Showing posts with label Hotcake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hotcake. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Ninja Cut @ Seah Street - Delicious And Instagrammable Rice Bowls And Matcha Hotcake

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The ninja strikes again with a nice outlet at Seah Street. Opened on 1 October 2016, Ninja Cut is the sister outlet of the popular Ninja Bowl. The difference here is that the menu features more premium ingredients such as roast ribeye crackling pork belly, cod etc. Similar to the concept of Ninja Bowl, diners have the option to add a base of choice to the bowl such as soba noodles, quinoa, ninja rice and garden greens at an additional cost of $2-$3.

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Oh My Cod 4/5

Oh My Cod ($18) comes with a baked fillet of miso cod, pickled beets, honey-glazed carrots, asparagus, edamame and an onsen egg. For the base we added Soba ($2) to complete the meal. A highlight of the bowl is the umami-filled saikyo shiomiso from Kyoto, giving the buttery cod fish an additional layer of sweetest.

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Gimme Chimi Chicken 4/5

Gimme Chimi Chicken ($14) consists of cajun-spiced chicken breast. chimichurri sauce, sauteed brussel sprouts, cherry tomatoes, grilled corn furikake, mixed nuts and an onsen egg. We added quinoa ($3) for the base. The highlight for this bowl has to be the chimichurri sauce that elevated the whole enjoyment of the tender and juicy sous-vide chicken breast.

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Squid Fix 4.5/5

The Squid Fix ($18) is my favourite bowl at Ninja Cut. It comes with a whole Japanese squid that is first brushed with a sweet secret recipe sauce blend before it is gently grilled. The bouncy tender rings of squid is accompanied by sauteed mushrooms, miso cucumbers, honey-glazed carrots, furikake and onsen egg. We added garden greens ($2) for the bowl. I probably would add the ninja rice in my next visit for a more substantial meal.

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What's Your Beef? 4.2/5

What's Your Beef ($18) features a whole 150g of succulent roast beef ribeye cooked to medium rare. It comes with grilled corn furikake, sauteed mushroom, onsen egg, honey-glazed carrots and garlic chips. Be early if you want to have this as it is limited to only 30 servings per day.

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Polenta Mash 4.2/5

Moving to the all-day brunch selection, the Polenta Mash ($18) is owner Darren's favourite. The rendition of the southern creole breakfast of pork and grits rendition at Ninja Cut comes with warm truffle polenta mash, sauteed mushrooms, shaved Parmesan cheese and aburi pork slices. A hearty and comforting dish that can be enjoyed anytime of the day.

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The Cheeky Cheese 4.2/5

A crowd favourite has to be the Cheeky Cheese ($18). Upping a notch at Ninja Cut is the 24 hour braised Japanese curry beef cheek, that is seasoned with red wine and braised for a full day in the curry for a full bodied flavour. The other star item on the plate is the grilled cheese brioche sandwich that is so good on its own. Mop the gravy with the sandwich to soak up that beautiful flavour.

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Marvellous Matcha 4.2/5

The Marvellous Matcha ($16) is like the upgraded version of the matcha lava cake I first had at Babette, one of the restaurants under the group. The matcha 'hotcake' is filled with a green tea fondant and topped with a dollop of ricotta cheese and adorned with pretty edible flowers, speculoos crumble, yuzu peel, azuki beans and homemade dango. A 15-20 minutes of waiting time is required for this dish.

Ninja Cut is a fuss-free convivial dining concept that offers a collection of ten main dishes and a variety of brunch items. The meals are prepped a la minute to serve and all prices are nett cost. By the way it also serves a good coffee blend that is specially roasted and curated by Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee.

Noted: This is an invited tasting.


Ninja Cut
32 Seah Street
Singapore 188388
Tel: +65 62647727
Facebook
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 930am - 730pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road. Cross the road, walk towards Raffles Hotel direction. Walk down North Bridge Road and turn right on to Seah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Monday, March 28, 2016

Mr & Mrs Maxwell @ The Club Hotel - Well-loved Classics with a Renewed Enthusiasm

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Going up the Ann Siang Hill footpath, I come upon the quieter end of Club Street and the hotel where Mr & Mrs Maxwell reside and realise I’ve been here before. On some Sunday in 2015 I had, by misadventure, ended up in the post-apocalyptic silence of Telok Ayer, and they were the only place open. Inside the gorgeous, dimly lit Art Deco space, I had their signature chicken rice (pretty good) and thought, well, the menu writer clearly hasn’t got the memo about the decor.

