Month: October 2017

Diners’ Choice Awards 2017

Listen up, foodies: it’s time to exercise your right to vote because Chope’s Diners’ Choice Awards is back – bigger, bolder, and tastier than ever! (We know we say that every year, but it’s always true, we swear.)

From now until 21st November 2017, set that foodie passion ablaze and cast your votes by booking at your favourite restaurants from our list. With over 160 top Singapore eateries and 12 categories that include Restaurant of the Year, Best Cafe, and Best Buffet, the heat is on as these hot spots go head-to-head in a bid to win bragging rights as one of the best in the city – as voted by you.

Besides the popular categories, two new ones have been added this year to spice things up: the Blogger’s Favourite, which features establishments handpicked by our partner bloggers Seth Lui, The Ordinary Patrons, Ranting Panda, The Halal Food Blog, and Rubbish Eat Rubbish Grow, and; on the other hand, the Ctrip Travellers’ Pick showcases top tourist favourites that are worth pining for.

But who are we kidding? We know what you really want to hear…

The Rewards

Yes, the more you dine, the more rewards you’ll get; besides scoring 2X Chope-Dollars when you book at the nominated restaurants, stand a chance to win attractive prizes such as $100 Takashimaya vouchers and a 2D1N staycation at Andaz Singapore. Did we also mention that there’s a round-trip to Phuket up for grabs?

giphy
Image source

Yeah, you bet there is.

How to Vote

Step 1: Make a reservation at the nominated restaurants with the code CHOPEDC17.

Yup, there’s only one step, but don’t forget the promo code! It’ll score you 2X Chope-Dollars with each reservation and in just 2 reservations , you’ll have chalked up 400 Chope-Dollars which can be redeemed for a $10 dining voucher at more than 200 restaurants – talk about a win-win situation.

Rounding off our very excited PSA about Chope Diners’ Choice Awards are the buffet offers and tummy-rumbling, exclusive set menus from cafes and restaurants on The Chope Shop. Flexing their chef-y muscles, Xiao Ya Tou, Gudetama Cafe, Blue Lotus Chinese Grill House, and more bring you goodies that we’re sure will win you over.

How to get $15 off your next purchase

Step 1: Select any 2 items from the Diners’ Choice collection on The Chope Shop and add them to your cart

Step 2: Check out with the code DC15 (reminder: the 2 items must be checked out in a single order!), and you’re well on your way to a solid $15 off your next order.

However, if you just want to vote for your favourite restaurants without indulging in all the yummies (but why would anyone skip that?), you can also do so via this form.

Now that we’ve imparted all our knowledge, all that’s left is for you to get voting – may the best taste win!

Tags Bars, Buffet, Cafe, Deals & Specials, Diners' Choice

Deals & Specials Others Singapore

Happy Halloween Horror Nights: Special Menus and Promos

Post author By Cheryl Koo
Post date October 26, 2017
No Comments on Happy Halloween Horror Nights: Special Menus and Promos

There’s less than a week to Halloween and the spirit of spookiness is already in the air. Won’t you join us for a good scare? This year we have plenty of great events to satisfy our hunger for all things tongue-tingling and spine-chilling!

Universal Studios welcomes Halloween with their first ever Zombie Laser Tag (until 29 Oct). Form a platoon, pick a captain, arm yourselves. And lastly: kill as many zombies as you can. If racing along with your heartbeat is not your thing, then get your thrills exploring the winding walkways of the old colonial house on Emily Hill, where Kult has brewed an enticing cauldron of haunting tunes and fangtastic cocktails.

But that’s not all that’s happening this week: there are restaurants and bars cooking up a bunch of Halloween Specials, with limited edition menus and promotions that are sure to have you drooling. Read on and brace yourselves for a ghouly good time!

Captain K

Watch out, Captain K’s here with some hair-raising treats this Halloween! This Korean restaurant famous for their Seafood Tier is doling out 3 new soup bases: Sze Chuan Ma La, Tomato, and Clear Tomyum Mushroom Soup. Plus, snag 15% off new soup bases with their No Tricks, Only Treats promotion, as well as an additional 5% off the total bill if you snap, post, and like them on Instagram or Facebook with #captainkonlytreats.

But that’s not all! Their partner K-Ju’s got a special Halloween set for two (or one hungry person) at $65, with unlimited orders. With one army stew pot, two rice bowls, six skewers, and two Hallowee-nie cocktails, that’s definitely a value for money deal. If you’re still thirsty for more drinks, there’s 1-for-1 Asahi draft beer or Ju-Packs too!

