The value of this Cantonese congee stall is that the workers are not stingy with their condiments in their food. More so, the amount of chicken pieces I get from the chicken congee was bounteous.
The Yu Sheng, or raw fish (Chinese Style Sashimi) was also fresh and plentiful for a $2 portion.
Mixed well with the generous helping of sesame, spring onion, ginger, garlic, and a drizzle of lime juice, you have the perfect supplement for your congee.
You can view more photos and other reviews @ His Food Blog.
It is often said a great movie is often due to its main lead, and how often the supporting cast is often neglected. However, in a particular kopitiam tucked at the corner near Kallang MRT Station, both the main lead and supporting cast gained from the wonderful partnership.
At Jalan Sultan Prawn Mee off Geylang Lor 1, every Sunday afternoon is a battleground in the kopitiam. Finding a table for 4 is at least a 10-15 mins affair, and waiting for the noodles to appear on your table is at least another good 45 mins.
So being a smart foodie like any other Singaporeans, I suggested ordering a plate of Wu Xiang, the only other stall in the kopitiam, while waiting for the noodles to come. But since everyone else thought about it, the Wu Xiang took as long to arrive as the noodles.
In fact, my serving of Wu Xiang came after we were midway through with our noodles. The Noodles despite the long wait was however worth it. My bowl of Prawn Beehoon & Mee Soup with Pork Ribs, along with the generous serving of fried lard and chilli powder was a perfect combination.
The usage of the thicken version of Bee Hoon (Author’s note: NOT Chor Bee Hoon) was also a brilliant move, as the normal thinner ones tend to suck the soup dry, considering there wasn’t much to start of with.
You can view more photos and other reviews @ His Food Blog.
After a rave review by the popular food blogger, Dr Leslie Tay, of ieatishootipost, I could not resist to find out about this particular stall located at Cambridge Road Food Centre, also known to many as Pek Kio. Those who have read his blog would realise that it is hard to come by that he would dished out a rating of 4.75 out of 5 on any particular stall, but Wah Kee Prawn Noodles has the such accolade.
Formerly located at Farrer Park, the secret to their prawn noodle lies in the soup. Described as “that unique taste you get in Lobster Bisque” and “(the) extract of crustacean shell and all the stuff in the head” by Leslie, the soup is really different from that of many, including Jalan Sultan Prawn Mee, which I have blogged before. Their soup is not as salty and much “cloudy” – due to the essence of the prawns.
And if you are really into this prawn makan business, go ahead and try the $10 serving.
The boss guaranteed that the prawns are freshly catch everyday and man are they HUGE!!!
Personally, I felt that the soup has the “punch” but a bit saltier would be excellent. However, the good thing about eating at Pek Kio is that it is not so crowded during lunchtime and there are always tables available.
You can view more photos and other reviews @ His Food Blog.
Once stood the famous makan icon in Singapore…the Esplanade Satay Club – the breezily located Makansutra Gluttons Bay offers plenty of local food galore. And among them stood one of my favourite ‘Ou Luak’, or Fried Oyster Omelette Stall – Hup Kee (Orchard).
This stall started off in the 70's at the famous Orchard Carpark night hawkers and now operates two outlets, the other being at the Newton Hawker Centre. What is so amazing about their dish as compared to others is that the eggs and the sweet potato flour are somehow done crispier, and less oily, which sources revealed is based on a 40-year-old recipe. I personally also found the eggs to be rather fluffy inside which gives it an excellent bite.
You will also find a good number of fresh, succulent and plump Korean Oysters served on top with a sprinkling of freshly cut coriander and spring onions. The chilli sauce that comes alongside is also tangy and very addictive. Standard of the dish is consistent, as I have since gone back a couple of times and definitely value for money! A must try every time I am around the vicinity.
You can view more photos and other reviews @ His Food Blog.
A quaint, tranquil neighbourhood nestled in the course of lush greenery off Portsdown Road, Wessex Estate is a colonial-style residential area with charming black-and-white houses.
As a unique heritage area in one-north, Wessex Estate is slated for development into a creative enclave in the years to come while preserving a haven of old world charm.
And it is at the converted ex-Judo Federation Clubhouse at Wessex Village Square that you will find Pietrasanta, The Italian Restaurant – named after a town on the coast of northern Tuscany in Italy.
Opened by Jennifer Tan and her husband, Loris Massimini, an experience Italian chef who honed his skills in Italy and Singapore, this restaurant will be officially opened on Saturday, 12th April. One of the things I like about this place is the simplicity of the décor and furnishing. Diners have a choice of sitting in the spacious dinning area inside or dine al fresco outside the courtyard.
