Showing posts with label steak. Show all posts
Showing posts with label steak. Show all posts
Otto's Deli Fresh: Premium steaks to be washed down with fine wines
Labels:
circle line,
cold cuts,
hidden finds,
holland village,
meatlovers,
might return,
restaurants,
steak,
waffles
·
Otto's Deli Fresh is an all-day restaurant inspired by the vision of Chef Otto Weibel, who has won multiple awards in International cooking competitions and has had vast experience working in various prestigious hotels.
This time around, Chef Otto has taken to introducing a whole new range of premium steaks at head-turning attractive prices. All done to perfection to please the discerning palates of meat-lovers.
Did it make the cut though? Read on to find out.
Morton's of Chicago unveils new Spring menu
Labels:
date night,
expensive,
hotel,
mandarin oriental,
special occasion,
steak,
wines
·
It's old school extravaganza at Morton's of Chicago, the moment you walk through those doors its drab carpeted floors, heavy red velvet curtain partitions and conservative hard-backed chairs. Honestly, it can be interpreted two ways by different schools of thought - stale and conservative or nostalgic, old-school steakhouse. This one is going to make many people, very cross, but to be honest, I, unfortunately was not too taken by the dated decor. The tired staff, trained to the same mundane standards of cruise ship waiters, adding to the sense of 'tradition'.
Fat Belly - Affordable luxuries at this speakeasy steakhouse
Labels:
affordable,
botanic gardens,
date night,
intimate,
restaurants,
serene center,
steak,
wines
·
Not all steakhouses are created equal. Some come with the added luxuries of Japanese pure-bred wagyu and the accompanying bill that one would describe to be a 'highway robbery', and then some like Fat Belly, offer up standard, comforting steaks (usually secondary cuts) at affordable prices. Located in Serene Center, the 'speakeasy' steakhouse takes shape only at dusk when the spotlight is shifted from the gleaming ice cream case that houses the goodies for Sugarhaus, to the glowing embers of the binchotan.
[Hot off the Press]: Ash & Elm presents Michelin-starred Beefbar (HK) for 2 nights only
Labels:
6 hands,
bugis,
date night,
guest chef,
hong kong,
hotel,
intercontinental hotel,
michelin starred,
steak
·
Three Chefs, Two Nights, One Michelin Star.
Here, the aim of the game is all in the name of guest restaurant, Beefbar from Hong Kong - get beefed up - with the restaurant's most iconic dishes alongside InterContinental Singapore's Executive Sous Chef Philippe Duc and Pastry Chef Ben Goh's sublime culinary efforts. In a collaboration with Fine Dining Lovers by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, the collaboration dinner will take place over two nights on the 1 and 2 June 2018.
The luxurious and elegant settings of Ash and Elm add to the sense of trendiness that the Beefbar conveys. Kick off the 5-course meal with the Amberjack Carpaccio, dressed with a vibrant wasabi dressing and sprigs of coriander cress and then graduate to Beefbar's Signature Beef Tartare "bistro style". You can't be so sure if the whole thing is deadly ironic or self explanatory. The mince on its own is brilliant, highlighting the freshness of the produce; sadly, this is topped with a dollop of cream that has a taste profile akin to thousand island dressing with bits and bobs of roughly chopped onions and pickles haphazardly folded through. Really, just stop it.
The next dish, the Pan Seared Hokkaido Scallops is ribbons of the same mediocrity. I yearned for a blistered crust but was greeted with a luke warm puck sporting a patchy seared exterior. The coloured florets of cauliflower pulled its weight in exciting the diner visually and the brown butter sauce while contributing to a slight textural contrast, was wildly normal.
Meatlovers will revel in the next course which offers up a half-portion selection of American prime Black Angus Tenderloin with Australian wagyu-crossbred striploin. This is served with velvety mashed potato, all ready to catch the drippings of those precious cuts from both ends. I do prefer the striploin, the marbling derived from its wagyu bloodline resulting in a tender cut that's full on flavour. Both slabs could have used a ton more seasoning before hitting the grill and temperatures were a bit spotty, but I supposed these are issues that can be rectified by Chef Andrea Spagoni, with more time spent in the visiting kitchen that is.
Revel instead in dessert, presented by award-winning Pastry Chef Ben Goh. Rouge as blatantly spelt on the menu is a a play on the colour red - almost as beautiful to look at, or photograph, as to eat. Hidden underneath a bunker of raspberry tuile is a rich chocolate crémeux made with Valrhona's single origin 68% cuvee Bali chocolate piped atop a chocolate biscuite, this is flanked by vanilla meringue, a quenelle of yuzu yoghurt sherbet, strawberry compote and a spectacular shard of dehydrated raspberry agar. It was so exceptional that I was tempted to sneak an additional order of chocolate crémeux. But I didn't.
