Baek Nyeon Baekse Ginseng Chicken Soup / Baengnyeon Samgyetang

October 21, 2017, 10:00 pm

Baek Nyeon Baekse Ginseng Chicken Soup / Baengnyeon Samgyetang / 백년토종삼계탕
354-12 Seogyo-Dong
Mapo-Gu
Seoul
Seoul Capital Area
South Korea

Various Outlets Across The Country

http://www.백년토종삼계탕.kr/

Delicious & Nourishing Ginseng Chicken Soup

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 7
Ambience & Setting: 7
Food & Beverage: 9
Service: 8
Value for Money: 8
Spent about KRW ₩11000 / SGD $14 per person.

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Baek Nyeon Baekse Ginseng Chicken Soup / Baengnyeon Samgyetang / 백년토종삼계탕 is a traditional Korean casual eatery and restaurant, specialising in variations of Samgyetang / Ginseng Chicken Soup. We discovered this place unintentionally, after coming from the hospital due to a medical emergency, we asked our owner-host of the place we were staying at for a recommendation. She brought us to this place, which is very popular with locals. It's conveniently located, just a 5 minutes walk from Hongik University subway station exit 9, on the outskirts of the Hongdae area.

Ambience at Baek Nyeon Baekse Ginseng Chicken Soup / Baengnyeon Samgyetang / 백년토종삼계탕 is styled to resemble traditional Korean guest houses, brightly lit with colours of white, wood, and stone. The sturdy wooden furniture is neatly lined within the spacious and clean place, while menu pictures act as decor. A center showpiece of neon blue lights, faux greenery, and metallic chicken / rooster statuettes draws the eye. Generally, a comfortable and relaxing place.

Service at Baek Nyeon Baekse Ginseng Chicken Soup / Baengnyeon Samgyetang / 백년토종삼계탕 is good. Staff can converse in simple English, and the menu has helpful English descriptions. Guests are quickly seated, and orders are fulfilled relatively quickly, even during peak periods. I observe quite a lot of customers order take away too, and the phone seems to ring continuously. Staff are courteous and welcoming, making sure diners are comfortable, and they efficiently clear away empty / dirty tables when diners leave.

Food at Baek Nyeon Baekse Ginseng Chicken Soup / Baengnyeon Samgyetang / 백년토종삼계탕 is focused on variations of the classic Korean Samgyetang / Ginseng Chicken Soup. Only naturally raised spring chickens are used, and their secret recipe soup / broth features up to 40 ingredients! Consistently well executed and delicious. Portions are large, suitable for sharing, though I observe most Koreans finish an entire bowl on their own. Prices are reasonable for the good quality, budget about KRW ₩11000 / SGD $14 per person for a meal here.

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Baek Nyeon Baekse Ginseng Chicken Soup Exterior

Baek Nyeon Baekse Ginseng Chicken Soup Interior

Baek Nyeon Baekse Ginseng Chicken Soup Menu

Samgyetang / Ginseng Chicken Soup, Take Away Packet

The Jeonbok Samgyetang / Wild Cultivated Ginseng Chicken Soup With Abalone (KRW ₩20000 / SGD $25) is really luxurious. Bold herbal notes in the robust soup / broth, the tender moist chicken meat which comes easily off the bone, and has a herbal sweet flavour. The abalone lends a chewy smooth texture and a sweet briny flavour, while the stringy herb nest looks so attractive.

Jeonbok Samgyetang / Wild Cultivated Ginseng Chicken Soup With Abalone (KRW ₩20000 / SGD $25)

Jeonbok Samgyetang / Wild Cultivated Ginseng Chicken Soup With Abalone

The Heungmaneul Samgyetang / Ginseng Chicken Soup With Black Garlic (KRW ₩16000 / SGD $20) has a deep and robust flavour from the black garlic. Strong herbal notes, slightly pungent soup / broth, with the tender moist chicken meat coming easily off the bone, holding a herbal sweet flavour. Very hearty and warming on the palate.

Heungmaneul Samgyetang / Ginseng Chicken Soup With Black Garlic (KRW ₩16000 / SGD $20)

Heungmaneul Samgyetang / Ginseng Chicken Soup With Black Garlic

The Deulkkye Samgyetang / Ginseng Chicken Soup With Perilla Seed (KRW ₩15000 / SGD $19) has a rich and creamy flavour from the perilla seeds. Strong nutty notes, slightly earthy soup / broth, with the chicken being tender and moist in texture, and having a herbal sweet flavour. Very comforting and pleasing on the palate.

Deulkkye Samgyetang / Ginseng Chicken Soup With Perilla Seed (KRW ₩15000 / SGD $19)

Deulkkye Samgyetang / Ginseng Chicken Soup With Perilla Seed

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Maple Tree House

October 22, 2017, 2:11 am

≫ Next: The Quarters Tasting Session 2017

≪ Previous: Baek Nyeon Baekse Ginseng Chicken Soup / Baengnyeon Samgyetang

Maple Tree House / 단풍나무집
116-1 Itaewon-Dong
Yongsan-Gu
Seoul
Seoul Capital Area
South Korea

Various Outlets Across The Country

http://www.mapletreehouse.co.kr/

Meal Barbecue / BBQ Flat Lay

Delicious Premium Korean Barbecue / BBQ

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 8
Ambience & Setting: 9
Food & Beverage: 9
Service: 9
Value for Money: 7
Spent about KRW ₩33000 / SGD $40 per person.

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Established in August 2005, Maple Tree House / 단풍나무집 is a Korean barbecue chain whose popularity and success has enabled it to go international. Having visited Maple Tree House / 단풍나무집, I can see why. Do they have the best Korean barbecue? No, but it's pretty good. Are they the cheapest? No, prices are mid-range. But what makes Maple Tree House / 단풍나무집 different is their overall combination of ambience, service, and food, as well as their accessibility, making them appealing for expats and tourists.

Ambience at Maple Tree House / 단풍나무집 differs from most other Korean barbecue places. In fact, the place is styled like an old Western bar, warmly lit with sturdy wooden furniture and brick walls. Ventilation is excellent, there barely is any cooking odour lingering in the air. Slight modern touches, such as a wall of glass bottles, and artwork related to their food, adorn the walls. Can see why so many foreigners like this place.

Service at Maple Tree House / 단풍나무집 is excellent. Staff can converse in English, and the menu is available in English as well. Guests queue to get a seat, but once seated, diners are made to feel welcome. Staff will engage with you in banter, and also assist to cook your order tableside. They also offer to clear empty / dirty plates throughout your meal. Staff display good product knowledge as well, and were able to answer our queries.

Food at Maple Tree House / 단풍나무집 is all about Korean barbecue meats - specifically, beef and pork. Besides sourcing from local farms, they also offer top quality imported meats. Portions are large, and sized for communal dining of at least 3 - 4 people or more. Dishes are tasty and fresh. There is also sufficient variety to cater to all price ranges, from wallet-friendly to premium. They're a mid-range restaurant, so budget about KRW ₩33000 / SGD $40 per person for a meal here.

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Maple Tree House Exterior

Maple Tree House Interior

Bustling Barbecue

Menu Preview

Menu Artwork

Maple Tree House Menu Food

Maple Tree House Menu Beverages

Glass Bottles On The Wall

Seating

Table Setting

Charcoal Barbecue Pit

Grilling

The Bokbunja-Ju / Black Raspberry Wine (KRW ₩13000 / SGD $15.70) is a Korean fruit liqueur, made by fermenting Korean black raspberries with water, white rice grains, and jicho herbs. It has a deep, ruby violet colour, with aromas of blackberry, raspberry, spring water, and blackcurrant. Body is light, medium-thin, and slightly sticky, with tastes that are similar to its aroma. Bold refreshing fruity sweet flavour.

Bokbunja-Ju / Black Raspberry Wine (KRW ₩13000 / SGD $15.70)

Bokbunja-Ju / Black Raspberry Wine

A wide range of complimentary Banchan / side dishes are served with every meal, including Ttukbaegi Gyeran Jjim / Steamed Egg In Pot, or Lettuce With Black Sesame Sauce. The Gogigui / Barbecue - Sangchu / Lettuce, Kkaennip / Perilla Leaf is meant for wrapping the barbecued meat.

Ttukbaegi Gyeran Jjim / Steamed Egg In Pot (KRW ₩Complimentary / SGD $Complimentary)

Lettuce With Black Sesame Sauce (KRW ₩Complimentary / SGD $Complimentary)

Gogigui / Barbecue - Sangchu / Lettuce, Kkaennip / Perilla Leaf (KRW ₩Complimentary / SGD $Complimentary)

The Premium Korean Aged Beef Sirloin (KRW ₩36900 / SGD $44.50, 150g) has a robust savoury salty flavour, with a tender chew. Bold and meaty on the palate, each bite releases some of the lovely meat juices.

Premium Korean Aged Beef Sirloin (KRW ₩36900 / SGD $44.50, 150g)

Premium Korean Aged Beef Sirloin

The Korean Black Pork Collar (KRW ₩17900 / SGD $21.60, 150g) has a firm chew, with a bold savoury sweet flavour. Feels luscious on the palate.

Korean Black Pork Collar (KRW ₩17900 / SGD $21.60, 150g)

Korean Black Pork Collar

The USDA Prime Aged Beef Ribeye Steak (KRW ₩29900 / SGD $36, 150g) has good marbling, which results in a fatty, decadent mouth feel. It has a soft chew to texture, with medium savoury flavour cut through with a hint of salty taste.

USDA Prime Aged Beef Ribeye Steak (KRW ₩29900 / SGD $36, 150g)

USDA Prime Aged Beef Ribeye Steak

The Korean Black Pork Belly (KRW ₩17900 / SGD $21.60, 150g) has a bouncy chew, with a light savoury salty fatty flavour. Nice and clean-tasting, it doesn't feel too greasy or heavy on the palate.

Korean Black Pork Belly (KRW ₩17900 / SGD $21.60, 150g)

Korean Black Pork Belly

The Signature Pork Jowl (KRW ₩15500 / SGD $18.70, 150g) has a crunchy chew, with a bold savoury salty flavour. Mouth feel is smooth and silky, very comforting on the palate.

Signature Pork Jowl (KRW ₩15500 / SGD $18.70, 150g)

Signature Pork Jowl

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The Quarters Tasting Session 2017

October 27, 2017, 5:19 pm

≫ Next: The Philharmonic Orchestra Presents Beethoven’s Symphonies No. 1 & 9

≪ Previous: Maple Tree House

The Quarters Tasting Session 2017
16 Enggor Street
#01-09 Icon Village

Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8am - 10pm
Sat: 10am - 10pm
Sun: 10am - 6pm

http://www.thequarters.sg/

This was an invited media review. I did not pay for the meal during the free hosted tasting session, but I did pay the standard price during subsequent visits.
Attended with representatives from Little Tiny Sun, Justin Food Prints, Shermyyy, Her Pen And Fork, and The Arctic Star.

Butter Poached Lobster (SGD $68)

Tasty Modern Singaporean & Char-Grill Dishes

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 8
Ambience & Setting: 7
Food & Beverage: 8
Service: 8
Value for Money: 7
Budget about SGD $40 ++ per person.

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Returned again to The Quarters, on the kind invitation of owner-chef Chung Deming, to sample the new charcoal grill menu being launched. I had previously visited The Quarters several times over the last few years, and each visit I see exciting, new creative dishes.

The Quarters Platter ($128 For 4 People, Pictured Half Platter)

Ambience at The Quarters remains retro casual, with some minor changes. The former homage to the old dock / pier side warehouses is lessened, with the inclusion of large blackboards and hand-drawn chalk-ink artwork. Still a cozy and comfortable place for communal dining.

Service at The Quarters remains professional and efficient, though there's still a short wait for orders to be fulfilled, especially with charcoal grilled dishes. While I felt they could have assisted in topping up our water glasses more proactively, staff did clear finished plates quickly.

Food at The Quarters still features Modern Singaporean cuisine, though the new menu has a back-to-basics approach. Quality remains decent to good, and portions are still styled for sharing / communal dining. Prices have largely kept pace with inflation, and while the regular menu still costs about SGD $19 ++ per person, the new menu boasts more premium ingredients, so budget about SGD $40 ++ per person.

The Quarters Platter ($128 For 4 People, Pictured Half Platter)

The Quarters 2017 Lunch Menu

The Quarters 2017 Dinner Menu

The Quarters 2017 Platter Menu

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With The Quarters Platter ($128 For 4 People), you get a sharing portion of 6 dishes; consisting of 3 appetizers, 2 main dishes, and 1 staple. The set is fixed, and comfortably fills 4 people, though larger groups can always request for add-ons. The 6 dishes in this platter are as follows.

The Salted Egg Mid-Wings (SGD $12) feature 5 skewers of chicken mid-wings, moist and tender in texture, grilled till it takes on a smoky savoury sweet flavour. The chicken meat comes off easily from the bone. Coated in luscious salted egg yolk aioli sauce, which lends a salty eggy flavour profile. A fresh salad completes this. Nice drinking snack.

Salted Egg Mid-Wings (SGD $12)

Salted Egg Mid-Wings

The Buah Keluak Ayam (SGD $12) features a large piece of chicken thigh, with a juicy tender texture, grilled till the skin turns slightly crisp, and the chicken meat juices run clear. Nicely smoky savoury sweet on its own, the flavour is emboldened with earthy savoury buah keluak rempah / pangium edule seeds spice paste. Flavour is more accessible than other versions, being less intense. Good!

Buah Keluak Ayam (SGD $12)

Buah Keluak Ayam

The Grilled Vegetable Platter - Shiitake (SGD $9), Asparagus (SGD $14), Vine Tomatoes (SGD $10) has a medley of smoky grilled vegetables, executed such that all their textures remain juicy or moist. The shiitake mushrooms are lightly seasoned with salt, having an earthy salty flavour and a meaty bite. The asparagus is crunchy and vegetal smoky sweet, but the surprise was the garnish of salty fermented soy beans and garlic, which was so addictive. The vine tomatoes are incredibly juicy sweet with a hint of vegetal sour, dressed in salt and a house special marinade. Good!

