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The Moluccas Room, Marina Bay Sands – Rijsttafel Weekend Ala Carte Buffet Brunch

Jasper Aston Lim — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:57:53 +0000

The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is home to several luxury brand houses as well as good restaurants. During an idyllic afternoon spent at the giant mall, The Moluccas Room, with its chic and stylish interior, stood out to me.

I have a fondness for Indonesian food, so it’s no surprise that I immediately jumped at this chance to experience The Moluccas Room’s contemporary Indonesian fine dining. It marries traditional Indonesian spices and flavours with French cooking techniques.

Rijsttafel Weekend Brunch

Rijsttafel Weekend Brunch Java
S$38++
Available on weekends from 11:30am – 3pm

Brunch and Indonesian cuisine lovers alike can partake in the Rijsttafel Weekend Brunch Java, which offers unlimited servings of more than 10 authentic Indonesian dishes.

Achar

The brunch starts off with a small appetiser of achar. The mixture of pickled vegetables and nuts dances on your tongue and preps your appetite for the feasting ahead!

Nasi liwei

I like how the coconut milk rice is presented in a cone-shaped leaf. Not only does it add a touch of novelty, it also enhances the fragrance of the rice.

Tahu bacem

The Indonesian pickled tofu, tahu bacem, is a bit salty and reminds me of a firmer version of the Chinese braised tofu.

Sambal goreng labu siam ebi

Simmered in a dried shrimp and coconut milk chilli paste, the crisp flavour of the chayote fruit — a good source of amino acids and vitamin C — becomes very slight and you can hardly taste it. The result is a slightly savoury dish, reminiscent of crisp pickled vegetables.

Kering kentang

These chunks of caramelised crispy potato bits are sweet and crunchy with a hint of spiciness and surprisingly not oily at all. It can be highly addictive; I was on my third serving before I realised I’ve already had so much!

Sambal goreng tempe

The sambal goreng tempe (spicy and caramelised, fermented soya bean in chilli paste) provides more texture and crunch when compared to kering kentang, though the latter is finer and has a slight sweetness.

Krupuk puli

There is nothing better to accompany a conversation than crispy titbits like the krupuk puli. With already 3 of the 10 dishes being well-executed small bites, it makes this brunch a great meal to catch up with friends over.

Oseng toge teri medan

While I did not find this dish of pan-fried bean sprouts with anchovies to be outstanding, it does provide a light taste with a moist, yet crunchy texture.

Telur pindang

The Indonesian spiced boiled eggs, telur pindang, may look like Chinese braised eggs, but they have instead a smooth creamy yolk centre rather than powdery. Nicely marinated in its sauce, this dish is a delight to savour.

Sambal goreng udang

The stir-fried spicy prawns are very fresh and succulent. While the first serving is a bit under salted, the spicy and tasty sambal sauce has me ordering more!

Opor sakura ayam

The opor sakura ayam, a generous dish of braised chicken in spiced coconut cream, is tender and moist, coming off the bone easily. The aromatic gravy also pairs well with the coconut milk rice. This is definitely a highlight of the brunch selection.

Sate daging Angus (2 sticks per serving)

My favourite dish of the weekend brunch are these skewers of sweet marinated beef short ribs. With a lightly spiced soy sauce dip to enhance the flavour, the extremely succulent and tender meat almost melts in your mouth! A pity that each diner is limited to 2 servings only.

Ala carte dishes

Other than the Rijsttafel brunch, The Moluccas Room also has plenty of other interesting and yummy items on the menu.

Sate padang lidah sapi (5 sticks per serving)
S$27++

The sate padang lidah sapi is a dish of buttery rich Angus beef tongue satay done Padang style, served with a warm thickened beef broth sauce. With 7 types of satay to choose from, including ox tongue and even yearling breast, there’s bound to be something that will please everyone!

Angus steak rendang
S$32++

The Angus steak rendang is a tender French-style beef steak tenderloin topped with a Javanese-style rendang sauce. While the steak is tender, I find it a touch overcooked, though the extremely flavourful rendang sauce helps make up for it.

Confit sakura ayam tuturaga
S$27++

For the confit sakura ayam tuturaga, a light citrusy chicken confit curry from the Northern Sulawesi region, the ingredients are cooked within the tender chicken flesh.

Even on its own, the rich and appetising curry is simply mouth-watering.

Desserts

Kolak padang
S$15++

The kolak padang is a luscious blend of warm caramelised pumpkin and ‘kepok’ banana with a cool scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream. The pumpkin chunks are extremely soft and evenly cooked. While it has the faint hint of a borbor chacha dessert, I will most certainly choose this over the latter.

Serabi
S$12++

If there was to be an Indonesian answer to hotcakes, it would definitely be the serabi — Indonesian pancakes with creamy jackfruit pulps. The sinful, generous drizzling of molten palm sugar sauce sweetens up the well-executed pancakes.

Pisang saleh coconut milk sorbet
S$12++

The grilled banana slices, accompanied with house-made coconut milk sorbet is another highlight of my meal. The rich, cold sorbet teams well with the delectable perfumed grilled banana. A definite must-order!

Located at the waterfront, The Moluccas Room boasts a fantastic view overlooking the Singapore River. You can even catch the fireworks here during. Even if you’re in the area for some tea, the restaurant is a great choice for its warm Indonesian hospitality.

Have Your Say!

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

Do you know of any other great spots for rijsttafel in Singapore? Share all your thoughts via Facebook or Twitter or by leaving a comment!

The Moluccas Room
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
2 Bayfront Avenue #01-81
Singapore 018972
Tel: +65 6688 7367 | Website

Opening hours:
Lunch: 11:30am – 3pm
Tea: 3pm – 6pm
Dinner: 6:30pm – 10:30pm

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Tung Lok Signatures – Mixed Dishes, Mixed Results

Veron Ang — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 03:00:01 +0000

The concept behind the Tung Lok Signatures restaurants is promising; at one place you can enjoy signature dishes from the various Tung Lok restaurants. The appealing prospect of enjoying the “best of” dishes all under one roof has drawn a large clientèle of families and working professionals, as evident by a full-house capacity on a weekday evening.

With most dishes priced above S$30, budget at least S$40-50 a person. And if you pick any of the shark’s fin or abalone dishes, be prepared to reach deeper into your pocket. As part of the American Express SELECTS programme, cardholders get a 10% discount with the minimum spending of S$200. On top of that, if you make payment with your AmEx card before 29 January 2012, you may also qualify for the weekly Volkswagen car giveaway.

And so, on to the food…

Rice

As with all Chinese meals, rice is a staple.

Baked fried rice with seafood served on lotus leaf
S$22++

If you have to pick just one rice dish from the menu, definitely go for the baked fried rice with seafood. Presented on lotus leaf, the rice is chock-full of delicious ingredients like prawns, egg and other assorted seafood. Even when eaten by itself, the rice is robust with flavour and very satisfying.

Poached crispy rice with fresh crab meat in superior broth
S$32++

The poached crispy rice is one that looks really tantalising on paper. In fact, you would find two types of rice in it — crispy rice and regular white rice — soaked in a claypot of broth with crab meat. You get to see the waitress pour the crispy rice into the broth before serving it in individual bowls.

As it turns out, the dish is disappointingly dull and nondescript in comparison to its counterpart.

Seafood

Deep-fried cod fillet coated with salted egg yolk served with organic vegetables
S$32++

From the fish section, the deep-fried cod fillet is a safe bet. The cod is of good quality — tender white flesh sequestered beneath the perfectly browned and crispy salted egg yolk coating. Paired with organic vegetables and tangy fruit cubes, this dish is a delight to savour without the need for any additional dip or sauce.

Sautéed scallops topped with crab meat and roe
S$44++

The sautéed scallops don’t fare as well. Topped with crab meat and roe, the dish is lacklustre and eminently forgettable.

Poultry

Beijing-style crispy duck
S$32++

The Beijing-style crispy duck initially stumps us by arriving in pulled shreds rather than the usual slices with roasted skin a la Peking duck. All is well though, as it is undoubtedly the best dish of the night.

Eating this can be a rather fun activity in its own right. There’s just… something about eating with your fingers that makes the food that much more enjoyable. You wrap in a wafer thin pancake the duck meat, shreds of scallion and cucumber sticks. Don’t forget the superb sweet bean paste — oh I can’t get enough of that; it’s the catalyst that propels this dish out of the realm of the ordinary.

Despite offering the “best of” items from various restaurants, I do notice that some popular items, such as the intriguing coffee pork ribs from Zhou’s Kitchen aren’t on the menu here.

Desserts

The desserts section offers some wondrous possibilities at very reasonable prices. Here are some of our picks.

Chilled durian purée with purple rice purée served with ice cream in young coconut
S$10++

Durian lovers would have the easy choice of the chilled durian purée, paired with purple rice purée and ice cream in a young coconut. You get a sizable amount of durian in this that should be enough to temper any craving.

Chilled mango cream with pomelo, diced mango and sago served with ice cream in young coconut
S$8++

Another dessert that is equally up to the mark is the chilled mango cream with pomelo, diced mango and sago which is similarly served with ice cream in a small coconut.

Chilled taro pumpkin (off the menu)
S$6++

From off the menu, the excellent chilled taro pumpkin is the chef’s special for the day. With ice cream, pumpkin mousse and yam paste in a gorgeous shade, this is one triple-layered treat for both the eye and the palate. The pumpkin mousse in particular beguiles the taste buds with its feathery richness.

Service can be a bit on the tentative side, especially the waitresses who seem particularly befuddled with the available credit card privileges. There are some hits and misses with the meal, but for the most part, the kitchen hits the ground running.

Have Your Say!

