Showing posts with label Poke Bowl. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Poke Bowl. Show all posts

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Komyuniti @ YOTEL Singapore - Chic And Unique Dining Experience With Surprising Flavours And Cheeky Cocktails In A Multifunctional Space

Komyuniti6

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city within YOTEL, Komyuniti is a brand new concept with a distinct Japanese influence. Helmed by Head Chef Mark Tai and F&B Manager, As’ad Isnin, Komyuniti presents a completely curated food and cocktail menu with 18 different dishes inspired by chef's globetrotting experiences, importing prominent flavours from around the world. With a communal style dining concept, the space comprises of a bar, restaurant, alfresco terrace and a co-working space, allowing guests to network, socialise, eat and drink within a contained space where they feel they belong.

Komyuniti7

WIth a variety of small and big plates for sharing purposes, diners can expect an extensive range of cocktail offerings too, including the Bittersweet, Tropical, Sours, and Timeless drinks. From the Tropical selection, the Tiki Chin Chin is a favourite - with vanilla-infused gin, home made Falernum liqueur, honey ginger, fresh lime, fresh grapefruit, aromatic bitters, cinnamon & pineapple foam.

Komyuniti8

From the sours cocktail selection, I had the Chaussettes which features an interesting combination of truffle vodka, cheese syrup, fresh lemon, egg white, lemon bitters, grated parmesan & truffle oil. The drink has a distinct truffle flavour which is an ingenious concoction idea for fans of truffle.

Komyuniti1
Salmon Poke 3.8/5

From the small plates menu, we had the Salmon Poke ($13) which features marinated salmon cubes with house made chili sauce and soy, and fried onion crackers on the side. A refreshing appetiser dish which has pleasant flavourful marinate to the fresh salmon cubes.

Komyuniti2
Mama's Tomato Soup 3.8/5

The Mama's Tomato Soup ($9) features the cream of tomato with a hint of red bell pepper, served with warm garlic toast which is best enjoyed dipping it into the warm hearty soup.

Komyuniti3
Buttermilk Fried Chicken 4/5, The Fried Brussels Sprouts 4/5

The Buttermilk Fried Chicken ($13) comes in a pile of cornmeal crusted fried chicken, served atop a soft sweet potato mash and succotash. Tender and juicy with a crisp skin, the marinate enhances its flavours as well, making it an enjoyable dish. The Fried Brussels Sprouts ($9) comes with house made hot sauce and crispy bacon on top. Although a tad greasy, the brussels sprouts are addictively crunchy and umami with the bacon atop to add a crispy texture to it.

Komyuniti4
Roasted Pork Belly 4.2/5, Slow Roasted Duck Breast 4/5

The Roasted Pork Belly ($19) comes with baby potatoes, brussels sprouts and green apple, while the Slow Roasted Duck Breast ($20) comes with braised red cabbage and carrot puree. My favourite is the former, which has a crispy crackling skin and well-executed tender pork belly meat.

Komyuniti5
Caramelised Banana Cake 4/5, Hay Panna Cotta 3.8/5, Apple Walnut Cake 4/5

End the meal on a sweet note with the Caramelised Banana Cake ($10), Hay Panna Cotta ($9) or Apple Walnut Cake ($10). I enjoyed the Caramelised Banana Cake most for its spongy moist cake texture and distinct banana fragrance. The cold toasted barley ice cream was a great complement to the warm banana cake - a perfect match in tastebud heaven.

*Note: The food items pictured are sampling portions.

Words and photos by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Komyuniti
YOTEL Singapore
Level 10
366 Orchard Road
Singapore 238904
Tel: +65 68668067
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 630am - 12midnight
Fri-Sat: 630am - 1am

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the walkway to Shaw House. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Hokey Poki @ FOMO Singapore - Build Your Own Japanese Bowls and Sushi Tacos

HokeyPoki11

Hokey Poki is a new Japanese fusion stall offering Japanese bowls and sushi tacos at FOMO Singapore. For the Japanese bowls, guests have the choice of building their own bowl with choice of mains, base (rice, salad, quinoa or soba) and optional add ons. As for the sushi tacos, this is a fusion take of the Mexican tacos with Japanese ingredients.

