Category: Reviews

Rizu Modern Japanese Cuisine: Omakase Done Right

Post author By Michelle Tan
Post date January 9, 2019
No Comments on Rizu Modern Japanese Cuisine: Omakase Done Right

Just when we thought that we’ve tried all the Japanese spots in Singapore, more seem to pop up every month! If Telok Ayer is your usual haunt, it’s time to add another sushiya to your list. Cue Rizu Modern Japanese Cuisine, the latest addition to the slew of hangouts at Duxton Hill that is sure to give the other eateries a run for their money.

A Cosy Japanese Respite

If you’re looking for a quiet space to enjoy an exquisite Japanese spread, look no further than this quaint sushiya. The ambience is rather dim, which may not be ideal if you’re trying to take snapshots of the gorgeous interiors and dishes. However, rest assured that the experience here will make up for it! Choose a seat al fresco to soak in the ambiance along Duxton Hill, or take a table indoors and delight in the deep blue interiors of the restaurant.

The service is attentive but not ostentatious, and the waiting staff is always ready to answer any queries about the menu items. Attention to detail is impeccable here; from the food down to the tableware, small meaningful details are added to give Rizu that extra personal touch!

Simple Yet Impressive Japanese Creations

The best way to have a taste of Chef Noboru Shimohigashi’s culinary ingenuity is through Rizu’s Special Omakase, comprised of 11 specially-prepared dishes using the freshest ingredients of the day. Bringing diners through a journey of flavours, Chef Noboru brings diners on an experience to remember.

Some of our favourites include:

Live Lobster, Abalone, and Sashimi

When this massive platter hits the table, you’ll be mesmerised by the assortment of fresh sashimi on display. This spread features a worldly catch from some of the best fishing sites across the globe, from the cool waters of Boston and Norway to the Eastern seas of Japan and Korea. Need a testament to its freshness? Pay close attention to the ‘decorative’ lobster head – if you’re lucky enough, you’ll catch it moving from time to time!

Lobster Bisque

Unlike the creamy European version, the seafood bique at Rizu is a lighter version that’s pleasing to the palate and heartwarming at the same time. Packed with flavours of the ocean, the lobster bisque is extremely satisfying and the chunks of lobster meat add texture to the smooth, delicious broth.

Foie Gras Sauté with Plum Sauce

Chef Noboru’s ingenious way of pairing the buttery foie gras with the figs, plum sauce, and ume flesh makes this seemingly simple dish stand out on its own. The refreshing tartness of the fruits cut through the savoury foie gras – it’s undeniably a match made in heaven.

Wagyu Steak with Special Wasabi Sauce

Indulgence seems to be a recurring theme in Rizu’s omakase but we’re not complaining! One good example is Chef Noboru’s Wagyu Steak with Special Wasabi Sauce. Tender and beautifully marbled steak slices are seared to perfection, served with a side of seasonal vegetables. For those weary of wasabi, you can take comfort in knowing that the sauce tastes more like earthy sesame sauce dressing.

Sukiyaki Rice Bowl with Miso Soup

Fans of sukiyaki will adore this dish. Savoury and slightly sweet, the beef slices are cooked extremely tender with a melt-in-your-mouth consistency. The flavours lean towards the stronger side, but with the light miso soup, it comes together beautifully. The golden, runny onsen egg gives the rice extra depth that amps up the lux factor.

Crumble, Pear Gelee and Pear with Vanilla Ice Cream

To cleanse the palate, treat yourself to the Crumble, Pear Gelee and Pear with Vanilla Ice Cream. For those watching your waistlines, this light dessert is the perfect way to round up a meal. It’s not extremely sweet, which makes it a perfect dishes for those who aren’t too fond sweetness.

Find it at 39 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089617
Earn an additional 100 Chope-Dollars with TASTYBLOG

Tags Chope, Cuisine, Duxton, Duxton Hill, Japanese, omakase, Rizu Modern Japanese Restaurant, Singapore

Features Restaurants Reviews Singapore Singapore

Three Buns Quayside: Bring on the Buns

Post author By Amelia Ow
Post date November 15, 2018
No Comments on Three Buns Quayside: Bring on the Buns

Grill’s on! When Three Buns invited us to try some of their succulent burgers, we knew we had to say yes. For the uninitiated, Three Buns started off churning out juicy burgers and succulent dawgs at Potato Head Singapore, one of the hippest hangouts in town. Their popularity grew, and now this well-loved burger joint has set up shop along Robertson Quay to cater to the growing demands and appetites of their loyal customers.

First thing we noticed is that they don’t serve utensils. That’s because they strongly believe in sustainability, hence the recycled wood walls and minimal use of utensils. Also, Chef Adam Penney recommends you to chow down these bad boys with your bare hands. So don’t hesitate to get your hands dirty like how we did!

Fun fact: The chef loves hip hop so if you’re a fan, you’ll love the old school hip hop music playing in the background. You can probably also relate to burger names like Redman and Bun DMC, and their personalised stickers are adorable too!