What is your favourite restaurant under the Tung Lok Group? Share with us in the comments!

Tung Lok Signatures
Website

Opening hours:
Lunch 11:30am – 3pm (Mon to Sat), 11am – 3:30pm (Sun & PHs)
Dinner 6pm – 10:30pm daily

Tung Lok Signatures VivoCity

VivoCity
1 HarbourFront Walk #01-57
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9555
Service:

Tung Lok Signatures The Central (Clarke Quay)

The Central
6 Eu Tong Sen Street #02-88
Singapore 059817
Tel: +65 6336 6022

Tung Lok Signatures Changi

Changi City Point
5 Changi Business Park Centre 1, #01-26/27
Singapore 486038
Tel: +65 6636 0606

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Toby’s Estate – Espresso Bar and Coffee House

Melissa Koh — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 03:00:35 +0000

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!

Have Your Say!

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

Toby’s Estate
8 Rodyk Street #01-03/04
Singapore 238216
Tel: +65 6636 7629 | Website

Opening hours: 7am – 6pm daily

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Wave House Sentosa – Making Waves in Singapore

Jasper Aston Lim — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:00:20 +0000

Wave House Sentosa is the latest addition to the Wave House chain, allowing surfing enthusiasts to have fun in the formerly “wave-less” Singapore. Besides pumping up the local sports scene with hi-tech wave-producing installations, Wave House also excites diners with an in-house restaurant.

Located within walking distance from the Sentosa Beach Station, I recommend taking a leisurely stroll from the station to take in the sights and sounds of the beach clubs along the way. A buggy transportation service is also available.

You would find Wave House nicely tucked away in the eastern corner of Sentosa, housed at a standalone building. Upon entering the establishment, the warm lights and earthy colours lend a cosy ambiance to the premises.

Appetisers

Torchon of foie gras & smoked duck breast (sampling portion)
S$18++

While the foie gras served with sweet sugared toast is supposed to be the main attraction of the dish, it is the succulent duck breast pairing with pear vincotto that steals the limelight.

Black pepper sesame crust tuna tataki (sampling portion)
S$13++

Slices of lightly seared tuna tataki coated with a crust of black pepper and sesame, then drizzled with an enhancing fragrant mix of sesame and balsamic vinegar dressing makes this an extremely appetising dish!

Mains

Braised Australian beef cheek (sampling portion)
S$24.50++

Cooked to fork-tender, the braised Australian beef cheek marries well with the fresh mushroom ragout and flavourful gravy. You can also enjoy it with the side of edamame, which adds an extra dimension to both texture and taste.

Blackened fillet of salmon (sampling portion)
S$24.50++

The salmon fillet, seared over high temperatures to seal in flavour conceals a small portion of uncooked fresh meat within. It is not as noteworthy when compared with the other mains. Personally, I enjoy the varied textures the dish provides with a square of deep-fried salmon skin and smooth potato mash.

Pan roasted emperor snapper fillet (sampling portion)
S$26.50++

While the crab hash side and accompanying sausage are not impressive, the snapper fillet is scrumptious; it is delicate and fresh with a natural sweetness highlighted by the crab jus and pickled fennel.

Desserts

Chocolate lava cake
S$10.50++

I have always been a fan of chocolate lava cakes, so I immediately jump at this dessert. The lava cake may be of average size, it is full-bodied and filled with rich and thick chocolate.

Look at how the molten chocolate flows! Even though the thin chilli strips add a nice touch of colour and spiciness, they are a tad hard. The pairing with vanilla ice cream makes the overall dessert a bit too sweet for my liking.

Airy milk chocolate cloud
S$10.50++

The lovely airy milk chocolate cloud dessert is a definite highlight of the evening. It is topped with blended raspberry granite and praline nougatine that adds a crunchy texture to the milk chocolate base. This light and slightly sweet treat is extremely satisfying and a must-order!

With modern interiors, candlelight setting and prompt service, I foresee this quiet, secluded restaurant to become a popular dating spot. Wave House provides an opportunity to escape from our busy concrete jungle. There is also an outdoor beach bar area to kick back and chill after a meal if you have time.

Have Your Say!

What is your favourite beach bar/restaurant in Singapore? Share with us in the comments!

Wave House
Sentosa
36 Siloso Beach Walk
Singapore 099007
Tel: +65 6377 3113 | Website

Opening hours:
Restaurant: Daily 11am – 11pm (10:30pm last order)
Beach bar: Mon – Fri 10am – 11pm
Wed, Sat, Sun & PH 9am – 11pm

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Stacked – Dim Sum Bar

Melissa Koh — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 03:00:16 +0000

Love dim sum? You need not be restricted to having dim sum only in the day. At Stacked, you can have dim sum all day till 1am!

Located along The Quayside at Robertson Quay, Stacked is a dim sum bar that offers a good variety ranging from the traditional classics to inventive creations. Following the stacked theme, the dim sum is served in a novel way — stacked in uniquely designed bamboo steamer baskets.

With its close proximity to many tourist spots, you can expect to see many expatriates and tourists amongst the diners. This is an ideal spot for pre-party goers as well, with popular clubs within walking distance. For the football fanatics, there are two TV screens broadcasting live games.

The interior is prepossessing; the blending of rustic elements with a modern twist creates an urban-industrial feel, with subdued lighting to complete the look. This hidden gem of a restaurant is set in a laid-back atmosphere — a good spot for after-work relaxation.

Although there is no air-conditioning, the indoor area is well-ventilated by a huge fan. You can also opt for outdoor seating by the riverside to enjoy the cooling breeze.

Drinks

Forget the traditional yum cha etiquette of pairing dim sum with tea. At Stacked, you can pair dim sum with alcohol! The drinks menu is extensive, with wines and beers, along with signature cocktails. Do take advantage of the 1-for-1 promotion on all house pours, beers and wine by the glass everyday before 9pm.

Asian mojito
S$16++

The beautifully garnished Asian mojito is a blend of lime juice, ginger, lemongrass and chilli padi. The distinct taste of the lime juice is overwhelming and somewhat obscures the rest of the ingredients. Having said that, it still makes a refreshing aperitif.

Honeydew melon beer
S$12++

The fruity beers are a must-try! These sweet-scented beers aren’t too intoxicating with just 4% alcohol. A popular choice amongst the ladies, the beers are available in two flavours: honeydew melon and lychee.

North Taiwan lychee beer
S$12++

The North Taiwan lychee beer is more favourable in terms of taste; the lychee and beer are harmoniously blended with a sweet fruity fragrance. For those who dislike the taste of beer, this potation may just convert you!

Lychee martini
S$12++

The lychee martini is decked out with a mountain of crushed ice. While it adds much visual appeal, the large amount of ice restricts sipping. When it melts, you’ll not be enticed with a bland mixture. Still, props for a tasty martini — mild, mellow and nicely sweet!

Stacked Singapore Sling
S$16++

Upon the first sip of the Stacked Singapore Sling, you will taste the sweet nectarous blend before the potent alcohol kicks in. Topped with cubes of nata de coco, you have something to munch on while enjoying this intoxicating drink!

Bloody Mary
S$12++

The Bloody Mary is a sure-fire hangover cure, consisting of a blend of spices, vodka and mainly tomato juice, garnished with a carrot stick and lemon. The diversity of ingredients is reflected in its taste — you either love it or hate it!

Bloody Mary fans, you can look forward to Stack’s Bloody Sunday promotion where the 1-for-1 deal on Bloody Mary lasts till 3pm.

Dim Sum

Get started with the dim sum classics, before venturing into the more creative options.

Steamed har kau (shrimp dumpling)
S$5.90++

Wrapped in a thin translucent skin, the pouch-shaped steamed har kau (shrimp dumplings) boast plump, springy prawns that are nicely seasoned.

Steamed creamy custard pau
S$5.90++

The steamed creamy custard pau has a soft bread texture — neither too dry nor tough, with a sweet and savoury egg yolk core.

The custard filling has a very enjoyable creaminess, although the texture is slightly sandy, probably due to the salted egg.

Cold tofu with citrus sauce
S$4.50++

The cold tofu with citrus sauce is quite forgettable. As interesting as the citrus sauce may sound, it does nothing to save the cold tofu from its blandness. You should leave stomach-space for better dishes.

Mildly spicy salted egg squid
S$12++

The mildly spicy salted egg squid is one of the highlights. Lightly battered and crispy, the well-seasoned squid is neither tough nor chewy — an addictive treat that should be enjoyed immediately upon being served.

Margherita dumplings
S$8.90++

The Italian-inspired Margherita dumplings are generously stuffed with mozzarella cubes, shredded basil and finely diced tomatoes in a crispy skin (albeit a little thick). The various ingredients add texture and provide well-balanced flavours.

Pesto scallop dumpling
S$8.90++

Crispy on the outside, starchy and redolent on the inside; the pesto scallop dumpling is served with mayonnaise, although it is quite delicious on its own. The bite-sized dumplings are so palatable you will find it hard to resist another serving!

Shredded duck dumpling
S$8.90++

The pan-fried shredded duck dumpling is lightly browned to a slight crisp, its skin yielding to a well-marinated filling. It is paired with a specially concocted hoi sin dip, a slightly sweet sauce that provides extra zing. Definitely a must-try!

Steamed chilli crab pau
S$8.90++

The steamed chilli crab pau has a fluffy and moist exterior with a delicious chilli crab filling. The flavours are robust and not too spicy, just enough to stimulate your appetite. Honestly, this is one of the tastiest chilli crab pau fillings I’ve tasted to date!

All the pau on the menu are available as steamed or fried options (and somehow everything tastes better fried!). The fried chilli crab pau is another hit.

