It is often said a great movie is often due to its main lead, and how often the supporting cast is often neglected. However, in a particular kopitiam tucked at the corner near Kallang MRT Station, both the main lead and supporting cast gained from the wonderful partnership.
At Jalan Sultan Prawn Mee off Geylang Lor 1, every Sunday afternoon is a battleground in the kopitiam. Finding a table for 4 is at least a 10-15 mins affair, and waiting for the noodles to appear on your table is at least another good 45 mins.
So being a smart foodie like any other Singaporeans, I suggested ordering a plate of Wu Xiang, the only other stall in the kopitiam, while waiting for the noodles to come. But since everyone else thought about it, the Wu Xiang took as long to arrive as the noodles.
In fact, my serving of Wu Xiang came after we were midway through with our noodles. The Noodles despite the long wait was however worth it. My bowl of Prawn Beehoon & Mee Soup with Pork Ribs, along with the generous serving of fried lard and chilli powder was a perfect combination.
The usage of the thicken version of Bee Hoon (Author’s note: NOT Chor Bee Hoon) was also a brilliant move, as the normal thinner ones tend to suck the soup dry, considering there wasn’t much to start of with.
You can view more photos and other reviews @ His Food Blog.
After a rave review by the popular food blogger, Dr Leslie Tay, of ieatishootipost, I could not resist to find out about this particular stall located at Cambridge Road Food Centre, also known to many as Pek Kio. Those who have read his blog would realise that it is hard to come by that he would dished out a rating of 4.75 out of 5 on any particular stall, but Wah Kee Prawn Noodles has the such accolade.
Formerly located at Farrer Park, the secret to their prawn noodle lies in the soup. Described as “that unique taste you get in Lobster Bisque” and “(the) extract of crustacean shell and all the stuff in the head” by Leslie, the soup is really different from that of many, including Jalan Sultan Prawn Mee, which I have blogged before. Their soup is not as salty and much “cloudy” – due to the essence of the prawns.
And if you are really into this prawn makan business, go ahead and try the $10 serving.
The boss guaranteed that the prawns are freshly catch everyday and man are they HUGE!!!
Personally, I felt that the soup has the “punch” but a bit saltier would be excellent. However, the good thing about eating at Pek Kio is that it is not so crowded during lunchtime and there are always tables available.
You can view more photos and other reviews @ His Food Blog.
Once stood the famous makan icon in Singapore…the Esplanade Satay Club – the breezily located Makansutra Gluttons Bay offers plenty of local food galore. And among them stood one of my favourite ‘Ou Luak’, or Fried Oyster Omelette Stall – Hup Kee (Orchard).
This stall started off in the 70's at the famous Orchard Carpark night hawkers and now operates two outlets, the other being at the Newton Hawker Centre. What is so amazing about their dish as compared to others is that the eggs and the sweet potato flour are somehow done crispier, and less oily, which sources revealed is based on a 40-year-old recipe. I personally also found the eggs to be rather fluffy inside which gives it an excellent bite.
You will also find a good number of fresh, succulent and plump Korean Oysters served on top with a sprinkling of freshly cut coriander and spring onions. The chilli sauce that comes alongside is also tangy and very addictive. Standard of the dish is consistent, as I have since gone back a couple of times and definitely value for money! A must try every time I am around the vicinity.
You can view more photos and other reviews @ His Food Blog.
A quaint, tranquil neighbourhood nestled in the course of lush greenery off Portsdown Road, Wessex Estate is a colonial-style residential area with charming black-and-white houses.
As a unique heritage area in one-north, Wessex Estate is slated for development into a creative enclave in the years to come while preserving a haven of old world charm.
And it is at the converted ex-Judo Federation Clubhouse at Wessex Village Square that you will find Pietrasanta, The Italian Restaurant – named after a town on the coast of northern Tuscany in Italy.
Opened by Jennifer Tan and her husband, Loris Massimini, an experience Italian chef who honed his skills in Italy and Singapore, this restaurant will be officially opened on Saturday, 12th April. One of the things I like about this place is the simplicity of the décor and furnishing. Diners have a choice of sitting in the spacious dinning area inside or dine al fresco outside the courtyard.
For a start, we were given Home-made Breads and Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinaigrette to dip with. The bread was well flavoured with herbs though I preferred them to come hot instead of served cold.
For appetisers, we started off with the Carpaccio Di Manzo Con Grana Padano E Ruccola, or Thinly Sliced Beer Tenderloin with Rocket Salad and Shaved Parmesan with Lemon and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dressing. I mentioned here before that I am a huge fan of rocket salad and shaved Parmesan (not powder, or thin strips but SHAVED!), but even with biasness aside; this is one of the best rendition I have ever tried. The beef was very fresh and the lemon and olive oil dressing harmonise with a refreshing sensation to this dish. Serving was also generous at $15.90.
The other appetiser we had that evening was the Saute Di Cozzae Al Pomodoro Fresco, or Black Mussels in White Wine and Fresh Tomatoes ($18.00). This is another dish I find it irresistible – in fact I preferred this version much better to the tomatoes-based Chilli Mussels one finds in Perth. The mussels were fully infused with the wine, thus enhancing the sweetness of the meat, and the tomatoes add a lovely sourness touch to it. However either due to overcooking or me taking my time to capture the perfect shot, some meat from the mussels actually shrunk to a pathetic size – nevertheless, the serving was still ample for the both of us.
Risotto Ai Porcini, or Italian Risotto with Porcini Mushrooms ($19.90) was my choice for main and was it excellent! The risotto was satisfactorily done al dente and the grains came fully flavoured of the mushrooms that produce a pleasant nutty taste with a smooth and not too overbearing aftertaste. Somehow, I also like the texture of the onions in the dish, which produces a delightful crunch with every bite.
