Showing posts with label dinner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dinner. Show all posts
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.
Hokkaido Izakaya @ Japan Food Town: Worth queuing in line for
Hokkaido Izakaya in Japan Food Town is an extension of its exuberant culture displayed on Tanjong Pagar road. Yet, even with it branching out into a less exciting venue (in a mall), the restaurant always sees the backing of long lines. If that doesn't say something about the quality of food here, I really don't know what else justifies as valid proof.
Relying on Hokkaido's produce as vision, the establishment dishes out the best of ingredients from towns such as Yakumo, Akkeshi, Furano and Kamishihoro - albeit not in your usual omakase fou-fou but in a more approachable manner with wallet friendly prices to boot. Hence the long lines that you'll have to endure. But let's get this straight, if you're looking to kick off an illustrious night with friends, then a meal at Hokkaido Izakaya would be 'it'. Bearing in mind that they do carry a rather pervasive list of sake and shoju to fuel any conversation.
boCHINche: Argentine restaurant relocates to Amoy Street
Labels:
argentinian,
cityhall,
cocktails,
dinner,
downtown line,
fusion,
must go,
setlunch,
telok ayer,
will return,
wines
·
Partaking in the same revelry that Employee's Only and Burger Joint exudes on a daily basis, boCHINche, formally guarding the second level premises of Common Man Coffee Roasters has recently seen a move to the more dynamic precinct of Amoy Street. Sporting more intimate yet charmingly casual vibes, the marbled counter tops and no-nonsense decor is a far cry from the previously chic upholstery on booth seats and purposedly slack canvas directors chairs as part of the al-fresco dining area. The cleaner cut, sophisticated look with marbled and teal highlights making it a great venue for business lunches and after work hangouts with the added boosts of liquid courage that is succinctly encouraged just as your step through those doors.
Dallas Restaurant & Bar: Suntec City Sky Garden edition
Labels:
dinner,
hidden finds,
large groups,
promenade,
ribs,
special occasion,
steak,
sunteccity,
will return
·
With a snap of the fingers, 10 years have promptly flew past and the casual American inspired restaurant Dallas celebrates its 10th anniversary with the opening of a stunning new joint tucked away in the tropical garden hideout of Suntec City Sky Garden. Once touted to be the most secretive 'pak-tor' spot, you can now enjoy more intimate moments with your loved one, this time - in the comforts of an exquisite glass house.
Come sundown, the charming high-ceiling glasshouse takes on an almost glamorous facade - impressive island bar glistening like a beacon of hope against the mostly black marbled backdrop. Leather upholstery and elegant chandeliers give the space an effortlessly chic vibe whilst the al fresco space, boosted by a reflective pool feature, beckons for guests to enjoy an after-work tipple.
[NEW MENU] Hungry Heroes: Burgers Galore in the shadows of Superheroes.
Labels:
affordable,
american,
barfood,
big groups,
burgers,
diner,
dinner,
farrer park,
must go,
pork belly
·
I have high expectations when it comes to burgers.
No shit, Sherlock (Hey, Captain America, I think I just said a bad word). *grimaces* Bad jokes aside, my intolerance for poorly constituted piles has become much talked about topic among fellow foodies. So upon arriving at Hungry Heroes and presented with a media-tasting menu that features 3 different burgers, not one of which was the conventional beef variation, my hairs stood on ends.
But first, appetizers to let the Proper Job IPA slide down a little easier. Heros Fries ($10) and Clash of the Potato, Mayo and Scallions ($7) are diet fiends that may just be well worth its calories. The former is your usual skinny fries topped with a landslide victory of chilli con carne, criss cross drizzles of nacho cheese and then another solid lattice of mayonnaise overhead. Talk about overkill. I would however, point you in the direction of the latter, the clash of the potato, a winsome potato salad dish enhanced by crispy duck fat cooked potatoes, a zeng-ed kewpie mayo sauce and huge pilings of spring onion. Rub it all in and you're most certainly to overindulge on this course alone.
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.
Sumiya @ Suntec City: of sake dispensers and table-cooked rice
Labels:
ala carte,
dinner,
expensive,
japanese,
large groups,
lunch,
restaurants,
romantic,
sake,
seafood,
sunteccity,
will return,
wines
·
I remember the first time I visited the Suntec City branch of Sumiya (read my previous post here) - all eyes lit up when we spotted the gleaming elephant in the room. A spotless temperature controlled Sake dispenser that taps 16 different varieties of Japanese fermented rice wines from taps at the command of a key card - a seemingly illustrious process up til the bill shows its associated tabs afterwards. But for now, let's dine with no care for consequence, shall we?
