Showing posts with label bugis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bugis. Show all posts
Ash & Elm Sunday Champagne Brunch: The British Edition
Labels:
bugis,
champagne,
hotel,
intercontinental hotel,
large groups,
sunday brunch,
will return,
worth it
·
If you're looking for an orthodox hotel buffet brunch with the likes of laksa, roast meats, naan and curries; turn around, there's nothing for you here. Instead, Ash and Elm in Intercontinental Singapore have decided to go full fledged English, celebrating the United Kingdoms' milestones this year (*high five* if you, like me, were glued to your screens during the royal wedding) and if you're asking me (the girl who has been dating an English bloke for the last year), nothing says 'Sunday lunch' more than a roast with all the trimmings.
[Hot off the Press]: Ash & Elm presents Michelin-starred Beefbar (HK) for 2 nights only
Labels:
6 hands,
bugis,
date night,
guest chef,
hong kong,
hotel,
intercontinental hotel,
michelin starred,
steak
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Three Chefs, Two Nights, One Michelin Star.
Here, the aim of the game is all in the name of guest restaurant, Beefbar from Hong Kong - get beefed up - with the restaurant's most iconic dishes alongside InterContinental Singapore's Executive Sous Chef Philippe Duc and Pastry Chef Ben Goh's sublime culinary efforts. In a collaboration with Fine Dining Lovers by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, the collaboration dinner will take place over two nights on the 1 and 2 June 2018.
The luxurious and elegant settings of Ash and Elm add to the sense of trendiness that the Beefbar conveys. Kick off the 5-course meal with the Amberjack Carpaccio, dressed with a vibrant wasabi dressing and sprigs of coriander cress and then graduate to Beefbar's Signature Beef Tartare "bistro style". You can't be so sure if the whole thing is deadly ironic or self explanatory. The mince on its own is brilliant, highlighting the freshness of the produce; sadly, this is topped with a dollop of cream that has a taste profile akin to thousand island dressing with bits and bobs of roughly chopped onions and pickles haphazardly folded through. Really, just stop it.
The next dish, the Pan Seared Hokkaido Scallops is ribbons of the same mediocrity. I yearned for a blistered crust but was greeted with a luke warm puck sporting a patchy seared exterior. The coloured florets of cauliflower pulled its weight in exciting the diner visually and the brown butter sauce while contributing to a slight textural contrast, was wildly normal.
Meatlovers will revel in the next course which offers up a half-portion selection of American prime Black Angus Tenderloin with Australian wagyu-crossbred striploin. This is served with velvety mashed potato, all ready to catch the drippings of those precious cuts from both ends. I do prefer the striploin, the marbling derived from its wagyu bloodline resulting in a tender cut that's full on flavour. Both slabs could have used a ton more seasoning before hitting the grill and temperatures were a bit spotty, but I supposed these are issues that can be rectified by Chef Andrea Spagoni, with more time spent in the visiting kitchen that is.
Revel instead in dessert, presented by award-winning Pastry Chef Ben Goh. Rouge as blatantly spelt on the menu is a a play on the colour red - almost as beautiful to look at, or photograph, as to eat. Hidden underneath a bunker of raspberry tuile is a rich chocolate crémeux made with Valrhona's single origin 68% cuvee Bali chocolate piped atop a chocolate biscuite, this is flanked by vanilla meringue, a quenelle of yuzu yoghurt sherbet, strawberry compote and a spectacular shard of dehydrated raspberry agar. It was so exceptional that I was tempted to sneak an additional order of chocolate crémeux. But I didn't.
The five course collaborative menu will be available at Ash and Elm on 1 and 2 June 2018, 6 00pm to 10 30pm at S$128++ per guest with a wine pairing option available at an additional S$88++ per guest. For reservations, please visit AshandElm.sgashandelm.sg or email sinhb.ashandelm@ihg.com or drop them a call at +65 6825 1008.
Ash and Elm
80 Middle Road
Level 1
InterContinental Singapore
Reservations: CHOPE
Enjoy 20% off this 6-Hands menu when you book through the app. Use the promo code "20OFF"<20off> when making your reservation to enjoy the promotion.
