Showing posts with label Burger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Burger. Show all posts

Friday, October 18, 2024

ToMo Cafe @ Upper Thomson - Popular Joo Chiat Cafe with Insta-Worthy Specialty Drinks Opens New Outlet in Upper Thomson

IMG_1508

ToMo Cafe opened its third outlet at Upper Thomson on 8 October 2024, following its success in Joo Chiat and Neil Road with popular, Instagram-worthy drinks and hearty, Japanese-style food.

IMG_1520

This new location will introduce outlet-exclusive dishes, including rice bowls and handcrafted burgers.

IMG_1519

To celebrate its opening, the first 100 customers in October will receive a free cloud drink, with November offering free ‘chuffles’ to the first 100 diners. Both promotions are valid with any purchase made.

IMG_1510
Iced Houjicha Goma Cloud Latte 4.2/5

From their list of speciality drinks, I was immediately attracted to the Iced Houjicha Goma Cloud Latte ($8), which combines a slightly nutty base of houjicha and a creamy, rich layer of black sesame cloud cream. I thoroughly enjoyed this combination, but it's best enjoyed quickly.

IMG_1515
Iced Matcha Strawberry Cloud Latte 4/5

The Iced Matcha Strawberry Cloud Latte ($8) is another crowd favourite, combining matcha and a base of strawberry bits, topped with dairy-free strawberry cream. This was earthy and sweet. Other matcha options include the Iced Matcha Cloud Latte ($8) with sea salt dairy-free cream and the Kagoshima Matcha Latte ($7).

IMG_1516
Yuzuri Apple Fresca 3.8/5

For a refreshing non-coffee option, try the sparkling Yuzuri Apple Fresca ($7), made with Aomori apple, yuzu, and cherry blossom extract.

IMG_1512

IMG_1513
Tako Karaage 4/5

Starting with the Tako Karaage ($12), we enjoyed crunchy, battered octopus chunks paired with a tangy yuzu kosho mayo. Though the chunks could be more evenly battered, we still found it pretty addictive. The substantial portion is also great for sharing.

IMG_1511
Grilled Tiger Prawn Capellini 4/5

The cafe staff highly recommended the Grilled Tiger Prawn Capellini ($22). The hefty portion of capellini was tossed in a savoury mentaiko mayo sauce and topped with grilled prawns, ebiko and seaweed. I would recommend this as a sharing dish as the richness may get too heavy for one.

IMG_1514
Fish and Chip Burger 3.5/5

The Fish and Chip Burger offered a crispy tempura dory fillet with sour cream tartar, lettuce, and tomato. Unfortunately, the shoestring fries were undercooked during our visit, but we understand it was an issue with the fryer, which will be quickly fixed.

IMG_1517
Homemade Tiramisu 3.8/5

For sweets, we decided on ToMo's Homemade Tiramisu ($9), which has a jar of espresso-infused ladyfingers layered with homemade mascarpone cream. You can enhance it with a shot of Baileys or Kahlua for an extra $4.

We appreciated the openness of the kitchen staff to feedback and look forward to seeing improvements once the cafe officially opens its doors.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


ToMo Cafe
185 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574333
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Upper Thomson (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 9am - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Upper Thomson MRT station. Take Exit 5. Turn left and walk down Upper Thomson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, September 29, 2024

Eden Cafe @ Jurong Lake Garden (Chinese Garden) - A Beautiful Cafe Surround by Lush Greenery with Room for Improvement in its Food

CafeEden15

CafeEdenIG-3

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, I visited the Chinese Garden to soak in the festive atmosphere with the stunning lantern displays and the Cloud Pagoda light show. Amidst the scenic surroundings, I decided to check out the newly opened Eden Cafe, located just beside the Cloud Pagoda. The café, with its picturesque location, seemed like the perfect pit stop to unwind and escape the heat.

