Showing posts with label dempsey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dempsey. Show all posts
8-Hands for Candlenut's 8 years
Labels:
dempsey,
family friendly,
peranakan,
restaurants,
special occasion,
will return
·
Nestled away in the lush greenery of Dempsey Hill, Candlenut's redefines elegant dining and brings Peranakan cuisine to a while new gastronomic level. By infusing Straits-Chinese food with contemporary flavours, Candlenuts earned its well-deserved recognition as the world's first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant.
To make its 8th anniversary celebration, with the theme "8 years 8 Hands", Chef Malcom Lee invited three of his chef friends, Willin Low of Wild Rocket, Wayne Liew of KEK Seafood and Andrei Soen of Park Bench Deli to share their creations at the lavish eight-hands cocktail party.
Morsels: Timeless cuisine fostered by Asian heralded techniques
Labels:
dempsey,
fusion,
hidden finds,
modern,
omakase,
restaurants,
romantic,
special occasion,
will return,
wine pairing
·
Areas like the lush Dempsey Hill have had its fair share of ups and down over the last decade. It spruced up nicely in its food and beverage conquest, attracting voracious appetites and roaring conversations in its hay-days with distinguished overseas brand backing. Think Jones the Grocer with its cool, softly lit gorgeous lofty interiors and fresh stacks of pancakes. However, the slowing economy took a huge hit and expatriates who were the majority denizens of Dempsey started making rarer appearances in the enclave. All of a sudden, things too a turn and these giants slowly moved out of the leaving a void to be filled. Not long after, new life style quarters Como Dempsey happened and the precinct teamed with life once again. Taking the plunge, was Petrina Loh, Chef/Owner of Morsels (previously located in Mayo Street) who moved her small plates restaurant into a more intimate 40-seater, 1000 sqf space just at stone's throw from Long Beach Seafood.
Having not patronise her previous outlet before, I was pleasantly surprised by the cottage like intimacy of the dining space adjoining the open kitchen. Wild ferns frame the bar while wicker chairs and wooden table tops up the 'rustic' quality one experiences once you slide pass those full length barnyard type doors. At the point, you'll wonder if you've inadvertently stepped into someone's home, lifting your eyes to look out for quilted corners.
Provisions: Asian Skewers and Claypot Rice with a necessary side of Alcoholic Libations
Labels:
barfood,
claypot,
cocktails,
dempsey,
fusion,
hidden finds,
mod sin,
modern,
southeast asian,
will return
·
"Can I get you a drink, to start?". The keywords - to start - lighting the flames of ignition for a healthy night of libations afterwards. The moment those words escaped the lips of Head Bartender/Co-Owner KC Rahmat, this opened the flood gates to my imbibe-obsessed mind. I caught a glimpse of a bead of sweat rolling down his brow as I tossed him one challenge after another. Regrets. Retiring the night with his version of the vesper with suze bitter, gin mare gin and infused vodka, this lethal tipple carried waves of repercussions in its clear conscious.
Provisions is the newest Asian Skewers and claypot rice concept to grace the gentrified stretch of establishments on Block 7 of Dempsey Hill. It's an interesting premise, the industrial chic space exuding wintry vibes which goes hand in hand with the fuss-free, no service approach; whilst on the flip side, wooden fixtures and long tables manage to elicit thoughts of communal dining. A wild child that bears a certain sense of eccentricity, essential to standing out in the populous precinct.
Jim Beam Double Oak: a new premium expression of Kentucky Bourbon launches globally
Labels:
alcohol,
cocktails,
dempsey,
hidden finds,
meatlovers,
spirits
·
A much better bottle at the table coupled with a cleaner design for Jim Beam has just appeared at the table. Jim Beam recently launched their newest and permanent addition to the family, the Jim Beam Double Oak. Representing a new take on Kentucky Straight Bourbon, the whiskey is matured not once, but twice in two American oak barrels. And since the law demands that the spirit, bourbon be aged in a new barrel, that's a hell lot of wood to be going around in production.
The standard Kentucky Straight Bourbon is transferred into a second charred oak barrel for further aging. The contact process allowing the tannis, lactones, vanillin from the wood to be infused into the spirit for a more intense flavor. Right off the bat, you can tell the stark difference, the golden amber shades on the double oak representing the rich toasty caramel and vanilla notes that it had inherited through the long drawn process.
