Gluttons, prepare your stomachs for an intense feasting session as Twilight: Flea & Feast will be back again this year with a smorgasbord of scrumptious grub. Inspired by the weekend food markets in Australia, this much-anticipated event will house a tantalising array of street food from all around the world.

This year, you can look forward to stuffing your faces silly with goodies from over 50 Muslim-friendly stalls that will be selling an exciting selection of foods that include the likes of beef cubes, poke bowls and takoyaki.

After filling your bellies, take a break and head on over to the arcade zone and retail booths to take part in the many exciting activities available. You can also support some of our local talents who will be performing during the event.

Here is a peek of what you can expect this weekend!

FOOD 

There were a plethora of different food stalls here and we were completely spoilt for choice. We tried a few different items and here is what we thought about them.

MEAT MY MEAT 

Meat My Meat specialises in western grub such as Philly Cheesesteak (S$6) Cheezy Popcorn (S$5.50 and Poppy Cheezy Sandwich (S$6). We tried the Cheesesteak Fries (S$6.50) which featured tender beef chunks draped across a bed of golden brown fries and smothered in a generous amount of cheese. Each mouthful was packed full of umami and cheesy goodness and for the price point, it was really worth it.

THE FAB FIVE 

This simple, unassuming bowl of Classic Mac & Cheese (S$8) stole the show and was easily our favourite food item here. Each serving features spiral pasta drenched in a thick, cheesy sauce that managed to be flavourful yet not cloying at the same time.

Though S$8 may seem a little steep for Mac & Cheese, trust us when we say that it is worth every cent.

ODDBALLS  

Out of the 6 stalls we tried, this was an utter disappointment and a massive waste of money. The photos plastered across the storefront depicts a picture of a generous scoop of ice cream perched atop a crisp golden brown cone and topped with a creamy dollop of nicely scorched meringue.

In reality, we were served a sad scoop of ice cream that was so small that it could barely be seen from the top of the cone. We were hoping that the meringue would make up for the ice cream’s lack of size but instead were shocked and disappointed to see them squirt out a deflated, watery layer of meringue onto the top of our ice cream before carelessly torching it.

We tried the Lavender Honey flavour (S$8) and the ice cream itself was light and creamy with subtle hints of lavender and honey. It was honestly a huge shame because this stall had so much potential but it was completely wasted. We do hope that they buck up a little and start serving their customers proper, well-presented food before they disappoint more people.

SATAY UMMI BY LYDIA IZZATI

The queues for this stall were long and intense but we assure you that it is well worth it!

Lydia Izzati serves her satay without sticks in a brown paper box and each one is generously stuffed with chunks of succulent grilled meat that were well-marinated in a nutty, savoury suace. We ordered the chicken satay (S$7) and while the price point is a little steep, every cent is worth it and we can understand why people were willing to wait almost 20-minutes for a box of these ambrosial meats.

BROTI 

Broti specialises in massive drinks that can easily be shared amongst a group of 2 to 3 people. We got ourselves a Charcoal Matcha (S$4) that came in a gargantuan cup that was filled to the brim. The drink managed to be sweet without being too cloying and the earthy flavours of the matcha and charcoal thoroughly complemented each other.

JP KITCHEN 

JP Kitchen specialises in scrumptious takoyaki and Japanese oden. We had a go at their takoyaki and were not disappointed at all. You can order a box of either 5 or 10 takoyaki and we love how each takoyaki was plump and satisfyingly chewy. The dish was also enhanced by the spicy sauce that she doused the takoyaki in which provided the dish with a subtle amount of heat.

GAMES

Arcade-lovers will be thrilled to know that there are a whole array of games to partake in here at Twilight: Flea & Feast. You can look forward to classics such as Mario Kart, claw machines and Retrocade.

Kids will also enjoy the massive bouncy castle next to the arcade section!

SHOPPING 

Make sure that you have enough money in your pockets to check out some of the retail booths here. All booths are owned by local businesses, so support a homeboy out by purchasing a little something from these stalls! You can look forward to brands such as Soul Singapore, Knick Knack, Dainty Dangles and Twokitz.

LIVE MOVIE SCREENING

Tired after a hectic day of eating and shopping? Sit back, relax and watch one of the movies that they will be screening. You can look forward to popular shows such as Kung Fu Panda 3, Star Trek and Bumblebee.

Twilight: Flea & Feast
Suntec Convention Centre Hall 401 – 402
1 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039593
30 August to 1 September 2019
Nearest Station: Esplanade

Perfectly cooked elbow pasta—or macaroni as most would know it as—tossed in simple béchamel sauce that gets loaded with cheese before being baked till golden, crusty and delicious, some might proclaim the iconic mac & cheese to be the epitome of comfort food.

There is just something so decadent and so heartwarming about a perfectly cooked macaroni and cheese dish that we find it hard to fathom, yet struggle to resist. From its luscious, cheesy sauce that binds the macaroni together to the buttery crust that just seals the deal, this simple dish can be had for brunch side item, a whole meal on its own or even a snack to accompany you as you binge on Netflix dramas.

If you’re hankering for comfort in the form of flour, cheese, milk, and macaroni, here are 12 places in Singapore to get your hands on some fantastic mac & cheese.

BEDROCK BAR & GRILL

Served as an accompaniment to their mains, Bedrock Bar & Grill’s Mac & Cheese (S$20) is a glorious dish that is extremely rich and cheesy. Longer strands of macaroni are used instead of the typical, smaller version. And yes, they make a decent pairing with your steak.

96 Somerset Road
#01-05 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites
Singapore 238163
Tel: +65 6238 0054
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

CHIR CHIR

You may be surprised to see a Korean fried chicken restaurant on this list but Chir Chir’s Mac & Cheese is something you need to try. The soft macaroni was covered with an insane mix of soft cream sauce cheddar cheese and other cheeses.

313 Orchard Road
#B3-04/05/06 313 Somerset
Singapore 238895
Tel: +65 6509 8364
Mon to Thu, Sun: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

KENNY ROGERS ROASTERS

Kenny Rogers hold a special place in our hearts because we have been visiting them since we were kids. While they are synonymous with their signature grilled dishes, their Mac & Cheese—served as a side—is something we can’t do without either. You can get a small serving of this at S$4.40, on its own at S$8 in a large bowl.

Great World City
1 Kim Seng Promenade
#01-06/20
Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 6734 9492
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park

LITTLE DINER

Mac & Cheese doesn’t have to be plain and boring—and Little Diner knows that well. Their menu features three different types of Mac & Cheese dishes, ranging from Old School Baked Mac & Cheese (S$16.50) to Smokey’s Mac & Cheese (S$19.50) and our all-time favourite Version 2.0 Baked Mac & Cheese Royale (S$20.50), which comes with enoki and shimeiji mushrooms and black truffles.