My friend picked the Gnocchi Di Patate Con Salsa Al Gorgonzola, or Home-made Potato Gnocchi tossed with Blue Cheese Sauce ($18.90). I am not a big fan of gnocchi to be honest, what’s more one mixed with potato, as I often find them too filling for consumption but I have to comment that the sauce is pungently brilliant! One would either love it or hate it – and as for me, I simply love it.
For desserts, we felt we have to order the Tiramisu ($8.90), since no restaurant will dare to proclaim themselves as an Italiano Ristorante if their tiramisu isn’t any good. The classic dessert was good, though not the best I have tried, with the cream well whipped and the biscuit soaked in just the right amount of liquor.
The Semifreddo Cioccolato Bianco e Muscato, or White Chocolate and Muscato Wine Parfait ($8.90) though was disappointing. The only blemish of the night – the frozen custard was icy and difficult to scoop – my guess is that it was over-chilled. We also couldn’t make known of the wine in this dessert and the almonds sprinkled over was too overbearing for this light dessert. The only thing I like about this is that it wasn’t too sweet.
Overall this meal was truly satisfying and I will definitely be back for their Home-made Ravioli and their meat dishes. Also know it from me that given time, I foresee this place to be a hit in town – so make your way down before it gets too crowded.
You can view more photos and other reviews @ His Food Blog.
Have you tried the new Japanese selection at Pastamania? If you're looking for value for money and yummilicious pasta (and pizzas), head on down to Pastamania!
There's currently 6 Japanese style pasta available. But I heard, soon they'll be releasing new choices and also the pizzas! (Psss... the Unagi pizzas is very good! MUST TRY!)
I managed to try 2 of their current offerings... the Unagi Pasta and the Tako Pasta.
Unagi Pasta ($10.90) - pasta choice Fettucini This is cooked with Unagi (Eel), onions and lightly spiced up with chilli padi, top with seaweed flakes. If you're a fan of unagi and spicy pasta, this one is a die-die-must-try pasta! The Unagi pasta is flavorful and spiced up to the right level. After one mouthful of it, you'll just want to have more.
Tako Pasta ($10.90) - pasta choice Penne Octopus and garlic tossed in olive oil, drizzled with tonkatsu sauce and Japanese mayo topped with bonito flakes. This one is for the Tako lovers! (Like me!) First look at the serving, it reminded me of those tako balls you can get almost everywhere, but instead this is served with pasta. They are very generous with the amount of tako used. The fragrance is enough to tempt any hungry soul when you mixed the entire bowl of pasta, tako, sauces and bonito flakes.
Between the two, although I'm a tako lover, I would order the Unagi Pasta again the next time I go. Cause its spicy and more flavorful. Anyone wants to join me for Pastamania when they launch the new menu with the Japanese pizzas? :P
Had dinner at taste Paradise, an upmarket offering by the Paradise Group of Restaurants, which also owns and operates the popular Seafood Paradise at Defu Lane and the Singapore Flyer. Opened less than 2 years ago, it has made it to the Straits Times top 100 restaurants as well as garnered rave reviews from magazines and forums.
Hidden along a row of shophouses along Mosque Street in the traditional Chinatown area, Taste paradise sets itself apart with its classy glass facade. Through the doors onto the lighted walkway that leads up to the dining area, the interior oozes chic in a very subtle way. The dining area is divided into a few sections by means of partitions in which there are a couple of tables and a captain to oversee each section. Heavily carpeted floors coupled with a low ceiling and a rather limited floor area meant that conversation tones had to be kept to a low for fear of disturbing the other customers (not that we did though).
XO Carrot Cake - One of Taste Paradise's signature dishes, the humble XO carrot cake. It honestly wasn't impressive when served, looking more like your usual stir fried rendition from the hawker centre than a $7 plate of carrot cake. But pop a piece into your mouth and you will understand why it is truly one of the signature dishes. Chunky yet smooth and soft carrot cake with a discernible wok hei taste fried with beansprouts, egg, Chinese sausages and other condiments. Lightly spicy and sweet and not to mention fragrant. Nothing short of excellent.
Combination of Pan Seared Foie Gras, Wasabi Mayonnaise Prawn and Slice of Beijing Duck with Condiments - I was actually wondering how did foie gras get onto the menu and initially skeptical if a Chinese restaurant could pull it off. Just for the record, Taste Paradise is a Chinese fusion restaurant, which explains why foie gras is listed on the menu. As for my initial skepticisms, they were unfounded. The foie gras was very good, crisp on the outside yet soft, quivery and smooth on the inside. No overwhelming taste or sediments.
The wasabi mayonnaise prawn was quite good as well, with the wasabi not overpowering and the prawns fresh and crunchy. I personally liked it together with the watermelon as the sweetness from the watermelon permeated through.
The only bummer was the peking duck which didn't seem memorable. Sure the skin was crispy but the crepe tasted bland and limp.
Double Boiled Superior Shark's Fin with Dried Conpoy in Traditional Beijing Broth accompanied with Bacon Onion Roll - Another recommended dish, the shark's fin soup, was served up in a pre heated Japanese stone pot which can remain hot for 20 minutes, thus ensuring that the soup remains hot till the last drop. The fins were decent and plentiful while the soup was flavourful and thick. A little too starchy and heavy on the vinegar though, which made it a little sharp. The bacon and onion roll was crispy but other than the novelty, didn't seem to complement the dish very well. On a side note, there are 3 variations in prices for the shark's fin. $38, $58 and $68 (which isn't on the menu). You get what you pay for. The quality of the fins improve as the prices tend upwards.
Braised Homemade Beancurd with Shredded Scallop and Japanese Mushroom - Tofu has always been a staple at most of my Chinese dinners and this one was no exception. The tofu was very smooth and silky but the skin was a tad too hard and it lacked the smokey savoury taste that I personally like. Even the sauce was rather bland. And for $6 a person, it was 1 piece of tofu each.
