Category: Singapore

Weekend Reads 22-24 Dec 2017

Post author By Chope
Post date December 22, 2017
No Comments on Weekend Reads 22-24 Dec 2017

It’s pre-Christmas weekend! Here are some yummy reads so that you can procrastinate a little bit on your present-wrapping.

This 13kg chocolate santa is the definition of festive.

These people tried to have a chilly Christmas, but their neighbours definitely weren’t cool with it.

Bananas with edible skin are now a thing, and of course they’re Japanese.

Insta-worthy food, 90s arcade games, and cool lights all in one place!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bce0vqmjb3p/?taken-by=flashbangsingapore

Thought llaollao vs Yole was the last of the food drama for this year? Builders cafe got into a very public spat with customers on Facebook and boy, was it ugly.

This week in WTF: pickle-flavoured candy canes?!

Remember that angry man from Hell’s Kitchen? He’s opening a restaurant here next month.

There’s finally a way to prevent oil splatters around your kitchen with this silicone guard.

And if you still haven’t baked your Christmas cookies, here are some quick and easy recipes!

Tags candy cane, Christmas, flashbang, hell's kitchen, llaollao, santa, Weekend Reads

Destination Others Singapore

East “Meats” West this Christmas

Post author By Chope
Post date December 19, 2017
No Comments on East “Meats” West this Christmas

‘Tis the season! Bored of turkey and honey baked ham? Here are seven restaurants with festive menus that put an Asian twist on your favourite Christmas classics. Whether you like your turkey Thai-spiced or tandoori-style, get ready to stuff your face with amazing dishes this season!

Hashida Sushi

A fine-dining restaurant that promises to showcase Japan’s four seasons through their menu, Hashida Sushi delivers an exquisite Christmas menu featuring ikura and ise-ebi. Golden Japanese caviar and the bright red of the spiny lobster make up the traditional Christmas colours. Available from 22nd December right up to New Year’s Eve, this is the place to go to if you’re feeling opulent this festive season.

Find it at 333A Orchard Road #04-16, Mandarin Gallery Singapore, Singapore 238897
Book a table at Hashida Sushi and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Tamarind Hill

Looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of festivities in the city? Tamarind Hill’s right up your alley. A Thai haven nestled in the lush greenery of Labrador Park, this restaurant is just minutes away from the city, but boasts a quiet setting for diners to relish in delightful dishes. Their festive menu, available till New Year’s Eve, features mains that marry festive meats with traditional Thai spices. Their Thai-Inspired Stuffed Turkey and Caramelised Pepper Pork Chop have us salivating!

Find it at 30 Labrador Villa Road, Singapore 119189
Book at table at Tamarind Hill and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Punjab Grill

This Indian fine-dining restaurant is known for their rich curries and grilled kebabs, so it’s no surprise that both dishes are featured extensively on their festive menu. Available from 21st to 25th December, Punjab Grill’s bespoke Christmas offerings centre around turkey cooked in several unique ways. From biryani to kebabs, visit this swanky joint for a unique take on yuletide feasting you won’t soon forget.

Find it at 2 Bayfront Avenue, B1-01A Galleria Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Book at table at Punjab Grill and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Shisen Hanten

As the highest-awarded Chinese restaurant in Singapore, this eatery’s been serving up exceptional Sichuan fare in Japan since the 1950s. Their festive menu, available from 23rd to 31st December, features aromatic spices, classic Chinese ingredients and exquisite Western delicacies such as Wagyu beef, foie gras and Alaskan crabmeat.

Find it at 333 Orchard Road Level 35, Mandarin Orchard Hotel Singapore Singapore 238867
Book a table at Shisen Hanten and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Full of Luck Club

Get ready for a very Cantonese Christmas! This eatery looks more like a tapas bar than a traditional restaurant, but don’t let the interior deceive you! Full of Luck Club serves up authentic Canton nosh without burning a hole in your pocket. Their festive menu, available till New Year’s eve, marries traditional fare with contemporary ingredients such as fresh salmon and white ikura. The Salmon Wellington – pastry-encased salmon with sesame dressing, is the star of the show.

