Showing posts with label Corn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Corn. Show all posts

Monday, February 24, 2025

Latido @ Tras Street - Singapore's First and Only Colombian Restaurant

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Latido celebrates the vibrant, playful culture of Latin America. It is led by veteran Chef Fernando Arévalo, who hails from Bogotá, Colombia, but has considered Singapore his home for over a decade. Chef Arévalo's impressive background and previous concepts include the highly regarded Preludio and Bacatá.

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Latido offers dishes that work well to introduce Colombian food to the local Singaporean palate whilst providing a few more unique dishes to pique the interest of the adventurous, such as chicken hearts and rabbit meat. The menu concisely reflects the recent trend in diner's preferences. It is offered in an à la carte format, allowing diners to curate their own experience and choose dishes at their own pace and comfort level. They also offer a very tempting lunch deal, which is worth checking out.

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The restaurant is very spacious, a luxury in the Tanjong Pagar area. Spanning two shophouses, the restaurant offers two distinct dining areas with different vibes. One side features a long chef's table crafted from Brazilian wood, allowing diners to watch the chefs work up close. This brightly lit area creates a lively, casual, and relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of dining at a close friend's house. On the other side, the ambience shifts to a more intimate setting with individual tables and mood lighting, offering a cosier dining experience. The restaurant is also decorated with arts and crafts sourced from indigenous Colombian tribes. Look out for the unique wine bottle carved out of a hoof!

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Bocados de Tiradito 4/5

Bocado translates to mean a mouthful or a bite, and we started our dinner with two flavourful bites: one with Tiradito, a lighter version of ceviche, and one with white corn.

The Bocados de Tiradito ($22) looks like the local favourite Kueh Pie Tee but is filled with ceviche. Sawara (Spanish Mackerel) is used, with leche de Tigre and pearls of lime vinegar inside the kueh pie tee shell, infused with coriander seed. It's tasty, with a bit of a creaminess, but not as much of the brightness that I'm used to with cured fish.

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Bocados de Maiz 4.5/5

The Bocados de Maiz ($16) was new and interesting for me. Very crunchy white corn is on top of a crispy cassava tart base, layered with avocado mousse and a touch of Aji Amarillo (chilli pepper). Palm sugar pearls contribute a hint of sweetness. The dish is finished with parmesan cheese shavings. A lovely combination of flavours and textures!

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Pan de la Casa 4.5/5

Next, we had Chef Fernando's signature rye bread, Pan de la Casa ($8), a recipe he has perfected over the years. The rye bread is glazed with fermented mushrooms and maple, and you can taste the earthy flavour coming through. It's paired with a rich, caramelised-infused butter that I happily slathered all over my bread.

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Arepa de Chocolo Y Huevo 4.8/5

The Arepa is a traditional cornmeal flatbread with roots in indigenous Colombian culture, offering what feels like a cross between a pancake and a taco. Chef Fernando shared that there are many regional variations of the Arepa, and this particular version hails from the Northern part of Colombia. The Arepa de Chocolo y Huevo ($22) features a sweetcorn cake stuffed with a fried egg, and savoury cured pork jowl, which is finished with a touch of spicy paprika. Absolutely delicious, a must-try!

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Arepan Conejo 4.5/5

Next, we tried a unique dish featuring braised rabbit, which is not so commonly served in Singapore. The Arepan Conejo ($38) stars tender, juicy rabbit sourced from Hungary, served on a cassava wrap that has a nice chewy, mochi-like texture. The dish is complemented by bacon, parmesan cheese, and pickled onions. It's recommended to fold it up and enjoy it with your hands, letting the tasty juices drip as you savour each bite. The rabbit itself has a mild, chicken-like flavour and is cooked till very tender.

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Sopa Langousta 4.5/5

The Sopa Langousta ($50) is expertly crafted. It features lobster that's lightly poached to retain a sashimi-like texture. The dish also includes chunks of creamy avocado, delightful corn bits, and a warm, velvety potato soup to tie everything together.

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Lechonista 4.2/5

We eagerly anticipated the Lechonista ($38 per 100g), especially after watching the preparation of the suckling pig while enjoying other courses. It's served pulled pork style with pickled chilli and paired with cassava wraps, pork jus sauce, and pickled onions.

