Showing posts with label Calamari. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Calamari. 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
Facebook
Instagram
Website
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]

Saturday, July 6, 2024

Fortuna @ Craig Road - Singapore’s First Sicilian-Neapolitan Trattoria with 50+ Hour Fermentation Pizza Dough

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First started in Sydney, Fortuna at Craig Road is Singapore's first Sicilian-Neapolitan trattoria. Created by an Italian trio – master pizzaiolo Giorgio Sorce (ranked 87th worldwide), Michelin-starred chef Omar Tutino, and F&B operator Egon Marzaioli – they aim to offer authentic Sicilian and Neapolitan cuisine. This second outlet adopts the same contemporary design as the one in Sydney, delivering a welcoming, laid-back vibe.

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Ricotta Mantecata

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Pane Di Casa 5/5

Our meal began with a great starter: Pane Di Casa ($12), served with Ricotta Mantecata ($16). The wood-fired bread, simply dressed with salmoriglio (a Sicilian sauce made of garlic, lemon, oil, and oregano), was incredibly fluffy with a bit of chewiness. It shares the same dough as the Napoletana Pizza, which has undergone a 50+ hour fermentation. The Ricotta Mantecata, one of three dips on the menu, features ricotta jazzed up with honey and house-made Fortuna chilli. The combination of bread and dip was pure joy.

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Cuoppo Di Pesce 3.5/5

For Antipasti, the Cuoppo Di Pesce ($25) showcased one of Neapolitan's popular street foods – fried calamari, elevated with garlic lemon dressing and salumi XO mayo. Three types of flour were used in the batter to achieve a light and crisp texture.

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Not Just A 4 Cheeses 4.5/5

Pizza at Fortuna is crafted in the distinctive style known as the "Kingdom of the Two Sicilies," using 100% Sicilian ingredients. First, we had the Napoletana Pizza (available in 22cm or 30cm). The dough left to rise for 50 hours through a two-process fermentation, is shaped four hours later and baked in a wood-fired Valoriani oven. The flavour we tried, Not Just A 4 Cheeses ($29), combined Fior di Latte, Gorgonzola Dolce, Ricotta Salata, and Parmesan Chips with sweet fig compote to round off the cheesy flavours. This was the best, as it allowed the dough's natural taste and beautiful texture to shine.

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Gambero & Stracciata 3/5

Next, we tried the Fried & Baked Pizza (22cm), which is double-cooked by frying and baking for extra crispiness. The Gambero & Stracciata ($38) featured delicious Stracciata and Gamberi di Massara toppings, but the baking process dried and toughened the fried dough, especially the portion under the toppings. Typically, based on what I had tried, fried pizza is crisp and puffy on the outside while remaining soft and chewy inside. I reckoned they could have draped the cheese over the fried dough and topped it with the other ingredients without baking it.

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Truffle & Anchovies 2.5/5

The Contemporary Pizza Al Ruoto, cooked in an aluminium pan, follows a unique three-way pre-fermented dough process that takes 18 hours and achieves 80% hydration, resulting in an incredibly crunchy exterior and soft interior akin to focaccia. The Truffle & Anchovies ($42) combined walnut whipped butter, anchovies, and truffle. While the dough was delectable, the toppings and dough didn't meld together well, and the combination of anchovies and truffles needed to be more harmonious too.

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‘1000’ Layers Lasagna 2.8/5

All of Fortuna's pasta is made in-house à la minute using quality flour from Naples, a balanced mix of semolina and 00 flour, local free-range eggs, and Sicilian olive oil. The '1000' Layers Lasagna ($36) is prepared the way Egon's mother in Sicily makes it, with layers of Provolone del Monaco and Bronte Pistacchio pesto. The bechamel sauce allowed the flavourful Mortadella to shine, accenting the butteriness of the provolone cheese. The nuttiness of the lasagne imparted from the Pistacchio pesto elevated the overall flavour profile. However, served cross-sectioned and pan-fried to achieve crispy edges based on the recipe, it was nostalgic but lacked the satisfaction of tucking into a hearty lasagna, feeling more like a snack than a main. And it was just too compact and flat to allow the homemade pasta to shine.

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Spaghetti 3/5

The Spaghetti ($38) showcases succulent Mazzara King Prawn, served with a bisque accentuated with Fortuna Chili. The depth of crustacean flavours was impressive, but the salt level could be more restrained, as it sometimes overwhelmed the diced King Prawn.

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Pollo Marinara 3.5/5

We tried Pollo Marinara ($34) for mains, a half-roasted chicken served with olive tapenade, capers, and San Marzano tomatoes. The chicken was aptly seasoned and tender, with a rustic charm.