Find it at 243 Holland Avenue Singapore 278977
Book a table at Full of Luck Club and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Akira Back

Craving fresh sushi and sashimi this Christmas? Akira Back has got you covered! Located in the swish JW Mariott, dine in comfort and luxury at this modern Japanese restaurant with festive menus featuring dishes such as Spring Chicken with Yuzu Kosho Glaze and Iberico Pork Jowl with Apple Miso.

Find it at 30 Beach Road, JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach Singapore 189763
Book a table at Akira Back and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Lewin Terrace

This French-Japanese fusion restaurant exemplifies the concept of East meets West. The festive menu, available from 23rd to 25th December, features exquisite French menu items paired with traditional Japanese ingredients. The kitchen churns out Western cuisine with a contemporary Asian touch, evident in their Wagyu Beef with Lily Root Puree and Miso Beef Pie. Located within an understated colonial bungalow in the lush and quiet Fort Canning Park, this is the perfect place to have an intimate Christmas dinner.

Find it at 21 Lewin Terrace, Singapore 179290 (Main entrance is at 23B Coleman Street, beside the Singapore Philatelic Museum.)
Book a table at Lewin Terrace and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Tags Christmas, Dinner, Festive Menus, Fine Dining, Japanese, Seafood

Restaurants Singapore

Get ready for a grand Christmas with Grand Hyatt Singapore!

Post author By Chope
Post date December 15, 2017
No Comments on Get ready for a grand Christmas with Grand Hyatt Singapore!

Planning a Christmas celebration for family and friends is serious business, especially when you have so many discerning palates to take care of! With Christmas Day drawing near, Grand Hyatt is here to save the occasion with five epicurean delights that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

mezza9
For intimate moments and warm family gatherings

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. This Christmas, mezza9’s decking their menu with seasonal ingredients to welcome the festivities, including Slow-Roasted Turkey Breast Roulade, Confit Duck Leg with Radicchio & Candied Orange, and “La Esmeralda” Chocolate & Ginger Crème Brûlée. Just the sound of this is making our mouths water!

If you think that’s drool-worthy, wait till we go into their buffet offerings: known for combining 9 authentic dining experiences under one roof, mezza9 amps it up with their line-up dishes set to light up the halls themselves. From $188++, treat yourself to piles of Steamed Yesso Scallops with Ginger Paste, Slow-Roasted Butterball Turkey, fresh Rock Oysters, and more.

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.

Pete’s Place
Relish in Italian flavours this festive season

Give this Christmas an Italian twist when you dine at one of the most authentic trattorias in town! Offering the freshest bounties of the sea, you won’t be able to resist delving into the seafood bar where piles of Marennes-Oléron oysters and Spencer Gulf king prawns await.

Italian cuisine isn’t complete without a little cheese; at Pete’s Place, the Mozzarella Bar is where it’s at! Expect the Holy Trinity – pristine Buffalo Mozzarella Balls, Cherry Vine Tomatoes, and Basil – to grace the tables, together with crumbly Ricotta with Green Peas, Green Asparagus & Lemon, and the superb Burrata with Beetroot, Horseradish, Walnuts & Arugula. With an elaborate buffet going from $118++ per person, it’s an understatement to call this a steal!

Find it at Basement Level, 10 Scotts Road, Grand Hyatt Singapore, Singapore 228211.
Book a table at Pete’s Place and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

StraitsKitchen
For something a little closer to home

Move the turkey and cranberry sauce aside because it’s local flavours all the way here at StraitsKitchen! Tuck into Singapore classics such as wok-fried crab with spices, or help yourself to a sinful plate of Hyderabadi Dhum Biryani (Lamb Shank in Long Grained Basmati Rice).

Whatever your palate fancies, there’s enough to entice and excite this yuletide season! Plus, StraitsKitchen is Halal-certified as well, making it the best spot to gather with your Muslim friends too. All this from $68++? Oh YES.

