Hailing all the way from Taipei, the famed Ningxia Night Market has, at long last, arrived on our shores. The critically acclaimed Asian Night Market: Taiwan Food Festival has recreated a mini version of the bustling night market — a popular spot among locals and tourists for Taiwanese delicacies — which will span across Siloso Beach and Siloso Point from 16 January to 9 February 2020 (excluding 20 – 22 Jan).

Coined ‘the stomach of Taipei’, Ningxia Night Market Singapore will be offering a diverse range of mouthwatering Taiwanese street food such as Flaming Beef Cubes, Scallion Pancake and Taiwanese Oden. Locals can look forward to feast on an assortment of Taiwan’s exquisite delicacies in our very own Lion City as we will be featuring more than 30 vendors and chefs from the original market itself.

Here are 12 Taiwanese street food and drinks at Ningxia Night Market Singapore that you should not miss out on. So, put your new year dieting resolutions on hold, bring your family and friends down, and get ready to stuff yourself silly with snacks!

SESAME CHICKEN MEE SUA (STALL #7)

A perennial household favourite dish, Sesame Chicken Mee Sua is a hearty bowl of noodles that makes for a splendid comfort meal.

Stewed with wolfberries and bok choy, the broth was herbaceous with gingery nuances. It was also rich and full-bodied, pairing impeccably well with the silken noodles. Slurp the noodles with the aromatic soup to truly enjoy the dish.

BRAISED PORK RICE (STALL #7)

Braised Pork Rice is a dish testament to Taiwan’s food paradise. Essentially a dish comprising of braised minced pork served on a bed of steaming rice, this comforting bowl is sure to remind you of your grandmother’s cooking.

This simple dish is highly raved about by both locals and tourists and we can understand why. The pork was fork-tender and paired nicely with the fragrant rice, which was coated with a thin layer of flavourful oily sauce. The braised gravy also brought out the innate savouriness of the meat.

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BROWN SUGAR BUBBLE MILK (STALL #11)

Brown Sugar Bubble Milk has captured the hearts of many with its combination of fresh milk, brown sugar syrup and chewy tapioca pearls. Nicknamed “dirty tea”, the original brown sugar bubble tea fad was birthed in Taiwan, where Taiwanese brands pride themselves on their “QQ” tapioca pearls and creamy milk.

First boiled with handmade brown sugar, the sweetness-infused pearls are cooked till chewy. Cold ice milk is then added to the piping hot pearls where it blends to become a “dirty” mixture, allowing the drink to be a harmonious blend of saccharine and rich milk.

SCALLION PANCAKE (STALL #9)

The scallion pancake is an iconic local snack in the “OG” Ningxia Night Market — this well-loved, crispy delicacy is known for its gigantic size and crisp texture, reminiscent of Singapore’s very own roti prata. Customers can eagerly await their turn as they watch their pancakes being expertly prepared right in front of their eyes!

The dough is first flattened, then sprinkled with seasoning and spring onions before it is fried to crunchy, golden-brown perfection. An unpretentious dish, it is simple and prepared quickly, relying only on the strong fragrance from the onions to bring out its savouriness.

FLAMING BEEF CUBES (STALL #9)

Locals will be familiar with flame-grilled beef cubes — we have seen this beloved snack at every night market or festival. A Taiwanese street food favourite, these beef steak cubes are compactly packaged, making it a convenient snack to munch on.

The beef steak cubes are cooked over a grill and sprinkled with seasoning. Each beef cube was caramelised to perfection, giving it an addictive, smoky taste. Grilled to a medium-rare, the exterior of the beef was nicely charred and boasted juicy, tender meat.

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BRAISED BEEF NOODLES (STALL #13)

Taiwan’s “national dish” is none other than beef noodles! Featuring Braised Beef Noodles, this beloved delicacy is whipped up by renowned chef, Cheng Cheng-chung. Boasting a potent broth with morsels of beef, each bite is guaranteed to bring you an authentic Taiwanese experience.

The al dente noodles were infused with the piquant herbal notes of the full-bodied soup, allowing customers to thoroughly savour its distinct, rich flavours. The braised beef chunks were also juicy and tender.

FRIED SQUID (STALL #12)

Stroll along the stretch of food stalls, and this Fried Squid will stick out from the crowd. A giant deep-fried squid skewered on a stick, this snack will capture your attention with its monstrous size. A testament to Taiwan’s rich marine life, this is the treat to go for if you are looking to nibble on something hearty.

The battered squid is garnished with salt and pepper, allowing us to taste its rich and briny seafood flavour. The tentacles were also nicely charred, adding smokiness to the snack. We also appreciated how the meat was chewy and extremely “QQ”.

MENTAIKO PIZZA (STALL #11)

Pizza lovers should definitely check out the Mentaiko Pizza! The mentaiko is imported all the way from Japan to ensure that customers savour the dish only with the freshest ingredients.

The pizza dough is thinly spread and baked, rising to form a crumbly, flaky crust. Toppings such as the cheese and mentaiko are then sprinkled and laden on the base before it is baked in the oven a second time. This allows the layered snack to have contrasting textures of both a doughy middle and crisp exterior.

TAIWANESE SAUSAGE WITH GLUTINOUS RICE (STALL #19)

Sink your teeth in one of the most unique goodies available at the market: Taiwanese Sausage with Glutinous Rice. Known as “little sausage inside big sausage”, a pork sausage is wrapped in a bigger sausage made from glutinous rice. Customers can also spice the snack up with a variety of condiments such as garlic, peppers, or pickled cucumber.

A perfect harmony of sweet and savoury, this pork sausage is addictively good. Chomp on the springy meat and you get a satisfying burst of flavour!

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WINTER MELON TEA (STALL #3)

Beat Singapore’s sweltering heat with a cup of Winter Melon Tea! Attaining the title of Taiwan’s national tea treasure, this chilled drink is made from winter melon and sugar that has been boiled for an hour.

Regarded as a summer beverage with hydrating health benefits, the drink was mellow with just the right amount of sweetness. The usage of fresh winter melon fruits also lent the drink a fragrant, all-natural nectarine aftertaste.

TAIWANESE ODEN (STALL #3)

Taiwanese Oden, also known as Tian Bu La, is a traditional fried fish cake dish that has been moulded into various shapes and sizes. Made from a thick fish fillet paste, the mixture is slathered with sauce and seasoning before it is deep-fried. It is then skewered and enjoyed as a snack to go.

STIR-FRIED BRAISED SNACKS (STALL #12)

Known as Lo-Wei, Stir-fried Braised Snacks features an assortment of vegetables and sides that customers can choose from before it is stir-fried and served. Customers can also have a fun time watching the chefs skillfully toss their ingredients!

Expect a colourful mixture of ingredients such as chicken hearts, livers and drumsticks that individually adds a unique flavour to the dish. Distinct, herbal flavour from its gravy also entirely permeated the various snacks, making it all the more delectable.

Promising good vibes and good food, Ningxia Night Market is the perfect destination to make a beeline for when you are planning a day out during the weekends. Come on down and spoil yourself with Taiwan’s delicacies!

Ningxia Night Market Singapore
Siloso Point, Sentosa
Singapore 098997
Date: 16 Jan to 9 Feb 2020
Time: 5pm – 10:30pm

This post was brought to you by Asian Night Market: Taiwan Food Festival.

For those of you who are frequent travellers to Thailand, you probably would have chanced upon Café Amazon. This is the country’s most popular coffee chain and it has over 2,700 outlets scattered across the Land of Smiles alone, 3,025 stores worldwide and 3 in Singapore at Jewel Changi Airport, Jurong Point and Republic Plaza. Globally, they are the sixth-largest coffee chain, which is a testament to how well-loved their cups of coffee are.

All 3 of their cafés in Singapore are inspired by the Amazon Rainforest and shrouded in lush greenery, with the Jewel Changi Airport outlet being their first flagship store outside of Thailand. If you’re looking for a spot to have a chill catch-up session with your friends or some much-needed alone time, their verdant, botanical vibes make it the perfect place to do so!

Food-wise, diners can look forward to a Singapore-exclusive menu that also stays true to its roots by including cuppas made with their famous and uniquely formulated Amazon Blend as well as other Thai-inspired and fusion dishes.

The Amazon Blend is the café chain’s pride and joy and the folks of Café Amazon work very closely with Thai farmers to select the best quality coffee beans. These are then roasted, processed and packaged with strict quality control measures to ensure that every bean used in their coffee is perfect.

ICED YIN YANG 

If you’re both a coffee and matcha fanatic and you can’t decide between the two, get yourself a cup of their Iced Yin Yang (S$5), Café Amazon’s take on the popular Yuan Yang. This drink can only be found in their Singapore outlets!

Our usual Yuan Yang is a blend of milk tea and coffee, but here at Café Amazon, they decided to spruce it up a little by using high-quality matcha that is blended together with creamy milk and topped with a shot of their signature espresso.

ICED ESPRESSO 

Coffee aficionados will adore their iconic Iced Espresso (S$4.50), which features a single iced Amazon Blend shot sweetened with milk and cream. While iced espresso may seem rather unconventional to Singaporeans, it is actually very popular in Thailand amongst locals.

A Thai tradition that provides the drink with a little sweetness is the addition of milk, which also gives the entire drink a creamier, smoother texture.

ICED THAI MILK TEA 

To pay homage to their Thai roots, Café Amazon also offers traditional Iced Thai Milk Tea (S$4.50)—one of their best-sellers. What makes the Iced Thai Milk Tea here at Café Amazon Singapore stand out is how each cup of tea is brewed individually to ensure that every drink that’s pushed out is of the highest quality.

Made with richly-brewed black tea and ingredients such as star anise, crushed tamarind, cardamom and condensed milk, this popular Thai drink will make you feel like you’ve been whisked all the way to Thailand for a retreat.

ICED COFFEE MARBLE 

For something with a little more bite, we recommend the Iced Coffee Marble (S$5.50) where chunks of chewy coffee jelly are doused in milk coffee. The texture of the coffee jelly is similar to that of bubble tea pearls, so you’ll feel like you’re drinking a cup of coffee-flavoured boba!

To jazz up your cup of Iced Coffee Marble, you can also add a scoop of coconut gelato (S$3.80 per scoop). The addition of gelato definitely enhances the flavour and texture of the drink, giving it a creamier and sweeter consistency.

Just in time for the festive season, Café Amazon has released two magical and frosty Christmas drinks — Iced Peppermint Mocha and Red Velvet Chocolate Frappé. These are available from 1 to 31 December 2019.

