I am late in discovering Mariners’ Corner Restaurant. Having been around since 1984, nothing much seems to have change. The checkered tablecloth to the wooden furnishing, it feels like I am having dinner at another Shashlik.

Hainanese western eateries are getting lesser. Besides Shashlik, Prince Café and Mariner’s Corner, I can’t think of anyone else. It’s always interesting to eat in these western eateries. My forefathers who had served the British colony have learnt the western style cooking and came up with their own interpretaton.

Third generation owner Jeremy took over his father’s business and the recipes are all from his grandfather’s. We started our dinner with the salad bar. The variety is not that great but good enough as an appetizer. The beef salad is great, or you can have the greens with garlic vinaigrette.

Escargots Gastronome  ($10.50/half dozen) had snails cooked under salamander with garlic butter and served sizzling in shells. It was a little too buttery for my liking.

But the mains were wonderful. A must try is the Hainanese Braised Oxtail Stew ($18) which was a recipe passed down from the owner’s father who was a colonial cook. The the flavour of the meat is retained within the sauce, so deliciously rich.

The Ribeye Steak ($23) was excellent. The buttery flavour of well-marbled beef does not disappoint, giving a juicy steak and beefy flavour. Other options include the N.Z Sirloin Steak ($21), N.Z Venison ($21), N.Z T-Bone Steak ($24.50).

If you want to have seafood and can’t decide, go for the Seafood Platter ($19.80) which in an assortment of fresh fish, prawns, calamari and onion rings. The fish and chips still stay nice and moist.

A nice hideout for a quiet dinner with friends. Plates were cleared pretty quick and the restaurant staff here are friendly and attentive.. Moreover it is a cozy and warm place with faux pas stained glass windows looking out to Cantonment Road with the Pinnacle housing estate looming over jus

The post Mariners’ Corner Restaurant – Hainanese Western Fare in Cantonment appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

I am always fascinated by the picturesque view of luxurious yachts berthing at the ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove every time I attend events held here – with the well-maintained leisure ships against the bright skies and seawater, who wouldn’t imagine living the life one day? Now, the yacht club is taking the experience further with a new restaurant in its clubhouse premises, aptly named WOK°15 Kitchen.

Opened in early April this year, WOK°15 Kitchen has a casual, family-friendly setting that is great for gatherings. It offers a wide range of exquisite Cantonese style dishes, such as appetisers, soups, seafood, barbecue dishes and dim sum, prepared by a team of experienced chefs led by Executive Chef Chum Kar Ho.

The restaurant is one of the three places in the ONE°15 Marina clubhouse that are open to the public, the others being the HELIOS93 lobby lounge and the Latitude Bistro (open on Mondays to Thursdays to non-members on a trial basis).

It is connected to a spacious foyer, offering a panoramic view of the marina, and has four private dining rooms that can accommodate up to 10 persons each. WOK°15 Kitchen also thoughtfully chose instrumental versions of Chinese oldies as ambient music – plus points to the dining experience!

I was invited to sample their dishes a while back and we all enjoyed the Chilli Crab, a signature item on WOK°15 Kitchen’s menu. Sri Lankan crabs in rich chilli crab sauce were served in a black wok and kept warm with a tealight candle below. The crab meat was fresh and had a firm texture, and it went well with the gravy. Despite having more chilli and spices added, the gravy was a little on the sweet side.

We also had Braised Fish Maw and Bamboo Pith in Golden Pumpkin Soup. The soup had a rich texture and was mildly sweet and salty, which should go well with the majority of palates. Meanwhile, the chewy fish maw and bamboo pith gave this item another dimension.

The Baked King Prawn with Pumpkin Sauce was very addictive, and how I wished there were more prawns! Besides pumpkin, Chef revealed that fresh milk, butter, stock and salted egg were also combined to form the gravy. The “basket” to hold the prawns was made with vermicelli sheets that were cut, fried and then baked to crisp.

Another remarkable dish was the Baked Sea Perch with Preserved Vegetables, Snow Fungus and Minced Meat. The snow fungus was first stir-fried to bring out its fragrance, and then combined with minced meat, preserved vegetables and a caramelised sauce before it was poured over the baked sea perch. The richness is counterbalanced by the bed of blanced kangkong below.

Meanwhile, the “Tai O” Braised Crispy Vermicelli is a comforting dish with salted fish, shrimp paste (har cheong) and seafood cubes added – no matter how full you are, don’t miss out on a bowl of this! It had good wok hei and a mild fragrance of har cheong and salted egg. Chef mentioned that these two items were slowly stir-fried together, while the beehoon had been fried beforehand before they were combined and simmered to goodness.

While Sentosa Cove may be slightly out of the way, I do think making the journey to WOK°15 Kitchen will be worth it, whether to impress business associates, to have dinner gatherings or even organise wedding solemnisations and wedding lunches/dinners. And with Father’s Day coming soon (they have a separate Father’s Day menu), do consider!

The post WOK°15 Kitchen – Cantonese Dining with a Yatch View appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Advertorial

I haven’t been to Anchorpoint Shopping Centre for a long time. I remembered this was the place I used to go for dance classes when I was a kid. The mall has transformed with so many great offerings!

Do you know, Anchorpoint Shopping Centre was the first mall in Singapore to introduce the concept of outlet shopping. Yes factory outlets! You can get your favourite known-brands at really cheap prices.

Not only that, they also have an exciting range of Japanese F&B offerings! Recently, I had a chance to head back there to try some of the restaurants. Here are some of my recommendations:

Nestled in an old colonial building in front of Anchorpoint, Nabehide serves good shabu shabu. The booth seats were really spacious and service was efficient. They pride themselves on serving quality food, even the small items like sesame sauce and ponzu sauce are made in house.

What’s special here is that there is a whole list of soup choices for you to choose from, including konbu dashi (kelp), tonyu dashi (soy milk), goma dashi (sesame) and miso dashi (fermented soy beans).

Nabehide uses charcoal to heat the hot pot combined with full cast iron pots imported from Japan. This helps to maintain the same temperature of the soup base throughout while delicate items like tofu will stay intact and not disintegrate.
Amongst the soup bases I have tried, I prefer goma dashi which has a more flavourful and fuller flavour and goes well with any ingredients. For something light, go for the konyu dashi which is a soya milk-based soup that pairs best with wagyu beef, cod fish and chicken.

I can never decide on what to eat so the best way is to pick your favourite meat and make it a set with assorted vegetables, rice and a daily dessert. My recommendation is definitely the premium Japanese wagyu shabu-shabu ($49.90) or Australian Beef Rib-Eye Set ($27.90). Each piece of wagyu is well marbled. With just a few dips in the soup, you achieve a fulsome yet balanced flavour. So satisfying!

Foodies who are living in the west, rejoice! You don’t have to travel all the way to town for Ma Maison because this popular Japanese Western restaurant has a branch in Anchorpoint! The restaurant ambience and setting still retains its English cottage look and the menu has all your favourite dishes!

For a start, it is obvious that most of us will definitely go for the escargot($10.80). Sautéed with garlic and butter, it tasted absolutely delicious! The onion gratin soup ($6.30) with gratineed cheese was also a great appetizer.

Whenever I visit Ma Maison, I would definitely order the tonkatsu ($16.80 a la carte; $19.80 with rice, miso, pickles and dessert). It is crispy on the outside, while still juicy and tender on the inside. The beef stroganoff ($16.80) is served in a thick and rich beef stew with a creamy egg omelette on the side. A signature item here will be the hamburger steak that features a juicy and tender beef patty topped off with a sweet brown sauce and fried egg. During lunch hours, the hamburger steak set, which comes with a soup, salad, bread or rice and drink, only costs $16.50!

Mmmm! meat shop at the basement of Anchorpoint offers air flown premium beef cuts including Wagyu, Angus, Grass Fed and Grain Fed from Australia, US and Japan, air flown and chilled premium Kurobuta (Black Pigs) from USA & Spanish Iberico Pork cuts.

A unique meat that you must try is their Lacto Marinated Pork which is cooked using an exclusive Mmmm! Lacto marinating technique. Lacto are probiotics that can increase your overall nutrition, promote the growth of friendly intestinal bacteria, and aid digestion while supporting your immune system. Lacto Marinated pork have also been known to reduce saturated fats by 30%.

Lacto Marinated Pork enhances the tenderness and flavour of the meat and can be used for either pan-frying, grilling or boiling. I have used it for pan-frying with kung pao sauce as well. Even though the slices were relatively big, every bite was still juicy and tasty. It is definitely a healthier choice when it comes to family home cooking!

Ever on the lookout for new products to cater to its savvy shoppers, Cold Storage has a whole range of exciting Japanese products for all Japanese food lovers. Not only are there sauces and condiments, there is also ramen, udon, sushi and Japanese confectionery!

After cooking Mmmm! Lacto Marinated Pork, I ended off my ‘meal’ with chocolate ice and chilled sweet potatoes. They even have one of my favourites -Taiyaki with vanilla ice. A perfect ending to the meal!

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I hope I have given you a good overview on some of the popular Japanese offerings at Anchorpoint. Other dining options include Fish Mart Sakuraya, Gyu-Kaku, Jack’s Place, Koufu and Xin Wang Hong Kong Café. See you at Anchorpoint soon!

