http://sparklette.net/food/viva-japan-cafe/ http://sparklette.net/food/viva-japan-cafe/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:45:31 +0000 Melissa Koh http://sparklette.net/?p=1292

Japanese food lovers will rejoice with the launch of Viva Japan Café in Singapore. An initiative to promote Japanese culture and products to the global public brings the 50-seater temporary café to ION Sky, situated on the 56th floor of ION Orchard.

As the café will only be open until the end of March 2012, this is a good opportunity to explore Japanese culture and indulge in delicious Japanese cuisine in an elegant atmosphere while you take in the breathtaking view.

At the launch, Chef Yasuji Morizumi, a world-renowned ramen chef and owner of Michelin-starred restaurant MINT, demonstrated a ramen dish of bamboo charcoal ramen with roast pork that is absolutely divine.

It is a pity that this ramen dish will not be available on the menu, although the available offerings should please refined palates.

Modern Japanese cuisine from the Hor D’oeuvres set costs S$27.50. Options include:

• Pan seared salmon with herb crust
• Rib-eye Angus with compressed watermelon infused with basil
• Crab croquettes with saffron purée and pork scratching with apple purée sauce

You can also graze on bar food such as:

• White bait with garlic mayonnaise (S$6.50)
• Baby potato skin with crème fraiche, ikura & dill (S$9)
• Prawn & scallop mushroom balls (S$12)
• Pop rocks baby potato & lotus chips (S$8)

For desserts, choux puff with green tea mousse & red bean, pumpkin pie with vanilla & pistachio, blueberry pie and strawberry yuzu tart are available at S$18.90 each.

Check out the online store where Japanese goods will be shipped directly from Japan upon purchase.

Have Your Say!

Have you been to ION Sky? Will you pay the entry fee to dine at the restaurants there? Share all your thoughts via Facebook or Twitter or by leaving a comment!

Viva Japan Café
ION Sky (56th floor of ION Orchard)
2 Orchard Turn
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6636 5156

Opening hours: 10am to 10pm daily, until 31 March 2012
ION Sky entrance fee: S$16 per adult (S$5 rebate on F&B); S$8 per child aged 4-12

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Prices are moderate, and there is also a nice drinks list to kick the evening up a notch.

The menu rounds up all the usual suspects — pastas, pizzas, steaks and burgers — of a western establishment. Hungry and feeling like pasta, that’s exactly what we go for.

Penne pasta with soft shell crab
S$18.90++

When it comes to pastas, if you’re a soft shell crab fan, this is definitely the place to indulge. The crispy crustacean is served whole with penne pasta and dressed in a zesty tomato sauce.

The crab is ample-sized and large enough to satiate any craving. But remember the Law of Diminishing Returns. The more you eat, the more it seems ordinary. By the last mouthfuls, my taste buds have become a little tired of the sauce.

Seafood spaghetti in tomato sauce
S$19.50++

Continuing in the seafood vein, since we’re dining by the sea, or pool, whatever, the seafood spaghetti in tomato sauce is a good choice. It is crowned with a pair of mussels, tucked with a few calamari rings and a prawn, and finished with a tangy tomato sauce. For the price, you will be expecting more ingredients. This we find somewhat lacking, though I do dig the pasta.

As part of the American Express SELECTS programme, cardholders get a 10% discount on the food bill. If you are dining here before 29 January 2012, you can make payment with your American Express card and have a chance of entering the weekly Volkswagen car giveaway! Just remember to remind the staff about your card privileges. I forgot about the 10% discount, and so did they.

Overall, I’m a big fan of the poolside ambience at Tinge of Blue and love the fact that it is tucked away from the city. Service is as relaxed as the ambience, professional but personable. The next time I’ll be back for the drinks!

Are there any hidden find in Singapore that you would like to share? Share all your thoughts via Facebook or Twitter or by leaving a comment!

Tinge of Blue
SAFRA Mount Faber
2 Telok Blangah Way #01-04
Singapore 098803
Tel: +65 6337 2088 | Website
Service:

Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday: 11am – 10pm
Sunday: 9am – 9pm
Saturday & Sunday brunch till 3pm

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]]> 0 http://sparklette.net/food/ya-kun-kaya-cookies/ http://sparklette.net/food/ya-kun-kaya-cookies/#comments Thu, 12 Jan 2012 07:29:54 +0000 Veron Ang http://sparklette.net/?p=1276 Singapore coffee chain Ya Kun has a long history — since 1944 — of serving up delicious kaya toast. But did you know they also sell cookies made with their famed coconut jam?

The cookies are available all year round. And just for Chinese New Year, they have been specially packaged in tins. So if you know anyone who’s a big fan of the Ya Kun kaya, these kaya cookies would make great gifts.

Kaya cookies
S$16.80 for a tin / S$30.20 for 2

The kaya cookies are available in two flavours:

• Kaya butter
• Kaya pistachio

Personally I prefer the butter cookies to the pistachio version, as the butter cookies are lighter and crumble easily in the mouth while the pistachio cookies are quite hard to bite on. Just don’t expect a full-on kaya flavour, as I find the taste of kaya rather subtle.

Butter cookies this good will disappear quickly! Be sure to get a tin for yourself before they fly off the shelves completely.

With a minimum S$8 purchase in a single receipt, you would receive a set of Ya Kun edition red packets. Great for red packet collectors!

Have Your Say!

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

What are your favourite types of cookies? Share with us in the comments!

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]]> 2 http://sparklette.net/food/heng-heng-curry-cafe/ http://sparklette.net/food/heng-heng-curry-cafe/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2011 03:00:47 +0000 Melissa Koh http://sparklette.net/?p=1247 Heng Heng Curry Café is a multi-cultural concept café serving popular dishes from Chinese dialect groups. You can savour Hokkien, Cantonese and Teochew cooking methods all under one roof.

The entrance resembles a fast food counter, but the quality of the meticulously prepared homely food speaks a different tone altogether.

The interior exudes a casual vibe; it is a comforting dining venue where families and friends can gather for a sumptuous meal.

Beverages

Fresh lime juice
S$3.80++

Refresh your palate with fresh lime juice, served in a ceramic cup that scores nostalgia points. On a negative note, there is too much ice added to the drink; it probably consists of 50% ice and 50% juice, forming a diluted beverage.

Starters

Fried crispy pumpkin
S3.90++

For starters, a personal favourite would be the crispy pumpkin. Fried to a golden brown exterior, the soft filling is sweet and savoury — a delicious alternative to French fries! Although it may be a little greasy, it sure is irresistible.

Mixed fruits rojak
S$5.90++

For a healthier appetiser, the mixed fruits rojak is refreshing; it includes juicy pineapples and crunchy apples, to name a couple of the ingredients based on what I can recognise underneath the yummy dressing.

Ngoh hiang (five-spice meat roll)
S$9.90++

A Hokkien favourite, the ngoh hiang meat roll is highly recommended. It houses a moist, juicy and tender interior within a thin crispy skin. The perfectly seasoned meat is neither made from paste nor starch; it consists largely of actual meat — absolutely toothsome!

Deep-fried soft soya beancurd
S$6.90++

Another personal favourite would be the deep-fried soft soya beancurd that boasts a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Though a little bland on its own, when dipped into the accompanying sweet chilli sauce, you will find yourselves jostling for the last piece.

Stir-fried steamed carrot cake
S$5.90++

The reasonably priced stir-fried steamed carrot cake is flavourful, tasty and well-seasoned. The carrot cake is denser than your typical rendition, charred beautifully with a lightly crisp exterior. The crunchy bean sprouts counterbalance the density of the dish.