Fried chilli crab pau
S$8.90++

The crab filling is identical, while the bun has been fried to a smooth golden brown crust. Take a bite of the chilli crab pau and you will be instantly reminded of the chilli crabs served with deep fried mantou at seafood restaurants. Only that this time round, you have all the elements in one single bun! How convenient is that?

Char siew pastry
S$5.90++

The char siew pastry has a sweet, tender and flavourful filling encased in a fragrant flaky skin.

Sichuan grouper fish dumpling
S$8.50++ for a basket of 5

On first glance, the layer of chilli oil on the Sichuan grouper fish dumpling may turn off health junkies. But given a try, the taste will win you over. Eating this proves to be an effortless affair; the dumplings are so soft, you barely have to chew at all.

Prawn cake asparagus
S$10.50++ for 3 pieces

The salted prawn cake asparagus is fried to golden brown, with a texture similar to that of fish cakes.

Stir-fried XO carrot cake
S$8.50++

For something more substantial, you can try the stir-fried XO carrot cake, albeit with a barely-there XO flavour. The fragrant carrot cake is evenly fried, each cube having a crispy crust and soft interior. Tossed with bean sprouts and eggs, this simple dish is slightly spicy and gratifying.

Stewed black sauce pork belly (served with steamed white bun)
S$9.50++

The stewed black sauce pork belly here is legit, with pork belly stewed to melt-in-the-mouth tenderness. Undeniably satisfying, this hearty classic will bring back nostalgic memories of grandma’s home-cooked meals.

Desserts

Sweet potato with red bean paste
S$7.90++

The sweet potato with red bean paste dessert has a mixture of the two ingredients encompassed in a golden crust. It is a little too oily but undoubtedly tasty. Worth a try, but anything more than a couple may leave you feeling jelat.

Mango sago with vodka
S$7.90++

Although the mango sago with vodka dessert is delicious by itself, you can choose to have it added with vodka. The drink is rich and made with actual real fruit, with the sago adding a touch of chewy fun.

With each order of the set platters, you also receive a complimentary pair of Stacked oriental fans.

As friendly as the waitstaff are, service is a little slow at times. Food-wise, it is certainly comparable to reputable dim sum restaurants. Stacked is an all-around good destination for a casual bite and a round of drinks by the Singapore River, where you can enjoy the breeze and people-watch in a squeaky clean environment.

Have Your Say!

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

Stacked Dim Sum Bar
60 Robertson Quay #01-13
Singapore 238252
Tel: +65 6836 4052 | Website

Opening hours:
Mon – Thu: 3:30pm – 11:30pm
Fri: 3:30pm – 1am
Sat: 1pm – 1am
Sun: 1pm – 11:30pm

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San-Sui Sumiyaki & Bar

Jasper Aston Lim — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 03:00:07 +0000

Nestled in the scenic Marina Bay area, San-Sui Sumiyaki & Bar is popular amongst those looking to kick back and enjoy the waterfront view over drinks and snacks. On weekdays, the crowd here is made up mostly of working professionals from the Central Business District.

The restaurant has both alfresco and indoor dining areas, as well as an inviting lounge area suitable for pre- or post-meal drinks.

Besides offering a wide range of wines and Japanese alcohols, a good range of sumiyaki (traditional charcoal grilled) items, sushi and other a la carte items are also served. Sparklette shows you San-Sui’s specialties along with the Japanese-inspired cocktails.

Starters

Nagaimo Karaage (deep-fried Japanese long yam)
S$19++

Crispy on the outside whilst soft on the inside, these sticks of deep-fried Japanese long yam are simply addictive!

Tatami Iwashi (baby sardines)
S$15++

Just like its namesake, the thin, flat slices of dried baby sardines — served looking like mini tatami mats — are simply delectable when paired with the flavourful dip.

Ebi To Karasumi Ae (sashimi prawn)
S$16++

With its fresh sashimi prawns, rich black truffle oil dressing and slices of savoury mullet roe, the Ebi To Karasumi Ae salad is a must-order.

Sumiyaki

Prepared by a team of specialist chefs, the sumiyaki dishes are grilled over imported smokeless binchotan (white charcoal) that burns well at high temperatures, resulting in a distinctive aroma.

Buta Niku Maki Onigiri (grilled Kurobuta pork rice ball)
S$9++ for 2 onigiri

For the Buta Niku Maki Onigiri (grilled Kurobuta pork rice ball), the fragrant chunks of rice wrapped in scrumptious, slightly burnt pork slices are sure to make you hunger for more.

Buta Ume Shiso (pork with plum sauce)
S$6++ per skewer

This simple dish of fatty pork belly is made interesting with the slightly sour plum sauce on top and shiso leaves in between.

Buta Enoki Maki (pork roll with Enoki mushrooms)
S$6++ per skewer

Do try the Buta Enoki Maki (pork roll with Enoki mushrooms) which has a unique chewy texture — thanks to the golden mushroom centre — and goes well with shiso pepper. The Enoki mushrooms have a nice smoky taste from charcoal.

Mains

Teppan Wagyu Suteeki
S$30++

Another must-order is this dish of juicy and tender pan-grilled grade 9 marbling Teppan Wagyu Suteeki, served with assorted mushrooms and fresh burdock, plus a savoury sauce to highlight the sweetness of the meat.

Hiyashi ramen
S$20++

This well-presented cold vegetarian ramen shines through with its delicate condiments and wasabi-sesame oil-soy sauce mix, making it a good choice if you want something light and soothing. I especially fancy the aburaage (deep fried tofu skin) topping that gives the ramen extra sweetness and texture.

Cocktails

Superb for an evening out are the Japanese-inspired cocktails — a range of seven concoctions made with sake, shochu or umeshu.

Chilitini
S$18++

If you’re feeling slightly sleepy after a long day or you’re simply in an adventurous mood, order the Chilitini; its light taste with an underlying spiciness is sure to perk you up.

R&R
S$18++

The R&R, a sweet, raisin-infused shoyu and rum cocktail paired with alcoholic raisins is sure to curb any rum and raisin cravings you have.

My Sweet Basil
S$18++

My Sweet Basil — a blend of vodka, umeshu strawberries and basil — is a good choice for those who prefer their drinks light and fruity, without an alcoholic aftertaste.

Kohitini
S$16++

Made with vodka, coffee-infused shochu and cream, the Kohitini is sure to satisfy those who like a hint of coffee with their tipple.

Amidst the increasingly busy city life, San-Sui — its name meaning “Mountain-Water” in Japanese — remains true to the restaurant’s credo of offering the finest fares from both Mother Earth and the ocean. It is an ideal place to chill and take in the sights, whilst enjoying a good meal.

Have Your Say!

What is your favourite Japanese restaurant? Share with us in the comments!

San-Sui Sumiyaki & Bar
One Fullerton
One Fullerton Road #01-05
Singapore 049213
Tel: +65 6423 1555 | Website

Opening hours:
Lunch: 12pm – 3pm (Monday – Friday)
Dinner: 6pm – 10:30pm (Monday – Sunday)

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Sol Tasca – Tapas Bar with Small Wonders

Melissa Koh — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 03:00:19 +0000

Cold tapas: Pimento (Spanish peppers), Manchego cheese & Serrano Jamon (Spanish ham) on toast

Tucked under the Esplanade Bridge, Sol Tasca is a tapas bar that serves authentic Spanish cuisine. Although a tapas bar in appellation, they do have a breakfast menu and a small selection of soups, salads, pastas, pizzas and desserts.

Here, you can wind down and enjoy delicious heart-healthy tapas while imbibing various vinous beverages with good company and Spanish music playing in the background.

Upon entering Sol Tasca, the spacious interior with its warm décor comprising rustic elements with a modern twist invites you, enlacing you in the relaxing atmosphere.

The lower deck under the bridge features a bar where you can watch the nifty bartender do his charm, or unwind at the comfortable expansive sofa. You can also opt to dine under the stars on the upper deck.

Your food is freshly prepared upon order in the quaint little kitchen on the upper deck.

The entirely alfresco seating does not scream hot and humid at all. You would enjoy the occasional breeze while bathing in the moonlight with good food and drinks.

Cold Tapas

Pimento (Spanish peppers), Manchego cheese & Serrano Jamon (Spanish ham) on toast
S$13++ for 4 pieces

The simple snack of Pimento (Spanish peppers), Manchego cheese and Serrano Jamon (Spanish ham) on toast is light on the palate. The no-frills presentation highlights the quality of the ingredients and the authenticity of its preparation.

The toast is crisp and aromatic with flavours of olive oil and garlic — best eaten immediately when served. This dish is so appetising it gets you ready for the next course.

Pimento, Serrano Jamon & anchovy on toast
S$12++ for 4 pieces

Here’s another tasty tapas dish, topped with Spanish ham, a glistening piece of anchovy and Spanish pepper. The composition of flavours and textures is spot on. For those who dislike the fishy smell, you will be pleased to know that the anchovy is completely free of any fishy stench and bones.

Olive, anchovy & melted Brie cheese on toast
S$12++ for 4 pieces

My top pick among the tapas would be the olive, anchovy and melted Brie cheese on toast, a simple yet sublime dish. The combination of cheese, anchovy and olive beautifully stacked on crispy toast is a wonderful mix of flavours with contrasting textures. The olive topping is my favourite ingredient; it enhances the flavour of the dish, bringing it to a whole new level!

Hot Tapas

Pan-seared prawns wrapped with bacon
S$8++ for 4 pieces

The pan-seared prawns wrapped with bacon is a mouthwatering dish. Think fresh, briny and succulent prawns, perfectly seasoned and full of flavour, wrapped with well-caramelised bacon. Absolutely finger-licking good!

