Foodography: A Singapore Food Blog

Dec 24 2012

Food

Keong Saik Snacks

Keong Saik Snacks have been opened for months and featured in the media for sometime, which brings me to it. The layout is small and homely, with one side of red couches for bigger groups, and the other side of old skool tables and stools. A bar stands out at the back. Upon stepping in we are welcomed with warm service. The best part about it? No service charge over here!

It was my first time seeing a menu of boxes. Names of each item in a box, so it looks like a grid. When I do not know how to start my meal, I go with the default fries. The Chili Garlic Fries ($6) reminded me of my all-time favorite truffle fries, only that the distinct taste of truffle was not there. Still, it was free of chili and garlic taste altogether and instead was the resemblance of fries with very good seasoning.

The Kimchi Burger ($20) caught my attention; I expected some kimchi-flavored burger patty but alas, it was a beef patty burger with a side dish of kimchi. It was kind of hard to have it together with the burger so I had to have it separately. Both the burger and kimchi were good but not fantastic. Definitely waiting for an eatery to come up with a real kimchi burger.

By chance the other main course we had, the Grilled Bone Marrow & London Gentleman’s Relish ($18) was also of beef. I just realised that Gentleman’s Relish is the anchovy paste on the bone marrow after googling. It is a messy affair having to pick out the beef from the bone marrow and to spread it on toast but the result is worth it. It reminded me of a beef pastrami sandwich, but only better.

Only 2 desserts are available on the menu: Hot Doughnuts with Cinnamon & Vanilla Chantilly ($8) and a selection of home made ice-cream flavors. I had to go with the former which sounds more interesting. Essentially it was two pieces of doughnuts coated with sugar and to be dipped in a caramel paste. A simple light bite, yet it could be better.

The food offerings from Keong Saik Snacks are of a small range yet it sort of brings out the best from every food item. If beef is not for you, try the Jason’s Very Hot Dog, DIY Tuna Tartare and Lobster Roll with Spiced Mayo & Iceberg Lettuce – which are all very special in their own ways.

By the way, a bar next to Keong Saik Snacks is hipster. And mysterious as well. It requires a password which you can get from the staff of KSS to enter. Have fun exploring!

49 Keong Saik Road

1200 – 2300 daily

Tagged food, restaurant, singapore, western

Dec 19 2012

Leave a comment

Food

Little Pancakes

To be honest I am a little addicted to pancakes recently. I have yet to see anyone who would actually not like pancakes. This probably explains the trend of opening eateries which only serve pancakes. Little Pancakes is a relatively new kid on the block that opened months ago, joining old favorites such as Strictly Pancakes at Prinsep Street.

Two cute little pancakes (Mr and Mrs Pancakes) are the mascots together with a kiddy concept Little Pancakes deliver. They serve bite-sized, mini pancakes instead of the bigger ones we usually find in Singapore. This concept eventually attracted people of all ages.

The savoury selection of pancakes from the menu includes Big Fan of All Day Breakfast ($10.9), Ham & Cheesy ($8.5) and the last one which we had – Chick & Cheesy ($8.5). Basically, they are pancakes with glazed sausages and cheese and accompanied by potato salad and greens. Over the moon was I to find cheese sandwiched in between the two little pancakes as well. It was something like a cheese hot dog bun, only better.

The sweet pancakes boast a bigger selection including Going Nutella For You ($8.2) and Simple and Sweet ($6.5). I had one of their most popular item there – Gimme S’more Oreos ($8.2). The Pancakes are stacked into two towers topped with crushed oreos, sided with toasted marshmallows on oreo cookies and a scoop of chocolate ice-cream. I would definitely give it a higher rating if the marshmallows were in between the stacked pancakes instead.

There is a Singaporean section of the menu as well featuring red bean and kaya but I did not get to try them. Apart from that, they serve ice-cream and coffee as well.

Overall, I pretty much like their style of mini pancakes, unique flavours and plating really speaks of creativity which I adore. The pancakes have their hits and misses but I do not see any reason why you should not make a trip down to this cosy corner at Upper Thomson.

