Showing posts with label may not return. Show all posts
Showing posts with label may not return. Show all posts
Unagiya Ichinoji: Unagi specialised restaurant opens in Robertson Quay
Labels:
japanese,
may not return,
restaurants,
robertson quay,
unagi
·
Following the success of Man Man Unagi, other restaurants have joined the bandwagon - choosing to dedicate their full menus to the delicacy. The newest addition to the list is Unagiya Ichinoji, a 34-seater restaurant located in Robertson Quay.
Dining with a View [Part 4]: CÉ LA VI introduces New Executive Chef Joey Sergentakis
Labels:
cityviews,
expensive,
may not return,
restaurants,
seafood,
special occasion
·
Most tourists to Singapore would be familiar with CE LA VI as a go-to destination for a quick sunset tipple and killer views of the harbor area. Not necessarily dubbed as spot to put Singapore's culinary scene on the map, I always felt that its stellar "high-off-the-ground" location to be such a waste. Hence imagine my interest piqued at the mention of a new Executive Chef taking over the reigns! Chef Joey Sergentakis who previously ran the kitchen floors of Mr and Mrs Fox in Hong Kong and propelled it to Hong Kong Tatler's Best New Restaurant 2016 position; is the best news I've heard from the joint in a while. I gathered my skirts in eager anticipation of the refreshed menu featured.
[NEW] Philly Shack: Home to the Philadelphia Cheesesteak
Labels:
affordable,
american,
bar,
barfood,
burgers,
clarke quay,
comfortfoods,
may not return,
milkshakes
·
It's been awhile folks, and I apologise for my absence. Here to make up for me playing hooky, I'm going to tell you about this new joint in the Clarke Quay precinct that I've had the privilege of suffering the weight of its entire menu. (Then again, this only came to mind whilst preparing to head out to Zouk's Official Opening Party over the weekend, so that's a blessing in disguise!)
Philly Shack arose when the owners of now defunct Butchers Club decided to take matters in their own hands and do a spin-off on their own concept. As a result, a new fast food joint, Philly Shack was born. Touting the Philly Cheesesteak as it's MVP, the rest of the menu highlights the regular American fast food joint fare, everything from Buffalo Wings, Onion rings to Burgers and Boozy milkshakes. Making it the ideal pit stop for a hunger-pang-busting lunch, chillax after-work spot to convene over drinks or a late-night closer when one is intoxicated.
Angelina: Dishing out a warm rustic French Christmas | Festive special menus
Labels:
affordable,
afternoon tea,
cakes,
capitolpiazza,
christmas,
cityhall,
desserts,
hidden finds,
high tea,
may not return,
restaurants,
set menu
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For those celebrating Christmas in sunny Singapore... my heart goes out to you. Sure, we don't have white Santas on every street corner, nor reindeers or even the slightest chance of snow. What we do have is food and plenty of it. My next few blog posts will display the lucrativeness of this festive period, covering everything from burgers, festive sundaes to gorgeous terrarium creations; some good, some bad and some down right ugly. With Christmas only coming in once a year, and people marginally more generous and good spirited, why not cash in on this holiday season? There's no debating this annual mandatory plot.
Let's kick off the merrymaking with a trip down to Angelina which promises a warm rustic French Christmas with its festive menus. Available daily till the 31st of December, it's 3 course set menu priced at a wallet friendly $60++ comprises appetizers such as the Chestnut and Maderia Veloute or the Pan-Seared Foie Gras with rhubarb compote and fruit toast. The former, perfumed with the warm aroma of toasted chestnut does bring to mind a joyous celebration in front of the fireplace, the slight tipple of Madeira into the smooth concoction bestowing the dish with a silky rich edge. Those seeking something a little heavier on the palate should veer for the latter, reinforced by a sturdy slab of perfectly seared foie gras that would have left an oil slick in your mouth if not for the puckering sour rhuarb compote. Baked Angus beef au poivre with Forest Mushroom Fricassee fills in as an excellent main, though I admittedly would have loved a little more salt rather than black pepper crusting my steak as the overall combination of peppery mushroom fricassee rendered the whole dish a pepper wasteland. Other options include the walnut crusted halibut or baked duck breast. The ominous glare from the words 'Dessert of the Day' throws everyone off guard; I honestly can't vouch that you would receive a lovely surprise package. All you can do it hope and pray that there would be a citrus cheesecake of sorts that miraculously finds it way to your table.
