Showing posts with label .Station: Tan Kah Kee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label .Station: Tan Kah Kee. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

KARA Cafe & Dessert Bar @ Bukit Timah Road - Cafe By Sogurt With Grain Bowls, Pastas, Grilled Toasties And Mochi Waffles With Froyo

KaraCafe7

Situated along Bukit Timah Road, KARA Cafe & Dessert Bar is the latest f&b concept under frozen yogurt chain Sogurt. Apart from serving frozen yogurt, the cafe has an extensive savoury menu of grain bowls, pastas, salads and grilled cheese toasties, as well as their signature homemade mochi waffles.

KaraCafe2
Pork Belly Miso 3.8/5

The hearty grain bowls are combined with unusual flavours for an explosion of taste. Diners can opt for the Garlic Japanese Rice or Quinoa Salad (+$3) as their choice of grain base.

The Pork Belly Miso ($16) is a ramen-inspired dish with kakuni braised pork belly, soft egg, ramen crisps, cucumber edamame salad, miso cream and nori. While the braised pork belly is tender with a good proportion of meat and fats, the complimenting ramen crisps add a nice crunch to the dish which we particularly enjoyed.

KaraCafe4
Beef Larb Fish Bowl 3.8/5

Taking inspiration from cuisines of Northern Thailand, the Beef Larb Rice Bowl ($18) features a bowl of minced beef cooked in a spicy lime and fish sauce marinate, and crowned with a luscious cured egg yolk.

KaraCafe3
Aburi Mentaiko Salmon 3.5/5

The Aburi Mentaiko Salmon ($16) comes with cooked salmon flakes, mentaiko, mayonnaise, mozzarella, furikake, and soft onsen egg. The dish was extremely creamy, with some bite from the cooked salmon embedded within the mayonnaise and mozzarella mix on a bed of Japanese rice.

KaraCafe5
Pepperoni Pizzazz 4/5

We opted for the Pepperoni Pizzazz ($11.50) from the Grilled Toasties selection. Spinning a unique twist on the grilled cheese toastie, the dish is a combination of both pizza and grilled cheese toasts - featuring a mouthwatering stack loaded with melty, ozzy cheese, savoury pepperoni salami slices to compliment the cheesiness. Together with marina herb sauce, garlic and basil sandwiched in between crispy toasted sourdough.

KaraCafe1
Okonomiyaki Truffe Tots 4/5

The Okomiyaki Truffle Tots ($12) comes in a generous portion of tater tots doused in an umami okonomiyaki sauce. These crispy deep fried pieces are extremely addictive.

KaraCafe6
Matcha Berry 4/5

The highlight is their homemade Mochi Waffles with Froyo. We opted for the Matcha Berry ($12.50) mochi waffles with dark chocolate softie swirl, caco nib sable, cookie crumble, and fresh fruits drizzled in matcha sauce. Different from the usual crispy waffles, the one here boasts a soft chewy texture, paired with a light, refreshing dark chocolate froyo.

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.


Kara Cafe & Dessert Bar By Sogurt
617 Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 269718
Tel: +65 64688940
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 1030am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Bukit Timah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Friday, January 20, 2017

Fratini la Trattoria @ Hillcrest Park - Italian Omakase By 25 Years Old, Chef Chomel Yang

IMG_0060ed

I have heard of Japanese omakase but Italian omakase is totally new to me. A visit to Fratini la Trattoria at Hillcrest Park will be a totally new experience where there is no menu. What you get from young Head Chef Chomel Yang is a menu that uses the freshest seasonal produce available in local and overseas markets, offering a myriad of Italian cuisines from North and South regions.

IMG_0054ed

For the first course, I was presented with four different bite size starters. On the plate, we have the Salmon with Pumpkin Puree, Scallop with Sun Dried Tomato, Duck Rillette with Wild Rice and Stuffed Pork Trotter with Homemade Sausage. I was told that the stuffed pork trotter also known as zampone is a popular dish during New Year in Parma and served with lentils representing good luck and prosperity. What I gathered from the quadruple is like an new age Italian music, giving a new beat to Italian cuisine.

