Fei Lou Porridge @ Telok Blangah Crescent Market & Food Centre

If you have been following me on instagram or my facebook page, you will noticed that I have been coming back to Fei Lou Porridge to have late dinner for 2 consecutive weekends. The food here definitely cannot compare to restaurant standard but it is something that is homely, comforting and affordable.

The first visit, I felt that the father and son team was a bit unfriendly. They hardly spoke or acknowledged your order not say even a smile. For a moment I thought they were mute. I kept observing them until I saw them talking to a few of their regular customers. In my 2nd visit, I managed to exchange a few words with the uncle and realized he is actually quite nice. He even gave me a goodbye wave after I finished my dinner and left the place.

Ham & Century Egg Porridge 4/5

The stall offers quite a few choices of porridge but my favourite has been the Ham & Century Egg Porridge ($3). The smooth and silky Cantonese style porridge need no further seasoning. If I am not wrong from what I have observed, the stall added some chicken stock in cooking the porridge. Although the bowl of porridge is cheap, I still get value in return with a generous servicing of century egg, ham and even fried white bait fish.

Ham Macaroni 3.5/5

The beehoon here usually sold out pretty fast so we ended up ordering the Ham Macaroni ($3). I felt that the stall added a bit too much of the chicken stock resulting it to be on the salty side. Nevertheless a hearty bowl of ham macaroni to satisfy the hungry tummy.

Chicken Feet 4/5

Another must order dish for me whether I come here is the Chicken Feet ($3). There are at least about 5-6 pieces of the well braised chicken feet that has absorbed the braising sauce perfectly. Before servicing they will topped it with a few spoonful of peanuts which I like to eat with my porridge.

Cuttlefish & Cabbage 4.2/5

My favourite dish at Fei Lou Porridge is the Cuttlefish & Cabbage ($4.50). This is something different from usual cuttlefish kang kong that is drenched with rich overpowering prawn paste sauce. The cuttlefish cabbage simply allows the sweetness of the cabbage to shine and complement the cuttlefish. Topped with a generous servicing for fried shallot, this is light, refreshing and serves as a delectable side dish to go with the porridge.


Fei Lou Porridge
Telok Blangah Crescent Market & Food Center
(Opposite Mount Faber Safra)
Blk 11 Telok Blangah Crescent
#01-116
Singapore 090011
Nearest MRT: Harbour Front (CC Line, NE Line), Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Harbour Front MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Harbour Front MRT station (Stop ID 14141). Take bus number 131. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Tiong Bahru MRT station (Stop ID 10161). Take bus number 195. Alight 6 stops later. Cross the road to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Salt Grill & Sky Bar @ Ion Orchard

photo credit: Salt Grill & Sky Bar

After a month long renovation, Salt Grill & Sky Bar located on the 55th level of Ion Orchard reopened with a new refreshed dining experience and a new menus by Executive Chef Mathew Leighton. Salt Grill & Sky Bar opened by celebrity chef-restaurateur Luke Mangan is given a makeover with a new lay of carpet, mood enhancing light sculptures, a swanky new bar on the mezzanine floor and a new private dining room.

photo credit: Salt Grill & Sky Bar

The bar which used to be at level 56th has been relocated down a level at the main dining room creating a new private dining area on the 56th floor that has unobstructed views overlooking the CBD and Marina Bay skyline.

Tempura Oyster 4/5

Lamb Loin 4.5/5

We started with some canapes and drinks at the mezzanine floor before moving up to private dinning room. The Tempura Oyster with wakame salad and wasabi dressing has an interesting play of textures and Japanese elements that worked for me. The Lamb Loin with mushroom duxelles in puff pastry was
so good that I could not help going back for a second helping.

photo credit: Salt Grill & Sky Bar

After our drinks and canapes, we are ushered to the 56th floor. The group of us were very privileged to be hosted by Luke Mangan at the newly renovated private dining hall.

Amuse Bouche - Coconut Broth 4.2/5

We started our dinner with the Coconut Broth with Sydney Spice. The creamy coconut broth tasted quite similar to the Thai green curry but it is more refined and not as sweet. The harmonious flavours made it a comforting and hearty amuse bouche to kick start the dinner.

Sashimi of Kingfish 4.2/5

Next we have the Sashimi of Kingfish with ginger, eschalot and goats feta. Light and refreshing, allowing the sweetness and freshness of the kingfish sashimi to shine.

