The value of this Cantonese congee stall is that the workers are not stingy with their condiments in their food. More so, the amount of chicken pieces I get from the chicken congee was bounteous.
The Yu Sheng, or raw fish (Chinese Style Sashimi) was also fresh and plentiful for a $2 portion.
Mixed well with the generous helping of sesame, spring onion, ginger, garlic, and a drizzle of lime juice, you have the perfect supplement for your congee.
You can view more photos and other reviews @ His Food Blog.
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.
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.
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.
Had dinner at Stiff Chilli, a chain of 4 restaurants in Bali and a sole one in Singapore. Owned by Rodney Holt, an Italian - Australian chef, it is so named because Holt liked the offbeat sound of it.
Complimentary Bread - I honestly don't remember much about the bread except that it came served with a mini platter of sauces, namely olive oil, vinegar and chilli sauce. I remember it didn't come warm and that it was rather dry.
Burrata Parma Ham - Stiff Chilli flies in the Burrata, a fresh cheese, from southern Italy every week. I personally didn't quite take to it as it was rather bland and akin to eating cold tofu with a milky texture. The parma ham balanced out the blandness, but unfortunately there wasn't enough to go around.
Pasta all'Inchiostro - The squid ink pasta was actually quite good, lightly sweet and al dente without the light smoky cream sauce being overpowering. It could seriously do with more ingredients, but for the price I can hardly complain.
Cassata - From what I understand, Cassata is a traditional dessert from Sicily which is essentially a layered cake, with sponge, ricotta cheese and candied peel. Stiff Chilli's rendition was all ice cream and tasted like the mudpies from Burger King. And it certainly didn't look home made or freshly made for that matter. Fresh from a box in the freezer more like it. $6 for this dessert is really pushing it in my humble opinion.
A sweaty dinner with 1 appetiser, 1 main and 1 dessert cost about $45, which isn't exactly cheap given the quality of food and the whole dining in a crumbly shophouse experience. Once is enough.
Never had a Japanese Restaurant that I have been to, warrant a 3rd visit from me within a space of two months, but this rule simply did not apply to En Japanese Dining Bar.
Introduced by my manager (whom is very particular about what she eats), I was pleasantly elated to find that not only was the food outstanding, the price is sound as well. Situated at UE Square, facing the now awfully hushed Mohammed Sultan Road, En Japanese Dining Bar is a also a fav among the diminutive but surely growing Japanese community, in the River Valley area.
Known for its little dishes of appetiser and starters rather than the main dishes, customers are spoilt for choice with the amount of dishes they can choose from the menu. While waiting for the rest to arrive, a friend and I had some Kawaebi (Deep Fried Small River Shrimps) to go with our Hakkaisan (Honjouzou) – Medium Dry, Well Balanced Sake.
Dinner then proceed with our first starter of the day – Beef Carpaccio, or Thinly Sliced Raw Beef and Sliced Onion with Sour Soya Sauce. Along with just a dash of lemon juice, the beef is juicy and melts the moment it touches your mouth (a result from the freshness of the meat), leaving you to crave for more when you are done with it.
Thankfully, the Sashimi did not disappoint us when it arrived. The Kanpachi (Yellow Tail), Mekajiki (Sword Fish) and Salmon Belly was just as fresh and the thickness of each slice – perfectly cut.
More Sashimi came along, but this time in the disguise of Imaiyu Salad, or the Fresh Sashimi Salad with Special Blended Vegetable Dressing. Cubes of raw meat act as a perfect complement to the vegetables, and along with the appetising salad dressing, this dish is a hit with both the carnivores and the herbivores.
And when the cooked food finally arrives, the Roasted Minced Chicken Balls on a Skewer Laced with Egg Yolk has a sweet aroma which lingers in the air even after that satisfying bite. However, one may find the texture of questionable due to the bits of tendons within the minced meat.
The only staple we had for the night was another perfectly executed Unagi Fried Rice, or Eel and Egg Fried Rice. The natural juices oozing out from the Grilled Eel somehow goes harmoniously well with the rice, making it enjoyable to consume and a perfect dish to share among a table of 4.