For a start, we were given Home-made Breads and Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinaigrette to dip with. The bread was well flavoured with herbs though I preferred them to come hot instead of served cold.
For appetisers, we started off with the Carpaccio Di Manzo Con Grana Padano E Ruccola, or Thinly Sliced Beer Tenderloin with Rocket Salad and Shaved Parmesan with Lemon and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dressing. I mentioned here before that I am a huge fan of rocket salad and shaved Parmesan (not powder, or thin strips but SHAVED!), but even with biasness aside; this is one of the best rendition I have ever tried. The beef was very fresh and the lemon and olive oil dressing harmonise with a refreshing sensation to this dish. Serving was also generous at $15.90.
The other appetiser we had that evening was the Saute Di Cozzae Al Pomodoro Fresco, or Black Mussels in White Wine and Fresh Tomatoes ($18.00). This is another dish I find it irresistible – in fact I preferred this version much better to the tomatoes-based Chilli Mussels one finds in Perth. The mussels were fully infused with the wine, thus enhancing the sweetness of the meat, and the tomatoes add a lovely sourness touch to it. However either due to overcooking or me taking my time to capture the perfect shot, some meat from the mussels actually shrunk to a pathetic size – nevertheless, the serving was still ample for the both of us.
Risotto Ai Porcini, or Italian Risotto with Porcini Mushrooms ($19.90) was my choice for main and was it excellent! The risotto was satisfactorily done al dente and the grains came fully flavoured of the mushrooms that produce a pleasant nutty taste with a smooth and not too overbearing aftertaste. Somehow, I also like the texture of the onions in the dish, which produces a delightful crunch with every bite.
My friend picked the Gnocchi Di Patate Con Salsa Al Gorgonzola, or Home-made Potato Gnocchi tossed with Blue Cheese Sauce ($18.90). I am not a big fan of gnocchi to be honest, what’s more one mixed with potato, as I often find them too filling for consumption but I have to comment that the sauce is pungently brilliant! One would either love it or hate it – and as for me, I simply love it.
For desserts, we felt we have to order the Tiramisu ($8.90), since no restaurant will dare to proclaim themselves as an Italiano Ristorante if their tiramisu isn’t any good. The classic dessert was good, though not the best I have tried, with the cream well whipped and the biscuit soaked in just the right amount of liquor.
The Semifreddo Cioccolato Bianco e Muscato, or White Chocolate and Muscato Wine Parfait ($8.90) though was disappointing. The only blemish of the night – the frozen custard was icy and difficult to scoop – my guess is that it was over-chilled. We also couldn’t make known of the wine in this dessert and the almonds sprinkled over was too overbearing for this light dessert. The only thing I like about this is that it wasn’t too sweet.
Overall this meal was truly satisfying and I will definitely be back for their Home-made Ravioli and their meat dishes. Also know it from me that given time, I foresee this place to be a hit in town – so make your way down before it gets too crowded.
You can view more photos and other reviews @ His Food Blog.
Have always wanted to try Astons but the queue at Katong and Serangoon Gardens made us decide to eat somewhere else. So when they opened a branch at Bedok, it seemed like it was time to start queuing. The queue was not that long (I was like 6th in the queue) and it was moving. Waiting time was about 12 min after ordering so it was acceptable (for dining in a coffee shop).
Prime Ribeye Steak ($11.90) was done medium well. Redness was present and meat was tender and easily chewable which was what we were looking for in medium well. Fries and onion rings were served hot and in distinguishable pieces. Onion rings looked slightly burnt but I guess it could be due to the overused oil. :)
Pork Chop ($8.50) was served with mashed potatoes and garden veggies. Nothing much to say about the pork chops except that the portion was pretty generous with 2 large pieces. Average tasting.
Now I start to wonder why there is a queue in the first place. The food tasted average with nothing to shout about. Perhaps its because I did not order the most expensive prime cut? haha. I am not sure. But paying $25.90 for a plate of steak in a coffee shop is not something common. Unless eating zi char....but that is a different story.
Have you tried the new Japanese selection at Pastamania? If you're looking for value for money and yummilicious pasta (and pizzas), head on down to Pastamania!
There's currently 6 Japanese style pasta available. But I heard, soon they'll be releasing new choices and also the pizzas! (Psss... the Unagi pizzas is very good! MUST TRY!)
I managed to try 2 of their current offerings... the Unagi Pasta and the Tako Pasta.