ICED PEPPERMINT MOCHA 

Minty, chocolatey and full of crunch, the Iced Peppermint Mocha (S$6.50) features a dark chocolate and mint blend that is embellished with chocolate malt crunch. This smooth, aromatic concoction leaves a lovely minty aftertaste in the mouth that’s reminiscent of Christmas and all its positive feelings.

RED VELVET CHOCOLATE FRAPPÉ

For those of you who aren’t huge fans of mint, you can opt to have their Red Velvet Chocolate Frappé ($6.50). Here, a dark chocolate frappe is spiced up with mixed berry sauce and then finished off with a copious sprinkling of chocolate malt crunch. The result is a winning sweet and sour combination that’ll tickle your taste buds.

Café Amazon doesn’t just specialise in drinks; they also have a menu featuring a variety of mains and desserts that pair amazingly well with their drinks. These are only sold in their Singapore stores.

WHOLEMEAL THAI CHICKEN WRAP 

If you’re constantly on the hunt for healthier food options, you need to try their Wholemeal Thai Chicken Wrap (S$5.90) that is also one of their best-selling menu items. Each wrap comes stuffed with chunks of juicy chicken leg that are smothered in Thai chilli sauce which gives this entire ensemble a lovely tangy and sweet touch.

BEEF LASAGNA 

For something a little heartier, get the Beef Lasagna (S$8.90). Its pasta layers are cooked to a nice al dente which holds the cheese and meat filling well. The acidity of the tomato sauce is also nicely balanced out with the savouriness of the beef and the creaminess of the cheese.

The lasagna is also available with chicken for those of you who do not fancy beef.

BLACK SESAME LAYER CAKE 

Nothing pairs quite as nicely with a cup of coffee as a plate of mouth-watering dessert. If chocolate and red velvet cakes are getting a little old and you’re looking to try something more unique and local-inspired, you should have a go at Café Amazon’s Black Sesame Layer Cake (S$6.90).

The cake essentially consists of fluffy black sesame sponge layers that are held together with silky caramelised sesame frosting and finished off with a scattering of toasted sesame seeds. Nutty, creamy and earthy, this cake truly is an innovative take on popular Chinese desserts such as black sesame soup.

FESTIVE LUCKY DRAW IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

To add to the festivities, Café Amazon is also be having a lucky draw from November to December. All you need to do is spend a minimum of S$30 in a single receipt to qualify.

The first prize is a pair of Thai Airway return tickets to Bangkok while other prizes include gift hampers worth up to S$150.

We wish all participants all the best!

1-FOR-1 DRINKS

Another promotion that you can look forward to is their daily 1-for-1 drinks at all their stores islandwide from the last week of November throughout the whole of December!

Here is the lineup for the 1-for-1 drinks:

• Mon: Iced Cappuccino ($5 for 2)
• Tue: Iced Honey Black Tea ($4.50 for 2)
• Wed: Iced Espresso ($4.50 for 2)
• Thu: Iced Green Tea Latte ($4.50 for 2)
• Fri: Iced Caramel Macchiato ($5.50 for 2)
• Sat: Iced Chocolate ($4.50 for 2)
• Sun: Iced Coffee Marble ($5.50 for 2)

So, grab a caffeine-loving friend and snag these great deals!

Café Amazon Jewel Changi Airport 
78 Airport Boulevard, #04 – 225
Singapore 819666
Tel: +65 6694 7028
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

Jurong Point
1 Jurong West Central 2, #02-31
Singapore 648886
Tel: +65 6694 7028
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Boon Lay

Republic Plaza
9 Raffles Place, #02-03
Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 6694 7028
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat: 8am – 3pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

This post was brought to you by Café Amazon Singapore. 

It is that time of the year again; with the festive season just around the corner, we are undoubtedly reminded of decadent holiday treats and majestic wintertime roasts. Although many associate the holidays with the typical Western spread, not every meal needs to be an elaborate and extravagant affair of turkey, ham, and a copious amount of cranberry sauce. This festive season, why not treat your family to a casual yet delightful Japanese repast at Ichiban Sushi?

More than just a convenient option, Ichiban Sushi is a welcoming space perfect for families to spend some quality time together over the holidays. Instead of needing to splurge on lavish meals to be able to enjoy Japanese cuisine, the brand prides itself in offering an accessible alternative without skimping on standards.

Offering four value-for-money set meals, expect to indulge in a sumptuous meal that will leave you hankering for more. Each set is accompanied by a myriad of dishes, such as a main, rice bowl, chawanmushi and sides. They will be available from 12 November 2019 till 9 February 2020!

To add on something special, Ichiban Sushi is partnering Citi to offer diners a S$10 return voucher on every festive set ordered and paid with a Citi Card.

SPICY SHIROMI SEAFOOD WAZEN

Surely making a bold statement at your table is Ichiban Sushi’s luxurious Spicy Shiromi Seafood Wazen (S$23.90). The set is served with a delicious hotpot of Spicy Shiromi Seafood, succulent Kimchi Prawns, Seared Salmon Sashimi and Poached Egg Mini Sushi Rice bowl, Tuna Mayo Salad, and delectable sides such as Chawanmushi, Miso Soup, and fruits.

The glorious Spicy Shiromi Seafood hotpot is definitely the highlight of the set. Chock full of huge cream dory fish pieces and a medley of vegetables and mushrooms, the dish is served in a spicy, thick broth that is both fiery yet tangy. The soup base was aromatic and fragrant from the strong garlic notes, while the different capsicums added a hint of sweetness.

In line with the set’s seafood theme, Ichiban Sushi has included a seared salmon sashimi don, topped with spicy cod roe mayo and a poached egg atop a fluffy bed of sushi rice.

The sashimi was lightly seared to give it an aromatic char and crisp that added to its savouriness. Garnished with chopped chillis and coated with spicy cod roe mayo, both elements lent the dish a mild, tangy spice, making the rice bowl all the more delectable.

Though seemingly unassuming, the thick prawns are full of sweet flavour, which is further enhanced by the sweetness of the kimchi dressing.

While distinctly different in taste profiles, the kimchi flavouring is not too far removed from the peppery base of the teriyaki sauce. More importantly, it supplements the succulent freshness of the prawns versus being the highlight of the dish.

KIMCHI BEEF STEAK WAZEN

Introducing their premium Kimchi Beef Steak Wazen (S$23.90) — this delectable set comes in yet another hotpot stew comprising a myriad of colourful vegetables and prime steak. Accompanying it is a platter of Breaded Crab Sticks, Bara Chirashi-Don as well as the usual sides.

There is a good reason as to why Ichiban Sushi is confident enough in labelling the kimchi sauce as a house-special here. Unlike the subtle sprinkling of spice on the prawns from the previous set, the gravy here holds within it a much more complex blend of flavours. To fully appreciate this dish, allow for the beef slices to marinate for a moment in the sauce until a light glaze forms for the best possible taste experience.

The kimchi presence here is but an enhancement to the beef; it brings forth the full-bodied tenderness of the protein against the tangy zest of the red pepper seasoning.

The same goes for the bara chirashi number – the coldness of the dish cuts through the fiery zest of the beef, giving diners a temporary reprieve from any flavour saturation from the main protein.

As yummy as diced sashimi are on their own, their flavours are muted when compared to the myriad of tastes present in the other dishes. To prevent the rice bowl from fading into the background, the inclusion of the onsen egg adds a richness to the dish, and binds the distinct fish cubes into a cohesive whole.

Tempuras are a staple to include in every traditional Japanese set meal! This time, expect a twist to your the shrimp tempuras, as you will be served breaded crab sticks instead. Well-battered with a flaky, crispy crust, the crab sticks break apart easily to reveal a soft, substantial filling of fish paste.

CHEESY CHICKEN ROLL WAZEN

Get the best of both worlds with their Cheesy Chicken Roll Wazen (S$22.90) — what more can you ask for with their finger-licking sides of seafood, beef and chicken dishes?

This set is surely our personal favourite; we got to taste one of their festive oceanic gems such as the Grilled Scallop with Spicy Sauce & Cheese, as well as feast on the toothsome Yakiniku Beef Steak Rice Bowl and Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Rolled Chicken!

Similar to a tori katsu, the chicken roll is nicely fried to golden-brown perfection, resulting in a crispy skin that is not overly greasy. It also had a nice skin to meat ratio – the thin layer of fat beneath the skin oozes juicy, savoury flavour, while the meat is tenderised and luscious.

All the chicken cuts also encase a gooey, cheesy middle and small bacon strips that simply melts in your mouth. Remember to coat the chicken with their recommended Tonkotsu Dipping Sauce.

The Yakiniku Steak Mini Rice Bowl features savoury yakiniku beef steak on Hitomebore premium rice.

Instead of drowning the beef in heavy sauces, the juices from the beef slices naturally accentuate the aroma of the rice base, making this simple dish a more subtle, but no less appetising end to an otherwise playful meal set.

The Grilled Scallop with Spicy Sauce & Cheese comes with a spicy dressing which is reminiscent of mentaiko sauce. The cheese is also lightly torched, adding a subtle, mouthwatering char.

HOT AND SOUR PORK NABE WAZEN

Truly boasting a grand aesthetic is the Hot and Sour Pork Nabe Wazen (S$22.90). This set is bound to leave you gobsmacked with its huge portions, fully-cooked sides and hearty rice bowl. Stealing the spotlight is none other than their Hot and Sour Pork Hotpot!

It comes with a multitude of ingredients including pork slices, mushrooms, tofu and corns. Topped with chilli slices, it adds an extra piquancy to the already sweet and sour broth.

The perfect accompaniment to the hotpot is none other than their udon. Served in a small portion, this tiny bowl of noodles is meant to be poured into the broth while you slowly slurp it up. Slowly let the chewy noodles simmer in the hot and sour base while it absorbs the spicy, tangy soup.

This is Ichiban Sushi’s Assorted Mushrooms with Scrambled Egg Mini Sushi Rice Bowl! Appearance-wise, it looks like an “Oyako Don”, except it consists of only mushrooms and eggs served with premium Hitomebore Rice.

We loved how there were two different types of shrooms, such as the shitake and enoki mushrooms, which gave the dish textural contrast to the soft rice and egg base.

This set includes a Seared Salmon with Tataki Sauce platter. Following this set’s fully-cooked theme, it is lightly seared to bring out the aromatic flavours and fattiness of the flesh. The flesh was succulent and thick, while the seared exterior brought out the umami in the salmon.

SIDES

Wazen is incomplete without a variety of sides! Take a break from their heavy mains and tuck into their staple sides, which comes in tiny portions perfect to cleanse your palate with. Included in each set is a small platter of fruits, chawanmushi and tuna salad. Savour their earthy miso soup as well, which also comes in all sets with the exception of the Hot and Sour Pork Nabe Wazen.

