Category: Restaurants

December Hangouts at Grand Hyatt Singapore

Post author By Chope
Post date December 8, 2017
No Comments on December Hangouts at Grand Hyatt Singapore

Everyone’s favourite month is finally here! It’s all about festivities and celebrations in December, and Grand Hyatt has cooked up a line-up of year-end celebration options to help you get into the mood and wrap up 2017 on a good note.

mezza9

Whether you delight in a meal for two or love indulge in an all-you-can-eat extravaganza, you’ll find it here at mezza9. Be dazzled by the chefs and their culinary expertise at the live kitchens, and relish in a mix of authentic flavours including slow roasted turkey breast roulade and plum pudding as part of mezza9’s new festive à la carte menu!

Love winding down at the end of the night? Then you’re going to love the Party Room, mezza9’s newest gin & tonic bar. Housing more than 40 types of premium gins & tonics from all over the world, you know you’re in for a good time the moment you step in. Get together with friends and book a table every Wednesday with the code Party88 to score yourselves a free flow of signature bar snacks, gin & tonics, and martinis for just SGD 88++.

After a 4-month renovation, mezza9’s martini bar is back to spice things up with an edgy new interior, more than 30 different martinis, and a completely new bar food menu. Martini-lovers are sure to delight in the inventive and quirky martinis here, including the Candy Cane Martini or the Discotech Martini which are both created for this year’s festive season. Daily happy hours are from 5PM to 9PM, where all martinis, gin & tonics, and sustainable wines by the glass go for only SGD14++.

Find it at Mezzanine Level, 10 Scotts Road, Grand Hyatt Singapore, Singapore 228211.
Book a table at mezza9 and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

StraitsKitchen

Move the turkey and cranberry sauce aside because it’s local flavours all the way here at StraitsKitchen! Enjoy a taste of home with Singapore’s most-loved classics such as Laksa, Roast Duck, Udang Masak Nanas, Popiah, Wok-Fried Crab with Spices, and more. Kick start the meal with a (sinful) plate of Hyderabadi Dhum Biryani and end the meal in the comforts of local desserts including Peranakan Kuehs, Ice Kachang, and locally-inspired ice-cream flavours such as Durian and Coconut.

Whatever your palate fancies, there’s enough to entice and excite this festive season! Plus, StraitsKitchen is Halal-certified as well, making it the best spot to gather with your Muslim friends too. Just SGD 55++ for lunch and SGD 65++ for dinner? Yep, you heard us right.

Find it at Lobby Level, 10 Scotts Road, Grand Hyatt Singapore, Singapore 228211.
Book a table at StraitsKitchen and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Private Poolside BBQ Party at Oasis

Don’t have your own private pool? Fret not – Oasis is about to let you have theirs! Throw the ultimate rendezvous for 10 or more with Oasis’s Private Poolside BBQ Party and leave all the grilling and roasting to a private chef. Fans of the grill are guaranteed to enjoy the seasonal menu here, with highlights such as the Australian Grass-Fed Sirloin Steak and Norwegian Atlantic Salmon and free-flowing drinks in a private cabana.

Lounging with your friends by an idyllic poolside for hours on end while indulging over great grills – now THAT’S something we can definitely get with! With prices starting at $88++ per person for top-notch grills, you can hardly get anything better in town.

Find it at 5th Level, Terrace Wing, 10 Scotts Road, Grand Hyatt Singapore, Singapore 228211.
Book a table at Oasis Restaurant and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

10 SCOTTS

With a breathtaking view of beautiful cascading waterfalls, enjoy 10 SCOTTS Afternoon Tea basking in elegance and serenity at the residential-style lounge of 10 SCOTTS. Serving up a pleasing mix of both local and international favourites including fresh Oysters, Curry Puffs, Parma Ham, and more, we won’t be surprised if you feel right at home at this cozy spot. If you’re feeling fancy, there’s even free flow Perrier Jouët Grand Brut champagne to help you along.