Grilled Vegetable Platter - Shiitake (SGD $9), Asparagus (SGD $14), Vine Tomatoes (SGD $10)

Grilled Vegetable Platter - Shiitake, Asparagus, Vine Tomatoes

The Quarters Fried Rice (SGD $14) is a new entrant, a tasty dish of white rice stir-fried with garlic and 2 kinds of salted fish. That said, while I love the delicate smoky aroma within, I did wish the flavour of the salted fish was more pronounced.

Quarters Fried Rice (SGD $14)

Quarters Fried Rice

The Baby Back Ribs (SGD $24) features a half slab of pork ribs, marinated in the house special barbecue sauce, which is sweet and slightly tangy. Served with a fresh garden salad and hot crisp fluffy fries, the pork meat comes easily off the bone. Best eaten while hot, as it tends to dry out when it cools.

Baby Back Ribs (SGD $24)

Baby Back Ribs

The Angus Ribeye (SGD $38, 250g) features a thin but moist slab of sliced beef ribeye steak, served with sides of fresh garden salad and hot crisp fluffy fries. The beef is executed to a perfect medium rare, with a tender and moist texture, and bold savoury flavour. Garnished with a house special smoked salt, which lends an enticing smoky salty taste on the palate, making you yearn for more. Good!

Angus Ribeye (SGD $38, 250g)

Angus Ribeye

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The aptly named Fwah! (SGD $18), is a big burst of flavour. From the delicate crunch of the crisp toasted white bread, which serves as a foil to hold up the rich, luscious, floral sweet pandan kaya / screwpine leaf coconut egg jam, to the creamy scrambled eggs surrounding it, everything about this is pure comfort Singaporean breakfast food. Made decadent with the addition of luxurious foie gras, smoky and savoury and fatty all at once. Shiok.

Fwah! (SGD $18)

Fwah!

The Ooh La La! (SGD $16) will make you exclaim just that, with its generous portion of fresh clams, coated in the house special chili crab sauce. You get the plump, meaty chew of the clams, with a sweet spicy flavour, but without the fiery burn. The mild heat will appeal to most, especially those who prefer their food to be less spicy / not too spicy. Satisfiying communal dish that pairs well with drinks.

Ooh La La! (SGD $16)

Ooh La La!

The Butter Poached Lobster (SGD $68) features a whole lobster, licked by the charcoal grill, poached in butter, drizzled with a little lemon juice. Succulent, fresh, and meaty sweet, with a hint of savoury and sour from the sauce, smoky on the nose. Completely deshelled, this is so easy to eat, yet so luxurious and delicious. Freshness is assured because this requires a 2-day advance order. Well worth getting if you have an advanced reservation plan.

Butter Poached Lobster (SGD $68)

Butter Poached Lobster

The Duriancanboleh (SGD $8.50) retains the same price, but more importantly, is just as good as ever. The creamy smooth, wobbly durian creme brulee custard is fragrant with the aroma of Mao Shan Wang / Cat Mountain King durian. Crack through the satisfiyingly thin, caramelised crust, and you'll get a luscious scoop of fruity sweet custard. The durian taste is nicely present, without being overpowering or sour. However, if you prefer the flavour of durians strong, or with some fiber from the fruit, you'll be disappointed by this. Personally, I loved it. Highly recommended!

Duriancanboleh (SGD $8.50)

Duriancanboleh

The Durian Kaya Bomb (SGD $12) is best described as a flavour bomb of a dessert. Love the choux pastry puff, with its semi-firm, semi-chewy texture, and fragrant bready aroma. The rich, smooth, creamy filling of Mao Shan Wang / Cat Mountain King durian is well blended with pandan kaya / screwpine leaf coconut egg jam, giving it a floral fruity sweet flavour. Best eaten in 1 mouthful, where it just bursts and surprises the palate with its cool, delicious taste.

Durian Kaya Bomb (SGD $12)

Durian Kaya Bomb

The Quarters constantly strives to improve their menu offerings and the quality of their dishes, having kept this philosophy over the last few years. Their latest iteration combines a back-to-basics approach of charcoal grilling with their creative and delicious house-made sauces. The result; exciting dishes with familiar flavours that are definitely worth trying.

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Reserve a table now @ The Quarters

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↧

The Philharmonic Orchestra Presents Beethoven’s Symphonies No. 1 & 9

November 1, 2017, 6:46 am

≫ Next: Sawadee Thai Cuisine Restaurant Tasting Session

≪ Previous: The Quarters Tasting Session 2017

The Philharmonic Orchestra Presents Beethoven’s Symphonies No. 1 & 9

https://www.sso.org.sg/chamber-music-season/vch-presents-the-philharmonic-orchestra-and-the-philharmonic-chamber-choir

Celebrate

The Beginning And The End

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Grateful to catch 'The Philharmonic Orchestra Presents Beethoven’s Symphonies No. 1 & 9' in concert. The Philharmonic Orchestra is celebrating their 15th anniversary in 2017, and to commerate their many years of music-making, are presenting the complete symphonies of Ludwig Van Beethoven (all 9 of them), alongside The Philharmonic Chamber Choir and the NAFA Chamber Choir.

The Philharmonic Orchestra, led by music director, conductor, and founder Lim Yau, comprises young adults who are dedicated to the study and performance of seminal orchestral literature, especially that of composers who shaped the evolution of the Western symphony. In that regard, Ludwig Van Beethoven and his 9 symphonies are a perfect showcase of their talents.

Awaiting At Victoria Theatre And Concert Hall

The Stage

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21, exhibits all the traits one associates with the composer; brash, uncompromising, passionate, and experimental. Parts of it are considered to be a deviation from tradition, a comedy of musical manners.

The Philharmonic Orchestra

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 Curtain Call

Conductor Lim Yau simultaneously led the orchestra and both chamber choirs, an outstanding feat. His movements were filled with energy and purpose, and towards the end, he almost seemed mad, like he was possessed by the spirit of composers past, so great and vast was his conducting.

Interlude

Orchestral Tuning

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, 'Choral', stands at the pinnacle of Western Classical music, so massive was its scope and its historical importance. It is a testament to the possibilities of the symphonic form.

The Philharmonic Orchestra & The Philharmonic Chamber Choir

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 Curtain Call

The 4 singers featured included Lin Ching-Ju (soprano), Angela Cortez (mezzo-soprano), Lin Chien-Chi (tenor), and William Lim (bass), who collectively gave a rousing performance.

The Bow

Exit Stage Right

I greatly enjoyed 'The Philharmonic Orchestra Presents Beethoven’s Symphonies No. 1 & 9', whose performance left an indelible impression. I look forward to seeing the growth of the young musicians in The Philharmonic Orchestra, and to more of their concerts.

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Sawadee Thai Cuisine Restaurant Tasting Session

November 3, 2017, 7:38 am

≫ Next: Jalan Petaling Famous Malaysian Street Food Restaurant

≪ Previous: The Philharmonic Orchestra Presents Beethoven’s Symphonies No. 1 & 9

Sawadee Thai Cuisine Restaurant Tasting Session
~~5 Jalan Legundi~~

9 Tan Quee Lan Street

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 2:30pm (Lunch), 6pm - 10:30pm (Dinner)

http://www.sawadee-cuisine.com/

This was an invited media review. I did not pay for the meal during the free hosted tasting session.
Attended with representatives from HungryGoWhere, and Epicurious Caniggia.

Hor Mok Talay Khanom Krok / Thai Style Otah On Clay Plate (SGD $10 for 4 pieces / $16 for 7 pieces)

Delicious, Excellent Royal Thai Dishes

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 8
Ambience & Setting: 8
Food & Beverage: 9
Service: 8
Value for Money: 8
Budget about SGD $32 per person.

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Established in November 2001 in the Sembawang area, Sawadee Thai Cuisine Restaurant moved to its present location in the Bugis area in December 2013. Originally a casual family restaurant, Sawadee Thai Cuisine Restaurant has since rebranded itself to a mid-range restaurant proper, though they still serve up delicious Thai royal cuisine, which is notable for being less spicy than regular Thai cuisine. As such, Sawadee Thai Cuisine Restaurant has gained quite a following, from corporates who frequently place large orders, to expats who want accessible Thai dishes.

Sawadee Thai Cuisine Restaurant Exterior

Sawadee Thai Cuisine Restaurant Interior

Ambience at Sawadee Thai Cuisine Restaurant is inspired by the traditional Sbai / Sabai, and exudes an elegant Asian sophistication. The warmly lit place has gorgeous golden drapes cascading in languid waves across the ceiling, traditional ornaments lining the walls, and stylized Thai inscriptions on the pillars. The sturdy and comfortable wooden furniture is neatly lined against dark cushioned booths, but spaced rather close together. Gentle rhythms of piped-in Thai jazz music play in the background, lending to the relaxed atmosphere. Very nice.

Decor

Service at Sawadee Thai Cuisine Restaurant is similar to those of fine dining restaurants. Staff are friendly and professional, courteous and efficient, ensuring diners are comfortable and well taken care of. They display decent product knowledge, able to briefly describe the components of dishes. I like that they proactively offer to clear away empty / dirty plates throughout the meal, as well as offer to top up / get more drinks. The level of attention staff accords to each table feels personalised, and I feel it's a strong reason why so many guests return to dine here again.

Table Setting

Food at Sawadee Thai Cuisine Restaurant is tasty, hearty, and freshly prepared to order. While familiar favourites from Thai cuisine feature on the menu, they specialise in Thai royal cuisine, which means dishes are beautifully presented, yet are usually less spicy or sour, and more sweet, savoury, or salty in flavour. They insist on using only quality imported ingredients from Thailand, so each dish is a work of art, both for the eyes, and on the palate. Portions are sized for small group communal dining, and should be shared. Prices are mid-range, but good value for money for the excellent quality. Budget about SGD $32 per person for a meal here.

Range Of Desserts

The Thai Milk Tea (SGD $5.50) has a milky, creamy texture, with bold flavours of earthy black tea and light milk. A tad sweeter in flavour than other versions elsewhere, but it's undeniably tasty.

Thai Milk Tea (SGD $5.50)

The Thai Green Milk Tea (SGD $5.50) replaces the black tea with green tea, and has a slight infusion of pandan / screwpine leaf, giving it a more floral aroma. Good!

Thai Green Milk Tea (SGD $5.50)

The Butterfly Pea Flower Tea (SGD $5.50) is a vibrant, elegant beverage, infused with the essence of butterfly pea flowers. It's light on taste, which is why a shot of lime juice is provided on the side, to give it a zesty sour taste profile. Pour it in, and watch the colour change!

Butterfly Pea Flower Tea (SGD $5.50)

It's rare to see the Miang Kham / Betel Leaf Wrap (SGD $12 / $18) appetizer being served, because it's an uneconomical dish for many restaurants, requiring a lot of time and skill to prepare, yet has low profit margin and not much appeal to diners. This popular Thai street food features a wrap of betel leaves, filled with hand grated and toasted coconut, lime cubes, red onions, ginger, unsalted roasted peanuts, dried shrimp, and bird's eye chili. It's dressed in a sauce made from dried shrimp paste, corn syrup, shredded coconut, sugar, light soy sauce, fish sauce, galangal, and tamarind juice. The overall flavour profile is zesty, sour, sweet, savoury, salty, bitter, earthy, herbal, spicy, with textures of crunchy, juicy, creamy, grainy, chewy. I personally like this.

Miang Kham / Betel Leaf Wrap (SGD $12 / $18)

Miang Kham / Betel Leaf Wrap

The Yam Som O / Pomelo Salad (SGD $12 / $18) is a unique take, with chunks of juicy sweet sour pomelo, tossed with fresh meaty sweet river prawns, savoury minced pork, and crunchy roasted peanuts. Garnished with spring onions, this non-spicy take on the dish has a beautiful contrast of flavours, yet it works very well in harmony. Good!

Yam Som O / Pomelo Salad (SGD $12 / $18)

Yam Som O / Pomelo Salad

The Hor Mok Talay Khanom Krok / Thai Style Otah On Clay Plate (SGD $10 for 4 pieces / $16 for 7 pieces) is hand made here, using fresh mackerel fish and cuttlefish, mashed into a smooth, bouncy seafood paste. Flavoured with chili and herbs, it has a savoury fishy herbal spicy taste. I love the presentation on the earthenware clay plates, which has been hand crafted by traditional artisans. Understand it's difficult to find such plates these days, because it's a dying trade, and shops in Thailand are switching to aluminium versions instead. This dish is excellent. Highly recommended!

Hor Mok Talay Khanom Krok / Thai Style Otah On Clay Plate (SGD $10 for 4 pieces / $16 for 7 pieces)

Hor Mok Talay Khanom Krok / Thai Style Otah On Clay Plate

The Khor Moo Kurobuta Yang / Grilled Kurobuta Pork Collar (SGD $22) features tender, moist, savoury strips of grilled kurobuta pork collar, meaty with a slight chew. Lovely hint of smoky aroma, and I like the little bits of fat within the meat. Served with a sweet spicy dipping sauce for flavour.

Khor Moo Kurobuta Yang / Grilled Kurobuta Pork Collar (SGD $22)

Khor Moo Kurobuta Yang / Grilled Kurobuta Pork Collar

The Gaeng Phed Ped Yang / Panaeng Red Curry Roast Duck (SGD $17) features a creamy, rich red curry gravy, with tender roasted duck, pineapples, and lychees. The obvious difference with Royal Thai cuisine shows here, the taste of the red curry gravy is sweet instead of spicy. The duck lends a savoury contrast, while the fruity sweet lychee and sweet sour pineapple lend layers of taste. Personally, I prefer this to be savoury spicy instead, but as is, the dish is not too bad at all. It's tasty, and pairs well with rice.

Gaeng Phed Ped Yang / Panaeng Red Curry Roast Duck (SGD $17)

Gaeng Phed Ped Yang / Panaeng Red Curry Roast Duck

Among our favourite dishes was the Kra Por Pla Phad Hang / Fried Fish Maw With Bean Sprouts (SGD $14 / $20), a Thai Chinese fusion dish. Bright and crunchy bean sprouts, carrying a smoky aroma and vegetal sweet flavour, stir-fried with spongy fish maw and eggs. Bold flavours of sweet savoury eggy on the palate, completely delicious. Pure comfort food. Highly recommended!

