The Summerhouse Dining Room @ Seletar Airport - A New Afternoon Respite At The Summerhouse

The Summerhouse Dining Room has launched a new weekday lunch and weekend brunch menus. The new menus comprises of nature-inspired dishes of familiar flavours using unrivalled freshness of ingredients sourced from local farmers and producers.

Burrata Rocket Salad

A light starter for the lunch is the Burrata Rocket Salad ($20). Fresh burrata rested on a bed of rockets and dressed in house blended rocket peso sauce. I enjoyed the marinated dried tomatoes which lent the sweetness to the dish. The toasted sourdough completed the plate of freshness.

Yellow 4.2/5

The Yellow ($14) consists of crispy sweet potato coated with mimolette cheese, fermented carrots and pickled pumpkin. Bring the different flavours together is the earl grey and passionfruit vinegrette. The harmony of the sweet roots and rejuvenating zest from the pickled sides works harmoniously on the palate.

Miso Shiitake Linguine 4/5

The Smmerhouse Dining room handmade their own linguine for the Miso Shiitake Linguine ($22). It is cooked in a miso cream together with braised shiitake mushroom, grilled sweet corn and spring onion. It is then topped with a sous-vide poached egg and fried sakura ebi. I could not really taste the miso in the pasta, hence the creaminess felt more like have a carbonara. However I did like the addition of fried sakura ebi which provided the extra crunch and flavous.

Pulled Pork Scrambled Egg Burger 4/5

The Pulled Pork Scrambled Egg Burger ($19) is probably the weirdest combination I have ever eaten for a burger. Sandwiched between the cream cheese bun, you can find pulled pork, scrambled egg, mimolette cheese, bacon, rocket and avocado with sambal belacan, mustard and barbecue sauce. It is like putting a big breakfast into a burger. I am not a fan of the sambal belacan in burger but my friend thought otherwise. The burger may seen outrageous but it actually tasted quite delicious.

Eggs Benedict Modernist 3.5/5

Egg benedict given a modern twist, that is exactly what the Eggs Benedict Modernist ($22) is. It comes with two fried breaded egg yolks, sous-vide egg, egg white bacon custard, black forest ham, chive hollandaise and toasted broiche. I am not too sure but I didn't feel quite satisfy with such a delicate plate for brunch. Don't get me wrong, I do applaud the effort and skill into the dish, and its delicious too. However I just want something comforting and hearty for brunch.

French Toast 4/5

I personally felt that I was having 2 desserts for 1 pricing in the French Toast ($14). The toast is soaked in egg with cinnamon and brown sugar is pan fried with butter. It was soft, fluffy and buttery. The caramelized banana and raspberry yuzu sorbet sitting on top of the french toast, reminds me of my childhood favourite banana split ice cream. That is why I mentioned that it felt like having 2 desserts.

Balinese Chocolate Ice Cream 4.5/5

Last but not least we had the Balinese Chocolate Ice Cream ($12) which consists of a freshly baked chocolate cookie at the base with vanilla custard and a scoop of chocolate ice cream made using Baliness cocoa. This is dusted with hazelnut praline powder. The dish may looks simple, it may also looks a little messy but it just works wonderfully together. I can have this anytime of the day.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Summerhouse Dining Room
Seletar Airport
3 Park Lane
Singapore 798387
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Nearest MRT: Punggol (NE Line), Yishun (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 3pm
Fri-Sun, Eve of PH & PH: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Punggol MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to Punggol Bus Interchange (Stop ID 65009). Take bus number 117. Alight 6 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 30 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Yishun MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Yishun Bus Interchange (Stop ID 59009). Take bus number 103. Alight 16 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 45 minutes. [Map]

Springleaf Prata @ Jalan Tua Kong - The Ultimate Prata Alfredo

I have the honour to work with Springleaf Prata back in 2014 for the Ultimate Hawker Fest. Springleaf has been creating new innovative prata items every year since 2012 and introduced them into their menu. When I got words that it has created a new prata for 2017, I made my way down to their newest outlet at Jalan Tua Kong to check out their newest creation - Prata Alfredo!

