The Disgruntled Chef @ Dempsey Road

In my previous visit to Hummerstons I mentioned that I used the Entertainer App to redeem one for one main. When I used the Entertainer App the other day, I realised there was a quite an interesting list of restaurants that I want to check out. After browsing through the list, I decided to check out The Disgruntled Chef at Dempsey for dinner. Launching the app, I made a call to the restaurant to make a reservation.

Similar to my previous experience in using the Entertainer App, the waitress was well aware of the Entertainer App and the process when I checked with her.

All I have to do is during payment, I just let the waitress know that I am using The Entertainer App to redeem my free main course by tapping on the Redeem Button which I then proceeded to enter my 4 digit pin. Passed the phone to the waiter for the restaurant to enter their own private pin. That is how easy to use the The Entertainer App.

Back to my dinner, I started with a Somersby Apple Cider ($14) after a long day at work. The Disgruntled Chef also offers a good selection of wines and cocktails if you just want to chill out.

Steam Mussels 2.8/5

We started the dinner with the Steam Mussels ($21) that is cooked in mergeus and white wine. Unfortunately we felt that the mussels were not very fresh, it came with a tad of fishy taste.

Roasted Sea Scallops 3.8/5

Next we have the Roasted Sea Scallops ($24) with truffle butter, green pea puree and crispy prosciutto. While the scallops was beautifully cooked, I thought the green pea puree was a bit coarse.

Braised Pork Cheeks 4/5

As this was our first time at The Disgruntled Chef, the waitress gave us a brief introduction of the menu and recommended the Braised Pork Cheeks ($32) which is one of their signature dishes. The braised pork cheeks were so tender that it basically fell apart with a slight cut. Served with truffle mousseline and miso daikon, this is indeed an enjoyable dish.

Smoked Chargrilled Ribeye 4/5

The US choice 500 gram, Smoked Chargrilled Ribeye ($98) was cooked to medium as per what I requested. Served with a port wine sauce at the side, the smokey slab of beef was so tender and juicy on its own that I neglected the sauce. I probably order this for sharing in future as I struggled to finish the whole piece of ribeye.

Walking down a flight of stairs leading to the restaurant, it felt like one has been transformed to another place. The restaurant is actually facing the internal part of the woods giving in a nice private ambience away from the crowd and noise. With a causal dining setting and concept, patron can simply sit back, enjoy, eat and drink in a relaxing atmosphere.


The Disgruntled Chef
26B Dempsey Road
Singapore 247693
Tel: +65 64765305
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Disgruntled-Chef/183025668383667
Website: http://www.disgruntledchef.com/
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 12midnight
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1am
Sun: 12pm - 5pm, 6pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop along Orchard Boulevard, opposite Orchard Parksuites (Stop ID B09022. Take bus number 7, 77, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes. [Map]

LeNu (樂牛) @ Vivocity

Located just right across Ben & Jerry at Vivocity is a new Taiwan Beef Noodle Bar called LeNu (樂牛) by the Paradise Group. I found the concept pretty similar to NamNam Noodle Bar except that it is selling the popular Taiwan beef noodle. Similar to NamNam, it has both a bar counter and a dine in area offering different toppings of the beef noodle. Upon seated you will be given an order sheet, place your order, bring it to the cashier, make your payment, collect your appertiser if any and go back to your seat to wait for your main.

Chilled Tofu with Century Egg 4.2/5

Can't help ordering the Chilled Tofu with Century Egg ($2.90) whenever I see it on the menu. Look at how translucent the century egg was. The delightful cold dish was bursting with a medley of lovely flavours that simply works together.

Sauteed Tang-O 3/5

I thought I should order a vegetable dish to go with the noodle and I decided to try the Sauteed Tang-O ($4.90) since I don't usually get to eat it, probably only during Chinese New Year over steamboat.

On each table there is a bottle of their homemade chilli dipping sauce which supposes to further elevate the taste and richness of the beef. I did not like it, it tasted like fermented bean paste and was quite salty. I took a dip and left it untouched.

