Publico Ristorante @ The Quayside - Bringing The Isle Of Capri To Robertson Quay

Step into Publico Ristorante at The Quayside, sit yourself down on one of the lounge sofas with palm tree upholstery and you will be in the mood of a vacation. From 11 am to 4pm every Sunday, Capri Sundays at Publico Ristorante allows you to do just that, serving up contemporary Italian dishes that exude Mediterranean vibes, coupled with rejuvenating cocktails. The design of the space imbues with a sense of upbeat casualness - bold geometric granite floors from Italy against furnishing with cool overtones, warmed with wood cladded columns. The al fresco area overlooking the riverside is ever enticing but the indoor dining proves to be just as chill, with the greens from concrete planters.

Sbagliato and White Pizza

Open up your senses with Sbagliato ($13), a cocktail born by mistake, hence the name which means 'mistaken' in Italian. Apparently, a bartender grabbed sparkling wine instead of gin as he was making this cocktail. Other refreshing cocktails are available, such as the all-time Italian classic, Aperol Spritz. If you drop by on weekdays between 4-7pm for its Spritz sessions, each will cost $12, and served with complimentary Signature White Pizza.

Slow Cooked Eggs 3/5

It's always interesting to see how a restaurant can get creative with eggs. Out of the 4 'eggs of choice' under Eggs & Toast, we had Slow Cooked ($16) – 2 free range eggs, sourdough bread, Parma ham, Castelmagno cheese. Marinara sauce buttered the plate which provides an Italian touch and flavour to the otherwise common breakfast ingredients, like how you would get from 'pimp your breakfast', which each element taking a corner of the plate.

Avocado on Toast 3.5/5

Just when you think it's another Avocado on Toast ($21), Publico up the ante by topping it with a dollop of pillowy burrata cheese - an Italian twist to this new-age brunch item, a fresh take on a classic antipasti. The avocado is given a bit of a spice too, which adds an edge to the flavour.

Fregola Sarda 3.8/5

Moving on to Primi, which showcases pasta dishes, the varied textures of the Fregola Sarda ($26) makes it extremely likable. The tiny rolled balls of semolina pasta are tossed in garlic cream with succulent prawns, crunchy broccoli and soft juicy cherry tomatoes. The juice released from the tomatoes sweetens the sauce with a big of tang and the lemon zest added brightens the overall flavour of this dish.

Broccolini & Chilli Oil Pizza 3/5

I never thought broccolini can actually appear on pizza till I tasted this Broccolini & Chilli Oil Pizza ($21). Texture wise, there is a lot of crunch to it and I like how the savoury mozzarella brings our the subtle sweetness of the fresh ricotta.

Tiramisu 3/5

Sweeten your weekend with a pot of its Tiramisu ($16). Not too rich and I really like how the sponge fingers are moist with espresso.

What I really appreciate about Publico Ristorante is its spaciousness, which is much needed for good conversations but often lacking at many restaurants and bistros.

Words and photos 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.


Publico Ristorante
1 Nanson Road
Level 1
Singapore 238909
Tel: +65 68265040
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Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 630am - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 630am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop along Upper Cross Road, Opposite Subordinate Court (Stop ID 06171). Take bus number 51 or 186. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Saiboo Street. Cross the river and walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to junction of River Valley Road and Clemenceau Avenue. Cross the road. Turn left and walk to the river. At the river, turn right and walk down the river. Walk to The Quayside and turn to Nanson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Ninja Cut @ Seah Street - Celebrates 1-Year Anniversary With Hawaiian Inspired Menu Additions

Opened a mere 5 months since the successful launch of sister outlet Ninja Bowl, Astronaut Group's second venture, Ninja Cut has made quite a name for itself over the year with an extensive, ever-changing menu of all-day brunch offerings, robust meats and fresh seafood dishes. As it hits its one year hallmark of operations, a whole new slew of Hawaiian inspired dishes are introduced in celebration of its one year anniversary, with ingredients thoughtfully sought out and put together to curate items infused with a taste of Polynesian food in America. Available for a limited time only, before they ninja away to a different themed menu inspired by another country all together.

