Sunday, October 30, 2022

Ba Guo Grilled Fish (巴国烤鱼) @ West Coast Plaza - New Outlet In The West Offering Grilled Fish & Sichuan Cuisine

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It was with great delight to know that Ba Guo Grilled Fish (巴国烤鱼) has opened a new outlet near my home at West Coast Plaza. It prides itself on offering authentic Sichuan cuisine suitable for the Singaporean palate.

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Fragrant Grilled Fish 4.5/5

Eight different types of grilled fish are available on the menu. I had the chance to try three of them - Fragrant Grilled Fish ($38.80), Fei Cui Yang Sheng Fish ($38.80) and Green Pepper Grilled Fish ($32.80). In addition, diners have the option of adding extra ingredients cooked in the broth.

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Fei Cui Yang Sheng Fish 4/5

My favourite among the three grilled fishes is the Fragrant Grilled Fish. It has the right balance of mala and spicy for an aromatic finish. It even comes with clams and prawns in a delicious and drinkable broth. The fish itself is crispy on the exterior while moist and soft inside. If you can't take spicy food, you can go for the Fei Cui Yang Sheng Fish, the non-spicy version of the fragrant grilled fish.

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Green Pepper Grilled Fish 3.8/5

I have tried Green Pepper Grilled Fish ($32.80) from another grilled fish restaurant, and the version here lacks the piquant from the peppercorn. In addition, it is too mild for my liking.

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Hot & Spicy Crab 4/5

Besides the grilled fish, the restaurant also offers several Sichuan dishes on the menu. We tried a couple beginning with the Hot & Spicy Crab ($68). Besides the crab, there are potatoes, lotus roots and green pepper. It may look spicy, but I find it more aromatic than spicy, coming from the various Chinese spices used in the cooking.

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Fragrant Pot Bullfrog 4.2/5

Another lovely dish is the Fragrant Pot Bullfrog ($42.80). It's pretty similar to the hot & spicy crab, except that the crab is replaced with the bullfrog. I enjoyed this more, and it was cheaper.

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Handmade Tofu 4/5

There are also non-spicy dishes on the menu, such as Homemade Tofu ($16), which is so soft and silky smooth. It is blanked in a pool of delicious sauce comprising minced pork and greens.

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Brown Sugar Ice Jelly 3.8/5

The Brown Sugar Ice Jelly ($3.50) is the perfect ending to the dinner. The cold and refreshing dessert helps to wash down all the richness.

Note: This is an invited tasting session.


Ba Guo Grilled Fish (巴国烤鱼)
West Coast Plaza
154 West Coast Road
#02-25
Singapore 127371
Tel: +65 89381288
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Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station. (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 201. Alight 2 stops later. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, October 29, 2022

En Yakiniku @ Middle Road (Bugis) - New Japanese Yakiniku & Sake Bar Offering An Authentic Japanese BBQ Experience

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Many yakiniku restaurants have opened around Singapore in recent months offering Japanese BBQ experience, ranging from affordable selections at coffeeshops to premium and rare meat cuts at full-service restaurants. En Yakiniku is one of the latest yakiniku concepts to be opened in Bugis. It takes over the now-defunct Captain K Seafood Tower.

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While waiting for the rest of the group to arrive, we started with some snacks to munch on. We had the Grilled Dried Thread-Sail Filefish ($15.40), Grilled Dried Pufferfish ($15.40) and Deep-fried Sweet Shrimp ($5.40).

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Grilled Dried Thread-Sail Filefish and Grilled Dried Pufferfish 4/5

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Deep-fried Sweet Shrimp 4/5

The delightful snacks can double up as bar bites to complement the drinks.

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Yakitori 3.5/5

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Chawanmushi 4.2/5

If you don't have the patience to wait for the meat to be cooked or just want a quick meal, there are several cooked items on the menu, such as Yakitori ($12), Donburi and Chawanmushi ($3.40)

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Prime Short Rib, Beef Chuck, Oyster Blade 4.2/5

Beef lovers can look forward to a good variety of cuts at En Yakinkiu. We started with three types of cuts, starting with the US Prime Short Rib ($28.90), US Beef Chuck ($17.90) and Oyster Blade ($17.90).

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A4 Wagyu Ribeye, A4 Wagyu Striploin 4.5/5

There are premium cuts, such as the Miyazaki A4 Wagyu Ribeye ($54.90) and Miyazaki A4 Wagyu Striploin ($54.90), for their beautiful marbling, giving it the melt-in-the-mouth texture.

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Gyu Tan 4.2/5

The more adventurous can go for the Gyu Tan ($21.90), which has a delightful crunchy texture once grilled.

