Cali Cafe @ Park Avenue Hotel Rochester

Nestled within Park Avenue Hotel at Rochester is a Californian style cafe called Cali Cafe. The cafe seems rather quiet on a Friday evening. Hidden away from the main dining scene of Rochester Park, it seems like a nice quiet place for a peaceful dinner.

Boosters Juices 4/5

We started our dinner with some boosters juices which were freshly squeezed. I had the Summer Cooler ($7.50) which is a melange of watermelon, orange and lemon. A refreshing drink for the humid Singapore weather. My partner went for the Detoxnic ($7.50) a concoction of celery, apple and orange that is great for cleansing and immune system.

Napa Caesar Salad 3.5/5

The Napa Caesar Salad ($11.90) comes with crunchy romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, strawberries, peaches and egg served with lemon custard dressing. It was a decent plate of salad with a sweet, fruity finishing. While it is nice, I doubt it can be considered a caesar salad with it fruity interpretation. One can also choose to add on grilled chicken, crispy bacon or smoked salmon at an addition cost.

Pan Seared Salmon 3/5

Pan Seared Salmon 3/5

The Pan Seared Salmon ($28.50) is topped with mushroom sauce and served with potato puree and seasonal vegetables. I am not a big fan of pairing salmon with mushroom sauce. I always felt that salmon goes well with a creamy sauce instead. The salmon was also slightly over. Nevertheless the huge salmon fillet is pretty generous in servicing.

El Camino Chicken Thigh 3.5/5

I was expecting a whole piece of chicken thigh for the El Camino Chicken Thigh ($23.50) but instead it turned out to be more like a piece of chicken chop. The baked chicken thigh was marinated with honey and whole grain mustard, served with creamy mashed potato and sauteed vegetables. A flavourful, moist and tender piece of chicken thigh.

Overall I think Cali Cafe serves decent cafe food but not to the mark of restaurant quality yet. That makes the restaurant pricing it is charging very sensitive. I also observed that the service is not very organised and some of the staffs need to be sent for more training. It can be quite a frustrating experience when the staff has to return to you a couple of times to reconfirm your order, customers waiting in vain to be served and food needs to be brought to the counter to reconfirm with supervisor before being served to table.


Cali Cafe
Park Avenue Hotel
The Rochester
31 Rochester Drive
#01-01
Singapore 138637
Website: http://www.cali.sg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cali-Cafe-Bar/425415427577547
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit A or C. Walk towards Star Vista. Turn left onto Rochester Drive. Walk to the end of Rochester Drive. Turn left onto Rochester Park. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Mouth Restaurant (地茂馆) @ China Square Central

It was almost two years since I last visited Mouth Restaurant at China Square Central. Today I am back for their Treasure Pot Feast (九大簋盆菜) promotion. The value for money 9 course feast begins at $31.80++ per pax (for 6 to 9pax) or $29.80++ (for more than 10pax). The background of the treasure pot feast is based on the fact that in the past for village celebrations, the ordinary people ate poon choi while the wealthy family feasts over a total of nine courses.

Steamed Shanghai Hairy Crab 4/5

Our 9 courses feast started with the Steamed Shanghai Hairy Crab. Actually the Treasure Pot Feast (九大簋盆菜) does not have this dish. The owner decided to replace the Suckling Pig with the Hairy Crab for us to try since it is in season. This is actually my first time having hairy crab. It is quite an experience eating the delicate crab with the creamy roe and sweet flesh. Currently Mouth restaurant is having 3 different promotion sets for the hairy crab at $38.80, $48.80 and $88.80 per pax.

Early Days Shark Fin Soup 4/5

Next is the Early Days Shark Fin Soup, I like the extra fried wanton skins that is topped to the soup to give it an addition layer of texture.

Nostalgia Whole Prawn 3.5/5

The Nostalgia Whole Prawn is given a modern interpretation with the used of whole prawn instead of minced prawn paste. Toast and kaya or butter is common but it never came across my mind to pair it with prawn. A delectable combination that will be enjoyed both the young and old.

Sauteed Asparagus with Wild Mushroom in Truffle 4.2/5

The Sauteed Asparagus with Wild Mushrooms in Truffle was very well executed. The asparagus retained its crunchy texture while the use of real truffle and truffle essence further enhanced the sweetness of the crunchy greens.

Traditional Braised Pi Pa Tofu 4.2/5

Not to be missed is the Traditional Braised Pi Pa Tofu. I actually don't understand how the dish is associated with the classic Chinese instrument. All I know is that the tofu was silky and smooth.

Hong Kong Temple Street Claypot Rice 4/5

The aroma of the Hong Kong Temple Street Claypot Rice filled the air when the lid was lifted. I like the fact that the chicken was still moist and tender. While I hope that the sauce for the rice could be more there was actually an even better way to enjoy this to the fullest. Add a bit of the garlic vinegar sauce to the claypot rice and be surprised by the accentuated taste.