Sly Stallone

Every bite of the Sly Stallone is refreshing and satisfying. The burger is packed with pesto flavour, but not so overpowering and you can still taste the layer of flavours from the Australian Dorper lamb patty, Quader de Cavra cheese, juicy heritage tomato slices, and crunchy lettuce. The lamb patty is tender and fragrant so it’s easy on the taste buds. Sandwiched between two thick toasted demi brioche bun, be prepared to get messy with this one.

Redman

Love beef rendang? This one’s right up your alley. Redman burger does an interesting spin on beef rendang. In one bite, you can taste the tender 24-hour cooked black Angus beef cheek rendang, pickle mooli (radish), and cucumber slices. The burger hits you with a subtle coconut flavour from the coconut mayo and toasted coconut demi brioche buns. This bad boy has a familiar yet unique local taste with a sweet and spicy kick.

Big Krabby Kane

Big Krabby Kane is our favourite. The blue swimmer crab patty covered in salted egg mayonnaise with a touch of chilli, lime, and coriander come together perfectly. We were pleasantly surprised by how thick and flavourful the patty is. The crisp lettuce adds a textural crunch to the burger. Shiok is the word to describe this dish.

Besides the burgers, another must-have on the menu is the Miso Dirty Fries. Crispy potato slices drenched in miso béarnaise sauce, smoked chicken sausage and floss, chives, scallions, and pickle chilli- this dish will whisk you away to sinful nirvana!

What better way to pair your burger than a cold, creamy milkshake? We were thrilled to try 3 MONKEYS, Monkey Shoulder infused banana milkshake. The kick from the whisky perks you right up and the hint of banana and generous amount of whipped cream mellows out the taste from the whisky. Before you know it, you would have finished this thirst-quencher in no time.

If that isn’t enough to tempt you, we’ve got good news to share! Add Three Buns to your supper list as they are offering 1-for-1 burgers or dawgs from Tuesdays to Sundays, starting from 9.30pm. Wind down after work at this relaxing spot after 5pm every Tuesdays to Thursdays to enjoy cocktails and beers at a starting price of $8. The best part? Bring along your furry babies and they get to devour angus beef patties for free when you dine here!

Find it at 60 Robertson Quay, #01-01, The Quayside, Singapore 238252

Tags Bar, Burgers

Features Lifestyle Reviews Singapore Singapore

9 Amazing Dishes to try from 4 Stellar Spots at Dempsey

Post author By Michelle Tan
Post date October 25, 2018
1 Comment on 9 Amazing Dishes to try from 4 Stellar Spots at Dempsey

When visiting the posh neighbourhood of Dempsey, you might be spoiled for choice. From decadent award-winning Peranakan cuisine to the heritage tempura dishes, we’ll give you the low down on the different eateries and which dishes stood out best.

Candlenut, A Taste of Peranakan Pleasure

Welcome to Candlenut, the world’s first and only Peranakan restaurant with a Michelin-star. And it’s easy to see why: pairing excellent service and phenomenal food with an ambience that’s both inviting and exciting, rest assured that your experience at Candlenut will be unparalleled.

When a restaurant serves rendang so tender that it melts in your mouth, you know it’s a winner. Their Wagyu Beef Rendang, with heartwarming spices and bursting with flavour, is a must-have.

One of the highlights we can’t get enough of at Candlenut is the Blue Swimmer Crab Curry. Rest assured that this golden bowl of creamy, spicy goodness will leave your taste buds satisfied with its piquant Assam notes with hints of Kaffir lime. They don’t skimp on the ingredients either, as this appetising curry is made with loads of fresh crabs that lend it a soft, oceanic flavour.

Staying true to its roots, Candlenut introduces desserts with a Peranakan flair as well. One such creation is their Buah Keluak Ice Cream. Made with 90% buah keluak base and 10% chocolate, it’s definitely a dish that stands out in terms of flavour and uniqueness. The crackling crumble base adds texture to the smooth, creamy frozen delight.

Find it at Block 17A Dempsey Road, Singapore 249676
Earn additional 100 Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Experience Casual Japanese at Ippoh Tempura Bar by Ginza Ippoh

If you didn’t already know, Osaka’s oldest premium tempura restaurant Ippoh sets up its first Southeast Asian outlet at COMO Dempsey.

The soft lighting and simple décor at this tiny tempura house will have you feeling right at home once you step in through the rather private entrance. The ambience here maintains cosy and minimalist, with only a few bar counter eats and a couple of tables. From its interiors down to the custom-made bowls and utensils, everything here is made with a personal touch. If you’re looking for an intimate moment either alone or with a significant other, this is the perfect spot.

Ippoh Tempura Bar prides itself with their omakase menu, but lunch crowds hankering for a quick fix will be happy to know that they serve lunch sets as well. Starting with the house-made goma tofu, it’s a classic example of the chef’s impeccable skills. The tofu is made with ground sesame seeds, and its texture is unlike usual store-bought tofu: slightly firm with a gentle fragrance, every mouthful is invigorating.