Stuffed pimentos with paella & Manchego cheese
S$12++ for 3

Huge pockets of sweet peppers are stuffed with aromatically marinated cheese and rice, presented with a dollop of aioli (garlic mayonnaise) at the centre. The pan-seared red peppers add a mellow and sweet-smoky edge to the soft velvety texture, which is a nice contrast to the flavoured rice grains that have been cooked till tender and slightly al dente.

The Spanish rice grains are shorter and more plump than the typical Asian rice. The peppers also tend towards the sweeter side rather than spicy — good news for those who can’t take the heat!

Croquetas de Bacalao
S$8++ for 6 pieces

The Croquetas de Bacalao is a must-try. Melted cheese coated in a golden breading, crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Paired with tangy garlic mayonnaise dip, this is one delightful dish that even children would enjoy.

Sautéed live mussels in tangy cream sauce
S$18++

The sautéed live mussels in tangy cream sauce come with a substantial portion of plump mussels that are fresh and generously coated with a creamy sauce. We enjoy the sauce till the very last drop!

Main Course

Paella Valencia
S$24++

For the main course, you can go for the signature Paella Valencia. It is a satisfying dish served in a paella pan, which has been used to sauté the aromatic ingredients and to cook the Spanish Bomba rice. The rice is infused with the flavours from the squid, prawns, black mussels and chicken, then baked in an oven before being served.

The tasty ingredients help make up for the slight blandness of the rice, which is a tad under-seasoned. The chicken remains tender and moist. The prawns however are less juicy compared to the bacon-wrapped rendition. De-shelling the prawn may be a hassle, although with the shell intact, it ensures a stronger flavour with the natural moisture locked in.

The best part of this dish is the caramelised crust of rice that sticks to the bottom of the pan; I scrape off every bit of it!

Dessert

Crema Catalana
S$8++

Nothing excites me more than to crack into a beautifully caramelised crust of silky smooth custard. While quite similar to the French dessert, crème brulee, it has its own style with the added orange zest that forms a charming combination with the vanilla. The dessert is made to order, leaving us some time to sit back and chill after a satisfying meal. It is definitely worth the wait!

Drinks

The menu is complemented by a selection of international beers, Spanish wines, spirits, sangria and specially concocted cocktails.

Sangria
S$14++

What’s a Spanish meal without Sangria? The tiny fruity bits add much flavour to the concoction of red wine, triple sec, brandy, Benedictine D.O.M and orange juice. This sophisticated cocktail is a must-try for those who enjoy a drink with higher alcoholic content.

Spanish Kiss
S$14++

The sexy Spanish Kiss cocktail is an icy blend of gin, orange juice, mango and passionfruit sorbet. Beautifully layered with the varying densities of each liquid, I can hardly bear to stir it.

As the world closes in and we grow closer to different food cultures, Sol Tasca is an ideal place to start your gastronomic journey. Immerse in the Spanish culture plate by plate!

Have Your Say!

What is the best Spanish restaurant in Singapore? Tell us in the comments!

Sol Tasca
The Fullerton Waterboat House
3 Fullerton Road #01-04
Singapore 049215
Tel: +65 6533 8913 | Website

Opening hours:
Sun – Tue: 9am – 10pm
Wed – Sat: 9am – 11:30pm

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KU DÉ TA Singapore, Marina Bay Sands SkyPark – Breakfast on Top of the World

Veron Ang — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 03:00:38 +0000

Perched at the rooftop of the Marina Bay Sands casino resort, KU DÉ TA boasts one of the most impressive views you can get in Singapore. Whether stopping in for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a leisurely round of drinks, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.

Located at the Sands SkyPark, KU DÉ TA is an all-in-one dining and clubbing destination with a restaurant, club lounge, open-air sky deck and bar.

The restaurant serves modern Asian cuisine. Despite the luxury destination, the ambience is casual and puts diners at ease, setting you in a holiday mood instantly.

Breakfast
S$42++ per adult; S$21++ per child (aged 5-12 years)
7am – 11am daily

For breakfast, you have a buffet selection of starters, hot dishes that are cooked to order, and free-flowing drinks such as coffee, tea, smoothies and milkshakes.

Breakfast buffet starters

Begin your day here with the selection of assorted cheese, pastries, and salmon starters.

Breakfast hot dishes

The hot dishes include your usual suspects such as porridge, waffles and eggs done any way you like, as well as the most excellent chicken fried steak.

Congee

The congee (porridge) is served with spring onions, grilled you tiao (fried dough sticks), soy sauce, ikan bilis (dried anchovies), peanuts and ginger.

Eggs baked in claypot & Shakshouka sauce

For more intense flavours, the eggs baked in claypot and Shakshouka sauce should hit the spot. The eggs are paired with oven-roasted vegetables and potatoes in a Shakshouka sauce, with a taste reminiscent of Japanese curry.

Waffle served with spicy duck sausage

The waffles can be served plain or “inspired”, the latter referring to a savoury version that is paired with bacon or spicy duck sausage patties. Don’t worry, you still get your maple syrup.

Chicken-fried steak & eggs

Nothing quite tops the chef’s incredible chicken-fried steak and eggs, consisting of a slab of sirloin steak fried in seasoned flour that gives it a taste like fried chicken.

Coco lychee smoothie

You can have your regular coffee and tea. But if you are game for something more tropical (you’re at a holiday destination remember?), then allow me to recommend the coco lychee smoothie. The mixture of lychee, yoghurt and beautifully sweet coconut milk will totally put you in a sunny mood.

The View

From the KU DÉ TA premises, this is the view you get of the Singapore skyline and waterfront.

The tall building in the distance is Swissôtel the Stamford, where you can indulge in the lovely pink champagne brunch from one of its top floors.

Apart from the stunning view, what I really like about KU DÉ TA is its all-in-one dining concept that makes repeat visits very likely. The experience you get here in the day is remarkably different from what you get by night. Be it a business lunch, after-work dinner, or a chill-out time with good friends over drinks, this is the place for that.

While the service can be friendlier and more personal to give guests a truly well-rounded resort-like experience, the prices are moderate and the experience is downright unforgettable. Even before leaving, I am already planning my next trip here.

Have Your Say!

Where can you dine with the best view in Singapore? Share with us in the comments!

KU DÉ TA
Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
1 Bayfront Avenue
Singapore 018971
Tel: +65 6688 7688 | Website
Service:

Opening hours:
Breakfast – 7am – 11am
Lunch – 12noon – 3pm
Dinner – 6pm – 11pm

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Kinki Restaurant + Bar – Nothing Kinky, Just Business

Veron Ang — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 03:00:05 +0000

Kinki Restaurant + Bar is one of those places that you just don’t forget easily. The hip ambience and gorgeous panoramic view of the Marina Bay waterfront are a huge draw. Besides, who can ignore the cheeky moniker?

Located at the conservation building of Customs House in the Fullerton Heritage precinct, Kinki serves modern Japanese cuisine. During our lunch here, the restaurant is packed with the office crowd from the surrounding corporate jungle. Despite the busy chow hours, Chef Kinki succeeds in sending out some outlandishly strong culinary signals.

Sides & Starters

Tai Carpaccio
S$30++

Presented on a long transparent platter, the Tai Carpaccio is eye-catching and exceedingly delicious. The thinly-sliced snapper is very fresh — there’s no fishy stench at all — with dabs of truffle dressing.

Momotaro tomato
S$16++

For combating the hot weather, the cold dish of Momotaro tomato is a godsend that cools you down instantly. Spruced up with a sassy ginger dressing, the succulent tomatoes carry quite a kick. I can never get tired of eating this.

Pomegranate miso black cod
S$24++

The beautifully-textured pomegranate miso black cod is meaty and moist, the sweet pomegranate-honey miso marinade caramelising on the outside of the grilled fillet.

Sushi & Sashimi

Foie gras & scallop sushi
S$22++

From the sushi menu you would discover the inventive pairing of foie gras and scallop. It’s hard to say that this unlikely marriage works when you only get to taste the overpowering flavour of the pan-seared foie gras and not much of the raw Hokkaido scallop. That being said, the foie gras does taste excellent. Be prepared to shell out the dough for this. At $22 a pair, that’s almost $13 a pop after taxes.

Zuwaigani (snow crab)
S$8++

On the other hand, a surprisingly low-priced item is the Zuwaigani (snow crab). Served on ice complete with a little potted plant arrangement, get ready to tuck into chunky slices of sweet crab meat conveniently without the hassle of deshelling.

Spicy scallop maki
S$24++

Stuffed with snow crab and asparagus and topped with a tiara of spicy scallop, the spicy scallop maki sounds really good on paper, but turns out surprisingly bland and bereft of pizazz.

Set lunch

For the lunchtime crowd, Kinki has a range of lunch sets available that include a side salad, miso soup and mochi ball.

Jidori chicken teriyaki
S$20++

If you’re in the mood for teriyaki, try the grilled Jidori chicken, enlivened with a teriyaki glaze and sesame.

Chirashi Donburi
S$38++

For those with heartier appetites, the Chirashi Donburi comes with a medley of the chef’s seafood selection for the day.

Cocktails

Apart from the food, the wide repertoire of drinks makes Kinki an ideal venue for an intimate cocktail after dinner.

Geisha Sake-rita
S$16++

The Geisha Sake-rita is a refreshing margarita with Yuzu sake and passion fruit syrup. The marijuana leaf lookalike sure adds visual appeal!

Spicy Hachimitshu
S$16++

If you’re the adventurous type that fancies some spice in your drink, like Bloody Mary, be sure to try the Spicy Hachimitshu, an intriguing concoction of vodka, honey umeshu, lemon, Japanese cucumber and yes, wasabi. While you may not get the nostril-searing effect, there is a distinct lingering spicy after-taste.