HokeyPoki4
Hokey Bowl - Salmon Poke 4.2/5

My first choice of the Hokey Bowl is the Salmon Poke ($10.90). I opted for the purple rice which is hidden beneath the pile of seasoned salmon cubes, jellyfish and mango cubes. I like the addition of the mango cubes, which gives it a refreshing finish as well as a textural enjoyment. Other mains on the hokey bowl menu includes Wasabi Mayo Chicken, Laksa Mentai Soft Shell Crab, Cheesy Chicken, Aburi Chirashi, Sambal Shishamo, Aburi Salmon Mentai, Cheesy Soft Shell Crab and Cheesy Prawns. For vegetarians, you can go for the Tofu Delight and Vegetarian Tempura.

HokeyPoki14
Cheesy Prawn Taco 4.2/5

The Sushi Taco ($5.90 for 1pc, $7.90 for 2pc) is an unique and interesting creation. We tried the Cheesy Prawn Taco and Aburi Salmon Mentai Taco. Replacing the tortilla shell is the seaweed cracker sandwiched with Japanese ingredients. The combination and pairing of the ingredients are well thought of. They are really fun and flavourful to eat.

HokeyPoki18
Aburi Salmon Mentai Taco 4/5

Beside the two tacos I tried, there are other interesting taco creations such as Shishamo, Cheesy Soft Shell Crab, Lemongrass Mentai Soft Shell Crab, Lemongrass Mentai Chicken and Cheesy Chicken. On top of the Japanese inspired tacos, there are also Laksa Mentai Prawn, Otah and Sambal Soft Shell Crab influenced by our local cuisine.

HokeyPoki25
S'mores Taco 2.8/5

There is even a dessert taco - S'mores Taco. The marshmallow is torched until melt, then it is sandwiched in between the seaweed cracker. Unfortunately I find the combination rather weird. It is also quite difficult and messy to eat.

HokeyPoki1

Hokey Poki serves delightful build your own Japanese bowls below $12 which is reasonable priced. Not to forget the healthy choice of salad, quinoa and purple rice. On top of that, the sushi tacos are yummy and unique too.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hokey Poki
FOMO Singapore
38 Sultan Gate
#01-01
Singapore 198486
Tel: +65 98173889
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead walkway to Beach Road. Turn left and walk down Beach Road. Turn right onto Sultan Gate. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, February 11, 2017

Ola Beach Club @ Siloso Beach Sentosa - All-Encompassing Hawaiian-Themed Lifestyle Venue

IMG_5491

Ola Beach Club, situated along at Siloso Beach Sentosa, is Singapore’s latest and only all-encompassing Hawaiian-themed lifestyle venue. On the ground floor, there are daybeds where you can relax on, or any of the six private cabanas to rest your tired feet. The Sunset Bar is on the second floor that overlooks the beach and sunset right in between the coconut trees which explains its name.

IMG_5463

Up at the Sunset Bar is a welcome respite from the hot sun but with similar relaxing vibe. The presence of wood, planters, and hanging floats all seek to exude Hawaii’s island feel. Not just a holistic destination for outdoor activities and watersports, Ola offers an interesting beach dining experience, with .a menu of Hawaiian-inspired specialties crafted by Executive Chef Liinson Heng.

IMG_5535
Lomi-Lomi Salmon 3.5/5

Be it as appetisers or alcoholic accompaniments, their cold starters will suit your needs. Reach out to a dainty cup of Lomi-Lomi Salmon ($16) in between sips of your cocktail. Traditionally served in a big bowl for sharing, the mixture of flaked Norwegian salmon confit, tomatoes and sweet Maui onions had been elegantly scooped into a mini waffle cup. Crowning it with flying fish roe or caviar (+$4) certainly drew our attention to it. The confit was moist and amazingly creamy on its own, with a dash of lemon to give its richness an edge. The flavour of the meat could have been more profound if not for the slightly overdoses of salt, but the sweetness from the crunchy waffle managed that quite abit.