With Chef Masaru Seki’s immaculate tempura skills, diners are able to sample the flavours of the fresh ingredients encased in the delicate, crispy batter. Enjoy them with a bowl of rice or opt for cold somen noodles for something more refreshing.

Find it at 17B Dempsey Road, Singapore 249676
Earn additional 100 Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

A Contemporary Dining Experience at The Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar

Looking for an upscale meal? The Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar is your best bet. Elegantly decorated with marble table tops and columns, aluminium furnishings, and lush greenery, we can’t help but be charmed by the friendly and relaxed ambience. Dishing out the effortlessly gorgeous creations, Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten introduces modern European dishes with local interpretations that represent the melting pot of cultures in Singapore.

A crowd favourite at Dempsey’s Cookhouse is the Crispy Salmon Sushi. The sushi rice is fried to a satisfying crisp, and carrot-orange salmon sashimi glazed with soy sauce is added on top of the crispy rice with a touch of chipotle mayo and mint leaf that tie all the flavours together. The delicate Egg Caviar, on the other hand, is addicting with its smooth egg whites rendered flavourful with a generous dollop of caviar.

When it comes to pizza, ultimate indulgence lies in the Black Truffle & Fontina Pizza. Carefully crafted and baked in a cherry wood oven, the pie is spread generously with French black truffle paste and cheese.

Find it at 17D Dempsey Road, Singapore 249676
Earn additional 100 Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Savour global flavours at COMO Cuisine

True to the personality of COMO hotels around the world, COMO Cuisine brings exciting international flavours to the table. They’ve recently introduced High Teas for Tuesdays and Fridays as well, so there’s more to look forward to with your besties!

Decked out in industrial chic furnishings and suspended greenery on the ceilings, the peaceful ambience at this establishment will enchant you.

We were smitten by COMO’s Snapper Curry, served with fluffy saffron rice. The thick, decadent curry is made with coconut milk and generous servings of snapper that adds depth to the sauce. Vegan options for their dishes are also available, which makes it the perfect spot for any diner regardless of their dietary restrictions.

The star dish, however, is the Parfait that had us all in awe. Made with Butterfly Pea flowers, pineapple, and crushed lemongrass ice, this refreshing dessert is inspired by the local ice cream sandwich.

Find it at 18A Dempsey Road, Singapore 249677
Earn additional 100 Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Tags Candlenut, Chope, COMO Cuisine, Dempsey, Ippoh Tempura Bar by Ginza Ippoh, Singapore, The Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar

Features Lifestyle Restaurants Reviews Singapore Singapore

Luxuriate in Quality Chinese fare at Golden Peony

Post author By Michelle Tan
Post date August 30, 2018
No Comments on Luxuriate in Quality Chinese fare at Golden Peony

Chinese cuisines are a dime a dozen here in Singapore, which explains why locals are exceptionally particular when it comes to quality. One such restaurant that lives up to these expectations is Golden Peony, a beautiful establishment serving up decadent Chinese fare.

You’ll feel right at home when you first step into the modernly vast space, located on the 3rd level of the swanky Conrad Centennial Hotel. The warmly lit ambience and contemporary interiors ooze chic without being ostentatious, making it a perfect spot for friendly gatherings and intimate occasions. Classic Chinese dishes adorn the menu so you can expect the upgraded favourites including Sweet & Sour Pork and Stir-Fried French Bean.

Not convinced? We’ll help you out:

Something Succulent: Roast ‘London’ Duck

A testament to Chef Ku’s impeccable skills is the Roast ‘London’ Duck (特色伦敦鸭两味) – a dish akin to Peking Duck but with a twist. Here, the duck is served two ways: first in a homemade crepe, then as is alongside condiments to complement it with.

We recommend first going for the former, where a pristine slice of roast duck with parma ham, pineapple, and crispy beancurd skin are ready to be rolled in a homemade crepe for your dining pleasure. If you prefer savouring the duck as is, the juicy slices of roast duck on the side will delight you. Don’t forget the spice dip for a little flavour boost!

A Little Bit of Warmth: Golden Double-boiled Seafood Soup in Mini Golden Pumpkin

Savour the essence of the sea with the Golden Double-boiled Seafood Soup in Mini Golden Pumpkin (金瓜盅炖海鲜汤). We beamed when this cheerful bowl of goodness brimming with seafood and all things delicious arrived at our table.

Each spoonful of broth immediately exudes depth and warmth, making it almost impossible not to love. Tuck in further and discover plump, fresh prawns, tender conpoy and more hidden treasures within.

From Up North: Baked Canadian Sea Perch with Red Wine Sauce

Love fish? Then this Baked Canadian Sea Perch with Red Wine Sauce (红酒焗鲈鱼) is definitely up your alley. Enjoy simplicity at its finest as you bite into the gorgeously baked sea perch with the sweet and savoury red wine sauce. Fleshy and fragrant, the sea perch has a very clean flavour that works beautifully with the red wine sauce.

