Ristorante Takada @ Alexis Condominium - An Italian-Japanese Restaurant By Chef Masahiro Takada

Ristorante Takada is an Italian-Japanese restaurant located at Alexis Condominium. It is helmed by Chef Masahiro Takada, who has honed his skills in Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy and Japan. We have the 5-course Omakase Dinner priced at $158.

Before starting the omakase dinner, we are served complimentary bread paired with olive oil and balsamic.

Mushroom Soup 4/5

We started with dinner with Mushroom Soup served in a coffee cup. With the layer of foam, it felt like we were having a cup of mushroom cappuccino.

3 Kind Of Mix Appetizer 3.5/5

Our first course is a Trio of Appetizer. We have Scallop & Prawn, Burrata with Tomato & Parma Ham, and Smoked Duck on the plate. I felt the appetizer lacked the finesse I was expecting, but they were good tasting.

Lobster with Hokkaido Scallop and Hamaguri Clam 4.2/5

The next course is the lavish Lobster with Hokkaido Scallop and Hamaguri Clam drenched in a bright orange sauce. I am not sure what the sauce is, but it is sweet, creamy, and tangy that complements the fresh seafood.

Tagliolini Hokkaido Sea Urchin with Squid Ink Sauce 4.2/5

For the pasta dish, we have the Tagliolini Hokkaido Sea Urchin with Squid Ink Sauce. There are two ways of enjoying the pasta. The first is to appreciate the creaminess and sweetness of the uni. Second, you can have it with the squid ink sauce to enjoy another taste profile from the sea.

Miyazaki A5 Wagyu Tenderloin Steak with Red Wine Sauce 4.8/5

For mains, it was the Miyazaki A5 Wagyu Tenderloin Steak with Red Wine Sauce cooked beautifully to medium-rare. Known as the best wagyu beef in Japan for its signature marbling, the meat stood out for its buttery texture and dense beefy flavour.

Dessert 4/5

Wrapping up the five-course dinner is a trio of desserts. On the plate, we have a slice of Burnt Cheesecake, Tiramisu and Raspberry Sorbet. The tiramisu is a bit heavy for me with the soaked alcohol in the finger. I have a light palate; hence my preference is the burnt cheesecake and raspberry sorbet.

Petite Four

Last but not least, we have Madeleine for Petite Four. The soft sponge cake with crispy edge completes an enjoyment omakase meal at Ristorante Takada.


Ristorante Takada
356 Alexandra Road
#01-07
Singapore 159948
Tel: +65 63393969
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 2pm, 6pm - 10pm
*1st & 3rd week of month, closed on Mon & Tue
*2nd & 4th week of month, closed on Mon

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT Station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT Station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33, 120. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Danger Close Beverage Co. @ Alexandra Village Food Centre - Gourmet Tea & Nitro Cold Brew Coffee On Tap

Having been to Alexandra Village Food Centre so many times, I didn't know that there is a hawker stall by the name of Danger Close Beverage Co., selling gourmet tea and coffee on tap besides draught beer and craft beer. All thanks to KF Seetoh for introducing me to the stall.

We ordered the Chinos and Lady Grey, which are pulled from the tap directly. The layer of foam and colour of the tea looks like a glass of beer, isn't it?

Chinos and Lady Grey

The Chinois is a sparking tea on tap that has a fruity taste of lychee, dried fruit and honey. On the other hand, Lady Grey has a citrus and smoky flavour.

Ping Pong Tie Guan Ying

If you want to see some showmanship, order the Ping Pong Tie Guan Ying. Calvin, the stall owner, will brew the Tie Guan Ying from Pek Sin Choon, one of the oldest tea merchant in Singapore, in a traditional teapot. It is then mixed together in a cocktail shaker like a cocktail. It is a light and refreshing drink that is suitable for the humble Singapore weather.

Abyss Nitro Cold Brew

For the coffee lover, you may want to have the Abyss Nitro Coffee on tap. It has a soft, creamy finishing, almost like having a stout. I have to warn you that coffee quite intense as nitro cold brew contains a much a higher level of caffeine.