Baby Vegetables 4/5

A lovely garden on a plate, the Baby Vegetables is paired with goats curd, ginger bread crumbs and dried black olives. I like how the dried black olives complemented the baby vegetables in this dish.

Glass Sydney Crab Omelette 4.8/5

This was my favourite dish for the night. The Glass Sydney Crab Omelette demonstrated the exact words Luke Mangan replied us when we asked him what is Australian cuisine. He said that modern Australian cuisine borrows influences from cuisines around the world. The egg omelette may sounds simple but the used of different ingredients around the world such as enoki mushroom, miso mustard borth, fried shallot etc in assembling into this beautiful dish reflects his exact words and philosophy of modern Australian cuisine.

Tea Smoked Quail 4.2/5

I understand quail is probably one of the toughest meat to cook. I was delighted when I cut into the Tea Smoked Quail which was cooked perfectly. Paired with almond cream, prunes, grains, grilled shallot and sorrel, the meat came infused with a nice tea smoked aroma.

Sirloin Rangers Valley 4/5

The Sirloin in red wine sauce is from Rangers Valley, 300 days grain fed. Enjoyed the charred edge of the steak with the Moroccan spice. I was disappointed that the sirloin was paired with the eggplant puree instead of the popular potato puree served at Salt Grill. I could be bias but overall it is a very well balanced and executed dish.

Luke's Liquorice Parfait, Lime 4.2/5

How can we not end the dinner with Luke's Liquorice Parfait with Lime, his signature dessert that is served throughout all his restaurants in Australia and overseas. An ingredient that you probably would not imagine to be used in dessert. His creation is a rich and velvety texture that is somewhat close to ice cream with the acidity of the lime lending a nice touch of harmony to the whole dish.

Last but not least, we just to have to take a group picture with the celebrity chef-restaurateur Luke Mangan since he is in town. Thanks for the great meal.

With the new revamped menu, Salt Grill & Sky Bar also introduces the Lunch Set Menu and Executive Lunch Set Menu ranging from $45++ to $80++ on weekday between 11am to 2pm. The lunch set menus come with a choice of either 2 or 3 courses with an array of entrees, main courses and desserts to select from. New dishes will also be updated each month for the lunch set menus, ensuring different taste experience in each visit. The lunch set menus offer a perfect corporate lunch venue with a fuss free option to impress your clients.


Salt Grill & Sky Bar 
Ion Orchard
55/56 Floor
2 Orchard Turn
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 65925118
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaltGrillSkybar
Website: http://www.saltgrill.com
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Proceed to Ion Orchard 4th floor ION Art. The concierge at ION Art will direct guests to the express elevator to the 55th floor. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Hanare Japanese Cafe @ Tanjong Pagar Road

It is about time Teppei opens another restaurant with its popularity. If you still have not heard about Teppei you can read about my visit here. Known for its affordable Omakase, the reservation list can be up to a good 4 months or more. The new restaurant is called Hanare Japanese Cafe located just around the corner of Teppei along Tanjong Pagar Road offering Japanese buffet concept.

Basically Hanara offers 2 selections. The Bara Set ($17.60) which comes with Bara Chirashi, free flow miso soup and 4 side dishes. The Hanare Buffet ($19.90) comes with more than 20 kinds of free flow side dishes (pickles, chicken cutlet, curry rice, mapo tofu etc) and a daily special. To be frank the buffet spread does not look very appetising so I went for the Bara Set instead.

As mentioned earlier, the Bara Set comes with 4 free flow side dishes. They were very simple sides dishes such as preserved vegetables, stewed vegetables and salad. I am not too sure but this should be change regularly. Actually if I am not wrong the concept at Hanare is a cost saving strategy to reduce wastage. Not wrong as long as the food turns out tasty. In the end it is a win-win for both the restaurant and customers.

Bara Chirashi 4.8/5

The highlight will be this delicious bowl of Bara Chirashi brimming with sashimi. The fragrant and seasoned sushi rice was already so good on its own. I remembered finishing my rice and I am still left with quite a few pieces of the thick cut sashimi. The sashimi was lightly seasoned which went very well with the rice. I personally think it is pretty value for money. I would definitely return again to eat this.

