25 days, with coffee and chocolate paste for a play on nuttiness, chocolate earthiness and a risque sharpness. For those who like your cocktails a little less serious, the barrel-aged La Louisiane Cocktail with yuzu and green bean paste will hit the spot. Based on a classic Creole cocktail, the snowskin representation of is no less complex, perked up with notes of overripe oranges to awaken the senses.

Guests have the option to purchase the Manhattan Mid-Autumn box which comes with an assortment of Manhattan exclusive snow skin mooncakes and limited edition four-set whiskey tasting box (2 cl bottles of specially curated American whiskies and two exclusive barrel-aged blends from the Rickhouse in Manhattan) for $168. Definitely a gift worthy of any serious imbiber.

Enjoy early bird discounts till the Aug 19, where all 4 or 8-piece mooncake box purchases are entitled to 30% discount. Regular orders from 20 Aug to 24 Sep will enjoy a 15% discount with the use of the following credit cards: Bank of China, Citibank, Diners Club, HSBC, Maybank, OCBC and UOB.

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Uniquely Singaporean: Tanglin Gin


It's about time that Singapore has its first Gin. Presenting to you, Tanglin Gin, Singapore's only handcrafted spirit, batch distilled in Singapore (Mandai, no less). The secret ingredient - Orchid; seemingly befitting since it's our national flower. The tipple heroes 11 botanicals, with some less usual suspects such as Amchoor (Indian Dried Green Mangoes) and Dendrobium Orchid. The result is a modern gin with a subtle floral fragrance and a slight citrus backdrop. Best enjoyed neat.

Find out more here:

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The Bar Awards
is back in Singapore for its 2018 edition this weekend and it beckons you to get your crazy on!

Origin Bar
16 Aug
6pm onwards

The weekend of debauchery is starting off with a bang at Shangri-La Hotel's Origin Bar. Eight esteemed bartenders from all around the region will be doing rotational shifts behind the bar, dishing out the cheekiest of concoctions. So, don't expect to be standing straight at the end of the night.

Featured bartenders include
  • Aili Nguyen of Employees Only Hong Kong (The Rising Star, Hong Kong)
  • Angel Ng of PS150 (The Ada Coleman Winner, Kuala Lumpur 2017)
  • Backstage Cocktail Bar (Best Hospitality, Bangkok 2018)
  • Coley Cocktail Bar (Bar of the Year and Best Hospitality Team, Bangkok 2018)
  • Please Don't Tell (Best Hotel Bar, Hong Kong 2018)
  • Ponn Kitiphum (Mekhong's Brand Ambassador)
  • Vesper (Most Creative cocktail program, Bangkok 2018)
  • Yes Please (Manila)
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Other guestshifts worth looking out for:

PS150 (KL) at HRVST/ 17 Aug/ 6 - 10pm
Coley (KL) at The Spiffy Dapper/ 17 Aug/ 8 - 12am


Waterloo Street Luau Party/ 17 Aug/ 7pm onwards **



Tropic like It's Hot Featuring Bali's Best Bars at Lucha Loco/ 18 Aug/ 6pm - 12am
Employees Only Hong Kong at Highball/ 18 Aug/ 9pm - 12am
Please Don't Tell Hong Kong at Native/ 18 Aug/ 6 - 10pm
Vesper at Origin Bar/ 18 Aug/ 8pm - 12am


More details here

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Twenty Eight Cafe: for the early birds.

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There's something about the imagery of piping hot coffee, rivulets of milk froth working with tangles of hot coffee forming intricate patterns that is synonymous with the basic necessities of the working man; newly opened Twenty Eight Cafe would know. Opening it's doors at 7 30am in the morning to pander to the needs of the Mount Sophie and Mount Emily residents. High ceilings, white washed spaces interspersed with bits of foliage, and modish hanging light fixtures; it's not a surprise to see that the cafe has amassed quite a following even in the first few weeks of its opening. Wi-Fi does help, of course.

SPRMRKT goes Vietnamese: From Street Food to Fine Dining

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Just 10 more days to get your hands on some of the specials at SPRMRKT (both McCallum Street and Robertson Quay outlets) as the kitchen folks pay tribute to the 45th year of harmonious Singapore-Vietname diplomatic rapport, with their debut cultural showcase "SPRMRKT Vietnam". Dedicated to showcasing the best of what Vietnam has to offer, the kitchen have dished out fresh interpretations of Vietnamese classics, Bahn Mi? Beef Pho? Banh Xeo? Yes, if you can't afford the trip up North, the daily specials is as close as you can get to actually living the sun, sea and dusty street-life of Vietnam and all its glory.