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Chestnut-fed Duroc Pork Belly 4/5

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Spanish Pork Jowl 4/5

You need not worry if you are a non-beef eater. The Chestnut-fed Duroc Pork Belly ($15.90) and Spanish Pork Jowl ($15.90) are excellent options that are as satisfying as the beef cuts. In addition, the pork oil from the grilling emits a fragrant aroma enhancing the enjoyment.

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Tiger Prawn 4.2/5

We even had Tiger Prawn ($22) from the seafood selection to complete the yakiniku experience at En Yakiniku.

Overall, I enjoyed the food at the En Yakiniku. The pricing and the quality of meats and seafood served it is reasonable. Some may argue that you can find cheaper options. I agree but compare the quality or how thinly these places sliced their meats.


En Yakiniku
Midland House
112 Middle Road
#01-00A
Singapore 188970
Tel: +65 62555744
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk down Victoria Street to Middle Road. Turn right onto Middle Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Queen Street to Middle Road. Cross the road and turn right onto Middle Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Roof Terrace BBQ Private Dining @ East Coast Road - A Feast Of Grilled Meat and Seafood

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Recently, together with my foodie friends, we went to Roof Terrace BBQ, a private dining home at East Coast Road that specialises in barbeque. The action happens on the roof terrace under the stars. However, during our visit, the roof terrace's lighting was not working, so we shifted indoors.

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Smoked Beef Brisket

We started the dinner with the Smoked Beef Brisket. It comes with a beautiful pink smoke ring. The smoked beef brisket was flavorful, succulent and packed with a smoky aroma.

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Roasted Baby Potatoes with Fried Garlic and Shallots, Sauteed Swiss Brown Mushrooms

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Japanese Coleslaw

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Grilled Zucchini, Eggplant, Baby Corn, Bell Peppers

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Cornbread

To go with the mains, the host has prepared a couple of sides to go along with them. They are delicious sides that complemented the mains excellently. Diners can look forward to sides such as Roasted Baby Potatoes with Fried Garlic and Shallots, Sauteed Swiss Brown Mushrooms, Japanese Coleslaw, Grilled Vegetables, and our favourite Cornbread.

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Grilled Spanish Duroc Pork Chops

For the non-beef eaters, do not worry, as the host can customise the menu, such as the Grilled Spanish Duroc Pork Chops we had. Grilled to perfection, it is tender and juicy.

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Salted Baked Fish

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Grilled Jumbo Tiger Prawns

Besides the grilled meats, we also have seafood on the menu. We had a whole Salted Baked Wild Caught Red Snapper and Jumbo Tiger Prawns.

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Sticky Date Pudding with Caramel and Homemade Burnt Vanilla

Wrapping the BBQ feast, we had Sticky Date Pudding with Caramel and Homemade Burnt Vanilla. A beautiful dessert for a sweet ending.

We paid $75 per pax. It is a price you can't find in the current private dining scene. Most of the private dining places are charging above $100 per pax nowadays. Unlike other private dining places, Roof Terrace BBQ does not allow alcohol.


Roof Terrace BBQ Private Dining
East Coast Road
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Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Peppermint @ PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay Singapore - A Taste Of Amazing Thailand

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Peppermint will take diners on an epicurean sojourn to the luscious and delicious Land of Smiles with its "Amazing Thailand" Buffet offer from 5 October until 31 October 2022. So gather your friends and loved ones to experience a sumptuous "Sawasdee Ka" by feasting over Chef de Cuisine Leon Yee's creations, honouring the timeless flavours of Thailand.

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Diners may look forward to handcrafted creations such as the Wok-fried Yellow Curry Crab, Thai-style Chicken Rice, Thai Style Honey-Glazed BBQ beef ribs, Thai Massaman Curry Black Angus Beef Oxtail, Thai-style Pineapple Fried Rice with chicken floss, Salted Grilled Whole Sustainable Seabass with Thai Herbs and Spices, and more.

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Relish the creamy and spicy Chiang Mai Curry Chicken Noodle. The broth is vibrant, rich, and flavoured, with chewy egg noodles and a mound of crisp toppings.

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The Lemongrass Thai Style Fried Chicken is one of our favourites. Tender and juicy, the fried chicken also has a subtle hint of lemongrass flavour, which is undoubtedly one of the most popular dishes, as it was gone minutes from the buffet table.

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The enticing ensemble is complemented by an array of Live Stations and Western delicacies, comprising Smoked Duck with Orange Jus, Barramundi with Minestrone Soup, Grilled Marbling Beef, King Oyster Mushroom, Au Poivre, 16-hours Cooked Veal Shank, and Pot Roasted Black Angus Beef Oyster Blade. One of our favourites is the Roasted Lamb with Urban Farm Rosemary. It is grilled over charcoal fire for that distinct smoky flavour, and the meat is exceptionally tender and juicy.

