cravings and wanderlust

Meat Packing District, Bestway Building - High Low Burgers

2013-05-16T02:11:00.001+08:00

Meat Packing District

Meat Packing District is a little tricky to spot - you won't find a traditional signboard just yet - even the digital signage is kinda clandestine since there aren't really pictures for everything on the menu. The burger of the month poster (see picture above), which is pretty cool, really, is a case in point (although the poster starts making sense when you realise that Keith Tan, owner of the weeks-old gourmet burger joint, is also guitarist in local indie band, Obedient Wives Club). Then again, given Bestway kopitiam's modest dimensions, our hunt for the latest high food + low places aspirant wasn't exactly a daunting task. Plus, the whiffs of meat patties on the grill was a dead giveaway.

Cheese Burger, $7.90

Each burger at the Meat Packing District comes with a 120g meat patty sandwiched between artisan brioche buns from the bread project bakery, and a side of fries - which you could upgrade to truffle (+$2), curry (+$1) or garlic (+$1) if you like. Don't be fooled - the menu may seem limited, but the burgers are actually fully customizable - with a good selection of cheese (Gouda, Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Mozzarella cheese) and sauces (pizza, barbeque, salsa and guacamole) to suit everyone's tastebuds. The Cheese Burger I had far exceeded my expectations. The patty was moist and surprisingly tasty - you'd find that the cheese burger was served without any sauce - there really isn't a need for any when it's good cheese and beef you're chowing. Personally, I was really impressed with the fries too, which was done very well - crisp on the outside; piping hot and soft inside.

BBQ Pork Burger, $6.90

Even the BBQ pork burger, which I'd assumed was just one of those items on the menu hastily plonked in to cater to non-beef diners, was remarkably satisfying. The patty was really well marinated - you know that thought has gone into this baby. In fact, I don't think I've had a better pork burger than this (although it isn't exactly my life goal to test out all the pork burgers in the world, I'll be honest - got my hands full with beef burgers already).

The Fat Elvis Burger, $11

The star of the show, however, is the 'Fat Elvis' burger, which comes complete with banana tempura, bacon, and peanut butter. Oh yes, you read it right. How creative is this burger?! Sounds almost ridiculous, I know, but tastes incredible, I assure you, in a I-know-I-can't-eat-this-everyday-or-even-every-week-but-I-really-can't-forget-the-taste kinda way. I honestly never knew how fantastic fried bananas would taste alongside grilled beef patties smeared with peanut butter. The burgers here are not perfect (bacon here isn't crisp the way I like it), and with each patty cooked to order there is inevitably a bit of a wait (about 15 minutes) but I know I can't find you better burgers at this price point. Go try it for yourself!

Recommendations: Burgers!

Meat Packing District
#01-01 Bestway Building,
12 Prince Edward Road
Tel: 9383 2134
Website
Open: 10am - 6pm weekdays,
10am - 2pm (by reservation only) on Saturdays

9 Restaurants I'm Dying to Try - May 2013

2013-05-12T16:20:00.000+08:00

Esquina
[Spanish Tapas] Confession: I haven't been to Esquina. Yes, I know - how could I? It's a sin, really, with the menu designed by Jason Atherton sounding so great - sea urchin and crab bisque, slow-cooked egg with crispy iberico and beef tartare with frozen foie gras. Although what I'm really excited to try is their oysters and vietnamese dressing. Esquina's certainly a more sophisticated, world-wise cousin of Keong Saik Snacks (which I loved). They've also launched three-course lunch sets at $35, and a ten-course dinner tasting menu for $95 now so I'm completely out of excuses not to visit. - No Reservations

Foodbar Dada
[Spanish Tapas] It's the Josper-grill that has got me hooked (operates solely on charcoal and lauded by top chefs worldwide). And the food bar concept, which has developed into a bit of an irrational weakness (that's why you get two of these intimate spanish tapas bars in this post). I just love watching the chefs in action, sipping a mean drink, swinging my legs, and savouring the gourmet plates served to me à la minute. Their menu isn't extensive, but everything sounds great, albeit less inventive than Esquina. I'll be getting that Josper beef ($30), black mediterranean rice ($8), and Josper mini squid with eggs ($18) - Reservations, 67357738

Sur
[South American] I've lost count of the number of people who have raved to me about Sur. Everything down from their arepas (corn cakes) with a whole range of fillings such as shredded beef stew and gouda, to a fabulous selection of ceviches (citrus-marinated raw seafood) sounds completely delicious and intriguing. Plus, there's still a range of entradas (starters) and mains to pick, and from what I've heard, you won't want to give the drinks here a miss. I won't be skipping the desserts either, since it's chef Luna's speciality (former Executive Pastry Chef at MBS). Reservations, 62222897

Immigrants
[Singapore Gastrobar] The no-nonsense, daring and wickedly spicy food (lots of offal) playing up our local heritage that Immigrants prides itself for serving completely agrees with me. I'm truly itching to try their squid bombs ($14), chicken gizzards ($14) and seh bak ($18) (pork and offal braised 4 hours in spices and soy sauce). Plus, they serve up a whole array of drinks including draught beer (Asahi). - Reservations, 85117322

Pistola
[Asian-Mexican Takeout] I've always had a soft spot for tex-mex cuisine and the whole casual chic concept, so Pistola's a natural hit. Besides, they serve up frozen cocktails served from slushie machines - how does anyone say no to that? Truth is, I've tried dropping by a couple times but they were always so busy I 'chickened' out - perhaps I'll give it another shot for their new $15 meal deals? Available at lunch (Mon-Fri, 12-230pm) and happy hour (Mon-Sat, 5-7pm), with a choice of tacos, burrito, quesadilla and rice bowls plus a side or drink (yes you get to choose beer). Sounds like a no-brainer to me. No Reservations

The Disgruntled Chef
[Spanish Tapas] Ladies' night at the Disgruntled Chef is the best thing I've heard in a while - cocktails for just $8++ and complimentary canapés from 830-10pm! I'm working this into my calendar somewhere... The menu is a combination of small bites and shared plates - not quite enticed by everything but I'm pretty keen to try their baked bone marrow ($26) stuffed with braised oxtail.

The Market Grill
[American Grill] This one has got my attention simply because it serves a 500gm char-grilled whole lobster (flown in from Maine and Boston) for $45. The emphasis here is on fresh produce - steaks are never frozen, live lobsters are cooked to order - sounds fabulous. It's a grill house through and through - with steaks ($39-$150), lamb racks ($39) and even ox tongue ($36) on offer. Plus a whole array of burgers to choose from - I'm gunning the burger breakfast with sunny side up, bacon and aged cheddar ($21). - No Reservations

The Halia @ Raffles Hotel
[Asian-European] Halia's new outfit at Raffles Hotel is an incredibly chic space sporting black and white tiled walls and gorgeous plants. It's more relaxed than Halia at the Botanical Gardens, but equally beautiful. The menu is a few notches more interesting than your usual bistro, but it's their set lunch ($25) and brunch specials that are really drawing me in. Would be perfect for a date, wouldn't it? - Reservations, 96391148

Candlenut Kitchen
[Modern Peranakan] I never made it down to Candlenut Kitchen - thankfully they're re-opening next month in their brand new location at Dorsett Hotel, New Bridge Road. In fact, I don't have much experience with Peranakan food at all - it's almost a strange new universe to me - I can't wait to get started. Chef Malcolm Lee's Candlenut Kitchen, which boasts of modern methods to re-create classic Peranakan dishes, sounds like a good place to start. I know I'll be shooting for his crispy pork belly and ayam buah keluak (chicken with buah keluak nuts) when Candlenut Kitchen re-opens.

p.s. I'd love to hear out your recommendations!