Danger Close Beverage Co. definitely brings fresh air to the hawker scene in Singapore. Besides crafted beers and the classic coffee selections, it also offers gourmet tea and nitro cold brew on tap, which is something very unique for the hawker scene.


Danger Close Beverage Co.
Alexandra Village Food Centre
Blk 120 Bukit Merah Lane 1
#01-05
Singapore 150120
Contact: +65 94359194
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 11am - 2pm, 530pm - 9pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time 10 minutes. [Map]

Tai Lok Claypot Chicken Rice @ Alexandra Food Village - Formerly From Margaret Drive Food Centre

Tai Lok Claypot Chicken Rice may sounds familiar to some. The stall used to be at Margaret Drive Food Centre and moved to Alexandra Food Village when the building was demolished. I remembered I reviewed the stall back in 2010 when I started blogging. It is almost a decade, and I am glad that they are still around.

The pricing of the claypot rice is based on the servicing portion. I had the claypot rice for 2 pax which costs me $12. The other pricing is $18, $23 and $28 respectively for 3, 4 to 5 pax. I usually add extra chicken for my claypot rice, and that cost me an additional $5.

If you did not pre-order, be prepared to wait for around 30 to 45 minutes. As you can see from the photo, for $17 ($12 plus $5 for extra chicken),  I get a pot of claypot rice brimming with ingredients. It comes with chunky pieces of tender chicken, Chinese sausage, liver sausage and vegetables.

Give the fragrant rice a good toss in the dark soy sauce for the sweet, savoury finishing. I would recommend drizzle a bit of oil into the claypot rice, for that lift in the aroma as well as giving the rice a smooth texture. Not to forget their chilli sauce. It is really power and shiok.

Besides the claypot chicken rice, the stall also sells several soup dishes to go along with the rice. I had the Peanut and Chicken Feet Soup ($3.50) which is really flavourful, packed with the essence of the ingredients, boiled for hours. The other soups available on the menu are Watercress with Pork Rib Soup, Old Cucumber with Pork Rib Soup, Preserved Vegetable with Duck Meat Soup, Herbal Black Chicken Soup and Pig Stomach with Pork Rib Soup.


Tai Lok Claypot Chicken Rice
Alexandra Food Village
120 Bukit Merah Lane 1
Singapore 150120
Tel: +65 64740439
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 5pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time 10 minutes. [Map]

The Carvery @ Park Hotel Alexandra - A Festive Forest Feast

To ring in the festive season, The Carvery at Park Hotel Alexandra rolls out a series of stellar eats as part of their Festive Forest Feast themed menu where diners can partake in yuletide feasting for the entire month of December, available from 5 December 2018 to 1 January 2019.

The indulgent meat buffet offers a scrumptious spread of seasonal goodies with quality roasts flavoured with aromatic herbs and spices, including the 'diamond of the earth' itself, black truffle, as well as other earthy bites come by way of a harvest bounty of root vegetables, fresh greens and fruits.
 

Dingley Dell Pork Rack 4.2/5

Known for its marbling and tender texture due to the special cereal-based diet feed and stress-free environment the Dingley Dell pig is reared in, the pork rack is brined with Chef's Ian secret recipe brining mix for 12 hours to tenderise the meat and enhance its flavours. It goes well with the house made pineapple sauce which provides a tangy flvour to the dish.

Whiskey-Aged US Angus Beef Prime Ribs 4.2/5

Considered as one of the most flavoursome cuts of beef, its Whiskey-Aged US Angus Beef Prime Ribs flaunts a fine-grained texture and generous marbling. The meat is dry-aged in house for 14 days by being wrapped in a cloth soaked in bourbon, before being slow roasted to a perfect medium rare doneness, boasting tenderness and succulence in each bite.

