Category: Features

Free-Flow Brunch at Only $58++? Get Yours at Salted & Hung!

Post author By Michelle Tan
Post date August 18, 2017
No Comments on Free-Flow Brunch at Only $58++? Get Yours at Salted & Hung!

Mention the word ‘brunch’ and it’s likely you’re already thinking about the aroma of coffee, fulfilling breakfast platters, and the ambience of a cafe on a Sunday afternoon. But we’ll let you in on a little secret: what if brunch can be so much more than that?

Taking the usual brunch experience up a notch is Salted & Hung‘s Weekend Brunch Hangout, where diners get to tuck into free-flow (yes, we said FREE-FLOW) brunch items on Saturdays and Sundays. With a menu that boasts over 12 showstopping dishes, as well as a charcuterie and antipasti bar, this has to be one of the best kept secrets in town! Let us give you the rundown of some of our favourite dishes on the menu (click here for the full menu).

Simple in name but not in flavour, Salted & Hung’s Portobello & Egg on Toast is something of a revelation. The robust sourdough bread carries a deep and slightly tangy taste which perfectly complements the meaty portobello and caramelised onions that it comes topped with. That torched cheese? YUM.

[NSFW] EGG PORN WARNING: Cut through the gleaming egg and let the golden yolk add another dimension of flavour to this already tasty snack!

Another firm Chope team favourite is their Smoked Halibut and Caviar Crostini. The crostini bears the signature char from the Salted & Hung team’s skillful grilling. With each bite, the moreish mix of smoked halibut and savoury caviar create nuances of textures and flavours.

Small plates aside, don’t forget to give some of their meatier options a try. With tantalising items such as Fremantle Octopus chargrilled to perfection, juicy Chicken Thigh, and satisfying Wagyu Ragu, resistance is futile.

While Salted & Hung likes to keep things simple, the flavours of the dishes that fly out the kitchen are never compromised. A fine example comes in the form of their Steak, Eggs, & Tomatoes: a delicate slab of Angus beef short rib is sous vide at a low temperature for 48 hours, and then lightly smoked with applewood and mesquite before hitting the grill. With so much care put into preparing the short rib, it doesn’t come as a surprise that each bite packs a complex punch. Served on the side are dainty, charred, pickled green tomatoes which were a welcoming cleanser in between mouthfuls of steak.

With irresistible selections such as the Peanut Butter Cornetto and French Toast Doughnuts, we won’t hold it against you if you decide to go nuts on the desserts front. Their Hibiscus, Berries & Px took us by surprise with its fresh, tart, yet sweet combination.

For an afternoon of free-flow delights to knock your socks off, the whole shebang costs only $58++ per person. Plus, top up an additional $30++ for unlimited beer, prosecco, and house pour wines for two hours! The best part? Each Sunday from now until 3rd September 2017, score a brunch seat at only $50++ per person when you book a table through either the Chope app or website with the promo code 50SALTED!

Find it at 12 Purvis St, Singapore 188591
For reservations on other days, book a table at Salted & Hung and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG. Please note that only one promo code can be used at any one time.

Tags Breakfast, Breakfast and Brunch, Brunch, Cafe, Coffee, Dessert, High Tea, Sponsored

Features Interviews

Behind The Scenes with Iron Chef Sezai Zorlu – the Artist Behind Turkuaz and Warung

Post author By Rebekah Lee
Post date July 26, 2017
No Comments on Behind The Scenes with Iron Chef Sezai Zorlu – the Artist Behind Turkuaz and Warung

Ready for a sneak peek into the mind of one of Indonesia’s top chefs? We were lucky enough to score a chat with Iron Chef Sezai Zorlu, who moved to Indonesia from the beautifully picturesque small town of Iskenderun (in the South East of Turkey), and who has quickly became one of Indonesia’s finest. If you’ve visited either one of his incredible restaurants (Turkuaz or Warung Turki), you’d understand exactly why – he serves up homely, authentic Turkish cuisine that comes from the heart. Honestly, is there anything better than that?

RL: Who or what is your inspiration for doing what you do?

SZ: Definitely my mother and my grandmother. They cooked for my family all their life with so much love, and the food was always so good. They contributed so much to the happiness of the family and that motivates me to push myself to do better each and every time.

RL: Aw, that’s so sweet. They sound like incredible women! So, since your dad’s a chef, who’s a better cook: mum or dad, and why?

SZ: My mum! She’s a self-taught home cook and my father is a chef, but home cooking is always the best. It tastes better and feels better, because it’s prepared with such incredible love and care because it’s for your family.

RL: If you could live your life all over again, would you do anything differently?

SZ: Not at all. I would do everything exactly the same, just bigger – including the mistakes and successes.

RL: What is the one thing you could eat forever and not get sick of?

SZ: Donner kebab, because it is my identity, my city, my national dish.

RL: Donner kebab is DELISH, it’s really comfort food at its finest! What would you say is your favourite childhood snack?

SZ: Dried figs. My mum would buy 20-30kg bags of dried figs during the wintertime, put them on top of the kitchen cabinet, and give each of us 3-4 pieces every night. It’s my favourite thing: sitting around the heater, watching a fun programme on TV, talking with family, snacking on our dried figs. It’s a memory that’s filled with love.

RL: That’s such a nice memory! And figs are so darn tasty. Totally craving one now… What’s the one food item you cannot stand eating?

SZ: Exotic animals like sharks fin. I’m not interested in exotic animals – I’ll never touch them.

RL: How would you describe your Iron Chef experience in less than 5 words?

SZ: Fantastic, I love it, fantastic!

Interior of Turkuaz

Find Turkuaz at Jl. Gunawarman No. 32, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan
Book a table at Turkuaz and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Find Warung Turki at Jl. Kemang Raya No. 18A, Jakarta 12730
Book a table at Warung Turki and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Tags Chef Sezai Zorlu, Feature, Interview, Mediterranean, Turkish

Destination Features Hacks & How-Tos Singapore

Pairing Wines with Local Food with CellaRaid

Post author By Rebekah Lee
Post date July 20, 2017
1 Comment on Pairing Wines with Local Food with CellaRaid

We know, wine pairings can be pretty intimidating to the uninitiated (especially when deviating from the standard red-wine-and-steak variety), but we have great news for you: we managed to get hold of the experts over at CellaRaid who were more than happy to give us a couple of valuable tips and pointers!

