The Hungry Caveman @ Orchard Central - Electric Automated Barbecue Concept

Recently opened in Orchard Central, The Hungry Caveman brings to Singapore an electric automated barbecue concept. In partnership with China’s biggest BBQ chain - “某个时间全自动烧烤店”, who has approximately 138 outlets in China, expect old-aged caves as the interiors.

There is a wide selection of meat and vegetables. However, do note that the marinade on most of the dishes is spicy, those mala numbing type and they are not stated in the menu. I did not enjoy the marination as it does not complement some of the meat skewers but others might think otherwise.

Guava with Dried Orange Skin 4.2/5

I started off with the signature Guava with Dried Orange Skin because this will just open up your tastebuds to the dishes that are coming up. The guava pieces are thinly cut and are so refreshing with its sourness.

Signature Lamb & AUS Grain Fed Beef 3/5

Top selling dishes here include the Signature Lamb & AUS Grain Fed Beef. Unfortunately, the waiters here will not help you with the barbecue and this means you have to judge the food based on your own knowledge. Thus, my skewers turned out too tough.

Taiwan and German Pork Sausage 4/5

I was really into the Spear-The-Salmon Skewers as the barbecue gave them a charred taste while still being so smooth and flaky. Juices were flowing out with each bite, you just can’t stop at one. Do remember to keep a watch on these salmon as you don’t want to overcook them. Sausage skewers are also available. Personally, I preferred the Taiwan Sausage over the German Pork Sausage but they both had their different tastes. The sausages will burst upon contact with the heat from the barbecue and will be bursting with juices.

Bacon Enoki Skewer 4.5/5

Your mouth will water at the sight of the Bacon Enoki Skewer. Well, I am a bacon-lover so I might be biased but this is one of the dishes you can’t miss out on when you’re doing a barbecue

There were also many vegan friendly choices like the Oyster Mushroom, Shitake Mushroom and Grilled Sweet Corn. Also, there are ready cooked dishes like the Grill Golden Mushroom and Grill Eggplant that you can try.

Grilled Milk Man Tou 3/5

I expected the Grilled Milk Man Tou to turn out like the ones that always come with chilli crab but these man tous will come in their white and raw form. This man tou was probably a healthier version of the fried man tous since they are grilled so you may give it a try if you’re interested.

Grill Scallop Garlic Vermicelli 4.5/5

Another ready to eat dish you should try is the Grill Scallop Garlic Vermicelli. It comes in one piece only but the flavours were really nice and I liked how the vermicelli absorbed the garlic flavour.

The Hungry Caveman’s Healthy Soup 4.5/5

If you’re a soup person, do order The Hungry Caveman’s Healthy Soup, aka “Ge Da” soup in Chinese. It was my first time having such a different soup as this one was thick and packed with many ingredients like noodle bits, tomatoes, egg and vegetables.

Each table comes with fully-automated barbecue machines which allow diners to enjoy barbecued food at ease. However, the heat from the machine was too hot and made it quite hard for me to enjoy my food without trying to burn my face. I have been to another automated barbecue restaurant at Tanjong Pagar before this in which I had a better experience as the heat didn’t affect me at all, hence my base of comparison.

Photos and words by Vanessa Chia. A girl who has a passion for taking photos. Determined to always get better at what I am doing. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Hungry Caveman
Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
#06-25
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 66348871
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

Pig N Whistle Bistro & Bar @ Hexacube (Changi Road) - Great British Fare And Quality British Craft Beers & Ciders In The Heartland

Pig N Whistle recently opened at Hexacube, which is just around 5 minutes walk from Eunos MRT. It is really a nice place for you to have a drink at the bar and indulge in some delicious food at the same time. Even though there is no service charge here, the customer service is prompt, warm and friendly.

First of, the drinks serve here are really unique as they aren’t the typical beers or ciders that bars in Singapore serve. We are recommended the bottle ciders which was purely made out of apple juice and alcohol, no sugar is added. Ciders like Somersby usually has sugar added, and here at Pig N Whistle, they want it to be all natural for health reasons.

As I’m a sweet person, I would recommend the Sheppy’s Cloudy Cider ($12) with ribena (only upon request at the bar) or even the Sheppy’s Raspberry Cider, in which they add real raspberry juice in the drink. Another drink you should give a go is their Caramel Vodka ($10) which they make in-house by mixing salted caramel and vodka for 10 days. You’ll never get something like this elsewhere.

Vegan Burger 4/5

For burgers, they had a vegan option called the Vegan Burger ($16.90) which uses yellow beans, capsicum, spanish onions, swiss brown mushrooms, carrot and herbs in their patty. As you can tell, a lot of effort goes into making this burger an unforgettable experience for those who give it a go.

