Showing posts with label lists. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lists. Show all posts

The Ramen Chronicles: Ramen Keisuke Lobster King, Menya Takeichi, Men Tei

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The Good, the bad and the ugly. Let's break the rules and reverse order, shall we?

Starting with the relatively new Ramen Keisuke Lobster King located in party capital, The Cannery at Clarke Quay. Ramen Champion Chef Keisuke Takeda has fervently worked his ass off to open up 10 outlet joints in Singapore within a span of 6 years, each touting a different concept that veers away from the traditional ramen. The Clarke Quay outlet features a specially concocted Lobster broth ramen which draws inspiration from a certain French mannerism. 

But truth be told, how does the ramen measure up? 

[ANYMAP] Trendiest Staycations in Singapore: Chronicles of some late nights.

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I've got a confession to make. I love my staycations; think, crisp linen, rain showers, warm bodies under fresh sheets (Mmmm), luxurious facilities and an out-of-town experience without the actual hassle of packing your bags. What's there not to love? - Those looking to surprise the missus with a romantic island escape without skimping on the luxury should read on. I guarantee you that a you can get a lavish 5-star hotel experience without breaking the banks at one of my recommended boutique hotel staycations littered about our sunny island. 

Unlike typical hotels, boutique hotels are usually decked out in extremely unique decor, shrouded in quaint and unusual themes with the added benefit of non-fluctuating booking fees even in peak seasons. So go ahead and get your credit cards ready, cause the temptation is real!

Quick Picks: Weekday eats that won't gnaw into your wallet.[Part 2] || The Ramen Stall, P.Bistro, Wolf

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Second part of the quick picks features a medley of wallet friendly options, once more. Depicting some amicable halal certified establishments for group gatherings, and pish-posh settings in Palais Rennaisance for private meetings; then of course, there's no special occasion needed for breaking in the burgers - and Wolf tends to those unfussy cravings all too good.

Let's begin the tour with a trip down to North Bridge road, popular ramen stall located along Short Street in Rochor has recently expanded their territory to rope in the consumption efforts of the Muslim community. It's clever positioning in the Arab street precinct together with its recent granting of its halal certification, clearly a clever plot and not a mere coincidence. It is 10pm at night and the stall is flooded with throngs of hungry diners, the patchwork of ethnicity in the room a sure win sign that they've done something right.

Quick Picks: Weekday eats that won't gnaw into your wallet.[Part 1] || Koji, Attap House, Nan Hwa Fishboat

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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. 

Quick Picks: No-frills meals for the weekends

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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 1

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With a whole slew of restaurants/cafes being opened every week; diners are being spoilt for choice whenever the weekend rolls in and the hellish decision as to 'where to eat' has to be made. Take our advice and commit to visiting the oldies (but goodies). Here are some of our picks for the newest menus in town, discounting the fact that these joints have been stationed there long enough to prove that they have a certain amount of substance to survive the gruelling trials of the F&B scene in Singapore. These joints are dishing out heavenly fried chicken, tender beef cheek rendang and outstanding eggs benedict, all guaranteed to make your weekends a whole better.

Food Snippets: [NEW OPENINGS] COCOIchibanya, Populus Cafe, Confetti, Seattle Pike Chowder,The Rotisserie

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Here's how we like doing it this Tuesday. Fast and furious.

Often stumped by the question, 'so, what are we eating later?,'  We round up several hot new venues that have just opened, veering towards the more family friendly style that perhaps have existed in a different forms before being reincarnated in new landmark. So whether you're craving a soul-satisfying roast chicken and gravy, a trendy instagrammable brunch plate or simply a bread bowl filled with chunky clam chowder, there's a Singapore restaurant that will satisfy. The scoop, below.

Weekend Haunts: Bar Bites @ Spiffy Dapper + The Hotel Vagabond Bar

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Yes, we can

Friday is upon us. Naturally, some of us would gear up for a tipple or maybe two as the work day draws to an end and the anxiety weighs less heavily on the mind. It's the freakin' weekend people, let loose, and live a little.

Not so visible to the naked eye, Singapore does a few things very well, one of them being their cocktail bars. With such fabulous options in the city, we, Singaporeans have become quite discerning with our tastes and it takes something extra special to impress us.

I'm not about to attend an Alcoholics Anonymous Group meeting now, but I must admit to drinking a little too much for my own good. The gnawing pain at my back area suggesting some kind of liver inflammation from the copious amount of craft beer I've been ingesting over the past few days at Sydney Craft Beer Week. So here I am, ready to spread some of my love for my current two most outstanding cocktails bars of the moment. That's right, Ladies and Gentlemen, the vote is in.

