The Three Peacocks @ Labrador Park - Live Seafood & Meat Charcoal BBQ Buffet In An Al-Fresco Setting

Nestled within a slightly out-of-the-way location near Labrador Park is The Three Peacocks, a spacious outdoor dining destination that provides a wide range of meat and seafood for BBQ lovers.

We were awed by the wide selection of fresh seafood on ice available, from prawns, oysters, clams, squids, scallop, to crabs and crayfish. Each pax is also entitled to a complimentary serving of Boston Lobster. The staff grills them in huge batches on the charcoal grills.

Not to be missed is the central seafood and meat live station, which sprang to live with a variety of cooked food, such as the Peranakan seabass, cream cheese spinach baked scallops, mussels, Teriyaki Chicken, and Marinated Ribeye.

Each table is set up with a small charcoal grill, and we were first served with a cold seafood platter when we sat down. With the covid restrictions in place, diners can continue to place their orders via the online app with a QR code. The staff will serve the food to each table in ala carte buffet style.

Besides the seafood, we also picked from their extensive selection of marinated meat, such as the Pork Belly, Pork Collar, Wagyu Cubes, Thai Garlic Sukiyaki Chicken, and Chicken Satay. Others include sides such as the enoki mushrooms, cheese tofu and hotdogs. One of my favourites is the wagyu cubes. Cooked to a medium-rare and infused with a charcoal aroma, the meat is melt-in-the-mouth tender and so good on its own that it doesn't even need a dipping sauce.

From the cooked food menu, We had their fluffy deep-fried mantou with a sweet chilli crab sauce.

While we felt that the mentaiko salmon was a tad dry, the rich mentaiko flavours complemented the fish.

To fulfil your carbs intake, they have a few options available, including the Sambal fried rice, stir-fried hong kong style soba noodles, and white rice to go with your meats and seafood.

The seafood and meat buffet runs at $56 nett on weekdays and $61 nett on weekends for adults. It is priced at $55 for senior citizens and $34.10 for kids (from 7 to 12 years old). With the airy outdoor seatings, fairy lights, and vast array of seafood and meat options available, it is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and gather with your friends to relax and unwind over delicious BBQ food. They are only open for dinner. Even though we were there on a weekday evening, the restaurant is packed with diners. So do remember to make your reservation via their website before heading down to avoid the long queues.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Three Peacocks
Labrador Park
8 Port Road
Singapore 117540
Tel: +65 62510213
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Labrador Park (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tues - Sun: 5pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Labrador Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Labrador Villa Road. Turn left onto Labrador Villa Road. Walk down Labrador Villa Road. Continue onto Port Road. Walk to end of the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

665°F @ Andaz Singapore - Gourmet Cuts & Seafood Grillhouse with Skyline Views

If temperature is one of the keys to get your meats perfectly grilled, is there a magic number to it? 665 Fahrenheit could be it, hence the moniker 665°F of the premium steakhouse belonging to Andaz Singapore. Sitting right at the top at Level 38, it offers exceptional views of the Singapore skyline. Not uncommon, you might be thinking, since there are indeed many others that offer somewhat similar views. But what's captivating, is the rich interior of this restaurant that will elevate your dining experience.Tailored by famed designer Andre Fu of AFSO, 665°F is seamed with traits of a traditional Savile-Row tailor shop. Think Kingsman. Walk through a narrow doorway that seems to encapsulate time with a copper-arched ceiling, and eventually you will find yourself in a dining room of its own that is strong with solid furnishings, tone with hues of walnut, burgundy and copper. The focal point of this room is the show kitchen, almost as wide as the room and at the heart of it sits the Pira oven and grill. Set at temperature 665°F, it's where your prime selection of meats are being chargrilled to your desired doneness.

Lime-cured Kingfish 3.8/5

Made with hefty ingredients such as kingfish, yellowfin tuna, jumbo lump crab, you soon realise that the appetizers here are to be recognised. Lime-cured Kingfish ($29) is firm and meaty, which formed a strong but welcoming textural contrast with the twirl of watermelon radish underneath. The radish has a pink-magenta core, hence the watermelon reference. The mustardy notes of the radish, together with the acidity of finger lime, cut the fattiness of the fish and gave a clean finish.