Fish & Chips 4/5

The Fish & Chips ($15.90) here has a really crispy and flavourful house made beer batter that has its own British twist. Something else that is really unique is the mushy peas at the side that is served in English cuisines. It is boiled till the skins fall out and then mashed to a certain consistency before being served.

Pork Chop 4.5/5

The star for me was the Pork Chop ($18.90) and I loved how they use free range pigs that have 10,000 acres to roam. It is well seasoned and served with a side of British gravy that I would die for. The British gravy also goes very well with the creamy mash potatoes.

Full Monty 4/5

If you’re planning to visit this place on weekends, you’ll love the Full Monty ($18.50) here which consisted of 2 eggs, 2 bacons, 2 sausages, 2 hash browns, black pudding, mushrooms, beans, and bread/toast. The fat and juicy sausages are made of 70% pork meat, 30% fat and 3 secret spices. It will have you wanting more of it with that robust flavours. You might also be wondering what is the black pudding? It’s actually an English name for blood sausage which had an acquired taste. If you think this portion is too much for you, they can have a Half Monty ($14.50).

Burrito 4/5

Under the snack section, there is the Burrito ($12.90). Honestly, it’s a full meal itself at 12-inch. It is stuffed with egg, bacon, potato, cheddar cheese, capsicum, lettuce, tomato, onion and a chili salsa, finished with a nicely grilled tortilla. The chili salsa was pretty spicy for me as I can’t really take spicy food but you might love this salsa as it is house-made too. Plus, for the size, it is super value for money.

If you come at Happy Hours, the House Wines & Spirits are 15% off and Snacks are 10% off. The Happy Hours are Saturday and Sunday,12pm to 7pm, and Monday to Friday, 5pm-8pm.

Photos and words by Vanessa Chia. A girl who has a passion for taking photos. Determined to always get better at what I am doing. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Pig N Whistle Bistro & Bar
Hexacube
160 Changi Road
#01-08
Singapore 419728
Tel: +65 67474367
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Nearest MRT: Eunos (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 5pm - 1am
Sat: 12pm - 1am
Sun: 10am - 1am

Direction:
1) Alight at Eunos MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic light and across the road. Turn right and go around the estate to Changi Road. Cross Changi Road, turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Icehaus @ Alley on 25 - Buffet Style Superfood Salad Lounge

Located on the 25th floor of Andaz Singapore, Icehaus has recently launched a do-it-yourself (DIY) superfood salad lounge. Available for weekdays lunch ($18) and dinner ($28), this buffet style superfood Salad Bar includes the usual darlings such as kale, quinoa, assorted salad nuts and seeds condiments such as pine nuts, chia seeds etc.

As to why this superfood concept, the background of how it came about is similar to most of the superfood offerings around - not only to promote wellness for the body but for the mind as well. You are given the autonomy to make your own plate, in an open and relaxing space. And elevating that experience is knowing that what you are consuming are mostly sustainable sourced produce, such as the organic kale, arugula, radicchio and endives that form your salad bases.

Homemade Soup

Not everything has to be raw and cold. There's always a bowl of home-made soup of the day to warm your spirit after a hectic morning, featuring all time favourites such as cream of mushroom, cream of broccoli, roasted tomatoes, pumpkin and more. My Cream of Cauliflower was yummy with toasted sourdough (done upon request). I started my lunch with that and ended my meal with that!

Being able to make my mountain of salad mix and seeing it bright and sunny lifts my mood instantly. One of my favourite toppings is the Grilled Red Bell Pepper. Other than the toppings, there will also be a rotation of different lean proteins on the menu such as Tuna, Ham, Chicken, Cage-free Eggs and Italian Mortadella Sausage. Certainly, you will love the creamy, orangey egg yolk of the cage-free egg as much as I did.

Make your salad slightly more indulgent with big slabs of cheese! Pair your salads with free-flow home-made Andaz Iced Tea. Concocted with a blend of Singapore breakfast tea and citrus fruits, the breakfast tea comes with a syrup infused with pandan leaves, which is meant not just to provide a great aroma but also to boost detoxifying and healing properties to this black tea. I thought it would be even better if it could come in a warm option.

Pandan Chiffon Cake

What's missing from this Superfood Salad Lounge is probably a guilt-free dessert. But a guilt-free dessert doesn't always satisfy, so why not settle for something more authentic such as this Pandan Chiffon Cake ($14). What's unique about Andaz's chiffon cakes is that each come with a layer of coating. Available in 8 flavours, I had the Black Sesame flavour. While I don't fancy the glaze at the outermost layer, I quite like the layer of black sesame cream which goes pretty well with the soft chiffon cake. The vanilla soft serve at the side seems to have the ability to melt everything into one.