CafeEden5
Ice White 4/5 and Matcha Latte 3.8/5

Given the sweltering afternoon heat, my companion and I opted to sit indoors in the air-conditioned section of the café, which was a welcomed relief from the sun. We ordered the Ice White ($7), which uses coffee beans from Dutch Colony, and a Matcha Latte ($7.50) for drinks. The coffee was smooth and balanced, with a satisfying hit of caffeine to refresh us for the rest of the day. Meanwhile, the matcha latte was decent, offering a slight bitterness from the matcha that contrasted nicely with the milk. However, it could have benefited from a richer, more robust matcha flavour.

CafeEden10
Rendang Burger 3/5

For food, we started with the Rendang Burger ($20). The burger featured a juicy beef patty layered with rendang sauce, a fried egg, tomato, and arugula, all sandwiched between charcoal buns. The burger was served with a side of fries and achar, a nod to the local palate. Unfortunately, the rendang sauce didn't quite hit the mark for me. While the beef patty was cooked well, the rendang's flavour didn't complement it. The sauce lacked the rich, deep spiced profile typical of a good rendang, making the overall dish feel disjointed. Some tweaking could certainly improve the flavour harmony here.

CafeEden19
Singaporean Har Cheong Gai Waffles 3/5

Next up was the Singaporean Har Cheong Gai Waffles ($22), which had potential but ultimately fell short. The Har Cheong Gai (prawn paste chicken) itself was excellent — juicy, flavourful, and fried to a crispy perfection. However, the waffles didn't hold up their end of the dish. They lacked the expected light, airy texture, and there was an absence of buttery flavour. A crisp exterior with a fluffy inside is what makes a great waffle, but here, they were somewhat flat and lacklustre, making it a disappointing pairing with the well-executed chicken.

CafeEdenIG-12

While the ambience of Eden Cafe is undeniably beautiful, with its tranquil garden surroundings and cosy indoor setting, the food didn't quite live up to expectations. The Rendang Burger needed a more robust, more cohesive flavour profile, and the waffles in the Har Cheong Gai dish could benefit from a serious texture and flavour upgrade. That said, the drinks were refreshing and well-crafted, especially on a hot day.

CafeEdenIG-13

Eden Cafe is still relatively new, and with some adjustments in the kitchen, it will have the potential to be a dining destination that matches the serene beauty of its location. For now, the café offers a nice respite for visitors exploring the Chinese Garden, but I hope to see some improvements in their menu to make it a spot truly worth visiting.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Eden Cafe
Jurong Lake Garden (Chinese Garden)
70B Yuan Ching Road
#01-04
Singapore 619629
Tel: +65 98630516
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinese Garden (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 8am - 8pm
Fri-Sat: 8am - 9pm

Direction:
1. Alight at Chinese Garden MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]


Friday, September 27, 2024

PS.Cafe @ One Fullerton - Celebrates its 25th Anniversary with Blast from the Past Menu

IMG_7542

PS.Cafe celebrates its 25th anniversary with a special "Blast from the Past" menu, available from September 1 to 30. The menu revives five of the café's most beloved dishes from over the years, priced at $25 each, with a dessert and a handcrafted cocktail for $12.50 each.

IMG_7499
Chicken Tau Kwa Burger 3/5

We began with the Chicken Tau Kwa Burger ($25) from the anniversary menu and the Pecorino Cauliflower Gratin ($15) from the current menu. The Chicken Tau Kwa Burger debuted in 2006 at PS.Cafe's Paragon branch features tender chicken breast sandwiched between two fried tau kwa, dressed with tangy dried chilli oil. It's a high-protein, visually appealing dish, but it tasted and felt rather functional than satisfying.

IMG_7517
Pecorino Cauliflower Gratin 4/5

The Pecorino Cauliflower Gratin was a delightful side, with well-roasted cauliflower florets in béchamel, seasoned with garlic and sesame crumbs. However, I felt that a bit more cheese could have added extra depth and richness.

