Cowaramup Roadhouse @ Telok Blangah Road - Australian Roadhouse Style Family Restaurant & Bar

Newly opened along Telok Blangah Road is Cowaramup Roadhouse, an Australian roadhouse style family restaurant and bar by Mooloolabar and Kitchen by JT. It replaces the now-defunct San Laksa Steamboat. Customers can look forward to an extensive menu featuring a wide variety of starters, grilled skewers, gourmet meats, sharing platters, kids and weekend breakfast. It even has a dog-friendly alfresco dining area.

Since Cowaramup is an Australian roadhouse-style restaurant, I just have to kick start the dinner with a few beer glasses.

Veal Sweetbread 3.5/5

From the starters, we had the Veal Sweetbread ($18) to kickstart our dinner. The deep-fried breaded veal nuggets are incredibly tender, an ideal munch to go with a few drinks. It is a change from the usual fries and chicken wings.

Seafood Skewer 3.8/5

A delightful starter is the Seafood Skewer ($25 for 2pc), comprising of tiger prawn wrapped with fish skin, squid, scallop and baby octopus. If you are not a seafood person, there are other skewers such as chicken, beef, lamb, and vegetarian.

Oven-baked Barramundi 3.8/5

We started with the Oven-baked Barramundi ($22) for the mains. The huge fillet of barramundi comes wrapped in bacon, resting on a bed of creamy spinach, crowned with smoke onion rings. It is indeed value for money.

Beef Wellington 4.2/5

Suppose you have tried the western fare at Meet 4 Meat at East Coast Road by Chef Jimmy Teo for its affordable gourmet meat. In that case, you will be delighted to know that Chef Jimmy Teo curates the menu at Cowaramup. I have tried his beef wellington before, so I am glad that he had brought the dish to the West. Now, I need not travel to East Coast to savour it anymore.

Beef Wellington 4.2/5

The Beef Wellington ($34/$100/$180) comes in three weights - 200g, 500g and 1kg. The charcoal-grilled Australian beef tenderloin and mushroom duxelles are wrapped in puff pastry paired with a brown sauce and fresh herb salad. Customers who want to perk up the enjoyment further have a choice of adding foie gras.

Cowaramup is a new exciting addition to the F&B scene in the west. I am glad that there is a new place near my home for me to grab a drink complemented with affordable Western fares. I am looking forward to my next visit to try more of the dishes curated by Chef Jimmy Teo, especially his Duck Wellington and Chicken Parmigiana.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Cowaramup
404 Telok Blangah Road
Singapore 098840
Tel: +65 85001111
Facebook
Website
Nearest: Telok Blangah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri:3pm - 12midnight
Sat-Sun & PH: 9am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Turn right and walk down Telok Blangah Road. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

TXA Pintxo Bar @ The Alkaff Mansion - Bringing Basque Culture And Lifestyle To The Greenery Hilltop

1-Group has taken over the space at The Alkaff Mansion, restored and relaunched it with Basque-centred TXA Pintxo Bar on the ground floor and UNA on the second floor, bringing Basque culture and lifestyle to the greenery hilltop. It also houses the all-day flora cafe Wildseed Cafe. The purpose of my visit is to check out TXA Pintxo Bar. The first bar in Singapore dedicated to the unique Basque pintxo experience.

Aceituna Rellena De Vermouth 3.5/5

Our pintxo experience started with the Olive ($2.90) stuffed with vermouth jelly and orange zest and topped with fennel flower. Olive on itself can be sour, so the stuffed vermouth jelly provided the balance with its sweetness.

Crudiente de Jamon 4/5

The Iberico Cracker is sandwiched with smoked cod roe sauce. It is presented like a bikini sandwich. It may look simple, but it is packed with texture and flavour. The crispiness of the Iberico ham is a winner for me.

Boquerones con piperrada 4/5

Next, we had the Boquerones con piperrada ($3.90). Sitting atop the toasted bread is the picquillo cream, pickled anchovies and sauteed green and red bell pepper. The sweetness of the picquillo (a typical Spanish red pepper) is enhanced by the acidity of the tangy anchovies.

Pintxo Igeldo 4/5

The Pintxo Igeldo ($6.90) in a glance may look similar to the Boquerones con piperrada. A closer look you will notice that the toasted bread is made up of confit tomato, tuna, anchovies and piparra. The different ingredients come across complex but harmonious in flavours.

