SG Food on Foot Best Eat 2015

Another year is coming to an end and is the time to reflect what I have eaten and done in the year 2015. I am glad that besides the numerous opportunities to review the various food establishments, I am honor to be working with fellow like minded friends and influencers in organising the first ever food conference for both food bloggers and instagrammers in Singapore, Food and Socialikes Connect 2015.

A great thank you to the wonderful team - Aries (ironsage), Nicholas (stormscape), Nat (RubbishEatRubbishGrow) and Nicole (PinkyPiggu)  for making  Food and Socialikes Connect 2015 a success.

A sincere appreciation is also extended to all the speakers and panelists for making the time to share your professional and expert views, insights and photography skill at the conference.

Without further ado, let me present to you SG Food on Foot Best Eat in 2015 (not in order of merit). The places are selected based on the fact that they are near the MRT stations and I have enjoyed my dining experience there.

SG Food on Foot Best Eat in 2015

Ash & Elm @ InterContinentai Singapore

Beauty in The Pot @ One KM Mall

Esquina @ Jiak Chuan Road

JIN Fine Dining @ Amoy Hotel

Joie by Dozo @ Orchard Central

Joo Bar and Restaurant @ Tan Quee Lan Street (Bugis)

Mad About Sucre @ Teo Hong Road (Outram)

Maggie Joan's Dining & Bar @ Amoy Street

Mikuni Japanese Restaurant @ Fairmont Hotel Singapore

My Cosy Corner @ Coronation Shopping Plaza

With that I present to you my top 10 best eat in 2015 that is near to MRT stations. I am glad that through my food journey I have been able to organize the Ultimate Hawker Fest in 2014, follow by Food and Socialikes Conference in 2015. It makes me wonder what will I be doing in 2016? Can't wait for the next challenge in the new year. Let's hope everyone has a happy and fruitful 2016. Happy New Year.

Nam Hwa Fishboat @ Owen Road

I am glad to know that my favourite Nam Hwa Chong (Ah Chew) Fish Head Steamboat Corner (亚秋南华昌鱼头炉) at the corner of Jalan Sultan and North Bridge Road has opened its second outlet at Owen Road. The second outlet is named Nan Hwa Fishboat offering the signature charcoal fish head steamboat as well as some new zi char dishes. A slight different from the flagship outlet is that the new outlet will be offering premium Dragon Grouper and Potato Cod Grouper for the fish head steamboat besides the traditional promfret, red snapper and red grouper.

Premium Dragon Grouper Fish Head Steamboat 4/5

It is great to know that the new outlet is still using the same recipe for the silky smooth superior fish soup brimmed with an unique combination of 12 ingredients, slow cooked over hot charcoal embers. We tried the Premium Dragon Grouper Fish Head Steamboat ($38/$48/$68). The dragon grouper fish head has a firmer texture. The soup also tasted a bit different from what I am familiar with. The soup seems more subtle and balanced, rather than just hitting you straight in the face with its rich flavour. It was explained to me that the recipe is the same but the choice of fish will relish a different flavour.

Champagne Pork Ribs 4/5

At Nam Hwa Fishboat, besides the signature fish head steamboat, the restaurant also offers zichar dishes to complete the meal. Some of the exclusive dishes available only at the second outlet includes Champagne Pork Ribs, Crispy Fried Prawn in Golden Pumpkin Sauce and Claypot Drunken Rice Wine Clam.

The Champagne Pork Ribs ($12.80/$18.80) is tender and glazed with a subtle sweet sauce that is very pleasing to the palate. Sesame and almond is added for a lift in flavour.

Crispy Fried Prawn in Golden Pumpkin Sauce 3.5/5

The Crispy Fried Prawn in Golden Pumpkin Sauce ($18.80/$28.80) comes with crunchy and plump prawns that are coated with the golden pumpkin sauce. The sweetness is given a hint of spicy kick with the addition of curry leaves and chopped chilli.

Claypot Drunken Rice Wine Clam 3/5

The Claypot Drunken Rice Wine Clam ($15.80/$20.80) was palatable but did not have that wow factor.

Sambal Sweet Potato Leaves 3.5/5

Stir Fried Sambal Sotong 3.5/5

Singaporean loves spicy stuff so it is inevitable that the menu offers zi char dishes such as the Sambal Sweet Potato Leaves and Stir Fried Sambal Sotong ( $11.80/$17.80). The sambal with its mild fiery kick, together with the fragrant from the dried shrimps, accentuated the flavours of the sweet potato leaves and sotong.

