One of the best Louisiana seafood restaurants in Singapore, Dancing Crab by TungLok Group is no stranger to us.

With an extensive menu and a huge range of seafood with guaranteed freshness, Dancing Crab is a perennial favourite and a family-friendly restaurant that is suitable for all sorts of occasions and celebrations.

Just when you need another reason to visit them again, we have good news for you – Dancing Crab is introducing a new lunch set menu with prices starting from S$11.90++. We’re in for this pocket-friendly deal, and so should you!

Let’s begin with their classics for they cannot be forgotten.

Get your hands dirty and messy with the Live Crab Combo (S$98++) that comes with 6 different sauces for you to choose from – Signature Cajun, Beurre Blanc, Salted Egg Yolk Butter Cream, Black Pepper, Zesty Garlic Butter and Chilli Crab.

Crack open the crab shells to bite into the plump and juicy pincers; so fresh that you can taste the natural sweetness! Together in the bag are sweet clams, prawns, corn and the slightly spicy chicken sausage for a hearty combination of flavours.   

Black Pepper Crab (S$112++) is a well-loved dish amongst us Singaporeans and Dancing Crab has their own rendition of it! Get a mild kick of spice from the pepper and sweetness from the corn served along with the crabs.

This dish is definitely good for sharing between 3 to 5 pax. For S$112++, you get two big crabs of approximately 700g each.

The Moonshine Vodka Live Prawn (S$38++ for 500g, S$68++ for 1kg) is a fire show that is served table-side. Upon peeling the fresh prawns in your mouth, be prepared for a burst of vodka to hit you on your tongue that will awaken your senses.

Dip the prawns into the garlic chilli sauce to give it an extra punch that creates a great harmony of sweet and spicy.

A side dish to love is the Crab Cake (S$18.50++) and it is something we can never get sick of no matter how many times we’ve had it. Beneath the crunchy batter are hearty lumps of soft and flavourful crab meat.

It is creamy, savoury and especially scrumptious when paired with the ranch sauce served on the side.

You don’t have to travel to Ireland, France, Canada or Australia for fresh and plump oysters; you can find the best in the season from all over the world over at Dancing Crab.

Perfect as an appetiser before digging into the other saucy seafood dishes, make sure to squeeze the lemon generously over the oysters for some toothsome goodness.

The Duck, Waffle and Egg (S$22++) is a serving of duck confit alongside four quarters of fluffy waffles. You will love the crispy and flavourful duck skin! To complement the duck, pair it with the Salted Egg Yolk Sauce and drizzle it all over for a sweet and salty experience.

INTRODUCING THE NEW DANCING CRAB LUNCH SETS

With nothing over S$18.90++, you can indulge in seafood goodness without burning up a hole in your pocket.

Here are some exciting new set lunches that Dancing Crab will be offering.

First up, we have the Lobster Roll that is served with a side of Poached Rice in Lobster Bisque Soup (S$18.90++).

The lobster roll is your classic succulent lobster flesh stuffed in really good buttery toasted brioche buns; an absolute joy to have, we must say. And we really enjoyed the flavourful broth of the Poached Rice in Lobster Bisque Soup and could not stop reaching for more!

The Grilled Chicken Chop served with Beurre Blanc Sauce and Beignet on the side (S$11.90++) was a surprisingly delicious dish that we enjoyed very much albeit it not being a seafood dish.

The Beurre Blanc Sauce was so creamy and flavourful, there were crab meat shreds in it that added some textures and complemented the grilled chicken thigh so well.

Pasta la vista, baby! We would gladly sacrifice our no-carbs streak for this plate of Grilled Kuhlbarra Barramundi Fillet topped with Cajun Sambal Sauce, served alongside Tomato Linguine (S$14.90++).

The barramundi fillet was crispy on the outside with a firm texture on the inside, the pasta beautifully al dente, and when put together with the Cajun Sambal Sauce, it was really a great lunch dish.

VivoCity #03-10
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6222 7377
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

Orchard Central #07-14/15
181 Orchard Road
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6509 1878
Fax: +65 6509 1879
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30 – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

The Grandstand
200 Turf Club Road
#01-20/21 Singapore 287994
Tel: +65 6466 3303
Tue to Fri: 5pm – 10.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Sixth Avenue

This post is brought to you by Dancing Crab.

