PN Resto Bar @ Holland Village - Former Black Pearl Steakhouse, Renamed and Revamped Its Menu

PN Resto Bar at Holland Village, formerly known as Black Pearl Steakhouse, has a revamped menu that encompasses a broader range of tapas and mains, including a list of wines and specially crafted cocktails.

Canadian Pacific Live Oysters

We started with Canadian Pacific Live Oysters ($26/6pcs), which were plump and fresh, accompanied by a glass of House White.

Angus Beef Cubes 2.8/5

For a place known for its steak, this plate of Angus Beef Cubes ($28) disappoints with unevenly cooked meat. Some of them were nicely sauteed, but most were chewy or tough.

Grilled Barramundi Fillet 3.8/5

The mains fared much better. The Grilled Barramundi Fillet ($31) with mango salsa was served with crispy skin, with sautéed cherry tomato giving bursts of sweetness to the creamy white wine sauce.

Ebi Sakura Capellini 4/5

Ebi Sakura Capellini ($27) with ikura never fails to please when done right - al dente capellini punctuated with savoury sakura ebi, with occasional bursts of briny saltiness from the ikura pearls.

Red Velvet Molten Lava Cake 3/5

Our dessert was a Red Velvet Molten Lava Cake ($16). I love the almost-crusty layer of sponge cake but not so much on its sweetness. A more bittersweet chocolaty cake would have been more delectable.

Photos and words 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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


PN Resto Bar
40 Lor Mambong
Singapore 277695
Tel: +65 65184280
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu, Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Lorong Liput. Walk down Lorong Luput. Turn right onto Lorong Mambong. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Takeshi-San @ Holland Village - A New Modern-Japan Restaurant With Stairway To Heaven Sushi Kaidan Sets

Takeshi-San is a new kid on the block in Holland Village, offering classic Japanese cuisine with an elegant interpretation. Its exterior doesn't look like a Japanese restaurant, more like a bistro or pub. Let's not judge a book by its cover. We will let the food speak for itself.

Mixed Carpaccio 4/5

I started with the Mixed Carpaccio ($16), which consists of tuna, salmon, hamachi and hotate. The addition of ponzu dressing brightens the whole enjoyment.

Ikura Chawanmushi 4/5

Next up is the Ikura Chawanmushi ($8). The steamed egg is flavourful with a chicken stock base topped with ikura. Digging into the creamy and smooth steamed egg, you can also find pieces of mushroom, chicken and prawn in it.

Incredible Hulk Roll 4/5

The sushi roll I had has an interesting name. It is called the Incredible Hulk Roll ($20). It probably comes from the green coloured avocado that is laid on top of the sushi roll. The sushi roll is stuffed with ebi tempura, cream cheese and baked eel, giving it a delectable textural contrast.

Garlic Fried Rice with A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Cubes 4/5

For something more substantial to fill up your tummy, go for the Garlic Fried Rice with A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Cubes. Fragrant egg and aromatic fried garlic accentuated the enjoyment of the fluffy rice.

Premium Takeshi Set (6pc of various assortments) 4/5

A popular dish on the menu is their Sushi Kaidan Sets. I noticed that almost every table has one of the eight sets or more on its table. I tried their Premium Takeshi Set ($26), which consists of 6 different sushi. Displayed in a wooden stair, I work my way up to the top, starting with the unagi foie gras sushi and finishing with chutoro sushi.

Overall I feel the food at Takeshi-San is unpretentious with a modern take of classic Japanese cuisine. Though the restaurant's interior does not feel like a Japanese restaurant, it brings me back to those Japanese restaurants I visit in Melbourne.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Takeshi-San
38 Lorong Mambong
Singapore 277694
Tel: +65 62480886
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Lorong Liput. Walk down Lorong Luput. Turn right onto Lorong Mambong. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Full of Luck Restaurant @ Holland Village - Usher In A Bountiful And Joyous New Year With Traditional Dishes With A Modern Flair

Usher in the Year of Ox with classic Cantonese favourites but imbued with a modern flair at Full of Luck Restaurant. Chinese New Year sets will be made available from 1 February to 28 February 2021, with dishes that satisfy your palate and visually delightful with fun and thoughtful designs.

