Level 33 @ MBFC Tower 1 - A New Menu Inspired By The Craft Beers At The World's Highest Urban-Brewery

I am back at Level 33, the world's highest urban craft-brewery and modern European kitchen after my last visit more than 3 years back. I am checking out Executive Chef Jimi Tegerdine's new menu which is inspired by the craft beers and the brewing process at Level 33.

Japanese Deep Sea Crab 4/5

Our dinner started with the Japanese Deep Sea Crab ($28) which comes with crab legs and claw poached in butter. I enjoyed the acidity of the lime gel which somewhat accentuated the sweetness of the crab and lifted the enjoyment. I appreciated the use of grilled corn for the dish but the popcorn was a bit off for me.

Hokkaido Scallop 3.5/5

Next is the Hokkaido Scallop ($27) which is lightly poached before serving. It is dressed in a green dashi sauce and crowned with orange caviar and bonito flakes. I thought the sauce was a bit too intense throwing the balance slightly off and masking the sweetness of the scallop. I probably would enjoy more if there was some sear on the scallop.

Kangaroo 3.8/5

This is my first time having Kangaroo ($37) and I was not sure what to expect. The piece of red loin meat was sous vide and char grilled. It is then paired with beetroot and turnip puree. Texture wise its a bit muscular. Taste wise I thought it was quite similar to pig liver. While kangaroo meat is acceptable for me, I would prefer it to be more charred as to cut the richness of the kangaroo meat.

Truffled Kumara 3.5/5

The Truffled Kumara ($28) is a vegetarian dish on the menu. It comes in a trio of Kumara sweet potatoes, trumpet mushroom and sake-fermented leek and dressed with truffle oil. The dish looks appealing but I did not quite enjoy it. I felt the whole execution was a bit on the dry side, lacking a sauce to whole it together.

NY Strip 4/5

Spinach 4.2/5, Butternut Squash 4/5

Good for sharing is the NY Strip ($135). Cooked beautifully to medium rare is the 8 weeks dry-aged French Sirloin, served with mustard espuma. Level 33 is one of the 3 restaurants in Singapoe serving it. You can also order some dishes such as the Spinach ($11) and Butternut Squash ($15) to go with the tender piece of beef.

Strawberry 3.5/5

You can find a perfect harmony of sweet and sour in the Strawberry ($15). It comes with various textures of strawberry paired with meringue and sorrel ice cream in the light and refreshing dessert.

Cereal 3.8/5

Another light and delicious dessert on the menu is the Cereal ($13.50). Served in a jar, it comes with shaved macadamia, beer malt praline, almond milk mousse and lemon curd. Every spoonful of the dessert, you can a combination of sweet, sour and textures working delightfully on the palate.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Level 33
Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1
8 Marina Boulevard
#33-01
Singapore 018981
Tel: +65 68343133
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 12midnight
Fri & Eve of PH: 1130am - 2am
Sat: 10am - 2am
Sun: 12pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit E or J. Follow the underground walkway towards Marina Link Mall. Continue onwards to Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Tocha Bistro @ Hotel Boss - Crazy Happy Hour With A Huge Selection Of Western Food

Tocha Bistro is the new gastropub that replaces char gril bar at Hotel Boss. The grastropub is actually located at the back of the hotel along the canal, giving diners the feel of alfresco dining alongside the river.
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Mushroom Soup 3.5/5

We started with the Mushroom Soup ($5.80) which is hearty and comforting. I enjoyed the earthy flavours of the different blend of mushroom with a creamy finishing.

Spicy Mid- Wings 3/5

The Spicy Mid-Wings ($8.80 for 10pc) was deep fried to an enjoyable light crispiness on the exterior while retaining the juiciness inside. However I did not find it spicy at it. The marination did not manage to wow me.but the children seemed to be loving it.

Baked Scallop 3/5

The Baked Scallop ($8.80 for 3pc) is baked in mayonnaise and 3 different types of cheeses. I applauded the generous used of cheese and mayonnaise but I thought it was a bit heavy handed, masking the sweetness of the scallop.

Tiger Prawn with White Wine Sauce 3.8/5

The Tiger Prawn with White Wine Sauce ($13.80) which comes with 3 huge prawns tossed in slightly spicy and robust white wine sauce. It is a pity that the spaghetti was overcooked or it will would be my favourite dish for the night. On a good day, this definitely will be the star of the menu.