This carrot cake has also been given a unique twist by being topped with pork floss, adding more punch to the already flavourful dish.

Mains

Fragrant pumpkin rice with Nonya prawns
S$14.90++

Another signature dish is the fragrant pumpkin rice with Nonya prawns. Each grain of rice is well-infused with flavour, fully absorbing the essence of the medley of ingredients — peas, dried shrimp and mushrooms to name a few. The resultant rice is moist and fragrant.

If a single portion of the pumpkin rice isn’t enough to satisfy, it can be ordered separately at S$3.

The crunchy Nonya prawns are slightly sweet and spicy, with mango cubes adding more sweetness. Apart from the prawns, you may choose from three other sides to accompany the fragrant rice: pan-fried marinated chicken thigh (S$10.90), braised pork with preserved vegetables (S$10.90) and fried pork ribs (S$12.90).

Heng Heng signature curry fish head (serves 2-3)
S$28.90++

A trip to Heng Heng Curry Café would not be complete without tasting the curry, obviously. The Teochew inspired curry fish head is a crowd pleaser, brimming with ingredients like ladyfingers, tomatoes, pineapple and apple chunks, with a substantial red snapper fish head as the centrepiece.

The curry is aromatic with a tangy fruity taste. It is not too thick and the spice level will be well accepted by the majority. Personally I can’t stop drinking it like soup! The fish is meaty and sufficiently tender, with few bones that can be picked out easily.

Soak up the delicious curry with steamed/fried buns (2 pieces for S$1) or pair it with steamed rice (S$1).

Curry kong bah (pork belly)
S$9.90++

The curry kong bah boasts tender pork belly and flavourful gravy, swimming with potato, eggplant and pineapple. The curry is slightly thicker and heavier than that in the curry fish head, with aromatic flavours from dried shrimp. The infusion of fruits in the curry such as pineapple helps to cut the richness of the coconut milk. This dish is worth a try! If pork in curry seems a bizarre combination, after a few mouthfuls, you will find yourself wanting more.

Desserts

Ice kacang
S$4.80++

End the meal on a sweet note with a cold treat. The desserts here are decent, albeit limited. To offset the spices, try the ice kacang.

Chendol
S$4.80++

Conveniently served in a tall glass, the chendol certainly looks tempting. The coconut milk and gula melaka (palm sugar) are blended harmoniously with the ice, resulting in a consistent flavour throughout the creamy mixture. The coconut richness and the distinctive sweetness from the gula melaka are lacking though. Upon our feedback, an extra dose of gula melaka is added.

Heng Heng Curry Café is still fairly new but the food impresses. Each dish preserves the individual tradition of various dialect groups by reflecting the taste from the olden days. You are bound to reminisce the good old kampong days here.

While the service can be improved upon and plates can be cleared more quickly, it is pleasant to see the welcoming and friendly attitude displayed by the waitstaff. This is one place you will definitely return for the homely and delicious food.

Where can you enjoy the best curry in Singapore? Share with us in the comments!

Heng Heng Curry Café Marina Square

Heng Heng Curry Café Causeway Point

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]]> 2 http://sparklette.net/food/tobys-estate/ http://sparklette.net/food/tobys-estate/#comments Mon, 28 Nov 2011 03:00:35 +0000 Melissa Koh http://sparklette.net/?p=1239

Launched in October 2011, Toby’s Estate sits in the picturesque enclave of Robertson Quay. At the forefront of the coffee industry in Australia, Toby’s Estate has finally expanded its empire to Singapore where coffee aficionados have been anticipating its opening.

The casual café introduces a diverse range of coffee, including high altitude Arabica beans from around the globe, and sophisticated brewing techniques. The beans are combined such that their flavours complement one another without losing their individual qualities.

As you enter, you will smell the enticing aroma of freshly ground coffee. What greets you is a gigantic steel roaster that reaches the top of the 6 metre tall ceiling.

The spacious, modern rustic setting allows patrons to feel at ease. The high ceiling makes a visually impressive interior; brightly lit and airy, with natural light illuminating the café through tall windows. Do not miss the large hand-painted mural above the counter that illustrates the coffee journey from the bean to the cup.

If you so wish, you may opt for alfresco seating where you can enjoy the fresh air and occasional river breeze.

Along the long bench where you can have a cuppa with your companions, you will find a coffee tree sprouting from the centre.

Sacks of high quality coffee beans imported from all over the world are stacked up at the side of the café, waiting to be roasted.

Coffee beans are roasted and brewed daily on-site, ensuring freshness and control of the flavour profile of the beans, preventing any loss of their delicate flavours and aromas.

The best seat in the house has to be at the counter bar, where you can witness the coffee action going on behind the counters as the baristas inject passion into every concoction.

All the baristas are technically experienced in coffee brewing and are further trained specially in the field by a highly experienced coffee roaster master. Singapore’s award winning barista, Suhaimie, is the second hire right after Alvaro Sanchez from Australia.

On one side of the counter you will find glass beakers and flasks resembling a chemistry lab set-up. You will discover different extraction methods such as the Chemex and Siphon.

Currently, Toby’s Estate is showcasing three Cup of Excellence Origins from Costa Rica, Guatemala and Colombia.

You can go for the Rodyk blend, named after Rodyk Street, the café’s address in Singapore. This house blend is a smooth coffee with a spicy nose and long lingering berry chocolate after-taste. It tastes great with milk and is very well rounded as an espresso.

Espresso
S$3.50++ / S$5++ with milk

Porcelain mugs are excellent in allowing coffee to taste its best; porcelain maintains the warmth longer which helps preserves the flavour.

Latte
S$5++

If espressos are too intense for your liking, then go for a cup of latte with perfectly frothed milk instead.

Babycino
S$3++

For a kid-friendly beverage, try the Babycino, a hot chocolate drink.

To complement the beverages, a beautiful array of handmade pastries is available, sedulously sourced from local independent bakers.

Artisan pastries
S$6++

As Toby’s Estate is still adjusting the food menu, the following introductory dishes may or may not be available in future.

Fresh fruit salad
Price unavailable

The fresh fruit salad comprises of watermelon, papaya, pineapple, blueberries, strawberries and pears served with a side of yoghurt. It is a healthy and refreshing way to kick-start your day with something light on your digestive system.

Tomato salad with pomegranate
Price unavailable

The tomato salad with pomegranate boasts thick succulent slices of tomatoes, with pomegranate arils adding lovely textures. The acidity in the fruits is well balanced with the liberal drizzle of dressing that is light and overall nicely seasoned.

This salad is great for the heart and throat, providing a rich source of vitamins and a healthful counterbalance to a diet high in sweet-fatty components.

Ciabatta toast with organic jam, marmalade or vegemite
S$4++

Ham and scrambled eggs
Price unavailable

A hearty and nutritious breakfast provides fuel for a busy day ahead! While the ham and scrambled eggs is not yet available on the menu, an interesting alternative is Toby’s Breakfast, a composition of scrambled eggs, back bacon, roasted tomatoes and sautéed mushrooms served with fresh orange juice (S$18++).

Smoked salmon and eggs
Price unavailable

Beans on toast
Price unavailable

Load up on fibres and carbohydrates with beans on toast. The beans are sufficiently soft, with the bread slightly dampened by the sauce yet maintaining its crispy crust.