The Secret Garden Afternoon Tea set at InterContinental Singapore
Labels:
afternoon tea,
bugis,
girls night out,
high tea,
hotel,
intercontinental hotel,
will return
·
Asanoya Bakery will have you tossing up between new savoury and sweet specials
Labels:
afternoon tea,
all-day-breakfast,
Asanoya,
baked goods,
bakery,
Bread,
breads,
bugis,
cafe,
croissant,
family friendly,
large groups,
must go,
orchard,
queen street,
will go
·
Having recently been caught in the crossfires of a conversation that revolved around breads at a dinner table has really made me evaluate my favourite picks. When asked which my favourite bread shop was, the answer - Asanoya. And with their recent downsizing of breads to paw sized awesomeness to abet eating on-the-go, it's easy to see why I'm so besotted.
Tok Panjang, a long table CNY heritage feast at Folklore
Labels:
affordable,
beach road,
bugis,
chinese new year,
CNY,
destination hotel,
family friendly,
heritage,
local food,
must go,
set menu
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Like a breathe of fresh air, Folklore celebrates Lunar New Year with Tok Panjang - a lavish heritage feast sprawled out over a long table - a ritual at Peranakan households meant to mark special occasions. Here, there are no traces of the stodgy peng cai nor tacky heaviness of nian goa (apologies if I've stepped on anyone's feet with that remark. Do note that I do love a good Nian Gao), instead, the tabletop is covered with 15 heritage dishes prepared true to Chef Damian's Peranakan maternal grandmother. Talk about embracing the communal spirit, Folklore's Tok Panjang has got it down pat.
[GIVEAWAY] Asanoya Bakery launches its new Brûlée Croissant to ring in the New Year
Labels:
breads,
bugis,
cafe,
cakes,
family friendly,
giveaway,
japanese,
rocher,
will return
·
That very first bite of Asanoya's newest Brûlée Croissant reeled me in. And because I'm feeling all emotional on New Year's Day, I would have described it as a taste of success, surrender, satisfaction, joy and celebration all wrapped up in one bite; or one cube to be exact.
HolyCrab!: Let's Get Physical
Labels:
affordable,
bugis,
crab,
hidden finds,
Hokkien mee,
large groups,
noodle,
tan Quee lan,
will return
·
Another Crab restaurant has popped up in Singapore, but wait, one that serves White Pepper, Butter, Green Chili and Balsamic Vinaigrette crabs? Count me in!
After seven years of operating as a private dining enterprise, HolyCrab has opened its first outlet at Tan Quee Lan Street, showcasing the titular crustacean in unique flavours that are bound to leave an impression.
Song Garden - Custard Salted Egg Lava Mooncakes to die for
Labels:
advertorial,
affordable,
bugis,
chinese food,
hotel,
mercure hotel,
mooncakes,
restaurants
·
Missed out on the early bird discounts for mooncakes?
Have no time to visit the mooncake fair?
Fretting over which mooncake to purchase for the family (without burning a huge hole in your wallet)?
Then you had better heed my advice and head down to Song Garden located on the 2nd floor of Mercure Singapore Bugis to get in on their mooncake selection. The emphasis on the traditional baked mooncakes a refreshing respite from the peculiarities of this year's snow skin offerings from various establishments touting strange flavours such as tom yum, pink peppercorn and more. Call me old school, but there are certain lines that can't be crossed in celebration of such a historical occasion.
Redolent with nuts, the Five Assorted Seeds is one that would pander to the more matured taste buds. Almonds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, persimmon and sesame seeds are held together with a sticky maltose filling which is just sweet enough to allow for the roast on the nuts to shine through. Unlike many renditions I've had, Song Garden's version doesn't crumble at the slightest touch nor stick to the teeth in unglamorous nooks and crannies. Definitely a keeper and a fine display of the artistry in the kitchen.
I've always been one to love white lotus paste, plain. However, come Mid-Autumn Festival, I cave in to the occasional yolk inception. The dynamite orange ball adding just that bit of luxurious salt to bring out the best of the smooth lotus paste. At song garden, the mooncakes come just a little more tanner than usual, the crust itself yielding a robust flavour that I prefer.