For dinner, the salad lounge will feature additional premium chilled seafood and cheese stations such as smoked salmon, tiger prawns, Comte cheese, Brie and Fourme d'ambert. If you are here for dinner, the view here may make it worth while to top up $30 for unlimited glasses of their Wine of the Month, featuring only sustainable, biodynamic, organic or vegan wines.

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.


Icehaus
Andaz Singapore
Level 25
5 Fraser Street
Singapore 189354
Tel: +65 64081288
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 10pm

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

Atrium @ Pan Pacific Singapore - Launches New Weekend High Tea Buffet With Peranakan And English Delights

Atrium at Pan Pacific Singapore launches a new Weekend Afternoon Tea Buffet, which takes places on every weekend from 2:30pm to 5:30pm, where it will feature a variety of English and Peranakan signatures, enhanced with Nyonya highlights dishing out at live stations helmed by Pan Pacific Singapore chefs.

Served on a 22-metres long bar, diners can literally take a trip down memory lane with the nostalgic Peranakan signatures, such as the Nyonya Kueh, and Heritage Coconut Scones with Kaya and Pineapple Jam.

Not to be missed are all-time favourites – the D-I-Y Kueh Pie Tee. Make your own Kueh Pie Tee by your crispy tart shells with cooked turnip, vegetables, egg yolk and fresh shrimps.

The Nyonya Chicken Curry with French Baguette has a thick coconuty aroma with flavourful chicken and potato chunks. Best paired with the crispy French Baguette. Diners can also pop by the live stations serving Popiah with Sweet Turnips and Condiments and the hearty Pacific Lobster Laksa, a recipe created by the resident Nyonya Chef Nancy Teo.

Apart from the classics, delve deeper into the Orient with the unique East-Meets-West dishes where the chefs infuse Peranakan ingredients and spices into dishes. Expect Peranakan Pork Sausage with Achar, Otah Quiche, Ayam Panggang Skewers to excite taste buds.

Those who prefer a quintessential English afternoon tea can look forward to a curated lineup of finger sandwiches such as the Organic Egg Mayonnaise English Cucumber Sandwich.

Indulge in savoury delights including Roasted Beef and Apple Remoulade on Ciabatta, Norwegian Salmon and Fruit Puree on Malt Toast and Foie Gras Terrine and Fig Marmalade on Brioche.

Not to be missed is the Mini Wagyu Beef Sliders, which feature mini-sized tender beef meat with melted cheese in between pillowy slider buns.

Round up the weekend high tea with a plethora of petite sweets such as the Blueberry Cheesecake and Strawberry Pistachio Shortcake. Starring the cake of the month (April) - Matcha Opera Entremet. The cake flavour changes every month to excite tastebuds, so you will be in for a surprise with something different served in the following month.

One of my favourites is the fragrant and fluffy Pandan Gula Melaka Chiffon Cake, which is made using fresh juice extracted from pandan leaves and authentic Gula Melaka from Malacca. Expect intricate and delicious desserts such as the Araguani Hazelnut Royaltine Entremet as well.

Among the various sweets available, the buffet line also features a series of colourful macarons and homemade Bonbons with different flavours. It incorporates the bright colours, intricate beading and rich embroidery to reflect the elements of the Peranakan culture.

The Nostalgic Weekend High Tea Buffet comes with two beverages of your choice. New additions to the beverage menu include two special cold brew teas – the Earl Grey infused with Orange and Cinnamon and Chamomile infused with Berries. For those who prefer the freshly brewed tea or coffee, pair the delectable canapés with a range of TWG teas or Lavazza coffee.

Nostalgic Weekend High Tea Buffet
Date: From 24 March 2018, every Saturday and Sunday*
Price: $48 per person, includes two beverages from the high tea menu.
All prices are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing Goods & Services Tax.
*Blackout dates apply, including eve of and on Public Holidays.

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.


Atrium @ Pan Pacific Singapore
Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore
Level 3
7 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039595
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sat-Sun: 230pm - 530pm

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

Pastaria Abate @ Craig Road - No Frill Italian Restaurant with Handmade Pasta

If you are like me visiting Pastaria Abate at Craig Road for the first time, you would think that it is a full service restaurant. Apart from the beautiful decor of the restaurant, that make you feel that you are in Italy, this place is actually no frill. You have to order from the cashier, collect your own food, utensils and even serve your own drink. I am not complaining as long as the food is good and reasonable priced.