When I tell Azrin, the manager during the tasting, about my previous experience he laughs and assures me that they’ve brought the food in line with the looks. They’ve also done a bit more brushing up. Now MMM looks even more like a place where Gatsby might have practiced his party-hosting skills before graduating to West Egg - it is a lovely Art Deco parlour, from the bright and warm lighting to the splendid porphyry bar counter. Coffee table books and curios line the shelves, but the sofas have been replaced with sleeker dark wood tables.

As Azrin says, the menu has been brought in line, which means it’s gone a little more conventional. That brunch items are served till 7pm, though, is a great touch - especially since the most memorable dishes we tasted are from the brunch menu.

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Chocolate Bailey’s 4.2/5

To start off, I get an adult shake - the Chocolate Bailey’s, which is pretty much what it says in the name. The two flavours, both rich and lingering, would probably be overwhelming at room temperature, but balance out nicely when chilled into something that matches oddly well with the Kinder Bueno garnish - chocolatey, milky, a little nutty.

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Lobster Omelette 3.8/5

The first of these is the Lobster Omelette, served on a slice of toast with a strong, fungal whiff of Gruyere. The omelette itself is soft-hearted, studded with shreds and chunks of Maine lobster; it doesn’t feel like it would meld with the strong-tasting Gruyere, but it somehow does. Red peppercorns add both colour and a dash of fruity fragrance.

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Corned Beef Hash 4/5

Just as good is the Corned Beef Hash - again, another dish without much frippery but with plenty of substance. It is the sweated, smoky onions that really give the hash a lift, to complement the hefty salt in the corned beef and the well sauteed potato hash. It’s the perfect brunch for a very relaxed day when the only item on the agenda is digestion.

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Ricotta Hotcakes 3/5

I’ve never really understood the appeal of a hotcake, so it’s perhaps no surprise that the Ricotta Hotcake here doesn’t do much for me. I understand that it is well-made - something thick as a tortilla, but still pillowy inside, definitely takes skill. A shower of berries works as accompaniment, but truffle honey - against something as mild as ricotta - is a touch too far, pushing the dish out of focus.

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Slow-cooked Lamb Salad 3.8/5

Much more to my personal taste is the Lamb Salad, which is more carefully composed. Lamb shoulder, cooked for 48 hours, comes with preserved lemons and roasted pumpkins which tug and jostle pleasingly, sweet against sour. It pretty much is a tagine that became healthy at the last minute - there’s even the flaked almonds for crunch - and while I would prefer a full tagine it’s still nice to have a part of one.

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Baked Alaska 3/5

But it is with desserts that Mr & Mrs Maxwell indulge with most of their theatrics. Baked Alaska, for instance, is done by the tableside with flaming liquor on a rainbow of cotton candy covering the confectionary itself. But while it looks nice with the lights down and blue flames dancing, the dish doesn’t quite live up to its entrance. Cotton candy melts into a vaguely coloured goo, and there is nothing to counteract its sweetness on top of the ice cream below.

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Crepe Suzette 4/5

More thoughtful, and just as grand, is the Crepe Suzette. Born a century ago of a legendary tableside mess up, when a normal crepe was accidentally set alight, the Suzette here is made at a separate station where several sorts of citrus are mixed - oranges, limes, and the best citrus drink of all, Grand Marnier. The result may be a bit too lively and sour for some, but a little ice cream is enough to bring the crepes back to balance, and the sauce is quite the right consistency, a rather thin syrup.

There are definitely some flaws with the experience at Mr & Mrs Maxwell, which I would put down to the occasional menu-writing overreach. That truffle honey in the ricotta pancake is a case in point, as is the cotton candy and general immoderation of the Baked Alaska. But elsewhere things are definitely finely honed, including the efficient and often humorous staff.

At the same, I can’t help feeling that - having gone the distance in terms of looks - they don’t seem to push the theme, that of a parlour of the Gilded Age, quite as far as they could. Certainly, they’ve come a long way towards that from serving chicken rice and laksa; the items are now congruous with the sort of 1920s vibe. But with some tweaks in the menu, I suspect they could become more Fitzgeraldian. Still, it’s a lovely lounge the Maxwells have, and well worth a look.

Guest Writer: Wilson’s perfect day consists of a good meal and a laptop, on a table, next to a window, overlooking the sea, in a rainstorm. You can see more of his reviews at his blog, Dear Babette


Mr & Mrs Maxwell
The Club Hotel
28 Ann Siang Road
Singapore 069708
Tel: +65 68082181
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 7am - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 7am - 12midnight

Directions:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Continue to the end of Amoy Street. Scale the stairs beside Siang Cho Keong Temple, up Ann Siang Hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Maxwell Road towards Kadayanallur Street (beside URA building). Turn right onto Kadayanallur Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Curious Palette @ Prinsep Street

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To be frank, with the number of cafe opening up every couple of weeks, it was not easy to keep track. If not for my friend Benson, I probably would not have known about Curious Palette at Prinsep Street. Taking the space of a two storey shophouse, the spacious and brightly lighted cafe is very welcoming with its white walls and wooden furniture.

