Thai Village Restaurant @ Singapore Indoor Stadium

Thai Village Restaurant which used to be at Kallang Leisure Park has moved to their new premises at Indoor Stadium. The restaurant has taken over the previous location of Mushroom Pot and Le Bistrot. I actually like Thai Village Restaurant's new location at Indoor Stadium. I find it more exclusive with the carpark just right in front of the restaurant. I would like to take this opportunity to correct many like me that thinks that Thai Village is only about shark's fin. Like me I did not not know that Thai Village actually offers Thai-Teochew cuisine in the menu

Started in 1991, Thai Village Restaurant has steadily established itself overseas with restaurants in China, Indonesia and Vietnam. Currently it is left with 3 restaurants in Singapore. Popular for the Shark's Fin Soup back then, business has been affected with global trend to stop eating this delicacy. I am not totally supporting it neither am I against it. For me everything has it's equivalence point, everything has to be balanced. So it is not about stopping totally but finding a sustainable solution.

Baked Crabs with Vermicelli 4/5

It seems like the Baked Crabs with Vermicelli ($36/$54/$72) is another popular dish at Thai Village Restaurant. When I posted the picture on instagram, I have followers commenting that they missed having this dish. Cooked and served using the same pan, the flavours were well absorbed by the vermicelli. No wonder this delicious dish is well received by many. A tip for patrons. The green chilli sauce surprisingly goes very well with the vermicelli.

Baked Thai Style Cod Fish 4.5/5

A must try at Thai Village has to be the Baked Thai Style Cod Fish ($30/$45/$60). Cooked with ginger, garlic, spring onion and even pork to lift the flavours, the fatty cod fish with its buttery taste is further accentuated to a new level of enjoyment.

Abalone Rice 4/5

The Abalone Rice ($33 per servicing) is probably the Chinese version of chirashi with its fragrant rice and sliced abalone from Argentina. I was told that the restaurant has Japanese customer ordering this luxury bowl all for oneself.

Seafood Fried Rice 4/5

For more carbo intake, the Seafood Fried Rice ($16/$24/$32) will delight one with its fragrant grainy rice that comes with prawns, crab meat and crab roe.

Braised Duck Web 4.5/5

I specially requested the Braised Duck Web ($20) since Thai Village claims it is a Thai-Teochew cuisine restaurant. It turned out this is the dish that we enjoyed most. Sucking the skin and collagen off the bones, this is one bonelicious dish.

Wagyu Beef and Mushroom

To cater for a wider audience, like many other Chinese restaurants nowadays, Thai Village also started to offer premium beef on their menu. The Wagyu Beef was cooked to perfection, tender and flavourful. A good alternate to the usual stir fried black pepper or spring onion beef.

Mango Pudding 4/5

Moving on to the dessert, the Mango Pudding ($4) is the real stuff. Blended and allow to set using fresh mango, this is served with condensed milk at the side if you like additional sweetness to it.

Double Boiled Hashima 4/5

Sea Coconut with Longan 3.5/5

Both the Double Boiled Hashima ($12) and Sea Coconut with Longan ($4) are two refreshing desserts that are perfect for the hot weather and after a chinese meal to wash down all the greasiness, cleansing the palate.

Yam Paste with Ginko Nuts 4.5/5

Yam Paste ($5 per bowl) is classic in Teochew cuisine and yes it is available on Thai Village's menu. This is one of the best yam paste I have tried. It may not be as smooth but I like the fact that each mouthful is packed with the distinctively yam flavour. Add a bit of coconut milk to full enjoy this classic Teochew dish.

To be frank, all these years I did not know that Thai Village Restaurant is a Thai-Teochew cuisine restaurant until my recent visit. The restaurant is not just about the shark's fin. The extensive menu offers an delectable selection of dishes that were all very well executed, at least for those that I tried during my visit. I was convinced by the culinary skill and quality of the kitchen that I have already planned for my next return.


Thai Village
Singapore Indoor Stadium
2 Stadium Walk
#01-02/03
Singapore 397691
Tel: +65 64402292
Website: http://www.thaivillagerestaurant.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Stadium (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Stadium MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards carpark E. Continue walking to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

L'Espresso @ Goodwood Park Hotel

I was quite surprise to know that L'Espresso is established as early as 1968. L'Espresso is well known for its elegant teatime pursuits, especially their English Afternoon Tea buffet with a dazzling assortment of dainty sandwiches, salads, savouries, pastries, desserts, chocolate fountain and of course English traditional English scones.

New to the Afternoon Tea buffet is the antipasti such as the German Black Forest ham and Rosette salami. There is even Duck Rillette to go with the fresh bread.

The dainty sandwiches and wraps were really good. My favourite was the wrap and foie gras. I could easily have a couple of these in one serving.

