Origin Grill @ Shangri-La Singapore - Redefining Sunday Brunch with Elevated Brunch Classics

Origin Grill at Shangri-La Singapore has recently launched a brand new Sunday brunch experience. The hearty brunch affair includes unlimited servings of small plates, featuring an array of exclusively crafted appetisers and elevated brunch classics alongside Josper Grill creations for the mains.

If you are in the mood for a boozy brunch, add on the free-flow beverage package ($88++ per person), which includes the curated Kir Royale with champagne and house-made liqueur infused with a variety of fruits and florals. There is also a choice of Veuve Clicquot champagne from Australia, Shaw & Smith Chardonnay, Mitoloa Jester Shiraz and a selection of spirits. We had a Chrysanthemum & Honey Royal and Raspberry & Grapefruit Royal.

Origin Healthy Bowl 4/5

Origin Healthy Bowl is one of my favourite dishes. Seasoned with salt and olive oil, I like the earthiness of the Organic Kale, which also offers a very pliable texture. The salad had a tasty blend of textures and flavours with creamy avocado cubes, crunchy broccolini and crisp baby radish alongside nutty Spice Seed crumbs. The slices of pickled onions complemented the overall flavour with a hint of acidity.

Seabass Ceviche 2.5/5

Seabass Ceviche has an Asian-inspired flair to its flavour profile - Coconut Cream, Chilli, Coriander, and Mango Salsa. The ceviche lacked a much-needed zest and acidity, especially when the Mango Salsa leaned towards the sweeter side.

Pork Rillette 4.8/5

Pork Rillette is a winner with unctuous and well-seasoned Pork Rillette, served with apple salad and grilled walnut bread. The bread itself had a nutty profile, which complemented the creamy spread.

Josper Grilled Butter Lettuce 3.5/5

Josper Grilled Butter Lettuce presents a luxurious take on caesar salad. Generously coated with caesar dressing, the butter lettuce was creamy with a subtle smokiness from the grill that lingered on my palate. Finished off with a lavish sprinkle of shaved parmesan, strips of crisp bacon and anchovy fillets, every bite into the lettuce was a morish experience.

Foie Gras Toast 3/5

Foie Gras Toast is a dainty bite offering Foie Gras on grilled brioche loaf, complemented with pear chutney.

Sweetcorn Soup 4/5

Sweetcorn Soup had a thick consistency, topped with spanner crabmeat and popcorn crumb. I immensely enjoyed its intense corn sweetness. A crack of black pepper would have been perfect.

Truffle Mac and Cheese Macaroni 4.5/5

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Waffle 4.5/5

Truffle Mac & Cheese Macaroni and Buttermilk Fried Chicken Waffle are decadent small plates that might tempt you to forsake your mains! The Truffle Mac & Cheese Macaroni featured just the right amount of Gruyere Bechamel, creating a desirable gooeyness that coated the macaroni. Topped with maple syrup and chipotle hollandaise, the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Waffle had a moreish combination of savoury-sweet flavours with a hint of heat. The waffle, fluffy with a crisp exterior, paired excellently with the crispy bacon and fried chicken. While the chicken could have been meatier and more tender, the crispy bacon in all the dishes was exceptionally tasty without being overly salty.

Avocado Benedict 3.5/5

Four Egg Benedict options are available, including Classic Egg Benedict. Avocado Benedict was wholesome and tasty, with a base made with avocado and edamame, topped with poached egg and a touch of lime zest. However, the consistency of the poached egg, like the other egg benedict we had, was an issue. They were more like soft-boiled eggs with watery egg whites, which dampened the dish.

Crab Cake Benedict 3/5

Crab Cake Benedict is a must-try with Origin Crab Cake with Bisque Hollandaise. The sauce complemented the crusty crab cake; it was a pity that the portion underneath the egg was slightly soggy due to the watery egg white.

Lobster Benedict 3.5/5

With an additional $22, you get a luxurious Lobster Benedict - Grilled Sourdough, ½ Butter Poached Boston Lobster Tail on grilled sourdough toast, alongside Sautéed Kale and Crispy Bacon, dressed with Bisque Hollandaise. The lobster tail was succulent, while the bacon gave the dish a delightful texture and savoury notes.