The Royal Mail: New Menu Offerings
Labels:
ala carte,
british,
desserts,
expensive,
hidden finds,
may not return,
raffles place,
romantic,
seafood,
special occasion
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Modern British Restaurant The Royal Mail Restaurant has always been occupied a spot on my 'to-do'' list for the longest time. Hearing the high praises for the Roast Prime Rib escape the lips of many who have made their pilgrimage to the restaurant; I was ecstatic to be able to try the unveiling of the new menu in conjunction with their 3rd Anniversary. So get this, there will be a 20% off at dinner until the 30th May, so perhaps this place would be a good spot to bring the royal highness to for dinner on Mothers Day. Better still, intoxicate her with a complimentary bottle of wine if you spend a minimum of $200; so get on it and round up the siblings!
Todai Restaurant: Birthday Dishes from around the world.
Labels:
beer,
big groups,
crab,
desserts,
expensive,
korean,
marina bay sands,
may not return,
oysters,
pasta,
seafood,
sushi
·
Reading up on my last visit to Todai Restaurant in 2013 (you can read about it here), it stirred up a somewhat nonchalant vibe in me; the food doing little to excite my wearied taste buds apart from the initial burst of excitement mustered with the bewildering sight of assortment and dazzling array of variety... that, eventually came to pass after nipping my way through the buffet line only to be disenchanted by the quality of the food.
2 year later, I get called back in lieu of TODAI's 4th anniversary promotions, a clear sign that the buffet had successfully received a massive audience through the years. My lacklustre review imparting zilch effect on the booming business obviously (who cares about the small fry anyway). This time, TODAI's presents some of the best birthday delicacies from around the world to add a global touch to the festive celebrations. To be honest, I was charmed by the notion of having signature dishes representative of different countries on the buffet table. What better way to revel than to indulge in birthday dishes umpteen times? (Go shorty, it's your birthday, We're goin party, like its your birthday)
Mr Berlin: Iconic Berlin Street Snacks
Labels:
affordable,
beer,
cityhall,
german food,
may not return,
sausages,
shenton way
·
What do you do when you miss your local cuisine sorely while being stranded for an extended period of time overseas? You are forced to recreate it. This brings me back to the time where we made bak kut teh in Sydney, even resorting to proofing our homemade you tiao dough in our steamy bathroom that served as a make shift proofer. Desperate times call for desperate measures.. and for a group of German expatriates here in Singapore, that's exactly what they did.
Mr Berlin, a stall specialising in the currywurst has created quite a stir since its appearance along Shenton Way last year. Digging deep into the similarities of Berlin's iconic street snack with Singaporean's love for rich and spicy foods, it seems as if a match made in heaven.
[CNY'2015] Oceans of Seafood: Japanese inspired Yu-Sheng
Labels:
affordable,
all-day-breakfast,
bukit timah,
clarke quay,
family friendly,
japanese,
may not return,
pasta,
salad,
sashimi,
seafood
·
With Chinese New Year just around the corner, the pressure is on, to get hold of a jaw-dropping yu-sheng to impress the family. If the normal yusheng just doesn't cut it for you anymore. Look no further, Oceans of Seafood is proud to present its unique take on the traditional yusheng with "Vibrancy of Life". A mainly sashimi dominated dish composed of the freshest seafood flown in from Tsukiji Fish Market. Impressive to look at, and even more eloquent on the palate, the 'atas-salad' stole my breathe away with its generous flourishing of rock lobster, salmon and amberjack sashimi. The Japanese inspired goma sauce had a nutty and slight acidic tang that pulled the entire medley together. To further drive it's origins of inspiration home, imported vegetables from Japan are incorporated into the yusheng, take for example the red and white radishes that really add to that quintessential crunch. Priced at $128++ (Dine-in) and $128+ (take away), this out of the ordinary yusheng is available for pre-order now and will also be purchasable for a limited period from 31st Jan to the 5th March.
MEDZS: taking you over the rainbow this Christmas
Labels:
beer,
buffet dinner,
buffets,
cakes,
CBD,
Cheesecake,
christmas,
cityhall,
desserts,
family friendly,
may not return,
mediterranean food,
milleniawalk
·
With Christmas sneaking up fast and furiously upon us, I find myself stumped, for the very first time, by the question "where should we have Christmas dinner this year?", seeing their our yearly affair had always been held in the comforts of my Auntie's place. Her retirement from the tireless role of Christmas dinner host has left the family pretty much stranded; and I'm left to figure out our venue options. Only with such an opportunity do I realize the vast amount of choices we have for Christmas cakes and venues.
