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Lifestyle Links We Love Singapore

Weekend Reads: 3 – 5 Nov 2017

We came down with a case of blurblock-itis last week and failed to make Weekend Reads happen. To make up for it, here’s a longer-than-average list of links we loved!

Singapore p-p-priiiide! Max Ng is shining the spotlight on local food – and doing it at New York’s Momofuku Ssam.

An orchestra that plays with their food. Literally.

Satisfying photos of recipes organised by food parts.

17 pro chefs share the one ingredient they can’t live without. (We see you, sambal oelek.)

“Meet the guy who paints portraits of cheese.”

Made us laugh. Pretty much sums up #lifeatChope; it’s every person for themselves, over here.

Looking to pick up wine-tasting? Here are 5 myths you’ll want to ignore.

Lesson learnt: don’t mess with classic cookie dough.

Better bookmark these genius bentos for Halloween next year. Or any day of the year, really.

Here’s something that shouldn’t wait till next Halloween: Cornell’s pumpkin mystery is fascinating.

You guys, “Anthony Bourdain just got banned from an entire country”. Without even going to said country.

Smitten Kitchen’s second cookbook is out! Bon Appétit has an interesting catch up with the master behind it all, Deb Perelman.

Have you heard the fuss about Google’s burger emoji? We’re lowkey craving a burger right now…

And finally, people are losing their minds over strawberries on pizza in America.

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Categories
Destination Others Singapore Singapore

Fresh Eats: New in November

Can you believe that it’s already November? The year might be coming to an end, but these restaurants are just starting out. Here’s what’s in store: new eateries along Nanson Road and plenty of exciting concepts from the Alley on 25 at Andaz Hotel.
Let’s get to it then.

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Monkey Warung

Let’s welcome Capitol Piazza’s latest addition, Monkey Warung! Now, you don’t need to travel to Bali to get these sinfully succulent pork ribs. Monkey Warung is all for communal dining with family and friends, and leaves their mark with a contemporary twist on traditional Balinese cuisine. Savour a lip-smacking plate of Legendary Ribs straight from the grill, or an Ayam Panggang glazed with secret sauce. You know what would make your warung experience even better? Some ice cold beers at just $5 for every half pint!

Find it at 15 Stamford Road, #01-84, Singapore 178906
Book a table at Monkey Warung and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

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Publico Deli

Publico’s concept encompasses three parts: a deli, a restaurant, and a bar. The authentic Italian fare here and cosy dining space will make you feel like you’re in an actual trattoria in Italy. Whet your appetite with a scrumptious Quinoa-Power Salad before tucking into selections of all-day breakfast mains, including the popular Pancakes & Berries or the Mediterranean Scramble. After sunset is when this eatery transforms into a dessert parlour and bar: pop by for an Irresistible Tiramisu, Publico’s spin on the classic Italian treat, and wash it down with some sparkling wine!  

Find it at 1 Nanson Road, InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay, Singapore 238909
Book a table at Publico Deli and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

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Wolfgang’s Steakhouse

Nanson Road delivers with another new hot spot—Wolfgang’s Steakhouse! ‘Classic never goes out of style’ is Wolfgang’s motto, and they certainly live up to it. This globally renowned steakhouse uses USDA prime beef that is dry-aged for approximately 28 days before being cut into steaks. Dry-ageing makes the beef ultra-tender and soft, heightening the dining experience unlike any other – that’s a plus in our books! Some notable mentions include the shareable Porterhouse as well as the Prime Filet Mignon which pairs perfectly with Creamed Spinach.

Find it at 1 Nanson Road, #02-01 Intercontinental Singapore Robertson Quay, Singapore 238909
Click here for more info on Wolfgang’s Steakhouse

 

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Blue Lotus Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar

This new hot spot is perfect for those of you who love a dining place with an outdoorsy feel. Spend your weekends chilling out at their cosy and comfy outdoor dining area with mini wooden tables and matching cushioned chairs. The best way to unwind is to get in touch with mother nature. At Blue Lotus, you’ll do just that as you are surrounded by lush greenery and pretty potted plants. As you relax, have yourself any of the Mediterranean delights such as the Grilled Atlantic Octopus Leg with Herbs. The pizzas here are also some of the freshest in town: take the cheesy Serrana Pizza for example! For some spicy sensations, sink your teeth into the signature Chilli Pomelo Crab Pasta or the Chilli Pomelo Crab Balls.