Confit Duck Leg 2.8/5

From the Big Plates, we ordered a Confit Duck Leg featuring Hudson Valley Duck Leg with Foie Gras Jus, served with Duck Fat Fries. While the flavour was all right, we found it a tad salty.

Yukimuro Snow-Aged Wagyu A4 Striploin 3.5/5

While the Big Plates also offers a classic Steak and Egg, we were recommended the Yukimuro Snow-Aged Wagyu A4 Striploin (100g Additional $86) from their Origin Signature Beef Cuts, served with Chimichurri. The Josper grilled steak had a rich flavour enhanced by the smokiness from the grill but was let down by the execution. The doneness of the steak could be more even.

Tarte Tatin 4.8/5

Tarte Tatin was aesthetically pleasing and enjoyable for desserts with a caramelised Sweet Apple Tuille paired with whipped mascarpone, Honey Croissant and Honeycomb for texture. The creamy and milky whipped mascarpone combined the elements into one decadent bite.

66% Chocolate Flan 4/5

For chocolate lovers, this 66% Chocolate Flan is a must. The Pecan Cacao Nib Praline gave it a nutty flavour, and the Vanilla Gelato added to the velvety texture of the flan.

Sunday Brunch at Origin Grill is available at $98++ per person every Sunday, from 11:30am to 2:30pm.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Origin Grill & Bar
Shangri La Singapore Hotel
Lobby Level Tower Wing
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel:+65 62134595
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon)
Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 23 minutes. [Map]

Ninja Cut @ Seah Street - Reliving Childhood Eats And Indulging In New Bowl Creations

Dining at Ninja Cut, is like transporting one back to our childhood days where the new menu gives a modern spin to our childhood eats such as the chicken macaroni, steamed egg, rosti and kaya toast.

Don't-Cha-Wan-Some-Mushi 4.5/5

Starting with the Don't-Cha-Wan-Some-Mushi ($16) is a Japanese variation of the Chinese steamed egg dish. It comes with a luscious egg custard on top of a bed of cheese rice which is topped with onions, tobiko and spring onions. Diner has a choice of having it with shabu pork belly or Hokkaido scallop (additional $2). The experience felt like having a bowl of Japanese mui fan with steamed up held excellently together by the flavoursome broth. I am actually quite impressed with the dish. It is probably the first I have seen anywhere else served this creation.

Beefy Patty Macaroni 4/5

We probably grown up having chicken macaroni soup but the dish is given an even more hearty take with the Beefy Patty Macaroni ($16). A whole beef hamburg stuffed with cheese, sits in a bowl of macaroni and tangy homemade tomato broth. There is even a poached egg to give it a creamy finish.

Crab Rosti 4.2/5

The Crab Rosti ($18) is not the usual type that is made from potato. This is actually made with a mix of sweet potato, potato, cheese and onion, giving it more crunch and flavour. The rosti is further topped with poached egg, mesclun mix, crab pate and tobiko.

Kaya Toast 4.2/5

Lastly we had the Kaya Toast ($16) which comes with brioche French toast stuffed with mochi cheese and homemade kaya. This is served with gula melaka, crumble and sea salt mascarpone ice cream. The toast is already very good on its own but it even better when you have it together with the sea salt mascarpone ice cream.

Compared to Ninja Cut's previous menu. I actually like the new menu a lot. Instead of just putting carb and protein into a bowl, I can taste the creativity to up the ante giving the childhood food a modern interpretation that is both delicious and beautiful.

Noted: This is an invited tasting.


Ninja Cut
32 Seah Street
Singapore 188388
Tel: +65 62647727
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 930am - 730pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road. Cross the road, walk towards Raffles Hotel direction. Walk down North Bridge Road and turn right on to Seah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Tai Cheong Bakery @ Holland Village - First Overseas Dine-In Concept

After a year of selling their famous Hong Kong egg tart at a food kiosk in Takasimaya, Tai Cheong Bakery has finally decided to open its first overseas dine-in concept at Holland Village, Singapore. Besides their popular egg tart, bakes and cakes, the 42 seater cafe also offers Hong Kong "Cha Chaan Teng" dishes.

