Showing posts with label bukit timah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bukit timah. Show all posts
SPRMRKT relocates to Cluny Court
Labels:
all day,
bukit timah,
cafe,
cluny court,
large groups,
lifestyle,
must go,
restaurants,
southeast asian,
will return
·
Founded some 6 years ago at McCallum Street, homegrown brand SPRMRKT was the role model for a slew of other dining establishments that chose to adhere to a multi-concept experience in their space.
Last month, the brand relocated to the charming Bukit Timah neighbourhood at Cluny Court. A befitting spot given its proximity to World heritage site - Botanical gardens and its affiliation with inspiring daily life, coincidentally the long-time philosophy of SPRMRKT.
Writer Belinda Yong takes us through some of the dishes specially created by Chef-Owner Joseph Yeo who is well known for accenting his fare with a hodgepodge of Southeast Asian flavours.
The Affogato Bar: Tis' the season to be jolly... with the aid of chocolate.
Labels:
affogato,
botanic gardens,
bukit timah,
cafe,
coffee,
desserts,
ice cream
·
Affogato Bar is Asia's first cafe that specialises in affogatos. As someone who is a lover of both coffee and ice cream, I've had affogatos a couple of times before straying away, since realising that the ice cream often melted into the coffee too quickly and both elements could not be tasted distinctly on its own. While I was slightly sceptical about how an entire cafe can be bourne out of a single dessert, I was even more hopeful that the cafe could change my mind about Affogatos.
The Affogato Bar released 3 special Affogatos for the Christmas season - Lady Claret, Firewood and Toasted Smores. After a series of careful consideration, we eventually opted for Lady Claret and Toasted Smores.
Tin Hill Social: New Brunch Menu
Labels:
brunch,
bukit timah,
champagne,
craft beers,
family friendly,
french toast,
hidden finds,
kid-friendly,
must go,
pasta,
restaurants,
sunday brunch,
will return
·
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.
Blue Bali: Blissful Oasis of Balinese flavors
Labels:
bukit timah,
hidden finds,
indonesian,
large groups,
will return
·
Sequestered in a private nook of the Botanic Gardens, Blue Bali is housed in a charming colonial villa with al fresco courtyard dining in traditional Javanese Joglos and Balinese Lesehans. With lush greenery all around, sultry candle lighting, and even wisps of smoke from slow-burning inset repelling incense, you'll find yourself transported to the well known and well loved paradise island of Indonesia. This is the perfect place to savour absolutely ambrosial food, commune with nature, and hide away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Chow Fun Restaurant and Bar: Modern Noodle bar in the Grandstand
Labels:
bukit timah,
downtown line,
family friendly,
fusion,
Grandstand,
hidden finds,
modern,
noodle,
sixth avenue,
southeast asian,
tapas
·
Nestled in the heart of The Grandstand, everything about the newly opened Chow Fun Bar and Restaurant is fresh and fun! Stepping in, one is almost instantaneously transported to an underground American Chinatown eatery. The intimate space sports quirky decor, everything from vintage 1930 postcards to a feature wall of fortune cat figurines to a hand-painted dragon mural. The space practically thrums with energy and character, something also reflected by the concept and menu.
Having spent 20 years in the US, Singaporean chef and owner Alicia Lin serves up an unconventional menu of 18 different Asian and Western inspired noodle dishes, many with innovative interpretations. To bump up the unique factor, all noodle dishes are served in $2.90 tasting portions, inviting guests on a gastronomic adventure where one can try a myriad of noodle types and tastes. As someone with eclectic inclinations and who is admittedly insatiable when it comes to food flavors, this concept is absolutely perfect.
Tempted yet? Get ready to be spoilt completely rotten for choice!
Tin Hill Social: Dreamboat of culinary expectations
Labels:
affordable,
australian,
bukit timah,
burgers,
dinner,
family friendly,
fusion,
hidden finds,
large groups,
modern,
must go,
restaurants,
special occasion,
will return
·
After looking through the menu at Tin Hill Social, you'll immediately start to formulate ways to squeeze in more nosh in your tummy. The mesmeric carte du jour heralding several choices of meat cuts presented in abstract ways such as the hay smoked pork ribs and sous vide octopus leg served with romesco sauce and hazelnuts. Making a choice, may just be the toughest part yet; the resistance to wipe out all of the wasabi fries in the mess tin coming in a close second.