Do note that the fruits given each day will vary.

No festive season is complete without an exchange of gifts. Ichiban Sushi, in collaboration with Citi, is bringing two great holiday treats to all its diners. Between 12 November 2019 until 9 February 2020, customers who pay using a Citi Card will receive a S$10 return voucher with every Festive Set purchased while stocks last.

You can also stand to win S$30 worth of dining vouchers here at Ichiban Sushi every week by simply following their social media at @ichibansushi.sg, snapping a picture with their quirky menu and hashtagging them at #ichibansushisg.

Ichiban Sushi
53 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3
#02-01 AMK Hub
Singapore 569933
Tel: +65 6555 1617
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Ang Mo Kio
** Multiple outlets islandwide

This post was brought to you by Ichiban Sushi Singapore. 

Not all of us are fans of burning a hole in our wallets and splurging on extravagant buffet spreads every Christmas. Sometimes, simplicity can be key. For those looking to have just a little hint of something “extra” to grace your table this festive season, we have just the recommendation for you.

Proudly introducing The Marmalade Pantry’s Festive Gourmet Goodies, the renowned bistro is back again this year to stun us with their luxurious array of takeaway festive offerings. Ranging from toothsome roasts such as their Roasted Whole Turkey with Fresh Herbs and Maple and Clove Glazed Gammon Ham to a mouthwatering selection of log cakes, they have the perfect celebratory dish for any house or office party.

Impress your loved ones and leave them in awe this Christmas, as The Marmalade Pantry’s takeaway spread is sure to make a statement at your dinner table. If you are simply looking to indulge in just a centerpiece roast or enjoy some log cakes to sweeten your meal, they will be offering individual preorders, as well as bundles.

Not only do you get to make merry in the comfort of your own home, we have something special for you as well! Pay with Mastercard and our code ‘LADYIRONCHEF15′ to enjoy 15% off when you order before 30 Nov 2019 or ‘LADYIRONCHEF10′ to enjoy 10% off when you order from 1 to 15 Dec 2019. Get your festive goodies from The Marmalade Pantry.

ROASTED WHOLE TURKEY WITH FRESH HERBS

Begin the festivities with their spectacular Roasted Whole Turkey with Fresh Herbs (S$108+/4.5kg). Beautifully arranged in a huge platter, the breathtaking roast is first garnished with glaze and served with sides of charred lemons and chilli. The turkey is full of moist, tender meat that encases a stuffing of well-seasoned spices that only adds to its savouriness.

The Marmalade Pantry only dishes out roasts that are sure to leave your guests gobsmacked, and this turkey is the star of the show. Promising crisp skin seasoned with pepper, salt and citrus to bring out its natural flavours, the turkey is perfumed and fragrant from the spices.

It is then roasted to give it smokiness and a charred taste. The sharp citrusy tanginess on the skin also cut through the umami-packed meat, giving it a refreshing change of flavour.

MAPLE AND CLOVE GLAZED GAMMON HAM

A mandatory staple at every Christmas dinner is, of course, ham. Their Maple and Clove Glazed Gammon Ham (S$108+/3.3kg) will definitely take your party up a notch with its marvellous, slightly charred crust and velvety sheen. Stubbed with cloves, the ham is heavily perfumed with hints of earthy spices.

Prior to serving, it is glazed and baked, allowing the buttery sweetness from the maple glaze to permeate through the meat. Slice through its tough exterior, and the meat reveals a soft, succulent, chewy middle.

SLOW-ROASTED WAGYU BEEF

When we think of Christmas, we imagine a slew of delectable roasts alongside turkey that leaves us craving for more. Featuring yet another slab of indulgent meat that impressed us: the Slow-Roasted Wagyu Beef (S$98+/1kg).

Roasted to a perfect medium doneness, the aromatic beef is served with a crisp, smoky crust before it is sprinkled with seasoning, rosemary and thyme. Completely stealing our hearts was its beautifully marbled meat; it was fork tender and boasted both sweetness and umami nuances.

Slowly savour the meat, and you get to taste that chewy, luxurious mouthfeel that bursts apart with flavour.

LAMB RACK WITH PROVENCALE CRUST

Though not as much a majestic grandeur as the turkey or ham, another meat platter that will surely spice up your celebration is their Lamb Rack with Provencale Crust (S$75+/0.6kg). Arriving in a green, herbaceous crust, this dish looks fitting for the Christmas season.

Generously sprinkled and seasoned with herbs such as rosemary, the lamb is covered with a slightly salty exterior that is packed full of spices. When we pulled the meat apart, it tore from the bone easily, giving way to a medium-done middle. The best thing about it was that it was fragrant and juicy and had no gamey trace at all.

TRADITIONAL STUFFING

Nothing says Christmas more than stuffing; alongside their wealth of side accompaniments and salads, we have the Traditional Stuffing (S$20+). This is definitely one of the highlights we can look forward to savouring during the festive season. What we liked about their stuffing was that it consisted of a myriad of various simple yet flavoursome ingredients.

Comprising a unique blend of ingredients such as carrots and nuggets of bread, the dish had a soft, creamy mouthfeel that broke apart easily, allowing us to relish in its savouriness. It also had a moist texture that melted in our mouths.

CAULIFLOWER & BULGUR SALAD

Accompanying the festive roasts is their Cauliflower & Bulger Salad (S$20+). Served atop a fluffy bed of bulgur wheat, this is one of their best-selling vegetarian options included in their lineup again this year. An unpretentious dish, this salad comprises of a medley of contrasting soft and crunchy textures.

The cauliflowers are roasted and tossed together with the bulgur wheat, giving the salad a slight smoky char that elevated the flavour of this simple dish. This is the salad to go for if you are looking to have something light on the palate yet has that extra oomph of flavour.

ROASTED WINTER VEGETABLES

Where there are meats, there will be vegetables to give a refreshing palate change as well. Do not forget their Roasted Winter Vegetables (S$20+), a perennial vegetarian favourite that never fails to leave their guests hankering for more.

A colourful mixture of squash, sweet potato and pumpkin, this is a well-balanced dish consisting of both sweet and savoury notes. The chefs have added in their own smoky touch by giving the vegetables a slight char, adding to its savouriness and contrasting the veggie’s natural sweetness.

GARLIC MASH

Nothing completes the meaty affair better than some traditional mash. Introducing their Garlic Mash (S$20+) – it may look unassuming but we guarantee that the mash here is beyond awesome.

Simmered with garlic and loaded with butter, the mash is served with a mouthwatering aroma. Mashed to consistency, it had a thick and creamy texture that melted in our mouths. It was also chock full of savoury, herbaceous flavour.

Photo Credit: The Marmalade Pantry

LOG CAKES

You know there will always be room for their well-loved desserts, as what better way to end the joyous occasion than to indulge in some holiday sweet treats? In line with their festive takeaway spread, The Marmalade Pantry has doled out log cakes to celebrate the yuletide season: Black Forest Log Cake and Four-Layer Chocolate Log Cake!

The Black Forest Log Cake is fantastic for those who are sticklers for tradition. A classic favourite, this cake is coated with thick cream, luxurious chocolate and topped with chocolate shavings and blueberries. Nothing too fancy, but will definitely remind you of home.

The dessert lovers will also be a fan of their Four-Layer Chocolate Log Cake, as it is carefully composed of four different fluffy layers that simply melts into gooey goodness in your mouth. Crafted with four distinct flavours, this cake is bound to present you with a medley of contrasting, decadent goodness.

Preorders for their festive spread are open from 15 October 2019 onwards; you can head on to their website to order at order.themarmaladepantry.com.sg and choose from their variety of roasts, sides and sweet treats before opting for self-collection or delivery. Self-collection will be available from 1 December to 25 December 2019.

Alternatively, you can also print their online order form and submit it to any of The Marmalade Pantry’s outlets.

Pay with Mastercard and our code ‘LADYIRONCHEF15′ to enjoy 15% off when you order before 30 Nov 2019 or ‘LADYIRONCHEF10′ to enjoy 10% off when you order from 1 to 15 Dec 2019.

So, what are you waiting for? Mark your calendars and start preordering these goodies!

Festive Bundle
(2-3pax)
(1 turkey or ham + 2 sides) = S$128+

Family Bundle
(4-6pax)
(1 turkey or ham + 1 lamb or beef + 4 sides) = S$228+

The Marmalade Pantry At Downtown 
100 Peck Seah Street
#01-01 Oasia Hotel Downtown
Singapore 079333
Tel: +65 6385 0741
Reservations: enquiry.downtown@themarmaladepantry.com.sg
Daily: 6:30am – 10:30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

The Marmalade Pantry At Novena 
8 Sinaran Drive
#01-02/04 Oasia Hotel Novena
Tel: +65 6664 0348
Reservations: enquiry.novena@themarmaladepantry.com.sg
Daily: 6:30am – 10:30pm
Nearest Station: Novena

This post was brought to you by The Marmalade Pantry.

Zi char restaurants are a dime a dozen in Singapore, but one that truly sets itself apart from the rest is Uncle Leong Signatures. Famed for their fresh seafood since 2002, the restaurant boasts a diverse menu of delicacies and is a perennial go-to spot for family dinners and special occasions.

We had the opportunity to try out some of their signature dishes and here’s what we thought!

First up, we had an appetizer: Salted Egg Lotus Root (S$11.80). The lotus chips were well-coated with salted egg, and each savoury bite oozes flavour – a perfect balance of sweet and salty. It was also crispy and reminiscent of potato chips.

Served next was the Sunkist Pork Ribs (S$13.80). The succulent ribs were well-marinated and drizzled with a generous amount of their orange-juice infused secret sauce. The sweet citrus dressing was also not overpowering; it complements the savoury meat and gave it a zesty bite.

One of the must-try items is the Signature Hor Fun (S$10). Deemed as a childhood comfort food, the hor fun here was scrumptious – the noodles were slightly Q and silky smooth. The rich egg gravy was also very piquant, while the hint of spiciness gave the dish an extra kick.

The moment the Hong Kong Style Typhoon Shelter Crab (S$76.50) was placed on our table, we immediately dug in. The fresh crab was succulent and sweet, and you can taste the slight wok hei. Despite being cooked with dried chilli, you can’t taste the spiciness at all.

Lastly, we were served the Mala Crab (S$76.50), an off-the-menu item. It was a perfect rendition to the usual crab sauces we were accustomed to. The crab paired really well with the sauce; the meat had a sweet yet spicy aftertaste. The spice packed a punch, giving it a tangy flavour.