Unagi Pasta ($10.90) - pasta choice Fettucini This is cooked with Unagi (Eel), onions and lightly spiced up with chilli padi, top with seaweed flakes. If you're a fan of unagi and spicy pasta, this one is a die-die-must-try pasta! The Unagi pasta is flavorful and spiced up to the right level. After one mouthful of it, you'll just want to have more.
Tako Pasta ($10.90) - pasta choice Penne Octopus and garlic tossed in olive oil, drizzled with tonkatsu sauce and Japanese mayo topped with bonito flakes. This one is for the Tako lovers! (Like me!) First look at the serving, it reminded me of those tako balls you can get almost everywhere, but instead this is served with pasta. They are very generous with the amount of tako used. The fragrance is enough to tempt any hungry soul when you mixed the entire bowl of pasta, tako, sauces and bonito flakes.
Between the two, although I'm a tako lover, I would order the Unagi Pasta again the next time I go. Cause its spicy and more flavorful. Anyone wants to join me for Pastamania when they launch the new menu with the Japanese pizzas? :P
Had dinner at taste Paradise, an upmarket offering by the Paradise Group of Restaurants, which also owns and operates the popular Seafood Paradise at Defu Lane and the Singapore Flyer. Opened less than 2 years ago, it has made it to the Straits Times top 100 restaurants as well as garnered rave reviews from magazines and forums.
Hidden along a row of shophouses along Mosque Street in the traditional Chinatown area, Taste paradise sets itself apart with its classy glass facade. Through the doors onto the lighted walkway that leads up to the dining area, the interior oozes chic in a very subtle way. The dining area is divided into a few sections by means of partitions in which there are a couple of tables and a captain to oversee each section. Heavily carpeted floors coupled with a low ceiling and a rather limited floor area meant that conversation tones had to be kept to a low for fear of disturbing the other customers (not that we did though).
XO Carrot Cake - One of Taste Paradise's signature dishes, the humble XO carrot cake. It honestly wasn't impressive when served, looking more like your usual stir fried rendition from the hawker centre than a $7 plate of carrot cake. But pop a piece into your mouth and you will understand why it is truly one of the signature dishes. Chunky yet smooth and soft carrot cake with a discernible wok hei taste fried with beansprouts, egg, Chinese sausages and other condiments. Lightly spicy and sweet and not to mention fragrant. Nothing short of excellent.
Combination of Pan Seared Foie Gras, Wasabi Mayonnaise Prawn and Slice of Beijing Duck with Condiments - I was actually wondering how did foie gras get onto the menu and initially skeptical if a Chinese restaurant could pull it off. Just for the record, Taste Paradise is a Chinese fusion restaurant, which explains why foie gras is listed on the menu. As for my initial skepticisms, they were unfounded. The foie gras was very good, crisp on the outside yet soft, quivery and smooth on the inside. No overwhelming taste or sediments.
The wasabi mayonnaise prawn was quite good as well, with the wasabi not overpowering and the prawns fresh and crunchy. I personally liked it together with the watermelon as the sweetness from the watermelon permeated through.
The only bummer was the peking duck which didn't seem memorable. Sure the skin was crispy but the crepe tasted bland and limp.
Double Boiled Superior Shark's Fin with Dried Conpoy in Traditional Beijing Broth accompanied with Bacon Onion Roll - Another recommended dish, the shark's fin soup, was served up in a pre heated Japanese stone pot which can remain hot for 20 minutes, thus ensuring that the soup remains hot till the last drop. The fins were decent and plentiful while the soup was flavourful and thick. A little too starchy and heavy on the vinegar though, which made it a little sharp. The bacon and onion roll was crispy but other than the novelty, didn't seem to complement the dish very well. On a side note, there are 3 variations in prices for the shark's fin. $38, $58 and $68 (which isn't on the menu). You get what you pay for. The quality of the fins improve as the prices tend upwards.
Braised Homemade Beancurd with Shredded Scallop and Japanese Mushroom - Tofu has always been a staple at most of my Chinese dinners and this one was no exception. The tofu was very smooth and silky but the skin was a tad too hard and it lacked the smokey savoury taste that I personally like. Even the sauce was rather bland. And for $6 a person, it was 1 piece of tofu each.
Spinach Fried with Garlic - The low point of our meal, the quintessential vegetable dish. Very average tasting but at least the diced garlic was fried till golden brown, which gave the vegetables a nice slightly crunchy texture.
Szechuan Style Roasted Chicken with Homemade Crispy Crumbs - We ordered this on the recommendation of the captain and also because it sounded interesting. Honestly the only interesting part was the crispy crumbs, which I believe were rice crisps. They were coated with a Szechuan sauce which gave them a myriad of flavours - sweet, sour and spicy, all in one tasting. The roasted chicken didn't taste out of the ordinary but the execution was commendable. Crispy skin with moist and tender meat.