Yes known for their scones this is not to be missed. There were three different types of scones in my visit. I decided to give the blueberry scone a try. What is even more appealing is the variety of condiments to go with the scones. I took a couple of jams but what I adore most is the fresh raspberry condiments.

There are even fried food in the Afternoon Tea buffet spread. Fried food is a favourite among Singaporean and children which definitely is a welcome addition to afternoon tea. A must try is the chicken karaage which was really delicious.

There are even more hot food in the buffet spread such as the smoked salmon with herbs and breadcrumbs crust, and braised kurobuta pork with hungarian sweet paprika and brioche. This is turning out to be a lunch feast instead of afternoon tea. Well, I am not complaining, I appreciate the huge varieties and selections.

Of course in every buffet spread we must have the dessert section. Perfect to go with a cup of the TWG tea selections is the various of cakes.

There was even a chocolate corner. The chocolate corner has a chocolate fountain for the seasonal fruit skewers and marshmallows, chocolate mousse, Dulcey chocolate brownie, chocolate crunchy hazelnut dome as well as assorted pralines and truffles

The Afternoon Tea buffet is priced at $45 per adult, $22.50 per child which includes two serving of coffee and tea from a selection of premium coffee and TWG tea.


L'Espresso
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301743
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodwoodParkHotel
Website: http://www.goodwoodparkhotel.com/default-en.html
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

English Afternoon Tea:
Mon-Thu: 2pm - 530pm
Fri-Sun & PH: 12pm - 230pm, 3pm - 530pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Cake Spade @ Tanjong Pagar Road

I have heard about Cake Spade and their cakes for quite sometimes but I never get to visit the place. Although I have walked passed the cafe numerous time but I have never stepped in because it is always crowded. While running some errands around the vicinity during one weekday afternoon, I noticed the cafe was empty so I took the opportunity to try a couple of their cakes.

Strawberry Tofu Cheesecake 3/5

Cake Spade is known for their tofu cheesecake so I just have to give it a tried. I got the Strawberry Tofu Cheesecake ($5.90). It was really light and the digestive biscuit crust at the bottom gave it a nice textural enjoyment. While it is nice, I have problem associating it to a cake. The whole thing just did not feel right. It did not feel like I am having a cake at all.

Dark Chocolate Banana 3.5/5

I actually preferred the Dark Chocolate Banana ($6.20) over the tofu cheesecake. It tasted more real and what we call a cake. The dark chocolate banana cheese cake itself was rich, flavourful and moisture.

After trying the cakes at Cake Spade, I have reservation about the cakes at Cake Spade. Maybe I did not pick the right one to try or my palate is really different from the majority. Like I mentioned earlier, I am very puzzled by the tofu cheesecake. Even though it was light and in a way unique, it is not a cake in my opinion.


Cake Spade
Orchid Hotel
1 Tras Link
#01-06
Singapore 078867
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cakespadesg
Website: http://www.cakespade.com/

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 8pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

The Bakery Chef @ Bukit Merah Central

The speed in the number of cafes opening in Singapore is kind of scary which is almost impossible to keep up. Singapore in a way is turning into a little Melbourne will cafes opening up at different corners of Singapore around the island. After my trip to Two Wings a couple of weeks back, I decided to make my way down The Bakery Chef at Bukit Merah Central nearby.

Caffe Latte 4/5

As usual, I had my cup of Caffe Latte ($4). For just four dollars, this is one of the cheapest among the cafes I have visited. Using coffee beans from Highlander, this cup of coffee was just right for my liking. It comes with a nice body, smooth and not too acidic.

Red Velvet Cheese Cake 4.5/5

Most of the cafes sourced their bakes from suppliers but you will be guaranteed fresh bakes from the open concept kitchen daily with a great view and smell of butter in the air. I have tried a couple of red velvet cakes but I have to say the Red Velvet Cheese Cake ($5.80) at The Bakery Chef has impressed me most. It was light, moist and balanced. One of those rare occasions that I would go back for more.

Rainbow Cake 4.2/5

The other popular cake at The Bakery Chef is their Rainbow Cake ($5.80). Actually this is my first time having a rainbow cake. I am glad that my first time is lost to something that was good and memorable. The rainbow cake here is really very soft and light.

Great coffee and great bakes with a nice cozy ambience, The Bakery Chef is definitely a worthy chill out place for a cup of coffee and some cakes.