Moana Love 4/5

The Moana Love ($18) allows diners to choose between salmon or tuna, and a choice of truffle yuzu or spicy lime cilantro sauce on a bed of green coral lettuce, mashed avocado, mixed with mango bits, cherry tomatoes and mixed nuts. I opted for the salmon with truffle yuzu sauce with an addition of quinoa rice. Gently poke the onsen egg and let the runny yellow coat the rest of the ingredients sitting below as you mix everything in. The addition of mango bits lends a subtle sweetness, while the mild truffle yuzu aroma further enhances the dish with a refreshing zesty twist. The Moana Love is a gorgeously presented dish featuring a medley of colours and flavours. An ideal and delicious option for the health-conscious. And besides, what’s a hawaiian menu without some poke?

Maui Dream 4.2/5

The Maui Dream ($22) comes in a generous serving of jumbo crab lumps with mentaiko sauce cream, cheese scrambled eggs with a very subtle kick of chilli spice, and tobiko served on a perfectly toasted croissant. Definitely an indulgent brunch fare pairing those soft and fluffy eggs and tender mentaiko crab lumps with a crispy buttery croissant.

Unagi Burger 4.5/5

Taking inspiration from the large number of Japanese residing in Hawaii, the Unagi Burger ($22) was created with an infusion of the japanese element. It features a large slab of char-grilled unagi in between brioche burger buns, with smashed avocado and an onsen egg. The unagi boasts an extremely soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture, flavorous with a smoky taste. It is an ingenious pairing with the soft and fluffy burger buns, which were buttered on the underside to add a subtle sweetness to the dish. The side of sweet potato fries were executed excellently as well, crispy with a distinct sweet potato flavour. All the Hawaiian inspired dishes served fared well but this Unagi Burger is hands down my favourite.

Happy Hula 4.2/5

End the meal on a sweet (and zesty) note with the Happy Hula ($19) which comes in a crispy buttery toasted croissant, topped with fresh mango, fresh coconut meat, passionfruit honey, a scoop of smooth and creamy coconut-pineapple ice cream, and sprinkled with toasted coconut flakes and almonds. A mix of mangoes, coconut, passionfruit and pineapple plays out a perfect balance of sweet and sourness, and creates a refreshingly unique combination that I really enjoyed.

Constantly innovating and crafting new dishes through experimentation on different ingredients to dish out unique combinations that actually work out, Ninja Cut continues to excite tastebuds and surprise customers from time to time with their creative ideas and brilliant executions. After its much lauded previous menu, Ninja Cut continues to raise its bar and set expectations several notches higher with each visit. I reckon their next inspired menu will fare even better, but these impressive Hawaiian inspired specials are definitely something not to be missed.

Words and photos 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.


Ninja Cut
32 Seah Street
Singapore 188388
Tel: +65 62647727
Facebook
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 930am - 730pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road. Cross the road, walk towards Raffles Hotel direction. Walk down North Bridge Road and turn right on to Seah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

The Timmis @ Oxley Tower - A Great Place for Protein + Salad Fix

Oxley Tower is a fairly new office building situated along Robinson Road. If you are a 'Healthy Lunch Eat' kind of person, then you must get to know The Timmis. Over here at The Timmis, you are encouraged to take your protein, alongside with fresh salads for a balanced meal. The owner has spent quite a good number of years living in Canada, loves cooking and adopts a pretty clean diet as well and hence, would like to provide something similar to the CBD crowd here.

Similar to other salad bars, the ordering is just as straight forward. Simply tick off your desired ingredients and pass it to the crew. As mentioned, protein is the focus here and hence, you must choose your meat first! The rest are secondary. Tofu is available if you would like to go meatless. Slender (1 protein), Fit (2 protein) or Macho (3 protein) at $11, $14, $17 respectively depending on the number of protein that you wish to have. Common Man coffee beans is served here, if you would like to have some gourmet coffee.

Rib-Eye Steak Salad 4/5

I made 2 Slender - Rib-Eye Steak and Salmon. I was surprised that each meat cost only a dollar more. I was so elated when I spotted the charred pineapple chunks (baked fruits). My rib-eye steak salad, along side with the onsen egg, shimeji mushrooms and baked pineapple chunks felt like a deconstructed steak burger and it is carb free!