Crema de Roquefort Con Manzana Y Nueces 4.5/5

Initially, I was hesitant to try the Crema de Roquefort Con Manzana Y Nueces ($4.90) because I am not a fan of blue cheese. After much encouragement from my fellow diners, this turned out to be my favourite for the night. The pintxo is not as piquant as I thought. In fact, the sweetness of the apple jam cuts the acquire taste, and the walnut gives it a nutty finish. In short, it turned out to be a heavenly combination. A must order.

Pimiento Del Padron Con 4.5/5

The Fried Padron Pepper and Maldon Salt is another dish which I enjoyed. The Padron pepper named after the city it is from is not spicy at all. In fact, it is tough to find one that is spicy. You can add on Jamon Iberico de Bellota for an addition $3 for 5 gram.

Croquetas de Jamon Iberico 3.5/5

Many will be familiar with croquette, and it comes in every Spanish restaurant, in different forms and varieties. The Croquetas de Jamon Iberico ($14 for 4pc) deep fried to golden brown comes with a crispy breadcrumb exterior and soft interior with cured serrano ham.

Piquillos Rellenos de Brandada 3.8/5

The piquillo pepper is used again in the Piquillos Rellenos de Brandada ($4). It is stuffed with salted Atlantic codfish (bacalao) and paired with piquillo emulsion. The piquillo emulsion plays a vital role in holding the dish together, for the flavours to come together in harmony.

Txangurro a la Donostiarra 4/5

The Txangurro a la Donostiarra ($14) uses fresh crab meat and cook in sofrito base. Flour and seafood stock is then added before the mixture is poured into the empty crab shell. It is then topped with breadcrumb and butter and grilled. The appearance reminds me of a similar-looking Chinese dish, but the taste profile is very different. I thought it tasted like having french onion soup with crab meat, probably from the caramelised onion in the sofrito base.

Black Rabas "A Fuego Negro" 4.2/5

The Black Rabas "A Fuego Negro" ($22 for 5pc) is a traditional dish presented in a contemporary style. Squid and squid ink are blended together with other ingredients and fish stock. It is then formed into a donut shape using a mould and frozen. To serve, it is coated with flour, egg, tempura batter and deep fried. Pick up the squid ink donut with your hand and bite into a crispy exterior. The inside is soft with bits of diced squid.

Pulpo a la Parrilla con Pure de Nabo 4/5

Grilled to a perfect tender with hint of smokiness is the Pulpo a la Parrilla con Pure de Nabo ($8). It is paired with turnip cream, honey and picada oil. A well-thought dish with each components coming together for the delicious plate.

Carrillera estofada al vino tinto con espuma de patata 4.2/5

The Beef Cheek ($8) is stewed in red wine and paired with potato foam, caramelised apple cubes, parsley and garlic oil. The melted in the mouth beef cheek comes with a sweet winery flavour which goes well with the smooth potato foam. The caramelised apple cubes also help to cut through the richness. Another well-executed dish on the menu.

Buñuelos de Viento 3/5

The Buñuelos de Viento ($7.90) is little Spanish donuts that that an airy interior. The dough which is made from flour and eggs is deep fried and then dusted with icing sugar.

Tarta de Queso "LA VIÑA" 4.2/5

The Tarta de Queso "LA VIÑA" ($4.90) is a burnt cheesecake inspired from the popular La Vina in San Sebastian. It comes with a molten creamy centre and a caramelised flavoured crust. In a way or another, there is no need to fly all the way to Spain to know why the cheesecake is so famous.

If you are one that can't decide with choices, then you can go for the Pintxos Experience ($55++), in which the Basque Chefs will decide and prepare the different pintxos for you. Look forward to 10-12 savoury pintxos and 2 sweets. I find it somewhat similar to Japanese omakase experience, in which you leave it to the chef and served 'al momento'.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


TXA Pintxo Bar
The Alkaff Mansion
10 Telok Blangah Green
Singapore 109178
Tel: +65 67730070
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Blangah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 5pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Telok Blangah MRT station (Stop ID 14169). Take bus number 176. Alight 2 stops later. Walk down Henderson Road. Turn left onto Telok Blangah Green. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

Boat Quay (Original) Mushroom Noodle @ Telok Blangah Street 32 - A Good Bowl of Bak Chor Mee With Awesome Teochew Dumpling

I first get to know about Boat Quay (Original) Mishroom Noodle earlier in the year when I visited the stall with my foodie friends in Punggol. Even though the 2nd outlet is a franchise, I am glad that it has opened another stall nearer to my place at Telok Blangah Street 32.