Open Farm Community: Backyard dining
Labels:
dempsey,
dinner,
hidden finds,
local food,
must go,
special occasion,
will return
·
Hello my friends (and the same to whichever lurker is reading this sad pathetic blog)
Welcome to this, the 7th Sunday of the year - sign already that the days run away like wild horses over the hills. How are you this week? Tired? Empowered? What's your adjective? I'm feeling a little anxious, apprehensive at the turn of events and not too sure if I'll be able to stick my landing. Still though... gotta bounce.
But first, here's a quick run through of Open Farm Community's latest foray into an urban oasis of local inspired flavors with regional produce to boot. 10 entirely crisp and clean new dishes greet the menu, each and everyone of them drawing inspiration from the diverse and distinct DNA of Singaporean's favourite flavors.
Anjali Chocolate: Here's looking at you.
Labels:
chocolate,
dempsey,
Gourmet Chocolate,
hidden finds,
masterclass,
must go,
romantic,
valentines day,
workshops
·
3 years and progression from a small workbench to a compartmentalised cottage stocked with chocolates aplenty. Anjali chocolate has definitely worked its way up from its humbler days when stowed away in the innards of Pasarbella (read full review here). It's new premises in Loewen Road (located at the peripherals of the Dempsey cluster) spilling forth sophistication and an attention to detail even in the wines procured for the Chocolate tasting event I had the privilege to attend.
Botanist Islay Dry Gin: makes a splash in Gin Jubilee 2016
Labels:
cocktails,
dempsey,
educational,
gin,
masterclass,
spirits
·
Rewind to two months ago where Botanist Gin first made its landing on Singapore shores. Now, Gin Jubilee 2016 is upon us, running from 20 - 26 November across various establishments in Singapore.
Botanist Gin will be making its presence at several events and even mixed into two #ginjubilee2016 local entries hailing from Ah Sam's Cold Drinks Stall and Neon Pigeon. For those of you who aren't aware, 36 bars across Singapore are vying for the title of Singapore's Best Gin & Tonic and all you have to do to cast your vote is to take a picture of the special entry consumed and hash tag it #ginjubilee2016. Participating bars include Smoke & Mirrors, Spago, Tippling Club, Spiffy Dapper, The Other Room, The Horse's Mouth and High Ball amongst many others.
La Ventana: launches all-new Spanish High Tea
Labels:
afternoon tea,
dempsey,
desserts,
hidden finds,
high tea,
michelin starred,
romantic,
sandwich,
special occasion,
will return
·
Leisurely afternoons come by so rarely; and when they do. All you want sometimes, is just a soothing cuppa tea followed by a convoy of dainty sweet treats to put the cocktail hour into perspective; and perhaps the bonus company of a good-humoured individual to match your devour-ment pace.
Rolled out on the 3rd May, the 3 tiers of goodness at La Ventana includes puffy cinnamon laden churros, salmon gravlax croissant, homemade salted caramel chocolate tartlets and more, prepared single-handedly by the Pastry Chef at La Ventana.
Portico Prime: 'Portico Favourites' New High Tea Set
Here it is, a high tea stand exuding grandeur and finesse from all angles; even from the makeshift Velcro strips stuck to the edges, converting a humble wine rack into a garden-esque display of petite sweet treats and savory bites. All is innocent and expectations kept to a minimum, until you chomp down on the dainty Eclair of Singapore-style chili crab meat and there is an explosion of flavors.
Little House of Dreams Cafe: Bangin' Sticky Date Pudding
Labels:
affordable,
all day,
brunch,
burgers,
cafe,
cakes,
dempsey,
desserts,
family friendly,
hidden finds,
ice-cream,
pasta,
will return
·
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...
Open Farm Community:Social Market|| The Root of all Local
Labels:
affordable,
botanic gardens,
cafe,
cocktails,
coffee,
dempsey,
farmers market,
large groups,
local food,
must go,
new openings,
orchard,
pasta,
restaurants,
will return
·
There's even more excuse to visit Open Farm Community now especially with the Social Market #2 running its second rounds to usher in the new year on the 9th and 10th of January from 10am to 4pm. If you've made the wiser choice of being the early bed or.. the late comer, there are benefits to both; some being access to soap demonstrations, as well as yoga and Pilate classes.
But first, let's talk food. With the extensive brunch and lunch menu at your disposal in the greenhouse, here are some of our recommendations straight off the bat.
House @ Dempsey: High Tea Party goes green
Labels:
affordable,
buffets,
cafe,
cakes,
dempsey,
desserts,
girls night out,
hidden finds,
high tea,
large groups,
restaurants,
sandwich,
special occasion,
will return
·
To cut to the chase, popular vintage high tea at House @ Dempsey has seen a face lift. Currently donning a more herbaceous look with the kitchen taking a conscious effort to incorporate fresh herbs into their signature comfort food.