The five course collaborative menu will be available at Ash and Elm on 1 and 2 June 2018, 6 00pm to 10 30pm at S$128++ per guest with a wine pairing option available at an additional S$88++ per guest. For reservations, please visit AshandElm.sgashandelm.sg or email sinhb.ashandelm@ihg.com or drop them a call at +65 6825 1008.
Ash and Elm
80 Middle Road
Level 1
InterContinental Singapore
Reservations: CHOPE
Enjoy 20% off this 6-Hands menu when you book through the app. Use the promo code "20OFF"<20off> when making your reservation to enjoy the promotion.
The Pelican Seafood Bar and Grill conquers both land and sea
Labels:
american,
burgers,
desserts,
family friendly,
fusion,
restaurants,
seafood,
special occasion,
steak,
surf and turf,
waterfront,
will return
·
Letting off a sigh that signalled both contentment and resignation, this was me, right after I had taken a first bite of my burger at The Pelican. The bay front restaurant has been around for what seems like ages now, its menu recently making transition from being full fledged seafood focused to featuring a pleasant interweave of surf and turf. The list reads easy and offers nothing out of the ordinary as far as your regular mid-tier restaurant would go - however, what lies simmering below the seemingly tranquil surface is a conglomerate of stellar staples. Hear me out.
[Weekend Pick]: Butcher Boy for late night munchies and Sunday therapy
Labels:
burgers,
cocktails,
fusion,
keong saik,
large groups,
late night eats,
modern,
must go,
restaurants,
steak,
sunday brunch,
supper,
will return
·
On first glance, Butcher Boy comes across as just another one of the bar-touting restaurants flashing a modernistic approach on Asian cuisine in the hope of enticing the ignorant tourist or expatriate. But on closer inspection, the joint boasts some amazing accolades, mostly with Andrew Walsh of Cure helming the finances and kitchen. Cure, having survived more than 2 years in the merciless Keong Saik neighbourhood, has proved its mettle; the informal diner is in good health and does a bustling trade with a spotlight placed on ever-changing menus dictated by seasonal goods.
Chef-owner Andrew Walsh has turned it up a notch in his second and newest venture, churning out grilled meat specialities with Asian sauces - think baos and buns, sharing plates and Asian centric cocktails - all inspired by his tasty adventures whilst traversing Asia. There's an immediate sense of ease and comfort, something metaphysical as you step into the low-light of the longish dining room. The high stool seatings and the tight tables encourage communal dining with a lofty chance of alcoholic tipples, the open bar making sure to fortify those thirsty needs. Staff are affable and not before long, a bottle of wine graces your groups table, and fret not, it is a perfectly plush spot to indulge in a tipple at mid-range prices.
Braseiro Restaurant: Steaks and the whole she-bang at just less than $20.
Labels:
advertorial,
affordable,
barbeque,
casual,
East Coast/ Joo Chiat,
family friendly,
large groups,
restaurants,
steak,
will return
·
Remember the steak article that I did a year back regarding 28 Juicy Steaks under $30? Truth is, I never really got round to trying all those on the list for fear of gout. However, a year has past and it has been my fortune to be able to continue the stake out, this time extending my footprint to the far east of the island.
As far as affordable steaks go, Braserio in Joo Chiat is up there with my personal favourites of The Betterfield and iSTEAKS. It takes little convincing to know that you've stumbled upon a bargain; one step into the establishment and the throngs of diners, large families with every member working their way through individual steaks with voracious appetites affirming the affordable yet luxurious deal.
Butcher's Kitchen @ Suntec City: More than Meats the Eye
Labels:
family friendly,
grilled meats,
pizza,
promenade,
restaurants,
steak,
sunteccity
·
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!
The Chophouse (Vivocity): where the Pork Chop reigns supreme.
Labels:
alfresco,
beer,
family friendly,
happy hour,
harborfront,
large groups,
must go,
pork chop,
restaurants,
steak,
wines
·
Drenched in natural light, open spaces and a gorgeous long table on the al-fresco patio, you can get a sense that communal dining is encouraged here. The notion of feasting, boosted by a plethora of meaty delights and impending gluttony, highly likely under such jovial circumstance. Casual and unpretentious, you might just want to get a pint of Paulaner Weisse ($11) to start, the generous folks at The Chophouse runs happy hour all day long, so that's definitely worth a mention.