Signature Noodle 4.2/5

I would recommend having the Signature Noodle ($5) which I find is more worth it then the Bak Chor Mee ($3.50) because of the portion and ingredients that come with it. A bowl of the signature noodle comes with 3 fish balls, fish dumpling, Teochew dumpling, mushroom, lean pork and minced pork.

I had the mee pok which is cooked to a enjoyable al dente bite. It is complemented by the chilli sauce which is robust and has a good kick to it. While the chilli sauce has a good depth to it, we found it a bit oily.

Teowchew Dumpling 4.5/5

However, the real highlight at Boat Quay (Original) Mushroom Noodle is their homemade Teochew Dumpling ($4/$5/$6). I ordered a bowl to the Teochew dumpling to go with my noodle. A bite into the dumpling, you will get a burst of flavours in the minced pork filling accentuated by the tee poh in it. This is wrapped in a thin and silky soft dumpling skin. My only complain is that the Teochew dumplings were loosely wrapped and overcooked.

Overall the franchise stall has maintained the standard of the flavours and served a good bowl of noodle. However I think they need to maintain a higher standard in terms of its cooking and quality. Once standard falls, it will be hard to retain the customer base.


Boat Quay (Original) Mushroom Noodle
YT Eating House
Blk 78A Telok Blangah Street 32
#02-01
Singapore 101078
Nearest MRT: Telok Blangah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 7pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT staton. Take Exit A. Cross the road using the overhead bridge. Cut through the housing estate and walk to Telok Blangah Drive. Cross the road and walk to Telok Blangah Street 32. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Peony Jade Chinese New Year 2017 @ Keppel Club

Peony Jade at Keppel Club is ushering in the Lunar New Year with its 'Crow of The Crown' celebration. The oriental interiors in its red hue and shimmering gold set me in the CNY mood immediately the moment I walked in.

A Touch of the Crowning Gold 4.5/5

My first Lou Hei of 2017 started with an "Instant Enormous Windfall, Good Health and Longevity” (金雞献财宝, 撈到风生水起大) - a Rooster-shaped Yu Sheng ($268.88 for 10-12 pax). One day advance order is required. The lobster accompanying the rooster certainly injected a sense of vigour and longevity into the dish. After all, a rooster is not a phoenix. The array of ingredients - conch, poached blue-swimmer prawns, fresh blue swimmer crab meat, salmon sashimi simply excites our appetite. Chef's homemade fresh apricot and peach jam dressing was refreshing, and extra crunch was lent by the crispy silver bait. Not only that, to see everybody trying to pick the lychee pops with their chopsticks off the plate was fun! Bursting them in our mouths adds dimension to both the taste and experience.

Pot of Luck & Wealth 4.5/5

We were amazed by how glossy the Poon Choi is. Brimming with 18 premium ingredients, ‘Prosperity & Smooth Sailing’ (玉凤凰展鸿图, 献生财聚宝) - Australian Premium Whole Abalone Poon Choi  is one of its signature ($468.88 to $698.88). I am not a big fan of poon choi but I quite like the combination of the ingredients, such as the well braised South African spikes sea cucumber, whole scallops and pork tendons. What tasted just as satisfying as all the seafood are the well braised radish, mushroom and soft yam buried underneath the pot which have soaked up all the essences and flavours. Every order of the Poon Choi come with five complimentary yu sheng, fish maw soup, chicken, claypot rice and dessert.

Big Successes in Mini Pockets 4/5

Try “Reaping Prosperity” (金雞贺岁,好市好利丰收年) with its Baked Norwegian Salmon and Cod Fish Dace with Chestnuts and Black Truffles ($38.88 per pax, minimum 4 pax). Stuffed in half baby pineapple, the patty was moist and slightly fatty with fish oil. The baby pineapple was not at all astringent but was sweet and juicy with a slight acidity, which is perfect for the fish patty. The Chef has managed to harmonize all the components together using the piquant homemade rojak sauce. The black truffles, however, seems to be missing in action.

