Half Pound Burger Bar & Grill @ Purvis Street - Down To Earth Quality Burgers, Grills And Quintessential Beers

Half Pound Burger Bar & Grill at Purvis Street is a much needed update to both our burger joint scene and that particular stretch of shophouses. Do not expect anything fancy, but down-to-earth quality burgers, basic grills, and of course the quintessential beers!

Crispy Wild Mushroom 3.8/5

We started off with Crispy Wild Mushroom ($12) to get our jaws moving. Each shimeji mushroom stalk is juicy with a thin crust perfumed with truffle oil and spiked with parmesan cheese. The signature butter sauce really compliments this finger food, binding the flavours together.

Beef Goulash 3.8/5

The soup of the day was Beef Goulash ($8). Made with tomato base with beef chucks, I love the fact that it is essentially a comforting, light-on-the-stomach kind of soup but fortified with wholesome protein which lend meaty flavours to the soup. Great puree kind of consistency as well.

Seafood Salad 3.5/5

Seafood Salad ($16) is a simple warm salad with freshly grilled squid & prawn. Not your usual frozen seafood, hence, both squid and prawns are succulent and firm. If you like fried calamari, I would recommend their Salt & Pepper Squid, which is made from scratch and not from frozen squid rings.

Gourmet Burger 3.8/5

While its signature Half Pound Burger stays true to the American style, the Gourmet Burger ($26) caters to those seeking for something a lot more indulgent - 220g worth of Foie Gras mixed-in beef patty. Laden with fats and flavour of the foie gras, the patty indeed has a much richer mouthfeel and taste. But it could be slightly too gamey if you ain't a fan of foie gras. What I appreciate most is the toasted bun. It's airy and light, yet the crust of both sides is buttery. The crisp and crunchy raw onion rings does a good job in lending freshness and sharpness to the overall taste. Although the whole idea behind it is that you get to taste foie gras in each bite, I thought one might miss the excitement of seeing it physically sitting on top of the patty when served and the joy of spreading it like butter.

Crab Meat Linguine 3.5/5

Crab Meat Linguine ($20) is a tomato based pasta. The sauce has a deep, rich tomato flavour, edged with an elusive heat and earthy flavour lent from red chilli. Slightly piquant and savoury, it brings out the flavour of the sweet Crab claw meat. The meat is not loose or mushy, but firm to the bite.

Sticky Date Pudding 3.2/5

For something sweet but not too heavy to round up our meal, we chose Sticky Date Pudding ($8) over Chocolate Lava Cake, and I glad I did! Lightly glazed with homemade caramel, the pudding is just as comforting as a rustic apple pie. Its mellow sweetness may just make you crave for more.

Words and photos 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.

Half Pound Burger Bar & Grill
8 Purvis Street
Singapore 188587
Tel: +65 69061900
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to North Bridge Road. Continue on North Bridge Road towards National Library. At the traffic junction of North Bridge Road and Middle Road, cross the road and continue on North Bridge Road. Turn left onto Purvis Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit F.  Cross the road. Walk down Beach Road. Turn left onto Purvis Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Oak Room Restaurant & Bar @ Hotel Royal - An Unexpected Find In A Hotel I Have Not Heard Of

When I was told that we are going to Oak Room Restaurant & Bar for dinner, I did a search on the web and I realized that it is located at the Hotel Royal in Newton. I have to admit that I have not heard of the hotel and not to mention the restaurant located on level 3 of the hotel. The restaurant which used to be at Bukit Timah is helmed by Executive Chef Darrence Wee before relocating to its current location in July 2016, offering modern European cuisine.

Stepping into Hotel Royal is like being transformed into the 80s. The decor of the hotel seems to be stuck in time. Worried not as Oak Room Restaurant & Bar welcomes you with a warm, cosy ambience in a modern setting.

Lobster Bisque 4.2/5

Dinner at Oak Room started on the bright side with a delicious Lobster Bisque ($18). The bitter sweet crustacean flavour shone through the creamy and robust soup.

Jamon Serrano 4/5

Next we had the Jamon Serrano ($28). The parma ham which is aged for 18 months is further dried by the chef to intensify the flavour. This is beautifully paired with tomato and a few drips of balsamic.

