Thursday 29 March 2012

Chiso Zanmai

I am always in search of different places to satisfy my sashimi and sushi cravings and back sometime ago, I came to know of Fisherman's Market being replaced by Chiso Zanmai. I am not sure if the Osaka-based buffet restaurant is still run by the same management team from Fisherman's Market.

All I know was that I posted an event on facebook and the next thing I knew was 9 individuals turned up for the feast!
You really have to appreciate consuming raw meat, the Japanese way.

For a fish to be suitable for sashimi and sushi, it has to be bled to ensure that the blood in the fish doesn't spoil the meat upon oxidation. Gutted to ensure that the parasites that are usually found in the guts doesn't migrate out and contaminate the whole fish. Afterwhich, the whole fish has to be thoroughly iced to retain the freshness. All these are happening right at the moment when the fish are caught.

See what I mean when you really gotta appreciate the people who prepare your food?
The variety of sushi they have is rather commendable. Bite size little treats but I was quite disappointed when I realised they didn't place wasabi within the sushi. That would be perfect and authentic sushi already but hey, no complains about their quality from me.
Sashmi comes in two forms; Sake and Maguro. Between the two, Sake was my preferred choice as was Mr T's as well. I find the maguro to be too thick which makes it laborious to savour and they are not exactly the top quality ones as well that I expected. Besides serving sake in its raw form, there's also different marinated ones. Yuzu was my favorite though :) Fresh and subtle.
Ever tried Corn or Matcha Tofu? Personally, the green matcha tofu on the was more to my liking than the corn one. The Fried Tofu was beautifully crafted and taste just as delectable as it looks but the ultimate winner of the four would have to be the chawanmushi. 

I know a good Chawanmushi when I have one. A good cuppa would have a savoury sweetness taste right from the moment it touches the lips. A good cuppa would be delicate but just firm enough to scoop the goodness out without becoming all messed up. 

In this case, they did it well! 
The hotpots are a must try in my opinion. Miso-based soba or the healthier soy sauce-based veggies with oysters. You decide for yourself. All I know is...
"I set fire to my soup! Watch it boils as I take some more food!"
The only Tempura I ate were the ebi ones because the rest were just unappealing to me. The fried whole prawns were fresh and crisp. The Japanese Curry seems a bit plain. There's wasn't a bit of a carrot or meat to be seen but I just love to drizzle it over my rice! The Soba were nitchy but I didn't really like the fried mash potato At least Takoyakis saved the day!

As our dinner draws to an end, I knew it's time for dessert... Actually, to be honest, I had my first dessert right after I finished my first plate of sashimi!
Profiteroles are small little pastry balls filled with pastry cream. I love the feeling of the pastry cream exploding in your mouth when you compress the little brown puffs. The Matcha Creme Brulee was great too! The sugarish caramel was evenly balanced and there wasn't bits of crystals which would otherwise spoil the whole experience as I made my way into the soft green custard. 

Swiss Rolls were delightfully sweet although they looked more like sandwiches than rolls if you asked me. Maybe they should change the name to Swiss Sandwiches instead! I think there's nothing much to describe about Panna Cotta. I was hesitant at first. I have never seen panna cotta in squareish forms before but in the end, I decided to give it a try and thank God I did... 

Somehow, I was reminded by a fond memory with someone. Weird but sweet...
Towards the end of the whole delightful ordeal, Mr Japanese and I were slipping his new invention like a boss. As he calls it, The Ale Cocktail. He got the name from the drink, Ginger Ale. It's like sparkling juice that taste almost like alcoholic without the potent content coupled with fruits and jelly. Nice! 

I won't be heading back to Chiso Zanmai so soon yet unless I really have the urge for cheap and affordable sushi and sashimi but If you're someone who loves raw stuffs and you don't really wanna to rip a hole in your wallet after buying a new camera, just do yourself a big favor and head down to Chiso Zanmai instead! Do note that sashimi are only available during dinner time. 
Once again, Thanks for the dinner and the custom "birthday cake" :)

The Central #02-17
6 Eu Tong Street, Singapore 059817
Tel: +65 6221 3177

Pricing:

Lunch
Mondays to Fridays
Adult: $14.90++ Child: $9.90++ Senior: $12.90++
Saturdays, Sundays & PH
Adult: $19.90++ Child: $9.90++ Senior: $17.90++

Dinner
Sundays to Thursdays & PH
$24.90++ Child: $14.90++ Senior: $17.90++
Fridays, Saturdays & Eve of PH
Adult: $29.90++ Child: $14.90++ Senior: $27.90++

Free Flow Drink additional $1.90++

Monday 26 March 2012

Eggs & Berries: High tea with the professional photographer

The clock struck six and we were tired after spending hours wandering around the huge and crowded expo hall searching for Lumix 5, the professional photographer and dessertprince needed to rest our aching feet!

