Yaki Yaki Bo @ NEX – Revamped Grand Menu, Value-for-money Weekdays Set Lunches

Teppanyaki enthusiasts, rejoice! Yaki Yaki Bo has unveiled a revamped grand menu featuring teppan combos and affordable weekday set lunches starting from just $14.90.

Sliced Beef Set Lunch 4/5

We tried the Sliced Beef ($16.90) and Chicken Steak ($14.90) lunch sets, with a choice of either black pepper or garlic shoyu sauce for the meats. Each set is accompanied by moyashi (bean sprouts), Japanese steamed rice, miso soup, salad, and homemade pickles. For a small additional fee of $2, you can upgrade to tamago or garlic rice.

Chicken Steak Set Lunch 4/5

The Sliced Beef Set Lunch offers tender, juicy cuts of beef, perfectly cooked to your preferred doneness. The Chicken Steak Set Lunch is another solid choice, with tender, succulent pieces of chicken that are pan-seared to perfection. Other set lunch options include Sliced Pork and Shiromi Fish, both priced at $14.90, offering the same value and delicious combinations.

Mentaiko Takana Fried Rice 3.5/5

We ventured into the grand menu with the Mentaiko Takana Fried Rice ($5.90), a smoky fried rice dish infused with the prized umami of mentaiko and Japanese pickled mustard greens. While flavourful, the mentaiko taste was more subtle than we had hoped.

Gindara Tsutsumi Yaki 4.2/5

Highly recommended by the staff, the Gindara Tsutsumi Yaki ($19.90) features a generous portion of black cod simmered with mushrooms in a citrusy, flavourful broth. This dish was a standout, and we would definitely return for it.

Tenderloin Steak 4/5

One of the must-try new dishes is the Tenderloin Steak ($30.90). It boasts a tender and flavourful prime cut of meat, making it a perfect choice for beef lovers.

Camembert Cheese Lava Okonomiyaki 3.5/5

The Camembert Cheese Lava Okonomiyaki ($18.90) elevates this classic dish with melted camembert at its centre. Unfortunately, our experience didn't achieve the full "lava" effect, as the cheese wasn't as molten as expected.

However, the combination of flavours remained delightful. The pancake is packed with crunchy vegetables like cabbage, which gives it a satisfying bite, while the exterior is crispy and well-grilled. If the cheese melted more thoroughly, it could elevate the dish to another level of indulgence. Still, even without it, this unique take on okonomiyaki is a flavourful treat worth trying for cheese lovers.

Hanpen Cheese Yaki 4/5

To satisfy our cheese cravings, we tried the Hanpen Cheese Yaki ($8.90), a delightful Japanese fish cake filled with gooey, melty cheese and grilled to perfection with a crispy exterior.

The soft texture of the hanpen paired with its crispy exterior made this a perfect shareable dish.

For seating, you can opt for counter seats to watch the skilled teppanyaki chefs in action or choose a side table if you prefer a more relaxed dining experience. For those seeking variety, the Teppan Combos start at $23.90, featuring a choice of beef, chicken, or pork paired with seafood such as buttery Shiromi or fresh Ebi.

At both Nex and Jurong Point outlets, weekday set lunches are available from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm, excluding public holidays. Enjoy special Purchase-With-Purchase promotions until 30 November 2024 to celebrate the new menu. With any main dish, you can add on a glass of Hanzo Kaminoho Junmai Daiginjo (60ml) or a Crème Brûlée with Matcha Gelato for just $5.00.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yaki Yaki Bo
NEX
23 Serangoon Central
#B1-79
Singaore 556083
Tel: +65 6634 0015
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Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Barossa Steak & Grill @ Vivocity - Debuts All-new Menu of Chargrilled Meats, Seafood Platters and More, Together with Seaside Vibes and Live Music

Barossa Steak & Grill at Vivocity has launched an all-new menu showcasing char-grilled meats, fresh seafood platters, and delightful sides, making it a destination for meat lovers and seafood enthusiasts. With its waterfront location and live music every Thursday to Saturday from 7.30 pm, the restaurant offers a relaxing seaside dining experience that's perfect for unwinding with family and friends.

Cold Seafood Platter 4/5

To kick off our meal, we indulged in the Cold Seafood Platter ($88), a seafood lover's dream that serves 3-4 people. This generous platter comes with half a dozen oysters, chilled tiger prawns, Chardonnay wine Yumbah mussels, and fresh scallops. It's accompanied by an array of dipping sauces, including cocktail sauce, mignonette, seaweed granita, sauce vierge, and fresh lemon — allowing you to customise each bite to your liking.

