Arteastiq @ Mandarin Gallery - Spending A Fulfilling Birthday Lunch

Spent my last birthday painting at Arteastiq and I had decided to do it again this year! 3 hours of solitude for half the price is so worth it (because there is one-for-one birthday promotion), coupled with a cup of their signature tea. It so happened that it is listed in Eatigo as well, which gives us 50% off its main courses at a stipulated time slot. Hence, we decided to head down to one of the outlets for a meal before starting our art jam. The service at its Plaza Singapura's outlet was so disappointing that we switched to Mandarin Gallery. Be it the space, the staff, the standards were up a notch.

Burrata with Grapefruit 3/5

We ordered 3 main courses, in which Gospel of Elves ($19) was just as great as an appertizer that comes with Burrata cheese and compressed grapefruit. Of course you don't expect the burrata to be as pillowy as that of a premium Italian restaurant but it was satisfying enough. The compressed grapefruit was tangy and its astringency balanced the milky burrata. What I didn't quite like was the idea of drizzling it with lavender olive oil. The taste of lavender just doesn't gel with food.

Salted Egg Yolk Capellini 3.5/5

Symphony from the East ($23) is a crowd pleaser with its salted egg yolk cream coating every strand of the capellini. The pasta was light and its sauce had the right consistency. However, don't let the pasta sit for too long as they tend to stick together after a while. The prawns were the right match for the flavour. The only complain that I have is that the prawns should be cleaned more thoroughly.

Salmon Wellington 3.8/5

The Royal Princess ($27) was a stir to the appetite the moment it came. Enveloped within the thin and flaky crust is a complete slab of juicy salmon and minced mushroom. The crust remained crisp till the end of my meal. Coming from a pie when the fillings are usually heavily seasoned and dry, I didn't expect the salmon to be so fresh and moist and it filled up almost every inch of the crust, even the four corners. The tangy sour cream sauce at the side complements the fatty salmon. The greens which is sauteed cabbage and asparagus, perhaps can be improved.

What a fulfilling lunch! The standard and quality of their food way surpass my expectations. It would have wrapped up my day perfectly should I be able to continue my art jam. But alas, the venue was closed for a private event. Hence, for both the dining and art jam, please do remember to make a reservation before making your way down as it can get pretty crowded even on weekdays.

Written and photography 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.



Arteastiq
Mandarin Gallery
333A Orchard Road
#04-14/15
Singapore 238867
Tel: +65 62358370
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left on Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 mins. [Map]

136 Hong Kong Street Teochew Fish Head Steamboat @ Clementi West Street 2 - Popular Claypot Mee Tai Mak Has Moved To The West

It is my great pleasure to announce that the popular zichar stall, 136 Hong Kong Street Teochew Fish Head Steamboat has moved from Toa Payoh to Clementi. Taking the social media by storm for its Claypot Mee Tai Mak, I am so happy that the stall has moved from central to the west, which is so much nearer to my home now. In fact, I have already visited the place 3 times since its opening

Claypot Mee Tai Mak 4.2/5

As there was 2 of us, we order the medium size Claypot Mee Tai Mak ($8) which is good for two person. The hot piping pot of mee tai mak is cooked in savoury black sauce that is instrumental in bringing the whole dish together. The addition of minced meat and diced kai lan provided the needed lift in textures. On top of that, the mee tai mak is brilliantly infused with the aromatic wok hei for an enjoyment experience.

To go with our claypot mee tai mak, we ordered a plate of Salted Egg Yolk Pork Ribs ($10). Deep fried to golden with a delectable crispy exterior that is marinated in a grainy salted egg yolk sauce. The addition of chilli padi and curry leaves, gave the tender pork ribs a spicy kick that did not overpower it but instead enhanced the whole execution.

Salted Egg Yolk Pork Ribs 4.2/5

I have read that the zichar stall is very popular when it is in Toa Payoh, however I did not encounter the crowd at their new location yet. Maybe they are still new to the neighbourhood and it will take a while for words to get around. I also think the zichar stall owner needs to speak to the coffeeshop owner about brightening up the place to attract traffic. Although the coffeeshop is located along the main road, I have passed by it several times in the afternoon and thought it was closed due to the dim lighting.