IMG_5578
Kimchi Tuna 3/5

IMG_5579
Shoyu Tuna 3/5

As a starter for sharing or a main on its own, their Ahi Poke Bowl ($20) of diced tuna offers 3 flavours - shoyu, kimchi or togarashi, complemented by your choice of 2 sides from the basket of creamy guacamole, crunchy pumpkin seeds, pomegranate seeds and refreshing cubed pineapples. I would recommend to have some coarse grains (+$1) to counterbalance the rich poke. Their brown rice was unexpectedly well done, with the right bite and moisture. The marination was not too overwhelming either, which happened to some poke bowls.

IMG_5543
Saimin Salad 3/5

One of Hawaiians' comfort food, Saimin Salad ($15) is a cold noodle salad. Simply pour the soy-based sauce over the Japanese somen and toss the chunky ingredients. What amused me was the use of battered fishcake and spam creating a new chemistry with each other and with other ingredients.

IMG_5577
Kalua Pig Taco 3/5

From the hot starters, the Kalua Pig Taco ($25) gives you a chance to taste the Hawaii’s famous Kalua Pork – one-day cured pork shoulder steamed and baked for three hours till soft and tender for shredding. Sautéed with white cabbage over open fire, the Kalua Pork supposed to exhibit a smokey sweetness but that seemed to be lost in the pool of melted cheddar cheese. Great for cheese lovers though. The house-made Roma tomato relish and guacamole up the taste a notch, not to forget the Chef’s special sour cream, which is a “chutney” of bird’s eye chilli, red pepper, parsley and onions. Really delicious, that I had to stop myself from pouring the whole thing over my taco.

IMG_5587
House-smoked Squid 4.2/5

The complexity that goes into creating House-smoked Squid ($21) is notable, giving us a glimpse into Chef Liinson's culinary mind. Smoked over an open fire in a special netted basket, the grilled octopus were 'poached' in heat. What resulted was soft and springy texture, carrying strong hint of smokiness. These little creatures looked somewhat adorable in the plated seabed, sitting on the olive tapenade.. For some flavours highlights, Chef paired them with tangy confit tomatoes, roasted fava beans, piquant artichoke and a house-made garlic and saffron mayonnaise.

IMG_5598
Huli-Huli Chicken 4/5

Huli-Huli Chicken ($26) is Hawaii’s version of teriyaki chicken with chicken thigh and breast plated elegantly with burnt leek and a seasonal vegetable puree (ours was celery puree). Steeped in a teriyaki marinade and sous vide, I love the smokey and deep sweetness of the teriyaki that glazed over the meat. The breast meat wasn't sidelined at all by the usually more popular chicken thigh, as it was moist and tender, with the ability to balance the entire dish with its subtly. Even the burnt leek was not neglected, with its exquisite charred flavour.

IMG_5611
Loco Moco’s 3/5

Rice is seemingly one of Hawaiian's staple food, which is evident in Loco Moco’s ($28), in which a 150g Wagyu beef patty is paired with steamed Japanese koshihikari white rice flavoured with sesame seeds and finely chopped konbu. The crusted egg succeeded in satisfying our fetish in oozy egg yolk, but I couldn't say the same for the much anticipated beef patty. It wasn't as juicy as I wanted it to be, perhaps it was done way over medium-rare, and its natural beefy flavour was mask by burst of saltiness from the capers within the patty. The saving grace was the thick and rich mushroom sauce, which I could pour it over and form a deeply satisfying beef rice burger. What a brilliant idea and execution.

IMG_5623
Haupia Sphere 3.5/5

Rounding off our meal was Haupia Sphere ($22), one of Chef Liinson’s intricate creations. Inspired by the traditional Haupia (Hawaiian coconut pudding), the valrhona dark chocolate sphere encapsulates a layer of coconut Chantilly cream, desiccated coconut sponge cake, nata de coco and vanilla ice-cream. Simply pour the warm chocolate sauce served at the side to unveil the treasures within.