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Truffle Fries 4/5 and Pork Scratching 3/5

Truffle Fries ($14.90) topped with shaved parmesan cheese and truffle salt has always been a popular choice for cafe hoppers. It comes with aioli sauce. New on the menu is the Pork Scratching. The crackling pig skin is perfect with a glass of beer. Since this is a beer snack, I would prefer the seasoning to be heavier.

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Boneless Chicken Wings 3.8/5

The Boneless Chicken Wings ($9.80/3pc) comes with chicken minced stuffing, spiced batter and served with homemade Thai chilli sauce. The marinated chicken stuffing and spiced batter has a aromatic scent of Indian spices that distinct it from elsewhere. However. the Thai chilli sauce does not work for me

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Pan Grilled Baby Squid 4.2/5

One of my favourite dishes on the menu at Curious Palette is the Pan Grilled Baby Squid ($12.90). Funny enough it seems that I was the only one at the table enjoying this. I kept going back for more of the crunchy baby squid.

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Pan Seared Salmon 3.5/5

I think the Pan Seared Salmon ($18.90) is very value for money. There are so many different components on the plate. On the plate, guest will get grilled Halloumi cheese, bacon scone, poached egg, guacamole, arugula, semi-dried tomatoes and honey mustard dressing. Unfortunately, the kitchen has a bad day, the poach egg is overcooked.

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Scotch Egg 3/5

I like the idea of having Scotch Egg on the cafe menu. It does get a bit boring with egg benedict in every other cafes. Paired with cauliflower fritters, unfortunately the scotch egg was a bit flat in taste. The meat needs more flavours. I have tried better ones else where, especially By The Fire.

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Chicken Leg with Pumpkin Risotto 4/5

The Chicken Leg with Pumpkin Risotto is not only beautiful in its presentation but the taste too. The large chicken leg is seasoned with ginger and prepared confit style. The confit chicken leg is paired with pumpkin risotto, The dish is finished with chilli foam. Tender and juicy chicken with fluffy risotto for a substantial meal.

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Lamb Short Rib 4/5

The Smoked Lamb Short Rib is paired with compressed pineapple, sweet potato fries and mint jelly. I like the idea of the mint jelly to pair with the fork tender lamb short rib, with the compressed pineapple cutting through the greasiness.

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Beef Steak 4/5

The Beef Steak with red wine sherry reduction is sou vide for 48 hours for a tender and delectable bite, accompanied with baby carrot and pencil asparagus. This may not be the most premium cut of the cow but definitely executed to the level of one.

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Buttermilk Waffle with Gula Melaka & Coconut Cream 3.8/5

Buttermilk Waffle with Gula Melaka & Coconut Cream ($14.50) is quite an enjoyable dessert to wrap up the meal. The fluffy waffle with vanilla bean ice cream is a classic combination that is timeless. Could not really taste the hint of gula melaka and coconut but the roasted peanuts made up for it together with the nutty texture. The red beans had a bite to it which I thought the softern version would be more appropriate.

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Berry Ricotta Hotcake 4/5

The most instagram worthy item at Curious Palette is the Berry Ricotta Hotcake ($18.90) with vanilla bean ice cream, fresh seasonal berries, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. It comes with golden maple syrup at the side. This is a huge serving and I would never image myself finishing it alone. The hotcake was buttery and spongy, with the cold vanilla bean ice cream giving it an enjoyable warm and cold contrast.

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Of the many cafes around Singapore, I would say Curious Palette is one of the better ones with the whole package. Meaning besides the cosy and spacious ambience, it serves good coffee and quality food.


Curious Palette
64 Prinsep Street
Singapore 188667
Tel: +65 62381068
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Bras Basah (CC Line), Dhoby Ghaut (CC Line, NE Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Mon, Wed-Thu: 9am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 9am - 12midnight
(Closed on Tue)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bencoolen MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 mins minutes.[Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit D & E. Walk down Bras Basah road towards Prinsep Street. Turn right onto Prinsep Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Oriole Coffee + Bar @ Capitol Piazza Neue

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Oriole Coffee + Bar has chosen Capitol Piazza to house their second outlet. Located at Level 2, it is tucked in a rather cosy corner, which is great for diners who are looking for some serenity. Over here, not only you can continue to enjoy their gourmet coffees, you get something extra - their Capitol Exclusives and All Day Breakfast.

