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]

Pete's Place @ Grand Hyatt Singapore - Beloved Italian Restaurant Since 1973 Reopens with a Refreshed and Modern Aesthetic

With the much-anticipated reopening of Grand Hyatt Singapore at Scotts Road, the iconic Pete’s Place has also made its comeback. Since 1973, this beloved Italian restaurant has been serving hearty, authentic Italian fare, and its 50-year legacy continues with a refreshed yet cosy atmosphere. While the restaurant has adopted a modern aesthetic, it retains the nostalgic charm of its original design, most notably the signature red brick from its past.

We started our meal with the quintessential Italian welcome: freshly baked warm bread served with olives, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar — a simple yet delightful way to start any Italian feast.

Suppli Romani 4/5

Our first antipasti was the Suppli Romani, an Italian street food classic. These deep-fried potato croquettes arrived golden brown, stuffed with pecorino cheese, and seasoned with black pepper. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, this appetiser was comforting and indulgent, setting an excellent tone for the rest of the meal.

Piadina Pugliese 4.2/5

Next up was the Piadina Pugliese, a flatbread pizza topped with ricotta cheese, coppa ham, and sundried tomatoes. The thin, crispy crust provided a delightful contrast to the creamy ricotta, while the coppa ham and sundried tomatoes added layers of savoury and tangy flavours. A well-executed dish that ticks all the right boxes for texture and taste.

Vitello Tonnato 4/5

The Vitello Tonnato, another antipasti, showcased tender slices of veal complemented by a creamy tuna sauce. The dish was topped with capers, which provided a welcome burst of acidity that enhanced the richness of the veal and tuna combination. It was a unique dish that brought a lovely balance of flavours, from the earthy meatiness of the veal to the light, oceanic notes of the sauce.

Risotto Gamberi e Melone 4.2/5

One of the more surprising dishes was the Risotto Gamberi e Melone. I was initially taken aback by the use of fruit — specifically rock melon — in a risotto. But any scepticism quickly faded as the dish revealed itself. The sweet, juicy rock melon paired harmoniously with the red prawn tartare, while the crispy capers added a delightful crunch. This unexpected combination of flavours worked beautifully, delivering a risotto that was not only refreshing but also memorable.

Bistecca alla Griglia 4/5

We indulged in the Bistecca alla Griglia for mains — a 1kg Australian bone-in ribeye steak grilled to a perfect pink doneness. The Tuscany rub of herbs gave the steak an aromatic and savoury crust, which complemented the rich, juicy meat. Grilled to perfection, the ribeye was flavourful and tender, making it a carnivore's dream. It's definitely a highlight for any meat lover.

Pete's Signature Tiramisu 4.8/5

A visit to Pete's Place would only be complete with trying Pete's Signature Tiramisu. What makes this dessert extra special is the tableside presentation. The chef brings out a whole tray of tiramisu, made with layers of mascarpone, savoiardi biscuits soaked in espresso, and a touch of white amaretto. He serves a generous scoop right at your table, ensuring you get the freshest experience possible. The tiramisu was beautifully balanced — rich and creamy without being overly sweet. It was easily one of the best tiramisus I've had in a long time, a dessert that left a lasting impression.

Pete's Place may have undergone a facelift, but it has kept the essence of what has made it a favourite for so many years. The combination of hearty, authentic Italian dishes with a touch of modern flair continues to draw both old and new patrons alike. The menu offers something for everyone, from the comforting Suppli Romani to the surprising Risotto Gamberi e Melone. And of course, don't leave without trying the Signature Tiramisu — it's a true classic.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Pete's Place
Grand Hyatt Singapore
10 Scotts Road
Singapore 228211
Tel: +65 6738 1234
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12 - 230pm, 6 - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about  6minutes. [Map]

Bites & Brews @ Joo Chiat - A Delightful Addition to the Charming Neighbourhood

Nestled in the charming Joo Chiat neighbourhood, Bites & Brews offers a relaxed, resort-like atmosphere perfect for enjoying a variety of brunch favourites and crowd-pleasing dinner selections.

Gold & Purple Hummus with Za'atar Flat Bread 4.2/5

We began our meal with the Gold & Purple Hummus with Za'atar Flat Bread ($18). The flatbread was soft and fluffy and infused with the aromatic flavours of za'atar, making it delightful even on its own. The experience was further elevated by the accompanying hummus, honey, and harissa roasted eggplant, which provided multiple dimensions and ways to enjoy this appetiser.

Lemongrass Steak Salad 4.2/5

The Lemongrass Steak Salad ($25) was substantial enough to serve as a meal on its own. The plate was a vibrant mix of watercress, edamame, quinoa, cherry tomatoes, pumpkin, water chestnuts, and pomegranate, all tossed in a light and appetising Asian dressing. This salad offered a satisfying and hearty meal topped with beautifully grilled, tender steak.

Mapo Tofu Lasagna 4.5/5

The Mapo Tofu Lasagna ($21) showcased Bites & Brews' innovative approach to fusion cuisine. This dish replaces the traditional ground meat with Sichuan meat and tofu ragu, creating a more piquant and exciting flavour profile amidst the layers of pasta sheets. It's a brilliant twist that adds a spicy kick to a classic Italian favourite.