Green salad with balsamic dressing
S$8++

For the health junkies, you can go for the palate cleansing green salad with balsamic dressing. This low calorie salad is a mixture of fresh greens, composed of both leafy and non-leafy vegetables. Amidst the varying shades of green you will find lettuce varieties, rocket greens, cucumber and long beans torn into bite-sized fragments and tossed with oil and vinegar.

Asian chicken and noodle salad
Price unavailable

The Asian chicken and noodle salad encompasses a magnificent interplay of ingredients, soba noodles, bite-sized chicken pieces, lettuce, cucumber, onions, red bell peppers and a generous sprinkle of crushed peanuts to name a few. The tender chicken has a familiar taste, which I recognise as being somewhat similar to Hainanese chicken. The contrasting blend of tastes and textures is ingratiating and makes a mouthwatering revelation.

If you are inspired to brew your own drink, coffee beans, tea leaves and drinking chocolate are available for purchase, as well as coffee equipment and accessories.

The drinking chocolate is a unique blend of the cocoa with powdered sugar ideal for a rich hot chocolate or a cappuccino dusting.

Toby’s Estate Keep Cup 8oz

The environmentally friendly take-away cup is reusable, unbreakable and dishwasher safe, with a 4-year life span after which it can be recycled.

Also available for purchase is the book Coffee Trails, in which founder Toby Smith spills the beans on his coffee journey across the globe. The book offers a commentary of his travels companied by wonderful pictures captured by photographer Garrett Robinson. Packing 11 countries into their itinerary and documenting their odyssey to the great growing coffee regions of the world; Coffee Trails details Smith’s personal philosophies on different coffee plantations, the harvesting and processing techniques each country employs and how it impacts the end product that lands in his coffee houses.

As Singaporeans are gaining deeper appreciation for quality coffee, Toby’s Estate is a place where coffee lovers can convene for gourmet coffee. Plus, with the free wi-fi to entice the laptop carrying crowd, you may just be tempted to stay here all day long!

Where can you sip on the best coffee in Singapore? Share with us in the comments!

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]]> 0 http://sparklette.net/food/arbite/ http://sparklette.net/food/arbite/#comments Tue, 18 Oct 2011 03:00:42 +0000 Melissa Koh http://sparklette.net/?p=1229

Longing for a sophisticated dining experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city? Arbite would make a nice retreat. Ensconced in Serangoon Garden Way in close proximity to the ever-popular food haunt, Chomp Chomp, Arbite occupies the unit formerly inhabited by Country Manna. Despite its relatively obscure location, Arbite is well worth a trip.

Cosy up at this corner and catch up with friends over drinks and snacks.

While the 35-seater restaurant may seem like a small place, the clever design of the interior makes it feel bigger. A large window that stretches across the wall from end to end not only illuminates the dining space with natural lighting, giving an illusion of a larger space, it also provides a marvellous view.

Drinks

Banana chocolate milkshake
S$6++

To beat the hot weather, go for the banana chocolate milkshake. It is utterly smooth and flows through the straw easily, unlike some milkshakes that are either too thick or filled with crushed ice that restricts sipping.

Lemon ginger green tea
S$6++

The lemon ginger green tea scores points with chunks of lemon and ginger mixed in the tea leaves, exuding a refreshing lemony scent with each sip. This tea makes a good complement to the restaurant’s Parma ham dishes.

Soups

Carrot soup
S$4.50++

To kick off your meal, you can have the carrot soup consisting of grated carrots cooked to softness, grilled chicken cubes and a blend of Middle Eastern herbs and spices in a clear broth. The delicately spiced soup tastes somewhat like a milder rendition of curry, though it certainly is much healthier.

Mushroom soup
S$4++

Arbite’s rendition of the mushroom soup comprises four types of mushroom: Button, Shiitake, Eryngii and Horijimeishi. Rather than using cream as a thickener, the puréed mushrooms form a thick soup base, with tiny mushrooms chunks providing added texture. As a result, the soup has an earthy flavour instead of a cream-laden heaviness.

Starters

Crab cake
S$13.90++

Before diving into the main course, check out the starters which have interesting possibilities. One such option is the crab cake, a pan-fried potato cake stuffed with crab meat, finely diced tomatoes, shallows and coriander. It is crowned with fresh rocket greens, drizzled with a zippy dressing, then served with a curried cauliflower purée.

Embraced in a crispy golden brown breaded crust with a flavour resembling that of a Japanese croquette, the thick patty provides a soft interior that is just amazing to bite into. The dish is spruced up with the mildly spiced cauliflower purée that adds to the beautiful plating. A drool-worthy opener that will get your appetite pumping for the main course.

Main courses

Eggs Benedict
S$10.90++

An all-day breakfast menu is available if pancakes, smoked salmon, ham, bacon and eggs are your thing. The eggs Benedict is particularly outstanding, made up of poached eggs and honey-baked ham on sun-dried tomato foccacia bread, then topped with a heavenly citrus hollandaise sauce, with fresh greens on the side.

The eggs are poached perfectly, with runny yolk bleeding as you sink your knife into it. The nicely toasted foccacia is a good substitute to the more conventional English muffin; I actually prefer this rendition — the bread is served warm, and is lighter with a crispy crust.

Pan-fried dory meunière and tiger prawns
S$23.90++

Choosing a dish from the menu that isn’t a Chef’s recommendation may seem risky, but you will be surprisingly impressed. The pan-fried dory meunière and tiger prawns are served on a bed of roasted potatoes with an artistic smattering of lemon caper burnt butter sauce, with a crown of seasonal vegetables. The buttery-tender dory is perfectly seasoned, and isn’t one bit fishy. The roasted potatoes are nicely crisp on the outside with a fluffy interior.

Pappardelle with mushrooms and Parma ham
S$19.90++

Arbite’s signature handmade pastas include numerous options, such as vegetarian and seafood. A highly recommended dish will be the Pappardelle with mushrooms and Parma ham which has button mushrooms, spinach, Parma ham and cream sauce drizzled with truffle oil. You really don’t have to burn a hole in your pocket to enjoy gourmet food here.

The dish is a treat for the eye as well as the palate; the Parma ham is rolled into a shape of a rose, perched on a requisite bed of freshly made pasta that is cooked to a beautiful texture, judiciously doused with a sufficiently creamy white sauce that is neither heavy nor bland. The ingredients are integrated so well that even non-vegetable lovers will find eating the spinach a breeze.

Desserts

Gula melaka tiramisu
S$5.50++

The gula melaka (palm sugar) tiramisu is light and fluffy, slightly sweet with a hint of coffee.

The coffee soil — a mixture of roasted coffee beans, cocoa powder plus a pinch of salt — on the side makes a stellar pairing with the tiramisu.

My Wife’s Chocolate Cake
S$8++

A rich chocolate cake is the best way to end the meal. Pure indulgence! Ground coffee is present here as well, accentuating the chocolatey richness, lending extra oomph and crunchiness.

The service here maintains a level of alacrity with glasses being promptly refilled. Business is brisk, hence you may need a reservation in order to secure a seat during peak hours.

Arbite will satisfy both your taste buds and wallet by providing a sophisticated gastronomic experience coupled with reasonably priced cuisine. If you don’t wish to splurge on fine food, this is one place where you can eat up and dress down.

Where can you enjoy the best gourmet food in Singapore? Share with us in the comments!

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Customisation is the key to the brand’s success. You can order personalised cakes ranging from huge 2.5kg ice cream cakes for birthdays, to novelty mix-and-match flavours for bigger events. Online orders and catering requests are available from the website.