Don Ho: Sunday brunch with resort feels in the heart of the city

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Stepping into Don Ho Instantly makes me feel as if I've been transported to a resort. The first thing that catches my eyes was an insta-worthy wall of bright pink flamingos in tropic green, palm leaves surrounding. Then my gaze shifts to the ceiling high cabinet decked out with potted plants and animal figurines. Walking through sliding doors and into the main restaurant area reveals a space that is generously decorated with foliage, pale wooden chairs accompanied with teal coloured cushions, a wall printed with palm leaves and light bulbs hanging from the ceiling. I was utterly impressed by the interior even before the food was served. Secretly adding brownie points to the final score.

Urban Bites - All New Saturday Brunch, Lebanese style.

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As many of you may know, I've lived in the Middle-east for a good one year, worked for a Lebanese cafe for another year and a half whilst in Sydney and was blessed to have sufficient exposure to the cuisine, at least, much more than a lot of my fellow dining companions. Not to boast, but I was truly appreciative for a middle-eastern cuisine vocabulary that extended beyond hummus and shish kebabs.  Hence when the invite to Urban Bites - the restaurant inconspicuously sounding more small plate concept than a communal Lebanese joint - I was truly flipping out. My memories of breakfast plates, aromatic hummus awarma and the sprightly impressions of herbaceous fattoush in summer had me hitting the ground running.

Urban Bites located on Telok Ayer Road sees a bevy of activity during weekend lunches. Quick Shish Tawook wraps and healthy vibes associated with hummus have been well received by the surrounding working community. However, 10 years into the business and the restaurant is seeing a major overhaul by Chef Khanashat's daughter Christine Khanashat who is determined to update a large majority of the dishes to appeal to the well-heeled crowd's sophisticated palates. With young and talented Lebanese Executive Chef, Haroutioun Ara Sayegh taking over reigns on the stoves, things have taken a drastic turn - for one, the restaurant now opens on Saturday, offering an authentic Lebanese brunch. It's clever, its a breathe of fresh air where champagne brunches and staple egg offerings are a dime in a dozen.

Xiao Ya Tou: New Brunch Menu

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There are a thousand and one variations on the classic eggs Benedict, and as much I confess to being a nazi (most probably a condition derived from being fazed by exaggeratedly bastardised versions that are both messy in appearance and jarring on the palate); Xiao Ya Tou's new Unagi Benedict ($16) radiates with a warm glow. I'm guessing its the yuzukoshu hollandaise at work, but no. The star of the dish being the attack on the flank - prawn and potato kewpie mayo salad with tobiko on crispy potato croquettes. Needless to say, the combination of mushroom duxelles, fresh fried mantou, poached egg and unagi was exceptional. This one is worth wiggling out of your PJs early for.

Xiao Ya Tou has recently revamped their menu to include a larger repertoire of local influenced dishes at more affable pricing to encourage sharing. Henceforth the best if you're an indecisive (or greedy) diner like me who are easily enticed by key words like 'kewpie', 'ragu', 'confit' and 'mantou' amidst a galore of drool worthy food jargon featured on the menu.

Montreux Jazz Cafe: Introduces the Weekend Jazz Brunch

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Rise and Shine! Brunch in Singapore is bigger than ever. You can barely set foot out of your front door during the weekend (or miss out on social media) without stumbling across a mugshot of avocados on toast or finding the waft of buttery waffles in the air. A spin-off from the popular jazz brunches in New York and London, Montreux Jazz Cafe in Orchard introduces their new weekend brunch experience, highlighted by a slew of Singapore's brightest jazz talents serenading patrons with their soothing vocals as you throw back the champagne (ferociously). To start off your weekend in style, this is the place you gotta be.

Ninja Bowl: Indulge in their NEW brunch nosh

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Once again, Ninja Bowl satisfies Singaporeans need for constant innovation in the brunch fare department with the addition of 5 new dishes to it's menu. Was I blown away? Not really, the 'ingenuity' fostered by a clever permutation and combination technique of it's long time signatures such as the Gyu and Tama as well as the Ebisu (read here). Still, I waxed lyrical after my meal since every dish presented me a refreshing facade. The Japanese flair represented, more forthright than before.

Wildseed Cafe & Bar: Where the kaya toast reigns supreme

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There's an alarming trend in brunch food these days. Slap on an egg onto any dish, a door stopper piece of toast, handmade roti, freshly toasted waffle with a complimentary blob of cream/custard masterfully dashed across the plate and you've got a $16-worth brunch dish. Go forth and snap that money shot while canoodling your $6 cup of #latteart in oblivion, before returning back to the harsh reality of life later, realizing that the damage done to your wallet was only in aid of experiential value. Yes, I'm a cynic at most times, but cafe culture and the mediocrity of it's offerings foster those sentiments.