The plump and briny oysters were my favourite, while the prawns were sweet and firm. Each seafood item was fresh and chilled, making it a great dish to enjoy as a starter or as a lighter option on a warm day by the sea.

Seafood Bouillabaisse 4/5

For something a little heartier, we tried the Seafood Bouillabaisse ($58), another new addition that serves 2-3 people. This dish is packed with a medley of seafood, including Humpty Doo Barramundi, Yumbah Mussels, Char Baby Squid, and Tiger Prawns. The seafood is nestled in a rich broth along with Potato Fondant and Char Fennel, creating a dish with both depth of flavour and texture. The broth was flavourful, and each bite of seafood was cooked to the right doneness, making this dish perfect for sharing.

Buffalo Cauliflower 3.5/5

For something on the lighter side, we also sampled the Buffalo Cauliflower ($14), a char-grilled, crunchy cauliflower dish dressed in a tangy, spicy sauce and finished with ranch dressing. The pickled onions added a sweet contrast to the fiery cauliflower, resulting in an explosion of satisfying and guilt-free flavours. It's a great vegetarian option that delivers a punch of bold flavours.

Barossa Mac & Cheese 4/5

No steakhouse experience is complete without a good Mac & Cheese ($14), and Barossa's version didn't disappoint. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to a delightful golden-brown crust, the Barossa Mac & Cheese offered a comforting side dish that paired wonderfully with the chargrilled meats. It's the kind of dish that brings a sense of indulgence to the table, elevating the meal with its richness.

Trio Cuts of Australia Grass-Fed Beef 3.8/5

For meat lovers, the highlight of the meal was the Trio Cuts of Australia Grass-Fed Beef ($105). This platter, perfect for 3-4 people, features three different cuts: Ribeye (250g), Striploin (220g), and Tenderloin (200g). Each cut had its own unique texture and flavour profile, allowing diners to enjoy a variety of beef experiences in one sitting. The tenderloin was especially succulent and tender, while the ribeye offered more marbling and a richer flavour. It's a great sharing platter showcasing the best Australian grass-fed beef.

Aburi Brulee Cheesecake 4/5

We wrapped up our meal on a sweet note with the Aburi Brulee Cheesecake ($18). This dessert is a delightful fusion of rich cheesecake topped with a brulee layer, offering a satisfying caramelised crunch. The dish is beautifully garnished with summer berries, raspberry gel, and butter cookies, adding both a fresh and buttery contrast to the creamy cheesecake. It’s the perfect dessert for those who love a sweet, creamy treat with a bit of texture.

Barossa Steak & Grill’s new menu offers something for everyone—whether you’re in the mood for fresh, chilled seafood or hearty, chargrilled meats. The Cold Seafood Platter and Trio Cuts of Australia Grass-Fed Beef are definite highlights for sharing, while sides like the Buffalo Cauliflower and Mac & Cheese bring depth to the overall dining experience. Paired with the restaurant’s breezy waterfront views and live music, Barossa Steak & Grill is an ideal spot for an unforgettable seaside dining experience at Vivocity.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Barossa Steak & Grill
Vivocity
1 Harbour Front Walk
#01-161/162
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 62551855
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 1030pm
Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm
Sat: 12pm - 11pm
Sun: 12pm - 1030pm

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

Pete's Place @ Grand Hyatt Singapore - Beloved Italian Restaurant Since 1973 Reopens with a Refreshed and Modern Aesthetic

With the much-anticipated reopening of Grand Hyatt Singapore at Scotts Road, the iconic Pete’s Place has also made its comeback. Since 1973, this beloved Italian restaurant has been serving hearty, authentic Italian fare, and its 50-year legacy continues with a refreshed yet cosy atmosphere. While the restaurant has adopted a modern aesthetic, it retains the nostalgic charm of its original design, most notably the signature red brick from its past.

We started our meal with the quintessential Italian welcome: freshly baked warm bread served with olives, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar — a simple yet delightful way to start any Italian feast.

Suppli Romani 4/5

Our first antipasti was the Suppli Romani, an Italian street food classic. These deep-fried potato croquettes arrived golden brown, stuffed with pecorino cheese, and seasoned with black pepper. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, this appetiser was comforting and indulgent, setting an excellent tone for the rest of the meal.