A Bowl of Indulgence: Stewed Lobster

More seafood goodness awaits as Golden Peony dishes out the indulgent Stewed Lobster with Ginger, Spring Onion, and Egg Gravy served with Crispy Egg Noodle Ball (姜葱滑蛋开边龙虾脆面球).

Chef Ku gets a little creative with the presentation as the succulent lobster is shown playing with the noodle ball in the sea of ‘egg-gravy’. Spoon the hot gravy over the crisp noodle to soften it before you dig in, and savour every mouthful with a bit of the lobster and gravy. Fun has never tasted this good!

Whether it’s a family feast you seek or an indulgent meal for two, the fine Chinese fare at this exquisite restaurant is sure to satisfy.

Want 10% off your bill? Purchase a voucher today!

Find it at 2 Temasek Boulevard, Conrad Centennial Hotel, Singapore 038982
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Tags Chinese, Chope, Conrad Centennial Singapore, Golden Peony, London Duck, Singapore

Restaurants Reviews Singapore Singapore

Savour the best sea urchin dishes at Uni Gallery by Oosterbay

Post author By Michelle Tan
Post date May 21, 2018
No Comments on Savour the best sea urchin dishes at Uni Gallery by Oosterbay

When it comes to the elusive uni (Japanese for sea urchin), you’ll probably find only two types of people: those who love them and those who don’t. If you belong to the latter, we won’t hold it against you since our writers felt the same — up until recently, that is.

Cue Uni Gallery by Oosterbay, a humble little spot tucked away in The Plaza that serves one of the best and most extensive selections of sea urchins you will ever find on the market. We put our (squirmiest) writers to the test and they came back as converts. We kid you not!

If you’re thinking of giving sea urchins a try, here are our top picks from Uni Gallery to get you acquainted.

1. Le Testuya

Start your experience right with Le Tetsuya, where the chef takes shredded fresh Hokkaido crab meat and tosses it in a sweet, tart dressing, serving it with a dollop of sea urchin and Sturgeon caviar. The flavours come together in a wonderful balance, with just the right notes of sweetness and umami.

2. Uni Sake Shot

Need a little something to take the edge off? Here, have a sake shot! For the uninitiated, this Uni Sake Shot isn’t your average palate cleanser – with the addition of ponzu, the sake transforms into a sweet, crisp, and savoury number, with the uni rounding off the flavours beautifully.

3. Uni Oyster

The Uni Oyster is one of the main dishes we anticipated: plump New Zealand oysters come served with gleaming globules of Ikura roe and a creamy serving of uni. Don’t even think about splitting this into two mouthfuls; have it in one shot and you’ll see why it’s called its unofficial name is called the “Umami Bomb”.

The first taste that hits your tongue is the oyster’s brininess, followed by the mini explosions of fatty Ikura roe, and the creaminess of the uni brings the flavours together. Bursting with flavour, these little morsels go ‘ka-boom’ in your mouth, leaving you altogether satisfied and craving more! Fair warning: one serving is never enough.

4. Uni Sampler

As a restaurant specialising in uni, we can think of a better place than Uni Gallery to get uni straight from its shell. If you think all uni taste the same, wash yourself of expectations and give yourself a challenge by tucking into their Uni Sampler.

Comprising 5 types of uni – Shiro, Bafun, Canadian Aka, Santa Barbara Aka, and Kombu-marinated Uni – this is definitely an adventure on a plate for both newbies and epicureans alike. Some uni will taste sweet and mellow while others creamy and bright; you’ll even find robust ones with a hint of brine – whichever one you prefer, this platter will no doubt open your eyes to the wonderful world of this underrated delicacy.

If your friends aren’t fans, rest assured that other Japanese favourites such as a variety of fresh sashimi, succulently grilled wagyu, and more will keep them satisfied.

Whether you’re a novice or a connoisseur, Uni Gallery by Oosterbay is definitely one of the best places in Singapore to appreciate uni. Pop by this little hideout and indulge in a meal to remember!

Find it at 7500A Beach Road, #B1-310, The Plaza, Singapore 199591
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Tags Japanese, Sea Urchin, Seafood, Uni, Uni Gallery by Oosterbay

Lifestyle Reviews Singapore Singapore

Popeye’s Chicken & Waffle Review + A Guide to Chicken & Waffles in Singapore

Post author By Emerline Su
Post date April 5, 2018
2 Comments on Popeye’s Chicken & Waffle Review + A Guide to Chicken & Waffles in Singapore

A few weeks ago, we told all of you that Popeye’s has released Chicken & Waffles, which will only be on their menus until 28 April. Today, we’re going to give you the low-down on this new contender in the Chicken-Waffle arena. Is it worth the hype?