Grilled Spring Chicken 4.2/5

As my dining partner does not take seafood, the chef was kind enough to do an off the regular menu item from the Chef's Table 8-course menu. The Grilled Spring Chicken paired with parma ham and tomatoes was juicy and tender, However the highlight is the cajun rub on the chicken that make it a notch different from the rest.

UK Kurobuta Pork Chop 4.2/5

Next up we have the UK Kurobuta Pork Chop ($30) with bacon sauce, apple chutney and parmesan mash. This is one of the best pork chop I have eat. The texture was so soft and tender that I would have easily mistaken it as chicken in a blindfold. The portion was also very generous and affordability priced.

Prime USDA 4.5/5

The finale has to go to the Prime USDA Ribeye ($45) which is grain fed and dry aged for 28 days. The perfectly cooked pinkish meat is served with parmesan mash, greens, baby carrots and natural jus. When you have a premium piece of meat, there is no need to do anything fancy but just let the natural flavour does its own talking.

Sticky Medjool Date Pudding, Tiramisu, Creme Brulee 4/5

Ending the dinner on a sweet note was a trio of dessert samplers. From the left, we had the Creme Brulee, Tiramisu and Sticky Medjool Date Pudding. The desserts were better than I anticipated, especially the sticky medjool date pudding. The warm cakey bake accompanied with the carmel sauce is both warm and comforting.

Overall I have to say Oak Room is an unexpected discovery serving above average modern European cuisine. The price may seen a bit steep but this is justified through its quality and portion. It is a bit sad to see the restaurant was empty during our visit. I think they deserved more. I really hope they can get more awareness and business can turn better.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Oak Room Restaurant & Bar
Hotel Royal
36 Newton Road
#03-01
Singapore 307964
Tel: +65 97116490
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Newton (DT Line, NS Line), Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Novena Church (Stop ID 50037). Take bus number 5, 54, 143, 162 and 167. Alight 1 stop later. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Newton MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Newton MRT station (Stop ID 40181). Take bus number 5, 54, 124, 143, 162 and 167. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take Exit B1. Walk to Newton Road. Continue walking along Newton Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

The Disgruntled Chef @ Dempsey Road - Celebrating 6 Years Anniversary With A New Brunch Menu

Time flies and The Disgruntled Chef at Dempsey has been around for six years. Not only is it celebrating its six years anniversary, it has also opened a new outlet at Ann Siang Road offering a fine dining concept. In conjunction with the anniversary, The Disgruntled Chef at Dempsey has rolled out a new brunch menu.

Pear Tree and Bora-Bora 4.5/5

Kick starting the brunch at The Disgruntled Chef, we started with some freshly juice blend in the Pear Tree ($10) and Bora-Bora ($10). The Pear Tree is a concoction of pear, lime and mint which is light and refreshing. For a more tangy counterpart, the Bora-Bora made up of a mixture of pineapple, passionfruit and pomegranate will lift the day on a bright note.

Truffle Bikini 4.2/5

Time to ditch the kaya toast and go for the Truffle Bikini ($10) instead. The sandwich toast is layered with black truffle, iberico ham and brie. The combination gives it a richness that is very addictive to just stop at three.

BBQ Pork Belly Bao 4/5

The BBQ Pork Belly Bao ($10) comes in a pair. The pork belly is sandwiched in between fluffy steamed bao and paired with house made kimchi, dressed in a spicy mayonnaise. The modern interpretation of steamed bao is a delightful introduction to the brunch menu.

Truffle Macaroni & Cheese 4.5/5

Mac & Cheese is rather common on mot restaurants' menu but the Truffle Macaroni & Cheese ($18) will blown you away with its cheesy and depth in flavours. The macaroni also retained a delectable bite. This is definitely one of the better version I have eaten for a long while.

Crispy Lamb Shortribs 4.5/5

A surprised item on the menu that won my heart is the Crispy Lamb Shortribs ($21) paired with spiced pumpkin puree and mint yoghurt. I have never seen since execution of the lamb before. The exterior has a enjoyable crispiness to it, dusted with aromatic spices while the interior is succulent and fell off the bone with ease.