Munchy Moo has tweaked and fine-tuned the current eight cake flavours countless times after hearing feedback from friends and customers, resulting in some best-selling flagship creations.

Each flavour is available in three sizes: a square slice — good for individual enjoyment or sharing with a friend, a small cake — good to feed 4 to 5 persons, and a large cake — shareable among 6 to 7 people.

That Famous Candy Bar
S$4.50 (slice), S$25.90 (S), S$49.90 (L)

If you love the Snickers candy bars, you’ll definitely want to order That Famous Candy Bar, a layered creation of sticky-sweet peanut butter and caramel. It is almost like eating an ice-cold version of the candy, minus the overwhelming sweetness.

Luscious Chocolate
S$4.30 (slice), S$24.90 (S), S$47.90 (L)

Featuring layers of cookies and cream and chocolate ice cream that sandwich a thin layer of rich dark chocolate, and finally topped with a generous dash of crumbled cookies, Luscious Chocolate is a must-try for chocolate lovers.

Matcha Madness
S$3.80 (slice), S$22.90 (S), S$43.50 (L)

Authentically topped with a tiny scoop of red bean topping, Matcha Madness is refreshingly light and leaves no artificially sweet after-taste.

Rum float
S$3.20

Also refreshing is the rum float, which has a sinful scoop of alcoholic rum ice cream, with raisins added for texture.

Head down to Munchy Moo for your fill of unique multi-flavoured ice cream cake creations. If you wish to buy these icy treats home, the special take-home packs can keep your purchase frozen for about half an hour.

Where can you get the best ice cream cakes in Singapore? Share with us in the comments!

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]]> 0 http://sparklette.net/food/marble-slab-creamery/ http://sparklette.net/food/marble-slab-creamery/#comments Wed, 06 Jul 2011 06:57:27 +0000 Veron Ang http://sparklette.net/?p=1185

Fancy slurping a milkshake named after your favourite celebrity?

American ice cream maker Marble Slab Creamery has rolled out the Star Creation series of 16 milkshakes, inspired by famous female celebrities like Beyonce, Angelina Jolie, Serena Gomez and Mariah Carey. Of course, since Lady Gaga is like the hottest thing now, there’s also the Fun Pack song Gaga shake, a concoction of cheesecake, strawberries, blueberries and granola.

Star Creation milkshake (Kit)
S$4.50 / 6.50 / 8.50

If you prefer to support local artists, then go for the Island Songbird shakes that take on the names of Singapore singers like Stefanie Sun and Kit Chan. The “Kit” shake is a delicious vanilla flavour, speckled with crushed Oreos and cookie dough, like cookies and cream.

Here are the names of all 16 shakes: Angelina, Nicole, Cameron, Anne, Mariah, Gaga, Taylor, Beyonce, Bella, Blair, Serena, Hermione, Stefanie, Tanya, Olivia and Kit. Have fun figuring out who the celebrities are!

Willy Wonka

Other than milkshakes, you can also fall back on the usual Marble Slab ice cream. Chocolate lovers would dig the ever-popular Willy Wonka double dark chocolate with chocolate chips and fudge.

It’s easy to draw comparison between this and fellow American ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s, as the two share the same richness in ice cream with generous chunky bits tucked within. As for who would win the ice cream wars, we’ll leave it up to you to decide.

Who should win the ice cream war? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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]]> 0 http://sparklette.net/food/coffee-stars-by-dao/ http://sparklette.net/food/coffee-stars-by-dao/#comments Fri, 01 Jul 2011 03:00:10 +0000 Jasper Aston Lim http://sparklette.net/?p=1181 With coffee outlets located all over the world, including major cities like New York, Beijing and Tokyo, the Coffee Stars by Dao chain from Thailand has opened its first branch in Singapore. Known as Coffee Beans by Dao in Thailand, the café-restaurant at Wisma Atria is its first outlet in South-East Asia outside of its home country.

The café sports an open concept with a casual, yet elegant design and a chandelier as its centrepiece. It is not uncommon to see a long line of people waiting for a table, hoping to enjoy the authentic Thai cuisine and spread of international desserts.

If you are here for the desserts, the cakes would satiate your sweet tooth.

Banoffi pie
S$6.50++

The Banoffi pie, a sweet mix of fresh banana and caramel atop a pie crusting, would have you going bananas for more! Who knew a banana-based pastry could be so good?

Chocolate mousse cake
S$6.80++

The delicious, smooth chocolate mousse cake has hints of hazelnut, which reminds me of the Ferrero Rocher chocolates.

New York cheesecake with red cherries
S$6.90++

With a thick layer of cherries sitting prettily on top, the classic New York cheesecake has been transformed into a sweet fruity treat.

Blueberry cream cheese pie
S$6.90++

Similarly, the blueberry cream cheese pie features a layer of sweet and slightly tart berries on a bed of cream cheese and a pie base. I prefer this for its smoother texture and blueberry pairing.

Coconut pandan roll
S$5.80++

As one of the signature cakes, the coconut pandan roll does not disappoint. The fragrant scent fills your senses even before you bite down into the tiny, crunchy bits encased in the soft pandan roll. This great-tasting pastry is a must-try!

Thai iced coffee with milk
S$4.50++

Not many restaurants execute Thai iced coffee well. As it turns out, the amount of coffee, milk — added for sweetness — and even ice used is very well-balanced, and basically identical to what you would enjoy at a coffee joint in Thailand.

Beef lasagne
S$11.80++

Feeling peckish? The beef lasagne arrives just out of the oven, along with a friendly reminder from the waitress to be careful about the hot bowl. It is a decent portion of cheese-filled lasagne, but nothing to write home about.

With the reasonable prices, efficient service and accessible location, Coffee Stars by Dao has become a highly favourable dining venue for shoppers along Orchard Road. Its quality dishes and desserts, along with the cosy and trendy ambience are definitely here to stay.

What is your favourite café in Singapore? Share with us in the comments!

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]]> 0 http://sparklette.net/food/1-caramel/ http://sparklette.net/food/1-caramel/#comments Mon, 27 Jun 2011 03:00:12 +0000 Melissa Koh http://sparklette.net/?p=1178

Hidden away from the bustling city, 1-Caramel is a dessert boutique located on the second level of One Rochester.

Amidst the lush greenery of Rochester Park, you would totally feel like you’re on a mini getaway with the resort-like façade.

Upon entering 1 Caramel, you may get the impression that you are stepping into a pastry workshop rather than a bistro.

The open concept of the clean and organised pastry kitchen allows us curious diners to watch how our desserts are being meticulously prepared.

Be mesmerised by the array of exquisite cakes on display, showcasing different pastry techniques, skills and artistic creativity.

The wide range includes signature whole cakes (8 to 9 inches; S$45-85) and cupcakes (S$3-3.50). You can also opt for your cakes to be customised, whose prices would then be dependent on the complexity of design.

Other than desserts, set lunches (S$12-18++) and an all-day brunch menu (S$8-22++) are available. The drinks selection includes coffees and teas (S$5-8++) and ice blended beverages (S$8-8.90++).

To add to the classy and modern contemporary interior, the excellent view of nature allows you to escape from the busy urban life while indulging your senses in the cosy ambience.

Despite the limited seating capacity of 16 diners, there is still ample room for comfort. One side benefit is that you will receive undivided attention from the staff. A reservation should be made in advance to secure a seat during peak hours.

Brunch

From the brunch menu, you can go for the tastefully presented traditional eggs Benedict with smoked salmon.