Spicy "Pina Colada" Red Snapper 3/5

However, the Spicy "Pina Colada" Red Snapper ($45) fell short of expectations. The fish was stuffed with Chinese cabbage, kaffir lime, and ginger, but it was unfortunately overcooked and slightly dry. Additionally, the oversteaming may have caused the bitterness of the lemon to infuse into the fish flesh, resulting in a bitter aftertaste. On the bright side, with its tangy pickled flavour, the stuffed cabbage was refreshing and delicious, providing a silver lining to the dish.

Bites & Brews brings a delightful variety of innovative dishes and classic favourites to Joo Chiat, wrapped in a laid-back, resort-like ambience. While there were some hits and misses, the creativity and execution of the dishes, especially the Gold & Purple Hummus and the Mapo Tofu Lasagna, showcase the restaurant's potential. Whether you're there for brunch or dinner, Bites & Brews offers a promising new spot to enjoy a relaxed meal with friends or family.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Bites & Brews
15 Crane Road
Singapore 429360
Tel: +65 8815 9615
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 10am - 4pm, 5pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 4pm, 5pm - 12midnight
Sun: 10am - 4pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus 16 or 33. Alight 3 stops later. Walk towards Carpmael Road. Turn left onto Carpmael Road. Walk down Carpmael Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

AIR @ Dempsey Hill - A Sustainable Dining Experience that Pushes the Boundaries of Culinary Innovation While Rooted in Environmental Consciousness

AIR, an acronym for Awareness, Impact, and Responsibility, represents more than just a restaurant — it's a sprawling 40,000-square-foot oasis at Dempsey Hill. Conceived by Chefs Matthew Orlando and Will Goldfarb, alongside entrepreneur Ronald Akili, this establishment serves as a hub for sustainability, featuring a circular campus encompassing a restaurant, cooking school, research space, and garden farm.

Fermented Cassava Flatbread 3/5

Our dinner commenced with the Fermented Cassava Flatbread ($16), accompanied by whipped mushroom "XO" butter. While the bread exuded a strong, yeasty flavour that didn't quite resonate with my palate, the savoury richness of the mushroom "XO" butter provided a redeeming quality. However, the price tag seemed a tad steep, considering its standard complimentary nature in most establishments.

Crispy Oyster Mushrooms 3.5/5

Next, the Crispy Oyster Mushrooms ($30) emerged from the kitchen. They boasted a delightful interplay of textures and flavours heightened by Sarawak pepper emulsion and pickled chillies. Despite their satisfying crispy exterior and vibrant taste profile, the pricing seemed disproportionate for what essentially amounted to deep-fried mushrooms.

White Fish Ceviche 4/5

A refreshing interlude arrived in the form of White Fish Ceviche ($29) featuring green mango and Kenari nut milk. The dish offered a light and revitalising experience, complemented by the satisfying crunch of emping crisps — an unexpected but welcome addition reminiscent of nachos.

The Whole Coral Grouper For Two 4.2/5

The Whole Coral Grouper For Two ($58) took centre stage for the main course. It is filleted, and confit bathed in a pool of green onion and black garlic vinaigrette sauce. While the fish was excellently prepared, it was the accompanying Smoked Fish Rillette with Fish Bone and Garlic Lavash stole the show, adding depth and complexity to the dish.

Re-Incarnated "Chocolate" 4/5

The Re-Incarnated "Chocolate" ($18) exemplifies the ethos of AIR, showcasing its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Crafted from by-products of common processes—cocoa husks, cascara, and coconut flesh—the dessert undergoes roasting and grinding with cocoa butter and sugar. The result? Luxurious chocolate bars boasting a rich, roasty flavour with subtle coconut undertones. This ingenious approach mirrors traditional chocolate-making methods yet eschews cocoa beans, epitomising AIR's dedication to creative, eco-conscious cuisine.

The Whole Papaya 3.5/5

The Whole Papaya ($18) dessert represents a creative and inventive approach to utilising the entire fruit. This intriguing creation incorporates not only the papaya fruit itself but also features papaya skin granite and uses papaya seeds to impart a peppery note to the dish. While I admire the innovation behind this dessert, I feel somewhat awkward encountering the papaya seeds during consumption. Nonetheless, it's a commendable effort to reimagine traditional ingredients and minimise waste in culinary creations.

In summary, AIR at Dempsey Hill offers a sustainable dining experience that pushes the boundaries of culinary innovation while remaining rooted in environmental consciousness. While some dishes may fall short of expectations, the overarching commitment to sustainability and responsible dining shines through, making it a noteworthy destination for eco-conscious gastronomes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


AIR
Dempsey Hill
25B Dempsey Road
Singapore 249670
Tel: +65 8228 1528
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 530pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop at Napier Station (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 2 stops later. Take the stairs up to Dempsey Road. Turn left and walk to the open air carpark. Walk all the way to the end of the carpark to the entrance of AIR. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Elixir Coffee and Wine @ Holland Grove - Indulge in Elevated Brunch and Coffee During the Day, Delight in Pizzas and Wines for the Evening

Elixir Boutique Roasters, known for its artisanal coffee and cafe fare, may ring a bell for many cafe-goers. Formerly located in Bukit Timah, the reimagined establishment has since found a new home in Holland Grove under a new name, Elixir Coffee and Wine.