Find it at 991B Alexandra Road, #01-10, Singapore 119970
Book a table at Blue Lotus Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

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Auntie’s Wok & Steam @ Alley on 25

Alley on 25 at Andaz Hotel is the ultimate all-day dining spot to reminisce Singapore’s street and hawker food. They’ve got 5 new exciting restaurant concepts on the 25th level in store for you. The first of which is Auntie’s Wok & Steam, a homage to Singapore’s popular Tze Char culinary culture, this time in a more sophisticated setting. Choose from endless selections of traditional dim sum, rice, noodle, and meat dishes before watching the chefs prepare your food in real time. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? For dessert, indulge in a uniquely local Teh Tarik Ice Cream with Love letters!

Find it at 5 Fraser Street, Level 25 Andaz, Singapore 189354
Book a table at Auntie’s Wok & Steam @ Alley on 25 and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

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Plancha’Lah! @ Alley on 25

As you walk along the alley, you’ll come across Plancha’Lah, which  is a clever play on the Spanish ‘la plancha’, which translates to ‘hot plate’. It’s hard to miss Plancha’Lah with it’s open hotplate concept where guests can get up close and personal as they witness what’s cookin’ before their very eyes. What’s on the plate: international classics like the Boston Lobster and Atlantic Cod Papillote.

Find it at 5 Fraser Street, Level 25 Andaz, Singapore 189354
Book a table at Plancha’Lah! @ Alley on 25 and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

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Icehaus @ Alley on 25

Did you know, before electricity, food was preserved and kept cool in cabinets filled with ice? That should give you an idea on the inspiration behind the concept of Icehaus. As it’s name suggests, Icehaus specialises in serving up dishes meant to be eaten cold, such as the Scottish Smoked Salmon with chive crème fraiche. If you’re just looking for a quick, light bite, you’ve come to the right place. Grab yourself a Caesar Salad, or a croissant from the pastry selection.  And we all know what you’re thinking: what’s an ‘icehaus’ without ice cream? Head on over to the specialist dessert machines for some soft-serves, or enter gula melaka and coconut heaven with an Andaz Chendol Pop!

Find it at 5 Fraser Street, Level 25 Andaz, Singapore 189354
Book a table at Icehaus @ Alley on 25 and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

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Smoke & Pepper @ Alley on 25

Next up, we’ve got Smoke & Pepper, the largest occupant of the concepts at Alley on 25. Here, you’ll find barbecued goodness lacing the menu but with an Asian spin. If you have trouble eating your greens because they’re too bland, the barbecued vegetarian options such as the Asian Slaw might solve that problem. Relish in the buttery Grilled Diver Scallops and the drool-worthy Black Angus Beef Burger. Just thinking about these grilled delicacies is making our mouths water!

Find it at 5 Fraser Street, Level 25 Andaz, Singapore 189354
Book a table at Smoke & Pepper @ Alley on 25 and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

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The Green Oven @ Alley on 25

Last – but definitely not least – at Alley on 25 is The Green Oven. Every baked delight served here is popped fresh out of the star of the kitchen: a green breech oven. Bring back childhood memories with a bowl of Mac & Cheese (but of course, The Green Oven adds a touch of fancy by serving it with savoury morel mushrooms and lobster!). For something more meaty, chow down on a juicy Braised Lamb Shank with Tzatziki dip on the side. Finish off with a classic warm chocolate Brownie topped with a scoop of peanut butter ice cream.

Find it at 5 Fraser Street, Level 25 Andaz, Singapore 189354
Book a table at The Green Oven @ Alley on 25 and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

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Categories
Deals & Specials Singapore

Chope’s Monthly Deals: November

November’s our busiest month yet: from Chope Exclusives packed with delicious offers to Diners’ Choice Awards 2017 that come bearing irresistible prizes, we’re dizzy with excitement!

Singapore

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One of the most anticipated events of the year is finally here! Chope’s Diners’ Choice Awards 2017 shines the limelight over 160 top restaurants in Singapore across 12 categories, and diners can vote for their favourite eateries from now till 21st November 2017. The best bit? The more you vote, the more chances you’ll get in winning attractive prizes such as a round trip to Phuket on SilkAir, a staycation at Andaz Singapore, and more!

Votes can be made through this form, by booking at the nominated restaurants with the code CHOPEDC17 (which scores you 2X Chope-Dollars), or purchase any of the Diners’ Choice Specials on The Chope Shop. For more details, check out this post.

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Who doesn’t love a good deal – especially when there’s food involved? Featuring the best offers in town, our November Chope Exclusives has everything you’ll need to get face-stuffin’ without wiping your wallets clean. From 1-for-1 buffets to discounted set menus, you’re bound to find something that will tickle your fancy!