Yu Sheng 4/5

Toss to a year of bountiful blessings with Prosperity Lo Hei with Smoked Salmon and Yuzu. Setting itself apart from others with an adorable cartoon-inspired look, it is also one of the few yushengs that comes with huge fruity pearls of both passionfruit and pomegranate seeds. The homemade sauce is concocted with plum, apple, pineapple and yuzu for a more balanced tangy and sweet flavour.

Truffled Jade Melon Rings Stuffed with Pork & Abalone 4.5/5

Truffled Jade Melon Rings Stuffed with Pork & Abalone surprised me with its soft and tender melon rings and extremely juicy stuffing. The flavoursome sauce is extracted from the ingredients' essence, making the dish even more nourishing.

Double Delights Platter 4.8/5

The Double Delights Platter pairs its Signature Honey Glazed Char Siew with Crispy Kurobuta Pork. The char siew especially had just enough fats to butter over the lean meat. The occasional bites into the charred bits were pleasurable.

Abundance Money Bag Stuffed with Crabmeat and Pork 4.5/5

Abundance Money Bag Stuffed with Crabmeat and Pork was one of my favourite dishes with juicy and flavourful dumplings in sweet and savoury golden pumpkin sauce.

Auspicious XL Prawn Ball with Bak Kwa Sauce 3/5

Auspicious XL Prawn Ball is unique with its housemade bak kwa sauce but the prawn ball was too tough for my liking.

Scallion Oil White Jade Noodle with Black Garlic Tiger Prawns 4/5

Scallion Oil White Jade Noodle with Black Garlic Tiger Prawns will win you over with its homely and comforting taste. The prawns were a tad mushy, but all the flavours were on point.

Glutinous Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaf 4.5/5

The Glutinous Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaf with Tiger Prawns and Scallops is one of the highlights in the set meal. Slathered with a layer of piquant garlic spicy sauce, it was yummy and moreish, making sure that you are well-fed for a bountiful year ahead!

Chinese New Year Set menus are available for dine-in from $188 for 2 pax to $668 for 10pax. Takeaway Set Menu is available at $65 per pax with a minimum of 2 to order.

Note: This is an inviting tasting.


Full Of Luck Restaurant
243 Holland Ave
Singapore 278977
Tel: +65 62086845
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 2 minutes. [Map]

Mian Jia Noodle Bar (麺家料理) @ Holland Village - Blown Away By the Super Shiok Mala Spicy Lobster Broth

I have not visited Holland Village since the start of the circuit breaker, and during this period it seems that there are quite a few changes. One of the newest addition to the F&B scene at Holland Village is Mian Jia Noodle Bar (麺家料理) which opened during the pandemic last year. To be exact, it relocated from Alexandra Central to its current location.

Lobster Prosperous Treasure Pot 4.5/5

For the upcoming Lunar New Year, Mian Jia Noodle Bar has launched the Lobster Prosperous Treasure Pot ($288). Quote "TENOFF" to enjoy 10% discount. Call or visit the restaurant to place your order, takeaway only as there is limited quantity. Unlike other Pen Cai, the treasure pot comes in a drinkable lobster bisque broth that comes brimming with premium ingredients. Customers can look forward to a sumptuous feast of Boston lobster, 10 heads braised abalone, Australian golden sea cucumber, Japanese scallops, Shajing oyster, Spanish Duroc pork ribs, handmade shrimp balls, braised chicken mid wings, bean root, pumpkin and Chinese cabbage.