Kra Por Pla Phad Hang / Fried Fish Maw With Bean Sprouts (SGD $14 / $20)

Kra Por Pla Phad Hang / Fried Fish Maw With Bean Sprouts

The Neau Ribeye Black Angus Yang / Pan-Seared Black Angus Beef Ribeye (SGD $32) is their take on the Thai dish of Crying Tiger / Weeping Tiger. A 220g of black angus beef ribeye is seared to a medium-rare doneness, sprinkled with salt and served with an unusual side of green curry dipping sauce. The beef is nicely tender, juicy, and savoury salty, and you can taste the smoky aroma on the meat. The green curry dipping sauce is done Royal Thai style, and is actually pretty sweet. On its own, each component is tasty and well executed. However, I personally felt that the taste conflicted if both were paired together, though I understand there seems to be many who prefer it this way.

Neau Ribeye Black Angus Yang / Pan-Seared Black Angus Beef Ribeye (SGD $32)

Neau Ribeye Black Angus Yang / Pan-Seared Black Angus Beef Ribeye

The Khao Phad Nam Liap / Sawadee Olive Fried Rice (SGD $14 / $20) is a complete meal on its own. The smoky olive fried rice is earthy savoury in flavour, decently executed though some bits were clumpy. Served with a garnish of dried shrimp, lime cubes, bird's eye chili, and stir-fried chicken strips, which had a moist interior with bold savoury flavour, and a slightly crisp exterior. Mix everything together for a balanced mouthful. Worth ordering!

Khao Phad Nam Liap / Sawadee Olive Fried Rice (SGD $14 / $20)

Khao Phad Nam Liap / Sawadee Olive Fried Rice

The Khao Phad Talay / Superior Seafood Fried Rice (SGD $18 / $28) is a premium Thai Chinese fusion dish, with white rice stir-fried alongside fresh deshelled crab meat, meaty sweet prawns, and conpoy. Lovely savoury sweet flavours, a crisp garnish lends a nice crunchy contrast to texture. I did feel the smoky wok hei / breath of the wok was underwhelming though. Personally, I thought this was the weakest dish here.

Khao Phad Talay / Superior Seafood Fried Rice (SGD $18 / $28)

Khao Phad Talay / Superior Seafood Fried Rice

Made the mistake of eating the Khao Neow Turian / Mao Shan Wang Durian Sticky Rice (SGD $12) first, and was blown away by the intense taste. The premium Mao Shan Wang / Cat Mountain King durian puree is rich, creamy, sweet, pungent, incredibly tasty. The nicely chewy sticky glutinous rice has a light sweet flavour, and a garnish of sesame seeds lends some crunch to texture.

Khao Neow Turian / Mao Shan Wang Durian Sticky Rice (SGD $12)

Khao Neow Turian / Mao Shan Wang Durian Sticky Rice

The Tup Tim Krob / Red Ruby (SGD $6) is served chilled in a rich, fragrant coconut milk broth. Within, the crunchy water chestnuts, tender coconut strips, and pliant jackfruit all contribute a fruity earthy sweet flavour. A delightful dessert.

Tup Tim Krob / Red Ruby (SGD $6)

Tup Tim Krob / Red Ruby

The Khao Neow Ma Muang / Mango Sticky Rice (SGD $7) is a classic dessert, given a fashionable makeover, with the sticky chewy glutinous rice infused with butterfly pea flower, imparting a vibrant colour. Large cubes of fresh juicy sweet mango are generously heaped over, along with a coat of crisp roasted mung beans, which lend a nice crunch. Absolutely loved this dessert. Highly recommended!

Khao Neow Ma Muang / Mango Sticky Rice (SGD $7)

Khao Neow Ma Muang / Mango Sticky Rice

Loved the overall dining experience at Sawadee Thai Cuisine Restaurant, with its relaxing ambience, good service, and delicious Thai royal food. Great for communal dining, though the mid-range prices means it's better value for weekly meals or special occasions. Will return to Sawadee Thai Cuisine Restaurant for more.

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Reserve a table now @ Sawadee Thai Cuisine Restaurant

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Jalan Petaling Famous Malaysian Street Food Restaurant

November 8, 2017, 4:57 am

≫ Next: Flor Patisserie

≪ Previous: Sawadee Thai Cuisine Restaurant Tasting Session

Jalan Petaling Famous Malaysian Street Food Restaurant
1 Maju Avenue
#02-01 MyVillage

https://www.facebook.com/JalanPetalingFamousMalaysianStreetFood/

Meal Flat Lay

Decently Tasty Malaysian Dishes

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 7
Ambience & Setting: 7
Food & Beverage: 7
Service: 8
Value for Money: 6
Spent about SGD $13 per person.

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Opening in June 2017, Jalan Petaling Famous Malaysian Street Food Restaurant is a casual eatery offering Malaysian hawker staples. Operated by the same team behind Long Jiang Chinos, the Malaysian chefs at the helm of Jalan Petaling Famous Malaysian Street Food Restaurant serve up decently tasty dishes that are a notch above in quality. Can taste the wok hei / breath of the wok in their food!

Ambience at Jalan Petaling Famous Malaysian Street Food Restaurant is casual and comfortable. The spacious and warmly lit place is neatly lined with sturdy metal and wooden furniture, decked in colours of black, wood, and red. A patterned ceiling, adorned with Oriental lanterns, lend a touch of decor, while the wide glass windows offer a view of the natural greenery and street outside. Nice and relaxing here.

Service at Jalan Petaling Famous Malaysian Street Food Restaurant is professional and efficient. The staff quickly greet and seat guests, and display good product knowledge when questioned about dishes or the preparation. Orders are fulfilled briskly, and I note staff are efficient at clearing away empty / dirty tables when diners leave. By no means is it restaurant dining though, the engagement resembles a typical heartland Chinese Zi Char stall instead.

Food at Jalan Petaling Famous Malaysian Street Food Restaurant is focused on classic Malaysian Chinese street food. Many items are hand made fresh daily, and it shows in the better than average taste of dishes. Portions are sized for communal dining, and should be shared. However, prices are also slightly higher than average for such street food, though it remains good value for money because of the better quality and taste. Budget about SGD $13 per person for a meal here.

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Jalan Petaling Famous Malaysian Street Food Restaurant Signage

Jalan Petaling Famous Malaysian Street Food Restaurant Exterior

Jalan Petaling Famous Malaysian Street Food Restaurant Interior

Open Kitchen

The 5 Flowers Tea (SGD $2.80) is light and aromatic, with a floral herbal sweet flavour. The 5 flowers comprise honeysuckle, chrysanthemum, silk cotton, plumeria rubra, and kudzu / pueraria lobata, and this tonic is said to alleviate fatigue, sore throat, indigestion, and insomnia.

5 Flowers Tea (SGD $2.80)

Loved the Home Made Assorted Hakka Yong Tau Foo (SGD $1 per piece), with its 5 different varieties. Each of them is stuffed with hand formed minced pork, which is nicely savoury sweet salty in flavour, and so moist and tender. This includes soft silken tofu beancurd, crunchy bitter gourd, crisp fried soy bean skin, tender brinjal / eggplant / aubergine, and spicy chili pepper. Served dry style, with the sweet sauce on the side. In comparision to other versions elsewhere, this is just decent.

Home Made Assorted Hakka Yong Tau Foo (SGD $1 per piece)

Home Made Assorted Hakka Yong Tau Foo

The Hakka Soy Sauce Chicken (SGD $16 Half, $30 Whole) is delicious. The chicken is nicely tender and moist, and has been infused with bold savoury salty flavour from the gravy, with a hint of herbal taste. However, the braised peanuts on the side were crunchy instead of tender. Overall a good dish, best paired with white rice. Highly recommended!

Hakka Soy Sauce Chicken (SGD $16 Half, $30 Whole)

Hakka Soy Sauce Chicken

The KL Seafood Hokkien Mee (SGD $8.80) here is a premium version, and in terms of quality, is a notch above other versions elsewhere. The seafood is fresh and meaty sweet, with squid, fish, and prawns. The noodles are thick and chewy, while the gravy, which features pork lard, is properly savoury salty. Paired with the crunchy cabbage, this dish is messy, slippery, unhealthy, but completely yummy. Highly recommended!

KL Seafood Hokkien Mee (SGD $8.80)

KL Seafood Hokkien Mee

Felt the Braised Vermicelli With Pork Trotters (SGD $8.80) was below decent. The vermicelli noodles have absorbed the savoury salty flavour from the braising sauce, but the pork trotters alternated between tender and firm in texture. Would have liked the flavour to be slightly more sour bitter as well, as it lacks that sharp edge to make it interesting.

Braised Vermicelli With Pork Trotters (SGD $8.80)

Braised Vermicelli With Pork Trotters

The Steamed Rice Flour Rolls With Yong Tau Foo & Curry Gravy (SGD $6.80) is a novel dish, of 3 components. The yong tau foo pieces were as decently executed as before. The steamed rice flour rolls have a lovely chew, and are slippery smooth with a light grain flavour. But the star is the creamy lemak coconut curry gravy, thick and rich with savoury spice notes. Highly recommended!

Steamed Rice Flour Rolls With Yong Tau Foo & Curry Gravy (SGD $6.80)

Steamed Rice Flour Rolls With Yong Tau Foo & Curry Gravy

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Flor Patisserie

November 11, 2017, 6:28 pm

≫ Next: Sama Curry & Cafe

≪ Previous: Jalan Petaling Famous Malaysian Street Food Restaurant

Flor Patisserie
2 Duxton Hill #01-01

42 Siglap Drive

391A Orchard Road
#B2 Ngee Ann City

http://cakeflor.com.sg/

Matcha Latte

Inspired Japanese French Dessert Cafe

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 7
Ambience & Setting: 9
Food & Beverage: 8
Service: 8
Value for Money: 6
Spent about SGD $9 per person.

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Founded in August 2010, Flor Patisserie is a patisserie and cafe that serves pretty Japanese dessert pastries and confectioneries, made using French baking techniques. Named for the Portuguese word for 'flower', though pronounced in Japanese as ‘fu-ro-ru’, Flor Patisserie is the brainchild of Chef Yamashita Masataka, with a philosophy of baking with only the freshest, good quality ingredients sourced from Japan, Belgium, France, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore.

Ambience at Flor Patisserie evokes a minimalist zen. The bright spot lit place is spacious, in simple white and wood colours, with artwork from local artists adorning the walls. Hanging potted plants and wooden tree stems lend a natural feel, while the sturdy wooden furniture is wide and spacious. They even have a small store display in front, along with the attractive dessert counter display. Well suited for relaxing.

Service at Flor Patisserie is excellent. Partially self-service, as ordering and payment is performed over the counter, but staff do serve orders to your table. I note they display good product knowledge, able to describe the various pastries and confectioneries, as well as offer recommendations. Relatively young, but they're engaging and proactive, willingly offering information when they overheard our queries.

Food at Flor Patisserie is all about desserts, which are fusion Japanese French in nature. Hand crafted fresh daily using only premium ingredients, each piece is an attractive work of art, yet packs bold flavour, and is light on the palate. Well executed consistently too. Chef Heidi Tan, a student of Chef Yamashita Masataka and co-founder of Flor Patisserie, now heads up the kitchen, and carries on his legacy. Portions are sized for individuals. Prices are slightly higher than elsewhere, due to the premium quality. Budget about SGD $9 per person for a dessert here.

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Flor Patisserie Exterior

Flor Patisserie Interior

Store Display

Dessert Display

Menu Beverages

Seating

The Matcha Latte (SGD $6) has a bold and robust earthy flavour, made with premium matcha green tea powder. Thick and rich in texture, warm and comforting like a hug.

Matcha Latte (SGD $6)

The Cheese Zucotto (SGD $12) is a baked cheese mousse cake, made with Australian cream cheese. Soft and light and airy, with a rich smooth creamy texture, it has a delicate sweet cheesy flavour, with a fluffy feeling on the palate. Good!

Cheese Zucotto (SGD $12)

The Ice Cheese Tart Earl Grey (SGD $3.60) features a base of almond cookie and cream cheese, firm with a crunch, sweet salty in flavour. Infused with earl grey tea, which lends an earthy note to this dessert tart. Unusual contrast of sweet against earthy though.

Ice Cheese Tart Earl Grey (SGD $3.60)

Ice Cheese Tart Earl Grey

The Waguri Mille-Feuille (SGD $6.90) is a light, airy dessert cake. The crisp, flaky puff pastry layers sandwich a filling of light butter sponge cake, airy pastry cream, and sweet chantilly cream. Decorated with strands of earthy nutty chestnut cream and sweet Japanese chestnuts that are tender to bite. This beautiful creation takes a labourious 3 days to make!

Waguri Mille-Feuille (SGD $6.90)

Waguri Mille-Feuille

The Mango Pie (SGD $7.20) features fresh, large chunks of juicy sweet mangoes, piled high on a base of rich, dense almond butter cake, coated in a crumbly puff pastry, topped with a single blueberry. Nicely fruity sweet, I absolutely loved how light and enticing this was.

Mango Pie (SGD $7.20)

Mango Pie

The Chitose Strawberry Shortcake (SGD $9.50) is light and airy like a cloud. The soft Genoise sponge cake is layered with sweet chantilly cream and premium juicy Chitose strawberries, with a garnish of crunchy chocolate balls for added texture. Lovely dessert cake, though it's expensive. Good!

Chitose Strawberry Shortcake (SGD $9.50)

Chitose Strawberry Shortcake

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Sama Curry & Cafe

November 16, 2017, 1:55 pm

≫ Next: Pince & Pints

≪ Previous: Flor Patisserie

Sama Curry & Cafe
6A Shenton Way
#03-26 OUE Downtown 2 Gallery

https://www.facebook.com/samacurrysg/

Meal Of Soup Curry

Authentic Japanese Hokkaido Soup Curry

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 8
Ambience & Setting: 8
Food & Beverage: 7
Service: 8
Value for Money: 8
Spent about SGD $20 per person.

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Opened in May 2017 by founder Shuichi Takahashi, Sama Curry & Cafe is a casual restaurant specialising in a dish originating from Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan - Soup Curry. What is soup curry? Well, the typical Japanese curry usually has a thick, creamy texture, with a sweet savoury flavour that only has a hint of spicy taste. However, soup curry resembles a broth, with a thin texture, and is savoury spicy in flavour. At Sama Curry & Cafe, you'll get a delicious bowl of soup curry.

