Ah Yat Seafood Restaurant @ The Grandstand

The monthly Makansutra dinner for August brought us to Ah Yat Seafood Restaurant at The Grandstand. Stepping into the restaurant, I was taken back by the size of the restaurant. It is extremely huge, probably the size of 2 grand ballrooms.

Roast Whole Suckling Pig 4.2/5

Dinner started with the Roast Whole Suckling Pig. It was actually quite a huge piglet for the size we had. Roasted to a nice smokey aroma with crackling skin, I could not help going back for a couple more pieces of it.

Braised Sharks Fin with Four Treasures 4/5

The bowl of Braised Sharks Fin with Four Treasure was packed with an abundance of luscious ingredients.

Stewed Whole Fresh Abalone with Vegetables 4.5/5

The sumptuous feast continued with the Stewed Whole Fresh Abalone with Vegetables. The Abalone was cooked beautifully, it was firm but not tough.

Steamed Chicken with Cordyceps Flowers 4/5

The Steamed Chicken with Cordyceps Flowers was a delightful introduction. With a tad of herbal taste, the chicken was tender and moist.

Deep Fried Pork Chop with BBQ Sauce 4.2/5

When the Deep Fried Pork Chop with BBQ Sauce was served, I thought the pork chop looked lackluster. Biting into the delectable pork chop I was quite surprised how tender it was. I like how lightly breaded the pork chop was not selling the limelight from the meat but still giving it a contrast in texture.

Fried Venison with Black Pepper Sauce 4.2/5

The Stir Fried Venison with Black Pepper Sauce was simply delicious. Each piece of the tender venison came with a spicy heat kick from the black pepper sauce that was coated evenly.

Chilli Crabs with Bun 4.2/5

Listed at number 35 of the top 50 most delicious food by CNN GO in 2011, the Chilli Crabs with Bun was definitely popular with the diners. The big and sweet Sri Lanka crab was cooked in a delectable sweet and savoury tomato and chilli sauce which was finger licking good.

Braised Rice Noodles Tai O Style 3/5

Like all tradition Chinese dinner, the last course of the the dinner always ends with a noodle or rice dish. The Braised Rice Noodles Tai O Style was fragrant and springy. A pleasant signed off for the feast.

Red Bean 3/5

I was actually disappointed that dessert was only Red Bean Soup. Not that it was not good but I was looking forward to a bowl of yam paste or at least a bowl of chilled mango sago.


Ah Yat Seafood Restaurant
The Grandstand
200 Turf Club Road
#03-01/02
Singapore 2879941
Tel: +65 68832112
Website: http://ahyatrestaurant.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Sixth Avenue (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to exit B. Walk to Turf Club Road. Continue on Turf Club Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to exit B. Walk down Dunearn Road towards Turf Club Road, to bus stop opposite Sixth Avenue Centre (Stop ID 42019). Wait for The Grandstand Shuttle Bus. 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT  station. Take Exit A. Walk down Bukit Timah Road. Walk to bus stop at Sixth Avenue Centre (Stop ID 42011). Wait for The Grandstand Shuttle Bus. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Curry Garden @ The Grandstand

Recently I have been going to The Grandstand and I always noticed a crowd at the Indian restaurant, Curry Garden. In one of my recent visit, I decided to check it out since the restaurant always has a constant flow of customers. Actually I was quite lost in what to order so I just went to the set menu section and ordered from there.

Mango Lassi 4/5

While waiting for my meal, I ordered a Mango Lassi to start with. Lassi is a traditional yogurt based drink originating from India. The mango lassi blended with yogurt, water and mango pulp was cooling, soothing and perfect compliment for the spicy food.

Garlic Naan Chicken Set 3.8/5

The Garlic Naan Chicken Set ($7.50) comes with 2 pieces of garlic naan cut into 4 pieces, curry and with a choice of butter chicken or chicken tikka. I went for the chicken tikka but I order another serving of mutton masala. I can't resist ordering the mutton masala after noticing the next table having it. The chicken tikka was too dry to go with the naan, mutton masala is better option. I also did not like the curry as it was served cold.

Batura Set Chicken 3.8/5

My partner ordered the Batura Chicken Set ($6) with butter chicken. We did not know what is a batura and we were surprised to see the huge puffed bread made from maida flour when it was served. We are also surprised that the butter chicken did not have gravy, we thought they have served us chicken tikka instead.

I noticed quite a few patrons ordered their curry fish head, I should try to have them in my next visit. The naan is pretty good too but I will prefer the mutton masala to the chicken tikka or butter chicken.


