Showing posts with label Baby Squid. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Baby Squid. Show all posts

Sunday, September 8, 2024

Brewerkz @ One Fullerton - Brand New Look and a Refreshed Menu Offering Modern European Dishes Infused with Local Flavours

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Brewerkz at One Fullerton has recently reopened with a brand-new look and a refreshed menu, offering modern European dishes infused with local flavours. The updated menu introduces a range of bar bites, small plates, and mains that cater to a diverse palate.

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Salted Egg Mermaid Fish 3.5/5

The Salted Egg Mermaid Fish, Crispy Tofu Fritters, and Baby Squid & Calamari are some new additions to the Bar Bites. The Salted Egg Mermaid Fish ($12) delivered a satisfying crunch without being overly sauced, but the salted egg flavour was a tad too subtle.

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Crispy Tofu Fritters 3.5/5

The Crispy Tofu Fritters ($12), more like tofu fries, were sprinkled with Szechuan peppercorn and sesame. While the peppercorn wasn't very pronounced, the sesame provided a savoury-sweet contrast that worked well.

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Baby Squid & Calamari 3.5/5

The Baby Squid & Calamari ($18) combined the best of both worlds with a well-seasoned batter, although the accompanying sour plum mayo dip lacked the expected sour plum notes.

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Memphis Baby Back Ribs 4.5/5

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Nasi Lemak Focaccilla 2/5

We had a couple of appetisers - Nasi Lemak Focaccilla ($22) and Memphis Babyback Ribs ($20). The Nasi Lemak Focaccilla, intended to be a hybrid of focaccia and quesadilla, turned out more like a dry quesadilla with a thin spread of rendang and hardboiled egg bits. However, the Memphis Babyback Ribs were a standout, with tender meat glazed in a smoky BBQ sauce that was finger-licking good.

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Wagyu Steak & Frites 4/5

The mains offered a more refined dining experience. The Wagyu Steak & Frites ($74) was satisfying, with a beautifully grilled Wagyu Ribeye (MBS4-5) that rendered enough fat to deliver a rich, buttery flavour, enhanced by a red wine reduction and a hint of smokiness. The chunkier Sidewalker Fries were a great complement to the steak.

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Apple Bacon Pork T-Bone 2.8/5

The Apple Bacon Pork T-Bone ($34) was served with apple bacon sauce, onion chutney, and confit potatoes. While the fruity sweetness of the apple bacon sauce helped cut through the pork's richness, the gaminess was a bit overwhelming. The buttery, soft confit potatoes, however, were indulgent and enjoyable.

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Pugliam Seafood Stew 2/5

Unfortunately, the Pugliam Seafood Stew ($36) was disappointing, presenting itself as more of a pasta-in-cream dish. It seemed hastily prepared, with orecchiette pasta, bits of fish, squid rings, sliced scallops, and prawns thrown into a weak cream sauce. The broth lacked the depth of flavour, and the prawns should have at least been deveined for the price.

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Sour Cherry Crumble 4.2/5

The highlight of the evening was the Sour Cherry Crumble ($18). It was divine, with a base of dark tart cherries topped with sweet, chunky walnut crumble and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Photos and words 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.


Brewerkz
One Fullerton
1 Fullerton Road
#01-01
Singapore 049213
Tel: +65 96431571
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 12midnight

Direction
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT. Take Exit A or B. Walk to Clifford Centre and then Change Alley. Take escalator to level 2. Cross the road using the OUE Link. Turn left towards Fullerton Bay Hotel. Walk to towards the bay and destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, July 6, 2023

Mutiara Seafood @ Wisma Geylang Serai - First-ever Halal-certified Seafood Restaurant By JUMBO Group

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JUMBO Group opens Mutiara Seafood, their first-ever Halal-certified Seafood concept nestled in the heart of Geylang Serai. Mutiara Seafood shines as a culinary gem within the vibrant Wisma Geylang Serai, with its name derived from the Malay word for' pearl'. This seafood restaurant brings together an unprecedented array of Singaporean-style seafood dishes alongside exclusive grilled creations.

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Boasting a seating capacity of 176, Mutiara Seafood also offers four private dining rooms, each with a contemporary ambience suitable for exclusive gatherings, business or personal events.

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Crispy Fried Baby Squid 4.2/5

Our dinner began with the Crispy Fried Baby Squid ($16), expertly deep-fried to achieve a delectable crispness. Tossed in a sweet and savoury sauce, this dish was delightful and addictive, heightened by a sprinkle of sesame seeds that added a touch of aromatic goodness.