Dragon Grouper Shan Lao Hor Fun 4.2/5

The other highlight at Nam Hwa Fishboat has to be their Dragon Grouper Shan Lao Hor Fun ($12/$18). The ordinary looking plate of rice noodles with beansprouts and chunky fish fillet was surprisingly brimming with the nice wok hei flavour. Definitely one of the better shan lao hor fun, I have eaten for a long while.

Nam Hwa Fishboat has been around since 1927. I have eaten at their flagship outlet for many years. Not sure why it took them 88 years, to open their second outlet. A slight different from the flagship outlet is that it is trying to offer premium fish for their steamboat as well as some new dishes into their menu. I think it is a good approach as food needs to progress with time while still retaining the essence of tradition.


Nam Hwa Fishboat
93/95 Owen Road
Singapore 218907
Tel: +65 86132732
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk straight towards Owen Road. Turn left onto Owen Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

P. Bistro @ Palais Renaissance

Taking a big leap from the quiet street of Owen Road where P. Bistro started its flagship restaurant in 2013, P. Bistro opens its second outlet at the posh Palais Renaissance offering French bistro style dining and an array of French, Italian as well as Asian fusion dishes.

Tangy Pomelo Salad 4.5/5

Beginning our dinner is an unique Tangy Pomelo Salad ($12) that is refreshing with chunks of pomelo, cherry tomatoes, shallots, coriander, sliced red chilli and mesclun. The different combination is binded beautifully together with the chef's special tamarind dressing.

Fugu Japanese Grilled Puffer Fish with Flying Fish Roe 4/5

A good beer snack is the Fugu Japanese Grilled Puffer Fish ($12). I have eaten this before and it felt like having bak kwa or cuttlefish. At P. Bistro, it added flying fish roe for a lift in enjoyment.

Fresh Kuhlbarra Barramundi White Fish Fillet 4.2/5

From the Mains, the Fresh Kuhlbarra Barramundi White Fish Fillet ($26) will be a good selection. The pan seared barramundi fillet is quite a generous serving dressed in a lemon butter sauce, that is subtle but not stealing the show from the moist barramundi.

Duck Confit 4/5

A French classic is the Duck Confit ($28). The oven roasted French Castaing Duck Leg Confit is served with red berry gastrique, roasted potatoes and mesclun. The duck leg is crispy in the exterior and tender inside. The saltiness of the duck confit needed a bit more of the red berry gastrique to balance it off.

Asian Red Curry Seafood Pasta 3.8/5

I am told that the Asian Red Curry Seafood Pasta ($24) is the spiciest dish on the menu. To be frank, I was quite disappointed. It doesn't even manage to make me break into a sweat. However I can understand that they still need to cater to majority of the diner's tolerance level. Nevertheless, this is still a delicious plate of linguini, brimming with seafood.

Nonya Dory 4.8/5

A must try at P. Bistro is the Nonya Dory ($18). It is a meal on its own with brown rice, a sunny side up, achar and premium dory fish fillet. The highlight has to be the Chef's special Peranakan sauce. It simply blown the house down, getting the thumbs up from everyone at the table. This is one dish that will make me go back again.

Mont Blanc 3.5/5, Passionfruit Tart 4.2/5, Coconut Pandan Chiffon Cake 4.2/5

Besides the mains, P. Bistro offers a limited but excellent selection of desserts to end the meal on a sweet note or just to rest the leg after a long day shopping at Orchard Road. We tried the Mont Blanc ($8.50), Passionfruit Tart ($4) and Coconut Pandan Chiffon Cake ($6.50). My favourite is the passionfruit tart for its tartness and pandan chiffon cake for its light and fluffiness.

Palmier 4.5/5

A must try at P. Bistro is the Palmier ($1 each). I understand there is limited bake each day, so do go early to grab it before it runs out. I called it elephant ears because of its shape. Love how the puff pastry is baked to a nice crispiness with bites of the crystal sugar.

Last but not least, how about finishing off the pastries and bakes with a cup of aromatic coffee from Dutch Colony.

P. Bistro may look like any other bistro but you will be surprised with the food they served. I was really impressed with the food I tried during my visit. My most memorable dishes are Tangy Pomelo Salad and Nonya Dory. I also like the fact that the restaurant is located at the quiet end of Orchard Road. It is definitely a good option for a meal away from the crowd.