The Ambience

If you can, get a spot next to the windows. That way, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the waterfront scenery.

Looking around the restaurant, you may spot some wall paintings of a sumo wrestler lookalike. That’s none other than Chef Kinki, complete with fish-shaped hair chopsticks!

The menus, printed with Japanese comics on the cover, also feature the same character.

While the prices at Kinki Restaurant + Bar may not be the lowest in town, with a view this good and a very attractive menu, neither your palate nor your wallet should feel short-changed.

Have Your Say!

What are your favourite restaurants at the Marina Bay waterfront? Tell us in the comments!

Kinki Restaurant + Bar
Customs House
70 Collyer Quay #02-02
Singapore 049323
Tel: +65 6533 3471 | Website | Facebook | Twitter
Service:

Operating hours:
Mon to Fri: 12noon – 2:30pm; 6pm – 10:30pm
Sat and Public Holidays: 6pm – 10:30pm
Closed on Sundays

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Boathouse Sunday Brunch – Traditional French-style Breakfast Fares

Veron Ang — Fri, 06 May 2011 10:21:10 +0000

Boathouse Singapore, situated at the beautiful heritage building of The Fullerton Waterboat House — replete with the circular stern of a ship — dishes up modern European cuisine. Decked in natural materials and historical artefacts, Boathouse provides an intimate dining area with stylish décor.

The ambience isn’t the only thing that impresses; the wide wine list sets off plenty of oenological bells and whistles. You can even pop into the cellar to pick out your preferred bottles from hundreds of labels that include rare vintages.

I first visited Boathouse during the months when it just opened. Then, it struck me with its appealing location while the cooking was good but not exceptional. This time round, with a different chef at helm, I decide to try the restaurant’s new French-style Sunday brunch.

Sunday brunch

The brunch offers traditional country breakfast fares that you can order à la carte. On the other hand if you have time for a long leisurely brunch, then I suggest you go for the S$48++ Sunday brunch set (minimum 2 to order) that includes:

- Bread and pastry basket
- Salad or soup
- Eggs or pancakes
- Dessert or cheese trolley
- Fresh juice, coffee or tea

Bread basket

Usually, I am not one that would pay much attention to the bread served at a restaurant, preferring to dive straight into the starters or mains and save room for desserts. But in this case, it is hard to resist the soft, warm, yielding breads — served in four different kinds, no less.

Soup

Cream of cauliflower
S$19++
Rating:

The velvety cream of cauliflower is a fabulous opener, although the real winner here is the duo of plump grilled scallops at its epicentre, crowned with a tiara of smoked black caviar.

Salad

Grilled asparagus
S$25++
Rating:

The salad of grilled asparagus, cherry tomatoes, bacon, croutons and cheese is an attractive myriad of colours and textures. The greens are pristinely fresh and the tomatoes succulent. Bacon adds a contrast in flavour, and the splash of truffle vinaigrette proves the perfect culinary catalyst.

Eggs

Egg Benedict
S$18++
Rating:

As for the eggs, you can have them in any way you fancy. Poached, scrambled, baked, sunny side up, you name it. For the eggs Benedict, the poached eggs are teamed with cured Petuna ocean trout and dressed with truffle hollandaise sauce on a bed of toasted brioche bread. Accompanied by a salad of greens and tomatoes on the side, I feel like I’ve had enough vitamin C for a week!

Pancakes

Pancakes with spicy sausages
S$19++
Rating:

The savoury pancakes are served with either spicy sausages, bacon or ibérico de bellota, a certain type of cured ham. The spicy sausages are, strangely, not spicy at all, at least in not the way that we Asians know it. For a main course, the portion is also rather small.

If you like your pancakes sweet, those are available as well, paired with blueberries, apple or banana.

Cheese

Selection of cheeses of the day
S$23++
Rating:

The assorted cheeses arrive along with toasted nuts, dried fruits, crackers and a certain type of salad that goes well with cheese.

Dessert

The desserts are made in-house and should be ordered at the start of the meal. Go for the gold by treating yourself to the Grand Marnier soufflé.

Grand Marnier soufflé
S$18++
Rating:

Soufflés often deflate the moment they hit the table and reach flat-as-a-pancake status within the minute. That’s a nightmare for snap-happy bloggers like myself who frequently show off our gastronomic conquests. Thankfully, there are no such worries here. The kitchen turns out an ethereally light soufflé that is benchmark in every respect. The cake is a uniform blonde colour, with a rich eggy flavour that has been invigorated with a generous splash of Grand Marnier. I would happily eat this again any time.

Other dessert possibilities include crème brûlée, pear tarte tatin and dark and white chocolate that is served with toasted bananas and cocoa ice cream.

Cocktails

Cocktails
S$15++

Cocktails are available at the restaurant as well as the rooftop bar, Prelude, that opens in the evening. Some of these sport interesting Singapore-inspired names such as the Merlion Punch, a refreshing mix of passion fruit, white peach and pineapple jazzed up by vodka. The Orchard is a concoction of apricot, apple, cinnamon, lemon and vodka.

Credit

Tucked away at the picturesque Fullerton Square, Boathouse attracts a clientèle that ranges from locals, expatriates and tourists that have the common passion for lovingly prepared and well presented European cuisine.

Have Your Say!

Where would you go for Sunday brunch in Singapore? Share with us in the comments!

Boathouse
The Fullerton Waterboat House
3 Fullerton Road #03-01
Singapore 049215
Tel: +65 6538 9038 | Website
Service:

Opening hours:
Lunch – Monday to Friday, 12noon – 2pm
Dinner – Monday to Saturday, 6:30pm – 11pm
Brunch – Sunday, 11am – 3pm

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Chiang Mai, Thailand – Vieng Joom On Teahouse, Possibly the World’s Pinkest Café

Veron Ang — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 03:00:36 +0000

Ladies and gentlemen, today you are going to see the pinkest eatery in Chiang Mai, and quite possibly the world. The Vieng Joom On Teahouse, or simply VJO, occupies a striking pink building on the eastern bank of Ping River. Under this gorgeous setting you can enjoy a wide assortment of western teas and cakes. What a wonderful way of spending an idyllic afternoon.

VJO Teahouse is located within a five-minute walk of The Riverside Bar & Restaurant. I would give you proper directions, but you probably won’t need that when the building stands out like a beacon.

Whilst doing research on my Lenovo laptop for places to go in Chiang Mai, I learn that this is one of those eateries that locals would bring their foreigner friends. After all, it’s not everyday that you get to hang out in an all-pink tea house, is it?

Upon entering the building, you pass through the shopping section that sells tea blends, teapots and other accessories that are beautifully wrapped in specially designed paper bags and tins.

Then, you arrive at the spacious dining area and finally see what everyone has been raving about. This place looks like a dream!

Under a fuchsia canopy, the lounge area is attractively decked out in floral décor and water features on the dark wood floor. Obviously much attention to detail has been paid to the interior design.

Soothing English songs play in the background as you settle into the cushioned seats of varying hues of pink. A well-stocked magazine rack is available for your reading pleasure. For those of you with your wireless devices, there is free wi-fi, too.

The breezy outdoor area with umbrellas overlooks Ping River.

We pick a cosy spot and go about our orders. Even the menus featuring the cursive logo are pretty.

VJO high tea for two
495baht + 10% service charge
Rating:

The VJO high tea for two is presented in a three-layered cake stand filled with cakes, sandwiches and fruits. All the pastries here are made in-house.

For the cakes, you get a range of petit fours that taste as good as they look.

The mini sandwiches come in two varieties — cucumber and some form of egg custard. Notice the cute little beaded picks that are stuck in each one.

As for fruits, they arrive as a colourful salad of dragonfruit, green apple, pineapple and strawberry.

Rose tea
Rating:

To wash down the delicious treats, the high tea set includes a large pot of tea, for which we choose the rose tea.

How very quaint, and so very girly! We see mostly locals, a few tourists, and even an all-male group at one point. The tea, desserts, soothing music and laid-back garden setting all make for an incredible way to chill out. By the time we have to leave the place reluctantly, it feels as though we have enjoyed a lengthy spa treatment!

Have Your Say!

How do you find the all-pink concept at VJO Teahouse? Guys, would you come here? Are there any other similar establishments out there? Share with us in the comments!

Vieng Joom On Teahouse
53 Charoenraj Road
T.Watgate A.Muang
Chiang Mai 50000
Thailand
Tel: +66 5330 3113 | Website

Operating hours: 10am – 7pm daily

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Chiang Mai, Thailand – Dinner Cruise at The Riverside Bar & Restaurant, a Unique Way to See Ping River

Veron Ang — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 03:00:59 +0000

Having had a memorable dinner cruise experience on Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, I know it would be a good idea to do the same in Chiang Mai. After all, Ping River is an important part of the city, separating the popular western side that includes the Old City, and the less visited eastern side.

From my research done on the Lenovo V470 laptop that I brought along on this trip, there are a few river cruise operators in Chiang Mai, including at least two that provide dinner on board. I quickly decide on The Riverside Bar & Restaurant, mainly due to their large variety of menu items and boats that don’t look too shabby. I placed a dinner reservation through email, to which the restaurant confirmed within a day.

The dinner cruise runs nightly with two boats plying the river. All passengers pay a fee of 110 baht each for the boat ride, and extra for food and drinks. Each boat accommodates about 40 diners — ten tables of 4 — and is even equipped with a toilet!

We board the boat at 7:15pm, then place our orders. There is an impressive galore of Thai dishes and a large selection for liquors and cocktails; this is a bar after all.

(Warning: Shoddy photos ahead. The boat is very dark except for some candles and a couple of dim ceiling lights!)