Prata Alfredo 4/5

The all new Prata Alfredo ($9.90) comes with rosemary smoked chicken, fresh button mushroom, mozzarella cheese and creamy alfredo sauce, all stuffed into the prata. This is your ultimate creamy and cheesy prata with delectable mushroom and smoked chicken pieces encased in a crispy exterior, yet fluffy interior prata. For that instinct, it felt like I was having a cheesy toast. The latest creation definitely brings a new excitement to the traditional prata with an enjoyable western influences.

Plaster Blaster 4.2/5

I can't visit Springleaf Prata without trying the Plaster Blaster which we collaborated with Springleaf Prata to create for the Ultimate Hawker Fest back in 2014. Actually this is the version 2 because it has replaced the original masala hollandaise sauce with normal hollandaise sauce. Don't be despair as the restaurant still serves the original version, you just need to inform the staff that you prefer the masala hollandaise sauce over your crispy prata with turkey ham and poached egg.

Red Bean Prata 4.2/5

Not known to many is Springleaf's Red Bean Prata. The extremely thin tissue-like prata with sweet red bean paste may seen unassuming but this is a surprise favourite on the menu for me. The first time I had it, I thought it tasted like our Chinese pancake.

Umami 50 4.5/5 and Salted Egg Prawn Prata 4/5

Not to be missed is their Umami 50 and Salted Egg Prawn Prata creations for 2015 and 2016 respectively. The Umami 50 was created for Singapore's 50th birthday to signify 50 years of deliciousness in Singapore. The Umami 50 is also known as your heart attack prata as it is wrapped with chicken luncheon meat, chicken floss, mayonnaise, condensed milk, cheese and egg. I was initially sceptical but I was sold once I have a bite of it.

The other highlight is the Salted Egg Prawn Prata, driving on the bandwagon of the salted egg yolk trend in 2016. The combination of salted egg yolk sauce, cheese, egg and prawn is a new for prata with hint of curry aroma. The prata is packed with savoury richness that hits me like tank, complemented by the crunchy prawns in it.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Springleaf Prata
57B Jalan Tua Kong
Singapore 457253
Tel: +65 66362935
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Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 12midnight

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Bedok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 84009). Take bus number 40 or 401. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to Elite Park Ave. Turn right onto Elite Park Ave and walk to Jalan Tua Kong. Turn left onto Jalan Tua Kong. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Flip Flop @ One Farrer Hotel & Spa - Pop Up Sunday Brunch

Coming 4 June 2017, Flip Flop at Level 6 of One Farrer Hotel & Spa will be starting their Pop Up Sunday Brunch, which is located besides the swimming pool. Specially curated by the culinary team at One Farrer, the food is beautiful in presentation as well as taste. Not only that, many of the ingredients are harvested directly from the 11,000 sq ft farm at the hotel. I was surprised to know that the farm has over 65 varieties of edible plants, herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables.

Cloudy Bay

Ginger Lemon Fusion

You will understand why I mentioned that the food here is beautifully presented when even the coolers - Cloudy Bay ($10) and Ginger Lemon Fusion ($10) are so Instagrammable. The sweet and refreshing drinks are perfect for the humid Singapore weather.

Cold Angel Hair 4/5

Starting with some starters, we tried the Cold Angel Hair ($12) which is infused with truffle and topped with shio kombu and caviar salad. This may not be a new dish but it still manage to delight me with its earthy aroma and springy texture.

Jamon & Trio Cheese Baked Egg Hash 4.5/5

Good for sharing among 2 people is the Jamon & Trio Cheese Baked Egg Hash ($14). I was rather surprised how the different cheeses work harmoniously together to elevate the whole dish. It was savoury, cheesy, creamy and more important addictive.