320 Below Nitro Cream Café, Singapore - Fresh Ice-Cream

2013-05-10T23:59:00.000+08:00

I get a little skeptical about molecular gastronomy sometimes (when unnecessarily complicated methods are used to produce largely the same thing), so naturally the first thing that came to my mind at 320 Below was - why bother using liquid nitrogen to make ice-cream? I mean, I don't really mind that little bit of stabilizers and preservatives... But of course, I was proven wrong, as always.

The ice-cream wasn't just fresh, it literally tasted fresh. And pure. There is absolutely nothing standing in the way between the cream and your choice of flavours, so all you get is smooth, delicious and incredibly fresh-tasting ice-cream. I'm sold. Doesn't hurt that you get to see a bit of a show too, with your ice-cream being made right before your eyes. Flourishes like smoke are complimentary!

Banana, $4.50, Christmas Horlicks, $5.30

Since I was in a bananas for bananas phase, I had banana ice-cream, along with their most popular flavour - Christmas horlicks, essentially a mix of honeycomb bits and horlicks ice-cream. Both flavours were completely delicious. The honeycomb was light, crisp and not too sweet - quite irresistible, really. The colourful, cutesy decor wasn't exactly my thing, but at least I got to feel like a teenager all over again. I'll be back for more ice-cream!

320 Below (Nitrogen Cream Café)
#01-01 33 Mackenzie Road
Open: Sun - Thurs: 1pm to 10pm, Fri - Sat: 1pm to 11pm
Website

Alkaff Mansion Ristorante, Singapore - Bring on the Romance

2013-05-07T00:37:00.001+08:00

Alkaff Mansion Ristorante

Trendy dates to bistros, hip bars, and slick restaurants are all well and good, but sometimes, isn't a full-blown romantic dinner refreshing? Oh, the irony! It's a new age we live in. But if you're keen on bucking the trend, gentlemen, and reveal a little bit of that "softie" inside, there's probably no better place than Alkaff Mansion for your purpose.

Bread Basket, Lobster Bisque with Tarragon scent and orange, $24

The lush greenery surrounding the mansion is so calming it's easy to trick yourself into thinking you're much further away from the city than you really are. It's perfect. It must have been so much fun, all those opulent parties and excesses back in Alkaff Mansion's heyday. The Great Gatsby, anyone? Somehow, the Italian cuisine fits right in. Plus, you get grossini in the bread basket - never used to be a fan but these days I can't seem to get enough of them. And I never thought I'd be taken in by a $24 bowl of lobster bisque, but what do you know, it actually turned out to be among the best I've had - intricately balanced, not too pungent, almost a bit too thin, but redeemingly smooth and flavoursome.

Oven-baked Lamb Rack from England with Glazed Pearl Onion and Grain Mustard Sauce, $44

The meats we had were excellent. The baked lamb had gorgeous flavours, in a way that is only possible with lamb. You know what I'm saying, right? Takes a while to get acquired, but once you do, there is no meat more bold and none more seductive.

US Prime Beef Short Rib with Potatoes 'Charlotte' and Chestnuts Fondant, $42

The US Prime Beef Short Rib, too, was spot on. It was chargrilled to perfection, with all the juices still sealed within. Fully satisfying from the first bite to the last. Top 5 steak in my books (over the last year) that's for sure. Funny enough, I really wasn't expecting the food to be as gorgeous as the setting - such a sceptic, I know. Looks like beauty isn't always skin deep, folks!

Alkaff Mansion Ristorante
10 Telok Blangah Green
+65 6510 3068
Website

Oriole Coffee Roasters - Retro Hole-in-the-Wall

2013-05-01T23:06:00.002+08:00

Hole-in-the-wall shophouse

I think Oriole Coffee Roasters might just be the only specialty coffee joint in town not serving hardcore brunch (apart from Kiasu Espresso - but that's in the CBD i.e. not exactly my destination of choice on a weekend). SCORE. This is the place to go if you're looking for somewhere to unwind, or read a book quietly, with a cuppa balanced on one hand. Especially if you have no ardent wish whatsoever to jostle with the weekend brunch crowd.

Retro cups and utensils

The open concept kitchen is taken to a whole new level here, with nothing but a low, dark wood divider separating the kitchen from the dining area - you'll feel right at home. Cakes of the day in a glass dome are displayed next to retro cups and utensils on a long communal table where you sip your coffee, playing homage to the historic locale of the café. There's even the quintessential Singaporean breakfast of soft boiled eggs (given a slight twist with the eggs cooked at 63ºC) and kaya toast ($8) on the menu. Kind of cute, eh? At least for me, the blend of old/local and new never gets old.

coffee merchandise, open concept kitchen

If you're thinking of picking up some coffee merchandise, the range is beautifully (and conveniently) displayed in between the chalkboard menu - real hard to miss. Thankfully, I'm not too serious about coffee, just yet. As it is, I have enough hobbies diligently burning holes in my pockets...

Flat White, $5

For now, I'll stick to simply enjoying coffee. The smooth, delicious kind (which can be found in so many places now, including Oriole Coffee Roasters,) with some light snacks (cakes/toasts/sandwiches) and a good book. Looks like my weekend is set.

Oriole Coffee Roasters
10 Jiak Chuan Road
Tel: 62245448
Website

Omakase at Hachi, Mohamed Sultan, Singapore

2013-04-23T00:47:00.002+08:00

Hachi

Omakase at Hachi was simply one of my best meals this year. There's nothing quite like surrendering your night to the able chops of a Japanese chef, letting him surprise you course by course, assembled with only the freshest seasonal produce, of course. The omakase I had that night, two months back (still as vivid as yesterday, honest!), showcased all of my favourite ingredients too, would you believe it? Sashimi? Checked. Oyster? Uni? Otoro? Wagyu? Checked!

Umeshu, $12, Sashimi

We started dinner with my favourite Japanese happy juice - Umeshu. A wimpy drink, yes, but utterly delicious, no? We were first served the Sashimi platter, a combination of a chunky, seared scallop, a lovely slice of snapper, and two thick slices of tuna. They were amongst the freshest sashimi I've ever had - full of the salty sweetness of the sea.

Ikura with Daikon, Fish Liver

We were then served Ikura with Daikon, which was meant to come before the Sashimi, but it really wasn't as though it mattered. Even this made an impression, with the impossibly crunchy and sweet cubes of daikon providing excellent texture against the salty bursts of Ikura. Then there were the two types of fish liver, smooth with that trademark buttery taste of liver sprinkled with seasoned cod roe. So good I could hardly bear to finish it.

Mentaiko Kaki, Dashi Broth with Shirako

What's next really blew me away. Oysters baked with mentaiko are common enough, yes, but this one is the poster boy of all oyster mentaiko. The mentaiko is spread in a layer on the oyster and expertly torched without cooking the mollusk. The result is an oyster, still fresh, plumb and full of amazing juices underneath a warm, soft crust of seared mentaiko. You bet it tasted even better than it sounds. This was followed by a light dashi broth with shirako (cod sperm). Cooked in the broth, the shirako tasted much less distinct and had a grainier texture not unlike cooked roe.

Taraba Kani, Sautéed Vegetables

The baked Alaskan king crab claw came next, with flesh impossibly succulent and sweet. The crab cake claw with asparagus served on the side was completely delicious, too, and surprisingly tender inside. This was followed by a small portion of requisite greens.

Deep-fried Fish Fillet, Uni Gunkan

We were served the deep-fried fish fillet nestled on braised daikon next, which was tasty, but far less memorable compared to most of the courses. Maybe it was all in the plan, since what followed blew me away once again. You don't need much sometimes, when you have the freshest uni (golden and irresistibly quivery), and the most luscious otoro. Amazing textures that interplay with your tongue for a split second before disintegrating.