Find it at 112 Middle Road, #01-00 Midland House, Singapore (188970) or 30 Prinsep Street, #01-02 Income@Prinsep, Singapore (188647)

Book a table at Captain K and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

CÉ LA VI

Offering excellent contemporary Asian cuisine paired with yummy tipples and a glorious view of the Singapore skyline, CÉ LA VI sets the stage for a thrilling date. For Halloween this year, CÉ LA VI Club Lounge has partnered with London nightclub Cirque le Soir for a crazy night of burlesque and booze! Details can be found on their Facebook page.

Find it at 1 Bayfront Avenue, Level 57 Tower 3, Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, Singapore (018971)

Book a table at CÉ LA VI and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Melt Cafe

The all-day-dining buffet here may look innocently delectable, toting their TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and maintaining their position as a reviewer favourite on the site, but on 31 Oct their menu transforms into the wet dreams of zombies and vampires alike. With names like Cemetery Garden and Faces of Death, Melt certainly goes all out to impress for just one day. It’s certainly no surprise why they’re so popular!

Find it at 5 Raffles Avenue, The Mandarin Oriental, Singapore (039797)

Book a table at Melt Cafe and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Oscar’s

Yet another buffet awarded with the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, Oscar’s is a kid-friendly international buffet mecca that dishes up both Western and local favourites in generous portions. For Halloween this year, they’ve organised a chef’s pumpkin carving competition as a treat for kids to watch, while adults get free-flow house pour or premium wines at $138++ or $178++ respectively.

Find it at 2 Temasek Boulevard, Conrad Centennial Hotel, Singapore (038982)

Book a table at Oscar’s and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Don’t forget to check out the Chope Shop for offers up for grabs, but do be sure to confirm with the restaurants if they are applicable with Halloween promotions before purchase! For fellow spooks looking for a more liquid diet on All Hallow’s Eve, bars along the Singapore river are shaking it up with a little extra gasp to their drinks, so make sure to wander over during your midnight haunting!

Tags Deals & Specials, Events, Halloween, Limited Edition, Trick or Treat

Features Interviews

A Chat With Gastronomical Genius, Chef Chris Salans

Post author By Ashley Reem Nebil
Post date October 24, 2017
No Comments on A Chat With Gastronomical Genius, Chef Chris Salans

This week, we’ll be delving into the brain of the genius behind Bali restaurants Mozaic and Spice — Chef Chris Salans! Chris truly embodies what it means to be an inventive and dynamic chef. Specializing in traditional Indonesian dishes with a twist, Chris utilizes Western cooking techniques to personalize his creations. From only the finest seasonal ingredients to flawless execution and presentation, Chris makes sure to serve up perfection on a plate every time. Read on for our chat with this easygoing yet insightful master chef!

What is your favourite cuisine of all time?

That’s impossible to answer because I am an eater. All cuisines are amazing to me! Throughout my travels across the five continents, there has always something that blew my mind.

If you could open a restaurant anywhere in the world with no budget, where would it be and what kind of restaurant would it be?

It would be in Bali and it would be called ‘Mozaic’. FYI, I am already living my dream!

Do you prefer sweet or savoury food?

I have a sweet tooth for sure!

What’s the one food item you cannot stand eating?

Honestly, I haven’t tried it all. From what I have dared to have a taste of, intestines were not my cup of tea.

In your opinion, what is the best fusion food?

As we all know, ‘fusion’ has pretty much been synonymous with ‘confusion’ for a long time. I don’t believe that’s always true. The best fusion I have had is at my gastrobar, Spice – for me it is the perfect fusion of comfort food and Indonesian flavors. Believe it or not, the concept is so addictive that even though I do food tastings twice a week, I still bring my family back for more on my day off.

What’s the weirdest food you enjoy eating that nobody else likes?

I have never eaten anything that nobody else likes. I don’t think that exists. There is always going to be someone else who likes it, otherwise where would I be able to find it?

Who’s the best chef you’ve ever known or taken inspiration from?

The best chef I have known is quite possibly Joel Robuchon. The chef I have taken the most inspiration from in my career would be the one and only David Bouley of NYC.

What was the very first dish you presented a customer with, and how did it turn out?

The very first dish in my career? I cant quite recall but what I do remember is that in the very beginning, I used an amalgamation of all the dishes I had ever learned to compose my first menu. This was a sure-fire way to make sure everyone liked my first dish! It was only after that, with time, that I developed my own recipes and style of cuisine.

What was it like working on Iron Chef alongside Chefs Sezai & Maxi?

We actually never saw each other on set! Each Iron Chef came and filmed their own episode independently. Even so, I have made good friends out of both Sezai and Maxi. They are great guys as well as great chefs and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with them on Iron Chef.