Stir fried chicken with basil leaves
95baht
Rating:

At any Thai restaurant, one of my must-order dishes is stir fried chicken with basil leaves. The minced chicken is extraordinarily tender, the flavours marvellously intense, totally tickling one’s taste buds. What a great way to start a Thai meal.

Spicy green curry with chicken
95baht
Rating:

By this time, I am dying for some authentic Thai green curry chicken. After having my expectations built up, this one turns out to be somewhat of a letdown. Sure, there are ample slices of chicken in it. But the curry is overly salty and lacks that balance between sweet and salty.

The Riverside special fried rice
115baht
Rating:

To go with the dishes, I highly recommend the “special” fried rice. This is a savoury combination of chicken, ham, sausage and pineapple, with a tinge of curry, and crowned with fried egg. The result is mouthwatering!

When placing our orders initially, we had deliberated over whether to get an additional dish. Turns out there’s no need for that as the portions are delivered with a generous hand.

All food and drinks are served promptly. By the 8pm departure time, most passengers have finished their food. Once the journey begins, all lights are switched off and the boat is pitch black except for the lone candle placed on each table.

The dinner cruise goes at a leisurely pace up north, drifting past riverside eateries and passing under bridges at times. Seen here is the iron bridge, which bears a resemblance to the famous bridge over River Kwai, more popularly known as the Death Railway in Kanchanaburi.

The journey lasts a little over the hour and gets quite chilly. You get to see what’s happening on both sides of the river — mainly stretches of music bars intersected by total darkness, and a surprising number of people fishing. At some point, the boat turns around and goes south, right past the dock, before heading back. Piece of advice: Pack a sweater and wear shoes! I made the mistake of having my feet clad in skimpy sandals and got bitten by pesky mosquitoes underneath the table.

If you have a couple of hours to spare in the evening, definitely go for the dinner cruise. It is an affordable and unique way to see the city of Chiang Mai.

Have Your Say!

What is your most memorable dining experience in Chiang Mai? Share with us in the comments!

The Riverside Bar & Restaurant
9-11 Charoenrat Road
Chiang Mai 50000
Thailand
Tel: +66 5324 3239 / +66 5324 6323 | Website

Boarding time: 7:15pm daily
Departure time: 8pm
Duration: 75 minutes
Admission: 110 baht per adult; 55 baht per child aged 5-10 years

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Red House Seafood Restaurant – Chinese New Year Goodies 2011

Veron Ang — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 03:00:11 +0000

With outlets at Robertson Quay and East Coast Park, you can enjoy waterfront dining at the Red House Seafood Restaurant. The restaurant’s catchy name is derived from its original location in a striking red colonial bungalow formerly located at Upper East Coast Road where it was established in 1976.

For Chinese New Year 2011, Red House is complementing its usual local seafood menu with a range of festive items.

Chrysanthemum tea jelly with diced water chestnuts
S$16.80++
Rating:

If you fancy something sweet, go for the chrysanthemum tea jelly with diced water chestnuts. This refreshing treat has a translucent appearance along with a light, pleasant tea fragrance. Embedded within the soft chrysanthemum tea jelly are chopped water chestnuts that give a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Also check out the nian gao (a Chinese New Year cake made of glutinous rice). It is made in the shape of a Koi fish, complete with vivid colours and realistic details.

Prosperity salmon yusheng
S$38++ for small / S$76++ for large
Rating:

For the most exciting part of a Chinese New Year meal, toss up the Prosperity salmon yusheng (raw fish salad). The yusheng has the usual staples of raw salmon, white radish, carrots, dried orange, pomelo bits, toasted sesame seeds, golden pillow crackers and more, accompanied by lime and plum sauces that lend much flavour to the multi-coloured salad.

‘Like’ Sparklette on Facebook and browse the entire Red House Chinese New Year Goodies 2011.

Yusheng Giveaway!

If your family is looking to lou hei at your reunion dinner, take part in the Sparklette yusheng giveaway. It is a really simple contest where you can win a set of the Red House yusheng. There are 3 sets to be given away, so join the yusheng giveaway now!

Red House Seafood Restaurant
Website | Facebook

East Coast Park outlet

East Coast Seafood Centre
1204 East Coast Parkway #01-05
Singapore 449882
Tel: +65 6442 3112

Operating hours:
5pm – 11:30pm (Mon – Fri)
11:30am – 11:30pm (Sat, Sun & Public Holidays)

Robertson Quay outlet

The Quayside
60 Robertson Quay #01-13/14
Singapore 238252
Tel: +65 6735 7666

Operating hours:
11:30am – 11:30pm (daily, including Public Holidays)

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Borgata Trattoria Osteria – Italian Dining at the Quay

Veron Ang — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 03:00:50 +0000

Clarke Quay is one of the first choices for party animals when it comes to a night out in Singapore. But let’s face it, when you want good food at affordable prices, the place is nobody’s first choice. Or so I thought.

The Italian restaurant, Borgata Trattoria Osteria, at The Cannery, offers decent food at decent prices. Take your pick from the menu which offers familiar Italian favourites such as pizzas and pastas, as well as a selection of main courses.

Alfresco seating allows for people-watching along the river, or you can sink into the cushy indoor seats, too.

Portobello
S$16++
Rating:

Our choice for the starter is the Portobello which, as an ingredient, never seems to go wrong. Stuffed with vegetables and ladled over with cheese sauce, juices ooze out as you bite into the succulent mushroom. And that’s not even the best part. The sauce is a winner — rich, creamy and delicious with mushroom bits. Oh, Mama Mia!

Borgata
S$22++
Rating:

As for the pizzas, there are classics like the Margherita (tomatoes, mozzarella and basil) and the namesake pizza that comes with a United Colours of Benetton mix of toppings (mozzarella, ham, capsicum, Porcini and Parmesan cheese). The pizza is excellent, with a thin crust so crispy that you will have no problem finishing everything up — all 8 slices of them!

You may wanna go easy on the red chilli pepper flakes though. They are flaming hot! Just a few specks are sufficient to make you wanna reach for that sparkling San Pellegrino. I kid you not!

Fusilli Porcini Gamberi Con Salsa Alla Zucca (sampling portion)
S$20++
Rating:

The fusilli with prawns and Porcini mushroom usually comes in pumpkin sauce, but the chef would be happy to switch it to tomato sauce if you prefer. The sauce is a tad tangy for me, although the sweetness of the plump prawns (neatly sliced along the sides so that the shells come off easily) helps to alleviate the tartness.

Tiramisu and profiterole (sampling portions)
S$9++ for each
Rating:

Do save some room for desserts. What kind of an Italian meal would this be without Tiramisu? The cake here is so light and airy, it practically melts in the mouth!

The profiterole is a delightful pastry puff, with chocolate coating on top and creamy milk chocolate at the centre.

Lava cake
S$9++
Rating:

The chocolate lava cake arrives in dramatic fashion. It is served in a ramekin, one of those porcelain cups used for baking. The staff would pour rum on top of it, then set it on fire. How’s that for a wow factor? Apart from the flaming drinks like Lamborghini and Waterfall, and the seafood platter at the Manhattan Fish Market, can you think of any more flaming drinks and dishes?

Unlike the regular chocolate fondant where only the core is filled with molten chocolate, the entire top half of the cake is gooey chocolate goodness! The portion is really ample, too. Throw in a cappuccino and I’m done!

Have Your Say!

What are the other restaurants worth checking out at Clarke Quay? Share with us in the comments!

Borgata Trattoria Osteria
Clarke Quay
Blk 3C River Valley Road, The Cannery #01-02
Singapore 179022
Tel: +65 6305 6723
Service:

Opening hours:
Mon, Tue & Thu: 6pm – 11pm
Wed, Fri & Sat: 6pm – 1am
(Closed on Sun)

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Café del Mar – Feast & Chill Out by the Beach

Veron Ang — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:24:04 +0000

Things are getting interesting at Café del Mar, one of Singapore’s hottest beach bars.

The restobar at Siloso Beach, Sentosa, has unveiled a brand new food menu with an extensive range of Mediterranean and international cuisine. Apart from sunbathing and sipping on a Mojito at the swim-up bar, you can now enjoy a sumptuous seafood meal while admiring a panoramic view of the sea.

Photo by Café del Mar

The indoor dining area is decked out in blue, white and pink. A huge bar counter dominates the centre of the restaurant, with the tables spilling outdoors by the kidney-shaped swimming pool.

Photo by Café del Mar

The menu features a selection of starters and salads followed by pastas and main courses such as baked Pacific dory.

Starters

Bruschetta
S$6++
Rating:

We start with a half dozen bruschettas. These are rather filling, with mozzarella cheese, chopped tomatoes and olive oil served atop grilled French loaf. Great when you need a quick bite!

Classic Caesar salad
S$12++
Rating:

The classic Caesar salad is a mix of bacon bits, croutons and romaine lettuce. We dig the delicious dressing and the toasted cubed croutons!

Pastas

Linguine Pescatora
S$20++
Rating:

I love a perfectly cooked pasta in a tomato-based sauce, so I find the Linguine Pescatora very enjoyable. Pescatora is Italian for “fisherman’s style”, which means that it is done just the way the fishermen like it, with chock full of seafood and a succulent, flavoursome tomato sauce. How very satisfying!

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with seafood
S$12++ (top up S$3 for ham, chicken or seafood)
Rating:

The spaghetti Aglio e Olio is cooked al dente, not too bland or overpoweringly garlicky. You can choose to add on ham, chicken or seafood. Check out the load of seafood that includes mussels, whole scallops, clams and prawns. Not bad at all!

Children aged 12 or below can order smaller portions of the pastas at half the price.