IMG_7537
King Prawn Paella 3/5

Another item from the special menu, the King Prawn Paella ($25), leaned more towards a Pearl Barley risotto than a traditional paella. That said, the texture of the pearl barley, combined with chunks of chorizo and sweet corn, offered a chewier bite than the usual bomba rice, adding an enjoyable textural twist to the dish.

IMG_7528
Miso Black Cod 3/5

We tried the Miso Black Cod ($42) from the current menu with Grilled Pumpkin, Cha Soba, and Greens. Unfortunately, the fish itself wasn't at its best, and the miso flavour was lacking. The tasty accompanying sides made up for it.

IMG_7554
Lemon Steamed Pudding 2.5/5

IMG_7557
Double Chocolate Blackout Cake 4/5

For dessert, the special Lemon Steamed Pudding ($12.50) was a lemon steamed cake served with homemade lemon custard sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was overly sweet for my taste. In contrast, the classic Double Chocolate Blackout Cake ($18) had a better balance of bitter-sweetness and indulgence.

For opening hours and reservations, kindly visit www.pscafe.com

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.


PS.Cafe
One Fullerton
1 Fullerton Road
#02-03B/04
Singapore 049213
Tel: +65 6708 9288
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

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

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]

Sunday, September 22, 2024

Social Bar & Bistro @ Republic Plaza - Western Fare and Handcrafted Cocktails in the Heart of CBD.

IMG_7437

Social Bar & Bistro at Republic Plaza offers Western fare and handcrafted cocktails in the heart of the CBD. The comprehensive menu features a range of appetisers, pastas, pizzas, and mains.

IMG_7430
Spanish Garlic Prawns 3.8/5

We started with two appetisers: Spanish Garlic Prawns ($18) and Chilli Crab Sliders ($18). The Spanish Garlic Prawns were delectable, served in a rich, garlicky sauce that begged to be soaked up with the accompanying toast — a perfectly appetising start to the meal.

IMG_7439
Chilli Crab Sliders 2.8/5

The Chilli Crab Sliders felt more like Mantou with a chilli crab dip, aside from the slice of cucumber tucked between the fried buns. The chilli crab filling was unexpectedly saucy, with a fiery kick that may appeal to those craving bold flavours.

IMG_7436
Smoked Salmon Salad 3/5

Catering to the health-conscious lot in the CBD, the menu offers a variety of salads available in both half and full portions. The Smoked Salmon Salad ($18) was wholesome, featuring greens, eggs, and tomatoes, though the balsamic drizzle could have been more inventive.

IMG_7460
Grilled Barramundi 3/5

We opted for the Angus Beef Burger ($22) and Grilled Barramundi ($24) for mains. The Grilled Barramundi was slightly dry, but the creamy mashed potatoes slightly mitigated the texture.

IMG_7447
Angus Beef Burger 3.8/5

The Angus Beef Burger, with its hearty 200g beef patty in a beautifully toasted buttery brioche layered with caramelised onions and cheese, was tantalising overall. Even more so with the ultra-crisp fries. A less compact and dense patty might have elevated the texture more.

IMG_7414

We also tried two simple but delightful cocktails — Apple Crisp ($22) and Mad for Mango ($22). Both were bourbon-based and were just $10 on ladies' night; they were a great addition to the meal.

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.


Social Bar & Bistro
Republic Plaza
9 Raffles Place
#01-01
Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 91701395
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1030am - 1030pm
Fri: 1030am - 1130pm
(Closed on Sat & Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Spruce Petite @ East Coast Road - Up Its Game with A New Revamped Menu

Restaurant

We visited Spruce Petite in May when it was just a couple of months old. Recently, they have revamped their menu based on diner feedback, showcasing their dedication to continuous improvement — a quality we greatly appreciate in a sincere F&B establishment. Additionally, they now offer an impressive array of cocktails.

Mala King Mushroom Skewers 1
Mala King Mushroom Skewers 4.5/5

We began our meal with their featured bar bites, each priced at just $12. The Mala King Mushroom Skewers were perfectly grilled and dusted in a fragrant mala spice mix that delivered a numbing, spicy kick. We loved how the mushrooms retained their juiciness, leaving us eager for more.