Quick Picks: Weekday eats that won't gnaw into your wallet.[Part 1] || Koji, Attap House, Nan Hwa Fishboat
Labels:
affordable,
china square central,
chirashi don,
dinner,
family friendly,
farrer park,
japanese,
large groups,
lists,
lunch,
onenorth,
quick picks,
sashimi,
steamboat,
sushi,
will return
·
Eating on a budget doesn't need to swear off tastiness and border on mediocrity. Here are some of my quick picks for lunch/dinner spots that would be great catch-up spots with friends or even a less romantic deviant for a weekday date night.
First up, Koji, a name synonymous for delightfully engaging chirashi don bowls amidst some pretty tight circumstances. Yes, squeeze your way past the backed up chairs against the wall surrounding the middle island of frenzied chefs and pent up frustrations, and you'll be rewarded with a superfluity of fresh seaward bounty.
Grand Mandarina: Top notch dining in the Orients
Labels:
affordable,
chinese food,
dim sum,
dinner,
family friendly,
fine dining,
large groups,
lunch,
must go,
restaurants,
will return
·
Call me despicable, call me a desperado, but when one puts a plate of that ridiculously succulent honey glazed roast pork in front of my nose; gastronomical success is almost guaranteed.
Of course, it helps that Grand Mandarina's new inventive ala carte menu is successful on so many levels. Giving the conventional Cantonese cuisine a real booster in the fine dining direction with the use of seasonal ingredients employed in cutting-edge techniques. Take for example the Duo of combination of foie gras with slice peking duck and scallop with salted egg yolk
($26 per person); in usual circumstances, one would expect to find a slab of pan seared goose liver; but here, the precious mother-load is rolled into a tight roulade and braised in 乳水 for that slight Asian infusion and served alongside crispy fingers of cucumber and silvers of uber crunchy duck skin, Send a slice of toast over and I would happily smear the heavenly pate all over it. Then there's the scallop, a parcel of perfect succulence underneath a sheath of golden brown, smothered in salted egg yolk sauce; the crunch of edamame beans below helping to bring harmony to the tumultuous world of dangerous flavors on the plate.
Quick Picks: No-frills meals for the weekends
Labels:
affordable,
aljunied,
big groups,
circular quay,
cityhall,
clarke quay,
dinner,
list,
lists,
lunch,
must go,
raffles place,
restaurants,
robertson quay,
thai food,
zichar
·
Singapore's restaurants run the gamut from sleek and chic to fuss-free. Yet behind all the glitz and ritz of new year brunches are options of places to dine without breaking the budget. Try Thai street food at the newest instalment of Aroy Dee or settle for something a little more romantic at Halia. Whatever you fancy, here are some of my recommendations for great food, perfect for the new year feasting.
Weekend Haunts: Places worth checking out for their [NEW MENUS] part 2
Labels:
affordable,
all-day-breakfast,
big groups,
brunch,
burgers,
cafe,
circle line,
dinner,
eggs benedict,
hidden finds,
must go,
orchard,
orchard 313,
pasir panjang,
restaurants,
sunday brunch,
tacos
·
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.
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.
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.
DOMVS @ Sheraton Towers: A Seafood Fête from Norway
Labels:
affordable,
dinner,
family friendly,
hotel,
lunch,
must go,
norwegian,
seafood,
sheratontowers,
special occasion
·
An email popped up in my browser, 'A Seafood Fete from Norway...' and instantly I was sold. Big Whoop! No ways I was letting a fresh seafood catch slip through my fingers. The potential mercury poisoning stemming from the copious amounts of pippies, oysters, cod, turbot and flathead I've consumed during my last few days in Australia, not holding me back as I indulged in a full-fledged seafood fiesta courtesy of the kind folks from Sheraton Towers.
From 1st Nov to the 8th Nov, Sheraton Towers Singapore in collaboration with Guest Chef Markus Peter Dybwad, from Norway will present a Norwegian seafood extravaganza, riding the delicacies of various Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified produce to cook-up culinary excellence. This demonstration will be displayed over at DOMVS, the Italian restaurant (1-4 Nov) and The Dining Room (5-8 Nov) through specially curated menus.