[CLOSED]
P. Bistro
Palais Renaissance
390 Orchard Road
#B1-06
Singapore 238871
Tel: +65 67349268
Facebook
Website
Nearest: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk to Palais Renaissance which is right after Royal Thai Embassy. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Shaw House via underpass. At the road level, walk along Orchard Road towards Royal Thai Embassy direction. Walk to Palais Renaissance which is right after Royal Thai Embassy. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Artemis Grill @ CapitaGreen

Opened in 16 November 2015, Artemis Grill is the latest restaurant in Singapore F&B scene located on level 40 of CapitaGreen with a stunting view of the Marina bay area. Artemis Grill menu brings to the Singapore shore, the best in organic Mediterranean and sustainable dining.

Homemade Bread with Dukkah Spice and Olive Oil 4/5

After placing our order, we were served complimentary Homemade Bread with Dukkah Spice and Olive Oil. The black stuff in the picture is the Dukkah Spice. This is my first time having bread with it and I enjoyed the different experience.

Alaskan Crabs Salad 4.5/5

Dinner began with the Alaskan Crabs Salad ($28) that is paired with grilled pimento peppers, avocado and tomato petals. I was told that the chef wants the guest to enjoy the freshness and natural sweetness of the crab meat and hence it is intentionally served in chunky pieces, I applauded the thought as I got to enjoy the delicious crustacean meat to the fullest.

Beetroot Tortellini 4/5

The Beetroot Tortellini ($20/$30) looks like little roses on my plate. The beetroot tortellini is stuffed with feta and ricotta, and served with asparagus, broccolini and carrot puree. The filling of the tortellini may come across a bit heavy for some. I would advice having it together with the sweet carrot puree for a more balance in flavour.

Maine Lobster Tail 3.8/5

From the grill section, we have the Maine Lobster Tail 900g ($90) with Corn and Potato Fricassee, drizzled with lobster jus. I enjoyed the fact that the lobster meat is grilled to a delectable crunchy bite, not over cooked. However it felt that some parts of it was burnt, giving it a bitter taste instead of the smokiness from the grill.

Spicy Iberico Pork Presa 4.5/5

An interesting and surprised dish is the Spicy Iberico Pork Presa ($40) with Tomato Relish and Padron Peppers. We usually wants our meat to be tender and moist but this is completely opposite. The iberico pork is actually quite dry. However, that is the surprising part, the more you bite or chew into it, the flavour seems to tease you more. Unknowingly, you continue to indulge in the flavour as you have more of it. It's like enjoying a piece of dried cuttlefish or bak kwa.

Crispy Heirloom Cauliflower 4.2/5

Besides the mains from the grill, we also order the Crispy Heirloom Cauliflower ($14) with lemon zest, almond, tarragon and spicy aoli from the side menu. It is like a mini cauliflower garden with the different color of cauliflowers. Among the various cauliflowers, the lightly battered tempura cauliflower is my favourite.

Chocolate Trio 4/5

Richness on a plate is the Chocolate Trio ($18). The chocolate haven consists of Valhorona chocolate tart, mocha ice cream and passionfruit chocolate cake. However it was the robust mocha ice cream that stole my heart among the trio.

Apricot & Lavender Souffle 4.2/5

It will be worthwhile to wait for 20 minutes for the Apricot & Lavender Souffle ($20). The unique combination is a good chance from the norm. I am not a sweet tooth person and hence I enjoyed the tartness of the souffle. If you do not have a good tolerance of sourness, I would recommend pouring the walnut creme anglaise into the souffle and have it together with the vanilla ice cream to neutralize it.

Apricot & Lavender Souffle 4.2/5

Artemis Grill is definitely one of the best dining experience for me in 2015. I am already planning for for next visit to impress my guest with the food as well as the breathtaking view from the rooftop at level 40.


Artemis Grill
CapitaGreen
138 Market Street
Level 40
Singapore 048946
Tel: +65 66358677
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat: 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk down Cecil Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk down Cross Street (against the flow of traffic). Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

PerBacco @ Craig Road

When I got to know that PerBacco is situated along Craig Road, I wondered how would it differentiate itself from its neighbouring Italian restaurants. Northern regional specialities, I was told, where pasta often has to make way for risotto and polenta, and olive oil takes a back seat to butter.