Ambience at Sama Curry & Cafe feels clean and welcoming. The warmly lit place is neatly lined with long wooden furniture, the low-hanging lamps casting radiance over the colours of white and wood. Themed around bears, the walls are adorned with all manner of bear related artwork, as well as focusing on their signature soup curry. I find the place comfortable and relaxing.

Service at Sama Curry & Cafe is partially self-service, with ordering and payment over the counter, though staff will serve orders to your table. I find staff to be friendly and helpful, displaying intimate product knowledge on the dishes available, as well as the range of customisation you can have. I note they're efficient at clearing away empty / dirty tables when diners leave too.

Food at Sama Curry & Cafe is all about Japanese soup curry. Despite specialising in a single type of dish, they offer several variations on it, enough to make repeat visits worthwhile. Diners are invited to customise their soup curry, starting from choosing between 8 main toppings, to the 4 different soup curry bases, to 30 levels of spiciness for their meal. Dishes are made to order using fresh ingredients, and pack bold, tasty flavour. Portions are large and filling. Prices are comparable to other cafes, budget about SGD $20 per person for a meal here.

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Sama Curry & Cafe Exterior

Sama Curry & Cafe Interior

Decor

What Is Soup Curry

How To Eat Soup Curry

Sama Curry & Cafe Menu

Spice Levels

A warm mug of comforting Hot Green Tea (SGD $1), earthy and robust in flavour, which is refillable. Also helps to cleanse the palate, especially if you're eating a more spicy version.

Hot Green Tea (SGD $1)

Loved the Hokkaido Crab Cream Croquette (SGD $7), a very pleasing appetizer. The golden brown, crisp crunchy croquette shell holds a rich, creamy filling of cream infused with the sweet briny flavour of Hokkaido crab meat. Paired with a ponzu dipping sauce, which gives it a nice zesty kick.

Hokkaido Crab Cream Croquette (SGD $7)

Hokkaido Crab Cream Croquette

The Niseko Yumepirika White Rice is served with every order of soup curry. Sourced from local farms in Niseko, the rice is grown with natural water from the mountains. In addition, the Japanese government limits the use of chemical pesticides, so farmers here use ducks for pest control instead (about 70% reduced agricultural chemicals and 36% reduced chemical fertilizer). Considered to be of premium quality, the Yumepirika varietal of white rice has a sticky texture that isn't overly starchy, with a delicate sweet flavour.

Niseko Yumepirika White Rice

Niseko Yumepirika White Rice Description

Sampled the Hungry Bear, Japanese Soup Base (SGD $18.90). For the undecided, this dish is like a half-and-half, with the main ingredients being a moist, tender leg of chicken, complemented by either a slab of pork belly, or a beef hamburger patty (I chose this). The chicken leg has a light sweet savoury flavour, and the meat comes easily off the bone. The beef hamburger patty is tightly packed and meaty, with a light chew, and bold savoury salty flavour.

The Japanese soup base is the 'original' flavour, a robust broth of light chicken and spices soup curry, done in traditional Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. It's thin in texture but drinkable, with a delicate savoury flavour. On recommendation of the staff, I choose a spice level of 20, which has a nice kick and slight burn, but isn't painful.

Of special note is the grilled vegetables, which we found perfectly executed. This features a medley of baby corn, broccoli, brinjal / eggplant / aubergine, lotus root, cauliflower, potato, carrot, pumpkin, and a halved soft boiled egg. The vegetables hold up well, retaining their firm crunch, and lend good earthy vegetal sweet flavour, with a hint of smoky on the palate. Loved every mouthful of this. Highly recommended!

Hungry Bear, Japanese Soup Base (SGD $18.90)

Hungry Bear, Japanese Soup Base

Sampled the Oink Oink, Coconut Soup Base (SGD $15.90). This features slabs of moist, tender pork belly, savoury fatty in flavour, along with perfectly executed grilled vegetables, including a medley of baby corn, broccoli, brinjal / eggplant / aubergine, potato, carrot, chili, and a halved soft boiled egg. The vegetables hold up well, retaining their firm crunch, and lend good earthy vegetal sweet flavour, with a hint of smoky on the palate.

The fusion coconut soup base is a robust broth of coconut milk and spices soup curry. It's medium thick in texture, with a bold savoury spice milky flavour. Mild in heat too, as I choose a spice level of 13, just enough to tease the palate. I preferred the other dishes over this, but it's still delicious. Good!

Oink Oink, Coconut Soup Base (SGD $15.90)

Oink Oink, Coconut Soup Base

Sampled the Ocean Trophy, Shrimp Soup Base (SGD $18.90). This features a tempura battered fish fillet, tender flaky in texture with a delicate sweet savoury flavour; frozen mussels which fell apart in the broth, frozen squid which was too firm in texture, and stale prawns. The medley of perfectly grilled vegetables, including baby corn, broccoli, okra / lady's finger, potato, carrot, chili, and a halved soft boiled egg, were present, but did little to save the terrible seafood.

The lovely shrimp soup base is a bold and fragrant broth of prawn shells and spices soup curry. It's thin in texture, but with a robust crustacean flavour. Big on heat too, as I choose a spice level of 25. This has a lingering spicy burn, though you can still taste the natural sweet savoury flavour of the shrimp beneath.

Ocean Trophy, Shrimp Soup Base (SGD $18.90)

Ocean Trophy, Shrimp Soup Base

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Pince & Pints

November 18, 2017, 7:39 am

≫ Next: Degreed

≪ Previous: Sama Curry & Cafe

Pince & Pints
32 Duxton Road

95 East Coast Road

https://pinceandpints.com/

Lobster Thermidor Set (SGD $68)

Consistently Well Executed, Fresh Lobsters, For A Price

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 8
Ambience & Setting: 6
Food & Beverage: 9
Service: 9
Value for Money: 7
Spent about SGD $110 per person.

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Founded in July 2014 by the husband and wife team behind the successful Singapore fashion blogshop Love, Bonito, Frederick Yap and Velda Tan, Pince & Pints is a restaurant dedicated to serving fresh lobsters at reasonable prices. Drawing queues of up to 2-hours nightly at their 1st outlet in the Duxton Hill area, the continuing success of Pince & Pints has led them to open their 2nd outlet in the Katong area in October 2017. Here, they are still consistently serving up their delicious lobsters, with classic favourites and brand new dishes.

Ambience at Pince & Pints is styled like a casual gastrobar. The 1st outlet calls to mind the bespoke hipster-bar look, with warm lighting against shades of red, wood, and white. A long bar occupies the majority of floor space, and seating is closely packed, almost till you can hear your neighbour's conversations. The 2nd outlet boasts a clean and contemporary look, white lights against shades of wood, off-white, and grey. Both places are relaxing, with attractive tongue-in-cheek decor, though I prefer the 2nd outlet over the 1st outlet.

Service at Pince & Pints achieves near fine dining standards. Staff are professional and courteous, quickly greeting and seating guests. They speak politely in crisp English, displaying good product knowledge on dishes if questioned. I particularly like that they can refuse requests in a positive manner. Staff display quick efficiency at clearing empty / dirty tables when diners leave. In addition, they do engage guests during the meal, and will ask for feedback on your dining experience.

Food at Pince & Pints is all about lobsters, done in American, French, and Modern Singaporean styles. Imported directly from sustainable fisheries along the Atlantic Coast, stored live in a warehouse equipped with caliberated water tanks, this ensures that all their lobsters are fresh, and of good quality when served. Consistency is key as well, and the kitchen team serves up these delectable crustaceans with precise execution every time. Portions are sized for individuals, and while prices are high (naturally), you're usually assured of a good dining experience. Budget about SGD $110 per person for a meal here.

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Pince & Pints Signage

Pince & Pints Exterior

Pince & Pints Interior

Seating Indoors

Seating Outdoors

Pince & Pints Facade

Walled Kitchen

Bar

The Beer Tuatara Aotearoa Pale Ale (SGD $18) is an American style pale ale, brewed by Tuatara Breweries in Paraparaumu, in the Greater Wellington region of New Zealand. Also known as 'Kapai', which is Maori for 'It's All Good', this has a dark copper amber colour, with aromas of orange, malt, banana, and grass. The body is medium creamy, oily, and fizzy, with tastes of grapefruit, caramel, mango, and pine resin. Has a herbal sweet undertone, with strong bitter spice flavours. Finish is dry and lingering. Made with Motueka, Pacific Jade, New Zealand Cascade, and Nelson Sauvin hops, this pairs exceptionally well with veal, venison, and shellfish.

Beer Tuatara Aotearoa Pale Ale (SGD $18)

The Garlic Butter Mussels (SGD $18) feature fresh, plump, meaty mussels, in a thin but flavourful broth of garlic, butter, basil leaves, white wine, and chili. Served with toasted garlic bread, which has a lovely crisp edge outside, and a soft inside. The delicious broth lends a savoury sweet herbal note to the natural briny salty sweet flavour of the mussels. Good!

Garlic Butter Mussels (SGD $18)

Garlic Butter Mussels

Instead of the typical French style, the Fried Calamari (SGD $12) here is a Modern Singaporean version instead. The large, plump, bouncy squid rings have a nice chew to texture, with a light sweet savoury flavour. The thin and semi-crisp batter, which is golden brown but oily, is spiced with curry leaves and Szechuan / Sichuan chili, giving it a mild spicy kick. Paired with a cool tartar sauce. Yum.

Fried Calamari (SGD $12)

Fried Calamari

The Lobster Chowder (SGD $38) has a rich, creamy texture, akin to the Boston, Massachusetts, New England, United States Of America version of chowder. The base of lobster stock, clam stock, and cream immediately feels different on the palate, having a delicate sweet savoury flavour and a pale off-white colour, as compared to those versions which use solely prawn or clam stock instead (these usually are more intense in crustacean flavour). Garnished with baby clams, leeks, potatoes, onions, fresh deshelled crab, and meaty chunks of fresh lobster, with its briny salty sweet flavour. Completed with satisfiyingly crisp croutons. Expensive for an appetizer though.

Lobster Chowder (SGD $38)

Lobster Chowder

Ah, the signature The Lobster Roll Set (SGD $58), a Boston, Massachusetts, New England, United States Of America classic dish. Served with a fresh Chef's Garden Salad and satisfiying Straight Cut Fries, The Lobster Roll is done traditional style, with a crisp outside, fluffy soft inside hotdog bun that is open at the top. Within is stuffed a liberal portion of chilled fresh lobster chunks, marinated in lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and butter. An elegant diffusion of flavour, briny sweet savoury zesty on the palate. Loved every decadent bite of this. Highly recommended!

The Lobster Roll Set (SGD $58)

The Lobster Roll Set

Chef's Garden Salad

Straight Cut Fries

Garlic Aioli

The Lobster Roll

The Lobster Thermidor Set (SGD $68) is a classic dish from Paris, Île-De-France, France. Served with a fresh Chef's Garden Salad and satisfiying Straight Cut Fries, the Lobster Thermidor features a whole lobster, halved and coated in bread crumbs soaked with egg yolks and cognac, served with an oven-browned parmesan cheese crust and rosemary. This dish, to me, represents the epitome of luxury fine dining. Cut into the soft, crumbly, golden-brown crust, and you get the juicy, succulent, briny sweet savoury lobster meat within. The crust itself lends a herbal salty bready cheesy flavour, complementing the fresh lobster meat. A dish which demands to be eaten leisurely, enjoying every mouthful. Expensive dish, naturally. Highly recommended!

Lobster Thermidor Set (SGD $68)

Chef's Garden Salad

Straight Cut Fries

Lobster Thermidor

The Live Whole Lobster Set (SGD $58) is served with a fresh Chef's Garden Salad, satisfiying Straight Cut Fries, and a herbed butter gravy. But the star is the Live Whole Lobster, Steamed, fresh and meaty, succulent and juicy, sweet briny salty savoury in flavour, so luxurious and delicious. An excellent showcase of how simplicity in cooking and respect for this premium ingredient results in a delightful dining experience. Highly recommended!

Live Whole Lobster Set (SGD $58)

Live Whole Lobster Set

Live Whole Lobster, Steamed

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Degreed

November 22, 2017, 5:25 am

≫ Next: Jin Fine Dining Tasting Session

≪ Previous: Pince & Pints

Degreed
Online - Educational Service - Digital Learning Tool

https://degreed.com/

Degreed Logo

Curated & Focused Micro-Learning, With Recognition

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 9
Service: 9
Ease Of Use: 9
Stability: 9
Features & Functions: 8

Pricing:
Individual Account: Free
Business Account (Per User): Prices Not Publicly Available

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Degreed is a free online lifelong learning platform service which allows users to discover, curate, share, track, learn, and recognise learning, from any online or off-line source. Founded in March 2012 on the philosophy that there is no single path to expertise, Degreed is on a mission to ‘Jailbreak the Degree’. Their micro-learning platform service can track, discover, and recognize all forms of learning, including and not limited to: face-to-face instructor-led courses, e-learning or online courses, articles, blogs, videos, podcasts, work experiences, evidence of skills, and learning events.

Degreed Landing Page

Degreed Interface

The beauty of Degreed lies in its user-friendly, intuitive interface. From the multitude of topics / subject matters available, select the pathways you're interested in, and you'll be presented with a curated series of content. Each pathway is structured and well-organised, and the curated content may include e-learning or online courses, articles, blogs, videos, or podcasts. By using a micro-learning approach, the learner is able to learn at their own pace, anytime, anywhere.

All content loads within the Degreed interface, which in effect, 'pulls' the external content and presents it within the screen. In fact, other external links can load within the interface as well, and you can include these additional learning content in your profile. Once you've completed a piece of learning content, you're able to 'Mark Complete', which prompts for your learning takeaway. Another highlight is the ability to submit prior work, face-to-face instructor-led courses, work experiences, evidence of skills, learning events, or evidence of learning (achievements, certificates, degrees) in your profile. If you choose to have it validated by subject matter experts, you'll be issued a recognised certification.

List Of Topics

Personal Learning Collection

Curated Learning Pathways

There are few downsides to using Degreed. Primarily, the main issue is related to their aggregation of external content for learning - if the original owner / author takes down the learning content, that breaks the link in the application as well. Fortunately, this rarely happens. Another point is related to their free individual account, which mainly allows access to free learning content. This means that paid content from learning providers is usually not accessible.