Mains

Baked Pacific dory
S$24++
Rating:

The chef’s specialty of baked Pacific dory is quite inventive. The fish arrives on a bed of mashed potato, drizzled with a garlic butter sauce and baked to perfection. The potato bears a slight hint of wasabi that lends some spice, yet is mild enough to not burn the nostrils. Coupled with the thick, tasty butter sauce, it is hard not to enjoy this dish. So it’s a good thing that it comes in a good-sized portion.

Marisco Paella
S$28++
Rating:

For something even more substantial, go for the Marisco Paella. In this Spanish rice dish, saffron rice is baked with seafood morsels and tomatoes. The rice is fragrant and savoury with herbs and spices.

Rib-eye steak
S$28++
Rating:

Meat lovers have the options of roast chicken, pork ribs, lamb chops or the rib-eye steak. A medium order of the steak turns out firm on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and drenched in a sweetish red wine sauce. Perhaps it is the chorus of delicious seafood before, we find this dish rather forgettable.

Cocktails

Bailey’s Comet
Rating:

Don’t forget to wash down all the goodies with one of Café del Mar’s signature cocktails!

Photo by Café del Mar

If you are yearning for a meal away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you now have a wonderful dining option right by the beach. Coming here at night would be even more memorable and enchanting, with the cool sea breeze and a resort-like setting under the stars.

Have Your Say!

Does dining by the beach appeal to you? Are there any more of such seaside restaurants that we should know about? Share with us in the comments!

Café del Mar
Sentosa
40 Siloso Beach Walk, Siloso Beach
Singapore 098996
Tel: +65 6235 1296 | Website | Menu
Service:

Opening hours:
Mon – Thur, Sun: 11am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 2am

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The Queen & Mangosteen – British Gourmet Pub

Veron Ang — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:29:06 +0000

Fish and chips is to the British what the burger is to Americans. At The Queen & Mangosteen British restobar in VivoCity, the deep-fried fishy dish is unsurprisingly the best-selling item. Unlike the traditional fish and chips, this dish comes with a twist. What is it? Read on to find out!

The first thing that strikes you about The Queen & Mangosteen is probably its memorable name. So how did it come about? There is a legend about Queen Victoria offering a reward of 100 pounds to anyone who could deliver to her the fresh fruit. Also, did you know that the mangosteen is known as the queen of fruits?

Photo by The Queen & Mangosteen

The next time you visit a British pub, don’t forget to check out its sign. You may notice that it is represented by pictures. In olden times, customers who were unable to read would recognise the establishments by these pictorial signs. That explains the prominence of the crown and the fruit in the logo!

Photo by The Queen & Mangosteen

The interiors here are just as charming. Seating is a choice between the indoor dining area, and an alfresco area by the sea with a view of the Resorts World Sentosa.

Photo by The Queen & Mangosteen

Apart from Queen, the other bars and restaurants along the same stretch, such as Brotzeit the German bar and Serenity the Spanish bar next door, also offer the same waterfront view.

Queen’s snapper fish & chips
S$24++
Rating:

Our main reason for coming here is to try out the much hyped Queen’s snapper fish and chips. The beer-battered fish is served with mesclun salad, a lemon wedge and tartar sauce. The twist lies in the sauce itself, which is yellow and curry-flavoured! It is very tasty, and goes delightfully well with the fish and chips.

Without the unique curry tartar sauce, the dish is otherwise quite ordinary. At that price, it would be nice if they offer a bigger portion than just two rather skimpy pieces of fish. So for now, I still prefer Fish & Co‘s cheese-stuffed fish and chips.

Photo by The Queen & Mangosteen

Still, I wouldn’t mind going back to The Queen. The drinks are priced more reasonably than the food. With the lovely ambience and sea view, it is a wonderful place for chilling out.

Have Your Say!

What is your favourite place for fish and chips? Share with us in the comments!

The Queen & Mangosteen
VivoCity
1 Habourfront Walk #01-106/107
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9380 | Website
Service:

Opening hours:
Sun – Thu: 11am – 11pm
Fri, Sat & PH Eve: 11am – 1am

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1 Twenty Six – Dining at the Coast

Veron Ang — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:01:30 +0000

How does live music, good food, and a cool Sea Breeze sound to you?

At 1 Twenty Six in East Coast Park, you can enjoy a meal and drinks while admiring a view of the sea and the ships in the distance. The dining arm of this restobar goes by the name Coast, offering a communal dining concept.

If this sounds familiar, that’s because its sister, Roast at One Rochester, first introduced this dining concept where parties of two or more can share a lovely meal together.

Apart from an indoor dining area, 1 Twenty Six is mostly a restaurant without walls. That means no air-conditioning, but you do get a nice sea breeze blowing in.

We love the tent canopy pavilion at One Rochester, and are pleased to see it here, too. With the surrounding foliage, outdoor pavilions and the sea nearby, this place boasts a resort-like ambience that makes a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Communal dining

The menu comprises entree platters, main courses, salads and desserts/cheeses.

Communal dining
S$70++ a person (minimum of 2)
View menu

Nibble Platter
Rating:

The Nibble Platter is an assortment of clams, cod brandade, soft shell crab, potato skins and Crudites (raw fresh vegetables).

The baby potato skins come with sour cream and ocean trout caviar. These are delightful!

The seafood items are even better. The soft shell crab is light and crispy, and goes perfectly with the chilli mayo dip. These steamed Vongole clams come with an interesting garlic and herb crumb. It’s the first time I have seen clams prepared this way, and they taste slightly sweet and delicious.

Grilled cod fillet
Rating:

To tie in with the seaside location, all the main courses are seafood. The grilled cod fillet is accompanied by a fresh fennel and blood orange salad. The boneless fillet tastes good drizzled with the sweet Beaujolais sauce, but is rather forgettable.

Spiced lamb shank
Rating:

For our other main course, the waitress allows us to go for the spiced lamb shank which is not on the communal dining menu. The meat is very tender and falls off the bone easily. The generous portion and the nice sauce makes this an extremely satisfying dish for meat lovers.

French fries, Broccolini and herb leaf salad
Rating:

Next comes the trio of French fries, Broccolini and herb leaf salad. These are not much to shout about, and kinda make me miss the cauliflower cheese gratin from One Rochester.

Artisan cheeses
Rating:

In the mood for some rich and moist cheese? End the meal with a platter of artisan cheeses served with muscat grapes. Alternatively, you can opt for the Grande Assiette, which is a selection of petite-sized desserts.

Fancy a drink or two?

Paul Jabolet Parallele 45 rosé wine / TWG Tea Bain de Rose
S$12++ a glass / S$8++ a cup

There is a nice selection of wines here. Ladies would like the Jabolet rosé wine that has a nice shade of salmon pink and tastes of berries.

For the TWG Tea, they are served in single cups rather than pots, which seems to contradict the whole idea of communal dining.

Have Your Say!

What do you think of coastal dining? Are there other restaurants you would recommend for dining by the sea? Share with us in the comments!

1 TwentySix
Playground @ Big Splash
902 East Coast Parkway #01-26
Singapore 449874
Tel: +65 6348 2126 | Website
Service:

Opening hours: 6:30 – 11pm daily, 10am – 3pm (Sunday brunch)

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The Fullerton Waterboat House – Dining Onboard the Boathouse

Veron Ang — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:14:58 +0000

Fancy dining on a boat? On this boat, you won’t get seasick.

Welcome to The Fullerton Waterboat House.

Credit

The building structure resembles the circular stern of a ship.

It is hard to miss this iconic building due to its eye-catching shape. Built in 1919, the Waterboat House was once occupied by the Port of Singapore Authorities to supply fresh water to ships anchored offshore. Today it is home to a few restaurants, including Boathouse, which serves modern European cuisine.

On invitation, we come by for a food-tasting session at this promising new restaurant. The dining area is small and cosy, perfect for an intimate meal. Being the history aficionados that we are, we find the old photographs of Singapore hanging on the walls, some which are browned with age, particularly intriguing.

Amuse-bouche
Rating:

We start with the amuse-bouche — a shot of sweet fruity blend with a dash of mint. It is the first time we have something this refreshing to start a meal. While it tastes very good in the thirst-quenching sort of way, it does not do much in prepping the taste buds. I personally feel that this works better as a dessert to end the meal on a sweet note.

Fish chowder
S$15++
Rating:

The signature fish chowder is one dramatic dish.

A striking white bowl arrives with a morsel of sea bass carpaccio at the centrum; the hot chowder is then administered by the server, cooking the fish right before our eyes.

Tagliatelle wild mushroom
S$19++
Rating:

While the tagliatelle wild mushroom is also a signature dish, we’re not too wild about this pasta. The portion is ample, with assorted wild mushrooms tossed in truffle cream sauce. It will probably appeal to mushroom fans. But for us, the salty flavour is a tad monotonous and gets tiresome after a while. Give us a plate of Aglio Olio over this anytime!

Braised Wagyu beef ribs
S$33++
Rating:

What impresses is the braised beef ribs, soaked in a flavoursome aged red wine jus that complements the meat very well. The ribs are juicy, meaty and saucy, while the slices of poached pear on the side provide a nice reprieve.

White chocolate semifreddo
S$15++
Rating:

Our dessert arrives as a duo of white chocolate semifreddo and fruit compote. We are fans of white chocolate AND gelato, so it is easy to like this semi-frozen dessert. The fruit, not so much though.

While there are some hits and misses with this meal, the unique location of Boathouse is a clear winner.

Rooftop bar

The Boathouse operates a rooftop bar that goes by the name Prelude.

The bar opens only at night. At this prime location, you get a magnificent view of the river and the surrounding landmarks. Another place that offers an equally spectacular view is Forlino, the Italian restaurant across the road.

Have Your Say!

Where is the most unique place you have ever dined at? Share with us in the comments!