The food standard at Uncle Leong Signatures is definitely a cut above the rest, and the portion sizes are generous.

83 Punggol Central
#B1-21 Waterway Point
Singapore 828761
Tel: +65 6385 9989
Daily: 11am – 10:30pm
Nearest Station: Punggol

While a seafood feast is usually thought of as a gourmet experience, we prefer to get our hands down and dirty by having it the messy way.

You can do just that at Cajun on Wheels, a Halal-certified seafood diner on wheels that serves outrageously sumptuous and fresh Louisiana-style seafood at very reasonable prices. Living up to its name, the majority of Cajun on Wheels dishes pack a mean, spicy punch that will undoubtedly leave you reeling in satisfaction.

To add on to their already extensive menu, they will be introducing a whole new range of Asian Charcoal-Grilled dishes that are marinated with Kicap Manis, an iconic Indonesian sauce that is sweet, savoury and mildly spicy all at once. The new range of Charcoal-Grilled dishes is exclusively available at Cajun on Wheels at Plaza Singapura only.

So, say goodbye to your utensils and don your plastic bibs because this bold and unpretentious feast is best enjoyed with your hands!

OLYMPIAN BUCKET 

Unleash your inner beast with Cajun on Wheels’ classic Olympian Bucket (S$177) that features a smorgasbord of various fresh seafood and ingredients such as Scottish Dungeon Crab, Sri Lankan crab, prawns, white clams, mussels, sweet corn, potatoes and chicken spam.

All these goodies are drenched in a sauce of your choice which includes options such as Cajun Cheese, Herb & Butter, Spicy Cheese Soil (available in a non-spicy version), Singapore Chilli Crab, Sambal Chilli Egg and Salted Egg Yolk.

We highly recommend the Spicy Cheesy Soil, a decadent, full-bodied sauce that is sweet, creamy and ridiculously addictive.

CHARCOAL-GRILLED SEAFOOD BUCKET 

Be sure to also try Cajun on Wheel’s Charcoal-Grilled Seafood Bucket (S$89) which can serve 2 to 3 people. The bucket comes brimming with ingredients such as charcoal-grilled Sri Lankan crab, crayfish, squid, baby potatoes and corn. To complete this hearty feast, everything is doused in a spicy and sweet kicap manis sauce which pulls all the various components together perfectly.

NAUGHTY PLATTER 

Whether you’re naughty or nice, the Naughty Platter (S$36) was made for ravenous seafood fanatics who like to have a little taste of everything. It isn’t an unfamiliar dish and has been a constant menu item, but they’ve revamped it to make it even naughtier and better.

Served on a massive wooden platter, the dish features charcoal-grilled seabass and tiger prawns lusciously coated in kicap manis sauce, a fried whole squid, sambal matah and your choice of aglio olio, rice pilaf or white rice.

Despite the squid being fried to a perfect golden-brown crisp, its flesh still remained satisfyingly chewy and sweet without being too rubbery. We also love how once again, the kicap manis sauce managed to add an additional layer of flavour to the dish that elevated the sweetness of its various seafood components perfectly.

CHARCOAL-GRILLED SRI LANKAN CRAB 

There are few things as satisfying as cracking open gargantuan crustacean pincers and claws to reveal the sweet, tender meat beneath the hard exterior.

The Charcoal-Grilled Sri Lankan Crab (S$56) is a treat for crab fanatics. Each dish comes with a generous serving of 600 grams of charcoal-grilled Sri Lankan crab drenched in that addictive kicap manis sauce and paired with a side of grilled cauliflower and corn.

CHARCOAL-GRILLED FLOWER GROUPER

The Charcoal-Grilled Flower Grouper (S$28) features a whole flower grouper that has been cooked in kicap manis sauce, garnished with a tangy, fiery sambal matah and complemented with a side of cauliflower and corn.

Don’t be fooled by the fish’s boney-like structure; dig in deeper to discover its impeccably tender flesh that pairs amazingly well with the kicap manis sauce. We also like how the generous slathering of sambal matah added a piquant, spicy touch to the overall dish.

CHARCOAL-GRILLED GIANT SQUID 

Rarely do we come across squid that isn’t cooked to the point where it is rubbery, so tucking into Cajun on Wheel’s Charcoal-Grilled Giant Squid (S$19) certainly was a real treat.

Here, two colossal-sized squids are grilled to perfection and doused in kicap manis sauce. Each squid was absurdly succulent and of just the right amount of chewiness. The kicap manis sauce also managed to bring out the sweetness of the squid phenomenally and we savoured each and every blissfully good mouthful of it.

CHARCOAL-GRILLED TIGER PRAWNS

Prawn enthusiasts will adore the Charcoal-Grilled Tiger Prawns (S$19) which has 6 mammoth-sized tiger prawns that are grilled to perfection, coated in kicap manis sauce and paired with a side of cauliflower, corn and sambal matah.

Tear off the head and shells of each prawn to reveal the sweet, white flesh that lies beneath which is further enhanced by the kicap manis sauce.

OCEAN VALUE MEALS

If you want to have a taste of what Cajun on Wheels has to offer but you don’t have a voracious appetite, you can instead opt to have one of their Ocean Value Meals. Each meal comes with an individual seafood platter just for one as well as your choice of sauces, sides, carbs and drinks.

CHARCOAL-GRILLED SEABASS PLATTER 

Tuck into the Charcoal-Grilled Seabass Platter (S$18) which consists of a massive slab of grilled seabass slathered in kicap manis sauce and served with a sunny-side-up, sambal matah and your choice of carbs, drinks and side dishes.

The beautiful white fish was delightfully buttery and succulent and the sweetness of its plump flesh complemented the rich kicap manis sauce. For added texture and flavour, we recommend breaking open the yolk of the sunny-side-up over the fish for a creamier finish.

CHARCOAL-GRILLED TIGER PRAWNS PLATTER 

The Ocean Value Meal version of the Charcoal-grilled Tiger Prawns Platter (S$16) offers 4 fat fleshy pieces of tiger prawns in kicap manis sauce that are served with a sunny-side-up, sambal matah and your choice of carbs, drinks and side dishes.

CHARCOAL-GRILLED GIANT SQUID PLATTER 

Likewise, if you find the Charcoal-Grilled Giant Squid dish too much, you can have the Charcoal-Grilled Giant Squid Platter for just S$14. Each set comes with a charcoal-grilled squid in kicap manis sauce that is served with a sunny-side-up, kickass sambal matah and your choice of carbs, drinks and a side dish.

Cajun On Wheels
68 Orchard Road, #03-92 Plaza Singapura
Singapore 238839
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

This post was brought to you by Cajun On Wheels.

We’ve waited long and we’ve waited hard for this very day and it is finally here.

The Famous American burger chain Shake Shack has FINALLY set foot on our sunny little island with their new outlet at Jewel Changi Airport. Done are our days of enviously scrolling through our social media platforms and seeing pictures of our friends enjoying one of Shake Shack’s juicy, lip-smackingly good burgers — now we can have them too!

Shake Shack Singapore’s menu is similar to the one in the US and South Korea with goodies such as ‘Shroom Burger, Shack-cago Dogs and of course, their signature ShackBurger. Aside from that, they also have some Singapore exclusive items such as pandan shakes and a mango dessert.

The spacious restaurant is beautifully decked out in Shake Shack’s signature urban concrete and wood decor that makes for an amazing backdrop to up your Instagram game. Adding on to the ambience is the magnificent view of Jewel’s breathtaking Forest Valley which features a lush assemble of plants that surround the much-anticipated 40m high Rain Vortex waterfall.

SHACKBURGER

Being Shake Shack’s quintessential menu item, the ShackBurger (S$9.20 Single, S$12.70 Double) is the perfect representation of the classic American burger.

Wedged between the buttered and griddled potato buns are a slice of American cheese, crisp lettuce, tomatoes and an insanely juicy beef patty that uses Shake Shack’s special The Shackblend. To complete the burger, all the varying elements are coated in a generous smothering of Shake Shack’s signature ShackSauce that is bitter, salty, smokey and spicy all at once. 

SHACK-CAGO DOG 

If you aren’t a fan of burgers but you still want to get in on all the action and hype, you can have a go at their Shack-cago Dog (S$6.50) instead. Dubbed as one of the best hot dogs in New York, this hot dog lives up to the title and provides diners with the ultimate hot dog experience.

Each hotdog here comes loaded with onions, cucumbers, pickles, tomatoes, peppers, mustard, celery salt, Rick’s Picks Shack Relish and of course, a thick, juicy hotdog.

‘SHROOM BURGER

For the vegetarians out there, fret not as Shake Shack has created their very special ‘Shroom Burger (S$10.80) just for you! Replacing the beef patty here is a crisp-fried portobello mushroom that is injected with an addictive concoction mix of Muenster and cheddar cheese. This glorious patty is then topped with lettuce and tomatoes and then further drenched in a generous amount of ShackSauce.

CLASSIC CRINKLE-CUT FRIES 

Nothing goes better with a burger than a side of fries and Shake Shack does up some of the best ones around. Their Crinkle-Cut Fries (S$4.50) are thick and have satisfyingly crisp ridges that give the fries a lovely bite to it. If you want to up your fries game, you can also have a go at their Cheese Fries (S$5.90) which features fries that are doused in a heavenly medley of melted cheddar and American cheese.

SINGAPORE EXCLUSIVE ITEMS

Aside from the classic Shake Shack offerings, you can also look out for items on their Singapore-exclusive menu.

Pandan lovers can get ready to indulge in their Pandan Shake (S$7.80) which features frozen vanilla custard that is blended with pandan and coconut and then topped with a generous serving of gula Melaka crumble. The drink is said to be inspired by popular local foods such as pandan chiffon cake, ondeh ondeh and kaya toast.

You can also tuck into the Jewel Melaka, which consists of Vanilla custard mixed with coconut salted caramel, chocolate chunks from local brand Lemuel, shortbread and gula Melaka. Similar to that, there is also It Takes Two To Mango, a dessert that was inspired by the very popular mango sago pudding.

For those of you who prefer something more chocolatey, you can also try the Shack Attack which features Chocolate custard mixed with brownies from local brand Plain Vanilla, Shack Fudge Sauce, Lemuel chocolate chunks and chocolate sprinkles.

Shake Shack Singapore 
Jewel Changi Airport
78 Airport Boulevard, #02-256
Singapore 819666
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

Read our Jewel Changi Airport guide to discover the best places to visit.

