Showing posts with label buona vista. Show all posts
Showing posts with label buona vista. Show all posts
UNA: Spanish fare under a fairy-lit canopy
Labels:
buona vista,
calamari,
cocktails,
hidden finds,
intimate,
large groups,
must go,
paella,
restaurants,
rochester park,
romantic,
spanish,
special occasion,
will return,
wines
·
Like Botanico, UNA's kitchen brigade is run by Executive Chef Antonio Oveido who favours the authentic seafood themed gourmet finds from the South of Spain and tries to blend that with heartier cuisine from the North which avoids fussing and tweaking. The result - an innovative and contemporary menu that exudes the regular wholesome fervour of Spanish fare but founded by modern cooking techniques.
UNA is anything but low-key, it's dreamy landscape complete with shower curtains of fairy lights and banquet like soft cascades of fabric from wooden beams affecting a certain sort of formality. Step through a plush garden, as represented by most other establishments in the Rochester Park vicinity and be transported to a different dimension. Between it's white-washed patio area and grandeur of colonial bungalow, the whole experience of being seated can be a bit overwhelming.
[GIVEAWAY] Morganfield's: Christmas feasting with more than just Sticky Bones
Labels:
affordable,
buona vista,
christmas,
family friendly,
large groups,
may return,
restaurants,
roast,
takeout,
turkey
·
With Christmas just around the corner, the long enduring relationship between food and booze is reaffirmed again. No, this ain't a post about the merits of pairing alcohol with food, because sometimes I prefer to turn my focus to the former. Food, especially Christmas feasts refers usually to a massive, horrendously dry bird perched unceremoniously on a tray with side condiments of dull roasted vegetables and lumpy mashed potatoes, which you'll usually proceed to drown in processed brown gravy and store-bought cranberry sauce on the side to sweeten the appalling deal, before turning to the host to say, "This is lovely, (fill in victims name), we should do this again next year.". Fake smiles fill the awkward space in the room.
We all the drill. The intensive efforts it takes to plan a Christmas feast, much less prepare one from scratch. This year, cut yourself some slack and head on down to Morganfield's for some Christmas joy both in-store as well as take home packages for your home or office parties. Starting from 16th November onwards till 31st December, tuck into an enticing range of Christmas eats such as Bourbon Marmalade Glazed Leg of Ham, Christmas Roast Chicken and Pork Roast amongst a slew of other regulars.
Flock Cafe @ Ghim Moh: Breakfast food for the party go-ers
Labels:
affordable,
all-day-breakfast,
buona vista,
cafe,
cakes,
coffee,
eggs benedict,
family friendly,
ghim moh,
hidden finds,
must go,
pulled pork,
sandwich
·
I arrived all misty eye and in full regret of the wilful night out before. Itching for a jolt of caffeine and some nosh to soothe the alcohol traumatised system, Flock cafe with it's mollifying interior filled with white washed walls and charming wooden furnishings, made me feel right at home instantly.
Curbside Cafe & Wine: No Great Shakes
Labels:
all-day-breakfast,
buffalo wings,
buona vista,
burgers,
cafe,
fried chicken
·
If you ask me what form of cuisine captures the best on camera. I would have to say hands down, brunch fare for sure!
On a recent media event held at Curbside Cafe & Wine Bar, we had the privilege of tasting a variety of items from the ala carte menu and I dug in with reckless abandon as I've never actually tasted most of the menu despite the couple of coffee runs I've made previously. FYI, curbside does one of the best coffees in the west in my opinion, guarded by a faithful dedication of bringing out the best in the 'already-superior' Yahava coffee beans.
The first to meet the panel of stringent judges at our table was the Buffalo Wings ($12), chicken wings tossed in homemade BBQ sauce. These were a little bit of a let-down as the wings which should have been deep fried to a golden brown prior to being tossed in the sauce was anaemic underneath its glossy brown sheath. The BBQ sauce was slightly off balanced, tipping the pyramid over with a generous amount of sweetness that succeeded in a resemblance to Sweet and Sour pork being drawn.
