TFS Private Works @ Telok Ayer Street - Japan Tapas And Omakase With Modern Twist

Taking over the space at Truffs is TFS Private Works, by the same folks behind the successful casual Japanese restaurant The Flying Squirrel. The spin off offers Japanese tapas and omakase-style dining with a modern twist.

Seasonal Appertizers 3/5

I had the 7-course Saito Hajime Omakase Menu ($158) which consists of seasonal appetizers, sashimi, assorted cooked dishes, sushi, soup and dessert. Our first course consists of 4 different appertizers. Out of the 4, my favourite is the smoked duck for its tender texture

Sashimi 4.2/5

Next course is a plate of Sashimi that comprises of salmon belly, toro, scallop, hamachi, ebi and ikura. With the different freshness swimming on the plate, this is like an underworld fantasy comes true.

Miso Soup 4/5

A warm bowl of Miso Soup with clam and kombu was served next. The saltiness of the miso and the sweetness of the clam married perfectly for a comforting enjoyment.

Pan Seared Fish with Miso 3.8/5

Served on a bed of rocket greens is the Pan Seared Fish with Miso, which is topped with crispy lotus chips. Enjoyed the flavour and texture of the fish but I was hoping that the miso flavour could come across stronger.

Wagyu 3.8/5

The other cooked dish is the Wagyu with garlic, mushroom and capsicum. While the meat was cooked perfectly, the seasoning was slightly on the heavy side.

Sushi 4.5/5

For the last course, I was served a plate of Sushi. This is probably the best dishes throughout the 7 course. I like the little touches of topping each sushi with different condiments. It gives the sushi a unique combination which provided a different dimension of appreciation the sushi.

Dessert 3/5

The last course which is the Dessert is quite a steal. In the bowl, there were strawberry sorbet, eclair, churros and vanilla ice cream. Although the four different desserts did not really comes together as a dishes, I am not complaining on the generosity of having four different items at one go.

Noted: This is an invited tasting.


[CLOSED] TFS Private Works
179 Telok Ayer Street
2nd Floor
Singapore 068627
Tel: +65 62217073
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk along the covered walkway until the junction of Mccallum Street and Telok Ayer Street. Cross the junction and continue on Telok Ayer. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

UNA @ One Rochester - A Gastronomic Journey Through Spain

Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city is the lush greenery that surround UNA at One Rochester that is housed in a historic colonial bungalow dating back to the late 1930s and 40s. The Spanish restaurant offers South and North cuisines, marrying the characteristic of the regions for its robust and wholesome flavours.

Gambas Al Ajilo 4.5/5 and Patatas Bravas 3.5/5

From the tapas menu, we started with the Gambas Al Ajilo ($22) and Patatas Bravas ($10). My favourite is the fresh tiger prawns are sauteed in olive oil, white wine, garlic, chilli and parsley. Love the party of flavours which is kind of complex but yet beautiful firework to the palate.

Fideua De Calamares 4/5

The Fideua De Calamares ($20) serves in a pan, comes with squid ink Spanish noodles and crispy calamari. This is my first time having it and I find that it resembles our local Chao Ta Bee Hoon with its crispy exterior and soft interior.

Pulpo A La Parilla Con Papas Arrugadas Y Mojo 3.8/5

Don't be overwhelmed by the lengthy name of the dish. Pulpo A La Parilla Con Papas Arrugadas Y Mojo ($32) simply means grilled octopus with potatoes and coriander sauce. From what I understand from the kitchen, the octopus came from Spain and it is slow cooked in water with onions for around 65 minutes. I enjoyed how the slightly sweet and sharp sherry vinegar sauce complemented the smokey flavour of the grilled octopus. Unfortunately the texture was a bit chewy for me.

Coca De Higos Y Foie Con Vermouth 4.2/5

If you like foie gras, you will enjoy the Coca De Higos Y Foie Con Vermouth ($26). The foie gras is paired with grilled figs and sits on a toasted Spanish flatbread. It is then dressed in a vermouth reduction. I enjoyed how the sweetness and crispiness of the flatbread held the creaminess of foie gras together. However I thought the grilled figs was a bit strange in the pairing.

Paella De Chorizo Y Habitas 3.5/5

A staple Spanish dish is the paella and not to be missed is the Paella De Chorizo Y Habitas ($46/$66). The rice is infused with chorizo and saffron which added an extra layer of shine to the flavoursome paella. However I thought the texture of the rice was a bit on the moist side.

Cochinillo Asado 4.2/5

One of my favourite Spanish dishes is the Cochinillo Asado ($36). It is really hard to resist the succulent suckling pig with thin crispy skin. The plate also comes with fresh citrus salad which helps to cut the greasiness.

