Brunch lovers dwelling in the east can look forward to the weekend brunch at Azur. The restaurant at Crowne Plaza Hotel Changi Airport offers a weekend brunch menu of delectable local dishes and international fares.

The interior sports a modern look with cool metallic hues splashed across the walls, paired with cosy seats of earthy tones. The spacious interior architecture showcases functional space planning and partitioning; the tables are sufficiently spaced apart for a comfortable dining experience.

Weekend Changi Brunch
Available on weekends 12:30pm – 3:30pm
Adult S$45++ / Child $22.50++

Salads

To start off with something light, a pre-tossed salad of juicy tomatoes and fresh greens is available. Or mix and match to create your very own customised salad with a selection of dressings available.

The smoked salmon salad looks pretty enticing!

Local delights

The menu boasts a plethora of local hawker favourites; visitors to Singapore can get a good taste of local cuisine as soon as they land on our sunny island. In particular, the tender chicken from the Hainanese chicken rice station is a must-try!

7Adam is a chic and stylish gallery-restaurant housed in a charming black and white colonial house at Adam Park. One unique aspect about 7Adam is that apart from sipping on cocktails and dining on modern bistro food, you can admire and purchase art paintings and sculptures here.

The 100-seater restaurant is spread over 5,000 square feet of dining space with tranquil garden landscaping amidst a quiet community. Conversations with your dining companions can remain private as the tables are spaced far apart.

Artworks are displayed throughout the restaurant, featuring contemporary paintings and sculptures focusing on Asian art and artists; the atmosphere is simply inspiring.

Exhibits are changed every 8-10 weeks, meaning patrons have lots of varied works to admire throughout the year.

Art lovers can also look forward to art appreciation and thematic talks and workshops held frequently.

Be sure to try the original cocktail concoctions created by the talented in-house mixologist.

Adam’s Special
S$10++

To start off with a non-alcoholic beverage, Adam’s Special is highly recommended. This is a mojito with 7UP, fresh mint leaves and lime — simply refreshing!

Creamilicious Kit Kat
S$23++

For cocktails, crowd pleasers include the delicious Creamilicious Kit Kat, a concoction of Bailey’s Crème de Cacao and milk with Kit Kat flavoured ice cream. This is one cocktail that is sure to please the ladies and dessert lovers.

Complimentary bread

Complimentary bread is served toasty and warm.

Soup

Roasted butternut pumpkin soup with prawns and truffle oil

The roasted butternut pumpkin soup with prawns and truffle oil is an absolute delight to sip on; it is smooth and creamy, well seasoned and flavourful. Served on a dish with a wide perimeter and a shallow depth, the small portion may not be enough to gratify.

Starters

If you prefer variety to quantity, go for the 7Adam Trio in which you can pick 3 items from the starters menu which will be served in smaller portions. This way, you can sample more dishes without breaking the bank or piling on the calories.

7Adam Trio
S$30++

The foie gras (S$21 for regular portion) is nicely executed; it is seared on the outside, tender and smooth on the inside, paired with crunchy apple and black vinegar.

Seared tuna loin

The seared tuna loin (S$19 for regular portion) is lightly seared on the surface before before sliced to the appropriate thickness, retaining a soft delicate texture that is even more palatable when paired with the dressing. However, it isn’t particularly outstanding and I wouldn’t recommend ordering a full portion.

Crab cake

The crab cake (S$17 for regular portion) will satiate savoury cravings, with its fresh quality crab meat and beautiful textures within. It is lightly breaded and deep-fried to a golden brown without being greasy. Highly addictive!

The variety of the trio provides beautifully contrasting flavours that will whet your appetite for the mains.

Mains

Linguini with portobello and spinach
S$28++

One highlight would be the linguini with portobello and spinach. The pasta is well coated with cream sauce that is perfectly seasoned and not cloyingly rich. The spinach is soft and blends into the dish perfectly. Even vegetable-haters like myself still consume all the greens with no qualms. This dish is a must-order!