Curry Garden
The Grandstand
200 Turf Club Road
#01-06
Singapore 287994
Tel: +65 63144640
Website: http://www.currygardenn.com/
Nearest MRT: Sixth Avenue (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 330pm, 530pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 10am - 4pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to exit B. Walk to Turf Club Road. Continue on Turf Club Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to exit B. Walk down Dunearn Road towards Turf Club Road, to bus stop opposite Sixth Avenue Centre (Stop ID 42019). Wait for The Grandstand Shuttle Bus. 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT  station. Take Exit A. Walk down Bukit Timah Road. Walk to bus stop at Sixth Avenue Centre (Stop ID 42011). Wait for The Grandstand Shuttle Bus. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Kuro Kin Japanese Dining @ The Grandstand

A month has flown by and its Makansutra dinner for the month of July 2013. This time the dinner was at The Grandstand and its my first Japanese makansutra dinner. I am glad that besides the regulars, we have Karen, Philip and Serene joining us this time.

Pitan Tofu 4.2/5

As usual dinner started quite late at 8pm. We started the 10 course meal with Pitan Tofu. It reminded me of the same dish I had many years ago which brought back many memories. Enhanced by the century egg, the combination was a delightful enjoyment of texture and flavour.

Nama Kaki Ponzu 4.2/5

The Fin De Claire Oyster with Ponzu Sauce was fresh and bursting with the delightful flavours of the sea.

Fugu Mirin Boshi 4/5

When the Fugu Mirin Boshi was served, everyone at the table was trying to guess what it is? The taste and texture which resembles the Bak Kwa is actually dried puffer fish seasoned with sweet sake. It is a tradtional snack eaten while drinking sake. I have tried the dried puffer fish before in my previous experience at Seki Japanese Restaurant which unfortunately has closed its door.

Sashimi Moriawase 4/5

The Sashimi Moriawase was served with 6 kinds of fresh sashimi. Among the assorted sashimi, I thought the squid with stuffed roe was interesting with a nice crunchy bite that came with popping surprises.

Tenderloin Teppanyaki 4.5/5

The Tenderloin Teppanyaki was probably the highlight of the night. The Australian beef with homemade apple sauce was pan fried to perfection. The beef was tender and juicy bursting with flavours.

Makimono Moriawase 3/5

The Makimono Moriawase was a welcome trio of carbohydrates to satisfy the hungry stomach.

Ebi Kawari Mayonnaise Ae 4.2/5

The Ebi Kawari Maonnaise Ae was another lovely dish. The marinated prawn fritters was crunchy and coated in a delectable garlic sauce.

Toro no Foie Gras Miso Yaki 3.5/5

This is the dish that everyone was looking forward to but the Toro no Foie Gras Miso Yaki was a bit of a disappointment. The flavours were excellent individually. However the fatty tuna was overpowered by the strong flavours of the duck meat, duck liver and miso sauce when eaten together.

Truffle Inaniwa Udon 2.8/5

The Truffle Inaniwa Udon was an interesting concept but the signature Japanese wheat noodle was totally drown by the black pepper. It was so much that I could not even taste the truffle flavour. The texture of the wheat noodle was lumpy and chewy that was not enjoyable.

Homemade Japanese Tofu Cheesecake 3/5

A homemade Japanese Tofu Cheesecake dessert wrapped up the night with a light and smooth cheesecake.


Kuro Kin Japanese Dining
The Grandstand
200 Turf Club Road
#01-27
Singapore 287994
Tel: +65 64621213
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kuro-Kin-Japanese-Dining/368771853188625
Nearest MRT: Sixth Avenue (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 245pm, 6pm - 1045pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to exit B. Walk to Turf Club Road. Continue on Turf Club Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to exit B. Walk down Dunearn Road towards Turf Club Road, to bus stop opposite Sixth Avenue Centre (Stop ID 42019). Wait for The Grandstand Shuttle Bus. 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT  station. Take Exit A. Walk down Bukit Timah Road. Walk to bus stop at Sixth Avenue Centre (Stop ID 42011). Wait for The Grandstand Shuttle Bus. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Blu Kouzina @ Bukit Timah Road

One will not miss the blue and white theme decor of Blu Kouzina located along Bukit Timah Road. The Greek Restaurant opened by couple Effie and Dennis Tsakiris created a warm mediterranean sea setting in a fourth storey building, born out of the founder's love of sharing a hearty with friends.

Serving Greek cuisine, the food at the restaurant is cooked using their own family brand of extra virgin olive oil called Green Gold which can also be purchased at the restaurant. I also understand that Blu Kouzina serves authentic Greek food that has not been adjusted to suit the local palates.

