Jiak (家) @ Joo Chiat Place - Grandma's Recipe Private Dining With Whiskey Pairing

One of the newest kid in the private dining scene is Jiak at Joo Chiat Place. The 3 month's old private dining place is helmed by Chef Anon Foo. Unlike most of the private dinings I have attended which the chefs have a colourful resumes of working in top restaurants, Anon followed and learned from his grandmother at her hawker stall since young. Hence at Jiak, one can look forward to home cooked dishes largely inspired by Anon's grandmother.

Achar 4/5

Before starting our dinner, each of us are given a small serving of homemade Achar.

Signature Foie Gras Ngor Hiang 3/5

Our meal started with the Signature Foie Gras Ngor Hiang. It is an interesting take of the traditional ngor hiang and it taste pretty good. However the foie gras did not stand out in the execution which is a slight disappointment. Some of us also find that it is on the salty side.

Prime Rib Lotus Root Soup 4.2/5

Doubled boiled over charcoal is the Prime Rib Lotus Root Soup. The slow cooked over charcoal has drawn out the essences and sweetness of the ingredients without the used of salt. All of us had another helping as this is really good.

Kong Bak Pau 4/5

The surprise special of the day is the Kong Bak Pau. Sandwiched in between the soft and fluffy bun is the pork belly that has been well infused with the braising sauce.

Herbal Emperor Chicken 3.5/5

Didn't look too photogenic is the Herbal Emperor Chicken as I did not get a shoot before it was dissected at the back of the kitchen before serving. I appreciate the fact that the tender chicken didn't come across too strong in the herbal taste which was pleasing to the palate.

Steamed Cod Fish in Chicken Broth 3,8/5

Next up we are served a whole fillet of Steamed Cod Fish in Chicken Broth. Nothing complicate just allowing the soy sauce to bring out the buttery flavour of the cod fish.

Dry Laksa 4.2/5

For the mains, diner will have a choice of Dry Laksa or Homemade Fish Otah Nasi Lemak. The Dry Laksa comes with 2 huge prawns in a very coconuty sauce. Add a dollop of chilli to spice up the flavour. I only wish that I can get the usual bean sprouts, fish cakes, tao pok and even cockles in my laksa though.

Homemade Fish Otah Nasi Lemak 4.2/5

Personally I prefer the Homemade Fish Otah Nasi Lemak for the fact that it is more substantial. The otah is really good, so good that I have to reconfirm whether it is really homemade as it tastes very similar to a particular brand I like. The plate of fragrant rice even comes with ikan bilis, japanese-style lava egg and sambal chilli.

Green Bean Soup with Coconut 4.5/5

The Green Bean Soup with Coconut wrapped up our meal. Diner has a choice of either hot or cold. I would recommend going for the hot one to appreciate the full flavour as the ice tends to duplicate the richness.

Dining at Jiak is set at $70 nett per pax for 6 dishes plus a special of the day. Whisky pairing is available at $12 to $15 per dram to complement the meal, which has been put together by their in-house whisky connoisseur. If you plan to bring your own wine or whisky, corkage fee applies at $25 and $50 respectively.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Jiak (家)
184B Joo Chiat Place
Singapore 427896
Tel: +65 82842758
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Eunos (EW Line), Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
630pm till late

Direction:
1) Alight at Eunos MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Eunos Bus Interchange (Stop ID 82009). Take Bus 150. Alight 2 stops later. Walk down Still Road. At the junction of Still Road and Joo Chiat Place, cross the junction. Turn right onto Joo Chiat Place. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 mins [Map]

2) Alight at Eunos MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to Bus Stop at Sims Ave (Stop ID 82061). Take Bus 13 or 155. Alight 1 stops later. Walk down Still Road. At the junction of Still Road and Joo Chiat Place, cross the junction. Turn right onto Joo Chiat Place. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 mins [Map]

3) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Walk to bus stop at Blk 99 Old Airport Road (Stop ID 81181). Take bus 33. Alight 7 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 mins. [Map]

Full Of Luck Restaurant @ Holland Village - Welcomes The Lunar New Year With 5 Festive Set Menus

As the Lunar New Year approaches, modern-Cantonese restaurant Full of Luck Restaurant at Holland Village rolls out five different set menus, featuring a culinary line up of contemporary Cantonese classics and festive favourites. With five menus ranging from $118-$668 to cater to 2-10 pax, you can even toss the yu sheng with just two people at the table! Set menus are available for dine-in till 19 Feb 2019.