789 Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 269763
Tel: +65 6466 4088
Tue to Fri: 11.30am – 2pm, 6pm – 9pm
Sat :11am – 5pm, 6pm – 9.30pm
Sun: 11am – 5pm, 6pm – 9pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Holland Village/Botanic Gardens

NINETHIRTY BY AWFULLY CHOCOLATE

Using Rigatoni pasta instead of the typical elbow macaroni, the Mac & Cheese (S$18) at Ninethirty feels more substantial with every bite. Baked with melty, creamy cheese and thick cut bacon, you can be assured that this is one Mac & Cheese that will do more than just satisfy your cheese cravings

131 East Coast Road
Singapore 428816
Tel: +65 6345 2190
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri: 12pm – 1am
Sat: 9.30am – 1am
Sun: 9.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Dakota

NY NIGHT MARKET

What’s a cheese-forward menu without a section dedicated to the comfort food classic, Mac & Cheese? At NY Night Market, they have 3 varieties for you to choose from but we opted for the M.A.C feat Bacon (S$11.90++).

Enhanced with lashings of potato and bacon bits, the dish had a nice, smooth texture underscored by a rich, smoky and savoury flavour. Cheesy and all in all satisfying, this is one dish we wouldn’t mind stuffing ourselves with as we binge on Netflix.

313 Orchard Road #01-29,
313@Somerset,
Singapore 238895
Tel: +65 6957 4620
Sun to Thu: 8am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 1am
Nearest Station: Somerset

OPUS BAR & GRILL

Opus Bar & Grill is an intimate and modern grill restaurant which happens to serve some of the best steaks in Singapore but they have more up their sleeves than just excellent steaks.

We always enjoy having their Mac & Cheese (S$6) as a side to go along with the meats. An excellent idea indeed!

581 Orchard Road
Hilton Singapore
Singapore 238 883
Daily: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard Road

ORIOLE COFFEE + BAR

Imagine freshly baked macaroni & cheese and topped off with chunky pieces of crabmeat, crunchy corn and then rounding it all up with aromatic truffle oil; Oriole’s Mac & Cheese (S$24) is any cheese lover’s wildest dreams come true.

96 Somerset Road
#01-01, Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard
Singapore 238163
Sun to Thu: 8am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 12am
Tel: +65 6238 8348
Nearest Station: Somerset

PARK @ HOLLAND VILLAGE

Park’s Truffle Mac & Cheese (S$13.50) is one of the most popular dishes here and is one that is most likely to leave a lasting impression among diners.

We were in awe of its beautifully crisp top layer which gave the dish extra textures and love how there is a slight cheese pull when you dig into the macaroni!

281 Holland Road
Singapore 278621
Tel: 9721 3815
Tue to Thu & Sun: 11am – 12am
Fri & Sat: 11am – 2am
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Holland Village

THE GREEN OVEN

The Green Oven at Alley on 25 is where one can find family-sharing- styled roasts and comfort dishes such as braised lamb shank and claypot baked chicken. Cooked using their gigantic green beech oven, all of their stellar dishes pack on a warm and comforting appeal, with a delightfully charred note.

Their Lobster Mac & Cheese is a real treat. Copious amounts of cheese, chunky lobster meat and a lovely crust on the top for a nice crunch—absolutely divine.

5 Fraser Street, Level 25
Andaz Singapore
Singapore 189354
Daily: 6.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

THE WHITE RABBIT

We are not ashamed to say that we are die-hard fans of the restaurant’s Truffle Mac & Cheese with Mushrooms (S$14). With its fragrant truffle aroma that is not overpowering and the perfect balance of cheese and mushrooms, there is hardly anything to nitpick on when it comes to this delightful cheesy goodness.

39C Harding Road
Singapore 249541
Tel: +65 6473 9965
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

WHISK & PADDLE

It certainly doesn’t hurt that their Mac & Cheese (S$14.80) scores full marks when it comes to presentation but what makes it go above and beyond is how the savoury ham slices cut through the cheesiness of this dish to strike a perfect balance so you never get tired of eating it.

Kudos to the chef for a well-executed Mac & Cheese dish!

10 Tebing Lane
Singapore 828836
Tel: +65 6242 4617
Mon to Fri: 3.30pm – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 9.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Riveria (Punggol LRT)

A well-known gem for quality brunch item and strategic location near Somerset MRT station, Oriole Coffee + Bar has recently expanded their menu and upped their game in the local cafe and bar scene.

Whether it is gourmet coffee that you are craving or alcohol for you to indulge in during a night out with your friends, Oriole Coffee + Bar posits as one of the best spots in town for you to have a meal at and chill out. Founded in 2008, this diner has an interesting concept as it transforms from a hipster cafe during the daytime to a snazzy bar by dusk.

We’ve been frequenting Oriole Coffee + Bar since its opening and we have to say that their food and coffee are consistently good—if not, getting better and better over the years—and it is one of our favourite cafes in Singapore.

From now until 31 May 2018, diners who spend S$35++ with Mastercard are treated to Oriole Coffee + Bar’s signature Har Cheong Gai at only $1++! Do note that the promotion is only valid from Monday through Friday, 11am to 3pm, excluding eve and day of public holidays at the Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard outlet.

THE CONCEPT

Oriole Coffee + Bar is essentially a specialty coffeehouse in the day and a bar by night. During the day, guests get to indulge in hearty meals while watching the skilled baristas in action as they create each cup of coffee with precision and care.

When night falls, get ready to be serenaded with live music as you knock down pints of beer or sip on cocktails throughout the night. Their all-encompassing drinks menu features cocktails, draft beers, wine and spirits.

Situated in Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard which is just right beside 313@Somerset, Oriole Coffee + Bar definitely does not fall short in terms of serving quality grub to cater to both locals and tourists around the area.

HEARTY ALL-DAY BREAKFAST ITEMS

Don’t we all love all-day breakfast items? If you are like us who cannot wake up early, Oriole Coffee + Bar has plenty of options for All-Day Breakfast meals, which are available from 8am to 6pm daily.

One of their highly recommended dishes is the Fully Loaded (S$22) that will surely, well, leave you loaded and fuelled. Choose how you would like your eggs to be cooked, and have them with 2 types of meat, maple-glazed bacon, roasted potatoes, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, baked bean and multigrain toast. There is also a gluten-free option for their multigrain toast!

For those with a smaller appetite and looking for a wholesome or vegetarian option, the Bircher (S$12) is a blend of healthy Greek yoghurt, rolled oats, fruits and granola.

COFFEE FOR THE DAY

Be it hot or cold coffee, Oriole Coffee + Bar will have you covered.