Braised Beef Brisket Noodles 4/5

Patron will have a choice of either the broad noodle or thin noodle. For the Braised Beef Brisket Noodles ($11.90) I chose the broad noodle which came with a delightful texture bite to it. The beef brisket was also cooked to fork tender. While the broth was really flavourful, I still prefer the more herbal version.

Braised Beef Combination Noodles 4/5

For the Braised Beef Combination Noodles ($14.90) I chose the thin noodle which was more springy. The bowl of noodle came with a good mix of beef shank, tendon and brisket that was cooked to tender soft.

The Paradise Group seems to be aggressively expanding their brand lately. With NamNam doing so well and the nation loves for ramen, it was not a surprise that Paradise Group may just find a niche market to success with LeNu (樂牛), Taiwan Beef Noodle Bar.


LeNu (樂牛)
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#02-91/92/93
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 63769039
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParadiseGrp
Website: http://www.paradisegroup.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Harbour Front (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbour Front MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tonkotsu Kazan Ramen @ Liang Court

Tonkotsu Kazan Ramen or commonly known as the Volcano Ramen originated from Osaka, Japan. Known for their tonkotsu broth and cooking the ramen in a kazan (volcanic) fashion is quite an interesting style from the tradition. Tonkotsu Kazan Ramen currently has 2 outlets in Singapore, one at Novena Square 2 with the latest outlet that opened in August 2013 at Liang Court.

The Kazan Ramen is served in a preheated 300 degree Celsius stone bowl where all the ingredients have been put inside. At table side, the wait staff will pour the broth into the hot stone and put the red colour lid with a funnel on top to continue cooking. After a minute, take the lid off the stone bowl and stir the vegetables and noodles well. To serve, transfer the noodles and soup into smaller bowl.

A order of the Kazan Ramen comes with a bowl of rice where one can add into the left over soup mixture to make delicious Zousui (soupy rice). Allowing one to enjoy the kazan ramen twice.

Kazan Kaisen Shio 4/5

First we tried the Kazan Kaisen Shio ($15/$18). Kazan ramen uses broader noodle so that it does not get soggy easily. Even thought the broader noodle is used, it still got soggy pretty quickly. My advice is to either finish the ramen as fast as possible or transferred all to the smaller bowl. This is because the hot stone is still continuing cooking the bowl of ramen. I also noticed that kazan ramen uses a lot of vegetables like bean sprouts, cabbages and spring onion compared to the more tradition ramen. I welcomed the generous serving of vegetables. Enhanced with a special blended salt paste with seafood, the broth was surprisingly more refine, not as oily and robust compare to the usual tonkotsu broth from those traditional ramen place.

Kazan Karamiso 4/5

If you prefer spicy ramen, go for the Kazan Karamiso ($15/$18) whereby the tonkotsu broth is enhanced with a special blend of spicy miso paste. While my dining partners preferred it to be spicier I am acceptable to the spicy level. Anyway Japanese food usually are not known for being very hot and fiery. The homemade spicy miso paste definitely was the star elevating the flavours. The char siew on the other hand was a tad dry.

Hot Stone Fried Rice 4/5

Hot Stone Fried Rice 4/5

When the Hot Stone Fried Rice ($6) is served, gave it a good mix before the egg at the bottom got overcooked. Tossed in some chilli flakes if you preferred some fiery kick to the fluffy rice. Each mouthful of fried rice also came with delectable flavoured shredded pork.

Tonkotsu Soup Gyoza 4.2/5

For a different, we tried the Tonkotsu Soup Gyoza ($8 for 6pc) instead of the usual pan fried gyoza. Served in a delightful tonkotsu broth with lots of bean sprouts, the dumpling skin was thin and translucent stuffed with delectable fillings.

Macha Shiratama with Ice Cream 3/5

The Macha Shiratama with Ice Cream ($8) is hugemongous. The huge ice mountain comes with sweetened red beans, mochi and ice cream similar to our local ice kachang. I loved the fact the exterior of the shaved ice is drenched with condensed milk which I could not help going back for more. However the macha syrup was too sweet and lacklustre in the green tea flavour.

