Tres Sombreros @ Upper East Coast Road - New Mexican Eatery On Upper East Coast Road Serving Vibrant Mexican Feast

Opened late last year along Upper East Coast Road, Tres Sombreros is a vibrant Mexican restaurant offering various Mexican dishes, from tacos and burritos to chimichangas and quesadillas, as well as Mexican coffee and cocktails. The restaurant is spacious, with colourful murals and decorations, perfect for a casual dinner or a festive celebration.

Sangria 4.2/5, Virgin Mojito 4/5

We started off the meal with their signature Margaritas, cocktails or mocktails. I had a huge glass of their signature Sangria ($18), which is available in a jug for sharing, and a Virgin Mojito ($8), a refreshing beverage for the flavour-intense mains later on.

Nachos 3.8/5

The Nachos ($18) come with crispy corn chips, topped with a myriad of ingredients such as cheese, black olives, black olives, Jalapeno, sour cream, tomatoes, guacamole, and salsa sauce. If you're with a group of friends, you may also upgrade to the Ultimate Nachos with a choice of lamb or beef, which is fit for 3 to 4 pax.

Grilled Fish 3.5/5, Spicy Chipotle Shrimp 4/5

For the tacos, we opted for the Grilled Fish ($10) and Spicy Chipotle Shrimp ($10). Our favourite is Spicy Chipotle, and I enjoyed the juicy shrimp wrapped in the warm flour tortilla. Other options include the Pollo Asado (chicken), Birria Quesa (beef) and Carnitas (pork).

Birria Sliders 3.8/5

The Birria Sliders ($16) are pulled beef sliders served with Birria consomme to dunk it in. The meat is very soft and tender, with the Birria consomme adding more beefy flavours to the sliders.

Quesadilla 4.2/5

The Quesadilla ($19) comes packed with melted cheese and spiced lamb meat in a soft tortilla skin. These little pockets of spice and cheesiness are easy to pick up and dip into the salsa sauce.

Chimichanga 4/5

The Chimichanga ($26) consists of a fried crispy flour tortilla stuffed with chicken, cheese, black beans, and jalapeños. It is then topped with sour cream and pico de gallo. It also comes with sides of homemade salsa verde and guacamole. The portion size is huge, suitable for sharing between 2 pax.

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.


Tres Sombreros
77 Upper East Coast Road
#01-02
Singapore 455218
Tel: +65 86463571
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Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 10am - 2pm, 5pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Walk to Bedok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 84009). Take bus number 16. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Pura Brasa @ Guoco Tower - Popular Spanish Restaurant Chain Unveils New Weekend Brunch Menu

Originated from Spain, Pura Brasa at Guoco Tower is the place to go to if you want to have a taste of its famed high-quality, Josper-grilled Spanish dishes. The restaurant has specially curated a new weekend brunch menu for you with some of its signature Spanish dishes. Available every weekend from 12pm to 4pm, each set comes with 4 tapas, 2 main courses and 1 dessert, priced at $79.90 for 2 pax.

White Sangria

Other than the new Brunch offering, it also includes an option of 2-hour free-flow tipples of Cava, wines and beers for $39.90. Otherwise, the drinks menu is decent with a range of cocktails and alcohols, in which I had a light and refreshing White Sangria.

Tuna on Toast 4.2/5

We started off with Tuna on Toast, which was one of my favourite dishes on the set menu. The huge dollop of tuna was luscious but not overly creamy. Balancing its richness was a contrasting crispy toast, which was flaky like a puff pastry but without the presence of butter that would possibly make the entire bite overly heavy.

Homemade Spanish Croquettes 2.5/5

However, on the other hand, the Homemade Spanish Croquettes was a tad too cloyingly rich and possibly the least favourable croquette I had till date.

Josper® Grilled Wings 4/5

Pura Brasa may possibly be one of the very few places that you will get to try Josper® Grilled Wings, an elevated version from your usual grilled chicken wings. There wasn't much distraction from marination or seasoning, but just a simple layer of smokey flavour imparted from the grill that made these wings more superior than what's out there. The fries served along with it is a bonus!

Calamari Andalusian Style 4/5

I like this Calamari Andalusian Style too. Made with fresh squid rings, each ring was springy-tender with a nice contrasting crispy coat.

Charcoal Seafood Paella 4.2/5

The Mains include its best-selling dishes - Charcoal Seafood Paella and Josper® Grilled Spanish Pork Ribs. The rice of the paella was plump and firm, with added textural bites lent from green peas and diced prawns that were mixed within. Its sweet and tangy, tomatoey flavour profile, in comparison with the more highly flavoured tapas, made it even more moreish and delectable.

Josper® Grilled Spanish Pork Ribs 4.5/5

Josper® Grilled Spanish Pork Ribs is probably the item that brings customers back again and again. Again, similar to the chicken wings, the meat is seasoned minimally, which allows the smoky nuances of the meat to stand out. The meat was really tender and unctuous, but I thought a minute more on the grill, rendering more fats may make the ribs even more flavourful.

Churros 4/5

Dessert is two mini Churros They were crispy on the outside, and the core was slightly chewy. Served with thick, hot chocolate sauce, they were gone in minutes!

