Verandah @ Rael's @ The Star Vista - Opens A Second Outlet in the West

Verandah @ Rael's, having opened its doors at TripleOne Somerset, is thrilled to unveil its second outlet at The Star Vista. Boasting both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a private room, this new establishment offers the perfect space for gathering with family and friends to indulge in your favourite Peranakan and Indonesian comfort dishes.

Kueh Pie Tee 3.5/5

We kicked off our dinner with the Kueh Pie Tee, featuring bite-sized crispy tart shells accompanied by a sweet mixture of vegetables and shrimp. Diners can enjoy the interactive experience of assembling their own delectable bites, and for those seeking a spicy kick, a dollop of homemade chilli adds an extra dimension of flavour.

Verandah's Achar 3.5/5

A newcomer to the menu, Verandah's Achar, offers a mildly spiced and sourish condiment, providing the perfect accompaniment to the main dishes.

Nonya Ngoh Hiang 4.2/5

The Nonya Ngoh Hiang emerged as a crowd favourite. Its deep-fried rolls were filled with flavorful minced pork, prawns, and the sweetness of water chestnut encased in dried beancurd skin. It was so delightful that we found ourselves requesting a second serving.

Verandah's Specialty Sambal Brinjal 4/5

Sambal Long Beans 4/5

For our vegetable dishes, we savoured the Verandah's Specialty Sambal Brinjal, wok-fired and adorned with the restaurant's tangy house speciality sambal, as well as the new Sambal Long Beans, where crunchy beans are stir-fried in a fragrant and spicy sambal sauce.

Tau Yu Bak 3.8/5

Introducing another addition to the menu, the Tau Yu Bak featured pork braised in caramelized soy sauces with spices. This resulted in a savoury dish with a hint of sweetness, though some felt the pork could have been more tender.

Curry Chicken 4.5/5

A definite must-have was the Curry Chicken, where tender chicken pieces were bathed in a rich and fragrant curry gravy infused with ground herbs, spices, and a hint of lemongrass. The irresistible curry gravy left me reaching for more to drench our rice in.

Assam Fish 4/5

Finally, the Assam Fish, filleted for ease of consumption, was simmered in a mouthwatering Assam gravy that tantalized the taste buds with its spicy and tangy flavours.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Verandah @ Rael's
The Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green
#01-33/K2
Singapore 138617
Tel: +65 6380 2381
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit A or C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Elixir Coffee and Wine @ Holland Grove - Indulge in Elevated Brunch and Coffee During the Day, Delight in Pizzas and Wines for the Evening

Elixir Boutique Roasters, known for its artisanal coffee and cafe fare, may ring a bell for many cafe-goers. Formerly located in Bukit Timah, the reimagined establishment has since found a new home in Holland Grove under a new name, Elixir Coffee and Wine.

With a brand new menu created by Executive Chef Victor Loy, Elixir invites diners to indulge in brunch and coffee during the day and delight in pizzas and wines in the evening. The menu offers elevated brunch classics, fun bites, and unique sourdough pizzas.

Coffee lovers would be happy to know that they serve coffee brewed using beans from award-winning Blacklist Coffee in Perth. For wine lovers, the restaurant holds a curated wine list of old and new world vintages.

Stracciatella 4/5

Our meal began with a more classic dish, the Stracciatella ($20). Here in the Stracciatella, we had sourdough bread smothered with creamy burrata, complemented by pecorino cheese and sweet and slightly smoky blistered tomatoes.

For all three tartines we sampled, their bread base is all made using the same sourdough recipe as their pizza dough.

Turkish Eggs 4.5/5

Try the Turkish Eggs ($16) for something more exciting. Chef Victor told us that this is one of their bestselling brunch dishes.

On the sourdough, the flatbread is baked to order. It's topped with garlic yoghurt, paprika oil, poached egg and a super addictive Lao Gan Ma-inspired housemade chilli crunch. The added pomegranate gave pops of refreshing sweetness amidst the spicier and garlicky bites.

Salumi 4/5

The Salumi ($16) would be a treat for bolognese lovers. The flatbread is generously topped with nduja and accompanied with tangy sumac onions and a blend of fresh herbs like coriander, arugula, mint and dill. I recommend sharing this for more enjoyment, as the heaviness may feel a little flat halfway through.

Salad 4/5

Next, we moved on to the Bites section, which is available for order from 12pm. The simple-looking Salad ($12) had a refreshing mix of radicchio, wombok and mint in white balsamic with crunchy hazelnuts.