Pescado A La Parilla 4.2/5

Making a stunning entry is the Pescado A La Parilla ($42). The catch of the day is slow grilled without any marination. Just some simple seasoning to enjoy the natural flavour of the fish. It comes with a bowl of fennel salad on the side too.

Queso Fresco Calabaza Y Membrillo 4/5

For dessert, we started with the Queso Fresco Calabaza Y Membrillo ($14) which is roasted pumpkin ice cream with fresh cream cheese mousse, quince jelly and caramelized walnuts. The roasted pumpkin ice cream is kind of unique, it felt more like a savoury dish. First taste was a bit weird but it slowly grown in me as the palate started to accept the new taste.

Churros Con Chocolate Y Cafe 4.2/5

I am not really a big fan of churro but surprisingly I finished the a whole stick of the Churros Con Chocolate Y Cafe ($14). The crispy deep fried choux pastry is dusted with cinnamon and sugar nad this goes excellent with the dark chocolate sauce nad coffee infused cream.

Noted: This is an invited tasting.


UNA
One Rochester
1 Rochester Park
Singapore 139212
Tel: +65 67730070
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 5pm - 11pm
Sun Brunch: 11am - 3pm (once a month)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to Star Vista. At Rochester Drive turn left. Continue on Rochester Drive to the end of the road. Cross the road and continue on Rochester Park. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Barrio by Mex Out @ Vivocity - Mexican Cuisine In A Beer-Garden Inspired Casual Dining Setting

With the success of its 313 Somerset outlet, Barrio by Mex Out has opened a second outlet at Vivocity offering Mexican cuisine in a beer-garden inspired casual dining setting. On weekends, it even has a breakfast deal at $12.90, which comes with a breakfast dish + a coffee (available 9am to 12pm).

Smashed Avocado on Toast 3/5

Let us check out what do Barrio by Mex Out has to offer on its breakfast menu. The Smashed Avocado on Toast ($7.80) comes with tomato jam and smashed avocado on a grilled sourdough. You can add bacon/fried egg / mushrooms for an additional cost of $3 each.

Huevos Rancheros 3/5

Comes in a Tortilla shell is the Huevos Rancheros ($12.80) that comprises of black beans, rice, guacamole and a fried egg with barrio breakfast sauce. This is a bit heavy for me to eat as breakfast though. For those with big appetite, you may want to add extra bacon/fried egg/mushrooms for an additional $3 each.

Churros with Yogurt & Fruits 3/5

How about Churros ($11.90) for breakfast with Yogurt and Fruits? It is a first for me to have churros for breakfast. Not my preference but it is quite nice though with its crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

Loaded Nachos 4.2/5

Be warned! The Loaded Nachos ($13.60) is super addictive. I have told myself not to have to eat too much but I just could not control myself from going back for more of the freshly fried corn tortillas, which is topped with a generous amount of chilli con carne, cotija cheese, moazzarella and cheddar cheese sauce, pico de gallo, coriander, sour cream and freshly made guacamole.

Pulled Pork Torta 4/5

For a more hearty bite, the Pulled Pork Torta ($15.90) is a good consideration. Sandwiched in between the deep fried brioche buns is the delectable pork marinated with Chipotle Aioli, cotijatas cheese, pickled red cabbage and mayonnaise. Be prepared to get your hands messy.

Fish Taco 4.5/5

A mush try at Barrio is their Fish Taco ($13.40 for 2pc / $15.90 for 3pc). The taco uses beer battered sea bass and topped with pickled red cabbage, pico de gallo and chipotle aioli. With a squeeze of the lime to zest up the whole enjoyment.

Barbacoa Quesadilla 4.2/5

The Barbacoa Quesadilla ($13.40) did not disappoint with the diced chargrilled flank steak encased in a crispy tortilla, paired with pico de gallo, chilli jam, cheddar and jalapenos for a delightful combination of flavours and textures.

Jalapeno with Cheese 4/5

I am great that Barrio is still servicing the Jalapeno with Cheese ($8.40) on its menu. Lightly battered for a crispy exterior, the Jalapeno is stuffed with cheese for a harmonious combination of spicy and cheesy finishing.


Barrio by Mex Out
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-116
Singapore 098585
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

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

Direction: 
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

NOW Noodles + @ Square 2 - The Only Place To Have Mee Tai Mak With Century Egg

A new noodle restaurant has opened at Square 2 in Novena offering some unique noodle dishes that has not been seen elsewhere in Singapore yet. Currently NOW Noodles + offers only 5 noodle dishes on the menu but they are already have plans to introduce more noodle dishes on top of their amazing five.