To round of the lovely night, we had Black Sesame Ice Cream and Green Tea Ice Cream with Red Bean Paste. Not a big fan of both flavours, I was somehow charmed to find that the Green Tea Ice Cream, with a hint of bitterness, goes astonishingly well with the Red Bean Paste.
You can view more photos and other reviews @ His Food Blog.
Wood Restaurant & Bar, a newly opened upmarket restaurant that offers food cooked only by wood and charcoal - the old fashioned method before gas came about and certainly an interesting concept.
Hidden on the ground floor in one forsaken corner of Vivocity, Wood's chef is none other Jake Klein, whose stepfather, Steven Raichlen, is the creator of Barbecue University and known as America's grilling expert. From the facade to the interior, Wood oozes unadulterated class in itself. A short walk through the wooden tunnel from the entrance leads to a magnificent glass wine cellar and the sublimely chic seating area with its posh booth seats, floor to ceiling windows and the huge open concept kitchen. One gripe though. The windows don't face the sea directly, unlike most of the other restaurants at Vivocity.
Complimentary Bread - Its the first time I'm eating focaccia that comes in pizza slices and it was something different. It almost tasted like pizza sans the toppings except that the bread was a little burnt and dry. I still liked it enough with the olive oil though to gobble it all up and yearn for seconds, which unfortunately was never offered.
Smoked Chicken Salad with Hoisin Vinaigrette and Toasted Peanut - Aesthetically pleasing, the salad portion was small, no doubt about it. What I liked about it was the lightly smoked chicken slivers which went well with the savoury Hoisin vinaigrette and toasted grounded peanuts. It helped that the vegetables were fresh as well.
Roasted Asparagus, Baby Greens and Poached Egg - I personally found this dish a little lacklustre as compared to the smoked chicken salad. But having said that, it was still quite good. For starters, this has got to be the biggest asparagus I've seen (not that I've been around much though) and it was well seasoned with salt and pepper. The poached egg wasn't anything special though but the greens were fresh and crunchy.
Wood Roasted Spring Chicken with Lemon, Garlic and Parsley - The chicken looked a tad charred when served. However it was very fragrant and juicy with a lingering herb taste in every bite. I did find it a little too salty at certain parts though, probably due to the heterogeneous seasoning distribution. But all in all a most delightful dish.
14 Days House Aged Ribeye, Rosemary, Garlic & Extra Virgin Olive Oil - I honestly can't taste the difference between a 14 days aged ribeye and a normal ribeye or a 90 days aged ribeye for that matter, so its just a name to me. The ribeye was done medium instead of the medium rare that I had requested, but it was still good. Succulent and juicy with a strong hint of herbs that didn't threaten to overpower the inherent beefy taste. Not the best I've tried, but certainly in a league of its own. Watch out for the small portions though. The beef is probably around 5-6 oz (just a rough guess).
Valhorna Chocolate Pudding with Lavender Croutons and Sea Salt - The chocolate pudding didn't come across as too sweet and very smooth with the dried lavender providing a nice floral complement to the chocolate. The croutons provided a nice crunchy texture to the whole dessert.
Thyme Roasted White Peach with Yogurt Ice Cream - I can't help but profess my liking for this dessert. A didn't taste like it was roasted piece of peach sitting atop chunks of biscuit crumbs with buttery overtones and topped with a nice creamy and sourish yogurt ice cream. Most delightful if you ask me.
An excellent lunch for 2 cost an almost princely sum of about $95 ($10 goes to the bottled water. They don't serve iced water by the way). Good things definitely don't come cheap and the 4 course set dinner starts from $75 per pax ($120 with wine pairing) with slightly bigger portions and a larger variety of dishes to choose from. Service is good as well and for those who prefer privacy, there are private rooms to cater to various group sizes. There's even a romantic private room for 2 complete with a private entrance, if you can afford/are willing to chalk up $300 in bills that is.
I'll definitely be back, but probably only for lunch. The small portions and steep prices for dinner are a little bit too much for me to swallow. For now.
