Showing posts with label the entertainer app. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the entertainer app. Show all posts
Entertainer App 2016: Food Trail + Promo Code
I'm a huge advocate of The Entertainer App. After raking up $700 plus in savings in the past year whilst happily satisfying the tummy with yummy nosh, I can't help but laud praises for the handy app that promotes 1-1 deals at several establishments spotting the island. Aside from the mandatory F&B merchants (after all, we know Singaporeans can sniff out a good food bargain from a mile away), the entertainer app boosts several other premium lifestyle choices that will luxuriate your life.
Recently I've had the privilege of participating in a tour of some great merchants situated along the Duxton region along with the company of like-minded foodies.
Nassim Hill: when the lights go down.
Labels:
affordable,
big groups,
botanic gardens,
dinner,
family friendly,
hidden finds,
may return,
orchard,
the entertainer app
·
 |
| Mussels |
With nightfall, lights are dimmed and the normally breezy cafe assumes a more seductive image. In sync with its intimate vibes are the elaborate dishes like the Market Fresh Mussels ($25) for example. Feisty with a hint of Chili, live French Bouchoty mussels are first cooked with white wine, sriracha butter, cilantro and garlic till its wilful lips are pried open, allowing for the salacious aromatic juices to pour into its folds. Tuck into this dish with a good hunk of baguette to soak up the ambrosial liquids at the bottom of the bowl, trust me, this was one of the rare moments that I actually looked forward to a soggy loaf of bread.
A for Arbite: the abc of things
Labels:
affordable,
all-day-breakfast,
big groups,
bistro,
brunch,
burgers,
cafe,
coffee,
family friendly,
pasta,
the entertainer app
·
Founded by the budding talents of three secondary school buddies, A for Arbite is the projectile of these youngsters vision. After a successful venture with Arbite at Serangoon Gardens, the trio opened a new branch in Aliwal Arts Center medialized under the 'back-to-school' theme with primary colours splashed boldly across the room and wall to wall chalkboards to radiate that feel.
Determined to slake my hunger for my first drop of caffeine that day, I ordered my regular Cappuccino ($4.50), beans are from Tiong Hoe Speciality Coffee - the result, a well balanced, smooth and robust coffee with a kick of cocoa notes at the end. A for Arbite had started the pleasantries rolling.
Senso: Sunday Prosecco Brunch
Senso Ristorante and Bar has got a special place in my heart (and tummy). Recollections from a somewhat suggestive first 'business lunch' with the current boyfriend (read more about it here) float as thick as smog around our window seats which were sadly occupied by another eccentric couple. To celebrate our monthsary, we turned to the trusty folks at Senso for a good time, armed with our Entertainer apps, we were ready to rock out the Sunday Prosecco Brunch in style and reckless abandon. Working in the F&B industry, day-offs are rare and that explains our 'go big or go home' attitudes.
Priced at just 98++ with free flow of Prosecco, wines, beer, soft drinks, coffee and tea, it sounds like a steal, but truth be told, it gets better! Think a buffet of starters, Cause nobody does cold cuts better than the Italian!; fresh Italian breads, a galore of cheeses, salami, parma, prosciutto, smoked salmon, oysters. Tuck into a bowlful of the freshest prawns and revel in the crystal sweetness of these babies.
Skyve Wine Bistro & Bar: Hidden Gem
Labels:
beer,
dinner,
hidden finds,
lunch,
must go,
newton,
pubfood,
special occasion,
the entertainer app
·
Skyve wine bistro & bar was my destination choice for dinner after being arrowed the mammoth task of choosing a venue for our long awaited family gathering. With the rather lacklustre District 10 taking tenancy of the same spot before Skyve, I made the mental preparation to face the mediocrity of the food I was about to dig into, as if in sync with the mundane and somewhat accusational talk from the parents.
Skyve Wine Bar & Bistro sports a rather cliched look, low sofa seats strewed across the dimly lit room highlighted by incandescent spot lights that puncture the cold muted air. Pardon my antagonism, but conversations with the apprehensive mother just leaves me in shambles.
