Antoinette @ Penhas Road - The Ever-Inspired Chef Pang Has Unveiled A New Menu

The ever-inspired Chef Pang of Antoinette has unveiled a new menu, introducing a number  of new savory and brunch dishes. Together with the new menu launched, it has also introduced a number of new cocktails to complement the its extensive tea pairing.

Some of these new cocktails are Pretty Pink ($16), Prescription ($14), Huat Ah! ($18) and Blue Romance ($12). The eye catching drink probably is the Prescription which comes with a pill sachet which contains grass jelly cubes. This is a playful drink whereby the guests get to play doctor and mix the houjicha latte, okinawan black sugar syrup, yuzu ice cubes and fairy grass together to concoct their own medicine drink.

Baked Rigatoni 4/5 and Black Bait 4.5/5

For some light starters, there are the Baked Rigatoni ($8) and Black Bait ($12). The baked rigatoni pasta is satueed in tomato cream sauce, topped with a golden brown crust of gruyere cheese and emmental cheese. This is an all-day comforting dish. As for the black bait, it is a very addictive snack. The morsels of fish is dusted with homemade spice seasonings which consists of onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper with a sprinkle of raspberry powder.

Watermelon & Smoked Duck Salad 4/5

The interplay of color for the Watermelon &  Smoked Duck Salad ($24) definitely stands out. It looks like a garden in autumn except that it is on the plate. Two components on the plate stood out for me. The beautiful tender smoked duck and pickled watermelon cubes which has a refreshing acidity to the dish.

Wagyu Beef Tagliatelle 4.2/5

The pasta for the Wagyu Beef Tagliatelle ($26) is made in house using whole wheat. The delightful bite of the pasta is complemented by the delicious ragout which has been cooked with red wine, herbs and wagyu beef. It also comes with an onsen egg and grated parmesan cheese.

Double Prawn Linguine 4.2/5

Inspired by the local prawn noodles is the Double Prawn Linguine ($26). It has a rich umani-spicy note from the prawn bisque and spicy shrimp paste, that is well coated around the ribbons of linguine. The dish is then finished with zucchini strips, ebiko, sakura ebi, nori and shiso cress for flavours as well as textures.

Kurobuta Ham & Cheese Toast 4.2/5

Toast lover will rejoice to know that Antoinette has added 4 savoury and 2 sweet Toast to their new menu. For savoury there are Smoked Salmon, Kurobuta Ham & Cheese, Wild Mushrooms and Avocado Mash. If you have a sweet tooth, there are Banana and Strawberry.

Banana Toast 4.2/5

We tried both the Kurobuta Ham & Cheese Toast ($14) and Banana Toast ($12). The bread of the Kurobuta Ham & Cheese Toast  is brushed with butter before being toasted to a nice crispy crust on the exterior while retaining a soft texture inside. It is then spread with a layer of sweet potato mash,  followed with topping of kurobuta ham and emmental cheese. As for the sweet Banana Toast, it comes with salted butter, nutella, fresh banana, caramel popcorn, coco pops and drizzled with chocolate sauce.

Fondant au Chocolat 4.2/5

The Fondant au Chocolat ($14) is a warm chocolate cake, served with cold brewed coffee ice cream with orange confit. The combination of warm and cold, with the richness of the chocolate cake will satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth.

Watermelon Kakigori 4.2/5

Making a spectacular entrance is the Watermelon Kakigori ($20) which is appealing to both taste and presentation. The refreshing watermelon comes in cubes as well as shaved ice. Hidden underneath the shaved ice is earl grey chiffon cake layered with yuzu cream, fresh strawberries, rose petal foam and almond crumble. Perfect for sharing and ending your meal on a sweet finale.

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]

Fifty50 Cafe @ Tanjong Pagar - Cosy Cafe Offering Flexitarian Menu

Fifty50 at Onze@Tanjong Pagar is a cosy little cafe that offers a 'flexitarian' menu. With meat free dishes occupying half of it, so should either you or your dining partner decide to skip the protein for a meal, both of you could still tuck into proper hot food together at Fifty50, saving that salad bars for other rainy days. Healthy indulgence and balanced living are what is all about here, hence you will discover that some of the instore elements are about recycling, reducing and reusing, such as the menu board, takeaway boxes etc.