Pan fried sea bass with tomato kaffir lime salsa
S$25++

The pan fried sea bass with tomato kaffir lime salsa somewhat disappoints; the fish lacks moisture and is in need of more sauce.

Braised lamb shank with kaffir lime couscous
S$32++

The braised lamb shank boasts tender meat that is well infused with flavours. There is a touch of Asian spices and aromatics in the sauce, which masks the gaminess that is usually associated with lamb.

Braised wagyu beef cheek
S$35++

The braised wagyu beef cheek is divine. Served on a thick and creamy bed of mashed potato, the beef is braised to a perfect tender texture. Highly recommended!

Desserts

Poached pear in red wine with vanilla ice cream
S$12++

For a taste of the chef’s artisanal approach, order the simple but superb poached pear in red wine with vanilla ice cream. The pear is soft and well infused with red wine.

Chunky peanut chocolate mousse
S$12++

The chunky peanut chocolate mousse is accompanied by caramelised banana. The mousse is smooth and chocolatey rich, with surprising textures in its base.

Chocolate soufflé
S$12++

A single serving of the chocolate soufflé will not be sufficient to share; it is so addictive you will want it all to yourself!

7Adam gets a tick in various characteristics of a good restaurant, from the professional service and wonderful ambience, to the uncompromising quality of ingredients and the delectable food. It will leave an indelible mark in the minds of diners.

Perched on the rooftop of Iluma mall, Chef Daniel’s Kitchen recently introduced a curated menu collection featuring themed dishes that change quarterly.

The kitchen is helmed by award-winning Singaporean chef, Daniel Koh, who combines Eastern cooking methods with Western ingredients, presenting a modern take on Asian cuisine.

Gourmet Chinese Tea

Flower Fairy
S$8++

Flower Fairy, a floral tea comprising lily, green tea and osmanthus makes a soothing palate cleaner before the meal. It is sweet-smelling and tastes divine even without sugar.

Salad

Rock & Roll Salad
S$16++

The Rock & Roll Salad exhibits a winning combination of flavours.

The chef’s signature dressing includes honey, garlic, mustard and olive oil, bound with a soft boiled egg yolk. Apricot, cranberry and melon seeds add texture to the fresh crisp salad. Lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, this salad is a delight to consume.

Appetisers

Parma ham & white asparagus
S$24++

White asparagus is poached in white wine till soft, then wrapped with slightly charred Parma ham. It is served with fried button mushrooms and truffle, and drizzled with hazelnut oil for utmost aroma.

Pan roasted tuna steak
S$28++

As for the pan roasted tuna steak, pristine sashimi grade tuna is used, seasoned with cracked pepper and cumin. Nicely seared on the outside, the tuna is served with green asparagus and white wine butter sauce.

Mains

Oven baked spring chicken
S$28++

The unassuming oven baked spring chicken will take you by surprise. Apart from the tender meat and deliciously crispy skin, the side ingredients of air-flown mushrooms, truffles and white wine add marvellous aroma.

Stewed spring lamb shank
S$30++

For meat lovers, the stewed spring lamb shank is a highlight. The combination of Chinese rose wine and red wine used in cooking this dish exhibits the concept of east meets west. The meat is so buttery soft, it melts in the mouth; the fat to meat ratio is just perfect. It is then crowned with herb-crusted potatoes that complement the meat extremely well.

U.S. Kurobuta pork cutlet
S$58++

The U.S. Kurobuta pork cutlet is sesame-crusted and baked till tender and juicy.

The accompaniments for the pork include a trio of white pepper, honey pineapple sauce and luscious potato mash.

Angel hair pasta
S$18++

The angel hair pasta — cooked al dente — comes with shredded chicken and tamarind reduction, composed of seven spices. When it first hits your tongue, tom yum and assam will come to mind. This is a delicious attempt on pasta with an Asian twist.

Dessert

The crepes here are flourless and handmade, brought to your table on a flambé cart where you can watch the live cooking action. A zesty essence from the liqueur blends harmoniously with the sweetness of the dessert.