Omi Wagyu

Just when we thought nothing could impress us anymore, we were served the seared Omi Wagyu (Kobe's lesser-known but equally amazing cousin - raised by only 41 farms and a rare find outside of Japan) which was just fantastic. Literally melts in your mouth, and the natural juices of the beef tasted truly sublime.

Soba, Sesame Ice-Cream

The meal drew to an end with a comforting bowl of soba, and luxuriously creamy sesame ice-cream. I was fully content.

Omakase at Hachi is $68 for lunch and $118 for dinner. Steep but great value considering the quality of the ingredients and the full dining experience. A perfectly legit place to splurge on for that next big thing.

Recommendations: Omakase!

Hachi
6 Mohamed Sultan Road
#01-01
Tel: 67349622
Website

The Communal - Trendy Southern Fare

2013-04-16T23:59:00.000+08:00

The Communal

Isn't it funny how everyone's talking about the gentrification of Jalan Besar (and not too long ago, Tiong Bahru) but no one's really talked about North Canal road? I mean, you have Sur (new South American kid on the block), Mad Men Attic Bar, and the Communal practically inches away from each other. And they're all amazing, by the way. It's almost a little too good to be true. See, working in the CBD has its perks, it's not all about the communal squeezing in the trains twice a day, pun not quite intended.

Fried Chicken, $18

By the way, anyone here caught the very first season of MasterChef? You know, where the youngest contender of the show, Whitney Miller, won the title of first ever U.S. MasterChef? How her good ol' Southern cooking trumped foie gras, beef wellington and sea scallop ceviche? Or maybe you would recall how she dropped her main course (country fried chicken, of course) 7 minutes before time was up but managed to get another one done in the nick of time? It was one intense finale. I saw my curiosity about the cuisine of Southern United States swell to unbearable proportions, although clearly still not quite enough for me to put myself on a plane. Well, fast forward to almost three years later, I've finally gotten a taste of the South at The Communal. I have to say, the kitchen here serves up a glorious fried chicken. It isn't tasty in the Kentucky kind of way (whatever you make of this statement). Instead, it tasted real, carefully seasoned and surprisingly moist even for the breast section. Comes served with excellently prepared roasted potatoes, too.

Cornbread with Honey Butter, $6, Lobster Mac and Cheese Gratin, $20

The kitchen treated all the diners to samples of their cornbread that night. If you enjoy Kenny Roger's corn muffins, get a portion of this to share - you won't be disappointed. The Communal's lobster mac and cheese was comforting and fully enjoyable (I was so glad it didn't arrive drowning in cheese), with enough lobster chunks for the price tag to feel completely reasonable.

Braised Beef Cheek, $24

I have always been a grilled steak over braised beef kind of girl, but oddly enough, I actually found myself enjoying the beef cheek. It was as good as any served at the top tables considering it isn't wagyu, that is. The jus was delicious, and needless to say, you will find yourself mopping it up with the mash.

Monkey Bread, $7

Monkey bread is another of those things I've been meaning to try ever since I saw a particularly mouth-watering how-to here. Man, I wish I've been acquainted with this cheeky creature earlier. What's not to like about cinnamon dusted dough? Especially if it comes with a scoop of ice-cream. Can cinnamon anything ever go wrong? It's better than cinnamon rolls, too, since the dough is softer, more pillowy, and ironically, less like bread.

Have I mentioned that happy hours are 5-8pm, where you get 1-for-1 cocktails and a bucket of five Stella Artois bottles at $45? I don't think you need more persuasion to give The Communal a shot, right? Besides, you gotta love the exposed brick walls. See you there, fellows!

Recommendations: Cornbread with Honey Butter, Fried Chicken, Lobster Mac and Cheese Gratin, Braised Beef Cheek and Monkey Bread (Menu)

The Communal
12 North Canal Road
#01-01
Tel: 62217790

My Top 5 at Savour 2013

2013-04-13T17:50:00.000+08:00

Stellar @ 1-Altitude - Kobe C Rib of Beef, Foie Gras Sauce, $18

Everyone has described Savour 2013 to death, so shall I just cut to the chase and give you my top 5 this year?

1. Chef Gunther's Cold Angel Hair Pasta with Oscietra Caviar (Gunther's), $18
This was sublime, absolutely sublime. The name is a little bit misleading because what made this so terrific was in fact the truffle marinade, the oscietra caviar was more the icing on the cake. Even before we tucked into the al dente pasta, the heady, euphoric aroma of truffle already sent us to seventh heaven. Slurping up the cold, smooth, and intensely flavourful pasta was hands down our greatest highlight at Savour last night.

Trivia: The cold angel hair pasta is part of Gunther's $38 set lunch, and $60 a la carte.

Astrid Y Gaston - Causa, $12

2. Chef Emilio Macias' Causa (Astrid Y Gaston, Peru), $12
This traditional Peruvian appetizer - a mash of potatoes, avocado, lime and peppers, is topped with shrimp, octopus and scallop drenched in a delicious pink sauce and sprinkled with crisp seaweed. It's a fantastic mesh of flavours that grows on you, in an exponential kind of way. The scallop was so fresh it tasted like it came straight from the ocean.

Trivia: Astrid Y Gaston, a 2-year old name in the covetable world's 50 best restaurants list, has footprints in Peru, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela, Spain, México and Argentina - no outfit in our part of the world, yet.

Saint Pierre - Belgium Waffle with Foie Gras Terrine and Apple Compoté, $14

3. Chef Emmanuel Stroobant's Foie Gras Terrine on Belgium Waffle (Saint Pierre), $14

This dish is probably a bit of an underdog. With so many dishes to choose from at the gourmet village, you do need a fair bit of trust in me to go for this one, I know. But for some reason, the belgium waffle was one of the best I've had, as good as the ones in Belgium itself, if not better. It's some serious batter they've concocted. To be frank, the taste of foie gras in the terrine was on the faint side of things, but together with the perfectly done belgium waffle and slices of apple compote sandwiched in between, the combination was flawless and incredibly satisfying.

Trivia: This dish is not on Saint Pierre's regular menu, so this might just be your only chance to taste it, folks! By the way, Saint Pierre, which closed their doors on 28th Feb, will be reopening this May, at Sentosa Cove.

4. Chef Christopher Millar's Kobe C Rib of Beef (Stellar @ 1-Altitude), $18

First we tried Chef Margot Janse's (The Tasting Room, South Africa) Biltong Cured 1824 Beef Fillet, which was tasty but stopped short of amazing, then we went for this. Funny how my meals at Stellar have never blown me away, but the natural goodness of the kobe beef, smoky and full of ridiculously tasty juices, completely won us over last night. You won't really taste the foie gras in the accompanying sauce, but that's quite okay. Bring your standard chartered card along, this is an exclusive dish for cardholders.

Trivia: Available in the lunch menu at $75

5. Cheese Corner at Jason's

The selection is fantastic, and you get to taste a little bit of everything. It's also a great opportunity to learn a bit more about the different types of cheese from the cheese makers themselves. Don't forget to bring some home for your next dinner party! At least that's what I ended up doing.

What were your top 5? Read about Savour 2012 here.

In the Kitchen: Simplest Chocolate Mousse

2013-04-10T21:56:00.001+08:00

Chocolate Mousse

Only takes five minutes too, can you believe it? But let me digress a little - lately, someone tricked me into believing that chocolate's my favourite. I don't even know how it happened. Someone simply passed me a huge slice of chocolate cake, saying, "Here! Have a bigger slice! Chocolate's your favourite." And it wasn't even true. But it stuck.