Soup 2.8/5

Started my meal with a Hearty Soup of the day - Tomato based Crab Bisque, served with a side of garlic bread ($5). I'm not a fan of cream based soups, hence this works well for me. I would say it tasted a lot better than it looked. The bisque was well-seasoned and flavourful, and the sweetness of the crab meat was quite pronounced.

Penne Pumpkin 3/5

For my lunch, I opted for the Penne Pumpkin ($10.50),served in a marinara cream sauce. The combination of the dense feta cheese and soft pumpkin gives a rich, mouth-filling texture, and their juxtaposing flavours coupled with nutty nuances from the pine nuts makes the pasta really appetizing. Perhaps that was why I was barely half-way through when all that was left was only pasta and the sauce. Still, I feel the portion of the toppings can be a lot more generous.

Daily Green 3/5

Fifty50 Daily Greens ($6.50) changes regularly and what I had was seasonal vegetables with cous cous and house pickled beetroot, served with a zesty orange dressing. Options to add on proteins are available, including Crunchy Falafel which is less commonly available in cafes.

Scrambled Eggs On Sourdough Toast 2.5/5

A couple of beakfast items are available till 11am, which I feel they could have been done a lot better. Looking at my Scrambled Eggs On Sourdough Toast ($6.50) with a Smoked Salmon (+$2), I actually miss my own homemade eggy breakfast.

Seven Spice Chai 4/5

Even you don't intend to have a meal, there are very decent coffees are served at Fifty50 from Allpress Espresso but what I really miss is its Seven Spice Chai ($5). Mildly sweet, it was such a comforting post-meal drink. Highly recommended if you are always looking around for a decent Chai Latte.

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.


Fifty50
Onze @ Tanjong Pagar
11 Kee Seng Street
#01-04
Singapore 089218
Tel: +65 98552848
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 5pm
(Closed on Sat-Sun)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road at Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn right onto Kee Seng Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Seoul In A Sandwich @ Century Square - Army Stew Sandwich And Issac Toast Inspired Seoul Street Toast

With the opening of revamped Century Square, the residents of Tampines will be glad to have more dining options in the neighbourhood. One of the newest concept to open at the basement of Century Square is Seoul In A Sandwich. It is a takeaway kisok offering a blend of Western breads with Korean food.

Seoul Street Toast 4.2/5

If you have heard of the popular Isaac Toast in the Korean, then you will not be unfamiliar the Seoul Street Toast ($6.50). Probably inspired by the isacc toast, the toasted white bread is sandwiched with onion cabbage omelette, chicken ham and sliced cheese. Bite into it and you will be surprised how wonderfully the different components come together for a hearty breakfast.

Bulgogi Cheesesteak 4/5

To be frank I am not a sandwich person as I find them boring. I am glad that Seoul In A Sandwich has brought something exciting to the table such as the Bulgogi Cheesesteak ($8.50). Flavourful grilled bulgogi beef, with sauteed onions, peppers and melted cheddar and mozzarella mix are sandwiched between two crispy buttered baguette.

Kimchi Prawn Cocktail 4/5

The Kimchi Prawn Cocktail ($7.50) is another unusual combination of toasted buttered focaccia stuffed with crunchy Asian pear, chopped kimchi, prawn cocktail and mesclun salad. The flavours are rich with a hint of spiciness. However I thought the loose prawn cocktail is a bit difficult to handle, it can get a bit messy eating it.

Army Stew-ich 4.5/5

The favourite among the group is the Army Stew-ich ($8.50). Who would have image bringing the popular Korea dish - Army Stew into a sandwich. Between the toasted ciabatta, you can find tteokbokki, chicken sausage, chicken spam, sliced cheese, daikon slaw, gochuang dressing, melted cheddar and mozzarella mix. You just need to try it to know how good it is.

