Showing posts with label salads. Show all posts
Showing posts with label salads. Show all posts
[Foodpanda] Hard Rock Cafe: Ribs on the Fly
Labels:
affordable,
american,
barbeque,
buffalo wings,
delivery,
foodpanda,
hardrockcafe,
ribs,
salads,
will return
·
Too tired to head out for a night in town, or just frustrated with having to deal with people? Then Foodpanda might just be the solution to your stomach woes!
The only stumbling block, the dilemma one is faced with when navigating the extensive selection of restaurant merchants on the list. Just the Indian spectrum alone chalks up a staggering 25 choices! Fortunately for me, my mood clearly set the stage for a night of good ole' American feasting that night, hence I called the shots on Hard Rock Cafe to curb those cravings.
The foodpanda app is terribly easy to navigate, every dish constituting a picture (depending on the merchants) and a mouthwatering description of the offering. For choices of sauces and beef doneness, the basic page opens up to separate windows, reminding the user to make their selection with specific prices listed should there be additional costs involved. Heavy Metal Sauce on your buffalo wings anyone?
The Quarters @ Icon Village: Mod-Sin cuisine done justice?
Don't get me wrong. I do love my fried chicken, and coffee, and having them together. The latter was excellent, my piccolo latte carrying a tinge of acidity with a good long finish (beans are sourced from Papa Palheta, hence a definite crowd pleaser there). The Har Cheong Gai ($8.50) though was a tad underwhelming, yes, no doubt they were fried till crispy golden brown, but it failed to deliver flavorwise, the prawn paste almost forgotten. What the Quarters succeeded in was that accompanying mini ramekin of power belachan (which can be purchased by the jar!), robust in flavors with a helluva spicy kick and a good touch of acidity. I was frantically using the chicken as a vessel to get it into my mouth!
Oops, pardon me, I've gotten ahead of myself here. Lunch was at The Quarters located at revamped extension of Icon Village. Choosing to dine on the weekend in an establishment that was cradled in the center of the CBD area meant a particularly roomy dining area dedicated to the gang. The concept is simple,.. local flavors with a modern perspective. Brilliant, and with that, there's room for error, a leeway for finding excuses to undershooting people's expectations. Read on...
Squash @ The Central - Sexy Time
Labels:
affordable,
clarke quay,
cold pressed juices,
health,
healthy eating,
juices,
must go,
salads
·
It's easy to see why my diet has gone haywire, especially after the onset of the new year, with Chinese New Year and Valentines day fast approaching and the food tastings numbering up, one can't help but to load up on calorific foods. Most of you might not know this, but my struggle to balance out being a food evangelist and to pursue a standard of healthy living is very real, and I'm sure most of the others out there can empathise with me.
To be very honest, the juice diet fad has always struck me as ludicrous, capitalising on the power of highly acclaimed celebrities to increase the appeal of a certain sort of lifestyle. Hence when I was alerted of this new juice.salad.wrap kiosk located at Central, my interest was piqued.
Dolcetto by Basilico: Delizioso
Labels:
affordable,
bakery,
boulangerie. bakery,
cakes,
chocolate,
desserts,
Gourmet Chocolate,
italian,
must go,
orchard,
regent hotel,
salads,
sandwich,
tart
·
To say that this post is overdue is an understatement as the memories of Christmas fade into the background, and a heavy stream of red takes to the street. Yes, Chinese New Year is around the corner, hinting the procession of lo hei and festive goodies. Still, what's good is always worth sharing and my trip to Dolcetto at the Regent Hotel Singapore sure does justify a post, even if it might be a very tardy one.
Not a desserts fan, get a load of the sandwiches, daily soup and salads at Dolcetto. Being a take-away extension of the famous Basilico upstairs, you'll be guaranteed similar standards of food in tidier portions. Having visited Basilico before on a business lunch; an affair that resulted in me feasting flagrantly with wild abandon in front of my Chairman, grunting as I tugged on the cheesy strings of the white truffle infused calzone and getting carried away helping myself to one too many smoked buffalo mozzarella balls, I swore I almost choked when he asked me asked me if I was enjoying the food! ; As I perused the display at Dolcetto, I was thrilled to see that congruent offerings were carried downstairs. Take for example the Buffalo Mozzarella Salad, served with a simple balsamic vinegar dressing and the sweetest tomatoes ever. Perfect if you are allowing yourself to go big on the indulgent stuff without inheriting too much guilt.