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Don't miss out on the Puff Prata with Milk and Red sugar. The little prata parcels have a thin crispy layer on the outside while fluffy within. The sugar added a subtle sweetness to it, which makes the puff prata extremely addictive.

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The chicken yakitori is basted with a savoury-sweet sauce and charcoal grilled, rendering it tender and flavourful.

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The Seafood section comprises a huge array of the freshest seafood ranging from freshly shucked oysters, tiger prawns, snow crabs, lobsters, half shell scallops to 3 types of sashimi on daily rotation - salmon, tuna and sea bream.

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Finally, cap the opulent meal on a sweet note with a collection of local and regional desserts such as the Kueh Salat, Signature Durian Penget, Pandan Pudding, Coconut and Pandan Agar, Pulut Hitam Gateaux, as well as the perennial favourite Mango Sticky Rice with coconut sauce.

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A TASTE OF AMAZING THAILAND AT PEPPERMINT
5 OCTOBER UNTIL 31 OCTOBER 2022

Buffet Lunch (Mondays to Sundays):
$68++ per adult, $34++ per child*.

Buffet Lunch (Public Holidays, Eve of Public Holidays and Special Occasions):
$98++ per adult, $49++ per child*.

Buffet Dinner (Mondays to Thursdays):
$88++per adult, $44++ per child*.

Buffet Dinner (Fridays to Sundays, Public Holidays, Eve of Public Holidays and Special Occasions):
$98++ per adult, $49++ per child*.

*Child: 6 to 12 years old
Prices are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing government taxes.
Menus are subject to change due to product availability.

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Words and photos by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Peppermint
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay Singapore
6 Raffles Boulevard 
Level 4
Singapore 039594
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 7am - 11am, 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 7am - 11am, 12pm - 3pm, 630pm - 10pm

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

2) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Monday, October 24, 2022

59 Hutong Yakiniku @ Boat Quay - Taipei's Top Yakiniku Chain For Exclusive Cuts Of Meats And Seafood, Together With Friendly Taiwanese Service

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Newly opened in Boat Quay is 59 Hutong Yakinku, a new yakiniku restaurant serving premium and exclusive cuts of meats and seafood from Japan, US and Australia, and friendly Taiwanese service. The restaurant is a collaboration between Taipei's top yakiniku chain, Hutong and Singapore's 59 Restaurant Pte Ltd.

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AUS Wagyu Thin Cut Tongue

We started with the AUS Wagyu Thin Cut Tongue ($32), which has a delectable crunch after grilling.

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There is a good variety of beef cuts, such as the US Prime Boneless Short Rib ($32), AUS Black Cow Chuck Flat ($30), US Prime Dallas Cube ($38) and many more.

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Japanese A5 Wagyu Ribeye Roll.

Of course, the highlight has to be the Japanese A5 Wagyu Ribeye Roll (215g - 225g) with its beautiful marbling that melted in the mouth. Other A5 wagyu cuts from Japan and AUS are available too.

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Spanish Pork Belly

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Iberico Pork Shoulder Blade

For the non-beef eaters, you can go for Spanish Pork Belly ($18) or Iberico Pork Shoulder Blade ($26). Alternatively, another option is the tender Boneless Chicken Thigh ($14) paired with garlic butter.

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Boneless Chicken Thigh

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Raw Crab Roe in Crab Shell

There are also seafood selections such as Neritic Squid ($18), Cuttlefish ($18), Scallops ($10) and many more on the menu. We tried the Raw Crab Roe in Crab Shell ($18), which can take a while to cook. The flavour is a bit too rich and intense for me.

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Cuttlefish Sausage

A must-have under the seafood section is the Cuttlefish Sausage ($14). During the grilling, it emits a beautiful aroma that makes you drool while waiting for it to be cooked. In addition, the stuffed cuttlefish gives it a lovely crunchy finish.

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Zucchini and King Oyster Mushroom

While the focus is on the meats and seafood, the vegetables are good too. We had the Zucchini ($9) and King Oyster Mushroom ($9), which is an excellent refreshing break.

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Wagyu Beef Japanese Rice

A good selection is the Wagyu Beef Japanese Rice ($12) to fill up the stomach. While I enjoyed the soft and fluffy rice, I hoped the wagyu beef could be fatter.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


59 Hutong Yakiniku
35 Boat Quay
Singapore 049824
Tel: +65 62353818
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Nearest: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 330pm, 530pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk towards the river. Turn left at the river. Walk along the river. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]