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We were encouraged to wrap everything together for an enjoyable bite. What I really appreciated about this dish is that this suckling pig dish didn't have the strong, sometimes overwhelming pork flavour that you may find in other preparations.

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Plantainitos 4.2/5

There's only one dessert option on the menu — Plantainitos ($16) — and it showcases plantains, which are starchy fruits similar to bananas but typically less sweet. Plantains can be used ripe or unripe, and the ripe version is chosen for this dessert. A layer of cake made with dates, toffee, and rum is topped with smooth, creamy burrata ice cream.

It was a fun evening exploring Colombian ingredients and flavours, presented in a way that was accessible and delicious for our taste buds. We also appreciated the warm service and the friendly hospitality from the staff, which contributed to the overall experience.

Penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Latido
40 Tras Street
Singapore 078979
Tel: +65 89618191
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight
Sat: 6pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun and Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Monday, January 20, 2025

Meow BBQ @ Bugis+ - CNY Exclusive Meow BBQ 2025 Can Platter

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Usher in the Chinese New Year with lively energy and festivities at Meow Barbecue, a popular Chinese cat-themed barbecue restaurant known for its cute meat platters designed to look like cat food cans. Gather your friends and indulge in a festive feast specially crafted to celebrate the Year of the Snake.

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Prosperity Yu Sheng

Since it's Chinese New Year, Meow Barbecue has launched a ⁠Prosperity Yu Sheng with little abalones. It's available at both the Bugis+ and VivoCity outlets until 9 Feb, so you can lo hei with friends and family when you come here for your next barbecue feast.

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CNY-exclusive Meow BBQ 2025 Can Platter

Of course, the highlight of the evening was the CNY-exclusive Meow BBQ 2025 Can Platter. This festive platter opens up with fanfare to reveal six cuts of meat and signatures, perfect for grilling and sharing (suggested 2-3 pax). From 13 Jan to 9 Feb, the Lucky Snake Can Platter is available at a special price of $88++ (U.P. $128) at both Bugis+ and VivoCity outlets.

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The platter consists of:

•⁠ ⁠Thick Cut Iberico Pork Belly (120g)
•⁠ ⁠Wagyu Beef Short Ribs (120g)
•⁠ ⁠Thick Cut Pork Collar (120g)
•⁠ ⁠Meow Signature Spicy Chicken with Szechuan Pepper (150g)
•⁠ ⁠Diamond Cut Marinated Beef Ribs (120g)
•⁠ ⁠Rose Ox Tongue (100g)


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The platter offers a variety of delicious barbecue options, and the meat quality is satisfying. I was particularly intrigued by the signature spicy chicken with Szechuan pepper. Its bold, flavourful kick was delicious; I've not had BBQ chicken like this before. We also got to try ox tongue, which was a first for some at the table. You may opt to DIY or request that the staff help you grill the meat.

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With every Lucky Snake Can Platter purchased, customers are entitled to a chance to try their luck at Meow Barbecue's Chinese New Year Hong Bao Wall, a sure-win lucky draw offering a chance to win real gold, along with other exclusive prizes, including a cute pair of chopsticks and bowls adorned with adorable cat-themed designs, a limited-edition Meow Barbecue Exclusive 2025 Calendar, dining vouchers and other festive goodies!

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Customers also stand a chance to participate in the lucky draw for every $150++ spent and twice the chance if they spend $300++ on a single receipt.

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We also tried the Pork Belly with Kimchi and Cheese, prepared by layering kimchi and cheese onto the pork belly, then folding and grilling it — almost like a grilled cheese sandwich! The result is a mouthwatering pocket of melty cheese, and kimchi enveloped in tender pork belly. The staff then sliced it into portions for us to enjoy. This was something quite unique and enjoyable.