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.


Pura Brasa
Guoco Tower
5 Wallich Street
#01-16
Singapore 078881
Tel: +65 63869678
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun: 12pm - 11pm 

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Ginett Restaurant & Wine Bar @ Hotel G Singapore – A Fizzy Citrus Fiesta

Situated in the heart of Singapore's Arts District and also a ground floor tenant of Hotel G Singapore is Ginett Restaurant & Wine Bar which houses a contemporary all-day dining concept, offering superb french wines and hearty European fare since February 2017. Helmed by the acclaimed chef Sylvain Royer and also sister to the popular Scarlett Restaurant & Wine Bar in Bangkok and Hong Kong, expectations were naturally high.

Their delicious gourmet offerings are constantly refreshed to excite taste buds, and this November, an all new Fizzy Citrus Fiesta menu was introduced, rolling out a variety of exquisitely curated citrus infused dishes and mixes. Available till 2 January 2018, the new citrus menu features new appetisers, mains and desserts, not just gorgeously plated in a burst of refreshing, zesty flavours and vibrant colors, but also a boost to the nutritious well-being of diners as well.

Burrata Cheese 4/5

For starters, we had the Burrata Cheese ($32) which comes with green salad and mixed citrus garnish. While the burrata cheese boasts a soft, creamy texture, the beetroots added a nice crunch to the dish and the watermelon cubes had a subtle sweetness which balances the citrusy dressing.

Smoked Salmon Celeriac salad 4/5

The Smoked Salmon Celeriac Salad ($30) features smoked salmon and blood orange slices sitting on a bed of celeriac salad. Most may not be familiar with the celeriac, which is actually the root portion of the celery. It has a crunchy texture with a subtle sweetness and juiciness that goes well with the smoky, slightly salty smoked salmon, and sourness of the orange slices.

Pork Belly with Kaffir Lime Leaves 4.2/5

Moving on the mains, we had the Pork Belly with Kaffir Lime Leaves ($36) which comes with a side of pumpkin mash. With a thin layer of crisp skin on the outside, the tender pork belly had a nice ratio of fats and meat, albeit slightly tough when biten into. Perhaps the flavour of the pumpkin mash is too light to add any distinct dimensions to the taste of the pork belly but the kaffir leaves and little buds of plums lends a nice citrusy flavour to the dish.

Pan Seared Scallops 4.5/5

The Pan Seared Scallops ($36) comes in huge juicy pieces of scallops, perfectly seared to bring out its freshness. A classic yet ingenious combination with a bed of soft velvety mashed potatoes, the addition of pomelo salad further lifted the entire dish with a citrusy flavour that is a perfect complement to the rest of the ingredients.

Citrus Lemon Tart 4.2/5

To end off the meal, we had the Citrus Lemon Tart ($12) for desserts which comes in the form of a deconstructed lemon tart. A huge dollop of meringue sits centerpiece on lemon curd with smaller dollops of meringue nicely piped around. Pieces of crisp and buttery tart shells are placed around the dish for a “deconstructed” feel. The meringue – almost similar to the taste of fresh cream, light, soft and airy with a subtle sweetness. It was a well balance of flavours when paired with the tangy lemon curd. The sourness is non too cloying as well.

Grapefruit Sour Sangria 4/5

Besides the delectable mains, you can also indulge in cocktails specially concocted with a fizzy kick by mixology talents. We had the Grapefruit Sour Sangria ($16/gls) which boasts a strong citrusy flavour with a slight bitter aftertaste. A few orange slices are added to balance out the tartness of the grapefruit, making this drink a refreshing one.

Gin Fizz 4/5

The other cocktail on the citrus is the Ginz Fizz ($16/gls) is a classic mixed drink with a very light, sour citrusy note that settles well on the palate.

Australian Angus Beef Ribeye 4/5

Apart from the new citrus menu, we also had the Australian Angus Beef Ribeye ($42/300g) from the Charcoal Grill signature selections, served with crispy and fluffy potato wedges. Done medium rare, the steak was seasoned simply with salt and pepper, and grilled to a nice succulent texture on apple wood charcoal, delivering an excellent tenderness and juiciness in every bite. While the accompanying sauce may be a tad too salty, having the well-seasoned steak by itself already suffices as an enjoyment on its own.

Profiteroles 4.5/5

The Profiteroles ($12) features light chewy choux pastry shells, encasing huge dollops of creamy vanilla ice cream in between and complete with a generous drizzle of rich chocolate sauce from an accompanying small jug. A simple platter of desserts, yet well-executed and impressionable. Probably one of the most popular desserts in the restaurant. There were quite a number of tables ordering the same dish as well.

The restaurant also features an extensive menu for their weekdays’ lunch set, ladies night on Tuesdays where every group of 4 ladies gets a free bottle of rose or sparkling wine, as well as their weekends ala carte T.U.F. (Till U’re Full) brunch at only $42 per pax, where diners can choose from their wide selection of eggs, roasted meats and vegetables. Do note that their ongoing Fizzy Citrus Fiesta menu is only available till 2 January 2018. With so many menu options and dishes available, diners will be spoilt for choices over at Ginett.