White Lotus (1 Box of 4 pieces): $50.80
White Lotus Single Yolk (1 Box of 4 pieces): $56.80
White Lotus Double Yolk (1 Box of 4 pieces): $62.80
Five Assorted Seeds (1 Box of 4 pieces): $62.80
Perfect little gold ingots; these salted egg yolk lava custard mini mooncakes from Song Garden are my recommended for most 'worth-it' purchase this mid autumn festival. Heat it up a little and you're guaranteed a nice flowy centre providing a faintly salty contrast to the milky crust.
Mini Custard Salted Egg Lava Mooncakes (1 Box of 8 pieces) for $62.80.
Note that this mooncakes are only available for purchase from Song Garden itself from now till the 4th October or until stocks run out.
Song Garden
122 Middle Road
Level 2
Mercure Singapore Bugis
t: 6521 9299
Don Meijin: Look past the Chilli Crab Tendon
Labels:
affordable,
bugis,
family friendly,
fried chicken,
japanese,
large groups,
no frills,
tendon,
will return
·
Just when you thought it couldn't get any weirder at Ramen Champion; the through-bred recruited their newest contender, wait, WHUT? A specialist donburi joint which does only Japanese rice bowls.
Before you go on to discount this manoeuvre as a sell-out, hear me out, the long queues at lunch are justifiable given it's wallet friendly fare with a certain respect for quality.
[GIVEAWAY] Sawadee Thai Cuisine: Traditional and Radical all at once
Labels:
affordable,
bugis,
family friendly,
must go,
thai food
·
After settling into its humble abode on Tan Quee Lan Street, Sawadee Thai Cuisine is back with a vengeance to win over palates with their display of cuisine originating from the Land of Smiles. In line with its 15th Anniversary this October, it has launched a refreshing new menu that has injected a breath of fresh air into the run-off-the-mill Thai cuisine that we all too familiar with.
Miam Miam: New Pasta & Pancake Creations
Labels:
bugis,
cafe,
casual,
family friendly,
fusion,
italian,
japanese,
large groups,
pasta
·
Miam Miam's newest menu addition is the alluring Mentaiko King Crab Pasta ($19.80). This Squid Ink Pasta Dish features juicy Alaskan King Crab slathered with cod roe mayo! The first bite will surely knock you off your feet, for the dark strands of pasta belie some real powerful spiciness that keep you coming back for more. You'll end up with some goth lips and stained teeth, and with a satisfied grin to show them off!
[NEW MENU] Sumire Yakitori House: More than just the usual Yakitori
Labels:
bugis,
comfortfoods,
downtown line,
family friendly,
japanese,
must go,
will go,
yakitori
·
Sumire Yakitori House was first introduced to me as the chicken specialist tbh, that sent a shiver down my spine - was it a slaughterhouse? Apparently not as it is backed by a rich history and firm footing in Japan itself where it already has over 50 outlets located around the country. Yakitori items are the name of the game here, the intimating stacked menu of grilled sticks throwing me off just a little. But I was here for the new menu - featured wholesome dishes and lunch sets that gets customers more bang for their buck.
At Sumire, you get a taste of Japanese restraint amidst breezy casual settings (during the day) that transits into the usual more stark and formal becomings at night fall. Booth seating ensure privacy settings are kept in check and do I even need to mention the small of flame-licked fats that float out from the kitchen occasionally?
NOX - Dine in the Dark: 3rd Anniversary Bash
Labels:
arab street,
bugis,
cocktails,
fusion,
haji lane,
special occasion
·
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| Photo Credits: NOX |
In our current Instagram-obsessed society where drool-worthy visuals of succulent food rules over taste, textures and smell, one singular restaurant in Singapore is leading the resistance against the food porn phenomenon. Nox may seem like a novelty to many, but its concept of dining in total darkness has raised many eyebrows in food circles. Declamatory in their mission to let food speak for itself, diners are urged to let their other senses to take over in a pitch-black room, guided by blind waiters and transported to another world.