Some time later, my good friend, K, threw a barbecue (now that's my favourite), and assured us that he's got everything taken care of. Naturally, all that's left to bring to the party (apart from alcohol) was marshmallows. But how can I give it a bit of a twist? I was racking my brains out when chocolate popped into my head, along with some images of chocolate coated marshmallows. Not bad, I told my subconscious, except we're working with roasted marshmallows here. And then another image popped up - this time of luscious chocolate mousse topped with warm, roasted marshmallows - I got to work.

Chocolate mousse topped with bananas, brown sugar and torched

You see, I'd come across a recipe not too long ago that I just couldn't believe - it insisted that you and I, anyone, can conjure the best chocolate mousse in the world using just two ingredients - chocolate, and... wait for it, water. Yes, water. I wouldn't have believed it, really, except the man who said it was Heston Blumenthal, none other than the genius behind UK's most acclaimed restaurant, The Fat Duck. Watch him work the mousse magic here. Honestly, I am amazed at how well it turned out, how pure it tasted, how good I felt about myself even as I scooped into my mouth ridiculous spoonfuls, knowing that it's just chocolate and no, there is not even a single drop of cream. This recipe is a god sent.

The best part is, you can do just about anything with it. Play with the flavour of the mousse itself by infusing the water with a tea like earl grey, for instance, or simply whip in cinnamon powder. And then the sky's the limit when it comes to serving your guests - bring it to a barbecue as a base for roasted marshmallows, or top it with slices of banana, sprinkle with brown sugar and torch (as pictured). You could top it with rice puffs too, or why not just use the best chocolate you can lay your hands on and serve it plain with aplomb? It's your call.

Chocolate Mousse (Chocolate Chantilly)
Serves four - Adapted from recipe by Herve This & Heston Blumenthal, via Cafe Fernando

350 grams chocolate (70% cocoa), roughly chopped (use the best you can lay your hands on, like Valrhona Guanaja)
270 ml water
Sugar to taste

Place a mixing bowl on top of another filled with ice and water. Set aside.

Melt chocolate and water in a medium-sized pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Pour the melted chocolate into the mixing bowl sitting on top of the ice bath, and whisk vigorously until texture thickens to that of whipped cream. Divide into four serving cups and serve immediately or refrigerate.

If you find the mousse turning grainy (due to over-whipping), simply transfer it back into the pan and start over.

Aoki - Sublime Lunch Sets

2013-04-08T19:01:00.000+08:00

Maze-chirashi, Aoki

Everyone serious about Japanese food has been to Aoki, right? Or at least heard of it. Surely it's the kind of restaurant that needs no introduction. For years, from an inconspicuous corner of Shaw Centre (literally), the kitchen has been responsible for some of the best experiences of Japanese cuisine to be found within the 723.2 square kilometres of our food-crazed island.

Hot towel, Exquisite wares

So it is with great embarrassment and shame that I will profess that this was my virgin visit. But what is it that the collective 'they' always say? Better late than never, right? As with all top tables, dinners here are exclusive and pricey. And, like many of these top tables, which serves a prix fixe menu at lunch as bait/charity for the masses, Aoki serves an array of accessible lunch sets as well. But make no mistake, even though lunch sets start from a modest $35, Aoki cuts no corners with their cheapest options.

Appetizers

It's a complete dining experience, from the welcoming hot towels, exquisite wares, down to an intricate selection of desserts. Even the appetizers, stewed beancurd skin served chilled, and greens lightly tossed in a dressing of vinaigrette and shoyu were well-executed, even if they aren't mind-blowing material.

Maze-chirashi Set, $35

But their mains, oh their mains. Truly a cut above the rest, pun intended, yes. The Maze-chirashi, especially, is incredibly satisfying and simply nothing else compares, in the realm of chirashis that is. The gorgeous and vibrant mix of market fresh cubes - salmon, toro, tamago, uni, ikura, etc. - lightly marinated in shoyu, towering over a bed of perfectly cooked pearl rice is absolutely divine. Even till the last bite, it's more fish than rice!

Nigiri Sushi Tokusen Set, $50, Miso Soup

The Nigiri Sushi Tokusen set gets you a selection of excellently prepared nigiri sushi including unagi and amaebi, along with a side of silky-smooth chawanmushi, though you surrender the precious bits and pieces of uni in the maze-chirashi. Choices, choices.

Dessert

Desserts at Aoki, even as part of a lunch set, are no afterthought, and gets switched around often enough that you are almost always in for some sweet surprise. For us, it was umeshu jelly, beancurd pudding, and soju sorbet, or in other words, a perfect end to a truly sublime lunch.

Aoki
1 Scotts Road
#02-17 Shaw Centre
Singapore 228208
Tel: (65) 6333 8015
Website

Tanuki Raw - Best Happy Hour, Ever.

2013-04-03T08:00:00.000+08:00

Happy hour oysters, $1 a pop

This is cheesy but I don't know what I'd do if happy hours didn't exist. Good thing for ~~me,~~ all of us, I mean, happy hours are one of those rare things in life that are never short in supply (and probably never will be). See, life doesn't always throw us lemons, sometimes life can be kind enough to throw us $1 oysters too! Along with a few wedges of lemon, usually, and some tabasco.

Happy hour martinis (and beer, and classic cocktails), $10

I'll be lying if I go on to say that the sheer number of happy hour offers are making me spoiled for choice. Because I'm not. The choice is quite clear when oysters go for a dollar a pop, daily, should I add, from 5-8pm. The only catch? You're limited to a dozen for every alcoholic drink you get. Well, that's plenty. Never thought anything could ever beat Morton's happy hour (I mean, we're talking complimentary filet mignon sandwiches!), but life always goes on to prove me wrong.

Nachos, $10, Rockstar Roll, $10

I've tried a couple of things from the menu in my first two visits - the offerings here are tasty enough, but really nothing to shout about. This time, we had the nachos with 5 dips on the side including lobster salad, taco mayo and salmon avocado. Most of the dips were decent considering the price point, apart from the salmon avocado, which really needed some kind of marinade. You can't simply toss salmon and avocado together and call it salmon avocado, it doesn't quite work like that. The rockstar roll, essentially a breaded mozzarella sushi roll topped with torched salmon, sounded good on paper but turned out too dry, and the breaded mozzarella, too cold.

Just do the drinks, I say, and oysters, as many oysters as you can manage. Martinis, oysters, and fabulous company - life can't get much better than this!

Happy Hour (5-8pm daily)
- $1 oysters (up to a dozen with every alcoholic beverage)
- $10 martinis/beers/classic cocktails

Tanuki Raw
181 Orchard Road
#02-03 Orchard Central
Tel: (65) 66365949
Website

Bomba Paella Bar, Martin Road, Singapore - Español Fever is Here

2013-03-31T12:39:00.000+08:00

Bomba Paella Bar

I have always, always, been a fan of Spanish food. And it seems like these days, everyone else has jumped on the Spanish wagon too. I mean, just look at the record number of Spanish (and Spanish inspired) restaurants popping up all over our island! Some sort of Español fever is here, no doubt - boy, am I excited - and Bomba Paella is right there in the action.

Trendy interior

It used to be that Spanish food in Singapore was as rare and authentic as say, Brazilian food? Perennially overpriced and a far cry from what you get if you could just jet off to Spain. It's still overpriced now (as is most of everything in Singapore these days), but I think we can agree that what's on offer is getting more exciting. Maybe it's the imported produce, or maybe the restaurateurs have finally nailed that social factor in Spanish cuisine, especially when it involves tapas and paella. The result is a blend of trendy concepts and better food all round. Lucky us, eh?

Clams, $20

For some reason, I can't help ordering clams whenever I'm having tapas. A large part of it probably traces back to my phenomenal experience at Pinotxo Bar, which is as yet unmatched. Even so, Bomba Paella's clams were delicious. Fresh clams always are, especially when they're coaxed open on the fire with olive oil, tonnes of garlic, herbs, and a splash of white wine, no?