200 Upper Thomson Road

#01-04

Thomson Imperial Court

Mondays, Wednesdays to Fridays 1300 – 2300

Saturdays 1100 – 2300

Sundays 1100 – 2100

Tagged food, pancake, pancakes, singapore

Dec 14 2012

Leave a comment

Food

Catalunya: Classic Spanish

Spanish tapas bars are making their way into Singapore with no small affair. With new names like Bomba, Los Primos and La Cicala popping from areas near the CBD, I took quick (or a little less than quick) action to one of the most lavish Spanish tapas bar and restaurant and also the talk of the town, Catalunya.

Location: fab. It is a lone yet sleek glass dome separate from the usual line of restaurants along fullerton bay, across the marina bay sands. It comes to this close of imagining yourself dining out at sea. Interior: high-end. Wooden furnishings coupled with the glass walls of the dome and complete with symmetrical patterns lining the entire place.

Catalunya is helmed by former elBulli chef Alain Devahive Tolosa and serves more as a tapas bar for late drinks nowadays with a cocktail, wine and tapas menu. The place was not as packed on the Saturday afternoon we went compared to weekday or weekend nights. Still, the food from the restaurant menu is worth every penny you pay and I can see why the media was running high on this place.

First up we definitely had to have items from the tapas menu. Pictures of the Tomato Tartar Confit ($18) on reviews were playing on my mind so I went with it. Seemed a little mysterious initially but it was refreshing and a great start to our meal.

Also we had the Roasted Suckling Pig w/ Lemon Puree ($18) from the tapas menu. One word: tenderness. Each bite was tenderness and I fought hard to savor the meager portion. Forget about roast pork belly, I want to have roasted suckling pig all day. My only regret was not getting the entire traditional suckling pig ($125, feeds 2-3 pax) from the main courses.

For our main course, we had the Braised Lamb Rack ($55). Not too bad except I find the meat a little tough for a medium cooked meat.

Not to forget the desserts, which I found both as exquisite altogether. The Torrija with Milk Ice-cream ($12) is essentially fried milk bread with spices served with smoked milk ice cream. The “bread” seemed more like a sponge cake to me and it was soaked with sweetened milk so fully that I loved it so much. You can literally taste smoke while having the smoked milk ice cream. I found it a little eccentric but I guess it’s worth the experience.

On the other hand, the Warm Creamy Almond Tart ($12) was like the conventional molten lava cake, only much more special. The almond “cream” flowed out with much less viscosity compared to molten chocolate and it sure took me by surprise. The distinct almond cream was the limelight which made this dessert unforgettable.

Let me go all out and say that this was my blockbuster meal for the year. My only pity was not ordering more hot favorites from the menu… Guess that means another trip back there.

82 Collyer Quay

The Fullerton Pavilion

Daily 1200 – 0200

Tagged central, food, restaurant, singapore, spanish

Dec 10 2012

Leave a comment

Food

Skyve Elementary Bistro & Bar

A few months back I made the trip with my fellow companions to Skyve, located at a quiet corner in a lane at a distance from central Newton. Skyve is now the previous Monk’s Hill Secondary School and actually it’s school canteen to be exact. It has been gaining popularity since months ago and even though it may seem overrated these days, there’s nothing to complain about with its charming ambience and food.

Indoors dining is divided into two areas – a classy area with cool green upholstery and another bright, white and airy area. Even though mismatched, the entire restaurant had that magical touch.

On weekdays, breakfast items are available from 1000 to 1600 while lunch items from 1200 – 1500. A la carte main courses etc are only for dinner time. We had a few breakfast items that day, including:

Toasted French Soldiers ($16) – 2 french toasts with nutella & 2 soft boiled eggs

Croque Madame ($16) – sunny side up with brioche sandwich with sliced ham, melted cheddar cheese, tomatoes and salad

Skyver’s Breakfast ($22) – 2 eggs with choice of bread, mushroom, sausage, tomatoes and potatoes

I’ve heard loads about the sous vide cooked dishes from Skyve so I had to have the Sous Vide Eggs Benedict ($18). The poached eggs have to be cooked at an exact temperature for evenness. It was different from the usual eggs ben I had and I loved this different style. I enjoyed the 2 poached eggs drizzled with what seems like a very good hollandaise sauce. The only complaint is that they were too small, easily slurped up within 30 seconds.

For desserts we had the Ivory Dome ($12) and Valrhona Chocolate Fondant ($14). The former was unique. It was mainly a mango sponge cake but with touches of passionfruit, dark chocolate and marscapone. The creation was vivid. The latter was the traditional chocolate lava cake with vanilla bean ice cream but deserved a thumbs up as well for keeping it a good ol’ must-have.