Coffee connoisseurs will definitely appreciate the effort taken by Oriole Coffee + Bar to offer the best brews in Singapore by travelling to countries like Ethiopia to source for beans and roasting them locally. Aside from single origin coffee brews, cold brews served black, with milk or non-dairy M.A.D milk (cold-pressed nut milk) are some crowd favourites you will be able to enjoy at the coffee specialty house.

In particular, the Death Cream (S$10++) is a special concoction of vanilla beans, espresso and cream – high level of caffeine well-balanced with the ensuing vanilla taste.

Otherwise, try their other signature in-house cold brew, Taisho White (S$8++), which is made using Oriole’s in-house signature Raven blend on the daily. Nitro cold brew lovers will be excited to hear that Oriole Coffee + Bar has recently introduced 5 different types of Nitro Cold Brew (S$7) too!

CLASSIC PIZZAS TO LOVE

This new addition to their extensive food menu is something to love. We sang nothing but praises for their Margherita Pizza (S$18), which was generously topped with fresh buffalo mozzarella, tomato confit, parmesan cheese and basil leaves.

This dish would be good for sharing amongst a group of friends—but we wouldn’t promise that you and your buddies will not be fighting over the last slice!

SEAFOOD OPTIONS

Also a newly introduced dish, the Pan-Seared Barramundi (S$26) features a fresh fillet with nutty romesco sauce.

They also have other seafood options, such as Garlic Prawn Risotto (S$25) and classic Fish and Chips (S$20).

TRUFFLE MAC AND CHEESE

Do not be fooled by their Truffle Mac and Cheese (S$24) which is seemingly unappealing because the flavours are actually very on point. Unlike many dishes that claim to have truffle yet do not have a hint of truffle taste, the taste of truffle in this dish was extremely piquant for us.

Imagine freshly baked macaroni in cheese and topped off with chunky pieces of crabmeat, crunchy corn and then rounding it all up with aromatic truffle oil; it is any cheese lover’s wildest dreams come true.

PHILLY CHEESE STEAK

Open up their Philly Cheese Steak (S$18) to find a chock full of well-marinated beef, mozzarella cheese, caramelized onions, mushrooms and capsicums sandwiched between toasted ciabatta bread.

With just the right proportion of the various ingredients, the sandwich is neither overwhelmingly sweet nor salty, making it very well-balanced.

FINGER FOOD

Look forward to close to 10 bar snack choices which are available from 11am onwards daily. These snacks go hand-in-hand with their beers and cocktails!

For an insanely addictive snack for sharing with friends, the Spam Fries (S$12++) is THE bar snack you have to get when you are at Oriole Coffee + Bar. Thick cuts of luncheon meat are deep-fried until crispy, making this sinful side the perfect accompaniment to your bubbles and ice-cold beer.

Oh what can we say, really? This is a guilty pleasure we are willing to forgo our diet for!

HAR CHEONG GAI AT ONLY S$1++

We have yet to meet a Singaporean who doesn’t enjoy Har Cheong Gai (S$16++). For the uninitiated, Har Cheong Gai is actually deep-fried chicken wings marinated with shrimp paste.

From now until 31 May 2018, Mastercard® cardholders can enjoy an exclusive deal—a serving of Har Cheong Gai at only S$1++ (U.P. S$16++) with a minimum spend of S$35++ on a la carte items in a single receipt.

Simply pay using any local or overseas Mastercard® credit or debit card to enjoy this deal! This promotion runs on weekdays from 11am to 3pm.

BAR BY DUSK

At 7pm daily, Oriole Coffee + Bar will feature a live band to bring out the chill vibes for the perfect ambience to have a glass of cocktail or beer after work. The outdoor seats will give you the best view of the live performances while you enjoy your meals and/or drinks.

We reckon that we aren’t the only ones who love their concept of ‘Café by Day, Bar by Dusk’, right? Besides whipping up quality grub and serving gourmet coffee, get some alcoholic drinks here at Oriole Coffee + Bar at night after a long day at work!

Oriole Coffee + Bar
96 Somerset Road, #01-01, Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard
Singapore 238163
Sundays to Thursdays: 8am – 11pm
Fridays and Saturdays: 8am – 12am
Tel: 6238 8348
Nearest Station: Somerset

This post is brought to you by Oriole Coffee + Bar.

PARK at Holland Village is definitely one of the nicest cafes in the enclave. This unique environmentally friendly cafe-cum-bar has been interestingly constructed with reassembled containers and solar panels – a tranquil cafe by day, and a bustling waterhole at night.

PARK at Holland Village’s comprehensive food and beverage menu has propelled the bistro as an ideal hangout destination throughout the day. The inviting dining establishment has recently launched several new mouthwatering dishes and we are here to share with you our favourite highlights.

Also, just for our readers, there is a one-for-one main course promotion that is available throughout the day! Simply quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making your payment, and you are entitled to enjoy one-for-one promotion on selected main courses on weekdays.

This 1-for-1 promotion is valid only on weekdays, from now till 14 Jul 2016.

Tuesdays: 1 for 1 Park Burger
Wednesdays: 1 for 1 Salted Egg Yolk Pork Ribs
Thursdays: 1 for 1 Salmon Papillote

#1 PARK BLUE CHEESE BURGER

PARK’s Blue Cheese Burger (S$21.50++) is unsurprisingly one of the restaurant’s bestsellers and what a burger lover must definitely order.

Juicy medium-doneness beef patty with avocado slices, blue cheese sauce, crispy bacon, fried egg and sautéed mushrooms are sandwiched between two fluffy sesame buns – it is so much flavours in one bite. The awesome burger is served with a mixed salad and fries or mashed.

#2 CHILLI CRAB SLIDERS

Too full to devour an entire burger? Go for the all-new Chilli Crab Sliders (S$14.50++) instead. It is heartwarming to see how our beloved national dish has been successfully incorporated into these tasty handheld sliders!

These seared crab cakes with sweet chilli sauce are stuffed in steam buns and finished off with cherry tomato halves.

#3 TRUFFLE FRIES

Of course, you have to complement your mains with PARK’s divine Truffle Fries (S$11++). Served in a tin bucket, these piping hot aromatic fries have been cooked with white truffle oil and loaded with generous amounts of parmesan cheese.

One of the better renditions in town, and with standards like this one here, truffle fries will stay classic and irresistible.

#4 SPAM CHIPS

No expense has been spared during the deep-frying process to achieve an extremely crisp texture for these thinly sliced Spam Chips (S$8.50++).

#5 SALTED EGG RIBS

PARK at Holland Village is jumping on the bandwagon with the obsession of salted egg – but we are totally digging their rendition of Salted Egg Ribs (S$29.50++)!