]]> https://www.ladyironchef.com/2020/03/dancing-crab-singapore/feed/ 0 https://www.ladyironchef.com/2019/02/the-marmalade-pantry-ion/ https://www.ladyironchef.com/2019/02/the-marmalade-pantry-ion/#comments Mon, 25 Feb 2019 10:13:14 +0000 ladyironchef https://www.ladyironchef.com/?p=175822 Continue reading →]]>

The foodie community wept when The Marmalade Pantry announced back in mid-2018 that it was closing it’s outlet at ION Orchard. A beloved high-tea spot in the heart of town, we fell in love with everything there from their charming ambience, innovative brunch dishes and a wide selection of artisanal teas and cakes.

Well, surprise, surprise, the home-grown bistro is set to return to its former premise on the 4th level of ION Orchard once again. This time, armed with a tasty arsenal of new dishes in addition to signature favourites such as their Spicy Crabmeat pasta and Sticky Date & Toffee Pudding. Looking forward to other new and exclusive to this outlet dishes like the stellar high-tea set and a trio of decadent desserts specially crafted by Masterchef Singapore’s runner-up, Chef Genevieve Lee as part of a collaboration that pays humble tribute local dishes and in support of local talent.

With a whopping total of more than 10 new and exclusive menu items and more, be wowed by the likes of their new Asian section, featuring the Kimchi Fried Rice, served with a gorgeously pink medium-rare strip loin and the Singapore Laksa, a homage to our beloved local dish but with the addition of slipper lobster. Looking to pamper yourself as you catch up with friends? Their Decadent Afternoon Tea Set comes with a variety of sweet and savoury confectionery delights and freshly brewed pots of tea by Monogram.

MARYLAND CRAB CAKES

The key to any good crab cake is using fresh lump crabmeat, leaving them slightly chunky and not overly shredded and to go light on the filler. Safe to say, the folks here nailed it perfectly. Their Maryland Crab Cakes (S$26++) focuses squarely on the crab, allowing each bite to be crispy and packed full of sweetness and natural flavours of crab.

The homemade tartar sauce served on the side was also spot on, not overly rich with a good amount of diced gherkins added to give the sauce a sufficient citrus kick to complement the crab cakes.

SPICY SRIRACHA CHICKEN BURGER

Delightful in both its flavour and texture, the Spicy Sriracha Chicken Burger (S$24++) assaults the several fronts. First, you get the crunch from the perfectly deep-fried spiced chicken patty before succulent juices come oozing out, followed by the tangy kick from the Sriracha mayo which nicely complements the rich notes of the blue cheese.

SINGAPORE LAKSA

Unlike many restaurants out there that try to tweak and reinvent local dishes to the point that it’s unrecognisable, the good folks here do well to retain the essence of what they aim to recreate. The broth of their Singapore Laksa (S$32++) is rich, spicy and exudes a bold seafood aroma and also features the likes of slipper lobster, quail eggs, tiger prawns for that luxe appeal.

KIMCHI FRIED RICE

A homage to the classic after-tipple comfort food, we were most thrilled to tuck into their new Kimchi Fried Rice (S$26++). On a bed of fried rice cooked with fresh kimchi, sits a nicely seared striploin steak, perfectly pink in the middle and golden brown from edge to edge. For umami, nori is garnished over the top and sous vide egg, served on the side for added richness.

Served flat on a griddle pan—similar to how a Spanish paella would be served—the bottom layer of the rice achieves an even crust, giving the dish a toasted flavour and a crunch as well.

SPICY CRABMEAT PASTA

Perhaps one of the best pasta dishes we’ve tried here to date, the Spicy Crabmeat Pasta (S$26++) impresses with its generosity with good quality crabmeat, perfectly cooked pasta and a flavourful, umami-dense sauce that binds everything together nicely.

The addition of pine nuts into the mix gives the dish a nutty, somewhat buttery flavour which does well to complement the sharp taste of the spicy tomato sauce.

BRICK-PRESSED CHICKEN

The method of cooking a chicken, skin-side down with a weighted object (in this case a brick) pressed down on it allows the skin to crisp up evenly. It also forces the meat to remain flat, ensuring that every morsel of meat cooks at the same pace.