Top Picks: The Naked Finn, The Missing Pan, Essen @ The Pinnacle
Hidden gems, cafe fare and the usual suspects, fine dining in hawker settings, call it whatever you like, but these are a few joints that have piqued my interest over the last couple of weeks.
Just hear me out, it's only going to take a couple of minutes and following which, put on some knickers and prepare to hit up these various spots, because good food don't lie, and my personal marvellous reviews of the exceptional produce should by and large do the rest of the work.
Singapore Burger Chronicles: Wildfire, MeatLiquorSin, Montana Brew Bar, PTT head folk
Labels:
affordable,
bukit timah,
burgers,
date night,
duxton hill,
lists,
must go,
outram,
quick picks,
selegie
·
I've made it my life's mission to suss out perfection in a burger. Never once passing up an opportunity to lay claims on one, even if it means back to back meals of epic waist expanding proportions.
Lest we forget, a good burger is a thing of beauty; and likewise, a lacklustre rendition is one that spits at the iconic stature of this food item (it even has its own emoticon. So go figure). Moving on, I've brought 4 reputable local burger joints to court, putting them in front of a gruelling palate jury, conducted mainly by yours truly. You can take my views with a pinch of salt, hell, you can cuss under your breathe for all I care; but here I am just giving you my two cents worth.
Better yet, I implore you to be your own judge.
Brunch Obsessions: Pacamara, Rise & Grind, La Ristrettos, Clueless Goat
Labels:
affordable,
afternoon tea,
all-day-breakfast,
brunch,
bukit timah,
cafe,
circle line,
coffee,
craft beers,
lists,
must go,
novena,
pasta,
quick picks,
upperbukittimah
·
Having been on a cafe hopping spree lately, I've decided to do a compilation of my greatest hits as well as the potholes I've encountered along the way. Shedding some light on my experiences to avoid bad decisions on your part. Let's get the ball rolling, shall we?
Scrumptious at the Turf: as cold as your ex's heart
Labels:
affordable,
brunch,
bukit timah,
eggs benedict,
Grandstand,
hidden finds,
turf city,
will not return
·
"Cold and flat, you deserve more than that"
Pardon my brutal honesty, but facing harsh reality, a cafe that serves you hot food on cold plates and passes the excuse that the kitchen is cold upon starting operations is just plain lazy.
My meal at Scrumptious at the Turf can be describe in one very abruptly short word.
Blah.
Shelter in the woods: Be still my heart
Shelter in the woods is every bit a restaurant I would choose for any occasion. It's straight up heart-warming classics highlighted by the culinary dexterity of Chef Masashi. Finally, a press release that tells it as it is, "The result is a cuisine of rare depth and purity. Ingredients and seasoning achieve a distinct presence and discreetness... The food literally blooms" ~ and truly, dining here is a treat for the senses. Not only is the service flawless, but so is the food. Stepping into Shelter in the woods is akin to walking into a time portal where time literally stands still as you tuck into your fare, wide eyed stares and all.
[CNY'2015] Oceans of Seafood: Japanese inspired Yu-Sheng
Labels:
affordable,
all-day-breakfast,
bukit timah,
clarke quay,
family friendly,
japanese,
may not return,
pasta,
salad,
sashimi,
seafood
·
With Chinese New Year just around the corner, the pressure is on, to get hold of a jaw-dropping yu-sheng to impress the family. If the normal yusheng just doesn't cut it for you anymore. Look no further, Oceans of Seafood is proud to present its unique take on the traditional yusheng with "Vibrancy of Life". A mainly sashimi dominated dish composed of the freshest seafood flown in from Tsukiji Fish Market. Impressive to look at, and even more eloquent on the palate, the 'atas-salad' stole my breathe away with its generous flourishing of rock lobster, salmon and amberjack sashimi. The Japanese inspired goma sauce had a nutty and slight acidic tang that pulled the entire medley together. To further drive it's origins of inspiration home, imported vegetables from Japan are incorporated into the yusheng, take for example the red and white radishes that really add to that quintessential crunch. Priced at $128++ (Dine-in) and $128+ (take away), this out of the ordinary yusheng is available for pre-order now and will also be purchasable for a limited period from 31st Jan to the 5th March.