Traditional eggs Benedict
S$14++

Doused in a wonderful lemony hollandaise sauce, the poached eggs boast a runny yolk. As you cut into the eggs, they bleed beautifully to lightly coat the salmon and muffin beneath. All the elements combine to make a wholesome and well-balanced dish that you will enjoy thoroughly.

For sharing, the posh platter (S$22++) consists of three items.

Truffled brie and cherry tomatoes

The truffled brie and cherry tomatoes on a toasted brioche make a healthful finger food. Fresh tomatoes and the light pastry crumbs are bound perfectly with the great-tasting truffled brie.

Asparagus wrapped in basil and prosciutto

Even though I am one who discards any greens I see on a plate, the asparagus is an exception. I love the teaming of salted prosciutto with the al denté asparagus.

Smoked salmon tart with crème fraiche and ocean trout caviar

My favourite component of the platter would be the smoked salmon tart with crème fraiche and ocean trout caviar. The tart is freshly baked, with smoked salmon mixed in a creamy centre, and finally sprinkled with caviar for a touch of luxury.

Desserts

Raspberry rum chocolate lollipop
Not available on menu

These tiny raspberry rum chocolate lollipops are certainly worthy of your attention. Dusted with raspberry powder, the rich dark chocolate melts in the mouth. The raspberry and chocolate form a sexy pairing that leaves you craving for more.

Then comes the crowd pleaser. The 1-Caramel Assiette is an assembly of elegant petite-sized desserts that look too pretty to be eaten. If you fancy any of the desserts, you can order the regular portion at S$14++ each.

Death by chocolate (bottom right) consists of a Valrhona soffiato molten cake followed by dark chocolate sorbet and a trail of chocolaty goodness. Mysteriously, the supposedly molten chocolate centre is missing, although the very rich dark chocolate sorbet that melts into a thick chocolate sauce makes up for it.

Raspberry lychee rose panna cotta

A charming light dessert, the raspberry lychee rose panna cotta with lychee-lemon compote is a natural choice for the health-conscious. The cold pudding has a comforting smooth texture that isn’t too sweet. The acidity will not satisfy any sweet tooth but it definitely will galvanise your taste buds for more desserts!

Earl Grey crème brulee

The Earl Grey crème brulee is an infusion of Earl Grey tea leaves in smooth custard. Less sweet than the classic crème brulee, it also lacks the contrasting layer of bruleed caramel on top; cracking into the dessert would have upped the excitement factor! The quaint grissini cheese straws, dusted with tea and icing powder are a delight to nibble and go very well with the crème brulee.

Baked Alaska

The Baked Alaska comprises of home-made strawberry and vanilla ice cream capped with rum-flavoured Italian meringue, resting on nutty chocolate brownie.

Cutting into the dessert is such a joy. Beautifully layered, the contrasting textures — ice cream, cake and baked meringue — are absolutely heavenly. I devour it in minutes!

Hazelnut soufflé
S$14++

The hazelnut soufflé is coupled with a scoop of chocolate ice cream. The soufflé arrives as a puffed up pillow with a golden crown over a soft yielding centre, which spells the perfect comfort food. It is full of hazelnut richness and has a nostalgic flavour that reminds me of my favourite childhood candy bar — Kinder Bueno.

I end up eating the two separately as I feel each one tastes better on its own.

Miso soufflé
S$14++

The miso soufflé slants toward the savoury side, and I enjoy the salty-sweet combination immensely. The yuzu (a citrus fruit) ice cream that comes with it is a tad sour, and complements the soufflé. This luscious dessert is a must-try for soufflé fans.

Midori macaron

Cutting into the eggshell-like crust of the midori macaron gives way to varying textures and flavours. Tiny as it is, it would leave you wanting more.

1-Caramel displays creativity and technique in fabricating these delicate desserts. No matter what your gastronomic preferences are, you will be spoilt for choice here.

Aside from Rochester Park, are there any other unique dining enclaves in Singapore? What is your most memorable dining experience? Share with us in the comments!

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]]> 1 http://sparklette.net/food/scoop-of-art/ http://sparklette.net/food/scoop-of-art/#comments Fri, 10 Jun 2011 03:00:43 +0000 Melissa Koh http://sparklette.net/?p=1161 Launched slightly over a year ago, Scoop of Art is situated at the Marine Parade Community Club building. Some people travel across Singapore just to experience the unique concept of Scoop of Art, a café where you can not only enjoy quality desserts but at the same time create wonderful memories with your loved ones through art.

It is a good idea to grab some books from the Marine Parade library next door and head over to Scoop of Art for some gelato while immersing yourself in the artistic ambience.

With the spacious interior, you can enjoy your gelato and art with minimal disturbance.

Other than gelati, you can also get brownies (S$3.80), crumbles (S$3.50), banana cakes (S$1.80), waffles (S$3.50-6.80), pastas, sandwiches, pies and more. Drinks include a variety of coffee (S$3.20-3.90), hot and cold chocolate (S$3.50), juices (S$2.80) and smoothies (S$4.50).

Gelato Flavours

The gelati here are made in frequent batches with no preservative and artificial colouring. Fresh fruits, nuts and quality ingredients are used without adding any flavour enhancer. This is definitely a much healthier choice compared to ice cream!

To date, Scoop of Art has concocted an impressive number of 60 flavours, although only 18 flavours are produced each day. Don’t be too disappointed if your favourite flavour isn’t available; other flavours are still worth a try.

Drawn to the vibrant display of gelati, I have a hard time deciding which flavours to go for. A couple of the staff recommendations are the Mars bar & sea salt and mango sorbet.

Alphonso mango sorbet gelato

Oreo gelato

Among children, the popular picks are Oreo and Milo, although some regular customers have gone beyond the conventional flavours to try the more unusual ones.

Clockwise starting from top: Raspberry sorbet, Mars bar and sea salt, Alphonso mango sorbet, brownies and butterscotch, Ume yoghurt, and dark chocolate (centre)

Raspberry sorbet
S$3.80 / 4.80 / 5.80 for small / medium / large cups

One healthful choice is the raspberry sorbet. The café has 2.5 kilograms of fresh raspberries in their kitchen waiting to be churned into sorbets! The density and flavour is definitely not compromised. As each spoonful of raspberry goodness melts in my mouth, the sensation is simply divine!

Dark chocolate and Alphonso mango sorbet
S$3.80 / 4.80 / 5.80 for small / medium / large cups

The mango sorbet — another healthful choice — is made with quality Alphonso mangos imported from India. It is chock-full of mango richness with perfectly smooth consistency.

The dark chocolate gelato would cater to those who don’t like their desserts to be too sweet. Made with quality high-grade cocoa, it is one satisfying dessert to savour.

Made using Japanese plums, the Ume yoghurt gelato is pretty sour for my liking, although one can’t deny that it is a unique and healthful flavour.

The brownies and butterscotch gelato is one of my favourites.

Brownies & butterscotch
S$3.80 / 4.80 / 5.80 for small / medium / large cups

The brownies are made from scratch with high-grade cocoa, drizzled with handmade caramel sauce and topped with marshmallow bits. This flavour was first introduced during Easter and is now here to stay due to popular demand.

Mars bar & sea salt
S$3.80 / 4.80 / 5.80 for small / medium / large cups

My top pick is the perfect marriage of Mars bar and sea salt. The generous amount of crunchy Mars bar bits in the icy bliss shows there is no scrimping of ingredients. I literally lick the cup till the very last drop!

You can tell how popular this flavour is just by looking at the amount left in the tub.

