Showing posts with label .Station: Hillview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label .Station: Hillview. Show all posts

Sunday, June 30, 2024

SPRUCE @ HillV2 - 15th Anniversary Grand Reopening with New Menu Featuring Collaboration by MasterChef Singapore Season 4 Winner Inderpal Singh

IMG_2232

SPRUCE recently celebrated its 15th anniversary with a grand reopening at HillV2 and introduced a new bakery and bistro concept. Their all-new menu features a range of new dishes alongside an exclusive MasterChef collaboration with MasterChef Singapore Season 4 winner, Inderpal Singh. This collaboration consists of 5 items by Chef Inderpal, which showcase his expertise in spices.

IMG_2169

The new modern space is adorned with warm lights and lots of greens, making it a cosy space for gatherings.

IMG_2175
Beverages

Their beverage list is extensive, with homemade drinks such as Homemade Lemonade ($8), freshly squeezed lemon with fresh mint, and Arnold Palmer ($7), a blend of freshly brewed tea and homemade lemonade. Cocktails, created in collaboration with award-winning mixologist Nithi, are also available.

IMG_3084

IMG_3083
MasterChef Laksa Pumpkin Soup 3.8/5

The MasterChef Laksa Pumpkin Soup ($15) caught our eye for its intriguing combination of sweet pumpkin, laksa leaves, galanga and chilli! The creamy soup took some getting used to but paired well with a crunchy slice of garlic bread.

IMG_3086

IMG_2204
MasterChef - Fenugreek Crab Cake 4.2/5

A popular MasterChef creation is the Fenugreek Crab Cake ($22). Despite its price, it was chock full of succulent crab meat. We were also fans of the rich and aromatic fenugreek chutney, which enhanced the overall umami flavours.

IMG_2228
MasterChef “Chilli Prawn” Roti John 3.5/5

The MasterChef "Chilli Prawn" Roti John ($27) featured prawns in chilli crab sauce on a basil roti john, offering a special twist on the classic beef or chicken versions. However, it was a tad pricey for its portion.

IMG_2216
Prawn Orecchiette 4/5

For mains, we first had the Prawn Orecchiette ($24), which saw orecchiette pasta tossed in spinach and garlic cream sauce, with tiger prawn chunks and zucchini. While I would have liked the pasta a touch softer, the garlicky sauce was quite enjoyable.

IMG_2224
Truffled & Mushroom Risotto 3.8/5

The Truffled & Mushroom Risotto ($23) was decent, with carnaroli rice simmered with mushrooms and mascarpone cheese. The thick texture made it better suited as a sharing dish.

IMG_2239

IMG_2253
Chimichurri Baby Back Ribs 4.2/5

Apart from the Fenugreek Crab Cake, our other unanimous favourite of the night was the Chimichurri Baby Back Ribs ($26). I rarely order baby back ribs as they usually come doused in a thick, sweet sauce, which I am not a fan of. SPRUCE's rendition, however, has the tender ribs served with a zesty homemade chimichurri sauce and shoestring fries on the side.

IMG_3085

IMG_2250
MasterChef - Barramundi & Coconut Briyani 4/5

The MasterChef — Barramundi & Coconut Briyani ($28), aptly described by my dining companions as a healthy briyani, was clean-tasting in a good way. The pan-seared barramundi had a crisp skin, while its meat remained tender. It was atop coconut briyani with pistachio and raisins and accompanied by a side of refreshing yogurt.

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.


SPRUCE
HillV2
#01-01
4 Hillview Rise
Singapore 667979
Tel: +65 9759 5790
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Hillview MRT (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 10am = 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Hillview MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Hillview Road. Turn right onto Hillview road. Walk down Hillview Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, June 1, 2023

Acqua e Farina @ The Rail Mall - Authentic And Hearty Italian Fare In Homely Italian Family Restaurant

IMG_4300

Along the stretch of dining options at The Rail Mall is a cosy little Italian restaurant, Acqua e Farina. It is helmed by Chef Antonio Manetto and Chef Roberto Galbiati, who are natives from Southern and Northern Italy respectively. They bring together a full menu of authentic Italian cuisine for diners to enjoy.

IMG_4126

As the restaurant's name suggests, Acqua e Farina, which is Italian for water and flour, reflects the Chefs' goal of showcasing their Italian fare using simple traditional recipes and top-quality ingredients.

IMG_4128

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating. I have passed by this restaurant several times but always assumed it has a more formal setting. What I loved most about our dining experience here was how warm and cosy it was! Stepping into the restaurant felt like stepping into an Italian friend's home.