I can't say Tonkotsu Kazan is the best ramen in town but they sure have their own unique volcano style ramen selling point as well as their huge servicing which is value for money. I also like the face that their tonkotsu broth does not give me a greasy aftertaste.


Tonkotsu Kazan Ramen
Liang Court
177 River Valley Road
#01-10
Singapore 179030
Tel: +65 63368698
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonkotsuKazan
Website: http://tonkotsukazan.com/
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit C, F or G. Walk along the river toward Riverside Point direction. Cross the bridge to the other end of the river. Turn left and walk towards Liang Court. Journey time about 7 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to bus stop at Clark Quay Station (Stop ID 04222). Take bus number 54. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Hock Lam Beef @ Alexandra Retail Centre (ARC)

The other day I decided to go to Alexandra Retail Centre (ARC) to check out the food establishments there since it was near to Labrador Park MRT station which I have yet to cover in my food journey. After recceing the mall, I decided to try Hock Lam Beef which took up a whole unit on the second floor of the mall. It has been a while since I last have beef noodles and I kind of missed it after it closed its Upper Serangoon outlet near my home. Hock Lam Beef needs not further mentioned as its already well known in Singapore for dishing out delectable bowls of beef noodles for over 100 years since 1911.

Kway Teow Soup Mixed 4/5

The new premises at ARC is quite big and with an extended menu servicing some common zichar items too. Ordering is quite simple, first decide the type of noodles (kway teow, yellow noodle or thick beehoon). Second decide whether you want the soup or dry version. Lastly, choice of  the 5 toppings (mixed beef, chunky & hand sliced beef, pure tendon, hand sliced beef, beef balls).

Kway Teow Soup Mixed 4/5

One of the most popular dish for over 100 years at Hock Lam Beef is their Kway Teow Soup Mixed ($7.90). The herbal bowl of goodness comes with juicy beef balls, tender sliced beef, bouncy tripe and tender chunky beef.

Kway Teow Soup Sliced Beef 4/5

The house specialty of juicy sliced beef in herbal marinade for flavour and aroma, Kway Teow Soup Sliced Beef ($7.80) has never disappointed me. The soup was boiled for a good 24 hours, rich and robust. The hand sliced beef was also very tender and dip into the chilli sauce made from 13 ingredients to further elevates the taste of richness of the beef.

Sauteed Kailan with Salted Fish 4/5

As mentioned the outlet at ARC offers other zichar items besides their fame beef noodles. I got a plate of their Sauteed Kailan with Salted Fish ($6.80) to go with the noodles. It always good to have some greens in each meal right? The sauteed kailan was pretty well executed which still retained a crunchy bite to it flavoured by the fragrant salted fish.

A worthy note I noticed in the menu at ARC outlet is their Big Mixed Beef Bowl without noodles that comes in 3 sizes for serving up to 4 pax. It will be good for family or big group who wants to try the cooked food as well as the delish beef soup.


Hock Lam Beef
Alexandra Retail Centre (ARC)
460 Alexandra Road
#02-24
Singapore 119963
Tel: +65 62729945
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OriginalHockLamBeef
Website: http://www.hocklambeef.com/blog/
Nearest MRT: Labrador Park (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10am - 9pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Labrador Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.

Hummerstons @ Roberston Walk

Yesterday while pondering where to go for dinner after shopping with my girl at Liang Court, I remembered there was a new app called The Entertainer where it offers users Buy One Get One Free dining, leisure, entertainment, wellness and hotel accommodation. I browsed through The Entertainer App and decided to go to Hummerstons at Roberston Quay for dinner as it is within walking distance from where I was by simply checking the map option of the app and made a call to make sure it is not full.

As this is a new app, I thought I better be safe so I checked with the waiter that they are aware of The Entertainer App and I could use it to redeem a One for One Main which is offered by the restaurant. I was glad that the waiter is well aware of the app and proceed to explain how easy to use it.