Live Boston Lobster Broth Noodle 4.5/5

Signature at Mian Jia Noodle Bar is their Live Boston Lobster Broth Noodle ($26.90). There is both the Non-Spicy and Mala version. I got to try both versions, and I was blown away by the robust broth that is full of depth. The Mala version is beyond my expectation, the addition of peppercorn elevated the flavour to a whole new level. To be frank, I cannot decide which I like. Worth mentioning is the la mian noodle that has been cooked to a delectable consistency. The restaurant has specially imported the special cooking machine for consistency in every bowl.

Special Stewed Iberico Pork with Homemade Wanton Dry Noodle 4/5

Besides noodle soups, the restaurant also offers a variety of dry noodles. One of them is the Special Stewed Iberico Pork with Homemade Wanton Dry Noodle ($15.90). The chunky pork pieces may look sort of dry, but it melted in my mouth when I sunk my tooth into it. Give the la mian a good toss, to coat the sweet, savoury dark sauce on each noodle stand for a slurping enjoyment. The sauce reminds me of Malaysian kolo mee.

Crispy Crusted Chicken Cutlet 3.8/5

There are several side dishes on top of the dry and noodle soup on the menu to complete the meal. I tried the Crispy Crusted Chicken Cutlet ($6.90) though the skin was not as crispy as I would have like, the chicken was surprisingly very tender and juicy.

Spicy Chilli Oil Homemade Wanton 3.5/5

I also had the Spicy Chilli Oil Homemade Wanton ($5.90) which looks more like a dumpling than wanton. It is plump and juicy, dressed in spicy and fragrant chilli oil.

If not for my friend's introduction to this place, I probably would not have known of the restaurant as it  is hidden away at the end of the road from sight. I am glad that I have discovered a new noodle place that serves a delicious and a quality bowl of noodle. 

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Mian Jia Noodle Bar (麺家料理) 
19 Lorong Liput
Singapore 277732
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to Lorong Liput. Walk towards the junction of Lorong Liput and Lorong Mambong. Turn left onto Lorong Liput. Walk to the end of the road. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Black Marble @ Raffles Holland V - New Sizzling Hot Steak And Grill Concept By Renowned Chef Otto Weibel

Nicknamed ‘The Grandfather’ of the Singapore F&B scene, Swiss-born Chef Otto Weibel, the man behind the newly launched Black Marble at Raffles Holland V, believes flavours come from the grill and not the 'plastic bags'; hence sous vide meat is forbidden in his kitchen. That makes so much sense, and with those words, you can be assured of the quality of the food at Black Marble. Specialising in grilled items, Black Marble selectively sources meats from Australia, Japan and USA, and they will be all chargrilled to bring out the best of their qualities for you to savour upon.

Black Truffle Emulsion 4/5

Truffle-infused mushroom soups are typical these days but not with Black Marble. Instead of using bits or chunks of mushrooms for textures, Black Truffle Emulsion ($15.00) is spiked with puffed wild rice, crisped kale bits to juxtapose against the creamy mushroom emulsion.

Baked Brie Cheese 4.2/5

Baked Brie Cheese ($16) suits any occasions, be it as an appetiser, as a wine accompaniment if you are just here for a couple of wines, or even as a dessert. Freshly baked, it's like a cheese lava cake but trusts me, it's better than a lava cake. To complement the Brie, which isn't a particularly sharp varietal of cheeses, Acacia honey is used for its mellow and floral sweet notes, and the tiny sprigs of rosemary elevate that herbaceous characteristic. And if you notice the blackish drops on the cheese, that's not balsamic, though it tastes like one. It's actually fermented black garlic, and just a few tiny dices of it adds another depth to the taste of the cheese.

Lobster & Scallop Saffron Risotto 4.5/5

Although Black Marble specialises in grill meat, its contemporary western dishes are worth looking out for, such as this stunning Lobster & Scallop Saffron Risotto ($34.00). The heady lobster broth was well balanced with Cream Fraiche, and the finishing touches of grated parmesan cheese and smoked mullet bottarga provide just the right of saltiness to bring out the crustacean flavours of the dish. Firm and succulent meat of the seafood with the creamy contrast of the risotto, the dish is a winner.

