Showing posts with label large groups. Show all posts
Showing posts with label large groups. 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.
[KL] Knowhere Bangsar opens with some excellent boozing options
Labels:
bangsar,
bar,
cocktails,
hidden finds,
kuala lumpur,
large groups,
overseas,
restaurants,
will return
·
Dining options may come and go in the Bangsar precinct, and with the spectrum of international cuisine offered, diners are spoilt for choice. It's the same in the boozing scope of things. However, a new kid on the block might just pique your curiosity. In fact, the azure of luminescent lights will cajole you into the debauchery of the drinking den. For which I implore you to take the plunge.
JYPSY: Casual Japanese restaurant with nomadic island life vibes
Labels:
affordable,
cafe,
date night,
fried chicken,
fries,
hidden finds,
japanese,
large groups,
martin road,
must go,
robertson quay,
romantic,
sharing,
small plates,
sushi,
will return
·
Opened this July, JYPSY is PSCAFE'S newest cafe concept - casual Japanese restaurant peddling a nomadic island life which you'll find expressed in its immaculate decor of hanging ferns, traditional Japanese paper lanterns and wind bells. It's a gorgeous space that touts an equally breezy menu of sushi rolls, sashimi and more in sharing plate formats. Despite the upmarket vibes, price remains easy on the wallet.
[Friday Date-Night]: Rosso Vino
Labels:
affordable,
date night,
italian,
large groups,
restaurants,
robertson quay,
will return,
winebar,
wines
·
Located along the banks of Robertson Quay, Rosso Vino prides itself as being one of the best Italian restaurants in the island. Being relatively new to Italian cuisine, we were thrilled to be invited to try out some of the classics on their menu.
To start, we had the Bruschetta Rosso Vino and Carpaccio Di Manzo. The Bruschetta Rosso Vino is a trio of Smoked Salmon, Diced Tomato and Mozzarella and Anchovies Bruschetta. As someone who usually strays away from tomatoes due to its distinct taste and smell, the diced tomato was surprisingly refreshing and easy to swallow. I never thought I would say this, but that was delightful and pretty addictive. Contrastingly, the smoked salmon piece was not outstanding and the mozzarella one was way too salty for my liking. Perhaps a better ove would be to order the Brushcetta Rosa, where you can better indulge in the Diced Tomato Bruschetta, which really helps to whet your appetite for the upcoming feast.
The Carpaccio Di Manzo had unbelievable thin slices of beef tenderloin served with parmesan cheese and mixed salad. The beef was so thin and moist that they broke apart easily while the cheese added a nice subtle touch of saltiness to the beef.
For our mains, we ordered the recommended Cavatelli Ragu di Maiale in Salsa Di Pomodoro and Branzino alla Toscana. The homemade pasta's name was a handful, but the reason behind its popularity was clear. The Cavatelli pasta itself was firm, with a slight bite to it, yet easy to chew through; quite the perfect al dente if I would say so myself. The addition of red wine imparts a light oaky fullness to the sauce. Each pasta piece enrobed in the rich sauce made for a very pleasant experience.
As one who is particularly averse to fishiness, I was amazed at how subdued the dish of Branzino all Toscano was. The fish was moist and flaky fresh and the tomato based stew providing relief from the fishy qualities. What's left was a really fragrant, juicy and fat fillet of white meat, it's sweetness further enhanced by the layered tomato stew.
Pair your mains with a glass of wine or rose, both giving additional dimension to the dishes ordered and adding brownie points to the romantic night out.
Rosso Vino
15 Merbau Road
S(239032)
Reservations: CHOPE
Operating Hours:
Mon - Sun: 3pm - 1am
Words and photos by Belinda Yong who wishes that every time of the day is food o'clock. She loves trying new cuisines and creations, and prays hard for a higher metabolism.
Twenty Eight Cafe: for the early birds.
Labels:
brunch,
cafe,
cakes,
coffee,
large groups,
selegie,
sunday brunch,
weekendeats,
will return
·
There's something about the imagery of piping hot coffee, rivulets of milk froth working with tangles of hot coffee forming intricate patterns that is synonymous with the basic necessities of the working man; newly opened Twenty Eight Cafe would know. Opening it's doors at 7 30am in the morning to pander to the needs of the Mount Sophie and Mount Emily residents. High ceilings, white washed spaces interspersed with bits of foliage, and modish hanging light fixtures; it's not a surprise to see that the cafe has amassed quite a following even in the first few weeks of its opening. Wi-Fi does help, of course.