Besides the sandwiches that I have tired, there are others such as Matcha White Chocolate, Ssamjang Chicken, Kimchi Grilled Cheese and more. The best thing is that they are all under $10 and the cheapest is only $3.50.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Seoul In A Sandwich
Century Square
2 Tampines Central 5
#B1-23
Singapore 529509
Tel: +65 62604339
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tampines (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tampines MRT station. Take Exit C. Turn left and walk to traffic light junction. Cross the road and walk down Tampines Central 5. Walk to Century Square. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

My Melody Cafe @ Suntec City Mall - Pink Theme, Pink Food, Pink Strawberry Garden In A City

source: My Melody Cafe Singapore

When the world can seem to be a little harsh on us at times, that is when we need a place to reconnect within our untainted soul. Thematic cafes, somehow provide that respite. My Melody Cafe at Suntec City embodies the warmth, innocence of My Melody, as well as the serenity of a Strawberry garden. Walking in may just set your dormant childlike spirit alive with all the pink and fluff. The Strawberry-centric design naturally relates well to desserts but mains are offered here as well.

Princess Bunny 3/5

The Princess Bunny ($18.90) is a Japanese Curry Rice made with beetroot tinted My Melody shaped rice. I find this a kid-friendly dish as the curry is mild (but still quite addictive), with easy-to-eat chicken karaage, brussels sprouts, mushrooms and diced carrots.

Hola Taco 3/5

I was surprised to find Hola Taco ($25) using good quality bulgogi beef as I was half expecting corn beef to be used, as experienced elsewhere. Wrapped in crunchy taco shell, the beef was tender and juicy, bind together to the shell by melted cheese.

Treasures of Maryland 3/5

Strawberries plays a huge part in most of the dishes, especially in the desserts. Tuck into a bowl of Treasures of Maryland ($19.50) in which a gigantic brioche toast is served as a pot of treasures of strawberries, vanilla soft serve, strawberry sticks and specially embossed macarons.

Play Time Fondue 2.8/5

If you really have a very very sweet tooth, then Play Time Fondue ($22.50), which features a Yan Yan -like creamy pink chocolate fondue will be a fun dessert to try.

A couple of brunch like items such as Little Pink Riding Hood ($23.90), Smoked Salmon Egg Benedict and Pancake Bliss ($23) are available too.

My Melody is just going to be around for a few months, do visit her when you can!

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.


My Melody Cafe
Suntec City Mall
3 Temasek Boulevard
#01-361
Singapore 038983
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

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

Publico Ristorante @ The Quayside - Bringing The Isle Of Capri To Robertson Quay

Step into Publico Ristorante at The Quayside, sit yourself down on one of the lounge sofas with palm tree upholstery and you will be in the mood of a vacation. From 11 am to 4pm every Sunday, Capri Sundays at Publico Ristorante allows you to do just that, serving up contemporary Italian dishes that exude Mediterranean vibes, coupled with rejuvenating cocktails. The design of the space imbues with a sense of upbeat casualness - bold geometric granite floors from Italy against furnishing with cool overtones, warmed with wood cladded columns. The al fresco area overlooking the riverside is ever enticing but the indoor dining proves to be just as chill, with the greens from concrete planters.

Sbagliato and White Pizza

Open up your senses with Sbagliato ($13), a cocktail born by mistake, hence the name which means 'mistaken' in Italian. Apparently, a bartender grabbed sparkling wine instead of gin as he was making this cocktail. Other refreshing cocktails are available, such as the all-time Italian classic, Aperol Spritz. If you drop by on weekdays between 4-7pm for its Spritz sessions, each will cost $12, and served with complimentary Signature White Pizza.

Slow Cooked Eggs 3/5

It's always interesting to see how a restaurant can get creative with eggs. Out of the 4 'eggs of choice' under Eggs & Toast, we had Slow Cooked ($16) – 2 free range eggs, sourdough bread, Parma ham, Castelmagno cheese. Marinara sauce buttered the plate which provides an Italian touch and flavour to the otherwise common breakfast ingredients, like how you would get from 'pimp your breakfast', which each element taking a corner of the plate.

Avocado on Toast 3.5/5

Just when you think it's another Avocado on Toast ($21), Publico up the ante by topping it with a dollop of pillowy burrata cheese - an Italian twist to this new-age brunch item, a fresh take on a classic antipasti. The avocado is given a bit of a spice too, which adds an edge to the flavour.