Salmon Salad 3.5/5

For Salmon, I chose pumpkin mash, avocado ($1), beetroot, button mushrooms and an additional asparagus. Avocado is usually considered a premium ingredient but over here, an entire half of the fruit only cost me a dollar more. I fellt that is pretty generous. The citrus ginger dressing which I had chosen really zest up my salad. What could be improved here is really the pumpkin mash. It is too watery and lacks the starchy texture that a good mash should have.

I find the sides here more interesting compared to some other established salad bar. I don't just get cold beetroot but beetroot with sweet onions, sauteed shimeji mushrooms with onions, and my favourite baked pineapple chunks. With The Timmis just around the junction of Robinsons Road and McCallum St, you don't really have to walk far off to get your protein + salad fix. Just remember to stop over.

Words and photos 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.


[CLOSED]
The Timmis
Oxley Tower
138 Robinson Road
#01-06
Singapore 068906
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 7pm
(Closed on Sat & Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit F. Turn left onto Robinson Road. Walk down Robinson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Comida Mexicana @ East Coast Road - New Casual & Convivial Dining Concept By Margarita's

Same same but different that is exactly how I would describe Comida Mexicana at East Coast Road. Managed by the same folk behind Margarita's, the team has revamped its outlet in East Coast Road and created a new casual and convivial dining concept offering Mexican food which in Spanish is the name of the restaurant - Comida Mexicana.

Tortilla Chips with Dip 3.5/5

We started with some freshly made tortilla chips before dinner is served. At Comida Mexicana, you order the prefer choice of dip to go with the tortilla chips. There are a total of 4 different dips on the menu and we tried the Red Salsa ($6), Green Tomatillo Salsa ($7) and Chile Con Queso ($16). Most in the group likes the chile con queso or chilli with melted cheese while I actually enjoyed the green tomatillo salsa for its spicy kick.

Enrollados 3.8/5

The Enrollados ($18) is the Mexican popiah. The tortilla is rolled up with chicken, jalapenos and cheese stuffing. It is then coated with egg and deep fried. This is topped with fresh salsa, sour cream and guacamole. The doughy bite of the enrollados was quite enjoyable with the different flavours working in harmony.

Mash Avocado Sopes 3.8/5

Next we tried the Mash Avocado Sopes ($20) which is known to be originated from central and southern parts Mexico. The crackling and light fried masa base held the pile of mash aovcado for a textural enjoyment. I only hope the flavour has more punch in it.

Crab & Avocado Quesadillas 4/5

The Crab & Aocado Quesadillas ($28) is an off the menu creation. What made it worked was actually the creamy sauce of the crab mixture. It was surprisingly very delectable, complemented by the thin and crispy tortilla.

Carnitas 4/5

Next we tried the Carnitas ($32) which is Mexican pulled pork. It comes with warm corn tortillas, salsa rojas, salsa verde and guacamole. We are supposed to eat it like a wrap with a bit of everything. However I felt the corn tortilla was too thick, masking the appreciation of the dish. Credit has to go to the beautifully cooked pulled pork which is tender and flavourful. I actually ended up having the pulled pork without the corn tortilla.

Mexican Yucantan Chicken 4.5/5

A favourite dish among the dining group is the Mexican Yucantan Chicken ($28). The chicken skewers are spiced with achiote and orange. The tender and juicy chicken was extremely delicious with the sweet marination.

Salted Caramel Pina Colada Bread Pudding 4/5

A pleasing dessert to wrap up the dinner is the Salted Caramel Pina Colada Bread Pudding ($15). The play of hot and cold, sweet and savoury together with the soft bread pudding provided a delightful finishing for a lovely dessert.

Kahbrita 4.5/5

For coffee lover, not to be missed is the Kahbrita ($14). Similar to affogato, the dessert glass consists of Kahlua and a scoop of ice cream coated with Mexican chocolate. A shot of espresso is then poured over the dessert for a bitter sweet enjoyment.