Grilled Salmon 3.5/5

Grilled Cod Fish 3.5/5

For the fish items, we tried both the Grilled Salmon ($15.80) and Grilled Cod Fish ($19.80). For the pricing, I thought the portion is a bit small.While I could not really fault the cooking, I was not able to find excitement in the whole execution.

Lamb Rack 2.8/5

Tenderloin Steak 3.5/5

Moving to the meats, we tried the Lamb Rack ($22.80) Tenderloin Steak ($28.80). I probably will give the lamb rack a miss. It was dry and the pricing is too expensive for the portion served. The tenderloin steak ($28.80) fared better and was cooked to a nice pink. Once again I am not too sure about the pricing as I think I can get better quality piece of steak elsewhere at the same price or lower.

Iberico Pork 4/5

The dish that I would come back for is their Iberico Pork ($22,80). The piece of pork is well seasoned, complementing the natural sweetness of the pork. The pork was also tender and juicy. The kitchen has given justice to the beautiful piece of pork.

Hawaiian Pizza 3.5/5

Tocha Bistro has a huge selections of their menu and it includes pizza too. The Hawaiian Pizza ($12.80) is a tomato base pizza with chicken, ham and pineapple. A classic combination that works with the crispy thin crust. dough. This is best to go with a glass of beer.

If you are looking for a place to chill out, then don't miss the Crazy Happy Hour at Tocha Bistro. Crazy Happy Hour happens 5-6pm every day, where a pint of beer starts from S$7.80, and a bucket of 6 from S$25. On Mondays, the Crazy Hour Promotion runs all day and all night! Normal Happy Hour promotion will be from 6-9pm every day, where a pint of beer starts from S$10.80 and a bucket of 6 from S$35.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tocha Bistro
Hotel Boss
500 Jalan Sultan
#01-20
Singapore 199020
Tel: +65 62917118
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Fri: 11am - 1am
Sat: 11am - 2am

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Continue walking down Kallang Road towards Victoria Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Paulaner Bräuhaus @ Millenia Walk - Singapore's First And Only German Microbrewery Reopens After A Two-Month Makeover

After a two months of renovation, Paulaner Bräuhaus at Millenia Walk is re-opened again. Singapore's first and only authentic German microbrewery has a new stylish and dapper interior marked by a contemporary palette of light maple. tan leather, matt gold and royal blue. In conjunction with the re-opening, it has also updated its food menu.

We started with some beers from the tap. From left to right, we have the Paulaner Brauhaus Weissbier Wheat Bear, Paulaner Brauhaus Helles Pale Lager and Paul Brauhaus Drunkel Dark Lager.

Obazda with Pretzel 4.2/5

Kicking off the meal at Paulaner Brauhaus, we started with some light bites. First we had the Obazda with Pretzel ($16.90). The Munich-style pretzel, baked freshly in the premises daily is accompanied by a bottle of obazda (a Bavarian cheese spread). The cheese spread is made with fresh butter, camembert, various spices, chopped onions and topped with fried onions. The obazda is really very enjoyable that you may end up ordering a few pretzel to go with it.

Paulaner Trio Fish 4/5

The Paulaner Trio Fish ($15.90) is another good choice to go with the pretzel which comprises of smoked salmon in cream cheese, herring salad and red radish salad with smoked trout. My favourite is the herring salad which adds a sourish touch to whet up the appetite.

Pork Knuckle 4.2/5

A staple of German cuisine, undoubtedly is the Pork Knuckle ($31.90) served bone-in. The whole pork knuckle is marinated in Bavarian spice blend, brushed with Paulaner beer, and then oven roasted for 2.5 hours for a crackling and crispy skin with succulent flesh. It even comes with a traditional Bavarian bread dumpling for a hearty full meal. I like the sauerkraut side that helps to cut the richness.

Pork Schnitzel 3.5/5

For a meaty enjoyment, go for the Pork Schnitzel ($25.90). The pork escalope is coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and fried in butter until golden brown. It is then served together with lemon wedges, french fries and ketchup.

Spatzle 2.8/5

For diners who like to have some additional sides to go with their mains, an unique item on the menu is the Spatzle ($6.90), a homemade egg noodles. While the noodle has a enjoyable chewy textural bite, I thought the execution was a little bland. I also don't like the taste of the alfalfa sprouts.