Korean Style Chicken Wingettes 1
Korean Style Chicken Wingettes 4/5

The next bar bite we tried was the Korean Style Chicken Wingettes, which left a lasting impression. Despite being coated in a spicy sauce, the wingettes remained crispy. The sauce struck a perfect balance between sweet and spicy, enhancing the overall flavour.

Yakitori Skewers 1
Yakitori Skewers 3/5

The last bar bite we sampled was the Yakitori Skewers, featuring tender chunks of chicken that were nicely charred. However, we found the marinade a bit on the sweet side for our taste. Despite this, the skewers were still enjoyable and great with a drink or two.

Chili Soft Shell Crab 1
Chili Soft Shell Crab 3.8/5

They also offer two specials on the bar bites menu. We tried the Chilli Soft Shell Crab ($24), featuring crispy fried soft-shell crab in a sweet chilli sauce reminiscent of Singapore's national chilli crab. A unique twist to this dish is the inclusion of an onsen egg, rather than having the egg cooked into the sauce as in traditional chilli crab. We craved for some bread or mantou to mop up the delightful dish. Another special item on the menu is the Fresh Oysters ($20 for 6pcs), available exclusively on Saturdays and Sundays.

Ribeye Steak 1
Ribeye Steak 4/5

For mains, we started with the Ribeye Steak ($28) served with black pepper sauce, which truly satisfied our steak cravings. We requested it medium rare, and it was served just as we liked it - nicely grilled to perfection. The steak was impeccably seasoned and incredibly tender, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Accompanying the steak were flavourful potato pieces and a side of juicy tomatoes, which complemented the dish wonderfully.

Classic Fish & Chips 1
Classic Fish & Chips 4/5

Next, we tried the Classic Fish & Chips ($18), a classic that did not disappoint. The fish was beautifully battered and fried to a golden crisp, while the inside remained tender and flaky. Paired with perfectly cooked, crispy fries and a tangy tartar sauce, it was a delightful dish to share or have on your own.

Classic Beef Burger 1
Classic Beef Burger 4/5

Lastly, the Classic Beef Burger ($14) was served with golden crispy fries. A juicy grilled beef patty nestled between soft, toasted buns was complemented by crisp lettuce, tomato, and a thick slice of cheddar cheese. This classic never goes wrong and is perfect any time of day.

Cocktails 1
Fire Dragon 3.8/5 (top left), Harley Quinn 3.5/5 (top right), Malaysian Assam Laksa 4/5 (bottom)

Adding to the revamped menu is a cocktail menu featuring a curated selection of speciality cocktails priced at $18 each or 3 for $45. Among them is the distinctive Malaysian Assam Laksa, boasting a fragrant blend of spices with a gentle kick of heat, offering a truly unique flavour experience unlike anything else we've tasted. For a refreshing option, the Fire Dragon delights with its fresh dragon fruit juice base. Lastly, the visually stunning Harley Quinn, inspired by the Suicide Squad, is captivated by its beauty but leans towards a sweeter profile.

Godfather
Godfather 3.8/5

We also savoured the Godfather, a pleasantly delightful concoction featuring whiskey with a pronounced sweet almond flavour profile. Lastly, the X-rated Margarita, crafted with Jose Cuervo Tequila, perfectly complements its salted glass rim, offering a sophisticated and balanced taste experience.

You can also make your own cocktail for $28 and choose your flavour and type of alcohol. Just let the mixologist know and be surprised!

Weekend Specials: Enjoy 2 hours of free-flow Oysters, Wine and Prosecco at $40++ per pax from 12pm.