Stirling Bar and Grill:Officially Missing You
Labels:
american,
beer,
bukit timah,
burgers,
comfortfoods,
craft beers,
desserts,
family friendly,
hidden finds,
may return,
salad,
steak,
upperbukittimah
·
Stirling Bar and Grill, is a casual bistro-bar concept located along the bustling Al Ameen stretch on Bukit Timah road. Known among revellers for being a destination for late night eats, this joint injects a bit of fresh blood, booted by its craft beer and munchies offerings. I'm not too sure about the Scottish influences in this establishment, the name as explained, expressing the brothers and owners' love and respect for good English history; pitching the harmony and well-being of previous capital city of Scotland, Stirling. Gateway to the highlands, I prayed sincerely that the good nature of the city would translate into some solid comfort food.
Anjali Chocolat: Where Passion translates into bon bons.
Labels:
bukit timah,
chocolate,
desserts,
Gourmet Chocolate,
Grandstand,
pasar bella,
pralines,
turf city
·
Hidden away in the corner of the tangle of interweaving shop spaces of the Pasar Bella market is the new shop offering a neat selection of chocolates, pralines and bonbons. Behind Anjali Chocolat, is lady boss Anjali and her supportive husband who together have decided to open up a Chocolatier to fuel her passion and love for this luxury good.
Made from Belgian couverture, consumers are guaranteed a spike in quality, further enhanced by the creative juices of Anjali as she injects bits and pieces of herself and her vivid travel and living experiences from around the world into the flavors of the chocolate. Her exposure to a large hotpot of cultures clearly evident in her inspired use of a wide variety of spices and fruits in her pralines.
After a good amount of sacrilegious feasting on chocolates and a glass of sparkling white to top off the experience; I had gathered a list of chocolates that had caught my fancy. The Lemon White Chocolate Pistachio with it's pristine slick sides and marbled green top managed to balance out the slightly medicinal pistachio with a subtle tang from the lemon, the sweetness of the white chocolate carrying it home. The exotic Fig and Ginger Truffle resulting in an explosion in the mouth with the crunch of the fig seeds combined with the sugary hit of warmth from the candied ginger. A match made in heaven and delivered with strong persuasive powers. Worth lusting for is the Coffee Star Anise Bonbon; if you enjoy your liquorice (or Sambuca in my case), this chocolate delivers on every front, the star anise not as pungent as most would anticipate, but more subtle and almost mysterious. That aside, the fruit flavored bonbons failed to meet the mark, the strawberry and raspberry pate de fruit in both instances, represented by clumsy layers within the pralines. More attention to detail needed in this case.
In line with Diwali, Anjali Chocolatier has launched a list of attractive seasonal flavors which is not available for ordering. On hindsight, who doesn't like receiving chocolate? Whatever the occasion may be, chocolates will always win you some favors. So what are you waiting for?
Anjali Chocolat
200 Turf Club Road
t: 9853 9663
{The Entertainer App}: Roundhouse Pizza, Bar & Grill
Labels:
all-day-breakfast,
brunch,
bukit timah,
european,
family,
family friendly,
Grandstand,
hidden finds,
lunch,
must go,
pizza,
restaurants,
the entertainer app,
turf city,
will return
·
Roundhouse marks the next step in local celebrity Vernetta Lopez's (best known for starring as the amicable Denise in local sitcom 'Under One Roof') relentless pursuit of being an all rounder. With accolades of radio DJ, actress and wedding planner under her belt, she now seeks to delve into the cut-throat food and beverage business with her life partner Wayne Gladwin. The result, Roundhouse, a sprawling 250 seater eatery in the laid back location of the former turf club stables. At this homey establishment, lots of warm wood furnishings and plenty of natural lighting makes this space immediately inviting (avoid sitting indoors as it gets a bit dodgy with the lighting circumstance); kids run around the concrete enclaves, spilling giggles and bits of their uninhibited happiness in their path.
