Angel & Devil Asian Fusion Bistro @ Keong Saik Road - Decent Food But Nestled In A Very Competitive F&B Area

Keong Saik Road in the modern day is known for its vibrant F&B scene with many restaurants along the stretch of shophouses. Opened back in September 2020 at the heart of Keong Saik Road without any hype, Angel & Devil Asian Fusion Bistro offers Asian-European cuisine with a range of affordable alcohols that comes as part of the experience.

Devil's Mac & Cheese 3.8/5

Our lunch started with the Devil's Mac & Cheese ($12). The generous topping of bacon bits, crispy floss, onion and cheese, gives the dish the extra layer of flavour and textural enjoyment. I felt the sweetness can be slightly reduced, to allow the cheese profile to be more prominent.

Guinness Braised Baby Pork Ribs 3.8/5

Moving to the mains, we started with the Guinness Braised Baby Pork Ribs ($32). The baby pork ribs are cooked to fork-tender with the hint of Guinness coming through but not overpowering. The coat of 5 pepper crust smartly brightens the taste profile.

Signature Cereal Crusted Baked Cod Fish 4/5

My favourite dish goes to the Signature Cereal Crusted Baked Cod Fish ($32). The superior soy broth complements excellently with the moist and buttery cod fish. I enjoyed the execution as it leans towards the familiarity of the Asian steamed fish with delightful crusted cereal coat atop the skin.

"Angel Meet Devil" Sundae 3.5/5

Suitable for sharing is the "Angel Meet Devil" Sundae ($15). I am not sure why the name but angel probably refers to the cotton candy wrapped around the hot chocolate cake, vanilla ice cream and raspberry sorbet like a group of cloud. I would assume devil is the sinful indulgence of the dessert.

I feel that the food at Angel & Devil is actually quite decent. However, I find the pricing is quite expensive for the a la carte items, especially when there is a lot of competition in the area. Being new and unknown, it is quite hard to draw customers away from the established restaurants in the area. If you are on a budget, I would recommend going for the lunch sets ranging from $10 to $20 that comes with house salad, soup of the day, choice of mains and medley fruits with greek yoghurt and chia seeds.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Angel & Devil Asian Fusion Bistro
22 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089129
Tel: +65 82242249
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 530pm - 11pm
Tue-Sun: 11am - 3pm, 530pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk straight down New Bridge Road. Turn right onto Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right again onto Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Celebrate Chinese New Year In Style with Crystal Jade

For the upcoming Lunar New Year, Crystal Jade Group of restaurants have line-up a stellar and tantalising spread of Chinese New Year offerings that spans savoury celebratory dishes to auspicious sweet treats. All these are specially conjured up and curated by Group Executive Chef Martin Foo and his team of chefs.

Prosperity Golden Lobster Yusheng

Available at Crystal Jade Palace, Crystal Jade Golden Palace, Crystal Jade Pavilion and Crystal Jade Dining IN for dine-in and takeaway is the Prosperity Golden Lobster Yusheng ($98/$168). The Yusheng comprises a combination of textures and flavours. Instead of the conventional selection and fresh ingredients, homemade pickled items such as marinated plum tomatoes, pickled cucumber, juicy pomelo segments, fresh ice plant, fresh lily bulbs, kaffir lime leaves, red dates, and walnuts among others are added for natural goodness. Succulent local lobster and ikura crowned the yusheng and dressed in an olive oil-based dressing with flower blossom syrup, plum sauce and sesame seeds.

Double-boiled Abalone 

From Crystal Jade Jiang Nan, we have the Double-boiled Abalone with Conpoy, Sea Cucumber and Fish Maw Soup served in a teapot ($24.80 per pax). This is a riff on the classic Buddha Jump over the wall.

Braised Cod Fish Sphere in Golden Thick Soup with Iberico Ham

Over at Crystal Jade Group's latest fine-ding concept at Crystal Jade Pavilion, the restaurant has created the Braised Cod Fish Sphere in Golden Thick Soup with Iberico Ham ($28 per pax). It is a novel take on the classic "lion's head" meatball with a buttery-fleshed codfish ball made with hand-chopped codfish, chopped water chestnuts, as well as fatty pork, in a thick luminous sauce rendered from superior stock, carrots and pumpkin.