Cr: popeyes.com.sg

Popeye’s is all about fried chicken, so it’s no surprise that their “chicken” side of this dish would be tasty. The fried chicken was crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. It was also full of smoky Cajun flavours that Popeye’s is best known for. Slightly spicy and with a satisfying crunch, we haven’t got much to complain about here. However, it could definitely have done without the nacho cheese and chili sauce which were both a tad too artificial-tasting.

A really good waffle should look something like this: thick and golden-brown, crisp on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Sadly, the waffles at Popeye’s aren’t exactly to die for. They definitely had the crispness nailed but sans the soft and fluffy.

Verdict

Overall, Popeye’s Chicken & Waffles are pretty ok, considering the low price point ($6.90 for ala carte, $8.90 for a meal including a drink and side). While it wasn’t terrible, it’s not quite a list-topper either. The dish is a pretty good low-budget option but it would have been nice if it was more satisfying.

Check out this list of restaurants that you can go to for more spots to get your Chicken & Waffle treat!

1. Montana: With a Southern twist

If you’re in love with all the smoky spices of Southern cuisine, then this is the place to get it. Their fried chicken has a golden-brown and crispy batter, which breaks open to release a mouthful of juicy, tender, and flavourful chicken meat. As for the waffles, we’re delighted to say that they’ve achieved that perfect balance between crisp and fluffy, resulting in a light, comforting waffle that’s a worthy complement to the chicken. The dish is served with homemade spicy coleslaw and corn salsa that keeps it from being too heavy.

Find it at 1 Selegie Road, #02-25, PoMo, Singapore 188306.
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

2. OverEasy: All-American, always satisfying

This cheeky restaurant brings the classic American diner to Singapore, complete with thick milkshakes, juicy burgers, and everyone’s favourite chicken wings. But wait, there’s more: the chicken wings are served on top of waffles. Tender and packed full of flavour, the wings are some of the best we’ve ever eaten, while the waffles don’t let us down either. The entire ensemble comes with whipped honey butter and maple syrup. They come in American-sized portions too, more than enough for two.

Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG when you book a table at the following outlets:

3. The Beast: Making the most of your cheat day

Cr: ladyironchef.com

You either go big or go home at The Beast, Singapore’s first ever bourbon bar. Apart from a huge selection of quality bourbon, they’ve also got an amazing kitchen cooking up a chicken and waffles dish that’s a worthy addition to your cheat day menu. You’ll be served a generous piece of juicy fried chicken that’s absolutely irresistible and indulgently sinful, sitting on a bed of airy waffles. Just wait till you get to the bourbon-infused syrup. One does not simply waste alcoholic syrup.

Find it at 17 Jalan Klapa, Singapore 199329
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

4. Clinton Street Baking Company: Flavour Heaven

What we really love about Clinton Street’s chicken and waffles is the seasoning on the chicken, which is absolutely on point! The buttermilk adds a rich flavour to round out the intense spices, and the chicken breast remains tender while the batter is fried to crispy, golden perfection, while the waffles are soft and fluffy, infused with vanilla and more buttermilk. What really lifts this dish is the maple butter, which tastes as good as it sounds. Put all three parts together and you’ve got paradise in your mouth.

Find it at 31 Purvis Street, Singapore 188608
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

5. Arteastiq: A healthier option

Cr: onlywilliam.blogspot.sg

Now, we understand that there are two types of people: those who pig out on their cheat day, and those who still try to maintain some semblance of health consciousness. If you belong to the latter, then the chicken & waffles here are perfect for you. Instead of deep-fried chicken, the buttermilk chicken is pan-fried then placed on a bed of red onions, veggies, cashew nuts, and Thai mayonnaise. Underneath, the waffles are whole-wheat. Who says healthy foods can’t be yummy?

Find it at 333A Orchard Road, Mandarin Gallery, #04-14/15, Singapore 238867.
Click here for more information on Arteastiq.

6. Revelry: Comforting and classic

Cr: adelinesays.blogspot.sg

Dedicated wholly to waffles, this bright and cheery cafe in Bukit Timah is already one of our favourites. Among many other waffle-based concoctions, their version of chicken and waffles is a flawless rendition of a timeless classic. It’s the ultimate comfort food: simple, straightforward, and absolutely delicious. A large, tender piece of chicken thigh with a crunchy batter sits invitingly on a golden-brown waffle that’s thick and fluffy, but still crispy. Nestled on the side of the plate is a generous serving of maple syrup you can drown the chicken in. Yum!

Find it at 21 Lor Kilat, Singapore 598123.
Click here for more information on Revelry.

7. Monniker: The ultimate level-up

Cr: angieisagirl.wordpress.com

The good people at Monniker looked at chicken and waffles and said “you know what this needs? Cheese and an egg.” And boy, were they right. Get the ultimate brunch meal with their immensely indulgent dish. You’ve got a slab of juicy chicken covered in melted cheddar, and sandwiched between two pieces of waffle. As if that wasn’t enough, the stack is topped with a sunny-side up smiling up at you. Are you salivating yet? We definitely are.