Crepe Suzette with vanilla ice cream
S$12++

The crepe Suzette with vanilla ice cream is a nice dessert to end a heavy meal on a light note.

Chef Daniel’s Kitchen impresses with creative and exemplary dishes and scores high points. We’ll certainly be back again to try out the next quarterly menu change.

Breaking into the Singapore Japanese dining scene, Fat Cow is a hidden gem located at Camden Medical Centre in Orchard. The word “Fat” in the restaurant’s name by no means refers to the fattiness and greasiness of the food that may cause you to put on a few pounds. Instead, it stands for luxury and indulgence.

Set foot into a maze of partitions and booths that caters for private as well as communal dining. Or make your way to the back of the restaurant for bar seating, where you can watch the chefs in action at the sushi bar and charcoal grill. A premium selection of beef and a delectable range of appetisers are available, alongside a vintage wine list and signature cocktails.

What looks like a piece of art installation against the white-tiled walls, is actually the façade and entrance to Fat Cow!

Appetisers

Trio of Maguro (Otoro aburi sushi, chutoro garlic, marinated akami)
S$36++

The Trio of Maguro features three different parts of the tuna. The fattiest part, the Otoro Aburi, is seared with a blowtorch right before your very eyes, elevating it to a different level with a subtle smoky touch. The freshness of the sashimi is evident in the succulent finish.

Tai carpaccio with black truffle
S$38++

The tai carpaccio with black truffle is a must-try! The fresh sashimi is sliced paper-thin, while the aroma of the black truffle simply just blows you away. If you’re willing to splurge a little, the carpaccio will set you back $38 for an appetiser but it is worth every cent.

Zucchini Blossom tempura
S$38++

You may feel the pinch to spend $38 on 2 pieces of tempura, but each sizeable piece of Zucchini Blossom tempura is well executed and is not easily available.

Wagyu ox tendon and foie gras
S$29++

The wagyu ox tendon and foie gras takes two days to prepare, so relish the morsels slowly. The Wagyu ox tendon is melt-in-the-mouth tender, and even the accompanying radish is soft and well cooked.

Lunch Set

The lunch set menu is available on weekdays from 12noon to 3pm. It includes:

• Chawanmushi
• Seasonal salad
• Miso soup
• Dessert

There are over 10 variations of lunch sets for your picking, ranging from S$42 to S$60++.

The seasonal salad has a refreshing lift from the dressing, and even non-veggie lovers will be willing to sample.

The chawanmushi is made from organic New Zealand eggs, giving it a silkier texture. You can find prawns, scallop, mushroom and okra within the warm, smooth custard.

Set lunch highlights include the Wagyu donburi that comes with sliced Wagyu beef with onsen egg and shiro negi.

Foie gras & Wagyu donburi
S$56++

The foie gras & Wagyu donburi set is great for those who like a mixture of components rather than an all-beef dish. The foie gras, however, is not as ideally thick and is prone to being overcooked.

The matcha ice cream — made in-house — boasts a distinctive green tea flavour without being too bitter or too sweet. A scoop is perfect to end a hearty meal!

Warabi mochi
S$18++

The house-made warabi mochi is another must-try! It is so soft, unlike the run-off-the-mill ones that are too chewy. Two dipping powders — soya and green tea — are available. The mochi has a natural sticky surface that allow the powders to coat it beautifully. Both powders go well with the mochi; it really boils down to your own preferences.

Cocktail

Hop over to the cocktail bar to relax in the cosy ambience.

For the adventurous, you can opt for the Dealer’s Choice. Based on your preferred flavours, mixologist Matthew Radali will prepare a one-of-a-kind cocktail to complement your meal.

Dramble
S$22++

Creative cocktails include Dramble, which is composed of Jameson’s, Fat Cow bourbon and vanilla syrup, fresh Yuzu juice and Creole bitters. The flavours are well blended without overpowering another. It is a tad intoxicating though.

Keeping in line with Fat Cow’s modern Japanese approach to its cuisine, the cocktails blend eastern and western ingredients and flavours.