We wanted somewhere quiet to rejuvenate ourselves over high tea but for convenience sake, we went to Changi City Point which is on the other side of the street. Actually, we were thinking of heading down to the city instead but I was a bit lazy to travel...
My friend was glad that we found Eggs & Berries because she was having cravings for waffles! It's actually quite a lovely petite cafe and I kinda fall in love with the white furniture and background. Sort of remind me of Bonheur Patisserie, the whiter than white setting. I guess I have a preference to dine at sleek and clean-looking cafes and restaurants I guess.
While my friend was busy taking snapshots with her Iphone 4S, I was busy fondling with Lumix 5. I just couldn't wait to ravish Lumix 5, in a gentle and affectionate way of course. Afterall, she's my first camera right?

They had a variety of toppings for their waffles but being the gentleman in me, I simply gestured my friend to decide and this was what she got...
Banana Rama ($9.20). A thick crispy edged and spongy waffles paired with sliced bananas and toppled with assorted nuts. Whipped cream was graciously doused in chocolate chips and sauce. An additional scoop of rich chocolate ice cream ($2.80). The waffle was delicious! I really love the fact that they actually bother to fill the entire plate rather than leaving pocket of places in between.

They also provided us with three different syrup. chocolate, raspberry and maple. After trying all three, the two of us unanimously agreed that maple syrup still goes well with waffles.

"Have you ever tried Eggs Benedict before?" I asked my friend as I glanced through their menu, hoping to get a cake or two or even better. Tiramisu.

But since I got a no for an answer, I think it's only fair that she should have the chance to enjoy one. Afterall, it's not everyday you have poached eggs for tea right?
A pair of perfectly poached eggs each sitting on a thinly sliced ham and greenies and supporting the entire art piece is a piece of soft English muffin. Harshbrown need not necessary be deep fried you know? 

It's almost like a piece of art. An edible piece of art...

That my friend is call we call Eggs Benedict ($12.80). It may smell like MacDonald's Big Breakfast but trust me, it taste nothing near! Eggs & Berries rendition might not be the best one if I were to compare with some other more established cafes that I tried before but I would definitely be back for their all day breakfast and their cakes too!

Another thing worth mentioning would be their service was more that excellent. When the staffs knew that we were ordering each dish one at a time, they actually provided us with serving plates not just once but twice since we ordered two dishes. I would definitely recommend Eggs & Berries not just for just because of their service but because of their thoughtful service :)

All photos are taken by the professional photographer, Miss Woo Ching Ting.
PS: Thanks for the companionship and the photos! High tea again soon alright?

Changi City Point #01-37/38
5 Changi Business Park Central 1, Singapore 486038
Tel: +65 6636 4212

My first camera: Lumix 5

Ever since, I started this blog, I've been looking for the suitable camera to showcase my food expeditions to all of you, mostly silence readers that never leave a comment.

Blogging sure is a lonely process but that's another story to begin with right?

Anyway, back some time ago, to be precise somewhere around February. I was so caught up with the Canon Powershot S100. I think about holding her in my hands. With a 24-120mm (equivalent) len and a 12 MP Canon CMOS sensor to boost about, who would find fault with the S100? Hardly...

S100 was my eye-candy but no more. Because I found one that is better.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC LX5.

She has a long name long name but I would just call her, Lumix 5. I would go as crazy as to call my camera a lady but not as crazy as to name her a real name ok? She's a true beauty I tell you. Though she isn't petite like the S100 but she's a stylish camera I tell you. With 24mm ultra wide angle len, something I don't see in most digital cameras and DSLR-like functions to fondle with. I was just speechless as I research about her. Just speechless...