Spruce: lights will guide you home
Labels:
affordable,
american,
beer,
brunch,
burgers,
christmas,
dinner,
drinks,
hidden finds,
may return,
pasta,
pie,
roast,
salads,
soup,
upperbukittimah
·
Spruce has a special place in my heart despite the fact that I've never paid the outlet a visit before. The proximity to my previous home and my love for burgers (Spruce has reportedly one of the best burgers in Singapore) creating a mockery of this circumstance. With a change of fortune, I was lucky enough to land an opportunity to dine at Spruce, just in time for the launch of their Christmas specials. Needless to say, I allowed the neon lights to lead me home.
Foodology Fresh: That's why eating greens are so hard
Labels:
croissant,
healthy eating,
lunch,
raffles place,
salads,
sandwich,
soup,
tanjong pagar,
will not return
·
I've always had a penchant for vegetables, noming my way through my plate of greens like a meek cow during meal times. No signs of rebellion whatsoever. I would often stare with awkward befuddlement whenever another kid would shove away his vegetables, nudging it to the side of the plate and then subsequently throwing a fit when circumstances gets to forceful. 'Why?' Don't they see its' allure?
Growing up, and gaining access to the covers of the vegetable dictionary; I embraced my edible greens with a tighter affection. My stint in Australia reinforcing our relationship with love gifts in the forms of ruby red beetroot, bitter endives and hybrid broccoli. It is a libation that brings back many happy memories - a time where getting your hands on a superb salad at any deli or even making your own at a fraction of the cost was as easy as pie. The salad maker driven by a purpose to to do as little as possible to highlight the vitality of the greens. I've since then feasted on countless salads, ranging from those of more innovative nature, incorporating deep fried quinoa; to the classics like caesar salads with a glorious homemade anchovy dressing that throws it into a class of its own.
Ootoya: From Farm to Table
Labels:
clementi,
dinner,
health,
japanese,
media event,
orchard central,
restaurants,
salad,
salads,
sommerset,
vegetables
·
Most of the time, being a 'food blogger', and we often get blinded sided in our rat race to get to latest food fads; more often than not, losing sight of the true essence of food and it's humble beginnings. Especially in Singapore, because of geographical limitations and monetary considerations, very rarely do we come across individuals or corporations that show a remote passion in stressing the importance of sustainability practises in the Food and Beverage industry. While living in Sydney, 'farm to table' movements and 'local produce used' were a dime in a dozen. akin to the magnitude of the waffle and gelato craze here on our local shores, yet returning back to my motherland has cast a huge soaking wet blanket over my conviction to pursue environmental sustainability through local produce. Up till now...
A recent invite to Ootoya opened my eyes to a whole new realm of farming in Singapore. Panasonic Factory Solutions Asia Pacific (Panasonic) has announced it's pilot commercial supply of locally harvested vegetables to Japanese restaurant Ootoya. Cultivated in a 248 square meter indoor agriculture facility, 10 types of vegetables are grown via soil based environment with LED lighting, out with which 3 varieties are now employed in Ootoya's local menu. What impressed me the most tenacity of Panasonic in using their advancements in technology to derive methods to drive self sufficiency through a sustainable cultivation method. In the course of doing so, astutely roping in Ootoya whose focus on quality of life by offering up authentic home cooked Japanese food to their customers is unquestionably in sync with Panasonic's vision to adopt an sustainable and cost efficient method of farming that still hits the home run with the freshness and quality of its vegetables.
Shrimp Salad with Aurora dressing ($4). Mini Red Radish, red leafy lettuce, mizuna and shrimps served with creamy dressing made from bell peppers and tomatoes. Not my favourite but still does a great job in highlighting the great produce that is the local farm vegetables.