Think zi chart-style succulent pork ribs marinated in handcrafted addictive salted egg yolk sauce, but in generous portions of huge ribs and a cosy environment with beer. You bet we were sold!

#6 SALMON PAPILOTTE

This Salmon Papillote (S$17.80++) looked unassuming, but it turned out to be one of the best dishes we had! Wrapped in parchment paper with a complex butter-based sauce and pepper barigoulle, the beautiful fish is baked to perfection and lightly flavoured with the veggies and sauce. Honestly, this was so good that we would totally return to PARK just for it!

#7 TRUFFLED MAC & CHEESE

All hail PARK’s Truffled Mac & Cheese (S$13.50++)! This ultimate crowdpleaser – baked with sliced turkey ham and cream truffle – is listed in our list of Best Mac & Cheese in Singapore, and it has been a constant favourite among PARK’s regulars!

Prepared with four different cheeses, the outermost layer is wonderfully crisp and the insides remain consistently gooey with an addictive saltiness that is derived from the cheeses.

#8 TOFU PANCAKE WITH MIXED BERRIES

It seems like pancakes will never go out of style and PARK has revamped the classic homely dish into an Instagram-worthy brunch must-order.

The Tofu Pancake* (S$12.80++) is basically a soy-based fluffy pancake topped with mixed berry compote, mandarin oranges and sour cream – all prettily plated and ready to smile for your cameras. And once the photoshoot is done, tuck in to subtle sweetness that is well complemented with the tartness from the fruits.

#9 PULLED PORK TACOS

The Pulled Pork Tacos (S$14.50++) features four corn tortillas filled with barbecue sauce, toothsome slow-cooked pork shoulder, shredded parmesan and mixed vegetables. Not for the faint-hearted, because the pulled pork shoulder is so flavourful with a hint of smokiness from the sauce; but that’s precisely why we enjoyed ours.

#10 BAILEYS TIRAMISU

Last but not least, PARK’s traditional Baileys Tiramisu (S$8.90++) is a homemade goodness with a twist to the usual coffee-flavoured Italian dessert. Alternating layers of mascarpone cheese whipped cream and delicate sponge layers, jazzed up with prized Baileys. How to not love this creamy goodness? No, the Baileys did not overpower, neither is the dessert cloyingly sweet.

*Note that these brunch items are only available until 5pm.

From now till 14 Jul 2016, enjoy one-for-one main courses when you quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making payment!

Tuesdays: 1 for 1 Park Burger
Wednesdays: 1 for 1 Salted Egg Yolk Pork Ribs
Thursdays: 1 for 1 Salmon Papillote

PARK at Holland Village
281 Holland Ave #01-01
Singapore 278621
Reservations: info@parkgroup.com.sg / +65 9721 3815
Closed on Mondays
Tue to Thu: 11am – 12am
Fri to Sun: 11am – 2am
Nearest Station: Holland Village

This post was brought to you by PARK at Holland Village.

Opus Bar & Grill – located on the ground floor of Hilton Singapore – is an intimate and modern grill restaurant which also serves the best steaks in Singapore. The restaurant’s secret recipe in divine meat lies in its specially commissioned Himalayan salt tile dry-aging cabinet, charcoal grill, the usage of only excellent prime cuts and high quality ingredients.

You can tell these people are really serious about their meats. And we love how Opus is just the place to visit whenever we crave for a good steak that will not disappoint. The best part? They are easily the place that offers the most affordable premium steaks in town!

From 18 January to 31 March 2016, you get free-flow sparkling, white and red wines with any order of Opus Beef Selection from Monday to Thursday between 7pm to 9pm. And from Friday to Sunday, enjoy a generous 50% discount off wines by the bottle with a steak purchase.

In addition to this, quote “LICOPUS” to get a complimentary best-seller dessert of Charcoal Grilled Banana with smoked salted caramel, coconut and calamansi ice cream with a minimum spend of just S$80 in a bill! Limited to first 80 redemptions only.

We know what you are thinking. You are skeptical of such a fantastic deal and wonder if it is only because your steak will cost an arm and a leg.

But your eyes are not tricking you. Prices at Opus Bar & Grill start from S$58++ for a 250g Grainge Angus to S$110 for a 800g dry-aged Australian Angus OP rib from Rangers Valley (for two pax) – an absolute steal when compared to many other lavish steakhouses!

Yes, S$110 for a huge slab that is good for two! Unbelievable, right? Regular steak eaters would know what value this is, and how you would easily have to pay double the price for that sort of quality at most of the steak houses in Singapore.

Opus Bar & Grill’s beef selections features five scrumptious premium steaks – just five good cuts is all you need.

The ambience and affordability makes it perfect for virtually any occasion, be it an anniversary dinner, family reunion or company’s celebratory dinner. A private dining room that can accommodate up to 20 seated guests is available too.

Each well-marbled steak at Opus Bar & Grill has been cooked with masterly finesse over an open flame to achieve an irresistibly delicious caramelised and smokey flavour.

Choose to complement the meats with a variety of high quality salts or pair them with Garlic Herb Butter, Bone Marrow with Red Wine Sauce, Green Peppercorn Sauce and Black Truffle Mushroom Sauce. But if you are like us who prefer a splendid steak naked, go for it!

We tried the entire menu just to suss out the best for you.

It was the Australian Kobe Wagyu Ribeye (S$92++ for 220g) with a marble score of 6, and Australian Tajima Wagyu Sirloin (S$88++ for 220g) with a marble score of 4/5 that have stolen our hearts forever.

Both wagyu steaks are remarkably tender, almost achieving a melt-in-your-mouth texture. There is no turning back once you savour the best; they are so satisfying that you will definitely head back for more. Best thing now is to take advantage of the beverage promotion, because steak and wine is just about the best pairing and you need not even pay an extra cent for free-flow of the house pours!

If you are a more budget-conscious steak lover, the grain-fed Grainge Angus Tenderloin (S$62++ for 220g) should do the trick to impress, too. Sure, it won’t be as impressive as the ones with better marbling, but while tenderloins tend to be very firm and hard to chew, Opus’ version is actually still quite tender and we did a double take! Pretty damn decent for a beginner’s steak!

The star of the show – the Australian Angus OP rib from Rangers Valley (S$110++ for 800g) – has a marble score of 4 and has been dry-aged for about a month. It is ideal for sharing between two persons, but should you be able to devour them all by yourself, by all means; nobody is judging!

With the inclusion of unlimited house sparkling, red and white wines should you dine from Monday to Thursday between 7pm to 9pm from now till 31 March, we are so going to visit Opus Bar & Grill again soon.