Crispy Herbal "Dang Gui" Duck

Another favourite of mine is the Crispy Herbal "Dang Gui" Duck ($38 half/ $68 whole) from Crystal Jade Pavilion. The duck is served in an aromatic herbal sauce infused with the bittersweet notes of Angelica root and dried longan. Completing the dish is the addition of wolfberries, providing little bursts of sweetness.

Braised Whole 10-Head Abalone with Homemade Black Moss "Gold" Bar Beancurd

Crowned with abalone and black moss on top of blocks of soft homemade tofu is the Braised Whole 10-Head Abalone with Homemade Black Moss "Gold" Bar Beancurd ($28.80 regular) from Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen.

Classic Claypot Rice with Duck, Cured Meat and Chinese Preserved Sausage

Savour the Classic Claypot Rice with Duck, Cured Meat and Chinese Preserved Sausage ($118/$188) at Crystal Jade Dining IN for a substantial and hearty feast packed with fragrant rice infused with the aroma of the cured meat and preserved sausage.

Hakka Yam Abacus Seeds with Boston Lobster

At Crystal Jade Palace, relish Chef Martin Foo's interpretation of the traditional Hakka Yam Abacus ($15 per 100g). The homemade Hakka yam abacus seeds are stir-fried over high heat with dried shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, black moss and Boston lobster. It gives the abacus seeds an elevated crustacean flavour to it.

Crispy Brown Sugar and Coconut Glutinous Rice Cake "Nian Gao"

For dessert at Crystal Jade Palace, I have the Crispy Brown Sugar and Coconut Glutinous Rice Cake "Nian Gao". It is an inventive sweet with alternating coconut and brown sugar glutinous rice cake layers wrapped in spring roll skin dotted with black and white sesame seeds.

Crystal Trio Dumpling in Brown Sugar Ginger Soup

Last but not least, wrapping up our Chinese New Year dinner is the Crystal Trio Dumpling in Brown Sugar Ginger Soup from Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao. The three different coloured dumplings are Yam, Peanut and Sesame.

Chinese New Year dining at Crystal Jade Group of restaurants will commence from 15 January 2020 (all outlets will be closed on 25 Jan 2020 - CNY Day 1). Takeaway orders can be made online at estore.crystaljade.com from 18 Nov 2019 to 4 Feb 2020, and available at outlets from 6 Jan to 8 Feb 2020.

Note: This is an invited tasting.

Crossroads Cafe @ Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel Singapore - Exciting New Gastronomic Treats

Crossroads Cafe which is strategically located at the bustling crossroads of Orchard Road and Scotts Road since 1995 has launched a new menu as well as irresistible dining promotions. The new menu pays homage to American, European and local culinary traditions. At the same time, guests may chill at the cafe which boasts an award-winning wine list of over 300 selections and an enticing selection of draft beers on tap, while watching the world goes by.

Cod Fish Croquettes 4.2/5

We started with some light bites. The Cod Fish Croquettes deep fried to golden brown is crispy on the exterior and packed with flaky cod fish. Dip it with the harissa aioli sauce for an elevated enjoyment.

Prawn Cocktail 4.2/5

A delightful and classic starter is the Prawn Cocktail. It is fresh, crunchy and just too good to stop at one.

Mezze Platter

Great for sharing is the Mezze Platter ($24) which comes with muhammara, hummus, tzatziki, tabbouleh, dolma, feta, olives and artichokes. I only wish there is more flatbread to go with the wonderful plate. The good thing is you can order more at extra cost.

Sliced Beef Char Hor Fun 4.2/5

Retained from the old menu is the Sliced Beef Char Hor Fun ($26). I can see why this dish gets to stay on the new menu. The dish comes with fragrant stir-fried rice noodles infused with wok hei, tender beef slices and greens in an eggy and silky broth.

Impossible Burger 4/5 and Buttermilk Fried Chicken Burger 4.2/5

Vegetarian and health-conscious diners will be glad to know that Crossroads Cafe has introduced the Impossible Burger ($28) on the menu. The plant-based patty tasted like real beef. I probably cannot tell the difference in a blind taste. The burger comes with crisp tomato, refreshing cucumber salsa, creamy raita, red onion and arugula, sandwiched with soft sesame bun. Not forgetting the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Burger ($26) which is as good too. Tender chicken patty accompanied with red cabbage slaw, gherkins and spicy mayonnaise. It actually tastes like McDonald McSpicy!