I missed the first IT fair of 2012 and I kinda regretted not going. Thank God! I got to knew another IT fair that's going on at Singapore Expo. I am not going to miss it even if the sky is falling down! I got one of my friend to accompany me. My friend is quite into photography and to me, she's a professional one although she might think otherwise...

We squeezed through the crowd and finally saw her, in her sampling form. The two of us lavish our hands on her sleek body of Lumis 5 and messed with her buttons! Sorry Lumix 5, I just have to test you out... I hope you won't mind...

It's too good to be true! I didn't even pay as much of a peek at the S100 even though she's just around the vicinity. What more can I say other than love is blind :)

The price? A whooping $599. That's a $200+ difference from the market price not to mention the freebies that came along with the camera. She's definitely worth my money. Mind you, I could almost buy 100 cakes with that kind of money if the average cake cost $6. That's a lot of cakes ok but totally worth it! I just have to eat less cakes from now on...

By the way, The photo you see above shall be the last time shot I will take with my Sony Xperia Neo V. From now on, Lumix 5 willl hold a special place in my heart as my first camera. I am a happy boy.

So look forward to the photos Lumix 5 and I will be showing you!

Saturday 24 March 2012

My memories with strawberries

I was a picky fruit eater ever since I was young.

I didn't had a orange in my life until I was 18 nor did I have a dragonfruit ever since that disturbing encounter with a rotten one. Did I mention whenever I had a banana, I always make a point to cut off the two ends? Weird habits but yeah, I have my reasons to do so.

Now about strawberry. Mmm, I never really tried one whenever my mum bought them for the family until that faithful encounter. It didn't took place in my hometown though...

I clearly remember I was much much younger. I was in Korea. South Korea. A strawberry farm to be precise. I was given a small basket and instructed to pluck strawberries straight off the vines. I looked at my aunt from a distance who was busy picking the little red berries. I approached her. Looking at her basket which was filled with strawberries. Compared to mine. Zero. How pathetic...

By now, my aunt was aware that her nephew was bewildered by the process. Being the loving aunt that she always has been, she plucked one off the vine and stuffed it into my mouth. Like literally stuffed the berry into my mouth. A normal person would feel angry but somehow, just somehow, sweetness consumed me. 

Yea, that was when my love for strawberries all started. Ever since then, I languish at the thought of having strawberries.  Once in a while, my mum would buy a pack or two but somehow, they just taste different. 
Not sure why though. Maybe they just don't taste exceptionally fresh and sweet as they were hand-plucked?
All I knew was they were the works of Americans. They just made the strawberries sour than sweet! 

It took a much recent overseas trip to reignite the memories. This time, to Japan. I was walking down the streets of downtown Tokyo late at night with my good friend. It was winter. The chilly breeze is heat-draining, it's no cold that you just wouldn't wanna remove your gloves and scratch your frozen nose!

Apparently, it was one of those rare ocassions that Tokyo was snowing. How lucky we were to caught in it right?It was freezing cold but it was the only time when I could wear a leather coat fashionably without the heat to spoil my mood like it does in Singapore.

My friend, couldn't stand the harsh coldness decided to walk into a supermarket to warm herself up and I was dragged in, unwillingly. I almost wanted to throw a snowball at her! Mind you, snowballs aren't soft and fluffy. They are really hard ice! I mean how many times in a lifetime do I get to go Japan? 

Whilst she was drinking a cup of coffee to warm herself up, I decided to walk around the huge shop.
Just then, as I was walking pass the fruit section, something caught the corners of my eyes. Something red. 
I knew it. I just knew it. Strawberries! I just knew I had to get a pack of them but they don't come cheap though I can't really remember the price now. But the urge was just too strong and I decided to buy a packet.

The next thing I knew was bearing the brunt of the cold winter with my friend sitting by the benches of a park and getting intoxicated over a packet of strawberries. Of course, when we got back to our hotel rooms a few hours later, our parents gave each of us a lashing for venturing out by ourselves but for the sake of those strawberries, the scoldings seems worthwhile...

Those were my fond memories with strawberries...
Since it's the season of strawberries, how could I miss out the chance of having strawberries? This time, I bought Korean ones instead :) Fresh & Sweet!

