Tag Archives: 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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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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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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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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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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