Fregola Sarda 3.8/5

Moving on to Primi, which showcases pasta dishes, the varied textures of the Fregola Sarda ($26) makes it extremely likable. The tiny rolled balls of semolina pasta are tossed in garlic cream with succulent prawns, crunchy broccoli and soft juicy cherry tomatoes. The juice released from the tomatoes sweetens the sauce with a big of tang and the lemon zest added brightens the overall flavour of this dish.

Broccolini & Chilli Oil Pizza 3/5

I never thought broccolini can actually appear on pizza till I tasted this Broccolini & Chilli Oil Pizza ($21). Texture wise, there is a lot of crunch to it and I like how the savoury mozzarella brings our the subtle sweetness of the fresh ricotta.

Tiramisu 3/5

Sweeten your weekend with a pot of its Tiramisu ($16). Not too rich and I really like how the sponge fingers are moist with espresso.

What I really appreciate about Publico Ristorante is its spaciousness, which is much needed for good conversations but often lacking at many restaurants and bistros.

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.


Publico Ristorante
1 Nanson Road
Level 1
Singapore 238909
Tel: +65 68265040
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 630am - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 630am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop along Upper Cross Road, Opposite Subordinate Court (Stop ID 06171). Take bus number 51 or 186. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Saiboo Street. Cross the river and walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to junction of River Valley Road and Clemenceau Avenue. Cross the road. Turn left and walk to the river. At the river, turn right and walk down the river. Walk to The Quayside and turn to Nanson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

FOC PIM PAM @ Orchard Road - Reignite My Love For Spanish Cuisine

Stepping into FOC PIM PAM at Orchard Road, located just beside Orchard Hotel, it reminds me of the numerous Spanish bodegas that is found along the streets of Spain. The revamped restaurant now features a Tapas Bar, Main Dining Room, Private Room, Bar and Terrace.

Cherry Gazpacho 4.8/5

We started at the Tapas Bar for some drinks and tapas. The Cherry Gazpacho ($6 tapas menu) is a welcoming starter that is served chilled. The cherry gazpacho soup is poured into a bowl which sits a smoked olive oil ice cream. It is a very refreshing combination that will whets one appetite.

Bread with Tomatoes 4.2/5

The Bread with Tomatoes ($6 tapas menu) brought back memories of my recent trip to Spain. I had this almost everyday for breakfast when I was in Spain. I am glad to know that FOC PIM PAM is serving it. The homemade toasted cristal bread is spread with grated tomatoes and drizzled with olive oil. I can also taste a hint of sea salt that perks up the flavour.

Iberico Cold Cuts Platter 4.2/5

Perfect to go with a drink or two is the Iberico Cold Cuts Platter ($13 half/ $24 full tapas menu). Our platter consists of Pork Loin 'Lomo', 'Salchichon' sausage, Chorizo and bread sticks.

FOC Tomato Tartare 4.5/5

You can call the FOC Tomato Tartare ($19) a vegetarian tartare as it consists of a medley of confit tomatoes, chopped Morrocan caper berries, mustard mayonnaise, pickles, shallots and salt. It is then topped with a tomato ice cream. Having it alone can be quite sourish. So it is recommend to go with the tomato ice cream for a more balanced appreciation.

FOC Pig Tripe Stew 4/5

A hearty and comforting dish on the menu is the FOC Pig Tripe Stew ($12). The beef tripe, pig ears, trotters, cheek, head skin and pork belly are chopped into small pieces, and cooked with white wine and sofrito. Chorizo and chickpeas are also added. This is served together with housemade sun-dried tomato and sweet paprika foccacia.

Espinaler Premium Cockles 4/5

Espinaler Cuttle Fish in Olive Oil 4.2/5

An unusual item on the menu is canned food. FOC has imported premium canned food such as the Espinaler Premium Cockles ($28 115g) and  Espinaler Cuttle Fish in Olive Oil ($15.50 115g). It felts a bit weird to be served canned food in a restaurant and furthermore the price is not cheap. I am not sure whether this will work in Singapore. Saying that, the preserved cockles and cuttle fish turns out pretty tasty.