Opened by The Press Room Group – which is behind other popular F&B dining concepts like The Pawn, SML, and Classified – The Principal at Star Street is a sophisticated and elegant restaurant which promises an epicurean adventure that you will never forget.

The décor is simple and nothing too extravagant. Yet it feels posh enough to sink into the plush seats for a nice dinner. The chef has opted to remove its regular ala carte menu to focus on delivering The Principal experience through its 7-course (HK$890) and 10-course degustation menu (HK$1080). For vegetarians, there is also a 7-course vegetarian menu (HK$890).

We started with ‘Snacks’, which consists of passion Campari, Mieric Peanut, Sesame Dentelle, and Pate Bonbon. Initially, we were skeptical as the starters appeared to be very ordinary. But we were taken by surprise after trying them. The Passion Campari burst in our mouths; the pate bonbon combines savoury and sweet, and the mimetic peanut was pure magic – two icing-coated peanuts unassumingly laid atop a bed of broken peanut shells, and exploded into a mind-boggling peanut butter of semi-glory consistency with every bie.

Next was the Uni – a course of chawanmushi with sea urchin, sake and dates. It was delicately prepared, with the sea urchin being nothing near overpowering and instead, gave a memorable richness in the otherwise all too predictable Japanese comfort food.

Following which, we had the Gnocchi – Parmigiano gnocchi and button mushroom with iberico ham consommé. Submerged in a serving of the addictive consommé, the potato dumplings were so raw and earthy, we never felt more drawn to the core of earth, quite a surprising rendition, though we felt it may not be suitable for the ones with lighter taste buds.

The Mackerel was a dish of mackerel with radish, tomato seed, jalpeno, and a strong hint of lemongrass.

Then the highlight of our dinner – Blue Lobster. An immaculately prepared blue lobster with a smooth, creamy and buttery béarnaise sauce. It was delicious.

Also good was the Oscietre – an egg yolk combined with cauliflower puree, bone marrow and caviar, this dish was presented beautifully and was well thought and showed a real understanding of flavours.

Halibut was served with zucchini foam, puree made from the sauce of halibut, and a black vinaigrette sauce.  The fish was prepared flawlessly. My only gripe was that the zucchini foam was more style than substance – it did not add anything to the dish.

The Pigeon was also another dish which we enjoyed tremendously. The Bresse Pigeon was perfectly cooked – not too tough, nor was it too undercooked, with a tinge of redness. Thew presence of bomba rice, cepes soil made of mushroom and hunter’s truffle made this a very well done dish overall. Not to mention that it was beautifully plated.

We are usually not big fans of white chocolate dessert, but the Snowball got our approval. Wrapped in a cocoa butter exterior which gave it texture and crunch, the snowball is a miraculous invention of chilled white chocolate mousse with a surprising passion fruit centre – so smooth, so sweet, so passionate and so much like the mysterious yet fascinating winter; Snowball is indeed quite apt.

The final course was a sweet ending – very addictive gianduja mousse paired with praline, brown butter ice cream and sweet potato.

The Principal
9 Star Street
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2563 3444
Nearest Station: Wan Chai
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

When we were in Hong Kong in November last year, we had the pleasure of having a dinner at a popup restaurant by The Butchers Club, a butchery, home catering and private kitchen which specialises in dry aging beef. The Steak Rebellion – the name of their popup event – is one of the most interesting dining experiences we have been to.

A special set-up at the rooftop of a charming old building, we were greeted with a crazy team of hosts & serves in different characters – a bohemian singer, an obsessed violinist & many fierce butchers who just returned from a hunting trip and massively covered in blood.

Cows’ and pigs’ heads decorated the rooftop alongside fatale looking cutting equipments. Candles and roses lined the table and a bottle of wine greeted every guest.

The whole chunky cow was cut up ala table-side style and our preferences were jotted down, though one of the murderous-looking servers told us we were to just eat whatever we were served. Out of jest, in the name of fun of course. Speak about a thematic dinner that sends chills down your spine – literally!

We had super fresh oysters with copious amounts of wine while waiting for the steaks to be cooked. It was a rather long wait, but when they were served, it was all worth it.

The steaks were amazing. It was hands down one of the best steaks we have ever had. We have been to many fine steak restaurants, but this was something truly special. The deftly seasoned steak was tender, beautifully cooked with a remarkable depth of flavour. It stayed juicy throughout, and it was excellent right down to the last bite. Everyone on our table was blown away by how good it was.

The Butchers Club is an expert in dry aging beef, and once you have tried one of their top quality dry aged beef steaks, life will never be the same again.

The Butchers Club
13C Sun Ying Industrial Centre
9 Tin Wan Close
Tin Wan, Aberdeen
Tel: +852 2552 8281
Note: This was an invited media event.

My girlfriend and I are big steak lovers and we always make it a point to check out good steak restaurants in every city that we visit. During a recent trip to Hong Kong, we had a very very good steak at Blue Butcher Bar & Restaurant, a meathouse that sources its meat from farms that do not compromise on quality, and hang the meat in-house using age-old recipes together with modern techniques.

We started off with a few interesting cocktails. Names like Pork Chop & Apple Sauce, Bangers & Mash, and Fig & Cheese are some of the options available.

Following which, we had the Pigs Head Terrine (HK$115), and it is obviously not a dish for the faint-hearted. But if you are adventurous enough, you will find that it actually tastes very similar to the usual pork terrine, except that it is packed with more flavours.

Planked on a wooden board, the Bone Marrow (HK$125) with toast and caper berries is another house speciality and it is exactly how a good bone marrow should be like – rich, flavourful and prepared to a high standard.

It is best to dine at the Blue Butcher because there are so many dishes that you will want to try. Accompanied with sweetbread, truffled orzo and herb salad, the Dutch Veal Cheek (HK$460) is one of the big plates that is perfect for sharing. So is the US Kurobuta Pork Belly & Cheek (HK$250/450), with huge chunks of perfectly cooked pork belly rested on a bed of lentils and granny smith apple slaw.

But if you only have room for one dish, then forget about the rest and go straight for the steak. The 320z Australian Mann river farm Wagyu bone-in Ribeye (HK$1480) that we had was beyond amazing. We have had many good steaks from good steak restaurants all over the world, but Blue Butcher’s version took our breath away and has fast climbed up our ranks as one of the best. Deftly seasoned and beautifully cooked, the steak was juicy, meaty and very tender. We were swooning with every bite – it was extremely good that we cannot find any adjective that is deemed fit to describe it.

Throughout the meal, we observed that most of the staff were exuberant and really friendly towards all guests. This marks a small but impressionable difference to every restaurant. After checking with Celine, the restaurant’s PR manager, we learned how the restaurant highly values every worker – from the chefs who brave the heat from the stove every night, to the bartenders who prepare every cocktail meticulously, and the wait staff that serve every table with pride and distinction.

Even though the owners have several restaurants in Hong Kong, they drop by Blue Butcher regularly to ask on them and to make sure that everything is on track. It is the rapport between the owners and employees that makes a difference in the long run. There is also a Progressive Wage Model which not only helps to map out a clear career path for the staff, but also pay them fair wages according to their skills and work efficiency. The group makes sure that every staff has a part to play, and a future progression as long as they work hard.

And of course, it is also about striking the balance between work and play. Staff dinner is organised every month for the staff to go out and have fun together, and to strengthen the bond within the team. These factors contribute to make the staff at Blue Butcher feel that they are part of something bigger, and motivates them to work harder.

With delicious cocktails, warm and welcoming service, and the best cuts, Blue Butcher Bar & Restaurant is a place that you should head to with a group of carnivorous friends to have a great night’s out.

This message is part of a ladyironchef x Labour Movement project where we seek to share with you insights on the different initiatives by the Labour Movement to give workers in Singapore better jobs, better pay and better work-life balance.

Blue Butcher Bar & Restaurant
108 Hollywood Road, SOHO
Tel: +852 2613 9286
Daily: 12pm – 12 midnight
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

Chachawan is a collaboration between restaurateur Yenn Wong and Chef Adam Cliff, and is one of the newest Thai restaurants in Hong Kong. It specialises in Issan Cuisine from the North-Eastern region of Thailand. For those of you who are not familiar with Issan food, it focuses mainly on grilled meats and salads which have a balanced of sour, salty and spicy flavours.

The interior of Chachawan is an old-school shophouse. A bar sits at the entrance of the restaurant, where you can have drinks before or after dinner. The wall is an organised rugged mess of slightly discoloured newspaper ads plastered in a seemingly cluttered yet distinct linear.

The menu is divided into five categories – Som Dtum, seafood, grilled meat, rice and desserts. From the salad menu, we highly recommend the delicious Nahm Dtok Nuer (HK$138). A spicy grilled wagyu beef salad tossed with shallots, coriander, mint, lime, fish sauce and toasted rice dressing – it totally busted my sanity.

Another dish which was equally impressive is the Moo Yung (HK$158) – Iberico is marinated in Thai garlic, coriander and pepper, and then char-grilled to perfection. It is further tossed with chopped chilli, garlic and lime to give it more flavour.

We also enjoyed the Gai Yung (HK$158). The chicken thigh is marinated for 24 hours in garlic, pepper, coriander, and grilled till crispy. It is accompanied by a dipping sauce made with tangerine juice, plum sugar, herbs and chilli.

For those who cannot resist spicy soup, try the Dtom Sap Moo (HK$98) – a hot and sour Eastern soup which comes with chunks of pork ribs. And if you are dining with a big group, go for the Pla Phao Glua (HK$268), salted crusted whole seabass with a chilli dipping sauce.

All in all, Chachawan is cool without being pretentious, and serves terrific Issan food. The prices, I have to admit, are steeper than the usual Thai restaurants, but given the quality and the overall dining experience, they are very much worth the prices asked for.

It may not be a destination nor a top-of-the-mind restaurant for foodies visiting Hong Kong, but it is surely a place that will come to mind when planning a night out with a group of friends, and want something different from the usual Spanish, Italian or French restaurants.

Chachawan
206 Hollywood Road
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2549 0020
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 6.30pm – 12 midnight
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan
Note: This was an invited media tasting

One of the things that you must do when in Hong Kong is to have afternoon tea at InterContinental Hong Kong’s Lobby Lounge. It offers the complete package: Panoramic view of Hong Kong’s skyline, live band playing soothing love ballads, and an elegant space where you can savour premium sandwiches, warm scones and exquisite desserts while sipping fragrant tea.