Cocotte: Snail-paced Rustic French in Little India
Labels:
ala carte,
dinner,
family friendly,
farrer park,
hidden finds,
little india,
lunch,
must go,
roast,
setlunch,
the entertainer app
·
I was greeted with the puffy-faced, glossy eyed stare of a man who had just spent the last 5 minutes of his time trapped in a bathroom, the tussle for life taking a toil on his ruptured oesophagus. The culprit to his misery, a measly fish bone that had somehow weaselled its way into his food and lodged itself deep in there. I looked on helplessly and dragged my fork through the mustard sauce, pausing to pass a comment in a bid to shed some calming effect. (Don't judge, I eat when I'm stressed *sheepish grin*).
After chewing on a slippery banana (offered so kindly by the worrisome staff) and several gulps of water later, the worse had come to pass and my partner resumed eating at a frenetic pace, an action spurred on by the tardiness of the food. Our orders of seabass and roast pork collar taking a solid 45 minutes after ordering to arrive at the table. Was it worth the wait you might ask?
[The Entertainer App GIVEAWAY] Pappasan: Watermelon Sangria
If you're a big fan of the Entertainer App, we've got good news for you! The 2015 version will soon be launched in Mid November and as a sneak preview, we got to sample some of the offerings from PappaSan, one of the new merchants to be featured in Entertainer Singapore 2015.
For those of you are unaware of the lucrative savings and scrumptious deals associated with the app, I implore you to look at some of my personal dining experiences at the following merchants, The Roundhouse, Fat Cow, and Chez Petit Salut. But to cut to the chase, The Entertainer Singapore gives subscribers access to all 770+ '1-for-1' offers to some of Singapore's hottest restaurants, nightspots, informal dining spaces, spas, activities, attractions and more. With 3 vouchers per merchant, you can pay a visit to your favourite listings more than once! Evidence of my loyalty to the app can be seen in the figures below. Yes, cause numbers don't lie!
To kick start the evening, there were Watermelon Sangria shots in a watermelon, I refuse to approve the term 'shots', instead using a pint size glass to store the luscious liquids. The decapitated melons lining the decked out tables, held a mixture of fruit cocktail and wine infused juice; a sip of this will certainly get the party going. This was an introduction to the new Watermelon Sangria Tapas Fiesta (a package worth 98++ for 2 pax and starting at 438++ for a party of 10 and above); the deal includes five delicious small-plate special hot tapas to aid the festive alcohol ingestion. Certainly worth checking out if you're accompanied by a rowdy bunch and want to be spared the agonising wait between drinks for everyone to decide on their food orders.
The Succulent Beef Tenderloin Skewers behaved true to description, juicy cubes of tenderloin soaked to the core with a herbaceous marinade and then licked by hot flames on all sides. The char grilled marks, a good contrast to the slight sweetness resulting from the beef's luxurious bath.
If you like your garlic, turn your sights to the Prawns with Tomato and Italian Gremolata, the sauteed fresh prawns cooked to bouncy perfection, the aromatic gremolata giving the prawns a flavor edge and the cliched topping of parsley lending a hand to the dish's profile. I should have stuck it out and piled my plate high with these firecrackers, just 4 of these left my tummy hankering for more.
Lemongrass Chicken Wings adds to the pageantry of the spread with it's deep fried factor. Pity that these were just a tad overcooked and under seasoned; the golden crusted poultry crying out for the aid of a creamy dip to salvage it's forlorn state.
Another dish whose looks presides it's actual taste was the Crusted Chicken Rice Balls, as much as the concept is novel, the deep fried panko crusted mounds of chicken rice enveloped dry and tough bits of chicken.
Dinner continues with a bit of theatrics, the Mullets are wheeled out. Covered in a mountain of salt and set ablaze with brandy. Touted as the Snow Mountain Baked Fish ($48), this age old Italian technique of cooking fish with a heavy crust of salt guarantees a moist and perfectly seasoned fish almost all the time. Unfortunately, what we received must have been the oddment of this promise, the fish lacking in seasoning and dry despite the Chef's conscious effort to stuff it with garlic, onion, ginger, chilli and lemongrass.