Bandung (rose syrup) with palm seed bits
S$3.20 / 4.20 / 5.20 for small / medium / large cups

The bandung (rose syrup) comes with chunky atap chee (palm seed bits) that are a little tough to chew. Personally I’d prefer my palm seeds to be real soft. But the gelato itself does have a light and mild flavour which I enjoy.

Vanilla
S$3.20 / 4.20 / 5.20 for small / medium / large cups

I spot some vanilla bean specks in the vanilla gelato, which certainly beats the run-of-the-mill vanilla ice cream that uses bottled vanilla extract. The gelato is rich and creamy, and less fattening compared to ordinary vanilla ice cream.

Haliagato
S$5.90

The Haliagato is the Singapore version of affogato. It includes a scoop of ginger gelato drenched in a shot of hot tea.

The pairing of ginger and tea is excellent. I have never been a fan of ginger, but in this case it isn’t that pungent and is in fact quite delightful once you get used to the taste.

This has been a great experience and I’ll definitely be returning to try more flavours. With so many to choose from, you’d certainly find something that will get you hooked!

Arts and Crafts

For those that appreciate art and enjoy getting their hands dirty, you can create a piece of art at Scoop of Art.

Whether or not you’re artistically trained, with the wide array of tools available, such as stencils for the newbies, you can still walk out of Scoop of Art with your very own masterpiece!

It is heartening to watch the bonding moments as parent and child create art together.

Have Your Say!

Do you prefer gelato or ice cream? What is your favourite gelato joint in Singapore? Share with us in the comments!

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Word has it that Fosters serves the cheapest high tea in Singapore! That being said, this isn’t the traditional high tea with mini cakes served on three-tiered racks, but a much simpler affair of baked pastries.

The Devonshire cream tea set provides you with a couple of scones, finger sandwiches and fruit cake.

Devonshire cream tea set
S$10.50++

3 – 6pm daily

Seen here are two sets combined on one plate. The best of the lot are the scones, freshly baked and served warm from the oven.

If you like, you can slather on butter, cream or the home-made strawberry jam that is most delicious.

Other than the scones, the fruit cake and finger sandwiches are not much to shout about. But at that price, who can complain?

To wash down the pastries, the afternoon tea set also includes a choice of tea or coffee.

While the alfresco area boasts an idyllic garden feel, you can choose to stay in in the air-conditioned dining area. The setting puts diners at ease with its relaxed, casual air, with armchairs, teddy bears and even Christmas lights as décor. This is a great place to enjoy a cosy meal with loved ones.

Know of any good places for afternoon tea in Singapore? Share with us in the comments!

Fosters, an English Rose Cafe
Holland Village
277 Holland Avenue
Singapore 278994
Tel: +65 6466 8939 | Website
Service:

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]]> 0 http://sparklette.net/food/picotin-bistro-bar/ http://sparklette.net/food/picotin-bistro-bar/#comments Tue, 07 Jun 2011 03:00:57 +0000 Jasper Aston Lim http://sparklette.net/?p=1159 Saddled just off of Bukit Timah Road, Picotin Bistro & Bar offers a refuge from city life, nestled within the serene and peaceful Horse City along Turf Club Road.

Picotin houses a bar, bakery and a family-style bistro, serving up wholesome European cuisine and original dishes. You can choose from either indoor or alfresco seating, both of which provide a unique dining ambiance.

Since Picotin is situated within Horse City, with Turf City nearby, the menu comprises an array of ‘horsey’ puns!

Mains are known as ‘Manes’; side dishes are ‘Side Saddles’ and so on.

To kick-start the meal, the friendly and knowledgeable waitress brings us two types of bread. Freshly baked at their bakery, the bread is soft and warm. We definitely have more than one refill.

Starters

Salmon gravlax
S$18++

Presented with a layering of salad greens and lemon horseradish cream, the salmon gravlax is pleasing to the eye and on the taste buds. It gives a slight tang and saltiness that serve to work up our appetites.

Calamari frites
S$16++

Picotin’s version of calamari frites — one of my favourite starters — does not let us down. The exterior is fried to a good crunchy crisp and the dip complements the calamari to a T.

Steamed clams
S$15++

Cooked in a white wine sauce, the steamed clams are aromatic and fresh. The sauce also teams well with the complimentary bread.

Mains

Pork chop
S$29++

It’s the first time I am seeing such a huge cut of fatty pork still on the rib! The lean part of the pork chop is perfectly seasoned. The fatty part, however, isn’t as well-executed. It would be better if it was served with fries rather than the accompanying greens.

Seared tuna
S$29++

The nicely seared tuna, which looks almost like a steak, has all its flavours locked in. Served on top of a delicious Niçoise salad, this makes a healthful, hearty main.

Roast beef
S$29++

Presented with a variety of vegetables and a pastry croissant, the roast beef is very tender and juicy. The thin strip of fat that is still attached enhances its flavour and texture.

Grilled salmon
S$28++

The grilled salmon is fresh and tasty. With its crusty skin and pairing with fennel compote and zucchini, this colourful dish is highly recommended.

Classic steak
Sirloin (250g) – S$35++
Tenderloin (250g) – S$40++

The sirloin steak may look plain, but when coupled with the home-made béarnaise sauce — a sauce made of clarified butter emulsified in egg yolks and spruced up with herbs — it belongs in a different league altogether. The free-flowing French fries that are served with this dish is also a plus point.

Classic beef bourguignon
S$30++

This combination of mashed potatoes, mushrooms, bacon and a huge chunk of stewed beef is easily the best dish of the afternoon. Slow-cooked to tender perfection, the classic beef bourguignon is extremely flavourful and easily wins everyone’s vote for this lunch. I’m definitely ordering this the next time I visit!

Overall, Picotin provides a wonderfully carefree atmosphere for meals, as well as courteous and prompt service. Head down here if you are looking for a great place to chill out and spend some quiet time without breaking your wallet.

Have Your Say!

Know of any other restaurants and bars where you can be close to nature? Share with us in the comments!

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]]> 0 http://sparklette.net/food/coffee-club-cakes/ http://sparklette.net/food/coffee-club-cakes/#comments Fri, 03 Jun 2011 10:14:47 +0000 Veron Ang http://sparklette.net/?p=1157 The next time you drop by O’Coffee Club to grab some chow or a coffee, don’t forget to leave room for dessert.

O’Coffee Club has introduced an irresistible array of artisan cakes that not only taste good, but look good as well. The dazzling selection ranges from fruity creations such as Banana Paradise, Apple Amore and Lychee Lovin’, to old favourites like Blackforest, Chocolate Lollipop and New York Cheesecake.

Thanks to a bout of the flu, I have to distance myself from the rich chocolaty flavours and instead go for the healthier fruity ones. To my surprise, I find myself liking these so much, they can be my first choice any day!

Raspberry Rally

Raspberry Rally is a refreshing combination of smooth cheese mousse enveloping raspberry jelly and sweet raspberry cream. The tiara of raspberry macaron and white chocolate lend much visual appeal to this refreshing sweet creation.

Velvet Bliss

Ever seen a sponge cake that is a deep red colour? The unique Velvet Bliss is another winner, with its alternating layers of striking red sponge with cream cheese. A feast for both the eye and the palate.

Banana Brownie Bonanza

If you are a fan of chocolate and banana — as I am — you will find it impossible to pass up the Banana Brownie Bonanza. This wholesome morsel comprises chocolate mousse and banana filling on a brownie base, topped with raspberry and a tinge of edible gold for an added touch of luxury. The super rich combination may be cloying for some though.

