Showing posts with label modern. Show all posts
Showing posts with label modern. Show all posts
Botanico: Bon viveurs, we've got a game-changer on our hands
Labels:
botanic gardens,
date night,
european,
fusion,
hidden finds,
modern,
restaurants,
special occasion,
wine pairing,
winebar
·
Wine-lusters looking to up their game when it comes to food and wine pairings can now look to Botanico's revised wine program for sure-win epicurean dreams. Not that there's anything wrong with a medley of cheeses and cold cuts, but when occasion calls for a little bit of spice, Botanico steps up to the plate; literally, with Chef Sujatha Asokan visiting the spice pots often in an effort to match up to the burgeoning vino activities in the lush space.
[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.
Neon Pigeon: Autumn Migration
Labels:
cocktails,
fusion,
hidden finds,
izakaya,
japanese,
keong saik,
modern
·
If you asked me to name two things the Singapore dining-scape (in specific the Keong Saik precinct) already has plenty of, I'd reply "modern-Asian cuisine and cocktail bars." So did I need to review another place that thrived on selling a combination of these two concepts to the unsuspecting audience, mostly expats, sorry. Theoretically, no. Especially where full-house bookings and raucous crowds are concerned on a daily basis. But gastronomically, where the autumn menu is headed, yes.
Hear me out.
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.
Lewin Terrace: 500 Days of Summer
Labels:
fort canning,
french,
fusion,
hidden finds,
japanese,
modern,
restaurants,
romantic,
wine pairing,
wines
·
There's barely anything left to coincidence on the plates as presented by Chef Shinkai that night at Lewin Terrace. His well-flourished career that took him through the kitchens of 3 Michelin star restaurant L'Osier in Tokyo to the beloved 1 Michelin star Beni on local grounds erecting some high expectations at the white-linen lined tables. Sure, we do know that the Chef is well-versed in the unique fusion of Japanese-French cuisine, but a quick glimpse at the summer menu revealed baffling misplaced words such as 'laksa' and 'lemongrass' - would these prove to be feign attempts at pushing the envelope, or will they actuate as pure ingenuity? I was curious to find out.
Full of Luck Club: What's Newer and Hotter.
Labels:
cantonese,
cocktails,
family friendly,
fusion,
hidden finds,
holland village,
modern,
restaurants,
sharing,
will return
·
Since my last visit to Full of Luck Club last year (read here), the joint has taken measures to reinvent the menu, pushing new-fangled offerings to match their stalwart menu items that have received a sort of cult status amongst the tipple-cravers.. think Braised Pork Bao and Golden Sand Corn washed down with ice cold beer. Yes, it does feel a little more like Friday doesn't it?
Makan@Jen: East Meets West
Labels:
affordable,
buffet dinner,
family friendly,
fusion,
hotel Jen,
mod sin,
modern,
orchard,
orchardgateway,
sommerset
·
Juxtaposing the best of Eastern cuisine and the best of Western Cuisine, Hotel Jen Orchardgateway rolls out a buffet spread with the full works and we were allowed sneak peaks of the offer available from 2 July 2017 to 30 November 2017. For just $42++, dive into and endless array of Asian and International delights, all dubbed to be given a 'Jen' twist.
Jiak Pa Lang Eating House: reinvents Singaporean cuisine
Labels:
affordable,
chicken rice,
circle line,
family friendly,
hidden finds,
labrador park,
large groups,
mod sin,
modern,
must go,
new openings,
will return
·
With National Day around the corner, there's always room for Singaporean fare, especially if you're not allocated a waterfront spot to flail your arms in the air under the impressive illustrious displays made of drones in synchronised movement, oh how we've moved on from mass dance formations in the National Stadium.
Chef Nixon Low, previously of Portico group fame has moved on set up Jiak Pa Lang Eating house, a restaurant that focuses on bringing a new edge to local dishes. Not limited to resuscitating hawker food, the improvisations extend to multi-cultural as well, speaking volumes about Singapore's expansive growth in terms of global reach over the mere 52 years of its independence Many of these renditions playing on food and its associated memories such as the Braised Beef Cheek which is a spin-off a chef's tale of after-hours with the buds - of Guinness stout and peanuts.
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.
The Disgruntled Brasserie: Bellyaching meals guaranteed
Labels:
ann siang,
club street,
communal,
french,
hidden finds,
large groups,
may return,
modern,
restaurants,
romantic
·
This buzzy all-dayer has the smooth and swanky feel of a private member's club, but the food of your favourite British auntie, albeit swooshed up a nosh in terms of presentation. The menu features an array of dishes, ranging from small plates to larger full sized portions to encourage flexibility and communal dining; and that is precisely what you witness when dining at The Disgruntled Brasserie - large groups or passably comfy setups of quartets bent over a plethora of dishes, passing it along in a convivial atmosphere.