Find it at 387 Balestier Road, Singapore 329795.
Click here for more information on Monniker.

Tags Brunch, Chicken and Waffles, Fried Chicken, Popeye's, Singapore

Lifestyle News Reviews Singapore

Ugly Delicious, a review: the docuseries that has set everyone’s craving ablaze.

Post author By Michelle Tan
Post date March 6, 2018
No Comments on Ugly Delicious, a review: the docuseries that has set everyone’s craving ablaze.

Still flipping through episodes on Chef’s Table? Time to change the channel, fellow foodies – Ugly Delicious is what you should be tuning into right now.

Cr: YouTube.com

Hosted by celebrity chef David Chang of Momofuku fame and food writer (and Chang’s foodie-in-crime) Peter Meehan, Ugly Delicious is a refreshing take on gastronomy that covers everything from amazing, every day eats to the sociological and culinary history of popular foods.

Forget about white tablecloth restaurants. Instead, step out onto the streets as Chang and Meehan draw your attention back to food at its very core. Join the duo as they travel to Naples for AVP-certified pizza, tuck into street-side tacos in Los Angeles and Mexico, and gather over Thanksgiving at Chang’s family home. Each episode touches on thought-provoking discussions with revered chefs (Spago’s Wolfgang Puck from Spago, René Redzepi from Noma) as well as TV personalities (comedian Aziz Ansari, actress Gillian Jacobs), challenging them to think about what food means to themselves and to the community.

A word of caution: make sure you have tonnes of snacks with you as you watch – hunger is guaranteed. There’s nothing this docuseries hasn’t served that won’t whet your appetite.

Cr: The Daily Meal

Highlighting critical cultural dialogues through light conversations – all packaged and presented in true Lucky Peach* fashion – Ugly Delicious is an epicurean delight that can be enjoyed by experienced gourmets and everyday foodies due to its relatability. The episodes have so much depth, and yet they maintain extremely digestible at the same time.

Since its debut, numerous popular food sites such as Food52 picked up the usage of the hashtag #uglydelicious. Chang frequently uses the hashtag on his social media platforms. The title in itself epitomises the whole series, prompting viewers to remember that good food isn’t always Insta-ready. In fact, sometimes the messiest or ugliest dishes are the best ones that you’ll ever come by.

Both entertaining and enlightening, it comes as no surprise those who have watched the series are hungry for more (spoiler alert: there are only 8 lip-smacking episodes in the first season). True to its name, Ugly Delicious is proof that food doesn’t need to look pretty to be “food porn”. When you binge-watch this (and you will), it’s almost impossible not to drool the piles of crawfish boils, piping hot fried chicken tossed in sticky, sweet hot sauce, and more.

We’re not kidding – you WILL get hungry.

Whether you agree with Wolfgang Puck that people should steer away from “originality” or if you have second thoughts about Ali Wong’s stand on what makes a good Asian restaurant, there’s one takeaway from this series that we can all get behind: Food is a human experience, and no two experiences are ever alike.

To quote Chang: “There’s good food everywhere. It just may not be where you’re looking.”

*Lucky Peach is a now-defunct magazine originally founded by Chang and Meehan

Tags David Chang, foodie, Netflix, Peter Meehan, Review, Ugly Delicious

Reviews Singapore

McDonald’s New Menu Review: Yay or Nay

Post author By Emerline Su
Post date March 1, 2018
No Comments on McDonald’s New Menu Review: Yay or Nay

Stopped by a Singapore McDonald’s lately? Then you’re sure to have seen their new line of fish-themed eats that sound pretty promising to fans of the classic Filet-O-Fish, plus the infamous chocolate pie, aka ‘choco pie’, that was a hit in South Korea. Curious to know if they’re worth the calories? We tried all their items in true investigative fashion.

Fish & Fries

Cr: McDonald’s Singapore

Expectations: Tender fish encased in a thin layer of batter and fried to crispy, golden perfection, paired with classic McDonald’s fries and accompanied by a side of salty-sour tartar sauce – what’s not to love?

Reality: The batter is rather good – crunchy and not overly oily – but we felt that the fish inside was just a bit too dry and tough, and had a somewhat fishy taste in the middle. At $7 for the a la carte option, the Fish & Fries should do better.

SCORE: 4.5/10

Sweet Chili Fish Burger

Cr: McDonald’s Singapore

Expectations: The Sweet Chili Fish Burger is a dream come true for Singaporeans and people who love seafood and chili. It’s an addictive whirlpool of flavours – a spicy kick, soothing sweetness, tender fish wrapped in crispy batter, all sandwiched between fluffy buns.

Reality: The sweet chili sauce looked a little sparse at first glance but turned out to be flavoursome enough. It had the promised sweet-and-spicy flavours; more sweet than spicy, if we’re being honest. Good for those who can’t handle too much spice, but not to so great if you’re used to a punchier kick. We couldn’t really taste the fish though – the sauce only looked sparse but was actually very overpowering – and the texture was mediocre. If you’re looking for a McDonald’s fish burger, we’re not sure if you’d be willing to fork out $7.50 for the meal. We’d still recommend the classic Filet-O-Fish instead.

