Showing posts with label Mac & Cheese. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mac & Cheese. Show all posts

Sunday, March 29, 2026

Meatsmith @ Telok Ayer Street - A Solid Spot For Quality Smoked Meats And Indulgent Comfort Food

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Located in the heart of Telok Ayer, Meatsmith has long been known for its smoked meats and American BBQ. Equipped with custom-built wood-fire elevation grills and giant Southern Pride smokers, the menu features burgers, steaks, sharing platters, housemade sausages, smoked beef brisket, burnt ends, and ribs smoked over hickory wood for up to 14 hours.

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Padron Peppers 5/5

To start, we had the Padron Peppers ($12). Generously seasoned with salt and blistered, the peppers carried a smoky, slightly bitter profile, elevated and rounded off by the accompanying harissa and labneh dip.

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Double Cheeseburger 5/5

Meatsmith’s burgers have become a source of comfort for many. We noticed a few regulars quietly enjoying theirs alongside a side or a glass of wine. We were treated to a Double Cheeseburger ($20), featuring double beef brisket patties, sandwiched between a housemade potato bun, with American, sliced cheddar, house pickles, and burger sauce. The patties were exceptionally juicy and flavourful, with smoky, caramelised edges that added depth to each bite. The bun was fluffy and buttery without turning soggy at the bottom, while the pickles provided just the right acidity to cut through the richness.

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Smoked Meat Platter for Two

Large-format sharing platters are a main draw here. We had the Smoked Meat Platter for Two ($98), comprising beef brisket, cheese and jalapeño sausage, lime and chipotle glazed pork ribs, Memphis pork ribs, pulled pork, chicken tenders, cornbread, buffalo sauce, smoked butter, and housemade pickles.

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Lime and Chipotle Glazed Pork Ribs, Memphis-style Ribs 5/5

The standout for me was the Pork Ribs. They were succulent and juicy overall, with the Lime and Chipotle glazed version delivering a more finger-licking, zesty stickiness. The Memphis-style ribs leaned towards a drier rub, resulting in a more pronounced crust.

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Beef Brisket 3.5/5

The Beef Brisket was tender but slightly on the drier side, though the ribbons of smoky fat helped retain some richness and enhanced its texture, especially when paired with the accompanying sauce and smoked butter.

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Cheese and Jalapeño Sausage 4/5

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Cornbreads 4/5

The housemade Cheese and Jalapeño Sausage was robustly spiced and smoky, pairing especially well with the sweet Cornbreads. I only wish there were more of the cornbreads, as they provided a morsel-like, sweet respite between bites of the savoury meats.

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Chicken Tenders 3/5

The Chicken Tenders weren’t particularly tender, but their golden-brown crust delivered a satisfying crunch and flavour with each bite. They were finished with a light drizzle of blue cheese sauce, though a more generous amount would have helped these chicken tenders stand out.

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Mac and Cheese 3/5

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Sweet Corn and Creole Butter 4.5/5

The platters can be made even more wholesome by adding sides. We had the Mac and Cheese ($10), the Kale and Feta Salad ($10), and the Sweet Corn and Creole Butter ($10). The latter stood out the most, with a pronounced smokiness that added depth to its natural sweetness. That said, given the choice, I would happily add on more cornbreads!

I can see why Meatsmith continues to hold its own as a go-to spot for hearty American BBQ. Be it solo diners, pairs, or larger group gatherings, its fuss-free format caters effortlessly to all, whether you are indulging in a well-made burger on your own or bonding over a satisfying, meat-centric feast with others.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Meatsmith
167-169 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068620
Tel: +65 6221 2262
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri: 1130am – 3pm, 530pm till Late
Sat & Sun: 12pm till Late

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, July 19, 2025

Ensō Steakhouse @ CapitaGreen - Neo-Japanese and American Steakhouse with Lunch Set Menu From $58++

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Ensō Steakhouse, nestled within COTU, the region's first multi-concept dining and entertainment venue, is a Neo-Japanese and American Steakhouse that marries premium American cuts with modern Japanese grill expertise. All premium cuts are aged in-house. Their new lunch set menu is now even more comprehensive, starting from a 2-course set at $58++ and a 3-course set from $68++.