[ANYMAP] The 10 Best Burgers in Singapore

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I've been writing about burgers. Plenty of times. Desolate looking burgers, dry burgers, larger than life burgers, black burgers, gourmet burgers. We love them all, the way a mother loves all her children; but as a middle child would tell you, we detests it when mum pretends to love all of us equally. In fact, we all know that it should come to this. Finally, a definitive list or ranking of my burger obsessions - napkins required.

[ANYMAP] Top 5 most affordable Chirashi Don in Town

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In Singapore, you'll find the locals preference for food walking the thin line between brunch-fare and Japanese food. Or perhaps that's just me vouching for my own demeanour. More often than not, we see the soothing technicolour spread of donburi bowls permeating our instagram feeds; the notion of been satiated by a one-bowl meal so obliquely wholesome in a way. 
Shifting our focus to the beloved Chirashi Don; "chirashi"  which means scattered in Japanese by enlarge would get you a bowl of seasoned rice topped with scattered slices of raw fish, fish roe and the occasional tamago, if you're lucky. Sounding seemingly simple, the mark of a good chirashi bowl is balance. Quality sushi rice should be evenly seasoned with slicks of tangy, alkaline sweetness from the rice vinegar. Different types of fresh fish layered on top - bonus points granted for textural diversity and attention to colour variation. It's deviously simple constitution paving the way for huge success on some parts and epic failures for others. Read on for 5 of our favorite most affordable chirashi bowls in Singapore.

1. DSTLLRY (21 Media Circle, #01-01, Infinite Studios, 138562)

DSTLLRY needs no introduction, especially among the die-hard chirashi loving fans. Though highly inaccessible, this placidly shaded den is a multi-level temple to the glorious bowl that is their infamous Bara-Chirashi Don ($16.90) - hipster Asian eateries don't come much cooler. Super bang-for-buck, the sublime bara-charashi don is jammed pack with salmon, maguro and hamachi tossed in their secret sauce of mirin, dashi and soy sauce over a comforting bowl of rice.

Quick Picks: 5 places for a Swift and Scrumptious Lunch in S'pore

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It's not everyday that you have the luxury to sit down to a lavish lunch without having thoughts of impending doom from the stockpiling workload weighing heavily on your mind. But with this little window of opportunity to escape as far away from work as possible, its always a good idea to treat yourself to something a little more substantial, a little more gratifying, if I might add. Here are a few of my go-to places for a quick lunch with perks of enlightenment and spiritual healing afterwards.

Pick of the Precinct || Orchard Central - Joie, Shi Li Fang, 以利泡泡

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Whenever it comes to dining options in the Orchard area, my mind cognitively draws a blank. The maddening crowds and the lack of personal space driving me far away from the prospects of heading out to town on the weekday night, much less on a weekend.

However, on closer inspection, it becomes evident that the usual 70% F&B based occupancy in every shopping mall, straddling the strip would be able to feed the crowds. Now the real problem is identifying which are worth your while.

Orchard Central is home to several outstanding food establishments; though the life of a certain kind of restaurant, one is given to understand, can be nasty, brutish and short. Sumiya and Ootoya, some of my long time favorites have stood the test of time and gone on to expand their humble business concepts to other heartland malls. That aside, my knowledge in regards to the other existing tenants squirrelled away disparately among 12 floors of concrete was close to zilch. It was for that reason alone that, when recently approached to be led on a food tour of certain selected vendors in the building, I happily obliged.

[ANYMAP] Best 5 Waffles in Singapore

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A great waffle needs no diatribe. As long as the exterior's golden and crunchy, the gelato or fried chicken (whatever floats your boat) authentically flavoured/juicy, and the added bonus of having a kick-ass sauce; the ingredients speak for themselves. And yet, even as the emergence of new waffle types, reimagined as pizzas and waffurger push past stereotypes with their wacky toppings and remarkable condiments, its no getting past the fact that the proof is in waffle itself. The variance of options on our tiny island, allowing every man to momentarily assume the position as a waffle philiosphers; debating the merits of waffle crumb, gelato and yeast versions versus baking powder, put against the souffled forms. But in the end, as with so many things, what matter the most is how it makes you feel inside; and thankfully there's room for all styles, from buttermilk to Belgium-yeasted and even filled with macaroni and cheese. So, keep an open mind and waffle-on! Here's where to find the best, my best at least:

Weekend Haunts: Vasco + Long Chim

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Weekends are hard to come by, and when it does swing by, we hit hard and paint the town red. Whilst you're at it, make sure to get some good grub into your system; because nothing fuels the fun more than positive dining experience.

So, here are some places to check out over the coming weekend! Let's make a date.

Newly opened cocktail bar, Vasco located on Hong Kong street has got some mean grind, knowing that its current team spirit constitutes of those gregarious ones from leading local cocktail bar, The Cufflink Club; and with kitchen muscle provided by former executive chef of Esquina Tapas Bar, we've got a formidable force on our hands. 

Top Picks: The Naked Finn, The Missing Pan, Essen @ The Pinnacle

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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

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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

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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?