Boathouse
The Fullerton Waterboat House
3 Fullerton Road #03-01
Singapore 049215
Tel: +65 6538 9038 | Website
Service:

Opening hours:
Lunch – Monday to Friday, 12noon – 2pm
Dinner – Monday to Saturday, 6:30pm – 11pm
Brunch – Sunday, 11am – 3pm

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Forlino – Dining with a Scenic Waterfront View

Veron Ang — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:18:13 +0000

If you’re looking for a restaurant to celebrate an anniversary or Valentine’s Day, Forlino at One Fullerton is just the place for you.

Picture this: The two of you are enjoying a wonderful dinner. The panoramic view of the illuminated skyline, the Singapore Flyer and the Marina Bay Sands integrated casino resort are spread out before your eyes. Soft ambient music plays in the background while you and your sweetheart sip on red wine into the night. Picture perfect?

This is why we feel Forlino is one of the most romantic places to dine in Singapore.

Credit

Designed by JP Concept, the same interior design firm behind eateries like il Lido and Claypot Fun, the decor here is done in the quaint Victorian style. Walls in baby blue with gold rims line the corridor leading up to the dining area.

Credit

Floor-to-ceiling glass panels offer a stunning view of the surrounding Marina Bay and Esplanade area, undoubtedly Singapore’s most photographed skyline.

Valentine’s Day Dinner

Check out their Valentine’s Day dinner promotion for 2010.

Valentine’s Day dinner
S$128++ a person
February 12 – 14, 2010
2 seatings: 6pm – 8:15pm; 8:30pm onwards

View menu

The Valentine’s Day dinner comprises 6 courses, including a choice of main course. We food-taste all the dishes and here’s the scoop on what you can expect.

Focaccia

The Italian flat bread Focaccia is first served, lightly salted and brushed with olive oil.

Amuse-bouche (Scallop carpaccio)
Rating:

The Amuse Bouche (love the way it’s pronounced!) is a dish of razor-thin slices of scallop soaked in a tangy and salty sauce, topped with Osetra caviar and a hot pink berry sauce on the side. This one really wakes up your taste buds for more to come.

Jumbo crab salad
Rating:

One of my favourite items on the menu is the Jumbo crab salad. Shreds of succulent crab meat sit on a bed of rocket leaves with cantaloupe sauce around. It should easily become a crowd favourite.

If you love crab meat, you can check out another restaurant’s take on the Alaskan King Crab in the form of Chinese Yu Sheng.

Beetroot cake with Robiola cheese fondue
Rating:

What follows next is beetroot cake. Our first thought is, oh how cute! The texture is dense and rich, thicker than mousse. Nice colour, too. The little yellow flower on top provides the icing on the cake. This is one of the few edible flowers around. Does anyone know what is the name of this flower?

Interestingly, the moat of Robiola cheese fondue is made from the milk of three animals: sheep, goat and cow.

To be frank, this is rather heavy on the palates and I’m surprised it is served so early in the meal, especially with a pasta following right after.

Squid ink tagliolini
Rating:

I am most looking forward to the squid ink pasta, which is perhaps the most novel item on the menu. Squid ink gives me a little high. Whether it is pasta or pizza, squid ink lends it that unusual look and actually tastes good at the same time, even if it makes your mouth as black as Tia Dalma‘s from Pirates of the Caribbean.

The squid ink pasta here is served with tagliolini (made in-house) with sea urchin sauce and the sweetest cherry tomatoes. Praba, the assistant manager, explains that the squid ink is added while the pasta is being made rather than after. This way, the ink does not stain the teeth, and you will still look attractive to your valentine. The downside is that the natural seafood flavour is somewhat diminished.

Black cod fillet with asparagus and Sicilian Blood Orange sauce
Rating:

For the main course, you get to choose between fish or beef. The fish comes in the form of a chunky black cod fillet, served with asparagus and Sicilian Blood Orange sauce. The sauce is light, almost foamy, with a sweet and mellow taste to it.

Angus Prime beef tenderloin with goose liver
Rating:

The other option is the Angus Prime beef tenderloin. This comes with goose liver on the side, and a wonderfully sweet and rich red Port Wine sauce. Personally I feel it is quite a waste to serve this dish to someone like myself as I can appreciate neither good beef nor foie gras. I really like the sauce though.

Strawberry & yogurt mousse with peppermint chocolate sauce
Rating:

Mamma Mia! Look at that! The strawberry and yogurt mousse dessert is the highlight of the meal. Every part of it is meticulously done up to look gorgeous. And there’s that edible flower again. What’s its name?

Scattered around are little pink and chocolate candies that taste like Nerds candy. The two intersecting hearts perfectly sum up what the night is about. Of course, we spend about ten minutes oohing and ahhing over it before wolfing it down, nerds and flower and all.

Coffee & petit four
Rating:

To round up the sumptuous and very filling meal, coffee and petit fours are served.

Have Your Say!

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

What is your ideal way of spending Valentine’s Day? Share your romantic ideas in the comments section!

(Hint: If you’re celebrating Chinese New Year, you may wish to check out the festive dishes at the seafood restaurant, also at One Fullerton.)

Forlino
One Fullerton
1 Fullerton Road #02-06
Singapore 049213
Tel: +65 6877 6995 | Website | Regular menu | Valentine’s Day menu
Service:

Bus services: 10, 57, 70, 75, 97, 100, 107, 10E, 128, 130, 131, 162, 167, 196, 700, 97E, NR2, NR5, NR7, NR8, 196E
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place

Opening hours: 12noon – 2.30pm, 6:30pm – 10pm daily

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Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant – Celebrate Chinese New Year with Seafood

Veron Ang — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:49:43 +0000

Where would you be dining this Chinese New Year? Do you fancy having great seafood and customary festive goodies with wonderful-sounding names like “好事发财” or “步步高升” that taste as good as they sound? Welcome to Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant.

For more than half a century, the restaurant has been serving delicacies from the sea. From their first home at East Coast to their present premises at the scenic and tourist-favorite One Fullerton, the restaurant has evolved with the times, bringing innovative dishes to our seafood-loving population.

During this most important Chinese festival of the year, you can enjoy an array of festive dishes here with your loved ones or colleagues.

Alaskan King Crab Yusheng 鱼生
S$58++ / 88++
Rating:

The Yusheng (raw fish salad) has become quite a staple for this occasion. Here’s a very good write-up on the history and tradition behind it. Typically eaten as an appetiser, this is the one dish that would usually elicit the most oohs and ahhs at the table.

A kaleidoscope of colours is created from the various types of shredded ingredients that include red pepper, carrots, ginger, chopped peanuts, vegetables, jellyfish and raw salmon amongst others. Over here, it even comes with pitaya (dragon fruit) slices! By the way, did you know that this fruit comes from a cactus plant?

To up the posh factor you can even have shredded Alaskan King Crab or lobster added to your salad. The crab meat is extremely succulent and sweet. What a great way to pamper oneself!

And that’s the aforementioned majestic Alaskan King Crab. Executive Chef Andy Lau (yes, exactly like the Hong Kong starlet) amusingly informs us that at times, the crab manages to make its escape out of the tank! I don’t know about you, but I sure wouldn’t want a mega-huge crab like that to be freely crawling ’round my feet!

Amazingly, the Alaskan King Crab is nowhere near as big as the Japanese Spider Crab.

The Japanese Spider Crab is the largest crab in the world, boasting a leg span of almost 4 meters!

Oysters with Prosperity vegetables 好事发财
S$48++ / 68++
Rating:

The Chinese, as a group, like to hear auspicious sayings and anything that sounds remotely like an auspicious saying. So when you have a dish with a name like 好事发财 (good fortune), we lap it up like crazy. Can you tell why oysters + black sea moss = 好事发财?

What intrigues me the most is the black sea moss. While this is apparently a very common ingredient in Chinese dishes, I have never had it in my life! My Mom never cooks it because it “looks gross”. Really, this peculiar vegetable (or weed) from the sea looks just like human hair! Or as the Cantonese would call it, “Fatt Choy!”

Taste-wise, the hair-like moss actually goes down very well. It suffices to say that I like it. Apparently it doesn’t make an appearance aside from Chinese New Year, just like the God of Prosperity.

Nian Gao (Chinese New Year cakes) 步步高升
S$18++ / 28++
Rating:

Next, we have the Nian Gao that have just the cutest Mandarin name of all: 步步高升! What this means in English is, uh, improving step by step? Can someone offer a better translation? Basically, the 高 character sounds exactly like pastry in Chinese.

The “small” portion comes with a dozen pieces of the pastry evenly divided between deep-fried or coated in coconut shavings. Both are yummy but our favourite is the deep-fried one.

Rather than being wholly Nian Gao, it also features a layer of yam and a layer of sweet potato. This way, it does not get too cloyingly sweet. Yum!

Have Your Say!

As you may already know, two important occasions happen to be on the same day this year. We’re curious to know: which would you be celebrating?

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

Do you intend to dine in style at a fancy restaurant this Chinese New Year, or would you prefer a quiet reunion dinner at home? What are your must-have food during this time of the year? Share with us in the comments!

(Hint: If you are still racking your brain on where to bring your sweetheart this Valentine’s, check out our review of an Italian Valentine’s Day dinner!)

Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant
One Fullerton
1 Fullerton Road #01-09
Singapore 049213
Tel: +65 6336 8118 | Website

Bus services: 10, 57, 70, 75, 97, 100, 107, 10E, 128, 130, 131, 162, 167, 196, 700, 97E, NR2, NR5, NR7, NR8, 196E
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place

Opening hours: 12noon – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 11pm daily

View the original article and join the discussion at:
http://sparklette.net/food/palm-beach-seafood-restaurant/ | 12 comments

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