During payment, I just let the waiter know that I am using The Entertainer App to redeem my free main course by tapping on the Redeem Button which I proceeded to enter my 4 digit pin. Passed the phone to the waiter for the restaurant to enter their own private pin. That is how easy to use the The Entertainer App.

Truffle Mushroom Bisque 3.5/5

After getting the assurance from the waiter, we proceeded to order our dinner. We have the Truffle Mushroom Bisque ($5) which was earthy and perfumed by the aromatic truffle.

French Onion Soup 3.8/5 

We also order the soup of the day which was French Onion Soup ($5) to have a variety. The french onion soup was tangy with a nice sweetness finishing from the caramelized onion.

Spanish Pork 3/5

For the mains, we tried the Spanish Pork ($32) where the spanish duroc pork is char grilled and served with spinach, french beans, spanish onions, roasted corn and red skin potatoes with tonkatsu dressing. I think there was some issue with the plating because the tonkatsu dressing was totally being absorbed by the greens making it way too sweet to be eaten. While on the other hand, the pork was screaming for a dressing for the huge and perfectly cooked meat.

Sesame Epi Crusted Cod 3.8/5

The Sesame Epi Crusted Cod ($32) faired much better. Sitting on top of a bed of mashed potaote, the perfectly cooked fish was fatty and moist. However the salad was a bit too heavy with the salt and we left it untouched.

As a proof to show that I get a free Main course by using The Entertainer App, you can see from the bill that it did not include the Sesame Epi Crusted Cod. Do note we did order a drink each but I did not take photos of it.

If you are interested in The Entertainer App and want to enjoy more Buy One Get One Free offers, you can find out more of the app at http://www.theentertainerme.com/singapore/ or check out their facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheEntertainerFB . It is not just limited to dining, there are other offers in leisure, entertainment, wellness and hotel accommodation. The Free App can be downloaded for both Iphone and Android.


[CLOSED]
Hummerstons
Robertson Walk
11 Unity Street
#02-14
Singapore 237995
Tel: +65 84281620
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hummerstons
Website: http://www.hummerstons.com/
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 10pm
Fri: 12pm - 12 midnight
Sat: 10am - 12midnight
Sun: 10am - 5pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to bus stop at Clark Quay Station (Stop ID 04222). Take bus number 54. Alight 3 stops later. Cut across UE Square to the other side of the building. Cross Unity Street and walk to destination. Journey time about 7 minutes. [Map]

Dough & Grains @ Tiong Bahru

Another bakery has filled the foodie enclave with the sweet scent of baking bread but with a different in a niche market by incorporating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to their bread. Setup by founder Coreen Wong, Dough & Grains is the first Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) bread retailer in Singapore. It was a carbo overloaded afternoon trying out some of the innovative products but its all worth it when each of them comes with health benefits for the body.

The Red Tomato ($1.90) is made with Red Yeast Rice and Tomato. The bread helps to prevent muscle weakness, bloating and intestinal disorders.

The Black Pearl ($1.90) which is one of the signature buns incorporates Shou Wu, Bamboo Charcoal and Walnut into the dough. Shou Wu is not an easy ingredients and Dough & Grains probably is the first in town to master the art of doing some. Eating the black pearl bun promotes longevity, helps to retain youthful look, prevent hair loss and greying of hair.

The Jade Lychee ($1.90) is made of Green Tea, Lychee and Apricot. It prevents the growth of cancer cells, lowering cholesterol and helps to burn fat. If you need a detox, try the Lotus Flower ($1.90) which has licorice, lotus seed and red bean.

I was told this is the lady's flavour. The White Pearl ($1.90) uses only raw sugar, raisin and walnut. Topped with black sesame, this is a super low fat bread.

The Ying & Yang ($1.90) comes with a black sesame paste inside and white sesame seed outside. Sesame has anti-ageing effects and improves metabolism.

One of the more expensive bun at the bakery is the Eight Treasure ($2.30). The bun comes with 8 different types of nuts and hence the name. You can find black and white sesame, pine nut, walnut, macadamia sunflower seed, almond and cranberry.

If you need to strengthen your kidney and joints or improve blood circulation. the Chestnut Bun ($1.90) will be the one to eat.

One of the more savoury bun that I tried is the BMW ($1.80) basically stands for BBQ, Mushroom and Wings. The combination of chicken and mushroom in BBQ sauce gives one a filling satisfaction.

There are many other creations at Dough & Grains using TCM. Starting from the top left corner we have the Walnut Yam ($1.90) that is stuffed with homemade yam paste where generally yam is known to prevent heart attack and stroke while walnut decreased risk of certain cancers.

Going clockwise, we have the Wolfberry Chrysanthemum ($1.90) which replenishes blood and brighten eyesight.

Next is Lotus Green Bean, Salted ($1.90) that replenishes Qi, blood and improves weak body.

Lastly, the Homemade Sweet Potato ($1.90) that combines both the purple and Japan potato. Sweet potato helps to lower high cholestrol, constipation and colorectal cancer.

I have to say I was a bit skeptical when I heard about Dough & Grains TCM bread. They must be very awful tasting since traditional chinese medicines are usually very bitter. How wrong am I after tasting all these delectable breads and the numerous health benefits for the body. These breads were as tasty and fluffy or even better than those branded bakery chains.


Dough & Grains
71 Seng Poh Road
#01-35
Singapore 160071
Tel: +65 62255223
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DoughGrains
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line), Outram (EW Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 8pm
(Closed on Wed)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Head east on Tiong Bahru Road towards Jalan Membina. Walk down Tiong Bahru and turn right onto Kim Pong Road. Turn left onto Lim Liak Street. Walk to end of Lim Liak Street and turn right onto Seng Poh Road. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Outram MRT station. Take Exit A or C. Walk to bus stop opposite Outram MRT station (Stop ID 06011). Take bus no. 33, 63, 75, 851 or 970. Alight 1 stop later at Blk 55 Tiong Bahru Road. Continue on Tiong Bahru Road and turn left onto Seng Poh Road. Continue on Seng Poh Road until destination. Journey time 8 minutes. [Map]

The Dispensary @ Tiong Bahru

I was in the Tiong Bahru neighbourhood after a tasting invite and I remembered a new cafe The Dispensary has recently just opened its door in the hood. I heard about this cool cafe which marriage the old abandoned Chinese Medical Hall with modern Western fare.

The 2 pillars outside the cafe still have the name of the old Chinese Medical Hall.

The centerpiece of the cafe is the Chinese Medicine Cabinets behind the counter. These Chinese medicine cabinets used to hold many potent remedies to cure the residents' ailments. The antique gave the modern cafe a historical charm.

Coffee cup sleeves can also be seen sticking around the cafe with comments from patrons.

A small little corridor path from the main entrance where the Chinese Medicine Cabinet is located leading the way to the seating around at the back of the cafe. Turning left there is a staircase leading to the 2nd floor of the cafe.

A corner of the corner where again we can noticed the marriage of tradition and modern decoration.

Cafe Latte 4/5

As I am already quite full from my previous appointment, I only order a Cafe Latte. I like the cafe latte as the espresso was not too acidic. My only complain is that the cafe latte is served in paper cup even thought I am dinning in.

I like the decor and relax ambience at The Dispensary where patrons can rejuvenate over a cup of freshly brewed coffee. I looked forward to my next visit as I heard good words of their cupcakes and cakes.


The Dispensary
69 Tiong Bahru Road
Singapore 168723
Tel: +65 65360225
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDispensaryBakery
Website: http://www.thedispensary.com.sg
Nearest MRT; Tiong Bahru (EW Line), Outram (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 8am - 8pm
Fri-Sat: 8am - 10pm
Sun: 9am - 7pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Head east on Tiong Bahru Road towards Jalan Membina. Continue walking down Tiong Bahru Road until destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Outram MRT station. Take Exit A or C. Walk to bus stop opposite Outram MRT station (Stop ID 06011). Take bus no. 33, 63, 75, 851 or 970. Alight 1 stop later at Blk 55 Tiong Bahru Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]