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Warm Spinach Salad 3.5/5

Warm Spinach Salad ($18) and Portobello Confit ($17) are two dishes that showcase the versatility of Portobello mushroom. Both items may look quite ordinary but they are in fact packed with real wonderful ingredients.

With the poached egg oozing over the mushroom and down to the bed of spinach, it was almost picture perfect. Tossed in truffle balsamic vinaigrette, the overall taste is earthy and tangy at the same time. The shaved black truffles and crispy serrano jamon make every mouthful of it even more exciting. Some say salads are boring, but definitely not this salad.

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Portobello Confit 3/5

The latter is a delectable sandwich which comprises Portobello mushroom confit, sun-dried tomato compote, buffalo mozzarella with basil pesto and baby spinach. The intense flavour of the basil pesto pairs really well with light tasting buffalo mozzarella. If a stronger kind of cheese has been used, such balanced taste wouldn't have been achieved.

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Avocado and Toast 3/5

Unlike their first outlet, the breakfast items here are made available all day. Avocado and Toast ($14) is a fairly simple dish - crushed avocado and smoked tomatoes on focaccia bread, topped with basil leaves. Nothing exceptional, at the same time, I feel this dish is too light and clean for me. If I'm gonna make my way here for an all day breakfast, I would look for something heartier and more indulgent.

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Reuben 2.5/5

Reuben ($17) - housemade coffee-cured salt beef and sauerkraut clasped between grilled rye bread with melted swiss cheese and mustard mayo. It looks really mouth-watering but sadly the overall taste doesn't quite work for me. I was expecting the coffee-cured beef to taste different from the regular cured ones. However, with the cheese, sauerkraut & mustard mayo, all I could taste is the saltiness of the meat.

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Hotcakes 2.8/5

One of the quintessential breakfast items is of course, hotcakes. Their Hotcakes ($12) is served with Oriole’s expresso mascarpone butter and maple syrup served on the side. For diners who didn't read the description, some may mistaken this as Espresso infused hotcakes, which I thought may be more unique. Nonetheless, the pancakes are fluffy and the expresso mascarpone butter also has enough caffeine to give you that bitter sweet taste.

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Oriole's Angel Cake 4/5

Coming to their deserts, I realised using coffee as one of the ingredients is almost their trademark. Their Oriole’s Angel Cake ($14) is a coffee-textured cake infused with signature house blends, topped with chocolate crunch sprinkles, chocolate jelly, crushed meringue and an espresso crème anglaise core. The texture is like a harden cotton candy, that melts in my mouth with just a slight munch. The espresso crème anglaise core I feel is an ideal combination with the cake, which may otherwise be a bit too dry. With its coffee color, it may not be one of those photogenic desserts, but it's definitely one of the most interesting I have come across.

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Waffles, Ice Cream & Caramelised Banana 4.2/5

Their Waffles, Ice Cream & Caramelised Banana ($14) may seem conventional, but with the bananas so skilfully caramelised, it definitely surpasses many others. Of course, not to forget using real ice cream made with vanilla beans, and warm crisp waffles. The addition of coffee mascarpone makes this item uniquely Oriole's.

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Cold Brew - Black 3.8/5, White 4/5, MAD Milk 4.2/5

Oriole is well known for its award winning coffee, this I knew that all along. What surprises me is their cold brew, the Taisho series -This signature in-house cold-brewed coffee comes in Black ($6), White ($7) or with M.A.D. Milk ($8). When I find most bottled chilled white coffee syrupy and artificial, theirs is really smooth and silky. It is  done by steeping ground coffee in cold filtered water for hours to bring out their delicate flavours. My favourite is the one made with M.A.D. Milk, a cold-pressed non-dairy nut concoction of macadamias, almonds and dates. It is also available on its own ($10). Even if you are a coffee drinker, I would recommend having it on its own. That's when you can really appreciate its nuttiness and sweetness that is so so comforting. I can imagine myself waking to it every morning!

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When there are so many new and exciting concepts over here in Capitol piazza, Oriole may be slightly overshadowed. However, I believe their reputation in coffee making and quality of their food will win regulars over. Their lusciously delicious Taisho series, or even the M.A.D. Milk per se, is enough reason for you to come for it. Order their M.A.D. Milk Taisho, or M.A.D. Milk, then think of what food do you want to go with it. That would be the way which I'm gonna do the next time I visit Oriole.

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.


[CLOSED]
Oriole Coffee + Bar
Capitol Piazza Neue
13 Stamford Road
#02-20/21
Singapore 178905
Tel: +65 63846495
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 1030pm

Direction: 
Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]