Just so you know too – there is a simple menu of side dishes that can complement your steaks. The highly popular gluten-free Smoked Risotto with Leek and Pecorino is Opus’ signature, or you can go for the classic Mac and Cheese. Grilled Green Asparagus and Baby Green Salad are for those who need their greens.

Each side dish is affordably priced at S$6++ each. Yes, you read that right. Aren’t you shocked by the price tag once again? Everywhere else charges at least S$12++ for side dishes and at Opus, it is half of that!

Good things take time, and a wait is required for the mouthwatering steaks.

You can start your meal with sumptuous starters first while waiting. We like the Tandoori Chicken Skewer (regular – S$16++, large – S$22++) and Tartar of Bluefin Tuna (S$17++).

Sweet notes to end your meal shall be grilled items, too. Well, the restaurant is called Opus Bar & Grill, yes? Of course the grilling concept has to extend to the desserts too!

The two fruity desserts that we highly recommend are Charcoal Grilled Banana (S$12++) and Grilled Honey Pineapple (S$12++).

First, we have a banana-based dessert that is beautifully flame-grilled and caramelised, then served with smoke salted caramel coconut and calamansi ice-cream. And we have a gorgeous pineapple treat that is grilled but still has its juice fully retained, then garnished with crumbles and a rum sauce.

Our readers can quote “LICOPUS” to get a complimentary Charcoal Grilled Banana worth S$12++ with a minimum spend of S$80 in a nett bill. We need not explain how easy that is, right? This amazing offer is limited to one redemption per table, and is limited to the first 80 redemptions per night.

Opus Bar & Grill
at Hilton Singapore, 581 Orchard Road Singapore 238 883
For Reservations: 6730 3390 / Opus@hilton.com
Website: singapore.hilton.com./opus
Daily: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard Road

This post is brought to you by Hilton Singapore.

There is nothing bad about Mac & Cheese, ever. Forget that it is perhaps fattening; the feeling you get when the cheese stretches long and high up when you dig ‘em up is unbeatable. And when you bite into the baked top where the cheese is the perfect balance of crisp and soft, that will be your gauge on whether or not the dish is good.

Mac & Cheese is something that can be enjoyed at any time of the day – as an appetizer, as a sharing dish, as a main. In a restaurant for a fancy dinner with lobster, or simply a small but still satisfying portion for brunch, anything goes, as long as it is a good Mac & Cheese.

Here are our picks for the 9 best Mac & Cheese Dishes in Singapore. And please share your favourites with us. Mac & Cheese lovers unite!

#1 BEDROCK BAR & GRILL

Bedrock Bar & Grill’s rendition of Mac & Cheese is served as a side dish to their lunch mains. We had to give props to this delicious bowl of goodness, rich in all its cheesy glory. Longer strands of macaroni are used instead of the typical, smaller version. And yes, they make the best accompaniment to your steak.

96 Somerset Road
#01-05 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites
Singapore 238163
Tel: +65 6238 0054
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Somerset

#2 CHIR CHIR

You are not the only one. We, too, were surprised that a Korean Fried Chicken restaurant serves up a great Mac & Cheese (S$9.90). The heavenly taste of this creamy Mac & Cheese, topped with cheddar and other cheeses, had us sold. You might find it boring just having the chicken here, so why not dig into something tasty like this?

313 Orchard Road
#B3-04/05/06 313 Somerset
Singapore 238895
Tel: +65 6509 8364
Mon to Thu, Sun: 10am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

#3 KENNY ROGERS ROASTERS

Kenny Rogers has been around for as long as we can remember, and many of us have very fond memories of growing up with their Mac & Cheese (served as a hot side). You can get a small serving of this at S$4, on its own at S$8 in a large bowl. Either way, you will love these gratifying shells that are filled with the creamiest cheeses.

Great World City
1 Kim Seng Promenade
#01-06/20
Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 6734 9492
Mon to Fri, Sun: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Sat: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park

#4 LITTLE DINER

The Version 2.0 Baked Mac & Cheese Royale (S$20.50) is what we can only describe as a cheese lover’s wildest dreams. Baked with enoki and shimeiji mushrooms and black truffles, this is easily our all-time favourite in Singapore. If there was only one dish from Little Diner to live on, this will be it.

789 Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 269763
Tel: +65 6466 4088
Tue to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village/Botanic Gardens

#5 NINETHIRTY BY AWFULLY CHOCOLATE

Believe us when we say that we always get excited when we see Mac & Cheese (S$18) on the menu. Using Rigatoni pasta instead of the typical elbow macaroni, the pasta feels more substantial with every bite. We also liked that they did not go crazy with changing it up, keeping the classic cheesy flavours.

131 East Coast Rd
Singapore 428816
Tel: +65 6345 2190
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri: 12pm – 1am
Sat: 9.30am – 1am
Sun: 9.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Dakota

#6 PARK @ HOLLAND VILLAGE

For S$13.80, we got a substantial portion of Park’s Truffle Mac & Cheese (S$13.80). The aroma of truffle oil is evident and from what we observed, this is one of the most popular dishes among diners here. The top layer was beautifully crisp, and the cheese was baked till it stretches when you tug on the macaroni.

Park is also listed in our Holland Village Food Guide.

281 Holland Rd
Singapore 278621
Tel: 9721 3815
Tue to Thu, Sun: 11am – 12am
Fri & Sat: 11am – 2am
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Holland Village

#7 THE DISGRUNTLED CHEF

The Macaroni & Cheese (S$29) at The Disgruntled Chef is a tad bit on the expensive side but we loved how every bite was extremely flavourful.

Inside this beauty is a generous amount of black truffle and crayfish amidst the macaroni, and the amount of cheddar used was just right, making every mouthful better than the other without feeling too sick from the creaminess.

26B Dempsey Rd
Singapore 247693
Tel: +65 6476 5305
Tue to Thu, Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11.30pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Orchard

#8 THE WHITE RABBIT

The Truffle Mac & Cheese with Mushrooms (S$16) is a good benchmark for all Mac & Cheeses in Singapore. For so long now, we have been fans. The truffle aroma did not overpower the rich cheeses and everything came together perfectly. Thumbs up to the delicious shrooms added too.

39C Harding Road
Singapore 249541
Tel: +65 6473 9965
Tue to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#9 WHISK & PADDLE

The Mac & Cheese (S$12) at Whisk & Paddle is one of the most photogenic dishes at the cafe for sure. But don’t be swayed by just the good looks of this dish, because it tastes as good as it looks. The added slices of ham balanced out the cheesiness of this dish, giving it a more diversified taste. One of our go-to affordable Mac & Cheese dishes for sure!

Whisk & Paddle is also listed in our guide on where to eat in Punggol.

