Showing posts with label pasta. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pasta. Show all posts
Pastaria Abate: Good times for both the wallet and the finicky eaters
Labels:
affordable,
casual,
cheap,
craig road,
date night,
family friendly,
must go,
outram,
pasta,
tanjong pagar
·
Now that we're in the thick of Singapore Cocktail Festival. Here is a word to the wise. Make sure to line the stomachs before hitting up those bars. #DrinkResponsibly.
And in case you're looking for something easy on the wallet in and around the bar hot spots that will leave you more liquid funds for later, here's a gem of a suggestion - Pastaria Abate on Craig Road, where fresh pastas made daily are emphasised and every table is vacated with empty plates. It's a tell tale sign that there is pedigree here and the crowds flocking in on a Thursday night is living proof.
OSO Ristorante: Italian restaurants takes to newer heights at its new location @ OASIA Hotel Downtown
Labels:
affordable,
business lunch,
italian,
large groups,
pasta,
risotto,
tanjong pagar,
will not return
·
The real question is whether or not the food delivers on the same front as its new established heights off the ground.
OSO Ristorante previously located on Bukit Pasoh Road maintains its rigour and unmistakable melancholy in its set-up. White, stiff starched linen greets table tops, the oddly angled ginormous mirrors pandering to your stalkerish ways of taking stolen glanced at your picture perfect date. Don't get me wrong, it's a gorgeous space, the dry aging cabinet behind the high counter and the cheese room stowed away at the entrance providing inspirations for the meal to evolve. However, the real anchor in the equation is the emergence of a blue oasis, the sight of OASIA Hotel downtown's swimming pool through tall glass windows that provides a stark contrast and balances out the grandeur in the space.
Pepper Lunch launches new multi-sensory dishes
Labels:
affordable,
carbonara,
chain restaurant,
family friendly,
hot plate,
might visit,
pasta,
tonkatsu
·
It all started with a humble takeaway lunch of grilled chicken rice entry on Instagram that sparked off the start of this campaign with Pepper lunch. It is with no shame to announce that I've always been a closet fan of Pepper lunch and its affordable meal options touting a healthy meat to carb ratio (as all of you know, I'm very much a carnivore 80% of the time), and to add to the pageantry of the dining experience, that hot plate which evokes certain nostalgic vibes.
This mid of year 2017, Pepper Lunch pushed out new sizzles to whet the evolving taste buds of its customers. From risottos to carbonara and curry rice, their expanded repertoire definitely piqued the picky likes of me and I was more than happy to be able to taste the entire flight in a single session.
Here's the scoop.
Tin Hill Social: New Brunch Menu
Labels:
brunch,
bukit timah,
champagne,
craft beers,
family friendly,
french toast,
hidden finds,
kid-friendly,
must go,
pasta,
restaurants,
sunday brunch,
will return
·
On Sunday mornings, the courtyard of Tin Hill Bistro comes alive. Expats touting 'dad-bods' and nursing their cold pints bask in the sun whilst the pitter-patter of kids footsteps followed by gregarious chains of laughter percolate the crisp air.
Conspicuously lacking in this weekend tableau are flocks of bleary-eyed 20 somethings, $18 plates of fluffy pancakes decked out with edible flowers (of all things) and towering stacks of monstrous milkshakes that serve more of an aesthetic purposes over gratification. Tin Hill Bistro remains a secret of mine, not one for the more fashion-forward, young and moneyed. This is the charm of the establishment, one that's not overlooked by the neighbourhood and its patrons - and that's just fine with me.
Open Door Policy: 100% Gluten and Dairy-free joint is a treasure trove of surprises
Labels:
allergies,
dairy free,
desserts,
gluten free,
hidden finds,
must go,
pasta,
special occasion,
tiong bahru
·
From the get go, Open Door Policy's (or more fondly known as ODP) new 100% gluten free and dairy free menu offerings were a bit of a turn-off. If it hadn't been for the promise of uncompromised quality in comfort dishes such as pasta draped in bechamel (Wait.. what? How?) and sustainable dining by means of vertical farming, I wouldn't have been caught dead wondering in a hipster yogi joint.