Unless Hanare improves in its buffet offering and presentation, I would still go for the Bara Set instead of the Hanare Buffet. I am already content with the bowl of bara chirashi. In fact if possible I can also do away with the side dishes at a lower price.


Hanare Japanese Cafe
99B Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088520
Tel: +65 62221976
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hanaresingapore
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Orchid Hotel. Turn right at Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk down Tanjong Pagar Road towards the row of shop houses. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

The Knolls @ Capella Hotel Singapore

Featuring some of the finest Mediterranean delicacies, Sunday brunch buffet at The Knolls is filled with a bustling vibe in the air. In felt as if I have stepped into a secret garden in Sentosa and chanced upon a garden party. In conjunction with the upcoming Mothers' Day, The Knolls will be transforming the restaurant into a garden of flowers for the Mother's Day Brunch on 11 May 2014, where guests can design and create their own floral bouquets for their mothers.

Executive Chef David Senia will also be introducing some seasonal highlights for the Mother's Day Sunday Brunch such as the Fresh White Asparagus with Caviar, Spring Vegetable Tarte Potagere, Slow Roast Dutch Milk-fed Veal Chop and even the delectable dessert spread will include an assortment of floral themed desserts.

Fresh White Asparagus with Caviar 4.2/5

The Fresh White Asparagus paired with poached egg and caviar was excellent. It thought it was quite an interesting combination but not overpowering, allowing the natural sweetness of the white asparagus to shine on its own.

Spring Vegetable Tarte Potagere 4/5

The Spring Vegetable Tarte Potagere is like a beautiful floating garden on a tart. It was so pretty that I hesitated in eating it. The vegetables had a nice crunchy bite. Drizzled a bit of the tomato sauce to give it a more tangy flavour.

Slow Roast Dutch Milk-fed Veal Chop 4.2/5

The Slow Roast Dutch Milk-fed Veal Chop is a good change from the usual roasted beef. The pale pinkish meat was extremely tender and succulent.

Oysters 4.8/5

Foie Gras Lollipop 4.2/5

Upon enteringThe Knolls, I could not help noticing the fresh Oysters and Foie Gras Lollipop among the eclectic buffet spread. The Oysters were from the Belon River in  France, a five generations oysters company, Les Huitres Cadoret. There were also free flow foie gras that was popping good, I simply couldn't hold back popping it into my mouth while making my way back to my table.

Dessert 4.5/5

Dessert 4.5/5

Many will know that I am not a big fan for desserts. Surprisingly I had more than I usually eat at The Knolls. The desserts were not only pretty in presentation but they were not overly sweet. I disliked desserts that are too sweet. In short, the dessert creations at The Knolls infused with different floral elements are well balanced, distinctive and most important delicious.

Besides the free flow food, drinks and wine. There will also be musicians going around the restaurant belting out beautiful musics. It was such a relax and happy atmosphere that we even have customers dancing to the rhythm. Sunday can't be any better with great food, drink and music.

Mother's Day Sunday Brunch
Date: 11 May 2014
Price:
$228++ Adult (inclusive of free flow wines and champagne)
$188++ Adult (inclusive of free flow soft beverages and fresh juices)
$118 ++ Children aged 7 to 12 years old
$78++ Children aged 4 to 6 years old


The Knolls
Capella Hotel Singapore
Sentosa Island
1 The Knolls
Singapore 098287
Tel: +65 65915046
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capellasingapore.sentosa
Website: http://www.capellahotels.com/singapore/default-en.html
Nearest MRT: Harbour Front (CC Line, NE Line)

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbour Front MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to pick up point at exit of Lobby F in Vivocity (near JPot and Nyonya & Baba Restaurants). Wait for the complimentary shuttle bus service. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Harbour Front MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Vivocity Shopping Mall. Go to Sentosa Express Station at Level 3 of Vivocity. Take Sentosa Express Train to Imbiah station. Alight at Imbiah station. Proceed to Artillery Ave. Walk along Artillery Ave until you came to a road (slope) to Capella Hotel. Turn right onto the road and walk up the slope to destination. Journey time about 25 mins. [Map]

Porky Bun (猪扒包) @ Seng Huat (成發) Coffee House (Hougang Central)

After posting this cute little Porky Bun (猪扒包) on Instagram, many people has asked me where did I have this? Well, I think it is time for me to share it with my readers. This is sold at Seng Huat (成發) Coffee House at block 811 Hougang Central. The coffeeshop is located at the corner of block 811 Hougang Central just beside Hougang Mall. This cute porky bun is sold at the drink stall. It also sells Hong Kong style noodles which unfortunately did not look very appetizing.