Steak Frites T-Bone 4.5/5

Not into plant-based meat, how about the real thing? The huge piece of T-Bone ($168) features a luscious and tender 400-day grain-fed Australian wagyu, served with choice of bearnaise, black pepper jus or red wine jus. The flavours are rich and full-bodied, with a delectable char on its exterior. It already so good on its own that there is no need of the sauces.

Caramel Cheese Cake 4/5

Wrapping up the dinner is the classic American Cheese Cake, caramel flavoured. It is topped with speculoos crumble and whipped cream. It is creamy but not overly sweet.

Not to be missed is the Happy Hours, Mondays to Fridays from 11am to 8pm, for an irresistible price of $10 per drink. Yes, that is a whole 8 hours of Happy Hour!

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Crossroads Cafe
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 68314552
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sat-Wed: 7am - 1am
Thu-Fri: 7am - 2am

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

NOKA by Open Farm Community @ Funan Mall - First Rooftop Urban Farm-To-Table Japanese Restaurant

NOKA, which means farmhouse in Japanese on the rooftop of Funan Mall, is the sister restaurant to Open Farm Community. It is the first of its kind restaurant, offering a farm-to-table concept with its own rooftop urban farm. The farm spans over 5,000 square feet in partnership with Edible Garden City.

Plum Blossom Cocktail 3.5/5

My dinner started with the Plum Blossom Cocktail, which is a very refreshing and appropriate drink for Singapore's humid weather.

Refreshing Tomato Salad 4.5/5

We also have some salads, to begin with. First up is the Refreshing Tomato Salad ($15) which uses ox heart organic tomatoes from Malaysia and garnished with rooftop herbs. The clever use of the yuzu pepper vinaigrette perks up the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Organic Mushroom Salad 4/5

A tribute to the beautiful produces from the rooftop farm is the Organic Mushroom Salad ($18) using golden mushroom and kale from harvested from the farm to table. Holding the plate of salad together is the delicious fresh wasabi dressing.

Kampong Yakitori 4.2/5

We moved on to the snack bite menu, starting with the Kampong Yakitori ($12). The tender charcoal-grilled chicken thigh is so good that I am screaming for a mug of beer to go with it.

Cod Popcorn 4.5/5

You can throw the popcorn chicken aside, the Cod Popcorn ($18) will wow you even more. Soft in the inside and crispy on the outside, it is coated with a layer of sweet chilli sauce. The combination of the textures and sweetness makes it a very addictive snack bite topped with rooftop herbs, spring onion and roasted sesame.

Charcoal Calamari 4.2/5

Next is the black gold which is actually Charcoal Calamari ($15). It is another well-received dish with the dining group. Not forgetting the Japanese garlic aioli dip at the side, which enhances the whole appreciation of the black tempura squid.

Tuna Taku 3.5/5

If you need your carbo intake, there is the sushi bar that offers a variety of sushi. We had the Tuna Taku ($25) which consists of fatty tuna, tuna tartare, takuwan pickle, rooftop herbs, spring onions and rice cracker. It is satisfying but not something that will make you jump from your chair.

Koji Ton-Toro 4.2/5

For the mains, the Koji Ton-Toro ($38) stood out with its lemon garlic pepper sauce that goes really well with the tender pork jowl that has been marinated in rice fermentation culture. It is paired with kale and roasted potato at the side.

Black Cod Saikyo-Yaki 4.2/5

Cod marinated in miso is a classic combination which NOKA executed excellently in their own interpretation. What's unique with the Black Cod Saikyo-Yaki ($38) is the pairing with pulut hitam furikake and sea grape, giving the dish the additional boost in flavours and textures.

Oden 4.5/5

My favourite dish for the night has to be the Oden ($20). It is hearty, comfortable and most importantly, delicious. In the bowl, there is wagyu beef, daikon radish, satsumaage, itokon, tomato and okura. I think I can have this every day. I would recommend adding a bit of the mustard into the soup, lifting the flavour.

Wafu Parfait 3.5/5

Lime in the Coconut 3/5

To end the meal, we tried a couple of desserts. We had the Wafu Parfait ($15), Lime in the Coconut ($15) and Yuzu Cheesecake ($15). The desserts do look very pretty in terms of presentation. However, the flavours to be more vibrant to match up with the presentation.