Perfectly plated platters at Spice

Find Spice by Chris Salans (Sanur) at Jalan Danau Tamblingan No. 140, Sanur, Bali 80228
Book a table at Spice and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Find Spice by Chris Salans (Seminyak) at Jalan Batu Belig No.7, Kerobokan, Seminyak, Bali 80361
Book a table at Spice and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Find Spice by Chris Salans (Ubud) at Jalan Raya Ubud No. 23, Ubud, Bali 80571
Book a table at Spice and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Find Mozaic at Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571
Click here for more info on Mozaic

Tags Feature, Good View, Interview

Lifestyle Others

Watch You Drooling About: Chope Approved

Post author By Chope
Post date October 23, 2017
No Comments on Watch You Drooling About: Chope Approved

Now that food delivery has expanded beyond the borders of Pizza Hut and McDonald’s, it’s so much easier to order-in and just curl up on the couch after a long day. Of course, that’s when you ask yourself, what do I want to watch with my plate of Greek souvlaki/Japanese sushi/perfectly seared steak? Well here are some of our top favourites, from movies to variety TV to anime. (Yes, you read that right: anime!)

If you like lip-smacking depictions of food on the screen to go with similarly tongue-tingling food on the plate, well, sit tight because here are some shows that will make your meal just that bit more satisfying.

Cr: chefthefilm.com

Chef

A delightfully heartwarming movie about how an ex-head chef quits his job/is fired after a nasty review from an ex-fan, takes his son from his ex-wife, and goes on a cooking journey on a food truck that was given to him by his ex-wife’s ex-husband.

Wow. That was a lot of exes. That aside, this movie earned the highest votes from the Chope staff, both for the great food (cuban sandwiches anyone?) and the touching scenes. Many of us felt that it forged a certain relatableness to the characters, which kept us engaged and invested. As the bond between father and son grew stronger, we cheered. And ate our dinner. In the end, we all agreed that it was a great movie that left us hungry (both literally and figuratively) for more.

Cr: telegraph.co.uk

The Hundred-Foot Journey

This movie has Helen Mirren – that’s all the reason you need to watch it! But there are more cherry toppers: Ever wondered what would happen if Indian cuisine went toe-to-toe with French cuisine?

Apparently, Indian-French fusion.

When the Kadam family arrives in France and sets up a restaurant across from a Michelin-starred establishment owned by Madame Mallory (Helen Mirren), they begin an unintentional (or intentional?) competition that starts with food and ends with traditions and beliefs. To add to the delight, there’s a dash of Romeo-and-Juliet-esque romance between the young sous chef from Madame Mallory’s restaurant and the young Kadam heir.

What we liked about this movie? The heartwarming, humble, and delightful humour. Add a dash of gorgeous cinematography of food that will have you cravings for chapati and omelettes. Mix in more scenes of stirring consomme and curries, and your stomach is set on growl for the night!

CR: netflix.com

Cr: whats-on-netflix.com

Chef’s Table

Anyone subscribed to Netflix would have been sucked into the wonderful world of Chef’s Table, a documentary that’s got everyone talking (and drooling) for days. Chef’s Table brings you behind the scenes of both fine-dining restaurants and casual diners alike. The diversity of food on show is both craving-inducing and satisfying. The chaos of a restaurant kitchen only serves to highlight the grace of each chef’s actions. Ingredients are handled with calm and poise that seem to glide from chopping board to pan to plate.

If this show doesn’t get your mouth watering, I’m not sure what will. Be sure to have something to eat in hand while watching!

Cr: thedailybeast.com

Cooked

Yet another Netflix pick, Cooked is a show to get your taste buds wagging. Based on the book Cooked: A Natural History of Transformation by Michael Pollan (the same person in the show), this is a four part documentary that explores cooking through the elements of Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. Unlike Chef’s Table, Cooked goes right into the deep traditional techniques of aborigines and how this knowledge is passed on through word of mouth from parent to child. It is no less flavourful than the former, with sizzling, seared steaks and crisp loaves of bread that break with a gratifying crack.

Cr: youtube.com

The Food Ranger

If TV isn’t your jam, and you’re a modern millennial who eats at your computer table, take a look at this Youtube channel that features food all around the world. And I mean, all around the world. Most of the videos are about street food, which is a refreshing change from formal restaurants. The Food Ranger himself, Trevor James, is funny and engaging with a gift of the gab in describing whatever he eats. Watching his channel will definitely give you new ideas for that vacation trip you’re planning!

Cr: easyspace.com

Migrationology with Mark Wiens

For those who’d like some traveling tips with your food commentary, take a look at Mark Wiens’ channel. This self-described travel-eater has roamed almost the entire world , eating his way through the humble local cuisines. He has a knack for finding local haunts, bringing his viewers closer to the local culture. You’ll definitely learn many new food names as you follow Mark on his journey.

