Showing posts with label robertson quay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label robertson quay. Show all posts
JYPSY: Casual Japanese restaurant with nomadic island life vibes
Labels:
affordable,
cafe,
date night,
fried chicken,
fries,
hidden finds,
japanese,
large groups,
martin road,
must go,
robertson quay,
romantic,
sharing,
small plates,
sushi,
will return
·
Opened this July, JYPSY is PSCAFE'S newest cafe concept - casual Japanese restaurant peddling a nomadic island life which you'll find expressed in its immaculate decor of hanging ferns, traditional Japanese paper lanterns and wind bells. It's a gorgeous space that touts an equally breezy menu of sushi rolls, sashimi and more in sharing plate formats. Despite the upmarket vibes, price remains easy on the wallet.
[Friday Date-Night]: Rosso Vino
Labels:
affordable,
date night,
italian,
large groups,
restaurants,
robertson quay,
will return,
winebar,
wines
·
Located along the banks of Robertson Quay, Rosso Vino prides itself as being one of the best Italian restaurants in the island. Being relatively new to Italian cuisine, we were thrilled to be invited to try out some of the classics on their menu.
To start, we had the Bruschetta Rosso Vino and Carpaccio Di Manzo. The Bruschetta Rosso Vino is a trio of Smoked Salmon, Diced Tomato and Mozzarella and Anchovies Bruschetta. As someone who usually strays away from tomatoes due to its distinct taste and smell, the diced tomato was surprisingly refreshing and easy to swallow. I never thought I would say this, but that was delightful and pretty addictive. Contrastingly, the smoked salmon piece was not outstanding and the mozzarella one was way too salty for my liking. Perhaps a better ove would be to order the Brushcetta Rosa, where you can better indulge in the Diced Tomato Bruschetta, which really helps to whet your appetite for the upcoming feast.
The Carpaccio Di Manzo had unbelievable thin slices of beef tenderloin served with parmesan cheese and mixed salad. The beef was so thin and moist that they broke apart easily while the cheese added a nice subtle touch of saltiness to the beef.
For our mains, we ordered the recommended Cavatelli Ragu di Maiale in Salsa Di Pomodoro and Branzino alla Toscana. The homemade pasta's name was a handful, but the reason behind its popularity was clear. The Cavatelli pasta itself was firm, with a slight bite to it, yet easy to chew through; quite the perfect al dente if I would say so myself. The addition of red wine imparts a light oaky fullness to the sauce. Each pasta piece enrobed in the rich sauce made for a very pleasant experience.
As one who is particularly averse to fishiness, I was amazed at how subdued the dish of Branzino all Toscano was. The fish was moist and flaky fresh and the tomato based stew providing relief from the fishy qualities. What's left was a really fragrant, juicy and fat fillet of white meat, it's sweetness further enhanced by the layered tomato stew.
Pair your mains with a glass of wine or rose, both giving additional dimension to the dishes ordered and adding brownie points to the romantic night out.
Rosso Vino
15 Merbau Road
S(239032)
Reservations: CHOPE
Operating Hours:
Mon - Sun: 3pm - 1am
Words and photos by Belinda Yong who wishes that every time of the day is food o'clock. She loves trying new cuisines and creations, and prays hard for a higher metabolism.
Plum and Toro: Not so much a meal spot as a fun night out of town, literally.
Labels:
big groups,
cocktails,
contemporary,
date night,
hidden finds,
japanese,
robertson quay,
will return
·
Looking to avoid jostling with the crowds in the mainstream part of town? Meet Plum and Toro, a secret enclave of a Japanese restaurant located in InterContinental Robertson Quay. A little devoid of the usual Japanese izakaya vibe - cue the words, homey, unpretentious and perhaps a little dingy - Plum and Toro swings into the contemporary jive of things with a tastefully designed food menu and an intimidating full fledged list of alcoholic tipples.
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.