Take for example MEDZS Rainbow Log Cake ($46.90 for 1.2kg), a limited edition offering that takes their signature rainbow cake, puts some magic into its step and viola, a bedazzling logcake that would be the pride and joy of any dinner feast. Unlike any rainbow cakes that I've come across before, MEDZS's version shines from the extra efforts that have gone into the thought process. The cake comes with seven layers of flavoured cream sandwiched in between the light and cottony sponge cake. There's cream cheese, orange cream, caramel, blueberry, peppermint, chocolate chip and almond; a revelation in intense flavor matching that strangely works in cohesion with every forkful.
Momiji Japanese Restaurant: Oysters Haven
Labels:
affordable,
beer,
brunch,
buffet dinner,
family friendly,
farrer park,
japanese,
may not return,
novena,
oysters,
tempura,
teppanyaki
·
Daunting. That was the word that first popped up in my head when faced with an invite to a buffet restaurant. For starters, I do not have a small appetite. However, when greeted with such a lavish spread of pabulum, my brain feeds on the matter way quicker than my stomach; and before you know it, I'm stuffed. *sulks*
Thankfully, I approached the Momiji Japanese Buffet with a different strategy in mind. Spurred on by the Oyster Festival (promotion available till 1 Jan); there was no beating around the bush, I went straight in for the kill.
Saveur: Second time's not quite a charm
Labels:
affordable,
dinner,
duck confit,
family,
family friendly,
far east plaza,
french,
lunch,
may not return,
orchard,
pasta,
setlunch
·
First time round, Saveur at Far East Plaza was an absolute sweet talker. (you can read about it here). With humble beginnings from a coffee shop in Ali Baba eating house, the boys from Shatec have pushed their earnest attempts at serving up fashionably austere cuisine to a new level, with their recent opening of Saveur Art located at Ion Orchard. Since crowds were diverted to the new establishment, the partner and I took the opportunity to visit the original branch, the fears of being greeted by obscene queues significantly lowered.
[The Entertainer App GIVEAWAY] Pappasan: Watermelon Sangria
If you're a big fan of the Entertainer App, we've got good news for you! The 2015 version will soon be launched in Mid November and as a sneak preview, we got to sample some of the offerings from PappaSan, one of the new merchants to be featured in Entertainer Singapore 2015.
For those of you are unaware of the lucrative savings and scrumptious deals associated with the app, I implore you to look at some of my personal dining experiences at the following merchants, The Roundhouse, Fat Cow, and Chez Petit Salut. But to cut to the chase, The Entertainer Singapore gives subscribers access to all 770+ '1-for-1' offers to some of Singapore's hottest restaurants, nightspots, informal dining spaces, spas, activities, attractions and more. With 3 vouchers per merchant, you can pay a visit to your favourite listings more than once! Evidence of my loyalty to the app can be seen in the figures below. Yes, cause numbers don't lie!
To kick start the evening, there were Watermelon Sangria shots in a watermelon, I refuse to approve the term 'shots', instead using a pint size glass to store the luscious liquids. The decapitated melons lining the decked out tables, held a mixture of fruit cocktail and wine infused juice; a sip of this will certainly get the party going. This was an introduction to the new Watermelon Sangria Tapas Fiesta (a package worth 98++ for 2 pax and starting at 438++ for a party of 10 and above); the deal includes five delicious small-plate special hot tapas to aid the festive alcohol ingestion. Certainly worth checking out if you're accompanied by a rowdy bunch and want to be spared the agonising wait between drinks for everyone to decide on their food orders.
The Succulent Beef Tenderloin Skewers behaved true to description, juicy cubes of tenderloin soaked to the core with a herbaceous marinade and then licked by hot flames on all sides. The char grilled marks, a good contrast to the slight sweetness resulting from the beef's luxurious bath.
If you like your garlic, turn your sights to the Prawns with Tomato and Italian Gremolata, the sauteed fresh prawns cooked to bouncy perfection, the aromatic gremolata giving the prawns a flavor edge and the cliched topping of parsley lending a hand to the dish's profile. I should have stuck it out and piled my plate high with these firecrackers, just 4 of these left my tummy hankering for more.
Lemongrass Chicken Wings adds to the pageantry of the spread with it's deep fried factor. Pity that these were just a tad overcooked and under seasoned; the golden crusted poultry crying out for the aid of a creamy dip to salvage it's forlorn state.
Another dish whose looks presides it's actual taste was the Crusted Chicken Rice Balls, as much as the concept is novel, the deep fried panko crusted mounds of chicken rice enveloped dry and tough bits of chicken.