Burrata 4.5/5

Bet you’ve never had burrata done in this manner! Elixir’s Burrata ($24) continues an unexpected use of the housemade chilli crunch we loved on the Turkish Eggs.

While the flavourful chilli crunch may slightly mask the creamy sweetness of the burrata, we thoroughly enjoyed the exciting pairing and side of pickled cherry tomatoes! This will be up your alley if you're looking for something different.

Tête de Moine 4/5

Consider the Tête de Moine ($22) for a side to pair with your wine. The beautifully shaved Swiss semi-hard cheese is served with poached apricot and fried walnuts, boasting a creamy and nutty flavour with a subtle tangy finish.

Baby Octopus 4.5/5

My favourite from the Bites menu was Chef Victor's Baby Octopus ($18). It had baby octopus coated in a thin exterior of seasoned flour and deep-fried to the perfect crunch.

I thoroughly appreciated how the light batter allowed you to still enjoy the octopus's chewiness and how the umami black aioli didn't overpower. This is one dish I will definitely re-order on my next visit.

Not-Carbonara 4.5/5

For fans of white pizzas, go for the Not-Carbonara ($26), the restaurant's signature pizza inspired by the well-loved carbonara dish. While you will see authentic-carbonara toppings of egg yolk, guanciale, prosciutto and pecorino cheese, the play on its name is due to the inclusion of a rich and creamy mornay sauce on its base.

While we found the pizzas slightly too thick around the crusts, we enjoyed the chewiness from the sourdough and the flavourful combination. It leans on a saltier end with a generous hand of fragrant black pepper, but my dining companion and I did not mind it at all.

Hot Mama 4.2/5

Here is another appearance of the special housemade chilli crunch on the Hot Mama ($28) pizza. This is one boldly flavoured piece, with the fragrant spiciness from the chilli crunch and additional spiciness and saltiness from slices of Calabrese salami, alongside onions and fennel.

Cali Cali 4/5

Cali Cali ($26) was inspired by Chef Victor's trip to California, focusing on the marriage of flavours from the country and Italy. This piece saw toppings of sausage, chopped kailan, guacamole and chilli flakes. After sampling the first two, the flavours here are more 'safe'.

Pistachio Cake 3.8/5

Our dessert for the day was the Pistachio Cake ($14) drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and a dollop of crème fraiche chantilly. This was a piece that was light and nutty but not exceptional.

Travelling to Elixir Coffee and Wine is out of the way. Hence, I recommend making reservations at https://elixircoffeeandwine.com/pages/reservations to ensure an available table.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Elixir Coffee and Wine
24 Holland Grove Road
#01-18
Singapore 278803
Tel: +65 6908 5547
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC, EW Line), Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 830am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 830am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Buona Vista MRT station (Stop ID 11361). Take bus number 92. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road, turn right and walk towards Holland Grove Road. Turn left onto Holland Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Aliight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Holland Village, Holland Road (Stop ID 11261). Take bus number 7, 61, 75, 156 and 165. Alight 3 stops later. Walk towards Holland Grove Road. Turn left onto Holland Grove Road. Walk to destination. ourney time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Dan's Steaks Bar & Grill @ The Star Vista - A Home-grown Steakhouse By Ex-Radio DJ Daniel Ong

Dan's Steaks has expanded into 4 outlets in Singapore, one of which is at Star Vista, which I visited recently. It is known for its large cuts up to 1.2kg. House cuts that are good for one are available as well. To complement your steaks, the restaurant has also curated a list of wholesome starters and sides and a considered selection of wines, cocktails and craft beers, including the much beloved Brewlander.

Pan-seared Hokkaido Scallops 4.5/5

We started with Pan-seared Hokkaido Scallops ($27), which is very well received by customers. The scallops were served piping hot in aromatic garlic butter sauce and were exceptionally plump and succulent. I love the charred sides that gave an edge to their texture. It would have been perfect should the accompanying toasts be just plain toasts to sop up the garlic butter.

Austige Wagyu Hanging Tender 3.8/5

From House Cuts, we had Austige Wagyu Hanging Tender (230g $46 with one side) served with Chimichurri and Dan's special mustard. It is one of the more exclusive cuts the restaurant offers with a limited daily quantity. It's well-liked for its leanness and beefy flavour. Ours was beautifully charred, forming a tantalising crust. Dan's special mustard has a hint of fiery kick, which I reckoned it's from the use of wasabi, and together with the tangy Chimichurri, the sauces cut the meat's richness. However, I found the steak lacked some salt to bring out its full flavour.