IMG_0056ed
Beef Cheek 4.2/5

My next course is the Beef Cheek that is stewed in veal jus. It is paired with asparagus and potatoes. Using a recipe from Central Italy, the tenderness simply melted the heart

IMG_0058ed
Barramundi 4/5

From the land we moved to the sea with the Barramundi that has been pan fried to golden brown. It was slightly crisp on the exterior, especially the skin while retaining the moist interior. It is paired with crunchy greens for a delightful finishing.

IMG_0061ed
Venison Rack 4.5/5

I have tried lamb rack but Venison Rack is a new to me. Apparently this is a staple dish among Italians in the Ticino area (south of Switerland) during the hunting season. I have to say this turned out pretty impressive. The beautiful piece of venison was grilled to perfection and served with herbs crust.

IMG_0063ed
Slipper Lobster 4/5

If you are a cheese lovers, you will love the Slipper Lobster baked with 3 different cheeses in Milan Style. The cheeses complemented the sweetness of the slipper lobster's flesh excellent, on top of the bouncy texture.

IMG_0064ed
Truffle Pasta 4.5/5

In omakase you usually just eat what the chef serves you. Well at least at Fratini la Trattoria you can to mix and match your own pasta. If you are too lazy to do so, just ask for their popular choices which are beef, seafood and truffle. I had the Truffle Pasta which comprises of summer truffle from Alba blended with mushroom and finished off with sliced black truffles. This is a dish that I would specially return to have it again.

IMG_0069ed

Wrapping up the omakase dinner, we have the Creme Brulee, Chocoalte Salami, Black Sesame Panna Cotta and Tiramisu. I could not really decide which is my favourite but I though the used of black sesame is rather bold for the young chef to incorporate into Italian cuisine.

It is definitely a different experience dining at Fratini la Trattoria with its No-Menu Concept. The omakase menu is priced at $50++ for lunch and $90++ for dinner.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Fratini la Trattoria
Hillcrest Park
10 Greenwood Avenue
Singapore 289201
Tel: +65 64682868
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 145pm, 6pm - 845pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to Exit B. Walk straigh to Hillcrest Road. Turn right onto Hillcrest Road. Walk down Hillcrest Road and make a left into Greenwood Avenue. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Sakurazaka @ Greenwood (Bukit Timah Road) - Traditional Shabu-Shabu and Sukiyaki with Refined European Flair

IMG_6374ed

Located in the enclave of Greenwood Avenue is a new Japanese restaurant, Sakurazaka. Sakurazaka infuses traditional shabu shabu, sukiyaki and kakigori with refined European flair. Chef Masashi, with his Japanese heritage and European culinary roots, uses both Japanese and European ingredients, condiments and stock to refine the whole experience of shabu shabu and sukiyaki with a refinement of flavours.

IMG_6400ed
Bouillabaisse and Pork Bone Soup

Ordering is rather simple and straight foward. Choose from the 4 sets which is namely Pork Set ($95++), Bouillabaisse Set ($108++), Beef Set ($128++) and Sukiyaki Set ($150++). All the set comes with a starter, meat (seafood for bouillabaisse set), vegetables, mushrooms, rice or noodles and dessert.

IMG_6397ed
Beef and Ago Dashi Soup

For the shabu shabu set, diners have a choice of 6 different soup base. They are Chicken Bone, Pork Bone, Bouillabaisse, Ago Dashi, Beef and Soya Milk. For our dinner, we tried Bouillabaisse, Pork Bone, Beef and Ago Dashi soup base.

Sakurazaka2
Ishiyaki 4.5/5

The dinner experience began with the Ishiyaki (hot stone) and Onsen Tamago. Depends on which set the diner ordered, slices of iberico pork, Japanese wagyu beef or seafood is served. It is to be cooked on the the hot stone that is heated to 140 degrees. The cooked meat or seafood is then dipped into the Japanese half boiled egg with spring onion and sukiyaki sauce to elevate the taste.

IMG_6385ed
Bouillabaisse Set

The Bouillabaisse Set ($108++) comes with assorted seafood such as tiger prawns, white clams, scallop, red snapper, squid, mussel and prawn ball.