Mashed Taro with Almond Cream Served in Fresh Coconut - My dessert and no, it wasn't complimentary (only chilled desserts were accorded that privilege). Its the first time I've seen mashed taro or Orh Nee served up in a coconut and predictably, the coconut smell was very strong. Not that it mattered anyway as there wasn't a hint of coconut taste in both the almond cream and mashed taro. I usually don't like almond cream but this one wasn't too strong on the almond taste which suited me just fine. The mashed taro was smooth and not too sweet but more interestingly, it contained bits of chestnut, which added a nice crunchy texture and is used predominantly used in Teochew cooking. The only gripe was that the taro was a little too sticky and I had problems licking if off my spoon. Oh and there's the almost exorbitant price as well ($6.50).
An excellent dinner for 5 set us back by about $454, which is really quite steep. However I'll be the first to admit that food quality is top notch and so is the personalised service extended by the captain and his team. I can see why Taste Paradise is rated as one of the top restaurants in Singapore. And I agree.
Situated on the 1st level of Bukit Timah Plaza is this eatery with unique selection of taiwanese delicacies.
What do we like about this place?
1. Friendly staff - Service seems to be their top priority. The boss is very particular about not letting customers wait longer than they are suppose to wait. Hence the food is served pretty fast inspite of the lunch crowd. 2. Chilli - Why chilli? This chilli is super hot but nice. Everytime they serve this chilli, they will explain to the customer that it is very hot. So customers are prepared for it. Even my friend who takes spicy food in abundance agrees that it is hot hot hot. 3. Freshness - We ate here twice and both times we find freshness in the ingredients and food. 4. Price - Price is reasonable between $6 to $9 for a main dish. Portions are also reasonably large enough.
What did we try?
1. Boiled dumpling - Upon ordering, they mention that it takes about 10min to prepare. When it arrived piping hot, we can taste the freshness of the ingredients used, especially the prawns. 2. Fish Ganache with Rice - The fish is freshly fried and you can tell that it was not re-fried as done in some other places. 3. Taiwanese Curry Rice - Something like Japanese Curry, Taiwanese curry is also not that spicy. Tasted fine to us and the pieces of meat were done just right. 4. Yam and pumpkin paste - Or nee with pumpkin, what a different combination but a nice one. The yam paste was silky smooth and not too thick. It was not too sweet which was acceptable to the other half.
Why no smelly toufu?
The boss mentioned that he is not able to get approval for it as the smell might drive the neighbours crazy.
Recommended for a simple, no frills Taiwanese experience.
Looking for a place to relax and do nothing? We found this quiet little spot in Bintan in a place called Yasin Bungalow. It is a row of 7 water bungalows, yes, rooms strategically located above the sea shore, right on the beach. So while you are in your room you can hear waves hitting the shore right below your room....just perfect.
Unlike a kelong, the water is clean and the beach is just awesome and did I say, private. So only hotel guest will have access to the beach. And with 7 water bungalows and 7 other beach front villas, how many guest can you have at one time? not more than 20. So this is really a private place to get away and relax...
Of course there is much to do here. Many who come here are expats who work in Singapore. We met 6 from US, 1 from Japan and many Koreans....no Singaporeans in sight...as all of them are at the other resorts like the mana mana, etc. haha.
Here is what we like about the place:-
1. Rooms. Each has a private balcony. No aircon. So natural seabreeze and the breeze blows 24 hours non-stop.
2. Meditative and relaxing sounds of water lapping gently against the shores. Just pure relaxation music in real live surround sound.
3. Food. Even in this isolated place, the local food served is sufficient to whet the tastebuds.
4. Price. One night is $35 per room. No mistake.
5. Nothingness to do. Haha, for once in your life, you will be able to get a headace thinking of what to do.
6. Friendly Staff - Always smiling and attentive.
So what can you do here?
1. Nothing
2. Read your favourite book or novel
3. Write your life story
4. Eat and Eat
5. Sleep and sleep
6. Swim
7. Walk to the next island (during low tide)
8. Water sports (canoeing, banana boat)
9. Hike
10. Cycle
11. Take lots of photos
12. Study for your exams
How to get here?
Take a ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Tanjung Pinang (2 hours). From TP, transfer by land to the resort (1 hour). In 3 hours, you will be in your secluded spot in the middle of nowhere thinking of what to do.
Will visit the place again before stress levels hit an all time high.
1=SGD 0.0587
The value of this Cantonese congee stall is that the workers are not stingy with their condiments in their food. More so, the amount of chicken pieces I get from the chicken congee was bounteous.