The Salted Plum joins the leagues of the Dirtyyy Late Night Eats.
Labels:
affordable,
boat quay,
casual,
cheap,
circular road,
large groups,
must go,
restaurants,
taiwanese,
will return
·
Last year, Five Ten's achingly hip temple to home cooked fare basking in Taiwanese pedigree, set the pace for Singapore's new restaurants. Even after its reincarnation as The Salted Plum along the uproarious Circular road, it's still in a league of its own.
The Guild Singapore: Hong Kong's independent craft brewery and it's 'conscious' kitchen
Labels:
cocktails,
craft beers,
from farm to table,
gastropub,
happy hour,
keong saik,
large groups,
local food,
must go,
pubfood,
restaurants,
sustainable,
will return
·
Like The Library, before The Guild, there's a certain exclusivity and 'hidden gem' factor in stumbling upon The Guild - a polished marble round bar housing a centralised beer dispenser of 20 taps (19 bars, 1 Gin and Tonic), dark wood accents and kitschy heritage tiles. Beers and comfort food, it isn't quite a groundbreaking combo, but upon closer inspection, you'll be surprised to find out that the newly minted The Guild Singapore peddles the duo with so much originality and spunk that its akin to being on a carousel. For your palate at least, and thank goodness it's nowhere near as pompous as its previous occupant.
RUMOURs has it - from Bali to Singapore
Labels:
Bali,
beer,
cocktails,
gastropub,
german food,
grilled meats,
happy hour,
holland village,
large groups,
meatlovers,
pubfood
·
Is it as good as the rumours you've heard?
A popular spot among locals and tourists in Bali, the award-winning Rumours Bar and Grill have finally made their way from Bali to Singapore. And by word of many carnivores, this one might just give your waistline a good reason to reach greater widths.
Shaburi and Kintan: In the mood for a meat fix?
Labels:
affordable,
barbeque,
buffet dinner,
buffets,
grilled meats,
japanese,
jem,
jurong east,
large groups,
must go,
restaurants,
shabu shabu,
will return,
yakiniku
·
It's been almost 2 years since my last visit to the much lauded shabu shabu establishment Shaburi and Kintan in JEM mall and judging from the crowds that have amassed in the premises at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon, the folks of Jurong East have taken to the concept very well. The place is filled to the rafters with enthusiastic diners filling up at the new and improved greens section of the side-dish buffet. On top of that, main menus for the Shaburi have seen drastic improvements with the inclusion of a larger variety of meat choices such as chicken and seafood shabu.
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.
Kinki: Maki with a View
Labels:
alfresco,
cityhall,
cityviews,
japan food town,
japanese,
large groups,
maki,
onefullerton,
restaurants,
sake,
waterfront,
will return,
wines
·
If you're looking for the best maki in Singapore, Kinki won't be it. But if it's #makiwithaview that you're seeking, the casual establishment sporting stunning panoramic view of the bay area sees little competition in this aspect.
Kinki is famous for two things: their makis and Japanese anime decorum which translates into their convivial dining atmosphere. The space makes use of the abundant natural light and their open-air entertainment quarters on the top deck to shake off the austerity and stuffiness shrouding the dining establishments in the bay area. It's important to note the beverage offerings; this is first and foremost an after-work watering hole. Once you're seated, a spirited menu packed with refreshing sakes and fizzy beers is called to your attention. I would admit that it's either an old-school dining sensibility or a money-making strategy. Needless to say, we welcome the gesture with open arms (and livers), and order carafe of Echigo Tsurukame Junmai from Niigata prefecture. One does have to whet one's appetite, after all.
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.
Blue Label Pizza: we don't stay for desserts, because the pizzas robbed us of our tummy real estate
Labels:
affordable,
ann siang,
casual,
club street,
large groups,
must go,
pizza,
restaurants,
will go,
wines
·
We fall utterly silent, albeit for the appreciative hums that escape our lips between bites. It's a ferociously interesting night out with the boy, and based on all the delicious rumours that were circulating about this basement joint; we were half anticipating the night to cumulate in a smack down of exhilarating flavors. And boy weren't we disappointed.