Currywurst Hot Paula 4.2/5

Besides pork knuckle, German cuisine is also known for their sausages. Not to be missed is the Currywurst Hot Paula ($12.90) which is a six inch smoked pork sausage in a delectable curry tomato-chilli sauce, dusted with curry powder and paired with a side of fries. The addition of curry and chilli definitely made it more receptive to the local palate.

Apple Beignets 4/5

A warm and comforting dessert at Paulaner Brauhaus is their Apple Beignets ($14.90). The apple rings is coated with wheat beer batter, ddeep fried and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. Paired it with some vanilla ice cream and vanilla sauce with berry compote for a sweet treat.

Kaiserchmarrn 3/5

Guess I don't have a king's palate as I did not enjoy the Kaiserchmarrn ($14.90), which is heralded as the Emperor's Pancake because King Franz Joseph l is known to be very fond of the dish. The thick-cut pancakes are caramelised in a pan with butter and sugar. To enjoy,  have it together with the red berry compote, apple compote and vanilla ice cream.

Every Sunday, Paulaner Brahaus serves up a sumptuous German Brunch buffet from 1130am to 230pm. A myriad of hot and cold stations teeming with sausages, Bavarian meatloaf, pork knuckle, salads and much more. The dessert station station also comprises a delightful chocolate fountain, warm apple strudel and an assortment of ice cream. Activities such as colouring or mask masking are available for children during the brunch too.

Noted: This is an invited tasting.


Paulaner Brauhaus
Millenia Walk
9 Raffles Boulevard
#01-01, #02-01, #03-01
Singapore 039596
Tel: +65 68832572
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Bar
Sun-Thu: 12pm - 1am
Fri-Sat, Eve of PH: 12pm - 2am
Restaurant
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 630pm - 1030pm
German Sunday Brunch
Sun: 11am - 230pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk towards Conrad Hotel. Continue towards the direction of Suntec Convention Centre. Walk to destination. Paulaner Brauhaus is at the end of the building facing Suntec Convention Centre. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

What to Eat in Ipoh - March 2016

When I was researching for my Ipoh trip, I realised that there are many signatures to try, and yet, the options are only that many. Been there and back, tried and tasted most of what were being recommended, some indeed live up to expectations, some disappoint. However, what really sticks are those unlisted, found on alternative web sites and discovered by foot.

Ayam Tauge & Koitiau

Lou Wong and Onn Kee are widely publicized as serving the best Bean Sprouts Chicken (Tauge Ayam), hence they are often filled and seats are limited. While researching options for our very first dinner here in Ipoh, I chanced upon Cowan Street Ayam Tauge & Koitiau. Accordingly to the writer, this is just as good, without the crowd.

You will notice that most orders comprise a plate of chicken, beansprouts and an individual Kway Teow soup. As both my travelling partner and I were not that into chicken, we ordered a single portion instead (RM11.00 for 2 dishes).

The texture of the chicken is unbelievably tender and light. The Kway Teow, soak in the sweet and well-bodied broth, is soft and silky. I was often told that it is the water that makes it so superior above all other flat noodles. However, afterwhich I learnt that it is really the locals' dedication and devotion that set the bar - Stringent quality control over the past decades to ensure that nothing inferior goes out into the market. Indeed, it is a humble dish that comforts many, just like a bowl of good Pho.

Whether or not it is better than what have had been widely publicised, you will need to try it for yourself. This is good enough for me.

COWAN STREET AYAM TAUGE & KOITIAU
44, Jalan Raja Ekram,
30450 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.
[Map]

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 7pm onwards.
(Closed on Mon & Tue)

Chapatti/Indian Muslim

While making our way back to our lodging, a live chapatti-making station in a Mak Mak shop caught my eyes, or should I say that their aromatic curries lured me in first. Somebody's order past my view, piping hot from the flat pan. That tempted me into ordering one.

At first glance, I couldn't tell that it was chapatti. My imprinted version is much smaller in size, looks and taste dry. However, what I saw was much bigger, and much fluffier, almost like naan. Without knowing what it really was, I just pointed to the staff what I wanted, and I was served with this:

Chapatti with 2 curries of different intensities, together with sardine dip, and it only costs us RM1.50! Even the not-so-great Teh Tarik is more expensive. The sardine is mashed with onions, and the freshly made chapatti became the best vehicle to deliver it into your mouth, and with your bare hands by the way. That's the best way to enjoy it, just like how you may enjoy bone marrow with crostini.