We were beyond sold the moment we tasted their Brick Pressed Chicken (S$30++). Well-seasoned and crispy with a buttery herb flavour to underscore it, every bite was a joy. The dish comes served with roasted celeriac, potatoes and topped with truffle herb butter.

CURRY BARRAMUNDI

Beautifully robust with a heady aroma of warm spices which seemed to lean toward a tangier note—much like the classic South Indian fish head curry—, we couldn’t keep our forks to ourselves when it came down to their Curry Barramundi (S$28++).

Nestled atop a bed of Japanese rice and vegetables is a perfectly cooked barramundi fillet and served alongside the dish is the aromatic curry. An interesting choice of rice given that the dish is essentially Indian, the starchier Japanese short grain rice did well to hold on to the fish curry, providing an interesting texture along with a flavourful bite.

STICKY DATE & TOFFEE PUDDING

Whether you’re a sucker for sweets or not, one does not simply leave The Marmalade Pantry without ordering up their Sticky Date & Toffee Pudding (S$14++). The epitome of luxury, this dessert for champions features a steamed pudding studded with ripe dates and is surrounded by a generous pour of toffee sauce and a large scoop of Cold Stone Creamery’s vanilla ice cream.

Sweet, sticky and indulgent from start to finish, this is one dessert that begs to be enjoyed after your meal regardless of how stuffed you are.

A SPECIAL COLLABORATION WITH MASTERCHEF SINGAPORE’S RUNNER-UP GENEVIEVE LEE

Exclusive to The Marmalade Pantry’s flagship at ION Orchard, be treated to a trio of decadence prepared by none other than Masterchef Singapore’s runner-up, Genevieve (Gen) Lee. Trained in culinary arts, the edge that Gen has is in her expansive knowledge of ingredients such as herbs and spices, of which she uses in her various cakes and desserts.

“Herbs are rarely used in desserts which is a shame because there is so much untapped potential there. I used thyme in my cake because it lends freshness to further lift the dessert.”, she explains.

A taste of home, her Reimagined Kaya Toast Dessert is a deconstructed kaya toast with varying elements such as a meringue that comprises toast from Ya Kun Kaya Toast, a custardy, slightly salty coconut sauce to resemble the butter element and a pistachio sponge that accurately replicates the toasted, nutty flavours of charred toast.

If you’re a sucker for anything containing blueberries, her The Blue Rhapsody Cake will surely impress. Infused with lemon and thyme, the cake takes on an aromatic and bright-tasting appeal, which is further elevated with a layer of blueberries followed by a lovely hazelnut crumble on top. Wrapped around the cake is a layer of cream cheese that she sweetens using honey instead of sugar.

A specialty and one that warrants a try if you’re a fan of the iconic Thai pushcart dessert is her Mango Sticky Rice named Sunset in a glass. Intricately prepared, the dessert features components such as a sorbet made using Thai mangoes, an assortment of crushed toasted nuts, a toasted meringue, sticky rice infused with coconut and diced cubes of super ripe Thai mangoes.

AFTERNOON TEA SET

Since the day it opened its doors, The Marmalade Pantry has impressed many with its stellar array of afternoon tea delights. Luxurious in both its food and tea offerings as well as its luxe interior, stopping by for high tea between 3pm to 6pm daily is highly recommended.

Treat yourselves to their High Tea Set (S$60++) that comfortably serves two. What you get is a double-tiered platter comprising a variety of sweet and savouries followed by 2 pots of freshly brewed tea by Mongram Tea (Available from 4 March 2019 onwards).

Enjoy these new creations at the flagship outlet and enjoy 15% off when you pay with Mastercard!

The Marmalade Pantry
#04-11a, ION Orchard,
2 Orchard Turn,
Singapore 238801
Nearest Station: Orchard

This post was brought to you by The Marmalade Pantry.

Located on the 3rd storey of Plaza Singapura is American-Chinese establishment Lokkee that is not just your ordinary Chinese restaurant. It is worth mentioning that the up-and-coming gourmet eatery is successfully pushing the boundaries of traditional Chinese cuisine – without compromising on key oriental ingredients – and introducing a tantalising variety of revamped Asian classics that will impress even the most discerning diners. Expect unique renditions of steamed baos, spicy Sichuan diced chicken and whatnot.

