Author Archives: Crystal Wee

Jun 22 2012
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Food

HonGuo (红锅)

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I have always seen HonGuo at Nex mall but thought nothing of it. So it was not until that day that I first came to know about the cross-bridge vermicelli. HonGuo is most known for its “cross-bridge vermicelli” ( 过桥米线), which is a type of rice noodle in a soup base from Yunnan, China. It is also one of the most famous dishes in the Yunnan cuisine, boasting a history of more than a hundred years. It’s name derives from a legend which says that a scholar’s wife would cross a bridge everyday to an island where she would carry a large bowl a soup with uncooked ingredients to to cook it for the scholar.
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For me, it’s attractive points lies in the fact that it is a healthy dish yet it can be manipulated into something filling and satisfying at the same time. For a long time, the two words “tasty” and “nutritious” have always been associated with this dish. A big, red bowl (literally meaning 红锅) of piping soup is served on a tray alongside minute plates of sides including spring onion, eggs, mushrooms, ham slices, fried fish slices and of course the vermicelli. You can have the choice to put them all in the bowl yourself. The broth was good; tasteless of MSG and salt even though there was a layer oil. There are three choices of the vermicelli: either with 7 sides or 11 sides or 15 sides to go with. I can hardly remember the exact number of sides for the three choices, but the biggest set I know is of 15 side dishes and is priced at $8.50.
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Other dishes on the menu are mainly rice and noodle dishes which seem appetizing but I guess it’s always good to start off with the traditional cross bridge vermicelli.
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Bugis Junction

230 Victoria Street

Singapore 188024

Operates daily 1100-2200

 

NEX

23 Serangoon Central

Singapore 556083

Operates daily 1100-2200

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Jun 17 2012
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Food

Pamplemousse Bistro + Bar: 3 course set lunch

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Laid back among the greenery at Dempsey’s 6ix and 7even blocks, I should just get to the point and say that the 3 course set lunch at Pamplemousse Bistro & Bar at $32++ per person is a great deal for lunch especially when considering the quality main courses they serve. Pamplemousse which also means ‘grapefruit’ in French, offers European dishes mastered with French techniques.

Alfresco dining lets you feel the serenity of the greens around while dining indoors provides a posh dining experience with white and silver tableware.

That pleasant feeling when you are served Complementary bread & butter with olive oil.

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For appetizers, we ordered what we were recommended, namely the Salmon and croquettes. The salmon was just simple and light yet everything good at the same time – a good appetizer to have.
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On the other hand, Crab “Otak” Croquettes had a distinct taste and tender strands of meat beneath the crispy exterior. I fell in love with it immediately, next time I see croquettes on a menu….. hmm.
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Uni Tagliolini – The pasta was light with crustacean sauce and a good rendition of tagliolini. It is also another recommended item of the main courses.
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There’s nothing like a french meal without the Duck Confit. The duck leg was cooked very well, with a well-marinated and crispy skin as well. It was set atop a bed of red cabbage which I initially thought was a weird ingredient but then realized later on that it was simply unique especially when eaten together with the meat. Besides that, I loved the creative sides of lychees and potatoes.
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Melons & Sago – A subtly sweet dessert which had a zesty taste to it. It reminded me of oranges. Altogether it was like a sweet concoction of fruits.

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“Milo Dinosaur” – A deconstructed dessert of milo parfait, chocolate streusel, milo sponge, dulce de leche, brioche and condensed milk.

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The service there left me a great impression of Pamplemousse. One of the waitresses was very dedicated in serving us and making sure we had the best lunch possible, even filling us in the components of the dishes. I wouldn’t hesitate to try out their brunch menu soon enough. Portion sizes here are not filling enough when going a la carte so don’t hesitate for the set lunches or the chef’s menu ($98++) for dinner.
7 Dempsey Road

#01-04

Singapore 249671

Operates for lunch from 1200 – 1430 weekdays and 1130 – 1430 on weekends

dinner from 1830 – 2230 daily

* with Mondays as exceptions

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Jun 13 2012
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Food

TWG Tea Restaurant

TWG has been around since God-knows-when with all their lovely tea products.