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.

10 SCOTTS
Treat yourself to elegance and sophistication

A breathtaking view of beautiful cascading waterfalls, it’s time to kick back, relax, and enjoy this holiday season over a feast of delectable cuisines offered at 10 SCOTTS. Offering a selection of sustainable eats from $68++, you know you’re going to be well taken care of.

Opt for their Red Wine & Mushroom Risotto, where lusciously thick Italian rice is flavoured with earthy mushrooms and robust red wine. Their Smoked Tasmanian King Salmon is something you must not miss either, especially with the side of Blinis & Avruga Caviar. End the meal on a sweet note, with over 9 different desserts featuring baked stuffed apple, steamed plum pudding, Christmas cookies, and more!

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.

Oasis Restaurant
A Christmas spent relaxing

Hoping for a little peace and quiet this Christmas season? Oasis Restaurant may just have what you’re looking for. Picture an afternoon just lounging by an idyllic poolside and indulging in gorgeous roasts – now THAT’S a Christmas we can definitely get with!

Fans of the grill are guaranteed to enjoy the seasonal menu here, with highlights such as Roasted Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing and Gravy, an array of perfectly wood-fired barbecues including Charolaise Rump Cap with a BBQ Spice Rub, Grain-Fed Lamb Tomahawk, and more. With prices starting at $108++ 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.

Lest we forget, Christmas is also a season of giving where we shower our loved ones with (yummy) gifts! From now to 3 January 2018, pop by Santa’s Shop at mezza9 and take your pick from an extensive selection of seasonal homemade, gourmet treats.

If you can’t choose between a red velvet cake or La Rose Noir assorted macaroons, why not have both? You can also customise your own festive hampers and gift boxes to give your gifts a little personal touch as well.

Links We Love Singapore

Weekend Reads: 15 – 17 Dec 2017

Post author By Chope
Post date December 15, 2017
No Comments on Weekend Reads: 15 – 17 Dec 2017

One week left till Christmas! Here are a few reads to make the time pass faster.

We foresee lots of these dreamy bubble teas popping up on Instagram next year.

Antoinette’s serving up laksa-flavoured roast chicken. Yeah, we never thought all those words would go together in one sentence, either.

These Death Star-shaped ravioli are. So. Cute.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Josh Healy (@joshhealy)

Aaaand, it looks like llaollao’s coming back. #morefooddrama

How about a ceramic mug that comes with an app and keeps your drink the perfect temperature till the last drop?

This week in WTF: vegemite ice pops?!

Buzzfeed gives those pitless avocados a try.

Tags bubble tea, laksa, llaollao, Singapore, star wars, swiss-miss, Weekend Reads

Deals & Specials Singapore

The Best Festive Sale of the Year!

Post author By Chope
Post date December 14, 2017
No Comments on The Best Festive Sale of the Year!

2017, you’ve been good and you’ve been bad – but The Chope Shop’s about to wrap up your year with a bang! Cue the Best Festive Sale of the year, where diners can score up to 50% off top eats, buffet deals where 2nd diners dine for $0.18, and more. Get ready to feast like a beast!

Did someone say “$1.20 mains”?

When gorgeous eats are presented to you for only $1.20, one does not simply turn it down. Grab yourselves a handful of these yummy eats, featuring tantalising rice bowls from Ninja Cut, Chirashi Don from Senmi Sushi, and more!

Up to 50% off with your Visa card (14th December 2017 only)

Dust off that Visa card from your wallet and start putting them to good use at these top spots that’ll get you killer offers on stellar eats! Fancy digging into one of the numerous breakfast platters at Wild Honey? Or do you prefer tucking into an unconventional nose-to-tail dining experience at Dehesa? From Chinese delights at Xiao Ya Tou to the dizzying list of beers and bar grubs at Brewerkz, we guarantee that these deals aren’t something you should be missing out of!