When Ocean and Earth Unites 3/5

Bestowed with “Progress & Advancement Wealth” (禧龙添满福)- Sautéed Boston Lobster Meat with Blue-Swimmer Crabmeat in Avocado Wrap  (S$168.88 for 6 pax). The dish did not turn out as I expected. It was more like an elongated dumpling with avocado pastry skin wrapped with minced lobster filling. The avocado skin has a texture of an under cooked pasta

The Prosperity Lucky-tori! 3/5

Another rooster dish would be “Eminence Prosperity” (金雞送宝,满载而归,一雞(只)棒) - Braised & Sautéed Abalone & Baked Chicken Skewer ($38.88/per pax, minimum 4 pax). The accompanying salad with tangy yuzu dressing goes really well with the skewers. The chicken was tender with smokey charred taste at some corners of the meat.

Prosperity Gold Bar 4.8/5

Despite all the top notch ingredients above, nothing seemed to have excited the tables as much as Peony Jade’s Signature "Wish Fulfilling” Prosperity Gold Bar" (年年易高升) - Pure Mao Shan Wang Durian Layered Nian Gao ($98.88). Indeed, everybody's wish comes true as we dug our fork into the pure goodness of Mao Shan Wang. It was so pure that there was even traces of the seeds being left behind. The niao gao in between was soft and blended into the durian puree seamlessly.

Prosperity Fish 3/5

One of the prettiest I have seen so far - 'Prosperity Fish’ (如鱼得水年, 年年富贵有余) - Mango Sago with Pomelo Pudding ($78.88). Not just pretty, the taste lives up to expectation too.

Mao Shan Wang Niao Gao 4.8/5

If you wish to share the joy and experience of Peony Jade's Crow of The Crown CNY, other than the Poon Chai, a few gift sets are also available for takeaways. One of which is this “Over-flowing Wealth & Bountiful Harvest” 王牌寓号,金雞八兴八旺发财礼盒 ($118.88), made of pure organic Black Gold Mao Shan Wang. Just imagine the taste!

Celebrate and Rise to an Unparalleled Prosperous Fire Rooster Year with Peony Jade’s 10 Festive Classics with a Modern Flair, Handcrafted Gourmet Gift Sets, and Takeaway Treasures from 7 January to 28 February 2017. For more details, please visit http://www.peonyjade.com/

Written and photography 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.


Peony Jade
Keppel Club
Level M
10 Bukit Chermin Road
Singapore 109918
Tel: +65 62769138
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeonyJadeRestaurant
Website: http://www.peonyjade.com/
Nearest MRT: Telok Blangah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 1030am - 230pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Bukit Chermin Road. Turn right into Bukit Chermin Road. Walk along Bukit Chermin Road. Turn right into destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

Famous Depot 108 Claypot Laksa @ Depot Road

I remembered back in my army days, I used to frequent this claypot laksa place at 108 depot road which took up the whole coffeeshop. The coffeeshop was very run down but it is always crowded during lunch time. Since the estate undergone renovation, I have not been back until recently. The coffeeshop is gone and the block is rebuilt into a shopping centre with a food court on second level. Located inside the food court is Famous Depot 108 Claypot Laksa, selling the same claypot laksa. I am not sure whether it is related to the original

Claypot Laksa 

The laksa comes in a thick gravy served in a claypot. The Claypot Laksa ($3.50) is piping hot with tau pok, cockles, fish cakes and prawn. The claypot laksa is pretty good with its thick gravy, rich coconut and fragrant dried shrimps.

The thick and creamy gravy was rich and robust in flavours, coating the silky smooth noodles for a bowl of slurping goodness. The gravy is not as spicy as I would have like but you can always add more yourself. I do like the idea of the using the claypot as it keeps the noodle warm. However the cockles may get overcooked, so do remember to eat them quickly.

Overall Famous Depot 108 Claypot Laksa sells a good bowl of laksa that I finished it to the very last drop of the gravy. The price is also quite reasonable.