Lending flavours from all over the world, Lokkee exudes a subtle touch of the West, but its interior and food remain inherently Chinese. Our feast at Lokkee surprised us pleasantly from very start to the end, and we would gladly return in a heartbeat for the impressive food and sexy ambience.

If you are running out of ideas on where to dine at for non-mainstream Chinese food, then you have to check Lokkee out – this mind-blowing dining concept that serves extraordinary modern Chinese food at Plaza Singapura will be a meal you won’t soon forget.

With eye-catching decors of auspicious red hues, Lokkee does come across as a typical oriental restaurant at first glance, until we laid our eyes on the kinky packaging of wet tissues and hilarious fortune cookies. Did you also notice the drawings of Chinese-fied superheroes on the wall? We love those!

The branding of the restaurant is truly bold, but behind the façade is a multitalented third-culture culinary team that is redefining traditional notions of Chinese food. You may spot familiar names on the menu, but do not be too quick to conclude anything for the execution may well take you by surprise and redefine Chinese cuisine altogether.

The best appetizer on the menu? Most definitely the Chilli Crab Cakes (S$16++) served in an entree portion of two small pieces. The light and crunchy panko crust instantly reminded us of Japanese croquettes, except that it is filled with Singapore’s national dish in shredded forms, and served with a spicy sauce that well complements the fried goodness.

Succulent and juicy, yet crackling crispy on the outside, we love how the value-for-money 5 Spice Crispy Pork Belly (S$12++) is another appetizer to share. Roasted to perfection and boasting a delightful contrast of textures, this sinful dish will be worth the extra rounds of jog.

The Lokkee Egg Drop Soup is a nourishing broth boiled with chicken, eggs and shredded crabmeat. Available in either small (S$6++) or regular (S$16++), Lokkee’s piping hot soup is also thickened with cornstarch for a viscous body. The egg-based soup is interestingly presented in a ceramic pot that resembles ancient Chinese cauldrons.

There are many interesting looking dishes at Lokkee, and the 3 Egg Pyramid Broccoli (S$16++) tops the list. Like your usual veggies in 3 eggs, this dish uses a romanesque broccoli that has been sculpted to resemble a pyramid. The giant bright green vegetable sits in a bowl of fragrant thick sauce made with three different kinds of eggs – regular chicken eggs, century and salted eggs.

While some may resist unorthodox fusion dishes due to fear of inauthenticity, Lokkee makes it a point to retain the fundamental elements of timeless classics. We had a great time devouring their Firecracker Chicken Nest (S$24++), which is essentially deep-fried diced chicken served with Sichuan-style dried chillies. See those egg yolks? Well, they are actually mango puree encapsulated in molecular gastronomic spheres. These spherical “mango yolks” explode in your mouth and are intended as palate cleansers.

The most attention-grabbing dish award goes to the Flaming Pineapple Beef (S$28++). Watch in awe as the thorny fruit is blowtorched and engulfed in flames, and that adds flavour to the beef stew that sits within the pineapple. The result is fork tender beef slices with a fruity hint, and a table of impressed diners.

We also loved the Lokkee’s Stir-Fried Lamb Pockets (S$23), that was surprisingly free from the overwhelming gamey smell. The marinated lamb loin have been stir-fried in Chu Hou paste and diners are to stuff the tender fillets into the sweet bun pockets as fillings.

Savour the Baked Oysters with Bacon (S$22++), which comprises a plate of six fresh oysters baked au gratin served with a lime and lemon wedge. The bacon bits and cooked cheese along with a dash of lemon and lime juice have actually significantly reduced the overall brininess of oysters.

Revel in the F4 (S$32++) too! No, not the disbanded Taiwanese boy band. This impeccable seafood dish is actually named after the gastronomic technique of Flash Frying Fish Fillets (get it?). The fish fillets are fried briefly in chilli oil and the end result is scrumptiously delicate pieces that reminded us of the classic Sichuan Boiled Fish (shui zhu yu).

The Sichuan ‘Mala’ Grilled Fish (S$58++) is a chef-recommended wholesome delicacy too. The grilled fish is placed in a sizzling hot clear water bath and served with cabbage, dried chillies, green peppercorns and tofu skin. Great for families to share!