First and foremost, here’s a serious pro tip: pair wines with local foods (as opposed to traditional ‘western’ fare) and you’ll incur zero corkage charges (most of the time, anyway)! Local restaurants, along with zi char and hawker food stalls, are usually more relaxed about patrons bringing their own wines (do so for your own drinking pleasure, obviously, don’t go around hawking the stuff) since they don’t usually have their own wine list.

A typical Asian meal also offers a large variety of dishes, which translates to a much larger margin for error, since there’s such a broad range of food you can pair your wine with!

Pairing Singaporean Dishes and Wine: A Quick Guide

Build on guidelines, and take sauces into consideration
You’re probably somewhat knowledgeable about the basic guidelines: white meat usually goes with white wine, and red meat usually goes with red wine. The beauty of Asian food is its complexity – various meats are cooked in all sorts of different sauces, and these transform the taste of those meats. Take fish, for example – it’s usually a white meat that pairs well with white wine, but when cooked with something strong and rich like a black bean sauce, it goes much better with a light to medium-bodied red!
Think of wine as a condiment – would it go well with your food?
Our well-loved chicken rice is a great way to illustrate this point. This dish usually goes with chili and dark soy sauce that lends the dish a slightly sweet flavour, so you could pair with a slightly fruity wine like a Chenin Blanc or Moscato. Spicy food usually has a more robust flavour, so go with something that would complement it and which has enough ‘weight’ to hold its own amidst the fire in your mouth like a full -bodied Shiraz pairing with tandoori chicken. Alternatively, for spicier dishes like Sze Chuan food, you could pair with something crisp with a bit of fizz to cleanse the palate, like Prosecco.
Either opt for ‘contrast’ or ‘complement’ when pairing
Choose a lighter wine if the dish is lighter – like a glass of Sauvignon Blanc with salt baked, lightly grilled, or steamed fish, and a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Rose when having fatty fish like tuna or salmon. Or you could go in the complete opposite of the taste spectrum and pair a a lusciously sweet dessert wine like a late harvest Riesling with a savory and salty dish with salted egg yolks – it really depends on what you like!
Think of traditional pairings and build from it
Sushi usually goes with sake, but when looking for a similar profile in wine, a Champagne with that tell-tale sake-like nutty and creamy nuances would be a perfect fit as well! Likewise, if you’re looking to pair wine with lup cheong, look for wines that you usually have with charcuterie, as they’re pretty similar.
Be your own judge. Buy a variety of food items, get one or two bottles of wine, and try it out for yourself!
Wine is supposed to be fun! No one is judging you, so let your personal preferences be your guide and experiment.

CellaRaid offers monthly subscription discovery boxes that contain 3 vials of different carefully curated wine options, and they all come with tasting notes and food pairings so you can discover what you truly enjoy without spending a lot for an entire bottle!

To answer some of the more general questions most of you may have:

What are the best wines for beginners?

Moscato! This one is very light and often times comes across like a soft drink (i.e. Sprite). As most Singaporean food is pretty spicy and/or flavourful (like the ubiquitous Char Kway Teow), this is the easiest to pair them with. It’s slightly sweet and refreshing, and normally works well with most Asian dishes. For those without a sweet tooth, Sauvignon Blanc is also a good alternative- it’s dry, crisp and very versatile, usually providing zip to the dish.

The reason these are both white wines is simple: the spice in most Asian foods have the tendency to interfere with the tannins (from the grape skins that make a wine red) in red wines, making the dish spicier and the wine more tannic. However, a heavy bodied Shiraz could hold up to some curries (as they tend to be spicy as well) – but they’re not an easy wine for the uninitiated to appreciate. White wine is usually a safer choice!

How to choose a wine at a restaurant

Your best bet is to go for a mid-ranged option! They usually cost $60-$90 and most wine lists at this price range will normally feature Moscatos, Sauvignon Blancs, and Chardonnays for whites, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz for reds. Besides considering the food that you are ordering, a person’s palate also plays a big part in the wine selection – if you’re someone that’s used to enjoying robustly flavoured foods, certain wines are bound to taste pretty watered down to you (i.e. Pinot Noir), so go for a heavier bodied option like a Shiraz. One tip is not to order the house wine by the bottle, as tempting as the pricing may be. Paying just a bit more for a bottle can usually mean much more in quality and satisfaction!

How to choose wine as a gift

First and foremost, make sure that it looks presentable (half the time people judge a wine by its label along with its taste), and most importantly, stick to your budget – don’t get too fancy unless you know they really appreciate wine. The safest option is a red wine – it’s hardier and can be stored for a longer period of time outside of a proper wine fridge without going bad. Champagne may look nice as a gift, but is more susceptible to damage from improper storage, so only get it if you know it’s going to be opened soon or the receiver has a wine fridge.

When is an expensive wine worth the price?

This is really based on personal preference – some people love aged wines, and some hate it! Most good wines will age in the bottle – they evolve and gain secondary flavours like earthy, umami notes while primary fruit flavours mellow down. However, not everyone appreciates drinking a non fruit-driven wine. An important thing to take note of when buying aged wines is to know who you’re buying from – storage in Singapore is KEY due to its hot and humid climate. Also, ensure that you have proper storage at home if you’re planning to buy and keep expensive aged wine, or it’ll be a complete waste of money! Under the bed or in a dark cabinet don’t make the cut as wine storage options in tropical Singapore.

What to serve at a party to appeal to many guests

Choose uncommon and more interesting wines, like those from Portugal, Argentina, Eastern European countries or some of the lesser known regions of France (i.e. Madiran) and Italy (i.e. Sicily) to offer your guests a brand new experience! Avoid the standard wines from popular wine-producing areas and try something new. For the more adventurous, China and India also produce wine, and Chinese wines have recently been on the radar of wine critics (they aren’t messing around)! Currently, natural and biodynamic wines are all the rage now and some of these make for interesting dinner conversations so do seek them out.