The rock 'n' roll concert continues with the Whole Roasted Crispy Suckling Pig ($268, available only on pre-order). As tradition calls for it, as testiment to the pig's crispness, two lucky diners had the privilege of chopping the baby pig up with the edge of a regular dinner plate. The brashness of each move coupled with the gentle crackling of bones like music to my ears. The experience unfolds in waves of gustatory pleasure, the flesh of the pig, gelatinous,succulent and sapid from the liberal use of Portuguese special herbs. Pry open the hungry lips of a fried mantou and fill it with the likes of coleslaw, pork crackling and suckling pig dipped in a fiery sweet, chilli padi flecked dark soy mixture and you've got a winning formula. My only gripe would be that the glass-like wafer thin skin could have used a tad more salt to enhance it's flavor. But other than that, this dish indulged me and all my food fetishes.
The final flourish to the meal was the stereotypical chocolate lava cake, the twist lying in rather unorthodox brandishing of orange caramel sauce and cubes of mango. A sweet move to tighten the deal.
PappaSan is just one of the new merchants to be joining the entourage of The Entertainer App's 2015 versions and I, for one, am eagerly anticipating the exciting line-up for participating merchants to be revealed soon.
For now, I will be hosting a {GIVEAWAY} - 10 of my lucky readers will be given the Entertainer Singapore 2014 Mobile product for FREE!!! However, this will expire on Dec 31, 2014, but with all the upcoming festivities approaching, perhaps the app will come in useful, especially if hosting larger group gatherings. Imagine all the savings you could acquire!
To enter, all you have to do is
- Follow me on instagram at @fundamentally_flawed, find the picture of the suckling pig and give me shoutout!
- Comment on this blogpost telling me which restaurant/cafe you would love to see registered on the new merchants listing on The Entertainer 2015 app. Make sure to leave your name and email address to qualify as well.
- 'Like' the Entertainer Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/
TheEntertainerFB)
Please note that this contest ends on the 16th Novemeber, so quickly get to it!
PappaSan
01-01, 333 New Bridge Road
S(088765)
t: 8188 7189
Opening Hours:
daily 6 30am - 10 30pm
Saha Signature Indian Restaurant & Bar: Did someone say Currytini?
Modern Indian restaurant, Saha cuts somewhat of a posh figure among it's equally spiffy neighbours of Duxton Hill residents. The concept of regional Indian cuisine presented with global contemporary aesthetics pulls back on the usual ghee-rich dishes and gives diners a feel of traditional Indian flavors without the usual sickening feel of extreme gluttony at the end of the meal. Behind Saha's innovative menu is award-winning Chef Abhijit Saha who has fastidiously spread his modern Indian influenced notions across the board, from opulent dishes such as Kerala Vegetable Stew Espuma and Kasoor Methi Seared Foie Gras to his avant garde Indian inspired mixology; the 22 seater al fresco Terrace bar rolling out signature cocktails such as the Cryo Pomegranate Margarita; the man has got it all covered.
We kicked off the night of tastings at the classy and cool Terrace bar, cocktails leading to way, served to us by the fun and flamboyant staff who proudly stood behind the restaurant's offerings. For me, nothing speaks louder about a restaurant's quality than the vote of confidence from its staff. Period.
The Indian Mojito, a blend of Old Monk supreme rum, mint, lime, demerara sugar and soda, was quaffable but not exceptional; the insertion of the word 'Indian' raising expectations but the drink failed to authenticate its' ethnicity. The Cryo Pomegranate Margarita, on the other hand was a cocktail that I happily scoffed down, to the horror of my diminishing memory and friendly neighbours, who subsequently shyed away due to the exponential growth of my conversational volumes as the night rolled on. Here, Don Fulano bianco tequila meets cointreau, pomegranate juice and liquer; then fresh lime juice goes the extra mile in refreshing the mix while liquid nitrogen contributes to the theatrics. This stole my heart and cobbled my stomach the very next day.
Assorted nibbled such as assorted Papad, baked samosa triangles and Khasta Roti Tacos paraded the room whilst we were nursing our drinks; much to the delight of our alcohol induced munchies. The Baked Samosa Triangles ($14) were an excellent representation of vegetarian food in Indian cuisine. Here, thin flaky filo pastry holds a mound of boiled potatoes, cashew and green pea filling, seasoned to the T and the triangular parcels dangling precariously over a shallow pool of chutney foam. Extremely addictive and I probably indulged in one too many.