Piadina Pugliese 4.2/5

Next up was the Piadina Pugliese, a flatbread pizza topped with ricotta cheese, coppa ham, and sundried tomatoes. The thin, crispy crust provided a delightful contrast to the creamy ricotta, while the coppa ham and sundried tomatoes added layers of savoury and tangy flavours. A well-executed dish that ticks all the right boxes for texture and taste.

Vitello Tonnato 4/5

The Vitello Tonnato, another antipasti, showcased tender slices of veal complemented by a creamy tuna sauce. The dish was topped with capers, which provided a welcome burst of acidity that enhanced the richness of the veal and tuna combination. It was a unique dish that brought a lovely balance of flavours, from the earthy meatiness of the veal to the light, oceanic notes of the sauce.

Risotto Gamberi e Melone 4.2/5

One of the more surprising dishes was the Risotto Gamberi e Melone. I was initially taken aback by the use of fruit — specifically rock melon — in a risotto. But any scepticism quickly faded as the dish revealed itself. The sweet, juicy rock melon paired harmoniously with the red prawn tartare, while the crispy capers added a delightful crunch. This unexpected combination of flavours worked beautifully, delivering a risotto that was not only refreshing but also memorable.

Bistecca alla Griglia 4/5

We indulged in the Bistecca alla Griglia for mains — a 1kg Australian bone-in ribeye steak grilled to a perfect pink doneness. The Tuscany rub of herbs gave the steak an aromatic and savoury crust, which complemented the rich, juicy meat. Grilled to perfection, the ribeye was flavourful and tender, making it a carnivore's dream. It's definitely a highlight for any meat lover.

Pete's Signature Tiramisu 4.8/5

A visit to Pete's Place would only be complete with trying Pete's Signature Tiramisu. What makes this dessert extra special is the tableside presentation. The chef brings out a whole tray of tiramisu, made with layers of mascarpone, savoiardi biscuits soaked in espresso, and a touch of white amaretto. He serves a generous scoop right at your table, ensuring you get the freshest experience possible. The tiramisu was beautifully balanced — rich and creamy without being overly sweet. It was easily one of the best tiramisus I've had in a long time, a dessert that left a lasting impression.

Pete's Place may have undergone a facelift, but it has kept the essence of what has made it a favourite for so many years. The combination of hearty, authentic Italian dishes with a touch of modern flair continues to draw both old and new patrons alike. The menu offers something for everyone, from the comforting Suppli Romani to the surprising Risotto Gamberi e Melone. And of course, don't leave without trying the Signature Tiramisu — it's a true classic.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Pete's Place
Grand Hyatt Singapore
10 Scotts Road
Singapore 228211
Tel: +65 6738 1234
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12 - 230pm, 6 - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about  6minutes. [Map]

Gordon Grill @ Goodwood Park Hotel - 4 Course Dinner Highlighting The Best of Land & Sea

Nestled within the historic Goodwood Park Hotel, Gordon Grill has long been celebrated for its fine steaks and Continental cuisine. With its new Surf & Turf Experience available from October to November 2024, the restaurant once again showcases its flair for elevating classic flavours. This 4-course dinner highlights the best of land and sea, presenting a thoughtful marriage of textures and tastes.

Complimentary Amuse-Bouche 3.8/5

We began our meal with a complimentary basket of freshly baked bread and Amuse-Bouche.

Chilled Angel Hair Pasta 4/5

The appetiser course to start our dinner was this Chilled Angel Hair Pasta, an intricate combination of snow crab leg, caviar, and sakura ebi, enhanced by a drizzle of fragrant truffle vinaigrette. Each bite was a delightful symphony of freshness and umami, especially refreshing with the squeeze of lime.

Cream of Mushroom Soup 4/5

Lobster Bisque 4/5

For the second course, we sampled both soup options. The Lobster Bisque was a decadent, rich and velvety offering, bursting with the sea's essence. It was contrasted by the Cream of Mushroom Soup, which exuded earthy warmth, perfect for those seeking a comforting and familiar taste.

Carpetbag Steak 3.8/5

For the mains, we also tried both options, and this Carpetbag Steak is such an intriguing dish with roots in the UK. The tender beef tenderloin, stuffed with briny oysters, created a luxurious blend of flavours heightened by a bold red wine sauce. However, we find the taste of oysters overpowers the flavour of the steak.