The Corned beef hash ($12) did not receive much positive feedback from the crew as well given it's over-salty complexion. Here's salt cured minced beef is fried with ham and chopped onions, this is then topped with two poached eggs and a side of sourdough toast. Honestly speaking, the hash could have used a little longer in the pan, a development of crisp browned crust around the edges crucial to elevating the dish beyond what it already is.
If you liked the Corned Beef Hash, you would also be okay with the Cheeseburger ($16) which is designed to satisfy and fill the peckish most likely to be nursing their weekend afternoon seats with a lukewarm coffee by their side. There is nothing that pops from its imagery, at least nothing compelling enough to make you want to devour the entire portion. Skip this.
A Cheesy Fried Chicken is the best possible thing you might score if only it were on the menu. A sizeable piece of deep fried chicken fillet is enhanced with a bubbly enrobing of melted cheese, accompanied by freshly made coleslaw, paprika dusted fries and a slice of garlic bread. This, being the only dish that the chef didn't go crazy with the salt, was the best received amongst others. Irregardless of that, still, an uninspired dish that is not befitting of the strong showing contributed by the excellent coffee standards here.
Curbside Cafe & Wine Bar
21 Biopolis Drive
Nucleous #01-21
S (138567)
w: http://www.facebook.com/CurbsideCafeSG
t: 8181 1805
Jimmy Monkey: When I Miss Home
Labels:
all-day-breakfast,
australia,
beer,
bistro,
brunch,
buona vista,
cafe,
coffee,
hidden finds,
onenorth
·
On the island state of Singapore, food trends are like waves breaking onto our shores, leaving us awash with new choices. We used to lament that finding a good cup of coffee was impossible; now the predicament is which cafe should we head to in order to avoid the crowds. And when I say crowds, that's an understatement.
The 'Third Wave Coffee' has relinquished itself in a influx of cafes dotting the island. Common Man Coffee Roasters, Anthesis, The Bravery, Ronin, The Provision Shop, (working title) and the Le Mama Shoppe are just some of the new kids on the block that have joined in the game. While these fresh picks amuse the hippy youngsters always on the lookout for new spots to instagram from. I always turn to the usual suspects for my quick cuppa. Presenting to you my rock, Jimmy Monkey at One-North Residences.
There's nothing quite fancy about this space. High ceilings featuring some odd features (the still in-tact toilet bowl originally on the second floor)), warehouse aesthetic referncing with minimalist features. Here, it's a safe space, truly evocative of my dwellings in most Sydney cafes where you could slave away on your lappie half the day or craddle a good read without being disturbed.
For something a little lighter on the palate and no less satisfying, order The Hulk - smashed avocado, chunks of feta and homemade dukka on sourdough. The interesting mix of middle eastern flavors and squeeze of fresh lemon juice lifts the dish with a citrusy and rustic nutty vibrancy. Definitely the best dish on the brunch table.
Heartier appetites can go for the Spaghetti with Chorizo and baby spinach. Al-dente with the perfect amount of seasoning makes this simple dish a crowd pleaser.
My mother very quickly worked through her Saint Joseph's Tartine, pausing occasionally to murmur through gorged mouthfuls; mostly swooning. The sauteed mix mushrooms is kryptonite, served on TBP multigrain sourdough and sided by streaky bacon.
I was disappointed by my Breakfast Sandwich though. I'm guessing it's another case of food envy at work but still I cannot dismiss the underwhelming Kay's relish (with a name engraved next to it, you would expect it to be a real showstopper); I could have used a little more of it and perhaps a little less acidity and more robustness.
That mini detail aside, the coffee was perfect. Indulging me in all my caffeine nerdiness.
Jimmy Monkey
9 One-North Gateway
#01-51 One-North Residences
Singapore 138643
tel: +65 6777 8470
facebook: facebook.com/jimmymonkeycafe
It just has to be. In time. In place. In spirit.
It just has to be."
The Lawn: Eat and Love your Greens
Labels:
biopolis,
brunch,
buona vista,
food tasting,
hidden finds,
restaurants,
salads
·
The very sinful period of guilt-laden Chinese New Year feasting has just passed us, let's talk healthy. Greens in particular since vegetables contain vitamins that act as antioxidants, which protect body cells from environmental damage that can lead to cancer and other health problems.