Cr: anoboy.com

Cooking Master Boy

If you haven’t watched Cooking Master Boy, then it’s about high time you did! With wacky shenanigans and crazy, gravity-defying techniques, Cooking Master Boy cooks up a storm that will leave you craving for the dishes after every episode. Set in China during the “era of the cooking wars”, this anime follows main character Mao on his quest to become a legendary Master Chef, gathering both friends and enemies along the way.

Many giggles are to be had at the extreme reactions the characters have towards every bite of food, while each dish shines and shimmers (and sometimes sparkles). The trick is to not take it too seriously, but be sure to enjoy yourself (and your Chinese takeaway), as you watch!

Cr: reddit.com

Shokugeki no Soma

A more recent manga turned anime, Shokugeki no Soma takes the extreme reactions and builds a freaking jet out of them. If you thought Cooking Master Boy was exaggerated, then this anime takes the metaphorical cake, eats it, and changes the atmosphere into pink sparkles and writhing moans of enjoyment in reaction to how “fluffy” the texture of it was. There’s now a third series to this, so you can imagine just how popular it has gotten.

(And yes, the guy is yelling “fish soup” in French.)

And of course, these movies with food-porn worthy scenes deserve some credit.

Honourable mentions:

1. Spirited Away

This unforgettable banquet scene in Spirited Away has our tummies growling.

2. Ponyo

This piping hot bowl of ramen in Ponyo will leave you craving for cup noodles for days.

Our sentiments exactly, Ponyo.

And lastly…

3. Ratatouille

No one loves food as much as this guy – I mean, come on, just look at him.

Cr: all GIFs were from giphy.com

Tags Chope Approved, Lifestyle, Movies

Links We Love Singapore

Weekend Reads: 20 – 22 Oct 2017

Post author By Chope
Post date October 20, 2017
No Comments on Weekend Reads: 20 – 22 Oct 2017

Move over, bottle flipping, it’s time to catch apples thrown at you from crazy distances. With your mouth. (Just kidding, please don’t try this at home. Or anywhere, really.)

Our childhood dreams are finally coming true: Cookie Monster has his own cooking show.

Has anyone tried this microwave pasta cooker? The rave reviews are making us reconsider our pot boiling method.

What cookies to bake, based on your mood.

Before 3D latte art there was….grated daikon radish sculptures.

A dried goods store in Japan bridges the old and new with a gorgeous revamp.

You definitely need to see the amazing hospital spreads this lady received each day. Trust the Japanese to add go that extra mile. Level: Asian.

We’ll just leave the title here: There’s a Fine-dining Restaurant in BKK That Just Serves Insects.

Speaking of the weird and wacky, we now have smoked water. At almost US$5.50 for 1/10th of a litre, use sparingly.

Looking to splurge that money closer to home? You might want to wait till November to try the most expensive coffee in the world.

In a short yet cheekily illustrated infographic, Michelin gives us insight into the three groups of people trusted with the meticulous (and sometimes painstakingly delicious) task of awarding stars.

We love reading and we love eating, so the food-related picks on the list of 100 Must-Read Books of 2017 are basically heaven. We’re particularly intrigued with “On Eating Insects” by Nordic Food Lab (protein, protein, protein), “The Modern Cook’s Year” by Anna Jones (it’s all about vegetables this year), and “The Almanac” by Lia Leendertz (for the hipster-foodies who love all things seasonal).

First, there was the raindrop cake (which we know as agar agar) and now, it’s pandan. We’re telling you, guys, insects are going to be the next big thing.

Tuning in to audio for a bit, the Burnt Toast podcast is heaven-sent for those who love all things food-related but are constantly on-the-go. We particularly love this topic, because #relatable.

Tags Lifestyle, Links We Love, Weekend Reads

Others Singapore Singapore

Singapore Snags 6 spots on World’s 50 Best Bars list

Post author By Chope
Post date October 20, 2017
1 Comment on Singapore Snags 6 spots on World’s 50 Best Bars list

Hear ye, hear ye, this year’s World’s 50 Best Bars was officially released on 5th October 2017 and, while there are the usual New York bigwigs and London suspects, Singapore proved a force to be reckoned with, with an impressive 6 spots on the list. All the better to toast ourselves with!

7th Place: Manhattan at the Regent Hotel

Manhattan_Bloody_Mary_Cart_jpg_1457457150

Ah yes, the bar we go to if we’re feeling in the mood for some Prohibition Era America (as one does). We love the regal drapes, textures of velvet and leather, and rich bronze tones, but our favourite ogling spot has got to be the staggering display of custom casks, filled with expertly reconstructed classics, in The Rickhouse.