Chef Ryan Clift pulls of the new menu with the same razzle dazzle of a magician. Building climaxes of expectations with words such as grilled bread, and maccheroni pasta and finally being greeted by thunderous applause when the rabbit is pulled out of the hat. Yes, executing the new concept at ODP does require a whole bag of tricks, back-breaking work and definitely can be described as a magical experience in most ways.
Maggie Joan's: Lunch affairs and the Prince of Pasta
Labels:
good eats around tanjong pagar,
hidden finds,
lunch,
must go,
pasta,
romantic,
tanjong pagar,
telok ayer,
will return
·
Adding to the diversity of its night menu, Maggie Joan's rolls out equally delicious lunch exclusives that have the intention of setting the days' grievances right without taking too big a wedge from your wallets.
Taking inspiration from familiar Mediterranean flavors, the lunch menu delves in the same field without being too overly abstract. Start your meal off with the usual.. their Homemade Sourdough still rakes in as one of the best renditions I've had the blessing of slathering butter on, and not any normal butter at that, we're talking Smoked Beef Fat Butter... yes, talking about over-indulgence here.
Miam Miam: New Pasta & Pancake Creations
Labels:
bugis,
cafe,
casual,
family friendly,
fusion,
italian,
japanese,
large groups,
pasta
·
Miam Miam's newest menu addition is the alluring Mentaiko King Crab Pasta ($19.80). This Squid Ink Pasta Dish features juicy Alaskan King Crab slathered with cod roe mayo! The first bite will surely knock you off your feet, for the dark strands of pasta belie some real powerful spiciness that keep you coming back for more. You'll end up with some goth lips and stained teeth, and with a satisfied grin to show them off!
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'
iO Italian Osteria: like eating at Nonna's place
Labels:
affordable,
desserts,
downtown,
dtl2,
hidden finds,
hillv2,
hillview,
italian,
large groups,
pasta,
pizza,
will return
·
Visits to iO Italian Osteria always bring a smile to my face. Warm affectionate service staff with occasional burst of passive-aggressive enthusiasm. "Eat the food when its hot, OK?" bellows Chef Anna Borrasi as she thrusts the piping hot and and saucy looking Raviolocci with beef filling into your hands. The imaginary wooden rolling pin she was holding in hers proving to be a tad menacing at this point. Not to say that there is an air of 'Italian Mafia' spirit here, but that's exactly what I'm saying..and here family matters are not to be trifled with. So put away your phones and devices and try to enjoy a good time in good company.
Arteastiq: New High Tea and Weekday Brunch Menu
Labels:
afternoon tea,
birthdays,
desserts,
girls night out,
hidden finds,
high tea,
mandarin gallery,
orchard,
pasta,
special occasion,
tea,
will return
·
The sweeping view of the busy streets along Orchard Road never seems to fail my amusement every time I step up to the quaint tea salon that is Arteastiq; squirrelled away into the most obscure corner of the Mandarin Gallery. Despite (or rather, because) of its mysterious seclusion, the joint sees a roaring business; funded by Tai-tais cradling their porcelain cups of tea and the occasional painting enthusiast who gamely decides to go for an art jamming session.
For those who prefer the day-time vibes on a weekend, you'll be glad to know that Arteastiq's newly launched High Tea set, though severly overdue, has risen to standards with a dedicated bakery team now manning an entire station near the entrance to the shop.
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.