Little Bastard 臭小子: Discreet Adults-only Bar worth scouting out
Labels:
adult only,
cantonese,
chinese food,
cocktails,
fusion,
hidden finds,
modern,
must go,
sharing,
small plates,
special occasion,
will return
·
With a perplexed look plastered to my face, I navigated the insides of a bustling Refinery in search of the mysterious Little Bastard, the latest concept conceived by the same folks. Greeting me with a mischievous smile, the waiter led me to the dingiest corner of the restaurant, cloaked in shadows, pulled open a plastered wall to reveal a poorly-lit spiral staircase. With no fear of consequence whatsoever, I navigated the staircase with fierce ambition, mostly because I was beginning to fear my compatriots having sneaking suspicion that I had taken an alcoholic diversion from dinner time. Not that that was needed of course since Little Bastard has the functionality of a well-stocked bar. My first sweep of room caused me to have bated breath and a throbbing heart, especially so with the stripped down minimalistic look complete with painted oil drums and mahjong tables making me feel very much at home.
You may think it's all awfully contrived to this point, but when the food starts appearing at the tables, your Cantonese affair is authenticated. Conceived out of a passion for culinary experimentation, the dishes are clever, with names woven around local linguistics. My admiration for the thought process behind this joint multiplying with a noticeable success to puns employed.
Moosehead Kitchen & Bar: New Dinner Menu
Labels:
fusion,
hidden finds,
modern,
must go,
southeast asian,
special occasion,
telok ayer,
will return,
wines
·
Fresh faced in the new year, Moosehead brings out the big guns with a line of new dishes bent on challenging the forefronts of Asian and Mediterranean cuisine merger.
Chef Seumas Smith may just be 24 years of age but possess a broad armour of experience from 1-Michelin starred Lords of Manor (UK) and 2-Michelin Starred Dinner by Heston (UK) and Esquina (Singapore) to boot; enough to propel the restaurant forward as a culinary destination worthy of both daily treats and special occasion sessions.
Park Bench Deli: X'mas 2016 Festive Meats
Labels:
balestier,
fusion,
modern,
sandwich,
telok ayer,
waterfront
·
Christmas eats takes on new fangled shapes this year at Park Bench Deli! Yes, we're talking about sandwiches and there's no one we trust more than PBD to deliver top notch renditions that won't cost you and arm and a leg.
Classic roasts are packed into big boy sandwiches with 2 new festive sandwiches that will be available for a limited time only.
Sen of Japan: walk the talk
Labels:
expensive,
fusion,
japanese,
large groups,
marina bay sands,
modern,
must go,
will go
·
Described as a casual dining Japanese restaurant and bar with intimate settings and then further elaborated to have its menu inspired by Chef Nakano, previously of NOBU at Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas's fame; Sen of Japan hits the nail on the head. Casual? - not so much for the everyday user; but for a high-roller who have just been dealt a lucky hand at Baccarat; this my friends, is what you would call fast-food; the retracing of steps back to the table fast and furious following a quick refuel.
Sen dishes out modernist Japanese cuisine, the kitschy influence of American culture on the menu highly evident and most enjoyable (if I must say so) at most times.
Xiao Ya Tou: Mod-Sin Brunch of epic proportions
Labels:
cocktails,
coffee,
duxton hill,
fusion,
hidden finds,
large groups,
modern,
must go,
sunday brunch,
will return
·
Tied of fighting the crazy queue situation at Symmetry on Sunday mornings? Fret not, as their baby sister outlet Xiao Ya Tou dishes out an equally epic Asian brunch on weekends from 9am to 4pm! Opened by Abby Lim, chef-owner of Symmetry; you can expect to find the same league of brunch nosh here, but served up with an ode to Asian and Mod-Sin fare.
[One Michelin-starred 2016]: JAAN unveils New Spring Menu
Labels:
cityhall,
cityviews,
fairmont hotel,
fusion,
michelin starred,
modern,
must go,
special occasion,
swissotel
·
With the recent unveiling of the stars still settling in the minds of gourmands, now, hell-bent on seeking out the $2 Michelin-starred Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice hawker in Chinatown's Smith Street; I'm glad to profess that my virgin experience with dining at Michelin starred establishments have risen from a balmy zero to a credible 14 joints miraculously over the span of a few hours at the heart-stopping, enthralling gala dinner held at Resort World's Sentosa.