Hence, if you're out to pay for the experience, you might as well take the journey up North to the tree-lined roads of aerospace park surrounding former Seletar Airbase. Go BIG or go home. Here you'll find The Summerhouse, a multi-concept F&B destination 'confined' within an 11-hectare cluster of gazette conservation bungalow, also home to the newest cafe - Wildseed Cafe and Bar.

Tin Hill Social: New Brunch Menu

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On Sunday mornings, the courtyard of Tin Hill Bistro comes alive. Expats touting 'dad-bods' and nursing their cold pints bask in the sun whilst the pitter-patter of kids footsteps followed by gregarious chains of laughter percolate the crisp air.

Conspicuously lacking in this weekend tableau are flocks of bleary-eyed 20 somethings, $18 plates of fluffy pancakes decked out with edible flowers (of all things) and towering stacks of monstrous milkshakes that serve more of an aesthetic purposes over gratification. Tin Hill Bistro remains a secret of mine, not one for the more fashion-forward, young and moneyed. This is the charm of the establishment, one that's not overlooked by the neighbourhood and its patrons - and that's just fine with me.

boCHINche Brunch: a home-run of bold Argentinian flavors

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It's right before the break of dawn that I start to think about breakfast. Weekend brunch if you'd like to be specific. One that my mind drifts back to ever so often was my experience at boCHINche while it was still tucked away in the lush enclaves of Martin Road (read my experience here) - the classic Proveleta is a predictable order, oldie but gratifying nonetheless.

For those of you who don't already know, boCHINche had made a move to the dynamic precinct of Amoy street about half a year ago, sporting a more sleek and intimate outlook amidst several other changes. The weekend brunch menu, too seeing some revisions yet retaining some of the old classics. Take the Empanadas for example; days of the thick crusted 'curry pok' have changed and the pastry recipe has been swapped out for a flakier variant with a slight puff like consistency. Spinach, goat cheese, raisins and pine nuts ($6) is a product of those pre-dinner daydreams and is really good in my opinion leading up to the main brunch affair.

Fat Lulu's: For a Good Time

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Had Chef Sam Chabalani become a dysfunctional alcoholic after a fruitless stint at Raven, we wouldn't have the fortune of reaping the sweet burnt fruits of his labor at the new Fat Lulu's located at the now defunct Five and Dime. If you, like me are addicted to @Sammeernoog's eccentric Instagram persona, you'll be glad to know that his outlandish character spills over into his dishes. The portrayal of friendships cemented in the kitchens evident in the nosh put up and the amicable yet spontaneous service.

Brunch threads on familiar territory with a few stand out dishes that speak in a stronger tone of the kitchen's #noburnnotaste rule. But hold up, we'll get there eventually...

The Pelican Seafood Bar & Grill: brand new ala-carte brunch menu

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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.

Mo'mor Izakaya: New Weekend Brunch Menu

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Seize the rest of your Sunday with an epic feast at tranquil Mo'mor izakaya, housed in the serene basement level of Tanglin Post office just opposite the busy yet green blanketed junction of Tanglin Shopping Center. Watch the world move at lightning pace as you embrace the languidness of a lazy weekend morning, nursing a coffee or even a bubbly flute of champagne (if you will).

Cheng's Gourmet Food Bar: Don't get your hopes up too high

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Before you jump on the car and race on over to the nearest and newest Westie joint in high hopes for an immaculate waffle affair. Hold your horses and read on.

Cheng's Gourmet Food bar located along the infamous stretch of 'sure tio summon' shop houses along Clementi Road. A blessing for NUS students looking to curb their late night munchies since the vicinity houses popular joints such as Fong Seng Nasi Lemak  and Niqqi's The Cheese Prata Shop. For a healthier option with more solid bites, you can now turn to Cheng's Gourmet Food Bar as an alternative. And if it's beer you're after, Cheng's touts quite an extensive list.

Tin Hill Social: AIX Rose Sunday Brunch

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Free flow AIX French Rose at only $14++? - there's no way I wasn't knock this game out of its ballpark. My last experience at Tin Hill Social Sunday brunch held in conjunction with Straits Wine Company was a home run. Cozy vibes and mad bokeh game within spacious grounds, with a genial carpet of natural light draped over all its corners; it was love at first sight. Then there was the food - leave it to Chef Michael Lewis to make a lasting impression with his cuisine overflowing with laid back Australian vibes with a strong emphasis on produce.