Get started on the Fillet Mignon Salad ($17) only because you're probably gunning for the pork chop upon entrance yet still want to make a move on the beef, so here's your best bet for satiety on both protein fronts. Pan-fried fillet mignon, plump and red in the middle is plonked down on a cushy bed of argula, romanie lettuce, shredded fennel, baby spinach, roasted peppers and cherry tomatoes salad, dressed in a luscious coat of aioli to ensure you dive into your daily dose of greens. I would recommend you wash it down with a glass of their house-wine, the Malbec ($12) from Alamos, Argentina is a mild-mannered spiced up red that will kick-start the palate for what will eventually spiral into an afternoon of debauchery.
boCHINche Brunch: a home-run of bold Argentinian flavors
Labels:
amoy street,
argentinian,
brunch,
hidden finds,
intimate,
must go,
steak,
sunday brunch,
telok ayer,
will return
·
It's right before the break of dawn that I start to think about breakfast. Weekend brunch if you'd like to be specific. One that my mind drifts back to ever so often was my experience at boCHINche while it was still tucked away in the lush enclaves of Martin Road (read my experience here) - the classic Proveleta is a predictable order, oldie but gratifying nonetheless.
For those of you who don't already know, boCHINche had made a move to the dynamic precinct of Amoy street about half a year ago, sporting a more sleek and intimate outlook amidst several other changes. The weekend brunch menu, too seeing some revisions yet retaining some of the old classics. Take the Empanadas for example; days of the thick crusted 'curry pok' have changed and the pastry recipe has been swapped out for a flakier variant with a slight puff like consistency. Spinach, goat cheese, raisins and pine nuts ($6) is a product of those pre-dinner daydreams and is really good in my opinion leading up to the main brunch affair.
Otto's Deli Fresh: Wholesome bites in the heart of Holland Village
Labels:
affordable,
burgers,
casual,
circle line,
fusion,
holland village,
may return,
pulled pork,
steak,
waffles
·
I had my qualms about this place initially. It's rather peculiar positioning in Raffles @ Holland Village reinforced by second floor placement raising concerns about low footfall and visibility even if placed in the bustling neighbourhood. The newest labour of love, Otto's Deli Fresh by one of the most respected veterans in Singapore's Food and Beverage industry, Otto Weibel sets to present a curated food selection showcasing provenance and quality in a snugly familiar way. The all-day dining menu allowing customers to enjoy even the most illustrious of breakfast dishes late at night.
Dehesa: Meat-Lovers Nirvana
Labels:
beef,
hidden finds,
meatlovers,
restaurants,
special occasion,
steak,
will return
·
The past F1 weekend reached fever pitch in the city with each revving and screaming of tires. Similarly, a wave of primal craving rises with each juicy, succulent offering from Dehesa - home of the complete nose to tail experience, right down to the finish line.
Chef and owner Jean-Phillippe Patruno, one of the innovative forerunners of this culinary revolution in Singapore, commits his craft to whole animal usage in his alternative cut and offal delicacies. The price of which is kept very low at only $28++ per head, with each new lunch set menu primed for a quick yet deliciously sinful experience.
[GIVEAWAY] Food Trail with Quandoo: Singapore online reservation platform
Labels:
cocktails,
date night,
events,
food trail,
french,
fusion,
good eats around tanjong pagar,
steak,
tanjong pagar,
will go
·
There were drinks. Plenty of drinks. And for an instant, I was convinced that Quandoo was the best restaurant reservation platform there was. Not to sound cheap or anything, but let's do a recap of the food trail arranged by Quandoo and PR Bespoke; the fabulous foodie adventure unravelling in such halcyon fashion with a clear reflection of the various establishment's concept that you'll come to admire the curation of brands in Quandoo's care.
Quandoo, launched in Singapore in late 2014; now has a network of over 720 bookable restaurants and seated over 1.5 million diners over that course. Clearly remarkable for a business that has only been around the block for a while.
Dallas Restaurant & Bar: Suntec City Sky Garden edition
Labels:
dinner,
hidden finds,
large groups,
promenade,
ribs,
special occasion,
steak,
sunteccity,
will return
·
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.
District 10 Bar & Grill: Dry Aged Meat Nirvana
Labels:
cityhall,
desserts,
expensive,
special occasion,
steak,
sunteccity,
will return
·
'God, I could just live here,' I cooed in between fat-filled bites of the fiorentina steak. And it isn't just the plantation dark rum talking, it's easy to be charmed by the deadly smells of charred meat coming from the small window exposing the bustle and heat from the grill, adjustable by crank wheels; all that in between being smitten by the breezy chef Luca Pezzera, Co-owner and Executive chef of the Bonta Group who wields the larger-than-life cleavers with feign intimidation.