IMG_6391ed
Bouillabaisse Set - Prawn Ball

For diners that ordered the Pork Set ($95++), it comes with Kyushu Japanese Pork Belly (200g) and Pork Loin (200g). While the Beef Set ($128++) comes with Aomori Japanese Rice-Fed Beef Striploin (150g) and Ribeye (150g). While the Kyushu Shirobuta pork and Aomori rice-fed beef are not common in Singapore, they are not inferior in terms of marbling and flavours. In fact, they are as good or even better.

Sakurazaka4
Selection of Pork and Beef 4.5/5

On top of the set menu, diners can also order additional serving from the a la carte menu. I would recommend trying the Joshu Wagyu Striploin ($45/100g) and Ribeye ($45/100g). The flavour is more beefy and intense.

IMG_6386ed
Vegetable and Mushroom 4.2/5

Besides the meat and seafood, every set also comes with an assortment of Vegetables and Mushrooms. Each set comes with 5 different seasonal vegetables and 2 seasonal mushrooms.

IMG_6424ed
Foie Gras 3.5/5

If you are game for some acquire taste, you can try shabu shabu Foie Gras ($14) from the a la carte menu. I personally think that the creamy texture and taste may not be easily accepted by many.

Sakurazaka1

IMG_6429ed

The finale of enjoying the shabu shabu is to cook the rice or noodle in the broth that has absorbed with all the essence of the ingredients. Egg and two different type of cheeses are added into the mixture to thicken and intensive the flavour even more.

Sakurazaka3
Kakigori 4.2/5

The dessert rounding off the set is the Kakigori made of finely shaved ice, flavoured with syrup and condensed milk. However, at Sakurazaka you are in for a different. Chef Masashi has given the dessert a refinement make over. We tried the Ujikintoki Green Tea ($16), Port Wine ($15), Tiramisu ($14), Strawberry ($12), Hokkaido Milk ($12) and Mango ($12) Kakigori. The kakigori creation is really interesting. I think Chef Masahi can open his own Japanese dessert house soon. My favourite is the Ujikintoki Green Tea, Port Wine and Hokkaido Milk kakigori.

What is great food without drink? Worry not as Sakurazaka also offers an exquisite choice of wines, sake, and Japanese craft beers.


Sakurazaka
24 Greenwood Avenue
Singapore 298221
Tel: +65 64630333
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Wed: 6pm - 10pm
Thu-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to Exit B. Walk straigh to Hillcrest Road. Turn right onto Hillcrest Road. Walk down Hillcrest Road and make a left into Greenwood Avenue. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, December 26, 2015

My Cosy Corner @ Coronation Shopping Plaza

IMG_7176ed

My Cosy Corner at Coronation Shopping Plaza is very popular if you stay in the Bukit Timah area. This tiny little eatery is tucked right in the corner at level two of the shopping centre. The eatery is not that cosy as the name suggested, it felt like stepping into a small eatery in the early 80s. Furthermore it felt more like an eatery selling Japanese food, rather than local nonya cuisine.

IMG_7179ed
Kueh Pie Tee 4/5

Our lunch at My Cosy Corner started with Kueh Pie Tee ($4.80 for 6pc). I was actually feeling a bit upset that I am served with empty kueh pie tee cups and I have to make it myself. Lucky the food itself make up for it. The Chinese turnip is sweet and still has crunch to it. I would recommend adding a bit of the chilli sauce to enjoy the nonya snack in the crispy pastry tart shell.

IMG_7180ed
Mee Sian 4.5/5

The reason why I made my way down to My Cosy Corner is to have their popular Mee Siam ($5 without prawn). The rich gravy with its perfect balance of sourish and spiciness make it extremely tasty. The crispy tau pok cubes give it an extra texture bites, completing the whole enjoyment.

IMG_7189ed
Laksa 4.2/5

I also tried the Laksa ($5 without prawn) that comes in a thick and lemak gravy. The dried shrimp gives the creamy gravy a further lift in taste. This is a good bowl of laksa worth the calories.

IMG_7174ed

During my visit. I realized a lot of customers wanted to try their popiah but it was not available. Apparently they don't sell popiah on Sunday. Which also means I did not get to try their popular popiah. I am sure I will be back to try their popiah and also the delicious Mee Siam again.