8 Affordable Date Night Dinner Places (Part II)

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5. Harry's
For the girl looking for a fun night out

At a chilled-out bar in Clarke Quay, the Fish Cracklings ($13) makes everything okay. Arriving at the table deliciously crisp in short order, this would make the perfect accompaniment to a cold pint of beer.

The party doesn't stop here. Bar Snacks incorporating the burn and tingle of local spices have migrated to the new restaurant menu. There's the Harry's Signature Wings (6 pieces/$13) which are so acutely spiced that a dip in the accompanying homemade chilli jam (aka sambal) may seem unnecessary (we still do it anyway).

8 Affordable Date Night Dinner Places (Part 1)

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1. Saboten
For the girl who's got a craving for fried food

Got a hankering for fried food?

Then ascend to golden crust haven at Saboten where you'll be greeted by a plethora of gob-smacking choices of the crisp skin variety. My choices would be the loin set (toss the black pig version aside unless you enjoy biting on ends of white fat - its obvious the marbling isn't that spectacular in their care), Fried Shrimp as well as the Hiroshima Oyster Katsu for the win.

New Openings & Re-openings: De-Burg + Druggists

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My first visit to De-Burg was in 2011 (please refer to my super old but good post here), that was still the days when they occupied a non-descript hawker stall in the quiet neighborhood of Ghim Moh. Imagine tucking into a burger surrounded by the banter and chatter of boisterous old men taking swigs at their tiger beer in frozen mugs. Yes, that was what it was like back then. No hipster alcove here. Just some burger loving action going on in the back as the kitchen works hard to churn out everything to order; no pre-fried bacon nor chips, that's a crime.

Fast forward several years and De-Burg has tunnelled its way into the hearts of many. It's move to the popular Bukit Merah Lane (where Two Wings and Immanuel French Kitchen are now located) improving its reach to the public. 

But despite the transformations, one thing remained steadfast, my love for their burgers.

Hence I was truly excited to hear of their re-opening at CT Hub a week ago. What's a better date-night option then a trip to our favourite burger joint?

Just a heads up, the menu can be pretty intimidating. Beef burgers, lamb burgers and seafood burgers, the list runs 2 A3-size papers long. But fret not, if you have a solid idea of what your burger ought to look like, it's going to be a breeze.


That's his Mushroom Cheese ($14.90 for 200g), AUS beef patty, cheese, greens and portobello mushroom gravy. No money squandered here.

But taking the cake was my Baconcheese ($15.50 for 220g), you know, because of the jealous stares cast across the table, the sudden spikes of crispy bacon shards pressed into the melted cheese paired with that juicy beef patty done medium rare will have you hankering for your next fix.

Of course, you don't have to be bores like us, there's a full range of Signature and Celebrity Burgers that will certainly knock your socks off for example the UnXpected Burger, with sauerkraut on the heel and currywurst on the patty or the Dee Kosh umamified with inclusion of a deep fried spam ring. Do also note that all burgers are served with an endless supply of fries; the staff are always making their rounds holding metal bowls of salted fries and smiles.


Another great love of mine, besides burgers is my love for craft beer. So for you beer geeks out there, you'll be thrilled to know that a new beer destination has popped up in the jalan besar region, just a walk away from CT hub. This region, popularised by the gentrification of one too many hipster joints, chye seng huat comes to mind obviously, invites a lovely new neighbour, the Druggists.

It is, too, guilty of hitching the hipster vibe bandwagon, preserving it's "Chinese Druggists Association" signboard up front and remodeling the interior to looks like  traditional Chinese diner, complete with mosaic floor tiling and old school kopitiam furniture. Personally, I don't give two hoots, after all, we're here for the 23 beers on tap! And Druggists does a good job of procuring the strangest and the most exotic beers. 

Intrigued by the Mikkeller range, we settled for the Peter Pale & Mary Ale ($8/$15) and the K=rlek Pale Ale ($8/$15), the former carrying slight citrusy notes with piney and grassy hops. 

Besides the ales, there is plenty of variety to provoke the senses, everything from fruit beers to stouts and porters. You name your flavor profile, and the good-humoured staff would have something for you.

Definitely a beer destination worth checking out if you're in the area.



De Burg
2 Kallang Avenue
CT Hub
#02-15
S(339407)
w: https://www.facebook.com/deburgsingapore

Opening Hours:
Weekdays: Lunch 11am - 3pm (last order 2 30pm)
 Mid afternoon drinks in between (beers and side orders avaiable)
Dinner: 5 45pm - 10pm (last order 9 30pm)
Weekends: 11am - 10pm
(closed on every last Monday and Tuesday of the month)

Druggists
119 Tyrwhitt Road
S(207547)

Opening Hours:
Tues - Fri: 5pm-11pm
Sat-Sun: 2pm - 11pm