Sauteed Basil Grouper Fish Meat in 3 Cup Sauce 4/5

I like the fact that the Sauteed Basil Grouper Fish Meat in 3 Cup Sauce is fillet into cubes, making it easy to eat. Cooked in a sauce that is similar to the 3 cup chicken, I actually enjoyed this more. I find that the fish meat infused with the sauce better than chicken. The basil also given the dish an added dimension in flavour.

Braised Trio Sea Treasure in Abalone Sauce 4.5/5

For me the highlight of the 9 course treasure pot feast has to be the Braised Trio Sea Treasure in Abalone Sauce. The premium sea cucumber and fish maw infused with the delicious abalone sauce simply sent me to seventh heaven with the luxurious ingredients. For the amount one is paying for the 9 courses feast, I think this already recovered if not all but most of your cost.

Doubled Boiled Ginger Tea with Glutinous Rice Balls 4/5

This is specially served because using when one has hairy crab it is paired with ginger tea or yellow wine for a balance in ying and yang in the diet.  The Doubled Boiled Ginger Tea with Glutinous Rice Balls was warm and refreshing, serving the purposes in a yummy one.

Legendary Baked Salted Egg Yolk Bun 4.5/5

How can I come to Mouth Restaurant and not have the Legendary Baked Salted Egg Yolk Bun. The name already say for itself, it is legendary. The baked crust bun with its crisp and fluffy texture filled with flowing salted egg yolk lava was like a match made in heaven. It was heavenly.

Squid Ink Char Siew Bao 4.2/5

Ever since my previous almost two years ago, I still remembered and missed their Squid Ink Char Siew Bao. Hence I made a special request to try them again. I am glad that it is still as good and I was really content. They also have the squid ink har gow and chee cheong fan. Unfortunately I am too full to have more. I will save my stomach for my next visit.

Mouth Restaurant (地茂馆)
China Square Central
South Bridge Court Shop House
22 Cross Street
#01-61
Singapore 048421
Tel: +65 64385798
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mouth-Restaurant-%E5%9C%B0%E8%8C%82%E9%A6%86/213508241996944
Website: http://www.mouth.com.sg
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (NE Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Weekday: 1130am -3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Weekend & PH: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit E. Cut throught Chinatown Point and Hong Lim Complex. Cross South Bridge Road. Walk towards the stretch of shop houses along South Bridge Road. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to South Bridge Road. Cross South Bridge Road. Turn left and walk towards the stretch of shop houses along South Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

The Boiler @ Howard Road (Tai Seng)

A new seafood joint has opened in the industrial area of Tai Seng by a group of bankers. The Boiler is a South American inspired seafood joint that serves up fresh seafood in Louisiana style. The spacious premises, high ceiling and its communal dining setup sited at the heart of Tai Seng industrial area stand out like a shining gem among the concrete forest. I was there on a Tuesday night and the restaurant is packed with diners.

Beerita 4.2/5

Besides being a seafood joint, The Boiler also offers imported French and Louisiana crafted beer. Not to be missed is there signature interpretation of the margarita, Beerita ($11.90). This is indeed a refreshing start to my seafood dinner.

Bacon Shrimp 2.8/5 and Louisiana Spicy Mid Joint Wings 4.2/5

We started our dinner with some like bites in the Bacon Shrimp ($11.90) and Louisiana Spicy Mid Joint Wings ($8.90).  I thought the bacon shrimp was rather average. The prawn was too dry for my liking. On the other hand, the wings was excellent. The tangy marination plus the crispy and juicy wings won me over.

Fish & Chips 4.5/5

A surprise discovery at The Boiler is the Fish & Chips ($12.90). This is probably the best fish & chips I have ever eaten. The fish was extremely moist under the crispy batter coat. It somewhat felt like the fish was coated in a fried chicken batter. You just need to experience it to know the different.

Southern Chicken & Waffles 3.8/5

By now most will know that I am not a big fan of sweet and savoury combination. The South Chicken & Waffles with maple syrup ($9.90) maybe interesting for many but not me. However being objective, my praise went to the tender, juicy and crispy southern chicken. I would gladly enjoy the whole piece of the southern chicken myself.

Lobsicle 3/5

An interesting item on the menu is the Lobsicle ($15.90 half/ $28.90 full). This is probably one of the first in town with the lobster flesh being coated in a batter and deep fried. Sad to say, it did not manage to wow me.