Degreed is effectively 3 services in 1 platform. First, they offer the ability for tracking, measuring, and sharing knowledge and skills acquired outside formal education. Second, they have a learning ecosystem that aggregates and curates relevant learning materials from across the internet. Third, for a fee, Degreed For Business operates as an enterprise learning portal that integrates with existing learning management systems (LMS) and proprietary content, providing organisations a holistic view of employee learning. Overall, I'm happy with my experience using Degreed thus far.

Various Learning Web Sites

Analytics Example

Learning Content Aggregated From Multiple Platforms

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Jin Fine Dining Tasting Session

November 25, 2017, 1:31 am

≫ Next: Nissin Nakiryu Dan Dan Instant Ramen

≪ Previous: Degreed

Jin Fine Dining Tasting Session
76 Telok Ayer Street

Opening Hours:
Mon - Sat: 11:30am - 2:30pm (Lunch), 6pm - 10pm (Dinner),
Closed Sun

http://www.jinfinedining.com.sg/

This was an invited media review. I did not pay for the meal during the free hosted tasting session.
Attended with representatives from HungryGoWhere, Purple Taste, and Chubby Botak Koala.

Sashimi Mori / Assorted Sashimi (SGD $48) - Maguro / Tuna, Shake / Salmon, Kanpachi / Greater Amberjack, Tai / Sea Bream

Quality Japanese Dining At Mid-Range Prices

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 7
Ambience & Setting: 7
Food & Beverage: 8
Service: 6
Value for Money: 7
Budget about SGD $48 per person.

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Established in April 2014, Jin Fine Dining is a Japanese restaurant that consistently offers good quality, premium dishes, at mid-range prices. Originally helmed by one of the pioneers for Japanese food in Singapore, Chef Thomas Kok, the kitchen team is now headed up by Chef Ray Phun, who brings his 17 years of experience to create memorable gastronomic journeys and exquisite Omakase meals.

Fairy Lights Boulevard

Rosewood Couch

Jin Fine Dining Introduction

Ambience at Jin Fine Dining has a refined sophistication. There's 2 distinct parts - the main seating area is open and bustling, adorned in shades of black and red, really meant for quick casual dining. Then there's the intimate private rooms, decked in shades of beige and gold, with warm decorative lamps. The elegant and luxurious fittings lend well to business meals, or special occasions.

Jin Fine Dining Exterior

Jin Fine Dining Interior

Private Room

Service at Jin Fine Dining is decent enough. Staff are friendly and efficient, quickly seating guests, politely taking orders, and clearing empty / dirty tables fast. They display decent product knowledge when questioned, and they accomodated special requests. However, they lack that memorable edge, it feels fairly mechanical, sort of going through the motions, instead of being personal and approachable.

Bar Counter

Liquor Display

Artwork Black-Necked Cranes

Food at Jin Fine Dining is focused on quality Japanese cuisine. It seems their omakase here is very popular with diners, with several other tables ordering this during our visit on a weekday. The owners believe their food is of better quality, having improved over the last few years, and I'm inclined to believe them, as the majority of dishes we had looked beautiful and were well executed. Portions are designed for communal dining, and prices are mid-range for a restaurant. Budget about SGD $48 per person for a meal here.

Wine Glasses

Table Setting

Condiments

A straightforward, hot Green Tea (SGD $2.50), which is refillable. I wish staff had been more proactive in checking on and topping up the drinks.

Green Tea (SGD $2.50)

The signature Sashimi Mori / Assorted Sashimi (SGD $48) - Maguro / Tuna, Shake / Salmon, Kanpachi / Greater Amberjack, Tai / Sea Bream is a highlight. Features fresh and thick slices of fish, filleted to perfection, and so clean-tasting. Each has its distinct taste, and while not the absolutely best in quality, it's certainly of a respectably high standard for sashimi. Well worth ordering.

Sashimi Mori - Maguro, Shake, Kanpachi, Tai

Sashimi Mori / Assorted Sashimi (SGD $48) - Maguro / Tuna, Shake / Salmon, Kanpachi / Greater Amberjack, Tai / Sea Bream

Maguro / Tuna

Shake / Salmon

Kanpachi / Greater Amberjack

Tai / Sea Bream

Assorted Sashimi - Tuna, Salmon, Greater Amberjack, Sea Bream

Sashimi Mori / Assorted Sashimi - Maguro / Tuna, Shake / Salmon, Kanpachi / Greater Amberjack, Tai / Sea Bream

The Kanpachi / Greater Amberjack, With Truffle (SGD $25) is an example of a luxurious appetizer. Thinly sliced, fresh and bouncy fillets of kanpachi / greater amberjack fish, seasoned with a touch of light soy sauce, sprinkled with fresh shaved black truffles, giving it a delicate earthy salty sweet flavour. Feels so decadent eating this. Yum.

Kanpachi / Greater Amberjack, With Truffle (SGD $25)

Kanpachi / Greater Amberjack, With Truffle

The Buta Kakuni / Braised Pork Belly (SGD $20) is incredibly tender and succulent. Equal parts fat to lean pork meat, each slab carries robust savoury salty flavour from the braising gravy, and almost melts away in the mouth. Good!

Buta Kakuni / Braised Pork Belly (SGD $20)

Buta Kakuni / Braised Pork Belly

The Tempura Mori / Assorted Tempura (SGD $22) features a variety of ingredients, coated in crisp, crunchy tempura batter. I like that the crust is not too oily, and that it's light on the palate. Standouts for me include the sweet potato, the enoki / golden mushrooms, and the amebi / sweet shrimp / prawn.

Tempura Mori / Assorted Tempura (SGD $22)

Tempura Mori / Assorted Tempura

Loved the Buta Hatsumitsu / Grilled Black Pork Belly With Honey Yuzu (SGD $12), with the crunchy slices of black pork belly having a robust savoury flavour, and a deep sweet note at the finish. Slight touch of spice from the pepper. Great appetizer.

Buta Hatsumitsu / Grilled Black Pork Belly With Honey Yuzu (SGD $12)

Buta Hatsumitsu / Grilled Black Pork Belly With Honey Yuzu

The Kimchi Baechu Buta Nabe / Kimchi Pickled Cabbage Pork Belly Hot Pot (SGD $23) is a Japanese Korean fusion dish. Rather spicy too, as the soup / broth has a slight lingering burn. Strips of streaky pork belly bacon lend a fatty chewy texture, and the medley of vegetables - earthy shiitake mushrooms and golden mushrooms, crunchy cabbage, and soft silken tofu beancurd, lend balance. Feels disconcerting to experience the spicy burn going down your throat.

Kimchi Baechu Buta Nabe / Kimchi Pickled Cabbage Pork Belly Hot Pot (SGD $23)

Kimchi Baechu Buta Nabe / Kimchi Pickled Cabbage Pork Belly Hot Pot

A lovely comfort dish, the Tara Chiri Nabe / Cod Fish Head Hot Pot (SGD $28) is especially suitable for cold or rainy days. The delicate savoury sweet flavour of the warming broth, the tender slices of fresh fish, the soft silken tofu beancurd, the earthy shiitake mushrooms, and the crunchy cabbage all make for a hearty and filling communal meal.

Tara Chiri Nabe / Cod Fish Head Hot Pot (SGD $28)

Tara Chiri Nabe / Cod Fish Head Hot Pot

The Jin Maki / Jin Sushi Roll (SGD $16) looks common, but actually surprises. This is largely because of the crispy fish skin, stuffed within the fragrant sushi rice roll wrapped with crunchy seaweed. A wrap of Shake / Salmon sashimi, a dollop of mayonnaise, and a globule of briny salty ikura / salmon fish roe completes it. Worth ordering!

Jin Maki / Jin Sushi Roll (SGD $16)

Jin Maki / Jin Sushi Roll

The Iro-Iro Maki / Variety Sushi Roll (SGD $20) is rather novel. A whole, fresh amebi / sweet shrimp / prawn, with a crisp tempura batter, is stuffed within a roll of sticky sushi rice and crunchy seaweed. This is wrapped with Maguro / Tuna sashimi, Shake / Salmon sashimi, and avocado, finished with a garnish of tobiko / flying fish roe. Lovely combination of textures and flavours here. Good!

Iro-Iro Maki / Variety Sushi Roll (SGD $20)

Iro-Iro Maki / Variety Sushi Roll

A platter of aburi sushi, including Amaebi Aburi Sushi / Grilled Prawn Sushi (SGD $17), Hotate Aburi Sushi / Grilled Scallop Sushi (SGD $11), Kanpachi Aburi Sushi / Grilled Greater Amberjack Sushi (SGD $12), Maguro Aburi Sushi / Grilled Tuna Sushi (SGD $9), Shake Aburi Sushi / Grilled Salmon Sushi (SGD $8), Tai Aburi Sushi / Grilled Sea Bream Sushi (SGD $12). Each has a thick slice of fish / seafood, lightly torched to bring out a smoky aroma, with a delicate savoury sweet flavour. Good!

Amaebi Aburi Sushi / Grilled Prawn Sushi (SGD $17), Hotate Aburi Sushi / Grilled Scallop Sushi (SGD $11), Kanpachi Aburi Sushi / Grilled Greater Amberjack Sushi (SGD $12)

Maguro Aburi Sushi / Grilled Tuna Sushi (SGD $9), Shake Aburi Sushi / Grilled Salmon Sushi (SGD $8), Tai Aburi Sushi / Grilled Sea Bream Sushi (SGD $12)

Tai Aburi Sushi / Grilled Sea Bream Sushi, Kanpachi Aburi Sushi / Grilled Greater Amberjack Sushi, Hotate Aburi Sushi / Grilled Scallop Sushi

Hotate Aburi Sushi / Grilled Scallop Sushi, Amaebi Aburi Sushi / Grilled Prawn Sushi

Maguro Aburi Sushi / Grilled Tuna Sushi, Shake Aburi Sushi / Grilled Salmon Sushi

The Ninniku Chahan / Garlic Fried Rice (SGD $8) has a lovely appetizing aroma, smoky savoury and pungent with garlic. Taste is spot on, but texture was more clumpy than expected, and I wish the garlic chips were more crisp.

Ninniku Chahan / Garlic Fried Rice (SGD $8)

Ninniku Chahan / Garlic Fried Rice

Overall, I loved the beautiful ambience and good quality food at Jin Fine Dining. While the service was decent, it could be more personalised and memorable. Nevertheless, Jin Fine Dining remains a solid choice for destination Japanese dining, particularly for their omakase meals.

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Nissin Nakiryu Dan Dan Instant Ramen

November 28, 2017, 6:29 am

≫ Next: BBQ Express

≪ Previous: Jin Fine Dining Tasting Session

Nissin Nakiryu Dan Dan Instant Ramen
Various Third-Party Retail Stores

https://www.nissin.com/en_jp/

Lift Noodles

Taste Of Michelin-Star Ramen Noodles

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 8
Product Lifespan: 1 Year
Product Quality: 8
Value for Money: 8
Spent about JPY ¥220 / SGD $3 per person.

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The Nissin Nakiryu Dan Dan Instant Ramen captures the essence of the signature dish from 1 Michelin star restaurant, Nakiryu. Reowned for their ramen noodles which feature a robust and delicious soup / broth, Nakiryu attained the coveted 1 Michelin star in November 2016. In collaboration with Nissin, the Nissin Nakiryu Dan Dan Instant Ramen was released in May 2017, featuring the restaurant's distinctive soup / broth.

Nissin Nakiryu Dan Dan Instant Ramen Packaging

Michelin-Star Ramen Noodles

Front

Back

Preparing the Nissin Nakiryu Dan Dan Instant Ramen is as easy as any other Nissin instant cup noodles. Tear off the plastic wrap and partially lift the top foil. Within, you can see the noodles, seasoning, pork chunks, and spring onions. There's also a sachet of chili oil to add as you wish (I added all of it). Just pour boiling water in, and let sit for 4 minutes. Once ready, tearing off the top foil releases a heavenly meaty aroma. The noodles look springy, and the soup / broth has a nice tan brown colour.

Top

Preparation

Cooked

Ready To Eat

The Nissin Nakiryu Dan Dan Instant Ramen is possibly among the best instant noodles around. The soup / broth is rich and savoury with pork flavour, yet not overwhelming. Plus, it's not overly salty, because I don't feel thirsty at all. The noodles are bouncy and the chunks of pork are tender, contrasted by the crunch of the spring onions. Excellent.

Lift Noodles

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BBQ Express

November 29, 2017, 3:53 pm

≫ Next: Zum Bar Goat's Milk Soap

≪ Previous: Nissin Nakiryu Dan Dan Instant Ramen

BBQ Express
90 Hougang Avenue 10
#B1-K8 Hougang Mall

10 Eunos Road 8
#01-131 SingPost Centre

Various Outlets Islandwide

https://search.insing.com/s/BBQ+Express

Set Meal (SGD $12.30)

Tasty Barbecued Meats

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 5
Ambience & Setting: 6
Food & Beverage: 5
Service: 6
Value for Money: 5
Spent about SGD $10 per person.

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Founded in 1986, BBQ Express is a long-serving takeaway joint with outlets across Singapore, specialising in tasty barbecued chicken and pork ribs. I remember visiting them when I was young, being super excited to eat their tasty food. These days, BBQ Express is still doing well in most heartland malls, and their latest outlet in SingPost Centre, which opened in October 2017, features a sit-down casual dining restaurant.

Ambience at BBQ Express is clean and minimalist, with a casual modern touch. The brightly lit place in mostly white and beige colours feels clean and comfortable, but the biggest attraction is their display of appetizing barbecued meats, which catches the eye. Suitable for quick casual dining, but doesn't lend well to lingering. Most people order takeaway.

Service at BBQ Express is completely self-service, with ordering, payment, and collection over the counter. However, staff do assist in clearing away empty / dirty tables when diners leave, and they do so efficiently. I also like that staff display good product knowledge, able to offer recommendations. However, they communicate mostly in Chinese Mandarin, with only simple English.

Food at BBQ Express is Western and Asian style barbecued meats, in particular, chicken and pork. Quality is decent to below average, but portions are filling and affordable, which is why I liked it as a kid. Not a place I'll purposely visit, but their meat is great for takeaway dining, tasty enough to pair with home cooked food. Budget about SGD $10 per person for a meal here.