Don’t try to finish everything on the incredibly extensive menu all at once; we recommend starting with the cocktail menu, which uses a few of the spirits anyway. It’s sorted by era (beginning with the 1520s!), so grab a group and have every person select one drink from each period to try.

If you’ve been there, you’ll know why this super swish hotel bar totally deserves its 7th place spot and, ahem, the title of Best Bar in Asia 2017.

Find it at 1 Cuscaden Road, Level 2, The Regent Singapore, A Four Seasons Hotel, Singapore 249715
Book a table at Manhattan and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

15th Place: Atlas

From Atlas Bar

Looks like we’ve stumbled upon the formula for success when it comes to getting Singaporean bars on the World’s Best list – grand, historical-style decor coupled with excellent liquors. Of course, the interiors miiight need to look like it was transplanted from a time when Art Deco ruled, and the spirits miiight need to be 1,000 gins from countries near and far, stocked in a looming tower behind the bar – but if you can hack it, then we think you stand a good chance.

Pro tip: Because haters gonna hate, Atlas also stocks some pretty fabulous champagne for those who aren’t quite fans of the taste of juniper.

Find it at Parkview Square, 600 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188778
Click here for more info on Atlas

24th Place: Operation Dagger

From Operation Dagger Facebook

Remember what we just said about opulent design? Operation Dagger bucks that trend and make us eat our words. Forget in-your-face glamour, this tiny bar requires you to stretch your detective skills just to find the entrance. Spy an inconspicuous doodle on the outside, peer into the glass blocks on the ground, and bingo, you’ve cracked the case.

The underground den is lit only by a cloud of light bulbs dangling overhead, casting a burnished glow on concrete tables and open shelving packed with mysteriously labelled bottles. Great for cool, Instagram selfies, but you might need a posse of torch-shiners to get well-lit food shots.

Minimal though the look may be, the drinks themselves aren’t shy to wallop you in the face with unique pairings and strange ingredients. What exactly? You’ll have to find out for yourself. #somysterious

Find it at 7 Ann Siang Hill, #B1-01, Singapore 069791
Click here for more info on Operation Dagger

28th Place: 28 Hong Kong Street

From 28 Hong Kong Street Facebook

Back in our younger hipster days, dear reader, 28 Hong Kong Street’s nameless exterior and plain, panelled storefront made us feel like the coolest bunch around. We’re older now, and a little lousier in the sense of direction department, so it’s a good thing the bar’s name doubles up as its address, but the jazzy tunes and cosy booth seats of this 1920s American-style drinking hole still holds a special place in our hearts. We come here to snack on indulgent bar bites like mac ’n’ cheese ball and wash them down with lip-smacking iterations of alcoholic classics.

Find it at 28 Hongkong St, Singapore 059667
Click here for more info on 28 Hongkong Street

31st Place: Tippling Club

tippling

If we’re in the Tanjong Pagar neighbourhood, it’s probably to stuff our faces with fried chicken or Korean barbecue. Occasionally, however, when we feel like ending the night with drinks and people watching, we wind up at Tippling Club – outside of course, so the miasma of barbecue smells radiating from us won’t suffocate the folk within. The drinks here aren’t just about flavour, although there’s plenty of the good stuff to go around, but play a lot with aromas and scents too. If you like the fun factor, quality food, and creative drinks that evoke leather, rain, and fire, then come right on in because you’ve hit the jackpot.

Find it at 38 Tanjong Pagar Rd, Singapore 088461
Book a table at Tippling Club and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

47th Place: Native

From HoneyCombers.com

And the final Singaporean spot to make a coveted appearance is newcomer Native. Sure, it only opened in 2016, but when a bar boldly claims to use foraged ingredients in their creations, wouldn’t you sit up and take notice too? The idea is to connect the drinks with our surroundings so be prepared for familiar items like coconut yoghurt and sugar cane, plus a dash of the unknown in the form of weaver ants, turmeric leaves, and more. Nope, not a typo, that’s A. N. T. S. Ants. Full disclosure, we have yet to pay a visit to this Amoy Street resident (mainly because our foodie lifestyle is strictly regulated by our budgets) but we’re already making plans to remedy that. Let us know if you guys are already fans!

Find it at 52a Amoy St, Singapore 069878
Click here for more info on Native

While you’re at it, be sure to check out our guide to the best bars in Singapore.

Tags Bars, Cocktails, Dinner, Drinks, Feature, Guide

Destination Others Singapore

Fresh Eats: Our Top 8 Picks For October!