The InterContinental Afternoon Tea Set (HK$548 on weekdays, HK$568 on weekends) features the traditional English afternoon treats with devonshire clotted cream and earl grey jelly. The standout items that we had include the Passionfruit & Ginger Eclair, Boston Lobster Sandwich, and Raspberry Cheesecake. Alternatively, you can try The Red Box (HK$548 on weekdays, HK$568 on weekends) – a contemporary Chinese tea set which comes with a selection of savoury regional specialities, Chinese pastries and sweets, a basket of goji berry madeleines, and a choice of premium Chinese tea.

Even if you are not staying at InterContinental Hong Kong, you should make a trip here for the afternoon tea. Try to go during weekdays as the lobby lounge is crazily crowded on weekends and the wait is easily an hour long.

InterContinental Hong Kong Lobby Lounge
18 Salisbury Road, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2721 1211
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

When the news came that Jamie Oliver is opening a restaurant in Singapore – the first Jamie’s Italian in Asia – the hype about it was overwhelming and unbelievably crazy. Jamie Oliver is a household name, and arguably one of the most famous British chefs in the world. The arrival of his restaurant in Singapore further emphasises Singapore’s position as a dining destination in Asia.

Jamie’s Italian Singapore officially opens its door at Vivo City today, and here are some of the highlights that you can expect from Jamie Oliver’s new restaurant.

As with all the Jamie’s Italian restaurants around the world, the menu is extensive, with offerings of antipasti, pasta and risotto dishes, and main courses that are hearty and rustic.

The Planks – platters of meat and fish – are a great way to start, especially if you are in a big group. The Meat Plank (S$15.50/pax) consists of cured meats, cheeses, pickles and a crunchy salad. We also sampled the Fish Plank (S$17/pax), a seafood version with an assortment of beetroot-cured salmon, roasted shellfish, smoked mackerel pate and delicious fritto misto, which tastes great with yuzu mayo.

If you are a fan of olives, you should also go for their World’s Best Olives on Ice (S$7.50). The other starter that we had was the Baked Mushrooms (S$12.50). It was decent, but nothing to write home about. The Crispy Squid (S$11.50) and Crispy Stuffed Risotto Balls (S$11.50) sound promising, and we would probably get them the next time.

At Jamie’s Italian, pastas are made fresh in-house daily, and they are naturally one of the highlights. The best part is that they come in two portions – a smaller serving which is meant to be an appetiser, and the regular size as a main course – which gives you the option of getting more dishes for sharing.

The most popular pasta on the menu is the Prawn Linguine (S$17/25) with fried garlicky prawns. But while we have not tried this, we have to give mentions to the Tagliatelle Bolognese (S$15/22) – which we had when we were in Jamie’s Italian London previously, and it is surely one dish not to be missed because this classic pasta is so satisfying.

We could not resist ordering the Wild Truffle Risotto (S$16/24.50). It was excellent, with subtle taste of the finely chopped truffle lingering on the tongue. We had this same dish at London and much to our surprise, we felt the Singapore’s version was significantly more impressive. Also good was the Jools’ Favourite Sicilian Tuna Fusilli (S$14/21), which is apparently the must-have dish for Jools (Jamie Oliver’s wife) whenever she is at the restaurant. We loved how the herby breadcrumbs added an extra texture to the flavourful pasta with slow-cooked tuna, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.

Other pastas on the menu include the Pasta Alla Norma (S$12.50/19), Penne Arrabbiata (S$12.50/19), Black Angel Spagehtti (S$16/24.50), and Sausage Pappardelle (S$16/24).

Among the main courses, you might be tempted by the Veal Flash Steak (S$32.50) and The Jamie’s Italian Wagyu Burger (S$27.50). One of the exclusive dishes for Jamie’s Italian Singapore is the Pink Snapper Acqua Pazza (S$32). While it was not out-of-the-world-good, it was a pleasantly comforting dish that you can eat on a regular basis – which is exactly what Jamie Oliver is known for.

Sweet treats such as Tutti Frutti Lemon Meringue Pie (S$11.50) and the Sour Cherry Bakewell (S$9.50) were decent, but not particularly outstanding.

But what we really loved were the Tiramisu (S$11.50) and Panna Cotta (S$9). The former – a strong and intense coffee-flavoured triffle with orange mascarpone and chocolate, and the latter – a simple and well-made dessert which is rich and creamy yet not overly sweet, exactly how a good panna cotta should be. We dare say it is one of the better renditions in town.

Jamie’s Italian takes reservations, but from what we understand, it is already fully-booked for the next few weeks. So, the only way is to try your luck for a table as walk-in guests.

While Jamie Oliver is a household name and brand, expectations are naturally developed and raised. However, one pointer that you may want to take note of prior to your visit to the inaugural Asian outlet – Jamie’s Italian is positioned to be a casual Italian restaurant, catering to the masses with fuss-free cuisine of rustic and homely pastas. Definitely not the posh fine-dining establishment that many might be expecting across all Jamie Oliver’s restaurants.

I like Jamie’s Italian and I think it blends in perfectly with Singapore’s local food scene. I would not be surprised if they were to open more branches in Singapore in the near future, and eventually in the rest of Asia.

Jamie’s Italian Singapore
1 HarbourFront Walk,
VivoCity, #01-165/167
Tel: +65 67335500
Daily: 11.30am to 11pm (All day dining)
Nearest Station: Harbourfront
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

For more recommendations, read my list of best Italian restaurants in Singapore

Brasserie Les Saveurs at The St Regis Singapore is extremely popular for its champagne brunch. However, not many people know about the Italian weekend prosecco brunch ($98++/pax for prosecco, $68++/pax for non-alcohol) at LaBrezza, a charming and intimate restaurant which serves fine trattoria-style Italian cuisine by the poolside of the hotel.

The space, as you would expect from a poolside restayrant, is bright and airy, which makes it a perfect place for weekend brunch.

La Brezza’s prosecco brunch comes with a delectable antipasti spread which has salads, burrata cheese, salami, prosciutto, and smoked salmon. We would suggest going easy on the antipasti and save room for the ala carte orders of pizza, pasta, and grilled meat and seafood.

Under the pizza menu, there are four options to choose from: Eggs Napoli, with poached egg and tomato on grilled ciabatta bread with pesto and mozzarella; Pizza Margherita; Pizza Vesuvio, with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, Italian sausage, and roasted sweet peppers; and Gil Sformatini con Salsa al – series of three vegetable flans, parmigianino and black truffle sauce. We also had the chef’s daily risotto special – an asparagus and cheese risotto.

Following which was the Aglio Olio, which we had high expectations of because we always believe the true standard of a chef shines through his ability to whip out that most basic, yet common pasta. La Brezza’s rendition was a tad different from the aglio olio we know. This had tagliatelle tossed evenly in quality extra virgin olive oil, and a very strong note of fresh chilli. Yummy, but we will still choose a garlic heavy aglio olio anytime.

The Vongole was prepared with tagliatelle as well, which we could not quite agree because the slightly fatter and flatter texture did not bring out the fragrance of the white wine sauce – which is precisely the essence of a good vongole. That said, the sauce  was bland and lacklustre to begin with.

Our favourite was the Carbonara – tagliatelle done in a creamy and eggy sauce. We could vouch for the authencity of this dish – it was very close to the one that we had in Rome, just slightly less peppery. And can I just do a little shout out for the bacon chunks? Mildly crisp and every bit of juiciness; just the way I like my bacon to complete a creamy pasta.

That is not all. For main course, there is a selection of meat and seafood grilled ala minute over a charcoal barbeque. Start with the Grilled Australian Lamb Chop with lemon-mint marinade and roasted potatoes.

The star was undoubtedly the Beef Striploin, which you see in the first picture of this post. Tender, juicy and slightly-charred on the surface — it was more than we could have asked for. It was so good that we ordered a second portion.

Also worth a mention was the Spicy Roasted Chicken. The dish looked ordinary, but the meat was well-marinated and very tasty. The sweet, juicy and incredibly meaty King Prawns were equally well-received. The Seabass, on the other hand, was a let-down as it was slightly too fishy for our liking.

Next, we had tiramisu. It was decent with a strong coffee taste, but it lacked texture as the ratio of sponge finger to mascarpone cheese was inadequately balanced.

The other dessert that we had was the Cannoli. Deep fried Sicilian pastry with pistachio, blueberries and strawberries. Good, but not fantastic. As part of the dessert offerings, you can also get fresh sliced fruit with honey yogurt, and four different gelato flavours.

LaBrezza
29 Tanglin Road
The St. Regis Singapore
Tel: +65 6506 6888
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Weekend brunch: 12pm – 2.45pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

$98++/pax with prosecco
$68++/pax for non-alcohol
$49++/child (4-12 years old)
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

Singapore F&B scene has been very exciting over the past few years. There is always a new place opening almost every week. There are so many new and cool restaurants that I find it hard to keep up. While I love checking out the latest hip place in town – it is, after all, my job to do that – sometimes, I just like to go somewhere familiar. One of my favourite restaurants in Singapore is House at Dempsey Hill.

House may already be very popular, but it is a shame that it remains as one of the most under-rated restaurants around. It is not easy to create a cosy ambience with vibes so chic. Yet, House managed to do it so effortlessly. Mismatched furnitures, spacious layout with low ceilings and sporadic partitions, dim lights complementing the sun rays that stream in from the ceiling-to-floor glass panels, soft jazz and lounge music looping while the coffee machine brews and the wine glasses clink intermittently; there is this unassuming comfort that makes sitting here all too indulging.

The folks at House have recently launched a new menu – its first major overhaul in six years. The food is still very much the same – simple comfort fare that you can eat on a regular basis. And now, we are in for more new additions.

We started with the Asparagus, Serrano Ham and Crumbed Egg $22. This classic combination never fails to please.

In addition to the legendary truffle fries ($11), Barracks Café has also introduced some new variations in the form of Pumpkin hazelnut fries ($12) – shoestring pumpkin fries with crunchy hazelnut, paprika and chilli powder; Truffle Taro Fries ($7) – straw cut yam fries with aromatic truffle oil; Curry Mustard Fries ($9) – shoestring fries topped with paprika, curry and a sprinkle of sea-salt; and Carrot Fennel Fries ($9) – straw cut sweet carrot fries with a sprinkle of fennel.

An old favourite that has its place standing firm on the menu is the Asian Sliders, also known as Kong Ba Bao. House’s rendition is easily one of the best around. Braised lean pork belly tucked in steaming hot buns, and complimented with crispy taro fries. In a word: perfection.

The Hanger Steak ($27) with croquettes and wild mushrooms was also a crowd-pleaser that afternoon. A perfectly seared steak so affordable, I would go back to House just for this.

If you are like me, a fan of risotto, you have to try the new Pumpkin Risotto with brown butter reduction and toasted pumpkin seeds.

