Seki Japanese Restaurant @ Rendezvous Gallery

Located at the newly renovated Rendezvous Gallery beside Rendezvous Hotel. Seki Japanese Restaurant aims to bring to its customers a unique dining affair unlike any other in Singapore. With an extensive menu, it hopes to cater for a vast profile of patrons to feast at Seki.

Besides the main dining area, like any other Japanese restaurant there is a bar area for you to enjoy the culinary skill of the Japanese chef preparing your food using the freshest ingredients.

For group and family, if you need some privacy. There is also a private dining room to cater for your needs.

Yogurt Sake 4/5

The milky white liquid in the short glass is actually Yogurt Sake. The yogurt sake is very easy to drink, front with sweetness and a tad of alcoholic lingering bitterness. A very enjoyable drink to go with the food.

Fugu Mirin Boshi 4/5

When I knew the restaurant is going to serve me Fugu which is puffer fish, I was anticipating this dish with anxiety because I have never eaten puffer fish and it can be deadly if not being prepared properly. Actually Fugu Mirin Boshi ($12++) is very different from what I have imagined. It is dried puffer fish seasoned with sweet sake. It is a traditional snack eaten while drinking sake. While some of us debated that it tasted like Bak Kwa. I thought it tasted more like dried Cuttlefish.

SEKI Kamo Salad 4.2/5

The SEKI Kamo Salad or Black Pepper Smoked Duck Salad ($8++) makes a wonder appetizer. It is topped with thin strips of deep fried spring roll skin, sesame seed and special homemade dressing. The homemade dressing which has a vinegary taste married the dish perfectly. I am only confused with the idea of smoked duck in Japanese cuisine.

3 Kind Sashimi Moriawase 4.2/5

Diners can expect the freshest ingredients at Seki Japanese Restaurant. They are imported directly from Tsukiji Market, Tokyo, Japan on every Tuesday and Thursday. The 3 Kind Sashimi Moriawase ($42++) came with freshness swimming in the mouth.

Foie Gras Chawanmushi 4.2/5

Opening the lid, I was surprised to see the Foie Gras Chawanmushi ($7++) is dark in colour. Upon tasting, I realised it had a layer of soy sauce. Initially the dish tasted salty but when it is eaten with the right portion of the smooth egg custard, the taste was actually quite delectable and light and yet refreshing.

Gyu Shioyaki 4.5/5

The Gyu Shioyaki is charcoal grilled beef in black pepper and salt. The beef was grilled to perfection and it was very tender. It also comes with a special mayonnaise mustard sauce. The beef itself was already heavenly and the sauce simply give it a new level of enjoyment.

3 Kind Sushi Moriawase and California Roll 4.2/5

Moriawase in Japanese restaurant basically means "off the menu chef's special items" or simply means chef's selection of whatever is fresh on the day. The 3 Kind Sushi Moriawase and Califrnia Roll ($35++) gives one a suspend of unknown what the chef going to serve but also ensure you get to taste the freshest ingredients on the day.


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Seki Japanese Restaurant
Rendezvous Gallery
9 Bras Basha Road
#01-02
Singapore 189559
Tel: +65 63363806
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Chef.Seki
Website: http://www.seki.com.sg
Nearest MRT: Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1145am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk towards direction of Rendezvous Hotel. Journey time about 5 minutes.

7Adam @ Adam Park

Located at Adam Park is this black and white 2 storey colonial house. This historical and beautiful building is a art gallery cum restaurant. Surrounded by greenery, this is really a lovely place.

On a fine Friday evening, Maureen and I together with our partners went to check out the 7Adam restaurant.

Interior of the restaurant is decorated with art works from various artists which is changed every 8-10 weeks. You can also purchase these art pieces too.

Upon placing our orders, we were served complimentary warm baguette.

We were also given complimentary Quiche which is bursting with flavours. It got all of us excited, looking forward to our mains after reading several good reviews of this place.

7 Adam Trio 4/5

The 7 Adam Trio ($27) Appetiser consists Foie Gras, Crab Cake and Fresh slices of Tuna Loins. My favourite of the three is the Crab Cake. Biting into the crispy crab cake, a rush of beautiful flavours hit the taste buds, sending them dancing in delights.