The post Anchorpoint – Delicious Japanese Food Options Awaits! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Wanton mee needs no introduction. When it comes to a great wanton mee, it’s hard to find one which gets all elements perfect – from the noodle texture to the wanton toppings. Located in a quaint coffee shop at Seletar Hills, I was recommended to try 36 M.S Homemade Yun Tun Noodle.

Their superb homemade egg noodles take centrestage, which is different from the usual mee-kia. The uncle will first blanch the noodles in boiling water, before ladling out for a cold water bath to give them a springy texture. They are then dipped into hot water again and quickly tossed in the sauce to give them a silky texture.

The next star is the huge and juicy dumplings (水饺) filled with pork mince wrapped in the stall. I recommend you to order dumplings noodles without chilli. Because the noodles are tossed in savory black sauce that gives it the glistening look.

Wanton mee with chilli sauce was decent. The red char siew was ordinary, but it doesn’t have a hard texture like some other stalls. The only disappointment is small wantons. Oh ya, the portions are little small as well. So for guys, you probably got to upsize it!

The post 36 M.S Homemade Yun Tun Noodle in Seletar Corner appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Macarons? Cupcakes? That’s passé because eclairs have taken over the pastry world. Honestly, I don’t think we have really caught on the eclair trend, unlike New york nor Paris. With the closure of KARAFURU, there is probably only left with one eclair cafe in Singapore – L’éclair by Sarah Michelle.

Graduated from the internationally acclaimed Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, the girls really bake pretty looking eclairs, each filled with a different cream and bursting with flavour. Being a huge fan of Ispahan ($8.50), it is almost firm that this is going to be my favourite eclair. I very biased one lah! Filled with light rose cream, fragrant lychees and fresh raspberries on a soft choux puff, it’s creates a delicate explosion of flavours for a perfect balance.

The Roasted Pistachio & Strawberries Eclair (SGD$8.00) carries a light pistachio cream with bits of strawberries on top. It has a subtle nuttiness combining the tanginess from the strawberries. I prefer the pistachio cream to be stronger.

There are also other interesting flavours such as Earl Grey, Mango Passionfruit, Salted Caramel, Hazelnut Praline, 66% Dark Chocolate, Lemon Meringue etc. Sometimes, they have special flavours as well. When I visited the cafe in April, they had Kaya Pandan flavour which we love and hope they will bring it back soon.

Other than the eclairs, they also have Quiche Lorraine filled with bacon and Swiss Gruyere cheese. Served with a generous portion of house salad with citrus vinaigrette, it is available ala carte or in our all-day tea set for 2.

They have launched a new Matcha Azuki eclair filled with rich matcha cream, home made azuki paste and home made mochi balls. Can’t wait to try it soon!

The post L’éclair by Sarah Michelle – A trendy twist on the French classic appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Clarke Quay is well known for after-work drinks, dinner and partying the night away. But during the day, it is also a great place to chill out with a river view, fun activities, good food and yes, that’s including brunch. We round up 8 best restaurants to have #SundayFunBrunch. Whether it’s steamy bowls of pho, flaming steaks or juicy burgers, take your tastebuds on an adventure as you explore new dining spots or revisit your favourite haunts.

Don’t forget to bring your whole family along. From now till 31 July 2016, kid dines free with every 2 paying adults. This is going to be an awesome June school holidays for everyone!

Fremantle Seafood Market (Blk E , #01-05/06 )
01 June to 31 July 2016 (Available Daily)
One child dines for free with every two paying adults.

No visit to Australia is complete without an early morning trip to the famous seafood markets located by the jetty at Fremantle harbour, Perth. Recreating this exciting seafood dining experience, Fremantle Seafood Market in Clarke Quay serves a varied and unique seafood dishes, all flown into Singapore for freshest.

Savour the Hot Seafood Platter ($64) with steamed butter prawns, grilled oyster with mornay and kilpatrick, mussels & clams sautéed in garlic white wine sauce, grilled tarragon octopus, soft-shell crab with chilli crab sauce & fried man tou. The chilli crab sauce is thick, sweet, tangy and savory that will electrify your palate. Mop it clean with man tou as the sauce is finger-licking good!

With live lobsters cooked right out of their live seafood gallery, enjoy Whole Lobster Thermidor ($72) baked with mushroom cream, hollandaise & white wine sauce. This luxurious seafood dish is so creamy, rich and flavorful. It reminded me for my meal in Fremantle, Perth.

* Terms & conditions apply.
Valid for children aged 7 and under.
Minimum order of one main course per adult.
Free kid’s meal valid on kid’s menu only.
Not valid with other promotions, discounts and credit card privileges.

Little Saigon (Blk E, #01-02)
01 June to 31 July 2016 (Sundays only)
One child dines for free with every two paying adults.

Serving classy interpretations of Saigonese cuisine, Little Saigon‘s menu is refreshingly unique, combining the authentic taste of Vietnamese favourites with both new and traditional party fare. For the entrée, there is Fresh Spring Roll ($10) where prawns, pork belly, pickled carrots, fresh greens and herbs are wrapped in rice paper. You could dip it in shrimp sauce to enhance the taste.

The Beef Noodle Soup ($16) features slow cooked beef broth with beef collar beef brisket and beef meat balls. The rice noodles are smooth and easy to slurp it down. While parents are having huge bowls of Vietnamese Beef Pho, the kid can enjoy Sauteed Vegetables Omelette with Vietnamese Style Fried Rice ($16). A perfectly folded soft omelette makes an excellent kids meal. Alternatively, kids can also have Mini Chicken Noodle Soup with tender grilled chicken in aromatic broth.

* Terms & conditions apply.
Valid with a minimum spending of $60 for 2 adults in a single receipt. Only 1 child per 2 adults. Promotion is valid on Sundays only.
Valid for children aged 7 and under.
Not valid with other promotions, discounts and credit card privileges.

Maziga Café (Blk C , #01-10 )
01 June to 31 July 2016 (Available daily)
One child dines for free with every two paying adults.

Helmed by the team behind the famed Punjab Grill, Indian fusion eatery Maziga Indian Grill takes everything that is hearty and comforting about traditional Indian cuisine and ignites it with a spark of modern culinary wizardry.

When we think of street foods in India, we only get the image of huge golgappas dipped in tamarind water. Here, the round and crispy Old Delhi Golgappa Chat ($12.90) comes with refreshing tubes of chilled jaljeera oxide (powdered herbs that have been given a Heston-esque treatment of liquid nitrogen) bursting with great flavours. This sweet, tangy and spicy evening snack is loved by everyone.

Traverse the sights, sounds and flavours of India by tickling your taste buds with bite size tapas such as Tandoori Garma Garam Prawns ($23.90) and Chilli Crab Akuri ($17.90). Packing a punch in both flavour and style, the tender Lamb Gelouti Kebab ($12.50) is served in maska Pav. The humble kebab is also given new life in the form of burger buns, served in Insta-worthy travel trunks.

* Terms & conditions apply.
Valid for children aged 7 and under.
Not valid with other promotions, discounts and credit card privileges.
Please call 6253 7307 for reservations.

McGettigan’s (Blk A , #01-01C )
01 June to 31 July 2016 (Sundays only)
One child dines for free with every two paying adults

#SundayFunBrunch becomes a little different when dining out at McGettigan’s because this Irish pub serves home-cooked comfort Irish fare, perfectly poured drinks and the world’s top sporting events televised live on numerous HD screens.

There is a saying that goes “Eat breakfast like a King” meaning it is wise to start the day with a large cooked breakfast. This can be applied to the McGettigan’s Full Irish Breakfast ($25) which is a hearty platter consisting of pork sausages, pork rashers, fried eggs, black pudding, white pudding, baked beans, hash browns, mushrooms, grilled tomato & toast served with tea/coffee. It’s my first time eating black and white pudding. The former is a type of blood sausage while the latter contains only pork meat and fat.

If you are having dinner with your family, the McGettigan’s Signature Wings ($18) is definitely a hot favourite for young and old. The wings were doused in spicy sauce reminiscent of buffalo wings and served with Cashel Blue dressing & crudités. The coating of sauce is done expertly. The wings retained a crispy exterior with a tangy sauce that doesn’t burn your lips.

* Terms & conditions apply.
Valid for children aged 7 and under. Promotion is valid on Sundays only.
Not valid with other promotions, discounts and credit card privileges.

The Butchers Club Burger (Blk A, #01-01B)
01June to 31 July 2016 (Sundays only)
One child dines for free with every two paying adults.

The Butchers Club Burger is one of the best burger joint in Hong Kong. The concept of the burger joint came about through The Butchers Club’s belief to practise nose-to-tail butchery. After the primary cuts of beef have been used to create its signature steaks for guests at the private dinners, the remaining yet gorgeous secondary cuts of rump, chuck, and brisket are first dry-aged, then ground in the restaurant and sprinkled with our secret seasoning blend and grilled.
Try the new Slider Platter ($20+) which includes 3 sliders (The Burger, Wu Tang Style and Captain Ahab) with duck fat fries and choice of soft drink. We love the signature The Burger made up of a juicy dry-aged Black Angus grain-fed beef patty, sandwiched between Canadian strip bacon glazed, caramelised onion sauce, English white cheddar, pickle and tomato. Accompany your sliders with the house’s Duck Fat Fries, fried thrice in duck fat to a crispy finish.