Yellowfin Tuna Tartare 3.8/5

Equally refreshing is the Yellowfin Tuna Tartare ($48) which is crowned with a luxurious layer of cavier. its beef-like texture satisfied even more than the former, as it tasted fuller and creamier with the avocado.

Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes 3.8/5

Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes ($32) are seared on both sides. Encased in it is shredded bits of crab meat in a slightly creamy mixture. I love the tanginess that accented the crab cake, tinkling my taste buds as I bit through. The herbs and seasoning within highlight and boost the natural flavours of the crab meat. The only problem I had with this dish, as well as the first two, was the amount of salt that went into them, which hampered the sweetness of the meats from coming through fully.

Beef Carpaccio Celeriac, Truffle 4/5

Beef Carpaccio Celeriac, Truffle ($39) is more moderately salted. So soft and tender, every piece is something to slowly savour upon. The truffle fails to exude much presence however. I reckon it works better with warm dish, when there's some heat to help release its aroma and flavour.

Patagonian Toothfish Fillet 4.5/5

Moving on to the mains. Being a fan of fatty fish, the Patagonian Toothfish Fillet with Lemon and Dill ($60) sits really well with me. Baked and lightly seasoned with lemon and dill, such simple cooking method to treat a good piece of fish is really the way to go.

Boston Lobster with Thermidor 4.2/5

Boston Lobster with Thermidor ($80) is an extravagant dish with a luscious blanket of cheese. The lobster flesh underneath the golden brown crust was firm and bouncy.

USDA Prime, Omaha, USA Sirloin 4.2/5

Australian Lamp Chops 3/5

As for the meats, the affordable pricing may make you smile. We had the grain-fed USDA Prime, Omaha, USA Sirloin ($69 for 340gram) and Australian Lamp Chops ($55). While we loved the flavourful medium rare sirloin that came with a deep rich crust, the lamp chops however fell short with a gamey taste.

Mac & Cheese 4.2/5

Sides are available to complete your meal. Both Mushrooms ($15) and Mac & Cheese ($14) live up to expectations, especially the latter, which hit the spot with its al dente macaroni just gently bathed in cream and cheese.

Vegetable Dauphinoise 3/5

Green Asparagus 2.8/5

However, I can't say the same for the Green Asparagus ($14).  Not only was it limp in the truffle butter, I did not enjoy the soft texture of the asparagus. The Vegetable Dauphinoise ($15) also failed to showcase the qualities of root vegetables.

Ivory and Bitter Chocolate Mousse 4/5

Desserts here are meant to be fun and messy. But I feel Ivory and Bitter Chocolate Mousse ($28) is a case of lacking in texture, which is a pity as the bitter sweet mousse tastes really good with the tart cassis compote that spreads along the surface of the chocolate sphere. I would probably be happier if it is solidified into an ice cream. While the Baked Alaska, Passion Fruit, Raspberry Sauce ($28) has an old-fashion sweetness that I couldn't deal with.

Baked Alaska, Passion Fruit, Raspberry Sauce 3/5

Have a feel of the exclusive and intimate atmosphere of 665°F yourself. The menu carries a range of produce and ingredients sourced directly from the United States, Ireland, Australia, the United Kingdom and more. With time, I believe the dishes delivered will be just as polished as the interiors.

Words 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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


665°F
Andaz Singapore
Level 38
5 Fraser Street
Singapore
Tel: +65 64081255
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 6pm - 10pm

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

Urban Bites @ Telok Ayer Street - Modernizing Lebanese Food in Singapore

Urban Bites may sounds like a modern restaurant but what it offers is lesser known Lebanese cuisine. The restaurant is opened by Chef Ghazi Khanashat, who has earned the moniker "Godfather" of Lebanese cooking in Singapore, for he brought the cuisine to Singapore almost 16 years ago. His daughter, Christine is running the business with a young and talented Lebanese Executive Chef, Haroutioun Ara Sayegh, helming the kitchen. They duo want to revolutionise Lebanese food in Singapore by giving Chef Ghazi's dishes a modern flair.