IMG_4296
Drinks

We went with a glass of Limoncello Prosecco ($13) and a Blood Orange San Pellegrino ($4) for drinks. If you are a fan of wines, the restaurant features an entire wall of wines you can pick from. The Chefs also offer recommendations based on preferences.

IMG_4297
Capesante con Funghi 4.2/5

First up was the Capesante con Funghi ($28), with pan-fried Hokkaido scallop dressed in a creamy and richly earthy mushroom sauce paired with baby spinach and croutons. We had the tasting portion here, while the full portion includes three scallops.

IMG_4298
Gamberetti con Pancetta e Spinaci 4/5

Our next starter was the Gamberetti con Pancetta e Spinaci ($27), which has pan-fried shrimp wrapped in pancetta, served with sautéed spinach. My dining companion and I found the prawn a touch drier than we would like, but we appreciated the balance of flavours. I especially liked that it wasn't too salty.

IMG_4299
Fettuccine Nere alla Polpa di Granchio 4.5/5

Our first main was the Fettuccine Nere alla Polpa di Granchio ($34), homemade squid ink pasta with crabmeat tossed in tomato sauce. The pasta is made fresh daily, and diners can also request for gluten-free spaghetti. I don't often choose my pasta with a tomato base, but I would come back for Acqua e Farina's rendition.

Their tomato base has a touch of cream and hence is not as acidic as usual. The slight creaminess complemented the chunks of sweet crabmeat.

IMG_4301
Pizza Quattro Formaggi 4.5/5

The Pizza Quattro Formaggi ($34) is one of the restaurant's only two pizzas with a white cheese base. The other nine pizzas on the menu use a red tomato base.

If you are a cheese fan, I am sure you will enjoy this. It uses four types of cheese - Mozzarella, Gorgonzola (Blue Cheese), Smoked Scamorza and Asiago. Chef told us this is one of the top two popular pizzas here. It's not difficult to understand with its generous topping of cheese and a whiff of truffle fragrance on a crisp and slightly chewy base.

IMG_4302
Linguine alla Bottarga e Capesante 4.2/5

Acqua e Farina regularly launches special menus which keep things fresh and fun, especially for their regular diners. It was coincidentally Mother's Day weekend when we were here, and we had the pleasure to try one of the dishes on their Mother's Day Special menu, the Linguine alla Bottarga e Capesante ($38). The linguine tossed with cured fish roe, garlic, chilli, and herbs was appetising, and we polished this off quickly.

IMG_4303
Dessert Platter 4/5

The Dessert Platter ($19) is the easiest way to try an assortment of their dessert offerings. Each platter comprises mini portions of Crème Brûlée, Lava Cake, Panna Cotta and Tiramisù.

The highlights for us were the Lava Cake and Crème Brûlée. The former had the perfect cook and was not too sweet. We wished the caramelised layer on the Crème Brûlée could be thinner, but we enjoyed the smooth and fragrant custard.

Overall, our dinner at Acqua e Farina was a fantastic experience put together by the quality food and servers who go the extra mile to provide a comfortable environment for diners.

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.


Acqua e Farina
The Rail Mll
400 Upper Bukit Timah Road
#01-15/16
Singapore 678050
Tel: +65 69708191
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Hillview MRT (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Hillview MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left onto Upper Bukit Timah Road. Walk down Upper Bukit Timah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, January 5, 2023

Joyden Canton Kitchen Chinese New Year Reunion Set Menus

JoydenKitchenCNY23-10

Joyden Canton Kitchen unveil a line-up of prosperous reunion set menus to welcome the Year of the Rabbit. This Lunar New Year, the restaurant presents a repertoire of reunion set menus showcasing appetising yam and duck creations. In offer are two sumptuous six-course (from $288) and eight-course ($688) menus, available for dine-in from 2 January to 5 February 2023.

JoydenKitchenCNY23-2
Crispy Yam with Salmon and Abalone Prosperity Yu Sheng 3.5/5

Toss to a new year of happiness, prosperity and longevity with Joyden's Crispy Yam with Salmon and Abalone Prosperity Yu Sheng ($78), comprising velvety slices of salmon, yam strips, julienne carrots, pomelo and crushed roasted peanuts in piquant plum sauce. I love the addition of the crispy yam sticks for additional textural enjoyment.