I am not sure what is the sauce for the Foie Gras, it came to be as something that has caramel sweetness. I found the texture a bit too mushy for my liking. For the Tuna Loins, I thought it was quite a shadow to the Foie Gras and Crab Cake. I guess the strong flavours from the Foie Gras and Crab Cake could have overshadowed it.

Wagyu Beef Cheek, Mash of Yam 4/5

The Wagyu Beef Cheek ($37) looks rather ordinary sitting on a mash of Yam and Spinach. The beef cheek not only melted in my mouth, it melted my heart too. It was so tender. For the Yam mash, I have to admit I thought it was potato mash. I could not tell the different.

Baba Pork Ribs 4/5

The Baba Pork Ribs ($37) has a sweet caramelized crisp outer layer with tender meat falling off the bone. The ribs were well executed but I didn't get the wow factor in what the chef was trying to show in his cooking.

Cod fish Confit 3.8/5

The Cod fish Confit ($34) consists of two huge fillets of pan seared cod fish sat on a bed of pilaf rice with orange hollandaise sauce. The cod fish was moist and fluffy. However I thought the saucing was rather light and the whole dish was kind of ordinary to me.

Duck Confit 2.5/5

The Duck Confit with Szechuan pepper salt ($37) was a big disappointment. The duck meat was tough and chewy. We were basically chewing the duck confit!

Mixed Fruit Tart 2.5/5

The Mixed Fruit Tart ($15) looks beautiful but again I thought it ws rather simple to be charging $15 for it. We were joking amount ourselves that we can easily put the dish together. I have to warn that the tart base is extremely hard and difficult dessert to eat with. We were like trying to break the tart. Yes! breaking the tart not cutting the tart. Nevertheless, the pastry has an interesting sweet flavour which all of us thought it is similar to the Chinese water chestnut pastry.

Chocolate Fondant 4/5

The Chocolate Fondant ($15) with caramel sauce was moist and lovely.

In summary for my dinner experience at 7Adam, I would give full marks for its ambience. Food wise I did have a hard time deciding my main as the menu has some interesting fusion of flavours and ingredients. However the dishes turned out mediocre and it didn't excite me at all. For the price tag, I am sure I can find better food elsewhere unless you are willing to pay for the ambience.


7Adam
7 Adam Park
Singapore 289926
Tel: +65 64670777
Website: http://www.7adam.com
Nearest MRT: Farrer Road (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Road MRT station. Take Exit and walk to bus stop (ID B111111) at Blk 2 Farrer Road. Alight 4 stops later and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes.

Nescafe Dolce Gusto Event

I was privilege to attend Nescafe Dolce Gusto event last week at Art Science Museum. Nescafe Dolce Gusto which means very good taste in Italian has revolutionarise coffee enjoyment. You may wonder why the coloured blue and red glasses. It is in line with their new marketing campaign "Coffee is NOT Just Black". Nescafe Dolce Gusto has moved coffee moments into a new dimension.

Nescafe has partnered with Krups unveiled yet another innovation for coffee-lovers, the Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio and Circolo Automatic flow stop systems.

Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio $259

Nescafe Dolce Gusto Circolo $339

From April 2012, Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio and Circolo Automatic flow stop systems will be availabe in Singapore. Besides the ease and convenience features, it is the only system that makes both Hot and Cold beverages. Not only that, the versatile machines can also serve velvety chocolate and soothing tea beverages.

To date Nescafe Dolce Gusto has over 25 varieties avaialable worldwide which will be made available over time for the Singapore market. In conjunction with the launch of the launch, 3 new brews Vanilla Latte Macchiato, Caramel Latte Macchiato and Espresso Ristretto have been introduced. Each beverage comes in a box of 16 capsules at $10.90.

The sleek, stylish and intelligent systems offer premium coffee and other hot and cold beverages beyond convention. It is almost like having your own barista at home or even right at your office desk.

For detail store listing and more information about Nescafe Dolce Gusto, visit their website and facebook at,

Website: http://www.dolce-gusto.com.sg
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dolcegustosingapore

Happy Call Doubled Sided Pan Muah Chee

I used to look forward to the seventh month festive at my neighbourhood because when there was Chinese Opera or Getai performance, these mobile hawkers will appear from nowhere to sell local snacks and my all time favourite is the Muah Chee.

Except for the famous Hougang 6 Mile Muah Chee stall that has moved to Blk 69 Bedok South, I don't remember knowing anywhere selling them now. Hence I went onto the web and found a ready easy to make Muah Chee recipe from Cuisine Paradise in 15 minutes. Now I can enjoy Muah Chee anytime I want.