Pinchos Morunos, $21

The best dish of the night, though, even better than Bomba's namesake dish, was the Pinchos Morunos - a lovely fillet of black iberian pork marinated with olive oil, smoked pimentón i.e. spanish paprika, garlic, oregano and lemon juice. Completely tasty and full of flavour, even though the fillet was a little tougher than what I'd usually prefer. Those paprikas actually stole the show a little - they were cooked to perfection and simply fabulous with the fillet.

Langoustine, Squid and Prawns Paella, $45, Sangria Blanco, $14

The Paella, of course, was completely enjoyable, though not quite mind-blowing. The seafood were a little overcooked, which seems to be the case everywhere - I'm starting to think that seafood paella, the way it is traditionally done, may not be such a brilliant idea with crustaceans generally degenerating into rubber (for all purposes) in slow-cooked dishes. And I know the real 'legit' Spanish drink is Cava, but you know, once you're out of Spain, Sangria is somehow more quintessentially Spanish - the more 'transporting' drink, right?

Private dining area

Prices here may be a little expensive for what it is (and for the portions, too), but I can't help liking the place. Fantastic vibe and very enjoyable, well-prepared food. Also, did I mention that there's no service charge?

Recommendations: Clams, Pinchos Morunos

Bomba Paella Bar
38 Martin Road
Tel: (65) 65091680
Website

In the Kitchen: Fluffy, Fool-proof Pancakes

2013-03-19T22:59:00.000+08:00

In my books, the best feeling in the world is waking up to breakfast made with love. The second best feeling? Watching that special someone tuck into the breakfast you've made. If it's home-made pancakes, all the better. And I've finally got the perfect, idiot-proof recipe in my pocket.

Really, I have never been terrific with pancakes. Just ask my sister, she has witnessed pancakes by yours truly that looked and tasted more like tapioca kueh. So when I label this recipe fool-proof, I pretty much mean it. Home-made pancakes are easily done! As long as you keep to the three rules below, that is.

1. Always, always, use fresh baking powder/soda. If they're more than a year old, chuck them away.

2. Never over-mix the batter, or you'll end up with tough pancakes. Lumps in the batter are perfectly okay - if anything, they make your pancakes extra fluffy and delicious.

3. Make sure the consistency of the batter is thick enough that it won't spread on the grill/pan, and voila! You've got pancakes fresh from the pan.

Fluffy, Fool-proof Pancakes
Serves two - adapted from the Recipe that Keeps on Giving, via Esquire

1 1/4 cups flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 1/4 cup milk
3 tablespoons melted butter

Combine the dry ingredients. In another bowl, beat the egg and combine the rest of the wet ingredients. Mix the wet into the dry. Stir until barely mixed - make sure the batter is thick enough that it won't spread on the grill/pan. Keep grill/pan on the low side of medium. Flip the pancakes once bubbles start appearing on the surface. And that's it.

P.S. Thank you if you have been patient with me and checking back. It's been somewhat rough, but I've found my mojo!

The Orange Thimble, Eng Hoon Street - Old and New

2013-02-02T12:17:00.002+08:00

Art for Sale, Flat White, $4.50

Do you know Eng Hoon Street? I'm sure you do, especially after Tiong Bahru Bakery shot to fame. Right next to it, though, often overlooked, is the Orange Thimble. Part art gallery, part café; part retro, part modern. They serve the usual - eggs fry-up, tarts, pastries, sandwiches, and coffee. Good coffee.

Fresh Orange Juice, $3.50, Scoop of Ice-Cream, $4, Platter of Old-School Cookies, Retro Sugar Biscuits, $1

I've been to the Orange Thimble a couple times - sometimes because I'm in the mood to see what art pieces they have on display, other times because the sweltering heat makes it a no-brainer (for me at least) to skip the queue at their neighbour's and dive right in to an equally cool space with equally good (if not better) coffee. Also, I suppose it's the only place where you get to dunk colourful gem biscuits into say, flat white. Times like these I can't help but say a secret thank you to globalisation.

Scone, $3.50

They have an entire display of ice-cream and the scoop of salted caramel we tried was surprisingly good - thick, creamy and smooth. The scones were forgettable, though. Even with some misses, the Orange Thimble works perfectly if you just want to chill in a corner with a book/ipad/laptop, or have long conversations with friends - alongside a good cuppa. See, that's all I need sometimes.

Retro Interior

I've also heard really good things about the Hazelnut Dacquoise, so if I do come back, that's what I'm gonna try. Have you tried the food at the Orange Thimble? Was it any good?

The Orange Thimble
56 Eng Hoon Street
#01-68
Tel: (65) 62238068

Keong Saik Snacks - Gourmet British Grub

2013-01-23T23:26:00.000+08:00

Keong Saik Snacks

These days, fine dining is a little out of vogue. Tapas is the new catch phrase, along with small plates, gourmet "snacks"... you get the drift. I don't know about you but I'm pretty thrilled - to loosen my ties (figuratively speaking, of course), laugh without a care, and still tuck into decidedly gourmet fare - it's so liberating.

Chilli Garlic Fries, $6, Iberico Ham and Manchego Cheese Toastie, $18

I've been to Keong Saik Snacks twice now. Dinner's a little more intimate (with the doors closed), lunch, a little more laidback. Prices are the same (yes!) so dinner makes more sense if your lunch hours aren't so ideal. Food here is constructed with cool kids from the super market (no need to venture to the farmer's market) - think iberico ham (not jamon iberico bellota, but still tasty), chorizo franks, raw tuna, bone marrow, etc. The Garlic Chilli Fries may not sound like a stud, but came across surprisingly tasty - not spicy by Asian standards, but addictive enough that we couldn't stop reaching for it. I really enjoyed the Iberico Ham and Manchego Cheese Toastie as well, simply because the toast itself is so crisp on the outside, and almost crumbly beneath the crust - tasted like brioche, which I love. And of course, the ham and cheese centre is delicious. It gets a little too rich after a while so if you have company I'd recommend getting this and other mains to share.

Jason's Very Hot Dog, $19

On my first visit, I had the Lobster Roll with Spiced Mayo and Iceberg Lettuce, $18 - it was delicious in its own right - firm lobster chunks tossed in mayo laid out on a lightly grilled bun. Honestly, at this price point, I simply can't bring myself to sulk about the quantity of lobster meat thrown in. The same chow is $28 a pop at Club Street Social and $45 at Luke's, period. Jason's Very Hot Dog sported a great chorizo frank, but the toppings didn't exactly steal my heart - the guacamole was a tad bland and the chilli too mild to live up to its name. The shallots were a nice touch, though. It's tasty alright, but something I can put together pretty easily at home.

Interior

I do like the concept of Keong Saik Snacks, and most of what they've put together sounds completely delicious to me. For one, being the oyster sucker that I am, I do want to try their Fish and Oysters (though frankly what I've read across the web doesn't bode well), Barbequed Pork Ribs (which apparently is fall-off-the-bone tender), Kimchi Burger (though the kimchi and burger actually comes separate) and Grilled Bone Marrow (sounds way cool but I'm a little squeamish about this one, I'll admit). Food here is tasty across the board but greasy, make no mistake - not for the health conscious but perfect for the occasional comfort grub indulgence.

Recommendations: Garlic Chilli Fries, Iberico Ham and Manchego Cheese Toastie, Lobster Roll with Spiced Mayo and Iceberg Lettuce, and Jason's Very Hot Dog

Keong Saik Snacks
49 Keong Saik Road
Tel: 62218338
Website

Amoy's Avocado Juice, Singapore - $2 Happiness

2013-01-06T01:09:00.000+08:00

Avocado Juice, $2

Ice-Q's avocado juice at Amoy is pretty much my newest addiction. Smooth, creamy and just thick enough that it's fully satisfying without you having to worry about ordering it without ice. At $2 a pop, I have to say, happiness (in the CBD) has never been so close in reach.