JoydenKitchenCNY23-5
Traditional Crispy Szechuan Fragrant Duck 4/5

A splendid offering for this Lunar New Year is the Traditional Crispy Szechuan Fragrant Duck. It is marinated with a medley of aromatics, steamed and then deep-fried to render a beautiful crispy skin on the outside and tender meat inside. It is served alongside a homemade sambal and kumquat sauce for a sweet and spicy kick that is the perfect foil for the deep-fried bird.

JoydenKitchenCNY23-16
Traditional Braised Eight Treasure Duck 4.2/5

Another impressive duck dish is the Traditional Braised Eight Treasure Duck braised for two and a half hours. The fork-tender duck is stuffed with an array of eight moreish ingredients: water chestnut, chestnut, shiitake mushroom, lotus seed, lily bulb, ginkgo, roast pork, garlic, cloaked in a luscious oyster-based sauce.

JoydenKitchenCNY23-20
Yam Ring with Pork Loin & Fresh Scallops in XO Sauce 4.2/5

Besides the duck-centric dishes, customers can look forward to the nostalgic crispy homemade Yam Ring with Pork Loin & Fresh Scallops in XO Sauce. The yam ring is fried to perfection with a crisp exterior and creamy interior. Nestled within it is a treasure trove of pork loin, scallops, cashew nuts, asparagus, shiitake mushroom and bell peppers stir-fried in robust XO sauce.

JoydenKitchenCNY23-29
Handmade Seafood Beancurd with Slow Braised Shanghai Baby Cabbage 4.8/5

The Handmade Seafood Beancurd with Slow Braised Shanghai Baby Cabbage looks unassuming, but it is a tasty and comforting dish. The seafood beancurd is pillowy soft while the soft cabbage soaked up the delicious broth.

JoydenKitchenCNY23-21
Steamed Fragrant Glutinous Rice with Yam and Chinese Sausage 3.5/5

The Steamed Fragrant Glutinous Rice with Yam and Chinese Sausage features fluffy, sticky rice accompanied by diced chicken, dried shrimp, Chinese sausage, shiitake mushroom and yam cubes, topped with strips of egg and deep-fried Kai Lan leaves. It is like a huge rice dumpling fragranced by Chinese sausage.

JoydenKitchenCNY23-31
Yam Sago 4/5

Wrapping up the dinner, I opted for the Yam Sago, a change from the usual mango sago. The rendition tastes like bubur cha cha less the sweet potatoes and tapioca cubes.

JoydenKitchenCNY23-3

EXCLUSIVE CHINESE NEW YEAR PROMOTIONS
Dine-in Promotions
From 8 December 2022 to 28 February 2023:
• Customers to receive a set of Prosperity Red Packets with a minimum spend of $50.
• Customers to receive an exclusive Prosperity Cushion with a minimum spend of $130.

Takeaway Promotions
From 7 December 2022 to 5 February 2023:
• Members to enjoy 15% off with a minimum purchase of two festive delights.
• UOB card members to enjoy 10% off with a minimum purchase of two festive delights.
• Add on smoked salmon slices for $15 (U.P. $18) with any ‘Yu Sheng’ purchased.
• Stand a chance to win a free exclusive Prosperity Cushion:
    o Follow @JoydenConcepts on Facebook or Instagram
    o Snap lo hei moments with the Lo Hei Mat that comes with each set of takeaway ‘Yu Sheng’
    o Post a photo with the hashtag #CNYWithJoyden on Facebook or Instagram
Note: Prices stated are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing GST

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Joyden Canton Kitchen
HillV2
4 Hillview Rise
#02-21
Singapore 667979
Tel: +65 64659988
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Hillview (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Hillview MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight to Hillview Road. Turn right onto Hillview Road. Walk down Hillview Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Friday, July 2, 2021

Coexist Coffee Co @ Hillview Terrace - New Hidden Cafe In The West On The Rooftop Of An Industrial Building

CoexistCoffee17

Who would ever guess someone will open a cafe located on the rooftop of an industrial building in the West of Singapore? Coexist Coffee Co is located at Hillview Terrace. Take the lift to the seventh floor and take the staircase to the eighth floor to reach the cafe.

CoexistCoffee27

CoexistCoffee24

DDeck in white and red tiles, the interior is quite bare and straightforward, giving the cafe a spacious feel. The eye-catching piece of furniture would be the suspending stone table extending out from the counter.