Full of Luck’s Yu Sheng with Smoked Salmon & Yuzu Dressing 4/5

We had the Harmony with Joy Set ($238 - per table of 4 pax). Toss the ubiquitous yusheng to a year of prosperity and good fortune with fresh smoked salmon slices, fruit popping boba to impart a refreshing tangy-sweetness to the colourful stack of julienned accompaniments, brightened by flavourful, tangy notes of yuzu. Full of Luck’s Yu Sheng with Smoked Salmon & Yuzu Dressing raises the 'porksperity' ante with a cute pig design amid the melange of delightful colours, flavours and textures.

Peace & Bliss Fish Maw Clam Soup 4/5

Next on the menu is the Peace & Bliss Fish Maw Clam Soup. Loaded with a medley of fresh premium ingredients such as fish maw, clams, chicken chunks, red dates in a flavourful broth, the comforting bowl of superior soup is a welcoming starter to the rest of the richer savoury dishes.

Traditional Wok Fried Black Garlic Prawns 4.2/5

The Traditional Wok Fried Black Garlic Prawns features fresh bouncy prawns seasoned with a tinge of fragrant black garlic spice, which makes it so wonderfully flavourful without being too overwhelming. The bed of vegetables below adds a nice crunch to the dish as well.

Herbal Emperor Chicken 4/5

There is no better way to usher in the new year with a delicious and nutritious dish. Boasting an easily-falls-apart tenderness, the Herbal Emperor Chicken has a rich herbal flavour as the taste is infused in the chicken while it cooks, and also further steeped in a rich herbal broth when served.

Crunchy Medley of Vegetables 3.5/5

The Crunchy Medley of Vegetables with Lilybulb comes in a medley of crunchy vegetables. While well received for its crunchy texture and clean taste, I personally thought the dish can be more flavourful, as the vegetables may be a tad bland on its own.

Longevity Fish Noodles with Crabmeat and X.O Chilli 4.2/5

One of my favourite dish on the menu is the Longevity Fish Noodles with Crabmeat and X.O Chilli. Made using fish paste, the noodles are al dente with a hint of fish flavour, yet not too fishy. Also served with fresh crabmeat, the noodles is cooked in X.O chilli to give it a subtle spice fragrance which elevates the whole enjoyment.

Water Chestnut Cake with Osmanthus Fragrance 3.8/5, Traditional Pan Fried Nian Gao 4/5

End the meal on a sweet note with their Refreshing Water Chestnut Cake with Osmanthus Fragrance. However, I find the osmanthus flavour to be a tad too bland. The Traditional Pan Fried Nian Gao with Egg fares better with a nice chewy texture and a taste which is not too sweet. Definitely one of the better ones I had.

Five Set Menus
Peace & Bliss Set (2 pax) - $118
Harmony with Joy Set (4 pax) - $238
Luck & Prosperity Set (6 pax) - $368
Fortune of Gold Set (8 pax) - $528
Longevity & Wealth Set (10 pax) - $668

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.


Full Of Luck Restaurant
243 Holland Ave
Singapore 278977
Tel: +65 62086845
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 2 minutes. [Map]

Usher In The Lunar New Year With Prosperity Buffet At Ellenborough Market Cafe, Swissotel Merchant Court

Well known for their tantalising Asian and International delights, Ellenborough Market Cafe at Swissotel Merchant Court has launched a selection of Prosperity Set meals and buffet offerings featuring a variety of ambrosial festive creations to usher in the Lunar New Year. Available from 5 February to 2 March 2018, diners can choose from two different sets of menu at $788 per table of 10 or $988 per table of 10.

Salmon Yu Sheng 4.5/5

In all Lunar New Year reunion dinners, a must-have to start off the evening is the Salmon Yu Sheng to toss for abundance, prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead. Consisting of a vibrant medley of shredded vegetables and assorted toppings, the plating of the yusheng resemble that of a cute dog, specially created for the year of that particular Chinese zodiac. It is also served with generous servings of fresh salmon slices, sweet plum sauce and other condiments before the Lo Hei commences.

Double-Boiled Fish Maw with Dried Scallop and Cordycep Flower 4.2/5

The Double-Boiled Fish Maw with Dried Scallop and Cordycep Flower comes in a clear double boiled soup packed with a robust flavour of herbs essence, and a subtle hint of sweetness from the scallop.

Imperial Herbal Chicken 4.5/5

With a strong herbal aroma infused in the meat soaked in a rich herbal broth, the Imperial Herbal Chicken is a welcoming dish full of herbal goodness. While the meat boasts a tender texture that I really enjoyed, the infusion of the herbal essence makes it an even more comforting experience.