Spinach Fried with Garlic - The low point of our meal, the quintessential vegetable dish. Very average tasting but at least the diced garlic was fried till golden brown, which gave the vegetables a nice slightly crunchy texture.
Szechuan Style Roasted Chicken with Homemade Crispy Crumbs - We ordered this on the recommendation of the captain and also because it sounded interesting. Honestly the only interesting part was the crispy crumbs, which I believe were rice crisps. They were coated with a Szechuan sauce which gave them a myriad of flavours - sweet, sour and spicy, all in one tasting. The roasted chicken didn't taste out of the ordinary but the execution was commendable. Crispy skin with moist and tender meat.
Mashed Taro with Almond Cream Served in Fresh Coconut - My dessert and no, it wasn't complimentary (only chilled desserts were accorded that privilege). Its the first time I've seen mashed taro or Orh Nee served up in a coconut and predictably, the coconut smell was very strong. Not that it mattered anyway as there wasn't a hint of coconut taste in both the almond cream and mashed taro. I usually don't like almond cream but this one wasn't too strong on the almond taste which suited me just fine. The mashed taro was smooth and not too sweet but more interestingly, it contained bits of chestnut, which added a nice crunchy texture and is used predominantly used in Teochew cooking. The only gripe was that the taro was a little too sticky and I had problems licking if off my spoon. Oh and there's the almost exorbitant price as well ($6.50).
An excellent dinner for 5 set us back by about $454, which is really quite steep. However I'll be the first to admit that food quality is top notch and so is the personalised service extended by the captain and his team. I can see why Taste Paradise is rated as one of the top restaurants in Singapore. And I agree.
Chinese Cuisine with a Difference is Taste Paradise's tagline. Curious about how different this might be, 5 of us dropped by for a cosy dinner last Friday.
It was pretty easy to locate the place, however, parking wasn't that easy. In front of the restaurant there're some parallel parking spots but as you would guess too few for every one. Trying to look for parking in the area isn't too easy as they are all one-way streets. So do plan where you want to park before you go. Hong Lim or Chinatown Point would be two good places.
The restaurant is tastefully decorated with a long passage right up front. It's mainly in reds and blacks and the lighting is a little dim but still bright enough for me to see what I'm eating. Good enough for me.
We were greeted politely at the door and led to our seats in one of the rooms. After some observation, we noticed that one of the walls was actually made of panels which could be removed to make the room bigger for functions.
I couldn't bear to analyse the menu like my companions did for it didn't have any pictures were just filled with words. There were curly Chinese characters and English descriptions but it was still pretty difficult to read. So the rest of us just let two of them decide.
One little interesting thing was that there were 3 prices for the same bowl of Shark's Fin - $38, $58 and $68. $38 was the regular serving, $58 had more shark's fin in it and $68 was fin of high quality.... the staff patiently explained to us when we asked.
Food ordered:
Carrot Cake which I forgot to take the description of. But this was delicious. I LOVED IT! The serving was enough for 2 and slightly more. It wasn't too oily. the texture was very smooth and very tasty! YUMS!
Pan-seared Foie gras, wasabi mayonnaise prawn and sliced Beijing duck with condiments - $18 per personOur starter for the day was this great combination! The foie gras was crisp on the outside and pretty smooth on the inside. It was quite sizeable, any bigger and I would be worried about my heart. The wasabi prawn was alright. The wasabi taste wasn't too strong which is good and it was quite a big one. It was served on top of a watermelon which was suppose to compliment the taste of the prawn. But I couldn't be bothered to eat it. I liked the Beijing Duck slice. It was pre-prepared with the skin and sauce and wasn't too sweet. Just right.
Double boiled superior shark's fin with dried conpoy in traditional Beijing broth accompanied with bacon onion roll - $38 per personThe presentation of this dish was impressive! It was served in a grey bowl, the sort people used to mash belachan in, with the bacon wrap on top. It was bubbling when it came and bubbled for a long time whilst we drank it. There was plenty of fin and the broth was not too starchy like at some places. But it did smell of vinegar though I didn't find it too sourish. The bacon onion roll was a nice touch though I did find it a little troublesome to eat.
Braised homemade Beancurd with shredded scallop and Japanese Mushroom - $16 This was the one dish which I found a little disappointing. The skin of the beancurd was a little too tough and hard to tear. The taste was ok and the texture of the inside was smooth. The sauce it came with wasn't too salty as I have tasted in other places and the scallop was a nice accompaniment. Just the skin bothered me.
Szechuan Style roasted Chicken with homemade crispy crumbs - Half $16By the time we got to this dish I was pretty full but I still picked up a few pieces to munch. My companions were commenting about it being spicy but I found it barely so. It was quite tasty and the meat didn't taste as dry as it looked. I liked the texture of the meat but I'm the sort who likes chicken breast meat so if you aren't like me... well.
Stirfried Spinach with garlic - price unknownToo full to have any of this. But it looked just like your regular vege to me.
Mashed Taro with almond cream served in fresh coconut - $6.50I wanted to order this but I was in a mood for something cooler but I was happy to get a taste of it. It was served in a tiny REAL coconut! SO COOL! I was more fascinated with the coconut bowl than anything else. I think the Orh Nee tasted very nice. It wasn't too sweet, not overly flavoured. It had a hint of almond (or maybe I didn't scoop so much almond) which gave it a nice twist.
Chilled Mango Puree with Sago and Pomelo served with coconut ice cream - $4.50This was my dessert of the day!! I was worried about the coconut ice cream as I'm not a fan of coconut actually. But everything's worth trying right? So try I did and I enjoyed this dessert very much. Served cold and sweet (just right).
Chilled Pumpkin Puree served with coconut ice cream (Chef's Special) - $4.50Sadly I didn't get a taste of this.... but no complaints. She seemed to enjoy it...
Chilled Aloe Vera in refreshing calamansi juice - $4.50 Neither did I try this...