Other vegeterian options include the Khasta Roti Tacos ($16) a masterful canape showcasing some unique techniques. Here, Amritsari chickpeas tops a crisp toasted roti base, the avocado salsa adding color and creaminess to its entirety while the sour cream provides tart and tangy flavors to complement the heat of the one-bite snack. Equally note-worthy is the Pashmina Chicken Supreme Kebab ($28), perfectly succulent morsels of chicken teeming of the strong flavors of mace and cardamon, a dollop of pistachio saffron sauce further enhancing it's masculine flavors. We continued to pad our stomachs at the bar with Prawn Milagu Roast ($30), this dish comes highly recommended. it's traditional base notes of crushed black pepper, onion, tomato and curry leaves heightened by the meatiness of the cooked prawns. By far, the star player of the line-up that night.
Saha Signature Indian Restaurant & Bar is definitely on top of its' game with sultry Indian ethnic foods served up in non-traditional ways. With the success of it's speciality cocktail menu pulling its weight, Saha has the potential to become a drinking hole for fashionistas and office workers seeking to chow down on something a little different.
A major thanks to the lovely folks from the Entertainer for the invite.
Do note that for a limited time only (till the end of September!), The Entertainer members are entitled to 2-for-2 tapas deals when the voucher for Saha Bar is used. If you don't already have the Entertainer app, I implore you to please explore the wallet friendly option of first getting the Entertainer Singapore One Month Mobile product priced at just SGD $19 with my unique promo code @fundamentallyflawed . Visit https://www.theentertainerme.com/trysgfor19/ to download the application and start your savings now!
Saha Signature Indian Restaurant & Bar
9A Duxton Hill (2nd floor)
Singapore 089593
w: www.saha.sg
t: +65 6223 7321
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm; 6pm-11pm
Sunday: Closed
Fat Cow: Leaves a bad taste in my mouth
Labels:
ala carte,
beef,
lunch,
special occasion,
the entertainer app
·
Leave it in the hands of the experts of course.
Over at the Fat Cow, located aptly at the Camden Medical Center (in the case of heavy heart palpitations caused from gluttony); the Zen-like surroundings prepares one for the thrill of the cuisine at hand. The atmosphere is mildly cold and a tad intimidating for most, so, warm up with a cup of hot green tea or some well acquainted company is advised too.
The Donabemeshi ($68) is a pulse quickening dish of Wagyu beef grilled over charcoal and finished in a claypot of baked rice with onsen egg and house-seasoned shoyu. For those that relish in a good slice of claypot rice action, this my friends is a Rolls Royce version. The deliciously rich and salty wagyu breaking down at the slightest touch, it's delicate marbling combined with a gingerly sweetened basting sauce is a joy to eat with the plump Japanese rice. The grains of charred rice at the bottom providing a pleasing textural contrast to the conjugal bliss of melt-n-your mouth goodness.
My 45 Dry Aged Sirloin from Rangers Valley ($68) was a sight to behold when it was portioned out by the craftsman right before my eyes. My heart pleading with him to stop as he shaved the steak till it sat with prim precision on the flat board. I'm not fussed. The cooking was long tedious affair, the thickness of the steak warranting a longer time on the Teppen, it's blistering heat building a distinctive crust. All went downhill as the Chef took the paddle to the metal with a deft slicing motion almost immediately after the steak came off the grill. The lack of resting time meant the muscle fibres haven't had time to relax and retain its juices, resulting in a deluge of juices flooding the plate. Outrageous... this is no way to treat a 400 day grain fed wagyu. I ate with grim face, the less than succulent meat leaving a bad taste in my mouth. Call me a snob but I believe that some respect is called for in such situations.
Word of advice, make your reservations before hand to avoid being disappointed. The Fat Cow sees a very busy lunch crowd so do take heed.
Fat Cow
#01-01
Camden Medical Centre
1 Orchard Boulevard
Website: http://www.fat-cow.com.sg
The Pelican: Nothing like the fireworks that once were
Labels:
beef,
may not return,
onefullerton,
pasta,
seafood,
special occasion,
the entertainer app,
waterfront
·
My previous dining experience at The Pelican had showcased a history of epicurean highlights; unfolding in waves of gustatory pleasures, followed by a extended night capping period that fed my demons.