The bar that fronts the entrance, together with the rustic brick wall and red sofa, sets a casual vibe that is a lot more engaging compared to some which can be a little too serious and static. If you want something more intimate, you will find it right behind a beautiful ceiling to wall divider. It is made of stacked wine crates, custom-designed with the restaurant’s name embossed on the side. Inviting and unpretentious, as per what its owners have envisaged for Perbacco.

We started off with some 'cicchetti' or small snacks from their bar. Tapas, starters, or appetitsers as you name it always excites me. I feel this is the category that really allows the chefs to showcase both their creativity and personality. I look forward to what Chef Marco Fregnan has got to offer.

Spicy Crab Meat Croquettes (Crocchette di Granchio) 3.8/5

Full of fresh crab meat made creamy with ricotta and potato, these crusty nuggets, Spicy Crab Meat Croquettes ($12) sets  the standard of regular bar bites. The spicy creamy tuna sauce atop gives my taste buds the right kick. I couldn't help but reach out for my glass of wine, Pomino Bianco ($12).

Scamorza with Soft Fritters (Frittelle alle Verdure) 3.8/5

The next plate. Scamorza with Soft Fritters ($14) was equally delightful. Like an egg with a hardy shell, under the crust was a light batter made with flour, butter, peas, carrots and zucchini. It does make alot of sense to eat both together - the soft baked scamorza cheese, which is heavier in taste, with the fritters which are relatively light tasting but crusty.

Sweet and Sour Prawns (Gamberi in Saor) 4/5

What we had next is a variation to the classic Venetian dish Sarde in Saor, or sweet and sour sardines. What remains is the sweet and sour onions, but the sardines is being replaced with prawns. The Sweet and Sour Prawns ($24) is wrapped in parma ham, with the prawns taking on the characteristic of its partner while retaining its subtle sweetness and bouncy texture. Though I have yet tried the original, I believe this surpasses the latter.

Green Pea Risotto (Risi e Bisi) 4.2/5

I guess Chef Marco is a very homely guy. Not only he adopts the original recipe for the classic Venetian Green Pea Risotto ($20), it is his grandma's recipe! Though green peas was not exactly a well-liked green among us, the rice was so yummy that we still polished it off effortlessly from its plate. Infused with minty oil, this risotto carries an refreshing note, which is not commonly found in others.

Gnocchi with Gorgonzola and Walnuts (Gnocchi e Fonduta al Gorgonzola) 3/5

The North relies more on cheese for sauces, hence creamy sauces are more commonly seen on the table than tomato sauce. Gnocchi with Gorgonzola and Walnuts ($26) is made in-house daily. The potato gnocchi were soft and not starchy, and the crunchy walnuts proved to be a great accompaniment. I would have enjoyed the dish more if the gorgonzola cheese sauce is on the savory side instead of sweet.

Stewed Veal Cheek (Guanciale di Vitello Brasato) 3.5/5 

We moved on to something heavier. Their Stewed Veal Cheek ($34) which has been slow-cooked for three hours was as tender as expected.

Milk-Stewed Codfish (Baccala’ alla Vicentina) 4.2/5

What surprises me was their Milk-Stewed Codfish ($32), served with grilled polenta. The usual treatment to codfish is mostly sear or bake, but Chef Marco does it differently. Slow-cooked in milk, onions and anchovies for one and a half hours, the savoury flavour suits the buttery codfish well. Anything sweet may be too cloying.

Hazelnut Panna Cotta (Pannacotta Nocciola) 3/5

We had 2 desserts Hazelnut Panna Cotta ($12) and Ricotta Cheesecake ($15). I very much prefer something with texture and bite, hence I enjoyed the latter more, especially with the buttery base. It is lighter and fluffier than American cheesecake, made sophisticated with the peach compote atop.

Ricotta Cheesecake (Cheesecake alla Ricotta) 3.8/5

Great food, paired with very affordable wines, I guess PerBacco has pretty much achieved its aim - meaning 'of Bacchus” in Italian, the mythical God of wine and merrymaking. Your ticket here is even better on Tuesday. From 6pm-8pm, you get to enjoy a tasty cichetti (worth $12) for any order of a glass of wine. Alternatively, choose between a glass of intensely fruity and floral Marchesi Gavi DOCG (white wine) or full-bodied Marchesa Vincenza Stanga Barbers D’Asti (red wine) for just $6 nett.

Photograph and 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.


PerBacco
Craig Place
20 Craig Road
#01-03
Singapore 089692
Tel: +65 66357130
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1130pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]