* Terms & conditions apply.
Promotion is valid on Sundays only.
Valid for children aged 7 and under. One Child gets ONE free slider set (1x slider, fries, soft drink) with every 2 burger purchases.
Not valid with other promotions, discounts and credit card privileges.

Faigo Hotpot小辉哥火锅 (Blk B, #01-06/07)
01 June to 31 July 2016 (Sundays only)
One child dines for free with every two paying adults

China’s famous Faigo Hotpot arrives in Singapore with its first outlet at Clarke Quay. This premium hotpot concept uses high quality ingredients and a wide variety of soup bases. The hot pots are served individually instead of sharing so that you can control your own temperature.

I tried more than 5 soup bases which includes – signature clear Teochew, Bitter Gourd Pork Rib, Potato Curry, Tomato Oxtail Soup and Sichuan. The clear Teowchew soup is moderately tantalizing and light, you can taste the natural juices of the meat. I prefer the Tomato Oxtail Soup which is a tomato-based broth that brings a little sweetness to your meal.

This classical Cantonese-style hot pot provides abundant fresh options of soups, different cuts of meat, beef and seafood from $19 onwards. It has specially made assorted beef dishes consisting of ox-tongues, superfine snowflake beef, honey-stewed spiced beef, etc. The paper-thin quality beef is lean and tender, which bring a pleasant hint of sweetness.

* Terms & conditions apply.
Valid with purchase of 2 set menus ($19++, $29++ or $39++) . Promotion is valid on Sundays from 1pm to 6pm only.
Valid for children aged 7 and under. Free set menu for child will be that of lower priced set menu.
Not valid with other promotions, discounts and credit card privileges.

Catch Beer & Batter (Blk A, #01-01)
01 June to 31 July 2016 (Sundays only)
One child dines for free with every two paying adults.

Seafood and beer are best friends. If you love both, you will like Catch Beer & Batter specializing in craft beers and crispy seafood. They have more than 10 different types of Belgium, Dutch and English craft beers, among which is U.K’s multi-award winning Timothy Taylor & Co Boltmaker.

It doesn’t take much to appreciate the deliciousness of a good plate of Halibut and Chips ($24.50) served with cajun fries, garden greens and homemade tartare sauce. The batter fries up rich enough to satisfy your craving without being greasy yet retaining the moisture in the halibut. If you can’t decide what to eat, Cajun Grill Seafood Platters will work for you with scallops, salmon and prawns.

* Terms & conditions apply.
Valid with a minimum spending of $35 in a single receipt. Promotion is valid on Sundays only.
Valid for children aged 7 and under.
Not valid with other promotions, discounts and credit card privileges.

Privé Clarke Quay (Blk C , #01-09A )
01 June to 31 July 2016 (Sundays only)
One child dines for free with every two paying adults.

Privé Clarke Quay is an exciting new one-stop food and entertainment venue. On weekends, it is an ideal venue for grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a satisfying meal during the day; while at night, it seamlessly transforms into a vibrant venue for specially crafted drink presentations, interactive events, live music, and a late night DJ driven party.

From all-day breakfast classics to hearty mains and decadent desserts, Privé Clarke Quay satisfies at any time of the day or night. Instead of the usual burgers and sandwiches, we tried an Asian-influenced Curry Chicken Pizza ($18) with a thin, crackery crust — the type that lends an auditory pleasure. The fillings are a refreshing departure from the norm, this include coriander, baby spinach, sliced red onions, green chilli and mint yoghurt. A proper steak frites is a true treat. 200g of grass-fed Australian ribeye with great marbling is cooked just right and served with fries and mesclun.

Privé Clarke Quay takes its beverage program seriously. Here you’ll find a curated and extensive vodka list from all over the world, specialty crafted cocktails and an extensive frozen drink menu. Guests will have an opportunity to be their own bartender and order individual personal beer kegs that will be placed at their table in 1.8L (starting at $60) or 4L (starting at $128) for sharing among friends.

* Terms & conditions apply.
Promotion is valid on Saturdays and Sundays only.
Valid for children aged 7 and under.
Minimum order of one main course per adult.
Free kid’s meal valid on kid’s menu only.
Not valid with other promotions, discounts and credit card privileges.

Stand to win dining vouchers and STAR$® when you dine in Clarke Quay!

Gourmet’s/Glutton’s Redemption (01 June – 31 July 2016):
Spend $120* at any F&B outlet in Clarke Quay and redeem a $10 Dining Voucher. While stock last.

Free Fun @ #SUNDAYFUNBRUNCH (05 , 12, 19 & 26 June):
Experience family fun! Come down every Sunday from 1pm to 6pm to test your skills at free sports carnival, and enjoy FREE dining* for children while you’re at it.

Filled With Joy(01 June – 31 July 2016):
Watch out for our balloon sculptors on Friday nights (8 – 10 pm) as they entertain you with their inflated sense of fun!

CAPITASTAR Double Rewards (01 June – 31 July 2016):
Dine at Block A & C and earn 2X STAR$®! Simply scan your receipt and be rewarded.

CAPITASTAR New Sign Up (01 June – 31 July 2016):
New to the CAPITASTAR rewards programme? Earn 10,000 STAR$® ($10 CapitaVoucher) when you sign up to be a CAPITASTAR member at Clarke Quay. Redemption is only valid for new CAPITASTAR sign ups via sgregister.capitastar.com/CQNS0616, redemption booth (Fountain Square) or CAPITASTAR kiosks (Peddlers Walk). Exclusive to first 1,000 new sign ups.

For more information, please click here. *Terms & Conditions apply.

The post 8 Brunch Places to Eat in Clarke Quay – Kid dines free with every 2 paying adults appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Well-known for its romantic and serene ambience with its signature cascading waterfalls, rockpools and lush landscaped gardens, The Dining Room at Sheraton Towers Singapore is your ideal choice for a cosy buffet dinner.

Indulge in their buffet spread of international and local cuisine with your family and friends. For the month of June, you can enjoy 1-for-1 dinner buffet with any HSBC Credit Card from Thursdays to Sundays.

Enjoy an extensive selection ranging from seafood platter on ice, Japanese sashimi, prime rib roast beef or lamb to local cuisine such as chilli crab, chicken curry, Hokkien noodle and seared duck.

The fresh seafood spread such as prawns, crayfish and mussels are beautifully presented in one mouth-watering display. And over at the live station, nothing beats the tender and perfectly roasted beef, paired with savoury jus and roasted potatoes.

My favourite was the chilli crab with a mild spicy red gravy. Crab meat was thick, sweet, fleshy and definitely finger-licking good. Pair it with delicious golden-brown mantous (fried buns) to mop up the flavourful sauce, which for many of us is probably the best part about the chilli crab experience.

If you are having dinner on Thursday, you will get to try their slurp-worthy signature laksa – a coconut-creamy dish which features a medley of flavours and textures.

Don’t forget about the sweet finale with an array of delectable desserts that includes chocolate fondue, cheesecake, durian pengat and everyone’s all-time-favourite waffle with ice cream. In fact, the waffle aroma was lingering in the air when I entered the restaurant. I couldn’t control myself and had it as my first course. A well-made waffle is a glorious thing. Freshly made upon ordering, the waffles are crispy and golden on the outside, steaming and tender within. It’s tasty even on its own or with just a little maple syrup in its pockets. Now who can resist that?

Another must-try dessert is the durian pengat. The king of tropical fruit is always a controversial fruit but if you love it, you won’t be able to resist this. Its thick texture had moderately robust flavours and was not too pungent. Definitely an elaborate feast!

Sunday would be a perfect day to enjoy a spectacular spread of good food in the company of your loved-ones. Indulge in fabulous treats like Seafood on Ice, Wok-fried Blue Crab with Salted Egg, Slow-roasted Ribeye, signature Laksa and an array of irresistible desserts. Make a weekly date with your family!

Value for money with HSBC credit cards

Enjoy 1-for-1 dinner buffet from Thursdays to Sundays with any HSBC Credit Card. At least 2 days advance reservations is required. Once the 1-for-1 offer ends, the hotel will still run a 1 Dines free with three diners promotion until 31 August 2016.

Price: S$62.00 (per adult) and S$31.00 (per child from 6 to 12 years).

Enjoy over 30 other 1 dines free offers with your HSBC Credit Card. To find out more, click here.

The post The Dining Room’s 1-for-1 Buffet – Totally Worth Going For! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

The Singapore Coffee Festival (SCF) 2016 will be Singapore’s first coffee centric festival, a unique hybrid event for both trade and consumer visitors. This year’s event will be held from 9 to 12 June 2016 at the F1 Pit building, with 9 June being a media & trade preview day and 10 – 12 June being opened to the public.

It will be an exciting festival first for coffee lovers who want to learn more about what goes into making a good cup of coffee, as well as those who enjoy café hopping and the café lifestyle. Besides being a one-stop shop for those interested in all things coffee, there will be a wide range of brewed drinks, beans, gadgets and machines available for purchase.