Spit-roasted Chicken with Truffle 4/5

Pre-soaked for up to 24 hours in a special brine full of fresh herbs and vegetables, the Spit-roasted Chicken with Truffle is further slathered with house-made truffle butter inside and out which imparts a distinct truffle aroma and retains the succulence of the meat at the same time.

Beef Wellington 3.8/5

The Beef Wellington features a hunk of fillet steak coated with duxelles before being wrapped in a golden crusty puff pastry and baked.

Balsamic Braised Beef Short Ribs 4/5

The hot food section features several other glorious dishes for the enjoyment of diners, which includes the Balsamic Braised Beef Short Ribs. Coated in a flavourful gravy, the beef short ribs boast a soft tender texture, which fell apart easily in the mouth.

Yorkshire Pudding 3.8/5

To soak up all the luscious drippings and gravy, the Yorkshire Pudding is a welcoming addition on the plate.

Raspberry & Lychee Trifle 4/5

In line with the forest feast theme, the Raspberry & Lychee Trifle features glorious layers of lychee and rose custard, vanilla sponge soaked with fruity kirsch liquer, crunchy hazelnut crumble, raspberry macaroons, berry compote and a generous toppings of fresh cream and berries.

The Forest Feast is available from 5 December 2018 to 1 January 2019. With a slew of exquisitely crafted festive delights to look forward to this Christmas season, some of the highlights on the Festive Carving Board includes the premium meats - Roasted Pork Knuckle, Whiskey-Aged US Angus Beef Prime Ribs, Spit-roasted Chicken with Truffle and Dingley Dell Pork Rack are available for weekend dinners only.

Photos and words 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.


The Carvery
Park Hotel Alexandra
323 Alexandra Road
Level 7
Singapore 159972
Tel: +65 68288880
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: RedHill (EW Line), Queenstown (EW Line)

Opening Hours;
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 2 stops later. Walk towards Ikea, At Ikea, continuing walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 4 stops later. Walk towards Ikea, At Ikea, continuing walk to destination. . Journey time 10 minutes. [Map]

The Original Katong Laksa Janggut Laksa @ Queensway Shopping Centre - A Good Bowl Of Laksa Since 1950s

If you are interested how The Original Katong Laksa started, you would like to read my visit to its Paya Lebar outlet. For the westie that is craving for a bowl of their laksa, the closest outlet will be The Original Katong Laksa Janggut Laksa at Queensway Shopping Centre.

Laksa 4/5

Just like how the founder Mr Ng served his customers back in the 1940s, the thick beehoon is cut into short strips for easy consumption. With a good rempah cooked in coconut milk, the laksa broth is creamy and mildly spiced. The laksa comes with slices of fish cake, cockles, laksa leaves and a dollop of sambal chilli.

I also noted that the price has increased. A bowl of Laksa starts from $4.50 for small portion. Medium portion is $5.50 and Large is $6.50. A slight different is the broth here, maybe it is a new batch as I find the broth not as fragrant as the one I had at the Paya Lebar outlet.

The Original Katong Laksa Janggut Laksa
Queensway Shopping Centre
1 Queensway
#01-59
Singapore 149053
Tel: +65 64404633
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 9pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time 10 minutes. [Map]

New Market Teochew Braised Duck Rice @ Alexandra Village Food Centre

Having been to Alexandra Village Food Centre many times, New Market Teochew Braised Duck Rice is one of those stalls that I have yet to try. During my recent visit, I decided to brave the long queue and got a plate of duck meat and braised ingredients for lunch.

Once at the front of the stall, you will get a clear view of the different braised ingredients that is available at the stall. You can mix and match to your preference or just go for the braised duck if you are not that adventurous.

Mixed Braised Duck Platter 4.2/5

I had a plate of Mixed Braised Duck platter which comes up to $16.50 with a bowl of rice. I ordered quarter braised duck, duck liver, braised intestines, braised tofu,braised egg and pig skin. The braised sauce is darker and richer than most places, with a distinct herbal taste to it. In fact, it has a slight hint of bitterness probably from the herbs but not throwing the balance off.