[CLOSED]
136 Hong Kong Street Teochew Fish Head Steamboat
Blk 713 Clement West Street 2
#01-115
Singapore 120713
Tel: +65 82883368
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Clementi Bus Interchange (Stop ID 17009). Take bus number 282. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Antoinette @ Penhas Road - 23 Chocolate Creations To Satisfy Your Chocolate Fetish

Following the successful launch of the Fetish Matcha, Chef Pang introduces his second instalment - Chocolat Fetish. The latest instalment will be available from 01 September to 31 October 2016. A total of 23 creations, crafted from premium white and dark Valrhona chocolate. It is a chocolate heaven for the latest collection with both savoury and sweet items. While there are a total of 23 chocolate creations, only 4 of these are savoury items and they are not available Mandarin Gallery.

Roasted Carrot with Balsamic Dark Chocolate Dressing 4/5

From the savoury menu, we started with the Roasted Carrot with Balsamic Dark Chocolate Dressing ($18). Considering the richness of chocolate, this is actually a light starter with the dark chocolate balsamic sauce on the side to complement the oven roasted carrot and serrano ham.

Chocolate Ravioli 4/5

The Chocolate Ravioli ($22) is filled with wild mushroom ragout and cooked in a light sausage cream sauce. The texture of the chocolate pasta skin and the mushroom ragout works for me. It is a excellent dish on its own, minus the fact that it really need a trained tongue to detect the trace of chocolate.

Sous Vide Salmon with White Chocolate Hollandaise 4.8/5

The savoury dish that got everyone's acknowlegement is the Sous Vide Salmon with White Chocolate Hollandaise ($28). Besides the beautifully cooked salmon, it also comes with potato puree and caramelized fennel, onion and apple salad. The star has to be the white chocolate sauce that is made from a concoction of cream, vinegar white and sherry, milk, white chocolate and lemon juice. It complemented the moist salmon perfectly and it did not lose its chocolate characteristic.

Braised Wagyu Brisket 3.5/5

The very instant the Braised Wagyu Brisket ($30) was served, I thought I detected vegemite It was actually the mustard and dark chocolate that there the brisket was cooked in. However I thought the buttered parpadelle stole the limelight from the dark chocolate.

Tarte Chocolat 4/5

Moving on to the cakes and macarons section, we started with the Tarte Chocolat ($10). The chocolate almond tart is filled with caramel fleur de sel with roasted nuts, dark chocolate ganache, chocolate Chantilly chocolate. A chocolately and nutty combination that will be well received by many.

Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake 4.5/5

Amount the numerous cakes on the shelf, my favourite is the strawberry shortcake because of its lightness. The chocolate interpretation of my favourite cake won not only my heart but my palate too. The Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake ($10) consists of chocolate genoise with chocolate Chantilly and fresh strawberry. I thought it would be too rich for my liking but it turned out otherwise. It was moist, light and well balanced.

Orangier 4/5

For those that adores the richness of chocolate, then the Orangier ($10) would be the one for you. The sexy slice of cake consists of creamy matcha ganache layered with a m4 layered chocolate cake with a light chocolate ganache, hazelnut feullitine and orange marmaladeilk chocolate yuzu ganache enrobed in milk chocolate.

Macaron Burger 3.5/5

What a stunning presentation in the Macaron Burger ($12). The details are so well thought of. There are many components making up the burger such as the chocolate macaron, chocolate ganache patty, apricot cheese, raspberry ketchup, salted caramel cream mustard and white chocolate lettuce. Give me a beer for my burger. Oh I mean give me a cup of tea.

Trufflette 4.2/5

On did I find a black truffle at Antoinette? I was disappointed when I cut into the truffle. I thought I have strike gold but its actually a cake. The Trufflette ($15) is made up of dark chocolate mousse, black truffle cremeux, chocolate genoise and hazelnut feullitine. The addition of the black truffle cremeux has accentuated the flavour to a new level that is new to me which I enjoyed.

Invader Inside 4.5/5

Comes in a can, there is some fun element in it. The Invader Inside ($15) has 10 different chocolate textures in it. I will keep in a mystery what you can find inside. It is for our to open that treasure can and discover the chocolate yourself.

Chocolate Pancake 4/5

Chef Pang has up the gear with the Chocolate Pancake ($18). The stack of chocolate flavoured pancakes is drenched in a warm chocolate sauce and topped with banana nut crunch and flambed caramelized banana. A sinful but delicious dessert on a plate.

Chocolate French Toast 4.8/5

The Chocolate French Toast ($18) which is made using the soft brioche. The soft bread is not only infused with chocolate but housed a luscious chocolate lava inside. The banana nut crunch cereal provided the extra contrast to the texture. This is the ultimate chocolate heaven for me. A not to be missed dish on the menu if you are a chocolate fan.