Lokkee’s palm-size steamed buns were inspired by celebrity chef Eddie Huang’s Bao Haus, but we reckon they resembled Momofuku’s baos more. The key distinguishing factor lies in the thickness of the buns – Lokkee’s baos are notably thin and are served on a bamboo woven basket.

All baos are served in pairs and the signature baos are Pork Crackling Bao (S$13++) and Colonel San Da’s Chicken Bao (S$12++). The former is a crispy pork crackling with fermented beancurd sauce. The latter, as you might have guessed from the name, is a fried chicken with maple gravy.

By the way, why the name, right? You must be wondering. Remember who Colonel Sanders is? Yes, Lokkee has a Colonel San Da for their version of fried chicken. LOVE IT.

Relish in the sinful Bacon Delight (S$12++) that boasts butterscotch and bacon infused ice-cream sitting in a deep-fried hot crunchy bread bowl drizzled with raspberry and chocolate sauce. If you think that is all, you are wrong. Candied bacon strips and real bacon bits make up a significant part of the exotic dessert and bacon lovers really do have to give this a go.

Trust us when we say that the experimental desserts will have you doing a double take. The Custard Egg Rolls (S$10++) look exactly like deep-fried spring rolls, except that they tasted nothing like it.

The sweet dipping puree served on the side is made from berries and carrot, but could be easily mistaken from chilli or ketchup instead. How brilliant is the presentation! Enjoy a good laugh as your dining companions start questioning about a potential “wrong order”.

From Cantonese to Shandong, it is immensely difficult to categorise the various diverse Chinese cuisines into one category. But one characteristic remains true for almost all Chinese restaurants’ takeaways in global cities such as New York City, London and Sydney.

Yes, it is the famous Chinese takeout box! What piqued our attention is that Lokkee has decided to serve their Chow Mien (S$14++) in those wire handle boxes too. Western expats will find eating the stir-fried noodles with celery, char siew, carrots and shredded chicken awfully nostalgic.

The complex Asian cuisine has transformed dramatically over the years and gained a legacy of fans across the world. Chinese food is no longer synonymous with greasy stores, appalling services and cheap takeouts. We are now seeing an increasing number of celebrated Chinese gourmet restaurants across metropoles.

Lokkee has managed to showcase the evolved genre of Chinese fare through its excellent craftsmanship and it would be an eye-opening experience for Singaporeans who have yet to sample the different variations of Chinese food abroad.

Lokkee
Plaza Singapura
#03-01, 68 Orchard Road
Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 6884 4566
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

This post is brought to you by TungLok Group.

Dancing Crab (www.dancingcrab.com.sg) at The Grandstand is the latest project by the TungLok Group. The whole concept is that you eat directly from the table with your bare hands – of course, you can use utensils or eat from the plates, but we won’t encourage that because it takes the fun away.

It goes without saying that eating at Dancing Crab is a messy affair. Waiters line the tables with a plastic sheet, then bring you your seafood combo and other yummies, and pour them all on the table for you to pig out ala communal style.

What makes Dancing Crab a place we can return to again and again is its varied menu of seafood dishes featuring imports from all over the world. There will always be something to look forward to, whether you are a fan of crabs or you are craving fish. And the best part is its super affordable price tags that we have no complaints about. Yes, not all seafood places charge exorbitantly, and Dancing Crab is one of them. Now, it is legit to eat prawns, lobster rolls, crab cakes and mussels every week!

If you love seafood, and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, Dancing Crab is the place to dine at with your family or a group of friends. Here are 10 reasons why Dancing Crab is a heaven for seafood lovers.

[ Giveaway ] We are also giving away S$400 Dancing Crab dining vouchers. Leave a comment below, and share this post on your Facebook timeline to win. More details on the giveaway at the end of this post.

1. EAT DIRECTLY FROM THE TABLE WITH YOUR BARE HANDS – SEAFOOD DOES NOT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS.

As mentioned earlier, eating at Dancing Crab is a messy affair. The fun about dining here is you get to eat directly from the table with your bare hands.

From huge bags of fresh catches like mussels and crabs, to classic mains like Fish & Chips to Lobster Roll, this is just about our new favourite place when we crave seafood. King Triton would not be too happy, though. But let’s adapt from “Under The Sea” – Life is sweet with all the fish and crabs and prawns!