The Bakery Chef
Blk 161 Bukit Merah Central
#01-3711
Singapore 150161
Tel: +65 62739211
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebakerychef
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line), Outram Park (EW Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 10am - 7pm
Fri-Mon: 10am - 9pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at opposite Tiong Bahru Plaza (Stop ID 10161). Take bus number 5. Alight 3 stops later at Bukit Merah Central Bus Interchange. Take the overhead bridge across the road. Walk along Bukit Merah Central (opp mulit-storey carpark) towards the post office. At the junction at the post office, cross the right and turn right. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at opposite Tiong Bahru Plaza (Stop ID 10161). Take bus number 16 and 851. Alight 4 stops later at Bukit Merah Central Bus Interchange. Walk along Bukit Merah Central (opp mulit-storey carpark) towards the post office. At the junction at the post office, cross the right and turn right. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Outram Park MRT Station. Take Exit H. Walk to bus stop at Outram Park MRT Station along New Bridge Road (Stop ID 05069). Take bus number 147 or 961. Alight 8 stops later. Continue walk along Jalan Bukit Merah towards Bukit Merah Public Library. Take a left at Bukit Merah Central and walk to destination. Journey time about 22 minutes. [Map]

Buttero @ Tras Street

Tras Street is better known for the many wedding shops but the enclave is slowly developing into a foodie hotspot with many new restaurants recently opening in the area. Joining the up and coming foodie hotspot at Tras Street is the months old Buttero helmed by Executive Chef Logan Campbell from Sydney. The casual and fun restaurant features a selection of Italian grub such as pasta, roasts cooked in a rotisserie or coal pit that are easy-eating and perfect to go with an ice cold beer.

Pulled Pork and Waffle Fries 4/5

The Pulled Pork and Waffle Fries ($15) is the ideal bar snack to pair with a glass of beer or wine. Doused in a sinful gooey three cheese sauce, this is finger licking good.

Jesus Juice 4/5

If you are not into beer or wine, I would recommend the house special Jesus Juice which is a granita of pinot noir and coke. A refreshing cocktail with just the right amount of alcohol kick.

Torn Buffalo Mozza and Fried Cornbread 4/5

Whet up the appetite with the Torn Buffalo Mozza and Fried Cornbread ($21) that is paired with heirloom tomato, saba, ligurian olive oil. The syrup from the squeezed grape (saba) and heirloom tomato gave the dish a fruity but yet subtle sweetness that is very appetizing.

Chopped Pork and Zucchini Fritters 4/5

This light bite of Chopped Pork and Zucchini Fritter ($20) is pretty good. There was quite a bit of textures at play here but what I liked most is the charred lime and riocotta cheese which complemented the fritters that accentuated the whole enjoyment.

Handmade Gnocchi 4.2/5

This is definitely one of the better gnocchi I have eaten. The Homemade Gnocchi ($21) with honey, lemon and sage was a bit on the softer side but still came with a nice firmness and bite. I adored the use of sauteed brussel sprouts with the gnocchi. Simply love the crunchiness of the sprouts.

Baked Barley with New Zealand Clams 4.2/5

This is a new item on the menu. The Baked Barley with New Zealand Clams and Belly Bacon is a good alternative to the usual risotto. Each mouthful of the baked barley is bursting with the beautiful flavours of the bacon and clams that is well infused.

The Dirty Steak 4.5/5

The Dirty Steak ($34) got its name because it is cooked directly on hot coals.. The beautiful piece of carolina dry rubbed wagyu flank steak is topped with verde, onion rings and shallot. Succulent and flavourful, this is a must try at Buttero.

Porchetta 3/5

The Porchetta ($32) which is cooked from the rotisserie and topped with braised beans was a tad shy in comparison to the dirty steak. The pork belly was nicely cooked but it was lacked down by the salty crackling skin. A checked with the table confirmed that it was salty. If not it would have been a master piece too.

Milk Chocolate Rosemary Pots 3.8/5

Cannoli 3/5

Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta 4.2/5

Buttero has a small dessert menu which consists of only 4 items. We managed to try three out of the four. The three desserts we tried are Milk Chocolate Rosemary Pots ($12), Cannoli ($12) and Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta ($12). Among the three, my favourite is the Panna Cotta. The combination of strawberries and passionfruit was a perfect marriage that will leave one wanting to go back for more. The milk chocolate rosemary pots was pretty good too but it seems like it was not served at the right temperature for ultimate indulgence.

Overall Buttero has given me a good experience with good food. However I could not really come to term of the casual dining concept and the pricing of the dishes. A diner for two may rock up to about $80 that is excluding drinks. So just bear in mind if you are on a tight budget.


[CLOSED]
Buttero
54 Tras Street
Singapore 078993
Tel: +65 64387737
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Buttero/226110544253673
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm till late
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Orchid Hotel via Wallich Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

&SONS @ China Square Central

If you have been to Venice, Bacaros could have been one of the places that you frequent to get a taste of a Venetian life. Lining the streets of Italy, these traditional wine bars provide wide range of nibbles and drinks, both detectable and affordable at the same time.