All the ingredients needed for the dish, Glutinous Flour, Peanut Powder, White Sesame Seeds and Shallot can be easily found at any major supermarkets.

Frying the sliced shallot to golden brown to get the shallot oil.

Once the Flour mixture is poured into the Happy Call Pan, it will solidified rather fast. Quickly use a wooden spoon or chopsticks to keep stirring it into a dough. The dough is very sticky so for easy wash later, do use something wooden.

Remember to oil a plate/container before transferring the dough from the pan to the plate/container. If not the dough will stick to the plate/container and hard to remove later.

After preparing the sesame and peanut powder, I transferred the dough back to the pan to mix with the peanut mixture. I didn't have caster sugar so I used normal sugar instead. The normal sugar gave the Muah Chee a rough texture. My advice is to skip the sugar if you don't have caster sugar. It will still taste as good.

The last step is to cut the dough into small pieces, mixed them well with the peanut mixture and you are ready to serve.

Recipe (By Cuisine Paradise)

Ingredients
- 1 Cup of Glutinous Rice Flour
- 3/4 to 1 Cup of Water
- 1/2 tsp Sugar
- 1.5 to 2 tbsp of Cooking Oil
- 4 Shallot
- 1.5 Cup of Peanut Powder
- 1 to 2 tbsp of Caster Sugar (optional)
- 1 tbsp of White Sesame seeds (optional)

Direction
1. Pre-heat Happy Call Double Sided Pan for 1-2 minutes.
2. Saute 4 thinly sliced shallot with 2 tbsp of cooking oil over low heat till golden brown.
3. Remove shallot and leave oil in the pan
4. Mix Glutinous Rice Flour, sugar and water in a bowl and slowly stir until well combined.
5. Slowly swirl flour mixture into pan with the shallot oil. Stir it using a wooden spoon/chopstick or spatula under medium low heat till it begins to form a soft dough.
6. Lower heat and continue to toss and cook the dough for 3-5 minutes until it is smooth and slightly transparent. Remove and set aside on a oiled plate/container.
7. Wipe off the oil in the pan with kitchen towel.
8. Add in sesame seeds into pan and toss it for 2 minutes before adding in peanut powder. Stir for another 2 minutes till fragrant.
9. Set the mixture aside to cool for 3 minutes before adding in the caster sugar and mix well.
10. Transfer dough to peanut mixture, mix well and cut into pieces.

Jang Shou Buffet @ Katong Village

I think I am very privilege to be living at the East side of the island where there are lot of nice food places. If you ask the people staying in the East where to find good Korean BBQ Buffet, I am very sure they will recommend you Jang Shou Buffet at Katong Village. Where is it? It is just right beside the new 112 Katong Mall.

The BBQ buffet is $33.8 ++ for adult and 23.8++ for child. Expensive? Yes but it is worth paying for it. Read more to find out why I think it is worth it.

Stepping into the restaurant on the 2nd floor, the decor and ambient instantly made me felt that I am back in Korea. I also noticed quite a few Korean diners too. The restaurant seems quite popular with the Korean community in Singapore.

The buffet spread area does not look big but it offers a good variety of authentic Korean cuisines.

There is a cooked food section that offers dishes such as the Rice Cake, Korean pancakes and etc...

There is also a section offering different Korean sides.

Lastly, the main MEAT section!!! Look at the different types of Beef, Pork, Lamb and even prawns that were available. They have original flavours as well as marinated meats. A staff is stationed at the meat section and whenever the meat is running low, he will quickly topped it up.

Many buffet restaurants would sliced their meat into thin strips to cut down on cost but look at those pieces of meat on the BBQ grill. That is why I have said earlier it is worth paying the amount as the restaurant never cut back on quality.


Jang Shou Buffet
86 East Coast Road
#02-11/20
Blk B, Katong Village
Tel: +65 63448880
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6pm - Midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take exit A. Walk to bus stop at Blk 99 Old Airport Road (Stop ID 81181). Take Bus 16. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road and walk to Katong Village. Journey time about 10 minutes.

2) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take exit A. Walk to bus stop at Blk 99 Old Airport Road (Stop ID 81181). Take Bus 10 or 32. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to Katong Village. Journey time about 15 minutes.