Grilled Apricot, Farm Picked Green Lettuce with African Chicken Salad 4/5

The next dish we tried is the Grilled Apricot, Farm Picked Green Lettuce with African Chicken Salad ($14). The tender chicken roulade is dressed in a satay-like sauce which I find it very palatable and enjoyable.

Boston Lobster Benedict 4.2/5

For a luxurious enjoyment, one can go for the Boston Lobster Benedict ($30) which comprises of poached lobster, avocado, tobiko roe and holladise sauce. While the holladise sauce is not as rich or intense, I actually like it that way so that it did not mask the sweetness of the lobster flesh.

Smashed Avocado on Doris's Dilly Bread 3/5

The Doris's Dilly Bread in the next dish is made using the chairman's mum recipe. We all love the bread. Unfortunately I felt that the Smashed Avocado did not give justify to it, it tasted rather bland and lacklustre. Even though there are sweet corn, poached egg and Jalapeno pesto besides the avocado, it did not manage to zest it up.

Poached Egg, Breakfast Ham, Mixed Mushroom, Muffin 4/5

Sunny Side Up, Roasted Beef, Farm Fresh Salsa, Potatoes 3/5

Diners are also given choices for the brunch at Flip Flop. They get to mix and match their selection of Eggs (poached, sunny side up, omelette, scrambled), Protein (bacon, sausage, breakfast ham, roasted beef), Greens (farm fresh salsa, mix mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, smashed avocado) and Carbs (toast, muffin, croissants, potatoes). Minimum of 2 choices at $12 to a big breakfast of 4 choices at $18.

Mini Pancake Stack with Mixed Berries & Passion Fruit Cream 3.5/5

For dessert, we had the Mini Pancake Stack with Mixed Berries and Passion Fruit Cream ($8). The mini pancakes was light and fluffy, complemented by the sweet passion fruit cream. It is actually quite good on its own too.

Baked Granola Tart with Low Fat Yogurt & Mixed Berries 4.5/5

After numerous attempts, the kitchen finally manage to make the granola tart holds. Coated with chocolate and crowned with mixed berries, the Baked Granola Tart with Low Fat Yogurt & Mixed Berries ($8) is like a piece of art on the plate. It hurts me to destroy it but then its too delicious to leave the art piece untouched.

If you are interested to check out the Pop Up Sunday Brunch at One Farrer Hotel & Spa. It is recommended to make a reservation as the seating capacity is quite limited. Reservation can be made via +65 67057663 or email fnbevent@onefarrer.com

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Flip Flop
One Farrer Hotel & Spa
Level 6, Poolside
1 Farrer Park Station Road
Singapore 217562
Tel: +65 67057663
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Website
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun: 1130am - 4pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destinatin. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Crystal Jade Kitchen @ The Centrepoint - New Menu With More Cantonese Wok-Fried Specialities And Adorable Lotus Paste Buns

Crustal Jade has a been a household and well-loved local brand since it is founded in 1991, with different dining concepts ranging from fine dining and casual dining restaurants to specialty bakeries. Recently I dropped by Crystal Jade Kitchen at Centrepoint to check out their refreshed menu, with more Cantonese wok-fried specialities.

Steamed Ha Kau 4.2/5

We started with some of Crystal Jade Kitchen's all time favourite dim sum items such as the Steamed Ha Kau ($6.30 for 4pc), Steamed Siew Mai with Crab Roe ($5.80 for 4pc) and Pan Fried Carrot Cake with Dried Shrimp and Preserved Meat ($4.80 for 3pc).

Steamed Siew Mai with Crab Roe 4.2/5

Pan Fried Carrot Cake with Dried Shrimp and Preserved Meat 4.5/5

The Ha Kau wrapped in a thin and translucent skin was plump and crunchy, stuffed with 2 prawns. The Steamed Siew Mai was also meaty and juicy. Lastly the softness of the Pan Fried Carrot Cake with crispy exteriors is further fragrant by the addition of preserved meat and dried shrimp.

