Armoury Steakhouse @ Orchard Central - Exclusive Big Cuts and Beer O'Clock Promotion

Armoury Steakhouse at Orchard Central takes pride in its exceptional offering of big cuts for its steaks. From solo cuts of 250g to 2.2kg Tomahawk, the menu is designed to create a feast for meat lovers. An exclusive Beer O'Clock promotion has also been launched to complete the experience!

AUS Wagyu Ribeye 4/5

One of their most popular cuts, AUS Wagyu Ribeye for 2, weighing 500g, is now available at a promotional price of $68 (U.P $100). It also comes with 2 sides of your choice. The recommended doneness is medium rare, and ours came blushing in pink with a nicely charred exterior.

Bacon Mac & Cheese 4/5

There are also premium sides for add-ons. Bacon Mac & Cheese (+$9) was creamy and comforting, with the macaroni evenly coated in melted cheese. The bacon bits accented the dish with a smoky and savoury note, which added a detectable contrast to the creamy moussels.

Truffle Fries 3.8/5

We also tried a side dish Truffle Fries ($15). The texture of the fries was good, carrying the aroma of truffle.

For their exclusive Beer O'Clock promotion - From lunch until 4pm, the beers are available at just $3 per pint. As the day progresses, the prices increase gradually, with pints available at $4 from 4pm, $5 from 5pm, $6 from 6pm, and $7 per pint until 8pm.

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.


Armoury Steakhouse
Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
#11-03/04
Singapore 238896
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Tue: 1130am - 10pm
Wed-Sat: 1130am - 1030pm

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

Poulet Bijou @ Jewel Changi Airport - New Outlet Offering Savoury Galettes, Sweet Decadence Crepes And French Toast

Poulet Bijou at Jewel Changi Airport is Poulet's latest and eighth outlet in Singapore. It also marks Poulet's 10th anniversary of serving its favourite French Roast Chicken. The new restaurant serves an extensive all-day dining menu comprising its signature French Roast Chicken, contemporary French cuisine, and desserts under one roof.

Truffle Fries 3.5/5

We had the Truffle Fries ($10.90) for our starter. It comes with chopped parsley and parmesan snow, dressed in black truffle oil. An addictive munch while waiting for the mains.

Mixed Mushroom Sautee Galette 4/5

Besides Poulet's signature items, Poulet Bijou has offered an all-new French dessert menu that focuses on savoury galettes, sweet decadence crepes and french toast. We tried a couple of their savoury galettes, starting with the Mixed Mushroom Sautee Galette ($13.90). Folded inside the crepe is wild mushroom, sunny side-up egg in truffle dressing.

Mixed Seafood Galette 3.8/5

The other galette we tried is the Mixed Seafood Galette ($16.90) which comes with a local twist. It is laksa in a crepe instead in a bowl. There are prawns, squid, fish cake, crushed nut and sunny side-up egg with laksa dressing.

Vanilla French Toast 4/5

Wrapping up our meal, we had the Vanilla French Toast ($15.90) laden with generous toppings of juicy mixed strawberries and yoghurt ice cream.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Poulet Bijou
Jewel Changi Airport
78 Airport Road
#01-227
Singapore 819666
Tel: +65 62437820
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Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

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

Moonbow @ Dempsey Hill - New Royal Midday High Tea, 70% Savoury 30% Sweet

Having visited Moonbow when it opened earlier in the year, I was back at the restaurant on a weekend afternoon to check out the newly launched Royal Midday High Tea. The high set is available on Friday to Sunday, from 230pm to 530pm.

High Tea Set

I am not a high tea person because I do not have a sweet tooth. Thanks to Chef Heman, who has come up with the new High Tea Set ($68.80) that focuses more on savoury than sweet. I was overwhelmed as 70% of the high tea set is savoury, and only 30% is sweet. For the savoury items, diners can look forward to Parma Ham Rose, Evvo Caviar, Salted Egg Bacon Bits Choux Pastry, Scallop Flower Amuse Bouche, Braised Short Rib Artisan Squid Ink Bread and Dark Chocolate Coated Foie Gras Lollipop.

High Tea Set

There are Green Tea Fondant, Black Berries Rice Sorbet, Bacon Cheesecake and Mango Chocolate Mousse for the sweets selection.

Tomato Butter Scones

A must-have to complement the high tea experience is the Tomato Butter Scones. Unlike the traditional English scone, Chef Heman's version is infused with tomatoes giving it a sweet, tangy finishing.

As it is the truffle's season, Chef Heman has also incorporated the premium ingredients into the high tea menu.

Cheesy Truffle Curly Fries

Besides the high tea set and scone, do check out the small plates to complete the high tea experience. The Cheesy Truffle Curly Fries covered with Parmesan Cheese and paired with Truffle Mayo Dips are delightfully addictive.

Crispy Salmon Finger in Drawer

I feel that the Crispy Salmon Finger in Drawer is worthy of a shot at the main menu. Deep-fried to golden brown and looks like our local goreng pisang, it is a unique take of the usual deep-fried fish with a crispy exterior coat. In addition, it comes with two dipping sauces - truffle mayo and arrabbiata olio for the fullest enjoyment of the crispy salmon finger.