Three Egg Macaroni Soup with Luncheon Meat 4.2/5

A comforting and hearty offering on the menu is the Three Egg Macaroni Soup with Luncheon Meat ($8.50). Yes you did not hear me wrong, there is a total of three sunnyside up eggs. What stood out is the rich tomato and chicken broth. This is goodness in a bowl and probably you can only have it here at Tai Cheong Bakery for the moment.

Scrambled Egg Toast Stack with Chicken Chop 4/5

Getting bored with waffle and chicken? How about having a change with the Scrambled Egg Toast Stack with Chicken Chop ($9.50). This is cheaper than your waffle and chicken. What is more important, it tasted as good or even better. The creamy three-egg scramble paired excellent with the buttered toasted. Not forgetting the juicy chip chop underneath that is resting on a bed of mushroom sauce.

French Toast 3.5/5

A quintessential Hong Kong cafe snack is the Homemade French Toast with Maple Syrup or Dulce De Leche ($6.50). Instead of deep fried, the toast coated in an egg wash with milk is pan fried instead. It is then topped with a slab of salted butter. This resulted in a fluffy interior with a contrasting crispy exterior. I would recommend not to spend too long taking photo or it can turn soaky pretty fast.

Three Coloured Silky Eggs with Rice 4.2/5

Making an impressive entrance is the Three Coloured Silky Eggs with Rice ($9.90). This is like the Hong Kong version of omurice. The steamed rice is covered with a three-egg omelette, kailan and a choice of two meats. I had the roasted pork and crispy pork belly. Dinner has a choice of either roasted pork and prawn or roasted pork and beef too. This is a dish which I will go back for.

Beef Brisket Curry Rice 3/5

Another rice dish on the menu is the Beef Brisket Curry Rice ($10.90). The curry is the sweet type with a creamy consistency, coming from the peanut sauce. It also comes with a dash of sesame oil for a aromatic finishing. The beef brisket was also cooked to a soft, fork tender texture. There is also an option of chicken if you don't eat beef.

Bolo Bun 3.5/5

A visit to Tai Cheong is not complete without trying out their signature bakes. Customers can expect to look forward to treats such as the Bolo Bun ($2.20), Coconut Tart ($2.50) and famous Egg Tart ($1.90). The unique butter cookie-like crust and smooth egg custard is what make the egg tart legendary.

Egg Tart 4.5/5, Coconut Tart 4/5, Durian & Cheese Tart 3.8/5

A special creation only available at Holland Village outlet is the Durian & Cheese Tart ($3.60). This exclusive tart is made using premium D24  durian plup and cream cheese encased in their famed crust. The creation can be quite heavy if you are not into the rich and heavy custard, and of course durian.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tai Cheong Bakery
31 Lorong Liput
Singapore 277742
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Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Pastries & Drinks
Mon-Fri: 10am - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 9am - 10pm
Mains
Daily: 11am - 230pm, 530pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to Lorong Liput. Walk towards to the junction of Lorong Liput and Lorong Mambong. Turn left onto Lorong Luput. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

South Bronx Burger @ Pomo

A new burger joint has opened at Pomo, taking over the defunct The Connoisseur Concerto (TCC). South Bronx Burger is the brainchild by the folks behind Montana Brew Bar. Taking over the two storey space, the team has converted the space into a 3-in-1 concept with South Bronx Burger located at the first floor while Montana Cafe and Fabulous Dough is on the second level.

Mac & Cheese Fritters with Tomato Relish Dip 4.2/5

We started with some light snacks from the sides menu. The Mac & Cheese Fritters with Tomato Relish Dip ($8) definitely won me over with its crispy exterior and cheesy macaroni stuffing inside.