As most fine dining goes, one is immediately ushered to a seat by the ground level at the cocktail bar for a welcome drink. Here, amidst the cool contours of low lights, Thomas Sobota, the head bartender works his Slovakian magic even before the food theatrics begin. Expectedly, the new cocktail menu is a treat. Testament to his roots, the "What's the Thyme" ($20) brings back halcyon days. With its ingredients of Tequila, Sherry and Maracatu Cachaca, thyme syrup and lime juice is admittedly worth half the price of admission alone. If you're looking for a stiff nightcap with an abundance of complex taste palette, this is the drink.
Torimaru @ Ramen Champion: the Next Better Player?
Labels:
bugis,
comfortfoods,
large groups,
ramen,
soup
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Torimaru is the newest contender at Ramen Champion, and if the ramen I tasted yesterday is anything to go by, the reigning six brands ought to be worried indeed!
Torimaru is bringing a rather unique take on ramen, unlike what we're used to having here in Singapore. Instead of the traditional Tonkotsu soup made from pork bones. Head Chef Takano Koji is introducing Tori Paitan, a broth made from five different parts of chicken and five different kinds of vegetables.
When asked about the inspiration behind his dishes, Chef Koji explains that Tori Paitan is all the rage in Japan now, and he simply adapted it by creating his own original noodles to batch match the broth. His demeanour betrayed nothing but humility despite the fact that he experimented with over 10kinds of noodles and personally consulted suppliers before finally producing this splendid rendition that (I find) he has every right to be proud of.
The Armoury Gastrobar: The burger game here. game-changer.
Labels:
beer,
big groups,
bugis,
burgers,
cityhall,
craft beers,
dinner,
downtown,
esplanade,
gastropub,
happy hour,
pasta,
pubfood,
will return
·
A new face in the South Beach Quarters has surfaced, breaking through its former rigid armoury historical roots to reveal a contemporary gastro-bar reinforced with classic pub grub such as burgers and hearty meat pastas given a more creative approach. In the space, with its curious mishmash of upscale and casual decor, your first concern should be the beers. Sporting a rather sexy wall fitted with 15 taps, the bar pours a variety of American craft beers and ciders on tap; my advice would be head down during happy hours from 5-8pm to enjoy 1-1 beers, that way, your Deschutes Freshly Squeezed IPA will only set you back at 9++ per US pint.
Sprigs: European Restaurant ventures out of the box with its New Menu
Labels:
affordable,
bugis,
cityhall,
dinner,
european,
fusion,
hidden finds,
may return,
mediterranean food,
romantic,
special occasion
·
It seems as if Sprigs had gained enlightenment; its bid to strike off heavier European flavors in favor of a newer and more adventurous stance, littered with the pungency of Asian flair; manifesting itself in the form of a revamped menu
While the previous menu sported a more rustic images, Titus Tiong, one of the founders of Sprigs was quite to notice the change of trends in the dining scene and made the mandatory call to overhaul the menu. Focusing on driving a more contemporary direction with more emphasis on the visual appeal of the dish. I hear you, sir.. with so many camera touting hipsters around, you might just want to work on making your dishes just a little prettier.
The meal kicks into gear with most dishes pushed out at a comfortable pace. The Friday night crowd just a little less intimidating than expected. Roasted Veal Carpaccio ($22) and the Baby Squid 'A la' Plancha ($22) whets the appetite - the seemingly popular Northern Italian dish combines veal with a mayonnaise like sauce flavored with tuna. Sounds like a stretch, but the oddball configuration actually works out perfectly, the sluice of broken egg yolk flooding the slightly chaotic plate with more juices than desired. I would strongly recommend the baby squid instead, presented in a cast iron pan, this Spanish inspired dish with tender baby squid served over a sunny side up egg and decorated with lomo iberico, panzanella (a Tuscan bread salad) and a sprinkle of freshly chopped chili was a top notch dish that could have seen a flawless transition into breakfast form with the addition of chorizo.