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.


Ginett Restaurant & Wine Bar
Hotel G Singapore
200 Middle Road
Singapore 188980
Tel: +65 68097989
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Nearest MRT: Bencoolen (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast: 8am - 11am Daily
Lunch: 11am - 3pm (Mon-Fri)
Brunch: 11am - 4pm (Sat-Sun)
Dinner: 6pm - 12midnight (Sun-Thu), 6pm - 1am (Fri-Sat)

Direction:
1) Alight at Bencoolen MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to junction of Middle Road and Bencoolen Street. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Middle Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Urban Bites @ Telok Ayer Street - Modernizing Lebanese Food in Singapore

Urban Bites may sounds like a modern restaurant but what it offers is lesser known Lebanese cuisine. The restaurant is opened by Chef Ghazi Khanashat, who has earned the moniker "Godfather" of Lebanese cooking in Singapore, for he brought the cuisine to Singapore almost 16 years ago. His daughter, Christine is running the business with a young and talented Lebanese Executive Chef, Haroutioun Ara Sayegh, helming the kitchen. They duo want to revolutionise Lebanese food in Singapore by giving Chef Ghazi's dishes a modern flair.

Lebanese Sangria 4/5

Having just return from Spain, I am delight to see sangria on the beverage menu. I ordered the Lebanese Sangria ($26). The Lebanese sangria is made form a concoction of Jallab (dates, grape molasses, rose water), Lebanese red wine, fruit cocktail, and freshly squeezed lime juice. A sweet and refreshing drink to kick start my brunch.

Cheese Manouche 4.5/5

Urban Bites has recently launched its Saturday Brunch which is available on Saturday from 930am to 4pm. One of the new items on the brunch menu is the Cheese Manouche ($16). The freshly baked flat bread is stuffed with four different types of Lebanese cheese (jeddal, feta, mozzarella and akkawi), and sprinkled with onions and parsley. The fluffy flat bread has a nice exterior crisp which comes from being baked in the stone oven. It also has a slight hint of spiciness.

Egg with Lamb Shashouba 4.2/5

The other brunch item I enjoyed is the hearty and comforting Egg with Lamb Shashouba ($20). Using lamb shoulder, it is first marinated for 24 hour with Lebanese spices before being roasted. Served in a pan, it consists of pulled lamb and three poached eggs steeped in a fragrant housemade sauce made of fresh tomatoes, chilli peppers, cumin and onions. It is then crowned with feta cheese and deep fried kale leaves. To eat, you have to give is a good mix. I preferred to have it together with the bread which is served on the side. The whole experience felt like having our local egg and toast.

Fettet Cauliflower 3/5

For those that loves yogurt, you will like the Fettet Cauliflower ($15). It comes with garlic-chilli roasted cauliflower, toasted crunchy chickpeas, velvety yogurt, crispy pita chips and pomegranate seeds. A worthy note is that Chef Ara spends hours making the yogurt daily. Unfortunately I am not a fan of yogurt and I guess I preferred a something richer in taste.

Lebanese Big Breakfast 3.5/5

If you are not sure what to have for brunch, then the Lebanese Big Breakfast ($20) will allows you to have a bit of everything. It comprises of labneh yogurt cheese, fatted hummus and a hard boiled egg with an assortment of fresh vegetables and thick slices of homemade bread.

Hummus Original 4.5/5

From the a la carte menu, we tried the staple Hummus Original ($15). The mashed chickpeas with tahini, lemon juice and olive oil was simple but yet hearty. Best to have it together with the warm bread.

Falafel Salad 4/5

The Falafel Salad ($18) can be a meal on its own. It comprises of mesclun greens, cucumbers, beetroot, avocado, chia and sunflower seeds in a tahini dressing, topped with falafel patties. There are a lot of textures at play and the highlight for me is the crispy falafel packed with lovely flavours.

Mixed Grill 4.2/5

Good for sharing is the Mixed Grill ($33) which comes with four different charcoal grilled kebabs. Beautifully marinated, spiced and grilled to tender is the cubed chicken, cubed beef tenderloin, minced lamb and minced chicken. The plate also comes with fries, mesclun salad and toum. Toum is a light and airy Lebanese garlic dip that you need to tried. It goes very well with the different meats.

Osmaliyeh 4/5

Last but at least, we wrapped up our meal on a sweet note with the Osmaliyeh ($12). It comes in a layer of flash-fried crisp filo strings followed by another layer of sweet clotted cream. This is finished with slices of strawberries, crushed pistachio and more filo strings.

While Lebanese cuisine is still rather new to many Singaporean, I have enjoyed the food at Urban Bites, especially that they are freshly made from stretch. I am also great to see the younger generation taking over the baton, inherit the recipes and making effort to modernize it to suit and attract the young customers. I am a believer that food needs to progress with time too.


Urban Bites
161 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068615
Tel: +65 63279460
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 10pm
Sat: 930am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk along the covered walkway until the junction of Mccallum Street and Telok Ayer Street. Cross the junction and continue on Telok Ayer Street. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to junction of Telok Ayer Street and Upper Cross Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]