CoexistCoffee2
White with Oat Milk

At a glance at the cups for our White With Oat Milk ($6), you may think the cafe uses plastic cups for the coffee. I don't blame you; that was my initial impression until I lift the cup to sip my coffee. Oh, it is heavy. It is not plastic but porcelain.

CoexistCoffee3
Steak & Eggs 3/5

The menu at Coexist Coffee Co is quite extensive. We tried both the Steak & Eggs ($26) and Sambal Fish and Chips ($20) from the menu. Both dishes were served about half an hour apart, with many tables checking on their orders and staff going around apologising for the wait. The kitchen is slow in dishing out the food. Hopefully, they can sort out the operation as the delay is ready too long.

CoexistCoffee9

Back to the food, the Steak & Eggs is quite average. While it is cooked to the correct doneness, the meat is rather tough in texture. There are no sauces, lightly seasoned to enjoy the beef's natural flavour. While we manage to finish the steak, we didn't touch the salad because the dressing is too sour and acidic.

CoexistCoffee18
Sambal Fish and Chips 3.8/5

The same very sour and acidic dressing is used in the salad for the Sambal Fish and Chips ($20). The fish tasted much better than the steak. The batter is light and crispy. The fish itself is fresh, not those frozen types, complemented by the sambal, which is not spicy.

CoexistCoffee21

As the cafe is only on its second day during my visit, we have to excuse the operation. I think the concept has potential, but they need time to fine-tune and smooth out their operations.


Coexist Coffee Co
Hillview Building
48 Hillview Terrace
#08-00
Singapore 669269
Nearest MRT: Bukit Batok (NS Line), Hillview (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am - 7pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Hillview MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to the traffic junction of Hillview Road and Upper Bukit Timah Road. Cross the road. Walk to bus stop opposite Glendale Park Condominium (Stop ID 43279).Take bus number 176, 177, 653 or 963. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road to Hillview Terrace. Walk down Hillview Terrace. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bukit Batok MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to Bukit Batok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 43009). Take bus number 177. Alight 3 stops later. Walk down Hillview Ave to Hillview Terrace. Turn right onto Hillview Terrace. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Monday, May 15, 2017

One More (来一客) Steamboat & Teppanyaki Buffet @ HillV2 - Healthy, Delicious & Convenient Taiwanese Steamboat

OneMoreSteamboat3

I love steamboat and have tried numerous steamboat restaurants but Taiwanese steamboat is a new to me. Together with two other Westies friends, we visited One More (来一客) Steamboat & Teppanyaki Buffet at HillV2 for dinner. The steamboat restaurant offers over 100 different steamboat ingredients, cooked food, desserts and drink for the steamboat buffet. Besides the steamboat, it also offers bento set and Taiwan La Mian.

OneMoreSteamboat1

There are a total of seven different soup bases for the steamboat. We find some of them quite interesting such as the German Sauerkraut Soup and Indian Curry Soup. The other soup bases available on the menu are the Superior Soup, Korean Kimchi Soup, Italian Tomato Soup, Taiwan Mala Soup and Thai Tom Yum Soup.

OneMoreSteamboat8

In the end, we decided to try the Superior Soup, Italian Tomato Soup, Indian Curry Soup and Taiwan Mala Soup. We thought that Taiwan Mala Soup lacked the spicy fragrant but the other three soups are really good. You may wonder how the Indian Curry soup tastes like? It is like your fish head curry which we surprisingly enjoyed it a lot.

OneMoreSteamboat10

For the meat lovers, there is a good variety of different beef cuts, pork, lamb and chicken. Among the spread, you can also find an eclectic selections of vegetables, mushrooms and different type of balls. The dumpling which is plump and juicy is not to be missed. If you are a seafood person, you will be slightly disappointed as the menu focuses more on meat and vegetables.

OneMoreSteamboat19

What is Taiwanese cuisine without the staple Lu Rou Fan or braised pork belly rice right? This is definitely a bonus at One More Steamboat where you can have free flow lu rou fan with the steamboat.

OneMoreSteamboat13

Another unique steamboat ingredient we discovered is the Black Sesame Mochi and Cheese Mochi. The owner has specially imported this from Taiwan. The mochi is supposed to be cooked and eaten in the steamboat.

OneMoreSteamboat17

After feasting to your content, do not forget to save some space for the desserts. Among the dessert spreads, there are cream puff, cheese tarts, fruits, different variety of mochi and ice creams.

OneMoreSteamboat6

Overall we have enjoyed our dining experience at One More Steamboat. Besides the wide selection of ingredients, I thought the have some unique and delicious soup bases. I will definitely return for their superior, tomato and curry soup bases.