Boston Lobster in Garlic Butter 4/5

Boston Lobster in Peppa's Butter 4/5

Now let us move on to the star of the restaurants, the boiled seafood with their special homemade sauces. Currently until end of the month of September 2014, The Boiler is have a special promotion for their Boston Lobster ($75), going at $49 per piece. The boston lobster can be cooked in a choice of Garlic Butter, Peppa's Butter or The Work which has 3 level of spiciness. Boiling lobster simply allows one to enjoy the natural sweetness of the flesh. For me, the difference of Boiler to other similar joints is their sauces. I have the opportunity to try all the 3 sauces and I have enjoyed all of them. No wonder the co-owner has been tight lip about the recipe of the sauces.

Boiler's Bombdiggity Bag 4.2/5

Similar to the concept of Crab in de Bag, the seafood is boiled and served in a bag with the sauce. You can choose to eat from the bag or pour them out on the table. There is only one rule. Be prepared to get your hands messy. We tried the Boiler's Bombdiggity Bag ($139) which is good for 4 person. In the bag there are dungeness crab, prawns, mussels, clams, sausages, corn & bun. For a smaller group, you may opt for the Boiler's Duo Bag ($49) which is good for 2 person. It comes with everything per the bombdiggity bag except the crab. Similar to the boston lobster, there is a choice of 3 sauces, Garlic Butter, Peppa's Butter or The Work which has 3 level of spiciness.

There is not much I can complain about the food or ambience. It definitely got the ticks from the group. My only warning is that it can be pricey however do note your are paying from fresh and quality seafood.


The Boiler
Novelty Bizcentre
18 Howard Road
#01-06
Singapore 369585
Tel: +65 66351285
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBoilerSG
Website: http://theboiler.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch
Tue-Fri: 1130am - 230pm
Dinner
Sun-Thu: 5pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat & Eve of PH: 5pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk down Harper Road. Turn right on Playfair Road. Turn left on Mactaggart Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Kampong Chicken Rice Chicken House @ Upper Thomson Road

I have passed by Upper Thomson Road numerous time and always noticed this big green signboard, Kampong Chicken Rice Chicken House. I have done a mental note to visit the place but I have seem to have the opportunity to do so until a recent meet up with Maureen and Ian.

Rice 3/5

The chicken rice itself was moist and not oily but it was lacking of the aroma of a good plate of chicken rice which I would be preferred. However, I thought the chilli and garlic sauce is one the best I have tried.

Poached Chicken 4/5

I am not a big fan of kampong chicken because it is usually lean and tough. I preferred my chicken to be more tender and fat . The Poached Chicken at Chicken House although is not as fat and do not have that jelly like skin, I was quite surprised that it was quite tender and not as lean as I would have expected. I also like the fact that the chicken is not over drown by sauce, allowing me to taste the natural sweetness of the meat.

Chicken Liver 4.2/5

Chicken Liver is one of the essential item I would order whenever I had my chicken rice. I am not sure the reason but I love eating this since young. I thought chicken liver goes very well with the chilli sauce too.

Ipoh Beansprout 4.2/5

Tofu 4/5

Chicken House also serves other side dishes on their menu besides their delectable chicken rice. We tried the Ipoh Beansprouts and Tofu. They are both worthy dish to accompany the chicken rice for a enjoyable and satisfying feast at the restaurant.

While the rice at Chicken House is nothing to rave about, the poached chicken itself is quite good. It did surprise me that it is not as lean as most kampong chicken. I also like the fact that the restaurant offers a variety of side dishes besides chicken rice.


Kampong Chicken Rice Chicken House
255 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574382
Tel: +65 64560698
Nearest MRT: Upper Thomson (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Upper Thomson MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to destination. Journey time about 2 minutes. [Map]

115 Tang Shui @ Chinatown Complex Food Centre

For a taste of tradition of Cantonese style desserts, a great place to check out is 115 Tang Shui at Chinatown Complex Food Centre. The humble little stall still freshly grind their ingredients using the stone grinder, prepared and cooked their desserts in tradition way using the family recipe dated back to 1966..

Almond Paste 4/5 and Peanut Paste 4/5

The stall maybe small but it offers a great variety of choices and even you can request for combination. We tried a couple of desserts such as the Almond and Peanut Paste. Maybe its due to traditional way of grinding the ingredients using the stone grinder, the paste seems smoother and more fragrant.

Black Sesame Paste 4/5 and Pumpkin Corn Paste 4.2/5

We also tried the Black Sesame and Pumpkin Corn Paste. The aroma plus the smooth, creamy black sesame paste was probably one of the best I have tried. However the one I like most is the Pumpkin Corn Paste. This is a dessert that has given  a modern interpretation with two of my favourite ingredients The sweet rendition of the traditional dessert definitely has won me over.

After visiting 115 Tang Shui, it got me thinking. While it is good to uphold the tradition of our cuisine, food has to evolve with times too and incorporate new elements to the traditional way. People's palate will also change with time and we should recognise it with culinary creativity and innovation to satisfy the new palate.