Soup Guru (汤大师) @ 313 Somerset Food Republic

With the hectic working life in Singapore, many of us do not cook at home nowadays. Not to mention brewing and drinking a bowl of soup to get the necessary nutrients and strengthen the health. Many may have known of Mr Sham's popular "老火汤" at Chinatown which has several outlets around the island now. Mr Sham having imparted his soup recipes and skills, has encouraged his eager disciple Mr Simon Sim, to start up his own brand and hence Soup Guru (汤大师).

Soup Guru (汤大师) is co-founded by both Mr Simon Sim and Madam Saw. Madam Saw is a passionate lady in promoting the culture of soup drinking by making soups more affordable and accessible. Soup Guru (汤大师) was launched at Food Opera, ION Orchard on January 2012 and now its flagship restaurant at 313 Somerset Food Republic in March 2012 offering affordable and healthy Hong Kong's traditional method of prolonged cooking over constant fire soups.

3 different flavours of rice are available on Soup Guru's menu. One can choose to have the Brown Rice, Pumpkin Rice or Yam Rice to complement the soup making it a complete meal.

Pear and Apple Pork Ribs Soup 4/5

The light Pear and Apple Pork Ribs Soup ($4.50) has a lingering sweetness and is recommended if one has any throat discomfort. The used of Chinese Pears and Fuji Apple in the soup help to disperse heat and moisturize the throat, detoxify the body and enchance beauty.

Lotus Root Pork Ribs Soup 4/5

The sweet-savoury Lotus Root Pork Ribs Soup ($5) is most suitable for diabetics. Lotus Root is also known as "Underwater Ginseng" is good for the liver and lung. The soup helps to dispel heat and nourishes the lung and liver.

Old Cucumber Pork Ribs Soup 4/5

The subtly sweet Old Cucumber Pork Ribs Soup ($5) is suitable for the hot and humid Singapore weather. Old cucumber contains a huge amount of nutrients that can help to dispel heat and detoxify body. It lowers blood pressure, disintergrates fat in the body and can help prevent heat stroke.

Ginko Pork Tripe Pepper Soup 4/5

The milky white Ginko Pork Tripe Pepper Soup ($5.50) has a mix of sweet and peppery spiciness. The proteins, vitamins and minerals from the ingredients is good for the stomach and helps improve complexion.

Papaya Pork Ribs with White Fungus Soup 4/5

The fruity and savoury Papaya Prok Ribs with White Fungus Soup ($5) is recommended for people working long hours. The use of papaya and white fungus is believed to prevent wrinkles and keep the skin supple.

Winter Melon Barley Detoxifying Soup 4.2/5

The light and pleasant Winter Melon Barley Detoxifying Soup ($5) is good for the stomach. It helps to dispel heat and improve acne. Barley's rich vitamin E content improves complexion for glowing skin. This soup is not suitable for chronic patients.

Chinese Yam Wolfberries Pork Ribs Soup 3.8/5

Soup Guru uses only Chinese Yam from Japan for the Chinese Yam Wolfberries Pork Ribs Soup ($6.80). The soup has a denser and sweeter taste compared to the rest of the clear soup. It is recommended for pregnant women as it strengthens the bones and back. However, for people having colds, please avoid drinking it.

Ten Tonic Ginseng Chicken Soup 3.5/5

The Ten Tonic Ginseng Chicken Soup ($8) is a classic Chinese medication that uses 10 different herbs (ginseng, codonopsis, atractylodes, poria, baked licorice, angelica, chuanxiong, white peony root, cinnamon and astragalus) that helps to strengthen the body. I don't really enjoy this soup because of its overpowering herbally taste.

Buddha Jumps over the Wall 4/5

Buddha Jumps over the Wall ($8) is a delicacy that used to be only served at restaurant and it didn't come cheap. Not comprising on the ingredients, high end ingredients (abalone, ginseng, sharks' fin, scallops, dried oysters, mushrooms and chicken) are put to boil for hours to provide the bowl of high nutritional value soup. The soup helps to strengthen the body and nourish the complexion.

I would like to thank Bang PR and Soup Guru for the invitation and hospitality.


Soup Guru (汤大师)
313 @ Somerset Food Republic
Level 5
Singapore 238895

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thur & PH: 10am - 10pm
Fri-Sat & Eve of PH: 10am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Take escalator up to level 5. Journey time about 3 minutes.