Yuzu Cheesecake 3/5

As you probably have noticed, NOKA uses traditional Japanese cooking techniques for the farm-to-table concept. Besides the a la carte dishes we tried, NOKA also offers three-course set lunch at $45++ and omakase at $150++ per diner.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


NOKA by Open Farm Community
Funan Mall
109 North Bridge Road
#07-38/39
Singapore 179097
Tel: +65 68774878
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Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left onto North Bridge Road. Walk down North Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 mins. [Map]

Jiang-Nan Chun @ Four Seasons Hotel - Michelin Starred Restaurant Brings Flavours Of Summer With New Six-course Seasonal Menu

Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant Jiang-Nan Chun introduces a luscious six-course summer menu this season. Specially crafted by Executive Chinese Chef Tim Lam, the menu showcases some of the finest produce and ingredients. It is intended to nourish and aid wellness during the warm season to relieve, rebalance and reenergize. The summer menu is priced at $158 per person and is available from 17 June to 31 August 2019 at both lunch and dinner daily.

Deep-Fried Cod Fillet and Chilled Sliced Whole Abalone 4.2/5 

The Deep Fried Cod Fillet with Rose Wine Sauce and Chilled Sliced Whole Abalone makes for a refreshing start to the meal. The bite-sized cod fillet is judiciously coated with sweet rose wine sauce and deep-fried to give a thin crisp to the succulent meat. The plump and juicy chilled abalone was a luscious enjoyment with each delicate slice as well.

Double-boiled Pork Shoulder Soup with Cordyceps Flower and Figs 4/5 

The second course is the Double-boiled Pork Shoulder Soup with Cordyceps Flower and Figs. The light fragrance lifts the palate effortlessly with realigning the internal energy flow. The accompanying pork shoulder meat is slow-cooked to lock in the natural flavours and moisture while retaining a soft and tender consistency.

Steamed Crab Claw with Egg White and Chinese Wine 4.2/5 

The Steamed Crab Claw with Egg White and Chinese Wine features an amazingly tender and fresh steamed crab claw. It has been soaked in an umami broth of egg white and Chinese wine to complement the natural sweetness of the seafood.

Cabbage Roll with Winter Melon, Kombu Seaweed and Mushrooms 3.8/5 

The Cabbage Roll with Winter Melon, Kombu Seaweed and Mushrooms delivers a crunch with a myriad of vegetables encased within the unassuming cabbage roll. I love the light fragrant flavour of the dish and contrasting textures within.

Braised Flat Noodles with Pork Collar 4/5

For something more substantial, the al dente Braised Flat Noodles with Pork Collar features tender pork collar that boasts the right amount of lean and fattiness ratio.

Chilled Coconut Pudding with Bird's Nest 4.2/5 

Round off the meal with a nourishing Chilled Coconut Pudding with Bird's Nest. This tropical-inspired dessert hits all the right notes with fresh coconut pudding served in a coconut husk, and generous helpings of bird's nest atop for a luxurious treat.

The Summer Delights Menu is available at $158 per person, from 17 June to 31 August at both Lunch and Dinner Daily.


Jiang Nan Chun (江南春)
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Second Floor
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248646
Tel: +65 68317220
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue walking along Orchard Road. Walk to Hilton Hotel. Go to level 2. Follow the passageway to Four Seasons Hotel. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 12 minutes. [Map]

TXA Pintxo Bar @ The Alkaff Mansion - Bringing Basque Culture And Lifestyle To The Greenery Hilltop

1-Group has taken over the space at The Alkaff Mansion, restored and relaunched it with Basque-centred TXA Pintxo Bar on the ground floor and UNA on the second floor, bringing Basque culture and lifestyle to the greenery hilltop. It also houses the all-day flora cafe Wildseed Cafe. The purpose of my visit is to check out TXA Pintxo Bar. The first bar in Singapore dedicated to the unique Basque pintxo experience.

Aceituna Rellena De Vermouth 3.5/5

Our pintxo experience started with the Olive ($2.90) stuffed with vermouth jelly and orange zest and topped with fennel flower. Olive on itself can be sour, so the stuffed vermouth jelly provided the balance with its sweetness.

Crudiente de Jamon 4/5

The Iberico Cracker is sandwiched with smoked cod roe sauce. It is presented like a bikini sandwich. It may look simple, but it is packed with texture and flavour. The crispiness of the Iberico ham is a winner for me.

Boquerones con piperrada 4/5

Next, we had the Boquerones con piperrada ($3.90). Sitting atop the toasted bread is the picquillo cream, pickled anchovies and sauteed green and red bell pepper. The sweetness of the picquillo (a typical Spanish red pepper) is enhanced by the acidity of the tangy anchovies.