Original Pork Bun 4.2/5

I tried the Original Pork Bun ($3.50) which comes with a porky face bun slightly toasted with a black peppered seasoned pork patty in between. There is also cheese, mayonnaise and chilli sauce (optional) added to the bun. I was actually hoping for some greens to make the presentation even prettier. Anyway already full mark for the cuteness. Besides the pork patty, customers also have a choice of Chicken ($3.50), Ham & Egg ($2.80) or Bacon & Egg ($3.50).

Seng Huat Coffee House also sells the bun in a set. The Original Pork Bun Set ($4.80) comes with a cup of coffee/tea, 2 soft boiled eggs and the porky bun. I feel it pretty value for money and the coffee made by the uncle was also not bad.

This is the drink stall that is selling the cute and delicious Porky Bun (猪扒包). I have not seen it sold elsewhere in Singapore and this probably the first. It seems like it has aroused some interests in social media. Hopefully there is not going to be a crowd in my next visit and I need not queue up for hours to eat this again.


Porky Bun (猪扒包)
Seng Huat (成發) Coffee House, Drink Stall
Blk 811 Hougang Central
#01-206
Singapore 530811
Nearest MRT: Hougang (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: TBA

Direction: 
1) Alight at Hougang MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk towards Hougang Mall direction. Turn right at Hougang Mall and walk to block 811 beside Hougang Mall. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

I Love My Mum Campaign

Coming 26 April 2014, Neo Garden will be partnering with Singapore Kindness Movement at Orchard road in a I Love My Mum campagin. The campaign is to encourage the public to hug or kiss their mum and snap a picture. With 1000 pictures collected, Neo Garden will be donating a buffet to the Single Parent organization to appreciate the single parents that play the mum and dad role in the family. Neo Garden will also be giving away their Mother's Day Mini Buffet to the TOP 5 LIKES pictures that are collected.

All you have to do on 26 April 2014 is to head down to Orchard Road between 4pm to 6pm, there will be volunteers along Orchard Road taking pictures. Mr Singa will also be making a special appearance. If not, you can tag neogroupSG on facebook or hashtag #NGilovemymum on Instagram by 11 May 2014.

In addition, to celebrate this coming Mothers' Da, Neo Garden has launched 3 special mini buffet with a special Lychee Rose Cake to encourage more people to celebrate and bond at home.

Ottoman Kebab & Grill @ Bedok Mall

From the same folk that brings you Zaffron Kitchen and Prata Wala, the group has opened another new concept at Bedok Mall in Ottoman Kebab & Grill offering culinary delights from Turkey. Helming the eatery is Turkish native Head Chef Ali Kose who has ten years of culinary experience with 2 years working as the Sous Chef at Gordon Ramsay's Michelin starred Maze in London.

Kick start the dinner with a glass of Apple Tea ($3) that is served both hot and cold. The apple tea has many health benefits such as strengthening the immune system, helps fight arthritis and other type of inflammations.

Homous 4.2/5 and Pide 4.2/5

Ordered a plate of the Homous ($6) to go with the lava stones cooked Pide ($2). The delicious creamy chick pea dip paired excellently with pillowy flat bread.

Falafel 3.5/5

Falafel ($5 for 3 pieces) is a Middle East snack that is deep fried to a delightful crusty exterior and filled with chick peas and fava beans that is flavoured with aromatic spices. My advice is to take bite size of it and not the whole piece at one go due to its dryness in texture to enjoy it to the fullest.

Cheese Borek 3.8/5

Wrapped in thin flaky dough, the Cheese Borek ($6 for 6 pieces) filled with feta cheese is like the Middle East version of deep fried spring roll. Nice crackling texture that is very enjoyment. I only wished that the cheese can be more prominent.

Iskender Mutton Kebab 4/5

The huge servicing of Iskender Mutton Kebab ($18.50) which is good for two comes with grilled mutton patties atop a bed of crispy pide croutons smeared with a rich sauce of sun dried tomatoes, celery, carrots, shallots and dried mint. Enhance the flavour further with the tangy yogurt.