It is not difficult to find this place. The aroma of their Indian curries will guide you in. Trays and pots of curries are there for you to pick and choose to go with your nasi.

RESTORAN M. SALIM (Since 1985)
No 20, Jalan Yang Kalsom,
30250 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.
[Map]

Opening Hours: 
Daily: 630am - 1am

Beancurd

It is easy for food to gain fame when they are located at the heart of the tourist areas, one of which is Funny Fountain Soya Bean. We tried it and frankly speaking, what we have in Singapore is just as comparable.

This tiny shop caught my eyes when we were crossing the road. A couple of customers sitting outside, and a few in the queue. Besides traditional Beancurd, Grass Jelly is available as well, hence I ordered a combination (RM2.20, if I didn't remember wrongly).

You can choose from 3 kinds of syrup - Chrysanthemum, Ginger and Brown Sugar. The texture of the beancurd is amazingly soft, between a Hongkong steamed milk and our regular beancurd. The grassjelly is rather average, and I feel it would go better with the beancurd if it's in thin strips instead of cubes.

Young and innovative, the owners created one that comes with crushed peanuts. This bowl didn't come easy for us. We went back 3 times before it finally opened its door to us. (We were there twice earlier in the morning but faced with closed doors. However, my determination to have it again before our departure drove me to go back for the 3rd time!). I had one bowl of Beancurd Grass Jelly on the spot and this to takeaway (RM2.70) to the airport. Takeaway cost a lot more than dining in.

WOONG KEE
32-38A (Bawah), Jalan Ali Pitchay,
30250 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.
[Map]

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1pm - 5pm

Herbal Jelly

The sun in Ipoh, is merciless. Apart from herbal tea, the next best thing to have is their Herbal Jelly. I always lament that those available in Singapore are too mild. Even in Hong Kong, there was only one among all which I had tried requires me to add in the honey. To think that I could find one that is comparable is unexpected. Over here at Gui Ling Tong, their herbal jelly comes in original and sweetened versions. I had their Original (RM7), of course. I love its level of bitterness, which is not monotonous, but exudes from a blend of herbs.

We also ordered their Steamed Coconut dessert. The first time I ever had a warm coconut dessert was at Fu Man Lou at Intercontinental Singapore. I can still remember how it warms my senses with its aroma and comforting sweetness. Basically, instead of using a bowl and water to boil your ingredients, you make use of the entire coconut to double boil your dessert. Akin to 8 Treasure, this bowl of goodness contains lotus seed, dried longan, white fungus, dates etc, all for less than RM10.

KEDAI HERBAL GUI LING TONG
68 Jalan Yau Tet Shin,
30300 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.
[Map]

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

Alternative Cuisine

If you are tired of their local food, how about an authentic Belgian cuisine? This is rally something out of my repertoire, hence I was quite excited when my partner listed it on our must-try. North Sea is a bistro that has a seaside feel, with its brickwalls and off-white furnishing. They have a fairly focused menu to offer some quintessential Belgian dishes, as well as a list of Begian beers. Hopus is their popular Belgian beer, which is quite bitter to me. Served with a shot at the side, that's the last bit from the bottle after pouring the top into the beer glass. The owner explained that the bottom usually contains sendiment, causing that portion to acquire a slightly different taste from its body. Segregating it allows you to taste the different profiles.

As we were really full from dinner, we only ordered a dish of 2 Pork Meatballs (RM29.90) to accompany the beer. Unlike Swedish meatballs which comes with a meaty creamy sauce, this sauce tastes like a red wine sauce typically used for steaks. I didn't manage to check with the chef owner on the recipe, but other than the raisins that came with it, I gathered from my online search that there is usually beer and onions. Seldom that I would like to have more sauce, but I did wish there was more of this. The meatballs were juicy and well flavoured. It wasn't too dense, hence I didn't have the feeling of it 'sitting in my stomach' after finishing one.

NORTH SEA GENUINELY BELGIAN
44, Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil,
30450 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
[Map]

Opening Hours:
Mon, Thu-Sun: 630pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Tue & THu)

Flavours lost, smiles gone, that happen when cities become tainted with tourists. Fortunately, I haven't had too much of that in Ipoh. It is still rather sleepy, in a quaint way. Drive or walk out of the tourists areas whenever possible. I will be back for sure, to eat the exclusives, and try what I have missed out - Ming Court's glutinous rice, Hakka Mee.