Fresh Creamed Spinach 3.8/5

Each House Cut comes with one side of choice. I had the Fresh Creamed Spinach that came bright and sunny with a fried sunny side-up. Though it was just a dish of spinach and cream, I love the idea of beefing up the side with a fried sunny side-up and mixing the egg yolk in helped to make it creamier.

Dan's Mac & Cheese 3.5/5

The sides are available in generous portions for a la carte orders. Dan's Mac & Cheese ($14) with triple cheese is definitely a crowd-pleaser for all cuts. It was done al dente and wasn't overly creamy, but it was relatively mild tasting. Adding some sharp-tasting cheeses will help to give it some oomph.

Pan-Roasted Mushroom 4.8/5

The much-recommended Pan-Roasted Mushroom ($14) featuring a trio of mushrooms is one of the best I had. These well-roasted morsels, especially those with caramelised edges, were so flavoursome with aromatic white wine, balsamic and garlic. It is a must-have if you drop by Dan's Steaks.

This Star Vista outlet has a very cosy ambience, with warm natural lights from its glass facade. The drinks menu is designed to go with the food menu. Diners can look forward to good craft beers and a good selection of wines.

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.


Dan's Steaks
The Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green
#02-22
Singapore 138617
Tel: +65 81233853
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thur: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 11am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit A or C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]

Monki (台灣小吃部) @ The Star Vista - Homely And Comforting Taiwan Cuisine

Monki (台灣小吃部) is a Taiwanese restaurant that has moved into Star Vista, located just beside the taxi stand. I remembered visiting the cafe previously at Holland Drive, but I was only there for desserts. I will try out some of their snacks and mains this time.

Taiwan Century Egg Tofu 3.8/5

We started with the chilled Taiwan Century Egg Tofu ($8), generously topped with pork floss and bonito flakes. While it is an appetising starter, I felt the century egg lacked that pungent I was looking for.

Double Mix Mee Sua 4.2/5

There are a few combinations for the Mee Sua, and I went for the Double Mix Mee Sua ($11), picking the big intestine and oyster. The big intestine was not gamey. I recommend adding more vinegar and a dash of chilli to elevate the taste profile to enjoy the thick, smooth, and slurping goodness.

Taiwan Braised Pork Rice 4.2/5

The Taiwan Braised Pork Rice ($9) comes with fragrant and fluffy rice topped with fatty braised pork. I like that it is very saucy, allowing the rice to soak up the delicious sauce for a delightful mouthfeel. It even comes with a braised egg and tau pok.

Taiwan Fried Chicken Cutlet 4/5

We also ordered the Taiwan Fried Chicken Cutlet ($8) to complete our meal. It is incredibly huge, tender and juicy with a crispy coat.

The dishes here felt homely and comforting. Maybe I have been missing Taiwan since the closure of the border due COVIID.


Monki (台灣小吃部)
The Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green
#01-41
Singapore 138617
Tel: +65 62588112
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1030am - 9pm
Fri: 1030am - 930am
Sat: 9am - 930pm
Sun: 1030am - 830pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit A or C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]

Les Bouchons @ Rochester Park - New Hot Destination For Classic Steak Frites, French Classics & Wines In The West

Les Bouchons, well known for its classic and value-for-money steak frites and French cuisine, has opened its latest outlet in the west. The restaurant is located in a two-storey heritage black and white bungalow built in the 1940s, surrounded by the serene and lush greenery of Rochester Park.

French Heirloom Beetroot Salad 4.8/5

With the opening of its latest outlet at Rochester, it has introduced several exclusive new dishes, such as the French Heirloom Beetroot Salad ($17). These beetroots are deliciously fruity, not those earthy tasting beetroots that I have eaten. On top of that, it has a delectable crunchy texture that is very enjoyable.

Terrine de Foie Gras "Maison" 4/5

The Terrine de Foie Gras "Maison" ($26) is another exclusive dish at the new outlet. It is served with onion chutney and toast. I am not sure about the others on the table, but I find having the terrine with toast weird. I prefer pairing it with the complimentary bread.

French Ceps Soup with Truffle Oil 3.8/5

It was a rainy day when I visited Les Bouchons. Hence the French Ceps Soup with Truffle Oil ($16) is a timely entree warming the body in the cold weather. Each spoonful came with an intense mushroomy flavour, but I thought it was rather heavy on the salt. In addition, I didn't find the use of truffle oil is necessary.

Grilled Sirloin Wagyu 4.8/5

The highlight at Les Bouchons has to be their mains. Making a grand entrance with its beautiful marbling is the Grilled Sirloin Wagyu ($78) cooked perfectly to medium-rare. Just a touch of salt at the side to appreciate the flavoursome piece of meat. There is no need for any sauce to enjoy the quality Japanese Hokkaido Black Wagyu MB +6/7.