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With Visa, racking up your Chope-Dollars couldn’t get any easier! Book, dine, and pay with your Visa card at Jones the Grocer, MOJO, Artichoke, and more top restaurants to score yourself 400 Chope-Dollars which you can redeem for a $10 dining voucher at over 200 restaurants on Chope.

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Not only do we bring you hot new eats every week, we’re taking it up a notch with extra love thrown in: diners who book and dine at our New on Chope restaurants with the code NEWONCHOPE are rewarded 2X Chope-Dollars for their bookings!

Shanghai

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Bid adieu to poorly translated menus, unfamiliar ingredients, and more unpleasant experiences when you dine out with the Time Out Taste of China Dining Week presented by Nongfu Spring! Showcasing the crème de la crème of Shanghai restaurants as well as exclusive prix-fixe menus from 11th t0 20th November 2017, book at these hot spots to get 2X Chope-Dollars.

Good eats and twice the reward? It doesn’t get any better than this. Reservations are closing on 7th November 2017, so hurry and Chope those seats now!

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Juicy burgers, thick milkshakes, and luscious banoffee pies, the name of the game is comfort food at Beef & Liberty, and they’re offering a special chance for diners to win a meal at their Kwah Center and Shanghai Center outlets. Follow our official Wechat @chopechina to access the scratch game page and make a reservation through the page to bag this free meal!

If you’re hankering for more, we also have a couple of enticing campaigns up our sleeves in the next few weeks. Keep your eyes peeled for an All-You-Can-Eat Tuesday campaign and a festive Thanksgiving Guide to score you 2X Chope-Dollars!

Jakarta

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Does IDR100,000 off sound good to you? Then buckle up because here’s how you can get some! Whether you’re into festive eats at Warung Turki or the red hot BBQ and South American dishes from El Machote Jakarta, shed the numbers off your bill when you book and dine from now till 15th December 2017 at these top spots with their respective promo codes.

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Want more from stellar eateries in Jakarta? You might want to check out the Chope Exclusives for the month, where you’ll get 1-for-1, up to 50% off, and other irresistible deals from big names such as Hard Rock Cafe Jakarta, Aoki Japanese Cuisine, and more. Is that your tummy rumbling I hear?

Bali

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With the number of goodies in Bali’s Chope Exclusives this month, we won’t hold it against you if you’re feeling blessed on The Island of the Gods!

Crazy about dry-aged beef and exquisite meats? Tuck into the scrumptious spread from Boy’N’Cow at 50% off! If you like to end your meals with a something sweet, Plantation Restaurant (Alila Ubud) has you covered with free desserts (yes, we said FREE). Get your appetites ready and view the full list of exclusives here.

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Need more Chope-Dollars to redeem for dining vouchers? Make a booking at any of the listed restaurants through The Chope Blog with the code TASTYBLOG – that get you 2X Chope-Dollars easy. But why stop there: give yourself and your buddy 300 Chope-Dollars each when you refer a friend to Chope!

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Categories
Destination Others Singapore

Green and Good: Vegetarian Eats

As a meatatarian, I’ve always wondered if the grass is greener on the other side. After all, avoiding an entire portion of the food pyramid has always seemed very much like limiting your choices. And indeed, when I undertook a mission to look for good, green food for Vegan Month, it definitely took some serious (soul) searching.

Perhaps meat and I are never meant to part, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for alternatives. The same goes for everyone, be it pure vegan, vegetarian, or even just a regular omnivore feeling peckish for some green food. The road to healthy greens is long, but those embarking on the journey can check out these nine vegetarian-friendly restaurants to get a good dose of healthy eating.

Restaurant Ards

This new Asian fine-dining establishment is located along Duxton Road and helmed by a mighty pair of chef-owners Ace Tan and David Lee with a mission to celebrate Asia’s rich variety of culinary cultures and exquisite techniques with the world. Their vision is to bring nature to the table, which means the freshest of ingredients. Of course, this includes all things green!

As a vegetarian-friendly restaurant, there is a special 15-course vegetarian dinner apart from their normal dishes which you have to book 2 days in advance for! (Trust me, it’s worth it.) With dishes named Touch of Asia and The Art of Roots, you’ll definitely be in for a treat.

Find it at 76 Duxton Road, Singapore (089535)
Book a table at Restaurant Ards and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

 

Cafe Salivation

If the name doesn’t make you drool, it just means you haven’t been there. This casual dining place has found the secret to drool-worthy healthy food that keeps customers coming back for more. The most amazing part? It is completely, 100% vegetarian.