The menu at the Roundhouse runs on a slightly boring tangent, offering up safe options spanning from pizzas to pasta and then larger mains such as whole sea bass and lamb shank. With a lack of identity, it's hard to place a finger on a certain item to order; clue, look out for their specials for a helping hand. Take for example the Sunday Roast that sees their premium Angus Roast Ribeye with sides and a free flow of salad bar ($49++ for free flow of soft drinks and juices/ $99++ with free flow sparkling wine, draught beer, bloody mary). Talk about good deals...
Our party of 8 settled for a good mix of starters, brunch items as well as pizzas to share. We started off with the Spicy Grilled Beef Salad ($17) and the Grilled Portobello Mushroom ($18) with silken tofu, tomato concasse and salad. The interesting sounding grilled beef salad produced a large shallow spread of tender, chargrilled beef slices slathered with a marinade capturing the essence of good ole' days in the sun in Thailand, lying seductively on a bed of mixed greens. The latter is another recommended dish for the ladies who want something a little healthier but still with a substantial body of flavor. What ultimately differentiate the Roundhouse from the competition is the smokiness and perfect execution of its grilled items, turn to this category of dishes for the win.
The Angus Beef Bolognese Spaghetti ($17) is a hearty bowl of pasta with a whopping lathering of bolognese sauce, the juicy and flavorful beef pleasing the picky taste buds around the table.
Another bang for buck item on the brunch menu is the Roundhouse Breakfast ($18) featuring 2 sunny side up eggs, back bacon, cumberland sausage, roast potatoes, tomato confit, sauteed mushrooms, baked beans and toast. Definitely a one-plate filler for the ravenous.
I recommend the Wild Mushroom Soup ($12) scented with herb oil, this dish does not skimp on ingredients, delivering largely on flavor and texture with the kitchen's generous use of wild mushrooms, enriched only by the slightest touch of cream. No truffle oil here... thank goodness.
Then, there were pizzas.
You do not want to miss these.
From a tight menu of 12 pizzas, we chose the Loco Lopez ($24) and the Carnivore ($24), both which hit the pizza 'G-spot' with such force that I was bewildered and very much left a Roundhouse ambassador afterwards. The feisty Loco Lopez was all crisp edged, studded with melted cheddar, capers, beef salami,jalapeno and smoking hot chilli padi, addictive and so worth stabbing your cousins for over the last piece. The Carnivore consisting of bacon, salami, honey baked ham and pepperoni would be your classic meatlovers except that the Roundhouse went the extra mile and did something novel and delicious with it.
Some of the best pizzas I've had in Singapore thus far. And what's better than being able to use the Entertainer 1-for-1 main here? We ended up being able to pocket $60 from the savings. Hurray.
--------------------------------
Well, if you haven't heard, I've got a special promotion for my readers where you can now purchase the Entertainer 1 month app for just $15 (U.P. $19) if you simply use my promo code 'fundamentallyflawed' with your purchase through the app store or at http://www.theentertainerme.com/trysgfor19/ . Read more details over here!
What are you waiting for?
RoundHouse - Pizza, Bar & Grill
100 Turf Club Road
Singapore 287992
Tel: 6466 0966
Website: http://www.roundhouse.com.sg/
The Ascot: Breaking in the new dishes
Labels:
Bread and Butter Pudding,
british,
bukit timah,
desserts,
Grandstand,
hidden finds,
pubfood,
restaurants
·
Never have I wrote so many repeated reviews for the same establishment in such a short span of time; however with such a friendly pending invitation from owner, Sylvester of The Ascot, I couldn't resist the urge of returning once more to the grounds where I would be tasting some of the new offerings on the menu. Reinvention never sounded sweeter.