2nd buffet diners dine at $0.18

Know a friend who likes endless eats as much as you do? Then grab your buddy and hit up these top restaurants for an indulgence over the best buffet deals in town; an offer such as an $0.18 for 2nd buffet diners is not something that comes by everyday. Let’s not forget the cherry on top: diners who checkout with the code EAT10 before 17 December will score an extra $10 off!

Not sure where to start? We’ll do the honour of breaking it down for you:

Seasonal Tastes

Any well-seasoned buffet-lover knows that of all the spots in Singapore to hit up for buffets, Seasonal Tastes at The Westin leads the pack. Offering seriously fresh seafood, tantalising Indian delights, beautiful roasts meats, lavish local eats, and more, you know this is an experience you can’t miss – especially when a 1-for-1 offer is involved!

Buy Now >

The Carvery

Cr: ParkHotelGroup.com

It’s meats, meats, and meats galore at Singapore’s first carvery dedicated to premium meats at Park Hotel Alexandra! Once through the doors of The Carvery, ogle at the top-of-the-line roasting ovens and rotisserie behind the carving station where the meats are carefully prepared daily for diners. Their range of specialty fine salts, house-made butters, and a myriad of sauces are also enough to leave your eyes twinkling and mouths salivating! Score some of the best roasts and grilled meats at 35% off when you dine here.

Buy Now >

Four Points Eatery

Known for its honest-to-goodness seafood buffet, Four Points Eatery is a surefire spot for those who love tucking into bounties of the sea. With an array of oceanic delights over a picturesque river view, dining here is a dream, really. Besides their popular seafood buffet, diners can also opt for their a la carte items which include Slipper Lobster Laksa, a classic Old Time Bak Kut Teh, and more.

The Kitchen Table

Give yourself the ultimate pampering at W Singapore, Sentosa Cove where a modern spread awaits. Overturning all traditional expectations of buffets, Kitchen Table turns heads with their reinventions of global favourites. Amping up the fun factor are the petite menu cards filled with special dishes scattered throughout the buffet line; diners can hunt these down and present to any of the six live cooking stations and the skilful chefs will whip up those dishes on the spot.

Marriott Cafe

Plump oysters, luxurious snow crabs, tender crayfish, succulent prawns, and more – dining at Marriott Cafe is nothing short of an indulgence. Those who love both local grub and international fare are in for a treat; from Crispy Pork Saddle with Pancetta Prune & Mixed Herbs to Singapore Chilli Crab, you’ll find that there’s never a shortage of platters that are guaranteed to amaze here!

Buy Now >

Restaurants Singapore

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

Links We Love Singapore

Weekend Reads: 8 – 10 Dec 2017

Post author By Chope
Post date December 8, 2017
No Comments on Weekend Reads: 8 – 10 Dec 2017

A massive carnival’s rolled into town, new froyo to taste, and Milk Moons cakes to eat up. Why in the world did we think year-end heralded a time of rest?

This giant carnival is definitely going on our list of things to do this month! (cover photo!)

llaollao is being taken over… by another froyo brand.

Not in Singapore (yet), but worth a read: How Far Restaurants Go to Trick Influential Food Critics.

Justin Timerblake’s ‘Brasperry’. Enough said.

Braspberry…

A post shared by Justin Timberlake (@justintimberlake) on Dec 5, 2017 at 12:35pm PST

You know we love a good cookbook story. 12 Cookbook Authors on the Cookbooks They Want for the Holidays.

We had serious cravings for a solid breakfast meal from Hong Kong’s well-loved Cha Chaan Teng after this article.

Chalk Farm’s cakes delight our local hearts and it sounds like their sister bakery, Milk Moons, will do so too.

This week in WTF: red durians?!

The ultimate guide to Taiwanese rice balls (sadly, those of us in Singapore may have to depend on QQ Rice outlets for the time being).