Score: 5/10

Chocolate Pie

Cr: McDonald’s Singapore

Expectations: Not a fan of fish? Don’t you fret, landlubber – there’s still something for you. McDonald’s hit chocolate pie has finally washed up on Singapore’s shores! This decadent dessert features velvety melted chocolate held together with a light, crunchy chocolate pastry that will have you falling in love at first bite.

Reality: When we broke open the warm pie, we were pleased to see chocolate oozing temptingly out the middle. It tastes pretty good too, with a rich, semi-sweet flavour profile that’s more quality dark chocolate than sweet milk chocolate. Nothing can beat a proper chocolate lava cake, but considering we paid just $1.40 for this, we were pleasantly surprised how good a low budget alternative this was.

Score: 8/10

Tags Fast food, mcdonalds, Review

Features Reviews Singapore

Origin Grill & Bar Review: Top marks for steaks, seafood, and mid-century modern vibe

Post author By Rachel Ho
Post date February 13, 2018
No Comments on Origin Grill & Bar Review: Top marks for steaks, seafood, and mid-century modern vibe

Hotel restaurants have been upping their game lately, but the new Origin Grill & Bar at Shangri-La Hotel hits the ball right out of the park.

Occupying the site of the former Japanese restaurant Nadaman, Origin has been transformed into a 1930s train station with a mid-century modern vibe: arches frame the dining space, diners lounge on leather Tripolina chairs and curved benches, and bartenders hand drinks over a counter that looks like a ticketing office.

The restaurant’s design stirs up the idea of embarking on a journey, but it is the food that completes the gastronomic adventure.

Despite opening only in late December, Origin is quickly gaining a reputation as a top-notch steakhouse.

There are wagyu options exclusive to the restaurant, such as the 500-day Japanese diet-fed Shiro Wagyu (with a marbling score of 9), and the snow-aged full blood wagyu (Grade A4). The latter is preserved and aged in a snow-covered room, which helps the meat retain moisture and deliver that fresh, buttery taste as it melts in your mouth. It is worth trying on a special occasion.

There are other beef options too, whether grass- or grain-fed, pure- or crossbred (or full blood!), Angus or wagyu, or from Australia, Japan, and Ireland. The selection, the menu boasts, offers some of the best beef in the world.

But Origin is not just for those of us who crave that ecstasy that accompanies every bite into a slab of juicy meat. Chef Flanagan is equally adept at seafood, all sourced from sustainable lines, and gives a number of them her own twist.

The pan-seared Hokkaido scallops, for example, almost transports you to Thailand with its mix of fragrant chili jam, holy basil and crushed peanuts, but still remains the focal point of the dish. It was served as an appetiser, but I would have happily eaten it as a main.

Another favourite was the miso butter glazed black cod: the miso butter is a subtle way to pack flavour into this mild fish, which flaked off perfectly.

For dessert, we highly recommend the yuzu lemon tart, which is accompanied by an adorable strawberry iced lolly. Sour and sweet rolled into one, it is a refreshing way to end off the night.

Service is excellent at Origin too, with the servers well-acquainted with the menu and forthcoming with their excellent wine pairing suggestions — though one would not expect any less at the Shang.

Whether you’re in need of an aperitif or a night cap, the bar is a must-visit for cocktail lovers, where manager Adam Bursik, from the now-defunct speakeasy Library on Keong Saik Road, has crafted some 20 drinks inspired by five key districts in Singapore.

The signature drink, Origin, is a spicy gin-based cocktail made with sugar cane honey, nutmeg, pepper, charred pineapple and lime husk wine. It tastes exactly how like you’d expect 18th-century, trade hub Singapore to be.

The Pearl, from his futuristic Marina Bay section, is a smooth and floral concoction of Black Forest gin with tofu, elderflower, sea grapes and mugi shochu. It’s an alcoholic tau huay (soy bean curd), served up in a Pinterest-worthy ceramic oyster glass — the perfect ambassador for Bursik and his boundary-breaking recipes.

Origin is sure to please the aspiring architects, foodies and alcoholics. And if you happen to be like us — all three rolled into one body — a meal there might be one of your more memorable ones this year.

Find it at 22 Orange Grove Road Lobby Level Singapore 258350
Book a table at Origin Grill & Bar and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Tags Bars, Dessert, New Restaurants, Origin Grill & Bar, Review, Seafood, Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, Steak

Features Lifestyle Others Reviews Singapore

Chope Tries: All 18 toppings at The Magnum Pleasure Bar (on 10 ice creams)

Post author By Michelle Tan
Post date January 20, 2018

If you’re well-versed in all things ice cream, then The Magnum Pleasure Bar needs no introduction. Known for their bespoke Magnum bars, The Magnum Pleasure Bar provides a “Make My Magnum” experience for those who enjoy an extra touch of lovin’ to their usual icy delights.