Pintxo Igeldo 4/5

The Pintxo Igeldo ($6.90) in a glance may look similar to the Boquerones con piperrada. A closer look you will notice that the toasted bread is made up of confit tomato, tuna, anchovies and piparra. The different ingredients come across complex but harmonious in flavours.

Crema de Roquefort Con Manzana Y Nueces 4.5/5

Initially, I was hesitant to try the Crema de Roquefort Con Manzana Y Nueces ($4.90) because I am not a fan of blue cheese. After much encouragement from my fellow diners, this turned out to be my favourite for the night. The pintxo is not as piquant as I thought. In fact, the sweetness of the apple jam cuts the acquire taste, and the walnut gives it a nutty finish. In short, it turned out to be a heavenly combination. A must order.

Pimiento Del Padron Con 4.5/5

The Fried Padron Pepper and Maldon Salt is another dish which I enjoyed. The Padron pepper named after the city it is from is not spicy at all. In fact, it is tough to find one that is spicy. You can add on Jamon Iberico de Bellota for an addition $3 for 5 gram.

Croquetas de Jamon Iberico 3.5/5

Many will be familiar with croquette, and it comes in every Spanish restaurant, in different forms and varieties. The Croquetas de Jamon Iberico ($14 for 4pc) deep fried to golden brown comes with a crispy breadcrumb exterior and soft interior with cured serrano ham.

Piquillos Rellenos de Brandada 3.8/5

The piquillo pepper is used again in the Piquillos Rellenos de Brandada ($4). It is stuffed with salted Atlantic codfish (bacalao) and paired with piquillo emulsion. The piquillo emulsion plays a vital role in holding the dish together, for the flavours to come together in harmony.

Txangurro a la Donostiarra 4/5

The Txangurro a la Donostiarra ($14) uses fresh crab meat and cook in sofrito base. Flour and seafood stock is then added before the mixture is poured into the empty crab shell. It is then topped with breadcrumb and butter and grilled. The appearance reminds me of a similar-looking Chinese dish, but the taste profile is very different. I thought it tasted like having french onion soup with crab meat, probably from the caramelised onion in the sofrito base.

Black Rabas "A Fuego Negro" 4.2/5

The Black Rabas "A Fuego Negro" ($22 for 5pc) is a traditional dish presented in a contemporary style. Squid and squid ink are blended together with other ingredients and fish stock. It is then formed into a donut shape using a mould and frozen. To serve, it is coated with flour, egg, tempura batter and deep fried. Pick up the squid ink donut with your hand and bite into a crispy exterior. The inside is soft with bits of diced squid.

Pulpo a la Parrilla con Pure de Nabo 4/5

Grilled to a perfect tender with hint of smokiness is the Pulpo a la Parrilla con Pure de Nabo ($8). It is paired with turnip cream, honey and picada oil. A well-thought dish with each components coming together for the delicious plate.

Carrillera estofada al vino tinto con espuma de patata 4.2/5

The Beef Cheek ($8) is stewed in red wine and paired with potato foam, caramelised apple cubes, parsley and garlic oil. The melted in the mouth beef cheek comes with a sweet winery flavour which goes well with the smooth potato foam. The caramelised apple cubes also help to cut through the richness. Another well-executed dish on the menu.

Buñuelos de Viento 3/5

The Buñuelos de Viento ($7.90) is little Spanish donuts that that an airy interior. The dough which is made from flour and eggs is deep fried and then dusted with icing sugar.

Tarta de Queso "LA VIÑA" 4.2/5

The Tarta de Queso "LA VIÑA" ($4.90) is a burnt cheesecake inspired from the popular La Vina in San Sebastian. It comes with a molten creamy centre and a caramelised flavoured crust. In a way or another, there is no need to fly all the way to Spain to know why the cheesecake is so famous.

If you are one that can't decide with choices, then you can go for the Pintxos Experience ($55++), in which the Basque Chefs will decide and prepare the different pintxos for you. Look forward to 10-12 savoury pintxos and 2 sweets. I find it somewhat similar to Japanese omakase experience, in which you leave it to the chef and served 'al momento'.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


TXA Pintxo Bar
The Alkaff Mansion
10 Telok Blangah Green
Singapore 109178
Tel: +65 67730070
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Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Blangah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 5pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Telok Blangah MRT station (Stop ID 14169). Take bus number 176. Alight 2 stops later. Walk down Henderson Road. Turn left onto Telok Blangah Green. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]