Friday 23 March 2012

MOF の My Izakaya

My impression of the Ministry has always been fairly above average. It's one of those places where I will recommend for a quick and relatively affordable Japanese meal. 
As usual, I always start my Japanese meals with something light. Something like the Sashmi Moriawase ($18.00). There's a range of sashmi to choose from though for some reason I can't remember all of them. All I remember was I had sake (salmon), maguro (tuna) and mekajiki (swordfish). 

Of the three choices, my favorite would be the mekajiki. It's pretty mild and firm. But being at the top of the food chain means higher mercury content. Hence I try my best to refrain from eating that much unless it's worth the risk! 

All in all, the sashmi were fresh and of good quality and serving them on ice retains the freshness longer.
Chawanmushi was slightly expensive at $2.20 per cup. Price is something subjective. It depends on the individual's perception. In my opinion, it was still fairly average but if I want a good chawanmushi, I would opt for Shin Minori's Pumpkin Chawanmushi
Plain Udons ($6.80) are best served in a clear both. A gracious amount of seaweed is always appreciated. 
Personally, I am a simple person who goes for simple meals but there will be always be a time where I would just go for a bit of glamour. Shabu-shabu was clearly on my mind that night. I yearned for having something to cook! Therefore, I decided on the Surf & Turf ($17.80). It's pretty healthy with two set of salads to wash that meaty beef and fishy sake. 

It's all about having fun when it comes to eating and how much more does the fun gets when you get to cook what you eat? I sure enjoy the process!

Now for desserts which to me will always be the main attraction of any meals.
Repeat after me: "I LOVE DESSERTS!"
Macha Sundae ($6.80) comes with not just Macha ice cream. It comes with fruits, jelly, cereals, and a white-ish vanilla ice cream tower! Of course since it's Macha Sundae, it is only right to top of with more macha sauce.

It's always best to shared such delightful stuffs with your other half. A mouthful here and a scoopful there. Desserts maybe sweet but nowhere sweeter than a loving couple.
Unlike Mr Q and Miss L, I don't have another partner to share with. I guess that's where Macha Zen ($5.80) comes in. Azuki beans and matcha can never go wrong. 

A perfect combination. A sweet unification. 

But there's something that I don't quite like about MOF. Their menus. It's as though they went through a war zone! Extremely battered! As the man behind Surreal Gourmet, Bob Blumber once said: 

"Presentation is ninth-tenth of the battle."

I don't know about you but as far as I know, Japanese are extremely particular about presentation but apart from those battered menus, I could see the quality and quantity in their food. Since there's a few MOF outlets around Singapore, it shows otherwise right? I guess one-tenth of the battle is the decisive factor.

For me though, I might be back but for their desserts only. It's not that I don't find my meals @ MOF well-spent but I always prefer trying out new places. So MOF, being a relatively common place would ruin my chance to blog about other places right?

Hopefully, the next time I come back again, there's someone I could share my desserts with...

Marina Square Center Square #02-138E
6 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6334 2202

Wednesday 21 March 2012

Pique Nique: The dating couple

Mr Q and Miss L have been seeing one another for almost a year now. They are one blissful couple. You could almost see happiness gleaning from their eyes.

Looking at the two of them makes me wonder... What is love? One moment it's pleasing to the eyes and all sweet. The next moment you could face a surge of fiery emotions that's hard to stomach. All I can say is love is an acquired taste.

But just when you made up your mind to close that chapter of your life, never to touch it again. The same fire that was hard to swallow, somehow warms that chilly heart. Isn't it amazing? The power of love. It's profounding but it's something we all yearn right? At least I do.
The relationship between Mr Q and Miss L relationship can be sum up with Pique Nique's
American Cheesecake. It's cheesy but just enough to keep everything going smoothly.

Love is not just about communicating with one another when there's differences.

Standing firm is also important. In desserts, particularly cheesecakes, firmness ensures the cake doesn't crumble after time. In love, firmness is keeping the promise. "I will stand by you even if the going gets tough." Easier said than done. But when the promise, fulfilled. Hugs or kisses are always appreciated.
For some people, love is a thing or two from the past.
For some people, love is all about the gift in the present.
For some people, love is about pondering what lies in the future.
To me however, love is everything and anything we want it to be.

Happiness or Sadness. Right and Wrong.
Hope and Despair. Self-sacrificial or Self-centered.