115 Tang Shui
Chinatown Complex Food Centre
Blk 335 Smith Street
#02-206
Singapore 050336
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/115TangShui
Nearest MRT; Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 730am - 5pm
Wed-Sun: 730am - 5pm
(Closed on Tues)

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street. Turn right onto Trengganu Street and walk to the end of the street. Cross Smith Street and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Ju Shin Jung Korean Charcoal BBQ @ West Coast Road

There seems to be more and more Korean BBQ restaurant popping up on our shore but Ju Shin Jung Korean Charcoal BBQ at West Coast is probably one of the first and also my favourite. To keep things simple, I always ordered the 2-3 pax set ($129) with comes with a tsunami of the side dishes or banchan and a choice of two meats. Furthermore, the banchan is refillable.

Pardon me for saying this but I have a mental note not to revisit Korean restaurants that charges for their banchan. I have seen a couple of newly opened Korean restaurants doing so. Sorry to say this, this money making concept takes away the soul of Korean cuisine.

For the choice of meat, I went for the Pork Belly and Marinated Beef. The other reason why I enjoyed my experience at Ju Shin Jung is that the staff are very attentive and they will also help to cook the meats. In addition, the service portion is huge and quality is good.

This place seems to be extremely popular for dining so do make sure you make a reservation first. Be also prepared to be smell of BBQ after your dinner.

*All photos in this post is taken using the new Samsung Galaxy K Zoom LTE smartphone.


Ju Shin Jung Korean Charcoal BBQ
WestWay
27 West Coast Highway
#01-18/19
Singapore 117867
Tel: +65 64640872
Nearest MRT: Haw Par Villa (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 6pm - 11pm
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Haw Par Villa MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road and walk toward West Coast Highway. Cross the road at the traffic light and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Crab Ah! @ Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa & Spa

Pincers and Pints await you at Crab Ah! I am not referring to the all lobster Pince & Pints at Duxton. Instead I am bringing you to Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa & Spa. The waterfront area of the resort is converted into an al fresco dining facing the South China Sea offering a feast for two which includes succulent Sri Lankan crabs and an array of appetisers, side dishes, desserts and free flowing house wines and beer.

The picturesque views of the sunset on the coast, music from a live band and the surrounding sea breeze present a perfect evening for couples to wrap up a delightful dinner. If you are lucky, you may also spot peacocks running around the waterfront or sleeping up in the trees.

Crab Ah! is available every Friday from 630pm to 9pm at $138++ for two inclusive of free flowing house wines and beer.

Deep Fried White Bait 4/5

The dinner for two started with some delectable Deep Fried White Bait. Well seasoned and crispy, this is a perfect appetiser to go with the free flow wines or beer while waiting for the mains.

Salted Egg Yolk Crab 4.2/5

Chilli Crab 4.5/5

For the set dinner of two, diners get to have a choice of four different sauces. The four sauces available are the signature Chilli sauce, popular Salted Egg sauce, black pepper sauce and superior XO sauce. I got the chance to try two out of the four sauces. Both sauces were as good. The crab was also fresh, sweet and juicy complemented by the delicious sauces. Among the two sauces I tried, I would have to be a bit bias and go for more favourite salted egg.

Deep Fried Mantou Buns 4.2/5

Golden Deep Fried Mantou Buns are also served for diners to dip into the flavourful crab sauces of their choice.

Stir Fried Seasonal Vegetables 4.2/5

Shrimp Fried Rice 4.5/5

After digging into the luscious crustaceans and getting my finger messy, there were more dishes awaiting for us to savour. Both the Stir Fried Seasonal Vegetable and Shrimp Fried Rice looked kind of plain but that's only in appearance. The stir fried vegetable was crunchy and flavourful. Each mouthful of the fragrant shrimp fried rice was filled with wok hei aroma. Thumbs up!

Pandan Ice Cream 3/5 and Teh Tarik Ice Cream 4/5

Dessert is a choice of the Pandan or Teh Tarik Ice cream. I personally prefer the teh tarik ice cream over the pandan ice cream. I find the pandan ice cream tasted more like kaya, a bit too sweet.

Assortment of Kuehs 4/5

Besides ice cream, there are also a selection of different Kuehs for diners to have a taste of the local snacks. There is even a Do-It-Yourself Ice Kachang dessert counter.


Crab Ah!
Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa & Spa
Sentosa
101 Siloso Road
Singapore 098970
Tel: +65 63711020
Website: http://www.shangri-la.com/singapore/rasasentosaresort/press-room/press-releases/pincers-and-pints-await-at-crabs-ah/
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Fri: 630pm - 9pm

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. The shuttle service is available every 20 minutes of the hour. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]