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Seafood Pumpkin Soup 4/5

Next, we indulged in the Seafood Pumpkin Soup ($32/$48/$64), a hearty and comforting concoction. The soup's flavour boasted depth, with the sweetness of the pumpkin harmonizing perfectly with the delicate seafood. The combination yielded a creamy texture that enveloped our palates in pure satisfaction.

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Indonesia Grilled Chicken 4.2/5

The Indonesia Grilled Chicken ($20 Half/$36 Whole) showcased JUMBO Seafood's prowess in grilling to perfection. A rich umami flavour from the careful spice marinade enhanced each succulent and juicy bite. The caramelized glaze, created by the marriage of kecap manis and the grill's heat, lent a glossy and sticky coating to the chicken. This glaze enhanced the dish's appearance and added a subtle sweetness that complemented the savoury flavours exquisitely.

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Kang Kong Stir Fried with Sambal 4/5

Kang Kong Stir Fried with Sambal ($14/$21/$28) showcased the vibrant green colour and satisfying crunch of the kang kong vegetable. The soul of the dish lay in the sambal, which imparted a punchy and fiery shiokness, elevating the overall experience.

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Grilled Red Tilapia Fish with Sambal 4/5

We then relished in the Grilled Red Tilapia Fish with Sambal ($40), where meaty red snapper took centre stage. Layered with a punchy chilli sambal, the fish was grilled to mouth-watering perfection, allowing the flavours to meld harmoniously.

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Signature Chilli Crab 4.5/5

A visit to Mutiara Seafood would only be complete with savouring their Signature Chilli Crab (market price). This iconic Singaporean dish featured sweet and fleshy crab drenched in JUMBO Seafood's signature sweet and spicy chilli sauce, best enjoyed with deep-fried mantou buns. The halal rendition of this beloved classic lived up to its renowned reputation.

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Signature Black Pepper Crab 4.5/5

Another must-try is the Signature Black Pepper Crab (market price), showcasing the marriage of fresh crab's natural sweetness with black pepper's aromatic and spicy notes. Embrace the messiness and savour the crab with all its flavourful glory.

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Jimbaran Grilled Prawns 4.2/5

The Jimbaran Grilled Prawn ($28/4pc) made an impressive entrance with its substantial size. Cooked in classic Balinese style, these prawns were treated to a deep rub and marinade of Jimbaran spices, resulting in a tantalising burst of flavours.

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Mee Goreng 4.2/5

The Mee Goreng ($20/$30/$40) was a standout choice to satisfy noodle cravings. The noodles were expertly wok fired to smoky perfection in the traditional Malay style. The sweet, spicy, and savoury sauce coated the noodles impeccably, and a squeeze of calamansi provided a refreshing tang. Prawns and squid were generously incorporated to elevate the dish further.

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Mango Pudding 4/5

Finally, we indulged in the Mango Pudding ($5) and Sweet Yam Paste ($5) to conclude our meal on a sweet note. The Mango Pudding delighted us with its soft and creamy texture, garnished with fresh mango that added a fruity freshness. However, the Sweet Yam Paste caught our attention with its unique twist on the traditional dessert. Accompanied by a sweet corn soup, this rendition provided a delightful contrast of flavours and textures that satisfied us thoroughly.

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Sweet Yam Paste 4.2/5

In conclusion, Mutiara Seafood by JUMBO Group is a remarkable addition to the seafood dining scene in Singapore. Its Halal certification offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for diners seeking authentic Singaporean-style seafood dishes. From the crispy and addictive appetisers to the succulent grilled specialities and signature crab dishes, every bite at Mutiara Seafood was a testament to JUMBO Seafood's culinary expertise. Coupled with the elegant dining space and attentive service, a visit to Mutiara Seafood promises a memorable gastronomic experience that will surely please seafood enthusiasts and discerning diners alike.

Note: This is an invited tasting session.


Mutiara Seafood
Wisma Geylang Serai
1 Engku Aman Turn
#01-02 & #02-02/03
Singapore 408528
Tel: +65 68163030
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Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit E. Cut through PLQ Mall to Sims Ave. Cross the road and walk to Tanjong Katong Road. Walk down Tanjong Katong Road to Geylang Road. Turn left onto Geylang Road. Walk down Geylang Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, May 20, 2023

808 Eating House @ Joo Chiat Road - Accessible Style Of Inventive Contemporary Southeast Asian Cuisine

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A new kid on the block in Joo Chiat enclave is 808 Eating House. The casual eatery by young chef Eugene Chee has conceptualised a menu inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine and regional produce. Chef Eugene wants to move away from the traditional fine dining atmosphere and create a livelier and more local vibe, fuelled by inventive and satisfying dishes prepared with finesse and thoughtfully-sourced local or regional quality ingredients.