Mee Tai Mak with Century Egg 4.5/5

For me the Mee Tai Mak with Century Egg ($9.80) is the best try dish at NOW Noodles +. This is a dish that you probably can't find it elsewhere in Singapore, at least for now. The mee tai wok is stir fried with century egg, fried egg and homemade belacan for a plate of aromatic goodness infused with wok hei. It felt as if  am digging into a hot plate of fried kway teow or fried carrot cake.

Heng Hwa Noodle Soup 4.5/5

The other unique dish on the menu is the Heng Hwa Noodle Soup ($9.80) that comes with a huge piece of chicken and black fungus. The texture of the noodle has more bite compare to those Heng Hwa Lor Mee commonly found in Singapore. The highlight is the ginger based broth that complement the noodle excellently and it is not too overpowering.

Dry Mee Siam 4.2/5

Dry Laksa 4/5

Now Noodles + makes their own rempah and this is used to stir fried their Dry Mee Siam ($9.80) and Dry Laksa ($9.80). I enjoyed both interpretation of the local flavours which come with huge, fresh crunchy prawns. The homemade rempah definitely is the key, allowing the noodles to shine in the execution.

Mee Goreng 3.5/5

There is even a vegetarian option in the Mee Goreng ($9.80), stir fried with vegetables, potatoes and mushroom. A rather simple dish without complex flavours but just allowing the ingredients and wok hei to do the talking.

Malasada 3/5

For some sweet treats, there are the  Malasada ($3.80/2pc) and Spanish Churros ($3.80 with a choice of 1 dip). The soft and pillowy malasada comes with three different filling - kaya curd, milk tea cream and orange marmalade. My personal favourite is the kaya as the flavour is sweeter to go with dense donut like treat.

Spanish Churros 3.5/5

I prefer the Spanish Churros more than the malasada. The mini churro was rather fun to eat, with its crispy exterior but yet soft interior. Guests have a choice of choosing a dip which is the same as the masalada filling, kaya curd, milk tea cream or orange marmalade.

I would highly recommend the Mee Tai Mak with Century Egg, Heng Hwa Noodle Soup and Dry Mee Siam if you plan to check out the restaurant. It is definitely worth the visit for the unique noodle dishes. On a side note, I think the sweet treats are a bit off from their local and Asian concept. I would prefer to have a bowl of red bean or green bean soup, which I think would be more align to the whole local and Asian noodles menu.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


NOW Noodles +
Square 2
10 Sinaran Drive
#02-65
Singapore
Tel: +65 62510177
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Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

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

The Chop House @ I12 Katong

I first visited The Chop House at Vivocity when it first opened back in 2013. The Chop House is opened by the same people behind Wooloomooloo Steakhouse. Now a second outlet, The Chop House has opened at the heart of Katong at I12 Katong. I realized the gastro-bar seems to offer more varieties on the menu compared to their flagship

Thoo Japanese Yen

We started with some drinks from the bar before commencing our dinner. From the cocktail list, we tried the Thoo Japanese Yen ($16) and Lychee Mojito ($16). Both are very refreshing drinks to kick start the dinner.

Lychee Mojito

The bar also offers An All Day Happy Hour with 5 ice cold draught beers on tap such as the Australian Pure Blonde Lager and the award winning Weihenstepaner from the world's oldest brewery.

Burrata 4/5

Our dinner started with the classic Burrata ($16). The creamy burrata and sweet vine ripened tomato, dressed with basil pesto sauce is a classic combination that whets up the appetite.

Freshly Shucked Oysters 4.2/5

The Chop House is not just all about meat now. As I mentioned earlier, the menu has been expanded with the Freshly Shucked Oysters ($26 for half a dozen). It is served natural with lime and Japanese chive vinaigrette for the full appreciation of the creamy shell fish.

Crispy Pork Belly 3.5/5

Everyone loves a good crackling Crispy Pork Belly ($18). Unfortunately the skin was thick and hard that I have difficulty cutting through it. Saying that, the meat itself was flavoursome and succulent. The apple jam and the apple radish salad help to cut through the greasiness

Pan Fried Barramundi 3/5

From the sea, we tried the Pan Fried Barramundi ($26) served with green apple, fennel and rocket salad, steamed potatoes, baby beetroots and lemon aioli. The barramundi to my disappointment was slightly on the dry side while the star was actually the accompaniments.