Fettucine Pasta Italian Meatballs 3.8/5

Pastaria Abate is known for its homemade pasta. They made 4 different types of pastas - Tagliatelle, Fettucine, Tagliarini and Pappardelle. Ordering here is pretty simple, choose the type of pasta and follow by the sauce. I decided to go for the Fettucine with Italian Meatballs ($12.80). It comes with 2 huge handformed meatballs that is soft and tender. The meatballs are first pan seared and then stewed. While I love the meatballs and the sauce, I felt that pasta was a bit too soft, kind of overcooked.

Spaghetti Italian Sausages 4/5

Not all the pasta at Pastaria Abate is homemade, such as the Spaghetti Italian Sausages ($12.80). It comes with hom homemade skinless Italian sausages in Marinara sauce. The kitchen has got the timing right for the spaghetti, it has a nice bite to it.  While the skinless italian sausages are lovely, I thought it is a bit little.

Besides the pasta, you can also find other appetisers, mains and desserts on the menu. I didn't try them but I think they are quite reasonable priced. Most of the appetisers are reasonable priced around $8.80 while the mains range between $12.80 and $15.80.

While the pasta dishes here are good, do not expect top notch service here. Even the plate used are those canteen, metal type. Its basically a no frill Italian restaurant.


Pastaria Abate
43 Craig Road
Singapore 089681
Tel: +65 69090672
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1130pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Lunar New Year Celebration At Jiang Nan Chun (江南春), Four Seaons Hotel Singapore

For the upcoming Lunar New Year, Jiang Nan Chun (江南春) at Four Seaons Hotel Singapore has specially crafted a range of sumptuous delicacies and specialty menus for family or business festive feasting.

Prosperity Salmon Yu Sheng with Abalone, Japanese Surf Clams and Bird's Nest 4.2/5

A must in every Chinese New Year is the Yu Sheng, tossing to a prosperous and abundant Year of the Dog. Available for dine-in and takeaway at Jiang Nan Chun is the Prosperity Salmon Yu Sheng ($98/$138) with abalone, Japanese Surf Clams and Bird's Nest. Besides the usual shredded vegetables, what stood out is the crispy vermicelli and fried potato strips giving the yu sheng an extra crunch in texture complemented by the dressing of plum sauce and pineapple paste.

Trio of Starter 4/5

Next, we have a trio of starter giving u a glimpse of the offering on the menu. The platter consists of
Roasted Spanish Iberico Pork with Honey Glaze, Greenhouse Tomatoes in Plum Sauce and Poached Chicken in Chinese Wine. My favourite is the roasted spanish iberico park which is a premium version of our local char siew for its succulent texture.

Doubled-boiled Pork Ribs Soup with Sea Whelk, Maka and Dried Scallops 4.2/5

The Doubled-boiled Pork Ribs Soup ($38/pax) with Sea Whelk, Maka and Dried Scallops is a comforting and nourishing bowl of soup. The bowl of soup is packed with depth, drawn from extracting the essence of the ingredients through double boiling.

Wok-fried Boston Lobster in Black Bean Sauce 4.2/5

Most lobster dishes are usually baked or poached but the Wok-fried Boston Lobster in Black Bean Sauce ($38/pax) is a good chance from the norm. The black bean sauce goes well with the bouncy lobster meat, with a hint of smokey wok-hei.

Wok Fried Kai Lan 4.2/5 and Fried Rice 4.5/5

The Wok Fried Kai Lan with Preserved Sausages ($32 per serving) retains a nice crunch with a layer of aromatic flavour from the preserved sausages. Noteworthy is the Fried Rice with Crab Meat, Butterscotch Mushrooms and Dried Scallops ($14/pax). The fragrant and fluffy rice is elevated further by frying in abalone sauce, giving it an extra boost in flavour.

Hot Almond Cream with Egg White 4.8/5 and Coconut Nian Gao 4/5

For dessert, I had the Hot Almond Cream with Egg White and Coconut Nian Gao. I really enjoy the smooth and silky hot almond cream with egg white. Almond can be quite strong in flavour and acquire to some but this is well balanced, smoothing and comforting. 

Guests can expect an exquisite dining experience in a classy setting at Jiang Nan Chun. Celebratory set menus featuring a lavish selection of delicacies are available at $138, $168 and $218 per person for 6 courses, and range from $988 per table of 8 persons to $2088 per table of 10 persons for 8 courses. For dining reservation, guests can call +65 68317220 or email jnc.sin@fourseasons.com

Note: This is an invited tasting


Jiang Nan Chun (江南春)
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Second Floor
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248646
Tel: +65 68317220
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue walking along Orchard Road. Walk to Hilton Hotel. Go to level 2. Follow the passage way to Four Seasons Hotel. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 12 minutes. [Map]