Apricot Passion Fruit Heaven

Alternatively, try the Apricot Passion Fruit Heaven, a cube of chocolate, apricot and passion fruit coated in sticky chocolate.

This good-looking cake collection from O’Coffee Club is a breath of fresh air from the run-of-the-mill pastries served at coffee houses, and look like they belong at the coffee lounge of a 5-star hotel! Perhaps that also explains why the prices of these cakes are steeper than those at your usual cafés.

The O’Coffee Club petite cakes are priced from S$6.50 to S$6.80 each.

What are your favourite cake flavours? Share with us in the comments!

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]]> 0 http://sparklette.net/food/the-pigeonhole/ http://sparklette.net/food/the-pigeonhole/#comments Wed, 18 May 2011 06:44:38 +0000 Veron Ang http://sparklette.net/?p=1143 In Singapore, there are a few cafés where you can go enjoy some quiet time on your computer. Typically, these places have a formula made up of these key ingredients:

1. Free wi-fi
2. Good coffee
3. Staff/customers that don’t mind you hogging tables for hours
4. Power sockets are a plus

A friend introduced me to one such place recently. Sequestered at Duxton Road, The Pigeonhole may be a hole in the wall to some. For those in the know, it is a hidden gem that should best remain a secret.

Brown latte
S$5

Once settled in comfortably at a table, you realise immediately that The Pigeonhole does not cater to the usual grab-and-go clientèle. For one, there is no food menu here, just a selection of coffees, whiskies, lagers and wines.

Be that as it may, it should probably suffice for the laptop carrying crowd who would like an alternative to the noisier Starbucks. With a quick glance around the room, I observe that there is at least an Apple computer on every table!

There are a couple of coffee beverages here that are made from chocolate milk. My drink is brown latte, a special concoction of espresso mixed with hot steamed chocolate milk. Latte with chocolate… does that make it a mocha then? I like the gentle touch of coffee art in the form of a pigeon. To the web-savvy, it sure looks like the Twitter bird!

The décor is minimalistic. Some may refer to it as “artsy-fartsy”: wooden pigeon holes on the wall, a vintage sewing machine by the entrance and a drum set at the back for when bands perform. That’s right; The Pigeonhole also helps promote local bands and arts.

For the bookworms, you can lose yourself in the diverse variety of old, second-hand and rare books on topics ranging from religion to popular culture to botany to politics.

Credit

Be sure to find a comfortable chair if you’re going to be here for a while. It looks like every chair in the two-unit café is unique, ranging from leather and wooden patio chairs to rattan and beanbag chairs.

Credit

Basically, The Pigeonhole offers a relaxed environment for chilling out over a good book and a cup of joe or using wi-fi. It just needs some fine-tuning in the food department to appeal to a more diverse clientèle.

Then again, that may not be the aim of The Pigeonhole.

Which café do you normally go for free wi-fi? Share with us in the comments!

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More than 70 readers entered the giveaway for the S$30 dining vouchers. You also indicated which dish you would like to try on the MOB menu. It seems like the most popular item is the Goodfellas mini burgers, as many of you love the fact that you can pick the type of burger and bun you want!

Read on to find out who the 5 lucky winners are.

The Goodfellas mini burgers from MOB Most Original Burgers

Winners

• Cincin
• Jess Soh
• Kyo
• Diana Sng
• Derek Yee

Congratulations to all 5 winners! You have been contacted at your email.

Results of SQL query that selected the comments randomly (duplicate and late submissions have been removed):

About MOB Most Original Burgers

MOB Most Original Burgers offers a diverse range of of western and fusion fares, ranging from burgers and pastas to meat and seafood dishes. The restaurant sports a mobster theme with a casual and fun vibe.

• Read the review of MOB Most Original Burgers.

View the original article and join the discussion at:
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]]> 2 http://sparklette.net/food/ben-jerrys-phish-food/ http://sparklette.net/food/ben-jerrys-phish-food/#comments Thu, 12 May 2011 10:18:02 +0000 Veron Ang http://sparklette.net/?p=1136 Every month when I top up our supply of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream from the VivoCity Scoop Shop, I find myself inevitably reaching for the chocolate flavours. There’s no denying how rich and addictive Ben & Jerry’s chocolate ice cream is, instantly elevating any flavour that uses it to “best of the month” status.

So, my Ben & Jerry’s Flavour of the Month for May is Phish Food.

Now, you’re probably wondering why anyone would give a dessert such an unsavoury name. Ben & Jerry’s claim that it is named after the American rock band Phish.

Phish Food
S$14.90 a pint
Rating:

Once you get past the fishy name, you may be surprised by how good Phish Food is. The chocolate base is a winner, paired with an added note of sweetness from the gooey marshmallow and caramel swirls.

The only fish you would find in it are the tiny pieces of fish-shaped chocolates preserved in the ice cream. I’m confused as to why Ben & Jerry’s call them fudge. If you have tried Phish Food, Coffee Coffee Buzz Buzz Buzz or New York Super Fudge Chunk, you would know that the chunks aren’t fudge-like, but more like pieces of hard candy.

Regardless, it is a pint of chocolaty deliciousness that would get chocolate fans hooked.

Ingredients: Cream, Water, Skim Milk, Liquid Sugar (Sugar, Water), Corn Syrup, Sugar, Cocoa (Processed With Alkali), Coconut Oil, Butter (Cream, Salt), Egg Whites, Egg Yolks, Vanilla Extract, Corn Syrup Solids, Guar Gum, Cocoa, Milk Fat, Salt, Natural Flavor, Pectin, Carrageenan, Sodium Bicarbonate, Soy Lecithin. ALLERGY INFORMATION: FUDGE FISH PIECES ARE MANUFACTURED ON EQUIPMENT THAT ALSO PROCESSES PEANUTS AND TREE NUTS.

If you have ever browsed the ice cream shelves and shunned this particular flavour due to its fishy name, rest assured that it really will not disappoint.

Have Your Say!

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

What do you think of Phish Food? What are your favourite Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavours? And what flavours would you like to see on Sparklette next month? Tell us in the comments!

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© 2011 Sparklette.net

After whetting your appetite for the juicy mini burgers from MOB Most Original Burgers last week, I feel it’s only right that you get a taste too. So I asked the restaurant at VivoCity, Singapore if they could offer some vouchers to Sparklette readers. They obligingly agreed, and have kindly sponsored five S$30 dining vouchers for this giveaway!

• Read the review of MOB Most Original Burgers.

Read on to find out how you can win one of these vouchers to try out those savoury Goodfellas mini burgers, the humongous Muscle burgers and other delicious bites like the seafood platter and sweet potato fries.

Vouchers Giveaway!

The American Muscle burger from MOB Most Original Burgers

5 lucky Sparklette readers will each get to win a S$30 dining voucher from MOB Most Original Burgers.

1. This giveaway is only open to members of the Sparklette and MOB Most Original Burgers Facebook pages. So if you haven’t, “Like” both pages now. (Yes, just click the Like button!)

   
   

2. To participate, leave a comment here using your Facebook name along with the answer to this question:
   • Name the dish that you would love to try on the MOB menu and why.

The winners will be announced in a separate post. You are advised to subscribe to Sparklette (Email, RSS, Facebook, Twitter or iPhone) so that you can be quickly notified when the announcement post has been published.