For the mains, we were treated to a choice of 3 sets of different proteins. S couldn't get past the Hokke Set, consisting of a charcoal grilled fish, miso soup, chawanmushi, rice and a side dish of braised vegetables; this instantly took me back to my experiences of dining at a Japanese home stay. The style of cooking so delicate and earnest that it almost felt like you were dining under the expert care of a matronly chef, the pride and meticulous ways of the kitchen individuals shining ever so brightly.
My Pork Belly Shiokuji Set presented different flavor dimensions and textures with each bite. The tenderness of the grilled pork belly achieving transcendence with the diners in the room.
Watch out for the new salads featuring the locally grown vegetables to be released officially somewhere in Mid-August. Meantime, for you faithful followers of Ootoya, here's a little something special.
fundamentally-flawed dined as a guest of Ootoya. A major thanks to Adrienne of Golin Harris for the kind invite!
Ootoya Japanese Restaurant
#08-12 Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
The Lawn: Greener Pastures
Labels:
cafe,
CBD,
hidden finds,
restaurants,
salads,
shenton way,
tanjong pagar
·
As some of you have come to hear, The Lawn; which I have visited on many occasions and come to love has opened up a second brunch to cater to the office crowds of a different nature, other than the sciency-geeky bunch (haha). Located along Shenton Way, on the periphery of Singapore’s wheeling and dealing financial district; the Lawn has plans to take the salad diet fads to a whole new level by incorporating a selection of wholesome grilled meats into the picture.
For starters, I stuck with my usual suspects. Grilled prawns, boiled egg, cashews (boy are they generous with these), cherry tomatoes and finally sprinkled with a healthy dose of parmesan cheese. Sitting over a bed of fresh mesclun salad in a ginormous bowl; one can be sure to execute the tossing maneuver without making a mess.
We were presented a foray of grilled meats as well to be put to the taste test. Some of my favourites include the Teriyaki Chicken, pan seared ducked breast and the chicken breast with maple infusion. Vegetarians fret now as the café offers up various options for meat adverse. Take for example the char grilled mixed mushrooms, garlic galore! I couldn’t stop grazing on this one.
The Lawn prides itself on the variety of dressings that are available to choice. So even if you were to dine in everyday, the countless permutations and combinations on the meats, add ons and dressings alone would surely allow a tickling of the taste buds each and every time. And taking that in mind, eating salads daily combined with the visit to the gym could help immensely in working down the size charts. Personally, I take to the Red Island, Wasa-honey, Wafu and MisoSpicy; but should you be bewildered by the choices, stick to the recommended pairings done in-house.
My friend, Li Tian from dairycream.blogspot had her customized bowl of salad; the butter-seared Pacific dory, celery, olives, Beetroot, corn and crunchy granola. Boy did she prove that you don’t have to big to have a voracious appetite. You can read more about her experience here.
End off your meal on a sweet note with the desserts offerings put forth by the Lawn. Tiramisu Hero is available for sale here too.
Be sure to check out the Oreo Cheesecake (Jonathan’s recommendations) from Gobi Desserts .
But better yet. Get a stiff one from the coffee counters; the barista does a pretty mean cappuccino with the coffee blends from Smitten Coffee.
Shenton Outlet:
8 Shenton Way, #B1-11, AXA Tower
Mon-Fri 10.30am-9pm
Fika Swedish Cafe and Bistro: Breaking Fast
Labels:
cafe,
halal,
hidden finds,
meatballs,
Milennia Walk,
promenade,
restaurants,
salads,
swedish
·
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.
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.
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?
9 Raffles Boulevard
#01-20 Millenia Walk
Tel: 6336-7234
The Lawn: Eat and Love your Greens
Labels:
biopolis,
brunch,
buona vista,
food tasting,
hidden finds,
restaurants,
salads
·
The very sinful period of guilt-laden Chinese New Year feasting has just passed us, let's talk healthy. Greens in particular since vegetables contain vitamins that act as antioxidants, which protect body cells from environmental damage that can lead to cancer and other health problems.