Saikyo Miso Hamachi Collar 4.2/5

I thought Saikyo Miso Hamachi Collar ($34) is a dish I would only see in Japanese restaurant. It shows the diverse culinary knowledge of Chef and owner Daniel Sia. The softness of the collar meat has a lovely hint of sweetness from the soy sauce base marinade, grilled to a nice smokey aroma.

Braised Veal Cheeks 4/5

The Braised Veal Cheeks ($34) is served on top of a yorkshire pudding and wilted spinach. I am not a big fan of yorkshire pudding but the braised veal cheeks were braised excellent to a melted in the mouth texture.

Crackling Suckling Pig 4.2/5

I am a sucker for suckling pig. I find it hard to resist the Crackling Suckling Pig ($68) paired with purple potatoe and apple puree. Actually I thought the condiments were not necessary as the meat was already so good on it own. The crackling skin and the tender meat, there is nothing more I can ask for.

Sticky Toffee Pudding 4/5

Wrapping up the brunch at The Disgruntled Chef, we tried the Sticky Toffee Pudding ($14) and Avo-gato ($12). I appreciate that the sticky toffee pudding was not too sweet, as I am not really a sweet tooth person.

Avo-gato 3/5

I like the little twist in using avocado ice cream and cotton candy for the Avo-gato, substituting the classic Affogato. While the fun element is there, the execution needed a bit more sweetness to balance the bitterness of the coffee.

Overall I have enjoyed the new brunch menu at The Disgruntled Chef, especially the Asian inspired or influenced flavours in the dishes. You can pick either two or three items from the menu for a reasonable pricing at $32 or $39. This is definitely a good change from your normal cafe brunch items such as pancakes and egg benedict.


The Disgruntled Chef
26B Dempsey Road
Singapore 247693
Tel: +65 64765305
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 12midnight
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1am
Sun: 12pm - 5pm, 6pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop along Orchard Boulevard, opposite Orchard Parksuites (Stop ID B09022. Take bus number 7, 77, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes. [Map]

Empress @ Asian Civilisations Museum

photo credit: Empress

The Empress at Asian Civilisations Museum is the latest and first  Chinese cuisine concept of the Prive Group. The restaurant facing the waterfront of the Singapore river, is an extension of the historical bulding, Asian Civilisations Museum. The design of the restaurant features a balanced mix of history and Chinese elements with a high ceiling indoor dining area, a private room as well as an outdoor dining terrace

Crispy Aromatic Duck Salad 4.2/5

We started our dinner at Empress with the Crispy Aromatic Duck Salad ($18). A salad menu? This is something new for a Chinese restaurant. The bowl of greens come with baby spinach, micro herbs, Asian pomelo, nashi pears, goji berries, cucumbers, spring onions, chinese figs. The medley of ingredients are perfectly hold together with the plum citrus dressing, giving it a sweet tangy finishing on top of the different play of textures.

Triple Roast Platter 4/5

The Triple Roast Platter ($28/$42/$56) comes with Empress Char Siew, Crackling Roast Pork, Empress Sticky & Sweet Pork Ribs. The glittering char siew using pork belly lacked the roasted firmness and aromatic char. The sticky and sweet pork ribs has a firmer bite to it and works better with the sweet sauce. Lastly the must try is the crackling roast pork or sio bak. it has a biscuity skin that reminded me of my favourite sio bak stall from Cross Way Bay Hong Kong Roasted Meat.

Crispy Cod Bi Feng Tang Style 3.5/5

An addictive appetiser is the Crispy Cod Bi Feng Tang Style ($12/$18/$24) with caramelised shallots and chilli. Could not really taste the cod but the crispiness coupled with the salt and pepper seasoning is very enjoyable. Unknowingly we were fighting for the last few pieces.

King Prawn Dumpling in Supreme Broth 4/5

Teapot Soup 4/5

For the soup, we tried both the King Prawn Dumpling in Supreme Broth ($14/pax) and Teapot Soup ($14/pax). Both soup bases are rich, comforting and flavoursome. I could not decide which is my favourite as they are both delicious. End of the day, I guess it really depends on the mood. Whether you prefer something more sumptuous or delicate.