We got the 3 chilled desserts free, they were on the house which was a nice surprise.
The service was very good throughout the meal. Our tea was constantly topped up and Desmond, the assistant manager was jovial and sincere when serving us. When the 2 servings of the shark's fin were late, he took the initiative to inform us, which I think is a show of good service.
Each of us paid $93.50 for our share of food. It does seem quite a lot doesn't it? But I guess with foie gras and shark's fin on the list, I find it pretty acceptable. Minus those two, it would be more reasonable.
When I was in primary school, I dun like to see a student taking a white card walking into class room. Cos it means someone in the class will be summoned to the dentist! At that time everyone hope that their names will not be called. One of my classmates even burst into tears when her name is being called. Wahahaha!
So an appointment was made and the days leading to the appointment were very anxious anticipation. Well, the truth is I last visit a dentist was like 2 years ago. I knew my teeth are in very bad state as well.
So on the fateful day (today), we headed toward Apex Dental Surgery after work. The clinic is a small but well equipped one with friendly assistant and dentist as well.
When I went into the room, I saw nothing but the dentist chair only, but the dentist, Dr Tan, is kind enough to see that I am nervous and made some small talk with me before starting the procedure. After verifying some of my allergies, she began to start work on my teeth. The drill like tool was placed in my mouth and the sound of the drill started to flood into my ears. While she was gently cleaning my teeth, I was like looking somewhere else trying to distract myself, at the same time reminding to open my mouth wide so that the drill will not go crazy in my mouth.
Dr Tan is really professional and gentle, telling me that it will have to take some time for her to clear the dirt in between the teeth and some level of pain might be experienced. In between, she will still engaged me in some small talk, while she is cleaning away. At times, she will stop and ask me rinse my mouth to clear away all the dirt.
After about 40 mins of work and I mean hard work, she is finally done. I am done. Not without her, telling me about my wisdom tooth and my few holes that needs fillings as well. Sigh... The cost of cleaning of teeth $70. Finally the "nightmare" is over and I left the clinic with clean teeth again! Think I will be back soon for the fillings and a 6 monthly check up.
Craving for Japanese food? Why not give Shokudo a try? But be prepared to be stuck with too many choices!
After reading the above reviews, I decided to give this place a try. The chance came and I went on this mini adventure of mine at Shokudo...
Thanks for the reviews here, I already know what to expect at the entrance. And I quickly got into my adventurous mode the moment I stepped in. *haha!*
The first impression I got was Wow! So big! It's about the size of the old Marche at Heeren. But cos this place is done up in a Japanese kind of style with minimum decorations around the place, it seems slightly more spacious than the old Marche. As it was a weekday, there wasn't much crowd when I went. With many tables available, I skipped the "Reserve table" part and went on to find food.
After going around the place, I kinda got lost of my orientation. (Perhaps I was too hungry then.) Good thing I didn't place my "Reservation token" at any of the tables, cos I would most probably forget which section it was. The place is divided into various themes so customers can decided where is more suitable for the mood they're in. (This is not quite possible if you go on a crowded period thou.)
As I was alone, and having limited cash with me, I opted for something friendly for my wallet and tummy. I bought a "Hakodate" Seafood Cheese Pizza ($8.80) and a glass of japanese orange peel drink ($price forgotten). The pizza is made fresh upon ordering, so I settled down with my drink to enjoy the peacefulness during that time. There was soft music playing in background and I was totally relaxed and enjoying my time alone after a long day of meetings.
The pizza was different from the one we usually see. This was served in a rectangular wooden pan and the pizza crust was thin and crispy. There were plentiful of toppings and one bite into the pizza will make you want to have more. The pizza might not look big nor sufficient for the hungry people, but if you're having it alone, its fills just right the right amount in one's tummy. Due to its thin crust, you'll not feel "sick" of the pizza.
The pizza with the refreshing orange peel drink - a perfect match!
Banking on his wildly popular Wild Rocket restaurant, lawyer turned chef, Willin Low, has opened up a new burger joint serving up his signature Wild Rocket burger and other rather innovative burgers.
Situated on the second floor (right above Da Paolo) of a charming colonial bungalow along Bukit Timah Road, Relish boasts an uncluttered no frills interior with wooden furniture and wacky murals on the wall. Everything about the place screams casual.
Bacon Cheese Burger - Now who can resist a thick beef patty topped with slices of cheese and bacon sandwiched between a roasted sesame bun? The beef patty was finely chopped and I liked the semi rough texture. A pity it was a wee bit too overcooked but at least it retained its juiciness. The sun dried tomato salsa tasted a little weak this time round. Still a great burger nonetheless, just that it reminded me Wild Rocket's signature burger with an addition of cheese and bacon.
Char Siew Burger - This is the first time I've actually seen such a burger and its actually quite interesting. Lean meat covered with a special home made sauce on a toasted bun. Personally I found the sauce way too sweet for my liking and because it was quite coagulated, consuming too much of it made me nauseous. The meat was very lean and fibrous though, making it a joy to chew on. All in all, it tasted like a fat free version of Kong Ba Pao. Did I mention that the bread was a little too charred?
Wild Rocket Signature Cheesecake - A Wild Rocket signature dessert, the deconstructed cheesecake had a layer of cracker crumbs topped with sweetened strawberries and then topped again with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and cream cheese. The cream cheese was lightly sour and complemented the sweet ice cream and cracker/biscuit base perfectly. Personally I felt that the cracker/biscuit base could have been more buttery for a smoother aftertaste.
A high carbohydrate dinner for 2 cost about $55 which is rather average pricing. The burgers are good without a doubt and filling (they come with lots of fries). Service is good as well so the next time I'm craving for expensive burgers, I'll know where to look.