The duck meat itself was quite tender too. I enjoyed having it with chilli sauce which is actually quite spicy with a tad of tanginess. While I also enjoyed the rest of the braised items, I thought the intestines were a bit gamey.

Overall I have a satisfying lunch at New Market Teochew Braised Duck Rice. I don't mind returning for a meal if I have craving for braised duck.


New Market Teochew Braised Duck Rice
Alexandra Village Food Centre
Blk 120 Bukit Merah Lane 1
#01-84
Singapore 150120
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Wed, Sat-Sun: 11am - 3pm
(Closed on Thu & Fri)

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time 10 minutes. [Map]

Xiang Jiang Soya Sauce Chicken @ Alexandra Village Food Centre

Alexandra Village Food Centre has finally reopened after being closed for refurbishment. I can't remember how long it has been closed but I am glad to have another alternative to go to for my weekend lunch. I made my way down one Saturday afternoon and decided to try Xiang Jiang Soya Sauce Chicken which has re-located to the front of the food centre.

Soya Sauce Chicken Noodle 3.5/5

I ordered a plate of Soya Sauce Chicken Noodle ($3.50). It comes with six pieces of chopped soya sauce chicken and a stem of vegetable. While I was a bit disappointed with the chicken portion that was served to me as they were quite boney, I could taste the richness of the soya sauce that was absorbed into the chicken's skin. And I like the fact that it still has a slight crisp to it.

The noodle has a good texture bite to it however I did not like the alkaline aftertaste of it. If you can't take spicy, don't forget to ask for their chilli sauce. It is quite power.

Surprising the highlight for me is the bowl of soup that comes with the soya sauce chicken noodle. I could taste the sweetness of the scallop and radish being used in the bowl of soup. The effort to serve such a delicious bowl of soup, which is usually overlook by many stalls, is greatly appreciated.

Xiang Jiang Soya Sauce Chicken
Alexandra Village Food Centre
Blk 120 Bukit Merah Lane 1
#01-77
Singapore 150120
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time 10 minutes. [Map]

Soi Thai Soi Nice @ Alexandra Central Mall - Tom Yam Seafood Hot Pot

Change is not easy and it takes courage, especially in F&B industry. What used to be Atmosphere Bistro at Alexandra Central Mall, the group embarks on a new concept offering Thai cuisine, renaming the restaurant Soi Thai Soi Nice. Basically the interior remains the same accept that the menu has been revamped to offer Thai dishes and hot pot.

Grilled Pork Neck 4.2/5

The Grilled Pork Neck ($9.80) is beautifully marinated and grilled to a lovely char with crispy edges. The succulent pork neck was tender and even came with a crunchy bite.

Stir Fried Mixed Vegetables 4/5

The Stir Fried Mixed Vegetables ($7.80) may look like a simple dish with oyster sauce and garlic but getting the balance right needs a good control of the wok. Infused with the smoky wok-hei aroma, the vegetables were not overcooked, retaining the crunchiness.

Royal Thai Hot Pot Regular Pot 4.2/5

The highlight at Soi Thai Soi Nice is the Royal Thai Hot Pot ($38.80/$68.80). We had the regular pot which is good for 2 pax. In the hot pot you can find cray fish, prawn, mussel, sausage, sio bak, egg, mushroom and maggie noodle, all submerged in a homemade tom yum broth. The broth is actually on the sweet side for me, it didn't have the characteristic spicy kick in authentic Thai cuisine. Nevertheless the hot pot brimming with ingredients is a luscious enjoyment on its own. I noticed almost every table has a pot of it on their table.


Soi Thai Soi Nice
Alexandra Central Mall
321 Alexandra Road
#02-01
Singapore 159971
Tel: +65 62504863
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 330pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 2 stops later. Walk towards Ikea, At Ikea, continuing walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 4 stops later. Walk towards Ikea, At Ikea, continuing walk to destination. . Journey time 10 minutes. [Map]