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Chicken and Egg 3.5/5

We started with some snacks - Chicken and Egg ($4) and Pickled Quail Eggs ($6). The Chicken and Egg is one of the dishes Chef Eugene frequently made during his stint at Bar Crenn while the Pickled Quail Eggs is a crowd favourite during a pop-up collaboration with Chooby Pizza. It felt like Chef Eugene was bringing us into his culinary world, the journey that brought him to where he is today.

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Pickled Quail Eggs 4.2/5

The Chicken and Egg is a layered chicken fat chawanmushi with creme fraiche and a generous topping of finely-chopped chives. However, my favourite is the Pickled Quail Egg, which surprised me with its tartness and sweetness from the black vinegar.

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Duck Fat Financiers 4/5

Everyone at the table paused momentarily when the Duck Fat Financiers ($10) was served. I was wondering whether this is a savoury or dessert dish. It is interesting to pair the buttery duck fat with a creamy and flavourful chicken liver mousse. The combination may sound weird, but it works for me.

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Crispy Baby Squid 4.5/5

The Crispy Baby Squid ($16) is highly addictive, coated in a thin layer of potato starch and deep-fried to golden brown. They are enhanced with a shichimi togarashi sprinkle and are best enjoyed with the squid ink aioli dip.

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You Mai Chai 3/5

The You Mai Chai ($12) is served as a salad, tossed in pandan oil, honey and mustard dressing, and topped with prawn and coconut flakes. I am not used to having the greens as a salad. I still prefer to have it stir-fried.

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Sweet XL Clams 4.2/5

One of my favourite dishes for the night is the Sweet XL Clams ($24), topped with egg floss. The clams were huge, plump and juicy, swimming in a fragrant and delicious Hua Tiao broth, perking the enjoyment.

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Buah Keluak Pork Belly 4/5

A change from the usual buah keluak chicken is the Buah Keluak Pork Belly ($26) paired with achar at the side. The tender pork belly is topped with coconut serundeng and ginger flower, elevating the taste profile. The accompanying achar is a welcoming side to balance the pork belly's richness.

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Barramundi 3.5/5

The Barramundi ($28) was cooked beautifully with perfectly seared crispy skin, perched on a lightly-spiced garam masala pumpkin puree. While I enjoyed the fish, I wouldn't say I liked the use of Indian spices in the dish. The idea is good, but more tweak is needed to bring the dish together.

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Cold Bee Hoon 4/5

If you need your carbo, the Cold Bee Hoon ($6) will fill you up. The rice vermicelli is packed with flavours from the ebi sakura, shallot oil and chives, worked beautifully together.

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Ice Cream Sandwich 4.2/5

The desserts at 808 Eating House are also crafted with a focus on local and regional flavours. The Ice Cream Sandwich ($12), a local childhood treat, comes in a modern take of black sesame parfait sandwiched between two wafer biscuits, topped with coconut caramel, mushroom crumble and mint.

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Peanut In A Cup 3/5

The idea behind Peanut In A Cup ($5) is akin to savouring a bowl of local peanut soup. First, concentrated peanut milk is rendered by steeping roasted peanuts in warm milk. Then, it is poured into a glass of muscovado syrup at the base. Please give it a good swirl to enjoy the creamy texture and rich flavour.

Overall I find 808 Eating House has a lot of potential. I get what the chef is trying to do. It is creative, but more work and tweaks are needed to combine the concept and flavours. Saying so, I do look forward to their next menu.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


808 Eating House
153 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427431
Tel: +65 89468089
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 6pm - 11pm
Fri-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus 33. Alight 5 stops later. Walk across the open-air carpark. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Orchid Live Seafood @ HomeTeamNS Khatib - Offers Indulgent Live Lobster Porridge And 1-For-1 Boston Lobster

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Situated within Home Team NS Khatib is Orchid Live Seafood, known for offering a range of live Teochew-style seafood at family-friendly prices. With fresh seafood in large full-view tanks in the restaurant, diners can be sure that they are getting the freshest ingredients as the prized catches come straight from the tanks. They have four different types of lobsters, with the Southern Australian Lobster as the most prized lobster breed.