1=SGD 0.0587
It is often said a great movie is often due to its main lead, and how often the supporting cast is often neglected. However, in a particular kopitiam tucked at the corner near Kallang MRT Station, both the main lead and supporting cast gained from the wonderful partnership.
At Jalan Sultan Prawn Mee off Geylang Lor 1, every Sunday afternoon is a battleground in the kopitiam. Finding a table for 4 is at least a 10-15 mins affair, and waiting for the noodles to appear on your table is at least another good 45 mins.
So being a smart foodie like any other Singaporeans, I suggested ordering a plate of Wu Xiang, the only other stall in the kopitiam, while waiting for the noodles to come. But since everyone else thought about it, the Wu Xiang took as long to arrive as the noodles.
In fact, my serving of Wu Xiang came after we were midway through with our noodles. The Noodles despite the long wait was however worth it. My bowl of Prawn Beehoon & Mee Soup with Pork Ribs, along with the generous serving of fried lard and chilli powder was a perfect combination.
The usage of the thicken version of Bee Hoon (Author’s note: NOT Chor Bee Hoon) was also a brilliant move, as the normal thinner ones tend to suck the soup dry, considering there wasn’t much to start of with.
You can view more photos and other reviews @ His Food Blog.
Rating given:
After a rave review by the popular food blogger, Dr Leslie Tay, of ieatishootipost, I could not resist to find out about this particular stall located at Cambridge Road Food Centre, also known to many as Pek Kio. Those who have read his blog would realise that it is hard to come by that he would dished out a rating of 4.75 out of 5 on any particular stall, but Wah Kee Prawn Noodles has the such accolade.
Formerly located at Farrer Park, the secret to their prawn noodle lies in the soup. Described as “that unique taste you get in Lobster Bisque” and “(the) extract of crustacean shell and all the stuff in the head” by Leslie, the soup is really different from that of many, including Jalan Sultan Prawn Mee, which I have blogged before. Their soup is not as salty and much “cloudy” – due to the essence of the prawns.
And if you are really into this prawn makan business, go ahead and try the $10 serving.
The boss guaranteed that the prawns are freshly catch everyday and man are they HUGE!!!
Personally, I felt that the soup has the “punch” but a bit saltier would be excellent. However, the good thing about eating at Pek Kio is that it is not so crowded during lunchtime and there are always tables available.
You can view more photos and other reviews @ His Food Blog.
Rating given:
Once stood the famous makan icon in Singapore…the Esplanade Satay Club – the breezily located Makansutra Gluttons Bay offers plenty of local food galore. And among them stood one of my favourite ‘Ou Luak’, or Fried Oyster Omelette Stall – Hup Kee (Orchard).
This stall started off in the 70's at the famous Orchard Carpark night hawkers and now operates two outlets, the other being at the Newton Hawker Centre. What is so amazing about their dish as compared to others is that the eggs and the sweet potato flour are somehow done crispier, and less oily, which sources revealed is based on a 40-year-old recipe. I personally also found the eggs to be rather fluffy inside which gives it an excellent bite.
You will also find a good number of fresh, succulent and plump Korean Oysters served on top with a sprinkling of freshly cut coriander and spring onions. The chilli sauce that comes alongside is also tangy and very addictive. Standard of the dish is consistent, as I have since gone back a couple of times and definitely value for money! A must try every time I am around the vicinity.
You can view more photos and other reviews @ His Food Blog.
Rating given:
A quaint, tranquil neighbourhood nestled in the course of lush greenery off Portsdown Road, Wessex Estate is a colonial-style residential area with charming black-and-white houses.
As a unique heritage area in one-north, Wessex Estate is slated for development into a creative enclave in the years to come while preserving a haven of old world charm.
And it is at the converted ex-Judo Federation Clubhouse at Wessex Village Square that you will find Pietrasanta, The Italian Restaurant – named after a town on the coast of northern Tuscany in Italy.
Opened by Jennifer Tan and her husband, Loris Massimini, an experience Italian chef who honed his skills in Italy and Singapore, this restaurant will be officially opened on Saturday, 12th April. One of the things I like about this place is the simplicity of the décor and furnishing. Diners have a choice of sitting in the spacious dinning area inside or dine al fresco outside the courtyard.
For a start, we were given Home-made Breads and Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinaigrette to dip with. The bread was well flavoured with herbs though I preferred them to come hot instead of served cold.
For appetisers, we started off with the Carpaccio Di Manzo Con Grana Padano E Ruccola, or Thinly Sliced Beer Tenderloin with Rocket Salad and Shaved Parmesan with Lemon and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dressing. I mentioned here before that I am a huge fan of rocket salad and shaved Parmesan (not powder, or thin strips but SHAVED!), but even with biasness aside; this is one of the best rendition I have ever tried. The beef was very fresh and the lemon and olive oil dressing harmonise with a refreshing sensation to this dish. Serving was also generous at $15.90.
The other appetiser we had that evening was the Saute Di Cozzae Al Pomodoro Fresco, or Black Mussels in White Wine and Fresh Tomatoes ($18.00). This is another dish I find it irresistible – in fact I preferred this version much better to the tomatoes-based Chilli Mussels one finds in Perth. The mussels were fully infused with the wine, thus enhancing the sweetness of the meat, and the tomatoes add a lovely sourness touch to it. However either due to overcooking or me taking my time to capture the perfect shot, some meat from the mussels actually shrunk to a pathetic size – nevertheless, the serving was still ample for the both of us.
Risotto Ai Porcini, or Italian Risotto with Porcini Mushrooms ($19.90) was my choice for main and was it excellent! The risotto was satisfactorily done al dente and the grains came fully flavoured of the mushrooms that produce a pleasant nutty taste with a smooth and not too overbearing aftertaste. Somehow, I also like the texture of the onions in the dish, which produces a delightful crunch with every bite.