Lotus Paste Bun 4/5

Keeping up with the trend, the kitchen has created the new whimsical Assorted Lotus Paste Bun ($3.50 for 3pc). The pillow-soft steamed buns are shaped into adorable hedgehogs, chicken and piglets. Every day 2 of these characters will be available on the menu. Inside them are smooth and subtle sweetness of the white lotus filling.

BBQ Red Sausage 3.5/5

Besides the classic roasted meats, the menu has included the BBQ Red Sausage ($13.80 regular) which is quite uncommon. The Chinese style sausage made up of minced pork and pork cubes, has a sweet char siew finishing that tasted like Taiwan sausage.

Braised Pork Belly with Beancurd and Chive 4/5

For communal dining, there are a couple home-cooked dishes that we worth ordering which are cooked a la minute upon order. Starting with the traditional Cantonese Braised Pork Belly with Beancurd and Chive ($16.80) that comes with silky tofu, flavoured by aroma of prawn paste and chives.

Scrambled Egg with Tomato 4.5/5

A dish that will be enjoyed by both young and old is the Scrambled Egg with Tomato ($13.80). The dish comes with luscious fluffy eggs and fresh tomatoes slices in a moreish sweet and sour ketchup based sauce.

Curry Beef Brisket 4/5

An unexpected item on the menu is the Curry Beef Brisket ($17.80). I doubt many places in Singapore serves this. The piping hot claypot comprises of tender Australian beef brisket in a spicy-sweet curry broth. This is best to eat with a bowl of rice.

Pork Trotter with Ginger and Vinegar Stew 4.2/5

It was to my delight that the restaurant even has Pork Trotter with Ginger and Vinegar Stew ($12.80) on the menu. I am a sucker for the dish. I enjoy biting into the bouncy skin and succulent meat with the concoction of sweet, sour and gingery holding the enjoyment together. Instead of chicken egg, it uses quail egg. This is a bonus.

Hokkien Fried Rice 4.2/5

A new and variations from the usual rice item is the Hokkien Fried Rice ($16.80). The egg fried rice is topped with prawns, conpoy, roasted duck, chicken and mushrooms and cooked in oyster sauce.

For the period from 15 May to 30 Jun 2017, Crystal Jade Kitchen will be having the $1 deal promotion. Customers will have the chance to try the range of new dishes; 4 choices each week, for just a dollar with a minimum spending of $40.


Crystal Jade Kitchen
The Centrepoint
176 Orchard Road
#03-43/43A
Singapore 238843
Tel: +65 67349420
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 10pm
Sat-Sun & PH - 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B and C. Walk to the main street. Cross the road. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Humpback @ Bukit Pasoh

When a restaurant offers us good food, we wish it can be there all the time - breakfast, lunch, dinner and the in between.After much demand, Humpback at Bukit Pasoh has decided to open their doors on Sunday, offering their customers a wholesome brunch menu.

Tarragon & Bergamot Sling 4/5

It is a Sunday!You should give yourself a treat before the start of another week. That seems to be the vibe emitted here, and you could probably feel it across the street. Hence, do start your brunch with a refreshing cocktail to wake up your sluggish palate. From the extensive drink menu, I had Tarragon & Bergamot Sling ($17), which was a great recommendation by the bartender for something that isn't too sweet.It was herbaceous, lined with a citrus edge.

Oyster

Seafood Tower 2 Tier 4/5

The Oysters ($2-$3 each)here are so plump and juicy, that for one moment, I thought they were still alive. From USA, they have hama hama,blue pool, eld inlet. If you order their Seafood Tower 2 Tier (chef's choice $190), these selections will be included as well. Our upper tier consist scallops, lobsters, prawns and tuna tartar, which was my favourite. Just a light dip into their homemade salsa is all you need to savour their freshness.