It ain't easy for two person coming together and say: "Yes, let's come together."
I mean I don't see myself saying that to everyone at least.
It's made holy, meant for the ears of the special ones.

May the Lord see Mr Q and Miss L together till the end of time...

**
Set up by the the renowned patissier, Chef Pang, it's actually quite hard to miss the place since it's located just beside KFC. Service was more than just fair since they serve us water without us saying. I have to say that the staffs were pretty observant. Even though I only got one cake, they brought us 3 forks instead of just one. That's what I call thoughtful. Very thoughtful indeed.

Hovering at $8+ per cake, Pique Nique isn't the typical place I would want to just spend my money like a boss. It's slightly expensive for such a casual cafe. Maybe at the more classy Antoinette would I be more willing to spend more.

All in all, most good things comes at a price. Why I say most? Because there's always the more affordable option of Flor Patisserie at B2 to consider for a quick fixture of cake craving!

Takashimaya Department Store
Ngee Ann City Tower A #B1-01/02
391A Orchard Road Singapore 238873
Tel: +65 6238 6705

Sunday 18 March 2012

Alfero Artisan Gelato

Remember the feeling when you fall in love with that special someone?
How about the feeling when you fare exceptionally well for your exams?

How do we define that state of perpetual happiness? I'm sure there's a word for it right?
Euphoria: A feeling or a state of exaggerated happiness...
Even so euphoria might not even be the best word to describe the feeling of gelato melting in your mouth...

A few weeks ago, I was at Marina Square having one of those leisure walks by myself. I chanced upon Alfero, a gelato cafe parked at a quiet corner of the shopping mall. You wouldn't know Alfero existed until you take a full walk around Marina Square.

But I am just glad I found the lovely place. At that moment, I knew I just have to pay Alfero a visit. But at that moment, I just didn't feel like having gelato after a heavy luncheon. Since then, I have been waiting eagerly, praying earnestly for an opportunity...

Opportunity came knocking when I had the chance. It was my first time actually and I was having mixed feelings. I wasn't sure how the whole gelato experience would be like but somehow happiness compel me to go ahead.
Unlike your conventional gelato shop, you will never be able to see a array of different colored delights. It's all hidden. Hidden gem if you have to ask me. But in order to preserve the perfect texture and smoothness of their gelato, they have store them in pozzetto cabinet where neither air nor light could contaminate the quality. Seeing is good but taste is better! Yeah, I totally agree!
Nothing but the best Macha from Japan. It taste literally like one just that one is eating instead of drinking.
Definitely, one of my favourite.
The nectar of the Gods. Mango Alphonso. Extremely mangoish. Happiness sipping out from natural sweetness. There was nothing much needed to be said apart from enjoying nectar wholeheartedly.

Nocciola is the Italian way of saying hazelnut. I have no doubt about the quality of hazelnut they choose. Nothing but the best of the best just for you. Something we love to hear right? I don't know about you but I sure do!
Alfero might not come cheap compared to your typical ice cream store but apparently there's a difference between ice cream and gelato. What's the astounding difference? Check out their website to find out more.
Since it's my first time. I was given a loyalty card. For every $6.00 spent, a stamp will be entitled. Collect 10 stamps and get a free medium cup. Something to keep me coming back for more.

I would definitely recommend Alfero not just for their gelato but also their exceptionally friendly staffs. Being greeted by the brightest of smile never fails to bring comfort to someone who's in a unfamiliar place for the first time. As they say:

Even the Godfather loves it...

I just wonder when will be the next opportunity. Until then, I will be waiting patiently...

Marina Square #02-226A/B
6 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6338 5828
Website: www.alferogelato.com

Friday 16 March 2012

Tampopo: A personal favorite

Tampopo has been one of my personal favorites when it comes to Japanese cuisines. It's quite hard to miss the place unless your motive for visiting Liang Court is for affordable pastas.

It doesn't come as a surprise to know that Tampopo which in my opinion, easily serves the best tonkatsu. Thick cuts of the most revered black pig fried breaded and deep fried till it's perfectly golden brown. I just wish everyday is a day for tonkatsu! What a wishful thinking right?