Designed for diners who prefer to kick back, relax, and unwind, the 10 SCOTTS After 6 Evening Spread brings the light-hearted favourites of the afternoon tea, complete with individual dessert trays and a selection of exquisite beverages including gourmet teas and imported coffees.

We haven’t even gotten to the best part: Both the Afternoon Tea After 6 Evening Spread are priced from SGD 50++ per person. Talk about a steal!

Find it at Lobby Level, 10 Scotts Road, Grand Hyatt Singapore, Singapore 228211.
Book a table at 10 SCOTTS and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Tags 10 SCOTTS, December celebrations, Grand Hyatt Singapore, martini bar, mezza9, Oasis Restaurant, Party Room, StraitsKitchen

Restaurants Singapore

A Taste of Paris in the Village

Post author By Chope
Post date November 26, 2017
1 Comment on A Taste of Paris in the Village

Emerging from the hype of Michelin-starred eats and Mod-Sin cuisine comes a refreshing take on local dining: “Kampong French”, a three-week restaurant takeover at Open Farm Community by the award-winning nomadic culinary collective Paris Popup, is a guerilla-style dining experience that showcases exceptional dishes made with the season’s finest local produce whipped up with a touch of contemporary French flair.

Over the course of merely 7 days, the popup team — consisting of Harry Cummins, Laura Vidal, and Lina Caschetto – combed Singapore’s fishing ports, heartland wet markets, and the edible garden at Open Farm Community to source for uniquely local ingredients, producing an ensemble of 12 drool-worthy small plates that bring out the best of Singapore’s flavours.

Kicking off the menu is the decadent Shrimp Chawanmushi; fragrant with flavours of the ocean, each pillowy-soft mouthful of the steamed egg comes with shreds of sweet young coconut shreds and garden city sorrel that give it texture and sweetness. Paying tribute to the local roti prata is the flatbread rolls with a savoury potato filling, topped with ‘chai poh’ (preserved vegetable) and spring onion. Truth be told, we can’t get enough of this!

Move aside, Caesar Salad – we’re convinced that this medley of Long Beans, Wing Beans, Sesame, Tempeh, Shallots, and Mint and its creamy dressing may just be the next best thing! The Aubergines with XO sauce are also a hit, where perfectly steamed local brinjals are drizzled over with a punchy XO and bone marrow sauce and topped with crushed peanuts.

Getting mussels right can be a hit and miss but Chef Harry does it to perfection with the Big Head Green Mussels, Kai Lan, Nuoc Cham, and Fried Shallots. Have the mussels as is, then try it with a side of the smoked mayonnaise dip (your taste buds will thank us). We couldn’t stop tucking into the Mud Crab, Tagliolini, Bisque, and Chives either: a thick and luscious mud crab sauce which is tossed with homemade pasta, resulting in this delightful creation that will have you wiping the plate clean.

Haven’t heard of pearl groupers? It’s about high time you’re introduced to this beautiful fish, and a good place to start is the Pearl Grouper & Lala Clams here, topped with a fermented black bean tapenade. For those looking to get their meat game on, you mustn’t miss the barbeque pork echine that’s nicely charred on the outside but tender and juicy all the way through. Trust us – these will have you singing till the very last bite!

Your gastronomic journey here isn’t complete without this beautifully-presented Calamansi, Coconut, Goat Yogurt, Pomelo, and Grass Jelly. Combining sweet, creamy, and tangy flavours into this beautifully-presented dessert, we can’t think of a better way to round up a meal.

If you haven’t already, drop by “Kampong French” at Open Farm Community from now until 3rd December 2017 to experience the best of local produce in ways you wouldn’t have thought possible! Plus, get the low-down on Chef Harry of Paris Popup here.