The Benjamins: More than just milkshakes
Labels:
cafe,
dinner,
hidden finds,
lunch,
may return,
milkshakes,
orchard
·
If you haven't heard of The Benjamins Cafe in Forum Shopping Center, I'm going to say this... Where have you been?!? Not that the Benjamins has a sterling menu but if you're even present on Instagram, you would have caught a glimpse of these outrageously over the top, extraordinary milkshakes that threaten to fill up every inch of your square frame.
For most of us, a trip to The Benjamins would be a group of friends huddling over a couple of these babies, but I was bent on trying their food, especially after sipping on an outstanding mug of cappuccino made by owner, Pearlyn. There must be more to it than meets the eyes. The burgeoning queues snaking its way around the corridors of the shopping mall urging me to warm my seat a little more.
Gin Khao: I wish I have more than two thumbs (up)
Labels:
affordable,
big groups,
desserts,
dinner,
East Coast/ Joo Chiat,
family friendly,
hidden finds,
lunch,
must go,
spicy,
thai food
·
I will get to the heftier items on the menu. I will sing praises about the Stir Fried Squid with Runny salted egg, that I still finish the sentence usually with a longing sigh. I will reminisce the intensely flavored Kang Ob Woon Sen, the glass noodles dampened with the concentrate of seafood broth and stippled with Thai garlic and pepper. I'll try to explain how I manage to make space for the Thai Green curry Gelato and sticky rice at the end of lavish meal- because it was so good - in due time. All in due time.
Nassim Hill: when the lights go down.
Labels:
affordable,
big groups,
botanic gardens,
dinner,
family friendly,
hidden finds,
may return,
orchard,
the entertainer app
·
 |
| Mussels |
With nightfall, lights are dimmed and the normally breezy cafe assumes a more seductive image. In sync with its intimate vibes are the elaborate dishes like the Market Fresh Mussels ($25) for example. Feisty with a hint of Chili, live French Bouchoty mussels are first cooked with white wine, sriracha butter, cilantro and garlic till its wilful lips are pried open, allowing for the salacious aromatic juices to pour into its folds. Tuck into this dish with a good hunk of baguette to soak up the ambrosial liquids at the bottom of the bowl, trust me, this was one of the rare moments that I actually looked forward to a soggy loaf of bread.
Lighthouse Bistro Bar: Quality restaurant fare at Affordable prices
Labels:
affordable,
desserts,
dinner,
family friendly,
fish&chips,
fusion,
lavender,
pasta,
seafood,
special occasion,
steak,
will return
·
If food is as good as I had tasted that night, then yes, you can be lighthouse any day.
Newly revamped Lighthouse Bistro Bar has received a new lease on life, done away with the hideous coats of orange and the cheap furniture and now focuses on serving up good food, good drinks and deeply wonderful service. It's mission is clear and concise, once you've scrolled down the extensive menu offering a hodgepodge of world dishes: to offer the freshest of seafood at bargain prices. After gawking and gasping at the price reveals, we had to put the food to the test.
Ding Dong: New menu that takes you down memory lane
Labels:
affordable,
bar,
barfood,
cocktails,
dinner,
fusion,
girls night out,
lunch,
modern,
southeast asian,
special occasion
·
I shuffled, no, rolled out of the restaurant, uttering an endless string of words in contentment in the midst.
My tummy lucked out on a recent media tasting at Ding Dong, Ann Siang Hill's gem of playful mod-Asian cuisine. In the recent month, the establishment has injected an air of nostalgia into the menu with a series of eclectic culinary creations and the team was proud to showcase their new lineup in true peacock fashion; the resulting protestation of my exploding belly seemingly irrelevant in this situation.
SG50 themed Sushi @ Ichiban Boshi
Labels:
affordable,
big groups,
dinner,
family friendly,
japanese,
lunch,
must go,
novena,
sg50,
sushi
·
My earlier dinners at Ichiban Boshi were filled with ominous black trays touting a myriad of hearty dishes; katsu-don glistening at its peripherals with egg barely set in a soya-sauce-mirin mixture; golden fried kaarage simmering in Japanese curry over a small stove, the blanket of kraft cheese tracing its outlines as it yields to the heat. In a nutshell, Ichiban Boshi was better known for it's bang-for-buck set meals then anything else, despite the rather extensive menu showcasing everything from tonkatsu, to sushi and even kushiyaki.
This time around, I shall turn your attention to the establishment's venture into Sushi, especially apt since Ichiban Sushi and Boshi outlets have curated an array of SG50 themed sushi as a tribute to the nation's birthday!
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