In light of the first edition of the upcoming Singapore Coffee Festival 2016, we were invited for a café-hopping trail prior to the event. The trail took us to some cafes which are participating in the festival as official exhibitors to give us a slight taste of what to expect during the festival itself!

Kicking off the trail at Oriole Coffee + Bar, you will get to sample signature dishes and coffee, as well as witness demonstrations by professional baristas such as Latte Art. Get buzzed with a glass of caffeinated cocktail at the last stop – a perfect way to complete the trail.

Started in December 2008, Oriole Coffee + Bar founded on the love for coffee and pioneering the third wave coffee movement in Singapore. Following its successful launch they have introduced Oriole Coffee Roasters, roasting 6 to 12 kinds of specialty coffee beans imported from countries such as Brazil, Ethiopia, Coasta Rice etc. They have another outlet in Capitol piazza, extending its coffee options to those in the city.

During the cafe trail, we have tried some of their brunch menu and particularly love their Grilled Truffle Cheese Sandwich with grilled butter brioches bread stuffed with truffle cheese, emmental cheese and oak smoked cheddar. Served with tomato soup, it is a great breakfast option. For something more premier, the Crab Cake Benedict may work for you. The two poached eggs is served with Maryland-style crab cake, toasted English mufffins and drizzled with a tangy lemon dill hollandaise. Other brunch options include Smoked Salmon Rosti, Mango French Toast and Wild Berries Oastmeal.

Tucked away in Singapore’s far east, The Coastal Settlement is a vintage themed casual dining restaurant serving western cuisine and local favourites amidst the greenery and lets you have a peek of Changi’s tranquil coastline. Besides serving excellent coffee, be sure to try their straight cut truffle fries and Australian wagyu cubes with mushroom salsa. The Spicy Tom Yum pasta had a fiery kick and filled with fresh prawns, squid, mussels and clams. Our makan kakis were snatching for the Wagyu Beef and Mushroom Thin Crust Pizza with caramelised onions and white wine reduction cream sauce. The star is definitely Chicken & Waffle that is served with huge and juicy crispy chicken. We love the seasoning which makes it irresistible!

PAUL, founded in 1889, offers a selection of country-style and fancy bread, viennoiserie (croissants, etc.) pastries, cakes and desserts, snacks and sandwiches. All of the products offered by PAUL are prepared to the same high standards which have made French bread famous the world over. What is the secret ingredient of PAUL’s success? A respect for tradition.

For my last stop at the cafe trail, I have tried a range of desserts such as salted caramel choux, coffee eclair, lemon cream tartlette, chocolate cream tartlette with PAUL Singapore hot chocolate. The banana cinnamon crumble tart is specially created for Singapore Coffee Festival and will be launched for the first time there.

What to expect at Singapore Coffee Festival 2016?

– Over 100 exhibitors
There are over 100 exhibitors including leaders and pioneers in Singapore’s coffee and lifestyle scene. Specialty coffees purveyors such as Common Man Coffee Roasters, Chye Seng Huat Hardware, Dapper Coffee and Knockhouse Supply Co, will be displaying their wares as well as bringing their fan favourites to the festival. Killiney Kopitiam will represent Singapore’s Hainanese coffee traditions with their kaya, toasted bread, rich kopi and tea.

– Lab Sessions for those who are really into coffee
Run by Common Man Coffee Roasters, the Straits Times, and Bettr Barista, the Lab Sessions will cover workshops on all things coffee, such as Latte Art and Fundamental Barista Skills; panel discussions with champion baristas as well as women in the industry; and seminars on finance, photography, and more.

– Got music anot? Of course lah!
On the entertainment front, there will be live music stages that will showcase the hottest local acts, curated by fabulous festival creative consultant Daniel Boey.

– You can try out Shiseido products at the festival too.
Shiseido is the festival’s “Official Beauty Partner”, who will be setting up The Shiseido Parlour. A beauty pop-up area, the Parlour will serve Japanese confectionaries direct from Ginza to visitors. Festival visitors will have opportunities to try out Shiseido products whilst relaxing at the Parlour, munching on the Shiseido Parlour Cheese cake and Ganache.

– Where to buy tickets?
Tickets are currently on sale from SISTIC (www.sistic.com.sg / (65) 6348 5555). Advance General Entry 1-Day passes from $13 are available for the public. Limited DBS Exclusive 1-Day passes at $11 are available, while stocks last. All tickets include a complimentary goody bag that can be redeemed at the festival grounds. For truly consummate coffee lovers, limited 3-Day passes and VIP packages with benefits such as access to VIP lounge, a complimentary drink & canapés, and express entry at festival gates are also available. More information can be found on http://sgcoffeefestival.com.sg/.

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UsQuBa Scottish Restaurant & Bar opens at One Fullerton today. The name is derived from the Gaelic Usquebaugh, meaning Water of Life, or simply, whisky.

The full table service restaurant will serve New Scottish cuisine handcrafted by Executive Chef Guven Uyanik who has worked with a stellar cast of famous chefs who helm award-winning restaurants such as Gordon Ramsay (one Michelin-starred Maze, and the former Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s) and Thomas Keller (three Michelin-starred The French Laundry).

Armed with an impressive sharpness to the smallest of details, and having lived in Asia for at least six years, chef Guven brings his award- winning French cooking techniques to present New Scottish cuisine in a “deformalised fine dining” setting. Chef Guven brings in natural produce from Scotland regularly, such as fish, langoustine and beef into the Singapore kitchen. These fine seafood and meats are reworked into familiar dishes with touches of Asian influence that make up the menu.

Orkney Islands Scallop Ceviche ($25) is a perfect appetizer. It’s light and refreshing. I love this unconventional combination of compressed cucumber and apple. The horseradish snow and sea urchin adds a level of elegance. Suggested Wine Pairing: Raventos Silencis 2014

Chef makes his own pasta. The tedious process takes 2 days and no water is added into the recipe. That’s why his Ravioli of Pork Cheeks ($21) is remarkable. The soft and flavourful pork cheek is braised for 26 hours before wrapping in the pasta skin. Its stand alone is good with a lovely internal texture, but when served with porcini sauce, confit onion, port wine reduction and red radish, it becomes an elegant dinner not lacking in any flavour. Suggested Wine Pairing: Chianti 2014

Making full use of the small and tender bird, Baked Pigeon (half for $32 or whole for $46) is served with calamari, peas and drizzled with squid ink sauce. The meat retains the moisture and are eaten simply for the enjoyment of their slightly gamey, faintly salty taste. Suggested Wine Pairing: Pinot Noir, Australia, 2014

Inspired from the butter-poached lobster dish at the French Laundry by Chef Thomas Keller, Butter Poached Lobster ($58) at UsQuBa was a hot favourite for dinner that night. Chef has clearly find a way to cook lobster gently. The lobster is loaded with buttery flavour and it emerges glistening and lush-textured from its butter bath, with the flesh remains exquisitely tender. The sauce is rich with the essence from lobster head, balanced with the sweetness from the peaches. Pickled beetroot and fennel salad lift the acidity of the dishes. Suggested Wine Pairing: Montrachet 2013

We ended the night with Tastings of Strawberry ($15) featuring smooth pistachio cream sandwiched between pistachio biscuit and served with strawberry juice and strawberry sorbet. For a local touch, try the Peanut Butter Bread Pudding with homemade kaya ice-cream and Chocolate Delice with Baileys ice-cream.

There are a variety of Scottish cheeses available here, including Caboc (Scotland’s oldest cheese), Connage Clava Brie (Award Winning brie-style cheese), Dunsyre Blue (handmade cheese from H.J. Errington farms in Lanarkshire, Scotland), Dunlop (mild cheese or ‘sweet-milk cheese’ from Dunlop in East Ayrshire, Scotland) and Arran Cheddar Cheese (fine medium Cheddar Cheese comes from the beautiful Isle of Arran).

The restaurant also has a 40-seater bar and adjacent den which serves a curated whisky list satisfying both the novice and the aficionado with familiar favourites of up to 30 reworked classic cocktails as well as rare and exclusive whiskies. We had a flight of whisky during dinner – Balvenie 14 Year Old Caribbean Cask Whisky, Balvenie 17 Year Old Doublewood Malt Whisky and Balvenie 21 Year Old PortWood Finish Whisky. I like the The DoubleWood 17 most because it is incredibly smooth and easy drinking.

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Chef Benny Se Teo of Eighteen Chefs has opened a new kopitiam in Bugis Junction – Seng Kee The Black Seed. This modern coffee house is going to be halal-certified so our Muslim friends can also enjoy kaya toast and nanyang coffee together.

The ordering system is quite straightforward. You order and pay at the cashier. When the number on your receipt shows on the screen, collect your food.

One drink the menu that they speak strongly about is the Bullet ($1.90 for 8 oz) which is made from concentrated black coffee with a slice of butter. It packs a punch!

Their 63°C soft boil eggs ($2.20 for 2) is super power lah! The sous-vide egg is a thing of beauty. The yolks are runny and surrounded by tender white that’s so silky smooth. Totally can’t bear to eat them. That reminds me, that I haven’t touch my sous-vide machine for a long time…

Their menu is quite different from our other coffee joints like Toast Box or Ya Kun. Yes they have the usual suspects but on top of it, Chef Benny has given a clever twist on our local dishes to cater to all.