10 Tebing Lane
Singapore 828836
Tel: +65 6242 4617
Tue to Fri: 3.30pm – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 9.30am – 10.30pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Riveria (Punggol LRT)

About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.

Stepping into Ninethirty by awfullychocolate in East Coast Road is like visiting a long lost friend at his/her home. An immediate sense of comfort welcomes you, and your senses will be drawn to the aromatic smells wafting from the kitchen.

Ninethirty also doubles up as the flagship Awfully Chocolate store, and it is the only concept of its kind in Singapore.

It is a casual bistro that is suitable for a night out with a group of friends, or a date with your partner. It is nothing too fancy, just a simple and unpretentious space that serves a reasonably-priced menu of comforting Western food with Asian touches, chocolate cocktails as well as the most amazing chocolate desserts.

ONE EGG SOUP

This should be no stranger to those who frequent Everything With Fries at Holland Village, as it was one of the most popular starters there. The One Egg Soup (S$11) is a comforting bowl of soup that is, well you guessed it, prepared with one egg. Topped with a delicious egg white soufflé, it is so simple a dish, but so so good.

Flavourful when served warm, with the addition of truffle oil, the One Egg Soup is what we’d like to think of as unadulterated joy. The warmth and taste of this soup really reflects humble comfort food, elevated with the use of truffle oil.

BRAISED BEEF KARUBI

The Braised Beef Karubi (S$23) was extremely tender and well seasoned. And even though the beef was the star of the show, we couldn’t stop munching on the roasted garlic fries served on the side. This rustic dish is certainly calling out to all you beef lovers out there!

CHARGRILLED PORK CHOP

Look at that glistening beauty! We were blown away just looking at Ninethirty’s stunning Chargrilled Pork Chop (S$21). You see, pork chops can easily be overcooked, but thankfully, when we cut through our piece, the meat inside was still moist and tender.

The browned butter and garlic sauce, generally drizzled on top with more on the side, was what sealed it for us. Oh, we sure enjoyed the caramelised onion relish on the side too. And yes, more fries, please!

LAKSA TAGLIATELLE

With the famous Katong Laksa stalls in the vicinity, we were close to writing this out. We can be skeptical at times, but we were speechless when we sunk our teeth into the al dente tagliatelle with the laksa sauce. Damn, the Laksa Tagliatelle (S$20) is the perfect marriage of European and Asian styles and flavours, and boy was it amazing!

The mussels were fresh and generously offered with the pasta. The addition of crisp okra really delighted us as it added a nice bite when eaten all together. Now, we should have known better than to be too quick to judge and write things off. This Laksa Tagliatelle, you have to try.

MAC & CHEESE

We can’t be the only ones who get all excited when we see Mac & Cheese on the menu, yes?

This Mac & Cheese (S$18) here at Ninethirty sure had us jumping in joy; we are not even kidding. Rigatoni pasta is used for a more substantial texture, and the chunky pasta does its job in absorbing the cheeses. You would want to eat this warm to enjoy its best flavours.

MUSSELS & FRIES

Yup, you heard us right. Mussels & Fries (S$20) are a thing and they are here to stay. But this is not your usual Western mussels, guys. The distinct taste of lemongrass and spices used for the mussel broth had us reminded of Thai green curry. Comforting like that.

We were delighted to find a generous serving of mussels used and also a mountain of fries on the side. And you know what is the best way to enjoy the fries? Dunk them into the mussel broth, guys!

PINK SALMON

Nothing screams comfort food like a tomato-based spaghetti dish. The Pink Salmon (S$20) is a sophisticated take on the traditional Bolognese. The seared salmon perched on top of the pasta features a massive portion cooked to perfection – still slightly dark pink on the side and extremely moist on the inside.

The tomato-based spaghetti really felt like something an Italian grandmother would dish out – rustic, hearty and oh-so-addictive. It is something that we wouldn’t mind coming back again for more and more. Some things stay gold like that.

BRIOCHE FRENCH TOAST

This dish is so delicious, we wish it wasn’t only served on weekends and public holidays (from 10am to 10pm). A creamy peanut butter spread (yes!!!) is slathered generously in between in-house baked brioche toast. The bun itself is soft on the inside and lightly toasted outside.

Look out for the almond streusel tossed all around for the crisp texture really complimented the intense flavours well. It is official – we are addicted to Ninethirty’s Brioche French Toast (S$16).

MARTINIS & DRINKS

If you are a huge fan of awfullychocolate’s decadent Rum & Cherry whole cake, you will be happy to know that they now have a Chocolate Rum & Cherry (S$8) drink that is out to satisfy you just as much. Can’t finish the whole cake yourself? No biggie because this drink is a great alternative to curb your cravings.

And yes to local spin on milkshakes. The Gula Melaka Jackfruit Shake (S$8) is a sweet milk shake with rich gula melaka notes. You can taste the perfect weave of coconut ice cream, jackfruit, gula melaka and coconut milk altogether in one unassuming cup. Extremely refreshing!

Now, if you can’t decide between having a cocktail or a dessert, the Dark Chocolate Martini (S$15) is a perfect after-dinner drink. Have the best of both worlds this way, we say! Rich chocolatey goodness and alcohol sounds like a match made in heaven.

AWFULLY CHOCOLATE SIGNATURE DESSERTS

Any meal at Ninethirty wouldn’t be complete without a single scoop of the iconic Hei Ice Cream, traditionally served in an adorable takeaway box. However, here at Ninethirty, you can have it on a tall metal glass when you dine in. Rich and extremely concentrated in chocolate flavours, we dare say you can’t find a decent dupe of this ice cream anywhere else.

Apart from Hei ice cream, don’t forget to try the cake that started it all – the Awfully Chocolate All Chocolate Cake (6” at $34). Also available in 2 other flavours – Chocolate Banana Cake ($36) and Chocolate Rum & Cherry Cake ($38).

Ninethirty by awfullychocolate
131 East Coast Rd
Singapore 428816
Tel: +65 6345 2190
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri: 12pm – 1am
Sat: 9.30am – 1am
Sun: 9.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Dakota

This post is brought to you by Ninethirty by awfullychocolate.

“Always tasty, always homemade. With love.”

That’s Little Diner for you.

The humble eatery that sits amidst the lush greenery of Bukit Timah, away from the humdrum of city life and stress – cosy and unpretentious. It is a no-frills place; just earnest comfort food in generous portions. Lunch, dinner, weekend brunch… whenever you need to please that tummy of yours, Little Diner will take care of that.

Nothing here costs an arm and a leg – most of the dishes on the menu are reasonably priced below S$20 – and all that we’ve sampled and had were delightfully yummy to say the least. Some classics are as good as gold, some creations took us by surprise and left us lingering for more. Little Diner has also just launched its new 2-course weekday set lunch at S$22.50++.