Pardon me if I start to sound like something out of a health education textbook. But I speak with conviction on the case.
And what better way to enjoy your greens then with the accompaniment of tantalising grilled meats? Here at the Lawn, you can be sure that the wide variety are all top notch.
My experience at The Lawn was one that got off to a bad foot. But don't you worry, the recovery was a huge turn over. Stepping into the 'cool' vicinity of the restaurant; or so we hoped, we were hit by a ton of Bricks. No, I kid you not. After navigating an uphill route from the nearest MRT station Buona Vista, the two unsuspecting victims were breaking a sweat. To our dismay, what greeted us was a pretty sight (artfully decorated room with patches of astro turf and strategically placed negative spaces) albeit a poorly ventilated area that reeked of heavy smoke possessed with the smell of barbecued meats fresh off the grill. True to the concept tying the love of Americans for barbies in their backyards and healthy salads; The Lawn presents a fairly fresh and novel concept of mix-and-match salads highlighting the essence of good grilled proteins. Given that I was an obsessive carnivore in all rights, I was easily sold on this idea.
After placing our orders at the counter, following a very well documented process on the boards over head. We retired outside to the outdoor seating area which apparently was a ton more comfortable due to the wind tunnel like structure of the atrium. *shrugs*
Price wise, you get 1 grill 5 toppings dressing with mesclun salad for $9.90. A real bargain if you ask me, an ideal further reinstated once you eye the large bowls these salads are served in.
Choices of protein range from the grilled chicken breast with maple infusion, MOJO chicken (the latest addition to the family, very heavy in Indian spices), char grilled prawns, herbed pacific dory, Balsamico fresh asparagus and eggplant (for the vegetarians!) and the more premium options of black pepper duck, Ben's beef rub and Portobello Mushrooms. With an additional 7 dressings to choose from, we were guaranteed spoilt for choice. Needless to say, the permutations and combinations were countless, so apparently dining there everyday won't be a boring affair.
My choice: Chargrilled garlic prawns + sunflower seeds + Cashew Nuts + Sweet Corn + Bell peppers + Boiled Egg + Onion + Tomato + Red Island Sauce
The Verdict: Adored the garlic prawns, these were literally fresh and bouncy. The Red Island sauce was a a fusion of Mayonnaise and Tomato sauce, a good combination of creamy and tanginess hence working well with the other ingredients. With regards to the spread of toppings, what I loved most was the addition of tomatoes that threw in the juicy factor with a sour element for good measure.
His choice: Ben's beef rub + Herbed Dory + Cashews + Walnuts + Cheddar Cheese + Black Olives + Onion + Bell Peppers + Me So Spicy sauce
The Verdict (from the boyfriend): the dory was well seasoned and cooked to perfection, flaking off nicely with the gentle prodding of the fork. The beef was also well executed, in most cases, still pink in the middle. The Me so spicy spice adding a lovely touch of heat to the refreshing mix of greens.
With so many expatriates visiting the salad bar; the owners can't help but incorporate some sauces that would appeal more to the Caucasian taste buds; these include the honeyball, citrus dressing and maple peanut. Note to self (and other people of similar taste), steer clear of these, I would highly recommend the Perky sesame ginger as well as the Me So Spicy sauces as the best compliments to the grilled meats.
The herbed chicken breasts that defied the odds with its miraculously tender and juicy innards. This shall be my order the next time round.
In view of it all, The Lawn offers a very wholesome dining affair for those seeking for a healthier option that's still off the beaten track. No boring Caesar salad or Salad Niçoise here. Instead indulge in a DEEP bowl of tasty goodness, a concoction of greens that you can truly call your own. For those intending a weekend getaway, do consider dropping by as the Lawn now opens on Sundays for lunch!
A major thanks going out to Jonathan, the happy-go-lucky owner of The Lawn for the invitation.
31 Biopolis Way,
Nanos #01-07,
Singapore 138669
Website: http://thelawn.com.sg/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