My Cosy Corner
Coronation Shopping Plaza
587 Bukit Timah Road
#02-02
Singapore 269707
Tel: +65 64638286
Website
Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 10am - 730pm
Sun & PH: 11am - 4pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right onto Bukit Timah Road. Walk down Bukit Timah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Shelter in the Woods @ Greeenwood Avenue (Bukit Timah Road)

IMG_9763ed

Following the successful re-opening of the Shelter in the Woods last year and the appointment of Chef Masashi Horiuchi, the restaurant brings to you their latest Sunday Brunch offering available from 1130am to 230pm.

IMG_9766ed
Shelter Eggs Benedict 4.2/5

Starting the brunch at Shelter is the Eggs Benedict ($22). The colorful presentation of two poached Japanese farmhouse eggs on toasted bagel, smoked bacon and house made hollandaise sauce will definitely brings a smile to everyone's face. The winner definitely has to be the bacon which made the Sunday afternoon even more beautiful.

IMG_9770ed
Croque Madam 4.2/5

Simplicity at its best is the Croque Madam ($20). The toasted bread with bechamel sauce, smoked ham, tomato, gratinated Gruyere cheese with a sunny side up egg on top is both cheesy and packed with rich flavours.

IMG_9772ed
"Vol-au-Vent" Chicken Mushroom 4/5

Called me mountain tortoise but I I have never tried "Vol-au-Vent" Chicken Mushroom ($24) before. I thought this is an interesting concept of having baked puff pastry with creamy mushroom, pan fried chicken, smoked bacon, pearl onions and fresh herbs. It is like a deconstructed mushroom chicken pie but done in a more elegant way.

IMG_9776ed
Oven Baked Chorizo Eggs 4.5/5

One of my favourite in the new Sunday brunch menu is the Oven Baked Chorizo Eggs ($22) that comes with two Japanese farmhouse egg, baked with chorizo sausage, roasted baby potatoes and caramelised onions. I like that the baby potatoes managed to absorb the essence from the chorizo, making it even more flavourful.

IMG_9779ed
Clam Chorizo Spaghetti 4/5

Cooked to a nice al dente and with a hint of spiciness is the Clam Chorizo Spaghetti ($26) with fresh clams, chorizo sausage and spaghetti in a white wine sauce.

IMG_9781ed
Shelter Sunday Roast Beef 4.5/5

If you are a meat person, then you will definitely like the Sunday Roast Beef ($38). A whole slice of US Nebraska Black Angus grain-fed ribeye beef is served together with glazed spring carrot, Yorkshire pudding, buttered kailan, garlic confit dressed in a veal jus and caramelised onion gravy. Nothing complex, just simple salt and pepper seasoning allowing one to appreciate the beautiful beef to the fullest.

IMG_9784ed
Chestnut Tiramisu 4.8/5

Initially when the Chestnut Tiramisu was served, my first thought it how different it is going to be with the others? Surprising this tiramisu comes with confit chestnut in between the layers giving it a unique and very flavourful creamy texture that works excellently.

IMG_9786ed
Vanilla Creme Brulee 4/5

A classic on the menu is the Vanilla Creme Brulee ($9.50) with a crackling layer of brown sugar on top. Nice balanced in flavour while not overly sweet or eggy.

IMG_9787ed
Shelter French Toast 4/5

I was joking telling the rest that with both the French Toast ($17.50) and Fluffy Wam Pancake Stack ($16), the owner should consider opening in the day as a cafe servicing this 2 items. Be it presentation or taste, both items were really good. The egg pan fried French brioche comes with grilled cheese, berry compote and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The fluffy wam pancake stack on the other hand comes with French butter, maple syrup, berry compote and chocolate sauce.

IMG_9792ed
Fluffy Wam Pancake Stack 4/5

Overall I have enjoyed the Sunday brunch at Shelter in the Woods. It is hard for me to pinpoint which is my favourite cause every items are as good. Hence it also meant there is something on the menu for everyone.


Shelter in the Woods 
22 Greenwood Avenue
Singapore 289218
Tel: +65 64666225
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShelterInTheWoods
Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6pm - 10pm
Sun Brunch: 1130am - 230pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to Exit B. Walk straigh to Hillcrest Road. Turn right onto Hillcrest Road. Walk down Hillcrest Road and make a left into Greenwood Avenue. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, January 18, 2015

The Missing Pan @ Bukit Timah Road

IMG_6225

After achieving raving success for its delicious brunch dishes, The Missing Pan, a cosy bakery-cum-brasserie at Bukit Timah, has launched several new main courses and light bites that are perfect for sharing over dinner. The good news is that they are available all-day just like their hearty brunches.