Famous Depot 108 Claypot Laksa
Yue Hua Food Court
Blk 108 Depot Road
#02-22
Singapore 100108
Nearest MRT: Labrador Park (CC Line), Telok Blangah (CC Line), Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Labrador Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite furniture warehouse (Stop ID 14401). Take bus number 408. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Telok Blangah MRT station (Stop ID 14161). Take bus number 57. Alight 6 stops later. Cross the Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to HarbourFront Bus interchange (Stop ID 14009). Take bus number 408. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 21 minutes. [Map]

AS Seafood Soup (安盛海鲜汤) @ Depot Road

Many people may have heard of the famous Yan Ji Seafood Soup stall at Woodlands. However not many knows about this humble little stall, AS Seafood Soup (安盛海鲜汤) at Depot Road. It actually moved from Bedok to the current location. According to my brief conversation with the cook that was preparing the seafood soup, I am told that he learnt how to cook the seafood soup from a famous stall in Woodlands. I would suspect it is Yan Ji since the style is very similar.

Crayfish Seafood Soup 4.2/5

At AS Seafood Soup, they basically sells three type of soup. They are Crayfish Seafood Soup ($10/$12), Seafood Soup ($5.50/$7.50) and Promfret Seafood Soup ($10). We had the most expensive crayfish seafood soup at $12 since we have travelled all the way to try it. The soup is cooked with old hen, dried scallop and pork ribs for a good 4 hours to get the rich flavours.

Crayfish Seafood Soup 4.2/5

The luxurious bowl of seafood soup comes with crayfish, prawns, fish slices and chunks of minced pork. I have not tried Yan Ji before but accordingly to Maureen, the soup still falls short of the intensive she had at Yan Ji. Nevertheless, this is still a delicious bowl of seafood soup if are not willing to travel all the way to Woodlands.

Braised Pig Trotter 3/5

The stall also sells Braised Pig Trotter ($5/$7). The braising sauce was actually quite good. However the braised pork trotter was a bit tough and on the dry side.

Good news to the people staying in the East. As I draft this blog post, I am glad to tell you they are back in Bedok, with the opening of the 2nd outlet at block 412, Bedok North.


AS Seafood Soup (安盛海鲜汤)
Yue Hua Food Court
Blk 108 Depot Road
#02-22
Singapore 100108
Tel: +65 83987155
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Labrador Park (CC Line), Telok Blangah (CC Line), Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 9pm
Sat: 11am - 3pm
Sun: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Labrador Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite furniture warehouse (Stop ID 14401). Take bus number 408. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Telok Blangah MRT station (Stop ID 14161). Take bus number 57. Alight 6 stops later. Cross the Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to HarbourFront Bus interchange (Stop ID 14009). Take bus number 408. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 21 minutes. [Map]

Yuan Cheng Carrot Cake (源成菜头粿) @ Telok Blangah Drive Food Centre

Previously I have reviewed Truly Curry Rice, Hong Ji Wanton Mee and Indian Taste Hunter at Telok Blangah Drive Food Centre. Today let me bring you to another stall in the same food centre selling fried carrot cake. Unlike most fried carrot cake stall, Yuan Cheng Carrot Cake (源成菜头粿) uses vegetable oil to fried the radish cake for a more healthier consumption.

Fried Carrot Cake 4/5

Yuan Cheng Carrot Cake sells both the white and black version of the dish. During my visit, I ordered the Black Fried Carrot Cake ($2.50/$3). In recent times, my palate has changed and I actually prefer the black version which is sweeter compared to the white version which is more savoury.

Fried Carrot Cake 4/5

The fragrant plate of fried carrot cake is well coated with the dark sweet sauce with bits of caramelized charred. Slightly crispy on the exterior while moist inside. The dark sweet sauce has a nice aroma, not overly sweet but complementing the radish cake instead.

Fried Carrot Cake 4/5

The carrot cake diced into small rectangle shape also made it easy for eating. Chye poh and egg was also added to enhance the flavours, garnished with some spring onions. This is definitely one good plate of fried carrot cake which I would go back for. Probably I should try the white version in my next visit.


Yuan Cheng Carrot Cake (源成菜头粿） 
Telok Blangah Drive Food Centre
79 Telok Blangah Drive
#01-33
Singapore 100079
Nearest MRT: Telok Blangah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
TBA

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge to the other side of the road. Cut across block 45 to Telok Blangah Drive. At Telok Blangah Drive, turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]