Post author By Ashley Reem Nebil
Post date October 6, 2017
No Comments on Fresh Eats: Our Top 8 Picks For October!

This month, we’ve got loads of new and exciting eateries in store for you to both save and splurge on. From fast food options to buffets and fine dining, we’ve got you covered! Here are our top 8 picks for the month of October, and fair warning: these will have you drooling in no time!

Maru Dine & Bar

Maru is an interesting fusion of Western and Asian cuisine including French, Japanese, and Vietnamese flavours. Their rustic and unconventional interior was designed to transport you to a virtual reality of the street scenes of the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Using only the freshest and finest ingredients, Maru does not compromise on the quality of their dishes. Wet your appetite with some crunchy Chicken Katsu Tacos, then tickle your taste buds with a Steamed Spicy Asari that is truly an explosion of flavour. For up to 90 minutes, enjoy an unlimited flow of soft drinks, beer, and house wines.

Find it at Icon Village, 12 Gopeng Street, #01-05 – 11, Singapore 078877
Book a table at Maru Dine & Bar and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Ginger Thai

Orchard Road is renowned for being Singapore’s ultimate hub for fine dining and retail therapy. Finding scrumptious meals at affordable prices can be a struggle. With the opening of Ginger Thai at the shophouses along Cuppage Road, you can now relish in authentic Thai classics that are totally value for money!

What is a Thai restaurant without Tom Yum, right? Go for their classic Tom Yum Soup with either chicken or seafood if you’re a fan of tart, clear soup, or try the Tom Yum Chicken With Coconut for a more creamy base. Other Thai favourites include Pineapple Rice, Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Mango Sticky Rice! Ginger Thai also mixes things up by incorporating local delicacies into their menu such as the succulent Chicken Satay with Thai herbs.

Find it at 37 Cuppage Road, Singapore 229460
Book a table at Ginger Thai and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Trattoria Amanda

Located along the quaint shophouses of Stanley Street, Trattoria Amanda is an oasis of quality Italian cuisine. It’s homely ambience is sure to take you away from the usual humdrum of city life and into the realm of Italian culture. Revel in authentic Italian fare that is cooked to perfection.

Be sure to try the mouth-watering Burratina e Parma Ham— juicy slices of Parma ham encircling creamy Burratina cheese! Dine anytime from 5pm to 8pm and participate in an Aperitivo—pre-dinner drinks to get your tummy rumbling. Choose from their selection of opulent wines, cocktails, and liqueur. Trattoria Amanda leaves no man behind with their vegetarian friendly specials which include Risotto Con Porcini, Ravioli Formaggi, and a Classic Margherita. Buon appetito!

Find it at 14 Stanley Street, Singapore 068733
Book a table at Trattoria Amanda and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Sea & Blue

Brace yourself for an unforgettable buffet experience featuring Japanese, Italian, Korean, and local delicacies. Sea & Blue is more than just seafood. With over 100 food items to indulge in, you’re sure to find yourself in foodie heaven. Feast on endless rolls of sushi, succulent slices of beef bulgogi, wheels of pizza, and so much more! Don’t forget to head over to the dessert bar where you can construct your very own Korean bingsu. Need we say more?

Find it at 10 Bayfront Avenue, #B2-01/01A, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018956
Book a table at Sea & Blue and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Blackwattle

Chef Clayton Wells, owner of renowned Sydney restaurant ‘Automata’ is bringing his expertise to our Little Red Dot with the opening of Blackwattle on Amoy Street. At Blackwattle, expect a fine dining experience that is impressively casual and unpretentious, yet comfortable and elegant. Order from a frequently changing three and five-course menu, as well as an a la carte menu. Try the noteworthy Grilled Black Angus Short Rib and savour a pretty Pumpkin Seed Sorbet for dessert! Head upstairs for some carefully concocted bar snacks and cocktails.

Find it at 97 Amoy Street, Telok Ayer, Singapore 069917
Book a table at Blackwattle and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Burger Monster [closed]

Formally introducing Burger Monster—the first Korean burger joint to mark it’s territory in Singapore. From the company that opened Singapore’s top Korean fried chicken food chain; Burger Monster is Chicken Up’s newest sister! Forget regular beef and chicken, Burger Monster takes things up a notch by utilizing fish like unagi and shark in their burger creations. The signature beef Monster Burger is monster-sized; spanning up to 20cm and can be shared among as many as 4 persons. Besides burgers, check out their scrumptious rolls, fried chicken, and fish! What’s more, experience the true taste of Korean flavours and free flow drinks at economical prices that won’t burn a hole in your wallet!