It’s important to not get wines that are too cheap as well – pay a little more to get something a lot better, especially when you’re buying it in Singapore. Alchohol tax is already $10, and after factoring in GST, shipping, handling, and storage, the base cost just to bring a bottle of wine onto the shelves is probably $15-18. Do the math and you will realise that only a couple of dollars goes into actually paying for the wine itself. Comparatively, every incremental dollar paid after that would directly go to the wine cost and presumably quality as well.

This cannot be over-emphasized: you’re your own best judge, so give different varieties of wine a try and figure out what you like for yourself! You’ll never really know unless you try. Cellartracker and Vivino are free to use community review sites that are pretty helpful to find out more about a specific wine, Google is your best friend, and CellaRaid is here to help you expand your palate (and to help you save money, since you don’t have to commit to buying multiple full-sized bottles at one go!) Click here to check them out!

Tags Cheap, Cheap and Good, Dessert, Dinner, Guides, Pocket-friendly, Wine

Features Restaurants

BBQ Tips with Meat Smith

If you’ve ever eaten at Meat Smith, you’d definitely been wowed by the glorious cuts of tender smoked meats they have on offer. Lucky for you, we got to sit down with the geniuses behind all that meaty goodness and let you in on some of their trade secrets!

Five Tips from Chef Andrew

First and foremost, let’s talk about the star of the dish – the meat. This shouldn’t be compromised and for a good reason: when you sacrifice a good foundation, you’re compromising the entire operation. So do your ‘buds a favour and don’t skimp on the premium stuff!
Keep the seasoning simple – just salt and pepper will do. Good meats that are done well have beautiful, natural flavours that shouldn’t be overpowered by excessive seasoning. In fact, it’s a novice mistake to overload on complicated rubs and spices.
For the smoking wood, most will work fine but do stay away from cedars due to the harsh soot it produces when burned (trust the experts, you do NOT want that getting into your meats!).
Controlling temperature using the external and internal thermometer plays a vital role in obtaining a good smoke. Excessive heat renders the meat too tough, ruining a perfectly good slab.
Lastly – but most importantly – let the meat rest. This is key to finishing off a good barbecue! Once the meat is done cooking, keep it wrapped and let rest in a warm place (i.e. an oven) for at least an hour. We know it’s tempting to cut into a perfectly charred piece hot off the grill…but resist, and your efforts will be well rewarded.

Smoking @ Meat Smith

For the smoking process, Chef Andrew uses Hickory Wood that’s imported from the USA. The reason for this choice? Hickory Wood is subtle when fired-up but imparts a nice, rounded smoky flavour to the meats it is used to smoke (YUM). Beef is usually smoked for 12 hours, chicken for 2 hours, and pork for 3 to 4 depending on the cut.

In the event you aren’t quite ready to fire up your own grill, head down to Meat Smith for some juicy, mouthwatering cuts prepared by the experts!

The Smoked Chicken is DELICIOUS. It’s smoked to perfection – moist and tender with well-seasoned, gently crisp skin, made even better with a drizzle of zesty Alabama white sauce and a side of pickled cucumbers, beetroot and butterhead lettuce salad to freshen up the palate.

This juicy piece of poultry may seem slightly undercooked to the uninitiated as it’s pink on the inside, but smoked chicken is meant to be pink; the nitrate in the smoke reacts with the moisture in the meat during the smoking process, rendering it pink even though it’s well-cooked through. You’re free to chow down with a peace of mind!

Annnnd before you dismiss the idea of a salad as an accompaniment to a big ole’ hunk of meat, let us just stop you right there. Meat Smith’s unassuming plate of butterhead lettuce with balsamic dressing and fresh onion slivers is much more flavourful than its humble appearance implies.. The lettuce is sweet and crisp, which helps balance out all the flavours from the heavy meats, and Balsamic dressing gives a nice, tart kick with every bite of the lettuce – each mouthful leaves you wanting more!

Next up is the Burnt Ends, an indulgent plate of beautifully smoked meats, taken from the burnt ends of Smoked Beef Brisket (hence the name). The bourbon BBQ glaze gives it a satisfyingly sticky texture and savoury-sweet flavour nicely complements the fatty meat, best enjoyed with a jalapeno pepper or two!

With every good meal comes a beverage to help wash all that yummy food down, so don’t miss their amazing sodas, which are all made in-house! Our pick is the Southern Iced Tea, which, unlike its original inspiration, is mellow and simple yet insanely refreshing. Flavoured with spices such as cardamom and cinnamon, this tall glass of beverage is light and addictive – trust us when we say that one glass isn’t going to be enough! If lavender is your thing, go for their simple and refreshing Lavender Soda. It’s perfect in Singapore’s sweltering heat, and goes quite well with their hearty plates!

Whether you’re manning the grill or smoker yourself, or letting the masters take the helm, be sure to take the time to enjoy some grilled treats this summer. It’s hard to go wrong with such a delicious method of cooking!

Find it at 167 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore (068618)
Book a table at Meat Smith and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Tags Feature, Smoked Meat, Steak

Features Restaurants

Carousel’s Upcoming High Tea Buffet Will Transport You To The Streets of Taiwan!

Post author By Averlynn Lim
Post date June 26, 2017
No Comments on Carousel’s Upcoming High Tea Buffet Will Transport You To The Streets of Taiwan!

Public service notice: Do not read this post when hungry. If you find yourself drooling over your phone or computer while reading, immediately head to Chope to make a reservation at Carousel for what could possibly be the tastiest High Tea Buffet in Singapore…and here’s what to expect!

‘Gurgle, gurgle’.

Your stomach growls as you take a step into the brightly lit interior of the restaurant, seduced by the scent of food wafting through the air.

“Mmmm, that smells sooo good,” you think to yourself.

Without hesitation, you head towards the buffet line, ready to dig in. Platters of tantalising food greet you – Mediterranean, Asian, Japanese, Seafood, Dim Sum, and not one, but THREE dazzling dessert stations.

Your gaze drifts over the four uniquely themed dining spaces. You have the requisite Japanese selections of sashimi, sushi, and teppanyaki – they may not grab your attention immediately like the three dessert bars (we can’t get over this), but they are highly underrated. At the Rotisserie section (yep, that’s where that amazing smell is coming from), you’ll find a Chicken Kebab (Shovaslaki) live station where meat is carved straight from the roasting spit onto a pita bread or tortilla, packed with fresh greens, and then drizzled with creamy mayonnaise before serving. There’s also a Nasi Lemak station with a large variety of sides and mains to accompany the fragrant coconut rice, such as Baked Chicken with a Sambal Peanut Sauce and Sambal Prawns with Beancurd and Quail Eggs.