Tags Links We Love, Weekend Reads

Hacks & How-Tos Lifestyle Singapore

6 easy steps to hosting a Christmas party

Post author By Chope
Post date December 8, 2017
1 Comment on 6 easy steps to hosting a Christmas party

We get it. You want to be the host with the most and still do the least. And who wouldn’t want their Christmas party to look effortlessly chic? Whether you have three days or three weeks, whether it’s a soiree in your home or a jamboree at the office — here’s what you need to know to make your festive celebration happen.

Step 1: Invite people

Cr: weddinginvitesandmore.co.uk

It seems obvious, but don’t forget to let people know that the party exists. Give them the details — when, where, why — and get their RSVPs. Make sure they are aware of any other important info too, like the dress code (does a gold dress sufficiently scream “Holiday Glitz”, or do they need to rent an elf costume?) and things they need to bring (Secret Santa presents, or potluck-able food).

Step 2: Have food

Cr: Buro247.sg

Hungry guests do not a successful party make. The basic rule of hosting is ensuring you have enough food, but it’s a huge plus if you bring in memorable dishes. You can get staples and classics from caterers like Kigi (https://www.kigicatering.com/) or Megu (https://megu.com.sg/), and turkey from options as varied as Cold Storage and Goodwood Park Hotel. Up the ante with niche live stations like Otah Scotch Eggs and Crab Meat Kueh Pie Tee by Crack (https://www.facebook.com/crack.singapore/) or Charcoal Waffles with delicious ice cream from Fat Cat Ice Cream Bar (http://fatcat.sg/). Be it a small crowd or a lavish blowout, you can never go wrong with good catering to have you covered for the rest of the party.

Step 3: Figure out drinks

Cr: Kuisiware.com

The libations you offer to your guests are pretty important too. For a fuss-free option (and the cool factor of your very own on-site mixologist), look out for pop-up bartenders like The Shake Affinity (http://www.theshakeaffinity.com/). Otherwise, Google your favourite cocktail or mocktail recipes (mulled wine and hot chocolate are go-to Christmas favourites), and you’re good to go!

Step 4: Get the mood right

Cr: TheSmartLocal.com

You don’t need a pine tree to make it feel like Christmas, but decorations won’t hurt. Consider getting wreaths or a year-end inspired bouquet from indie florists like Bloomen (http://bloomen.co/) or Windflower (http://windflowerflorist.com/) to brighten up your venue. Fix up a Spotify playlist. Invest in nice cutlery. The details may not be noticed by all your guests, but they’ll put you in the mood.

Step 5: Plan games or organise gift exchanges

Cr: ReallyMissingSleep.com

Whether it’s Secret Santa, White Elephant (a variant of the former, where everyone packs silly or unwanted gifts) or good old board games, make use of the holiday gathering to kill some time and have some fun.

Step 6: Have a backup plan

Planning any event is bound to throw up a few surprises here and there. But have no fear – just be flexible and go with the flow. If organising the party feels like it is increasingly out of your hands, why not just book a table at these top-notch restaurants and let them take care of the dinner for you instead? You can preside over your Christmas bash from their restaurant. The best part? You don’t have to handle the clean-up. 😉

Tags Christmas Guides, Christmas Planning, Hosting Christmas dinners

Lifestyle Singapore

The Chope Guide to Christmas Gifts for Foodies

Post author By Chope
Post date December 5, 2017
No Comments on The Chope Guide to Christmas Gifts for Foodies

It’s that time of the year when we start panicking about what thoughtful present to shove into the hands of our nearest and dearest. We can’t help you buy all your gifts, but if your loved one enjoys wining and dining, here are a few suggestions for varying budgets!

Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker WIFI

Cr: Anova Culinary

Whether your friend is an aspiring chef or a time-starved disaster in the kitchen, a sous vide machine can help to produce restaurant-grade meals. It works by immersing vacuum-sealed food in a water bath and cooking it at a precise, consistent temperature. The result? Juicy, flavour-packed steaks or perfectly poached 65 degrees Celsius eggs — every single time. A machine like the Wifi-enabled Anova means your friend can start cooking his meals from the office, freeing him from the tyranny of the clock. The best part is that you stand to be a guest at his next dinner party, so really, this is the gift that keeps on giving.