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Wagyu Beef Koshihikari Rice 4.5/5

Whetting our appetite was a hearty first course of Wagyu Beef Koshihikari Rice. The braised wagyu and maitake mushrooms were deeply steeped in umami, served over plump, pearly Koshihikari rice that complemented their textures and flavours. A slow-cooked egg with a sticky, creamy yolk brought it all together beautifully. I would gladly have it as a main if offered in a full portion.

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Hamacho Sashimi 3.5/5

Another first course, the Hamacho Sashimi, was a refreshing contrast. To complement the lighter profile of the sashimi, the dish was elevated with shredded myoga, shiso, and a fennel salad for a slightly spicy lift, as well as crispy potato. The latter adds both texture and an extra savoury dimension.

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Angus Bavette 5/5

As for mains, for dishes included in the base price of the set, the Angus Bavette (220g) is the one to go for. This loosely textured, lean cut from the cow's abdominal muscles surprised me with its depth of flavour, especially paired with a well-balanced red wine sauce. My prior memories of flank steak leaned toward blandness, but this was the complete opposite – tender and juicy, tantalising with beefy character.

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Grilled Salmon Salad 3/5

If you prefer something lighter, the Grilled Salmon Salad offers a seafood alternative. It's served with mixed greens, grilled avocado, and a bright, citrusy dressing, accompanied by crispy rice that lends a pleasant crunch. However, I found the salmon slightly 'stiff', lacking the succulence I hoped for.

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Wagyu Fat Crispy Fries

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Wagyu Beef Mac & Cheese

Sides were indulgent and worth the calories. The thick-cut Wagyu Fat Crispy Fries were fluffy on the inside, with a savoury, golden crust. The Wagyu Beef Mac & Cheese was comforting and rich, with al dente macaroni and juicy morsels of wagyu beef.

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Fuji Apple Crumble 4.5/5

Desserts were decent overall. Fuji Apple Crumble was a joyful treat featuring chunky, tender apple slices tucked beneath buttery-sweet crumbles and served warm with a scoop of Madagascan vanilla ice cream.

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Raspberry Almond Tart 3.5/5

The Raspberry Almond Tart had a lovely, well-baked crust, although I wished for a more generous amount of raspberries to bring out its fruity depth more effectively.

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Indeed, Ensō Steakhouse knows its beef well. Beyond the Angus Bavette, the lunch set includes other premium steak cuts, making it a solid choice for steak lovers seeking quality and value.

Photos and 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.


Ensō Steakhouse
COTU
CapitaGreen
Levels 38
138 Market Street
Singapore 048946
Tel: +65 64164800
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sat: 530pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk down Cecil Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk down Cross Street (against the flow of traffic). Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Monday, May 12, 2025

Bedrock Origin @ Oasia Resort Sentosa - New Sunday Bottomless Brunch, The Harvest Table

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Bedrock Origin at Oasia Resort Sentosa has just launched a hearty new Sunday brunch that's well worth getting out of bed for. Aptly named "The Harvest Table – Land and Sea", this bottomless brunch offers a delightful communal dining experience, served in the peaceful, resort-style setting of Sentosa.

Held every Sunday from 12pm to 3.30pm (last order at 3pm), The Harvest Table – Land and Sea brunch (4.2/5) is priced at $78++ per person and offers unlimited servings of a multi-course feast. A good number of dishes are served à la minute, where each dish is cooked to order. This ensures that the food arrives hot and fresh, reducing the food waste common in buffet-style dining. It is a nice option for family gatherings, as children aged 6 and under dine for free, while those aged 7 to 12 enjoy the full experience for $28++.

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Flatbread with Roasted Garlic & Butter

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Smoked Tomato Soup, Truffle Mushroom Soup, Burrata & Tomato Salad

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Grilled Tiger Prawns

Begin your brunch experience with an enticing array of starters. Tear into warm, freshly baked Flatbread served with aromatic Roasted Garlic and Butter, alongside comforting options such as Bedrock's Smoked Tomato Soup and Truffle Mushroom Soup. Salad options include the Chargrilled Caesar Salad, Burrata with Tomato, Grilled Tiger Prawns and Jamon. I loved the creamy freshness of the burrata salad and had multiple servings!