Pita Bread and Dips 4/5

The lunch started off with Pita Bread ($3) with sea salt and paprika. The grilled pita bred is crisp on the exterior and fluffy inside. Pair with delectable dips that is available in the menu, it was a good starter tantalising the appetite. For the dips we tried the Fava ($11.80), Taramosalata ($13.80) and Melitzanosalata ($13.80).

The Fava is yellow lentils with fresh onion, oregano and extra virgin olive oil. Taramosalata is cod roe dip and Melitzanosalata is smoked eggplant mixed with herbs. I could not make up my mind which is my favourite as all of them were as good having their own distinct flavour.

Grilled Feta 3/5

This is the first time I was served with the whole slice of Grilled Feta Cheese ($12.80). I am not an expert in cheese appreciation but the feta cheese is usually a bit moist, salty and milky. After being grilled, it lost its saltiness but not the milky flavour with a firmer and more enjoyable texture to it.

Spanakopita 4.2/5

Love the Spanakopita ($12.30) which is phylo pastry filled with spinach, feta cheese and herbs. I am a big fan of spinach and cheesy stuff hence the filling was a winning combination to me. The paper thin pastry was also fried to a nice golden brown that was both crispy and flaky.

Kreatika Anamikta 3/5

I also get to try the Kreatika Anamikta ($83.80 for 2pax, $166.80 for 4pax, $248.80 for 6pax) which is a Meat Platter which comes with meat balls, kalamaki, bifteki (beef patty) and lamb chops. Except for the lamb chops which was really flavoursome and succulent, the rest of the platter was rather tough or dry.

Psari Stin Sxara 4.2/5

From the grill again, the Psari Stin Sxara or Greek Grilled Fish (Sea Bream 400g $39.80, Sea Bass 1kg $88.80) was excellent. Nicely grilled to a smokey flavour, the fish was fresh and moist.

Mousaka 4.2/5

Our group was already done with our lunch but we can't help ordering the Mousaka ($24.80) because it smelled so good from the table beside us. The traditional Greek dish of oven baked eggplant with potatoes, minced meat and bechamel sauce was really hearty and comforting.

I really like the decor of Blu Kouzina. The relax and casual ambience of the restaurant made one felt like being transported to Greek or the Mediterranean Sea. For those who drives, not to worry as the restaurant offers complimentary valet service.


Blu Kouzina
893 Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 589619
Tel: +65 68750872
Website: http://www.blukouzina.com
Nearest MRT: Sixth Avenue (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch
Fri-Sun: 12pm - 230pm
Dinner:
Daily: 6pm - 10pm
First Seating: 6pm - 8pm
Second Seating: 815pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Sixth Avenue MRT station (Stop ID 41081). Take bus number 66, 67, 151, 154, 170 or 171. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Modern Asian Diner (MAD) @ The Grandstand

Helmed by TungLok Group, Bar Stories and Dick Lee, Modern Asian Diner (MAD) at the Grandstand combines 5 dining experiences into 1. This five in one collaboration features a bar from Bar Stories; a charcoal powered Josper Oven to enchance the flavour of meats and seafood; a Omakase style tapas counter; a wine cellar and tasting room by Top Wines; and a bakery and bread boutique by Bakerzin.

Completing the atmosphere of nostalgia and modernity, MAD also features a curated retail gallery that displays and sells uniquely designed MAD merchandise and orginial creations by up and coming local talents.

Oolong Collins

Squarepants

Peru With Love

Reently I was introduced to bespoke cocktails by Bar Stories and I didn't expect to revisit the experience so soon. The bar at MAD is manned by famed mixologist Kino from Bar Stories. The artistic and innovative cocktails creations left a deep impression.

With a bakery from Bakerzin under one roof, diners are served with complimentary freshly baked artisan breads.

Foie Gras Terrine, Pineapple Chutney, Black Olive Crumble and Vanilla Oil 3/5

The Foie Gras Terrine was nice but did not really get me excited. I still prefer my foie gras pan seared. Nevertheless, the sweetness of the pineapple chutney goes very well with the foie gras. I also enjoyed spreading the foie gras over the bread and eating it that way. I felt that the black oilve crumber was a bit redundant and it was quite hard.

Teriyaki Glazed Mushrooms with Cuttlefish Tagliatelle 4.5/5

My favourite for the night is the Teriyaki Glazed Mushrooms with Cuttlefish Tagliatelle. I like how the cuttlefish was presented. It has a nice firm and springy texture. Paired with the teriyaki glazed mushroom, the dish comes with an enjoyable dimensions of textures and flavours.

