Showing posts with label promenade. Show all posts
Showing posts with label promenade. Show all posts

Rang Mahal: Indian Fine Dining With Modern Sensibilities

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Every so often, I wake up to an unexpected invite that doesn't involve the latest incipient opening. Rang Mahal, is one such example of a fine dining institution that has paved its way to success, with deep-rooted beginnings initiating from 1971. Fortunately for me, my latest relationship endeavour with a British-born Indian and the integration with his family has got me dwelling on the topic of Indian food. Gujarati cuisine, primarily vegetarian with a distaste for the allures of alcohol, is opening my eyes to the multifariousness of Indian food. It represents the essence of Indian food, and its diversity traversing state lines, uprooting false impressions that dining 'Indian' could only mean butter chicken with a side of naan. I plead guilty.

[NEW OPENING] BURG Kitchen opens in Eat at Seven

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BURG Kitchen, which is now part of the enclave of top-rate Japanese restaurants at Eat at Seven is a Japanese concept restaurant that specialises in juicy, handmade hamburgs.

Butcher's Kitchen @ Suntec City: More than Meats the Eye

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Fans of The Butcher rejoice! The well loved butchery has opened a retail restaurant concept at Suntec City, where you can not only shop a selection of organic, free-range, non-GMO grain or grass-fed meats but you can also taste them!

[NEW] Olivia and Co: Modern bistro in the heart of the CBD

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Just opened in March of this year, Olivia and Co. is a modern bistro at the heart of Suntec City, serving up fare fit for anyone from busy executives to families on a day out. Named after Olivia Cassivelaun Fancourt, the first wife of Sir Stamford Raffles, the menu is centred around the theme of an intrepid traveler bringing home experiences from cuisines all around the globe. Tales are told and memories can be relieved straight from the plate!

All things [NEW] at Earle Swensen's, Steam Box and Eat @ 7

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2016 has passed by in a flash, hasn't it? It seems like it was just yesterday that we are toasting to a new year, and now we find it already half over. But hey, look at it a different way and its half yet to begin. There's no better time than now to celebrate all things new, and no better way to do it than with food indeed! Here are some of the freshest pickings from eateries islandwide.

Edge @ Pan Pacific Hotel - Theatrical Sunday Champagne Buffets

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Hailed to be the longest brunch, I arrived at the grounds in search of a elongated magic carpet of sorts festooned with delicacies representing lands of unimaginable outreach only to be met with death glares when the reality of "long" being represented by its 4 hours duration dawned upon me. Pardon my ignorance but I don't deal well with buffet lines and my failure to even surpass 2 hours in an overindulging session makes me the worst kind of companion for sessions such as these.

The newly revamped Edge Buffet at Pan Pacific does however pique my interest solely based on the upbeat music drifting out for the make-shift area right smack in the middle of the buffet grounds with a live band stationed within. "Let's lose our minds and go f****** crazy. I-I-I-I-I-I keep on hoping we'll eat cake by the ocean." warbled vigorous voices without so much of a strain.

And that's exactly what I did.

Dallas Restaurant & Bar: Suntec City Sky Garden edition

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With a snap of the fingers, 10 years have promptly flew past and the casual American inspired restaurant Dallas celebrates its 10th anniversary with the opening of a stunning new joint tucked away in the tropical garden hideout of Suntec City Sky Garden. Once touted to be the most secretive 'pak-tor' spot, you can now enjoy more intimate moments with your loved one, this time - in the comforts of an exquisite glass house.

Come sundown, the charming high-ceiling glasshouse takes on an almost glamorous facade - impressive island bar glistening like a beacon of hope against the mostly black marbled backdrop. Leather upholstery and elegant chandeliers give the space an effortlessly chic vibe whilst the al fresco space, boosted by a reflective pool feature, beckons for guests to enjoy an after-work tipple.

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? 

Cajun on Wheels: Louisiana seafood truck @ Pasarbella

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I can't quite recall the last time I had crab. Honestly, I really don't have it to often. The challenge of retaining a stain free shirt at the end of the feasting often the more intimidating factor that would steer me clear of that option. I would say that being a klutz has been a major deterrent in my choice to partake in crab, but the more poignant reason would be plain laziness. However, Cajun on Wheels isn't just your standard zi-char style Chili Crab or Black pepper crab, hence its worth the mess. In true American gourmet fashion, mussels and crabs are piled high on to a waterproof plastic sheet layer that hides the wonderfully decorated table tops of the new Pasarbella at Suntec City. A shame really, but the umami-laden galore of seafood that greets the eye is equally attractive.

The menu at Cajun on Wheels is kept simple, staying true to its roots of imitating a Louisiana seafood truck with Cajun influences. Seafood is simply boiled in bags with herbs and spices till just cooked and served with a variation of local-fusion sauces such as Salted Egg Yolk, Thai Red Curry and the kid-friendly Cheesy Cream.