The Yu Sheng, or raw fish (Chinese Style Sashimi) was also fresh and plentiful for a $2 portion.
Mixed well with the generous helping of sesame, spring onion, ginger, garlic, and a drizzle of lime juice, you have the perfect supplement for your congee.
You can view more photos and other reviews @ His Food Blog.
Rating given:
It is often said a great movie is often due to its main lead, and how often the supporting cast is often neglected. However, in a particular kopitiam tucked at the corner near Kallang MRT Station, both the main lead and supporting cast gained from the wonderful partnership.
At Jalan Sultan Prawn Mee off Geylang Lor 1, every Sunday afternoon is a battleground in the kopitiam. Finding a table for 4 is at least a 10-15 mins affair, and waiting for the noodles to appear on your table is at least another good 45 mins.
So being a smart foodie like any other Singaporeans, I suggested ordering a plate of Wu Xiang, the only other stall in the kopitiam, while waiting for the noodles to come. But since everyone else thought about it, the Wu Xiang took as long to arrive as the noodles.
In fact, my serving of Wu Xiang came after we were midway through with our noodles. The Noodles despite the long wait was however worth it. My bowl of Prawn Beehoon & Mee Soup with Pork Ribs, along with the generous serving of fried lard and chilli powder was a perfect combination.
The usage of the thicken version of Bee Hoon (Author’s note: NOT Chor Bee Hoon) was also a brilliant move, as the normal thinner ones tend to suck the soup dry, considering there wasn’t much to start of with.
You can view more photos and other reviews @ His Food Blog.
Rating given:
After a rave review by the popular food blogger, Dr Leslie Tay, of ieatishootipost, I could not resist to find out about this particular stall located at Cambridge Road Food Centre, also known to many as Pek Kio. Those who have read his blog would realise that it is hard to come by that he would dished out a rating of 4.75 out of 5 on any particular stall, but Wah Kee Prawn Noodles has the such accolade.
Formerly located at Farrer Park, the secret to their prawn noodle lies in the soup. Described as “that unique taste you get in Lobster Bisque” and “(the) extract of crustacean shell and all the stuff in the head” by Leslie, the soup is really different from that of many, including Jalan Sultan Prawn Mee, which I have blogged before. Their soup is not as salty and much “cloudy” – due to the essence of the prawns.
And if you are really into this prawn makan business, go ahead and try the $10 serving.
The boss guaranteed that the prawns are freshly catch everyday and man are they HUGE!!!
Personally, I felt that the soup has the “punch” but a bit saltier would be excellent. However, the good thing about eating at Pek Kio is that it is not so crowded during lunchtime and there are always tables available.
You can view more photos and other reviews @ His Food Blog.
Rating given:
Once stood the famous makan icon in Singapore…the Esplanade Satay Club – the breezily located Makansutra Gluttons Bay offers plenty of local food galore. And among them stood one of my favourite ‘Ou Luak’, or Fried Oyster Omelette Stall – Hup Kee (Orchard).
This stall started off in the 70's at the famous Orchard Carpark night hawkers and now operates two outlets, the other being at the Newton Hawker Centre. What is so amazing about their dish as compared to others is that the eggs and the sweet potato flour are somehow done crispier, and less oily, which sources revealed is based on a 40-year-old recipe. I personally also found the eggs to be rather fluffy inside which gives it an excellent bite.
You will also find a good number of fresh, succulent and plump Korean Oysters served on top with a sprinkling of freshly cut coriander and spring onions. The chilli sauce that comes alongside is also tangy and very addictive. Standard of the dish is consistent, as I have since gone back a couple of times and definitely value for money! A must try every time I am around the vicinity.
You can view more photos and other reviews @ His Food Blog.
Rating given:
A quaint, tranquil neighbourhood nestled in the course of lush greenery off Portsdown Road, Wessex Estate is a colonial-style residential area with charming black-and-white houses.
As a unique heritage area in one-north, Wessex Estate is slated for development into a creative enclave in the years to come while preserving a haven of old world charm.
And it is at the converted ex-Judo Federation Clubhouse at Wessex Village Square that you will find Pietrasanta, The Italian Restaurant – named after a town on the coast of northern Tuscany in Italy.
Opened by Jennifer Tan and her husband, Loris Massimini, an experience Italian chef who honed his skills in Italy and Singapore, this restaurant will be officially opened on Saturday, 12th April. One of the things I like about this place is the simplicity of the décor and furnishing. Diners have a choice of sitting in the spacious dinning area inside or dine al fresco outside the courtyard.