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Bedrock Mac 'N' Cheese

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Beef Fat Fried Rice

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Truffle Mashed Potatoes

Complement your meal with a variety of tasty side dishes, served tableside from a roving trolley. Highlights include Bedrock's indulgent Mac 'N' Cheese, Silky Truffle Mashed Potatoes, and the flavourful Beef Fat Fried Rice. I would've happily had a few more bowls if I weren't saving stomach space for the mains.

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Sauteed Mushrooms

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Woodfire Grilled Chilli Corn

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Chargrilled Spicy Brussels Sprouts

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Black Truffle Fries

For lighter options, Sautéed Mushrooms, Chargrilled Spicy Brussels Sprouts, and Woodfire Grilled Chilli Corn are available. The Truffle Fries, served hot and crispy, were also great. While it's tempting to fill up on these yummy sides, be sure to save room for the meat and seafood dishes.

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Kombu Cured Tomahawk

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French Black Pork Rack

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Roasted Spatchcock Chicken

The Kombu-cured Tomahawk Steak leads the main course selection, though it might be too rare for some. Other meat options include a slow-cooked Lamb Shoulder, a French Black Pork Rack, and Roasted Spatchcock Chicken, which are all decent, hearty choices. Providing a few more sauces or hot gravy to go with the meat would have made it even better!

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Pan-fried Barramundi Fillet

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Deep-fried Fish Collar

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Clams with White Wine

On the seafood side, there’s Pan-fried Barramundi Fillet, Deep-fried Fish Collar, and the chef’s selection, which during my visit featured a bowl of fresh Clams in White Wine Sauce. I enjoyed all three, but the fish collar stood out the most, with its crispy skin and tender, soft flesh inside.

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Chilli Crab Linguine

There are also two pasta options - Carbonara and Chilli Crab Linguine. I tried the chilli crab linguine, but found the sauce lacking. There are also some teething issues with the service — my orders were missed a few times, and we had to gently remind the staff. Fortunately, the long brunch hours meant there was no need to rush.

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Apple Crumble

We wrapped our brunch on a sweet note with Bedrock's signature Apple Crumble, served warm and perfectly spiced, complemented by a scoop of ice cream. It's sure to be a hit with both adults and children alike.

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Lemon Cake

A cake trolley adds a charming touch, offering a selection of favourites like Chocolate, Banana, Lemon, and Carrot Cake. Unfortunately, the chocolate cake ran out early in the service, so I didn't try it. However, the lemon and carrot cake I tried was not bad.

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Carrot Cake

For drinks, free-flow alcohol is available for just $28++. The offerings include Carlsberg Smooth Draught, Sapporo Premium, and classic cocktails like Mimosa and Bellini. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy Riondo Sparkling Rosé and selections from Casas del Toqui Single Estate: a Sauvignon Blanc and a Merlot.

The non-alcoholic beverage selection is priced at $10++. It offers a variety of refreshing options, such as Cranberry Juice, Pink Grapefruit Juice, Orange Juice, Coke, Coke Zero, Root Beer, Sprite, and Ginger Ale.

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Banana Cake

Overall, The Harvest Table — Land and Sea was a satisfying and relaxed weekend brunch experience. The dishes were generally well-executed, and it is best enjoyed with a group so that you can try everything on the menu. Enjoy 10% off your bill when you pay with Mastercard®, applicable to the bottomless brunch menu only, not the drinks packages.

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Bedrock Origin
Oasia Resort Sentosa Hotel
#01-02
23 Beach View
Palawan Ridge
Singapore 098679
Tel:+65 6818 3333
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 11am, 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbour Front MRT station. Exit station to Vivocity Shopping Mall. Go to Sentosa Express Station at Level 3 of Vivocity. Take Sentosa Express Train to Imbiah station. Alight at Imbiah station and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 mins. [Map]

Monday, April 28, 2025

American Mass Hall @ Lumiere - Classic Amercian Food Layered with Vibrant Asian Nuances

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American Mass Hall at Lumiere revives classic American comfort food while introducing creative dishes layered with vibrant Asian nuances. Chef Heman Tan oversees the menu, which spans a broad spectrum — from sides and soups to salads, appetisers, mains, and desserts. We began our meal with a selection of appetisers, soups, and a salad.