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

Tags Bistronomy, Chef Harry Cummins, Laura Vidal, Lina Caschetto, Open Farm Community, Paris Popup

Features Others Restaurants Singapore

Achieving Golden Kushikatsu Perfection at Panko

Post author By Chope
Post date November 6, 2017
1 Comment on Achieving Golden Kushikatsu Perfection at Panko

If you’re done wandering food streets Arab Street and Haji Lane, check out the quirky watering hole that sits on the corner between the two: Panko, the newest baby from Unlisted Collection, is a cyberpunk-themed kushikatsu restaurant and bar. The concept of the bar is “casual, playful, and accessible”, and it’s headed by Chef Ishikawa who hails from a family of sushi chefs with 105 years of history and tradition. While Chef Ishikawa had followed faithfully in his family’s footsteps, the sushi chef has since branched out (to our great fortune) to a greater variety of flavours.

As the brainchild of Unlisted Collection, expect Panko to dish out extraordinary creations that are in line with those that come out of Salted & Hung, Cheek by Jowl, and Bincho. In fact, it’s run by the very same team behind Bincho. The table sitting area facing Arab Street has a wall projection displaying Tokyo’s street life, while Japanese-style murals decorate the walls around the bar area.

Panko is currently the restaurant with the lowest price point on Unlisted’s team of restaurants. Their aim is to provide exquisite Japanese food with fresh ingredients at affordable prices. Lunch sets start at $17++, with skewers ranging from as low as $2 to $8 per stick.

We were served with some of the delicate skewers that they have on the menu: the first on top is Salmon with Ikura ($6), while the foreground boasts Prawn ($6), and Young Corn ($2). Sauces offered to us, from left to right, were ponzu, lemon, Japanese Sea Salt, and Panko’s own secret Kushi Sauce (we only managed to discern Worchester sauce and sake in this, alas, it shall remain a true mystery).

Note how the skewers are angled towards the secret sauce? A clever tip that lets you know which sauce that skewer should be dipped into! Diners have free reign over which sauces they’d like to go with their skewers but of course, chef knows best.

The secret sauce was just right for the prawn and corn kushi, being neither too salty or too sweet. (We had a moment of rebellion and gave the Ponzu a try, but, while also pretty good, it was a little too acidic for the corn.)

With the sound of sizzling kushikatsu covering your whispered sweet nothings, the bar setting can make for a pretty intimate date night. Here’s a tip for those wondering how to impress even more at Panko’s. While not explicitly stated on the written menu, diners can actually request an omakase set. Meaning, “I’ll leave it up to you” or “entrust”, ordering omakase will leave the chef to decide what he wants to puts on your plate, be it a menu staple or special dishes he’ll create just for you. Wallet warning: be prepared to splurge at least $100. You’ll be asked your budget beforehand, but that’s the minimum for Omakase. This doesn’t include drinks, so make sure to do the sums! Personally, we feel that the quality and quantity more than justifies the price.

So how does Panko make these tasty fun-sized skewers, you ask? Here’s a sneak peek into the kitchens to see how the magic happens:

These delicately-prepared kushi are first skewered with utmost care, making sure that the bamboo skewers have a split at the end – this prevents meat from falling off. Then, they are dipped in batter before being left to drip on the rack for a minute. Chef helpfully informs us that this is to prevent too much batter from coating your food. The rule of thumb for kushikatsu, as the good chef tells us, is that less batter is better.

Next comes the dusting of bread crumbs, a.k.a. panko! Chef Ishikawa gently pats the kushikatsu down with an even coating of homemade panko.

giphy-downsized-large (2)
And finally, the deep-frying. Look at that sizzle! The kushikatsu is deep-fried forexactly 2 minutes (we timed it), before taken out and allowed to “rest” for a few seconds.

Finally, it’s decorated and served, like so!

(We’re betting our bottom dollar that you’re salivating just as much as we are right now.)

We’re head-over-heels for the Mochi Bacon with Mentai Mayo ($5) Kushikatsu, which is bacon wrapped around mochi and dusted with panko. The crispy outside complements the soft and chewy insides. By then, the mochi has taken in enough “juice” to hold a slight taste of bacon as well, which fills your mouth the more you chew. A small dollop of mentaiko mayonnaise is squeezed on top and sprinkled with tobiko, which burst with each bite and leave delicate hints of umami.