Photograph and written 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.

Ramen Keisuke Lobster King @ Clarke Quay

The Ramen King, Chef-owner Keisuke Takeda does it again with its 10th outlet in Singapore introducing the first ever Lobster Stock Ramen, available in 4 different styles. Ramen Keisuke Lobster King is located at Clarke Quay, strategically just beside the soon to be opened Zouk, it will be a perfect supper place for the party-goers

Frozen Kirin Draft 4.2/5

We started with some pre-drinks before checking out the new unique ramen. The Frozen Kirin Draft ($16) caught my attention as I have not tried frozen beer before. It comes with an icy layer of foam, probably that helps to trap the coolness of the beer, and kept it more chilled.

Stir Fried Mushroom with Garlic and Butter 4/5

Accompanying our draft beer, we ordered some light bites to go with it. The Stir Fried Mushroom ($8.80) is cooked to fragrant together with butter and garlic, accentuating the whole flavour.

Prawn Gyoza 3.5/5

The Prawn Gyoza ($8.80 for 3 pc) is rather unique. Initially I thought it is like wanton where the prawn and meat are minced and mixed together. Instead, it is served with the whole prawn with a layer of marinated minced pork wrapped in gyoza skin. I thought it felt a bit hollow or airy inside as the mixture did not fully fill the interior of the gyoza.

Chicken Nanban with Homemade Tartar Sauce 4.5/5

The Chicken Nanban ($9.80) is a must try at Ramen Keisuke Lobster King. It comes with a homemade tartar sauce that goes very well very with the fried chicken. It was so good that I was hoping to bring back the sauce home to make sandwich for my breakfast.

At Ramen Keisuke Lobster King, you can help yourself to the unlimited serving of bean sprouts and hard boiled eggs.

Lobster Broth Ramen, Clear Soup 4/5

Chef Keisuke uses the French technique to make his lobster broth. He imported French rock lobsters, for its rich and abundant roe and flavour to make the broth. The shells are pan fried, crushed into small pieces and simmered for 6-8 hours with herbs and vegetables to create the clear soup. This is how the base of the Lobster Broth Ramen, Clear Soup with All Toppings ($19.90) is made. We choose all toppings option that comes with seaweed, bamboo shoot, prawn wanton, deep fried prawn ball, pork chashu and chicken chashu. The broth which is dark in colour is really rich and robust, it reminds me of our local prawn mee soup.

Miso Lobster Broth Ramen 4.2/5

Compared to the Clear Soup, I would preferred the Miso Lobster Broth Ramen with All Toppings ($20.90). The soup base with the addition of miso gives it a more balanced flavour.

Lobster Broth Ramen, Rich Soup 4.5/5

My favourite is the Lobster Broth Ramen, Rich Soup with All Toppings ($20.90). The soup base is more creamy in texture. I was told that chicken feet was used to get the creaminess. The rich soup base is more distinct in the essence of the lobster. In fact, it reminds of lobster bisque.

Spicy Miso Lobster Broth Ramen 4/5

Singaporean loves spicy food and it is appropriate to have the Spicy Miso Lobster Broth Ramen ($21.90) on the menu. Using 3 different types of chilli for the bowl of spicy ramen, I still find it lacking the punch that will make me break into a sweat.

Fluffy Omelet Rice 4/5

Besides the light bites and ramen, Ramen Keisuke Lobster King also offers the Fluffy Omelet Rice ($10.80) on their menu. Indeed the omelet was fluffy and creamy but what tickled my taste buds is the flavoursome beef stock of the curry sauce. Hidden underneath the fluffy egg is a bed of tomato flavoured rice.

Chef Keisuke never get fail to surprise us with his innovation and creativity, always bring ramen to a new level while not deviating from the tradition. Watch this space as I hear words that the eleventh outlet will be opening soon, offering Crab Broth Ramen. For diners that plans to check out the new ramen place, do note that this is lobster broth ramen not lobster ramen. Hence do not expect to find lobster in ramen except for the soup.


Ramen Keisuke Lobster King
The Cannery
3C River Valley Road
#01-07
Singapore 179022
Tel: +65 62552928
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6pm - 5am

Direction: 
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E, F, C or G. Walk towards the river. Cross the river. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]