Another main bulk of the attraction would be their ramen. Mainly two styles of preparation. Hokkaido and Kyushu. I won't be going through the differences between the two since I am no ramen expert to begin with. But if you're interested in knowing the difference, do look up to IeatIshootIpost's review.
Deluxe is the way of life when it comes to the Black Pig Shabu Ramen. Extremely flavorful broth. Personally, the main attraction is still the Black Pig lying in wait. Tender and chewy but I have to say. Such stuffs are meant to enjoy at the start. Never leave the meat to the last. By then, it will be tough and laborious to enjoy. The egg were special though. Runny yolk encased in a hard-boiled egg. Impressive!
Thick slabs of charsiu just waiting to be indulge in... What are you waiting for? Pick up your chopsticks! This Kyushu CharSiu Ramen is by no means comparable to the shabu ramen since it's a category all by itself. Slightly on the saltier end of the note though... 

As I have proclaimed. Tampopo has been my favorite place to go GaGa over Japanese food. Sashimi that's seems almost straight from a Sake or Maguro airflown from the markets of Japan. Does it get any fresher? 

I don't think so...

Surely you might disagree since there are other places such as Marutama or Ippudo which fare far more better than Tampopo's rendition. I can't really put a gauge since I am no ramen expert but given the portions and the price tags that Tampopo has to offer, it's definitely a better choice.

Of course, how can we end off without having desserts? But where right? Let me give you a hint.  It's has the best cream puff and chiffon cakes that is made available. Still can't figure out? Let me give you a hint. It's call Tampopo Deli

Liang Court Shopping Centre #01-23/24
177 River Valley Road, Singapore 179030
Tel: +65 6338 3186

Tuesday 13 March 2012

The passion in the gift

12/03/2012. 

The last day of my placement at Nexus Family Resource Centre. 

From that special orientation and having issues over breakfast...
To complaining about having the same thing for lunch almost everyday...

There are loads to talk about but let's not get it started alright? 

I prefer to keep many of these a secret between my placement partner who is unarguably one of my most trusted friend. It's just fascinating. Someone I didn't have much contact with until we had the opportunity to work together. There is without a doubt, this someone has become someone who I trust scientifically. There's nothing to hide about our friendship. Nothing at all. 

A cook book, a gift from my supervisor. It just makes me feel extremely blessed to have such a wonderful senior social worker to learn everything from. It sure comes in handy since I've dying to bake since my last.
It's a pleasure having you here with us. Hope that you'll continue to shine in the field & you have the making of good social worker. Hope you'll grow more comfortable in our own style & always maintain the passion for social work!

Thank you! I could totally see the passion in the gift. Both food and social work...

Sunday 11 March 2012

The abalone feast

My aunt always has the privilege to travel due to her nature of work. Everyone in my family including myself are often found envious of her. Who doesn't right? 

The chance to travel around the world, observing different cultures, the opportunity to enjoying various cuisines. Just too much for a city boy like me to even contemplate! Even the thought of sitting in the plane itself is exciting!

But only my aunt resented her job. She has her reasons. It's energy draining, time consuming and most of all you couldn't spend time with your love. Particularly if you have a boyfriend. But I guess everyone have their fair share of love story right? So let's keep that aside and talk about the more important ones: Food.

Yea, you didn't read it wrongly. Food. My aunt never fails to bring back something, mostly edible :) This time, on a trip to Australia, my aunt bought back a few Australian abalones. Citing that she got it from a friend who owns an abalone farm in the outskirts of Aussie. Cool right? 

So my grandmother decided to throw an abalone feast for the sake of trying these Chinese delicacies which most of us refer to as chewing rubberbands. 

To be honest, well-prepared abalones doesn't have the texture of rubber. Yes, well-prepared ones are often tender. Chewy but never laborious to chew. Claiming that abalone taste like chicken doesn't seem right. In fact, it taste nothing like chicken that's for sure! Don't believe me? Try chewing a piece of each and differ shade yourself luhh.
Sitting at the side, we have stir-fry spinach and abalone with oyster sauce, the star of the night.  Everyone was eyeing on those ingots! Accompanying the abalone feast was a personal favorite of mine, braised abalone, sea cucumbers and mushrooms.