Lamb Loin with Hokkaido Scallop 4/5

Meanwhile, the Lamb Loin with Hokkaido Scallop served with rosemary sauce, was a standout with its interplay of flavours. The succulent lamb paired beautifully with the pan-seared scallop, while the accompanying rosemary sauce, potato medallions, and sautéed vegetables completed the dish, offering a balance of hearty and delicate notes. The scallops are plump and perfectly seared.

Dark Chocolate Strawberry Crèmeux 3.5/5

We ended the meal on a sweet note with the Dark Chocolate Strawberry Crèmeux. The dessert, which features a smooth layered dark chocolate sponge cake, pairs well with the sweetness of strawberries and vanilla ice cream. We didn't find the cake any extraordinary though, but the vanilla ice cream was good.

For those looking to indulge in a refined surf and turf menu, Gordon Grill's latest offering is not to be missed.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Gordon Grill
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301744
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 7pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Brewerkz @ One Fullerton - Brand New Look and a Refreshed Menu Offering Modern European Dishes Infused with Local Flavours

Brewerkz at One Fullerton has recently reopened with a brand-new look and a refreshed menu, offering modern European dishes infused with local flavours. The updated menu introduces a range of bar bites, small plates, and mains that cater to a diverse palate.

Salted Egg Mermaid Fish 3.5/5

The Salted Egg Mermaid Fish, Crispy Tofu Fritters, and Baby Squid & Calamari are some new additions to the Bar Bites. The Salted Egg Mermaid Fish ($12) delivered a satisfying crunch without being overly sauced, but the salted egg flavour was a tad too subtle.

Crispy Tofu Fritters 3.5/5

The Crispy Tofu Fritters ($12), more like tofu fries, were sprinkled with Szechuan peppercorn and sesame. While the peppercorn wasn't very pronounced, the sesame provided a savoury-sweet contrast that worked well.

Baby Squid & Calamari 3.5/5

The Baby Squid & Calamari ($18) combined the best of both worlds with a well-seasoned batter, although the accompanying sour plum mayo dip lacked the expected sour plum notes.

Memphis Baby Back Ribs 4.5/5

Nasi Lemak Focaccilla 2/5

We had a couple of appetisers - Nasi Lemak Focaccilla ($22) and Memphis Babyback Ribs ($20). The Nasi Lemak Focaccilla, intended to be a hybrid of focaccia and quesadilla, turned out more like a dry quesadilla with a thin spread of rendang and hardboiled egg bits. However, the Memphis Babyback Ribs were a standout, with tender meat glazed in a smoky BBQ sauce that was finger-licking good.

Wagyu Steak & Frites 4/5

The mains offered a more refined dining experience. The Wagyu Steak & Frites ($74) was satisfying, with a beautifully grilled Wagyu Ribeye (MBS4-5) that rendered enough fat to deliver a rich, buttery flavour, enhanced by a red wine reduction and a hint of smokiness. The chunkier Sidewalker Fries were a great complement to the steak.

Apple Bacon Pork T-Bone 2.8/5

The Apple Bacon Pork T-Bone ($34) was served with apple bacon sauce, onion chutney, and confit potatoes. While the fruity sweetness of the apple bacon sauce helped cut through the pork's richness, the gaminess was a bit overwhelming. The buttery, soft confit potatoes, however, were indulgent and enjoyable.

Pugliam Seafood Stew 2/5

Unfortunately, the Pugliam Seafood Stew ($36) was disappointing, presenting itself as more of a pasta-in-cream dish. It seemed hastily prepared, with orecchiette pasta, bits of fish, squid rings, sliced scallops, and prawns thrown into a weak cream sauce. The broth lacked the depth of flavour, and the prawns should have at least been deveined for the price.

Sour Cherry Crumble 4.2/5

The highlight of the evening was the Sour Cherry Crumble ($18). It was divine, with a base of dark tart cherries topped with sweet, chunky walnut crumble and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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.


Brewerkz
One Fullerton
1 Fullerton Road
#01-01
Singapore 049213
Tel: +65 96431571
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 12midnight

Direction
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT. Take Exit A or B. Walk to Clifford Centre and then Change Alley. Take escalator to level 2. Cross the road using the OUE Link. Turn left towards Fullerton Bay Hotel. Walk to towards the bay and destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]