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We also participated in the Cheese Pull Challenge: Get 50% off every Cheese Corn (U.P. $6.80) ordered by simply tagging @meow_bbq on Instagram or Meow Barbecue on Facebook. Pull the cheese to 50cm or more to enjoy it for free! Honestly, the dish is rather simple, just consisting of melted cheese and corn. However, if you’re looking to have some fun, this could be an entertaining game to play at the table. Roll it well before stretching to ensure that you can get it above 50cm. In fact, our table stretched it to over a metre!

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Signature Caramel Pudding, Strawberry Cat Paw Jelly Pudding

For dessert, we had their Signature Caramel Pudding and Strawberry Cat Paw Jelly Pudding. I preferred the Caramel Pudding, which had a lovely custard texture and flavour. The Strawberry Jelly, though undeniably cute, was way too sweet for my taste.

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Meow Barbecue has a playful and quirky vibe, with feline-themed décor and friendly staff that adds to the overall fun experience. The grilled meat served is fresh and tasty, and the prices are rather reasonable, making it a good choice for gatherings the next time those BBQ cravings strike!

Photographed and penned by Shermine. She shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences through her pictures and stories. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Meow BBQ
Bugis+
201 Victoria Street
#01-17
Singapore 188067
Tel: +65 80384659
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Bugis(EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 12midnight
Sun: 1130am - 1130pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Victoria Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, September 14, 2024

Mensho Tokyo @ Raffles City - Award-winning Global Ramen Brand Opens In Singapore with Exclusive Chilli Crab Ramen

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Mensho Tokyo, founded by legendary ramen master Tomoharu Shono in 2005, has landed in Raffles City, Singapore. Known for combining traditional ramen-making with bold and complex flavour profiles, Mensho Tokyo's Singapore outlet boasts exclusive local creations. It is the first Mensho outlet in the world to offer desserts on its menu. Naturally, I had to check it out.

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A5 Wagyu Abura Soba 4.2/5

The most premium item on the menu is the A5 Wagyu Abura Soba ($41). This dish features house-made thick wheat noodles and a sauce crafted from Kioke wood barrel-aged shoyu. The soba is accompanied by two types of Miyazaki A5 Wagyu, spinach, baby asparagus, red onion, truffle paste, charcoal leek, and calamansi. The rich, dry-style ramen highlights the luxurious wagyu cuts, making it a must-try for any beef lover, though the price tag might leave some hesitating.

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Duck Matcha 4.2/5

I was taken aback when I saw Duck Matcha ($28) on the menu. Matcha paired with ramen? Intrigued by the audacity of this creation, I decided to give it a go. Surprisingly, it works! The house-made wavy noodles are served in a creamy chicken matcha broth, topped with tender duck chashu and whipped cream. The harmonious combination offers an intriguing balance of umami and matcha bitterness. However, this dish must be eaten hot, as the matcha powder tends to separate when the broth cools, affecting the overall experience.

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Signature Toripaitan 4.5/5

If it's your first time at Mensho Tokyo, I highly recommend the Signature Toripaitan ($28). Initially priced at $38, it's now more affordable at $28. It is the quintessential dish at Mensho, with house-made wavy wheat noodles, served in a rich and creamy chicken broth, accompanied by a medley of A5 Wagyu chashu, smoked pork chashu, duck chashu, and chicken chashu. Topped with king oyster mushroom menma, truffle sauce, ajitama egg, and fried burdock roots, the flavours are decadent and satisfying. The Classic Toripaitan with just smoked pork chashu is available for a more straightforward option at $19.

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Fujiringo Chamomile and Momo-no Bubbles

Unlike most ramen shops, Mensho Tokyo sets itself apart by offering cocktails, mocktails, and desserts. We tried the Fujiringo Chamomile ($10), made with cold brew chamomile, homemade Fuji apple purée, and sparkling water. The Momo-no Bubbles ($18), a refreshing mix of Japanese peach liqueur, fresh lime, passionfruit, and prosecco, added a delightful effervescence to the meal.

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A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Cavier Sushi (2pc) 4.5/5

We couldn't resist trying the A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Caviar Sushi ($14/2pc). This luxurious sushi swaps the usual seafood for melt-in-your-mouth A5 wagyu, topped with a touch of caviar. The wagyu's fattiness and the caviar's delicate brininess created an elevated sushi experience that's well worth the indulgence.

