Author Archives: Crystal Wee

Jun 30 2012
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Food

Chili’s Grill & Bar

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Chili’s Grill and Bar entered the Singapore food scene not long ago and has been quite a dormant name to mention when looking for somewhere to dine. I myself have never thought much of Chili’s till I stepped into the obvious outlet at Resorts World Sentosa. Curiosity got the better of me when I saw the snaking queues at dinner hours. Now, I wouldn’t say that Chili’s whip out the best Mexican/Western/Tex-mex food out there, but in terms of everything it makes a great place to simply chill out on Thank God It’s Fridays.

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There weren’t a lot of mouths of us there, so we thought opting for some appetizers would be good. Then we came to realize that the portions of their appetizers might as well be of main courses. So an advice would be: Chili’s is good for groups. Quesadillas – of fajita-marinated chicken with cheese served in tortillas. I would not deny that it was satisfying but I thought the flavors could be more distinct.
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On the other hand, the Classic Nachos made up for its shortcomings. There is a dominant taste of seasoned beef and cheese. A good kind of salty; just like how nachos should be. I enjoyed it more than the quesadillas, so this is the appetizer to have.
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As usual, I couldn’t get myself to leave without ordering a dessert. My eyes were all on its signature choice – the Chocolate Molten Cake. Unfortunately (fortunately) my love for molten cakes have not dissipated, I feel that it is triumphing over other inferior cakes and tarts. Shocked but very, very happy was I to have the biggest lava cake I’ve seen so far in my life – five inches. A soft sponge cake with chocolate that flows.

I felt that everything went right with this meal. I was comfortable with the casual spaces, pleasured by the friendly service, appalled by the irrelevance between their serving size and affordable prices and bloated (in a satisfying way) by the food. It will be hard to decide even which category on the menu to turn to so I definitely recommend coming with a bunch of people. Much as the burgers and pastas seem to be special, the fajitas and crispy chicken and ribs here put me in a dilemma. I can already imagine myself going back to get a little taste of everything.

Resorts World Sentosa

26 Sentosa Gateway

#01-072/073/074

Singapore 098138

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Jun 25 2012
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Food

TCC The Connoisseur Concerto: one for one

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Some people remark that the food at TCC are a little pricey considering that it started off as a coffee chain. I couldn’t disagree any less. But now, during the GSS period starting now to 22 July, you can enjoy 1 for 1 on pasta or main course.

Spaghetti Bolognese – One of my all-time favourites that I would pick once in a while. The rendition here was not too bad, especially with generous servings of bolognese.
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Pan-seared Chicken Breast with shogayaki sauce – I never thought TCC made great chicken as well. The chicken was well marinated that made it “not just another piece of chicken”.
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TCC now has several new dessert offerings alongside with new main courses, one of them being the Cappuccino Cheesecake Dream ($7.90). Credits to it’s dreamy name. At first I had wanted their signature molten lava cake or the Dark Devotion, but this looked as equally tempting as well. Unfortunately, it’s portion was way smaller than what I thought it would turn out to be – instead of a cake I would call it a “small delight”. At least, it was delightful, a light cheese base with the tinge of coffee.

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Of course, with so many outlets in the island, you can easily get to one without even trying to. Every TCC boutique has its own attractive points. The ones at Citylink & Millennia Walk is cool and airy and good for people-watching; the one at Marina @ Keppel provides a fine, formal atmosphere; the one at Robertson Quay comes with cool egg chairs to fawn over. You can even pop by the classy outlets at Orchard after some tireless GSS shopping. For just a casual lunch, dinner or even breakfast that TCC offers several items, it’s the place to be.

 

(and many more around Singapore)

1 Raffles Link

#B1-26

City Link Mall

Singapore 039393

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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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