With bright and bold aesthetics and an equally disarming mix of Mexican, Asian, and Italian cuisines available on the menu, Cafe Salivation does not disappoint. The Enchiladas Remo or Desi Sandwich will surely have you hooked!

Find it at 176 Race Course Road, Singapore (218607)
Book a table at Cafe Salivation and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Open Farm Community

A unique combination of urban farmland, horticultural hub, and restaurant, this concept is a revolutionary collaboration between the Spa Espirit Group, celebrity chef Ryan Clift, and award-winning food garden specialists, Edible Garden City. The food here is a fresh as you can get, and you can admire the sprawling gardens as you tuck in. There’s a strict no-no policy towards processed ingredients, imported produced, and unsustainable farming practices which means that everything is locally-sourced and, I repeat, absolutely fresh!

While Open Farm Community isn’t 100% vegefied, there are more than enough vegetarian dishes to satisfy the most discerning of palates! (And if you’re like me and have lesser willpower, take a stab at some of the meat dishes too. Shhh.)

Find it at 130E Minden Road, Singapore (248819)
Book a table at Open Farm Community and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Real Food

What does it mean to eat real food? This popular cafe-bistro demonstrates with plate after plate of juicy burgers, hearty stews, and rich pastas. Take the idea that vegetarian = salad and throw it out the window right now! This place turned my belief in the deliciousness of meat upside down. Turns out, you don’t need to eat meat to have a delicious and satisfying meal. Hands-down, this is now at the top of my list for luncheons. But don’t leave just yet! Take a sip at their wonderful selection of aromatic teas and tisanes. After such a heartening meal, a hot cup of Listen to Your Heart tea sounds heavenly.

Find it at 44,45 Pekin Street, #01-01, Far East Square, Singapore (189768)
Book a table at Real Food and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.


Original Sin

When you think of vegetarian food, you definitely can’t avoid Original Sin. This is, after all, one of the first vegetarian restaurants in Singapore. It’s been here serving locals since 1997 – that’s 20 years of constantly perfecting an already exquisite menu right there! Mediterranean, Greek, Italian, and Middle Eastern tastes converge at this famous hot spot. There are both indoor and al fresco dining here. If you didn’t know, you an also save 10% at Original Sin when you purchase vouchers from the Chope Shop!

Find it at Blk 43 #01-62 Jalan Merah Saga, Chip Bee Gardens, Singapore 278115
Book a table at Original Sin and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Afterglow

Since we’re talking about vegetarianism, why not push the boundaries a little and go vegan? And with the impressively innovative dishes at Afterglow, they’ll have you forgetting that you’re tucking into cuisines that are meat-free and void of any animal by-products. You really need to applaud their creativity, and boy do those efforts pay off. What to try: Raw Vegan Nut ‘Cheese’ Platter with Crackers and Afterglow Kimchi Nori Rolls (psst, the rice is not rice). Fans of desserts need not fret either because their Raw Chocolate Salted Caramel Fudge is 100% indulgence with 0% guilt.

Find it at 24 Keong Saik Road, Singapore (089131)
Book a table at Afterglow and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

KARA Cafe & Dessert Bar

Here’s the grain bowl I’m sure you were waiting for! KARA is a cute little cafe in Bukit Timah that dishes out absolutely yummy grain bowls! While it may not be completely vegefied, there’s absolutely no reason for true blue vegetarians to avoid it. There are more than enough selections for you to choose from, and you’ll definitely have more than just a salad.

Oh, but grab their special Chope Exclusive lunch set now! For the entire month of October, you get a complimentary bowl with every lunch set purchase. Make a reservation with us and use promo code CE10KC to get it! (And yes, there’s a vegetarian bowl: the Coco Cashew Pomelo Quinoa grain bowl)

Find it at 617 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore (269718)
Book a table at KARA and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Open Door Policy

We’ve saved the best for last, so don’t hold back! Open Door Policy has just recently updated its menu to be completely gluten and dairy free. Vegetable Tempura Risotto, anyone? ODP is always looking to improve their menu to provide healthier meals to its guests, without sacrificing taste. From the taste of their Signature Fluffy Souffle (acai berry créme anglaise), it’s a definite rousing success.

There’s no vegan stamp just yet, but there’s definitely plenty of vegetarian dishes to choose from. Seats are always filled, so be sure to Chope those tables fast and early!

Find it at 19 Yong Siak Street,Singapore (169650)
Book a table at Open Door Policy and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

 

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