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Corn Wings 4/5

For sides, we ordered the Corn Wings ($8.80), which were grilled to perfection with an aromatic char that complemented the natural sweetness of the corn. It's a simple yet satisfying side dish that adds a fun twist to the meal.

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Yuzu 4/5

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Houjicha Tiramisu 4.2/5

We tried the Yuzu Sorbet ($8.80) and Houjicha Tiramisu ($8.80) for dessert. The Yuzu sorbet provided a refreshing palate cleanser after the richness of the ramen. The Houjicha Tiramisu was creamy and aromatic with a subtle roasted tea flavour, though the portion size in its shot glass serving felt a little small for the price.

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Overall, Mensho Tokyo offers a unique and refined ramen experience. Despite the use of chicken soup for many of the ramen dishes, the broths are surprisingly rich and creamy, almost like a hybrid between tonkotsu (pork-based broth) and chicken-based ramen. The addition of exclusive dishes, sushi, and desserts elevates the experience even further, making it more than just a ramen stop but a dining destination. It's a little on the pricier side, but the quality justifies the cost. If you're looking for a place that reimagines ramen and offers something beyond the ordinary, Mensho Tokyo is definitely worth a visit!

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Mensho Tokyo
Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#03-43
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 83808467
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

Monday, September 9, 2024

Aburi-EN @ Shaw House - New Izakaya Menu with Each Dish Priced Below $10

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Aburi-EN has recently expanded its offerings with a brand-new Izakaya Menu, available across most of its outlets islandwide. Known for their range of donburi bowls, this Aburi-EN has recently expanded its offerings with a brand-new Izakaya Menu, available islandwide across most of its outlets. Known for its range of donburi bowls, this new addition brings a variety of meats, vegetables, and seafood, all priced under $10.

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From 5pm daily, diners can enjoy their meal with a 1-for-1 Classic Highball or Asahi Beer promotion.

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Pork Gyoza 3.8/5

We began our meal with the Pork Gyoza ($6.90 for 5 Pcs). The gyozas were filled with juicy and well-seasoned meat, though I would have preferred them with a little more crisp.

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Sweet Corn with Butter Shoyu 3.5/5

Next up was the Sweet Corn with Butter Shoyu ($4.90). While the corn was slightly dry but still well-seasoned, bathed in a savoury blend of butter and soy sauce.

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Mehikari Karaage 3/5

The Mehikari Karaage ($8.90), featuring deep-fried green eyes fish served with mayonnaise and shichimi, could have benefited from a crunchier texture. The flavour was decent but didn't quite hit the mark for me.

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Crab Cream Croquette 3.5/5

The Crab Cream Croquette ($6.90) had a creamy, oozy centre and a crunchy exterior. Served with tartar sauce, these croquettes were enjoyable, though we were hoping for a stronger seafood flavour in the filling.

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Hokkaido Buta Bara Asparagus Kushiyaki 4/5

One of my two favourites from the evening was the Hokkaido Buta Bara Asparagus Kushiyaki ($6.90). This dish featured crunchy asparagus wrapped in juicy pork belly, grilled, and glazed with a savoury seasoning.

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Sumibi Chicken Yaki 4/5

My second favourite was the Sumibi Chicken Yaki (available at $5.50 for half and $9.90 for full). The charcoal-grilled chicken chunks were succulent and paired harmoniously with a bright and spiced yuzu paste, adding a refreshing citrusy kick to each bite.

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Surume Ika Ponzu 4/5

Lastly, we tried the Surume Ika Ponzu ($9.90), a dish of grilled squid in ponzu sauce. While I wished the squid was less salty and offered in a larger portion, it was tender and had a satisfying fresh crunch.

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Overall, the grilled items stood out the most during our meal. Currently, the Izakaya Menu is available at several Aburi-EN outlets, except for Jem and Paragon, where it has yet to be introduced.

Those interested in the full menu can visit Aburi-EN locations at Causeway Point, Chinatown Point, Guoco Tower, Isetan Scotts, Junction 8, NEX, and Tampines 1. A slightly adapted menu, excluding the Hokkaido Buta Bara Asparagus Kushiyaki and Kinoko Itame, will be available at Changi City Point, Jewel Changi Airport, Orchard Central, Suntec City, and VivoCity.