Price
Lunch
Mon-Fri: $25.80 adult / $15.80 child
Sat-Sun: $27.80 adult / $17.80 child
Hi-Tea
Mon-Fri: $19.80 adult / $11.80 child
Sat-Sun: $21.80 adult / $13.80 child
Dinner
Mon-Fri: $30.80 adult / $18.80 child
Sat-Sun: $32.80 adult / $20.80 child

Note: This is an invited tasting.


[CLOSED]
One More (来一客) Steamboat & Teppanyaki Buffet
HillV2
4 Hillview Rise
#01-14/15
Singapore 667979
Tel: +65 6710 7478
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Hillview (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Hillview MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right onto Hillview Road. Continue on Hillview Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Acqua E Farina @ The Rail Mall - Simplicity, Tradition and Fresh Ingredients On A Plate

3Z5A0291ed

A new Italian restaurant, Acqua E Farina has opened next to the green corridor at The Rail Mall. Acqua E Farina offers a selection of North and South Italian cuisine to the hood with tried-and-tested recipes from their hometowns.

3Z5A0282ed
Fagottino di Mozzarella e Prosciutto 4.2/5

Our dinner at the new Italian restaurant started with the Fagottino di Mozzarella e Prosciutto ($23). Glowing like a shining gem in the middle of the plate is the fresh and creamy buffalo mozzarella, paired with tomatoes, parma ham and mixed greens.

3Z5A0279ed
Fungo Ripieno 4/5

If the buffalo mozzarella is a shining gem, the Fingo Ripieno ($18) will be the black pearl. Sitting on a bed of baby spinach is the baked stuffed portobello mushrooms, dressed in porcini mushroom sauce. A great option for vegetarian too.

3Z5A0284ed
Polipo e Patate 4/5

The Polipo e Patate ($28) comprises of sauteed octopus with potatoes, olives and capers with olive oil and herbs. The combination of flavours and textures give life to the tender octopus for a delightful finishing.

3Z5A0288ed
Tagliatelle alla Boscaiola 4.2/5

Italian cuisine is know for the pasta and not to be missed at Acqua E Farina is the Tagliatelle alla Boscaiola ($24). The egg-based tagliatelle is made in house for a fresh and delightful bite. Tossed in tomato sauce together with mushrooms, Italian sausage and bacon, it is given a touch of cream to round off the beautiful flavours.

3Z5A0289ed
Linguine ai Frutti di Mare 4/5

For the seafood lover, there is the Linguine ai Frutti di Mare ($26). The al dente linguine with clams, mussels, prawn and calamari is tossed in a light tomato sauce, complementing the fresh seafood.

3Z5A0292ed
Pizza Tartufo 4.5/5

At Acqua E Farina, you can savour two types of pizzas with different toppings. The two types are
Red (with tomato sauce base) and White (with a cheese base). We had the Pizza Tartufo ($26) which has a cheesy base of mascarpone and mozzarella topped with mushrooms and black truffle. It may look rather plain for a pizza but its packed with flavours on top of the thin crust.

3Z5A0294ed
Costoletta di Maiale 4.2/5

If you are tired of pasta and pizza in Italian cuisine, worry not as there are other mains on the menu such as the Costoletta di Maiale ($34). The pork chop is pan fried with pancetta and sage. It is served with vegetables, potatoes and white wine sauce to complement the tender pork and its crispy edges. You will be surprised that Italian can cook their pork well too.

3Z5A0295ed
Piatto di Dolci 4/5

Wrapping our dinner, we had the Piatto di Dolci ($14), a dessert platter comprising of mini portions of creme brulee, lava cake, panna cotta and tiramisu. It is hard to pin point which is the favourite as everyone of us have our own preference. I also meant that you can get to try everything and come back the next time for the full portion of your favourite dessert.

Have a party to throw but don’t want to deal with the cooking and after-party clean-up?  Acqua E Farina Party Helper will save the day and night! Generous servings of the carefully selected menu dishes and desserts, as well as 30% off Italian wines can be put together with fun presentation, delivery and clean-up at an extra charge, depending on the location and needs of guests.


Acqua E Farina
The Rail Mall
400 Upper Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 678050
Tel: +65 64620926
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Hillview (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 11am - 230pm, 530pm - 1015pm
Fri-Sun: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 1015pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Hillview MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left onto Upper Bukit Timah Road. Walk down Upper Bukit Timah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]