2. DANCING CRAB SEAFOOD COMBOS TO FEED EVERYONE

The highlight of a meal at Dancing Crab, something that every table must get, is the Dancing Crab Seafood Combos. There are three combo bags to choose from. Combo Bag #1 (S$80) comes with a Sri Lankan Crab, 300g prawns, 250g mussels, potatoes, corn and sausages.

If you are not big on crabs, Combo Bag #2 – with 300g prawns, 250g mussels, 250g clams, potatoes, corn and sausages – is a more affordable alternative. All combos and seafood are served with a choice of Dancing Crab signature sauce (mild, spicy or extra spicy), herb butter or Buerre Blanc. The signature sauce is so addictive, we’ve warned you!

Dancing Crab is the perfect place for families to gather for an occasion, or for a group of friends to hang out over a good meal. For those who are dining in a big group, you should also get the Cold Seafood Platter (S$60) which features 250g Alaskan king crab, 4 oysters, 300g prawns, and 250g mussels to share.

3. CHEAP AND GOOD SEAFOOD

Dining out in Singapore in expensive, especially if you want to eat good seafood. What surprises us the most is that all the seafood dishes at Dancing Crab are extremely affordable for the quality. The aforementioned Dancing Crab Seafood Combo Bag #2 is only S$40. Can you believe it? So much food for only S$40?

Not to mention that there are also a list of snacks like truffle fries (S$7), Beer Batter Cajun Calamari (S$9), Seafood Gumbo (S$11), and Crab Cake (S$13) – they are nothing short of delicious. Now, you don’t have to wait till your bonus comes to pig out!

4. ONE OF THE BEST LOBSTER ROLLS IN SINGAPORE

We have always lamented that it is difficult to find good lobster rolls in Singapore, but we can gladly say that our hunt for the best lobster roll can come to an end now that we have discovered the one at Dancing Crab.

The lobster roll (S$30) – served with a side of cajun fries – is good for sharing as an appetiser, or as a main course for a light lunch. The lobster roll is well-executed, with 100g of lobster meat sandwiched between a fragrantly-toasted brioche bun. Let’s just say Dancing Crab will always see us going back just for this.

5. CRAB CAKES ARE SIMPLY FABULOUS

Crab cakes are one of our favourite dishes, but it is not something that we order on a regular basis because most restaurants charge S$30 upwards for crab cakes. So you can imagine our joy when we saw that Dancing Crab is offering its Crab Cakes for ONLY S$13. Oh. My God.

Crisp on the outside, and moist on the inside, the crab cakes were plump, meaty and bursting with flavours and freshness. SO GOOD.

6. PRAWNS ON FIRE – FEAST FOR THE EYES AND PALATE

Served table-side, the Flaming Moonshine Tiger Prawns (S$8/100g, min. 500g) are quite a show. The chef serves lives prawns flambeed table-side. Not only do you get to enjoy an entertaining show, you also get to taste sweet, succulent and fresh prawns.

The dish comes with a trio of wasabi katsuo sauce, sweet wine chilli sauce, and lemon pickled chilli sauce, but trust us, the prawns are so sweet that you won’t need any sauce.

7. FRESH SEAFOOD FROM AROUND THE WORLD

From Sri Lankan crab to Dungeness crab, Boston lobster and Alaskan king crab legs – Dancing Crab ships the freshest seafood from around the world. Indulge in nothing but quality dishes!

8. SEAFOOD GUMBO, A HEARTY ONE-DISH MEAL

A hearty one-dish meal, this is a bowl that provides supreme comfort. Piping hot seafood stew with generous chunks of prawns, fish, rice and root vegetables – all mixed together in a tomato-based soup. Kids will love this!

9. FISH AND CHIPS THAT ARE LIGHTLY BATTERED AND FRIED TO PERFECTION

This is not your ordinary Fish & Chips. Dancing Crab’s rendition uses fresh cod fillets that are lightly battered and fried to perfection. Nothing too greasy, so it goes easy on the tummy. Fries are served alongside, and we’d say dip them in the signature sauce from the seafood combo bag!

10. WASH DOWN EVERYTHING WITH THE REFRESHING HOMEMADE LEMONADE

This may not be seafood, but what is seafood without Dancing Crab’s homemade lemonade (S$4)? A refreshing mug of icy cold lemonade – available in original, lavender and pink thyme flavours – that is tangy and sweet, this also makes the perfect thirst quencher for Singapore’s eternal summer!