Overall I find the place and food at Comida Mexicana is family friendly which suits its neighbour. However I find the Mexican food here a bit light handed. I thought Mexican food should be more vibrant in flavours.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Comida Mexicana
404 East Coast Road
Singapore 428998
Tel: +65 64408030
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Eve of PH & PH: 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon exclude Eve of PH and PH)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take exit A. Walk to bus stop at Blk 99 Old Airport Road (Stop ID 81181). Take Bus 10 or 32. Alight 8 stops later. Cross the road. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

Tono Cevicheria @ Duo Galleria - The First Ever Peruvian Cevicheria In Singapore

The first ever Peruvian Cevicheria, Tono Cevicheria has landed on our shore at Duo Galleria. The restaurant is the brainchild of Peruvian Chef Daniel Chavez, co-owner and chef of OLA Cocina del Mar at MBFC. The kitchen at Tono Cevicheria is headed by Executive Chef Mario Malvaez with a dynamic team of Lima-trained Latin American chefs.

Clasico Ceviche 4.5/5

Using line caught fish from New Zealand is the Clasico Ceviche ($25) which is a classic ceviche that can be found in any household and cevicheria in Peru. In the plate, you can find fresh fish meat, thinly sliced onion, white tiger's milk, lettuce, coriander, chilli and lime juice. They are many flavours at play but they all come together as a beautiful dish.

Nikkei Ceviche 4.2/5

The Nikkei Ceviche ($24) is Japanese influenced using a concoction of dashi, mirin, soy and chilli to pair with the raw yellowfin tuna. It comes with purple potato chips and avocado puree. I thought the soy is a bit overpowering. I still prefer the clasico ceviche for its sharp flavours.

Avocado 3.8/5

Avocado ($24) is a vegetarian dish on the menu. It consists of avocado, mushrooms, lime vinaigrette, heart of palm, blue corn and sweet potato chips. An enjoyable dish packed with different textures.

Solterito 4/5

I thought Peruvian cuisine is all about raw fish until I had the Solterito ($24) which consists of crispy white fish, fava beans, canchitas and feta cheese resting on a bed of potato mash. The potato mash has a tangy zest to it which is very appetizing.

Jalea 3.5/5

The Jalea ($32) is basically a fried seafood basket. In the basket, there are crispy calamari, fish, prawn and octopus. Besides the seafood, there are other items such us tapioca chips, salsa criollo and smoked chilli mayo.

Chicharron 4.2/5

Another fried item we tried is the crispy pork belly, Chicharron ($28). The pork is dressed in a smoky chilli and amarillo sauce. The combination of the cheesy sauce surprisingly works wonderfully with the crispy pork belly.

Huaita 3.5/5

The Huaita ($32) is a slow roasted pork dish with bean stew, dressed in mint and coriander sauce. It is also topped with some quinoa. The pork is cooked to a nice fork tender but the flavours did not have that wow factor that will make me jump up from my chair.

Aguadito 4.8/5

Cooked in a housemade fish stock with onions, garlic, oregano, tomatoes, white wine, lager, cumin and pumpkin is the Aguadito ($28). The comforting bowl of soup with long grain rice, crispy fish, chicken, pumpkin and canchita was the highlight for me. The dish has great depth in it, with the different flavours working harmoniously as one.

Lomo Saltado 4.2/5

The Lomo Saltado ($40) is a traditional stir-fried beef dish with tomatoes, onions, coriander and crispy potatoes. This is definitely Chinese influenced with the used of light and dark soy too. Best to go with a bowl of rice.

Combinado 3/5

Moving to the dessert, we tried the Combinado ($12). It is actually vanilla rice pudding and purple corn mazamorra, topped with grapes and apple cubes. A rather interesting dish which felt like having oatmeal for breakfast.

Alfajores 4/5

If I have a choice, I would have the Alfajores ($12) for dessert. The Dulce de Leche filling and mango mousse is sandwiched with butter cookies and dusted with icing sugar. A delightful sweet and sour combination to wrap up your the dinner.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tono Cevicheria
Duo Galleria
7 Fraser Street
#01-49/50
Singapore 189536
Tel: +65 67027320
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat: 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit E or F. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Open Door Policy @ Tiong Bahru - 100 Percent Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Concept Bistro

Located in the enclave of Tiong Bahru is Open Door Policy, a bistro that offers 100 percent gluten-free and dairy-free dishes on their menu. Recently Open Door Policy has revamped its menu, enticing diners with a total of 15 new dishes to the menu.