Today, we share 10 Must-Try Dishes at Little Diner and we urge you to drop by for a meal that you will not have regrets for.

There are three various “feeding times”, and the menu differ for each.

Lunch hours on weekdays (11:30am to 3pm, Tuesdays to Fridays) call for value-for-money 2-course set lunches at S$22.50++, including one coffee or tea. Portions are of the original size no less, and there are several starters and main courses to pick from, of which we will be sharing some of our favourites in this list.

We’d love to think of the set lunches as casual affordable options when we want to avoid the lunch crowd in town and major restaurants. From now till 31 May 2015, quote “ladyironchef” and get a free dessert of the day with every set lunch ordered.

Then, there is a comprehensive menu when it comes to dinner. We promise you’ll be so spoilt for choice, but more than that, we’d love for you to spend your night with great comfort food and drinks. It is like dining at a home outside of your home.

Weekend brunches are not confined to cafes. A local eatery off the beaten track sounds lovely too, yes? Especially so when they’ve got some really impressive items. Trust us on this – you’ll be hooked to the first dish that we are going to share.

#1 STUFFED SUPER CEREAL-CRUSTED FRENCH TOAST (BRUNCH ONLY)

Nutella, Nutella and more Nutella in Little Diner‘s version of stuffed French Toast which is served during weekend brunch. At S$16.50, this is a notch above your usual French Toast. Thick brioche with a crunchy cereal crust, lavishly stuffed with everyone’s favourite hazelnut spread, topped with fried bananas and drenched with chocolate sauce. What’s a better word than ‘heavenly’?

Now, you’d be pretty darn sure you need this for your weekend.

#2 ROSARIO’S FRIED RISOTTO BALLS (LUNCH AND DINNER ONLY)

With a melty mozzarella center, tomato coulis, basil pesto and parmesan cheese, the Rosario’s Fried Risotto Balls (S$9.50) is a rustic appetiser that is good for sharing, but we’d prefer to have them to ourselves. It might sound foreign, but they are really just crispy balls with a warm filling of cheesy rice grains, tangy tomato and herbs. 

For weekday set lunches, this option is also included as a starter, and it is certainly our favourite thing to order.

#3 CROQUE MADAME (BRUNCH ONLY)

Pretty much like your ham and cheese sandwich, except that Little Diner’s Croque Madame (S$14.50) – only on weekend brunch hours – is like a gigantic deconstructed version.

What seemed like a messy pile actually turned out to be a delightful surprise of toasted brioche, a thick slice of ham and lots of melted cheese, with a copious amount of truffle scented bechamel sauce. Topped with a gorgeous fried egg and some greens, the Croque Madame was wolfed down by our party within minutes.

#4 VERSION 2.0 BAKED MAC & CHEESE ROYALE

Damn, this is one hell of a Mac & Cheese! We are always lamenting about the lack of a good mac & cheese in Singapore, but no more complaints – we’ve found the best. The Version 2.0 Baked Mac & Cheese Royale (S$20.50) is a divine portion that comes with wild enoki and shimeji mushrooms, complete with truffle oil. Let’s just say the fragrance is unparalleled, and unlike most overly cheesy and sick mac & cheese, this rendition is lighter and works as a main on its own.

Not a fan of truffle? Sure. Go for the Old School Baked Mac & Cheese (S$16.50).

#5 THE XXX BACONATOR

Every man needs a badass burger. It is food for the soul! The XXX Baconator (S$21.50) is a fascinating tower of thick and juicy beef patty, melted Swiss cheese, and, behold – crispy bacon strips, espresso bacon jam and bacon aioli. Definitely not for the faint-hearted, but… the more badass the burger, the more we love it.

And by the way, Little Diner has an Empire Burger Challenge. To begin, the Empire Burger (S$50) is a massive burger that is good for 3-4 persons, unless you are incredibly hungry. And if you are, then challenge yourself to finish the Empire Burger plus fries. Do that all in twenty minutes and your burger is free!

#6 PAN ROASTED FILET OF SEA BASS

Something lighter is the Pan Roasted Filet of Sea Bass (S$25). Simple white fish that is lightly pan roasted, and served with seasonal greens and whipped potatoes. The ladies will love this.

Also available as a main in the weekday 2-course lunch sets (S$18.50++), this dish is ideal for those who do not want something overly filling lest you snooze when you get back to the office.

#7 THE “KRUSTY KRAB” BENEDICT (BRUNCH ONLY)

Want to try something different from your usual egg Benedict? Then go for The “Krusty Krab” Benedict (S$19.50) that is available on Little Diner’s weekend brunch menu. Golden crab cake pillow sits atop toasted brioche, accompanied by crispy bacon, grilled asparagus, poached egg, and two sauces – Hollandaise and a hint of chipotle aioli. You know what this means? Explosion of flavours with every bite.

#8 THE BBQ PIGWICH

The BBQ Pigwich (S$18.50) features juicy spiced pulled pork cocooned in a thin wrap with smoky BBQ sauce and fresh pickled onions. Served with a side of homemade coleslaw, this option is also available as a main course in the weekday lunch sets, and the robust flavours of the dish sure work as a perk-me-up.

#9 SMOKED DUCK BREAST SALAD

The salad lovers will enjoy the Smoked Duck Breast Salad (S$13.50). With many slices of smoked duck breast, shaved poached pears, tangy dried cranberries and honey glazed walnuts atop mixed greens, this salad is tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette. Also available as a starter for the weekday lunch sets.

#10 ALL AMERICAN BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN (LUNCH AND DINNER ONLY)

We have nothing but praises for the All American Buttermilk Fried Chicken (S$18.50). It has a preparation time of 20 minutes, but thou shalt always wait patiently for indulgent fried chicken.

Little Diner’s golden fried perfection is indeed a perfect treat for dinner, and guess what? It comes drizzled with maple syrup for more oomph! Served with handcut fries and homemade coleslaw, this is an all-time favourite that we will return to Little Diner again and again for.

Besides the set lunches deals, Little Diner also has several ongoing weekday promotions. On Tuesday, it is burger day at Little Diner. Enjoy all burgers (except the Empire Burger) at S$15++ all day. On Wednesday, one dines for free with three paying diners. On Thursday, get a jug of beer at S$19.50++, a bottle of housepour wine at S$40++, or a bottle of premium wine at S$60++

For the latest updates, go to littlediner.sg and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Little Diner
789 Bukit Timah Road
Tel: +65 6466 4088
Tue to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village/Botanic Gardens

This post is brought to you by Little Diner.

Note: Preparazzi has closed.