Flaming Chocolate Ice Cream 3.5/5

Encased in a chocolate sphere is the Flaming Chocolate Ice Cream ($22). Upon pouring the flaming Grand Marnier over the sphere, it revealed a creamy white matcha ganache with almond nougatine and matcha cake enrobed with milk dark chocolate ice cream, exotic fruit compote and almond crumble inside. I am not a fan of alcohol with chocolate so in my personal preference, this kind of throw the balance off, not allowing me to appreciate the sweetness and richness of the chocolate.

For sweet treats, you will be delighted by the selection that is available for the fetish chocolate creation. On the platter, we were given samples of the Chocolate Rice Crispies, Chocolate with Tea (lapsang souchong, earl grey, assam, jasmine), Crispy Bacon, Almond Butter Rusk, White Chocolate Matcha, Chocoron and Salted Egg Truffle. My favourite among all is the salted egg truffle. I like it so much that I got a box home.

Hot Chocolate Yuzu with Marshmallow Cloud 3/5

There are even 2 new chocolate beverage creation for the fetish chocolate campaign. There is the Hot Chocolate Yuzu ($29) which comes with a marshmallow cloud. It is another instagrammable creation that will probably draw the crowd to the restaurant. I did not like addition of yuzu in the beverage, it somehow distort the balance for me. I just want my hot chocolate with marshmallow.

Hot Chocolate Earl Grey with Croissant Croutons 4.5/5

Of the two beverage creations, I definitely prefer the Hot Chocolate Earl Grey with Croissant Croutons ($9) more. The earl grey has hard noticeable. All I got was just the rich creamy chocolate, the way I like it. What's more we have the croissant croutons to soak up that chocolatey sweetness.

Besides the array of chocolate creations that is a chocolate heaven for chocolate lovers. The fetish chocolate campaign also dispel the notion that chocolate has only a certain way of enjoying it. This is is an exploration as well as educational of all the senses, taking chocolate to a whole new level.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Antoinette 
30 Penhas Road
Singapore 208188
Tel: +65 62933121
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thur: 11am - 10pm
Fri & Eve PH: 11am - 11pm
Sat: 10am - 11pm
Sun & PH: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to V Hotel Lavender. Walk down Horne Road and turn right onto Penhas Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Gills & Shells @ Hotel Boss - Hidden Find Behind The Hotel

Hotel Boss is a new hotel that has recently opened in Lavender, Singapore. I have been to some of the food establishments in the vicinity such as Founder Bak Kut Teh but I did not know that behind the hotel, along the canal, there are also a few food establishments which is not visible from the main street.

Beergarita 3.5/5

If you are looking for somewhere to chill, Gills & Shells has a bar offering a good selections of cocktails and mocktails. For my pre-dinner dinrk, I opted for the Beergarita ($22.90) that consists of Corona, Tequila, Triple Sec and Lime Juice. A light drink to kick start the dinner.

Spicy Buffalo Frog Legs 4/5

We were quite taken back when the Spicy Buffalo Frog Legs ($16.90) was served. The size of the frog legs were huge, fat and juicy. I enjoyed the re-interpretation of the buffalo wings, replacing it with the frog legs. A good change from the usual.

Half Dozen Freshly Shucked Oysters 4/5

Depend on the season and supply, Gills & Shells offers fresh shucked oysters from varies countries. The Freshly Shucked Oysters ($22.90 half dozen) is served with homemade marmalade and French red wine vinegar sauce.

Clams and Mussel 4/5

Another shellfish dish on the menu is the Clams and Mussels ($15.90). The shellfishes are cooked in a spicy white wine clear broth with herbs, garlic, onions & chilli. It is best to enjoy the broth by dunking the focaccia toast into it to soak up the beautiful flavour.

Lobster Roll 3.8/5

I was craving for a glass of beer when I had the Lobster Roll ($24.90) tossed in the delectable Chef's specialty sauce. Sandwiched in between the bun is chunky pieces of succulent lobster meat. The dish also comes with a choice of rice (pilaf), fries or mashed potatoes.

Truffle Infused Cod 4.5/5

The dish that stole my heart at Gills & Shells is the Truffle Infused Cod ($24.90). The highlight of the dish was not the truffle but the chye poh topping. The Asian influenced pairing of chye poh with cod fish works excellently, complementing each other. In fact, the truffle was not necessary to me. I would rather let the chye poh be the star. It comes with a choice of rice (pilaf), fries or mashed potatoes.