Beer Battered BBQ Chicken Wings 3.5/5

The other light snack we tried was the Beer Battered BBQ Chicken Wings ($7). While the skin was crispy and the interior was juicy, the seasoning was on the mild side. I preferred something more intense in seasoning especially if I am having it with a beer.

The Mac Daddy 4.2/5 and Original Rump Shaker 4/5

Coming to South Bronx Burger, definitely I should try their handcrafted fresh beef patties. We started with The Mac Daddy ($16) and Original Rump Shaker ($12). The worthy note is that all the burgers here comes with three different types of fries. Hence there is something for everyone. The original rump shaker burger comes with house-made beef patty, signature sauce, smoked bacon and melted cheese slice. The mac daddy burger which is topped with jalapeno and mac & cheese is my favourite. Besides the moist and juicy patty, the jalapeno provided the additional kick to the whole enjoyment. If there is one thing I would like to see improvement will be the bun. It remembers me of those Macdonald bun which is on the doughy side. I prefer those that is more light and airy. It could be my personal preference.

Sir Spam-A-Lot 4.2/5

An unique burger in the menu is the Sir Spam-A-Lot ($12). Spam lover with like the luncheon meat burger that comes with a fried egg, smoked bacon, grilled pineapple rings, spicy BBQ mayo and a thick luncheon meat patty. The interesting combination surprisingly work wonderfully in harmony for a delicious burger creation.

What is burger without beer?. At South Bronx Burger, it also offers an extensive selection of beers to go with the burger. Get your hands messy as you chomp down the burger and wash it down with a bottle of beer.


South Bronx Burger
POMO
1 Selegie Road
#01-02
Singapore 188306
Tel: +65 98331790
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Nearest MRT: Bras Basah (CC Line), Dhoby Ghuat (CC Line, NE Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit D or E. Walk down Bras Basah Road to the junction of Bras Basah Road and Prinsep Street. Cross the road and turn right onto Prinsep Street. Walk down Prinsep Street and continue onto Selegie Road. Continue walking down Selegie Road until destination. Journey time about 12 mins. [Map]

2) Alight at Dhoby Ghuat MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Orchard Road to the junction of Orchard Road and Prinsep Street. Turn left onto Prinsep Street. Walk down Prinsep Street and continue onto Selegie Road. Continue walking down Selegie Road until destination. Journey time about 12 mins. [Map]

Spiffy Dapper @ Amoy Street

Started off as a hole in the wall in Boat Quay, Spiffy Dapper has moved to a bigger space at Amoy Street. With the new home, Dapper Coffee is also born. Now the new place is a cafe in the day and a bar at night. I dropped by Spiffy Dapper one evening to check out their new dinner menu.

Sheikh On The Level 4/5

Dark and Stormy 4/5

We started off with some pre-dinner cocktails in the Sheikh On The Level and Dark & Stormy. The Sheikh On the Level is made from Turkish Black Tea Gin Sour finished off Cardamom, served with aTurkish Delight. On the lighter and refreshing note is the Dark and Stormy made with dark rum and ginger beer.

Fully Loaded Baked Avocado 4.2/5

Spiffy Dapper has a very small menu with only 11 items. We started with the Fully Loaded Baked Avocado ($10). The avocado is baked with cheddar and served with sour cream, candied bacon and spring onions. This is my first time having baked avocado and I enjoyed it a lot. It felt like having baked potato.

Classic Mac & Cheese 3/5

Next we tried is the Classic Mac & Cheese ($12). The macaroni is baked with parmesan and cheddar, topped with croutons for extra bites. Unfortunately I find the flavour lacked the cheesy richness I preferred.

Dapper Burger 2.8/5

The Dapper Burger ($25) was huge with 250gram of beef and pork patty, cheese. bacon, old fashioned ketchup, lettuce and onion. The patty was moist and juicy but it seemed like the chef was a bit heavy with the salt. I have to wash it down with a glass of water.

Stuffed Squid 3/5

I was actually looking forward to try the Stuffed Squid ($20) which comes with squid ink Mexican Rice and chipotle aioli brulee. The squid and the chipotle aioli complemented each other perfectly. However the whole execution was lacked down by the dry and rather bland rice.