Find it at 10 Jurong East Street 12, #01-01 Jurong East MRT, Singapore 609690
Book a table at Burger Monster and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Shin Minori (Katong Square)

‘Shin Minori’, translates to ‘new harvest’ in Japanese and is well-known at their UE Square outlet for being an all-you-can-eat Japanese buffet with dozens of noodle, sushi, and sashimi selections to choose from. Treat yourself to a feast of Japanese delights at pocket-friendly prices that won’t break the bank at the new Katong Square outlet. Shin Minori exudes creativity with their unique maki rolls such as the Spider Temaki which is interestingly shaped and filled with deep fried crispy soft shell crab. Or how about the colourful Harvest Maki Roll consisting of avocado wrapped with boiled shrimp and topped with almonds, coconut flakes, mango, and eel sauce!

Find it at 88 East Coast Rd, #02-08, Singapore 423371
Book a table at Shin Minori (Katong Square) and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Restaurant Ards

The opening of Restaurant Ards by dynamic duo Chef Ace Tan and Chef David Lee is a celebration of Asian cuisine and culinary cultures. The team at Restaurant Ards is devoted to showcasing the best aspects of Asian culture, not just with their diverse culinary expertise but even through their warm and hospitable nature toward their diners. The fifteen-course dinner menu tells an imaginative story through distinct flavours of dishes like Ear of the Sea and Art of Beef.

Find it at 76 Duxton Rd, Singapore 089535
Book a table at Restaurant Ards and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Tags Buffet, Cocktails, Featured, Fresh Eats: Singapore, Italian, New Restaurants, Seafood

Destination Singapore

Chic restaurant, bar, and coffee joint ’63Celsius’ opens at Paragon!

Post author By Ashley Reem Nebil
Post date October 6, 2017
2 Comments on Chic restaurant, bar, and coffee joint ’63Celsius’ opens at Paragon!

It’s always a delight to discover new eateries that serve quality food and pay attention to customer comfort. That’s exactly what 63Celsius encompasses. You might be familiar with 63Celsius’ first outlet at Asia Square, catering largely to the office crowd. Some notable mentions on their menu include the fresh and savoury Prawn & Oyster Pasta, and their refreshing concoction of the popular Chicken Rice. The new outlet at Paragon incorporates the same versatility, but with a whole new level of class.

63Celsius definitely has the elegance to fit right in at a sophisticated location like Paragon. With dim lighting and an intimate dining atmosphere, this is a sweet spot for date nights. 63Celsius stands out with its unique architecture and rustic yet modern design. Golden brown and bronze hues give warmth to the restaurant, making you feel comfortable and right at home. It’s also a great place to chill with a group of friends or coworkers over their diverse and nouveau range of wines and cocktails!

To start, we had a 63Benedict—63Celsius’ very own spin on the classic Eggs Benedict! Two eggs poached sous-vide, served with smoked ham and sourdough bread. The dish is also embellished with fresh tomatillo flakes and drizzled with Aioli sauce. We loved how the egg was so silky, runny, and ultra soft – with a yolk that comes oozing at the slightest touch, it’s absolutely tempting. Enjoyable as a starter, this egg, crispy bread, and tangy Aioli sauce combo kept us anticipating for the other dishes to come.

The artistic-looking Crab and Cheese Omelette came next. Infused with Parmesan cheese and shredded crab claw meat, every bite of this creamy cheesy wonder is surprisingly delightful. We especially loved the fluffiness of the omelette, and the chewy chorizo chunks also made for an enticing contrast to the soft cheese omelette. While some places overdo it with the cheese, 63Celsius gets it just right from the get-go.

A dish that truly stood out was the Crab Meat Pasta. Tantalisingly light and stringy spaghetti was smothered in extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and chili, which gave the dish a very piquant taste. For those who can’t handle spicy food, there is a mild option available. We found the mild alternative to be the perfect level of heat with a pleasant burst of flavour that lingers.

For those who love a little indulgence, the artisanal Our famous Lobster Pasta is a signature dish that’s perfect for two. The fresh San Marzano tomato sauce and garlic provided richness and zest to the supple spaghetti. Not forgetting the Half Lobster, which had a nice briny tang!

Who doesn’t love a good ol’ steak? At 63Celsius, the Argentinian Ribeye Steak and Frites is a must try. Fair warning though–a bite out of the succulent beef slices and the crispy shoestring fries will get you HOOKED. For that extra oomph, spread the peppercorn butter and let it melt onto the steak slices before you savour a bite. Pro tip: use the promo code CE10CP and book through the Chope app or website to dine in the month of October and enjoy 2 Argentinian Ribeye Steak and Frites and a bottle of Beaujolais Fleurie at $88++ (U.P. $140++)!