My friend picked the Gnocchi Di Patate Con Salsa Al Gorgonzola, or Home-made Potato Gnocchi tossed with Blue Cheese Sauce ($18.90). I am not a big fan of gnocchi to be honest, what’s more one mixed with potato, as I often find them too filling for consumption but I have to comment that the sauce is pungently brilliant! One would either love it or hate it – and as for me, I simply love it.
For desserts, we felt we have to order the Tiramisu ($8.90), since no restaurant will dare to proclaim themselves as an Italiano Ristorante if their tiramisu isn’t any good. The classic dessert was good, though not the best I have tried, with the cream well whipped and the biscuit soaked in just the right amount of liquor.
The Semifreddo Cioccolato Bianco e Muscato, or White Chocolate and Muscato Wine Parfait ($8.90) though was disappointing. The only blemish of the night – the frozen custard was icy and difficult to scoop – my guess is that it was over-chilled. We also couldn’t make known of the wine in this dessert and the almonds sprinkled over was too overbearing for this light dessert. The only thing I like about this is that it wasn’t too sweet.
Overall this meal was truly satisfying and I will definitely be back for their Home-made Ravioli and their meat dishes. Also know it from me that given time, I foresee this place to be a hit in town – so make your way down before it gets too crowded.
You can view more photos and other reviews @ His Food Blog.
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Pastamania Banzai!!!
Have you tried the new Japanese selection at Pastamania? If you're looking for value for money and yummilicious pasta (and pizzas), head on down to Pastamania!
There's currently 6 Japanese style pasta available. But I heard, soon they'll be releasing new choices and also the pizzas! (Psss... the Unagi pizzas is very good! MUST TRY!)
I managed to try 2 of their current offerings... the Unagi Pasta and the Tako Pasta.
Unagi Pasta ($10.90) - pasta choice Fettucini
This is cooked with Unagi (Eel), onions and lightly spiced up with chilli padi, top with seaweed flakes. If you're a fan of unagi and spicy pasta, this one is a die-die-must-try pasta! The Unagi pasta is flavorful and spiced up to the right level. After one mouthful of it, you'll just want to have more.
Tako Pasta ($10.90) - pasta choice Penne
Octopus and garlic tossed in olive oil, drizzled with tonkatsu sauce and Japanese mayo topped with bonito flakes. This one is for the Tako lovers! (Like me!) First look at the serving, it reminded me of those tako balls you can get almost everywhere, but instead this is served with pasta. They are very generous with the amount of tako used. The fragrance is enough to tempt any hungry soul when you mixed the entire bowl of pasta, tako, sauces and bonito flakes.
Between the two, although I'm a tako lover, I would order the Unagi Pasta again the next time I go. Cause its spicy and more flavorful. Anyone wants to join me for Pastamania when they launch the new menu with the Japanese pizzas? :P
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Had dinner at taste Paradise, an upmarket offering by the Paradise Group of Restaurants, which also owns and operates the popular Seafood Paradise at Defu Lane and the Singapore Flyer. Opened less than 2 years ago, it has made it to the Straits Times top 100 restaurants as well as garnered rave reviews from magazines and forums.
Hidden along a row of shophouses along Mosque Street in the traditional Chinatown area, Taste paradise sets itself apart with its classy glass facade. Through the doors onto the lighted walkway that leads up to the dining area, the interior oozes chic in a very subtle way. The dining area is divided into a few sections by means of partitions in which there are a couple of tables and a captain to oversee each section. Heavily carpeted floors coupled with a low ceiling and a rather limited floor area meant that conversation tones had to be kept to a low for fear of disturbing the other customers (not that we did though).
XO Carrot Cake - One of Taste Paradise's signature dishes, the humble XO carrot cake. It honestly wasn't impressive when served, looking more like your usual stir fried rendition from the hawker centre than a $7 plate of carrot cake. But pop a piece into your mouth and you will understand why it is truly one of the signature dishes. Chunky yet smooth and soft carrot cake with a discernible wok hei taste fried with beansprouts, egg, Chinese sausages and other condiments. Lightly spicy and sweet and not to mention fragrant. Nothing short of excellent.
Combination of Pan Seared Foie Gras, Wasabi Mayonnaise Prawn and Slice of Beijing Duck with Condiments - I was actually wondering how did foie gras get onto the menu and initially skeptical if a Chinese restaurant could pull it off. Just for the record, Taste Paradise is a Chinese fusion restaurant, which explains why foie gras is listed on the menu. As for my initial skepticisms, they were unfounded. The foie gras was very good, crisp on the outside yet soft, quivery and smooth on the inside. No overwhelming taste or sediments.
The wasabi mayonnaise prawn was quite good as well, with the wasabi not overpowering and the prawns fresh and crunchy. I personally liked it together with the watermelon as the sweetness from the watermelon permeated through.
The only bummer was the peking duck which didn't seem memorable. Sure the skin was crispy but the crepe tasted bland and limp.
Double Boiled Superior Shark's Fin with Dried Conpoy in Traditional Beijing Broth accompanied with Bacon Onion Roll - Another recommended dish, the shark's fin soup, was served up in a pre heated Japanese stone pot which can remain hot for 20 minutes, thus ensuring that the soup remains hot till the last drop. The fins were decent and plentiful while the soup was flavourful and thick. A little too starchy and heavy on the vinegar though, which made it a little sharp. The bacon and onion roll was crispy but other than the novelty, didn't seem to complement the dish very well. On a side note, there are 3 variations in prices for the shark's fin. $38, $58 and $68 (which isn't on the menu). You get what you pay for. The quality of the fins improve as the prices tend upwards.
Braised Homemade Beancurd with Shredded Scallop and Japanese Mushroom - Tofu has always been a staple at most of my Chinese dinners and this one was no exception. The tofu was very smooth and silky but the skin was a tad too hard and it lacked the smokey savoury taste that I personally like. Even the sauce was rather bland. And for $6 a person, it was 1 piece of tofu each.