For example, the chee cheong fun is not served in the black sauce. Instead, you can have them in sambal belacan ($3), peanut & chilli sauce ($3), beef rendang ($6.50), sambal sotong ($6.50), devil’s curry chicken ($5.50), local curry chicken ($5.50) or japanese curry (vegetarian, $4.50). So many different ways! I was recommended by the cashier to try the sambal sotong version. The chewy sotong is drenched with a thick and spicy sambal sauce that is so fragrant and tasty. Because of such intensity, I love this so much that I ordered again during my second visit.

Our national dish Hainanese Chicken Rice is given a gourmet twist as Chef Benny came up with Hainanese Chicken Sandwich ($3.20 for 4″, $6 for 8″). Choose from ciabatta or focaccia as slices of chicken, ginger sauce, chilli sauce, lettuce, cucumber and tomatoes are sandwiched in between the bread. It’s a little hard to eat them as a whole because of the thick layers of lettuce, making it easily dismantled. But if you successfully put them all in your mouth, you can an explosion in taste as if you are having a plate of comforting chicken rice. Other options include beef rendang sandwich that is stewed for at least 3 hours till it is tender; hae bee hiam with wild rocks, tomato with cheddar, roast duck or sambal sotong.

Devil’s Curry is a fiery red curry made with a different style of spice paste namely dried chilies, shallots, ginger, vinegar, yellow mustards, sausages, potatoes, carrots, chicken/duck etc. The end result is a complex flavour that is tantalising to the taste buds. Here, you can pair it with bread bowls ($5) or rice ($5.40 for nasi lemak, $4.50 for plain rice). It’s thick and sedap but needs a little more kick for me.

Breakfast is perhaps the best excuse to dive into supremely delicious nasi lemak, as New York-based Time magazine listed it to be the 10 most healthy breakfasts in the world (really?!?!). Nasi Lemak here uses basmati rice and starts from $2.40. We included a chicken wing and costs $3.80 in total. The chicken rests on a pile of coconut-scented basmatic rice studded by 1/2 boiled egg, ikan bilis, cucumbers and a fiery sambal.

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Gone are the days when we are having granola or smoothie bowls. Grain bowls are having a moment here with more choices popping up. From the folks behind The Populus Coffee & Food Co., Senate Coffee is an outpost at Great Eastern Centre serving speciality Coffee, artisanal teas and scrumptious grain bowls. Good location, in my opinion, as the crowd from CBD are after light and healthy lunch options.

To be honest, grain bowl doesn’t sound like the most exciting lunch option for my dining partner and I. Plus, she is a complete carnivore, so that makes things more difficult. But when we look beyond our impression of tasteless plates of greens, there can be endless possibilities.

Senate does a variety of tasty (and healthy) grain bowls. If you are too lazy to create your own bowls, choose from their curated ones including Pulled Pork ($15), Roasted Cod ($19.50), Roast Chicken ($15), Tuscan Lamb Shoulder ($17.50), Braised Beef Cheek ($19) and Marinated Silken Tofu ($14).

Of course, you have a choice to craft your own bowls from $15.50 where you can to choose from
– 1 base: 3 grain mix, wild & brown rice salad, soba noodle salad, super greens
– 1 protein: 8hr pulled pork, teriyaki roasted cod (add $4.50), roast chicken, tuscan lamb shoulder ($2.50), slow braised beef cheek (add $4), marinated silken tofu
– 5 add ons: (too long to type out the list but…) interesting choice include zucchini & herb salad, marinated mixed mushrooms, furikaki charred baby corn, sous vide egg, Thai marinated funghi, pistachio dukkah etc.

I went for the slow braised beef option with 3 grain mix jazzed up with tangy Thai marinated funghi and mixed mushrooms. The beef was braised till a soft and tender consistency, which should work well with the sous vide egg (if it was more flowy). I thought my own creation was quite refreshing, and full of fun flavor, like a vacation in a bowl!

My carnivore dining partner, on the other hand, had a soba based bowl with super boring looking ingredients. But the 8hr pulled pork did help to kick up the flavor and make those grain bowls pop. So the answer to a better grain bowl is all about how you’re topping it.

For breakfast, pick from the Nutrient Bowls like Luxury Granola ($7), Coconut Chia Pudding ($7.50) and Power Smoothie Bowl ($7.50). Of course, how can you leave Senate without having their specialty coffee? Using their own roasted beans from 2Degrees North (70% brazilian 30% el salvador coffee), my cup of latte has a strong nutty flavor of hazelnuts, making this a delightful way to start your day.

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Advertorial

McCafé was brought to Singapore by McDonald’s in 2003 to make espresso coffee accessible to coffee-lovers islandwide. They have recently revamped the menu lineup and introducing 4 new and refreshed sandwich selection and 2 new soup choices.

We tried the thick and creamy Mushroom Soup To Go with chunky bits of shiitake and button mushroom. Packed with earthy, savory mushroom flavour, there’s a hint of cooked celery and onion to give it a different contrast in terms of texture.

Another option is the Broccoli Soup To Go, featuring florets of broccoli, celery, onion and leeks. It has a creamy taste and umami with cooked broccoli taste.

We all know how difficult it is sometimes to just get out the door in the morning, not to mention preparing breakfast. Or sometimes, we had a crazy week and sitting down for a proper lunch is almost impossible. But don’t let your lunch falls by the wayside. Try a sandwich from McCafé!

Sandwiches are the epitome of an uncomplicated lunch, but they don’t have to be boring. Freshly made upon order, I have tried the Chicken Pesto Sandwich filled with tasty fajita chicken lightly tossed in basil pesto, Chicken Pesto, Wild Rocket and Tomato on Ciabatta. The ciabatta bread is crispy and toasted on the outside and gooey with melted cheese in the middle. I like how the combination works, married with peppery wild rocket and juicy thick tomatoes.

While basil pesto is my preference, I know some people hate it. But not to worry, there are other equally great options like Chicken Ham, white cheddar and tomato sandwich; Chicken Ham, white cheddar and tomato sandwich; and egg mayo, chicken ham and spinach on Light Rye Bread.

With new soups and sandwiches, it is best to pair them with coffee! To date, there are over 50 McCafé outlets conveniently located islandwide, and each offers a wide range of quality coffee brewed from a blend of 100% Arabica beans from Brazil Salvador and Columbia.

McCafé has also launched its new digitised rewards programme, the Devotee App. Customers will be entitled to a free McCafé beverage when they download the Devotee App and register for an account between 21 May and 20 June.

P/S McCafé is part of the inaugural Singapore Coffee Festival, which will be held from June 9 to 12 at the F1 Pit Building. So if you are there, check them out!

Find out more at McCafé website: https://www.mcdonalds.com.sg/our-brands/mccafe-brand/

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Replacing Sauce Bar, Mischief is a new bar at Esplanade Mall opened by actresses Cynthia Koh and Michelle Chong, along with former DJ Daniel Ong (who owns Twelve Cupcakes) and the good folk behind both Tab and Suprette. A comfortable yet lively establishment which makes a great gathering with friends, Mischief not only serves alcohol, but also serves American Street Food as well.

To go with your drinks, share some great American favourites such as Cod fish charcoal ($16) and House Fried Shrimp ($16). Marinated with spices and deep fried using charcoal batter, the cod fish is rolled into a black ball and served with a refreshing beetroot puree. The fried shrimp is served with mentaiko mayo and drizzled with wasabi oil. It’s sure a succulent flavour with crisp texture but the wasabi oil was a little strong in my opinion.

For those who wanted a healthy start, go for the colorful Heirloom Tomato Salad ($14) is bulked up with juicy mixed tomato, basil pesto, cheese and olive crumb. It’s summer in a bowl. Bring a medley of flavours together, the Summe Seafood Special ($24) is like “ceviche” style of prawns, fried cod, clams, squid in citrus and chilli broth.

Adding an asian twist, the Belly Sliders ($16) with hoisin glaze and pickles is like the ang mo version of our kong ba bao. Thinly sliced belly meat is marinated in hoisin sauce and dressed with crunchy pickles and peanuts in the crispy bun.

BBQ Baby Back Ribs ($32) is marinated with heavy spices and served with fries and greens. It’s always difficult to bbq ribs until they fall off the bone and melt in the mouth. Mischief’s version is decent, it’s smoky and not dry nor chewy.

The Grilled Wagyu Cubes & Bone Marrow ($26) had the right flavour in it. I will be honest. I had no idea what’s intercostal until I googled and found that intercostal are the muscles between the ribs. They are, as expected, strong in flavours and tender due the amount of fats and slow cooking. Combining with bone marrow and herb puree, it’s not as “scary” as it seems. To be honest, I felt the bone marrow doesn’t add any value to the dish and can be done without. Nevertheless, the potato mash were nice as they soak up the veal sauce nicely and provided balance to the meat. Buckwheat was also sprinkled to give it a little contrast in texture.

We ended the night with Muchos Churros ($12) with chocolate sauce. Those thick and chunky churros were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Coated with cinnamon sugar, you can eat them on its own, or dip in dark chocolate sauce. Mischief also serve interesting cocktails such as Chendoltini ($18) – an alcoholic concoction of chendol made of Vodka, Cream de Cacao, Gula Melaka, Coconut Cream and Pandan Noodles.