Watercress Soup 4/5

Dinner at Open Door Policy started with the Watercress Soup ($18). It comes with a poached organic egg and sweet wolfberries. The rich and thick watercress soup is then poured into the bowl at the table. I was worried that it will have an earthy raw taste but it was not traceable at all. In fact I could detect a tasteful stock base that is used to infuse with the watercress.

Warm Wasabi Green Pea Soup 4/5

The other soup I tried on the menu is the Warm Wasabi Green Pea Soup ($23). The espresso cup holds the thick pea soup which is mildly spiced by the wasabi. It also comes with a lightly seared Hokkaido scallops. The chia seeds and fried gluten-free focaccia bread provided that extra texture to the soup.

Avocado Jumbo Lump Crab Salad 3/5

The other starter we had is the Avocado Jumbo Lump Crab Salad ($25) which comes with charcoal gluten-free fried bread. Unfortunately I could hardly taste the crab meat in it, not to mention the salted egg yolk crumble which was not detectable.

Vitel Tone 3.5/5

Lastly on the starter, we had the Vitel Tone ($25). Slices of sous vide veal loin rested on a crispy gluten-free and dairy-free flat bread. It is then topped with pickled purple cabbage, green kale and dressed in homemade tuna mayo. There is a lot of flavours at play here couple with different textures. Complex but yet flavourful.

Braised Pork Rack 3.5/5

Moving to the mains, we began with the Braised Pork Rack ($38). The pork rack is marinated in 5 spice and oven roasted. It is then dressed in a sweet and spicy pineapple sauce. If I am blindfolded, I probably could not tell I am having pork. The marination and sauce seems to cleverly masked the porky taste. The dish also comes with baked purple sweet potatoes and blanche broccolini as sides.

Vegetable Tempura Risotto 4.5/5

One of my favourite dishes on the menu is actually a vegetarian dish. It is the Vegetable Tempura Risotto ($25) topped with pickled pink ginger for a tangy bite. I somehow felt that the risotto taste like our local fish porridge. This is crowned with crispy rice flour battered okra, baby carrots, oyster mushroom and broccoli for texture.

Braised Veal Ossobuco 4.2/5

The other risotto dish we tried is the Braised Veal Ossobuco ($32). The green pea puree risotto comes with fork tender braised veal ossobuco. It is then topped with pickled purple baby carrot and a light drizzle of preserved lemon juice. Compared to the vegetable tempura risotto, this is more richer and more intense in flavours.

Spaghetti Alle Vongole 4.2/5

Initially when the Spaghetti Alle Vongole ($28) is served, I thought the pasta looks rather pale and mushy. However it actually has a good al dente bite to it. The pasta is made from rice flour without egg and tossed in a creamy Japanese white miso sauce. Not forgetting the generous serving of sweet white clams.

Sous Vide Salmon 4.5/5

Another delicious dish on the menu is the Sous Vide Salmon ($32) marinated in garlic and thyme. It was cooked to a beautiful pink and served in a braised miso chilli daikon broth with milk cabbage and fresh cherry tomatoes, topped with delicate dill foam. Although salmon is used, the whole execution felt like having a Teochew style steamed fish.

Pan Seared Threadfin 3/5

We also had the Pan Seared Threadfin ($32) on a sweet and spicy Thai mango salad, tossed with cashew nuts and sakura shrimp. I thought the mango salad lacked the spicy and tangy punch for the characteristic for Thai cuisine. It was too mild.

Dairy-Free Apple Crumble 4/5

A warm and comforting dessert on the menu is the Dairy-Free Apple Crumble ($16). The sous vide apple chunks are marinated in 8 different spices. It is topped with crunchy oat flour and extra virgin coconut oil crumble. This is best paired with the cashew nut milk creme anglais.

Calamansi Chocolate Tart 4.8/5

The Calamansi Chocolate Tart ($16) is definitely one of the prettiest tart I have eaten. The yolk-based calamansi and lime zest custard sits in a no-bake bitter chocolate tartshell. This is then topped with dollops of torched meringue and dehydrated calamansi slices. In my wildest dream, I never thought the combination can be so harmonized and yummy.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Open Door Policy
19 Yong Siak Street
Singapore 168650
Tel: +65 62219307
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic light junction. Cross the road and walk down Tiong Bahru Road towards Kim Pong Road. Turn right onto Kim Pong Road. Walk to Yong Siak Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]