For a luxurious meal of quality offerings, Fat Cow fits the bill!

The spacious 250-seater restaurant at 112 Katong exudes an oriental vibe with decorations and partitions that will bring to mind the era of ancient China.

Catch the chefs in action through the open kitchen, where the tempting roast meats on display will trigger cravings.

Dim Sum

Dim sum fans can have your fill here everyday till 5pm.

Steamed scallop with scrambled egg white dumpling
S$4.50++

The steamed scallop with scrambled egg white dumpling is a must-try! It is light on the palate yet flavourful at the same time. With a chock-full of ingredients underneath the thin dumpling skin, this dim sum will leave you wanting more.

Steamed cheong fun stuffed with preserved turnip
S$4.20++

Spizza recently unveiled its latest outlet along East Coast Road. It is located in the bustling Katong heritage precinct where rows of shophouses offer a diverse range of cuisines.

Sporting a modern and minimalistic look, the Spizza East Coast outlet is slightly dim with a cosy vibe. The expansive full-length glass windows allow natural light to illuminate the restaurant in the day — great for people-watching too!

Cosy up in the sofa seats, or sit near the open kitchen to watch the pizza chef in action. The wood-fired pizza dough is freshly baked daily!

On each table, you will find a pot of fresh natural herbs that are associated with Italian cooking, such as thyme and oregano.

Spizza signature cooler
S$4.50++

Lychee quencher
S$4.50++

To quench your thirst, the Spizza signature cooler is concocted with fresh passion fruit and soda. This zingy and refreshing beverage really helps beat the heat.

The lychee quencher is a personal favourite, as it is a sweeter option compared to the passion fruit cooler. It even comes with a pair of large lychees!

Funghi
S$8++

For something that will warm your tummy on a cold rainy day, the cream of wild mushroom soup is a vegetarian choice that is served with a generous portion of toasted bread. The large bowl of soup is ample for two or three to share.

Portobello al forno
S$12++

For starters, the portobello al forno is highly recommended. The palm-sized portobello mushrooms are topped with bolognese sauce and taleggio cheese and baked to a golden sheen.

The minced beef drenched in the delicious sauce goes beautifully with the huge and juicy mushrooms.

Isabella in gondola
S$19++ for medium / S$23++ for large

The Isabella in gondola, a Venice-inspired boat-shaped pizza, looks inventive and alluring, but turns out slightly disappointing. The parma ham is a touch chewy for my liking. For those who love carbohydrates and prefer a dense dough, you will enjoy this. There is also a surprising element of tomato sauce and cheese within, which adds moisture and flavour to the dough.

When it comes to regular pizzas, you have a choice of 26 flavours, each one creatively named after classic Italian females. Every month, there is a “Star” pizza that consists of either a specialty dough with distinctive flavours such as spinach, squid ink and whole wheat, or unique pizza toppings. You can also customise your pizza with the large variety of toppings and olive oil-marinated spices.

Rebecca
S$18++ for medium / S$22++ for large

Rebecca is a white pizza with mozzarella, gorgonzola, cooked ham, rucola and sun-dried tomatoes. I like the fact that the pizza base is rendered crisp and thin, charred without an unpleasant burnt odour.

Ursula
S$19++ for medium / S$23++ for large

Ursula is a worthy pick; I highly recommend it to salmon lovers. The thick pieces of smoked salmon go perfectly with the blobs of creamy and smooth mascarpone cheese on a tomato-base sauce.

Those who love a good amount of greens will be delighted with the generous topping.

Gnocchi
S$17++

The gnocchi is another highlight. It is handmade with a highly appealing chewy and starchy texture. Immersed in full-flavoured gorgonzola cheese, you can choose to have it with either cooked ham or the vegetarian option of peas.

Squid ink taglierini
S$17++

Apart from pizzas, you can also customise your own pasta. Choose between dry and fresh pasta, and select a sauce to pair with your favourite type of pasta. There’s an option of “flavoured pasta of the month”, which is squid ink taglierini during our visit.