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BBQ Express Exterior

BBQ Express Interior

BBQ Express Menu

Display Of Meat

The Omelette Garlic Rice & Corn Kernels (SGD $7.90) is part of the Omelette Set (SGD $9.90), which includes 1 choice of protein Barbecue Meats. The best part of the Omelette Garlic Rice & Corn Kernels is when it's piping hot, cutting into the fluffy egg omelette releases the savoury fragrance of the garlic fried rice. The corn kernels are juicy sweet, and coated with a bit of butter. The Cabbage Soup With Fish Cake Cheese Tofu has a soup / broth which was a little salty, but I like the burst of gooey cheese from within the fish cake.

Omelette Set (SGD $9.90)

Omelette Garlic Rice & Corn Kernels (SGD $7.90)

Omelette Garlic Rice & Corn Kernels

Cabbage Soup With Fish Cake Cheese Tofu

Barbecue Meats

While I like that staff gave me this Shrimp Cake (SGD $Complimentary), I find it really weak, flat and limp in taste, not worth eating.

Shrimp Cake (SGD $Complimentary)

The Honey Pork Ribs has a nice honey glaze, sticky and sweet, which makes the rather firm, chewy pork ribs meat tastier on the palate. At least the moist pork meat pulls away easily from the bone.

Honey Pork Ribs

The Honey Char Siew / Red Roast Pork Loin has a nice silver of fat with the tender pork meat, making it moist and succulent. The sticky sweet honey glaze lends good flavour to the savoury salty char siew / red roast pork loin, nice. Worth ordering!

Honey Char Siew / Red Roast Pork Loin

The Barbecue Chicken Winglets (SGD $1.20 Per Piece) have a semi-sticky texture, with moist chicken meat that comes easily off the bone. Flavour is smoky savoury salty. Decent enough.

Barbecue Chicken Winglets (SGD $1.20 Per Piece)

The Fried Chicken Winglets (SGD $1.20 Per Piece) have a crumbly texture, with moist chicken meat that comes easily off the bone. Flavour is smoky savoury spicy. Decent enough.

Fried Chicken Winglets (SGD $1.20 Per Piece)

The Honey Glazed Chicken Wings (SGD $1.80 Per Piece) have a juicy tender texture, and the succulent chicken meat pulls off from the bone easily. Flavour is smoky savoury sweet. I like this.

Honey Glazed Chicken Wings (SGD $1.80 Per Piece)

The Chicken Kaarage (SGD $2.40) has a crisp, grainy textured exterior, with a juicy and tender textured interior. The meat is clean-tasting and savoury sweet, makes for a good pairing to other snacks here. Worth ordering!

Chicken Kaarage (SGD $2.40)

Chicken Kaarage

The Honey Glazed Bacon Sausage (SGD $2.30) makes for a good snack. The meaty and juicy pork sausages are tightly wrapped with fatty streaky bacon. Juicy burst of savoury salty flavour with each bite. Good!

Honey Glazed Bacon Sausage (SGD $2.30)

Honey Glazed Bacon Sausage

The Honey Roasted Chicken Thigh (SGD $5.90) is among the tastier cuts of meat here. Thick slice of juicy, tender, chewy chicken thigh fillet, coated in a sticky sweet honey glaze, complementing the natural savoury sweet flavour of the chicken meat. One of my picks when getting a set meal, as it's a lot more value for money.

Honey Roasted Chicken Thigh (SGD $5.90)

Honey Roasted Chicken Thigh

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Zum Bar Goat's Milk Soap

December 2, 2017, 12:20 am

≫ Next: Dancing Crab

≪ Previous: BBQ Express

Zum Bar Goat's Milk Soap
Various Third-Party Retail Stores

https://www.indigowild.com/zum-bar-soap.html

All photos in this post were not shot by me, and are credited to Indigo Wild.

Zum Bar Goat's Milk Soap - Seaweed

Scented Essential Oils Bath Soap

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 7
Product Lifespan: 1 month
Product Quality: 8
Value for Money: 7
Spent about SGD $7 per person.

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The Zum Bar Goat's Milk Soap is an all-natural bath soap that is produced by Indigo Wild. Why goat’s milk? It’s a cover band for your skin with a nearly identical pH balance. Never leaves the skin too dry or too oily, just balanced in perfect harmony. Beyond that, Zum Bar Goat's Milk Soap is handmade with environmentally sustainable ingredients, but what makes it outstanding is their infusion of scented essential oils into each bar of soap.

Being loaded with 100% pure essential oils, each unique Zum Bar Goat's Milk Soap is aromatic, soothing, soft, and moisturizing on the skin. It does not contain any animal tallow, artificial chemicals, phthalates, mineral by-products, or synthetic colorings whatsoever. These artisanal crafted soap have colourful, visually appealing looks, and aids to keep your skin’s oils in balance. Another benefit to using Zum Bar Goat's Milk Soap is the presence of naturally-occurring glycerin, alongside restorative vitamins and minerals.

Part of the drawbacks of using Zum Bar Goat's Milk Soap is the difficulty of locating it in a physical store, so it's easier to get it online. Also, it can get rather expensive, at SGD $7 per bar of soap, which lasts for around 1 month with daily use. Ingredients within are clearly stated as: Saponified 100% food grade olive, coconut, palm & castor oils, in a goat's milk base, with herbs, pure essential oils and natural colorings. I find it good as a bath soap, though expensive in the long run.

Almond

Dragon's Blood

Grapefruit

Sandalwood Citrus

Eucalyptus

Cedar

Geranium

Sea Salt

Clove Mint

Lime Basil

Lavender, Lemon & Patchouli

Tangerine Orange

Lemongrass

Charcoal

Frankincense & Myrrh

Tea Tree, Citrus

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Dancing Crab

December 3, 2017, 1:15 am

≫ Next: Birds Of Paradise Gelato Boutique

≪ Previous: Zum Bar Goat's Milk Soap

Dancing Crab
200 Turf Club Road
#01-20 The Grandstand

1 Harbourfront Walk
#03-10 VivoCity

181 Orchard Road
#07-14 Orchard Central

73A Ayer Rajah Crescent
#01-29 JTC LaunchPad @ one-north

http://www.dancingcrab.com.sg/

Live Crab Combo With Zesty Garlic Butter (SGD $84.60)

Good Louisiana Seafood Joint

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 6
Ambience & Setting: 7
Food & Beverage: 8
Service: 6
Value for Money: 6
Spent about SGD $52 per person.

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The Dancing Crab was founded in April 2014 by celebrity Dick Lee and the grandsons of TungLok Group patriarch Tjioe Ji Nan (Zhou Ying Nan), Norman Hartono and Nathan Hartono (yes, the Nathan Hartono), with support from their uncle Andrew Tjioe. The American styled Dancing Crab restaurant is famed for their robust, country-style Cajun seafood and Creole cuisine, and still regularly draws queues to this day.

Ambience at Dancing Crab exudes a casual yet lively vibe. Styled after American diners, the warmly lit place is spacious, in colours of wood, white, black, and red, with sturdy and wide furnishings closely packed in the dining area. Live seafood tanks greet diners upon entry, akin to the brand's other Chinese Zi Char seafood places. Feels like the deck of a ship. I also like the convenient, accessible hand washing areas, and the idea of covering all tables with plastic tableclothes, making cleaning easy.

Service at Dancing Crab is mediocre. The mostly young staff scurry about, and while they carry out requests quickly, they're not observant or proactive. For example, instead of serving cutlery together with the dishes, you have to request for it. They'll bring it, then realise they forgot something else, causing them to go back and forth. Needs more foresight and planning. Product knowledge is rather lacking, but they're quick at clearing away empty / dirty tables when diners depart.

Food at Dancing Crab is focused on American Cajun and Creole cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh seafood. Quality of ingredients is assured, as they leverage on the parent brand's seafood suppliers. Execution and taste of dishes is above average to good, and I must commend the kitchen for being consistent. Portions are designed for communal dining, and are fairly large. Prices are mid-range, budget about SGD $52 per person for a meal here.

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Dancing Crab Exterior

Dancing Crab Interior

Live Seafood Tanks

Counter

Maritime Decor

Welcome Aboard

Seating

Dancing Crab Outside

Dancing Crab Inside

Open Kitchen

Plush Booths

Giant Sofa, Crab Hat

Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce

The Ginger Ale (SGD $3.50) comes very diluted, light on taste. Not worth getting.

Ginger Ale (SGD $3.50)

The Beer Kirin Ichiban (SGD $12) is an American style pale lager, brewed by the Kirin Company in Tokyo, in the Kanto region of Japan. It has a clear, straw golden colour, with aromas of malt, grains, skunk, and lemon. The body is light, crisp, smooth, with lively carbonation, and tastes of bread, metal, grass, and cereal. Has a slight sweetness and slight bitterness. Very drinkable but light, and refreshing.

Beer Kirin Ichiban (SGD $12)

They also offered flavoured versions of Beer Kirin here! The Beer Kirin Watermelon (SGD $9) features watermelon juice, and is distinctly fruity sweet with a refreshing feel. The Beer Kirin Vanilla (SGD $9) has rich French vanilla within, and while it starts out amazing floral sweet herbal, it quickly feels cloying towards the end.

Beer Kirin Watermelon (SGD $9)

Beer Kirin Vanilla (SGD $9)

The Beer Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar (SGD $15) is an American style brown ale, brewed by Rogue Ales brewery in Oregon, United States Of America. It has a deep tan brown colour, with aromas of white chocolate, maraschino cherries, vanilla, and barley malt. Body is medium creamy, smooth, and slightly bubbly, with tastes of caramel, hazelnuts, dark chocolate, and toffee. Has an earthy nutty sweet flavour, with a touch of artificial flatness. Finish is short and quick, belaying the stronger body. Easy drinking, will please most.

Beer Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar (SGD $15)

The Moonshine (SGD $15) is a shot of clear, unaged whisky, distilled according to an authentic American recipe in Montana, United States Of America. The Moonshine, On The Rocks has a strong aroma of liquor, with a pleasant grain flavour and a slight burning sensation. Drunk more for the experience than as a thirst-quencher.

Moonshine (SGD $15)

Moonshine, On The Rocks

Gumbo is a type of stew, a fusion communal dish, and is the official dish of the state of Louisiana, in the United States Of America. It's often served at family gatherings, social events, festivals, and is even a central feature of Mardi Gras celebrations. Traditionally, Gumbo consists of a strongly flavoured stew stock, made with either okra / lady's finger, filé powder, or roux (all-purpose flour, and clarified butter), along with either meat or seafood, andouille sausage (smoked pork sausage), and the 'Louisiana Holy Trinity' of vegetables, namely celery, bell peppers / capsicum, and onions. Cajun Gumbo usually has either chicken, duck, shrimp, crab, or oysters. Creole Gumbo usually includes tomatoes, and either shrimp, crab, or oysters. Both are served over white rice, with the stew spooned over.

The Seafood Gumbo (SGD $12) here differs vastly from the traditional version. It features smoked pork sausage, shrimp, and mussels, with the white rice already immersed within. Bold and warming notes of savoury sweet salty, with a rich, slightly creamy texture. Not as thick as the traditional version, and not as flavourful. The tomato taste is also more pronounced, instead of the seafood flavour. Still, it's a pretty decent stew, and I saw many people enjoying this.

Seafood Gumbo (SGD $12)

Seafood Gumbo

Loved the Crabby Corn Chowder (SGD $8 / $10), with its rich creamy smooth texture to the soup / broth, and bright flavours of earthy sweet corn and briny salty crab. Garnished with chunks of corn kernels and fresh chunks of deshelled crab meat, which lend a good contrast of texture, and enhances the flavour. Hearty and delicious soup / broth appetizer. Highly recommended!

Crabby Corn Chowder (SGD $8 / $10)

Crabby Corn Chowder

The Beer-Battered Mushrooms (SGD $8) have a light, boozy batter, slightly crisp in texture. Bite in, and the warm mushroom juice just squirts out, coating the palate in earthy savoury flavour. Better than I expected. Portion size is huge too.

Beer-Battered Mushrooms (SGD $8)

Beer-Battered Mushrooms

Decently executed Sweet Potato Fries (SGD $7) here. Warm, with a slightly crisp exterior, and a moist fluffy interior. Nicely delicate sweet potato flavour, earthy sweet and floral. Garnished with almonds, which lend a nutty aroma and a crunch to texture. Worth ordering!

Sweet Potato Fries (SGD $7)

Sweet Potato Fries

Absolutely loved the Fried Okra (SGD $8), which sounds like it could be healthy, but actually works as a decadent drinking snack. Tender slices of vegetal sweet okra / lady's fingers, coated in a thin, crisp, salty batter. Each bite releases a burst of warm juices, then the flavours gently coat the palate. So addictive. Highly recommended!

Fried Okra (SGD $8)

Fried Okra

The Creole Cornbread (SGD $5) here resembles the classic Southern American staple, with a large, dense, firm quick bread made from cornmeal, baking powder, eggs, and all-purpose flour. Served with whipped cream, this is primarily a savoury appetizer, meant to be paired with other food. My only complaint was the unexpected dry texture this had, though I suppose this is still rather typical, as it's traditionally supposed to be crumbed and eaten with milk, buttermilk, molasses, or honey. Not that great on its own though.

Creole Cornbread (SGD $5)

Creole Cornbread

Love the Crab Cakes (SGD $18.50) because of its generous portion of deshelled crab meat, and its crisp, golden crumb batter. The luscious texture of the crab meat, cream, and spring onions, has a lovely delicate sweet savoury flavour, so delicious. In fact, I think the ranch dipping sauce, and wedges of lemon and lime, distracts from the natural flavours of the crab meat. I would recommend eating this on its own, without any sauce. Great value for money. Highly recommended!

Crab Cakes (SGD $18.50)

Crab Cakes

The Crab Rockefeller (SGD $13) is a classic Southern American appetizer. Here, a crab shell is lined with crab meat, spinach, shiitake mushrooms, and coated in a mix of milk, bread crumbs, and butter, then baked. The result; a golden brown crust, that when broken, releases a fragrant seafood aroma. The crab meat, spinach, and shiitake mushrooms are so tender and juicy, with flavours of vegetal earthy sweet salty. Completely unstoppable. Highly recommended!