Beast and Butterflies: where culinary insurgence takes trip
Labels:
alfresco,
beer,
big groups,
chinese,
fusion,
happy hour,
hotel,
m social,
must go,
pork knuckle,
restaurants,
robertson quay
·
I'm saying this only because of the Crispy Pork Knuckle, served with the most ridonkulous Nam Jim sauce that you'll just want to bottle and use at BBQs, with grilled chicken wings, etc... Okay, then maybe I'll also make leeway for the Scallop Carpaccio and the Yam Brulee - a most ambrosial ramekin of orh nee blessed with a crackin' caramelised lid - both humble, but no less, better, incarnations of their original inspirators.
SPRMRKT goes Vietnamese: From Street Food to Fine Dining
Labels:
bahn mi,
brunch,
cafe,
fine dining,
four hands dinner,
noodle,
pho,
robertson quay,
street food,
vietnamese,
will return
·
Just 10 more days to get your hands on some of the specials at SPRMRKT (both McCallum Street and Robertson Quay outlets) as the kitchen folks pay tribute to the 45th year of harmonious Singapore-Vietname diplomatic rapport, with their debut cultural showcase "SPRMRKT Vietnam". Dedicated to showcasing the best of what Vietnam has to offer, the kitchen have dished out fresh interpretations of Vietnamese classics, Bahn Mi? Beef Pho? Banh Xeo? Yes, if you can't afford the trip up North, the daily specials is as close as you can get to actually living the sun, sea and dusty street-life of Vietnam and all its glory.
Let's do the LOCO-motion - Mexican food trail with the Loco Group
The Loco Group brought us on a mini food trail to all three of their outlets, Super loco Robertson Quay, Super Loco Customs house and last but not least Lucha Loco.
We commenced the trail at Robertson Quay. Set just beside the Singapore river, Super Loco adopted a Mexican diner look and feel, with the strange use of vibrant colours, creative graphics, festival lighting, handwritten typography and street posters. It wasn't hard to fall in love with the venue. They even have a retail cabinet showcasing an array of quirky Mexican merchandise to be purchased!
Rosso Vino: like an Italian Trattoria scene from Lady and the Tramp
Labels:
affordable,
family friendly,
hidden finds,
italian,
large groups,
restaurants,
robertson quay,
romantic,
will return,
wines
·
Stuck in its ways. stepping into Rosso Vino is like a step back in time. Red napkin lined bread baskets and waiters dressed in starched and stiffened white shirts; the joint cashes in on the nostalgic factor; instilling in its diners an enthusiasm quite similar to what you would experience when you were ten and were told dinner is at Jack's Place. Despite it's conservative decor and even more time-honoured menu, dining for the first time at Rosso Vino is a dangerous love affair. The said waiters and waitresses working the dining room with effortless hospitality; like they'd been doing this their whole lives. I bet a bottom dollar that partaking in their fettuccine bolognese would be like a magical scene out of Lady and the Tramp sans the waiter serenading you with his impeccable accordion skills (though they would if they could).
Monday Light Bites: Yusheng @ Shin Minori - Japanese Ala-carte buffet at River Valley Road
Labels:
affordable,
ala carte,
buffets,
hidden finds,
large groups,
robertson quay,
will return
·
In the blink of an eye, Chinese New Year is upon us. And as most of you would come to know, majority of the larger Chinese restaurants would have long closed reservations by now. So if you're seeking a fuss-free alternative, look no further than Shin Minori (located on the 3rd floor of UE Square) where you can get their signature yusheng in conjunction with the hearty ala-carte buffet you're about to tuck into.
The Harvest Yusheng ($69.90 ++) can feed 8 -12 comfortably - apple ponzu plum sauce is drizzled over a myriad of fresh and pickled vegetables along with slices of fresh sashimi. Running till the 11th Feb, you can call a day in advance and reserve your party pack for a special promotion price of 1-for-1 when you takeaway.
SPRMRKT kitchen + Bar: sprawling grounds and potent cuisine
Labels:
american,
cocktails,
fusion,
hidden finds,
must go,
river valley,
robertson quay,
romantic,
special occasion,
will return,
wines
·
I get asked this question a lot. "Where's a good restaurant that you've eaten at recently", people trying to fleece information off you in order to avoid a disastrous dinner date later. Maybe fleece is too bold a word to use since I'm almost always willing to share. In fact, if you had asked me (nicely), where should you embark on your next romantic dinner date. I would have this one suggestion: SPRMRKT Kitchen + Bar at STPI.