P.S. Not too sure about avocado juice? Try it with chocolate first ($2.50) - that's a sure crowd pleaser!

Ice-Q
#02-216, 7 Maxwell Road,
Amoy Street Food Centre,
Singapore

Lolla, Ann Siang Hill - Kick-ass Small Plates

2012-12-31T21:35:00.001+08:00

Sea Urchin Pudding, $19

I have to admit - I fumbled around for a while trying to think of the most suitable one-liner to describe Lolla's small plates. Inspired? True but a total rip-off from their website. Inventive? Most certainly, yes, but I didn't want to side-line the classics that have been mercifully left unadulterated, thank heavens. What do all these small plates have in common? Kick-ass - that's it - they all kick ass. Lolla is honestly one of the most satisfying meals I've had this year, so I guess it's only fitting that I leave you with these pictures before 2012 flits by.

Cheese Platter, chef's discretion, Jamon Iberico Bellota, $42

Dining here is a little bit like watching a show; the bar seating arrangement makes for a warmly intimate experience with the chefs at work. Nothing is hidden - you get to see the head chef, Ming, and his team dice the tuna belly, scramble the gooey yolks, and plate the hot-off-the-pan steak right in front of your eyes. All the while enjoying the plates already dished up, of course. The team at Lolla is bent on sourcing only the best ingredients - so enjoying cheese and jamon iberico bellota here is a sure bet. In our case, since we couldn't decide on the myriad cheeses on offer both off and on the menu, we requested for a platter of 3 instead. The one in the middle, which was on offer only because they procured it for a private party, was absolutely divine - almost like brie, only creamier and stronger. Needless to say, each sliver of shiny Jamon Iberico Bellota had us in a state of quiet, concentrated bliss. How do you ever tire of that intense flavour that assaults you just as soon as it melts away on your tongue?

Scrambled Eggs with Bottarga di Muggine, $22, Grass-fed Ribeye Steak, $52

Lolla's lightly scrambled eggs with grated bottarga was excellently executed, the precious chunks of grey mullet roe playing fantastic contrast in terms of both flavour and texture against the creamy eggs. It's difficult not to enjoy the grass-fed ribeye as well, so perfectly seasoned, even if it was a little more done than the medium rare that we'd requested for.

Tuna Belly "Chutoro" Tartare, $39

And of course, there was the sea urchin pudding that was what initially drew me to Lolla. Fresh sea urchin nestled on a delicately prepared custard of squid ink that is zesty enough to cut through the richness of the former without overpowering it. So well done, really. It may be a tiny portion but it's so rich that you won't be too reluctant to share it with someone else, I promise. Our last savoury platter of the day was the tuna belly tartare, which was truly, truly divine. What sets Lolla's rendition apart from all the competition (besides the seasoning, of course,) is the chilling of the dish just before it's served, which makes each cube taste like tuna belly ice-cream, only in the most delicious way you can possibly imagine.

Grape Sorbet, $9, Doughnut with Lemon Curd, $12

The desserts at Lolla, while decent, were not nearly as impressive. The grape sorbet was extremely intense, if you're into that sort of thing, while the doughnuts with lemon curd were fun and easy to eat, although the serving size was on the smaller side. I might skip them altogether the next time.

All in all, dinner at Lolla was one fantastic meal that I'm really excited to repeat.

Lolla
22 Ann Siang Road
Tel: 64231228
Website
Open: Mon - Sat from 5pm to midnight, and Fri 12-2pm
(reservations are not taken except for the private dining room)

Ryoshi Sushi Ikeikemaru, Liang Court - Real Fish at Real Prices

2012-12-02T01:05:00.001+08:00

Hokkaido Scallop Nigiri Sushi, $4.80, Jizakana Rayu Gunkan Maki Sushi, $2.80

Every now and then, a restaurant appears out of nowhere and completely shakes up the scene. Ryoshi Sushi Ikeikemaru is one of them. Really, who would expect good sushi out of a conveyor belt restaurant? Especially when the steepest plate of sushi is $6.80! Stoked?

Unagi Nigiri Sushi, $2.80, Big Salmon Nigiri Sushi, $2.80

Let me get your expectations straight - yes, the fish is markedly better than the competition, and the selection, impressive, but you'll be kidding yourself if you're hoping for quality that parallels a top table. You're paying a third of the price (depending on what you order, of course,) for quality fish that isn't too far off and at least for me, that's good enough. Good enough, in fact, for me to return within the very same week. I suspect I wasn't the only one.

Ebi Avocado Gunkan Maki Sushi, $2.80, Aburi Salmon Nigiri Sushi, $2.80

What I love most about this mean sushi joint is their interesting and varied sushi selection. There are a couple of offerings you most certainly will not find in your run-of-the-mill Japanese joints, such as Raw Cherry Shrimp, Raw Whitebait, and my favourite, Kani Miso. For the uninitiated, Kani Miso is the creamiest, most intense part of a crab - tastes just as though you've squeezed all the ~~living daylights~~ flavour out of a crab, compressed it and turned it into paste - otherwise known as crab guts. It's also absolutely delicious. Takes a little getting used to, I'll admit, but once you do, there's just no turning back.

Kani Miso Gunkan Maki Sushi, $3.80, Uni Gunkan Maki Sushi, $5.80

After two visits, I think I've figured out what works. As a rule of thumb, stick to the raw stuff, that's where their game is. This means to say if I were you, I wouldn't hold high expectations for ingredients that are a little trickier to prepare, such as unagi or tamago, which were both a little of a let-down.

Maguro Nigiri Sushi, $3.80, Chawanmushi, $3.80, Fatty Salmon Nigiri Sushi, $3.80

That said, their Chawanmushi was pretty decent, and their Udon, a cut above the rest. Unlike what you get at most places, the udon noodles here are a little bit thinner, and more rustic - looks and tastes positively hand-made. It's a win at prices that range from just $4.80 for plain Udon to $9.60 if you want it topped with Tempura.

Ikura Gunkan Maki Sushi, $4.80, Oyster Gunkan Maki Sushi, $4.80

But of course, this place is about sushi. While I enjoyed most of what I had, these were the stand outs - thick slices of Chutoro (fatty tuna) which literally melted in my mouth, slivers of Sea Urchin full of ocean sweetness (not the best, granted, but decent for the price), fresh Hokkaido Scallops with that lovely bite to it, and the Oyster Gunkan, which tasted like the most delicious rush of ocean waves, in the best way you can possibly picture. Oh how I love this place.

Recommendations: Oyster Gunkan Maki, Chutoro Nigiri, Uni Gunkan, Big Salmon Nigiri, Aburi Salmon Nigiri, Hokkaido Scallops Nigiri, Kani Miso Gunkan, Ebi Avocado Gunkan and Udon.

Ryoshi Sushi Ikeikemaru
177 River Valley Road
B1-48 Liang Court
Singapore 179030
Tel: 6337 1022
Open Mon to Sun, 11:00 - 22:00

Wasabi Tei, Far East Plaza - Good Sashimi, Fiery Service

2012-11-18T18:48:00.002+08:00

Wasabi Tei

Wasabi Tei - the kind of place where service is curt and practically non-existent. Where the entire vibe is no nonsense. Where you are expected to scoot the minute you're done eating. And yet, I am pleased enough with the sashimi to cast all these to the wind.