It's all about making the prettiest plates here for that ultimate flat lay to be exhibited with the intentions of braggadocio or accidental evidence that you've skipped work for a couple of hours on a Friday afternoon to have high tea with the girlies. carelessness. TSK.
Open Farm Community: In the Weeds.
Labels:
big groups,
brunch,
cocktails,
dempsey,
hidden finds,
must go,
pasta,
special occasion,
sunday brunch,
will return
·
Disclaimer: In case you had the impression that I was going to slam Open Farm Community's garden nosh, no chance; by "In the Weeds", I meant the state of your poor stomach as it churns up its indignation in view of your unsuppressed gluttony at the table. Point is, you can't help it - food at OFC beckons with a spellbinding light that rendered me a minion, the fork doing relentless runs between the beautiful crockery and my mouth.
Open Farm Community plays a familiar game, the hipster playground that has accidentally allowed you in - rampage its grounds with a ping pong table (that could incidentally also double up for a beer pong table) in a vibrant shade of yellow on the porch; yet still retain a bit of its verdant nature with sprawling green pastures sporting an extensive spectrum of herbs and spices that would eventually end up on your plate in one form or another ~ Walk through the first extension of the establishment and you'll find memorabilia and cutesy baby-related merchandise from Tinydipity, there, traverse pass the covered corridors to the inner sanctum; a glasshouse-esque setup with an open-kitchen style pass; the orgy of chefs threading in tandem making for a fascinating sight.
That's until the food starts spilling out onto the tables...
[Fresh off the Press] La Ventana: Michelin Starred Catalan fare in Dempsey
Labels:
dempsey,
fine dining,
hidden finds,
spanish,
special occasion,
tapas
·
Have you heard of the new La Ventana by Chef Carles Gaig in Dempsey Hill? Because it is an impressive operation with equally extraordinary accolades under its belt. Chef Gaig originally from Taberna d'en Gaig established in 1869, cleverly unifies tradition and innovation to create high quality cuisine that speaks to the heart; for doing so, his restaurant in the Horta district of Barcelona has been distinguished with a Michelin star since 1993.
In a private chat with Chef Gaig, who maintained an amicable grandfatherly-like mannerism, and abetted by the lovely Ms Nuria Gilbert (Chef Gaig's daughter) in translation purposes, we got to have an insight into the mind of this gifted yet humble chef.
Roadhouse: Integration
Labels:
american,
beer,
buffalo wings,
burgers,
chickenwings,
dempsey,
drinks,
hidden finds
·
Integrating myself back into Singapore society is in all honesty, a painfully dreadful task.
What better way to start then on more familiar grounds. Let's ease into this transition. Starting off at a burger joint. Baby steps. My chest heaves in the humidity of the air, the heat slapping me in the face. I say a silent prayer... break it to me gently please.
The Roadhouse is a modern American diner shining the spotlight on burger artistry. It comes across as simply a restaurant with good food and earnest intent that just happens to be in one of the coolest spaces in the city. Inside, the feeling is almost "ironic suburban". with expansive family tables primed with chili flake shakers and good ole whimsical school diner lights hanging overhead. I settled in comfortably, only slightly bothered by the unfamiliar singlish jargon floating in the air. It will take time...
Kicking off the welcome back party were the Spicy Garlic Parmesan Wings (5 for $14), before you jump to conclusions, these are 5 single joints not 5 entire wings including both drumlets and wings. Pretty pricey in my opinion, these prove to be just mediocre, the BBQ sauce a little too acidic and one dimensional in flavor profile.
The burgers come in variety of ingredient pairings; the menu proving to be a tough one to navigate if you're as fickle minded a person as I am. I went forth with the Bacon Marinated ($26), soft buns baked in house, beef patty sizzled on the josper grill; gorgonzola, streaky bacon, caramelized onions, garlic mayonnaise and sauteed mushrooms form the other layers. Similar to a brioche sans the unnecessary sweetness and sometimes overwhelming richness, the cloud like buns are a perfect canvas for this juicy mess. I just wish there was more gorgonzola on there... Verdict: this burger tickled my fancy, ticked off all the boxes that qualifies it as a good burger but still it's not the best I've tried. I continue my search for greener pastures.
His, High on Shrooms ($26) featuring forest mushrooms, truffle oil, rocket, monterey jack and garlic mayonnaise. Definitely an overkill in the truffle oil department, but the name says it, so no whining there.
Roadhouse
13 Dempsey Road
#01-07
Website: www.roadhouse.com.sg
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