Showing posts with label somerset. Show all posts
Showing posts with label somerset. Show all posts
Barrio by MexOut: Mexican in da' hood!
Labels:
comfortfoods,
mexican,
must go,
orchard 313,
pubfood,
quesadilla,
somerset,
tacos,
will return
·
If you frequent Somerset MRT as much I do, you would probably notice the newest fairy-light lit venture that has occupied quite a generous space on the ground floor of 313@Somerset. Yes, the space is quite a looker! Built with the theme of a Mexican beer garden in mind, it's thoroughly convincing complete with fresh fun colors splashed across the walls and neo-Aztec patterns subliminally infused into the menu. The idea is flawless and the cool unfettered spirit of the place beckons passer-bys to explore its contained yet airy space.
Compared to its predecessor outlet, Mexout, which oozes urban contemporary vibes with its black-washed interiors and quirky fast-food like operations (read my review here); Barrio by Mex Out boosts a more standard ordering process and therefore a more extensive menu with more snacks and its latest delve into Tortas, or otherwise known as, Mexican burgers.
Brotzeit's NEW exclusive German draft beers by Lowenbrau and Franziskaner
Labels:
beer,
big groups,
craft beers,
family friendly,
german food,
orchard 313,
somerset,
special occasion,
will return
·
It's not everyday that you are graced with the presence of beer royalty, so imagine my astonishment when Brotzeit Singapore invited Master Brewmaster George Reisch of Anheuser-Busch and Honorary Knight of the Brews Mashstaff to launch four draft beers from two German heritage breweries, Franziskaner and Lowenbrau, brewed since the 1360s and 1380s respectively.
In conjunction of their 10th 'wunderbare' anniversary. Brotzeit has these exclusive drafts on tap at all of their Singapore outlets - the Lowerbrau Original Munchner Lager, Franziskaner Hefe Weissbier, Franziskaner Dunkel Hefe-weissbier and Lowenbrau Original Munchner Dunkel Lager for the first time. And not only that - a bevy of new German items were introduced to the menu as beer pairings.
Kanshoku Ramen @ Orchard Gateway: Keeping it real
Labels:
affordable,
all day,
hidden finds,
noodle,
orchard,
orchardgateway,
ramen,
somerset,
will return
·
It is never cold in Singapore. But since rain is in the air, often. What you want to be eating is ramen - a seemingly popular themed restaurant springing out like baby rabbits across the land - it's tonic effect against the chill (mostly from stepping in and out from blazing temperatures to frigid malls), highly regarded
The first thing you should know at Kanshoku Ramen is that they make their own ramen, no commercial, over-alkalised nonsense here. Secondly, the two young men behind the shop have no kitchen experience prior to setting up the two instalments of Kanshoku. Passion-driven and fuelled by a need to provide good food at reasonable prices to the masses; hence the eye-catching location at Orchard Gateway mall - just mention 'Psst, you know the new blue ramen stall near Orchard Central?' - Everyone nods in unison.
Chabuton - Premium Kurobuta Ramen at not so premium prices.
Labels:
japanese,
may return,
noodle,
orchard,
orchard 313,
ramen,
somerset
·
Being crowned "Best Ramen Chef" and receiving a Michelin star is a pretty big feat for someone who just makes ramen. So I guess you can say we're pretty blessed that chef Yasuji Morizumi has decided to bring this exclusive ramen to our shores.
Billed as the Premium Tonkotsu Ramen, it has the usual shebang of bamboo shoots, japanese leek and soft boiled egg. But what makes it special is that beautiful marbled Kurobuta pork that bursts juices into your mouth. Gutted that only a small piece was given, perhaps they should offer more for a separate charge.... Oooh.. and their luscious blend of tonkotsu and chicken collagen broth went down a treat too. We were instructed to slurp it up instead of mixing everything together, so that we'll get the difference in flavors. The mouthfeel was definitely not as thick and gravy like, and the taste isn't as "meaty" (sorry, inside joke) as a full on tonkotsu broth you can find in places like Gumshara, Sydney. Noodles were cooked to perfection. Firm and springy and you definitely expect nothing less from a famed chef. Our egg came out nicely and way better than our first try...
So there you have it kids. Do check it out and it's on for a limited time (17 Jan - 31st March 2015) and costs only $18.90
Chabuton
313 Orchard Road #B2-01
313@Somerset
t: 66368335
Opening Hours:
Daily 11 30am - 10pm
This post is written and photographed by the fabulous Sylvester F of thenomcollective.blogspot.sg who is a professional french fryer, lover of hats, and is secretly addicted to alcohol.