Bridge: Weekend free flow Brunch
Labels:
affordable,
all day,
all-day-breakfast,
brunch,
bugis,
cafe,
cityhall,
coffee,
eggs benedict,
hidden finds,
seah street,
sunday brunch,
will return
·
A world of excellent truffle honey french toast exists in the same universe as the posh lobster croissant in this quaint eatery along gentrified Seah Street.
Brunch, is the ultimate meal to have when the weekend comes around and has eclipsed every other meal when it comes to where diners are spending their dollars. Bridge restaurant and bar, joins in the masses, offering up this popular, affordable luxury with a different twist.
[ANYMAP] Top 5 most affordable Chirashi Don in Town
In Singapore, you'll find the locals preference for food walking the thin line between brunch-fare and Japanese food. Or perhaps that's just me vouching for my own demeanour. More often than not, we see the soothing technicolour spread of donburi bowls permeating our instagram feeds; the notion of been satiated by a one-bowl meal so obliquely wholesome in a way.
Shifting our focus to the beloved Chirashi Don; "chirashi" which means scattered in Japanese by enlarge would get you a bowl of seasoned rice topped with scattered slices of raw fish, fish roe and the occasional tamago, if you're lucky. Sounding seemingly simple, the mark of a good chirashi bowl is balance. Quality sushi rice should be evenly seasoned with slicks of tangy, alkaline sweetness from the rice vinegar. Different types of fresh fish layered on top - bonus points granted for textural diversity and attention to colour variation. It's deviously simple constitution paving the way for huge success on some parts and epic failures for others. Read on for 5 of our favorite most affordable chirashi bowls in Singapore.
1. DSTLLRY (21 Media Circle, #01-01, Infinite Studios, 138562)
DSTLLRY needs no introduction, especially among the die-hard chirashi loving fans. Though highly inaccessible, this placidly shaded den is a multi-level temple to the glorious bowl that is their infamous Bara-Chirashi Don ($16.90) - hipster Asian eateries don't come much cooler. Super bang-for-buck, the sublime bara-charashi don is jammed pack with salmon, maguro and hamachi tossed in their secret sauce of mirin, dashi and soy sauce over a comforting bowl of rice.
Quick Picks: The Dessert Edition
Labels:
affordable,
afternoon tea,
bedok north,
bugis,
churros,
desserts,
hidden finds,
raffles place,
will return
·
While healthy living and the benefits of staving away from desserts may be admirable, once in a while, it's just nice to sink your teeth into sugar coated treats. Waffles and ice cream, move to the side as more culturally diverse confections tickle our taste buds. So, from Korean originating churros to immaculate hazelnut swirled danish pastries, dig in to my quick picks guide to the freshest and newest dessert joints in town!
Churros 101
Yeah, you like that don't you? Well, hold on to your mind as Singapore is getting a glimpse of Korea's best loved churro brand, Churro 101 with its first outpost opening up in the heart of town, Bugis Mall.
The churro fueled menu is designed just the way we like it, true to its form with all ingredients used specially imported from Korea, and recipes followed strictly to a T , if that doesn't guarantee consistency and authenticity, I don't know what else will.
Restaurant Sela: Modern European with a fleck of Asian confusion
Labels:
affordable,
bugis,
cityhall,
degustation,
fusion,
hidden finds,
may return,
modern,
seah street,
special occasion
·
Situated between Cityhall and Bugis, Seah street is home to one of my favourite baking supplies shop; my frequent visits to the joint during my better days as a budding pastry chef blinding me to potential great food experiences along the way as I spearheaded my way thru Raffles Hotel with cumbersome bags full of chocolate and dry ingredients to spin up sweet tales in my kitchen. Apart from my distasteful meal at Third and Sixth that forever left a mark on my soul (read about it here), Seah Street occupied no space on my map to achieve culinary satiety on local shores. Up till now.
This is SELA, an industrious restaurant dressed in a gobs of muted whites and muji like shades of wood and old fashioned tweed; fortuitous swirls of ink across white canvas decked the walls with their artsy intentions. Pushing past all that, I was solely focused on the food, having heard some amazing stuff about the petite courses, I came armed with expectations. Some of the most dangerous weapons, so they say...
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