Extra Tender Angus Beef Filet 4.8/5

Next, we have the Extra Tender Angus Beef Filet ($50). It is leaner compared to the wagyu, bursting with beefy jus of its own. It is not interior to the wagyu but up to the individual's preference for their steak. Fans like me that prefer more bite in their steak would choose the Angus beef filet over the grilled sirloin wagyu.

Poulet aux 40 Gousses d'Ail 4.5/5

Besides the beef, Les Bouchons does a very good Poulet aux 40 Gousses d'Ail ($32). I was secretly happy to be served the traditional 40 garlic roasted chicken. A dish I have not eaten for a long time. I reminded the last time I had it was many years ago at a friend's gathering. The chicken flavoured by the lovely aroma of garlic and rosemary was tender and juicy. I would highly recommend wiping up the delicious sauce with the bread too.

Truffle Brie "Maison" 50g 4/5

Round up with some cheese and crackers to complete the meal and enjoy the selection of wines available at the restaurant. It has a list of approximately 100 labels, including old and new world, rare and vintage selections, with 80% from France, ensuring that there is something to imbibe at any time of the day.

Double Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream 4/5

You will not get wrong with the Double Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream ($15) for desserts. Crusty on the exterior and molten inside, the chocolatey goodness is complemented by the creaminess of the vanilla ice cream, cutting through the richness.

Ile Flottante 4.2/5

Also known as the floating island is the Ile Flottante ($13). Floating in the tall glass is a meringue in creme anglaise. It was my first time having such an interesting dessert, and I enjoyed it. It felt like having ice cream in a creamy sauce.

Creme Brulee 4.2/5

Last but not least, we have the Creme Brulee ($13) that comes with a layer of crackling caramelised sugar atop a rich custard base infused with a hint of orange zest.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Les Bouchons Rochester
10 Rochester Park
Rochester Commons
Singapore 139221
Tel: +65 69048972
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 12pm - 2pm, 6pm - 10pm
Fri: 12pm - 2pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit C. Take the sheltered walkway and walk towards Star Vista. Turn left onto Rochester Drive. Walk to junction of Rochester Drive and Vista Exchange Green. Turn right onto Vista Exchange Green. Walk to junction of Vista Exchange Green and Rochester Park. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Gary's Restaurant @ Rochester Park - New Italian Fine Dining Restaurant In The West

Gary's Restaurant is one of the newest restaurants to open in the Rochester Park area. The Italian restaurant was opened by founder and executive chef Gary Wu. He has honed his culinary skills in Michelin starred restaurant and cooking for the Brunei royal family, cabinet ministers, and celebrities. The restaurant is located in a 2-storey heritage black and white house, surrounded by vast greenery.

Hokkaido Scallop “Crudo” 4.5/5

Our dinner at Gary's Restaurant started with the Hokkaido Scallop "Crudo" ($20). The Japanese scallop is paired with ikura, citrus salad, red radish, and dressed in a ginger ponzu sauce. I enjoyed how ginger ponzu brightened the sweetness of the scallop.

Pan Seared Foie Gras 4.2/5

Next, we had the Pan Seared Foie Gras ($26). It is paired with onion chutney and aged balsamic. The sweetness helped to cut through the creaminess and richness.

Carbonara 4.8/5

The Carbonara ($26) brought a smile to me. It is not the saucy type in which creams are added. Instead, it is the classic way of cooking carbonara. It may look simple, but it is a beautifully cooked pasta paired with crispy iberico chips, parmigiano and a dash of truffle oil. It has been a long time since I had such good tasting carbonara done the traditional way.

Slow Cooked Wagyu Beef Cheek 4.8/5

Another beautiful dish on the menu is the fork-tender Slow Cooked Wagyu Beef Cheek ($38). It is soft and flavourful, paired excellently with sweet pea, sweet carrot and truffle crush potato.

Tiramisu 4.5/5

I was told the Tiramisu ($14) is baked a la minute. The savoiardi soaked with Kahlua coffee liqueur and the mascarpone has just the right balance of sweetness, complemented by the right bitterness from the coffee and cocoa powder.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Gary's Restaurant
41 Rochester Drive
Singapore 138582
Tel: 65 89200200
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit C. Take the sheltered walkway and walk towards Star Vista. Turn left onto Rochester Drive. Walk down Rochester Drive towards Rochester Mall. Take the staircase at the back of Rochester Mall. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]