Giveaway Details

• This giveaway ends on May 16, 2011 (2359 hours Singapore time).
• The 5 winners will be randomly selected by an SQL query.
• Please leave a valid email address when filling out the comment form so that we can contact you if you’ve won.
• Please only comment once.
• Comments that do not follow the instructions on how to participate (mentioned above) may not be published, or may be removed later on.

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© 2011 Sparklette.net

Burgers lead the way, which makes Most Original Burgers an ideal stopover for lunch or a casual dinner. Carnivores should feel right at home with the diverse range of grilled beef and chicken dishes. There are also fish, seafood, pastas and interestingly, a handful of Japanese and Korean inspired dishes. Vegetarians, on the other hand, need not feel left out as there are quite a number of vegetarian options on the menu.

Most Original Burgers

One must-try is definitely the mini burgers, available in a kaleidoscope of ingredients and seasonings. You pick from 13 types that range from classic beef and Philly cheese steak to Thai chicken and ebi fry (deep fried prawn).

The Goodfellas (includes a side dish)
S$16.90++
Beef Bulgogi
Teriyaki chicken
Portobello mushroom Rating:

I can’t get over how The Goodfellas look and taste. Yes, of course I am referring to the burgers. Served on a long plate, the trio of mini burgers are linked together with the unusually shaped buns. Seen here are the beef Bulgogi, teriyaki chicken and Portobello mushroom.

Oh my, these must be the juiciest burgers ever! Every bite feels incredibly satisfying as the delicious juices ooze out. Spiked with sesame oil, garlic and various condiments, the thinly sliced Bulgogi beef is tumultuously and invigoratingly savoury. If you’re in the mood for teriyaki, try the boneless grilled chicken which has a nice smoky flavour. The Portobello mushroom comes in whole and retains its natural juices.

The American Muscle (includes two side dishes)
S$21.90++
Rating:

For something meatier, go for one of the Muscle burgers. Each one is an intimidatingly huge sandwich that serves two, although some people finish it single-handedly. The American Muscle is a gargantuan portion of a 300gram rib-eye patty topped with cheese and egg, resting on a pillow of tomato slices and lettuce. I got a shock when it arrived at our table; it is like the Mount Everest of burgers! I guarantee you won’t need dinner after having this for lunch.

Comparing between the burgers from Most Original Burgers and close competitor The Handburger, for now my vote goes to the mobsters.

Sides

Sweet potato fries
S$6.50++
Rating:

Moving on to the side dishes. Some of these are teamed with the burgers, and are also available as à la carte options. The sweet potato fries are an interesting alternative to the regular French fries.

Chilli cheese fries
S$8.50++
Rating:

The chilli cheese fries don’t leave much of an impression as it is somewhat lacking in the taste department.

Goma (black sesame) spaghetti
S$6.50++
Rating:

The Goma (black sesame) spaghetti is amazing! Black and white sesame seeds are sprinkled on top for visual appeal. It tastes a little sweet and a little salty, though quite oily. I like that it comes in a petite serving so you can sample it without having to order the full portion.

Korean fried chicken
S$11.90++
Rating:

Crispy and seemingly non-greasy, the Korean fried chicken boasts a crackly skin that yields to the tender flesh. It is cut in manageable strips that can be dipped in the accompanying chilli and garlic soy sauces.

Seafood platter
S$23.90++
Rating:

Seafood selections include the seafood platter, a mighty impressive presentation of breaded prawns and calamari, battered dory, baked scallops and French fries. Served alongside are not one, not just two, but three sauces — spicy Mexican, tartar and wasabi mayonnaise. That’s customer satisfaction for ya!

While the calamari is quite tough and the rest are good but not exceptional, the scallops are fantastic. Firstly, they are huge, even bigger than the ones you usually see at hotel seafood buffets. Soft and fresh, the flavour is wonderfully complemented by the saltiness and richness of the cheese. If I ever order this dish again, it would solely be for the scallops.

Drinks

Mobster Sling
S$6.90++
Rating:

For sodas, I recommend the Mobster Sling mocktail. The name is no doubt inspired from the Singapore Sling cocktail (which is also on the menu). Topped with strawberry, this is a refreshing concoction of orange juice, lime juice and fresh mint.

While Most Original Burgers may not set off seismic waves on the culinary Richter scale, the generally good casual fares and generous portions are worth a try for a casual chow-down. Don’t be alarmed if you happen to catch the staff dressed completely in black, walking around wearing fedora hats and clutching (fake) guns. It’s simply part of the MOB theme!

Now, if you will excuse me, I’m gonna put on The Godfather DVD.

What is your favourite burger joint in Singapore? Tell us in the comments!

Most Original Burgers
VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk #01-52
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9681 | Website | Menu | Facebook
Service:

Opening hours: 11:30am – 11pm daily

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© 2011 Sparklette.net

This is a nice thing that Swensen’s is doing. I visited Siem Reap a few years back and absolutely love the place. Tourists visit the laid-back town mainly to see the beautiful Angkor temples. The locals are friendly and honest, although there is a sad side.

At a tender age, many children have to take to the streets to sell wares to tourists. Amputees are a common sight. Despite not having much money, the Cambodians seem happy and content with life. If buying palm sugar would help these down-to-earth people in any way, I am all for it.

Palm fruit
S$7.90 a pint
Rating:

The imported palm sugar actually costs more than regular sugar. But the products are priced lower to encourage customers to buy them. For instance, the chendol and palm fruit ice cream are available at S$7.90 a pint, far cheaper than the S$10.80 for other flavours at Swensen’s. These iced desserts are healthful, delicious, and now have one heck of a background story.

Palm sugar is extracted from the sap of palm trees. To extract the sap, Cambodian men use long bamboo poles to climb tall trees, slash the flower buds, tie bamboo containers under the buds and leave them to collect the sap. Once collected, the Cambodian women then pour the sap into a huge pan, boil and stir it for several hours until it thickens to solid form.

Chendol
S$7.90 a pint
Rating:

The traditional South East Asian dessert drink chendol has been given an icy twist. The ice cream is made in a shade of light green, packed with green coconut jellies and red beans.

For those of you who need more “oomph”, these socially responsible flavours are also manifested in Swensen’s ice cream sundaes.

The Palm Paradise (S$6.90++) comprises scoops of palm fruit ice cream added with peaches, nata de coco and topped with palm sugar syrup and desiccated coconut.

The Chendol Delight (S$8.50++) comes served with bountiful scoops of chendol ice cream smothered in palm sugar syrup, served with a generous serving of red bean, chendol jelly and palm fruits.

It looks like Snowy the Cat has taken an interest in the ice cream.

As for me, I am content with tucking into the pints of palm sugar-made ice cream. The texture is creamy smooth and the taste is light yet delicious. Plus, there is that feel-good vibe from eating it, knowing that albeit small, it is an indirect way of helping the Khmer people. You can grab a pint or a sundae from any Swensen’s outlet.

Know any companies with socially responsible initiatives? Share with us in the comments!

Swensen’s ( Halal certified)
- Bugis Junction
- Bukit Panjang Plaza
- Causeway Point Shopping Centre
- Changi Airport Terminal 2
- Chinatown Point
- Compass Point Shopping Centre
- Funan DigitaLife Mall
- Holland Village
- IMM BuildingBuilding
- ION Orchard
- Junction 8
- Jurong Point
- Marina Square
- Northpoint Shopping Centre
- Parkway Parade
- Plaza Singapura
- Suntec City Mall
- Tampines Mall
- Thomson Plaza
- Toa Payoh
- United Square Shopping Mall
- West Mall
Tel: +65 6788 8128

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