25 Degrees Singapore wishes to cast a spell with their Black Magic Burger
Labels:
affordable,
beer,
burgers,
casual,
comfortfoods,
diner,
family friendly,
fries,
large groups,
late night eats,
little india,
middle road,
rocher,
set lunch,
supper,
will return
·
As much as I was put off by the tag-line of 'endorsed by A-List celebrities as their go-to burger joint', I could understand what was the fuss about. Rich burgundy hued wallpaper, black leather booth seats and just enough natural light streaming in. If the Los Angeles branch emulates the same feel, it would probably be the perfect spot to be captured devouring a heavy stack while still sporting a cropped top revealing chiseled abs underneath - cue the headlines "How __ Stays Fit - While Modelling and Eating Burgers". oh pls...
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.
[Weekend Pick]: Butcher Boy for late night munchies and Sunday therapy
Labels:
burgers,
cocktails,
fusion,
keong saik,
large groups,
late night eats,
modern,
must go,
restaurants,
steak,
sunday brunch,
supper,
will return
·
On first glance, Butcher Boy comes across as just another one of the bar-touting restaurants flashing a modernistic approach on Asian cuisine in the hope of enticing the ignorant tourist or expatriate. But on closer inspection, the joint boasts some amazing accolades, mostly with Andrew Walsh of Cure helming the finances and kitchen. Cure, having survived more than 2 years in the merciless Keong Saik neighbourhood, has proved its mettle; the informal diner is in good health and does a bustling trade with a spotlight placed on ever-changing menus dictated by seasonal goods.
Chef-owner Andrew Walsh has turned it up a notch in his second and newest venture, churning out grilled meat specialities with Asian sauces - think baos and buns, sharing plates and Asian centric cocktails - all inspired by his tasty adventures whilst traversing Asia. There's an immediate sense of ease and comfort, something metaphysical as you step into the low-light of the longish dining room. The high stool seatings and the tight tables encourage communal dining with a lofty chance of alcoholic tipples, the open bar making sure to fortify those thirsty needs. Staff are affable and not before long, a bottle of wine graces your groups table, and fret not, it is a perfectly plush spot to indulge in a tipple at mid-range prices.
Let's do the LOCO-motion - Mexican food trail with the Loco Group
The Loco Group brought us on a mini food trail to all three of their outlets, Super loco Robertson Quay, Super Loco Customs house and last but not least Lucha Loco.
We commenced the trail at Robertson Quay. Set just beside the Singapore river, Super Loco adopted a Mexican diner look and feel, with the strange use of vibrant colours, creative graphics, festival lighting, handwritten typography and street posters. It wasn't hard to fall in love with the venue. They even have a retail cabinet showcasing an array of quirky Mexican merchandise to be purchased!
Halia celebrates its Halal certification with a new menu
Labels:
botanic gardens,
date night,
european,
halal,
large groups,
restaurants,
special occasion
·
Tucked in the lush foliage of the Ginger Garden, Halia at Singapore Botanic Gardens was established in 2001 and has served over a million customers with its modern European cuisine with Asian influences. In June 2017, Halia marked another significant milestone in its 16-year history and has attained Halal certification. To celebrate the Halal certification, Executive Chef Ciaran Armstrong, has introduced new additions to the menu.
[Weekend Pick]: Potato Head Folk for killer burgers and cocktails
Labels:
barfood,
burgers,
cocktails,
comfortfoods,
fries,
keong saik,
large groups,
restaurants,
will return
·
It's Friday. What could be more perfect than grounded meat seared to Maillard reaction glory between two sweet slices of buns? Maybe that old-fashioned you're holding in your other hand while studying the bewitching cross-sectional view of the burger. A burger is a simple premise, but doing them well is a dark art. For me, Potato Head Folk has always been on my radar (view here and here) and in a world where consistency is scarce, repeated visits have proven their culinary pedigree.
But first, the illicit goods.
Saturday night picks - Chikin for feisty Szechuan yakitori and Asian inspired tipples
Labels:
bars,
bukit pasoh,
cocktails,
date night,
fried chicken,
fusion,
japanese,
large groups,
szechuan,
will return,
yakitori
·
Spice devils! Step right up! Chikin, a new fusion joint to join the throngs of half-blood variants in the precinct offers something a little different. Western influences find no place here as the kitchen combines the founders' love for Japanese yakitori and Szechuan Shao Kao (BBQ meats). An extremely underrated marriage resulting from the co-founder's Ms Tay Eu-Ten frequent visits to Chengdu.
Much to my amusement, there is no overt restaurant plagiarism here, the kooky result making me feel at home instantly. Red and purple hues wash the surfaces of the shop-length bar counter. Barely a few steps in and I swiftly relegated myself to bar-fly status - plopping myself down and perusing the cocktails list with enthusiasm.
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