In the unadorned, almost austere interiors of The Ascot, the diner's attention is wholly focused on his company (Thank goodness for the mine) and the salubrious combination of addictive liquid diet and culinary subsistence.
We started off with the Cold Cut Platter ($20.50), featuring 3 types of cold cuts served with silver onions, gherkins, scotch egg & homemade ciabatta bread. A staple on the menu at The Ascot, this star quality dish proves that some of the finest things in life don't have to be complicated. The highlight of the dish being the scotch eggs, these crumbed balls of sausage meat hide a delicately "poached" egg in the center that sees a crisp on its exterior, while the creamy yolk ties in the entire mouthful like a blissful sigh.
While you're at it, try the Strawberry spinach salad with crumbled blue cheese, pistachios, bacon & avocado ($19). Before you decide that such a combination is way too weird for you, hear me out; this works. At the end of the day, you have a surprisingly delightful bowl of rainbow colours that is sweet, acidic, savoury and nutty all at once. The sweet slices of strawberry, natural bitterness of the spinach leaves, sour raspberry vinaigrette, creamy, ever so pungent blue cheese all comes together to render an eclectic mix of tastes and textures that I promise will have you rethinking you skepticism at the start.
Wash down the meal with a Pint of Dead Pony Club's Pale Ale($16); yet another brilliant offering of BrewDog Brewery.
Comfort foods such as the Fisherman's Pie keeps things snugly familiar here at the Ascot, break through the warm crust of mash to uncover a heartwarming mix of poached salmon, smoked haddock and hake all enrobed in a delicious white sauce. Despite it's unassuming facade, this dish would certainly have you breaking out the diet.
Another new dish on the menu is the Lamb rack served with asparagus and potato lyonnaise with mint sauce ($32.50); not your typical British fare, this did not tie in so well with the whole British soiree theme. However, that being said, any desperate carnivore would be satisfied with this meaty course. The rack, neatly trimmed, were cooked to perfection, it's pink flesh humming with the romance of that rendered down mint infused pan juices.
For some sweet endings to the night, order the Classic Bread & Butter Pudding ($10.50). I adored the crumbly cubes of brioche, sticking out from the saccharine rubble; that had browned so beautifully in the oven. Warm and comforting, every spoonful draped with the richness of cream, milk and butter.
The Deep-fried Mars Bars in batter($10.50) not so good for your waistline was heaven on the lips for a brief moment. The melted innards of the mars bars creating an amalgam of emotions when combined with the fried batter.
Last but not least, the Eton Mess ($8.50), macerated strawberries, fresh cream and crisp meringue create a riot of colors. It's general make-up giving off a balanced tone of sweetness and muted acidity. To be honest, I much preferred the Bread and Butter pudding; but then again, any women would be drawn to this sunny homemade dessert that flaunts the humble fresh cream.
Read my other reviews on The Ascot here and here.
A major thanks once again to Sylvester for hosting the dinner!
The Grandstand
200 Turf Club Road
#01-16
Singapore 287994
Tel: +65 64620881
Necessary Provisions: The image of perfect calm
Labels:
bukit timah,
cafe,
cakes,
coffee,
hidden finds,
toh tuck,
upperbukittimah
·
There are few things one needs when hiding out here from the rest of civilisation.
Number one, a well-made cup of coffee and number two, a kick-ass piece of pandan chiffon cake. (read this to understand my deep rooted love for this sweet treat)
From the same people behind Smitten Coffee, Homebodies and now defunct Henry Congressional, now comes Necessary Provisions. Providing a much needed shot of caffeine into the deprived neighborhood.
The Barista working on the Spirit model espresso machine by Kees van der Westen; honestly quite a sight for sore eyes given its slick levers and gauges, aerodynamic design and smooth stainless steel surfaces.
Situated in the introverted neighborhood that is Eng Kong Terraces, Necessary Provisions grants a perfect sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of life in general. The vibe is rustic-chic, industrial cemented floors coexisting with stained wooden communal tables and vintages vases filled with exotic flowers. And despite it's casual settings, the cafe takes their coffee seriously. Much to my delight of course.