Words by Alexa Michelle, photographs by ladyironchef

Ever wondered how it’s like to have Asian food in your taste buds while dining in a western ambience? That would be my closest description to how I felt when at Preparazzi Bar Gourmet.

Located in the midst of the Central Business District area along Boon Tat Street, Preparazzi Bar Gourmet is a relatively new restaurant which specialises in serving modern Singapore cuisine – western dishes with a local twist.

Upon arrival at the restaurant, I was greeted with an arty interior as the walls had a canvas painting and a shimmery gold typography that says ‘hello gorgeous’. We proceeded to order the truffle mac & cheese ($10.90) and beef slider ($14.90) as a start. The truffle mac & cheese consists of macaroni; cheddar cheese mixed with truffle salt and honshimeiji mushrooms. As a truffle lover, the smell and blend of truffle salt with honshimeiji makes this dish a must-try, making it taste like a fusion of macaroni mixed with Asian mushroom.

The beef slider wrapped in gougère, looking very much like a pastry, was filled with Angus beef steak, topped with tamarind pepper, pineapple chutney and onion jam. Once you bite into it, you’ll taste a blast of sweet and savoury; sweetness from the pineapple and jam and savoury tasting from the Angus beef.

For our mains, we tried the X.O. vongole ($20.90) and duck confit ($19.90). The X.O. vongole is a dish cooked in spaghetti with white clams, X.O. gremolata, white wine and asparagus. The fragrance of the X.O. gremolata and cut asparagus will make one feel that this pasta dish is not too heavy to indulge while enjoying the white clams. A dish that has a good balance of healthy sides while indulging in seafood!

My favourite has to be the duck confit as it was accompanied with sweet potato gnocchi, corn, garlic, chilli and 5-spice salt. On the first bite of the duck meat, this dish brought sudden memories of dining in a Chinese restaurant. I felt that the chewy sweet potato gnocchi was paired with the duck meat to replace the typical carbohydrates selection of rice or potatoes.

Another main dish we got to try was the roast pork crackling ($23.90), a pork belly dish served with crispy cayenne apple, corn, pea and pineapple chutney. Similar to the duck confit, it brings a whiff of Asian aroma and taste to the dish. However, the roast pork crackling is slightly dryer than the duck confit as it had various thick pastes accompanying it.

Last but not least, every girl’s favourite, would be the part we get to desserts. It is almost impossible for most ladies to resist the sweet ending to a meal! With that said, we ordered the kopi-misu ($15). You might wonder why the name kopi-misu? This dessert is in fact similar to tiramisu except it is a sponge finger cake with kopi, mascarpone and coco powder. If you are a tiramisu lover, you’ll definitely fall in love with Preparazzi’s rendition. The texture of the cake was simply soft and creamy with a layer of coco powder set on top, it melted in our mouths on the first bite and we couldn’t resist finishing the entire plate afterwards.

Another dessert that we tried was the “baked” Singapore ($15.90). Its unique almond cake wraps in a combination of pineapple jam, raspberry sauce, vanilla gelato and meringue on top. It was indeed one of the most unique tasting desserts we’ve had representing the flavours of Singapore as a whole. But we felt that the portion of the meringue was overwhelming, and not something that we would order again.

To sum it up, Preparazzi Bar Gourmet offers a wide range of western food infused with Asian dishes. For the adventure seekers and exotic food lovers, you might want to venture to this area of the Central Business District to give it a try. Their menu also includes a fair selection of drinks such as cocktails and wine, sweet treats like cupcakes and French fries that come with a choice of truffle salt ($9.90), curry salt ($9.90) and rosemary salt with parmesan ($8.90). Recommended for dining up to 4 pax.

Preparazzi Bar Gourmet
29 Boon Tat Street, Singapore
Tel: +65 6220 0629
Mon to Sat: 11am – 11pm
(Closed on Sun)
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

About the writer:
In her free time, Alexa likes to visit museum exhibitions, reading or lying on the beach. Apart from having a sweet tooth, on selective food items of course, she also enjoys lounging to the beat of good tunes. Tempt her with tea and cakes if you could, weak spots do it right all the time. To read more of Alexa’s writings, please visit Pixiekrane.

One of my strategies for finding good restaurants is through recommendations from friends. I am lucky to have many friends who are “into” food, so I can always trust them to update me about their new favourite restaurants.

A few of my friends have been telling me about Bedrock steakhouse, and whenever they feel like having steaks, I know I’ll most likely be able to find them there.

Bedrock Bar & Grill at Pan Pacific Serviced Suites is a modern New York style steakhouse – opened by restaurateur Keith Loh, who is also the owner of Oriole Cafe. The restaurant boosts a dark, sexy, and classy interior; making it the ideal place to bring your client for a business luncheon, or your date for a romantic dinner.

The menu at Bedrock is small and focused: you can go for starters like Roasted Bone Marrow ($24) and French Onion Soup ($15); for main course, choose between the 220g USDA Prime Black Angus Tenderloin ($89), 250g USDA Prime Dry Aged Striploin ($79), 400g USDA Prime Black Angus Ribeye ($89), or 300g Wagyu Steak ($69); and there are Flourless Chocolate Cake ($16) and Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich ($16) to end the meal on a sweet note.

For something that’s a little easier on the wallet, go for the 2 course set lunch which has five choices: Applewood Grilled Chicken ($26), Grilled Ribeye Steak ($32), Grilled Striploin Steak ($30), Chopped Steak Cheese Burger ($26), and Crispy Skin Seabass ($26). Top up $6 for 3 course set lunch.

Bedrock offers five different side dishes for the set lunch: Yukon Gold Mash Potatoes, Green Beans, Mac & Cheese, Rocket & Parmesan Salad, and French Fries.

My friend is a regular at CUT Steakhouse, and she swears by their Yukon Gold Mash Potatoes. When the server brought the food to our table, we were so eager to try the potatoes that we completely ignored the steak (for that few seconds.) I thought that they were okay, but my friend felt that it wasn’t as good as the one at CUT.

The Mac & Cheese, in contrast, was very good. It was one of the better ones I’ve had before.

Both the Grilled Striploin Steak and Grilled Ribeye Steak were decent, but nothing to write home about. Maybe it’s because we were having high expectations of Bedrock Steakhouse, but we were not blown away. Don’t get me wrong, the steaks were well-executed and better-than-average. I guess we were just expecting something more.

Overall, a satisfying meal at Bedrock Steakhouse though I think the steaks could be a little more wow. That being said, the set lunch is good value for money, and I like the ambience of the place. I think I’ll most likely come back during dinner for the ala carte menu.

Bedrock Bar & Grill
96 Somerset Road
#01-05 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites
Tel: +65 6238 0054
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Somerset