Salted Egg Pasta with Tiger Prawns 4.2/5

Hae Bee Hiam Pasta with Soft Shell Crab 4/5

The Salted Egg Pasta with Tiger Prawns ($18.90) and Hae Bee Hiam Pasta with Soft Shell Crab ($18.90) is two new additions to the menu. The salted egg pasta is slightly different from the norm. On top of the salted egg sauce, there is a peppery kick to it. It felt like having aglio olio pasta with black pepper salted egg sauce. A different execution of the salted egg yolk sauce which delighted my palate. The Hae Bee Hiam Pasta with Soft Shell Crab is the other Asian influenced dish on the menu. The dried shrimp chilli tossed together with the pasta provided that extra lift in flavour.

To be frank, I did not have much high expectation of the food until I tried them. I was pleasantly surprised that the kitchen did a good job. My most memorable dishes are the spicy buffalo frog legs, cod fish and pastas.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Gills & Shells
Hotel Boss
500 Jalan Sultan
#01-19
Singapore
Tel: +65 64932238
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 3pm - 1am

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Continue walking down Kallang Road towards Victoria Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Crystal Jade Prestige @ Marina Bay Financial Centre - A Refined Dining Experience At Its Latest Outlet

The home grown brand Crystal Jade has unveiled its latest outlet at Marina Bay Financial Centre, Ground Plaza. Crystal Jade Prestige is the first in the central business district, is an ideal venue for hosting business luncheons for VIP guests or gathering with friends and family.

Deep Fried Scallop with Salted Egg Yolk 4/5

Dinner at the newest restaurant started with the Deep Fried Scallop with Salted Egg Yolk ($20). The plump scallop encased by the crispy batter is delicately paired with the avocado sauce and chilled tomato.

Roasted Baby Suckling Pig Rolled with Black Truffle Pearl Rice 4.5/5

I would strong recommend you to try the Roasted Baby Suckling Pig Rolled with Black Truffle Pearl Rice ($20/pc, $168/half pig, $328/whole pig). I am sure this will impressed your guest too. Much affect and skill are needed to carve the crackling skin from the suckling pig and rolled with Japanese short grain pearl rice infused with aromatic truffle and abalone sauce. It is best to call early to reserve it as limited availability each day.

Double Boiled Morel Mushroom & Bamboo Pith Soup 4.5/5

The Double Boiled Morel Mushroom & Bamboo Pith Soup ($18) is another impressive dish. Doubled boiled with the sweet coconut juice, it emits a fragrant coconut scent and well infused the fruity flavour with the essences of the premium ingredients. Whats more, the flesh of the coconut can be eaten too.

Tea Smoked Roasted Duck 4.5/5

The Tea Smoked Roasted Duck ($78/duck) is one of the signature at Crystal Jade Prestige. Taking a good 30 hours of meticulous preparation involving marination, roasting, basting and smoking. The golden tanned duck when presented at table side, filled the room with the smoky fragrance.

The Tea Smoked Duck is carved at table side into three various parts - the crispy skin, thigh meat and breast meat. The crispy skin is best enjoy by dipping it with sugar.

For the thigh and breast meat, it is enjoy in the traditional way of wrapping it with soft crepe, pair with cucumber, scallion and a savoury sauce.

Pan Fried Beancurd with Black Truffle Sauce 4.2/5

Another note worthy dish is the Pan Fried Beancurd with Black Truffle Sauce ($8.80). The silky soft beancurd is infused with squid ink. Kombu is wrapped around the beancurd and deep fried to crispy for a contrasting layers of enjoyment.

Pan Fried Minced Fish Noodle with Scallop 4.2/5

For Chinese dinner, we usually like to end with a rice or noodle dish. For something same but yet not the same is Pan Fried Minced Fish Noodle with Scallop ($12). The noodle made using fish paste is flavourful and comes with a delectable firm bite.

Deep Fried Durian Ice Cream with Mango Puree 4/5

Wrapping up the dinner on a sweet note, I gone for the Deep Fried Durian Ice Cream with Mango Puree ($8.50). I thought that the dessert is very worth it with it serving portion and you get to enjoy two different dessert in one dish, the durian ice cream and mango puree.