Little House of Dreams Cafe: Bangin' Sticky Date Pudding
Labels:
affordable,
all day,
brunch,
burgers,
cafe,
cakes,
dempsey,
desserts,
family friendly,
hidden finds,
ice-cream,
pasta,
will return
·
Little House of Dreams Cafe situated in the grassy depths of Dempsey Hill is the newest cafe on the block and the only one to have an unfaltering connection with old-school Ice Cream Parlor, Ben & Jerry's. A part of the Dreams Establishment, which also owns Dreams and Confetti, an online boutique specialising in trendy party supplies, stylish tableware, unique gifts, gourmet sweets and more - basically a one stop shop chock full of party essentials proving to be a haven for those who love to throw a ball of a party. Similarly, Little House of Dreams cafe exudes the same vibes, the display case lit up by cakes in the prettiest shades of pastel are adorned by exotic live blooms and macarons, beckoning out to be pre-ordered as birthday cakes. Fully customised dessert tables are an option here too with the new capabilities of the hot kitchen expanding the potential for savoury selections on the catering menu.
How does the Little House of Dreams fare when it comes to food though? The menu reads well, perhaps a little too humdrum in most instances, but at the very least, the pricing is friendly - featuring pastas, lasagnas, pizzas and homemade burgers being its perennial star; it became quite evident why my food escapades have caught the attention of the PR.
Because, burgers...
Rise and Grind Co: Is it time for brunch yet?
Labels:
all-day-breakfast,
beauty world,
brunch,
burgers,
cafe,
coffee,
dtl2,
eggs benedict,
family friendly,
must go,
pasta,
sunday brunch
·
There is a lot going on at Rise and Grind Co, a slightly claustrophobic yet seemingly cosy space in a boxed up settings just a literal, stone's throw away from the main plaza. In this space, the kitchen takes precedence with an endless bustle of activity behind stove tops, and the smell of fresh ground coffee adrift. Dishes meander between wildly innovative and 'the safe choice' with a particular homage paid to Asian cuisine.
As most of you would already know, Rise and Grind Co. is one of those cafes which I would never bad mouth. Cussing under my breathe at the numerous pop-ups that have proven to be empty vessels financed by carbon copied concepts, brilliant decor and not so outstanding fare that leaves a burrow in your wallet whilst digging deep for reasons to make a return visit. Thankfully, Rise and Grind Co falls out of that category, settling in a particularly fond nook and cranny of my heart.
Open Farm Community:Social Market|| The Root of all Local
Labels:
affordable,
botanic gardens,
cafe,
cocktails,
coffee,
dempsey,
farmers market,
large groups,
local food,
must go,
new openings,
orchard,
pasta,
restaurants,
will return
·
There's even more excuse to visit Open Farm Community now especially with the Social Market #2 running its second rounds to usher in the new year on the 9th and 10th of January from 10am to 4pm. If you've made the wiser choice of being the early bed or.. the late comer, there are benefits to both; some being access to soap demonstrations, as well as yoga and Pilate classes.
But first, let's talk food. With the extensive brunch and lunch menu at your disposal in the greenhouse, here are some of our recommendations straight off the bat.
OverEasy (Orchard): you make it so easy to love you
Labels:
affordable,
american,
burgers,
cocktails,
desserts,
donut,
family friendly,
large groups,
must go,
orchard,
pasta,
restaurants,
revisit,
roast
·
Sweet redemption.
The instant gratification that washed over me as he nodded in agreement to the reinstated goodness of the 'to-die-for' burger.
Okay, so here's a recap, I've always been a big fan of Overeasy's burgers as seen from here and here. It's succulent patties matched alongside divine pillowy soft buns, attaining some sort of legendary status in my books, that I would happily expound fairytales about, to friends enquiring about my favourite burgers. However, the story goes that that a recent trip to their new joint at Orchard Road (here), resulted in some very distraught sentiments after the jump. The lacklustre sear and uneven seasoning in the patty left a good three-quarters of my burger left untouched on the plate. Fortunately, after a bit of damage control, reparations were made and faith restored.
