Tag Archives: western

Mar 30 2012
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Food

eM by the River

Situated in The Gallery Hotel, an area cordoned away from the buzz of restaurants at Robertson Quay, eM by the River literally gives you a meal by the quiet corner of the river. I had no idea where to dine while walking round the Quay, so I happened to walk a little further up from it and chance upon the Gallery Hotel.
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They made a slight mistake of serving my Tiramisu ($9.00) before any other course that came, but it was alright. It tasted very light, just suitable for an appetizer as well. However, other than that, it looked better than it tasted.
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The eM Crispy Wings ($7.00) turned out to be finger-licking prawn paste deep fried chicken wings. Among all types, I would love to have my chicken coated with prawn paste the most. Frying them have a special put on on the wings. They do not exactly taste like prawns but a lovely effect which gets you addicted.
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Checking out eM by the River’s All Day Breakfast items is a must. There’s nothing like enjoying a hearty breakfast meal at any time of the day by the River. I especially loved the thin slices of smoked salmon of the Eggs Royale ($17.00); they stole the show. Or perhaps, everything on this particular plate did it.
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I was expecting a little more out from the eM Fish n Chip ($19.00); it looked as crisp as possible, and as delightful as ever. However, the results were only mediocre. Don’t get me wrong, the beer battered fish and chips were good, but I was just hoping for a better burst of flavors.
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For a cooler dining area, you may want to opt to dine indoors in their comfy couches. The dark side is that it is indeed a darker area compared to outdoors by the river – where most diners have already reserved seats.

The food was decent but not exactly mind-blowing, if you like having eggs and all just stick to their brunch menu for a pleasant experience. The Gallery Hotel also offers some other good Japanese restaurants, and if these aren’t enough, head over to Robertson Walk and Quay and explore the gastronomic package there.

The Gallery Hotel

1 Nanson Road

#01-05

Singapore 238909

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Mar 18 2012
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Food

Auntie Anne’s: Addicted to Pretzels

Pretzels.

At first it just tastes great, and you want it more and more.

At last it still tastes great so you buy some more.

Auntie Anne’s has been in Singapore for several years and although the hype about their pretzels is becoming less and less obvious, I believe that they still sell the best pretzels in Singapore. Pretzels are getting out of food trends as the years go by but people still love to have them as a snack, here and there.

The best way to eat pretzels would be with your hands. Don’t hesitate, they will be twice as yummy.

The Almond Pretzel was sweet, and it tastes equally good with or without the caramel dipping sauce given.
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The Parmesan Cheese Pretzel, on the other hand, was much softer and fluffier than the almond pretzel. You can taste a few traces of cheese but it would definitely be better if the cheese could taste a much more distinct, cheesier taste.
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Besides that, their pretzel dogs are signature too. Their baked goods are pretty fresh, the ones you get would be just or if not, a little time out from the oven.

I got a shock when I found out that pretzels are actually high in calories. You mean the few flavoured pieces of dough could add up to so much?! But heck that, it won’t stop me from munching on pretzels. A price of around $3 and more for just a pretzel may seem a little daunting to pay, but it’s worth it.

Suntec City

5 Temasek Boulevard

Suntec City Mall #02-82

Singapore 38985

Other outlets include the ones at Plaza Singapura, Great World City, Parkway Parade and Tampines Mall.
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Mar 15 2012
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Food

Olio Cafe: Splurting chocolate

It was a casual day and so I thought I would step inside this casual looking place for lunch. Perhaps the ambience seemed a little plain and the food looks normal but there’s no reason to underrate it. What I liked most was its value-for-money quantity but not overlooking so much of quality.

The Classic Roast Chicken Sandwich ($12.50) was nothing too much to rave about, but it’s huge portion did shock me a little. The surprising thing was the dish was made sweet: the chutneys in the sandwiches. I didn’t really know if it actually made the sandwich more or less fulfilling but I wouldn’t say that I did not enjoy it. Alongside the two huge sandwiches are a serving of sweet potato fries which were – – – sweet. This time, I felt that the sweeter fries went well with the sandwiches, somehow chosen deliberately for this purpose. Worth it or not – depends if you prefer quantity or quality.
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The cakes and pies on display at the glass counter at the cashier looked ordinary, I was contemplating if I should do away with a sweet ending to my meal, when I saw the name of the Olio Sizzling Brownie ($6.80) in the menu. Looking up, there was a poster picture of it hung on a side wall. And so I made my decision. I got a little surprised when a plate of sizzling and fizzling sounds arrived at my table. A hot plate of bubbling chocolate sauce and a centrepiece of a brownie laid before me. The brownie was great, a harder chocolate layer on the top with peanuts, the second layer full of freezing vanilla ice cream and the last layer a moist and soft sponge cake. With so much chocolate sauce given, I could not resist but finish it clean. A reminder to myself: not to be too eager and burn my tongue with sizzling chocolate sauce again.
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I was happy to realise that Olio Cafe has takeaway and delivery options as well, so next time I’m out of home-cooked or hawker food and tired of fast food, I know where to head to.