My most recent endeavour being lunch at JAAN where Chef Kirk Westaway's newest spring creations reflect a sense of positivity, almost akin to a spring in his step, grounded by traditional tastes linking back to his childhood spent in the UK. The critics have waddled in gradually even after Chef Julien Royer's departure from the plush pads in 2015, leaving his sous-chef to fill his shoes. By then, Chef Kirk Westaway had already achieved some form of stardom, cooking nine other chefs in S.E. Asia under the table before embarking on a similar challenge around Europe; hence, it is easy to say that the progression of taking the reigns was a natural move; albeit a challenging one for most extreme foodies to accept.
Chow Fun Restaurant and Bar: Modern Noodle bar in the Grandstand
Labels:
bukit timah,
downtown line,
family friendly,
fusion,
Grandstand,
hidden finds,
modern,
noodle,
sixth avenue,
southeast asian,
tapas
·
Nestled in the heart of The Grandstand, everything about the newly opened Chow Fun Bar and Restaurant is fresh and fun! Stepping in, one is almost instantaneously transported to an underground American Chinatown eatery. The intimate space sports quirky decor, everything from vintage 1930 postcards to a feature wall of fortune cat figurines to a hand-painted dragon mural. The space practically thrums with energy and character, something also reflected by the concept and menu.
Having spent 20 years in the US, Singaporean chef and owner Alicia Lin serves up an unconventional menu of 18 different Asian and Western inspired noodle dishes, many with innovative interpretations. To bump up the unique factor, all noodle dishes are served in $2.90 tasting portions, inviting guests on a gastronomic adventure where one can try a myriad of noodle types and tastes. As someone with eclectic inclinations and who is admittedly insatiable when it comes to food flavors, this concept is absolutely perfect.
Tempted yet? Get ready to be spoilt completely rotten for choice!
UsQuBa: Scottish Restaurant & Bar at One Fullerton, where the bar is the real deal
Labels:
cocktails,
drinks,
expensive,
modern,
onefullerton,
raffles place,
scottish,
special occasion,
whisky
·
I did mean to talk first about the expansive selection of whiskies and various collectors spirits procured by dark horse of a bar manager Fong Chan Teng (previously from La Maison Du Whisky) - behind the bar; there's just about something great for everyone. A lesson we learn first-handedly by introducing UsQuBa's refreshing Gin & Tonic into the adolescent encyclopedia of our greenhorn tastemaker seated at our table. He loved it. And so did we love our classic Negronis, stirred up using award-winning London Dry Gin, NB Gin and a rather intriguing bottle of sweet white vermouth del Professore from Piedmont, Italy.
I digress. Because, what you're really here for is the food. The menu at UsQuBa (pronounced as us-kew-bah) offers a little for everybody, especially the person curious for fresh insights into New Scottish cuisine. A very detailed food map in the front of the menu depicting the various local produce and zones in and about Scotland; building anticipation for diners as they browse the premium ingredients featured. Chef Guven who helms the kitchen is the enabler in this extraordinary enlightenment process - his portrayal of Scottish ingredients with unique creativity stemming from his tour of Claridge's kitchen, Maze Restaurant and Newport Room, under the mentorship of Thomas Keller.
KEK Pandan Gardens: Modern Zi-Char with some of the usual suspects
Labels:
affordable,
family friendly,
fusion,
hidden finds,
modern,
must go,
pasta,
will return,
zichar
·
Keng Eng Kee's modern rendition opened up in a make-shift box-like fixture at Pandan Gardens, just a stone's throw away from my maiden church Pandan Calvary Bible Presbyterian. Imagine my surprise when I found out that the tze-char institution had found residence near a spot I've been trying so hard to avoid for the last 5 years of my life (Yes, I admit to being a backsliding Christian; but the orthodox and rigid practises of the church just rubs me in the wrong way). So, contrarily, with little resistance, I packed my bags in search for enlightenment to the establishment coined as serving up 'modern zi-char'
[CNY'16] Ce La Vi: Modern Asian CNY Menu and the most 'HUAT' Yu Sheng.
Labels:
chinese food,
cityviews,
CNY,
cocktails,
expensive,
fusion,
marina bay sands,
modern,
special occasion,
wines,
yusheng
·
CE LA VI. The ostentatious establishment that occupies the 57th floor of the iconic Marina Bay Sands, was where I partook in a lo hei that I deem the most 'HUAT' of the year. Mainly because, you can't get any higher than that in terms of elevation. The seemingly transparent act of tossing yu sheng from a vantage point garnering enough luck to power me for the whole year, or so I hope.
The iconic rooftop location houses a energetic club that promotes the pursuit of pleasures as well as a fine dining establishment on the other side, sporting floor to ceiling window panels for some unparalleled views of the city skyline. This Lunar New Year, CE LA VI rolls out a lavish Asian inspired meal with the over-indulgent option of wine pairing; a somewhat mandatory choice when exposed to peer pressure from the opulent settings.
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