45 Days Dry-aged Angus Bone-in Ribeye 4.5/5

That said, the star of Black Marble is its aged beef. This 45 Days Dry-aged Angus Bone-in Ribeye 600gm ($78.00) dry-aged in-house with Himalayan salt through a time-consuming process, and indeed, only chargrilling it will do justice to this stunning meat. Given such quality and the portion, we all agreed that the price tag is exceptionally friendly. That will have you think twice before opting for a regular steak next time.

Grain-fed Lamb Rack 4.5/5

Grain-fed Lamb Rack 350gm ($38) is equally impressive. The most feedbacks gathered were that one could hardly taste the gaminess at all.

From The Sea 3.5/5

Just to add some varieties to your table, From The Sea ($88) comes with Boston lobster tail, Tasmanian mussels, U6 tiger prawn, octopus and salmon trout. Compared to the rest of the dishes, this was a little underwhelming.

Burnt Banana & Buttermilk Waffle 3.5/5

For dessert, we had Burnt Banana & Buttermilk Waffle ($12) served with peanut butter ice cream. The waffles didn't disappoint us with its crisp exteriors and fluffy core. But I can definitely do more with the Baked Brie Cheese for sure!

Written and photography 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.


Black Marble
Raffles Holland V
118 Holland Ave
#02-01
Singapore 278997
Tel: +65 9641 6913
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Kota Zheng Zong Bak Kut Teh @ Holland Village - Traditional Malaysian Herbal Bak Kut Teh With 39 Years Of Heritage

Kota Zheng Zong Bak Kut Teh (哥打正宗肉骨茶), the famed traditional Malaysian-style herbal Bak Kut Teh from Kelantan, Kota Tinggi, Malaysia has opened its first outlet in Holland Village, Singapore. Started as a humble tricycle pushcart stall in Kampung Kelantan in 1980 by Mr Pang Kow, the business has expanded into Johor Bahru and now across the causeway in Singapore.

Herbal Claypot Bak Kut Teh

Their signature Herbal Claypot Bak Kut Teh ($11.90/ $28.90/ $49.90) comes in three sizes that are suitable for 1 pax, 2-3 pax and 4-5 pax respectively. Using a 39-year-old recipe, the bak kut teh soup is brewed using pork ribs, belly, leg and tail, together with a mix of 18 Chinese herbs and dark soy sauce. The result is a robust, complex broth with savoury and bittersweet notes. I had the spare pork ribs which fell of the bone with ease. Diners can also add on other ingredients such as button mushroom ($1), crispy sheets of fried beancurd skin ($1) and pig's liver ($2.90).

Fried You Tiao 4/5, Preserved Vegetable 3.5/5, Braised Tau Pok 4.2/5

Chinese Lettuce 3.5/5, Muar Mackerel Otah 4.2/5

To complete the meal, diners can also paired it with other side dishes such as Fried You Tiao ($1.90), Braised Tau Pok ($3.90), Fragrant White Rice ($0.90), Chinese Lettuce ($5.90/ $8.90) and Muar Mackerel Otah ($9.90).

Diners can also opt for Premium Pork Ribs ($12.90/ $29.90/ $53.90) for the herbal claypot bak kut teh. For a different experience of appreciating bak kut teh, one can spike up the broth with a shot of Hua Tiao Rice Wine ($0.90), Hennessy VSOP ($3.90) or Martell Cordon Bleu ($10.90).

Spanish Iberico in White Pepper Soup 3/5

Besides the herbal style bak kut teh, the restaurant also offers the Spanish Iberico in White Pepper Soup ($15.90/ $39.90). Unfortunately, the white soup lacked the robustness of the peppery style that I am used to. Furthermore, I find the Spanish Iberico too fatty for my enjoyment.