Soy sauce chicken from Crystal Jade, sweet & sour prawn with roes and all. Those were side dishes if you have to ask me. The best part of the dinner has got to be the superior above superior broth! The broth of chicken, pork ribs, dried scallops and little abalones were left boiling for the whole day.
The taste was simply indescribable. I give full marks for the umami favour!  The sweetness from the meat coupled with the scallops and abalone is just beyond words. I personally drank 3 HUGE bowls. Not even the dregs were spared. The meat were the best part of the soup. The tenderness and the savory essence derive from hours of boiling and simmering. Let's just say nothing was spared as mentioned. Almost everything ended up in my tummy!
A big THANKS to my grandmother! In my opinion, no one cooks better than her! I repeat NO ONE, especially when it comes to abalone. She's the best cook in the world!

There you have it. An abalone feast truly fit for a prince! Until then, I wonder what will my aunt bring back on her next trip...

Saturday 10 March 2012

Steakout

The rise and fall of empires and great nations are often inevitable. It's bounded by history. From the Roman Empire to the Napoleonic era but if evidence is what you want, then I have a story to share.

Once the renowned Republic of Steak (ROS) located under Victoria Hotel, famed for their affordable steaks but more importantly, the illustrious celebrity, lava cake. Those glorious little archangels never fail to charm the little prince's heart.

It's a big fish eat small fish world out there. If you can't provide the best, chances are you're gonna lose out before you knew it.

I'm not sure if ROS has closed down or rebranded itself but all I know now is that a new steakhouse is reborn. Whenever I past by the same place, I see a new successor to the old republic. Steakout...

Upon entering the steakhouse, everything seems the same. The siting arrangements. The Australian desert backdrop. What about the food. Is it still the same or better? A glance at their menu, they may have a different design altogether but the name of most of their dishes still remains the same just as I remembered.
Pan-grilled Dory ($8.90) smothered with brown mushroom sauce. Garlic spaghetti and baked potato accompanied the unpretentious dinner. Initially, my partner was skeptical about having fish for dinner but after trying his first mouth. The rest were history...
Rosemary Pork Steak ($9.90) doused in thick black pepper gravy. There's nothing much for me to say since meat was well-marinated. Extremely tender when paired with the black pepper sauce, I daresay it's  pretty darn good!

Nothing special about the baked potato apart from the fact that the unhealthy amount of butter on it but the apple salad was refreshing to my palette.
Now, my friends would know how much I can eat. The sky's the limit or I should say the stomach's the limit!
Eating is my first love. Sharing is my way of communicating my love to my friends. Steakhouse Crispie ($6.90), thick fries and onion rings. Something out of the package but at least it's piping hot.

Now now now. How can we end of the night without some desserts right? I personally was eager to try out their lava cakes. I just wonder if it's the same as ROS or something different...
Glorious Lava cake ($6.90). A good lava cake doesn't just trickle or dribble chocolate. No it sure doesn't. It's even better my dear. It's POURS out rich and warm chocolate! I was grinning as I dig into the my sweet heart! Nothing really matters other than enjoying your presence!
My partner on the other hand, got the Brownie ($5.90). Cute and cuddly. A dream come true if you ask me. Dense and chocolaty. But still Lava cake beats Brownie hands down. No competition that's for sure!

Now as the two of us indulge in our desserts, somehow we realized that there's something about the vanilla ice cream but we just couldn't lay out fingers on. We suspected it's laced with alcohol. A pretty strong one I have to say but just like my partner say:

"Does it matter? What is more important is we get to enjoy the desserts."

Yes, that I agree my friend. I didn't get the chance to try the steaks yet but it doesn't matter. That's because I definitely will be back some time soon. Excuses just to see my archangel, Lava cake.

Victoria Hotel #01-01
89 Victoria Street, Singapore 188017
Website: http://www.facebook.com/steakout.sg
Opening Hours: 11.30am-10pm daily

Thursday 8 March 2012

New York Dessert Cafe

New York Dessert Cafe or more commonly known by the abbreviation, NYDC. Nice place for desserts. 
I never had the chance to pay them a visit for the longest of time even though there's one at Tampines 1. Partly because I am always busy searching and trying out other cakes? 

But my friends are kind. They know my love for all things sweet. That's when I know we should head down to NYDC.
Ally's New York Cheesecake. Classic Philadelphia cream cheese. It's classic that's for sure but I never set my eyes on Ally apparently. Never have and never will.  
I Heart You. That's how I profess my love to you. Do you know? I guess you do. Layers of red velvet cakes beautifully covered with a layer of cream cheese. It's light but a little too light for my palette. I could barely taste the cream cheese you know? My love for cakes isn't to be taken lightly. It runs deep. 