Available for $159 on https://sg.anovaculinary.com/

Cocktail gift boxes

Cr: EC Proof

For the budding mixologist, get her a set (or two!) packed with everything she needs to make her favourite drink, prepared by the same people behind The Proof Flat on 43A Hong Kong Street. The gift sets come in gorgeous handmade black lacquer boxes and feature a must-have drink with the appropriate utensils and tools. For the friend who is classic and timeless, get the Rum Old Fashioned (which comes with a bottle of Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum); for the classy companion, opt for the Manhattan (Willett 3 Year Whisky and Mancino Rosso Vermouth — yum).

Available from $150 to $250 on https://ecproof.com/

Cookbooks with a Singapore twist

Cr: Epigram Books

Singapore made it onto the Michelin map last year, so why shouldn’t we embrace our local food and chefs? Plusixfive: A Singaporean Supper Club Cookbook features Singaporean-in-London Goz Lee’s spin on hawker delights like chwee kueh and ayam buah keluak in a book packed with award-winning illustrations — if your friend isn’t going to try the recipes, at the very least he has a cool coffee table book. For the hardcore chefs gunning for authenticity, Epigram also stocks compilations for Hokkien, Cantonese, Teochew, Peranakan, South Indian and Eurasian dishes.

Available from $22.90 to $44.90 on https://shop.epigrambooks.sg/

Food and drinks with a local bite

Cr: SethLui.com

While we’re on the topic of #supportlocal, these next few suggestions may go down well with the patriotic pal, or the foreign friend visiting you for the holidays. Ette Tea offers a pack of local favourites in tea form (Mini Mix Local Flavours, an assortment of three flavours, $48.90 at www.ettetea.com) — so have your nasi lemak or chicken rice with fewer calories. For the feisty and fearless, try Mofo Chili ($10 to $12, ) which go just as well with kangkong (morning glory) as they do chicken wings. And what better way to show love than helping your friend skip the crazy queue for Irvin’s salted egg yolk fish skin and chips? A special Christmas package is available for $235 at irvinsaltedegg.com.

Chope vouchers and gift cards

If all else fails, get your friend Chope vouchers. The secret to happiness is experience, not things — so why not be the catalyst for a meal to remember?

Restaurant vouchers are available at $50 and $100 while Chope Gift Cards go for $25 onwards at The Chope Shop.

Tags Anova Sous Vide Machine, Chope Gift Cards, Cocktail Gift Boxes, Cookbooks, Gift Guide, Holiday Gifts, Singapore, The Chope Shop

Deals & Specials Singapore

Chope’s Monthly Deals: December

Post author By Chope
Post date December 4, 2017
No Comments on Chope’s Monthly Deals: December

Whether the year’s been amazing or if you’re hoping for a better one ahead, Chope’s wrapping up 2017 on a good note by pulling out all the stops with our list of goodies this December. From festive menus to anticipated restaurant exclusives to Chope’s Nice List (you’d want to stay on for this one), we’ve got the rest of the year covered!

Singapore

While the yuletide season draws up images of roast turkey on the dinner table and piles of presents under an elaborately decorated Christmas tree, it’s the perfect time of the year to give back (and soak up all that good karma).

It’s all about Chope-ing your way onto the nice list where the more you book with the code GIFT2, the higher you get on Chope’s Nice List where you get an extra 50 Chope-Dollars per reservation and we donate $2 to the Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) Community Fund for every reservation made. Plus, diners with the biggest hearts get extra gifts such as $250 restaurant vouchers and $20 gift cards on Boxing Day (26 December) from our elves!

Not sure where to start? We’re banking on these top eats with festive offerings so delectable that even Santa would gladly trade in his milk and cookies for.