Crab Rockefeller (SGD $13)

Crab Rockefeller

Jambalaya is a classic Louisiana seasoned rice casserole, a fusion dish of French and Spanish influences, consisting mainly of meat and vegetables mixed with rice. Traditionally, Jambalaya consists of andouille sausage (smoked pork sausage), the 'Louisiana Holy Trinity' of vegetables, namely celery, bell peppers / capsicum, and onions, several other types of meat or seafood (such as pork, chicken, crawfish, or shrimp), long grain white rice, chicken stock, and spices (such as bay leaf, thyme, oregano, or pepper). Sometimes, carrots, garlic, or chili is added. Creole Jambalaya usually includes tomatoes, while Cajun Jambalaya does not. Both are cooked via simmering on a low heat.

The Seafood Jambalaya (SGD $15 / $17) here breaks from tradition, as it doesn't include celery, bell peppers / capsicum, onions, and even most of the spices. It does however, feature tomatoes, long grain rice, chicken, and a smoked pork sausage, along with a medley of fresh seafood such as squid, white clams, blue mussels, and prawns. The flavour profile is vastly different, though it's still pretty tasty, much like an Asian fried rice, being more savoury salty spicy on the palate. The seafood is perfectly cooked, bouncy in texture with a delicate natural sweet flavour. Decent enough as a dish.

Seafood Jambalaya (SGD $15 / $17)

Seafood Jambalaya

The Popcorn Shrimp Po’ Boy With Spicy Cajun Fries (SGD $15) feature a side of crisp, Cajun spice dusted French Fries, along with a wedge of lemon. The Popcorn Shrimp Po’ Boy itself has a crisp outside fluffy inside toasted and buttered hotdog roll, stuffed with chilled coleslaw that lends a nice crunch, garnished with fresh bouncy deshelled shrimp / prawns, battered and dressed with gravy. Nice combination of savoury salty sweet against vegetal sweet here. While it strays from the traditional version, it's pretty tasty on its own. Carbohydrate heavy though. Worth ordering!

Popcorn Shrimp Po’ Boy With Spicy Cajun Fries (SGD $15)

Popcorn Shrimp Po’ Boy

The Barramundi Fish And Chips Set (SGD $22) is served with a fresh home made Coleslaw, which is crunchy with a vegetal sweet flavour. The Barramundi Fish And Chips features a medium thick, fresh fillet of barramundi fish, coated in a golden brown, crisp crumb batter, which crunching satisfiyingly. Lovely delicate savoury sweet flavour, and the sprinkle of lemon juice over helps cut through the greasy feeling. Good!

Barramundi Fish And Chips Set (SGD $22)

Coleslaw

Barramundi Fish And Chips

The Live Crab Combo With Zesty Garlic Butter (SGD $84.60) is expensive, and I find it only offers average value for money. It features a bucket of fresh, live seafood, including 1 x 700g Sri Lankan crab, up to 350g of prawns, up to 300g of either white clams or blue mussels, several pieces of corn on the cob, and a large pork sausage which is thick, juicy, meaty, and savoury salty. All these are cooked in a sauce of your choice, we got the classic garlic butter sauce, which is enhanced with a sprinkle of lemon juice, and is so fragrant and tasty, but super oily. All the seafood was fresh, with good natural sweet savoury flavour. Portion size is good for 2 - 3 people, a bit of a stretch for 4 people. Part of the fun is tearing into this with your bare hands, in communal dining fashion with the seafood dumped onto the table.

Live Crab Combo With Zesty Garlic Butter (SGD $84.60)

Live Crab Combo With Zesty Garlic Butter

The Dungeness Crab In Chili Crab Gravy & DIY Combo With Signature Spicy Sauce Set (SGD $137.40) is a great meal for sharing between 5 people. We got the DIY Combo With Signature Spicy Sauce, which has a choice of up to 300g of either white clams or blue mussels, both of which are small but meaty, with a fresh sweet taste; along with up to 350g of prawns, which are super fresh and juicy savoury sweet. The Signature Spicy Sauce has a bright spicy flavour with a short lingering burn. Served with Crisp Mantou and Steamed Corn on the side. The star is the Dungeness Crab In Chili Crab Gravy, a 1.3kg dungeness crab served in a bread bowl, coated in sweet spicy chili crab gravy and sweet pomelo chunks. The crab is meaty with a firm flaky texture, and a lovely fresh sweet flavour. Good!

Dungeness Crab In Chili Crab Gravy & DIY Combo With Signature Spicy Sauce Set (SGD $137.40)

Dungeness Crab In Chili Crab Gravy & DIY Combo With Signature Spicy Sauce Set

Crisp Mantou

Steamed Corn

DIY Combo With Signature Spicy Sauce

Dungeness Crab In Chili Crab Gravy

The Beignets (SGD $3 / $6) here resembles the typical version of those in the French quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, United States Of America. A deep-fried choux pastry, fluffy and airy soft, generously coated with powdered sugar, served piping hot and fresh. Eaten as a dessert, or for breakfast. Expect a slight wait as these are prepared to order. Simple yet so tasty. Highly recommended!

Beignets (SGD $3 / $6)

Beignets

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Reserve a table now @ Dancing Crab - The Grandstand

Reserve a table now @ Dancing Crab - VivoCity

Reserve a table now @ Dancing Crab - Orchard Central

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↧

Birds Of Paradise Gelato Boutique

December 7, 2017, 4:56 am

≫ Next: Element Restaurant Tasting Session 2017 - Christmas

≪ Previous: Dancing Crab

Birds Of Paradise Gelato Boutique
63 East Coast Road #01-05

https://www.facebook.com/bopgelato/

Lychee Raspberry Gelato Cone (SGD $5.70)

Botanical Flavours Of Nature

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 8
Ambience & Setting: 8
Food & Beverage: 8
Service: 7
Value for Money: 7
Spent about SGD $6 per person.

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True to its name, the botanical / nature themed Birds Of Paradise Gelato Boutique, which was opened in July 2016 by Edwin Lim, has a colourful, vibrant, yet elegant feel. Offering artisanal gelato flavours which incorporate fruit, herbs, spices, or flowers, Birds Of Paradise Gelato Boutique stands out for its unique tropical, South-East Asian nature inspired flavours.

Ambience at Birds Of Paradise Gelato Boutique is clean, brightly lit, and artistic. Soft pastel colours adorn the plain white walls, and imagery of the eponymous bird of paradise breed act as decor. The attractive gelato display draws the eye, while the fragrant aroma of fresh baked ice cream cones perfume the air. Note there is no seating here, this is a pure takeaway place, although they offer a standing counter.

Service at Birds Of Paradise Gelato Boutique is professional and patient. As a takeaway place, all ordering, payment, and collection is done self-service over the counter. Still, staff are engaging and friendly, offering greetings to guests upon entry. They display good product knowledge, and are well versed on the various ingredients in each gelato flavour. Staff even patiently accede to as many tasting samples as requested by customers.

Food at Birds Of Paradise Gelato Boutique is all about handcrafted, artisanal gelato flavours. Made using fresh fruit, herbs, spices, or flowers, the range of flavours here are novel and unique, varied and delicious enough to keep customers returning for more. Of note is the high quality and consistency of their gelato, which is well balanced and mild, light on the palate yet distinct in taste. Portions are sized for individuals, and prices are affordable. Budget about SGD $6 per person for a scoop of gelato here.

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Birds Of Paradise Gelato Boutique Signage

Birds Of Paradise Gelato Boutique Price List

Gelato Display

The Line

The deliciously crunchy and fragrant Thyme Cones are made from crisp folded waffle biscuits, infused with thyme. This gives it a subtle herbal taste. Lovely.

Thyme Cones

The Lychee Raspberry Gelato Cone (SGD $5.70) has a creamy smooth scoop of lychee and raspberry infused gelato. This gives it a floral sweet sour flavour, and I like the execution that keeps it light and delicate on the palate. Highly recommended!

Lychee Raspberry Gelato Cone (SGD $5.70)

The Spiced Pear Gelato Cone (SGD $5.70) has a creamy smooth scoop of gelato, made from Williams pear infused with cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. This gives it a fruity sweet spice flavour, really lovely. Well balanced in execution, neither flavour overwhelms the other, yet the taste is still distinct and novel. Unique. Highly recommended!

Spiced Pear Gelato Cone (SGD $5.70)

Spiced Pear Gelato Cone

The Earl Grey & Lemongrass Gelato (SGD $4.70) has a scoop of gelato served in a cup. Lovely creamy smooth in texture, this has perk-me-up bergamot at the start, and calming zen lemongrass at the end. Overall flavour profile of earthy herbal sweet, and balanced in taste. Good!

Earl Grey & Lemongrass Gelato (SGD $4.70)

Earl Grey & Lemongrass Gelato

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↧

Element Restaurant Tasting Session 2017 - Christmas

December 8, 2017, 5:08 pm

≫ Next: Eat 3 Bowls

≪ Previous: Birds Of Paradise Gelato Boutique

Element Restaurant Tasting Session 2017 - Christmas
165 Tanjong Pagar Road
Level 1, Amara Singapore

Promotion:
24th, 25th, 31st December 2017 Only: 11:30am - 3:30pm, 6:30pm - 10pm

http://singapore.amarahotels.com/dining/element/

This was an invited media review. I did not pay for the meal during the free hosted tasting session.
Attended with representatives from The Arctic Star, Little Tiny Sun, Her Pen And Fork, Purple Taste, Chubby Botak Koala, Fiona Seah, ChantalMag, and Rubbish Eat Rubbish Grow.

Peranakan-Roasted Turkey With Buah Keluak Sauce

Feast In Merriment!

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 7
Ambience & Setting: 7
Food & Beverage: 8
Service: 7
Value for Money: 9
Budget about SGD $138 ++ per person.

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Have fond memories of a pleasant dining experience at Element Restaurant, so I was looking forward to the launch of their festive Christmas menu for 2017. This year, Element Restaurant is introducing a Peranakan-themed spread, alongside classic Christmas favourites.

The festive Christmas buffet at Element Restaurant is only available on the 24th, 25th, and 31st of December 2017. Priced at SGD $138++ per person, this unbelieveable value-for-money price includes full access to the varied buffet spread with over 50 dishes, fresh seafood, the festive Christmas line-up, and free flow beer, sparkling and house pour wines! Thus, advance reservations are a must!

Element Restaurant - Tea House

Seating

Sampler Plate

Of the festive appetizers, the Marinated Duck Rillettes, Red Wine Dried Fruit Chutney, Gherkin Salsa stood out for its delicious creamy meaty texture, and bold savoury flavour complemented by the sweet sour tartness of the sauce.

Marinated Duck Rillettes, Red Wine Dried Fruit Chutney, Gherkin Salsa

The Tuna Tataki With Cucumber Ribbons And Puffed Quinoa has a nice sear with a meaty chew to texture, and a lovely fresh savoury sweet flavour. The cucumber ribbons lend a bright vegetal freshness to it.

Tuna Tataki With Cucumber Ribbons And Puffed Quinoa

My favourite appetizer of the festive line-up would be the Cocktail Prawns And Crab Meat With Duo Melon. This has deshelled crab meat, stacked with deshelled prawns / shrimp. The freshness and simplicity of the pairing is the key here, and it's so yummy.

Cocktail Prawns And Crab Meat With Duo Melon

The range of festive appetizers is rounded out with an enjoyable Festive Cold Cuts Platter and Butter Pumpkin Squares.

Festive Cold Cuts Platter

Butter Pumpkin Squares

The Cognac Lobster Bisque is rich and robust with savoury briny salty flavour, full of the crustacean taste. I did wish there was some textural contrast though.

Cognac Lobster Bisque

The Peranakan-Roasted Turkey With Buah Keluak Sauce is the centerpiece of this Christmas feast. Chef tells us this takes 3 whole days to prepare! The turkey is infused with the essence of buah keluak / pangium edule, and also used to glaze the roasted skin. The earthy notes complement the savoury salty flavours of the roasted turkey, nice.

Peranakan-Roasted Turkey With Buah Keluak Sauce

Loved the Stir-Fried Moreton Bay Bug With Salted Egg, with its bouncy meaty slipper lobster / crayfish meat, so fresh and sweet briny salty in flavour. Generously coated in a rich, thick, salted egg yolk sauce, spiced with curry leaves and chili, giving it a nice kick. Utterly delicious.

Stir-Fried Moreton Bay Bug With Salted Egg

The Grilled Tajima Wagyu Beef with Foie Gras Cubes is served in a robust savoury salty meaty gravy, and the tender strips of Tajima wagyu beef are so tender and succulent, nearly melting away in the mouth with a slight chew. Complemented with creamy fatty cubes of foie gras, which lend a touch of luxurious elegance.

Grilled Tajima Wagyu Beef with Foie Gras Cubes

Being a Peranakan-themed spread, the range of festive mains are rounded out by dishes such as Steamed Broccoli With Conpoy And Chinese Mushrooms, Steamed Grouper With Lime Beurre Blanc Topped With Tomato Vierge, and Roasted Chicken With Meat Floss.

Steamed Broccoli With Conpoy And Chinese Mushrooms

Steamed Grouper With Lime Beurre Blanc Topped With Tomato Vierge

Roasted Chicken With Meat Floss

They have several unique Christmas log cakes here. The Cempedak Yule Log Cake has a bold fruity sweet flavour with a fluffy soft creamy texture, studded with bits of juicy cempedak within. The Pink Champagne Lychee With Petit Marshmallow Yule Log Cake is novel, with its spongy sticky marshmallow texture, and fruity sweet flavour of lychee, complemented by a dash of champagne!

Cempedak Yule Log Cake

Pink Champagne Lychee With Petit Marshmallow Yule Log Cake

The Cempedak Crème Brûlée is just as good as the last time I had it!

Cempedak Crème Brûlée

Assorted range of Macarons, with flavours such as lemon (yellow colour), ginger (pink colour), coconut (white colour), chocolate (brown colour), and blueberry salted caramel (blue colour).

Macarons

Up till 22 December 2017, you'll also be able to order any of these festive delights, like the Traditional Roasted Turkey With Rosemary Herbs (SGD $138 for 5kg), Honey Glazed Boneless Ham (SGD $128 for 2.5kg), Honey Glazed Bone-In Ham (SGD $230 for 5kg), and more, via the festive brochure.