Spinach Fried with Garlic - The low point of our meal, the quintessential vegetable dish. Very average tasting but at least the diced garlic was fried till golden brown, which gave the vegetables a nice slightly crunchy texture.
Szechuan Style Roasted Chicken with Homemade Crispy Crumbs - We ordered this on the recommendation of the captain and also because it sounded interesting. Honestly the only interesting part was the crispy crumbs, which I believe were rice crisps. They were coated with a Szechuan sauce which gave them a myriad of flavours - sweet, sour and spicy, all in one tasting. The roasted chicken didn't taste out of the ordinary but the execution was commendable. Crispy skin with moist and tender meat.
Mashed Taro with Almond Cream Served in Fresh Coconut - My dessert and no, it wasn't complimentary (only chilled desserts were accorded that privilege). Its the first time I've seen mashed taro or Orh Nee served up in a coconut and predictably, the coconut smell was very strong. Not that it mattered anyway as there wasn't a hint of coconut taste in both the almond cream and mashed taro. I usually don't like almond cream but this one wasn't too strong on the almond taste which suited me just fine. The mashed taro was smooth and not too sweet but more interestingly, it contained bits of chestnut, which added a nice crunchy texture and is used predominantly used in Teochew cooking. The only gripe was that the taro was a little too sticky and I had problems licking if off my spoon. Oh and there's the almost exorbitant price as well ($6.50).
An excellent dinner for 5 set us back by about $454, which is really quite steep. However I'll be the first to admit that food quality is top notch and so is the personalised service extended by the captain and his team. I can see why Taste Paradise is rated as one of the top restaurants in Singapore. And I agree.
See all my pictures here.
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Chinese Cuisine with a Difference is Taste Paradise's tagline. Curious about how different this might be, 5 of us dropped by for a cosy dinner last Friday.
It was pretty easy to locate the place, however, parking wasn't that easy. In front of the restaurant there're some parallel parking spots but as you would guess too few for every one. Trying to look for parking in the area isn't too easy as they are all one-way streets. So do plan where you want to park before you go. Hong Lim or Chinatown Point would be two good places.
The restaurant is tastefully decorated with a long passage right up front. It's mainly in reds and blacks and the lighting is a little dim but still bright enough for me to see what I'm eating. Good enough for me.
We were greeted politely at the door and led to our seats in one of the rooms. After some observation, we noticed that one of the walls was actually made of panels which could be removed to make the room bigger for functions.
I couldn't bear to analyse the menu like my companions did for it didn't have any pictures were just filled with words. There were curly Chinese characters and English descriptions but it was still pretty difficult to read. So the rest of us just let two of them decide.
One little interesting thing was that there were 3 prices for the same bowl of Shark's Fin - $38, $58 and $68. $38 was the regular serving, $58 had more shark's fin in it and $68 was fin of high quality.... the staff patiently explained to us when we asked.
Food ordered:
Carrot Cake
which I forgot to take the description of. But this was delicious. I LOVED IT! The serving was enough for 2 and slightly more. It wasn't too oily. the texture was very smooth and very tasty! YUMS!
Pan-seared Foie gras, wasabi mayonnaise prawn and sliced Beijing duck with condiments - $18 per personOur starter for the day was this great combination! The foie gras was crisp on the outside and pretty smooth on the inside. It was quite sizeable, any bigger and I would be worried about my heart. The wasabi prawn was alright. The wasabi taste wasn't too strong which is good and it was quite a big one. It was served on top of a watermelon which was suppose to compliment the taste of the prawn. But I couldn't be bothered to eat it. I liked the Beijing Duck slice. It was pre-prepared with the skin and sauce and wasn't too sweet. Just right.
Double boiled superior shark's fin with dried conpoy in traditional Beijing broth accompanied with bacon onion roll - $38 per personThe presentation of this dish was impressive! It was served in a grey bowl, the sort people used to mash belachan in, with the bacon wrap on top. It was bubbling when it came and bubbled for a long time whilst we drank it. There was plenty of fin and the broth was not too starchy like at some places. But it did smell of vinegar though I didn't find it too sourish. The bacon onion roll was a nice touch though I did find it a little troublesome to eat.
Braised homemade Beancurd with shredded scallop and Japanese Mushroom - $16
This was the one dish which I found a little disappointing. The skin of the beancurd was a little too tough and hard to tear. The taste was ok and the texture of the inside was smooth. The sauce it came with wasn't too salty as I have tasted in other places and the scallop was a nice accompaniment. Just the skin bothered me.
Szechuan Style roasted Chicken with homemade crispy crumbs - Half $16By the time we got to this dish I was pretty full but I still picked up a few pieces to munch. My companions were commenting about it being spicy but I found it barely so. It was quite tasty and the meat didn't taste as dry as it looked. I liked the texture of the meat but I'm the sort who likes chicken breast meat so if you aren't like me... well.
Stirfried Spinach with garlic - price unknownToo full to have any of this. But it looked just like your regular vege to me.
Mashed Taro with almond cream served in fresh coconut - $6.50I wanted to order this but I was in a mood for something cooler but I was happy to get a taste of it. It was served in a tiny REAL coconut! SO COOL! I was more fascinated with the coconut bowl than anything else. I think the Orh Nee tasted very nice. It wasn't too sweet, not overly flavoured. It had a hint of almond (or maybe I didn't scoop so much almond) which gave it a nice twist.
Chilled Mango Puree with Sago and Pomelo served with coconut ice cream - $4.50This was my dessert of the day!! I was worried about the coconut ice cream as I'm not a fan of coconut actually. But everything's worth trying right? So try I did and I enjoyed this dessert very much. Served cold and sweet (just right).
Chilled Pumpkin Puree served with coconut ice cream (Chef's Special) - $4.50Sadly I didn't get a taste of this.... but no complaints. She seemed to enjoy it...