Deviled Eggs 2.8/5

Pace yourself by starting off with some Snacks. We had Deviled eggs ($6), which is made offish mousse, luxuriated with ikura roe that gives it the burst of zest. However, perhaps you might want to save the 'egg' space for the main egg dishes.

Lettuce 3.5/5

If you think having greens here are boring, you are dead wrong. At least to me, their green dishes are what I find most memorable, apart from theirFried Egg.

From their Garden came Lettuce ($12), Buratta ($13),and Brussel Sprouts ($12), named after the respective star of each dish. A deviation from your usual caesar salad, the Lettuce is accompanied with pickled celery for an extra zest, together with dehydrated wild rice, which replaces the usual croutons. Brilliant choice of ingredients.

Buratta 3.5/5

Their Buratta was also given a slight twist. The buratta was fresh, apparent from the pillowy, soft and stringy curbs pulled from its pouch. The grilled-to-perfection tomatoes burst into juice when I poked my fork into it. Slightly tangy, which pairs well with this mildly flavoured cheese. What could be lacking perhaps it's that crunch and edge that I was looking out for.

Brussel Sprouts 4.2/5

Their Brussel Sprouts was plated like a garden of its own. Grilled to slightly charred, its smokey taste was enhanced by the chipotle sauce. At some point it tasted bitter, but that was countered by the tiniest ingredient amongst them - the raisins. I'm impressed with such a thought through selection of ingredients in their salads.

Fried Egg 4.5/5

If you can only choose one dish from Egg, Fried Egg ($14) with orzo and tete de moine it is.The orzo was done al dente, and together they formed a velvety texture. Hidden amongst the tiny pasta were some chewy octopus cubes, which I thought was the secret to its tastiness. Tete de moine was used, which I was pleasantly surprised. A delicate flavoured swiss cheese, pared into the shape of delicate rosettes with a Girolle when I first witnessed it at Sprigs. Not forgetting the egg with yolk oozing into the orzo,this dish is full of tiny surprises that you really must experience it yourself.

Egg Benedict 3.5/5

Something more conventional will be Egg Benedict ($12 for a egg/ $20 for 2 eggs), but theirs is with crab and avocado. Beautiful poached eggs with torched hollandaise sauce atop, egg ben's fans would love this. What fell short of my expectations was the crab mixture, which was a tad too creamy and salty for me.

Lobster Roll 3.5/5

From their Seafood section, we had a tough time choosing.  Lobster roll ($39) is the hot favourites.  Bouncy lobster meat with tobiko pickle wrapped with toasted butter bun, I'm pretty sure this is on par with that from lobster bars.

Hamachi 4/5

Hamachi ($18) is like an in-between appetiser. Fatty and firm, tiger's milk which was citrus based, was the ideal complement.  Accompanied by sweet potato and horseradish, you will get a bit of sweetness, tanginess, along with some crunch in every mouthful.

Semifreddo and Valrhona Chocolate Mousse 

If you still ain't satisfied, there are 2 meat dishes - Fried buttermilk Chicken and Pork Ribs. However, I decided to save some space for their desserts - Semifreddo and Valrhona Chocolate Mousse ($10 each). I very much prefer the first as the chocolate mousse is too rich for my liking. Semifreddo is made of passionfruit, which is sweet and tangy, making it just right to end off the afternoon. There are macadamia nut, crumble for the extra crunch, but what really delighted everyone of us is that sprinkle of seasalt on top. Yes, it is that sweet and savoury note that pleases my taste buds.

Too much indulgence is sinful, but on a Sunday morning, there is always a reason to. And Humpback just made that legit.

Photograph and written 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.


Humpback
18/20 Bukit Pasoh Road
Singapore 089834
Tel: +65 67504461
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 5pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit H. Turn left onto Teo Hong Road. At the end of Teo Hong Road turn left and continue on Bukit Pasoh Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]