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Everybody loves dim sum, and siew mai is usually the favourite. Now you can get decent siew mai for $1.90 at Xiao Chen Homemade Bao Dian! Started a few months ago by a Malaysian cook, Xiao Chen Homemade Bao Dian serves cheap and decent dim sum at a coffeeshop in Geylang Bahru. My group of makan kakis visited the stall in early April to try it.

To be honest, I never like to have dim sum in kopitiam because many stalls use commercially-made stuff that is bought from factories. I had a chat with the boss and he comes to the stall before 6am to prepare and makes the dim sum from scratch daily. The hard work put in to make these dim sum – it’s really not a job that everyone can do for years. I am sure there are many other kopitiam dim sum that holds that passion too.

Most of the dim sum items are priced at $1.90 including siew mai, har kau, crab meat dumpling, pork ribs, chicken feet etc. For good results, the boss uses fresh meat to make his dim sum. That makes most of his dim sum different. Other staples include chee cheong fun ($2), braised pork bao ($1.30), big pau ($1.60), coffee pau ($0.80), golden sands pau ($1). We didn’t get to try any pau that day, so we probably got to head back and do it again.

While you are there, don’t forget to walk over to Geylang Bahru Market & Food Centre nearby to have a plate of Guan Hin Carrot Cake.

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Listed on Forbes.com as “10 Most Unusual Restaurants in the World”, Dinner in the Sky has arrived at Puteri Harbour, Johor from now till 19 June 2016. I was thrilled to be invited to go up on this interesting dinner, all thanks to Doubletree by Hilton, Johor Bahru. The husband was mocking at me when I agreed, “You dare meh? Very high one leh! You sure close your eyes all the way.” Aiyo, how to see my food and enjoy the view with my eyes closed? Challenge accepted, I am sure it’s not that scary lah!

We were supposed to go up at 6.30pm but our session was delayed so I missed the sunset. But it is okay, the view was already magnificent enough. Upon seated, the safety crew will help us to buckle up to ensure safety at all times. The crane and crew were tested and approved by TUV SUD, a wwell-respected German safety testing organization. The platform can hold 22 pax at a time, secured by a system of belts in 6 anchor points. When everyone is seated, up we go – 50m above the ground!

It’s actually quite stable while going up, I don’t feel any shake at all. Plus it was already dark, so I can’t really see if I was on the ground or above the ground. Due to the wind, the chair will swivel a little but it’s fine! Four-course dinner was served briskly by the chefs from Tosca Trattoria Italiana of Doubletree by Hilton, Johor Bahru.

We started with a plate of salad – white anchovies dressed with balsamic jelly served with marinated wild strawberries, yellow frisee lettuce and feta goat cheese. I was too excited that I forget to take pictures of the first course! -_- But after I calmed down, I started taking pictures of my basil and green pea soup served with rich truffle cream. Smooth and creamy, this delicious and refreshing soup uses simple whole food ingredients to create a buttery texture with hints of truffle aroma.

As for mains, I think I made a marvellous decision to pick Slow Cooked Wagyu Beef Cheek, Gaufrette Potato and Baby Spinach. Braised for hours, the meat is wind up with intense flavor and a tenderness that leave us craving for more. My dining partner had a lighter dinner featuring Baked Cod Fish with smoky Red Pepper Chutney, Spinach, Horseradish Mash and a touch of tangy Fresh Passion Fruit. Other options include Free Range Chicken Breast Koffman’s Cabbage and Australian Lamb Rump. Vegetarian choices are available as well. The creamy cherry tiramisu brings a sweet ending to my meal.

There are two sessions available daily (7:00 pm – 8:00 pm or 8:30pm – 9:30pmpm). Only a few seats left, each pax is priced at RM699++ (not inclusive of wines, champagnes and beers). Admission to the Dinner in the Sky welcome lounge, a seat on the Dinner In The Sky table, a 4 course dinner menu, free flow of water and some juices. All guests are recommended to use the restroom prior to taking their seats.

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With so many great food options in Orchard Road, it is indeed difficult to choose what’s for lunch. This time round at #IONFoodie adventure, we have visited some great establishments for dim sum, sandwiches and drinks! Hope it helps you to make your meal choice. Don’t forget to share them on Instagram with #IONFoodie hashtag!

*STAMP: SINGAPORE
Putien
#04-12

PUTIEN (莆田) at ION Orchard has launched an all-new exquisite uniquely PUTIEN Dim Sum, with dishes at only $3.90++ each! Valid daily from 2.30pm – 4.30pm, enjoy more than 20 dishes such as Stewed September Pearls with Gluten, pig stomach with eight treasure stuffing, popular jian bao, seaweed dumpling, deep fried oyster cakes, sweet potato buns and more.

Stewed September Pearls with Gluten is only harvested at the start of autumn and known for their superior quality. These tender soybeans are stewed with gluten chunks, the buttery flavour makes a delightful snack. Another highlight is Deep Fried Oyster Cakes with fresh oysters complemented with sweet emerald green leeks, celery, fish paste and wrapped in handmade bean cur skin that is deep fried till a golden crisp.

PUTIEN “Jian Bao” is a popular Putian street snack from 1920s. Pan fried both sides to a glistening golden brown, it is packed with flavourful sumptuous ingredents and served in their special sauce. My favourite is “Guo Bian Hu” where the rice paste is scrapped into the boiling broth as delicate rice noodles, complemented with vegetables, pork slices, shrimps for a comforting dish.

Not forgetting the Heng Hwa Bee Hoon – a traditional PUTIEN delight made of hand-milled flour to ensure its translucent, fine texture and original flavour. The chef simmers the noodles with eggs in the natural goodness of fresh soy milk. The wholesome dish is then topped with bean sprouts, seaweed and peanuts. You can also enjoy 1 for 1 Fried Heng Hwa Bee Hoon with Soy Milk at $7.90++. Limited redemptions valid till 31 July 2016, while stocks last. Available daily except eve of and on public holidays, for dine-in only. Read more about it from my previous post.

*STAMP: AUSTRALIA
BOOST JUICE BAR
#B4-65

Boost Juice Bars was born in 2000 in sunny Australia and brought to Singapore by husband-and-wife team Dr Soraya Ismail and Nick Tiernan. Boost offers a healthy alternative to fast food, which is encompassed in a brand perceived to be ‘cool’ by young consumers. The menu offers ‘Seriously Healthy’ and delicious smoothies, juices and crushes, all developed with the assistance of a nutritionist, all at least 98% fat free, with no added sugar and free from any artificial flavours or colourings.

Jam-packed with antioxidants, Wonder Melon is a delicious blend of strawberries, freshly juiced watermelon, TD4 strawberry yoghurt, whey protein and ice. A superfruit booster indeed! Another popular juice is Soraya’s Favourite. Named after the big boss this one features mango, green tea, mango nectar TD4 vanilla yoghurt, sorbet, and ice. This is an immunity booster.

So whether you’re on-the-go and in need of a quick energy boost, want to treat yourself to a tasty low-fat smoothieafter a quick snack, or if you’re simply feeling thirsty, then Boost Juice is sure to satisfy all your needs.

Enjoy Boost’s Medium Size Wondermelon and Soraya’s Favourite at $6. Limited to 200 redemptions till 31 July 2016. While stock lasts, T&Cs apply.

*STAMP: LONDON
London Sandwich Co.
#B4-46

Opened by the same dynamic duo who own and run Boost Juice in Malaysia and Singapore, London Sandwich Co. offers a wide range of gourmet sandwiches and coffee for the fast-paced city peeps. This is a radical grab and go retail concept that serves real, handmade food & artisan coffee to busy people who are on the go.

Freshly made sandwiches are the highlight, with a variety of breads lining the chilled display. The sandwiches are divided into 4 big categories – bloomer multi-grain, white and multigrain baguettes, and wholemeal sandwich bread. We dug straight into Chicken Avocado served with fluffy multigrain bread slices along with tender chicken breast, avocado, basil leaves, tomatoes, crispy Romaine & Lolla Rossa lettuce, and English mustard mayonnaise. It looked simple but was made quite a tasty and filling meal.

My dining partner went for Pastrami & Cheese Multigrain Bloomer with Australian mature cheddar cheese, beef pastrami, tomatoes, Romaine & Lolla Rossa lettuce, and English mustard mayonnaise. There are a handful of salads, sweet treats, freshly baked pastries and beverages to choose from too. Food is prepared fresh daily: nothing is kept overnight.

Enjoy a Chicken Avocdo and Pastrami & Cheese Bloomer Sandwich at $10. Limited to 100 redemptions till 31 July 2016. While stock lasts, T&Cs apply.

*STAMP: SINGAPORE
CLIPPER TEA
#B4-07

Tea has evolved to become an everyday indulgence in peoples’ lives. From mass market options to higher-quality tea bags, loose teas and tea leaves sourced from single estates, the appreciation of fine tea has increased over the years. The 1872 Clipper Tea Co. launches its flagship standalone retail store at ION Orchard in April this year to cater to this rising demand, and to make tea readily available for tea drinkers.