This one’s for all the coffee connoisseurs out there– 63Celsius also specialises in quality brews to give you that daily cuppa joe at their coffee joint, 63Espresso! A strong contender on the menu to watch is the Cortado, which means ‘to cut’ in Spanish. It’s a concoction of espresso with equal parts of milk that produces a strong yet sweet tasting cup of coffee that will keep you coming back for more!

There’s always room for dessert: indulge in a decadent Chalk Farm Hazelnut Chocolate Brownie with a scoop of handmade vanilla ice cream for an unassuming chocolatey treat that definitely won’t disappoint! The rich and moist brownie fudge, coupled with the smooth, creamy vanilla ice cream is purely paradise.

Treat yourself to a 63Coffee and Chalk Farm Cake set at just $7++!

63Celsius definitely ticks all the right boxes in our books for it’s classy ambience, enticing menu, and spectacular service. The next time you’re in town, be sure to make a pitstop at 63Celsius.

Find it at #04-09 Paragon, 290 Orchard Road, Singapore 238859
Book a table at 63Celsius (Paragon) and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Tags Coffee, Feature, Featured, Italian, Sponsored

Destination Others Save/Splurge Singapore

Bank Cracker: Splurge-worthy Dim Sum

Post author By Cheryl Koo
Post date October 2, 2017
No Comments on Bank Cracker: Splurge-worthy Dim Sum

You’ve seen our list of affordable dim sum eats, now here’s one that’ll give you a run for your money! It is indeed rare to find dim sum that merits breaking the bank for, but we assure you that we’ve found some real lofty dishes. Prepare yourself for some truly extravagant and exquisite dim sum!

Mitzo Restaurant & Bar

A sleek and modern take on the traditional Chinese restaurant, Mitzo is a unique gem in the middle of Orchard Road. This classy space mixes Cantonese cuisine with artisanal cocktails in a sexy and heady blend. Restaurant by day, bar and club by night, diners will surely not be disappointed!

Find it at 270 Orchard Road, Grand Park Orchard, Singapore (238857)

Book a table at Mitzo with code TASTYBLOG to get 2x Chope-dollars now!

Photos from janicewong.com.sg

Janice Wong Singapore (National Museum)

Native Singaporean Janice Wong may be Asia’s Best Pastry Chef, but she dishes out equally yummy savoury treats. Her dim sum dishes are artfully decorated, the perfect subjects for photo shots. Of course, they taste just as good as they look! Most of them are only available at her flagship store at National Museum, so be sure to check first. Tables are always full, so make a reservation before going down to eat!

Find it at 93 Stamford Road, National Museum Singapore, 01-06, Singapore (178897)

Click here for more information on Janice Wong Singapore.

Summer Palace

Come down now to this Michelin-starred restaurant for some truly drool-worthy bites! The executive chef, Chef Liu Ching Hai, is a veteran in fine Cantonese cuisine with over 20 years of experience under his belt as well as a Best Culinary Skills Award. His philosophy is to bring diners Cantonese comfort using the freshest quality ingredients, presenting innovative creations with nuances of traditional flavours. Wow!

Plus, you can bag 10% off when you get the vouchers on The Chope Shop here!

Find it at 1 Cuscaden Road, Level 3, The Regent Singapore, A Four Seasons Hotel, Singapore (249715)

Book a table at Summer Palace with code TASTYBLOG and get 2x Chope-dollars now!

Tien Court

One of Singapore’s best “undiscovered” Chinese restaurants, Tien Court is a hidden gem tucked away on the second level of Copthorne Kings Hotel. A classical and traditional Chinese restaurant headed by Master Chef Ho Tien Tsai, this elegant dining place serves choice dim sum dishes like Steamed Shark’s Fin Dumpling with Enoki Mushroom in Superior Broth. Mmmmmm…

Find it at 403 Havelock Road, Copthorne Kings Hotel Singapore, Singapore (169632)

Book a table at Tien Court with code TASTYBLOG to get 2x Chope-dollars now!

Jiang-Nan Chun

For luxurious, top-notch dim sum in an award-winning restaurant fit for an emperor, check out Jiang-Nan Chun on the second level of the renowned Four Seasons Hotel. This establishment has been presenting meticulously created masterpieces to diners for years. Come and be wowed by their exquisite gastronomy! Tables are always full so be sure to book.

Find it at 190 Orchard Boulevard, Level 2, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, Singapore (248646)

Book a table at Jiang-Nan Chun with code TASTYBLOG to get 2x Chope-dollars now!

Tags Chinese, Cocktails, Drinks, Featured, Fresh Eats, Fresh Eats: Singapore, Guides, New Restaurants, Newly-opened

Highlander @ Clarke Quay

Octapas Spanish Tapas Bar