The Roasted Chilean Cod Fish, with a refreshing apple and celery salad, was extremely fresh, but we did not fancy the sweet date sauce that came along with it. If you still have room, you should go for the Pork Ribs with Caramelised Pineapple ($27). While the meat was not off-the-fork-tender, it was still very flavourful and delicious.

House did not make any changes to the desserts menu, so you can still find the popular favourites such as their Warm Strawberry Shortcake ($9.50), Carrot Cake ($7), and Warm Chocolate Toffee Cake ($9.50).

The Bitter Chocolate Tart ($7.50) was amazing. Now, I hardly use the word ‘amazing’ to describe desserts, but House’s version completely won me over. It was bitter, sweet and done just right.

The Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake ($7.80) impressed, too, with its creamy and cheesy flavour, and the addictive biscuit base. The only dessert that I did not enjoy was the Warm Banana Salted Caramel Cake ($7). While the use of popcorn in a dessert was interesting, the cake was somewhat lacking in flavour and depth.

House
8D Dempsey Road
Tel: +65 6475 7787
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 6pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 4pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

Il Cielo is located on the 24th floor of Hilton Singapore, right beside the pool. Upon arriving at the restaurant, I was pleasantly surprised to see that it is very small, cosy and intimate. I also like the fact that the Italian restaurant is very focused. They only have a few dishes under each category of the menu – because they pride themselves on the quality and standard of every item.

We started our meal with a fantastic Homemade Buffalo Milk Burrata ($38) with heirloom tomatoes and Pan Seared Foie Gras ($32). If you are a fan of this dish, you must order it at Il Cielo. The foie gras, served with white polenta and vin santo reduction, also got a thumbs up from us.

For main courses, we had the Homemade Carbonara Tagliatelle ($48) with fresh shaved truffle – a special dish on the white Alba truffle seasonal menu – and a Porcini and Blueberry Risotto ($28).

The pasta while good, was unremarkable. But what made it special, was the use of freshly shaved white Alba truffle which gave it flavour and depth.

The Risotto Porcini and Blueberry Risotto was very good. Every bite was better than the previous one, and before we knew it, we had pretty much scraped the plate clean.

Before having the second main course, we were served a Raspberry Sorbet – with a drop of vodka and ginger – as a palate cleanser. After which, we proceeded with the main courses: a beautiful Oven-baked Whole Seabass ($75) and Grilled Veal Chop ($55). I am usually a meat person, but the Seabass won me over completely. It was so good that I did not pay much attention to the veal chop. We could not get over how fresh and sweet the fish was.

To end the meal, we had Tiramisu ($18) and Dark Chocolate Souffle ($18) served with spicy vanilla ice cream.

We were there a few months ago, so they might have changed some of the items on the menu. A meal at Il Cielo is without a doubt, expensive. It is not a place where everyone can come on a regular basis. But it is worth splurging for a special occasion because you will be satisfied with the exceptional food and service.

Il Cielo
581 Orchard Road
Level 24 Hilton Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6730 3395
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 7pm – 10.30pm
Note: This was an invited media tasting

For more recommendations, read my list of best Italian restaurants in Singapore

Tim Ho Wan, the cheapest 1 Michelin Star dim sum restaurant from Hong Kong, is opening in Singapore at The Atrium @ Orchard, Plaza Singapura today. Opened by Chef Mak Kwai Pui (previously from Lung King Heen at Four Seasons Hong Kong), Tim Ho Wan has gained a strong following over the years and long queues are a common sight at his restaurants.

We got a sneak preview at a media tasting last night. Here are some of the highlights from the much anticipated Tim Ho Wan in Singapore.

The star on the menu and what you must order at Tim Ho Wan is the legendary Baked Buns with BBQ Pork ($4.50 for 3). I can say with confidence after trying, that the buns are as good as the ones in Hong Kong.

The Steamed Egg Cake ($3.80), another of Tim Ho Wan’s ‘Big Four Heavenly Kings’, is also a must-try — soft, fluffy and very addictive. I also enjoyed both the Steamed Prawn Dumplings ($5.50 for 4) and Steamed Pork Dumplings ($5 for 4). These classics were well-executed to a good standard.

Also good was the Deep-fried Beancurd Skin Roll ($4.20 for 3). It was a lot better than I thought it would be, and this was because of two combined successes — the deep-fried beancurd skin roll was not too greasy, and the fillings were of impressionable quality.

Tim Ho Wan also offers five different variations of Vermicelli Roll (Chee Cheong Fun) – BBQ Pork ($5.50), Shrimp ($5.50), Beef ($5.50), Black Pepper ($5) and its signature Pig’s Liver ($5.50).

We also tried the Steamed Beef Balls with Beancurd Skin ($4.20 for 3) and Steamed Dumpling Teochew Style ($4 for 3), and while decent, both were unremarkable.

The Pan-fried Carrot Cake ($4.50 for 3), one of the much-lauded items on the menu, was disappointing. It was slightly bland and it was missing the x-factor of a carrot cake that would otherwise mark a satisfying dim sum meal.

Other dishes on the menu include Glutinous Rice Dumpling ($5), Chicken Feet with Black Bean Sauce ($4), Pork Rib with Black Bean Sauce ($4.20) and Garlic, Mushroom, Spinach Dumpling ($3.80 for 3). They also have a rice category where they serve dishes such as Rice with Beef & Fried Egg ($6), and Rice with Chicken, Sausage and Mushroom ($6).

To end off the meal, there are two sweets available – the Tonic Medlar & Osmanthus Cake ($3.50 for 3) and Yam Puree with Sago ($3.50).

Supporters of Tim Ho Wan swear by the awesome BBQ pork buns and their affordable dim sum. At the same time, there are naysayers who feel that it is over-rated and not worth the time. This brings us back to the million dollar question: Is Tim Ho Wan worth the hype and queue?

Tim Ho Wan got famous because it offered good dim sum at very cheap prices – when it first started, you could get a very satisfying meal for around HK$50-80 (S$9-13) per person. However, with the high rental in Singapore – as with its branch at IFC Hong Kong – the dim sum here is slightly pricier. Most of the items are priced around $4-5.50 per basket. To be fair, they are still comparable with Singapore’s average; most dim sum restaurants in Singapore are priced at that range as well.

The dim sum in general is good. If you have never been to Tim Ho Wan in Hong Kong, then this one in Singapore is not to be missed. But if you had been there before, then I would suggest to give it a little wait before stepping into the Singapore outlet. As with any new restaurant, there will inevitably be teething problems. I urge everyone to be patient.

All in all, the arrival of Tim Ho Wan is great news and a strong boost to the F&B scene in Singapore. Tim Ho Wan will be opening its second branch at Toa Payoh in July, before adding four other branches by the end of this year.

Tim Ho Wan
#01-29 Plaza Singapura
The Atrium @ Orchard
68 Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6251 2000
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

At level 102 of The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, Tin Lung Heen is probably one of the highest, if not the highest, Chinese restaurants in the world. While there are plenty of good Cantonese restaurants in Hong Kong, Tin Lung Heen is a popular venue as it not only delivers a modern interpretation of Cantonese food, it also has a spectacular view of Hong Kong.

When I was staying at The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, I had the chance to dine at this 2 Michelin Star Chinese restaurant, and I am pleased to report that it was a very fine meal.

The chef customised a menu to showcase some of his signature dishes. We had Marinated Chicken in soy sauce, Deep-fried Beancurd Sheet with crab meat and onion, Char-grilled Barbecued Iberian Pork, Roasted Goose, Double-boiled Chicken Soup with fish maw in baby coconut, Pan-fried Prawn with superior soy sauce, Pan-fried Kurobuta Pork filled with foie gras, Garoupa Fillet with green onion and ginger in X.O sauce, Sauteed Choi Sum with garlic sauce, Fried Rice with diced abalone wrapped in lotus leaf, and a Chilled Milk Jelly with black truffle, chilled coconut and red dated jelly.

Everything was done to a high standard, and the best thing that we had that night, was an amazing Char-grilled Barbecued Iberian Pork. It was, without exaggerating, the best char siew I have ever had in my life.

All in all, the food at Tin Lung Heen is excellent and the Char-grilled Barbecued Iberian Pork is to-die-for. Prices are steep, but it is a restaurant with a terrific view and exceptional service. If you are celebrating a special occasion, I canot think of a better place than Tin Lung Heen at The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong.

Tin Lung Heen
Level 102, International Commerce Centre
1 Austin Road West
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: 852 2263 2270
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

Au Chocolat, opened by the folks behind Ku De Ta and Catalunya, occupies a huge space at a corner of Marina Bay Sands. It is divided into two sections: a retail confectionery store where you can find all sorts of delicious snacks – such as slice cakes, cupcakes, gelato, truffle – and fun merchandise. The other half is the bistro which has an all-day dining menu.

We have been to Au Chocolat many times, and tried quite a few items from the bistro and confectionery. Here are some of the highlights.

The menu is huge, running from handmade crepes ($16-20), to breakfast food ($15-22), finger food and snacks ($12-18), soup and salad ($11-20), burgers and sandwiches ($16-25), pasta ($23-25), entrees ($22-32) and desserts ($16-18).

We started with their Truffle Fries ($15), a generous serving of crispy fries drizzled with fragrant white truffle oil and seasoned with truffle sea salt. The Mushroom Bite ($14), next to arrive on the table, was rather run-of-the-mill. For the price, we would rather get another portion of the truffle fries.

We have heard a lot about Au Chocolat’s Ultimate Benedict ($22), so we knew we had to give it a try. Pancakes formed the base of the dish, and it was topped with spinach, tomatoes, crispy bacon, roasted ribeye steak, roasted chicken and two poached eggs. It has a generous drizzling of red wine and dark chocolate infused hollandaise sauce.

Each of the ingredient was good on its own, but when you put everything together, it became too overwhelming. Simply put, we were not too impressed.

Our favourite entree is the crispy Duck Confit ($27), which comes with potato mash, white wine poached pear and topped off with a tangy chocolate orange sauce. It was one of the best duck confits that I have had in recent times. Definitely one of the must-order dishes when you are dining at Au Chocolat.

A commendable dish is the Steak Frites ($35). I was not expecting much of the pan-seared ribeye steak, if only because many places tend to serve mediocre steaks, so I was pleasantly to find that this was really good. It was a perfectly cooked steak which was juicy, tender and well seasoned. Plus, it was accompanied by tasty truffle fries and red wine sauce on the side.

Other enticing options on the entrees menu include a delicious corn-fed Roasted Chicken ($24) and the rich and flavourful Boeuf Bourguignon ($26).