On another occasion I had their char grilled burger with truffle fries and it was good but not exceptionally tasty.

On another note, even wedding dinners have been hosted at Skyve hence the suitability of it for birthday parties and more.

Not only are their breakfast items good, their main courses for dinner are also given good reviews and high ratings, including the duck confit, spring chicken, seared beef tartare and crispy pork belly. Skyve is quite packed especially for this season so be sure to make reservations early.

10 Winstedt Road

Block E

#01-17

Daily 1000 – late

Tagged central, food, restaurant, singapore, western

Dec 06 2012

Leave a comment

Food

Boston Seafood Shack

Singapore’s newest mall in the West, The Star Vista, is a food haven. By chance, I won a set meal also known as “The Lob Mob” during their early days of operation a few months back. A trip down to the mall at Buona Vista is rather convenient and it was pleasing to know that this place is full of F&B stores including new gems that I am going to try soon enough.

Stepping into Boston Seafood Shack, the interiors are well-decorated with the feel of a shack in the imaginary world of Bikini Bottom. The place is bright, airy and much more cooling than the natural aired mall. Wooden tables matched nicely with bright red plates and stools. Altogether it was a colorful sight.

The Lob Mob ($50) consists of 4 premium Boston Lobster Rolls (one for $15 if a la carte) and 2 giant milkshakes. Not being a big fan of lobster, I had doubts but nevertheless, complimentary food is worth the excitement. I took a bite and it turned out not as bad as I imagined. The green spread may throw you off a little but it’s a different story after eating it. The taste of seafood was not that heavy keeping the sandwich refreshing.

We ordered an additional Barramundi N’ Chips ($13.5) (The portion in the picture is not representative of the entire serving). Despite the barramundi being not as flavorful, I loved the thicker cut fries.

Others on the menu include burgers, pastas and soups. Desserts can only be ordered from a kiosk at the outdoor seating area so remember to check them out. It is a self-service system here yet the staff is warm and friendly compared to other self-service eating places.

There were only several people in and out of the restaurant on a weekday lunchtime, which is why I feel that this place deserves more recognition as a cool and casual corner to hang out. Definitely worth a try even if you are in need of a quick meal.

1 Vista Exchange Green

#01-46

The Star Vista

Mondays to Thursdays 1100 – 2200

Fridays & Saturdays 1100 – 2300

Tagged food, seafood, singaporef, west, western

Dec 03 2012

1 Comment

Food

Bella Pizza

After visiting Robertson Quay several times I was totally charmed by the never-ending dining opportunities there with old favorites still buzzing with customers and new ones getting high scores by food critiques. A ladies’ night out by the quay is always cool with the jibe of nightlife. Bella Pizza (sister restaurant of Bella Pasta next to it) has been well received for good italian food hence the choice.

As its name goes, Bella Pizza is all about the pizzas. Still, the menu featured pastas as well hence the decision for a pasta, a pizza, and desserts and cocktails. Unfortunately, the Linguini Ai Frutti Di Mare ($24) was not to our liking. The seafood was overpowering and the linguini was a tad too dry; it was hard to tell that it was actually in a seafood-tomato sauce.

The types of pizza Bella Pizza had were extensive. Ranging from red pizzas to white pizzas to folded pizzas to sicilian boats (pizza boats), there were just too many to choose from, and too little mouths to pick all at once. Playing it safe, we had the Pizza Bella Pizza ($26) which is a white pizza topped with mozarella, ricotta, salami and spinach. This was our highlight of the night. Unpretentious, original and hearty are three words I would describe it with. Everything a great pizza would need to be.

Crepe Alla Nutella Con Banane ($10) was a petite dessert to end off the meal. Texture-wise, I liked it a lot and I can see why it was made to be in a smaller serving – it keeps the crepes flavorful without the diner to get bored by it.

Of course, we must not forget the all-time favorite Italian dessert (or rather my all-time favorite) Tiramisu ($9). I have always believed that they are a must-try at Italian restaurants and this belief is reaffirmed by the rendition at Bella Pizza. Moisture level was just right. The desserts were finished in no time and I was close to licking sauces off the plates – I just need more of them.