Dinner continues with a bit of theatrics, the Mullets are wheeled out. Covered in a mountain of salt and set ablaze with brandy. Touted as the Snow Mountain Baked Fish ($48), this age old Italian technique of cooking fish with a heavy crust of salt guarantees a moist and perfectly seasoned fish almost all the time. Unfortunately, what we received must have been the oddment of this promise, the fish lacking in seasoning and dry despite the Chef's conscious effort to stuff it with garlic, onion, ginger, chilli and lemongrass.
The rock 'n' roll concert continues with the Whole Roasted Crispy Suckling Pig ($268, available only on pre-order). As tradition calls for it, as testiment to the pig's crispness, two lucky diners had the privilege of chopping the baby pig up with the edge of a regular dinner plate. The brashness of each move coupled with the gentle crackling of bones like music to my ears. The experience unfolds in waves of gustatory pleasure, the flesh of the pig, gelatinous,succulent and sapid from the liberal use of Portuguese special herbs. Pry open the hungry lips of a fried mantou and fill it with the likes of coleslaw, pork crackling and suckling pig dipped in a fiery sweet, chilli padi flecked dark soy mixture and you've got a winning formula. My only gripe would be that the glass-like wafer thin skin could have used a tad more salt to enhance it's flavor. But other than that, this dish indulged me and all my food fetishes.
The final flourish to the meal was the stereotypical chocolate lava cake, the twist lying in rather unorthodox brandishing of orange caramel sauce and cubes of mango. A sweet move to tighten the deal.
PappaSan is just one of the new merchants to be joining the entourage of The Entertainer App's 2015 versions and I, for one, am eagerly anticipating the exciting line-up for participating merchants to be revealed soon.
For now, I will be hosting a {GIVEAWAY} - 10 of my lucky readers will be given the Entertainer Singapore 2014 Mobile product for FREE!!! However, this will expire on Dec 31, 2014, but with all the upcoming festivities approaching, perhaps the app will come in useful, especially if hosting larger group gatherings. Imagine all the savings you could acquire!
To enter, all you have to do is
- Follow me on instagram at @fundamentally_flawed, find the picture of the suckling pig and give me shoutout!
- Comment on this blogpost telling me which restaurant/cafe you would love to see registered on the new merchants listing on The Entertainer 2015 app. Make sure to leave your name and email address to qualify as well.
- 'Like' the Entertainer Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/
TheEntertainerFB)
Please note that this contest ends on the 16th Novemeber, so quickly get to it!
PappaSan
01-01, 333 New Bridge Road
S(088765)
t: 8188 7189
Opening Hours:
daily 6 30am - 10 30pm
The Dispensary: Medication for an arduously long Friday.
Labels:
cafe,
coffee,
hidden finds,
may not return,
overrated,
sandwich,
tiong bahru
·
Located on the peripherals of Tiong Bahru estate is the Dispensary cafe, sharing a portion of the already saturated cafe culture pie-chart in the vicinity. And it does so humbly. With its old-school shop front and ostentatious traditional Chinese medicine cabinets as centre piece, the rest of the cafe decor is kept simple and understated with raw finishing and a touch of nostalgia provided by shelves of memorabilia and time honoured crockery.
we settled down quickly with our buzzers at hand after placing our orders; however, I wish the more personal type, long-established form of service can be rendered here. With a simple menu to boot, boosted by a sizable amount of cakes and sweets baked in-house, we were quick to settle on our wants . Ham & Cheese toastie ($7.50) for me and Smoked Salmon toastie ($8.50) for him.
The former resulting in sighs of disappointment with a cold nappy limp lettuce neatly folded up into a quarter and haphazardly placed over the stack of ham. As much as the bread was an outstanding piece of carbohydrate, that all fell to pieces with the lack luster filling. The latter was an insignificant event that warranted no reviews from my companion. Enough said.
Will return for the,' much raved about' cakes the next time. #tgif peeps.
The Dispensary
69 Tiong Bahru Road
S( 168723)
t: 6536 0225
w: http://www.thedispensary.com.sg
Opening Hours:
Sunday-Thurs 9am - 9pm
Chabuton: Ramen with the Stars
Labels:
japanese,
may not return,
noodle,
orchard central,
ramen
·
Just a week ago, I was next door sampling the offerings of Saboten at their newest outlet housed in the quiet enclaves of the Orchard Central basement levels. The opening of Chabuton was a welcomed diversity to the area, the bright white furnishings of the establishment suggesting a focus on food rather than creating a chic ambiance.