Pie Face: Australian pie chain now on our local shores
Labels:
affordable,
coffee,
desserts,
family friendly,
lunch,
orchard,
orchard 313,
pastry,
pie,
somerset
·
The mention of Australian Pie Face rings back memories of my days well spent in Sydney. Of early morning walks to the Townhall subway station, the coffee aroma adrift from the machines already hard at work providing black elixir to commuters at this underground booth; I resist the urge to get a pie, the lingering smell of butter permeating my nostrils. Despite my somewhat extended stay in Sydney, I've never found a reason to patronise the chain mainly because of it's domineering existence in the market, almost akin to bread-talk in Singaporean context; so that makes me kind of a snob doesn't it?, but why have pie face's pies when you can get your hands on Bourke Street Bakery's lamb and harissa pie? I digress. Forgive me.
Spurred on by the very fact that pies aren't part of our culture here means that there is room for its interjection into our foodscape, and hence Pie Face's first foray into Asia is definitely timely. Unveiling its first store in 313@somerset, the chain sets out to introduce the locals to the humble pie (excuse my punt). Helmed by Mr Francois Galand, French born and trained chef, the kitchen team sets out to produce gourmet pies from scratch, using the traditional French puff pastry technique in a bid to produce flaky pie crusts to compliment the hearty fillings.
As I was one of the lucky ones privileged enough to sample Pie Face's offerings during the media launch.. these are some of my visual and taste observations...
Fun fact: did you know that the different facial expressions aren't at all random? They are used as means for the staff to differentiate the pie fillings hidden within. The 'o' for Thai chicken curry, 'v' for the vegetarian Tandoori, 'p' for the chicken and peppercorn as well as 'S' for the Chunky steak pie... What a brilliant idea!
After a taste test, I had my strict favourites. The Chicken and Mushroom Pie ($4.90 for the large, $3.00 for the mini) was a comforting creamy mixture of tender chicken breast, mushrooms and garlic. Almost like the old school chicken ala king stuffed in a golden pouch. Not to be missed is the Thai Chicken Curry Pie ($4.90 for large, $3.00 for mini), an Asian inspired pie which carries the heady aroma of coconut milk. Despite the Chunky Steak Pie ($5.20) 's claim to be the crown jewel in Pie Face's array, this pie had some major shortfalls especially dealing with the tenderness of the beef chunks that turned out a bit stringy from the braising process.
On a separate note, Pie Face does serve up some pretty good coffee, with a solid management of frothing technique sans the fancy latte artwork. But if you're going to order a takeaway, it doesn't really matter either way. Prices for coffee start from $4.00.
And if in the case you aren't a big pie fan, fret not, the chain does offer other alternatives to curb the munchies. The Almond stick and Cheese stick ($1.90 each) are pulse quickening treats that blend the likes of crispy golden puff pastry with a mish-mash of sweet and savoury fillings, almond creme in the former and a gooey cheese in the latter. Yes, admittedly these two can cause quite an oil slick in the bags, but despite the artery clogging implications behind them, it disappears all too quickly.
There are also 8 Sweet Pies ($3.30 each), with flavors ranging from butterscotch to apple crumble to my all time favourite pecan pie! These little monsters seek to entice the youngsters with their colourful hues, however, take heed that the sugar content can be a tad preposterous; so unless you have a high tolerance for sweets, avoid these.
Pie Face
313@Somerset
#B3-10
S(238895)
Bugis Village
249 Victoria Street
S(188034)
Operating Hours:
10am - 10pm
Oriole cafe: Down the Slippery Slope
Labels:
american,
burgers,
cafe,
coffee,
fried chicken,
orchard,
somerset,
waffles,
will not return
·
I used to say good things about the simple cafe fare at Oriole Cafe. But apparently with the passing of time, standards have slipped so far beyond rescue that I probably would not recommend nor be going back there anytime soon for a meal. The picturesque Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Waffles ($26) was a real disappointment. Gracefully composed, yet so lacking in substance, with deep fried chicken pieces that resemble Japanese kaarage out from a frozen bag and Bourbon syrup which tasted more like cheap honey than its declared maple origins. The coleslaw was half decent albeit for a lack of seasoning. Definitely a dish you wouldn't be able to work through despite a ravenous appetite (tested and proven by the partner who nudged away his plate after consuming less than half the dish). Ouch.
My Oriole Burger ($25) was a slightly more peachy affair featuring a 100% US Angus beef patty. cheddar cheese, lettuce , tomato and onion. A hearty meal with mainstream appeal but will one that disappoints the hardcore burger fans. The beef patty had a queer stringiness to its texture and the sesame bun could have used a little tender loving care with a spot of butter to crisp up its edges. Not a burger I'll return to if the cravings arise.
It is obvious that Oriole's priorities have deviated off tangent from its glorious days where quality food was the pride and joy of the cafe along with its star-studded cast of baristas with their fancy coffee art work. It's weakness made clearly evident by the barrage of menu specials put in place.
Oriole Cafe
96 Somerset Road
S(238163)
t: 6238 8348
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