IMG_6233
Chorizo Pork Fiesta 3.5/5

Highlights from the "Munch" section include this Chorizo Pork Fiesta ($10), a generous serving of intensely savory Spanish pork sausages that are bouncy on the teeth. I thought the meaty discs combined with black olives were a little too salty on their own, but the acidic crunchy gherkins and dried chili acted as good mediators in terms of both flavors and textures.

IMG_6241
Chargrilled Squid 4/5

I am not a fan of squid but this Chargrilled Squid ($12) were so sweet and succulent that made me rediscovered the charm of this brainy seafood. The enticingly sweet and spicy "hush hush" seasoning probably won a lot of points for this dish, which implied that the side dressing of honey lime mayonnaise did not serve much purpose but this would taste equally mouthwatering even if other seafood are tossed in.

IMG_6259
Mushroom Quesadillas 3/5

The Mushroom Quesadillas ($18) had the basic necessary ingredients such as wild mushrooms, bell peppers, onions and mozzarella but the taste fell rather flat. It was a pity because the tortilla skin made in-house was excellently crisp and fresh. Perhaps a mix of cheese and a little more spice would bring about clarity of flavors.

IMG_6266
Smoked Duck Risotto 4.2/5

Nonetheless, regardless whether you have visited in the past for the food, the Smoked Duck Risotto ($25) provided another good reason to dine here. Instead of slices of smoked duck breast, the meat was meticulously chopped into bite sizes, blending itself seamlessly with the rest of the ingredients including hojimeishi mushrooms and baby spinach. The bright zesty flavor of the semi sun-dried tomato lightened everything instantly and served as a good foil for the rich and creamy base.

IMG_6284
Frozen Honey Nougat 4.5/5

The vigilant eye for consistent quality food is not kept to the main courses but also the desserts section, where non-conventional pairings like thyme ice cream and nutty brownie would invite you to linger for more. Take for example the Frozen Honey Nougat ($12) that was flecked with pistachio nuts, dried almonds, and jazzed up with a delicate and aromatic coconut tuile biscuit. I was amazed how this chilled meringue was so restrained in sweetness, even when consumed with the meringue sticks. This is definitely a wonderfully refreshing and healthier confection than the usual ice cream to tide sweet cravings.

IMG_6271
Bread and Butter pudding with Vanilla Crème 4/5

Topped with all kinds of fruits you can imagine-from the usual berries to apples, grapes and even watermelon, the humble Bread and Butter pudding with Vanilla Crème was transformed into the largest and possibly most beautifully plated version I've ever seen. This eggy pud would set you back at only $8, but increase your belt size by another hole. Begetting a long swipe through the vanilla crème and cocoa crumbs, the lush custardy interior would be perfect if it had a toastier exterior.

IMG_6290
Pleasure 3.5/5

Besides the desserts, all the cakes and bread are churned out from the 1st floor bakery. The Pleasure ($8.50) is a classic interpretation of a milk chocolate-hazelnut cake but the dacquoise and ganache were slightly stiffened and dry. However, the hints of salt did help to enhance the elusive chocolate and pull things into a more coherent shape.

For those who love their alcohol, The Missing Pan boasts a specially curated list ranging from Thatcher Ciders, Brothers Ciders to craft beers from Belgium and UK. With a winning recipe of earnest passion and sincerity in serving good food, I am confident that the Missing Pan will continue to anchor a strong foothold in the local F&B scene.

Written and Photograph by Li Tian, a passionate foodie behind Singapore-Japan Food Blog “Dairy & Cream”. Has an eye for pastries and desserts.


The Missing Pan
619D Bukit Timah Road
#01/02-01
Singapore 269724
Tel: +65 64664377
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/missingpan
Website: http://www.themissingpan.com
Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

Opening Hours: 
Tue-Sat: 9am - 5pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sun/PH: 9am - 6pm
(Closed on Mon)

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