Hong Kong Style Fried Garoupa 4/5

The Hong Kong Style Fried Garoupa comes in a sizable whole portion, deep fried and doused in an appetising sweet-savoury sauce. Underneath is soft, tender meat with a melt-in-the-mouth consistency.

Wok-fried Asparagus with Pearl Scallop in XO Sauce 4.2/5

While I enjoyed the crunchy asparagus and capsicum cooked in XO sauce, the highlight of the Wok-fried Asparagus with Pearl Scallop in XO sauce is the fresh and juicy scallops executed excellently with a tinge of spice and sauce fragrance.

Braised Abalone and Sea Cucumber with Australian Broccoli 4.2/5

Thick slices of sea cucumber, juicy braised abalone and crunchy broccoli render the Braised Abalone and Sea Cucumber with Australian Broccoli an enjoyable dish, especially with the full-bodied savoury gravy that complement excellently with the rest of the ingredients.

Fried Glutinous Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaf 4/5

For something more substantial, the Fried Glutinous Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaf comes in a large portion of fragrant glutinous rice, with a mix of lup cheong or Chinese sausage with mushrooms.

Double-boiled “Hasma” with Red Dates 4.2/5

Bring the meal to a sweet finale with the Double-boiled “Hasma” with Red Dates, a nourishing bowl of double-boiled soup filled with nutrition value. The red dates lend a subtle sweetness to the double boiled soup, delivering a sweet touch to the dish.

With Lunar New Year just around the corner, diners can look forward to enojying a scrumptious dinner with loved ones at the Ellenborough Market Cafe, Swissotel Merchant Court Singapore which is a great choice for the reunion event. For enquiries and reservations, please call 62391847 / 1848 or email dining.merchantcourt@swissotel.com

Prosperity Buffet
Lunch (Mon – Sun, Eve of PH and PH): $68 per adult and $34 per child
Dinner (Mon – Sun, Eve of PH and PH): $80 per adult and $40 per child

Prosperity Set Menus
Menu A – $788 per table of 10
Menu B – $988 per table of 10

Words and photos 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.


Ellenborough Market Cafe
Swissotel Merchant Court
20 Merchant Court
Singapore 058281
Tel: +65 62391847/1848
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Clark Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Buffet Lunch: 12pm - 230pm
Buffet Dinner: 630pm - 10pm
Buffet High Tea: 330pm - 530pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clark Quay MRT station: Take Exit E. Walk straight to Tew Chew Street. Cross the road and turn right. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Face to Face Noodle House (面对面) @ City Square Mall - Home of Original Sarawak Noodles with 105 Years of Heritage

After Kin Kin Chilli Pan Mee, another well known brand in Malaysia, Face to Face Noodle House (面对面) has arrived on the shore of Singapore with its first outlet at City Square Mall. Face to Face Noodle House has 105 years of heritage and 30 outlets around Malaysia, bringing the authentic Sarawak noodles to Singapore. The founder's great grandfather picked up the rare skill of making Jook Sing noodles, one of the rarest forms of noodle making. The noodles at Face to Face Noodle House is handmade daily without any preservatives.

Traditional Sarawak Noodle 4.2/5

I have not tried the Sarawak Noodle ($8.90) in Malaysia but this is definitely the signature here. The sarawak noodle comes with minced pork, char siew, fried wanton and marinated spring onion. The star has to be the noodles for its springy texture. The char siew if has a bit more fats would be excellent.

House Specialty Pan Mee 4/5

For those that prefers soup base noodles, the House Specialty Pan Mee ($8.90) comes with minced pork, crispy anchovies and onsen egg. The rich and intense broth together with the bouncy noodle complemented each other excellently for a comforting and satisfying bowl of pan mee.

Genki Herbal Chicken Soup Pan Mee 4/5

To cater for the locate palate, Face to Face has also created the Curry Chicken Pan Mee and Genki Herbal Chicken Pan Mee ($12.90). I had the latter which comes with homemade noodles in traditional herbal soup served with tender chicken, enoki mushrooms and various herbs. The noodles used is thinner and softer compare to the others. It also feels more substantial with a huge piece of  tender chicken thigh.

Hakka Yong Tau Foo 3/5

To complete the meal, Face to Face Noodle House also offers Yong Tau Foo and some snacks on their menu. We ordered the Five Treasure Set ($7.50) which has a bit of everything. The basket comes with chilli, ladyfingers, tofu, brinjal and bittergourd with meat stuffings.