Pay a visit sometime, grab a cup of coffee with a loved one, browse at the endless selection of magazine sprawled lovingly on the communal table (pss, it goes full circle), dabble in a bit of wanderlust, nibble at a bit of Pandan Chiffon cake whilst you're day dreaming (the dessert table can be quite alluring at this point, but please don't go overboard), bite the dust and head home to reality once its over.
the Pandan Chiffon cake does indeed have a great texture, albeit lacking a little with reference to the grassy distinctive fragrance of pandan. Still, a pretty darn good rendition. And my coffee (4oz version), needless to say, was indispensable.
Address: 21 Eng Kong Terrace Singapore 598993
Tel: 9231 7920
Carpenter and Cook: sweet treats for the afternoon
Labels:
bakery,
bukit timah,
cafe,
hidden finds,
patisserie
·
Carpenter and Cook has been on my radar for the longest time. Funnily, having live so close by, I've not found the chance to stop by despite my incessant visits to other similar cafes on the opposite corners of the island.
Finally on a quiet placid off day, I scooted over to the cafe patisserie. Dressed to the nines in vintage pieces and mismatched prints, we instantly hit it off.
Cocooned within its cool, softly lit interiors with warm friendly staff, there was no lingering signs of interruption from the bustle of the city outside. Just a delightfully warm resonating vibe afloat despite my unaccompanied visit. Lunch there was a treat of hidden gems. Starting with the Bacon and Egg Quiche ($7), this treat of warmed eggy custard between two delicate walls of pastry, comes stuffed with all manner of good things. Perfect touch of seasoning, with the bacon bits providing hints of quintessential savouriness throughout, I devoured this one like a hungry ghost along with accompanying mixed salad on the side.
For dessert, I stuck to the comforts of the Apple Cobbler Loaf Cake ($5), personally, I feel that the cake itself could have been a little moister, perhaps the use of applesauce could have enhanced the mix; however, I loved how the crumble toppings were so beautifully crisp. The thin slices of apple interspersed within the cake doing nothing for the overall flavor.
rounding off the experience with a Cappuccino ($5) which was decent, if not one of the better cups that you can find in the west. Only for the lack of better choice.
At 3pm in the afternoon on a Thursday, a modest trade was running in a lazy Sunday kind of way. And I'm thinking to myself, 'don't these people need to work?'
In it's defense, Carpenter and Cook pretty much sells a lifestyle, a quaint joint filled with hand-picked vintage furniture which you could use to set your arse on during your stay there; an advocate of a state of happy-go-lucky that is so evident from it's ever-changing menu and home styled bakes. Most, would feel at home here, hence the tight following. Don't believe me, go check it out yourself!
19 Lorong Kilat #01-06
Tel: 64633648
The Ascot Revisited
Labels:
beer,
british,
bukit timah,
burgers,
fish&chips,
Grandstand,
pubfood,
restaurants
·
The seed had been planted. The shameless facebook burger porn activity luring me into its webs. It was not long after my previous visit that I found myself once again threading light-footedly into it's comfy realms.
This time round, accompanied by my family, we savoured a whole round of new dishes. The BLT Sandwich ($14.00) with additional chicken ($4.00) was honest and simple comfort food. With sizable portions, generous portions of succulent grilled chicken, silvers of beautifully fried bacon together with crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes; this was a joy to eat.
Despite the major lovin' that I was showing for The Ascot, cracks did appear, to my dismay. The Fish and Chips ($20) was disappointing, slightly fishy in flavor, the beautifully battered sticks had too uniform a shape that made the whole affair seem a little to.. structured. Perhaps a different choice of fish would have fared better, something with a slightly flakier texture like skate. Despite it's momentary failure to please the hungry diners, the accompaniments of mushy peas and double fried fries were sure winners. The former, well seasoned and thank goodness mint was left out of the equation; the double fried thick cut steak fries combined the best of both worlds, a crispy exterior with fluffy starchy goodness encapsulated within.