If that wasn’t enough, there’s also a live Popiah station, Waffle station, Deli corner, Seafood on Ice, and so much more, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Hungry yet?

With an innovative culinary concept and lavish spread promising to delight the taste buds, Carousel at Royal Plaza on Scotts has earned itself the ‘Best Halal Spot’ in Chope’s Diners’ Choice Awards 2016, and we can say with authority it is 100% deserved.

Just in case everything mentioned previously wasn’t enough temptation for you, for the month of July, diners will get to enjoy their Tantalizing Taiwanese High Tea featuring a medley of Taiwanese delicacies and delightful small bites from Taiwan’s popular night markets in addition to their usual high-tea offerings!

On the menu are popular snacks such as Crispy Chicken Thigh with Oriental Spices (综合盐酥鸡), Oyster Mee Sua (蚵仔面线), and Braised Beef Brisket Noodle Soup (红烧牛肉面). There will also be a variety of braised dishes at the Taiwan Stew Station such as braised chicken wings and beancurd tofu, served with assorted sauces and condiments.

Fans of the iconic Taiwanese street food, Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎), can happily indulge at the Teppanyaki live station, which will also be serving up steaming hot, Pan-fried Crystal Buns (水煎包) .

Other highlights of the high tea include Braised Seafood in Bread Toast (台湾棺材板), also known as ‘Coffin Toast’, Taiwan Spring Roll (台湾润饼), Grilled Taiwan Sausages (台湾香肠), and Flaky Scallion Pancakes (葱油饼).

Finally, to round out the meal, indulge your sweet tooth with signature Taiwanese desserts such as Shaved Ice (综合冰) with your choice of flavored toppings and condiments, Lemon Aiyu Jelly, and Taiwanese Pineapple Tarts (台湾凤梨酥). Or you could go to one of the three dessert bars. Just sayin’.

This promotion will be available from 3 – 13 July, during the high tea period from 3.30pm to 5.30pm at $42++ for adults and $27++ for children on weekdays. On weekends, it will be $48++ for adults and $32++ for children.

What are you waiting for? Give yourself a pat on the back for getting through half of 2017, and delight your taste buds with tantalising Taiwanese treats!

Find it at 25 Scotts Road, Lobby Level, Royal Plaza on Scotts, Singapore (228220)

Book a table at Carousel and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Tags Bars, Breakfast, Breakfast and Brunch, Brunch, Buffet, Dessert, Feature, High Tea, Japanese, Seafood

Features Restaurants

Killer Sunsets & Delightful Libations @ Aqua Luna

Post author By Rebekah Lee
Post date May 30, 2017
No Comments on Killer Sunsets & Delightful Libations @ Aqua Luna

If you’ve read the previous feature on The Carvery, you’d know just how obsessed we are with the amazing views this boutique hotel offers. Aqua Luna is a gorgeous bar that’s perched right on the edge of the 7th floor of Park Hotel Alexandra, and is essentially encased in a glass dome of sorts. Think full-length windows that give you spectacular panoramic views of the Southern Ridges in all their glory.

Their infinity pool has a swim up bar, so you can order yourself a couple of tipples and watch the setting sun streak the sky with the pink blush of a Singapore Sling; it’s a welcome respite from concrete pavements and towering skyscrapers of downtown Singapore (actually only mere 15 minutes away).

The in-house bar team whipped up three delish cocktails for our drinking pleasure, and first up was their Sour Plum Mojito!

Fresh mint leaves and sour plum powder are first crushed together for a real kick of sour-plummy goodness.

Now for the stuff that makes a mojito great – rum! And topped off with ginger ale instead of the standard lime juice for a zesty kick.

The drink is then garnished with more sour plums, a fresh sprig of mint, and a lime wedge, and there we have it: a perfect, refreshing mojito. Perfect for Singapore’s summer heat, and waaaaay better than all the sour plum shots we used to down at Zouk in our youth (minus the nasty hangover!)

Here are two others that you absolutely CANNOT miss: the Hot Melons cocktail and Alexandra Sunset. The Hot Melons is made with sugar, spice and everything nice – the sweetness of fresh watermelon goes perfectly well with chili padi, Myers’ dark rum, and citrusy soursop sorbet… I know it sounds strange, but just try it – it’s a drink guaranteed to get the party started!

The Alexandra Sunset is my personal favourite. -The splash of flamed rosemary-infused Grand-Marnier is zesty and slightly smoky, and goes perfectly with fresh lime, lemon, and pineapple juices and cherry liqueur. The addition of both white and dark rum gives this tropical drink a pleasant, vanilla-caramel undertone. It’s the perfect drink to enjoy by twilight!

Is a bar experience truly complete without tasty bar grub? Aqua Luna has a different take on the standard truffle fries – they serve Truffle Polenta Fries instead! These parmesan-coated goodies are served alongside house-made truffle mayonnaise (made with real truffles, no less!) for an earthy, yet intensely satisfying flavour.

The Chorizo and Onion Flatbread pizza is crisp yet chewy and comes straight out of their wood-fired Beech oven. Their Mini Beef Burgers are also the perfect thing to munch on if you’re craving something more substantial – they’re served juicy and perfectly medium-rare on a toasted sesame bun. YUM.

Here’s some great news – Aqua Luna offers a Toasts To Indulgence party package for groups of 10 or more: unlimited house pours for 2.5 hours accompanied by a delicious medley of gourmet bar bites such as Tiger Prawns & Pesto Pizza, Smoked Wedges and Chicken Wings for $40++ per guest! So grab a couple of friends (or colleagues after a long work day) and indulge in great food, good booze, and a killer view.