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Fortunamisu 3/5

To sum up our dinner, we had Fortunamisu ($18) for dessert. The house tiramisu is made with Savoiardi ladyfingers, Illy Caffe coffee, and chocolate crumble. The crumble's textural crunch was a nice touch, but it could have been improved by more coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a touch of bittersweet alcohol.

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Opt for the full experience with their 4-course Italian set lunch at $39++. Enjoy wood-fired bread with your choice of dip, a selection of antipasti, a choice of main course, and a delightful dessert with coffee.

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.


Fortuna
7 Craig Road
Singapore 089667
Tel: +65 9115 1597
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 930pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm


Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn right onto Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, September 24, 2023

Brasserie Astoria @ Victoria Theater & Concert Hall - Bringing a Touch of Sweden's Grand Dining Halls to Singapore

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Brasserie Astoria, nestled within the iconic Victoria Theater & Concert Hall, brings a touch of Sweden's grand dining halls to Singapore. Here, Chef Frantzén adds his unique twist to classic brasserie dishes, all served with flair, from tableside service to flambé trolleys.

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Spanish Ham 4.2/5

The Spanish Ham ($21) heralded the beginning of our dining experience, pairing the full-flavoured Spanish ham with fragrant Charentais melon from Philibon. Pine nuts and espelette pepper added a delightful crunch and complexity to this classic combination.

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Calamares Fritos 4.2/5

Calamares Fritos ($14) arrived next, encased in a light, crispy batter that promised a satisfying textural bite. Served with Galangal aioli, this dish offered a delightful interplay of flavours.

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Garlic Bread a la Astoria 4.5/5

The Garlic Bread a la Astoria ($10) was no ordinary garlic bread. Sourdough baguette toasted in browned butter, shiro miso, parmesan, yuzu, roasted garlic, and herbs elevated this simple dish to a complex yet utterly delicious masterpiece.

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Crudites 3.5/5

The Crudites ($17) with ranch dressing defied expectations. The vegetables were presented on ice to retain their freshness and were remarkably sweet and delicious — a surprising conversion for any non-vegetarian.

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Butter Fried Råraka 4/5

The Butter Fried Råraka ($36), a Swedish classic akin to Swiss Rösti, delighted with its crispy, buttery texture. Best savoured with vendace roe, chives, creme fraiche, and red onion — each element complementing the other.

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Toasted Astoria 4.5/5

The Toasted Astoria ($32) showcased a medley of prawns, Norwegian king crab, trout roe, wasabi aioli, and pickled red onion atop butter-fried toast. The seafood symphony harmonized beautifully, creating a delectable masterpiece.

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Kebab Pizza 4/5

Kebab Pizza ($35) with duck confit, harissa yoghurt, and pickled jalapeno was a thoughtful combination of flavours that exploded with taste. The fluffy pizza dough provided the perfect canvas.

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Whisky Flambeed Beef (Angus) 4.5/5

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The Whisky Flambéed Angus Beef ($68) was a tableside spectacle. A perfectly cooked steak, tender and juicy, flambéed to perfection and served with kampot and green pepper sauce. It was a true delight for any beef lover, accompanied by roasted potatoes glazed with Fourme d' Ambert.

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Linguine a la Astoria 4.5/5

Linguine a la Astoria ($56) was a revelation, bursting with flavours from melted garlic, parmesan, and fine herbs infused perfectly with the cooked pasta, paired with clams and bafun uni creating a symphony of taste.

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The Waffle Ice Cream 4.2/5

The Waffle Ice Cream ($20) sandwiched between pistachio waffles was a delightful dessert. Oolong ice cream, with its tea aroma paired perfectly with raspberry sauce, all served in a heart-shaped waffle that melted hearts with its thoughtfulness and sweetness.

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Petite Four

Lastly, the Petite Four Trolley offered an array of sweet, bite-sized confectionery priced at $4 each. My favourites included the Macaron, Kardemumma Bulle, and Canele, providing a sweet conclusion to our dinner experience.

At Brasserie Astoria, classic brasserie fare is elevated to an art form, making every visit a memorable dining experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Brasserie Astoria
11 Empress Place 
#01-01
Singapore 179558
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1145am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk towards the riverbank. Cross the bridge and walk to Empress Place road. Walk down Empress Place road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Monday, March 14, 2022

Mariners' Corner Restaurant @ Sunset Way - The Hainanese Western Restaurant Has Moved To The West

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Suppose you are fans of Mariners' Corner Restaurant, which used to be at Maritime House. In that case, you will be glad to know that the Hainanese Western restaurant has moved to Sunset Way at Clementi Street 12. Stepping into the restaurant, I felt that I had been transported to the 1980s, giving me a nostalgic feel.

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After browsing through the menu, we decided to add an extra $5.80 for a complete set meal, complementing the main course with a bowl of Salad, Soup of the Day, Garlic Bread. Coffee/Tea and dessert.