There are currently 3 locations of TWG Tea Salon & Boutique locally, namely Orchard, Republic Plaza and the Marina Bay Sands. I would have to agree that the location at The Shoppes is the most outstanding with its unique place on a “bridge” amidst the smell of designer shoes and bags. Yet, TWG at ION Orchard also deserves a shoutout for its convenient location among Singapore’s largest shopping belt. Despite it housing a dining area a tad small, it has attracted people especially for high tea among the area.

Tea is everything about TWG so the food here are literally infused with tea as ingredients as well. I would say that they were all worth a try even though it may be a little pricey.

Macarons here are $2 each and I had the Earl Grey Fortune & Chocolate. It was less sweet than ones without that special earl grey but definitely not lacking in any other way even though I would prefer the norms.

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The TWG Tea Lasagna ($20) came with 3 choices: Garden vegetables, bolognaise ragout or seafood.
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I did not expect the main courses here to be that satisfying as it turned out. The Wagyu Burger ($24) could be as good as a burger place. I loved the delicious “matchstick” fries that came along with it which reminds me of truffle fries. The “tea” element here is in the vinaigrette on the greens, it is said to be infused with a 1837 Green Tea.
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Smoked Scottish Salmon ($28)
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I was curious as to how a tea infused Creme Brulee ($12) would taste like, nearly regretting my choice. But then it turned out that I may even like it more than I do for the usual creme brulees. The taste of egg custard is milder but yet turned into something so unique. A great experience, I must say.
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Reservations are a must especially during peak hours given that it can only hold less than 20 diners. Besides the lunch and dinner menu, the tea time sets are truly popular and so gives me more reason to go back for its scones and tarts.

 

ION Orchard

#02-20/21

Singapore 238801

Operates daily 10am – 10pm

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Jun 08 2012
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Food

Tung Lok Signatures

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The original intent for lunch was to head to Crystal Jade Kitchen at VivoCity but a fully packed restaurant has left us with the other alternative which was to head to Tung Lok Signatures (同乐经典) for lunch and some dimsum. I love the color combination of their modern interior, a white surrounding with carpeted waves of blue give it a breezy, beach-like atmosphere which is unique for a Chinese restaurant group like theirs serving Chinese and Cantonese specialties.

 

Only a few of us were dining together that day so we decided to opt for dim sum. Tempura prawns ($4.20) and deep fried shrimp dumplings ($4.80) first came to our table. I thought that the tempura prawns were rather pretty, served on a heart-shaped dish with style.
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We ordered two rice dishes from the a la carte menu without knowing that they came in extra large portions meant for 2-3 persons to share – and ended up not being able to finish them. The fried rice with foie gras ($24) was of the same fried rice as the SF baked fried rice ($22) shown below, except that it was so much better with diced foie gras in abundance in the dish. The fried rice was considered normal, the foie gras stole the show. First thing that came to my mind was “French Chinese Fusion”. The baked fried rice had prawns and some meat but go for the fried rice with foie gras for a better experience.
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That day, I realized that I’ve missed out on a part in my life when I tried custard buns for the very first time. As sinful as they may be, you cannot not try them. Just remember to savor them slowly and not engulf the entire bun in a gulp. I fully agree with what a fellow food blogger said that “Singaporeans love food that oozes”. Custard buns come at $3.60 for a trio.
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The other dim sum we had were the steamed shrimp dumplings ($9) and steamed glutinous rice ($4.20), with the latter having a special taste which makes it different and outstanding from the ones I usually have. One thing I realised is that the food here seemed to look good without trying to. A definite plus point for Tung Lok.
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9 special tasting menus are available on a daily basis featuring sharks fin and seafood. With Father’s Day around the corner, Tung Lok has also launched 2 Father’s Day’s set menus till 17 June. Another promotion for this week only features the Alaskan crab prepared in 2 ways: steamed with chinese “mou tai” wine or braised with vermicelli and crab roe.