Lobster Mapo Tofu 3.8/5

At Empress, they have up the game with adding lobster to the mapo tofu. The Lobster Mapo Tofu ($28/$42/$56) comes the silky smooth tofu with bouncy chunks of lobster meat. I felt that the spicy level was rather toned down. I was hoping for a more fiery kick to it.

Sweet & Sour Pork 4.5/5

I like the version of Sweet & Sour Pork ($24/$36/$48) at Empress. Instead of the usual pork cubes with a thick layer of batter, the version here is cut into pork slices with a very thin layer of batter. Probably my own preference but the pork slice's texture is more enjoyable. Aged vinegar is also used to bring out the sourness, with the lychee lending a sweet fruity finish.

Dragon's Breath Angus Beef Hor Fun 3/5

With such a majestic name, Dragon's Breath Angus Beef Hor Fun ($22/$33/$44), I was having a high expectation for the dish. Unfortunately, I think the dragon was out of breath during my visit. Besides the tender slices of Angus beef, the bowl of dry fried rice noodles fell short of my expectation with the saltiness of the sauce throwing the balance off.

Crispy Prosperity Nian Gao, Yam & Sweet Potato Stack 4/5

The main surprise I get from Empress is actually their dessert. Never would I expect a Western trained pastry chef to work alongside a Chinese chef in the kitchen, creating western dessert with Chinese elements. A popular Chinese New Year dessert, the Crispy Prosperity Nian Gao, Yam & Sweet Potato Stack ($12/pax) has made it to the menu permanently. It is accompanied with salted peanut, toffee, coconut ice cream to complement the East meets West creation.

Sticky Date & Longan Pudding 3.8/5

Looked rather ordinary is the Sticky Date & Longan Pudding ($12/pax) with gula melaka butterscotch, walnuts, goji berry & vanilla swirl ice cream. Although the date pudding is cakey instead of being sticky and moist, what surprises me is the pieces of dried longan inside the pudding. I never expect the combination to work, but it did.

Cempedak Creme Brulee 4.2/5

The last time I had Cempedak Creme Brulee ($13/pax) was at Orchard Cafe, Orchard Hotel. But not many restaurants do it as cempedak can be quite strong and acquire in taste. I personally likes cempedak and hence I was delighted to have the dessert on the menu. The pastry chef does a good job in the creme brulee, bringing out the flavour of the acquire fruit yet not throwing the balance of the dessert off.

Peanut Coated Black Sesame Mochi Balls 3/5

I enjoyed the soft and chewy texture of the Peanut Coasted Black Sesame Mochi Balls ($12/pax). However as a dish, I thought it lacked a bit on contrast, with a singular flavour of sesame.

If you are looking for a Chinese restaurant with a great ambience and view, Empress will be a good venue. I would recommend trying the crispy duck salad, soup, roasted pork and sweet & sour pork. Do also save a bit of space to try some of the unique dessert creation.


Empress
Asian Civilisations Museum
1 Empress Place
#01-03
Singapore 179555
Tel: +65 62388733
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk towards the river. Cross the bridge. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

The Marmalade Pantry @ Oasia Hotel

Frustrated with the long queues at The Marmalade Pantry bistros at Ion and Stables? Let me let you into a little secret not many is aware. The Marmalade Pantry has opened a third bistro at Novena, Oasia Hotel lobby level back in February 2015. During my visit, there was a slow stream of diners but the place is not as crowded compared to the other 2 outlets.

Lobster Barley Risotto 4.8/5

I was blown away with the first dish that is packed with multifold of flavours in the Lobster Barley Risotto ($32). The dish comes with butternut, carrots, onion, garlic flower, lobster chunks, lobster braised barley, parmesan, sour cream and tarragon. I like the substitution of the rice grain with barley giving the dish a more textural bites that is well infused with the lobster's essence.