Chilled Aloe Vera in refreshing calamansi juice - $4.50
Neither did I try this...
We got the 3 chilled desserts free, they were on the house which was a nice surprise.
The service was very good throughout the meal. Our tea was constantly topped up and Desmond, the assistant manager was jovial and sincere when serving us. When the 2 servings of the shark's fin were late, he took the initiative to inform us, which I think is a show of good service.
Each of us paid $93.50 for our share of food. It does seem quite a lot doesn't it? But I guess with foie gras and shark's fin on the list, I find it pretty acceptable. Minus those two, it would be more reasonable.
For more pictures go to my blog .
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When I was in primary school, I dun like to see a student taking a white card walking into class room. Cos it means someone in the class will be summoned to the dentist! At that time everyone hope that their names will not be called. One of my classmates even burst into tears when her name is being called. Wahahaha!
So an appointment was made and the days leading to the appointment were very anxious anticipation. Well, the truth is I last visit a dentist was like 2 years ago. I knew my teeth are in very bad state as well.
So on the fateful day (today), we headed toward Apex Dental Surgery after work. The clinic is a small but well equipped one with friendly assistant and dentist as well.
When I went into the room, I saw nothing but the dentist chair only, but the dentist, Dr Tan, is kind enough to see that I am nervous and made some small talk with me before starting the procedure. After verifying some of my allergies, she began to start work on my teeth. The drill like tool was placed in my mouth and the sound of the drill started to flood into my ears. While she was gently cleaning my teeth, I was like looking somewhere else trying to distract myself, at the same time reminding to open my mouth wide so that the drill will not go crazy in my mouth.
Dr Tan is really professional and gentle, telling me that it will have to take some time for her to clear the dirt in between the teeth and some level of pain might be experienced. In between, she will still engaged me in some small talk, while she is cleaning away. At times, she will stop and ask me rinse my mouth to clear away all the dirt.
After about 40 mins of work and I mean hard work, she is finally done. I am done. Not without her, telling me about my wisdom tooth and my few holes that needs fillings as well. Sigh... The cost of cleaning of teeth $70. Finally the "nightmare" is over and I left the clinic with clean teeth again! Think I will be back soon for the fillings and a 6 monthly check up.
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Craving for Japanese food? Why not give Shokudo a try? But be prepared to be stuck with too many choices!
After reading the above reviews, I decided to give this place a try. The chance came and I went on this mini adventure of mine at Shokudo...
Thanks for the reviews here, I already know what to expect at the entrance. And I quickly got into my adventurous mode the moment I stepped in. *haha!*
The first impression I got was Wow! So big! It's about the size of the old Marche at Heeren. But cos this place is done up in a Japanese kind of style with minimum decorations around the place, it seems slightly more spacious than the old Marche. As it was a weekday, there wasn't much crowd when I went. With many tables available, I skipped the "Reserve table" part and went on to find food.
After going around the place, I kinda got lost of my orientation. (Perhaps I was too hungry then.) Good thing I didn't place my "Reservation token" at any of the tables, cos I would most probably forget which section it was. The place is divided into various themes so customers can decided where is more suitable for the mood they're in. (This is not quite possible if you go on a crowded period thou.)
As I was alone, and having limited cash with me, I opted for something friendly for my wallet and tummy. I bought a "Hakodate" Seafood Cheese Pizza ($8.80) and a glass of japanese orange peel drink ($price forgotten). The pizza is made fresh upon ordering, so I settled down with my drink to enjoy the peacefulness during that time. There was soft music playing in background and I was totally relaxed and enjoying my time alone after a long day of meetings.
The pizza was different from the one we usually see. This was served in a rectangular wooden pan and the pizza crust was thin and crispy. There were plentiful of toppings and one bite into the pizza will make you want to have more. The pizza might not look big nor sufficient for the hungry people, but if you're having it alone, its fills just right the right amount in one's tummy. Due to its thin crust, you'll not feel "sick" of the pizza.
The pizza with the refreshing orange peel drink - a perfect match!
Will be back for more.
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Banking on his wildly popular Wild Rocket restaurant, lawyer turned chef, Willin Low, has opened up a new burger joint serving up his signature Wild Rocket burger and other rather innovative burgers.
Situated on the second floor (right above Da Paolo) of a charming colonial bungalow along Bukit Timah Road, Relish boasts an uncluttered no frills interior with wooden furniture and wacky murals on the wall. Everything about the place screams casual.
Bacon Cheese Burger - Now who can resist a thick beef patty topped with slices of cheese and bacon sandwiched between a roasted sesame bun? The beef patty was finely chopped and I liked the semi rough texture. A pity it was a wee bit too overcooked but at least it retained its juiciness. The sun dried tomato salsa tasted a little weak this time round. Still a great burger nonetheless, just that it reminded me Wild Rocket's signature burger with an addition of cheese and bacon.
Char Siew Burger - This is the first time I've actually seen such a burger and its actually quite interesting. Lean meat covered with a special home made sauce on a toasted bun. Personally I found the sauce way too sweet for my liking and because it was quite coagulated, consuming too much of it made me nauseous. The meat was very lean and fibrous though, making it a joy to chew on. All in all, it tasted like a fat free version of Kong Ba Pao. Did I mention that the bread was a little too charred?
Wild Rocket Signature Cheesecake - A Wild Rocket signature dessert, the deconstructed cheesecake had a layer of cracker crumbs topped with sweetened strawberries and then topped again with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and cream cheese. The cream cheese was lightly sour and complemented the sweet ice cream and cracker/biscuit base perfectly. Personally I felt that the cracker/biscuit base could have been more buttery for a smoother aftertaste.
A high carbohydrate dinner for 2 cost about $55 which is rather average pricing. The burgers are good without a doubt and filling (they come with lots of fries). Service is good as well so the next time I'm craving for expensive burgers, I'll know where to look.
See all my pictures here.
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