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.


Aburi-EN
Shaw House
350 Orchard Road
#01-K1
Singapore 238868
Tel: +65 6235 7616
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alightat Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Take the underpass and walk to Shaw House. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]






Tuesday, February 6, 2024

The Feather Blade @ East Coast Road - Second Outlet with a Brand New Seafood Bar Alongside Store-exclusive Surf & Turf Dishes

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The Feather Blade Steakhouse, renowned for its commitment to alternative cuts of beef, ventures into the East Coast with its second outlet. This new establishment introduces a seafood bar, showcasing delectable treasures from the sea, and debuts store-exclusive surf and turf dishes. In the spirit of melding the boldest flavours from the land with the sweetest offerings from the sea, The Feather Blade Steakhouse aims to provide a unique surf and turf steakhouse experience that resonates with Singaporeans' love for both steak and seafood.

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Oysters 4/5

From the Seafood Bar, we indulged in Fresh Oysters from France, each pair paired with distinct accompaniments. The Salsa Taquera ($7.80/pair) offered a burst of flavours, while the Ponzu Ikura ($12/pair) elevated the oysters with a delightful zing.

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Shrimp Cocktail 4/5

Another tempting creation from the seafood bar was the Shrimp Cocktail ($18.50 for 3pc). The prawns, poached to perfection and served chilled, retained their freshness and crunch. Accompanied by a sweet and tangy house cocktail sauce, it was a delightful symphony of flavours.

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Scallop 4/5

Continuing our seafood experience, the Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio ($16), served with a shiso lime glaze, the sweet scallop received a zesty finishing touch, accentuated by the briny burst of salmon roe.

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White Corn 4/5

The menu includes a vegetable delight - White Corn ($8.50). Charred to perfection, the corn was remarkably sweet, with a hint of smokiness. The smoked paprika oil added a touch of spiciness, while the tarragon cream provided a creamy balance.

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Aubergine 3.8/5

The Aubergine ($7.50) from Australia presented a unique pairing. While the eggplant was mild, the dish exploded with flavours from the feta cheese, miso glaze, and balsamico. Cashew nuts sprinkled on top added an extra layer of texture contrast.

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Bincho Feather Blade 3.5/5

For the pièce de résistance, we savoured the Bincho Feather Blade ($28 for 200g). Grilled with a sweet and savoury house glaze over Bincotan, this signature steak might not be the most tender cut, but it compensates with a smoky richness in flavour.

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Fries 4/5

Accompanying our main course was the Triple Cooked Wagyu Beef Fat Fries ($7.90). Crispy, fluffy, and imbued with the fragrance of wagyu beef fat, these fries were a delight. The dill sour cream dip added a refreshing twist, or, for an extra indulgence, you could opt for the ikura dip.

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Swordfish Sando 4.5/5

A surprising gem was the Swordfish Sando ($32). Featuring swordfish belly with smoked katsu sauce sandwiched between toasted Japanese milk bread, it played an optical illusion akin to a pork sando. However, the swordfish's taste and tenderness set it apart, making it a remarkable dish.

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Pistachio Tiramisu 3/5

The dessert, Pistachio Tiramisu, was a moist creation with a creamy pool of pistachio sauce drenching it, and pistachio nuts adding a delightful texture. Unfortunately, the pistachio flavour was somewhat subdued, leaving room for improvement.

In conclusion, The Feather Blade Steakhouse's East Coast outlet has successfully brought a unique blend of land and sea to the whole experience. With its alternative cuts of beef and the addition of a seafood bar, it continues to redefine the steakhouse experience, offering a symphony of flavours that will surely resonate with steak and seafood enthusiasts alike.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Feather Blade | Steak & Seafood Bar
225 East Coast Road
Singapore 428922
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line), Marine Parade (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 530pm - 11pm
Tue-Fri: 12pm - 330pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 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 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Marine Parade MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to Chapel Road. Turn left onto Chapel Road. Walk down Chapel Road to East Coast Road. Cross the road at East Coast Road. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]