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Mass Hall’s Oyster Bay 4/5

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French Onion Soup 4/5

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Hush Puppy Corn Ball 4/5

Mass Hall's Oyster Bay ($5/pc) showcased plump Japanese oysters topped with orange granita, adding a burst of citrus acidity that brightened the brininess of the oyster. Though made with vegetable stock, the French Onion Soup ($9) impressed with its well-balanced sweetness and savoury depth — a surprising feat given the absence of beef stock. The Hush Puppy Corn Ball ($8) was a delight with its crisp exterior and sweet corn-studded interior. A dollop of spicy mayo added a satisfying sweet-spicy kick and boosted its overall mouthfeel.

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Chilli Crab Mac & Cheese 2/5

Moving to the heavier plates, the Chilli Crab Mac & Cheese ($18) came loaded with rich, gooey cheese and a unique chilli crab topping. While the spicy crab element helped to cut through some of the richness, the dish leaned too sweet for my liking, and the macaroni was somewhat overwhelmed by the cheese.

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Burrata Lava Cheesy Wonderland Lovers 2/5

The same sentiment applied to the Burrata Lava Cheesy Wonderland Lovers ($24), for which I found the execution a little one-dimensional. To balance out the richness, I would have preferred a blend of cheeses with varying sharpness and complexity. The dough, too, could have been more aerated for that chewy bite.

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Octopus 4.5/5

The Octopus ($22), served with mashed potato, sous vide egg, and hollandaise sauce, was an interesting and indulgent dish. Digging into the combination of buttery mash, runny egg, and rich hollandaise felt luxurious — creamy, velvety, and deeply satisfying. What elevated the dish was the charred edges of the sous vide octopus, which added a gentle smokiness that helped balance the overall richness.

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Burrata Salad 2.5/5

For something lighter, we tried the Burrata Salad ($19), which paired burrata with watermelon, tomato, and Parma ham. The combination was refreshing and offered a nice interplay of sweet, juicy, and savoury elements. Unfortunately, the burrata itself was a letdown — too firm, lacking the pillowy softness and milky freshness that a good burrata should deliver.

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“Bone Drop” BBQ Iberico Prime Ribs 4.2/5

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120-day Grain Fed Angus Beef Short Ribs 3.8/5

For mains, we feasted on the "Bone Drop" BBQ Iberico Prime Ribs ($39), served with fresh coleslaw and potato wedges. True to its name, the meat was tender, succulent, and finger-licking good, coated in a sticky, smoky BBQ glaze that hit all the right notes. The 120-day Grain Fed Angus Beef Short Ribs ($30), smoked tableside, could have been more tender but made up for it with a satisfyingly rich, beefy flavour.

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Fish & Chips 3.5/5

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Cajun Blackened Barramundi Fillet 3.8/5

From the sea, the classic Fish & Chips ($18) uses Barramundi fillet instead of the usual dory, which gave the dish a more flavourful bite. The thin and airy crust was especially enjoyable. The Cajun Blackened Barramundi Fillet ($25) was well-executed with just the right amount of char. The smoky flavour from the blackening added depth to the naturally sweet and moist fish.

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Spaghetti Prawn Aglio Olio 4/5

The Spaghetti Prawn Aglio Olio ($22) was a true crowd-pleaser. Tossed in a specially concocted Aglio Olio chilli, the al dente spaghetti was loaded with umami and a spicy kick. Slices of mushroom soaked up the sauce beautifully, adding layers of spicy, savoury richness to each bite.

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Desserts

Desserts were varied and playful. My personal favourite was the Deconstructed Apple Crumble ($9), which delighted with chunks of cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery crumble bits that offered a satisfying crunch. Though eggless, the Tiramisu ($9) was impressive — light mascarpone cream paired with bittersweet, generously boozy ladyfingers made for a decadent treat. As for the Crème Brûlée Cempedak ($10), the dessert itself was delectable, perfumed with fragrant cempedak and topped with a nicely caramelised crust. However, while delicious, the scoop of ice cream atop added a touch too much sweetness and softened the brûlée's crisp surface more than I'd like.

Photos and 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.


American Mass Hall
Lumiere
2 Mistri Road
#01-01
Singapore 079624
Tel: +65 9743 0116
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit D or H. Walk straight down Anson Road to Parsi Road. Turn left onto Parsi Road. Walk down Parsi Road towards Mistri Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]