{Wordless Wednesdays}: Bottura

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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.

Tomi Sushi: Lunch Sets at a steal

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Turn to Tomi Sushi, for a great alternative to Japanese dining specialising in Sushi.

Housed in the maze of top-drawing Japanese eateries on top of Parco @ Milennia Walk, Tomi Sushi throws all inhibitions out the window with it's down-to-earth and value for money set lunch menu. It's popularity during lunch hour clearly evident in the noisy throngs of office workers that had gathered in the restaurant during my recent visit.

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Sit at the counter to get a close up view of the action as the nimble fingers of the Japanese chefs go to work pressing little balls of rice together with delicate slices of the fresh fish. Even from a distance, the flurry of activity behind the counters building up a raging appetite between the 4 of us.

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Upon placing our orders, the food swiftly made its way to the table. The rows of sushi calling attention to it's fastidious presentation and natural glistening coating on the sliced fish.

Tomi Sushi claims to use 100% Koshihikari Rice (one of the best rice brand in Japan) and also imported sea salt from Japan. The restaurant's dedication to introduce its diners to good quality produce even extending to the soy sauce. A different one for sushi and sashimi, perhaps with contrasting viscosity and richness to compliment the both items.

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Sushi Bento ($38) as pictured above was a massive spread of the usual suspects. Offering a little bit of everything, this would surely satisfy any fickle-minded diner. The sushi, especially the commonly misrepresented California roll was executed perfectly here. Additional credit going out to the Koshihikari rice that had a good balance of fundamental sweetness combined with the sourness from the vinegar.


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My Gin Teri Set ($24)came withe most delicious piece of gindara teriyaki, cooked to perfection, highlighting the fattiness of the fish.

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Nigiri Sakura ($28) arrived with an assortment of sushi as well, each one perfectly crafted to mask just the right dosage of wasabi within to compliment the tightly rolled package. The nigiri was great, each one showcasing fresh and good cuts whether it be fatty salmon belly or the more turgid swordfish.

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For such prices, Tomi Sushi does not compromise on the quality of its ingredients, stressing on only the finest since minimal cooking is to be performed. If you are the sort to have the occasional want to indulge your sushi cravings without the fuss of a luxurious ambience, then, Tomi Sushi would be your best bet.

Tomi Sushi

PARCO Marina Bay
3F-04 9 Raffles Boulevard
S(039596)
Tel: 6333-4633

Velocity (Novena Square)
#02-76/77
238 Thomson Road
S(307683)
Tel: 6255 2355

Fika Swedish Cafe and Bistro: Breaking Fast

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Planning to hit the malls this weekend, and need a casual quick bite? I'm guessing Fika Swedish cafe and bistro situated at Milennia Walk could become one of your best choices.

Stepping into the warm luminance of it's IKEA inspired decked out interior, I was surprised to find the entire establishment filled to the brim. Then, later, not so surprised after the waiter kindly explained to me that my order would be slightly delayed due to priority being given to the guests breaking fast. It dawned upon me... yes.. It's Ramadan after all; and being one of top Halal restaurants in Singapore, it was no wonder business was brisk. Kudos to the waiter for informing me about the company's policy (even so, my food arrived shortly after; another plus point for quick service).

One word of advice, avoid the specialty drinks unless you want your night filled with snide remarks of 'feeling cheated' by your neighboring aunties who very well serve as loud-hailers too. The Trocadero ($7.90) and Nygarda Hallon Soda ($7.90), garbage.

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Moving on to the real deal, the Smoked Salmon Savoury Crepe ($17.90) set flutters of anticipation within me. Despite its fuss free appearance, this cold roulade flaunts a fresh dill mayonnaise that is neither sickeningly sweet nor cloying and has the right level of creaminess, enhanced further by the crunch of raw onions within.

My order of Swedish Homemade Meatballs ($19.50)certainly satisfied my carnivorous appetite on all levels; the creamy sauce that doused the meat, my guilty pleasure. The parsley potatoes on the side balancing out the meal.

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last but not least, the most unassuming dish of the lot turned out to be a real winner. The Langedrag ($16.50) was surprisingly savoury, crunchy, refreshing and delicately sweet all at once. A mix of Swedish fresh water shrimps, sliced hardboiled egg, cherry tomatoes, leek and olives, I adored the assertive mustard based dressing that the greens were tossed in. And I worked my way easily through this huge bowl of salad that looked seemingly bottomless at first.

That being said, service leaves a lot to be desired. Food hits the table even before anyone notices that there isn't a sign of cutlery anywhere to be seen on the table. Inexcusable... Yes, I know I ain't breaking fast; but hey.. please do pay me a bit of attention too alright?

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Fika Swedish Café and Bistro
9 Raffles Boulevard
#01-20 Millenia Walk
Tel: 6336-7234