Find it at 323 Alexandra Road, Level 7, Park Hotel Alexandra, 159972
Book a table at Aqua Luna and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Tags Cocktails, Drinks, Feature, Good View, Sponsored

Features Restaurants

The Ultimate Sunday Indulgence with Raffles Grill’s Semi-Buffet Brunch

Post author By Rebekah Lee
Post date May 26, 2017
No Comments on The Ultimate Sunday Indulgence with Raffles Grill’s Semi-Buffet Brunch

Raffles Grill is the perfect place for an indulgent, boozy Sunday brunch. Step into the grand colonial-style building bursting with old-school charm and prepare to be wowed by their wide array of delectable delights. Pairing them with the finest champagne and having them served to you discreetly via their world-class tableside service makes them taste even better, trust us! In fact, we even got to stuff ourselves silly with everyone’s favourite radio DJ!

On the 21st of May, the spunky, spirited, multi-talented foodie Rosalyn Lee (more affectionately known as “Rozz”) hosted her very first #RozzEats session of the year in collaboration with Chope, where she chose five lucky winners (and their even luckier plus-ones) to join her for a Sunday brunch that was nothing short of amazing – her words, not ours! We happily joined their little party (lucky us!) and got to experience indulgence at its best at Raffles Grill.

First up was this delicious trio: Haddock Cream Tartlet & Salmon Roe, ‘Joselito’ Iberico Ham, and Alaskan Crab Tacos with Potato Chips, Avocado, and Coriander – a wonderful way to start off the meal! The prized Joselito Iberico Ham was smooth upon the first bite and is mellow in flavour with a hint of ‘umami’, unlike other cured meats that tend to lean towards the saltier side. You’d be doing yourself a grave disservice if you pass this one up.

Prefer getting your hands on some seafood first? The Seared Scallops are phenomenal. These fat and juicy scallops are seared gently for a soft char while remaining succulent on the inside, and the cubed ham provides a solid contrast in texture as well as flavour. Finally, the savoury sage jus and celery puree add a nice touch of herbal essence to round off the dish.

Truly a step up from everything else, the Pan Seared Foie Gras with Green Pea and Morel Mushroom and a Yellow Wine Emulsion is the ultimate indulgence on a plate! The Pan-Seared Foie Gras is buttery and rich, and nicely balanced by the fresh green peas and mellow Morel mushrooms. The creaminess of the goose liver is also enhanced by the smooth yellow wine emulsion for a beautiful finish.

We were also served a mouthwatering slice of Mediterranean Sea Bass that’s gently pan-seared, served atop a warm bed of lemon orzo, and drizzled with sauce vierge. Simple, straightforward, and oh so satisfying!

Next up we tucked into some delightfully fresh seafood and got to choose from THREE types of oysters: Irish, Tsarskaya, and Fine de Claire Oysters, all overflowing with fresh, briny goodness; and best savoured with a squirt of lemon and a drizzle of mignonette. Need more to satisfy your seafood cravings? Dig into juicy and succulent Tiger Prawns and Maine Lobster, flown in from Canada, boiled and served fresh at the station! For an upscale touch, go for the Scottish Smoked Salmon with Kristal Caviar and a side of Blinis. YUM.

Meat lovers rejoice, for there is also a Live Carving Station! Don’t miss the Omaha Beef Tenderloin, where beautifully tender cuts are served with a side of savoury Bordelaise sauce and mint jelly. Equally as stunning is the US Prime Côte de Bœuf that’s grilled to perfection (pro tip: try it with the shallot confit and potato mousseline), and the Welsh Lamb Saddle that does not disappoint with its mellow flavours and drizzle of thyme jus. Don’t forget the tart Ratatouille or Broccolini for some superb sides!

There’s also a wide range of cheese options with different flavours, textures, and smells – with offerings like Camembert, pungent blue cheese, the gentle St. Felicien, and the spicy Epoisses de Bourgogne it’ll be like you’ve stepped into a cheesy heaven! Sample any cheese you fancy, accompanied by crackers, grapes, dried fruit, and more.

To end the meal, an array of sweet delights are prepared that’ll tickle your fancy: Salted Caramel Mille-Feuille, Raspberry Rose Saint Honore, Cherry Pistachio Streusel, Chocolate Cremeux with Crunchy Praline, and our personal favourite, Bread and Butter Pudding with Vanilla Sauce. One of the signatures of Raffles Grill, the bread and butter pudding is a warm and sweet delight that will have you relishing every last mouthful! We left stuffed, satisfied, and vowing to return.

Photo credits: @heyrozz

Find it at 1 Beach Road, Raffles Hotel, 189673
Make a reservation at Raffles Grill and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Tags Breakfast and Brunch, Brunch, Buffet, Feature, Seafood

Features Restaurants

Sunday Folks – Savour Some Spring Specials!

Post author By Averlynn Lim
Post date May 26, 2017
No Comments on Sunday Folks – Savour Some Spring Specials!

Since its opening in 2014, Sunday Folks has taken the ice-cream-and-waffles trend by storm, serving up plate after plate of their signature waffles and silky smooth ice cream to hordes of hungry, sweet-toothed customers.

And if you’re wondering why the waffles at Sunday Folks taste similar to the ones sold at Creamier, then you won’t be surprised to learn they’re sister companies! Co-founded by Executive Chef Audrey Wang, both brands have garnered accolades for serving up quality, handcrafted desserts and premium ice cream.

Of the many flavours of ice cream sold at Sunday Folks, the two best-sellers are the Sea Salt Gula Melaka and Earl Grey Lavender. All the ice cream here is made from scratch in their on-site kitchen, using premium imported ingredients such as Italian pistachio and hazelnut pastes, and pure fruit purees. During service, the ice cream mixes are constantly topped up into their non-pressurized gravity feed churners to produce a freshly churned confection that is rich and almost dense, but not icy. With such pride and love going into every plate served, their award for Best Dessert in Chope’s Diners’ Choice Awards 2016 was 100% warranted!

Here’s something to celebrate this spring! Until 12 June 2017, Sunday Folks will be dishing up their spring menu, inspired by the magical season of growth and renewal.

Fresh from the testing kitchen is the Spring Medley, a beautifully plated dessert featuring their limited edition Adzuki ice cream gateaux crowned with a dollop of Kuromitsu sago, paired with a globe of Hazelnut Milk Chocolate ice cream, warm black sesame financier, orange marmalade, and coconut milk foam. Garnished with Matcha soil, edible red amaranth leaves, pea tendrils, and Kogiku flower petals, it’s a true feast for the eyes and taste buds!