Braised Pig's Trotters 4/5

Best savoured with a bowl of steaming white rice is the Braised Pig's Trotters ($12.90/ $31.90). The toothsome meat with its plush, soft fat is slow-cooked in dark soy sauce and other aromatics till tender.

Triple Mix Organ Soup 4.2/5

I love innards, hence I am glad that the restaurant serves Triple Mix Organ Soup ($13.90/ $32.90). In the piping hot claypot, one can find pig's liver, kidney and intestines in the herbal broth.

Though I am not a fan of Malaysia-style bak kut teh for its strong herbal taste, the version here is more balanced which will suit the local's palate.


Kota Zheng Zong Bak Kut Teh
15A Lorong Liput
Singapore 277742
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 330pm, 5pm - 10pm
Sat: 11am - 11pm
Sun: 11am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Full Of Luck Restaurant @ Holland Village - Hearty New Menu

Full of Luck Restaurant at Holland Village, known for its modern touch for classic Cantonese fare has launched a new menu to tantalise the taste buds of its diners. We dropped by the restaurant recently to try out some of the new dishes on the new menu.

Sesame Prawn Toast with Yuzu Mayonnaise 3/5

We started our dinner with some light bites such as the Sesame Prawn Toast with Yuzu Mayonnaise ($12) and Salted Egg Molten Lava Cheese Tart ($10 for 3pc). Prawn toast is not new. What makes the classic dim sum item different from the norm is the addition of yuzu in the sauce, enliven the enjoyment.

Salted Egg Molten Lava Cheese Tart 3/5

Quite similar to the Hokkaido cheese tart, the Salted Egg Molten Lava Cheese Tart ($10 for 3pc) is an upgraded version with oozing salted egg filling. A delightfully sweet and savoury combination. However, I find it a bit stretch for modern Cantonese cuisine.

Black Vinegar Pork Ribs 4/5

One of my favourite dishes is Black Vinegar Pork Ribs. It has a beautiful coat of sticky sweetness complementing the folk tender pork ribs. This is best to have together with a bowl of steam rice.

Chicken Poached Rice in Collagen Broth

A hearty and comforting bowl is the Chicken Poached Rice in Collagen Broth ($16). A housemade broth that is slow-boiled for hours is poured into the pot of rice and chicken. Looking out for the dancing rice, when the fried rice crisps are poured into the sizzling hot broth. We were told that their Poached Rice with Fish in Pumpkin Broth is as good too.

Crispy Pu-Er Tea Smoked Chicken 4.2/5

We waited for a while for the Crispy Pu-Er Tea Smoked Chicken ($20), but it is worthwhile. It is a delightful aromatic dish. The chicken is tender and juicy, with super crispy skin. I also like the thoughtful touch of the Japanese cucumbers marinated with osmanthus and plum sauce at the side that helps to cut the grease. It even comes with homemade ginger-scallion sauce to complement the smoked chicken.

Pandan-infused Black Glutinous Rice with Mango (Hot) 3/5

For dessert, we tried both the Pandan-infused Black Glutinous Rice with Mango (Hot) and Steamed Milk Pudding with Ginger (Chilled). Unfortunately, dessert is not their forte. The combination for the Pandan-infused Black Glutinous Rice with Mango (Hot) is a bit weird for me. I would prefer to stick with the classic. The Steamed Milk Pudding with Ginger is also not as silky and smooth as I would have liked.

Steamed Milk Pudding with Ginger (Chilled) 3/5

With the new menu launched, Full of Luck Restaurant has also rolled out a few promotions. If you are looking for a quick or casual business lunch, there is Weekday Lunch Delight priced at $12.80 with delectable choices of appetisers, mains and beverages. Citibank credit cards member will also get to enjoy 15% discount on regular priced items up to 28 February 2020.

Note: This is an inviting tasting.


Full Of Luck Restaurant
243 Holland Ave
Singapore 278977
Tel: +65 62086845
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 2 minutes. [Map]