IMG_5514

In the hands of Chef Liinson, the dishes have gain a finesse without losing their intrinsic fun and casual attributes. That, stays true to its name - Ola, which means “life” in Hawaiian, and all I could imagine is the energetic, positive vibes of life.

Written and photography 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.


Ola Beach Club
Siloso Beach Sentosa
46 Siloso Beach Walk
Singapore 099055
Tel:+65 62506978
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: HarbourFront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit E or C. Go to Sentosa Express Station at Level 3 of Vivocity. Take Sentosa Express Train to Beacht station. Alight at Beach station and walk to sentosa beach walk. Walk down sentosa beach walk to destination. Journey time about 20 mins. [Map]

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Alter Ego @ Esplanade Mall - The Evil Twin Of A Poke Theory

IMG_0403ed

Like the other naughty sister of A Poke Theory, Alter Ego at Esplanade Mall offers the opposite of healthy and clean eating. The menu at Alter Ego is ideal for your cheat day offering deep fried, butter, cheesy and greasy food items, that is best to wash down with a few bottles of craft beers.

IMG_0416ed
Fried Chicken Skin 4.2/5

The Fried Chicken Skin ($8) is super addictive. I could not stop myself from going for more of the crispy chicken skin rubbed and fried with a southern spice mix. I really hope they will be sending this for takeaway.

IMG_0426ed
Buffalo Wings 3.5/5

A delightful bar snack to go with a bottle of beers is the Buffalo Wings ($14). The wings are brined, twice-baked and then tossed in a spicy and tangy buffalo sauce, served with house-made ranch at the side.

IMG_0434ed
Loaded Taters 4/5

I was puzzled with the name of the dish. Loaded Taters ($13), what exactly is it? The crispy tater tots turned out to be mini hash brown doused mercilessly in a spicy jalapeno cheese sauce, maple-glazed bacon and sour cream. If you are up for challenge, you can splash some hot sauce to give i a fiery kick.

IMG_0429ed
Pizza Fries 3/5

The Pizza Fries ($14) is your ultimate sinful dish. There are layers of fries, smoky pepperoni, three cheese sauce with house-made bacon ketchup at the side. It is too much for me to handle.

IMG_0437ed
Grilled Cheese with Braised Beef Short Rib 4.2/5

A highly recommended item on the menu will be the Grilled Cheese ($11) with Braised Beef Short Rib filling (addition of $3). Diners will have a choice of gruyere or taleggio cheese to go between the two slices of artisanal white loaves. Dunk the parcel of toasted sandwich into the homemade tomato dip for an elevated enjoyment with all the flavours coming together.

IMG_0421ed
Chilli Cheese Dog 4.5/5

The Chlli Cheese Dog ($14) was rather a dark horse on the menu. The grilled cheddar sausages is topped with their flavourful sweet and spicy house-made beef mince which was mind blowing. The is finished with sour cream and melted cheddar cheese, stuffed in a buttery griddled bun.

IMG_0410ed
Green Goddess (Vegan) 4.5/5

The evil twin does have its good side too as it does offer a eat clean menu with pre-set 5 poke bowls. We tried both the Green Goddess ($13) and Umami Omega ($16). The Green Goddess comes with avocado poke on nutty brown rice, served with fresh ingredients, premium of kimchi and Peruvian pomegranate topped with alfafa sprouts. This is a perfect for the vegan eater.

IMG_0409ed
Umami Omega 4.5/5

For those that loves salmon and spicy, the Umami Omega is the perfect choice. It comes with spicy garlic sesame salmon on our signature sushi rice, served with fresh ingredients and premiums of lime avocado and kale chips, topped with ikura, alfafa sprouts.

IMG_0401ed

Having eaten at both A Poke Theory and Alter Ego, I would prefer the evil twin for the larger menu, bold and rich flavours. Even the poke bowls are more premium and tasty.

Noted: This is an invited tasting.


Alter Ego
Esplanade Mall
8 Raffles Avenue
#01-13D
Singapore 039802
Tel: +65 63279345
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 1am
Fri: 11am - 2am
Sat: 10am - 2am
Sun: 10am - 1am

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to Raffles Avenue. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]