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Live Lobster Porridge 4.5/5

Our first course is their Signature Live Lobster Porridge, cooked Teochew style with a watery but rich porridge base and rice still in grain form. Diners can take their pick from the four types of lobsters. For an indulgent experience, we had the most premium Southern Australian Lobster ($288). It comes in glorious red colour, with a firm, succulent meat texture and rich flavours.

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Live Boston Lobster in Cream Cheese 4/5

We had the Live Boston Lobster in Cream Cheese starting from $78 per lobster. Superbly cheesy with some sweetness, the best way to have the dish is to use the lobster meat to sweep up the rich cheese sauce. Other styles of cooking include Garlic Steamed or Chilli.

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Signature Steven Chicken 4.2/5

Another of our favourite dishes is the Signature Steven Chicken ($16 for 8 pcs | $24 for 12pcs | $30 for 16pcs). The deep-fried chicken is fried in a homemade marinade of marmite and honey sauce, resulting in a crispy exterior and a sweet and savoury flavour combination that we thoroughly enjoyed.

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Seasoned Baby Squid 4.2/5

The Seasoned Baby Squid ($23) comes served in a sweet and spicy Thai sauce, red onions and cucumber strips. The baby squids were fried to a thin crisp on the exterior while retaining a tender bite. It also comes in another option - served with a trio sauce of wasabi mayo, sweet sauce and sriracha mayo sauce.

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Udder's Ice Cream 4/5

Lastly, we ended the meal on a sweet note with Udder's Ice Cream, available in either dark chocolate or chendol flavours. The chendol ice cream is fragrant and sweet. However, I prefer the former for its rich chocolate bittersweetness and creamy texture.

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As part of their August specials, Orchid Live Seafood is offering 1 For 1 Boston Lobster, 20% off per piece of Braised New Zealand Black Gold Abalone, and 50% off the Southern Australian Lobster (UP $288, now $144).

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.


Orchid Live Seafood
HomeTeamNS Khatib
2 Yishun Walk
#03-01
Singapore 767944
Tel: +65 67560311
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Khatib (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 230pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Khatib MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight down Yishun Avenue 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

JU95 @ Boat Quay - A Modern Izakaya Restaurant By A Talented Young Chef

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JU95 is a modern izakaya restaurant located at Boat Quay opened for about 3 months. From what I understand, the kitchen is helmed by Chef Louis who supposed to follow a 2 Michelin starred chef to Belgium which was put off due to the pandemic.

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Parfait Ju 4.2/5

The Parfait Ju ($15) gives me a glimpse of what the restaurant meant by modern izakaya. The finesse of how the chef beautifully laid the fermented mushroom on a bed of chicken liver paste on top of the koji sable cookies is both stunning in taste and sight.

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Stuffed Chicken Wing 4.2/5

The next dish is Stuffed Chicken Wing ($18). It is a lavish take stuffed with foie gras paired with mala dip, unlike the usual.

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Hay Smoked Hamachi 4.5/5

Another impressive dish is the Hay Smoked Hamachi ($25). The fresh hamachi is infused with a hint of smokiness paired with padron peppers and leek. The accompanying sweet and sour berry sauce brightens up the enjoyment.

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Cold Angel Hair 4.2/5

For some carbo intake, diners can go for the Cold Angel Hair ($24) topped with scallop tartare, truffle, ikura and avruga caviar. Served chilli, the refreshing goodness can be further complemented with the creaminess of Hokkaido uni for an additional $18.

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Grilled Baby Squid Donabe 4.8/5

The highlight for the night has to be the Grilled Baby Squid Donabe ($45). The treasure pot comprises seaweed schmaltz, mushroom and ikura. Give it a good toss, and the aroma will hit your senses, followed by complex yet flavoursome flavours from the different ingredients.

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Ice Cream Sandwich 4.5/5

I do not have a sweet tooth, but I highly recommend saving space for the Ice Cream Sandwich ($10). Sandwiched between the biscuity shells are sweetened sour cream instead of ice cream, sake soaked cherry and garnished with rose petals. The play of flavours and textures is a unique take of the traditional ice cream sandwich.

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I am impressed with the food at Ju95. The dishes I tried are creative and tasty with touches of finesse, giving a modern take of traditional izakaya. Ju95 is one of the best restaurants I have eaten this year, and I recommend you check it out.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ju95
41 Boat Quay
Singapore 049830
Facebook
Website
Tel: +65 82012737
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Thu-Fri, Sun: 12pm - 2pm (lunch)
Tue-Sun: 6pm - 1030pm (dinner)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk towards the river. Turn left and walk along the river bank. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]