(Update on July 20, 2009: this outlet at Tiong Bahru Plaza has closed, while the Wheelock Place outlet still remains. As some of you may be interested in patronising the restaurant, I am providing the address for the remaining outlet.)

Like Sakae Sushi that offers sushi at affordable prices, you can choose from a large selection of inexpensive pasta here, as well as burgers and the thin Japanese pizza.

It’s a good idea to check out the restaurant during weekdays from 11:30am to 3pm, when you can take advantage of their $13.95++ set lunch promotion that comes with a soup, pasta and drink. Look what I got!

Chili Soft-Shell Crab Pasta (Set lunch)
SGD13.95 (includes soup, pasta and drink)++

It’s the delicious soft-shell crab pasta (that would otherwise cost $15.90, which is still affordable)! Even for the low price, the restaurant certainly doesn’t skimp on the portion. I got a full-sized crispy soft-shell!

The pasta is done a la Singapore chili crab style, with the same sweet and spicy chili gravy. I guess this is yet another rendition of fusion food — Japanese and Singaporean! It’s my first time having chili soft-shell crab. And on paper, it certainly looks like a yummy combo.

On my first mouthful, I found the gravy to be more salty than sweet. But soon enough I found myself slurping down the sauce-laced spaghetti hungrily, leaving none behind! The sauce is very delicious!

One minor pet peeve that I do have is that the waiter neglected to ask for my choice of pasta, despite the availability of three types of pasta (spaghetti, linguini, or penne) to select from. It’s no biggie for me though; I would have gone with spaghetti anyway, which I guess is the default option for the restaurant. But I know of people who swear by linguini that would certainly not be happy about this.

Cream of Corn Soup

The soup of the day was cream of corn (some say the proper term is corn cream). When I drank the soup I liked it immediately. It’s sweet and savory, though not nearly smooth enough as I could still taste the kernels. But that’s just my preference.

For the drink included in the set lunch, you can choose from coffee, tea or green tea. The iced tea that I went for was too syrupy sweet!

While we’re on the subject of wafuu pasta, I’ve noticed an increasing number of restaurants offering mentaiko pasta. Even my favorite café tcc is offering it!

Have you tried mentaiko pasta before? What is it like? Let me know what you think! I’m tempted to go find out for myself too.

The Pasta Shop by Sakae
Wheelock Place
501 Orchard Road #02-03/14
Singapore 238880
(65) 6836 5123
Service:

Posted by Veron in Dining category | Japanese, Orchard Road, pasta, Wheelock Place

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Ambience-wise, this place is definitely top notch. It spans a spacious three units with seats that range from regular dining chairs and lounges, to counter seats and small café tables. We were seated at this table with an L-shaped bench and comfy cushions, separated from the next table by a translucent grainy curtain. Due to the odd bench, I wasn’t facing my dinner partner throughout.

The signature dishes offered here include the kamameshi, which is traditional steamed seasoned rice pot. In the local context, this is rather similar to our claypot rice. It is served steamily hot. The little hourglass on top supposedly indicates when we may lift off the wooden lid to start our meal. Rather gimmicky in my opinion, but I did like the cute little widget.

Unagi & Asagi Kamameshi (Grilled Eel & Clam)
SGD16.50++

The unagi was tender and soft, lightly drizzled in teriyaki sauce. While I did like the unagi, I wish they had been more generous with their serving. As I dug to the bottom of the aluminium pot using my chopsticks, I realised to my chagrin that most of the pot was filled up with rice! The clams also seemed slightly chewy and overcooked.

The star of the night has to be the dessert. Japanese put a lot of thought into aesthetic value. Hence it is no surprise the desserts look great! A must-have to give the meal a sweet finishing would be one of their colorful parfaits.

Marron Chocolate Parfait
SGD9.80++

The marron chocolate parfait makes one delightful dessert. It consists of many different layers that come in a tall glass tinged in blue. Topped with chocolate whipped cream and a yummy white chocolate candy stick, the parfait is made of sinful chocolate ice cream sprinkled with yellow Japanese chestnuts. What makes this dessert most unusual is its bottom layers of chocolate sponge cake and crunchy cornflakes. One of the best around!

Compared to its counterparts, the sun with moon Japanese dining & café charges slightly astronomical prices considering its food portions. Probably part of the costs goes into the presentation of the food. Despite our peculiar seating arrangement, the ambience and designer layout gave me a good feeling, with the delicious parfait ultimately sealing my overall great impression of this place.

Sun with Moon Japanese Dining & Café
501 Orchard Road
#03-15/16/17 Wheelock Place Singapore 238880
(65) 6733 6636
Service:

September 3, 2006: following this review, I was asked to give my opinion on Japanese desserts and, as a result, was quoted in the Sunday Times.
February 3, 2007: My list of Best (& Worst) Restaurants in Singapore for 2006
- Nominated for “Best Ambience”

Posted by Veron in Dining category | Japanese, Orchard Road, Wheelock Place

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http://sparklette.net/food/sun-with-moon-japanese-dining-cafe/ | 14 comments

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