[CLOSED]
Crystal Jade Prestige
Marina Bay Financial Centre
Ground Plaza
8A Marina Boulevard
#02-01
Singapore 018984
Tel: +65 65099493
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Marina Bay (NS Line, CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri, 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 11am - 330pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Downtown Line MRT station. Take Exit C. Cross the road. Walk to Ground Plaza. Take lift to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Marina Bay MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road. Walk to Ground Plaza. Take lift to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Rice & Fries @ Changi Road - Passion, Consistency and Quality Food in Neighbourhood Restaurant

It has been almost 3 years since I last visited Rice & Fries at Changi Road. In this competitive F&B scene, I have seen so many restaurants come and go. I am glad that Chef Ken and his team are still hanging around, delicately dishing out delicious food to their customers.  This time I am back again to check out their new menu.

Spam Bots 4.5/5

The Spam Bots ($9.80) is probably the best spam fries I have tried. What I like about the luncheon meat frites is the crispy exterior while the innard still retain the moist texture, unlike most places that deep fried everything to a dry almost crispy texture. It also comes with a salt egg yolk dip that made it even more addictive.

Chicken Wings 4/5

Another great snack bite is the Chicken Wings ($6.80 for 2pc). Deep fried to crispy with juicy interior, this is a delectable starter for sharing.

Somersby Apple Cider 4.5/5

The ice cold Somersby Apple Cider which is light and refreshing, is perfect to go with the spam bots and chicken wings. Rice & Fries also serve it in an interesting way, instead of just drinking it straight from the bottom. The bottle is inverted and dunk into a glass of ice of a cool enjoyment.

French Onion Soup 4/5

On the new revamped menu, we tried both the French Onion Soup ($6.80) and Lobster Bisque ($12.80). Quite a well executed dish whereby I can taste the rich beef broth together with the sweetness of the carmalized onions coming together. Instead of the toasted garlic bread at the side, it will be even better if the french onion soup is topped with crouton and cheese.

Lobster Bisque 3.8/5

The Lobster Bisque ($12.8) comes in a gorgeous thick and creamy lobster seafood bisque with crab meat, served with a toasted garlic bread. I enjoyed the bowl of soup but I thought it leaned more towards a seafood soup rather than a lobster bisque. Hence I think the dish name was a bit misleading until I read the description in details.

Salted Egg Yolk Pasta 4.2/5

One of the bestseller at Rice & Fries is the Salted Egg Yolk Pasta ($19.80) topped with a deep fried soft shell crab. The version at Rice & Fries is rich, intense and creamier, coating every stand of the pasta. On top of that, the used of curry leaves lifted the flavour, giving it an extra oomph.

BBQ Pork Ribs 4/5

The BBQ Pork Ribs ($22.80) is one dish that we have mixed options. The rack of ribs was cooked to a nice tender, falling off the bone with ease. The meat also comes with a hint of smokiness. I find that the sweet house special bbq sauce enhances the whole enjoyment of the dish but my dining partner feels that it is too sweet. That's why taste is always subjective. You can't satisfy everyone's palate.

Crab & Lobster Risotto 4.5/5

Among the mains I tried. The Crab & Lobster Risotto ($21.80) is probably my favourite. The risotto is cooked to an enjoyable grainy bite texture which is how I like it. The risotto is also well infused with the rich and intense lobster bisque, packed with generous serving of crab meat.

Lemon Tart 3/5

Wrapping up the dinner, we have the Lemon Tart ($6.80) and Dark Chocolate Lava Cake ($9.80). The pastry case of the lemon tart was a little under baked during our visit. It did not have the biscuity texture. Nevertheless, the lemon custard is well balanced, not overly sour which at time can be quite unpalatable.

Dark Chocolate Lava Cake 3.5/5

The Dark Chocolate Lava Cake ($9.80) with vanilla ice cream fares better than the lemon tart. The warm molten lava cake has a crusty surface that adds a layer of texture enjoyment amid the chocolate lava centre and moist body.

Overall, I have enjoyed my meal at Rice & Fries. It is great to come back to a restaurant to know that they have kept their passion, consistency and quality in dishing our beautiful food to their customers. For people living in the Kembangan area, I envy you for having such a good neighbourhood restaurant in your vicinity.


Rice & Fries
484 Changi Road
Singapore 419896
Tel: +65 97386648
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Kembangan (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm
Tue: 6pm - 11pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 12pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Kembangan MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road at Sims Ave East. Walk along the canal to Changi Road. Cross the road and turn left. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]