Starting from 30th June, Spruce Petite is launching a brunch menu every Saturday and Sunday from 10am-2pm featuring Pancake with Blueberry Jam ($8), Crispy Bread with Sous Vide Egg ($8), Avocado Toasties ($12), Ham & Cheese Toasties ($12) and English Breakfast Set ($18)

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Spruce Petite
19 East Coast Road
Singapore 428746
Tel: +65 9068 9249
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line), Marine Parade (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 3pm - 11pm
Fri: 3pm - 12midnight
Sat-Sun: 10am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 10 or 32. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Marine Parade MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to Brooke Road. Turn right onto Brooke Road. Walk down Brooke Road to East Coast Road. Cross the road, turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.  [Map]

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Tilly's @ Keong Saik Road - Bringing Authentic Irish Gastro Pub Experience to Singapore

Tilly29

TillyExterior-4

Irish Chef Andrew Walsh, known for his Michelin-starred restaurant CURE, introduces an authentic Irish gastro pub experience to Singapore with the newly opened Tilly's. Formerly located in East Coast, Tilly's has found its new home at Keong Saik, taking over Butcher Boy Bar & Grill. The revamped Tilly's presents a refreshed menu of signature Irish gastro pub fare and Chef Andrew's favourite comfort food, inspired by his roots and home kitchen.

Tilly4
Natural Irish Oysters with Black Vinegar Mignonette 4/5

Tilly8
Natural Irish Oysters with Kilpatrick Sauce 4.2/5

We kicked off our meal at Tilly's with the Natural Irish Oysters, paired with Black Vinegar Mignonette ($3/pc) and Kilpatrick Sauce ($4/pc). Sourced from Chef Andrew's hometown of Achill Island, County Mayo, these oysters deliver a fresh taste of the sea. The Black Vinegar Mignonette provides a tangy twist, while the Kilpatrick Sauce offers a classic Irish blend of barbecue, tomato, and tabasco.

Tilly16
Irish Oyster Omelette 4/5

An innovative take on the local oyster omelette, the Irish Oyster Omelette features fresh oysters topped with tarragon, avruga caviar, and a medley of chives, apple, and celery remoulade torched to perfection.

Tilly12
Irish Soda Bread 3.5/5

The traditional Irish Soda Bread ($14) makes an appearance, accompanied by a spread of grilled cheddar cheese rarebit and mustard, imparting a delightful smoky flavour.

Tilly20

Tilly23
Beetroot Cured Salmon with Potato Flat Bread 3.8/5

The Beetroot Cured Salmon ($26) showcases plump Irish salmon, delicately cured in beetroot and accompanied by apple celeriac remoulade. Served alongside potato flatbread, diners can enjoy it as an open-faced sandwich by placing the beetroot-cured salmon on it, creating a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.

Tilly26

Tilly31
Wagyu Beef Cheek & Guinness Pot Pie 4.2/5

Tilly35
Colcannon Mash

Elevating the classic pot pie, the Wagyu Beef Cheek & Guinness Pot Pie ($36) features tender wagyu cooked in Guinness beer paired with creamy Colcannon Mash — a comforting Irish staple.

Tilly37
Tilly's Wagyu Burger 4/5

A highlight not to be missed is Tilly's Wagyu Burger ($32), which boasts a juicy wagyu patty topped with Irish cheddar cheese and bacon and served with crispy fries. Throughout March 2024, enjoy the burger at half price in celebration of St. Patrick's Day.

Tilly40
Signature Sticky Toffee Pudding 4.2/5

Tilly46
Grilled Tipperary Brie Cheese 3.8/5

Indulge in the Signature Sticky Toffee Pudding ($16) for a sweet conclusion, accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Opt for the Grilled Tipperary Brie Cheese ($18) paired with apricot jam, truffle honey, and crackers for a delightful mix of sweet and savoury.

TillyExterior-5

Join in the St. Patrick's Day festivities at Tilly's with special March promotions, including daily 50% off Tilly's Wagyu Burger and Natural Irish Oysters from $3 per piece.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tilly's
31 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089138
Tel: +65 8752 9578
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 4pm - 12midnight
Fri-Sun: 12pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Kreta Ayer Road. Walk down Kreta Ayer Road and turn right onto Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk down Neil Road. Turn right onto Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]