DANCING CRAB S$80 X 5 DINING VOUCHERS GIVEAWAY

1. Dancing Crab is giving away S$80 X 5 dining vouchers.
2. Leave a comment in this post and tell us which seafood dishes you want to try at Dancing Crab.
3. ‘Like’ Dancing Crab on Facebook.
4. Share the link of this post on your Facebook timeline.
5. The contest starts from now till 11 July 2014, 2359 hrs.
6. Winners will be notified by email.

// Updated on 16 July 2014: The 5 winners are Gan Siew Ern, Vanessa Ng Qiu Rui, Darren Lim, Geraldine Lim, and Wendy Tay.

For the latest promotions by Dancing Crab, go to www.dancingcrab.com.sg, ‘like’ them on Facebook, and follow them on Instagram.

Dancing Crab – Louisiana Seafood
The Grandstand #01-20/21
200 Turf Club Road
Tel: +65 6466 3303
Tue to Fri: 5pm – 10.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

This post is brought to you by Dancing Crab.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse is quite a household name among steak lovers, with over 130 restaurants worldwide. It’s rich history dates back to almost half a century ago, when a single mother mortgaged her home to buy a neighbourhood restaurant called Chris Steak House. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Fast forward 50 years, and Ruth’s Chris has managed to find its way onto our shores. The restaurant, like the rest of the Marina Mandarin Hotel, is dimly lit and cosy. There is no fancy tableware or glitzy décor to speak of and is reminiscent of an authentic American steakhouse.

If your partner loves steak, why not surprise him/her with a dinner here during Valentine’s Day?

We knew we were off to a good start when we caught a whiff of the Cajun Style Crab Cakes ($35), two generous hemispherical mounds that came sizzling in a fragrant herb butter, each packed firm with succulent crab meat tasting like they came fresh from the sea.

The sauce stole the limelight in our next appetiser of BBQ Shrimps in Creola Butter ($35). “You must have it with the bread,” our waiter told us, pointing to the pool of sauce of the BBQ shrimps. Good advice, as it would have been a sin not to mop up the lusciously creamy reduction, almost like a thicker version of good lobster bisque. If we were to nitpick, we didn’t exactly enjoy the alkaline shrimps, which were unremarkable.

For all the rave reviews, it’s inevitable that we had high expectations of the steaks which were fortunately met, if not surpassed. We had the Filet Mignon ($85) and the USDA Prime Ribeye ($85 for 340g) done medium rare, both of which were exceedingly tender, pink and fully packed with beefy juices. The former is slightly more forgiving on the conscience and would please those who appreciate a leaner cut. But go for the Ribeye; it is happiness on a plate as the beautifully marbled cut literally melts in your mouth.

The idea that good beef should only be seasoned with salt and pepper sits well with us; there’s no better way to fully savour what is said to be the top 2% of America’s beef than to have it unadulterated.

Unless you are one who needs the obligatory greens or carbohydrates, we’d advise passing on the sides. The Asparagus with Hollandaise ($25) and Steak Frites ($25) we had were unspectacular and boring. You’d be better off saving whatever precious stomach space you have left for something else.

To wrap up the meal, go for the Cheesecake ($25) and the Banana Cream Pie ($25). The banana cream pie was an absolutely stunning, with each slice of banana encased by a thin layer of crispy, caramelized sugar atop dense cold cream, and then a buttery tart that held everything together perfectly.

There is nothing fanciful about the Cheesecake, just an honest, no-nonsense version that is pretty much the epitome of this American classic. In other words, it was rich, it was creamy, and it was huge. So much so that we had to surrender a quarter of the way through.

There’s no shortage of steak restaurants in Singapore, and to make us excited over one takes more than just good food, yet Ruth’s Chris does just that. It impresses with authenticity and needless to say, the steaks are spectacular. The only downside is the rather steep pricing. But dining at Ruth’s Chris is more than just a meal; it’s the experience of dining in this widely acclaimed steakhouse that has served and impressed steak lovers worldwide.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
6 Raffles Boulevard
Level 4 Marina Mandarin Hotel
Tel: +65 6336 9093
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

Words by Sarah Lim, photographs by ladyironchef