Face to Face Noodle House did manage to satisfy me for the excellent texture and smoothness in their homemade noodles. My only wish is they will open another outlet in the West of Singapore. Bringing their delicious Sarawak noodles nearer to my home.


Face to Face Noodle House (面对面)
City Square Mall
180 Kitchener Road
#02-23/24
Singapore 208539
Tel: +65 65090182
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

Soup Broth Asia @ Raffles City Shopping Centre

Opened on 24 August 2010 at Raffles City Shopping Centre's newly revamped basement level, Soup Broth Asia is the latest contemporary Asian soup concept by The Soup Spoon, a leading soup chain in Singapore since 2002. After almost 2 and a half years dishing out an exciting variety of homemade Asian soups, Soup Broth Asia launches its new and improved food and beverage menu on 21 January 2013.

Osmanthus Flower Tea 4.2/5 and Brewed Pink Barley 3.5/5

In the new beverage menu, Soup Broth Asia introduces 3 specialty drinks. They are Osmanthus Flower Tea with Goji Berries ($4.50), Brewed Pink Barley with Lychee Jelly ($3.80) and Red Date Longan Tea with Grass Jelly ($3.80). My favourite was the Osmanthus Flower Tea with Goji Berries. It was a very refreshing drink.

Kimchi Beef Hotpot 4.2/5

For the new menu, Soup Broth Asia created a series of 3 hotpot dishes inspired by unique and distinctive Asian flavours. The Kimchi Beef Hotpot ($16.80) comes with succulent beef slices and Korean rice cakes simmered in a flavourful and lightly spiced kimchi stew. For the price, I find the hotpot value for money with kimchi, beef slices, tofu and Korean rice cakes. I only wish that the stew can be more spicy.

Sumo Nabe Hotpot 3/5

For the health conscious, the Sumo Nabe Hotpot ($15.80) is low in calorie and nutritious with addition of soy milk to the broth. Served with chicken, cabbage, tofu, lotus root and carrots this is a popular dish eaten by Japanese sumo wrestlers as part of their daily diets. For me, the taste is a bit acquire. Either you like it or not. The size of the chicken pieces can also be improved.

Three Cup Chicken Hotpot 3.8/5

The Three Cup Chicken Hotpot ($13.80) is a classic Asian dish simmer in a thick and rich homemade three-cup sauce (sesame oil, rice wine and soy sauce) with basil and dried chilli.

Paper Wrapped Herbal Chicken 4.5/5

The Paper Wrapped Herbal Chicken ($16.80) is my favourite among all the new dishes. The chicken is slow cooked and infused in a nourishing herbal concoction of dang gui, dang shen, red daes and goji berries. The chicken was moist and tender. The herbal taste was just nice not overpowering. In face there was a nice herbal sweetness to it.

Hainanese Fish Maw Soup 4/5

Available on the new menu is 10 different hearty Asian inspired soups. The crowd pleaser, Hainanese Fish Maw Soup ($9.40) is the family recipe of SouperChef Anna. The flavourful gourmet stock comes with a tasty melange of fish, carrots, shitake mushrooms, leeks and fish maw.

Szechuan Style French Beans 4/5

To round up the meal, you can also order some sides to go along. The Szechuan Style French Beans ($6.90) was cooked to an enjoyable crunchy texture.

Braised Tofu in Sambal Chilli Sauce 4/5

The Braised Tofu in Sambal Chilli Sauce ($7.50) was beautifully paired with the sambal chilli sauce. The tofu was also smooth and silky.

Cheng Tng 3.8/5

The new menu's dessert section may not be extensive but it completes the meal on a sweet note. The Cheng Tng ($3.80) was light, refreshing and sweet.

Mango Sago 3.5/5

The Mango Sago ($3.80) was bursting with the fruity mango flavour. Unfortunately the sago was not chewy, in fact it was frozen.

Soup Broth Asia new revamped menu offers customers more choices with new selections to indulge the unique and distinctive Asian flavours. Besides the menu, the dining concept at Soup Broth Asia has also changed. Previously you ordered and paid at the counter before finding a seat. Now you find a table, decided your meal, tick on the ordering sheet and pay at the counter. Your food will be served to you when it is ready.


Soup Broth Asia
Raffles City Shopping Centre
252 North Bridge Road
#B1-62
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 63386909
Website: http://www.soupbrothasia.com/
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Take escalator beside Starbucks to the basement. Walked to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.

2) Alight at Esplanade. Take Exit G. Follow the underground walkway to Raffles City Shopping Centre basement. Journey time about 8 minutes.