We also had their Stuffed French Toast ($18). Two slices of brioche bread filled with berries and mascarpone cheese. There is nothing wrong with this dish, but other than the pretty appearance, there is little about it that stands out.

Dessert lovers will surely go crazy at Au Chocolat here. Among the six options under the dessert section, we had the Au Chocolat Tower Cake ($18), a huge six layers of moist chocolate cake served with a vanilla gelato; and the Caramel Apple Skillet ($17) – which was a baked caramel pecan cake drizzled with salted caramel sauce. If you have been on a hunt to find the best chocolate cake in Singapore, you must try Au Chocolat’s rendition.

Besides that, we have also tried many different desserts from Au Chocolat’s pastry counter over several visits. The noteworthy ones include the Chocolate Tart, Red Velvet Cheesecake, Kalamansi Cake and Peanut Butter Cheesecake.

What makes Au Chocolat a place you can return to again and again is that its all-day menu provides plenty of options for everyone. Furthermore, it opens till late everyday, making it a great venue for dinner, or to hangout for desserts with a group of friends.

Au Chocolat
2 Bayfront Avenue
#01-03 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Tel: +65 6688 7227
Sun to Thu: 10am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 12 midnight
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

An unobstructed view of the marina and an array of restaurants & lifestyle retail outlets – A whole new world is born in Singapore. Quayside Isle is a new integrated F&B and retail development within the luxurious Sentosa Cove enclave.

What makes Quayside Isle a place you can return to again and again is its excellent mix of eateries — from affordable options such as Kith and Grillado, to chill-out spots like Sabio by the Sea, Tapas & Grill and Brussels Sprouts – Belgian Beer & Mussels — and a breath-taking view of the beautiful marina. There are few places in Singapore that can match this new spot in terms of its diversity of dining options, as well as the overall ambience.

This is a place where I can come with a few friends to relax over drinks and finger food, or bring my family for celebratory meals during the festive season. It is also great for an intimate gathering with friends or a romantic date with your partner – the setting of the waterfront dining restaurants makes you feel you are on a vacation without even having to leave Singapore.

Below we share some of the highlights of the restaurants at Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove.

Brussels Sprouts – Belgian Beer & Mussels

Brussels Sprouts – Belgian Beer & Mussels set up by celebrity chef Emmanuel Stroobant is the ideal spot to go with friends to unwind after work. Get a few pots of their famous Moules Frites ($20 for 350g, $40 for 750g) to share. The Ostendaise mussels – made up of fish stock, lobster bisque, grey shrimp and mushroom – is the most popular choice. A craving for spicy flavours can be easily satisfied with their Tom Yum mussels.

We were also thoroughly impressed by its assortment of toasts. We had the Toast Cannibal ($14) – steak tartare on toast with gherkins; Rollmops Sur Toast ($14) – marinated herrings on a bed of green apple salad and roasted beetroot on toast; and Salade De Crabe ($14) – guacamole spread on toast topped with king crab and tomato salad. These homemade toasts were surprisingly good, and it was impossible to stop at one.

From 9 to 24 Feb 2013, Brussels Sprouts is offering Chinese New Year ala carte specials like glass noodle salad with pomelo, scallops with bamboo shoots, and mandarin orange & kumquat mousse – definitely an interesting alternative from the usual Chinese festive fare.

31 Ocean Way
#01-01 Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
Tel: +65 6684 4344
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 12 midnight
Fri: 5pm – 1am
Sat: 12pm – 1am
Sun: 12pm – 12 midnight
Opens till 1am on Eve of Public Holidays

Grillado

First of its kind in Singapore, Grillado serves flat roasted Portuguese-style grilled chickens and chicken burgers, making it a must-try for poultry lovers.

For a healthier option, order the Body Burger ($8.95), consisting of chicken, spinach, tomato and Grillado’s signature sauce, where the meat is tender and juicy; and the Balmoral Beach Burger ($8.95), named after Sydney’s Balmoral Beach, which explains the golden theme of cheese, pineapple, mayo mustard and chicken.

Their flat-roasted Portuguese-style grilled chickens are also worth a try. A quarter chicken ($7.95), with a beer or coke, is all you need for dinner before taking a stroll along the beautiful marina.

Do check out Grillado’s promotion in February: Purchase 2 burger or roasted chicken combos and receive 2 complimentary cups of homemade yoghurt with fresh fruit or muesli.

31 Ocean Way
#01-10 Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
Tel: +65 6734 9125
Mon to Thu: 2pm – 10pm
Fri to Sun: 12pm – 10pm

Note di Sicilia

For folks who have a sweet tooth, you must make a pit stop at Note di Sicilia for gelato. To ensure quality, they have specially imported a traditional machine from Italy to make fresh gelato daily.

The Milano gelato maker offers 16 different flavours. For me, the most outstanding flavour was the Fior di Latte – smooth, rich, and silky. The Pistachio gelato was equally good and similar to the ones that I tried in Italy.

Besides gelato, Note di Sicilia also serves good cocktails. Go for their signature Cosmo Calabria, a simple but brilliant concoction of raspberry, lemon and vodka.

31 Ocean Way
#01-09 Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
Tel: +65 8168 4341
Daily: 10am – 10pm

Paradiso Restaurant & Bar

Opened by the folks behind Cuba Libre and Nueva Cuba, Paradiso Restaurant & Bar is set to be the see and be seen place in Quayside Isle by replicating the same winning formula: a sexy atmosphere, expertly made cocktails and tasty tapas.

It is nice to see that the menu not only has a good selection – from tapas, to burgers, pastas and vegetarian options – but it is also reasonably priced. For instance, the classic Seafood Paella is only $28, and most of the main courses are below $25.

With its delicious mixture of prawns, squids, mussels, fish and vegetables, cooked in prawn stock, the Seafood Paella was our favourite. The Filo Salmon Wrap ($20) also left an impression with its crispy filo pastry encasing the moist and tasty fish with a tangy salsa sauce.

Paradiso Restaurant & Bar is having a 20% off total bill promotion in February.

31 Ocean Way
#01-03 Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
Tel: +65 6694 5428
Mon to Thu: 11am – 11pm
Fri: 11am – 12 midnight
Sat: 9am – 12 midnight
Sun: 9am – 11pm

Picotin Express

The European bistro at Sentosa Cove is a sleek and streamlined version of the original Picotin at Bukit Timah. With chef-owner Steve Kaye helming the kitchen, you can be assured of a good meal.

Picotin Express serves signature dishes such as the Pan-fried Sea Bass with lemon thyme risotto ($32), Beef Bourguignon ($30), Honey Glazed Pork Ribs ($30), as well as a selection of thin crust pizzas ($22).

The food at Picotin Express is simple, delicious and honest comfort food that you can eat regularly. Everything that arrived at our table was done to a high standard. I will definitely be returning to try the other dishes.

31 Ocean Way
#01-06 Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
Tel: +65 6438 4747
Mon to Fri: 5pm – 12 midnight
Sat: 12pm – 1am
Sun: 12pm – 12 midnight

Sabio by the Sea, Tapas & Grill

Sabio by the Sea, Tapas & Grill is quite the perfect place to soak up the nautical environment and spend the whole afternoon relaxing by the marina.

Besides having an array of tapas, it also has a new Josper grill menu (exclusive to this outlet) which features signatures such as El Pulpo ($19), grilled octopus leg with viola mash potato; El Cerdo ($20), herbs marinated pig shoulder served with sauteed potatoes; and Esparrago ($16), grilled asparagus with serano ham and soft egg. The dish that stood out was El Cerdo – marinated pig shoulder – which paired perfectly with a glass of sangria. The Sabio’s Churros ($11) with chocolate dip is also a dessert that I’d definitely return for.

Sabio by the Sea, Tapas & Grill is offering a 1-for-1 deal on glasses of Sangria during the month of February.

31 Ocean Way
#01-02 Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
Tel: +65 6690 7568
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 10pm
Fri: 12pm – 12 midnight
Sat: 10am to 12 midnight
Sun: 10am – 10pm

Besides the six restaurants that I have visited, Quayside Isle is also home to Cove Stadium, sports bar and bistro serving American comfort food and pub grub; Solepomodoro Trattoria-Pizzeria, where you can get authentic Italian cuisine; Kith for a cuppa; Kebab House which specialises in Mediterranean kebabs; Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro for the freshest catch; Museo, a tea salon cum painting studio, and Ezoca Japanese Cuisine for a Kaiseki dining experience.

After a fulfilling meal, check out the lifestyle retail outlets which include Jasons The Gourmet Grocer, an exquisite gourmet shopping paradise for luxury aficionados; Little Provence that stocks a wide selection of French gourmet food; The Straits Wine Company which boasts a well-stocked wine cellar and bespoke services; Hera Beauty Salon which provides head-to-toe pampering with hair, nails, make-up and wedding consultancy services; and Nikei Fine Art, a luxury art space showcasing a series of abstract fine art pieces by renowned and emerging artists from Asia.

Sentosa Cove is more than just a luxurious residential area. With the opening of Quayside Isle to the general public, it is now a new getaway for everyone.

The best thing is, gantry entrance fee to Sentosa is actually pretty affordable during meal times. You pay only $2 per vehicle from 12pm to 2pm, and 5pm to 7am on weekdays, and $3 from 5pm to 7am on weekends – making it an ideal getaway spot for a business luncheon or a family dinner.

For those of you who do not drive, fret not because there is a free shuttle bus service (Sentosa Bus 3) from Beach Station Bus Interchange to Sentosa Cove Village, an approximate 5-minute walk away from Quayside Isle. To get to Beach Station, board the Sentosa Express train from VivoCity.

I have good news for you. If you have been thinking about staying at W Singapore – Sentosa Cove hotel, here’s your chance. Be one of 3 lucky winners to be pampered with a stay at W Singapore – Sentosa Cove hotel with a minimum spend of $50 in a single receipt at Quayside Isle. This promotion runs from 1 to 28 Feb 2013, 1 chance per diner/shopper per day, regardless of total spend. To qualify, all you have to do is to drop your completed form together with the original receipt into the lucky draw box located at level 1 near the lift after your meal. Easy!

I am convinced that Quayside Isle will become one of the most popular lifestyle and dining destinations. Given its unique waterfront dining concepts and speciality retail stores, I have no doubt that it will soon be packed. If you are planning for a romantic dinner during Valentine’s Day, the restaurants at Quayside Isle is perfect for the occasion.

To find out more about the F&B and retail outlets at Quayside Isle, visit their website at http://www.quaysideisle.com