Patty Melt 3.8/5

The perfect food to go with the selection of draft beers would be the Patty Melt ($24). The one half pound beef patty is smothered with sauteed onions and melted cheddar cheese. A delectable burger with moist patty covered with the saltiness of the melted cheddar cheese, ideal to wash down with a glass of beer.

Mixed Grill Platter 3/5

Good for sharing and to try a bit of everything is the Mixed Grill Platter ($68). Served in a pan, it comes with Australian grass fed feed tenderloin, lamb cutlets, pork sausages, lamb sausages, grilled tomato and red wine sauce. I have tried the grilled meat at The Chop House previously but this is rather ordinary compared to what I had before.

Truffle Potato Salad 4.5/5

Creamy Spinach 2.8/5

To go with your mains, The Chop House also offers a selection of side dishes. There are 8 choices on the menu. We had the Truffle Potato Salad ($7) and Creamy Spinach ($5). I would recommend going for the truffle potato salad while the creamy spinach is subjective to individual. I like spinach a lot but I don't quite enjoy the creamy execution.

Apple Strudel Tortillas 3.5/5

The Chop House has a small but delectable choices of desserts to complete the meal. The Apple Strudel Tortillas ($8) comes with stuffed seasoned apples and pastry cream with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I enjoyed the light custard creme anglaise that complemented the crunchy tortillas while the chopped pistachios give it an extra nutty crunchiness.

Churros 3/5

I not a big fan for churros but the version is bit different from elsewhere. The Churros ($6) is fatter in size and coated with cinnamon sugar for a sweet and crumbling exterior.

While I mentioned earlier that the new outlet has an expanded menu offering more variety. Another thing I noticed about the new outlet is the decor. It is brighter compared to the flagship with a modern industrial decor, providing a casual, relaxed and cosy place for a meal or gathering. Diners can also enjoy a late night meal while watching their favourite sports match.


The Chop House
I12 Katong
112 East Coast Road
#01-13
Singapore 428802
Tel: +65 64431011
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Dakota MRT (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 12midnight

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 16. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road and walk to 112 Katong. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) 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 6 stops later. Walk to 112 Katong. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Singapore Favourite Food Village 2015 @ Clarke Quay

This year Singapore Favourite Food Village 2015 takes place at Read Bridge, Clarke Quay. Themed A Wok down Memory Lane at Ellenborough Market, we see the bridge transformed into 2 rows of hawker centre from 24 July to 2 August 2015 from 5pm to 11pm.

Besides the line up of hawkers dishing our delicious food, a serial of other events such as Live Cooking Demo and Traditional Teochew Opera. Do check the schedule of the various events at the official site.

It is great to see familiar face, Ah Boy from Good Chance Popiah. In the picture is Mr Lim and Jerome from Ming Fa Fishball Noodles. There is just too much food at the Singapore Favourite Food Village. My limited stomach space only allows me to try some of the following dishes, starting off with Good Chance Popiah. Go for the chilli one as it is damn shiok.

Then wonder next door to Ming Fa Fishball Noodles to have their noodles. The mee pok coated with their vinegar and chilli was slurping good. Not to forget, the soft and bouncy fishballs.

I also tried the Jia Le Hong Kong Roasted Food's Suckling Pig. Not the best but palatable enough to go with my cup of beer.

One stall that caugh my attention is the carrot cake stall by Everything Foods that is selling Salted Egg Yolk Fried Carrot Cake and Tom Yum Carrot Cake. I tried the salted egg yolk carrot cake which was surprisingly quite enjoyable.

Everything Foods also runs another stall selling Lor Mee. I tried their Pig Trotter Lor Mee and was surprised that I was given a whole pig trotter. The pig trotter was cooked to fork tender but I thought it was lacking that rich robust flavour.

If you don't mind spending a bit more, you can try the Steamed Cold Crab from Merchant Court.

The line up of stalls also see a few cafes with their own interpretation of local flavours. The Quarters offers a trio of snack bites. There is Chilli Crab Man Tou, Salted Egg Fries and DurianCanBoleh. The durian creme brulee or DurianCanBoleh is a worthy try for something different from the usual if you are a durian lower.

A dessert I would recommend saving some space for is the Ondeh Ondeh Churros from Churros Factory. Crispy exterior with a fluffy interior, this is served with a palm sugar sauce with shredded coconut. Instead of ondeh ondeh, it actually reminds me of kueh lopes.

Singapore Favourite Food Village 2015
Read Bridge, Clarke Quay
Date: 24 July to 02 August 2015
Time: 5pm - 11pm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SingaporeFavouriteFoodOfficial
Website: http://www.singaporefavouritefood.sg/index.php