Flaky Raddish and Ham Pastry 4/5

The Flaky Raddish and Ham Pastry resembles the yam pastry we usually have over dim sum. The raddish and ham is a good change to the normal sweet yam filling.

Deep Fried Beef Spring Roll 3/5

The huge cigar look alike Deep Fried Beef Spring Roll was kind of fun snack. Each bite into the crispy spring roll is filled with the beef filling, bursting with beautiful flavour.

Baby Back Ribs with Homemade Barbeque Sauce 4.2/5

The full slab of Baby Back Ribs with Homemad Barbeque Sauce was simply finger licking good. The tender meat slipped off the bone easily and the lovely homemade barbeqe sauce was excellent. It was so good that I ditched my fork and knife and just picked it up with my bare hand.

Mushroom Risotto with Poached Egg 4.5/5

Although the rice absorbed the beautiful flavours, the rice was still firm with a nice bite. Each mouthful of the Mushroom Risotto with Poached Egg was bursting with rich earthy mushroom flavours.

Rum and Banana Tatin with Vanilla Ice Cream 4/5

MAD also offers a dessert menu to complete the meal on a sweet note. I tried the Rum and Banana Tatin with Vanilla Ice Cream. The lovely caramelized banana of the upside tart with the soft pastry and ice cream completed the dinner with a smile.

MAD is a bakery, cafe and dim sum place in the day and then a restaurant and cocktail bar at night. It has something for everyone. A very interesting, bold and fresh concept.

[CLOSED]
Mondern Asian Diner (MAD)
The Grandstand, Turf City
200 Turf Club Road
#01-20/21
Singapore 287994
Tel: +65 64663303
Website: http://www.modernasiandiner.com
Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10am - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to exit B. Walk to Turf Club Road. Continue on Turf Club Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to exit B. Walk down Dunearn Road towards Turf Club Road, to bus stop opposite Sixth Avenue Centre (Stop ID 42019). Wait for The Grandstand Shuttle Bus. 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT  station. Take Exit A. Walk down Bukit Timah Road. Walk to bus stop at Sixth Avenue Centre (Stop ID 42011). Wait for The Grandstand Shuttle Bus. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Omakase Burger @ The Grand Stand

There were a lot of ravings in the media about Omakase Burger's burger, the self service burger joint when it opened at the refurnished Turf Club City now known as The Grand Stand. Some even labelled it as the best burger in town. Is it so good that it deserves the title as "best"?

Deluxe Cheese Burger 4.5/5

I ordered the Deluxe Cheese Burger Combo ($24.40) which comes with a choice of sides and drinks. The beef patty made with a blend considering of 4 different USDA Choice Grade beef cuts is smashed onto a hot grill and grilled to a caramelised crust sealing the beefy juicy flavours. The buns which is made exclusively by a local bakery is light and springy with good proportion. To bring the authentic Amercia taste to Asia, even the cheese is imported from Amercia.

I like my burger messy and Omakase's burger did not disappoint me. Biting into the beef patty, the flavourful beefy juice oozed out of the petite burger. Remember to have more serviettes handy.

Cheese Fries 4/5

Using 100% trans-fat free USA potatoes harvested from Pacific Northwest and smothered with homemade cheese sauce, the Cheese Fries was super addictive.

Sweet Potato Fries 3/5

This is not my first time having Sweet Potato Fries. Sofries offers it too. The sweetness of the sweet potato served as french fries is a good change to the norm. A little disappointment in how the sweet potato fries was served. As it was stacked into a glass, the water vapour has caused the sweet potato fries at the bottom to be soaky.

So what is my verdict of the burger? Is it the best? Yes! I agreed the Omakase Burger is one of the best in town. However will the burger joint be successful it waits to be seen. The owner may have found the right formuale for the best burger but the size and price will be hard to convince consumers. In addition, the location of the restaurnt is also not very convenient.


Omakase Burger
The Grand Stand
200 Turf Club Road
Bukit Timah
#01-05
Singapore 287994
Tel: +65 67636619
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OmakaseBurger
Website: http://www.omakaseburger.com
Nearest MRT: Sixth Avenue (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 330pm, 5pm - 930pm
Fri-Sun: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to exit B. Walk to Turf Club Road. Continue on Turf Club Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to exit B. Walk down Dunearn Road towards Turf Club Road, to bus stop opposite Sixth Avenue Centre (Stop ID 42019). Wait for The Grandstand Shuttle Bus. 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT  station. Take Exit A. Walk down Bukit Timah Road. Walk to bus stop at Sixth Avenue Centre (Stop ID 42011). Wait for The Grandstand Shuttle Bus. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]