Pardon me if I start to sound like something out of a health education textbook. But I speak with conviction on the case.
And what better way to enjoy your greens then with the accompaniment of tantalising grilled meats? Here at the Lawn, you can be sure that the wide variety are all top notch.
My experience at The Lawn was one that got off to a bad foot. But don't you worry, the recovery was a huge turn over. Stepping into the 'cool' vicinity of the restaurant; or so we hoped, we were hit by a ton of Bricks. No, I kid you not. After navigating an uphill route from the nearest MRT station Buona Vista, the two unsuspecting victims were breaking a sweat. To our dismay, what greeted us was a pretty sight (artfully decorated room with patches of astro turf and strategically placed negative spaces) albeit a poorly ventilated area that reeked of heavy smoke possessed with the smell of barbecued meats fresh off the grill. True to the concept tying the love of Americans for barbies in their backyards and healthy salads; The Lawn presents a fairly fresh and novel concept of mix-and-match salads highlighting the essence of good grilled proteins. Given that I was an obsessive carnivore in all rights, I was easily sold on this idea.
After placing our orders at the counter, following a very well documented process on the boards over head. We retired outside to the outdoor seating area which apparently was a ton more comfortable due to the wind tunnel like structure of the atrium. *shrugs*
Price wise, you get 1 grill 5 toppings dressing with mesclun salad for $9.90. A real bargain if you ask me, an ideal further reinstated once you eye the large bowls these salads are served in.
Choices of protein range from the grilled chicken breast with maple infusion, MOJO chicken (the latest addition to the family, very heavy in Indian spices), char grilled prawns, herbed pacific dory, Balsamico fresh asparagus and eggplant (for the vegetarians!) and the more premium options of black pepper duck, Ben's beef rub and Portobello Mushrooms. With an additional 7 dressings to choose from, we were guaranteed spoilt for choice. Needless to say, the permutations and combinations were countless, so apparently dining there everyday won't be a boring affair.
My choice: Chargrilled garlic prawns + sunflower seeds + Cashew Nuts + Sweet Corn + Bell peppers + Boiled Egg + Onion + Tomato + Red Island Sauce
The Verdict: Adored the garlic prawns, these were literally fresh and bouncy. The Red Island sauce was a a fusion of Mayonnaise and Tomato sauce, a good combination of creamy and tanginess hence working well with the other ingredients. With regards to the spread of toppings, what I loved most was the addition of tomatoes that threw in the juicy factor with a sour element for good measure.
His choice: Ben's beef rub + Herbed Dory + Cashews + Walnuts + Cheddar Cheese + Black Olives + Onion + Bell Peppers + Me So Spicy sauce
The Verdict (from the boyfriend): the dory was well seasoned and cooked to perfection, flaking off nicely with the gentle prodding of the fork. The beef was also well executed, in most cases, still pink in the middle. The Me so spicy spice adding a lovely touch of heat to the refreshing mix of greens.
With so many expatriates visiting the salad bar; the owners can't help but incorporate some sauces that would appeal more to the Caucasian taste buds; these include the honeyball, citrus dressing and maple peanut. Note to self (and other people of similar taste), steer clear of these, I would highly recommend the Perky sesame ginger as well as the Me So Spicy sauces as the best compliments to the grilled meats.
The herbed chicken breasts that defied the odds with its miraculously tender and juicy innards. This shall be my order the next time round.
In view of it all, The Lawn offers a very wholesome dining affair for those seeking for a healthier option that's still off the beaten track. No boring Caesar salad or Salad Niçoise here. Instead indulge in a DEEP bowl of tasty goodness, a concoction of greens that you can truly call your own. For those intending a weekend getaway, do consider dropping by as the Lawn now opens on Sundays for lunch!
A major thanks going out to Jonathan, the happy-go-lucky owner of The Lawn for the invitation.
31 Biopolis Way,
Nanos #01-07,
Singapore 138669
Website: http://thelawn.com.sg/
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