Ottoman Shish Platter 4/5

If you think that the portion of the Iskender Mutton Kebab is huge wait till you check out the Ottoman Shish Platter ($29). Served with well marinated beef, chicken and seafood that were threaded onto metal skewers and grilled. They were flavourful and succulent. It also comes with pide and pilav rice. 
If the portion is too huge for sharing, individual skewers ($7.50 to $12.50) is also available on the menu.

Kunefe 4/5

My knowledge of Turkish dessert is only Turkish Delight which is quite embarrassing. Nevertheless that is also the beauty of food blogging learning and exploring new food along the journey. The Kunefe ($8.50) i a traditional dessert that is freshly prepared upon order. It takes about 20 mins of preparation. The nabulsi goat cheese encased within shredded kadayif phyllo pastry is pan fried with butter to a golden brown. I was told that the chef needs to constantly flip the kunefe during the cooking process to avoid burning it. Drizzled with sugar syrup and topped with crushed pistachios, this dessert is really suitable for those that have a very sweet tooth.

Turkish Coffee 4/5

Wrapping up the dinner with a cup of Turkish Coffee ($4) served either black or with milk. Not commonly available in Singapore, the coffee beans are roasted and finely grounded. It is then boiled in a copper cevze pot with sugar. Do let the ground coffee to be settled down to the bottom of the cup before drinking.

I have to confess that Middle East cuisine is not my thing but the food at Ottoman is pretty good with its reasonable pricing. For greater value, one can check out their weekday lunch set from 11am to 2pm or dinner set from 530pm to 930pm.


Ottoman Kebab & Grill
Bedok Mall
311 New Upper Changi Road
#01-75
Singapore 467360
Tel: +65 67024031
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ottomankebabandgrill
Website: http://ottomankebab.com/
Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Bedok Mall. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Jai Thai Restaurant @ Clover Way

I was at Jalan Pemimpin, Tat Ann Building looking at some furniture that I remembered there is a Jai Thai restaurant just around the block at Clover Way. It was not a difficult decision since it was just around the corner and I have tried the food at Jai Thai East Coast Road before. The wallet friendly restaurant was not opened yet when I reached the place. Count myself lucky to be early. Once the clock strikes six, customers started streaming in and within minutes the restaurant was full.

Mango Salad 4/5

The Mango Salad ($6/$9/$12) is a good starter to whet up the appetite bursting with all the different flavours on a single plate. The peanuts and cashew nuts added extra crunch to the salad.

Tom Yam Seafood Clear Soup 3.5/5

The last time I dine at Jai Thai Restauant was around 2 years ago. I had the Tom Yam Seafood Clear Soup ($6/$9/$12), the same dish I ordered back then. I remembered that there was more seafood and they did not use fried fish but fresh fish instead. I was a bit disappointed and the price has also increased.

Steamed Tofu with Chicken Basil 4.5/5

I also ordered the same dish, Steamed Tofu with Chicken Basil ($7) back then. It has increased by a dollar and I am glad that the standard has not dropped. The combination of steamed tofu and delectable minced chicken infused with the basil flavour goes very well with a bowlof rice.

Olive Rice 4/5

Most customers usually will order pineapple rice at Thai restaurant but my preference is always the Olive Rice ($5/$7/$10). I find them more fragrant and flavourful compared to pineapple rice.

Red Curry Beef 3.8/5

Instead of the usual green curry chicken, I tried the Red Curry Beef ($6/$9/$12) for a change. Except that it is red in colour, similar to green curry, it is on the sweet side instead of being spicy. The beef is pretty tender although we can't expect the restaurant to be servicing premium cut.

Overall the food at Jai Thai is decent and with it wallet friendly price point. Judging from full house restaurant and long queue waiting for a seat, it remembers me that it is very subjective to judge food as long as the diners enjoyed it. It is quite similar to individual's interpretation of happiness.


Jai Thai Restaurant
7 Clove Way
Singapore 579080
Tel: +65 62580228
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaiThaiSG
Website: http://www.jai-thai.com/
Nearest MRT: Marymount (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 9pm
Fri-Sun, PH: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Marymount MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road onto Jalan Pemimpin. Continue straight on Jalan Pemimpin and turn right onto Clove Way. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]