Decker Barbecue: Low and Slow
Labels:
american,
barbeque,
barfood,
brisket,
comfortfoods,
craft beers,
family friendly,
hidden finds,
large groups,
must go,
ribs,
robertson quay,
smokehouse,
will return
·
Let's begin by putting on the table what Decker Barbecue is and isn't. A date night place? NO, unless you're a no-frills, carnivorous girl like me; it wouldn't be such a brilliant idea lugging your first date to this place. For weight-watchers? HELL NO, the intimidating menu showcasing various meat cuts, all cooked low and slow to guarantee a satisfactory fat maintenance will leave you with heart palpitations all night. And vegetarians, you've already been warned, not unless you're going to go the mile and call fries a vegetable; then you've been warned.
Verre: Where the wine is good, but the food, Exceptional.
Labels:
desserts,
must go,
robertson quay,
romantic,
special occasion,
will return,
wines
·
In the orange-cast skies of dusk, Verre coaxes its victims to take the plunge. Take a leap of faith into its laps of burgundy red and crisp white luxuries. Although, it's steel cut edges and modern angular approach are not particular heart-warming or appealing to those seeking a piece of familiarity without hints of cold office politics. But in all due respect, food was an immaculate display of perfection, each course revealing more elaborate tricks in its wake. Service even more so, restrained and meek without the need for constant affirmation. Here, the wine flows freely, judgemental stares, a little less so; so, sit back, whip your hair to the side, and enjoy the thrills and spills of the cuisine served up by kitchen maestro, Masashi.
Quick Picks: No-frills meals for the weekends
Labels:
affordable,
aljunied,
big groups,
circular quay,
cityhall,
clarke quay,
dinner,
list,
lists,
lunch,
must go,
raffles place,
restaurants,
robertson quay,
thai food,
zichar
·
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.
Bochinche (revisited): The stars remain aligned
Labels:
affordable,
big groups,
desserts,
hidden finds,
modern,
must go,
restaurants,
robertson quay,
romantic,
special occasion,
tapas
·
There exists a blurry line between Bochinche being a great bar or a great restaurant. Mainly because it does both with intuitive nature, as though it's an intrinsic part of its being. Plop your tush by the bar and lap on some interesting underpriced wines from the Argentinian region or shake up your own Chimchurri Bloody Mary table-side. Your life, your call. Just that my advise would be a little cocktail don't hurt nobody.
Now with a new menu of exciting small plates for sharing, dining at Bochinche just got a whole lot easier on the pocket and with the added benefit of having a wider variety of items tantalise the tastebuds. Some most orders: the Watermelon salad with mozzarella cream and tomatoes and the Ox Tongue topped with Parmesan foam, that is such a festival of textures and tastes, it makes you cantillate songs of praise to have working teeth and a tongue in your head.
Bochinche Weekend Brunch: Boozy Boosts
Labels:
argentinian,
brunch,
burgers,
cocktails,
eggs benedict,
hidden finds,
robertson quay,
special occasion,
steak,
will return,
wines
·
Looking to treat yourself this long weekend? Then Bochinche would be a highly recommended choice from me.
Featuring an all-new brunch menu, only available on weekends from 11am - 3pm. Other reasons to warrant a visit include the $25 free flow booze-ster promotions on Saturdays from 11am -1pm. Think about it, continuous tipples of the best Signature Chimichurri Bloody Marys (aka the best hangover cure, ever), as well as wine and mojitos. There's no better reason than that, to hop on over!
Azmaya: just the usual Wagyu Shabu-Shabu affair
Labels:
family friendly,
health,
healthy eating,
hidden finds,
japanese,
robertson quay,
shabu shabu,
steamboat,
will not return
·
I continue on a trend of Japanese Eats and shabu shabu tastings. Today we cover the Wagyu Shabu Shabu Buffet at Azmaya located along the picturesque Robertson Quay (just beside bella pizza).