For a start, we were given Home-made Breads and Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinaigrette to dip with. The bread was well flavoured with herbs though I preferred them to come hot instead of served cold.
For appetisers, we started off with the Carpaccio Di Manzo Con Grana Padano E Ruccola, or Thinly Sliced Beer Tenderloin with Rocket Salad and Shaved Parmesan with Lemon and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dressing. I mentioned here before that I am a huge fan of rocket salad and shaved Parmesan (not powder, or thin strips but SHAVED!), but even with biasness aside; this is one of the best rendition I have ever tried. The beef was very fresh and the lemon and olive oil dressing harmonise with a refreshing sensation to this dish. Serving was also generous at $15.90.
The other appetiser we had that evening was the Saute Di Cozzae Al Pomodoro Fresco, or Black Mussels in White Wine and Fresh Tomatoes ($18.00). This is another dish I find it irresistible – in fact I preferred this version much better to the tomatoes-based Chilli Mussels one finds in Perth. The mussels were fully infused with the wine, thus enhancing the sweetness of the meat, and the tomatoes add a lovely sourness touch to it. However either due to overcooking or me taking my time to capture the perfect shot, some meat from the mussels actually shrunk to a pathetic size – nevertheless, the serving was still ample for the both of us.
Risotto Ai Porcini, or Italian Risotto with Porcini Mushrooms ($19.90) was my choice for main and was it excellent! The risotto was satisfactorily done al dente and the grains came fully flavoured of the mushrooms that produce a pleasant nutty taste with a smooth and not too overbearing aftertaste. Somehow, I also like the texture of the onions in the dish, which produces a delightful crunch with every bite.
My friend picked the Gnocchi Di Patate Con Salsa Al Gorgonzola, or Home-made Potato Gnocchi tossed with Blue Cheese Sauce ($18.90). I am not a big fan of gnocchi to be honest, what’s more one mixed with potato, as I often find them too filling for consumption but I have to comment that the sauce is pungently brilliant! One would either love it or hate it – and as for me, I simply love it.
For desserts, we felt we have to order the Tiramisu ($8.90), since no restaurant will dare to proclaim themselves as an Italiano Ristorante if their tiramisu isn’t any good. The classic dessert was good, though not the best I have tried, with the cream well whipped and the biscuit soaked in just the right amount of liquor.
The Semifreddo Cioccolato Bianco e Muscato, or White Chocolate and Muscato Wine Parfait ($8.90) though was disappointing. The only blemish of the night – the frozen custard was icy and difficult to scoop – my guess is that it was over-chilled. We also couldn’t make known of the wine in this dessert and the almonds sprinkled over was too overbearing for this light dessert. The only thing I like about this is that it wasn’t too sweet.
Overall this meal was truly satisfying and I will definitely be back for their Home-made Ravioli and their meat dishes. Also know it from me that given time, I foresee this place to be a hit in town – so make your way down before it gets too crowded.
You can view more photos and other reviews @ His Food Blog.
Rating given:
Will we go again? Perhaps.
Have always wanted to try Astons but the queue at Katong and Serangoon Gardens made us decide to eat somewhere else. So when they opened a branch at Bedok, it seemed like it was time to start queuing. The queue was not that long (I was like 6th in the queue) and it was moving. Waiting time was about 12 min after ordering so it was acceptable (for dining in a coffee shop).
Prime Ribeye Steak ($11.90) was done medium well. Redness was present and meat was tender and easily chewable which was what we were looking for in medium well. Fries and onion rings were served hot and in distinguishable pieces. Onion rings looked slightly burnt but I guess it could be due to the overused oil. :)
Pork Chop ($8.50) was served with mashed potatoes and garden veggies. Nothing much to say about the pork chops except that the portion was pretty generous with 2 large pieces. Average tasting.
Now I start to wonder why there is a queue in the first place. The food tasted average with nothing to shout about. Perhaps its because I did not order the most expensive prime cut? haha. I am not sure. But paying $25.90 for a plate of steak in a coffee shop is not something common. Unless eating zi char....but that is a different story.
Rating given:
Pastamania Banzai!!!
Have you tried the new Japanese selection at Pastamania? If you're looking for value for money and yummilicious pasta (and pizzas), head on down to Pastamania!
There's currently 6 Japanese style pasta available. But I heard, soon they'll be releasing new choices and also the pizzas! (Psss... the Unagi pizzas is very good! MUST TRY!)
I managed to try 2 of their current offerings... the Unagi Pasta and the Tako Pasta.