Assorted Sushi with Udon Set, $18

This hole-in-the-wall restaurant purportedly witnessed finer days when it used to be run by Chef Peter, who has since left to open Chikuwa Tei at Mohammed Sultan, and now Mitsuba by Yurine at the Central. He was notorious for a temper as fiery as wasabi, and it certainly seems like the new local chef has picked up not just his kitchen techniques, but his spirit as well. (Chef Peter must have tamed down somewhat though since no one speaks of his temper anymore.) Quite remarkably, the trail he leaves behind isn't half bad even though he no longer helms the scene. (I've dined at Chikuwa Tei as well and found the food more than decent.) Not everything is as great as before, perhaps, but a few things didn't change - for one, the sashimi is still served fresh and gratifyingly chunky. And that is really quite enough to lure me back.

Assorted Sashimi with Rice Set, $20

All sets also include a standard appetizer of hijiki seaweed braised with chicken and a serving of fruits. On my second visit, I gave their chawanmushi a go. It was filled with a satisfying trove of ingredients and really hit the spot. This time, I went light and opted for a platter of Salmon Sashimi instead of a rice set. Six chunky slices for ten bucks - not a bad deal at all.

P.S. Instead of GST and service charge, a fixed $2 per seating is imposed which covers a drink of your choice.

Recommendations: Sashimi and Chawanmushi

Wasabi Tei
14 Scotts Road
#05-70 Far East Plaza
Tel: 62388216
Website

Kilo at PACT, Singapore - Edgy Simplicity

2012-11-12T21:52:00.001+08:00

Citrus Iced Tea, $4

K.i.s.s. - keep it simple, stupid - that's my current philosophy when it comes to food. If I had it my way, all excesses should be trimmed out, seasonings kept to a minimum, ingredients employed only when necessary, their roles carefully planned and calibrated for that elusive balance and element of interest. The food at Kilo's new offshoot "at PACT" is exactly that - simple yet edgy.

Ahi Mango Poke with Wanton Chips, $15

The menu builds on Kilo's Japanese and Italian influences with a fresh, vibrant coat of Vietnamese inspiration. I recognised familiar favourites from Kilo such as the Ahi Mango Poke with Wanton Chips, as well as newer characters known as "Sushiros", imaginative Bahn Mi sandwiches, even good ol' Pho. The former's my firm favourite - scoops of chopped tuna sashimi, sweet mango and crunchy cucumber cubes on deep fried, crackly wanton skins - so simple... so good.

Salmon Avocado Sushiro, $15, Raw's Seafood Ceviche, $17

It's hard to go wrong with the "Sushiros", essentially upsized california rolls (inverted maki) served with soy flaxseed tortilla chips on the side. It's tasty and comforting to eat but won't blow your mind. The Seafood Ceviche was a delicious mix of chopped fresh tuna, salmon, tako and greens tossed in a light, tangy and fragrant dressing with hints of sesame oil. It didn't taste all that different from the ahi mango poke though. So choose the one with the ingredients you favour; you don't have to get two unless you really love these things. Actually I do.

Prawn Summer Rolls, $8

I opted for the Prawn Summer Rolls almost as an after thought but ended up really liking them. Instead of vermicelli and mint, the rolls are filled with arugula, giving it a unique spin and stripping off nearly all the calorie guilt at the same time. The accompanying dip was seriously well done too - thick, tasty and fiercely spicy. As you can see, I pretty much loved everything.

Recommendations: Ahi Mango Poke with Wanton Chips, Salmon Avocado Sushiro, Raw's Seafood Ceviche, Prawn Summer Rolls, Prawn and Chilli Pizza, Adobo Chicken Bowl, Raw's Lava Cake

Kilo at PACT
181 Orchard Road
#02-16/17/18/19 Orchard Central
Tel: (65) 68847560
Website

Skirt at W Singapore, Sentosa Cove - Where Style Meets Substance

2012-10-19T15:45:00.001+08:00

Skirt at W Singapore

At a restaurant as trendy as Skirt, located in the swanky W Singapore, (which landed fashionably on our shores barely a month ago,) it is almost too easy to discount expectations for the food on counts of everything else. But the team at Skirt should feel rightly vindicated - this new kid on the cove is the definition of style meeting substance.

Sourdough with Seaweed Dip

The feel of the restaurant is a deft blend of opulence with the contemporary - achingly cool, without the stresses of fine dining. Miniature sourdough rolls were served shortly after we made our orders, which took us surprisingly long because we were simply spoilt for choice. Just starters alone - what was it going to be? Seared Giant King Scallops with Dashi and Apple, Hot and Cold Foie Gras with Corn and Pistachio, King Prawns Split and Peppered, Skirt Made Blood Sausage with Apple and Bread, or a platter of the best ham in all of Spain - Jamon Iberico de Bellota? As I was working through the slightly chewy sourdough speckled with sea salt crystals, dipping them occasionally into the refreshing seaweed dip, I couldn't help but think how nice it'd be to return with a party large enough to give everything on the menu a shot.

Skirt Made Blood Sausage, Apple and Bread, $22, Saffron Potato Pureé, $8 (Top of bottom photo)

It's quite evident that every dish has been meticulously thought out in terms of taste, presentation and a certain sense of novelty. Our starter of blood sausage was served with sautéed apples, the sweetness of which lent harmony to its rich, dense and creamy flavours. Blood sausage may be one of those foods that isn't for everyone but Skirt's rendition is excellent and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend - it's smooth and fragrant with none of the offensive aftertaste commonly associated with offal. We also ordered a side of Saffron Potato Pureé, which was decent but nothing to write home about.

Peter's Farm Organic Milk-fed Veal Striploin, $90

Skirt offers two types of shared plates - the Parilla tables for two, and the Churassco tables for four. Our Organic Milk-fed Veal Striploin, a Parilla table meant for two, was so huge that three of us were struggling to finish the tray, even though the striploin was tender, flavourful and wonderful to eat. You can imagine that the assorted vegetables in the baking tray were great too, having soaked up all the incredible juices from the meat. There is a whole list of salts (roasted garlic, rosemary, Hawaiian red, etc) and sauces (blood orange and tarragon bearnaisé, red chimi curri, etc) to choose from if you're one for stronger flavours. And if you like your meats seared, fret not, the steak section offers selections ranging from Argentinian Grass Fed Angus to Blackmore Australian Full Blood 9+ Wagyu. Prices begin from a comfortable $35 to some $155 - there is something for everyone here.

White Chocolate Parfait, Sauternes Jelly, Shortbread Crumb, $18

I really wasn't expecting much from desserts at a restaurant specializing in steaks, so boy was I in for a surprise when it was brought to the table looking every bit as sophisticated as everything else we'd experienced here. What I took to be meringue disks turned out to be light wafers, which contrasted well with refreshing cubes of jelly made from Sauternes wine, buttery shortbread crumbs and a parfait that manages to avoid the common pitfall of sweet treats - saccharinity. In short, my favourite kind of desserts - thoughtful, not just heaps of butter and sugar and eggs. We left Skirt completely contented and I'll certainly be back.

Recommendations: Skirt-made Blood Sausage with Apples and Bread, Peter's Farm Organic Milk-fed Veal Striploin, White Chocolate Parfait with Sauternes Jelly and Shortbread Crumbs

Indifferent: Saffron Potato Pureé

Skirt
W Singapore, 21 Ocean Way ·
Singapore 098374
Open: 19:00 to 24.00 (closed on mon)
Tel: +65 6808 7278
Email: skirt.singapore@whotels.com

40 Hands, Yong Siak Street - Confessions of a Twenty-Something

2012-09-24T01:02:00.001+08:00

Flat White, $5

Maybe one day I'll realize how much money I've spilled spending weekend after weekend waking up to idyllic brunches (read overpriced eggs), then spending the rest of the day having fair trade coffee from exotic locales. Maybe it's excessive, superficial, even foolish. But for what it's worth, I feel alive - sipping coffee, completely unwinding burdens of the week past, having random, witty discourse with close friends, enjoying the laid-back music, and half wondering how is it that all these cafés have such amazing playlists... One day I'll wisen up, maybe. But not today, not yet.