With red hot competition from various other concepts dotting the island, Azmaya attempts to draw in the crowds with a wagyu buffet special promotion. Priced at just $50 now (U.P. $100), diners get to pick from a menu of proteins (wagyu beef, pork belly, collar, chicken leg, wagyu cut steak and tongue, etc...), side dishes of Kimchi, Namul and Rice as well as a tight selection of ala carte dishes such as Cold Tofu, Spicy Cucumber, Salted cabbage and fried pickles. Take heed that a 2 hours time limit is enforced at the point of ordering.
While the A5 Wagyu Sirloin from Japan ($95) gets a nod from me, the soup base I found to be too light and almost forgettable. Save for the nutty goma dipping sauce, the entire affair was albeit a bit underwhelming.
Try the craveable Wagyu Roast Beef ($15), a tantalising red centre with a piquant dressing for those ravenous carnivores.
Another modest dish for the peckish is the Korean Spicy Cucumber ($6), fresh crispy chunks of cucumber tossed in a spicy chili oil based dressing, the juxtaposition of juicy cooling innards versus the feisty exterior working up an appetite.
Going through a varied selection of ala carte dishes, the Salmon Caesar Salad with salmon roe with Caesar dressing ($13) tickled my fancy. The Salmon slices benefited from a generous squirt of decadent creamy dressing, the orange scatter of roe adding provocative bursts of savouriness and the chunks of avocado pulling in all the pieces. I could have easily gone through two bowls of these.
The Grilled Squid ($14) didn't fare too well as the flesh had gone a little rubbery, a little too familiar with the flames.
Steer clear of the Sashimi (3 types for $17). I question its freshness especially in a place better adept to handle its meats well.
The Gyoza and Assorted Tempura ($15) were your standard run-of-the-mill renditions of the fare found at most ordinary establishments. Shy of fillings in the former and lack of seasoning in the batter in the latter. I was less than impressed and refrained from seconds.
Azmaya with its spacious dining room and more family orientated seating patterns would be a wise choice for birthdays or intimate family gatherings. There's just something about fretting over a steamboat that pulls people together, fostering relationships; the relentless chatter and the mutual cooking favours. That aside, do not expect extraordinary events to unfold at Azmaya on the culinary front.
Azmaya
30 Robertson Quay
#01-12/13
t: 6737 6863
w: http://kthsg-shop.com/azmaya/
Opening Hours:
Tues-Sun 5pm - 1am
Five & Dime Eatery: Reservations recommended
Labels:
affordable,
braised pork,
brunch,
cafe,
coffee,
free parking,
hidden finds,
orchard,
pasta,
pork belly,
river valley,
robertson quay,
sandwich
·
Sporting a modest single page menu, Five and Dime eatery located along River Valley road at the back of Killiney Road has clearly got something right with queues snaking out of the restaurant and an army of reservation tags attempting to conquer my dining territory on the bar counter. 2 years into business and yet there is still no lack of activity within the stand alone building. With a parking lot conveniently located next to the cafe, that could be a contributing factor.
I had the Braised Pork Belly Sandwich ($18); Black Berkshire Pork slow-cooked for 6 hours on toasted ciabatta with sweet potato fries; this comes across as a knockoff (though as knockoffs go, it's very well made). The rich spices in the braised pork rich are very predominant and the pork was braised to a jaw-dropping tender. The only flaw in the dish would have to be the mindless horizontal slicing of the pork belly in order to spread it out onto the ciabatta, This resulted in a half of the sandwich swathed in succulent fatty goodness whilst the other half left to deal with a chunk of lean meat. Just deal a smaller serve of bread please. That would solve the whole situation. The sweet potoato fries on the side are excellent, crisp, slightly hollowed and a bit creamy on the inside.
The much raved about Mentaiko Pasta ($18) spaghetti tossed in spicy mentaiko, topped with more cod fish roe was perfectly delicious albeit a little on the dry side. A peak at our neighbour revealed a little inconsistency to the dish, hers gleaming with a more raucous sheen from the sauce.
Simple and cozy with homely cuisine, don't expect the kitchen to achieve transcendence here. But still, with such tough crowds to handle, make sure to nail your reservations should you be dropping by on a weekend.
Five & Dime
297 River Valley Road
T: 9236 5002
Opening hours:
Mon-Thurs: 12pm - 10pm
Friday: 12pm - 12am
Saturday: 10am - 12am
Sunday: 10am - 10pm
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