Surrey Hills Grocer @ Vivocity - Largest Surrey Hills Outlet, Bringing Diners the Aussie Rainforest Experience

Surrey Hills Grocer has unveiled its largest branch on VivoCity's rooftop, offering diners an Aussie rainforest-themed experience. The cosy space is adorned with lush greenery and playful animal decor like kangaroos, koalas, and giraffes.

Like its other branches, this new outlet introduces outlet-exclusive dishes and their first ever full kids menu.

Pet owners will also be happy to know that the outlet is pet-friendly and offers an all-new pet-friendly menu. Their freshly made treats are all crafted with quality, human-grade ingredients.

Diners can find a great variety of produce and food items to be purchased. The retail space is in a dedicated store segment near the entrance.

Surrey’s Homemade Iced Lemon Tea

Surrey has an extensive beverage list, which includes alcohols, fresh juices, wines, smoothies, teas and homemade options, such as the mildly sweet Surrey's Homemade Iced Lemon Tea ($8). It is made in-house using cold-brewed premium black tea dust and fresh lemons.

Corn & Crab Chowder 4/5

For a comforting start, we opted for the Corn & Crab Chowder ($14), a mildly creamy soup peppered with sweet crab meat bits and served with a side of focaccia.

Pumpkin Soup 4/5

Equally satisfying was the Pumpkin Soup ($12), which featured warm flavours of burnt orange and dukkah, balanced by a refreshing touch of mint, accompanied by focaccia.

Tender Seared Turkey 4.8/5

To add to the festive cheer, Surrey Hills Grocer has rolled out a seasonal Christmas menu available till the end of December. I was especially excited to try their Tender Seared Turkey ($32), which was strongly recommended by the staff. It was stellar and indeed one of the most tender renditions I've had of the meat. The turkey breast is drizzled with fragrant truffle butter and served with a bed of creamy truffled pomme puree, sherry caramel, miso glaze butternut squash and mushroom gravy.

Christmas Porchetta 4.5/5

Another festive highlight was the Christmas Porchetta ($28), which features tender Spanish chestnut pork belly with perfectly crisped skin stuffed with aromatics and sweet yet tangy apple cider glaze and cranberry apple compote.

Octopus Salad 3.8/5

Unfortunately, the Octopus Salad ($28) was less memorable, primarily due to its texture, which was a little too chewy. The sides of edamame, grape salsa and whipped cod roe went well together.

Flat Bread Hammy Benny 4/5

From the standard menu, we had the Flat Bread Hammy Benny ($26), featuring smoked Kurobuta ham, eggs of your choice, wilted spinach, truffle mushroom ragout, and foam-textured hollandaise on warmed flatbread. While enjoyable, my companions found it slightly overpriced for its simplicity.

Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza 4.2/5

A standout speciality exclusive to this outlet is its Sicilian-style pizzas and pasta. The Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza ($12) was a crowd-pleaser, featuring creamy ricotta, spicy pepperoni, Parmigiano Reggiano, and a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet-spicy kick.

“Hokkien Mee” 4.8/5

Among the pasta options, the "Hokkien Mee" ($26) impressed us with its creative local twist. Al dente malfadine pasta was bathed in a rich prawn bisque with lard and topped with ikura, grilled prawns, and spicy shrimp sambal. It was a bold, crustacean-infused dish.

Roasted Garlic Miso Butter Pasta 4/5

By contrast, the Roasted Garlic Miso Butter Pasta ($22) felt slightly underwhelming. The casarecce pasta, paired with pork sausage, asparagus, and fresh herbs, was well-cooked but lacked the robust flavours of the other dishes.

Strawberries Donut with Vanilla Custard, Vanilla Glazed Donut 3/5

We sampled two donuts for dessert: the Strawberries Donut with Vanilla Custard ($6.50) and the Vanilla Glazed Donut ($5). Both were dense and much sweeter than expected. We favoured the latter for its delicate sugar coating.

Sticky Date Pudding 4.5/5

Finally, the Sticky Date Pudding ($16) stole the show. This moist sponge cake was paired with sea salt butterscotch, almond crumble, and vanilla ice cream. The sweetness was balanced with a contrasting touch of saltiness.

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.


Surrey Hills Grocer
VivoCity
#03-02
1 HarbourFront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 8189 6392
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront MRT (NE, CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

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

Odem @ New Bahru - Modern Korean Restaurant and Craft Makkoli Bar

In New Bahru, Singapore's latest trendy lifestyle and dining destination, Odem is a modern Korean restaurant and craft makkoli bar. Nestled in the corner of this vibrant development, Odem brings a fresh take on Korean cuisine with a contemporary twist. During my visit, I had the chance to sample several standout dishes.

Brioche & Gamtae Seaweed Butter 4/5

We began our meal with the Brioche & Gamtae Seaweed Butter ($20). With its soy glaze, the brioche was soft, buttery, and delightful. The highlight, however, was the Gamtae seaweed butter, which paired perfectly with the warm brioche, enhancing its flavours and adding a hint of umami. It's a simple dish but incredibly satisfying.