180 Kitchener Road

City Square Mall #03-39/40

Singapore 208539

No. 1 Sengkang Square

Compasspoint Shopping Centre #01-14/15

Singapore 545078

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Mar 13 2012
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Food

Barracks Cafe @ House Dempsey

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Dempsey Hill. The heaven of food districts. On my very first visit to the prestigious food centre, I had to start off with a bang. So I headed to a well-liked and review place, House. Dempsey House consists of a beauty emporium, a Camp Bar for drinks at night, and the more renowned cafe, Barracks. It was formerly an army barracks, hence its name.

I was curious as to why a chinese red bean bun ($2.50) would be doing on its menu with a recommended sign next to it. Curiosity gave food to the cat. I thought mini red bean buns were the best buns of all, but this extra large one rivalled it. It’s softness was the winning factor.
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After my first experience of trying truffle shoe-string fries ($11), I can say they are a million times better than normal fries with salt. For 11 bucks of the same portion at McDonalds’, you might say that it is a rip-off, but not until you try it for yourself. White truffle oil does great things.

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The Red Snappper ($28) would be recommended if you’re going for something light but substantial. The clams give the broth a herbal taste which is not overbearing. You will be surprised to find green noodles underneath the fish, and the delicious clams are definitely a huge bonus for lovers.

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A main feature of Barracks would be their signature skinny pizzas. It was difficult to make up my mind with so many flavors available, but I ended up with the Mozzarella Bolognese Pizza ($25) being a fan of mozzarella AND bolognese. Despite being a 9 inch pizza, it was nearly barely enough for 2-3 eaters. What I like most about it was the well matched combination of mozzarella, greens and bolognese sauce. The sauce might have gone better with pasta but it didn’t matter anymore. Everything comes together as a piece of good thing.

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Desserts oh desserts! I must say that if you come all the way to Barracks without trying the desserts, then save the trip. In fact, now I’m starting to claim that it’s all about the desserts at Barracks. People claim that Barracks has the best Strawberry Shortcake ($9.50) in Singapore, which I certainly believe so now. The strawberries in the cake are not left just as they are but they are much more melted and softer. As I am not that accustomed to eating strawberries, I usually avoid strawberry cakes, but these were made such that it was perfect for me. Alongside it comes with a small glass of not milk but warm vanilla bean sauce – pour it all over the cake and tuck it into your mouth.

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The Warm Banana Salted Caramel Cake ($7) blew me away as well. It’s unique appearance appealed to my senses, I loved how warm and soft the bananas and cake was. After you uncover the cubes of bananas, you find a pool of caramel in the middle of the cake. It’s like finding gold. And yes, those are popcorns.

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It was certainly one of my best meals so far. I see myself coming back and I have this *evil* temptation to aim and try everything encompassed in the desserts menu.

8D Dempsey Road

Singapore 249672

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Jan 28 2012
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Food

Joan Bowen Cafe: For a Special Cause

Usually the food and beverages outlets you see on a day to day basis are plainly tactics to earn a buck. Not for this cafe cum culinary centre that aims to help the special needs of people in today’s society.

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Joan Bowen Cafe, established by Mr. Khong Yoon Kay and Mdm Jeanne Seah, works to impart skills in the F&B sector to young people with special needs, providing them a job to hold. It is named after their daughter with special needs, Joan Bo Wen. She now works at the cafe as a trainee, along with others employed to learn.

It was tough trying to find this little red house from the MRT station of Potong Pasir. Nonetheless, whatever infinite amount of distance you have to walk is erased away with the thought of a soon to be brilliant lunch.

We had the honor to try one of the cafe’s newest dishes, the Roast Pork ($18). I felt that whatever was on that plate complemented each other pretty well and the roast pork was done just right, neither too tender nor too tough. Yet, the price would be considered a little steep for that portion of pork they serve.
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The Rosemary & Lemon Chicken ($10), on the other hand, was a real steal. For just 10 bucks, you get something worth at least 15 in other places. The greens tasted the exact quality of restaurants I have been before and if there’s any veggie I would eat for a lifetime it would be this. I couldn’t exactly taste the “lemon” in the chicken, but I was well satisfied that it was not overly crisp. Also, I have to admit that the sauces used for the chicken and pork were fantastic.
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I decided to go with the cafe’s most popular dessert and that would be their Oreo Cheesecake ($5). When it first came to my table all that entered my eyes was a “block of chocolate chip ice-cream”. I had my doubts, judging from its appearance. Yet, it overwhelmed me with what I now call it an “oreo ice-cream cheesecake”. Their version is arguably better than a usual slice of oreo cheesecake. Full of creativity, it encompassed everything that an oreo cheesecake has, with the additional point of the taste of ice-cream.
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Service was great, and the staff seemed very comfortable with their jobs, despite being disabled in some ways. They were certainly trained well and I must say that it was a pleasant surprise. Another outlet is located within the St. Andrews premises, more considerably the main branch. Lucky students!

9 Jalan Wangi, Singapore 349354
Telephone: +(65) 6281 3629

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