With a whopping 18 classic and exotic toppings to choose from (rose petals and chilli flakes, anyone?), there are all sorts of interesting creations you can experiment with.

Being scientific people, we made space in our stomachs and marched down with a mission to try all 18 toppings available to us. 10 ice cream bars, 2 cups of coffee, and 1 serious case of diet-related regret later, here’s our definitive guide to the Magnum experience.

Loco for Cocoa: The Humble Chocolate vs. The Massive Attack

For a full-fledged cocoa experience, your best bet is the Dark Chocolate Coating & White Chocolate Drizzle topped with Crushed Oreos, Almonds, and Speculoos (above left). You would think that this chocolate-heavy creation would be overwhelming on the palate, but the speculoos crumbs provide just the right hit of flavours to cut through all that cocoa.

On the other hand, the Dark Chocolate Coating & White Chocolate Drizzle with Crushed Chocolate Cookies, Cocoa Pearls, and Cacao Nibs (above right) guarantees you a one-way street to achieving that chocolate high. There’s nothing about this combo that doesn’t scream “chock full of chocolate” with every bite!

Verdict
If you just need a chocolatey boost, the first combo’s definitely go-to. But if you think you’re ready, go all out with the second pairing because #yolo.

Insta-worthy Babes: Flatter-Me-Floral vs. Vanilla Romance

When comparing Rose Petals, White Chocolate Pearls, and Popping Candy with Dark Chocolate Coating & Milk Chocolate Drizzle (above left) with the Rose Petals, Crushed Pistachio, and Popping Candy with White Chocolate Coating & Dark Chocolate Drizzle (above right), we didn’t know what to expect – until we had our first mouthfuls of these two gorgeous ice creams.

With the first combination, you get dark, velvety smooth chocolate punctuated with sweet fizzing from the popping candy and a hint of floral essence from the rose petals. On the other hand, the second creation was creamy and light with the white chocolate coating that’s mellowed down by the dark chocolate drizzle. The crushed pistachios add a nice contrast in textures as well.

Verdict
Need a shot for your Instagram? These bad boys are where it’s at. Even if your friends can’t taste the ice cream through your photos, these visually stunning creations are enough to get them drooling over your Insta-feed!

The ‘Spice’ Girls: Fiery Delight vs. Pop-Rock Bonanza

The Popping Candy, Rose Petals, and Chilli Flakes with Milk Chocolate Coating & Dark Chocolate Drizzle (above left) combination opens with an innocently smooth first bite before the floral and herbal hints from rose petals makes a subtle appearance. Then, without warning, the small-but-powerful chilli flakes show their strength and leave your mouth tingling with warmth.

If you love textures, you can’t go wrong with the Gold Nuggets, Popping Candy, and Chili Flakes with Dark Chocolate Coating & White Chocolate Drizzle (above right). Not only do the gold nuggets and popping candy paint a contrast of colours against the noir-coating of the ice cream, the fiery chilli flakes once again do their thing and spice things up on the palate too.

Verdict
Take heed: these creations are not of the faint of heart! But if you’re looking to try something out-of-the-box, look no further than these two combos at the Magnum Store.

Salty is the new Sweet: The Wolfberry Beauty vs. The Nutty Novice

Combining Goji Berries, Sea Salt Flakes, and Cacao Nibs with Dark Chocolate Coating & White Chocolate Drizzle (above left), a bite out of this gives you the smoothness of the chocolate with hints of saltiness staccatoed with bittersweet wolfberries.

We compared this creation with its equally salty counterpart, comprising Salted Peanuts, Chocolate Pearls, and Sunflower Seeds with White Chocolate Coating & Dark Chocolate Drizzle (above right). Perfect for those who prefer a little more texture, and less of an Asian bent, this creation has a layer of White Chocolate coating that brings the sweetness to a whole new level.

Verdict
These beauties are meant for those who love a touch of umami to go with their desserts. Though these may be odd combinations for some, we say ‘don’t knock it till you try it’!

The Battle of Textures: Pillowy Ebony vs. Crunchy Ivory

What happens when you top Peanut Butter Chips, Marshmallows, and Crushed Oreos onto an ice cream and coat it with Dark Chocolate with a Milk Chocolate Drizzle (above left)? You get this insanely indulgent piece Reese’s’ Pieces and Marshmallows, coming together with the dark, smooth chocolate ice cream.

If you’re in need of something milder, the Crushed Speculoos, Pretzels, and Almonds with White Chocolate Coating & Dark Chocolate Drizzle (above right) transports you back into time with its vanilla-esque flavours and fun, crunchy bits to keep things interesting.

Verdict
These combinations are jam-packed with fun flavours and it’s impossible not to feel like you have a party in your mouth with every bite – perfect for people old and young.

Tags Chocolate, Chope Tries, Customised, Dessert, Ice-cream, Magnum, Magnum Pleasure Store, Singapore