Sigh... The things I do in the name of those three letter words. 

There's this thing that I don't quite understand about NYDC. 
WHY MUST THEY SERVE  THEIR CAKES WITHWHIP CREAM?

I mean I give them points for attempting to "beautify" the palette. It's just degrades those beautifully crafted beings (cakes). I would prefer if the cakes are accompanied with a gracious scoop of ice cream or just the cake itself. That's me. I don't think there's a need for such fanciness where it shouldn't be. But apart from that, NYDC is without a doubt a good place for desserts, particularly their mudpies. I am just glad that there's a branch at Tampines 1.

I saw her name. Pick me up. But for some unknown reason, I didn't. Tiramisu. Hope is what keeps me going on. Alright I digress too much. I just hope we can meet up soon...

Bugis Junction #02-47/48
200 Victoria Street, Singapore 188021 
Tel +6333 3161
Website: www.nydc.com.sg

Monday 5 March 2012

Fish soup for dinner? What more could I ask?

Good friends are hard to come by. Trust me it is...

It's the stuffs fairy tales are made off. It's almost a bluff. It's hardly imaginable right? 

Someone whom I can trust.
Someone whom I can share my woes.
Someone whom I can have dinner with.
What more could I ask of you, my dear friend?

To be honest, there isn't...
Bowls of sliced fish coupled with a whole lot of laughter. Two poly students, each busy with their own walk in life, sitting together and giving each other much needed time and attention. I really cherish the times we had together. Every single one of them. Trust me, I really do.

Again... What more could I ask? Friends over food or food over friends. Does it matter? No it doesn't... Not at all!

Just like our unpretentious dinner. It's the simplicity of our friendship that makes me appreciate you as an individual. Friend, It has been my blessing to have you in my life. I mean how many friends I have that lasted more than a decade. Not that I don't have but only a few...

I do have something to ask of you though. I hoped that we will always be friends. Friends that will last till the end of time. Is it too much of a request? I hope it's not!

**
Thick slices of fish. Gracious amount of greens and a good broth. Simple ingredients made extraordinary... 
Many thanks to the lady boss for the extra portions of sliced fishes! 

You see... Lady Boss and I are good friends as well. 
It pays to have good relationships with hawkers for you may never know what goodness awaits you.
In my case, extra portions of sliced fishes!

827 Seafood Soup
Fung Juan Hainanese Kopitiam
Tampines Street 81 Block 827

Sunday 4 March 2012

Smitten Coffee and Tea Bar

Recently, I found myself visiting Robertson Quay more and more often. You see, Robertson Quay has become one of my favorite places to hang out. The first, Duxton and the next, Katong.

Somehow, I realized that these three places in something in common...

THEY ARE ALL DESSERTS PARADISES I TELL YOU!

Now about Robertson Quay...
The glorious Chocolate Souffle from Laurent's Bernard Chocolatier.
How about having those angelic Macarons from Canele Patisserie?
How about having late night desserts at TCC?
See what I mean? It's almost Heaven on Earth..

Now about Smitten Coffee and Tea Bar. I vaguely remember it was a late evening. I was strolling by the river, alone. Reflecting a day's work. Contemplating about my life. Speculating about the future. I wish for a companion... Yet I dare not ask...
I passed by the coffee bar. I was there... I saw you, Tiramisu. Dear, you sure pick me up with your potent dose of liquor! I'm not sure why but I was certainly smitten over you! Before I could even get to know you more, I had to leave for the night. 

A few nights later, I was back. Sitting at the same table, peering at you...
Only this time, I brought a friend with me for we share the same love for alcoholic cakes. I introduced you to my partner. I was afraid and scared that your puissant liquor would be too much for my friend to enjoy. But I'm just glad it turned out well.

A great night it was...

If you have subscribed to their facebook page,you would have known about their coffee brews right?
I didn't managed to try a cuppa on both occasions but as I always say...

"There's always a next time..."

The Quayside #01-11
60 Robertson Quay Singapore 238252
Tel: +65 9876 2347
Website: http://www.facebook.com/SmittenCafe?sk=info
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