Moving on to the chocolates! Sunday Folks offers more than just the humdrum chocolate bars. Their chocolate bar slabs are all handmade and enrobe a wonderful range of goodies such as rose marshmallows, burnt butter Viennese cookies, roasted hazelnuts, and passionfruit apricot pâte de fruit! YUM.

Choose from a trio of chocolate slabs (left to right):

35% Azelia Hazelnut Milk Chocolate with Passionfruit Apricot Pâte de Fruit & Roasted Hazelnuts
65% Haïti Dark Chocolate with Orange Peel & Burnt Butter Viennese Cookie
34% Zephyr White Chocolate with Rose Marshmallow & Raspberries

Coffee-holics will not want to miss this their new Tiramisu Trifle. Think freshly churned Hazelnut Milk Chocolate ice cream layered with round ladyfingers sponge, mascarpone cream, and drizzled with espresso caramel sauce. To finish, the whole glorious cup is sprinkled with forked coffee jelly made from Liberty Roasters’ Speakeasy blend and THEN crowned with their Haïti Dark Chocolate slab, cocoa nibs, and dusting powder… oh my. Pssst! If you’re feeling fun, request for a shot of Bailey’s Irish Cream on the side!

Make an ordinary day extra-ordinary by dropping by Sunday Folks for a refreshing treat of handcrafted, artisanal desserts. Your taste buds will thank you!

Find it at 44 Jalan Merah Saga, Chip Bee Gardens, #01-52, 278116

Book a table at Sunday Folks and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Tags Bars, Coffee, Dessert, Feature

Features Restaurants

SIN-ful-LEE Indulgent Meals @ Sin Lee Foods!

Post author By Chope
Post date May 22, 2017
No Comments on SIN-ful-LEE Indulgent Meals @ Sin Lee Foods!

‘WE DO NOT SERVE AND WILL NOT SERVE LAME EGGS BENEDICTS WHATSOEVER, SO TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH AND HAVE A GO AT OUR FOOD & BEVERAGES,’ proclaims the menu of Sin Lee Foods. It’s cheeky and unabashed—an attitude that translates into some downright delicious cooking. We can attest that the aforementioned leap of faith will definitely pay off should you take it.

Sin Lee Foods is hardly an unfamiliar name to any seasoned café-hopper. When they first opened their shutters, the Bukit Ho Swee hangout made a name for itself by modernizing an old-school spot – they even preserved the original signboard! Boasting a retro logo, bold cuisine, and an Instagram-worthy space, they became instantly recognizable.

Recently, in the spirit of reinvention, they’ve launched a new menu and we just can’t get enough of it. One standout is the Beef Bulgogi, Mantou & Cinema Cheese ($23), which features tender chunks of meat, crunchy crackers, pillowy mantou—and the best part: flowy cinema-style cheese oozing over the bulgogi that’ll bring back youthful memories of sneaking steaming bites of nachos in the movie theater! And boy, has our childhood indulgence grown up.

Think Duck and Duck ($26) sounds simple? Think again. It’s smoked and roasted Japanese duck, paired with melt-in-your-mouth foie gras caramelized in a pan, served with accoutrements like steamed rice, housemade sesame sauce, and a runny fried egg. Deceptively simple, but ultimately delicious indeed!

Other notable dishes like Beef & Grains ($25) are equally luxurious: you’ll enjoy a solid 180 grams of deliciously marbled striploin served over wet orzo ‘rice’, a runny egg, ginger, and furikake & scallions for that extra umami touch. It’s undoubtedly creative fusion dishes like this that have kept us hooked and coming back for more.

Their weekday special menu is also a can’t-miss. Fast food chains got nothin’ on their burgers—Sin Lee hopped right onto the salted egg yolk bandwagon with this stunner of a dish. Whole chicken thigh, fried to crisp perfection, is slathered with creamy, umami salted egg sauce and served on a bun. The second burger offering will make you salivate too: tender catfish fillet, breaded and fried, then topped with mentaiko cream sauce and ebiko roe that positively pops in your mouth. It’s an ambitious blend of Southern cuisine and Japanese-influenced cooking, dished up in a single explosive fusion.

Calrose Rice Bowls are yet another addition to tantalise your tastebuds. With an inventive range of toppings from Salmon & Tuna Wasabi Poke to Korean Rubbed Chicken Thigh, these new bowls are a steal for under $15 each.

But don’t fret, their crowd favourites are still around. Since its inception, Sin Lee’s Aburi Broccoli Salad ($13) has occupied a place in our hearts, and thankfully we can still indulge. Smoky torched broccoli florets drizzled with white balsamic, papadum, and red sugar may sound funky, but it’s a truly genius combination. Who said vegetables couldn’t be addictive?

And don’t forget the Fried Chicken & Waffles ($21.90) that catapulted them to foodie fame: marinated in har jiong and drizzled with melted maple butter and sesame gomae slaw, this fried chicken comes tenderly nestled upon crisp waffles straight from the iron cast.

Pair it with a Swedish craft cider ($15) or an adventurous Banana Horlicks Smoothie ($9), and you got yourself some good ol’ comfort vibes. See you there!

Find it at Blk 4 Jalan Bukit Ho Swee, #01-164, 162004
Book a table at Sin Lee Foods and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Tags Feature, High Tea, Japanese, Sponsored

Features Restaurants

Dining Personals: Cosy Seafood Joint The Boiler Seeks Hungry Diners to Enjoy Scrumptious Southern Meal

Post author By Chope
Post date May 9, 2017
No Comments on Dining Personals: Cosy Seafood Joint The Boiler Seeks Hungry Diners to Enjoy Scrumptious Southern Meal

I am: an adventurous seafood spot that will take you on a jaunt to the Deep South for that romantic jetsetting getaway you’ve always dreamed of—all without leaving our little island. Hope you like your restaurants with a spicy Louisiana twang!

You are: anyone from a fun-loving foodie or a picky eater, ‘cause I’m poised to become your new favourite date night spot!

About me:
Tucked away in an industrial estate away from the downtown crowds, I occupy a space that exudes contemporary class and convivial cheer at the same time. You won’t be disappointed by my bold divergence from traditional seafood boil through the fusion of local and Western flavours.