The first skewer is the Hokkaido Scallop with Nori Dashi Foam ($6). For seafood lovers, especially those who love Hotate (Japanese scallops), these are a must-try! The first bite starts with a crunch, and then your teeth sink into the tender, bouncy flesh. When you dip it into dashi foam, it’s a delightful combination of slight saltiness and shellfish-sweetness. Yum! And if you love Uni (Japanese sea urchin) as much as we do, you should definitely go for the latter dish which is the Hokkaido Scallop with Sea Urchin ($8).

Whether you’re looking for a casual but quirky setting for a date or if you simply want to try a new bar with an extensive collection of good Japanese alcohol and food, Panko is a place that will tease, please, and overall guarantee you a good time.

Find it at 33 Arab Street, Singapore (199732)
Book a table at Panko and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Tags Japanese, Kushikatsu, New Restaurant, Newly-opened, Panko, skewers, Unlisted Collection

Features Restaurants

Savour the finer things in life at Dolce Vita

Post author By Chope
Post date September 1, 2017
No Comments on Savour the finer things in life at Dolce Vita

It’s a long weekend, and we know what your inner foodie is thinking: it’s time to #treatyoself to a nice, comforting meal and enjoy the extra time you have on your hands! Not sure where to start? Cue Dolce Vita, an establishment that dishes out culinary masterpieces while staying true to its traditional Italian flavours.

Prepared to be amazed when the buffalo mozzarella is wheeled out of the kitchen – the 2kgs of braided cheese, flown directly from Italy, is as fresh as they come. The chef then slices the cheese on the spot and plates them with semi-dried tomatoes, anchovies, rucola salad, and a generous dressing of Italian basil oil to complete the Treccia Campana di Bufala.

Need a little Italian comfort? You’ll find it in the Risotto. Using a special selection Acquerello Rice, every mouthful gives a satisfying bite while subtle flavours of pumpkin, sauteed prawn, and soft hints of ginger oil are slowly introduced to your palate. You’d have to try this to know – it’s an experience not to be missed!

Perhaps one of the most unforgettable dishes here is the Tagliata di Manzo. The beautifully roasted US Prime Beef Ribeye imparts a subtle, beefy flavour and the meat is cooked tender throughout. Served with a side of the fluffiest mashed potatoes, fragrant sautéed vegetables, sharp capperata, and a generous lather of natural roasting juices, this is definitely a must-try!

The desserts menu is where the creativity of the kitchen team at Dolce Vita really shines. The ever-popular Tiramisu doesn’t steer far from its original but here, they craft this dessert with a modern twist that makes it both visually attractive and a pleasure to tuck into. What we found pleasantly refreshing is that the Mascarpone mousse carried a hint of citrus – orange zest that’s strained and infused into the espuma – with every mouthful. Our verdict? #muchimpressed

When the kitchen dishes up their Panna Cotta, it’s easy to see why this intricate little number steals hearts the second it hits the table. Resembling a magical fairy garden complete with adorable panna cotta ‘toadstools’ and green tea sponge cake ‘moss crumbles’, it’s almost too beautiful to eat! The berry coulis and berry sponge add a slight tang and a refreshing palate-cleanser to this creamy delight.

The relaxed and convivial atmosphere, paired with the contemporary twist to traditional Italian flavours, makes Dolce Vita an establishment that sets itself above the rest. Don’t just take our word for it – book a table today and enjoy yourselves the Italian way!

Find it at 5 Raffles Avenue, Marina Square, The Mandarin Oriental, Singapore 039797
Book a table at Dolce Vita and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Tags Coffee, Dessert, Feature, High Tea

Features Restaurants

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

Post author By Chope
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 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 Chope
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 Chope
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 Chope
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 Chope
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