Pork Chop 4/5

The Pork Chop ($32) was cooked to perfection retaining the juiciness of the meat. It is served with mashed potatoes, apple compote, crisp sage, spinach and bacon fat split jus

Salmon 3.8/5

A classic Pan Seared Salmon ($28) with a little twist. It is served on a bed of chilled sweet potato noodles, sesame and yuzu dressing, topped with cucumber. The idea actually added a light and refreshing element to pinkish salmon.

Miso Lobster 4/5

Lobster roll maybe the in thing but how about Miso Lobster Burger ($34). Chunks of lobster meat is tossed in a tobiko and miso mayo mix together with cucumber and red radish, sandwiched on a sesame bun and served with shoestring fries. The different play of flavours and textures actually works. in harmony.

Lemon Brulee Tart 3.5/5 and Sticky Date and Toffee Pudding 4.5/5

Wrapping up the dinner with some desserts, I got to try the Lemon Brulee Tart ($14) and Sticky Date and Toffee Pudding ($14). I felt that the lemon brulee tart has gotten the flavour spot on, not overly too sour but nicely balanced. However because it was blow torched the lemon curd actually liquefied and became a bit messy and hard to eat. The sticky date and toffee pudding on the other hand is a must try. the pudding was really moist and flavourful. I actually could not resist going back for a few more helping.

Overall I have enjoyed the food and ambience at The Marmalade Pantry at Novena, Oasia Hotel. If you prefer somewhere quiet and away from the crowd, this is a good consideration compared to their 2 other outlets. Price is on the steep side but portion is actually quite big.


The Marmalade Pantry
Oasia Hotel
8 Sinaran Drive
#01-02/04
Singapore 307470
Tel: +65 66640348
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarmaladePantry
Website: http://themarmaladepantry.com.sg/oasia/
Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alighat at Novena MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and take the underground walkway to Oasis Hotel. Take the level to Novena Specialist Centre lobby. Walk to hotel lobby next door. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

The Lokal @ Neil Road

With new cafes opening in various part of Singapore every couple of weeks, cafe hopping has become a trend and in a way a sort of competition in who is the first to discover any new cafe. I may not be the first to discover The Lokal but it definitely is one the latest cafes to be opened in the cafe scene in Singapore. Opened by Chef owner Darren Farr, one of the founding chefs of Tetsuya in Sydney, it has been gaining many good reviews in both their coffee and food.

Latte & Mocha 4.5/5

The coffee at The Lokal uses Sarnies coffee beans. I have not been to Sarnies but it was my privilege to meet K-Man at The Lokal who even made our Latte ($5.5) and Mocha ($6). Managed to have brief chat with him and I can feel the passion in him. The coffee itself was smooth, aromatic and had a nice body with just the right acidity.

Pork Belly Burger 3.8/5

Who eats a Pork Belly Burger ($23) for breakfast? Ha not me but for photography seek I had to have a heavy breakfast. When I saw the pork belly burger delivered to my table, it instantly reminds me of the fish burger at GRUB. While I thought the pork belly could be more tender, nevertheless it was a good burger with spinach, scrambled eggs and beetroots.

Sticky Date Pudding 4.2/5

In my second visit, I tried the Sticky Date Pudding which was really good. Served warmed and drenched in a chocolate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it was just too inviting. The pudding was really moist, eaten with the chocolate and ice cream only one word to describe it, heavenly.

The Lokal definitely has the right formula with its beautiful decorated space, good coffee and great food is what I described as a total package for a cafe to be successful. No wonders food bloggers and cafe hoppers on social media has been raving about the new cafe. Patrons who wish to check out the cafe need to take note that kitchen is closed at 330pm although it will be opened until 6pm on weekdays.


The Lokal
136 Neil Road
Singapore 088865
Tel: +65 64239918
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelokalsingapore
Website: http://www.thelokalsingapore.com/
Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 8am - 6pm
Tue-Fri: 8am - 1030pm
Sat: 9am - 1030pm
Sun: 9am - 4pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit H. Turn left onto Teo Hong Road. At the end of Teo Hong Road turn left and continue on Bukit Pasoh Road. Walk to the end of the road. The Lokal is on the right side at the end of the road. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]