Banchan Platter 3/5

Next, we tried the Banchan Platter ($24), which consisted of Granochi (an Anchovy Granola bar with anchovies, nuts, and seeds), Dubu mousse, kimchi, Spinach & Tott, Cucumber Kimchi, and Gim Chips. The Granochi was my personal favourite, offering a nice crunchy texture, while the cucumber kimchi was refreshing. However, considering most Korean restaurants serve banchan for free, I don't know if I would justify paying for this platter.

Makkoli Flights

Odem distinguishes itself from typical Korean restaurants by offering an impressive array of handcrafted makkoli sourced from across South Korea. They've curated two tasting flights for those unfamiliar with makkoli: Odem Quintet ($60) and Moonshots ($88). For those eager to explore, this is a fun way to delve into the world of makkoli, with a range of flavours and profiles that complement the modern Korean fare.

Savoury Donut 4.2/5

The Savoury Donut ($15) was a pleasant surprise. Fluffy and dusted with smoked gochugaru, the donut had a delicate sweetness that balanced perfectly with the savoury filling. Bite into it, and you'll find a delicious combination of shio kelp, salmon roe, and creme fraiche, making it a unique burst of flavours. A definite must-try!

Toro Kimbap 4.8/5

One of my favourite dishes of the night was the Toro Kimbap ($55). The generous portions of chutoro and akami were luxurious, wrapped with perilla, pickled radish, kelp-soy, and sesame. The balance of fish to rice ratio was perfect, and the freshness of the fish elevated this dish. It's a luxurious spin on the classic kimbap and absolutely worth the splurge.

Barbecued Kalbi 5/5

The star of the night was undoubtedly the Barbecued Kalbi ($78). These US boneless beef ribs were marinated to perfection, boasting a sweet glaze that beautifully complemented the charred exterior with tender, juicy ribs that melted in the mouth. This dish was a showstopper, served with a side of watercress salad dressed in tokki butter sauce. If you only try one dish here, make sure it's this one.

Chapssal Donut, Pine Nut Gelato (3pc) 3.5/5

We ended the meal with the Chapssal Donut with Pine Nut Gelato ($18 for 3 pieces). The donuts, filled with red bean paste, offered a nice twist from the usual dessert offerings. While the donuts were good, I actually enjoyed the Pine Nut Gelato more. It was light and refreshing, making for a lovely palate cleanser after the richer dishes. I wouldn't mind having just the gelato to wrap up the meal.

Odem offers a refreshing take on modern Korean cuisine with unique twists and luxurious ingredients. The ambiance, paired with their expertly crafted dishes, makes it an exciting dining spot to explore. While some items might seem a little pricey (especially considering banchan is usually complimentary), the quality of the food and the innovative takes make it worth a visit. If you're looking to indulge in something new, be sure to try the Toro Kimbap and Barbecued Kalbi!

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Odem
New Bahru
46 Kum Yam Road
#01-17
Singapore 239351
Tel: +65 8494 8626
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 5pm - 12midnight
Sat-Sun: 12pm - 2pm, 5pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction River Valley Road and Clemenceau Ave. Cross the road and cut through UE Square to Unity Street. Turn right onto Unity Street and walk to Mohamed Sultan Road. Cross the road and walk to Kim Yam Road. Walk down Kim Yam Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Tims Signature @ Somerset - Iconic Canadian Coffee Chain Opens New Elevated Concept in Town

Tim Hortons, the iconic Canadian coffee chain, has quickly expanded its presence in Singapore. It now boasts six locations since its debut in November last year. Their latest venture, Tims Signature, introduces a unique and elevated coffee experience in the heart of town at 313@Somerset. This new concept store offers exclusive menu items and focuses on artisanal coffee brewing.

The store takes the space right across Garrett Popcorn and Marché Mövenpick on the mall’s first floor. You will see it once you enter the mall’s side entrance if you’re walking in from Orchard.

The store takes the space across Garrett Popcorn and Marché Mövenpick on the mall's first floor. You will see it once you enter the mall's side entrance if you're walking in from Orchard. Coffee enthusiasts can sit at their new Coffee Craft Bar and opt for three speciality brewing methods. It includes the V60 Pour Over ($7), Chemex Pour Over ($7) and Kyoto Drip ($7.50) cold brews. Skilled baristas will be around to take customers through the brewing process.

Maple Cinnamon Latte

In addition to these speciality brews, Tims Signature also offers the brand's classic beverages. The Maple Cinnamon Latte (from $7 for Small) is a signature made with Tims' signature espresso blend.

Maple French Vanilla Iced Capp

The Maple French Vanilla Iced Capp (from $7.50 for Small) is a popular choice for something sweeter. For all beverages under its Iced Capp series, diners can request complimentary plant-based whipped cream and a syrup drizzle to finish.