The 'To Die For' burger is a passionate contender for the best burger with its beautifully charred patty exterior and perfectly cooked medium rare innards. Simple does it here at OverEasy and their signature burger is done in good ole' diner style. slapped with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles and a special burger sauce. Set in a potato bun that helps to keep the juicy mixture intact as you lift it to your lips, the bun is the perfect candidate, hard on the outside, a spongy, soft natured on the inside. I couldn't have done it better.
Weekend Haunts: Places worth checking out for their [NEW MENUS] part 1
Labels:
affordable,
all-day-breakfast,
american,
brunch,
coffee,
comfortfoods,
desserts,
eggs benedict,
food news,
fried chicken,
fusion,
hidden finds,
high tea,
list,
lists,
may return,
pasta,
restaurants,
tacos
·
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.
Merdandy Raffles Place: let's focus on the grub.
Labels:
affordable,
alfresco,
bar,
barfood,
beer,
lunch,
may return,
mocktails,
pasta,
pork chop,
raffles place,
rendang,
setlunch
·
'It's a daily struggle, especially the part where we have to turn down guests who come in looking for an after-work tipple,' Alvin says, 'initially, it's heartbreaking, but after a while, it becomes normalcy.'
I hear you Alvin.
Merdandy, Haji Lane's biggest player alongside the groovy Blue Jaz cafe has decided to venture out of its comfort hipster zone and don a business suit instead. Situated on Chulia street in the midst of Raffles Place, the 2nd outlet retains its too-cool-for-school alfresco settings, but ramps up the front in the food department with a more concrete menu. Unfortunately due to a certain sort of recklessness, the granting of the alcohol license has been severely delayed, hence a trip to the joint would mean giving your liver a lovely respite from the daily damage. I speak on my part mostly; but for one, I was glad to be able to savor the quality of bar grub in absolute clarity.
{Wordless Wednesdays}: Bottura
Labels:
affordable,
cityhall,
food tasting,
italian,
media event,
pasta,
promenade,
sunteccity,
will not return,
wordless wednesdays
·
 |
| Arancini al Ragu ($8) |
I initially condoned this to the 'Shall keep mum' folder on my desktop, but what the heck.. it's better suited for my 'Wordless Wednesday' movement.. simply because that's exactly where a meal at Bottura left me. At a loss for words.
And not in a good way too.
Quick Picks: 5 places for a Swift and Scrumptious Lunch in S'pore
Labels:
affordable,
all-day-breakfast,
burgers,
cafe,
capitolpiazza,
cityhall,
coffee,
hidden finds,
japanese,
lists,
must go,
onenorth,
pasta,
quick picks,
sandwich,
sashimi,
tanjong pagar,
upperbukittimah
·
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.
Open Farm Community: In the Weeds.
Labels:
big groups,
brunch,
cocktails,
dempsey,
hidden finds,
must go,
pasta,
special occasion,
sunday brunch,
will return
·
Disclaimer: In case you had the impression that I was going to slam Open Farm Community's garden nosh, no chance; by "In the Weeds", I meant the state of your poor stomach as it churns up its indignation in view of your unsuppressed gluttony at the table. Point is, you can't help it - food at OFC beckons with a spellbinding light that rendered me a minion, the fork doing relentless runs between the beautiful crockery and my mouth.
Open Farm Community plays a familiar game, the hipster playground that has accidentally allowed you in - rampage its grounds with a ping pong table (that could incidentally also double up for a beer pong table) in a vibrant shade of yellow on the porch; yet still retain a bit of its verdant nature with sprawling green pastures sporting an extensive spectrum of herbs and spices that would eventually end up on your plate in one form or another ~ Walk through the first extension of the establishment and you'll find memorabilia and cutesy baby-related merchandise from Tinydipity, there, traverse pass the covered corridors to the inner sanctum; a glasshouse-esque setup with an open-kitchen style pass; the orgy of chefs threading in tandem making for a fascinating sight.
That's until the food starts spilling out onto the tables...
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