1=SGD 0.0587
The value of this Cantonese congee stall is that the workers are not stingy with their condiments in their food. More so, the amount of chicken pieces I get from the chicken congee was bounteous.
The Yu Sheng, or raw fish (Chinese Style Sashimi) was also fresh and plentiful for a $2 portion.
Mixed well with the generous helping of sesame, spring onion, ginger, garlic, and a drizzle of lime juice, you have the perfect supplement for your congee.
You can view more photos and other reviews @ His Food Blog.
Rating given:
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.
Rating given:
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.
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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.
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Had dinner at Stiff Chilli, a chain of 4 restaurants in Bali and a sole one in Singapore. Owned by Rodney Holt, an Italian - Australian chef, it is so named because Holt liked the offbeat sound of it.
Complimentary Bread - I honestly don't remember much about the bread except that it came served with a mini platter of sauces, namely olive oil, vinegar and chilli sauce. I remember it didn't come warm and that it was rather dry.
Burrata Parma Ham - Stiff Chilli flies in the Burrata, a fresh cheese, from southern Italy every week. I personally didn't quite take to it as it was rather bland and akin to eating cold tofu with a milky texture. The parma ham balanced out the blandness, but unfortunately there wasn't enough to go around.
Pasta all'Inchiostro - The squid ink pasta was actually quite good, lightly sweet and al dente without the light smoky cream sauce being overpowering. It could seriously do with more ingredients, but for the price I can hardly complain.
Cassata - From what I understand, Cassata is a traditional dessert from Sicily which is essentially a layered cake, with sponge, ricotta cheese and candied peel. Stiff Chilli's rendition was all ice cream and tasted like the mudpies from Burger King. And it certainly didn't look home made or freshly made for that matter. Fresh from a box in the freezer more like it. $6 for this dessert is really pushing it in my humble opinion.
A sweaty dinner with 1 appetiser, 1 main and 1 dessert cost about $45, which isn't exactly cheap given the quality of food and the whole dining in a crumbly shophouse experience. Once is enough.
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Never had a Japanese Restaurant that I have been to, warrant a 3rd visit from me within a space of two months, but this rule simply did not apply to En Japanese Dining Bar.
Introduced by my manager (whom is very particular about what she eats), I was pleasantly elated to find that not only was the food outstanding, the price is sound as well. Situated at UE Square, facing the now awfully hushed Mohammed Sultan Road, En Japanese Dining Bar is a also a fav among the diminutive but surely growing Japanese community, in the River Valley area.
Known for its little dishes of appetiser and starters rather than the main dishes, customers are spoilt for choice with the amount of dishes they can choose from the menu. While waiting for the rest to arrive, a friend and I had some Kawaebi (Deep Fried Small River Shrimps) to go with our Hakkaisan (Honjouzou) – Medium Dry, Well Balanced Sake.
Dinner then proceed with our first starter of the day – Beef Carpaccio, or Thinly Sliced Raw Beef and Sliced Onion with Sour Soya Sauce. Along with just a dash of lemon juice, the beef is juicy and melts the moment it touches your mouth (a result from the freshness of the meat), leaving you to crave for more when you are done with it.
Thankfully, the Sashimi did not disappoint us when it arrived. The Kanpachi (Yellow Tail), Mekajiki (Sword Fish) and Salmon Belly was just as fresh and the thickness of each slice – perfectly cut.
More Sashimi came along, but this time in the disguise of Imaiyu Salad, or the Fresh Sashimi Salad with Special Blended Vegetable Dressing. Cubes of raw meat act as a perfect complement to the vegetables, and along with the appetising salad dressing, this dish is a hit with both the carnivores and the herbivores.
And when the cooked food finally arrives, the Roasted Minced Chicken Balls on a Skewer Laced with Egg Yolk has a sweet aroma which lingers in the air even after that satisfying bite. However, one may find the texture of questionable due to the bits of tendons within the minced meat.
The only staple we had for the night was another perfectly executed Unagi Fried Rice, or Eel and Egg Fried Rice. The natural juices oozing out from the Grilled Eel somehow goes harmoniously well with the rice, making it enjoyable to consume and a perfect dish to share among a table of 4.