The mixed seafood tomato sauce goes perfectly well with the squid ink pasta. The tangy sauce brings a nice balance of flavour and coats the black pasta beautifully. The seafood is fresh and well-executed; the prawns are crunchy while the squid is soft and not chewy. This is probably the best dish in our meal.

Oliva E Vanilla
S$7++

To end your meal on a sweet note, check out the Oliva E Vanilla dessert, composed of a dense chocolate cake — made in-house with extra virgin olive oil — served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The taste of olive oil is subtle and the dark chocolate masks the scent nicely. This is less fattening compared to the conventional cake that is made with butter.

As for the service standards, we are pleasantly surprised to receive such professional service in a pizzeria, where the highly efficient waitstaff are donned in smart attire. Spizza makes a good dining venue for various types of gatherings. If you don’t have time to head down for a meal, there is also a delivery service that you can make use of.

While the boxy dessert café does not sport a huge dining area, it presents a casual, cosy ambiance for chocolate cake aficionados to savour its fun-sized sinful selections over drinks or perhaps a good book. There is also a longer bar table at the back of the café that can accommodate slightly larger groups.

Set up by a brother-sister duo, with training from Le Cordon Bleu and tried and tested recipes, the owners of 3 Inch Sin are not bashful to proclaim that they are still exploring more flavours to incorporate to their already wide selection of molten cakes.

Steering away from the conventional, the molten lava cakes here are served simple and straight out of the oven, each in its own 3-inch ramekin — hence the name “3 Inch Sin” — boasting an oozing, molten centre with various fillings.

Made with high quality 70% cocoa Valrhona chocolate, the cakes are not too sweet with a lingering chocolate aroma that spreads once you dig in.

Peanut butter
S$6.50

I strongly recommend the peanut butter molten cake, which has a rich filling and crunchy chunky bits that add a nice contrast of texture. With a mix of savoury peanuts with bittersweet chocolate, it’s no wonder this is one of the best-sellers.

Those looking for an afternoon pick-me-up should try the lemon molten cake. I am usually not a fan of citrus flavours with chocolate, but I enjoy its refreshing lift against the rich cocoa base.

Hazelnut
S$6.50

Those with a sweet tooth can aim for the hazelnut or white chocolate molten cakes, which are definitely the sweeter flavours from the selection available. For alcohol lovers, the cherries jubilee is the one for you. Served with whole cherries buried inside, its subtle sweetness and alcoholic touch adds another dimension to the molten cake.

Sea salt & caramel ice cream
S$3.50

Available as a simple treat on its own, or a sinful add-on to your molten cake, the ice cream at 3 Inch Sin has been customised to be less sweet without compromising its taste, allowing the flavours of the molten cakes to still shine through.

My personal favourite is the sea salt & caramel ice cream. With a blend of sweetness and saltiness, I can literally have three servings in a go! Seasonal flavours are available as well, so check with the staff.

Besides molten cakes and ice cream, a selection of other desserts is also available.

The Dark Side
$6/slice, $30/6 inches, $50/8 inches

A chocolate tart with a smooth, dark chocolate ganache made purely with Valrhona chocolate, The Dark Side will definitely appeal to those who prefer a more solid dessert compared to the molten cakes. I feel that it is not as chocolatey as the signature molten cakes, but I attribute that to a chocolate overload.

Mogador
S$7/slice, S$42/6 inches, S$60/8 inches

The Mogador, a chocolate cake of dark chocolate mousse and chocolate sponge with a tart raspberry glaze, is creamy and moist. While the glaze is a little too sourish for my liking, this light option deserves a try.

While there is room for improvement, 3 Inch Sin remains an ideal destination for desserts. Armed with good literature or a bunch of friends, this café is a nice place to hang out in if you’re in the area.

The New York New York outlet at Ang Mo Kio Hub sports a jazzy interior with colourful furniture. Along the inner corner of the restaurant, cosy sofa booths allow groups of up to 6 to enjoy a meal in privacy. The comfortable setting is conducive for long conversations over a hearty meal.