Welcome to &SONS - an Italian cafeteria by day, a Venetian bar by night. Nestled among the shophouses along Nankin Street, its location couldn't have been more apt to exude the warm and welcoming atmosphere of a bacaro. And indeed, as I walked into this dimly lit bar, I was won over by the welcoming smile of their people and the coziness of the setting. I was delighted to know that most of the staff are Italians, and have received proper training before dedicating their work here. For someone who only know that much about Italian cuisine, I really appreciate having a learned person to guide me through the menu.

Salame Dolce & Piccante 4/5

Black Pork Capocollo 3.5/5

We started off the evening with Salame Dolce & Piccante ($8) and Black Pork Capocollo ($9). These items are fresh off their custom-made curing room, just situated on the right hand side of the bar. If this is the first time that you heard about a place making their own specialty-cured meats and salami, that's because no one has done it before! The salami were flavorful, especially the piccante, with mild taste of spices. Capocollo were extremely soft with its paper thin texture, but slightly too salty for my liking. We sandwiched it with Garlic & Herb Foccacia ($5), which are freshly baked daily. But given their delicate portion and taste, I reckoned that the dough wasn't necessary, especially when I already had a glass of wine on hand.

Paccheri, Iberico Pork & Truffle 3.8/5

Tagliolini, Crab & Nduja 4.5/5

We then moved on to some of the bar's specialities - Paccheri, Iberico Pork & Truffle ($15) and Tagliolini, Crab & Nduja ($9). Both dishes showed skilful cooking, with each dominating different spectrum of tastes. Because of the truffle besciamella, paccheri was mellow and creamy. I really like the pulled pork that was enclaved in the centre, which were really tender. However, the pasta was slightly too doughy for me, similar to that of a lasagne. On the other hand, Tagliolini was bold, flavoursome and extremely additive. The springy pasta was evenly coated with Nduja, the awesome sauce that gives this dish its unique flavour.

Wagyu Beef Tagliata, Salsa Verde 4.5/5

Veal Ossobucco, Orzotto 4.2/5

For the meats, we had Veal Ossobucco, Orzotto ($19) and Wagyu Beef Tagliata, Salsa Verde ($26). I felt that both meats were prepared in ways that brought out their flavours really well. The cross-cut veal shanks braised with the broth were wholesome and hearty. The beef tagliata received a much simpler treatment, only tossed together with some greens hence retaining the juiciness and texture of the thinly sliced beef.

Asparagus, Garlic & Anchovy Sauce 4/5

From the Charcoal Grill section, we had the Asparagus, Garlic & Anchovy Sauce ($9). Though I'm not a fan of anchovy sauce, I loved the charred taste of the asparagus and not to mention the firmness and crunchiness of it.

Baccala Cakes, Sea Urchin Sabayon 4.5/5

Given the generous portion of the food, I was almost filled to the brim when another of their highlights came - Baccala Cakes, Sea Urchin Sabayon ($13) – the &SONS' version. What intrigued me was the colour of the Baccala Cakes - Midnight black. The Chef had actually coated ‘cake’ (stuffed with baccala, béchamel sauce and potatoes) with black squid ink crumbs before deep frying it. What a combustion of tastes and textures in my mouth! The bechemel sauce and the salted cod balanced each other really well. After deep frying, the crumbs formed a thin crispy layer around the mash giving a bite to it. Pairing these cakes with their special sea urchin sauce which was tangy and creamy. It is a must-have.

Bucatini Carbonara 3/5

Pork Milanese 3/5

In between, we managed to squeeze in 2 items from their Cafeteria by &SONS menu (only available during lunch hour) -Bucatini Carbonara ($8) and Pork Milanese ($9). Although the portion was really generous given that kind of price, as for the taste wise, I would say the ala carte menu is a much better option.

Raspberry Zabaione 3.5/5

Cantucci & Vinsanto 3.8/5

As for the desserts, between our choices - Raspberry Zabaione ($12) and Cantucci & Vinsanto ($12), I thought the latter was more interesting. Dipping the Biscotti into the sweet wine was something different for me. I felt the taste of it would have been better if the biscotti was less sweet, so as to balance the sweetness of the wine.

Before we end the evening, we had the privilege to take a look at their curing room. I'm really glad that &SONS is here in our local scene to deliver authentic Italian offerings. It is certainly not just a façade which I had patronised a few before. With food, wine starting at $8, cocktails starting at $10, and together with the quality of their food and service, I feel it truly lives up to the spirit of a bacaro.

Written 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. 


&SONS
China Square Central
20 Cross Street
#01-19
Singapore 048422
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sons.bacaro
Website: http://www.sons.com.sg
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 1pm
Sat: 6pm - 2am
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk down Telok Ayer Street towards the direction of China Square Food Centre. Turn left onto Pekin Street. Continue until the end of Pekin Street. Cross the road to Nakin Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to the junction of South Bridge Road and Upper Cross Street. Cross the road and walk to China Square Central. Walk towards Nakin Street and turn right on Nakin Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]