In this ill-fated episode however, the same dishes did not deliver the same 'wow-factor' it did on the first occasion.
Held in conjunction with the Entertainer , the event at The Pelican entitled us to use our 1-for-1 main course deal. For those of you who have the app or are mulling over the choice (please spare your brain cells and GET IT ALREADY!); you'll be pleased to know that the Entertainer members are entitled to unlimited 1-for-1 Belvedere cocktails when a voucher for a main course is used! Given the Pelican's heftier price tags, the definitely appeals to the penny-pincher side of me. That being said, the award-winning waterfront views makes it worth splashing out at least once in your life.
The Double Atlantic linguine and Clams ($58) garlic, chili flakes and white wine is your pretty generic aglio olio on steroids with a gob smacking amount of clams thrown into the mix. Certainly worth the money if you ask me.
The Ribeye Cap Steak with mashed baked potato ($58) built up a flutter of anticipation with my heavy recommendations from our previous excursion... sad to say, the dish came out looking a little sparse. Beautifully crusted and deftly executed in terms of the doneness, the linchpin on the platter was perfect throughout; however, what disappointed was the smear of mashed baked potato that had acquired a rather parched consistency on its surface. The dish cried out for a bit of jus or reduction to elevate it to higher eminence.
My Skate Wing Chop with burnt lemon butter ($36) was cooked with faultless timing as well but threw my taste buds into panic mode with the heavy hand of salt grains tossed over the delicate white cartilaginous fish. Burnt lemon butter punctuated with salty capers jazzed up the rich flesh and it all made for a terrific dish if it hadn't been for the salt over dosage situation.
With The Pelican's idyllic waterfront settings, for sure, there will be plenty of tourists, but you'll also be rewarded with delightfully cliched but authentic slice of Singapore life alongside the office workers taking chill pills after a stressful day at work. Sit out on the high tables along the outdoor terrace to enjoy the brilliant views and knock back a drink or two.
For my readers: Purchase the Entertainer Singapore One Month Mobile priced at just S$19 if you use my unique promotional code 'fundamentally'. Click here to be redirected!
If you're still unconvinced, check out my other dining experiences using the Entertainer app!
The Pelican Seafood Bar and Grill
1 Fullerton Road
#01-01
One Fullerton
T: 6438 0400
Website: http://thepelican.com.sg/
Chez Petit Salut: French fare without breaking the bank
Labels:
bistro,
chip bee gardens,
dinner,
duck confit,
french,
holland village,
lamb shank,
the entertainer app
·
Chip Bee Gardens has seen a revival with the installation of the Holland Village MRT station and the 'big-bang' like pop-up of Sunday Folks along the usually quiet stretch. With that comes accompanied a whole slew of new worries mostly shrouding parking issues.
Not new to the once sleepy neighborhood is Chez Petit Salut, a sister outlet to the more showy Au Petit Salut; here, the style is casual French bistro with hearty traditional French classics ringed in by a respectable wine list. Decor is kept simple, rustic, with an air of nostalgia of the French romanticism period. It's the kind of restaurant where it is possible to go for both lunch and dinner on a single day, a restaurant where waitresses race through the dining halls with four identical bowls of duck confit.
To start off the meal, we had the Oven Baked Portobello Mushroom with melted Camembert cheese and baby spinach ($16) and the Half dozen baked Burgundy snails, tomato fondue & garlic butter ($16). The former (pictured right above) greeted the table; and we wished that the chef had made a mistake with only a measly mushroom to share round the table. Perhaps the mushroom had been a blooming onion before it's brief stint in the oven, but that doesn't warrant such a sad serving. The latter was apparently very well received by the other end of the table. Never got to taste it but I must say that generous slathering of herbed butter definitely whet my appetite.
Some of the main courses that graced the table that night were the Braised Lamb Shank ($38) served 'a la Provencale' in tomato accompanied with root vegetables. This unfortunately never quite surpassed the works of the master, the fork tender protein lacking in personality, but it was good enough to be a contender in any serious discussion of Singapore's lamb shanks.
