Offbeat @ Far East Square - Asian-inspired Dishes by Coq & Balls

Offbeat, located in Far East Square, introduces the latest dining concept by Coq & Balls. The food menu showcases Asian-inspired dishes, ranging from Bites and Tapas to Mains, Grills, and Roman-style pizzas.

Salmon Tartare 4/5

We started with the Salmon Tartare ($18.90), a delightful dish featuring marinated raw salmon tossed with avocado and baby radish, garnished with tobiko. To complement the creamy tartare, crispy black sesame rice crackers were provided for a textural contrast. The combination was mouthwatering, with occasional bursts of nuttiness from the black sesame crackers.

Spanish Squid 4.5/5

From the Flamed Grill section, we indulged in the Spanish Squid ($22.90) dressed with salted egg beurre blanc and sweet tare. The expertly prepared grilled squid was delicious. It boasted a firm yet tender texture and a delightful smoky flavour. While the salted egg sauce added that Asian twist, it didn't quite elevate the natural flavours of the squid as expected.

Tiger Prawn Laksa Spaghetti 3.8/5

Drop by Offbeat during lunch and enjoy their mains at a special lunchtime price, with add-ons available, such as a glass of wine for just $6. Most items are crafted with Asian flavours, such as Pulled Pork Bahn Mi and Wagyu Beef Krapao Rice Bowl. During our visit, we tried the Tiger Prawn Laksa Spaghetti ($16.90). The Laksa sauce was more complex and heady than other laksa pasta variants I've tried, slightly reminiscent of curry noodles. The prawns were succulent, pairing well with the al dente spaghetti.

Egg Quinoa Cauliflower 'fried rice' 4.8/5

While most of the lunch specials are richly flavoured, there are also lighter options such as the Egg Quinoa Cauliflower 'fried rice' ($14.90), served with roasted butternut squash pumpkin. The 'fried rice' was flavourful and satisfying, with delightful bites of fried egg, reminiscent of a traditional fried rice dish. The large chunks of pumpkin were soft and deliciously sweet, accented with a hint of smoky flavour. I also appreciated the added freshness from the greens and slices of baby radish, which enhanced the dish's overall taste.

Okonomiyaki Pinsa 3.8/5

Offbeat offers Pinsa, a Roman-style stretched pizza. We indulged in the Okonomiyaki Pinsa ($24.50), a hearty Asian fusion creation featuring bacon and prawns, topped with oozy mozzarella and finished off with a drizzle of mentaiko cream and a sprinkle of bonito flakes. The ciabatta pizza base was light and airy, perfectly complementing the rich pizza toppings. While it could get a tad salty after a while, it was a scrumptious dish meant for sharing.

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.


Offbeat by Coq & Balls
Far East Square
40 Pekin Street
#01-01
Singapore 048770
Tel: +65 6322 3835
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11:30am - 11pm
Fri: 11:30am - 12:30am
Sat: 5:30pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun & PH)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

LUCE by Davide Giacomelli @ InterContinental Singapore - launches new Italian Bistronomic Champagne Brunch

LUCE by Davide Giacomelli at InterContinental Singapore recently launched a new Italian Bistronomic Champagne Brunch, featuring an extensive buffet line of Cold Starters, Hot Specialities, Pinsas, desserts and live stations, jazzed up with the accompaniment of live music.

Charcuterie Room

One may start off from the Charcuterie Room, located right beside the main entrance of Luce. It impresses with a wide selection of imported cheese and cold cuts from Italy such as Grana Padano, Mozzarella, Taleggio, Mortadella and Cured Ham, all lined up with a slab of honeycomb as a centerpiece. Alongside the cheeses and cold cuts you will also find Bread and Condiments such as Focaccia, Baguettes, as well as interesting spreads Grissini Sundried Tomato Butter and Basil Pesto Butter.

Aged Parma Ham Wrapped Rock Melon

One of my favourite Cold starters is this Aged Parma Ham Wrapped Rock Melon - The parma ham had such a luscious bite to it, and its savouriness was well paired with the sweetness of the juicy rock melon.

One of the main drawn of the Champagne Brunch is the Seafood and Sashimi on Ice. Perfect with champagne, you will have your freshly- shucked oysters, Boston lobster, snow crab leg, tiger prawns, and sashimi.

Cheese Wheel Pasta Cacio e Pepe

Moving on to the Live Stations, Cheese Wheel Pasta Cacio e Pepe is also one of the highlights - made ala minute, you will have your freshly-prepared Mafaldine Pasta tossed inside a Parmesan Cheese Wheel. Best enjoy when its hot from the wheel!

And no brunch buffet is complete without a good roasted meat. At the Meat Carving station, enjoy Slow Oven Roasted Angus Beef Striploin, served with condiments such as caramelised onions and Dijon Mustard.

Orecchia di Elefante

Hot stations give you a taste of Italy, such as this specialty of Lombardy, the Orecchia di Elefante– a bone-in, thinly sliced tender veal meat that is breaded and fried. Known as the “elephant ear”, Chef Davide has his fried in clarified butter for richer flavours.

One of my favourites is the Eggs a l’ Amatriciana. Lovers of baked eggs dishes and runny yolk will definitely be awed by this brunch item. The golden yolks of the Cage Free Eggs were satisfyingly unctuous, and the tomato sauce which is loaded with with pancetta and perfectly cooked-down red onions was vibrant with flavours.

Spezzatino di Manzo is another hearty hot dish - Italian Beef Stew with Mediterranean Vegetables such as capsicums and mushrooms. Both the softened beef and vegetables were beautifully flavoured.

Hand-tossed Italian Pinsas

Pinsas station is a hot favourite with its variety of hand-tossed Italian Pinsas freshly made once each flavour runs out. There are classic flavours such as the Margherita and Four Cheese, but I quite fancy the fancier creation Rustica Pinsa, topped with Scamorza – an Italian cow’s milk cheese layered with Bacon, Zucchini and Potato.

Salad Bar

Club Salmon Norwegian

The Salad Bar is wholesome and vibrant with organic Vegetable from local farms. There is also a selection of finger food such as Club Sandwich Smoked Turkey, Club Salmon Norwegian and Chilled Marinated Heirloom Tomato Soup.

Bread & Butter Pudding

Crostata Pistachio Strawberry Frangipane

Crunchy Choux Pastries

The Dessert station allures you with a plethora of desserts handcrafted by Executive Pastry Chef Desmond Lee - The Crostata Pistachio Strawberry Frangipane is stunning with green pistachio hues and gorgeous red strawberries, Bread & Butter Pudding with Baileys Vanilla Sauce beckons with its beautiful golden crust and the petite Crunchy Choux Pastries look simply irresistible. And many more awaits.

Italian Bistronomic Champagne Brunch is available every Sunday 12 to 3pm. For a complete experience, get free flow Taittinger Champagne or Italian Franciacorta, Aperol Spritz and selected Cocktails and Wines at $158 or with free flow Prosecco, Peroni Beer, Aperol Spritz and soft drinks at $138.

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.


LUCE by Davide Giacomelli
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

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