To round of the lovely night, we had Black Sesame Ice Cream and Green Tea Ice Cream with Red Bean Paste. Not a big fan of both flavours, I was somehow charmed to find that the Green Tea Ice Cream, with a hint of bitterness, goes astonishingly well with the Red Bean Paste.
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Wood Restaurant & Bar, a newly opened upmarket restaurant that offers food cooked only by wood and charcoal - the old fashioned method before gas came about and certainly an interesting concept.
Hidden on the ground floor in one forsaken corner of Vivocity, Wood's chef is none other Jake Klein, whose stepfather, Steven Raichlen, is the creator of Barbecue University and known as America's grilling expert. From the facade to the interior, Wood oozes unadulterated class in itself. A short walk through the wooden tunnel from the entrance leads to a magnificent glass wine cellar and the sublimely chic seating area with its posh booth seats, floor to ceiling windows and the huge open concept kitchen. One gripe though. The windows don't face the sea directly, unlike most of the other restaurants at Vivocity.
Complimentary Bread - Its the first time I'm eating focaccia that comes in pizza slices and it was something different. It almost tasted like pizza sans the toppings except that the bread was a little burnt and dry. I still liked it enough with the olive oil though to gobble it all up and yearn for seconds, which unfortunately was never offered.
Smoked Chicken Salad with Hoisin Vinaigrette and Toasted Peanut - Aesthetically pleasing, the salad portion was small, no doubt about it. What I liked about it was the lightly smoked chicken slivers which went well with the savoury Hoisin vinaigrette and toasted grounded peanuts. It helped that the vegetables were fresh as well.
Roasted Asparagus, Baby Greens and Poached Egg - I personally found this dish a little lacklustre as compared to the smoked chicken salad. But having said that, it was still quite good. For starters, this has got to be the biggest asparagus I've seen (not that I've been around much though) and it was well seasoned with salt and pepper. The poached egg wasn't anything special though but the greens were fresh and crunchy.
Wood Roasted Spring Chicken with Lemon, Garlic and Parsley - The chicken looked a tad charred when served. However it was very fragrant and juicy with a lingering herb taste in every bite. I did find it a little too salty at certain parts though, probably due to the heterogeneous seasoning distribution. But all in all a most delightful dish.
14 Days House Aged Ribeye, Rosemary, Garlic & Extra Virgin Olive Oil - I honestly can't taste the difference between a 14 days aged ribeye and a normal ribeye or a 90 days aged ribeye for that matter, so its just a name to me. The ribeye was done medium instead of the medium rare that I had requested, but it was still good. Succulent and juicy with a strong hint of herbs that didn't threaten to overpower the inherent beefy taste. Not the best I've tried, but certainly in a league of its own. Watch out for the small portions though. The beef is probably around 5-6 oz (just a rough guess).
Valhorna Chocolate Pudding with Lavender Croutons and Sea Salt - The chocolate pudding didn't come across as too sweet and very smooth with the dried lavender providing a nice floral complement to the chocolate. The croutons provided a nice crunchy texture to the whole dessert.
Thyme Roasted White Peach with Yogurt Ice Cream - I can't help but profess my liking for this dessert. A didn't taste like it was roasted piece of peach sitting atop chunks of biscuit crumbs with buttery overtones and topped with a nice creamy and sourish yogurt ice cream. Most delightful if you ask me.
An excellent lunch for 2 cost an almost princely sum of about $95 ($10 goes to the bottled water. They don't serve iced water by the way). Good things definitely don't come cheap and the 4 course set dinner starts from $75 per pax ($120 with wine pairing) with slightly bigger portions and a larger variety of dishes to choose from. Service is good as well and for those who prefer privacy, there are private rooms to cater to various group sizes. There's even a romantic private room for 2 complete with a private entrance, if you can afford/are willing to chalk up $300 in bills that is.
I'll definitely be back, but probably only for lunch. The small portions and steep prices for dinner are a little bit too much for me to swallow. For now.
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