The most memorable item on the menu has to be baked avocado and their cocktails. The rest of the items was rather mediocre. I had a table beside me who is a regular that is raving to his friend about the good food at Spiffy Dapper. It really got me puzzled. Probably the kitchen has a bad day when my friend and I were there.


Spiffy Dapper
73 Amoy Street
Singapore 069892
Tel: +65 87224953
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Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 4pm - 12midnight
Sat-Sun: 8pm - 12midnight

Direction: 
Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left and walk down Telok Ayer Road. At the cross junction of Telok Ayer Road, Mccallum Street and Amoy Street, turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters @ Upper Thomson Road

This is a backlog post which I sold how allows it to slip down the whole list of articles to be published. Probably because I decided there is no urgency to feature Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters at Upper Thomson Road since it has been reviewed numerous times and even to the extend that some claimed the cafe to be their best cafe of 2014.

Latte 4.2/5

Stepping into Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters, I can understand why so many cafe hoppers love this place. The cafe has the Aussie feel. Beautifully decorated in white with wooden furniture, I felt as if I am in Melbourne, sipping my cup of Latte ($4.50/$5/$5.5) which comes in three different sizes of 3oz, 5oz and 7oz.

Truffle Fries 4/5

I am not a big fan of Truffle Fries ($8) as I don't think it is worth the extra cost to pay for a few drops of essence. Nevertheless I still gone with the group and ordered this. The fries were deep fried to nice crisp but yet not overly oily.

Deep Fried Mid Wings 4/5

I remembered have a similar rendition of the Deep Fried Mid Wings ($8) at Sunday Market. However, the version with a more crispy exterior batter fares better while also retaining the juiciness. Once again this is not something I would usually order, I felt it is not value for money with the skinny wings for that price I need to pay.

Quinoa Salad 3.8/5

For a healthy brunch, one can go for the Quinoa Salad ($15) that comes with quinoa, edamame bean, pique pepper, baby spinach, sweet corn and pomegranate with lemon vinaigrette dressing. The colour combination is very pleasing in sight. If only the seasoning can be a bit bolder that will give the dish a much needed lift.

Red Velvet Pancakes 2/5

Food that looks pretty does not mean it will taste good. This is exactly how we felt with the Red Velvet Pancakes ($16) served with mascarpone and fresh berries. The pancake itself was rather bland and dry. In the fact the tastiest components on the plate are the berries.

Salted Caramel Banana French Toast 4.2/5

The Salted Caramel Banana French Toast ($16) was the opposite of the red velvet pancakes. It may look messy but it tasted so delicious. The soft brioche french toast was drizzled in a salted caramel sauce and topped with caramelized bananas and whipped cream.

Truffle Benedict 4.2/5

I really felt cafe food are over priced, just take for example the Truffle Benedict that costs $18. I am not saying the food is not good but I probably can't afford to eat it everyday. A breakfast dish is as expensive as a dinner main. Anyway back to the food itself. Two free range poached eggs with truffle hollandaise sauce sits on a bed of wilted spinach, smoked ham and brioche. A beautiful combination that brought sunshine to the plate.

Oven Baked 5 Cheese Macaroni 4.2/5

Last but not least another worthy dish to try is the Oven Baked 5 Cheese Macaroni ($18). The five cheese used are parmesan, feta, emmental, mild cheddar and mozzarella. The macaroni is also infused with honey ham and mushroom, finished with a dash of truffle oil. I love my cheeses and this has the cheesiness that I enjoyed while not too overpowering with a nice harmony. Being oven baked, the macaroni may turned dried but this is still well timed. By the way, I don't understand the need to display the types of cheeses used for the dish on the wooden plank.

Overall Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters is a nice cafe to check out. It has ticks all around (Ambience, Coffee, Food and Service.). No wonder it is one of the more popular cafes for cafe hopping in Singapore.


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Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters
185 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574333
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pacamarasg
Nearest MRT: Upper Thomson (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 9am - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Upper Thomson MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk down Upper Thomson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]