Little House of Dreams Cafe: Bangin' Sticky Date Pudding

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Little House of Dreams Cafe situated in the grassy depths of Dempsey Hill is the newest cafe on the block and the only one to have an unfaltering connection with old-school Ice Cream Parlor, Ben & Jerry's. A part of the Dreams Establishment, which also owns Dreams and Confetti, an online boutique specialising in trendy party supplies, stylish tableware, unique gifts, gourmet sweets and more - basically a one stop shop chock full of party essentials proving to be a haven for those who love to throw a ball of a party. Similarly, Little House of Dreams cafe exudes the same vibes, the display case lit up by cakes in the prettiest shades of pastel are adorned by exotic live blooms and macarons, beckoning out to be pre-ordered as birthday cakes. Fully customised dessert tables are an option here too with the new capabilities of the hot kitchen expanding the potential for savoury selections on the catering menu. 

How does the Little House of Dreams fare when it comes to food though? The menu reads well, perhaps a little too humdrum in most instances, but at the very least, the pricing is friendly - featuring pastas, lasagnas, pizzas and homemade burgers being its perennial star; it became quite evident why my food escapades have caught the attention of the PR. 

Because, burgers...

Rise and Grind Co: Is it time for brunch yet?

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There is a lot going on at Rise and Grind Co, a slightly claustrophobic yet seemingly cosy space in a boxed up settings just a literal, stone's throw away from the main plaza. In this space, the kitchen takes precedence with an endless bustle of activity behind stove tops, and the smell of fresh ground coffee adrift. Dishes meander between wildly innovative and 'the safe choice' with a particular homage paid to Asian cuisine. 

As most of you would already know, Rise and Grind Co. is one of those cafes which I would never bad mouth. Cussing under my breathe at the numerous pop-ups that have proven to be empty vessels financed by carbon copied concepts, brilliant decor and not so outstanding fare that leaves a burrow in your wallet whilst digging deep for reasons to make a return visit. Thankfully, Rise and Grind Co falls out of that category, settling in a particularly fond nook and cranny of my heart. 

20F Specialty Coffeehouse: Where Chicken makes way for Duck

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Imagination worth the added price? Now, that's worth debating over at newbie cafe 20F Speciality Coffeehouse located along Foch road just right beside a Pig Organ Soup institution .Yes, so an unhosted tasting would mean a mandatory partaking of their illustrious Duck and Waffle combination. I'm sorry, but I can't hold out against the lure of a rendition that debacles my love for chicken and waffles.

Entering the shady alcoves of the cafe, the back premises offering several twists and turns in terms of ambiance; things could get interesting, I thought. In fact, the rest of the meal did unravel in a fun sort of way. In ways that those who love cafe cuisine wish would happen more often in Singapore.

Weekend Haunts: Places worth checking out for their [NEW MENUS] part 2

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Happy Sunday Folks!

If you're enjoyed our part 1 of the "Places worth checking out for their NEW MENUS" then, you're gonna love our second instalment.

More places to wine and dine this weekend without bursting the budget. We've got everything from 
fish tacos to the jumbo breakfast burrito, and even a Chia Seed coconut rose yogurt with homemade maple granola and berry compote for the health freaks. Loud and rowdy, with loads of laughter and way too many empty plates. That's how you know you're doing your weekends justice.

Let's start the ball rolling with the familiar Oriole Coffee + Bar stationed under the big ass fans in the vicinity of the Pan Pacific suites in 313Somerset. Under the influence of head chef Randy Torres who is a true blood Texan; the menu has taken a sharp curve in a South American direction with inspiration drawn from many comfort dishes in that region. Breakfast for examples sees two newcomers, the Jumbo Breakfast Burrito ($16) and the Humble Baked Egg Skillet ($16); both of which are real treats except that my allegiance falls with the latter. The lovely amalgamation of flavors you get when churning your spoon through the hot cast skillet of tender roast stew, sweet potatoes, and the piece de resistance - caramelised emmantal cheese forming chunks of savoury shards throughout the full bodied mixture. This disappears way too easily, as so does the jumbo breakfast burrito which so happens to be the perfect kind of hangover cure. Stuffed with Spanish chorizo, scrambled eggs, chipotle puree and smoked cheddar cheese, these tight rolls are then seared on all 4 sides till a desirous shade of brown; abetting the eating experience, where you'll gratefully avoid the situation of burritos that fall all over your plate instead of your mouth. Oriole does it right, and they know it.