Unagi Pasta ($10.90) - pasta choice Fettucini
This is cooked with Unagi (Eel), onions and lightly spiced up with chilli padi, top with seaweed flakes. If you're a fan of unagi and spicy pasta, this one is a die-die-must-try pasta! The Unagi pasta is flavorful and spiced up to the right level. After one mouthful of it, you'll just want to have more.
Tako Pasta ($10.90) - pasta choice Penne
Octopus and garlic tossed in olive oil, drizzled with tonkatsu sauce and Japanese mayo topped with bonito flakes. This one is for the Tako lovers! (Like me!) First look at the serving, it reminded me of those tako balls you can get almost everywhere, but instead this is served with pasta. They are very generous with the amount of tako used. The fragrance is enough to tempt any hungry soul when you mixed the entire bowl of pasta, tako, sauces and bonito flakes.
Between the two, although I'm a tako lover, I would order the Unagi Pasta again the next time I go. Cause its spicy and more flavorful. Anyone wants to join me for Pastamania when they launch the new menu with the Japanese pizzas? :P
Rating given:
Had dinner at taste Paradise, an upmarket offering by the Paradise Group of Restaurants, which also owns and operates the popular Seafood Paradise at Defu Lane and the Singapore Flyer. Opened less than 2 years ago, it has made it to the Straits Times top 100 restaurants as well as garnered rave reviews from magazines and forums.
Hidden along a row of shophouses along Mosque Street in the traditional Chinatown area, Taste paradise sets itself apart with its classy glass facade. Through the doors onto the lighted walkway that leads up to the dining area, the interior oozes chic in a very subtle way. The dining area is divided into a few sections by means of partitions in which there are a couple of tables and a captain to oversee each section. Heavily carpeted floors coupled with a low ceiling and a rather limited floor area meant that conversation tones had to be kept to a low for fear of disturbing the other customers (not that we did though).
XO Carrot Cake - One of Taste Paradise's signature dishes, the humble XO carrot cake. It honestly wasn't impressive when served, looking more like your usual stir fried rendition from the hawker centre than a $7 plate of carrot cake. But pop a piece into your mouth and you will understand why it is truly one of the signature dishes. Chunky yet smooth and soft carrot cake with a discernible wok hei taste fried with beansprouts, egg, Chinese sausages and other condiments. Lightly spicy and sweet and not to mention fragrant. Nothing short of excellent.
Combination of Pan Seared Foie Gras, Wasabi Mayonnaise Prawn and Slice of Beijing Duck with Condiments - I was actually wondering how did foie gras get onto the menu and initially skeptical if a Chinese restaurant could pull it off. Just for the record, Taste Paradise is a Chinese fusion restaurant, which explains why foie gras is listed on the menu. As for my initial skepticisms, they were unfounded. The foie gras was very good, crisp on the outside yet soft, quivery and smooth on the inside. No overwhelming taste or sediments.
The wasabi mayonnaise prawn was quite good as well, with the wasabi not overpowering and the prawns fresh and crunchy. I personally liked it together with the watermelon as the sweetness from the watermelon permeated through.
The only bummer was the peking duck which didn't seem memorable. Sure the skin was crispy but the crepe tasted bland and limp.
Double Boiled Superior Shark's Fin with Dried Conpoy in Traditional Beijing Broth accompanied with Bacon Onion Roll - Another recommended dish, the shark's fin soup, was served up in a pre heated Japanese stone pot which can remain hot for 20 minutes, thus ensuring that the soup remains hot till the last drop. The fins were decent and plentiful while the soup was flavourful and thick. A little too starchy and heavy on the vinegar though, which made it a little sharp. The bacon and onion roll was crispy but other than the novelty, didn't seem to complement the dish very well. On a side note, there are 3 variations in prices for the shark's fin. $38, $58 and $68 (which isn't on the menu). You get what you pay for. The quality of the fins improve as the prices tend upwards.
Braised Homemade Beancurd with Shredded Scallop and Japanese Mushroom - Tofu has always been a staple at most of my Chinese dinners and this one was no exception. The tofu was very smooth and silky but the skin was a tad too hard and it lacked the smokey savoury taste that I personally like. Even the sauce was rather bland. And for $6 a person, it was 1 piece of tofu each.
Spinach Fried with Garlic - The low point of our meal, the quintessential vegetable dish. Very average tasting but at least the diced garlic was fried till golden brown, which gave the vegetables a nice slightly crunchy texture.
Szechuan Style Roasted Chicken with Homemade Crispy Crumbs - We ordered this on the recommendation of the captain and also because it sounded interesting. Honestly the only interesting part was the crispy crumbs, which I believe were rice crisps. They were coated with a Szechuan sauce which gave them a myriad of flavours - sweet, sour and spicy, all in one tasting. The roasted chicken didn't taste out of the ordinary but the execution was commendable. Crispy skin with moist and tender meat.