The Chope Shop’s ringing in the season too with a ‘Best Festive Sale’ happening from 11th to 17th December, including irresistible treats such as voucher flash sale of up to 50% off, $1.20 mains, 2nd buffet diner offers at $0.18, and a storewide discount from 23rd to 26th December!

Jakarta

Rocking it up in Jakarta over the holidays? Don’t sweat it: there’s a slew of restaurants that are offering to shave off IDR 100,000 from your bill. All you need is to book them through the Chope app – it’s that simple!

Shanghai

We totally get it: sometimes we don’t feel like leaving the house or the office for a meal either. But fret not, because now you can put those hard-earned Chope-Dollars to good use by redeeming them for Sherpa Food Delivery vouchers and having those delicious eats sent to your doorstep instead. Hunger pangs? Not on our watch!

When all else fails, there’s always Chope Exclusives to fall back on. From 1-for-1 meals at top restaurants to free eats at popular eateries, we’re going full throttle with all the best eats and treats our cities have to offer.

Tags Chope Exclusives, Deals & Specials, Jakarta, Shanghai, Sherpa, Singapore, The Chope Shop, The Nice List

Links We Love Singapore

Weekend Reads: 1 – 3 Dec 2017

Post author By Chope
Post date December 1, 2017
No Comments on Weekend Reads: 1 – 3 Dec 2017

First thing’s first: GONG CHA IS FINALLY BACK IN SINGAPORE.

The most Instagrammed place in the world in 2017? Hint: it’s someplace magical.

Level up in the kitchen by making your own spaghetti sauce with this 30-year-old recipe. #byecannedsauces

An entire cheeseburger made out of 9. DIFFERENT. KINDS. OF. CHEESES. (sorry, dairy-free peeps)

That 9-cheese cheeseburger may not be in Singapore yet, but these cheese-flooded burgers are.

Forget about ‘pretty desserts’ – this pâtissier takes things to a whole new level.

Expensive olive oil, or just dyed sunflower oil? le gasp

Peeling a potato without a peeler. Yes, you can.

Hate the smell of perfume but love food? This may just be the thing for you.

Egg Cappuccino? Twitter users are having mixed feelings.

Tags Links We Love, Weekend Reads

Interviews Singapore

In The Pantry: Chef Harry Cummins of Paris Popup

Post author By Chope
Post date November 26, 2017
1 Comment on In The Pantry: Chef Harry Cummins of Paris Popup

Following our exceptional Parisian village experience at Open Farm Community last week, we managed to catch Chef Harry Cummins of Paris Popup for a quick chat as he lets us rummage through his pantry and discover the person behind the kitchen.

The one ingredient that’s always in your pantry is…
Fleur de sel de Camargue and Vinegar.

One food trend you think is underrated?
Steaming.

What’s your favourite kitchen tool and why?
Metal pique for testing when meats, vegetables, and fish are cooked.

That one unforgettable meal you still think about today is…
My first meal at Noma in 2010.

What’s one cooking myth you wish everyone would stop believing?
That being a chef is an easy, glamorous life – it’s not and it has never been. It’s a lot of hard work and back-breaking hours; if you’re not 100% passionate then it’s best to stick to your day job.

The best city or country for food is…
Paris, Montréal, and Japan.

Fine-dining or street food?
Definitely street food. I find that it is always the best way to get close to the folks on the ground and their cultures.

A dish you crave during days where you don’t feel like cooking?
Beef Stew

An interesting fact about yourself would be…?
My middle name is Ziggy and my parents were punks.

If you weren’t a chef, what would you be?
A painter.

Do you have a kitchen horror story to share?
Too many! I was once shouted at for leaving a piece of cling film on a foie gras terrine.

Catch Chef Harry and the award-winning culinary collective Paris Popup at their three-week takeover “Kampong French” at Open Farm Community from now until 3rd December 2017. Serving an all-day dining menu and “feed me” menu for lunch and dinner daily, diners can look forward to exclusively curated plates that bring out the best and brightest flavours of this season’s produce.

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 French, In The Pantry, Open Farm Community, Paris Popup