Impressive credentials have driven swarms of Ramen hungry fans to its doors in the first few weeks of its start-up in Singapore and I trod lightly around the media rave and heavy publicity. Only with a slight plea from S prompted me to make an early trip on a weekend before the lines formed. Spearheaded by Chef Yasuji Morizumi, the restaurant demands respect with the first ever Michelin star being awarded to his Ramen restaurant. I arrived at its doors with a wall of expectations and vacant stomach.
Perusing the predictable menu at lightning speed, I decidedly placed my bets on the signature Chabuton Tonkatsu Ramen ($8.30 for small/ $11.90 for large) while S opted for his usual miso version, the Chabuton Miso Ramen ( $8.60 for small/ $12.40 for large). For an additional $3.00, we got our mandatory side order of soft boiled egg and Buta Kakuni (Japanese Braised Pork Belly).
Service was attentive but yet lacking in the sincerity you often find with Japanese hospitality. Our dishes, or rather our steaming bowls of noodles reached the table at lightning speed whilst the sides crept like tortoises to the bar at various stages of our meal. My Tonkatsu ramen looked every bit the picture perfect representation of a comforting bowl of goodness, unfortunately, it fell short with the noodles perhaps a tad too eggy and chewy. The hint of alkaline on the finishing cheapening the dish altogether. The soup base was deficient in natural pork bone richness, possessing an over salted quality. All was forgotten when I bit into the char-siu, its smoky tenderness reflecting the chef's mastery of flavors. I wish there was more of that as the soft boiled egg and buta kakuni missed the mark with it's hard-boiled interiors and the latter falling flat with a chewy texture that required at least another 4 hours of braising to achieve that level of delicateness.
The Restaurant's recent opening seems to draw in a never ending spate of customers into their dining room. All embracing high hopes for the ramen, as much as I would consider the affordable prices to be a major draw factor, I reckon a meal here leaves much to be desired. There are too many unmistakable misses in execution and quality that requires immediate rectification in order to keep it's following as it settles into it's Orchard Central Perch. I shall be back in a couple of months...
Chabuton
Somerset 313
#B2-01
Singapore 238895
The Pelican: Nothing like the fireworks that once were
Labels:
beef,
may not return,
onefullerton,
pasta,
seafood,
special occasion,
the entertainer app,
waterfront
·
My previous dining experience at The Pelican had showcased a history of epicurean highlights; unfolding in waves of gustatory pleasures, followed by a extended night capping period that fed my demons.
In this ill-fated episode however, the same dishes did not deliver the same 'wow-factor' it did on the first occasion.
Held in conjunction with the Entertainer , the event at The Pelican entitled us to use our 1-for-1 main course deal. For those of you who have the app or are mulling over the choice (please spare your brain cells and GET IT ALREADY!); you'll be pleased to know that the Entertainer members are entitled to unlimited 1-for-1 Belvedere cocktails when a voucher for a main course is used! Given the Pelican's heftier price tags, the definitely appeals to the penny-pincher side of me. That being said, the award-winning waterfront views makes it worth splashing out at least once in your life.
The Double Atlantic linguine and Clams ($58) garlic, chili flakes and white wine is your pretty generic aglio olio on steroids with a gob smacking amount of clams thrown into the mix. Certainly worth the money if you ask me.
The Ribeye Cap Steak with mashed baked potato ($58) built up a flutter of anticipation with my heavy recommendations from our previous excursion... sad to say, the dish came out looking a little sparse. Beautifully crusted and deftly executed in terms of the doneness, the linchpin on the platter was perfect throughout; however, what disappointed was the smear of mashed baked potato that had acquired a rather parched consistency on its surface. The dish cried out for a bit of jus or reduction to elevate it to higher eminence.
My Skate Wing Chop with burnt lemon butter ($36) was cooked with faultless timing as well but threw my taste buds into panic mode with the heavy hand of salt grains tossed over the delicate white cartilaginous fish. Burnt lemon butter punctuated with salty capers jazzed up the rich flesh and it all made for a terrific dish if it hadn't been for the salt over dosage situation.
With The Pelican's idyllic waterfront settings, for sure, there will be plenty of tourists, but you'll also be rewarded with delightfully cliched but authentic slice of Singapore life alongside the office workers taking chill pills after a stressful day at work. Sit out on the high tables along the outdoor terrace to enjoy the brilliant views and knock back a drink or two.
For my readers: Purchase the Entertainer Singapore One Month Mobile priced at just S$19 if you use my unique promotional code 'fundamentally'. Click here to be redirected!
If you're still unconvinced, check out my other dining experiences using the Entertainer app!
The Pelican Seafood Bar and Grill
1 Fullerton Road
#01-01
One Fullerton
T: 6438 0400
Website: http://thepelican.com.sg/
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