The new ION Orchard store not only includes a retail space, but also boasts a first-of-its-kind in-store tea bar. Pick from a myriad of tea blends available, and be impressed by the Alpha Dominche Steampunk machine as it prepares the perfect cuppa hot brew. From essential English breakfast to its Yunnan silver tips, 1872 Clipper Tea Co. has all kinds of tea blends that are suitable for all types of tea drinkers. Priced at $4.50 and $6.50 (luxury range) per cup. Don’t forget to have some tea-infused pastries and desserts while you’re at it.

Quench your thirst with hot favourites; Apple Pie which combines cold brewed tea with fresh apple slices, cloudy apple juice, cinnamon syrup, and Lemongrass-ginger which pairs cold brewed tea with candied ginger and lemongrass syrup. For something milky, opt for the Gula Melaka Tea Latte which uses fragrant gula melaka and crème. All specialty teas are priced at $6.50.

Enjoy 1 for 1 Classic Breakfast Tin at $24. Limited to 100 redemptions till 30 June 2016. While stock lasts, T&Cs apply.

About ION Orchard App

From now till 31 July 2016, various F&B outlets in ION Orchard, representing cuisines from around the world, will be offering discounts or 1-for-1 deals for selected items. To enjoy the deal, simply visit the store and redeem it in the ION Orchard App (iOS / Android).

After redeeming a deal, a country / city stamp will appear on your ION Holideals Foodie Travalog page. After 31 July 2016, 5 users with the most deals redeemed and 5 users with the most country / city stamps collected will each receive a $20 dining voucher. For more information, visit their website.

Don’t forget to hashtag #IONFoodie

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Ready for some sunshine and sand in Koh Samui? When I want a break from writing, I escape to the beach. It’s always nice to start my day enjoying the ocean and eat delicious food.

Located on the north-east coast of Koh Samui in Bophut, Kanda Residences is a block from the ocean and just minutes from Cheongmon’s family friendly beaches and the action and nightlife of Chaweng. When the folks from Kanda Residences invited us over for a weekend, it’s hard to reject.

LOCATION

For those arriving from the Koh Samui Airport, there’s no need to endure a lengthy transfer as Kanda Residences is just a ten-minute drive away. The villa is both close to the action and removed enough to give us breathing room. Such perfect location to provide seclusion and privacy while allowing easy access to all Samui has to offer.

Of course, for those looking for a lively evening out or an excursion to one of the island’s many attractions, Kanda Residences isn’t too far from the action. Only minutes from the hustle-and-bustle of Chaweng, Kanda Residences’ location allows guests to enjoy various facets of Koh Samui life in equal measure.

VILLA

Style, elegance, comfort and privacy are just a few of the great features of the villas at Kanda Residences. The villas are available with 1, 2, 3 or 4-bedrooms, giving us ample space to enjoy a range of optional personalized services including in-villa cooking class or barbeque, babysitter services, kid’s activities and private party arrangements.

OUR ROOM

We checked in to pool villa which offers an ocean view from the 2nd floor master bedroom. On the lower level, there is a spacious living room with dining and in-villa kitchen facilities. Outside, a large private pool furnished with sun loungers as well as a gazebo gave us the chance to relax in comfort while enjoying the tropical beauty of Koh Samui and the sea beyond. Air conditioned en suite bathrooms are complete with double vanity, rain showers, large bathtubs and full amenities. A standout feature in the bed which made for a night of blissful sleep.

BREAKFAST AT ROCKPOOL

Kanda Residences only had one restaurant – Rockpool. Perfectly situated just a few feet from the sea, the restaurant’s perfect setting is great for a romantic dinner, afternoon cocktails or simply a tea or coffee break. The open plan of the decked terrace offers an unparalleled view and proximity to the ocean and coastline to make the overall experience of a visit to Rockpool truly unforgettable.

Combining the best of east and west in a setting that is nothing short of breathtaking, you can start your breakfast at the restaurant if the weather is not too hot. They serve a small menu of egg benedict to Thai food. Because of its magical location, I think Kanda is also a great location for picture perfect beach-side weddings.

IN-ROOM DINING

If you prefer to enjoy your breakfast in the comfort of your villa, go ahead to give them a call and tell them what you would like to eat. They have a mix of western and Thai dishes for you to choose from. Since we had western breakfast at Rockpool already, we decided to go for Thai menu. It was a good choice. The tangy, crunchy, slightly sweet Pad Thai (THB270) are irresistible.

COOKING CLASS

There are loads of indoor and outdoor activites to do in the villa. Besides the activities planned for children, Kanda also offer executive personal trainer services for adults. We of course, opted for cooking class (THB2000, minimum 2 people)! These fun, hands-on cooking classes are taught by chefs from Rockpool who introduce us to Thai culture and traditions through food.

Choose from different menus and let the Chef guide you through the recipes. We get to learn the dishes we want to learn from four different categories – Salad, Soup, Stir-Fried and Curry. The chefs will prepare the ingredients with us and at the end of it, we will be eating our homecooked food for lunch! All these happened in our villa’s kitchen. So convenient, I don’t even have to step out. So here’s sharing 2 recipes I learnt from the session.

Yam Neau Yang

2016-06-11 00:46:30

One of the more popular appetizers in Thailand, beef salad had a perfect balance of sweet, sour, savoury and spicy flavours in this dish.

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Ingredients

1. 200g beef tenderloin
2. 50g tomato
3. 30g cucumber
4. 20g Thai celery
5. 20g white onion
6. 20g spring onion
7. 2g mint leaves
8. 10g peanuts
9. 2 dried chilli
10. 5ml fish sauce
11. 5g palm sugar
12. 2g red chillies, chopped
13. 2g garlic, chopped

Instructions

1. Grill the beef to your desired temperature and set aside to cool.
2. Place all vegetables and herbs in a bowl and add the fish sauce, lime juice and palm sugar to taste.
3. Slice the beef and add to the salad. Finish with peanuts and garnish with dried chillies.

Miss Tam Chiak http://www.misstamchiak.com/

Tom Yam Goong

2016-06-11 00:48:29

In Thailand, tom yam is usually made with prawns, chicken, fish or mushrooms. The soup is characterised by its distinct hot and soup flavours, with fragrant herbs generously used. The basic broth is made of stock and fresh ingredients such as lemon grass, kaffire lime leaves, galangal, lim juice, fish sauce, crushed chilli peppers and more. The soup is often topped with coriander leaves.

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Ingredients

1. 1 river prawns
2. 2 tsp chilli paste
3. 5g galangal
4. 5g lemongrass
5. 2 pcs kaffire lime leaf
6. 40g shallots
7. 3 pcs red thai chilli
8. 50g straw mushrooms
9. 50g cherry tomato
10. 270ml vegetable stock
11. 2 tbsp fish sauce
12. 2 tbsp lime juice
13. 2 tbsp evaporated milk
14. coriander to garnish

Instructions

1. Pour all spices and vegetable stock in a pot and bring to simmer for about 3 minutes to release all the flavours.
2. Add straw mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and prawns. Simmer for another 2 minutes or until the prawn is fully cooked.
3. Lastly, add evaporated milk and then the fish sauce and lime juice to your preferred taste. Top with coriander and serve.

Miss Tam Chiak http://www.misstamchiak.com/

Chef uses a very simple Thai recipes, and it doesn’t take very long to prepare. All you have to do is to gather the ingredients and spices needed and it’s half the battle won. We got our scrumptious lunch all prepared in less than 2 hours (with photography).

All cooking lessons can be personalized on request, and they can cater for specific needs – be it dietary restrictions or preferences, requests for lessons appropriate for children, or closed groups and different levels of expertise.

MASSAGE

The best treat when you are on a getaway is … MASSAGE! Located within the villa, Kanda Residences Asian Wellness Centre focuses on Thai Wellness treatments using the methodology taught at the world famous Wat Pho Temple in Bangkok – that is to apply pressure along the muscular and nervous system.

There’s nothing better than slipping on a warm, fluffy robe right before a massage or scrub. Go for the Kanda Asian Wellness Signature Massage which is a unique massage combining traditional Thai techniques with an Aromatherapy relaxation method. The therapists are professional and have good skills, which helps to relieve my shoulder aches and induces a deep state of deep relaxation.

PRIVATE DINING BY THE BEACH

There are people who plan their vacations around restaurants, I am definitely one of them. Kanda’s private beach is a beautiful stretch of soft sand – perfect for strolling hand in hand or having a romantic beach dinner! Executive Chef Lucas Leonardi Varin brings his Michelin star training to the forefront with an interchanging special menu highlighting the freshest ingredients with an international array of flavors and fine dining technique.

Creating a well balanced menu which reflects the relaxed resort atmosphere with a casual all day dining menu, we were served a variety of Tapas platter including Rice Paper Rolls (THB 270) with sesame and yuzu sauce, crispy Fried Prawn Cake (THB290), Tuna Miang Kam with betal leaf (THB320) and Scallops in the shell with Thai seafood sauce (THB340). Combining east and west, Black Angus and Tiger Prawn Salad (THB440) features smoky and tender grilled Australian black angus beef with mixed leaves, spices and herbs.