Next stop: Bella Pasta.

30 Robertson Quay

#01-14

Riverside View

Tuesdays to Fridays 1130 – 1400, 1800 – 2300

Weekends 1120 – 2330

Tagged food, italian, robertson quay, singapore

Nov 30 2012

Leave a comment

Food

Ramen Santouka

Indoor dining

I admit that I am not the number #1 fan of ramen but neither am I someone who avoids it. Ramen is one of my favorite alternatives when western food gets too heavy for my stomach and I am not kidding when I call it my favorite alternative. Thanks to friends who are lovers of Japanese cuisine, I was led to the less noisy lane to Cuppage Terrace amidst the buzz in town on a Sunday night. Numerous new ramen stalls pop out nowadays but santouka remains an old favorite for many.

There are 3 different types of soup base you can expect to choose from at Santouka: Shio, Miso and Shoyu. I had shio, which is tonkotsu (pork) based soup with a topping of salt. I also tasted the other soups but preferred shio – it suited the chashu ramen the best.

I liked how the noodles were rather springy with a bit of character. The soup was one of the best I have came across so far. On the other hand, the thick slices of chashu were quite tender, deserving a thumbs up.

Also I opted for the set meal which came with chawanmushi, salad, a rice bowl and a side of fried salmon slices – all of which were prepared conscientiously. This was rather worth the price of 20 over dollars (can’t remember the exact value) I felt.

It seems like the other outlet at the Central is more popular, so I will find another chance to visit the more spacious branch.

Alfresco area

21 Cuppage Road

Cuppage Terrace

Mondays to Saturdays 1200 – 0000

Sundays 1200 – 2130

Tagged food, japanese, ramen, singapore

Nov 26 2012

1 Comment

Food

Le Jardin D’ Antoinette

Antoinette has been making waves in Singapore with its exclusive dining atmosphere and pastry creations. The inconvenient location of the Penhas outlet, together with the too claustrophobic outlet at Mandarin gallery, has created an imaginary barrier stopping me from stepping into them. Then came the latest outlet at the quiet Palais Renaissance which was simply what I was hoping for.

Themed Versailles, this new hideout could be one of my favorite casual dining places now. My favorite part of this outlet, other than its food, is the roofless gazebo which is stunning and that made up for the fact that there is no view of orchard road from the restaurant. Unfortunately I was unable to secure seats in it (even though it seemed empty and reservation-free the whole time I was dining there).

The menu for Antoinette is extensive and offers all day breakfast, french toast, pancakes, main courses, crepes and their signature pastries and teas. To play safe, I opted for Burger Antoinette – consisting of layers of pan-fried apple, chicken leg patty, house dressing, veggies and chips to go along. Preferably I would pick fries to chips to go with the burger – sometimes it’s best to go with the norm. Yet I liked how the ring of apple was decently good when paired with chicken.

The Club Honey Baked Ham was more like a sandwich except that it was huge. This one came with omelette and honey baked ham as main ingredients. Less heavy compared to the burger while eating but it makes you equally full.

Desserts are a must at Antoinette. In fact, I gathered that majority of its patrons want desserts here the most. 3 macarons – Chloe (citrus yogurt and yuzu), Brittany (caramel with fleur de sel) and Passion (Milk chocolate passionfruit ganache). My personal favorite was Chloe. I’ve had many sweet macarons, so I loved how it refreshed and redefined macaron for me. Otherwise, Passion and Brittany were not bad as well.

It’s a cakes galore at Antoinette. Simply too hard to choose the perfect cake at Antoinette, so I go with my girly instincts on the prettiest one. Saint Honore l’Amour (or just call it rose) is composed with choux pastry, rose petals, raspberry, glaze and strawberries. It was not overly sweet but just the right balance of strawberry and cream.

IMG_5934-tile

Antoinette is definitely one of the places to drop by if you’re in the orchard area. Mandarin gallery’s outlet features dim lighting and royal upholstery while Palais’s is classical, romantic and airy. Reservations are recommended.

390 Orchard Road

Palais Renaissance

#B1-08/09/10C

1100 – 2200 daily

Tagged food, french, orchard, singapore, western

Nov 21 2012

Leave a comment

Travel

Bali 2012: Skies to seas

A recent 5-day field study trip to Bali, Indonesia:

That was my first overseas trip with my SLR as my travelling companion so I got pretty excited. I will let pictures speak for themselves – my favorite 36 shots out of 900 over of them.

Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel was not next to a beach, but fab enough. The 4-star hotel had a cool swimming pool enclosed by lush greenery surrounded by bright orange towers.
sanurparadise
IMG_7229-tile

Dinner on the first day was at the Legong Restaurant where we had a first sight of the Balinese Legong Dance.

The mangroves near a beach.

Sanur Beach was bustling with locals on that particular holiday. Kids and teens were everywhere and the heat did not seem to get into them.

The Uluwatu Cliff was a sight to behold. It was surreal.

This man was at the bottom of the cliff, doing what he was doing for a living in the sea at low tide. Before that we saw how he slipped out of an opening at the top and disappeared within seconds. Then in minutes he was there. A tiny figure, but it was him alright.

IMG_7426-tile

Staring out from the cliff – what I saw was not a horizon, but The Horizon.

horizon

At the temple on another cliff.

That evening/night, we had dinner at Melasti Cafe by the beach at Jimbaran. Correction, we had barbecued seafood dinner on the beach. One of my most amazing dinners ever – I have probably not seen such a beautiful sunset in my life.

Bajra Sandhi Monument in the morning.

We spent nearly an entire afternoon at an orphanage. I could still remember their faces – happy in the most innocent way. They made friendship bands with us; we taught them English.

The next morning we were at the Singapadu Cultural Village for egg-painting, wood-carving and batik painting.

The rest of the afternoon was dedicated to the breathtaking Mount Batur in Kintamani. When we arrived we had Indonesian buffet with a great scenery across craters.
IMG_7881-tile

A small group of us were driven down to the crater lake of Mount Batur to conduct surveys with the locals. It was incredibly peaceful down there. I would call it the beauty of the soundless. The lake area was full of plantations of tomatoes, chili and cabbage with scattered houses.

IMG_7948-tile

The lake was a nice sky blue matching the sky and that was when nature touches you.

IMG_8012-tile

Last attraction stop was the Bali Bombing site.

And as cliche as it can be, I shall end with a quote.

“We are torn between a nostalgia for the familiar and an urge for the foreign and strange. As often as not, we are homesick most for the places we have never known.” – Carson McCullers

Tagged bali, travel

Nov 19 2012

Leave a comment

Food

Sarang Korean Restaurant

I’ve always adored Orchard Central after realizing it houses many hidden gems for a foodie like me. Sarang is located on the 7th level of Orchard Central with an indoor and alfresco area which looked like a brilliant place to hang out especially at night (when you can admire the lights at the heart of Singapore while ordering a couple of cocktails). On the other hand, the air-conditioned section is cozier with wooden furnishings. Featuring modern Korean cuisine, Sarang has been a favorite spot for Korea lovers (plus several Korean stars).

Being indecisive about what to order, both of us opted for a set meal with courses perfect for two persons at $58. Despite the steep price, it’s a great option for newbies to have a little taste of everything in the Korean cuisine. First up we had fresh kimchi with mini sides which are always a great way to start a meal with.

The Japchae, or sweet potato noodles, are stir fried in generous amounts of sesame oil with mixed vegetables.

The texture of the Basak Bulgogi – beef gulgogi on a sizzling hot plate was a tad too hard for my liking but the entire dish was still a good formation with more mixed vegetables.

Haemul tteokboki – rice cakes in spicy sauce with seasonal vegetables. The rice cakes were the type that are soft and easily chewed. Compared to harder, more chewy ones, I think both are worthy to try – each has its own good side.

World star army stew.

Our dessert that day was the korean version of ice kacang with less ice and more fruits. Other than the red beans and fruits, it was rather bland and it definitely looked better than it tasted.

\\ Just recently, Sarang has revamped its menu to give more taste of Seoul. I guess this gives me a reason to be back to experience the cool vibe at Sarang while choosing from more varieties of stews and more.

181 Orchard Central

#07-01

Fridays & Saturdays 1200-2300

Sundays – Thursdays 1200-2200

Tagged korean, restaurant, singapore

crystalwee.com

Spread the food:

Spread the food:

Spread the food:

Spread the food:

Spread the food:

Spread the food:

Spread the food:

Spread the food:

Spread the food:

Spread the food: