Level 33 @ MBFC Tower 1

Actually I wanted to go to Chez Petit Salut at MBFC Tower 3 for dinner last Sunday evening but to my disappointment it is not opened on weekend. Blame myself for not checking the opening hours before going down. Nevertheless, I used my Entertainer SG App and checked whether there is any restaurant around the vicinity and I found Level 33 at Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC) Tower 1 which is participating in the 1-for-1 main promotion.

Located at the top of the tower, the penthouse dining experience offers a panoramic view of the marina bay area. Known for being the world's highest urban craft-brewery, the craft beer is freshly brewed at the restaurant itself. Upon placing our order, complimentary bread is served together with 3 different type of butter, mint, salted and olive. It was my first and I find it quite thoughtful of the restaurant to be doing it.

Raviolacci 3.8/5

For my starter, I decided to go for the Raviolacci ($19.50) which is stuffed with the earthy porcini. The huge raviolacci is submerged in a bed of rich, creamy truffled zucchini veloute, dusted with black olive and finished with asparagus, sesame and arugula. Flavours were nicely balanced, subtle and comforting.

Crustacean 3/5

My partner has the Crustacean ($21) which comes with 3 components on a plate. The blue swimmer crab timbale topped with chilli mint salad was bursting with flavours with each mouthful.

Back & Belly 4/5

Moving on to the main courses, I had the Back and Belly ($43.50) that was served on a wooden plank. The chargrilled 200 days aged stockyard sirloin was beautifully cooked to the doneness I requested. However what stood out for me is the slowly braised blackened wagyu brisket. I could not help going back for more of the succulent and flavourful brisket.

Gambas 4.2/5

My partner had the Gambas ($39.50) which comes with two jumbo prawns, rock shrimp, soba, lobster bisque and papaya salsa. While the jumbo prawns were fresh and crunchy. I was more interested in the pairing of the soba and lobster bisque. Surprisingly the firm and springy soba coated with the lobster bisque was very refreshing for my palate with the lovely robust flavour.

Thanks to Entertainer SG App once again, I was able to save on the cost for one main due to the 1-for-1 promotion. The saving has allowed me to visit many restaurants that I can tick off from my list. I really love the view and atmosphere at Level 33. I am also quite please that the pricing is quite affordable. I already noted down this place to recommend if my friends ask me for any dinner gathering suggestion.


Level 33
Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1
8 Marina Boulevard
#33-01
Singapore 018981
Tel: +65 68343133
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeVeL33CraftBrewery
Website: http://www.level33.com.sg
Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 12midnight
Fri & Eve of PH: 1130am - 2am
Sat: 10am - 2am
Sun: 12pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit E or J. Follow the underground walkway towards Marina Link Mall. Continue onwards to Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Crowning the Best Pineapple Tart 2014

A great thanks to Pickat SG for organising this Pineapple Tart tasting session to crown the Best Pineapple Tart of 2014. A total of 20 different brands of pineapple tarts that comes in different shapes and sizes were being judged in the following five criteria, Taste, Texture, Fragrant, Appearance and Packaging.

Don't feel jealous that we can try so many different pineapple tarts. It is really too much to eat in one seating. I have to cut them into smaller pieces so that I could sample all of them for the final verdict.

Any of the above 20 brands of pineapple tarts is your favourite? Among all that I tried, my personal top 3 went to Le Cafe Confectionery, Mr Bean and Bengawan Solo. I realized everyone has their different favourite. Ones liking may not be the others preference.

Nevertheless we still manage to come to a conclusion. After the final vote counts, the King of Pineapple Tart 2014 goes to Bake Inc. Followed by Le Cafe in second and Mr Bean in third. Bake Inc is a great surprise, the dark horse among the 20 brands. Most of us have not heard of this brand but it won most of our hearts with its melted in the mouth super soft pastry. The famous Le Cafe golf sized pineapple tart was my favourite with its sweet pineapple jam and flaky pastry. However the voters has mixed view about the size as the portion is too much for some to finish. Another household name but not known for its pineapple tart was Mr Bean which delighted us with its balanced sweetness and light soya crust.

Thank you Pickat SG for organising the event. You can download Pickat SG at
AppStore: http://bit.ly/19g9Uzx
GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/1ixTFYf

Pickat SG
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PickatSG
Website: http://www.pickat.com.sg/main.php

Oriole Cafe & Bar @ Pan Pacific Serviced Suites

It was a lazy Sunday afternoon as I made my way down to Orchard Road to do some last minute shopping for Lunar New Year. Met up with my partner at Somerset MRT station and we decided to go to Oriole Cafe & Bar at Pan Pacific Serviced Suites for lunch since it is just next door to the station. In addition, I know the Entertainer App has 1-for-1 main promotion for Oriole Cafe & Bar.

Cafe Latte 4/5

I was quite lucky to get a seat pretty quickly. I had my usual Cafe Latte ($5.5/$6.5) to kick start my day. The aromatic single shot espresso has quite a body and I enjoyed the bittersweet taste of caffeine.

Garlic Prawn Risotto 4/5

My partner had the Garlic Prawn Risotto ($25) which was cooked beautifully with the arborio rice infused with the prawn bisque. The crunchy grilled garlic prawns and asparagus provided the needed textures. A very robust and enjoyable plate of risotto.

Jamaican Jerk Chicken 4/5

I decided to try to Jamaican Jerk Chicken ($22) that comes with grilled jerk rub baby chicken, corn salso and crispy onion rings. The dry rub with its spices was quite flavourful. The chicken had a nice charred grilled taste on the outside while still tender and juicy inside.

Once again with the Entertainer App 1-for-1 main promotion, I saved $22 for the Jamaican Jerk Chicken. I need only pay for the Garlic Prawn Risotto. With good food and coffee, I am sure I will be back at Oriole Cafe & Bar to either have a cup of coffee or try the other items in the menu.


Oriole Cafe & Bar
Pan Pacific Serviced Suites
96 Somerset Road
#01-01
Singapore 238163
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrioleCoffee
Website: http://www.oriole.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 12midnight
Sun: 1030am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Take escalator to ground left. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

INDOCAFE - The White House @ Scotts Road

Many times I have passed by this white colonial bungalow along Scotts Road and I always thought that it is a coffee house. I have the opportunity to visit the place with fellow foodies and then did I realize that INDOCAFE - the white house is actually a restaurant offering Straits-Peranakan cuisine. For the first time ever, INDOCAFE has specially designed a Chinese New Year reunion set that comes with a lavish ten course Magnificent Harvest of Abundance & Fortune Reunion Menu ($368/$478/$688) available 18 January 2014 to 18 February 2014.

Flourishing Brilliance Yu Sheng 4/5

In typical reunion fashion, we started the first course with a Lo Hei to usher in the year of the horse. The Flourishing Brilliance Yu Sheng with mekajiki, salmon and tuna is tossed in sweet plum sauce, peanut oil and a specially prepared curry sauce. I was worried that the curry sauce will throw everything off but it actually took a backseat allowing the rest of the ingredients to shine while providing a soothing spiciness to the palate.

Treasures of The Sea Platter - Scallop 3.8/5

Treasures of The Sea Platter - King Crab 4.2/5

Treasures of The Sea Platter - Abalone 3.8/5

Next up is the Treasures of The Sea Platter which is served in a basket with beautiful porcelain ware. The three treasures from the sea are scallop. king crab and abalone. The Kueh Pai Tee is given luxurious twist topped with a scallop and fish roes. Served in an abalone shell is the silken bibik jellyfish salad with Abalone slices. The table's favourite probably went to the King Crab with Emping Cracker. The bursting sweetness from the king crab with the crunchy bitterness from the emping cracker was a surprise delish combo.

Glorious Fortune Consomme 4/5

Warm up the appetite with the Glorious Fortune Consomme. A robust and comforting broth of briny oyster and sea moss, wong bok and kurobuta pork ribs.

Harvest of Immense Opulence 4.2/5

Beautifully marinated with fermented beancurd, the Nam Yue Pork Chop resembling Harvest of Immense Opulence was flavourful, crispy on the outside but yet succulent inside. Dipped into the hoisin sauce to further enhanced the flavour.

Bouquet of Content & Bliss 4.5/5

The Bouquet of Content & Bliss already partly stole my heart with its aromatic of the spices when served. The shell of the jumbo prawns were removed except the head and tail allowing the flesh to be enjoyed to the fullest bursting with flavour with each bite.

Pinnacle of Success 4/5

Could not help thinking the Pinnacle of Success is kind of old school with the chopped chicken and keropok which we were normally served during Chinese banquet. However the classic dish was given a new life with the used of masala to roast the whole chicken.

Abundance of Boundless Triumph 3/5

Welcome the new year with the Abundance of Boundless Triumph. The red groupa is steamed in spicy nyonya sauce (or tao cheong). It was actually not spicy at all. Although the fish was cooked to perfection, I thought the sauce did not manage to bring out the natural flavour of the fish. If I have another opportunity, I would like to try out the tao cheong sauce to find out how it fare?

Ushering Wealth & Good Fortune 4.2/5

The plate of braised Wong Bok with Sea Cucumber, Abalone and Wolfberries is like a mini homecooked pencai. The luxurious ingredients speak for themselves with their beautiful flavours all coming together in a plate in the Ushering Wealth and Good Fortune.

Bountiful Ocean Treasures 4.5/5

The Bountiful Ocean Treasures is what I was eagerly waiting for. I have tried Ayam Buah Keluak and I like the rich nutty flavour from the Buah Keluak. Hence I am looking forward to the Keluak Fried Rice which is something new for my food journey. The fragrant and nutty keluak fried rice is topped with prawns, scallops and crab meat.  The delectable fried rice is definitely a must try and that I will order again when I visit the restaurant.

Everlasting Peace & Harmony 2.5/5

The 10 course feast ends with the Everlasting Peace and Harmony. Unfortunately the skin for the Glutinous Rice Dumplings with Ginger Syrup was too thick for my liking.

I am glad that I have dine at INDOCAFE. Now I have another venue to go for Straits-Peranakan cuisine. Nestled a stone throw away from the bustling Orchard Road, the charming colonial bungalow is an ideal venue for business lunches, family dining and private or corporate events with ample complimentary parking and valet services at the premise.


INDOCAFE
The white house
35/35A Scotts Road
Singapore 228227
Tel: +65 67332656
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitehouse.indocafe
Website: http://www.thehouseofindocafe.com/
Nearest MRT: Newton (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Newton MRT station. Take Exit A. On Scotts Road, turn right and walk down Scotts Road towards Orchard Road direction. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

CP Food Products

I don't cook at home, not to mention about going to the supermarket to do marketing. Recently I received a hamper from CP Foods and I am surprised that CP has so many products under its brand. I only know of CP's shrimp wonton which I always seen it in tv advertisement. For this festive season, CP has introduced a new Shrimp Wonton Festive Pack with Suki Sauce. I thought it is brilliant for steamboat during Lunar New Year reunion dinner.

Exclusively only at 7-11 is the CP Teriyaki Burger and CP Shrimp Burger. The kids tried the CP Teriyaki Burger and they loved it.

CP Food has also recently launched a couple of new products. One of them is the Breaded Fish in Tamarind Sauce with chunks of fish doused with sweet and sour sauce of tamarind. Suitable for people looking for quick nourishing meal.

The other 2 new items under the CP brand is the Vegetarian Stir Fried Holy Basil with Rice and Vegetarian Yakisoba. The Stir Fried Holy Basil with Rice comes with crunchy carrots and succulent silvers of shiitake mushrooms. The vegetarian noodle is an adaption of the classic Japanese stir fried noodles cooked in sweet and soya sauce.

The Chicken Gyoza is wrapped in a thin pastry of chicken and vegetable. The Japanese style dumpling has a well blended taste and fantastic aroma.

With a new formulated breading, the Japanese Crispy Gyoza made from whole chunk of chicken meats is tender and crunchy.

Besides the Japanese gyoza, CP food also offers a selection of Korean delights in the Korean Shrimp Mandoo and Korean Vegetable Mandoo. Wrapped in smooth pastry sheet, the wholesome texture and korean recipe was a delightful treat.

I am quite impressed with CP Food's extensive offerings. Many families nowadays either do not know how to cook or don't have time to do so. CP food products are like a saviour offering varieties as well as time saving delicious meal which only requires some simple heating up.


CP Food Products
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CPSingapore
Website: http://www.cpbrand.com/sg/

No Name Cheng Tng @ Bedok South Ave 3

I guess if I would to ask most people where to get the best Cheng Tng, many would have recommended me Ye Lai Xiang at Bedok Corner Food Centre. However my foodie kakis brought me to No Name Cheng Tng stall instead. This little stall is hidden inside the coffeeshop at block 69 Bedok South Ave 3. I was told that it used to be at the front but has now moved inside.

Cheng Tng 4.5/5

The first impression of the Cheng Tng ($1.50) with its generous ingredients already won me at first sight. In the bowl there was dried longan, white fungus, gingko nuts, dried persimmon, winter melon, glutinous ball, malva nut and sweet potato. Unlike most Cheng Tng, the uncle prefers to use ice cube instead of shaved ice. I like the idea as it keeps the cheng tng cold while not over dilute the broth when the ice melted.

Cheng Tng 4.5/5

A sip of the cooling broth and one will be able to taste the sweetness of the longan and know it is genuine, not like some stalls that took shortcut and uses syrup.

Cheng Tng 4.5/5

I have not tried Ye Lai Xiang's Cheng Tng but accordingly to the foodie kakis, the Cheng Tng here is comparable if not even better. Furthermore, it is only $1.50 which is like fifty percent cheaper compared to Ye Lai Xiang. Anytime I would be happy to have 2 bowls of it. The stall may be called no name but it is already making a name for itself when it is invited and took part in the World Street Food Congress Singapore 2013.


No Name Cheng Tng
Blk 69 Bedok South Ave 3
#01-468
Singapore 460069
Nearest MRT: Tanah Merah (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 9pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanah Merah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Tanah Merah MRT station (Stop ID 85099). Take bus number 48 Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road and walk to block 69. [Map]

Penang Street @ One@Kentridge

Have you heard of One@Kentridge? It is the new wing of NUH beside the Kentridge MRT station where it housed some retail shops and eateries. After receeing the different floors I decided to have dinner at Penang Street which has a the rustic but yet playful play of colours around the restaurant.

KL Fried Hokkien Mee 2/5

After browsing the menu for awhile, I ordered the KL Fried Hokkien Mee ($9.80). Unfortunately my eagerly waited plate of KL Fried Hokkien Mee was a disappointment. The black sauce used for the stir fried hokkien mee was lackluster and not fragrant. The noodle was also too firm and chewy as if I was eating stir fried udon. It tasted nothing near to what I have tried in Malaysia. My dining partner even has to make the comment, "Why the kitchen never taste their food before servicing it to their customer?"

Penang Char Kway Teow 2/5

Appearance can be deceiving. The Penang Char Kway Teow ($8.80) was just as bad that I could not go for a second helping. The sauce was bad and there was no aroma or wok hei fragrant at all.

Lor Bak Platter 3/5

Finally we have something at least eatable in the Lor Bak Platter ($11.80). The gooey dipping gravy was pretty good and went well with the fried beancurd, century egg and lor bak. However it did come across a bit pricey.

Penang Street was really a disappointment for the fact that it is under Minor Food Group Singapore which owns other brands such as Poulet, ThaiExpress, Shokudo Japanese Coffee House, Kiseki Japanese Buffet, Xin Wang Hong Kong Cafe, Buffet Town, Heng Heng Curry Cafe, Pinle and New York New York. Hopefully Penang Street can get their act together and serve some decent food soon.


Penang Street
One@Kentridge
NUH
1 Lower Kent Ridge Road
#01-09 & #01-19/20
Singapore 119082
Tel: +65 63346023
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PenangSt
Website: http://www.penangst.com
Nearest MRT: Kentridge (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Kentridge MRT station. Take the Exit. Turn right at the control station. Walk to destination. 2 minutes. [Map]

Spicy Thai - Thai Cafe @ Aljunied Avenue 2

I am back at Spicy Thai-Thai Cafe again. The last time I visited the place was sometime back in May 2013. You can read the review here. I am back this time round to try out some of their new items on their menu.

Crispy Lad Na with Seafood 4.2/5

I remembered having Lad Na back in 2011 when I visited Coffee Stars by Dao and I love it a lot . I am glad that Spicy Thai is having the Crispy Lad Na with Seafood ($6) in their new menu. The wide rice noodle or more commonly known to many as Hor Fun has a crispy exterior while inside was smooth, layers of texture for enjoyment.

Dill Pattie (Cha Om) Omelette 3.5/5

The simple egg omelette is given a new injection of life with the Dill Pattie (Cha Om) Omelette ($8). I like the herby taste of the dill. However I felt that more dill can be used to give it a more distinct character if not one can simply pass it off as a normal egg omelette.

Deep Fried Kang Kong with Special Thai Sauce 4/5

The Deep Fried Kang Kong with Special Thai Sauce ($10) is pretty unique to me. At least I have not seen it served in any other Thai restaurants I have visited. Lightly battered like tempura, it was a fun and enjoyable dish to each as a snack. The velvety, spicy and nutty dipping sauce complements the tempura kang kong enhancing the flavour.

Deep Fried Seabass with Mango Salad 4/5

Moving on to some seafood, I tried the Deep Fried Seabass with Mango Salad (Seasonsal Price). Deep fried to golden brown on the exterior, the fish was still moist inside. However I was confused with the salad part of the dish. The so called mango salad was more like a dipping sauce than salad. Saying that, it was actually the star of the dish with the staple Thai sweet, sour and spicy flavours lending a delectable character to the fish.

Basil Black Pepper Crab 4.2/5

The Basil Black Pepper Crab (Seasonal Price) was beautifully infused with the basil flavour. The sweet crab meat had a new aromatic of the basil flavour while the black pepper is on the mild side. Roasted pork was also added to enhance the flavour.

Sleeping Fish Set 4.2/5

The dish that I was very eager to try was the Sleeping Fish Set ($15). Basically take a bit of everything and eat it like a wrap with a bit of the special sauce. The short mackerel or known as Pla Thu comes from Thailand. Their unique tilted head is due to fitting the fish into the small storage container, not that the fish looks like that. Inspired by the cuisine of Isan (Northeast region of Thailand), this simple dish underneath the different layers of textures was interesting balance with each ingredients working harmoniously together.

I have enjoyed the new items at Spicy Thai. I have known of friends that have visited the place and all has good feedback about their food. If I am craving for Thai food, this is one of the place I would go. Besides cooked dishes, Spicy Thai also serves Mookata. Saying that, it has been awhile since I had Mookata. Time to pay them a visit soon.


Spicy Thai - Thai Cafe
Blk 115 Aljunied Avenue 2
#01-35
Singapore 380115
Tel: +65 67478558
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpicyThaiThaiCafe
Nearest MRT: Aljunied (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 12am

Direction:
1) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to Geylang East Ave 1. On Geylang East Ave 1, turn left and continue to the end of the road. Cross the road and continue on Aljunied Crescent. Walk down Aljunied Crescent and turn right onto Aljunied Ave 2. Walk to block 115. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]