Maple Glazed Chicken Ham & Cheese 4/5

Aside from beverages, the menu also features a selection of food items, including the Sourdough Melts series. We tried the Maple Glazed Chicken Ham & Cheese ($9.90), which, while not particularly extraordinary, was a comforting and no-frills choice. I wished there was a more distinct sourdough tang, but the bread was soft with a chew.

Pesto & Mozzarella 3.5/5

The Pesto & Mozzarella ($9.90) sandwich was another option we had. I would have preferred a stronger pesto flavour to pair with the oozy cheese.

Truffle Chicken Carbonara 3.5/5

The range of Pasta Bakes is another exclusive to Tims Signature. We tried the Truffle Chicken Carbonara ($9.90), served sizzling hot with a generous amount of shredded chicken and melted cheese. Unfortunately, the macaroni was a bit dry.

Classic Aglio Olio 3.5/5

Go for the Classic Aglio Olio ($9.90) if you are looking for a vegetarian option. It was more savoury, without the expected spice of an aglio olio.

No visit to Tim Hortons is complete without indulging in their range of sweets. Tims Signature features a display counter filled with popular items like donuts, Timbits, tarts, and muffins.

Timbit

"Timbits" are bite-sized portions of Tim Hortons' donuts. They come in a variety of flavours but tend to be denser than their full-sized donuts. Personally, I'd recommend opting for the donuts over the Timbits.

Donuts here are generously glazed and filled, which also lean to be much sweeter. Two exclusive donut flavours are the Belgian Chocolate Cruller ($4.90) and Maple Crumble Apple Fritter ($4.90). Among those we tried, we preferred the latter and the Maple Salted Caramel donut.

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.


Tims Signature
313@Somerset
313 Orchard Road
#01-29
Singapore 238895
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Nearest MRT: Somerset MRT (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 9pm

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

Oriole Coffee + Bar @ Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard - A Cafe by Day, A Bar by Dusk, All In the Heart of Bustling Town

Since its establishment in 2008, Oriole Coffee + Bar in Somerset has been serving diners with their freshly brewed speciality coffee and cafe classics in the day. It transforms into a bar in the evening, with a diverse selection of house-pour wines, beers, interesting cocktails, and hearty dishes - all the good ingredients for a place to unwind and relax for the night.

From 21 August to 31 October 2023, Oriole is introducing their "Oriole's Summer Specials", showcasing a number of new menu offerings and refreshing cocktails that were concocted in collaboration with Tanqueray. Some of these dishes include the Veggie Puttanesca Pizza, Acqua Pazza Barramundi and Donut Balls.

The cafe has both indoor and outdoor seats, each providing its unique vibe.

Truffle Fries 4.2/5

Before taking our seats, we spotted Truffle Fries ($15) on almost every other table. While this starter was slightly pricey, we thoroughly enjoyed the fries' consistent crunch and fluffy interior.

Shrimp-paste Marinated Chicken Wings with Bali Rub 4.5/5

These Shrimp-paste Marinated Chicken Wings ($16) left a huge impression! Following the recommendation of our friendly waitress, we opted for our wings with an additional Bali Rub (+$1.90). The piping hot wings arrived coated in a slick, sweet sauce. The crunch was on point, and the meat remained wonderfully juicy. If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding the Butter Sriracha (+$1.90) for a unique twist.

Veggie Puttanesca Pizza 3.8/5

Our first main was the Veggie Puttanesca Pizza ($22), featuring an all-vegetable assortment of toppings on a base decked with puttanesca sauce. It includes Kalamata olives, capsicum, Roma tomatoes, button mushrooms, yellow onions and arugula. The base leans a little more dry and biscuity.

Acqua Pazza Barramundi 4/5

Our next main dish was the Acqua Pazza Barramundi ($28), which highlighted the freshness of the protein. It was marinated with extra virgin olive oil and thyme before being poached in a tomato-based sauce.

Donut Balls 3.8/5

Oriole's house-made Donut Balls ($15) are freshly fried upon order and come accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was decorated with crumbles and blueberries and served with sweet blueberries and date compote. However, despite the decently satisfying crunch on the outside, the centre was too doughy for our liking.

Mango Berry Sunset

From the special cocktail menu curated in collaboration with Tanqueray, we sampled the refreshing Mango Berry Sunset ($20). It was a very bright concoction, both visually and in taste, with its mix of Tanqueray London Dry, Raspberry Puree, Lemon Juice and Mango.

Do make a reservation before visiting. You can do so easily at https://www.oriole.com.sg/reservations.

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.


Oriole Coffee + Bar
Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard
96 Somerset Road 
#01-01
Singapore 238163
Tel: +65 6238 8348/ +65 9248 1972
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 1030pm
Fri: 11am - 1130pm
Sat: 10am - 1130pm
Sun: 10am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Go to the ground level. Turn left and walk straight to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]