VivoCity

#01-57

1 HarbourFront Walk

Singapore 098585

Operates 1130-1500 on Mondays to Saturdays (Lunch)

1100-1530 on Sundays & Public Holidays (Lunch)

1800-2230 daily (Dinner)

Jun 04 2012
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Food

Shin Nichi Japanese Restaurant [Closed]

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Going straight into the restaurant: I like the white and airy and spacious feel of Shin Nichi, unlike several other Japanese places with intense yellow lights. The interiors most suit the mood for lunch with its casual and refreshing feel of daylight entering.
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It’s hard to choose from the wide variety of sides they have! The Arabiki Sausage ($5) was simply cheesy sausages. I felt that the few small pieces were ordinary and not worth the five bucks it was priced at. I believe the several types of sushi on the menu would be of more worthy a try.
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What better way to test out a Japanese restaurant selling ramen than ordering the recommended Char Siew Ramen ($13.80)? A difference compared to the usual ones I’ve had was the much thicker slices of char siew. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but my satisfaction level would never match the one I had after my trip to Tokyo.
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The Chicken Katsu Don ($12.50) seemed rather appealing on the outside but unfortunately, it was not as such on the inside. I would say that the ramen served by restaurants in Singapore are a lot better than the rice meals. Perhaps its the difference in popularity here.
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Most of the desserts such as the chocolate lava cake and caramel pudding were unavailable on the day I went, so I was recommended the Green Tea Cheesecake ($5.80) which was not on the menu. It was a light dessert to end our Japanese meal. The three layers infused with soya beans, red beans and green tea were distinct, however I was looking and tasting everywhere for that element of cheesecake. Yet I liked the cake. I also had a scoop of peach flavoured ice cream at $5.50 which was equally light and refreshing as the cake.
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Shin Nichi’s menu includes a variety of ramen, don, sushi and many side dishes which tempts people to order a table-ful of them. Much like a casual restaurant, I would not say that the food is fantastic, but for people living around the area it is a good hang out. As you can see from the second picture, the restaurant has also emphasis on their Japanese wine and sake, with some promotions running along especially when night falls. With a location at the riverside walk in Punggol, it’s a no wonder that many families and groups of buddies can be seen at peak times.

No. 10 Tebing Lane

#01-03/04

Singapore 828836

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Jun 02 2012
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Travel

Snapshot: Marina Barrage Singapore

It was a beautiful day of fluffy clouds at the barrage.

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

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May 29 2012
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Food

Kungfu Paradise [Closed]

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Kungfu Paradise is under the Paradise group of restaurants in Singapore of Chinese origin. A very distinct difference from the others (Canton Paradise, Taste Paradise, Paradise Pavillion, Seafood Paradise, etc) will be its much more casual form of dining which operates over midnight in several outlets. It also serves food of an Asian and Western fusion, very much appealing to the crowd of different tastebuds, or what they refer to as cosmopolitan tastebuds. Basically, they serve Hong Kong cuisine incorporating some Western choices as well.
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The menu here consists of different ranges of food to choose from, from dimsum to noodles and rice dishes to Western creations to desserts. After a few visits, I believe that they are all equally as good as each other despite the fact that Kungfu Paradise is supposedly under an Asian group. It was pleasant to know that the Western sector served rather popular dishes of their own. Several choices of pasta and meat combos are offered, not forgetting Western desserts like their chocolate lava cake. Some soup noodles dishes and appetizers/sides like the steamed custard lava buns and wings are also recommended.

I was surprised to find that the fish and chicken combo, at just $10.90, was a steal. Portion wise, that long dish of food was definitely worth more than its price. They may be a casual dining place but the food is of quality. That’s what I love about Kungfu Paradise – casual and afforable enough for small talk over a meal yet serving good stuff that appetize.

A happy thing to know would be that Kungfu Paradise is expanding. It’s newest outlet is located at JCube at Jurong East, so now people on both east and west ends of Singapore will have a great refuge for late nights in the neighbourhood.
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2 Tampines Central 5

#01-37 Century Square

Singapore 529509

Operates daily from morning to night (excluding public holidays)

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May 26 2012
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Food

OverEasy Bar & Restaurant

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I’ve always wanted to see the line of classy restaurants such as Jing and Forlino along the bay at One Fullerton. Amongst them, online reviews and the site of OverEasy has made it seem to die for. So when I had the chance to be at Fullerton for a photography session, I was pleased to have dinner there as well! It seems like a habit of mine to grab every opportunity to check out dining places while on another course or task in the area.

May I say that OverEasy is added to my all-time favorites list?