Traditional Roasted Turkey With Rosemary Herbs (SGD $138 for 5kg)

Honey Glazed Boneless Ham, Honey Glazed Bone-In Ham

Honey Glazed Boneless Ham (SGD $128 for 2.5kg), Honey Glazed Bone-In Ham (SGD $230 for 5kg)

If you're planning a festive Christmas feast for 2017 celebration, do check out Element Restaurant and their merry spread! Really good value for money, so advance reservations are highly recommended!

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↧

Eat 3 Bowls

December 11, 2017, 5:19 am

≫ Next: Sandwich Saigon Cafe

≪ Previous: Element Restaurant Tasting Session 2017 - Christmas

Eat 3 Bowls
4 Seah Im Road #01-21

https://www.facebook.com/eat3bowls/

Flat Lay

Decent Taiwanese Street Food

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 6
Ambience & Setting: 4
Food & Beverage: 6
Service: 5
Value for Money: 8
Spent about SGD $3 per person.

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Opening in January 2016 within the Seah Im Food Centre, Eat 3 Bowls is a hawker stall specialising in Taiwanese Chinese cuisine, with their speciality comprising, naturally, 3 bowls. Having been highly rated and reviewed by prior diners, we wanted to pay a visit to Eat 3 Bowls to see if it was indeed worth the hype. Overall, I think there were some hits, and some misses.

Ambience at Eat 3 Bowls is shared with the rest of the hawker centre. Open, airy, and brightly lit, diners sit around functional plastic and metals tables. The menu here is clear, with attractive visuals. Being a popular stall, there is usually a short queue time of about 10 minutes or so.

Service at Eat 3 Bowls is completely self-service, with ordering, payment, and collection over the counter. There is little engagement with the relatively young staff, though they work quickly and efficiently to fulfill orders. They can accomodate requests if asked.

Food at Eat 3 Bowls is focused on Taiwanese Chinese cuisine, in particular, the street food of Taiwan. True to their name, their speciality is 3 one-dish meals. Taste is above average, better than most other Taiwanese places in Singapore, but not nearly as good as those in the country of origin. Portions are slighly small. Prices are very affordable, budget about SGD $3 per person for a meal here.

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Eat 3 Bowls Facade

The Braised Pork Rice (SGD $2.50) here is tasty because the braising gravy, with its robust savoury salty flavour, has fully seeped into and flavoured the white rice. The generous topping of minced pork, while yummy, is rather lean, instead of the oily fatty pork belly version you get in Taiwan. I suppose this healthier choice appeals to Singaporeans. Served with an underwhelming braised hard boiled egg, but overall, a pretty alright dish.

Braised Pork Rice (SGD $2.50)

Braised Pork Rice

Love love love the Intestine Mee Sua (SGD $3.50)! The thick, richly savoury soup / broth is so delicious, and the thin vermicelli rice noodles are slippery smooth. The sliced pork large intestine pieces are so tender and easy to eat. Easy to slurp down. Nice peppery kick in the flavour too. Highly recommended!

Intestine Mee Sua (SGD $3.50)

Intestine Mee Sua

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↧

Sandwich Saigon Cafe

December 12, 2017, 4:55 am

≫ Next: Código 1530

≪ Previous: Eat 3 Bowls

Sandwich Saigon Cafe
93 East Coast Road

http://www.sandwichsaigon.com/

Flat Lay

Authentic Vietnamese Favourites

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 7
Ambience & Setting: 5
Food & Beverage: 8
Service: 6
Value for Money: 7
Spent about SGD $16 per person.

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Sandwich Saigon Cafe was founded in May 2012 by Vietnamese born Kelly Nguyen, whose family operates a bánh mì factory in Vietnam. Having learnt the family trade of making and baking bánh mì, she insists on making it from scratch, baking it in-house from 5am daily. Naturally, their bánh mì sandwiches are amazing. But Sandwich Saigon Cafe also has other delicious and authentic Vietnamese street food favourites as well.

Ambience at Sandwich Saigon Cafe is plain and unassuming. The place is a hole-in-the-wall, a small and cramped outlet neatly lined with a few wooden tables and stools. Simple in style, it's warmly lit, with ample natural light during the day. Vibrant turquoise and white hues, along with small photographs, lend life to the walls. It's actually rather easy to miss this place if you're walking by, as there's nothing outstanding about its looks.

Service at Sandwich Saigon Cafe is completely self-service. Ordering, payment, and collection of orders is done over the counter. There isn't much opportunity for staff interaction, as you basically check-off an order chit after referencing from a menu, which is helpfully detailed with its descriptions. However, I do note that staff are quick and efficient are clearing away empty / dirty plates and tables after diners leave, and if asked, will offer recommendations on what to order.

Food at Sandwich Saigon Cafe is all about Vietnamese cuisine, in particular, their street food. Expect a variety of noodle and bread dishes. True to form, there is an emphasis on using fresh ingredients, and preparing dishes to order, which result in a short wait. Portions are large, but sized for individuals, and will fill you up nicely. Taste is above average, authentic enough to compare. Prices are affordable, even for students. Budget about SGD $16 per person for a meal here.

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Sandwich Saigon Cafe Signage

Sandwich Saigon Cafe Exterior

Sandwich Saigon Cafe Interior

The Beer Sapporo Premium (SGD $8.80) is an American style, bright straw golden lager, brewed by Sapporo Breweries Limited in Shibuya, Tokyo, in the Kanto region of Japan. It has mild aromas of grass, corn, hops, and malt, with a crisp, clean, and light body texture. Flavours of rice, metal, green apple, and wheat husk, with a moderate carbonation. Finish is quick, clean, with little bitterness but slight metallic undertones, yet still remains refreshing.

Beer Sapporo Premium (SGD $8.80)

They charge for Iced Water (SGD $0.30) here, which is understandable, as they don't have GST or service charge, and prices are already affordable enough.

Iced Water (SGD $0.30)

The Goi Cuon / Fresh Spring Rolls Prawn (SGD $3.50) features a tightly wrapped, fully stuffed, translucent and thin rice paper wrapper. Within are chewy rice vermicelli noodles, crunchy cucumber and lettuce, along with sliced fresh shrimp / prawn, having a meaty savoury sweet flavour. Bright and refreshing on the palate, it's served with a mildly spicy dipping sauce of fish sauce, light soy sauce, sugar, lime juice, and chili, on the side. Good!

Goi Cuon / Fresh Spring Rolls Prawn (SGD $3.50)

Goi Cuon / Fresh Spring Rolls Prawn

The Pho Bo Dac Biet / Beef Noodle Special (SGD $15.90) is a hearty bowl of chewy rice vermicelli noodles, crunchy fresh vegetables (bean sprouts, white onions, spring onions, mint leaves), tender beef brisket, chewy beef sirloin, bouncy beef meat balls, and lime juice for garnish. The delicious and robust soup / broth is made by boiling beef bones and oxtail for about 8 hours, and features 5 spices; cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, and coriander seeds. The result is a bold savoury meaty flavour, with a hint of sour salty spicy herbal. Yummy. Have had better elsewhere though.

Pho Bo Dac Biet / Beef Noodle Special (SGD $15.90)

Pho Bo Dac Biet / Beef Noodle Special

The Bun Thit Nuong Cha Gio / Grilled Pork And Spring Roll Rice Noodle (SGD $11) is hearty with its generous portion. A bowl of chewy rice vermicelli noodles, crunchy fresh vegetables (lettuce, bean sprouts, cucumber, carrots), tender grilled pork chop slices, and crisp fried spring rolls, topped with peanuts. A little chili oil helps make the noodles slippery and easy to eat, while the smoky savoury herbal flavour of the marinated pork is so delicious. The filling of pork within the spring rolls is decent, but the enticing bit is the lovely crunch it has. Actually, this has more ingredients than it does noodles, slight imbalance in the ratio. Highly recommended!

Bun Thit Nuong Cha Gio / Grilled Pork And Spring Roll Rice Noodle (SGD $11)

Bun Thit Nuong Cha Gio / Grilled Pork And Spring Roll Rice Noodle

Loved the Banh Mi Saigon Special With Egg (SGD $9.80), which has a home made, crisp outside soft inside French Vietnamese baguette bread. Cracks softly when bit. Stuffed generously with juicy cucumber, crunchy carrots, tender ham, chewy sliced pork belly, and a spongy egg omelette, garnished with coriander. Notes of vegetal sweet savoury salty, with a touch of refreshing. Good!

Banh Mi Saigon Special With Egg (SGD $9.80)

Banh Mi Saigon Special With Egg

The Banh Mi Pork Meat Ball With Pate (SGD $9.80) features their signature, crisp outside soft inside, home made French Vietnamese baguette bread. Cracks softly when bit. Stuffed generously with juicy cucumber, crunchy carrots, meaty minced pork meat ball, and a meaty pork pate, garnished with coriander. Notes of vegetal sweet savoury salty, bold and robust in taste. Will satisfy meat lovers. Highly recommended!

Banh Mi Pork Meat Ball With Pate (SGD $9.80)

Banh Mi Pork Meat Ball With Pate

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↧

Código 1530

December 14, 2017, 6:45 am

≫ Next: Asus ROG Strix GL702VM-GC225T

≪ Previous: Sandwich Saigon Cafe

Código 1530
66 Kampong Bugis
Kilo Kitchen

21 Tanjong Pagar Road
Kilo Lounge

Online Store

https://codigo1530.com/

Several photos in this post were not shot by me; these are credited to Código 1530.

This was an invited media review. I did not pay for the meal during the free hosted tasting session.
Attended with representatives from Heat Branding, and Geeky Elephant.

Código 1530 Range Of Tequilas

A Tequila For Those Who Know

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 9
Product Lifespan: 1 - 2 years
Product Quality: 9
Value for Money: 9
Budget about SGD $138 per 750ml bottle.

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For generations, a select group of Mexican families and jimadors have been enjoying a nameless, unlabeled tequila, privately created by a small, family-owned distillery in Amatitán city, in the Jalisco state of Mexico. With little commercial pressure to bring this private recipe tequila to market, 'El Tequila Privado' existed solely to satisfy its creators, and the discerning palates of its benefactors.

Now, funded by the same group of Mexican families, 'El Tequila Privado' is being brought to the world. Named Código 1530, this honours 'Los Códigos', the respected codes, customs, and centuries-old tequila brewing traditions of the region's tequilieras and jimadors. As part of its heritage, each bottle of artisanal Código 1530 tequila proudly bears the Jerusalem Cross from the Jalisco Coat of Arms, which dates back to 1530 when Amatitán was officially recognized as a city.

Painted Alley

The Bar

Seating

Ready For A Masterclass

Driven by a purpose of making Código 1530 the most selective tequila in the world, only fully-matured (8-year aged) agave tequilana / blue agave plant hearts are used. This ensures a consistent high standard for the agave's brix (sugar) level. The rich volcanic soil and high altitude (more than 1,500 metres) of the area also contributes to the quality of the agave tequilana / blue agave plants grown here.

Once the juice has been extracted via a proprietary chopper, pure mineral water from the area's freshwater pools is added. The fermentation process is highlighted by an organic bread yeast, sourced from a small family bakery in Amatitán city. There are no chemicals, artificial flavourings, or artificial sugars used to make this tequila. Finally, it's aged in French white oak barrels, embracing the wine making spirit. All this contributes to making Código 1530 a truely unique tequila, and it's little wonder that it has won several international awards, such as 'Best in Class Tequila' from the International SIP Awards.

Código 1530 Logo, Source Credits

Glasses Line-Up

Código 1530 Range Of Artisanal Tequilas

Bottles Of Tequila, Source Credits

The Código 1530 Blanco Tequila (SGD $118) is a reflection of pure taste. This unrested spirit goes straight to the bottle, and has an earthy, mineral character balanced with a delicate citrus sweetness. I love that it lacks the sharp acidity of other tequilas, coming across as refined and elegant on the palate.

Código 1530 Blanco Tequila (SGD $118), Source Credits

The Código 1530 Rosa Tequila (SGD $138) is rested for 1 month in uncharred French white oak barrels, which were formerly used to store Cabernet Sauvignon red wine. This allows the tequila to incorporate some of the red wine residue, imparting a subtle pink hue. Each barrel can only be used once, hence the higher price. This spirit leads with a bright sweetness, and finishes with soft floral earthy notes. It's also great as a base for various cocktails.

Código 1530 Rosa Tequila (SGD $138), Source Credits

The Código 1530 Reposado Tequila (SGD $138) is aged for 6 months in Napa Cabernet French white oak barrels. The barrels are charred by hand, on-site at the private distillery. Perhaps best embodying the classic time-honoured traditions of tequila making, this spirit has bright sweet notes, with the added complexity of vanilla, toasted caramel, and cocoa powder notes from the aging process. Subtle hints of the signature flavours found in most whiskys, with a good depth of character.

Código 1530 Reposado Tequila (SGD $138), Source Credits

Lauded as one of the finest tequilas, the Código 1530 Añejo Tequila (SGD $198) is aged for 18 months in Napa Cabernet French white oak barrels. A truely elegant spirit, expressive with hints of fruit, oak, vanilla, and some spice notes, very refined and rounded on the palate. This tequila has flavours and character most like whisky, you can barely tell the difference. Best drunk neat, which is how the Mexicans like this.

Código 1530 Añejo Tequila (SGD $198), Source Credits

Regarded as among the most decadent Extra Añejo available, the Código 1530 Origen Tequila (SGD $498) is aged for 6 years in Napa Cabernet French white oak barrels. As one of the oldest and most refined spirits, the premium pricing reflects the difficulty and overall time spent producing this - 8 years to grow the agave tequilana / blue agave plant, 6 years to age, and with around 30% of the tequila going to angel's share. It has deep aromas of spice, vanilla, and oak, with a robust, mature body teeming with earthy fruity sweet spice notes of dried fig, cinnamon, and toffee. A fine example of tequila as luxury.

Código 1530 Origen Tequila (SGD $498), Source Credits

The Masterclass allowed us to sample a house-made Rosa Margarita Cocktail, an expression which features the Código 1530 Rosa Tequila as a base, mixed with fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice, and club soda. Served in a salt studded glass, the alternating flavours of salty sour sweet earthy in this cocktail makes this so addictive. I couldn't stop drinking this!