My Crispy Duck leg confit, sauteed potatoes, streaky bacon and mesclun ($32) was superb, a golden crusty exterior heightened by the showering of fried shallots; all this yielding with the quick prod of the knife to reveal impossibly rich and succulent flesh with the subtle hints of garlic. The sauteed potatoes however were the black sheep of the plate, marring a perfect dish with its slightly undercooked hearts.
There's also the more delicate offering of Oven baked fillet of black cod with ratatouille ($32) should you be seeking a lighter option.
Chez Petit Salut doesn't fall under the fashionable category for today's food mavern, but it for sure, serves up good honest French bistro food that has accumulated a close following over the years. Good for a romantic night out sans the razzle dazzle or an intimte gathering with friends and loved ones.
Chez Petit Salut
44 Jalan Merah Saga
#01-54 Singapore (278116)
Tel: 6474 788
Closed on Sundays
Website: http://www.chezpetitsalut.com/
Roosevelt's Diner & Bar: Harvest my Heart
Labels:
american,
burgers,
family friendly,
fried chicken,
hidden finds,
outram,
the entertainer app,
waffles
·
Housed in the lobby of Dorsett Residences just parked outside the maze of entrances to Outram MRT station is Roosevelts diner and bar. Many would turn a blind eye to its transparent glass window facade and trudge down towards the more rambunctious Keong Saik Street in search of grub.
But who would know that Roosevelt's is home to one of my favourite burgers in town? Sshh.. let's keep that a secret between you and I alright?
Inside, the feeling is almost "ironic suburban" , expansive family tables with odd fashioned light bulbs dangling overhead, a table top of severely outdated magazines is given the death stares by the illustrious bathroom from across the hallway, pimped up by its fashionable array of luxe lotions and hand creams.
Our first visit was strictly a burger run, to mollify those crummy emotional out bursts. I had the Teddy's 100% US Beef Burger ($22) whilst S zoned in on the Mushroom Cheddar Burger ($22). At Roosevelts', the burger is kept simple, with just smears of mayo on the pillowy soft brioche buns that don't crowd your palate with an exuberance of flavor, allowing the story of the beef patty to be told in full glory; with its doneness cooked to order (plus points immediately!), it constituted an explosion of natural sweet beefy juices when you chomp down. It's architecture was slightly compromised by the inclusion of onions in the patty, but the overall flavors received a major boosting with that poignant addition. The Mushroom Cheddar burger made its appearance, fashioned with all manner of good things (especially those tender and delightfully seasoned mushrooms) and naturally went down with no complaints at the other end of the table. The fries are the only debacle in this fairytale, not that they were nasty or cold or anything drastically negative; they were just.. uninspired.
Revisits occurred a few day afters when I started feeling the burger cravings creeping up on me again. That's when the cracks started to appear.
We fell in love with the Southern Fried Chicken ($18), the gorgeously sun-kissed crispy skinned chicken exposing flavorful and extremely tender plump flesh below. Benefits of day long soaks in buttermilk before taking to the fryers paying off immensely. The multitude of spices used in the coating unravelling gradually with every bite.
That was done. The rest of the dinner presented a plethora of disappointments. Starting with the burgers. Point to note is that if you plan to eliminate diners' choice to select the doneness of the patty then you had better ensure consistency all around. That can't be said about my experience that night whereby 3 of the burgers at the table emerged in different shades. An over zealously grilled patty set our friend to work, sadly picking around the dried beef.
This insipidity extrapolated itself to our dessert, the Churros Waflles ($12) with cinnamon sugar, butter and mocha sauce on side, which was a let down by a tell-tale low grade ice cream threatening to abrade our tongues with the shards of ice crystals within its false creamy innards.
Roosevelts started on an amazing foot with its inspired rift on the ubiquitous burger and crested in an uneven showing of the same dish a few days after. I find it hard to believe the discrepancies involved and despite having my heart broken the same time around, I promise I"ll be back to indulge in the burgers very soon.
Roosevelt's Diner & Bar
331 New Bridge Road
#01-02 Dorsett Residences
Singapore 088764
Website: http://roosevelts.com.sg/
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