But one would have to agree that the showstopper of the night had to be the Ascot Burger with fries ($18.00/ $25 with a pint of Stella Artois). The soft buns a perfect platform for the alchemy of bacon grease, creamy guacamole and sweet mayonnaise. The patty itself, a 160g carnivorous treat that could have used a little more help in the seasoning department, also, the mince could have been grounded down a little finer to aid the texture of the patty. Aside from that, I was a happy camper enjoying riotous mouthful after mouthful of salty, sweet, creamy and soft goodness, all at once.
My second visit to The Ascot gets the thumbs up again. Slowly but surely, I've set my mind on eating my way thru this menu, so feel free to join me!
The Grandstand
200 Turf Club Road
#01-16
Singapore 287994
Tel: +65 64620881
The Ascot: Cures for a hangover
Labels:
beer,
british,
bukit timah,
Grandstand,
pubfood,
restaurants,
sausages
·
It's the long weekend, parties and copious amounts of drinking seems inevitable to most.
Suffering from a hangover? Hydrate first and then follow a couple of recommended moves from the honeycombers blog. As for me, here's what I suggest... drink some more, and you'll actually trick your body into thinking it's narrowly escaped a hangover despite the stellar action the night before. Over at The Ascot @ The Grandstand, that's exactly what I did over the past weekend. Here's a toast to deluded quick exits from the realm of bad hangovers.
The Ascot is the newest kid on the block over at the Grandstand, opening its doors to the public mid way through February this year. Decked out in clean swept varnished floors and rustic furnishings, things have been kept simple and almost barren to mimic the unique English pub experience. I reckon that bit more empty standing space should serve its purpose with rowdy and extremely drunk English gentlemen to stagger around without breaking anything valuable in close vicinity. Owner, Sylvester, touted to always be decked out in his fedora hat stands behind the bar counter, looking extremely at ease amidst the slowly growing volume of customers packing the dining room, all in time for weekend lunch. After a quick chat, he steered me towards Badger's England's Own beer, perhaps it was the peculiar head-spinning motion, but I was easily sold on the notion that MORE beer would do me better after a hard nights' worth of drinking. One sip and the sentiment was set in stone, floral, with nuances of elderflower and white grape, this went down smoothly, easing me furthermore into the sinful weekend. With an enthusiastic reaffirmation of his choice, Sylvester turned to me with somewhat of a triumphant smirk and chugged the remaining golden elixir in his chilled pint. Boy was I not surprised.
the view from the bar-counters where we plonked ourselves quietly in anticipation for our meal. Apparently, not too many people settle on the high stools but I do think the communal settings encourage a bit more interaction, something quintessential to an English pub. This was clearly evident given our mini-conversations with the father and daughter team at the end of the bar and the two blokes who marveled at the sight of the Yorkshire pudding when it got served
Back to the food, we had the Sunday Roast ($28.00) and A Bunch of Bangers ($20.00). The former was sure a sight for sore eyes and my stomach growled in envious contention. The immaculately glazed ribs were the star of the dish, fall of the bone and extremely rich in flavor, this went down perfectly well with the Yorkshire pudding. The latter dish, my dish, or Bangers and mash was a considerably above average version, comprising of 3 different sausages, namely veal, pork and Garlic and thyme, these were salty, yes, but oh-so-good for that indulging in hand with a cold pint of beer. The pool of onion gravy that had gathered beneath, melded perfectly with the perfumed mash (perfect texture in my opinion) and the glorious bubble and squeak served on the side. I'm not too ashamed to say that I lapped up all that brown goodness with the help of a hefty knife and a healthy appetite.
Perhaps it was just me and my spot-on cravings for pub grub that very day but in all honesty, I'm sold. The Ascot stealing my heart and unearthing some very raw genuine affection. Scoring highly on my cards for it's traditional British cuisine served in a unpretentious and warm environment, I would certainly be back for more.
The Grandstand
200 Turf Club Road
#01-16
Singapore 287994
Tel: +65 64620881
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