For a heartier selection the grill kitchen flames local seafood and imported meats. Served in medium rare, Australian Beef Ribeye (THB850) is lightly rubbed with salt and pepper before grilling at controlled temperature. When sliced, it reveals a rosy pink shade and is served with chimichurri sauce made from a blend of parsley, mint & cilantro. I like the rich and robust flavour from the sauce which pairs beautifully with the marbled meat. For a lighter main, Whole Sea Bass (THB620) is a great option too.

This is incredibly romantic. Rockpool’s beautiful setting is as enchanting as the restaurant’s startlingly creative food by Executive Chef Lucas. The kitchens also regularly creates new featured dishes to provide guests with an ever-evolving selection of flavor combinations so you can look forward to something new each time you dine there. The villa also does private BBQ session (THB1,990/pax, minimum 2 persons) at your villa between 12pm to 10pm, make your reservations early.

SPECIAL OFFERS

Reserve your stay on full prepayment, non refundable terms and receive a 20% discount. Booking period: now till 31 October 2016. Valid until 22 December 2016.

Rate inclusive of breakfast, airport transfers, a bottle of sparkling wine, Wi-Fi access, daily shuttle service to Chaweng tourist area, non-motorized water sport and 10% discount in the restaurant and spa. Visit http://kandaresidences.com/special-offers for more great deals.

BOOK DIRECT TO RECEIVE…

For those looking for peace, tranquility and privacy – you’ll definitely find all of this in abundance at Kanda Residences. The resort is situated on a gently-sloping hillside in Bophut which tapers off to a secluded beachfront. This is what you will get when you book directly from them:

– Best Rate Guarantee – 15% discount on any lower rate under the same terms
– Complimentary return airport transfers
– Bedroom Oceanfront Pool Villa – instant confirmation.
– 10% Discount on Food and Beverage and Spa
– Complimentary bottle of sparkling wine on arrival

The post 36 Hours in Kanda Residences – Beautiful Beach Resort in Koh Samui appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Resting at the foot of Mount Faber, Fuel Plus+ is a sister cafe of Refuel Café at Bedok. Unlike the industrial-themed Refuel café, Fuel Plus+ has a minimalist design with Scandinavian touch to the interior, exuding a relaxing and cozy atmosphere for an afternoon meal.

As it is hidden away from the main road, you would have to take a short walk into Wishart Road before you can actually see the cafe.

The Soft Shell Crab Curry ($18) was an interesting dish that caught my attention. The rich and creamy curry was not too spicy, and the gentle hint of lemongrass elevated the flavors. The soft shell crab was crispy and so filled with juiciness that you could eat it all up. Upon finishing, you could also soak the crusty bread with all the goodness so as to not let the sauce go to waste.

One of the recommended mains was the Honey BBQ Babyback Ribs ($19). Although it was stated as slow baked tender pork ribs, the texture of the meat was not as “tender” as it seems. The meat was quite tough unfortunately. Nonetheless, the grilled corn on cob was really sweet and they were quite generous in the portion for the rib.

The PUMP it Up Hotcake ($16) brought a sweet ending to our meal. Baked with apple cubes and cinnamon, the hotcake was thick and moist inside. The thickness was probably what made it slightly doughy. The sweet and sour berries complements the creamy vanilla ice cream, and there was also a slight nutty flavor from the pistachio crumbs.

Accompany your meal with either a cup of coffee or a cup of Fuel Ice Tea ($5), that’s filled with sweet-citrusy flavors. It was a cooling and refreshing companion to have on a hot and sunny day.

The post Fuel Plus+ – Refuel Café Opens Another Cafe at Telok Blangah appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

It was my hatch day two weeks ago and I wanted to go on a heritage celebration, makaning with my loved ones at all the good ol’ heritage places in Singapore. One of the places I visited was Mooi Chin Place Village Hotel Bugis. I got to know about Mit from my Hong Kong friends who stayed at the hotel and tried the food.

Opened in 1935, this restaurant started as a restaurant & bar serving only western fare and alcoholic drinks. Back then, they were located at the corner of North Bridge Road and Purvis Street and were one of the few restaurants that has alcoholic license. After World War 2, they started selling oriental cuisine.

This oldest Hainanese restaurant is famed for their homely signature dishes including Hainanese pork chop, chicken rice, mutton soup etc. They briefly to Ang Mo Kio and Funan Centre before settling down at Landmark Village Hotel in 2001. (That’s beside the point… but how many times must the hotel change name? From Golden Landmark Hotel to Landmark Village Hotel to Village Hotel Bugis… oh my goodness).

The Hainanese Style Poached Chicken (half $20) is very smooth and tender, goes well with the rice that’s subtle and not too oily. The rice has a mild chicken flavour with pronounced ginger fragrance. They also have offer the Hainanese Chicken Rice Set for $16. Nothing to shout about for the Fried Chop Suay ($14), I wish it was less savoury.

The Hainanese Mutton Soup ($16) is another signature dish but unfortunately, my friends are not big on mutton so we skipped it. Instead, we went for Fish Maw with mixed meat and seafood soup ($24) which is very homely and comes with cabbage, abalone slices, prawns and squid. Alternatively, order the Fried Fish Maw with Seafood ($16) to go with a bowl of steaming hot white rice.

Because the owner used to hire cooks who had worked in Peranakan families, hence they dish out great tasting sambals and curries. Fried Prawns with Sambal and Onion ($18) looks like an unassuming dish but it has got excellent sambal flavours – spicy and aromatic!

Hainanese Pork Chop ($14) does not come the familiar tomato-based sauce but a French style brown gravy made from a recipe passed down by the owner. This dish was said to be a favourite among many British patrons during the restaurant’s younger days. The breadcrumbs kept the meat moist and crispy throughout the dinner.

Other Hainanese favourites include Deep Fried Pomfret Coated with Sambal ($38), Hainanese Style Ox Tongue Stew ($18), Hainanese Curry Chicken ($18). You can also go for their list of Western offerings. Service and decor have got nothing to shout about and the price was a little on the steep side. Sadly, there were only 2-3 tables on a weekend evening even though they do offer a homely taste with nostalgia.

The post Mooi Chin Place – Hainanese Signatures in Village Hotel Bugis appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Sometimes you leave a meal feeling more stressed than you arrived. The fear that a dish you wanted was sold out. Or the waiter disappeared and your drinks were not served. But there is a dining experience that will leave you feeling pampered and relaxed: afternoon tea.

I did a fun poll with HSBC on Twitter asking readers to vote where should I go for tea. Amongst 879 fans who voted, 70% of them voted for me to go for Fullerton Hotel’s afternoon tea. And here I am – having a traditional afternoon tea at The Courtyard in The Fullerton Singapore!

Located in the sunlit atrium lobby of the hotel, this is where guests can enjoy a leisurely afternoon while sitting on plush sofas. Good news is, they have a great promotion – one dines FREE with every three paying adults!

Even though much of the fare was expected, the entire experience was still a real treat. There were scones, finger sandwiches and amuse-bouche to start, including Otak-Otak and Quail Egg Sandwich with Walnut Bread; Brie Cheese, Plum Jelly, Pistachio with Hazelnut Cracker; Mini Bagel, Prosciutto Ham with Cheddar Cheese; Smoked Salmon Mille Feuille with Avruga Caviar; Smoked Duck with Spicy Mango Salsa; and Curry Egg Sandwich on Brioche Roll. I liked how they had a mixture of western and local sandwiches, which allowed us to try a variety.

Sweets were really tasty. They had interesting flavours such as Chocolate Éclair; Red Velvet Cup Cake; Vanilla Crème Brulee; Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart; Double Flavoured Macaroon; English Fruit Cake with Raspberry Financier; Lemon Tart; Kueh Lapis. My favourite will always be their lemon tart – a perfect balance of sweet and tart.

Of course, the highlight of the show was the tea. The Courtyard had more than 10 different teas to choose from. That seems to be their point of pride. Here I chose Sencha Meicha – a majestic and noble tea from Shizouka region. This delicate, simultaneously grassy tea conveys a sense of serenity that is characteristic of only the finest quality Japan green teas.

The service was equally rich, with the waitress checking to make sure everything was satisfactory. Much attention was paid to ensure my teacup was full and refilling everything I needed.

Don’t forget to make a special note of the ambience in Singapore’s 71st monument. The greens and golds of the interior banished all thoughts of the cloudy Wednesday afternoon outside, as the Traditional English Afternoon Tea was served. I appreciate the generously spaced table settings to ensure the privacy of conversations.

The Courtyards’s Traditional English Afternoon Tea is priced at S$63++ per adult, with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Reims France, N.V.; S$53++ per adult (with a glass of Red or White Wine) or S$43++ per adult. Items on The Fullerton Hotel’s Afternoon Tea set are replenishable and guests can enjoy up to two different types of teas, coffees or hot chocolate.

HSBC 1 Dines Free Promotion

One dines free with every three paying diners for Daily Afternoon Tea.

Offer is valid now to 31 August 2016, excluding eve of and on Public Holidays and special occasions such as Father’s Day weekend. Prior reservation is required, subject to availability. Promotion is limited to a maximum of 8 persons per card.

Enjoy over 50 other 1 dines free offers at hotels and restaurants islandwide. Visit http://www.hsbc.com.sg/dining for more details.

The post The Courtyard’s Afternoon Tea – Dining in Singapore’s 71st Monument appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.