Mashed Taro with Almond Cream Served in Fresh Coconut - My dessert and no, it wasn't complimentary (only chilled desserts were accorded that privilege). Its the first time I've seen mashed taro or Orh Nee served up in a coconut and predictably, the coconut smell was very strong. Not that it mattered anyway as there wasn't a hint of coconut taste in both the almond cream and mashed taro. I usually don't like almond cream but this one wasn't too strong on the almond taste which suited me just fine. The mashed taro was smooth and not too sweet but more interestingly, it contained bits of chestnut, which added a nice crunchy texture and is used predominantly used in Teochew cooking. The only gripe was that the taro was a little too sticky and I had problems licking if off my spoon. Oh and there's the almost exorbitant price as well ($6.50).
An excellent dinner for 5 set us back by about $454, which is really quite steep. However I'll be the first to admit that food quality is top notch and so is the personalised service extended by the captain and his team. I can see why Taste Paradise is rated as one of the top restaurants in Singapore. And I agree.
See all my pictures here.
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Situated on the 1st level of Bukit Timah Plaza is this eatery with unique selection of taiwanese delicacies.
What do we like about this place?
1. Friendly staff - Service seems to be their top priority. The boss is very particular about not letting customers wait longer than they are suppose to wait. Hence the food is served pretty fast inspite of the lunch crowd.
2. Chilli - Why chilli? This chilli is super hot but nice. Everytime they serve this chilli, they will explain to the customer that it is very hot. So customers are prepared for it. Even my friend who takes spicy food in abundance agrees that it is hot hot hot.
3. Freshness - We ate here twice and both times we find freshness in the ingredients and food.
4. Price - Price is reasonable between $6 to $9 for a main dish. Portions are also reasonably large enough.
What did we try?
1. Boiled dumpling - Upon ordering, they mention that it takes about 10min to prepare. When it arrived piping hot, we can taste the freshness of the ingredients used, especially the prawns.
2. Fish Ganache with Rice - The fish is freshly fried and you can tell that it was not re-fried as done in some other places.
3. Taiwanese Curry Rice - Something like Japanese Curry, Taiwanese curry is also not that spicy. Tasted fine to us and the pieces of meat were done just right.
4. Yam and pumpkin paste - Or nee with pumpkin, what a different combination but a nice one. The yam paste was silky smooth and not too thick. It was not too sweet which was acceptable to the other half.
Why no smelly toufu?
The boss mentioned that he is not able to get approval for it as the smell might drive the neighbours crazy.
Recommended for a simple, no frills Taiwanese experience.
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Great Getaway for the weekend
Looking for a place to relax and do nothing? We found this quiet little spot in Bintan in a place called Yasin Bungalow. It is a row of 7 water bungalows, yes, rooms strategically located above the sea shore, right on the beach. So while you are in your room you can hear waves hitting the shore right below your room....just perfect.
Unlike a kelong, the water is clean and the beach is just awesome and did I say, private. So only hotel guest will have access to the beach. And with 7 water bungalows and 7 other beach front villas, how many guest can you have at one time? not more than 20. So this is really a private place to get away and relax...
Of course there is much to do here. Many who come here are expats who work in Singapore. We met 6 from US, 1 from Japan and many Koreans....no Singaporeans in sight...as all of them are at the other resorts like the mana mana, etc. haha.
Here is what we like about the place:-
1. Rooms. Each has a private balcony. No aircon. So natural seabreeze and the breeze blows 24 hours non-stop.
2. Meditative and relaxing sounds of water lapping gently against the shores. Just pure relaxation music in real live surround sound.
3. Food. Even in this isolated place, the local food served is sufficient to whet the tastebuds.
4. Price. One night is $35 per room. No mistake.
5. Nothingness to do. Haha, for once in your life, you will be able to get a headace thinking of what to do.
6. Friendly Staff - Always smiling and attentive.
So what can you do here?
1. Nothing
2. Read your favourite book or novel
3. Write your life story
4. Eat and Eat
5. Sleep and sleep
6. Swim
7. Walk to the next island (during low tide)
8. Water sports (canoeing, banana boat)
9. Hike
10. Cycle
11. Take lots of photos
12. Study for your exams
How to get here?
Take a ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Tanjung Pinang (2 hours). From TP, transfer by land to the resort (1 hour). In 3 hours, you will be in your secluded spot in the middle of nowhere thinking of what to do.
Will visit the place again before stress levels hit an all time high.
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