Our date:
We can start getting to know each other over a luxuriant appetiser of Fried Oysters for just $10.90. These crispy bad boys have just the right crunch to break the ice. There’s also the classic Louisiana Crab Cakes ($17.90) or the Crispy Fish Skins with Salted Egg Yolk ($9.90). I highly recommend the latter if you’re craving more of a local twist.

With countless options to spoil you, I promise the outing will be a finger-licking, hearty affair. And no one will be judging if you get ‘down and dirty’ on the first date…with the Bombdiggity Bag, my pièce de résistance. It’s chock full of delectable crustaceans like Dungeness crab, prawns, mussels, clams, corn, and chorizos, all for just $145 for 4 pax. (Celebrate your birthday here by ordering this sharing dish, and I’ll make it an extra special day by throwing in a whole Live Lobster to sweeten the deal!)

With my varied menu options you can choose your own adventure. Pick from a selection of fine, fresh seafood cooked to order, then spice it up with sauces galore: The Works, Garlic Butter, and Peppa’ Butter sauce, customised to your taste. I like to keep things interesting with sauce of the month flavours, like Sambal, Hei Bee Hiam, Tamarind, and Tom Yum, for an explosive combination of exotic flair and local comforts.

I also cater to the classics with dishes like crisp Fish and Chips ($12.90) with tangy tartar sauce and the barest squeeze of lemon. And let’s not forget the star of the show: live whole Boston lobsters for just $55! To round it all off, you can satisfy your sweet tooth with a multitude of desserts like Mao Shan Wang Durian Jar cake or Molten Lava Chocolate cake.

And what would a date be without some liberal libations? Find your new favourite tipple in the Beerjito, my refreshing signature cocktail, or an extensive range of craft beers. Looking for something a little more indulgent? Well, you’re in luck. Class it up with a bottle of wine or some fine whisky pairings, from my sister company The Fortress located just next door. Plus, corkage is waived for purchases from The Fortress.

Wine aficionados will swoon at the impressive array of bottles displayed on sleek industrial-style furnishings, for a stripped-back yet sophisticated vibe. Decked out with wooden tables and comfy matching chairs, it’s the perfect ambience for a cosy nightcap. An expansive space, plush leather couches, and candles before you on the coffee table—what more could you ask for?

Picture this: seafood bags brimming with saucy, intensely-flavoured crustaceans, followed by a refreshing tipple in hand, and some quality company. Now that’s an offer you can’t resist.

Book now, ‘cause I feel like we’ll really hit it off!

Find The Boiler at 18 Howard Road #01-06, Novelty Bizcentre, 369585
Book a table at The Boiler and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Tags Coffee, Dessert, Feature, Seafood, Sponsored

Features Restaurants

The Carvery: A Meat Lover’s Paradise

Post author By Rebekah Lee
Post date April 27, 2017
No Comments on The Carvery: A Meat Lover’s Paradise

The Carvery sits on the 7th floor of Park Hotel Alexandra and offers spectacular, unparalleled views of the lush greenery of the Southern Ridges, as well as of the beautifully intricate Interlace Condominium (which won World Building of the Year 2015) – be sure to sit back and relax at their poolside al fresco dining area, which is undoubtedly the best way to enjoy all their delectable cuts of meat on offer!

Meat takes the center stage in this buffet, as there are usually 3-4 meat options available for lunch and dinner, respectively. They’re slow-roasted to perfection and carved by Chef Robert right in front of your eyes, and served alongside a large variety of intriguing condiments to complement all the luscious roasts they have on display.

Their Australian beef prime rib is dry aged in-house, slow roasted for about 8 hours, and served medium rare for a beautifully moist and tender finish. It’s then perfectly paired with flaky Maldon sea salt for a bit of texture, a delicate red wine jus if you’re more of a traditionalist, or anchovy butter for an umami twist! I had mine with a sprinkle of Maldon sea salt and anchovy butter and it felt like I just died and went to roast beef heaven. Even looking at this gif is making my mouth water at the memory! The beef was succulent, juicy, and full of beefy flavour, made even better with the hint of umami flavour. Delish!

Not a fan of red meat? Fret not, their Rotisserie Chicken is also a hot favourite – the entire chicken (bones and all!) is marinated in fresh herbs, carrots, onions, celery, and bay leaves for 10-12 hours before being roasted on a spit in the rotisserie – rendering succulent, tender meat that falls off the bone. Pro tip: it’s best paired with either chili sea salt for a mildly spicy kick, chicken gravy (for obvious reasons), or truffle butter! I had mine with a sprinkle of black lava salt (it contains remnants of activated charcoal) and a generous helping of truffle butter for a fragrant, earthy kick that had me going back for more!

The roasts take centre stage in this buffet; the other dishes are usually on rotation, and are made up of items that complement the different meats they have on offer – like Yorkshire Pudding, Baked Portobello, Roasted Butternut Squash, Honeyed Beetroot, Saffron Rice, Cassoulet, Beef Bourguignon, Coq au Vin, and Chocolate Beef Stew (don’t be put off by how strange it sounds, it’s actually really delicious)! There’s also a salad counter, seafood section (with goodies like Chilled Tiger Prawns, Canadian Black Mussels and Freshly Shucked Oysters – only available during dinner!) and a wide assortment of cheese to suit your palate.

If your meal isn’t complete without carbs, grab some freshly baked bread, a slice of pizza fresh out of the oven, or your choice of spaghetti, farfalle or linguini, cooked in pomodoro (tomato sauce) or aglio olio (oil and garlic), prepared a la minute!

What better way to top off a meal than with dessert? Their classic English Trifle is incredibly luscious – creamy custard between layers of Bailey’s soaked sponge cake and a generous portion of fresh fruits and berries; basically heaven in a bowl. There’s also a Crème Brûlée that’s to die for, and a seriously luxurious, decadent, chocolate mousse named ‘Harry’s Choice’. Don’t miss it!

Find it at 323 Alexandra Road, Level 7, Park Hotel Alexandra, 159972
Book a table at The Carvery and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Tags Buffet, Dinner, Feature, Lunch, Steak

Features Interviews

Saffron Sharpe: Food Obsessions & Favourite Travel Destinations!

Post author By Rebekah Lee
Post date April 26, 2017
No Comments on Saffron Sharpe: Food Obsessions & Favourite Travel Destinations!