Los Peperetes Goose Barnacles 4/5

Currently not on the menu is the Los Peperetes Goose Barnacles. I have not seen or tasted goose barnacles, so I was curious and not sure what to expect. The texture felt a bit like top shell or escargot.

Leek Salad & White Asparagus Salad 3.5/5

The Leek and White Asparagus Salad ($16) comes naked as the skin of the leek and asparagus are removed, retaining the soft and juicy interior. It is dressed in a butter soy cream and topped with some rocket greens and toasted almond flakes. I enjoyed the accompanying Spanish anchoives that provide the needed acidity to the dish.

Prawns 'Al Ajillo' 3.8/5

The prawns from the Prawns 'Al Ajillo' ($22 main menu) are big and juicy with a nice charred aroma, served on a bed of potato foam. However I find the garlic was a bit burnt, giving an unpleasant bitter finishing.

Fresh Burrata 4.2/5

I applauded the extra effort in serving the Fresh Burrata ($22) with a picadillo of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, preserved piparra peppers, mint, pine nuts and extra virgin olive oil. It gives the creamy Italian burrata a more complex dimension with the extra boost in flavours and textures.

PIM PAM Croquetas 4.2/5

Another staple dish in Spanish cuisine is their croquetas. At FOC, there are 4 choices of the PIM PAM Croquetas ($10-$12 for 4pc main menu). The choices are ham, mushroom, crab, spinach & pine nuts. The croquetas are coated with panko bread crumb, deep fried to golden brown and topped with bechamel sauce. Soft inside and crispy on the outside, this is actually quite addictive.

Potato Bravas 4.5/5

You probably cannot tell from the picture but the Potato Bravas ($10 main menu) is made from layers of thin potato sheet that has been sliced using a pasta machine. On the top of it is aioli, salsa brava and chopped chives. You will not regret having a few of this deep fried potato millefeuille. Its not life changing but definitely worth skipping the diet plan.

Iberico Secreto Pork & Mushroom Paella 4.5/5

I am not a big fan of paella but I really enjoy the Iberico Secreto Pork & Mushroom Paella ($33). The bomba rice still retains an al dente bite which has soaked up the flavoursome chicken and pig trotters stock. It also comes with a few slices of tender iberico secreto pork, seasonal mushrooms such as ceps, oyster and button mushrooms.

Suckling Pig 4.5/5

Making a spectacular entry is the Suckling Pig ($130 half 2.5kg) which is good for up to 4 pax. The 3-6 weeks old suckling pig comes from Segovia.  It is sous vide for 10 hours before roasting in a convection oven for 30 minutes. The result is a layer of crispy skin over the soft and juicy meat. It is so soft that the server can cut it using a plate. I know some people do not like the Spanish suckling pig for the acquire milky taste but I did not trace it here.

Chocolate Forest 4/5

We tried a number of desserts on the menu such as the White Chocolate Coated Churros, Spanish Torrija, Chocolate Forest and Lemon Lemoncello. My favourite is the Chocolate Forest and Lemon Lemoncello. The Chocolate Forest ($16) is an appreciation of the different textures of chocolate in the form of cream, soil and leaf. The interesting part is in comes with a pipette of Arbequina extra virgin olive oil, that is supposed to be squeezed onto the dessert. My first time having chocolate paired with olive oil.

Lemon Lemoncello 4.2/5

The Lemon Lemoncello ($12) is a very pretty dessert. The combination of sweet and sour from the meringue and limoncello sorbet works harmoniously on the palate.

I have visited several Spanish restaurants in Singapore but non has really quite impressed me so far. This has changed after visiting FOC PIM PAM. Not sure whether it is due to my recent trip to Spain and I can connect better with the cuisine. If anyone asked me for Spanish food recommendation, I would recommend FOC PIM PAM for now.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


FOC PIM PAM
442 Orchard Road
#01-29
Singapore 238879
Tel: +65 61004242
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 1am
Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm

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. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Palais Renaissance. Continue walking down Orchard Road and turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Shaw House via underpass. At the road level, walk along Orchard Road towards Palais Renaissance. Continue walking down Orchard Road and turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]