New York New York restaurant at Ang Mo Kio Hub

While the façade is prepossessing, the menu is just as enticing, offering gastronomic options in playful terms, such as “Give me Liberty” chicken cheese burger or the Jiggy Piggy. Late risers can take advantage of the scrumptious all-day breakfast menu!

Complimentary warm or iced water with a slice of lemon is served once you are settled down. Your glass is refilled in a timely manner.

Summer Cuddle
S$7.90++

For a slushy concoction, Summer Cuddle is an interesting option, composed of frozen strawberries and mango. This drink is rich and smooth, though quite thick to be a thirst quencher.

Roasted mushroom cappuccino
S$7.90++

The novel idea of a mushroom soup resembling cappuccino makes a good prelude to the meal. The soup itself is quite delicious although the foamy cap does not carry much flavour. The NYNY Clam chowder bread bowl (S$8.90) is a more enticing option.

NYNY cheesy nachos trio
S$12.90++

The NYNY cheesy nachos trio is a crowd pleaser. This addictive snack comes with 3 dips: salsa, sour cream and avocado, with the latter being the most popular.

The warm cheese that stretches as you grab a nacho is simply mouthwatering!

Juicy breaded mushrooms
S$10.90++

The juicy breaded mushrooms are a must-have. Served with a house-made ranch sauce, the sizeable white button mushrooms are lightly breaded and fried to a perfect crisp while juices remain sealed within. Word of caution: Do be mindful when you bite into the freshly cooked mushroom. The heat is so well insulated, piping hot juices will ooze out as you bite into each mushroom.

Brooklyn Port’s fish & chips
S$16.90++

When it comes to piscatorial possibilities, the Brooklyn Port’s fish & chips will not disappoint. The long piece of fillet is fresh, thick and tender, with the golden brown exterior remaining crispy throughout the entire meal. The portion size is substantial. For extra oomph, you can go for the Devil’s Fiery Fish & Chips (S$16.90) with an added dose of paprika and spice.

Waffle with caramelised banana and chocolate sauce
S$8.90++

Apart from the all-time favourites like the durian mousse cake and durian puffs, there are also a couple of new creations.

If you wanna sample all of these thorny treasures at once, perhaps the best deal you can get at the 2012 Durian Fiesta is the Durian Combo set.

Durian Combo
S$32.80 in March (usual price S$43.80)
Rating:

The Durian Combo is an attractive box set containing:

• Durian banana chocolate mousse cake
• Durian macadamia nut crumble tartlet
• Durian cappuccino cake
• Durian mousse cake
• Durian puff x2

What a way to get started on a durian cake feast! This will make a great gift to any friend or business associate who’s a durian fan.

Durian banana chocolate mousse cake
S$10.80 per slice
S$58 for 1.3kg
Rating:

One of the new durian cakes for 2012 is the durian banana chocolate mousse cake. This chocolate-dusted cake boasts layers of D24 durian mousse and pulp, chocolate sponge and caramelised banana chunks nestled within rich chocolate mousse. Talk about indulgence!

Durian macadamia nut crumble tartlet
S$10.80 for 2 pieces
S$28.80 for 6 pieces
Rating:

The other new creation is the dainty durian macadamia nut crumble tartlet. This crunchy treat packs a whole lot of nutty flavour — a delight to munch on.

Durian cappuccino cake
S$10.80 per slice
S$55 for 1kg.
Rating:

The durian cappuccino cake that was introduced in 2011 has made a return this year. Coffee addicts will dig this one for its cappuccino mousse layer.

Durian mousse cake
S$10.80 per slice
S$58 per 1.3kg cake
S$112 per 2.5kg cake
S$155 per 3.5kg cake

The durian mousse cake needs no introduction. This is probably one of the most popular durian cakes at the hotel, and is the cake that kicked off the hotel’s first durian promotion in 1983! Amongst all the durian cakes, I think the durian mousse cake has the most durian mousse and pulp in it.