Iced Mocha, $8

Ask me where I want to spend a Saturday afternoon, and I'll still suggest Tiong Bahru in a heartbeat. The stretches of cafés and quirky stores selling everything from books to vintage furniture are enough to keep me fascinated for hours... On this occasion, I picked 40 Hands. The decor is a funny blend of geometric shapes and nature, the food a mesh of many influences, with offerings such as Tau Sar Pau and Turkish Bread. Their coffee was satisfying but comes at a slight premium above similar specialty coffee joints. The thing is, good coffee is becoming so commonplace that even the slightest premium can look a bit jarring.

Big Boy Breakfast, $18, Eggs Cocotte, $15

Food at 40 Hands is reasonably tasty but not impressive. The Eggs Cocotte featured a delicious bed of baby spinach and mushrooms with a little bit of truffle oil in the mix, but nestled on them were overcooked poached eggs. The Big Boy Breakfast had a little bit of everything - lovely Turkish bread, scrambled eggs, spicy chipolata sausage, mushrooms and grilled tomatoes. The whole just wasn't greater than the sum of the parts - no synergy to speak of, know what I mean? Essentially, 40 Hands' forte still lies in their coffee, but if you're hungry, the food isn't half bad, just a little pricey for what they are.

Recommendations: Coffee!

40 Hands
78 Yong Siak Street #01-12,
Tiong Bahru Estate, Singapore 163078
Tel: 6225 8545
Website
Opening Hours:
Tue - Thu: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Fri - Sat: 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sun: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm

Bistro du Vin, Singapore - My Kind of French Bistro

2012-08-20T12:29:00.002+08:00

Complimentary Bread

I like French bistros. They are laidback, relaxed and yet, still kinda classy. What is it about the French? It seems like they've got it all - an irresistibly sexy language, the most classic fashion, gorgeous wines and amazing food. French butter, too, is leagues above the usual stuff, and never fails to surprise me in how it gives a simple bread and butter so much more appeal.

Pan-seared Foie Gras, $26

That night, we indulged on pan-seared Foie Gras. An amazing slab thick enough for the insides to be completely wobby beneath the beautifully seared exterior, melting the minute it touches your tongue. Woah. I'm beginning to think that Foie Gras is something I want to indulge in only when it's done perfectly and worth the heart attack. The ones at Kazu and Bistro du Vin, for example, really hit the spot. This is what pan-seared Foie Gras is meant to look like, isn't it? A full slab evenly charred, not bits and pieces like so (whoops).

Escargots, $15, Coq au Vin, $33

The Escargots, however, weren't nearly as impressive. It was a tad dull, as though the lemon, butter and herbs hadn't had time to befriend the bashful creatures. I give my vote to the ones at Les Bouchon and La Maison Fatien, which are completely delicious. The Coq au Vin, on the other hand, was a wonderful melting pot of mushrooms, carrots, salt pork and browned chicken, all infused with a certain depth courtesy of whichever red wine graced the occasion. We loved it. Some parts of the chicken were tougher than others, but this really has more to do with the genetic make up of the fowl than the recipe or chef.

Charming decor

Bistro du Vin works. Charming decor (even if it's a little kitsch, if we're going to be honest), great food and warm service - it's my kind of French bistro. There are certainly more than enough reasons for me to return. It's quite perfect for a first date too, isn't it?

Recommendations: Pan-seared Foie Gras, Coq au Vin

I'll skip: Escargots

Bistro du Vin
56 Zion Road, Singapore
Tel: +65 6836 6313
Website

Made by Lauren Jasmine - Fashion and Great Coffee

2012-08-15T00:56:00.000+08:00

I simply walked past Made by Lauren Jasmine one day after lunch at Dae Bak Korean BBQ Restaurant (which incidentally serves up extremely satisfying set lunches for 10 nett) and felt compelled to take a look inside this trendy café. It wasn't until we entered the café that I realized this was a boutique + café concept. What a find! Since I was in need of a caffeine fix, I walked up to the Barista and asked for a Flat White ($4.50).

"Will you be having the coffee here?"
"Yes, please."
"Would you like to sit on the second level?"

There was another level?? It was surprise after surprise. We made our way through the ground level boutique, (where all the necklaces displayed along the center aisle took turns catching my wandering gaze,) and took the stairs up to the second level - more racks of clothing, and a dining area so clean, beautiful and relaxed that it immediately stole my heart.

Then the coffee came. A sip was all it took for me to decide that this is going to be the place I disappear to when work gets too much. The coffee was as good and smooth as the best ones in Australia... I'm so sold.

Made by Lauren Jasmine
47 Amoy Street
Singapore 069873
Tel: 64230626
Open: Mon - Fri 8am -6pm; Sat 10am - 4pm; Closed on Sun

Ang Moh Wanton Noodles, Joo Chiat, Singapore - My Professor's Fave

2012-08-03T02:25:00.001+08:00

Hong Mao Mian Jia

I was having lunch with my professor at the cafeteria a few months back. He asked, "Where do you stay?" Having satisfied himself that I was a fellow dweller in the East, he continued, "There is a very good wanton noodle stall in the east. Best fried wantons in Singapore. But don't go during the weekend because you'll have to wait for at least an hour. And you'll see all the regulars equipped with their books, newspapers and ipads." There was a pause. I played the role of an inquisitive student and egged him on. He went on, "The lady boss knows me because I go there so often. Last Chinese New Year, we made a bulk order of their wantons and fried them at home for reunion dinner. They were so well received, they never made it to the dinner table." My interest was piqued. I began cajoling him to give the name of this legendary noodle stall away. He deliberated slowly, "I don't like telling people the name of the stall because I don't want it to get any more popular than it already is." But his face softened. "Ang Moh wanton noodles," he finally revealed, "Try their fried wantons."

Rustic Interior

I did as I was told. The first time, as all students frequently do, I ignored my professor's advice and dropped by on a Sunday. I was given a queue number and told that I will have to wait for at least half an hour for my turn to order. You read that right. There's a wait just for ordering, we're not even talking about the actual waiting time for the noodles yet. Since I was pressed for time, it was a no go. The second time, I went on a week day morning. As you can see, the place was almost empty. There was no queue for ordering, obviously, and the wait for the food was no more than 10 minutes. Success!

Fried Wantons, $5

I wanted to know if the fried wanton here was as epic as my professor had described. There was only one way to find out. I picked a wanton up with my chopsticks and took my first bite. The faintest succession of shattering ensued - my mind was befuddled for a moment - what is this, fried paper? Then my teeth sunk into the filling, which was perfectly seasoned with a pleasant piquant after-taste. I didn't think I was that into it as first, until I realized I'd been subconsciously popping one after another into my mouth. I absolutely enjoyed the paper-thin skin. These wantons were very addictive.

Wanton Noodle, $3

In terms of the noodles, what really stood out was the chilli sauce. I think it's pretty clear from the pictures that the chilli packs a punch, but it might please you to know that it's highly tasty as well. Good things come in pairs, they say. The strands of noodles were springy and had a nice bite - didn't take me long to polish the plate clean. The weakest link here would have to be the uninspiring char siew, not that it really bothered me since I'm more into Hong Kong style wanton noodles anyway, which doesn't feature char siew at all! It's a good rendition of wanton noodles, a worthy example of "simple yet so good", though I'm not sure I'll miss it so much that I'll queue for anything longer than half an hour. But that might just be me.

Worth the queue? If you're a diehard wanton noodle fan. Otherwise, just drop by during week days! Or at least go on a Saturday instead of Sunday.

Hong Mao Mian Ga
182 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore
Open Tue – Sun: 7am – 5pm
(Closed on Mon)