This week, I managed to sit down with the effortlessly beautiful Saffron Sharpe (@saffronsharpe) (who’s basically every girl’s #fitspiration) for what was supposed to a quick chat over lunch at Wild Honey @ Scotts Square. It turned into a pretty long one, and she dished the dirt on her workout routines, eating habits and food obsessions. Spoiler alert: she’s a foodie! (And just in case you’re curious, we both got the Canadian Breakfast).

RL: People are constantly asking you about your eating habits and workout routines on your Instagram page. Do you actually eat healthy and work out all the time?

SS: Not all the time! This is going to sound so boring and cliche, but moderation is the keyword. I usually limit my carb intake so I have a lot of quinoa, and I know it sounds gross but I assure you that it’s pretty delicious when you cook it right. I didn’t like it until my mum taught me how to cook it properly: you’re supposed to wash, soak and cook it like rice, then add butter. It’s not that bad, I promise!

I also have just half a bowl of rice, get beehoon if I feel like having noodles, eat a lot of vegetables, and swap out carbs with extra cheese on my salads if I’m trying to get lean. My mum cooks a lot and I LOVE her cooking – she roasts chicken almost every day so I have chicken on a daily basis. I’ve always been eating healthy as my mum is pretty health-conscious, and since I never had much fast food as a child, I don’t really crave it. BUT if I do indulge in fast food, I’ll definitely order a McSpicy!

I also enjoy working out and it isn’t a chore for me, so my diet isn’t that strict. I even run on holidays or do a short circuit (usually just the warm up section of the Insanity workout) when I feel bloated! I really enjoy going for Spin class as well – I’m pretty bored with going to the gym these days. Oh, I also have a Kit Kat or some sweet fruit after dinner most days, and I love ice cream!

RL: Ooh, so you have a sweet tooth then?

SS: Yes! I love sweet-salty things most: savoury ice cream like Sea Salt Gula Melaka and Salted Caramel from Creamier, chicken and waffles with maple syrup, honey butter fried chicken… You name it. I also love chocolate and lemon tarts, and I’m super basic so I love Açaí Bowls as well, especially the ones from HAAKON. Extra points because they’re supposed to be healthy and good for you, but you have to be mindful of not eating too many of them – once again, moderation is key!

RL: Yeah, Açaí Bowls really aren’t as healthy as you’d think, especially when they come with so many toppings! What would you say is your ultimate comfort food?

SS: Bak Chor Mee and Mee Pok, HANDS DOWN! I just grab some from the hawker centre closest to my house, and I sometimes go to Meng’s Kitchen to get my fix. My mum also makes amazing lasagna, and it’s one of the best things in the world. It’s actually my favourite thing to eat! I also love pumpkin pasta, butter chicken and margarita pizza.

RL: Woah, you really love all kinds of food! What’s the one thing you really dislike?

SS: My mum would scold me if I were picking at my food, so I’m not a picky eater; but the one thing I can’t stand is Mayonnaise. UGH. I think Japanese mayo is tolerable in small amounts, but the sort you get in a jar is just too much for me to handle. I saw a video of someone eating copious amounts of mayonnaise and I wanted to gag. It’s so gross!

I can’t stomach the idea of eating Balut and insects either, but I’ve never actually tried them. The worst thing I’ve ever had was chicken that wasn’t cooked properly and was sort of raw and slimy in the middle – but I actually had chicken sashimi and it’s surprisingly good!

RL: Okay ew, your uncooked chicken story really grossed me out. Let’s talk about something more pleasant – what are your favourite restaurants in Singapore?

SS: I really like Japanese, Italian and Thai food. Right now I can’t get enough of Grounded by Common Man Coffee Roasters, it’s a new cafe that’s right by Yoga Movement – I actually just tried yoga for the first time yesterday and I’m SO tired today – but they serve really good and wholesome food. I also love Odette, Fat Cow, and Tatsuya, and I’m obsessed with Tendon Itsuki!

RL: Hah, I remember my first time trying yoga – I actually thought I was going to die the next day. Where is your favorite travel destination?

SS: For sure, I feel your pain! Definitely London. The weather is perfect and they have such a wide variety of good food!

RL: London really is amazing! So is the best meal you’ve ever had something you ate there?

SS: London has a great variety of food, but the best meal I’ve ever had was definitely something I had in Melbourne. It was there that I really learned to appreciate wine, and they have really fresh ingredients! Actually, no… The best meal I’ve ever had is definitely my mum’s lasagna. (Are you seeing a trend here?) She really is the best cook – she does it so well that I rarely have to! I do cook a little, but I can’t bake – it’s so difficult. I tried making Black & White cookies and they turned out all fluffy and cakelike.

RL: Is there anything else you’d like your followers to know about you?

SS: I’m 20 this year – I took a gap year to travel and focus on other things, but I’ll be attending SMU’s School of Business this coming semester.
I’m definitely a dog person; I love French Bulldogs and Shiba Inus!
I’m a single child but I’ve always wanted a sibling.
I’m a very light sleeper, so I can’t stand people who snore!
I want to pick up either Japanese or Spanish. Mandarin Chinese is my second language, but it’s SO HARD.
I love nature, but I’m not into camping and roughing it out – I’d love to go Glamping, though!

Interested in visiting some of the places mentioned? Here’s where to find them:

Find Wild Honey @ Scotts Square at 6 Scotts Road, #03-02, Scotts Square, 228209
Book a table at Wild Honey @ Scotts Square and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG
Find Creamier at Blk 128 Toa Payoh Lorong 1, #01-835, 310128
Find HAAKON at 118 Holland Ave, #01-03 Raffles Holland V, 278997
Find Grounded by Common Man Coffee Roasters at 22 Martin Rd, Singapore 239058
Find Odette at 1 Saint Andrew’s Road, #01-04, National Gallery Singapore, 178957
Find Fat Cow at Camden Medical Centre #01-01, 1 Orchard Blvd, 248649
Find Tatsuya at 22 Scotts Road, Goodwood Park Hotel, 228221
Find Tendon Itsuki at 101 Tanjong Pagar Rd, 088522

Tags Breakfast, Breakfast and Brunch, Brunch, Cafe, Chinese, Coffee, Dinner, Feature, Healthy, Interview, Japanese, Lunch