To dine directly opposite the Marina Bay Sands is an amazing thing. I refuse to dine in the interiors of the restaurant for that matter. Evening was perfect.
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OverEasy’s menu is extensive and mouth-watering. They were Western favorites put in a special recipe. Not only that, but I like how the menu appeals to me. It’s either the blue and black fonts or something. It was hard to decide, but I ended up with the Steak Frites with Bearnaise sauce & truffle fries ($32). Looks wise, it was brilliant. I loved how well the bearnaise sauce (similar to hollandaise sauce) went with both steak and fries. Then I realised that thin, short and crispy truffle fries like OverEasy’s make the best truffle fries. I assure it tastes better than it looks.
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Desserts wise, I guess it was an even harder decision, all of them sounded one of a kind! The Blueberry waffle with crunchy streusel & vanilla ice cream ($12) was unlike a normal waffle. It’s interior  were fluffy and filled with blueberries, on the other hand, the toppings were a good symphony. Mmm.

You would also be happy to know that be it for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, supper or drinks, this place is suited for any of the above. All day breakfast items are available, the large and small plates make up an appetizing meal and their late-night promotions always keep the buzz of patrons going on and on throughout the night.

One Fullerton Road

#01-06 One Fullerton

Singapore 049213

Operates weekdays 1130-1430, 1700-0100

weekends 1700-0400

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May 20 2012
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Food

Ya Kun Kaya Toast

One thing that Singaporeans love is the choice of a variety of breakfast to start your day. Amongst all, our very own traditional breakfast have come a long way since old times.

As much as I love a good, Western breakfast of savoury and sweet indulgence, I can never forget my childhood of kaya toasts and half boiled eggs in those coffee shops. Of all, Ya Kun is one of the more popular chain serving our traditional style of breakfast in shopping centres even.

I can never get enough of kaya and french toasts! I would not proclaim I lurvee them but they make satisfactory breakfast. My only complain is that the slices at Ya Kun are too small, one plate is not enough to to fill me up.

So it really doesn’t matter to forget English tea and brekkie for a day and head for toasts and kopi-o! With aplenty of franchises found all over Singapore, it’s merely the choice.
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May 17 2012
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Food

The Chocolate Bar – Marina Bay Sands Singapore

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When you feel like having chocolate, eat it.

This started as an impulse, but the thought of a chocolate buffet is simply too irresistible. And hard to push away as well.

The Chocolate Bar operates from 8pm to 10pm daily at The Club at level 57 of the Marina Bay Sands and that’s a winning factor already. It’s location is gorgeous among the Sands Skypark and beside the lusting Infinity Pool. It was fascinating when we were led all the way up, out onto the deck by the pool of the skypark and eventually to the atmosphere of rustic charm.

To be honest, I didn’t know where to start as I stared at the massive array of mini dessert creations – 57 chocolate themed desserts exactly, created by executive pastry chef Alejandro Luna and his team. Seemed a little like heaven to me. Selections were vast, a regret of mine was that I couldn’t get my tastebuds over all of the desserts!

I grabbed some macarons. Three flavors were available: coconut, milk chocolate passion and raspberry. The coconut made an impression on me.

The dark chocolate raspberry mousse (below) was an excellent combination of bitter sweet dark chocolate and the slight sour of raspberry, I felt that it was a unique creation, soft and easily melting.

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Two other items which I still remember distinctly would be chocolate bread pudding (shown below) and banana steamed chocolate, steamed with banana leaves. The former has started to become popular in the local food scene and I realized why. The soft mash of bread with chocolate can nearly melt in my mouth. The latter looked like a chocolate flavored “kueh”, but when bitten into it releases a strong banana accent which is amazing.
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Other creations include glass shooters of tiramisu, alcoholic desserts, dark and milk chocolate cookies, pralines, an assortment of nuts, pistachios, chocolates and macadamias.
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The dining experience was intimate with dimly-lit hues, akin to a candlelight dinner. Step right out and you would be offered a panoramic view of the city lights in Singapore. It was a great time lazing by the infinity pool after the full buffet. Yes, a downside of a full dessert cum chocolate themed buffet would be the heavy lingering of chocolate afterwards that stops sweet cravings for days. But it was an experience worthwhile, a chocolate haven at the top of the city.

The Club at Marina Bay Sands

Sands SkyPark (Level 57, Hotel Tower 2)

Operates 8pm to 12am daily

S$38++ per person ($54++ per person, including a glass of champagne)

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