Durian puff
S$6 for 2 pieces
S$17 for 6 pieces
S$45 for 20 pieces
Rating:

Another crowd pleaser is the petite durian puff, with a generous amount of rich durian mousse sandwiched between light choux pastry cases.

You have 5 months to indulge in all the durian cakes you want at the Goodwood Park Durian Fiesta. Grab a friend and head down to the Deli for a nice afternoon tea, or get some to take away to share with the family.

Tucked within the lush greenery of Singapore’s countryside, away from the bustling city crowd, The Marmalade Pantry at Fairways Drive serves up contemporary bistro favourites in the casual-chic ambiance of a colonial house.

Going a different direction from its ION Orchard outlet, Pantry at the Stables, which has taken over the now-defunct Mimolette, entices customers with a new unique dining experience.

Choose between the cosy, stylish indoor dining or the charming outdoor area. If you’re headed down for weekend brunch, I’d definitely recommend a table outdoors to fully take in the idyllic surroundings. For dinner, I would advise indoor seats as it gets pretty dark quickly in that area.

Starters

Mexican chicken salad
S$22++

The Saizeriya Italian restaurants first opened in Japan in 1967 and have since expanded to 800 branches in Japan, China and Southeast Asia. In Singapore, there are 3 Saizeriya restaurants at Liang Court, City Square Mall and Bukit Timah Plaza. Perhaps due to the affordable food, the restaurants are generally quite packed and popular with teenagers. The ambience is super casual with booth seating and efficient staff that don’t hover around.

Chicken wings
S$3.90 for 4 / S$7.70 for 8

Appetisers include the likes of sausages, chicken wings, grilled potatoes and even escargots. The chicken wings are served on a hotplate. They are crispy on the outside and quite delicious.

Cheese chicken fillet
S$6.90

For main courses, take your pick from a good selection of pizzas, spaghetti dishes and more. The cheese chicken fillet tastes a little under-seasoned and is rather dull overall. Like I said, don’t expect great quality.

Squid ink spaghetti
S$5.80

One of the more interesting items on the colourful menu is definitely the squid ink spaghetti. The few tables surrounding ours had all ordered the same black mess of spaghetti. The only seafood you would find in it are a few overcooked squid rings. It’s quite hard to spot them because everything is just, well, black. And that will be the colour of your lips, teeth and tongue after this meal. Black like Medusa’s!

That glass of red in the background is the cheap wine mentioned. You get a full glass of it too.

You can add on S$3.90 to get a garden salad and free-flowing drinks — a very good deal if you ask me. Help yourself to all the hot and cold beverages you want from the self-service drinks bar, which has Pepsi, Mug root beer, Mountain Dew, H-TWO-O, lemon tea, lemon barley, coffee and tea. I hear there was even Milo at one point, although we did not see it this time round.

So if you are on a budget and wish to dine Japanese-Italian style with appetisers, mains, desserts and even wine, there’s still one place you can go. That’s Saizeriya Ristorante E Caffe!

Following the establishment of a taqueria (pronounced ta-ke-ria) at Clarke Quay — the first in Singapore — Señor Taco has opened its second taco restaurant at CHIJMES. With a menu of authentic Mexican street food and tacos, Señor Taco Taqueria and Cantina is one place where you can immerse in true Mexican culture.

Decked out with wooden swivel chairs in the alfresco dining area, Señor Taco makes an ideal spot for catching up over tacos and tequilas on balmy days. Now, that’s what we call living it up! No wonder the restaurants are packed with expatriates.

The cosy interior is warm and inviting; a glass window separates the kitchen and dining area at one end, while a bar sits at the opposite end. You can watch the chefs at work in the open kitchen, or catch the nifty bartender in action. Music videos play on the large screen in the background.

When it comes to food, authenticity can also be found in the form of hot pepper sauces: smoky chipotle, guacamole, jalapeno and habanero. The mild guacamole goes beautifully with almost anything on the tacos menu, while the hot habanero lends a kick that simply thrills the taste buds!

Tortilla chips

Complimentary tortilla chips are served here. Sided with fresh salsa — chunky bits of tomato, onion and chilli — the pairing bursts with flavour with each bite and is simply addictive!