Lebanese Sangria 4/5

Having just return from Spain, I am delight to see sangria on the beverage menu. I ordered the Lebanese Sangria ($26). The Lebanese sangria is made form a concoction of Jallab (dates, grape molasses, rose water), Lebanese red wine, fruit cocktail, and freshly squeezed lime juice. A sweet and refreshing drink to kick start my brunch.

Cheese Manouche 4.5/5

Urban Bites has recently launched its Saturday Brunch which is available on Saturday from 930am to 4pm. One of the new items on the brunch menu is the Cheese Manouche ($16). The freshly baked flat bread is stuffed with four different types of Lebanese cheese (jeddal, feta, mozzarella and akkawi), and sprinkled with onions and parsley. The fluffy flat bread has a nice exterior crisp which comes from being baked in the stone oven. It also has a slight hint of spiciness.

Egg with Lamb Shashouba 4.2/5

The other brunch item I enjoyed is the hearty and comforting Egg with Lamb Shashouba ($20). Using lamb shoulder, it is first marinated for 24 hour with Lebanese spices before being roasted. Served in a pan, it consists of pulled lamb and three poached eggs steeped in a fragrant housemade sauce made of fresh tomatoes, chilli peppers, cumin and onions. It is then crowned with feta cheese and deep fried kale leaves. To eat, you have to give is a good mix. I preferred to have it together with the bread which is served on the side. The whole experience felt like having our local egg and toast.

Fettet Cauliflower 3/5

For those that loves yogurt, you will like the Fettet Cauliflower ($15). It comes with garlic-chilli roasted cauliflower, toasted crunchy chickpeas, velvety yogurt, crispy pita chips and pomegranate seeds. A worthy note is that Chef Ara spends hours making the yogurt daily. Unfortunately I am not a fan of yogurt and I guess I preferred a something richer in taste.

Lebanese Big Breakfast 3.5/5

If you are not sure what to have for brunch, then the Lebanese Big Breakfast ($20) will allows you to have a bit of everything. It comprises of labneh yogurt cheese, fatted hummus and a hard boiled egg with an assortment of fresh vegetables and thick slices of homemade bread.

Hummus Original 4.5/5

From the a la carte menu, we tried the staple Hummus Original ($15). The mashed chickpeas with tahini, lemon juice and olive oil was simple but yet hearty. Best to have it together with the warm bread.

Falafel Salad 4/5

The Falafel Salad ($18) can be a meal on its own. It comprises of mesclun greens, cucumbers, beetroot, avocado, chia and sunflower seeds in a tahini dressing, topped with falafel patties. There are a lot of textures at play and the highlight for me is the crispy falafel packed with lovely flavours.

Mixed Grill 4.2/5

Good for sharing is the Mixed Grill ($33) which comes with four different charcoal grilled kebabs. Beautifully marinated, spiced and grilled to tender is the cubed chicken, cubed beef tenderloin, minced lamb and minced chicken. The plate also comes with fries, mesclun salad and toum. Toum is a light and airy Lebanese garlic dip that you need to tried. It goes very well with the different meats.

Osmaliyeh 4/5

Last but at least, we wrapped up our meal on a sweet note with the Osmaliyeh ($12). It comes in a layer of flash-fried crisp filo strings followed by another layer of sweet clotted cream. This is finished with slices of strawberries, crushed pistachio and more filo strings.

While Lebanese cuisine is still rather new to many Singaporean, I have enjoyed the food at Urban Bites, especially that they are freshly made from stretch. I am also great to see the younger generation taking over the baton, inherit the recipes and making effort to modernize it to suit and attract the young customers. I am a believer that food needs to progress with time too.


Urban Bites
161 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068615
Tel: +65 63279460
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 10pm
Sat: 930am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk along the covered walkway until the junction of Mccallum Street and Telok Ayer Street. Cross the junction and continue on Telok Ayer Street. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to junction of Telok Ayer Street and Upper Cross Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]