Situated at the ground floor lobby of the newly revamped Suntec City Tower 2, its hard to miss the dry-aged meat nirvana. The ominous highlight of the diner, clearly evident the moment you step onto establishment's grounds - the European meat showcase with massive displays of proteins and delectable cheese teasing your visual senses. Then, there's the dedicated chiller behind the bespoke butchers block filled with choice cuts, dry-aged in house that scream business. So, let's get down to the bottom of things, why does dry-aged meat encompass so much more luxury than usual? - that's because dry ageing allows for enzymes to break down connective tissues in the muscles which soften and tenderises meat; resulting in a higher concentration of natural flavors in the protein. This usually involves a slightly extravagant price tag, but its all worth while in my opinion.
The Alshaya Food Tour: Texas Road House; Overseas Weekend feasts with VITAGEN LESS SUGAR
Labels:
affordable,
american,
buffalo wings,
dubai,
family friendly,
hidden finds,
overseas,
steak,
will return
·
As some of you might know, I've recently ventured to the Middle East and back. In a research collaborative with the Alshaya Group, Dubai in a big to scrutinise a couple of major International food groups and assess it's viability in the South East Asian Market. You can read more about my unbiased verdicts here and here.
Sounds like a noble affair doesn't it? In actual fact, the non-stop whining and dining had tumultuous effects on the poor ole' tummy. Not to sound like an old prude, but efficient digestion has never been one of my strong suit. Thank goodness for VITAGEN LESS SUGAR that came to the rescue after four days of heavy feasting.
Lighthouse Bistro Bar: Quality restaurant fare at Affordable prices
Labels:
affordable,
desserts,
dinner,
family friendly,
fish&chips,
fusion,
lavender,
pasta,
seafood,
special occasion,
steak,
will return
·
If food is as good as I had tasted that night, then yes, you can be lighthouse any day.
Newly revamped Lighthouse Bistro Bar has received a new lease on life, done away with the hideous coats of orange and the cheap furniture and now focuses on serving up good food, good drinks and deeply wonderful service. It's mission is clear and concise, once you've scrolled down the extensive menu offering a hodgepodge of world dishes: to offer the freshest of seafood at bargain prices. After gawking and gasping at the price reveals, we had to put the food to the test.
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!
boCHINche: Meat you there!
Labels:
brunch,
cocktails,
desserts,
dinner,
hidden finds,
must go,
special occasion,
steak,
wines
·
Now if previous reviews are anything to go by, you would know Bochinche as an Argentinian restaurant that's popular for two things. Meat and sharing plates. I finally got the chance to check this place out in place of the poor ol' missus, who was stuck at work while I got to sample some of their new wares.
We started off with the Chilled Pea Soup, Shallots, Yoghurt and Chopped mint ($8). This is one of their new, healthier (#eatclean) menu offerings. Though it looks velvety smooth, there was a slight grainy bite to it which I felt gave it more character. The mint gave you a cool minty freshness as an aftertaste, just like smoking Marlboro menthol light cigs (I kid, it's way better and healthier than cigs). The shallot rings giving it a mild sweetness while the breadcrumbs added some crunch. Only way to make this dish better is to add ham in! Cos who doesn't love green pea and ham soup? RIGHT?!
Outback Steakhouse: Magic, Madness, Heaven, Sin
Labels:
ala carte,
alfresco,
american,
australian,
banana bread,
beer,
big groups,
buffalo wings,
circle line,
cityhall,
cocktails,
desserts,
family friendly,
ice-cream,
Milennia Walk,
nachos,
restaurants,
ribs,
salad,
steak
·
I can never say no to ribs. And seriously, looking at those peeking honeyed strands of tender meat percolating barbecued goodness, only a saint can resist (or can they?)
Dinner at Outback Steakhouse was an interesting experience since my previous exposure was in Sydney. Uprooting, might I add, since I had the misconception that Outback steakhouse as name stakes was an all Australian joint, NO, in fact, it's an Australian-themed American casual dining restaurant chain based in Tampa, Florida with over 1200 locations in 23 countries now. Pardon me for the large rock I've been hiding under...
So moving on, we started our feast with non other than the quintessential American pub grub classic, Buffalo wings dressed as Kookaburra Wings (half $9.90, full $14.90), chicken joints tossed in a savoury blend of spices and then fanned out around a well of creamy blue cheese dressing. If you appreciate a good chunky blue cheese dressing then this would be one not to miss. A quick dipping with the fresh celery sticks would satiate those with a penchant for sauces.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