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We started with the Salad Bowl dressed in thousand island sauce, followed by Garlic Bread and Creamy Chicken Soup. There is nothing wow to shout about but classic old-school starters to kickstart the meal before the main course.

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Calamari with Tar Tar Sauce 3/5

We decided to order a plate of Calamari with Tar Tar Sauce ($7.50) for the appetiser. Unfortunately, while we enjoyed the crispy batter, we found the squid was a bit rubbery.

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New Zealand Ribeye Steak 4.2/5

For my main, I decided to go for the New Zealand Ribeye Steak ($27) served with baked potato and buttered veggies. For the sauces, there are five choices - black pepper, mushroom, garlic shallot, BBQ and sambal. I decided to go for the black pepper sauce for the steak. I find it value-for-money for the quality of beef and price. What I find weird is the topping for the baked potato. It uses deep-fried garlic instead of bacon. I am not sure this is the norm, but I am used to having it with bacon instead of deep-fried garlic.

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Grilled King Snapper 2.8/5

My partner has the Grilled King Snapper ($23.50) paired with Almonds with Lemon Butter sauce for the other main. I thought it was lacklustre, lacking the sharpness in flavour to lift the fresh catch. I was expecting it to be more grilled too. Instead, it was too plain, missing the char-grilled aroma.

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Finally, wrapping up our set meal is a slice of Fruit Cake with chocolate sauce. Actually, Mariners' Corner reminds me of Jack's Place with its interior decor and food, providing a nostalgic charm that is slowly disappearing in an urbanised country like Singapore.


Mariners' Corner Restaurant
Blk 106 Clementi Street 12
#01-40
Singapore 120106
Tel: +65 62249928
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 184. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 52 or 154. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Dover MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Dover MRT station (Stop ID 19031). Take bus number 74. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, February 6, 2021

Dallas Restaurant & Bar @ Boat Quay - Western Favourites With A Local Twist To Celebrate Chinese New Year

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Moving away from the typical Chinese New Year delicacies at Chinese restaurants, dive into the western culinary delights with a touch of Asian flavours at Dallas Restaurant & Bar. The enticing festive set menu comes with a selection of starters, mains and desserts in a 2 course ($28++) or 3 course meal ($36++).

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Nestled along Boat Quay, the restaurant offers beautiful views of the Singapore cityscape, especially the balcony seats on the third floor where diners can sip on cocktails while enjoying the view.

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Lychee Martini 4/5

Their Cocktail Of The Month, Lychee Martini ($12++) is made using the award-winning and super premium Laplandia Vodka from Finland. It has a pleasant fruity sweet taste, with a slight tart finish.

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Black Pepper Calamari 4/5

We remembered our fondness for their signature salt & pepper calamari and were no less impressed with their Black Pepper Calamari, served with black pepper and curry leaf dipping sauce on the side. Perfectly soft and chewy, with a slight layer crisp on the outside, the accompanying black pepper sauce adds a subtle savoury sweet flavour to the calamari, without being too peppery.

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Wagyu Cheeseburger Spring Rolls 3.8/5

The Wagyu Cheeseburger Spring Roll is our typical spring roll but given an ingenious western twist with flavourful wagyu cheeseburger fillings within the crispy rolls. While I would still enjoy a proper cheeseburger, this inventive combination is an interesting dish worth trying, served with a side of tomato and mustard dipping sauce for a tangy flavour.

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Satay Chicken Skewers 4/5

A classic local fare. their Satay Chicken Skewers comes in larger portions, and the meat is much more tender and juicier than the usual satay.

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Tom Yum Prawn Linguine 4.2/5

A surprisingly good combination where East meets West, I was blown away by how good the Tom Yum Prawn Linguine was. The linguine was cooked to a delectable consistency and doused in a spicy-sweet Tom Yum sauce. The result is a spicy, fiery and sweet dish that got us wiping the whole plate clean.

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Steamed Barramundi with Ginger 3.8/5

The Steamed Barramundi with Ginger features a soft and fork-tender Barramundi over light and fluffy rice, and mixed Asian greens.

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Prime Rib Steak 4.2/5

The restaurant's highlight is the Prime Rib Steak (250g), which is served with fries and salad. The thick slab of prime rib is slow-cooked to order and chargrilled, resulting in incredibly juicy and tender meat. You can choose to pair it with their Red Wine Jus, Black Pepper, Smokey BBQ and Wild Mushroom sauce.

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Orange and Almond Cake 4/5

End your dining experience on a sweet note with the Orange and Almond Cake. Perfectly spongy and moist, the cake has a light zesty fragrance, great with double cream atop to balance the flavours.

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.


Dallas Restaurant and Bar
31 Boat Quay
Singapore 049820
Tel: +65 6532 2131
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 1030pm

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