The tortillas are made at Señor Taco’s own factory in Singapore, while the salsas are freshly concocted daily.

Queso fundido con chorizo
S$14++

Served on a hotplate, queso fundido con chorizo is composed of grilled cheese with minced pork. A north Mexican chorizo is used, which is evident of the authenticity of this dish!

Cheese lovers will salivate at the mere sight of the melted cheese — just look at that gold glistening coating! This dish is great on its own, but you can also team it with a tortilla.

Chicharron de ribeye
S$18 / 24++

The chicharron de ribeye is served in a stone bowl, with cubes of ribeye beef fried to a crisp exterior on a bed of guacamole. For those who prefer beef on the rare side, you will find this a touch tough and dry. The avocado-based paste is freshly prepared upon order to preserve the fruit’s vibrant green colour.

Quesadillas

Gringa Pastor (chicken quesadilla)
S$$11++ for two 6″

Worthy picks from the quesadilla section include the reasonably priced gringa pastor (chicken) and bistec (beef). It boils down to whether you’re a bigger fan of chicken or beef, because both are equally tasty and offer value for money.

Bistec (beef quesadilla)
S$$12++ for two 6″

Pirata
S$15++

The pirata is a 10″ tortilla — a larger quesadilla — filled with cheese, grilled beef fajita arrachera and avocado. The flank steak isn’t tough to chew and will satisfy fastidious beef eaters. The pirata is toasted till cheese is melted and gooey, then cut into wedges; this dish is great for sharing!

Tacos

Barbacoa tacos
S$12++

A selection of open-faced tacos is available, with beef and pork topping the charts. The Barbacoa tacos feature tender shredded beef that adorn petite-sized tortillas.

Carnitas tacos
S$12++

The carnitas taco is a must-have. Served on a bed of freshly sliced avocados, the hand-pulled pork is moist and expertly executed.

Baja shrimp tacos
S$12++

The baja shrimp taco scores points for its presentation. It is an open-face taco with beer-battered prawns, special creamy chipotle salsa and a mix of crisp salad. Great multitude of textures and flavours.

Tacos al Pastor
S$10++

Also highly recommended is the tacos al pastor, prepared “shepherd style”. It is the most famous and sought after taco in Mexico. The thin pork steaks are seasoned with an interesting spice mix of subtle garlic flavours and paprika which lends a reddish tone to the meat. It is a closely guarded recipe that only the experts can master. Apparently Señor Taco is the only Mexican restaurant in Singapore serving this dish.

Tequila

It is a Mexican tradition to have tequila with a meal. The spirit is said to aid digestion, dissolve fats and reduce cholesterol.

The noteworthy variety of tequilas — sourced and imported from Mexico — are displayed on glass shelves for your pick.

Tres Generaciones Reposado
S$10 per glass, S$180 per bottle

Anejo is the most costly tequila that is aged in wood for at least a year, and sometimes as long as 3 years. Despite its high alcohol content, the heat doesn’t hit you immediately. It begins with an earthy tone on your palate, and the heat kicks in seconds later after you drink it.

Charro Anejo
S$12 per glass, S$200 per bottle

The Charro Anejo on the other hand has a distinctive alcoholic flavour as soon as it hits your taste buds. Mightily potent!

Lime margarita
S$14.50

If the inebriating tequila shots are not your poison, an alternative will be the less intoxicating lime margarita. It is visually appealing with a mountain of fine crushed ice Tres Generaciones tequila and fresh lime. Don’t let the amount of ice fool you though; the alcohol content is still fairly intense.

For a memorable Mexican experience, Señor Taco offers authenticity in all forms, from tacos and sauces to tequilas and the overall vibe. If financial restrictions forbid your voyage to Mexico for its local cuisine, you will find Señor Taco a more convenient choice for an equally authentic experience.

And the prizes are crazy expensive.

For starters, a box of Honoka strawberries from Saga would set you back by S$29. Still affordable to some but definitely not the cheapest strawberries you can find.