With a brand new menu created by Executive Chef Victor Loy, Elixir invites diners to indulge in brunch and coffee during the day and delight in pizzas and wines in the evening. The menu offers elevated brunch classics, fun bites, and unique sourdough pizzas.

Coffee lovers would be happy to know that they serve coffee brewed using beans from award-winning Blacklist Coffee in Perth. For wine lovers, the restaurant holds a curated wine list of old and new world vintages.

Stracciatella 4/5

Our meal began with a more classic dish, the Stracciatella ($20). Here in the Stracciatella, we had sourdough bread smothered with creamy burrata, complemented by pecorino cheese and sweet and slightly smoky blistered tomatoes.

For all three tartines we sampled, their bread base is all made using the same sourdough recipe as their pizza dough.

Turkish Eggs 4.5/5

Try the Turkish Eggs ($16) for something more exciting. Chef Victor told us that this is one of their bestselling brunch dishes.

On the sourdough, the flatbread is baked to order. It's topped with garlic yoghurt, paprika oil, poached egg and a super addictive Lao Gan Ma-inspired housemade chilli crunch. The added pomegranate gave pops of refreshing sweetness amidst the spicier and garlicky bites.

Salumi 4/5

The Salumi ($16) would be a treat for bolognese lovers. The flatbread is generously topped with nduja and accompanied with tangy sumac onions and a blend of fresh herbs like coriander, arugula, mint and dill. I recommend sharing this for more enjoyment, as the heaviness may feel a little flat halfway through.

Salad 4/5

Next, we moved on to the Bites section, which is available for order from 12pm. The simple-looking Salad ($12) had a refreshing mix of radicchio, wombok and mint in white balsamic with crunchy hazelnuts.

Burrata 4.5/5

Bet you’ve never had burrata done in this manner! Elixir’s Burrata ($24) continues an unexpected use of the housemade chilli crunch we loved on the Turkish Eggs.

While the flavourful chilli crunch may slightly mask the creamy sweetness of the burrata, we thoroughly enjoyed the exciting pairing and side of pickled cherry tomatoes! This will be up your alley if you're looking for something different.

Tête de Moine 4/5

Consider the Tête de Moine ($22) for a side to pair with your wine. The beautifully shaved Swiss semi-hard cheese is served with poached apricot and fried walnuts, boasting a creamy and nutty flavour with a subtle tangy finish.

Baby Octopus 4.5/5

My favourite from the Bites menu was Chef Victor's Baby Octopus ($18). It had baby octopus coated in a thin exterior of seasoned flour and deep-fried to the perfect crunch.

I thoroughly appreciated how the light batter allowed you to still enjoy the octopus's chewiness and how the umami black aioli didn't overpower. This is one dish I will definitely re-order on my next visit.

Not-Carbonara 4.5/5

For fans of white pizzas, go for the Not-Carbonara ($26), the restaurant's signature pizza inspired by the well-loved carbonara dish. While you will see authentic-carbonara toppings of egg yolk, guanciale, prosciutto and pecorino cheese, the play on its name is due to the inclusion of a rich and creamy mornay sauce on its base.

While we found the pizzas slightly too thick around the crusts, we enjoyed the chewiness from the sourdough and the flavourful combination. It leans on a saltier end with a generous hand of fragrant black pepper, but my dining companion and I did not mind it at all.

Hot Mama 4.2/5

Here is another appearance of the special housemade chilli crunch on the Hot Mama ($28) pizza. This is one boldly flavoured piece, with the fragrant spiciness from the chilli crunch and additional spiciness and saltiness from slices of Calabrese salami, alongside onions and fennel.

Cali Cali 4/5

Cali Cali ($26) was inspired by Chef Victor's trip to California, focusing on the marriage of flavours from the country and Italy. This piece saw toppings of sausage, chopped kailan, guacamole and chilli flakes. After sampling the first two, the flavours here are more 'safe'.

Pistachio Cake 3.8/5

Our dessert for the day was the Pistachio Cake ($14) drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and a dollop of crème fraiche chantilly. This was a piece that was light and nutty but not exceptional.

Travelling to Elixir Coffee and Wine is out of the way. Hence, I recommend making reservations at https://elixircoffeeandwine.com/pages/reservations to ensure an available table.

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.


Elixir Coffee and Wine
24 Holland Grove Road
#01-18
Singapore 278803
Tel: +65 6908 5547
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC, EW Line), Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 830am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 830am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Buona Vista MRT station (Stop ID 11361). Take bus number 92. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road, turn right and walk towards Holland Grove Road. Turn left onto Holland Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Aliight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Holland Village, Holland Road (Stop ID 11261). Take bus number 7, 61, 75, 156 and 165. Alight 3 stops later. Walk towards Holland Grove Road. Turn left onto Holland Grove Road. Walk to destination. ourney time about 15 minutes. [Map]