Suppose you are someone like me preferring savoury over sweets. In that case, you will enjoy the high tea set at Moonbow, which is different from other places with more sweets than savoury. As you can see from the set that I tried, it's not your usual cake, tart, sandwich or kueh.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


[CLOSED]
MOONBOW
Block 10 Dempsey Road
#01-21
Singapore 247700
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Holland Village (CC Line), Farrer Road (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 10am -3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop along Orchard Boulevard (Stop ID 09022). Take bus number 7, 77, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 7 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 30 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Block 12 (Stop ID 11401). Take bus 106. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Farrer Road MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Farrer Road MRT station (Stop ID 11119). Take bus number 174 or 564. Alight 5 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]

Paddy Hills @ South Buona Vista Road - Introduces New Unique Fusion Dishes With A Twist

Nestled within the row of shophouses along South Buona Vista Road is Paddy Hills - a quaint hipster cafe in the west offering a wide selection of contemporary fusion cuisine. With a continuous revamp of its menu, Paddy Hills continues to attract diners to its far-flung location for its inventive and exciting dishes.

Savoury French Toast 4/5

The Savoury French Toast ($21) comes in a fluffy, buttery brioche with a thick, juicy bacon chop, house-cured salmon, banana slices, coconut ice cream and a generous douse of coffee maple syrup. Featuring a medley of different elements on a plate, this creation presents a savoury-sweet, hot-cold combination which contributes to a harmonious blend of contrasting flavours and textures, and surprisingly works well together.

Soft Shell Crab Burger 3.8/5

The Soft Shell Crab Burger ($25) comes in a crispy prawn patty and soft shell crab sandwiched in between two fluffy squid ink buns. While the green mango salad adds a sharp, tangy flavour to the burger, the prawn patty and soft shell crab packed less of a bite and more of a crunch to the dish, which rendered the texture rather one-dimensional, with the only flavour coming from the overwhelming tanginess of the green mango. Also served with a side of crispy curly fries and squid ink aioli.

NZ Ribeye 4.2/5

For something on the meatier side, the NZ Ribeye ($28) was a favourite among the dishes. It boasts tender and juicy ribeye steak atop crispy stick fries for an added crunch, and two sunny sides up atop the steak.

Truffle Garlic Fries 3.8/5

For something on the lighter, choose from their selection of sides such as the Truffle Garlic Fries ($15) with aioli and garlic snow. The truffle mayo dip on the side adds a rather subtle truffle flavour to the crispy fries. While we hoped that the promised flavours were stronger, it was still a rather addictive snack.

Feels like Summer 4.2/5

The Feels like Summer ($8) is just like its name, bright and bubbly, with a cute umbrella perched atop. The strawberry soda was a cooling thirst quencher, while the popping strawberry granules add a fun popping sensation and a refreshing tang to the drink, which makes every sip an enjoyable one.

Hot Chocolate 4/5

For the less-adventurous, go for their Hot Chocolate ($8) which boasts a rich chocolate flavour in a double-walled glass.

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.


Paddy Hills
38 South Buona Vista Road
Singapore 118164
Tel: +65 64790800
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Nearest MRT: Haw Par Villa (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1030am - 5pm, 6pm - 930pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 5pm, 6pm - 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Haw Par Villa MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Haw Par Villa MRT station (Stop ID 16019). Take bus number 200. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

The Laneway Market + Kaffles @ Tanjong Katong Road - A Sweet Collaboration

Great news for fans of Kaffles, it is back operating at The Laneway Market every Friday and Saturday. The collaboration sees Kaffles selling their signature waffles and ice cream at the cafe, complementing the savoury dishes at The Laneway Market.

Laneway Cuppa 3.8/5

For something different from the usual latte and capaccuino, I had the Laneway Cuppa ($6) which is infused with homemade coconut and black tea extract. The coconut essence provided a nature sweetness to the cuppa which was light and refreshing.

Truffle Fries 4/5

For some light bites, a good start is the Truffle Fries ($12/$16) which is perfumed with truffle oil and topped with grated parmesan.

Salt & Pepper Squid 3.5/5

The Salt & Pepper Squid ($12) was another delectable snack bites that was both crispy and bouncy in texture. The seasoning was on the light side though. It is best to pair it with the sriracha mayo for a lifted enjoyment.

Chicken Breast 3/5

Moving to the mains, we tried the Chicken Breast ($19) which comes with sweet corn puree, sauteed shimeiji, basil oil, balsamic honey glazed and lingonbeery preserve. I like the fact that the kitchen was able to give live to a simple poultry dish. Unfortunately the chicken was a little under cook or this will be a beautiful dish.

Gambas 4/5

The Gambas ($20) is quite an unique dish. The squid ink pasta is given a different interpretation with the used of capellini, sesame shrimps and squid. Shrimp jus is poured into the plate of pasta as if the diner is having a bowl of prawn noodle soup.

Signature Dashi Mushroom Risotto 4.5/5

One of my favourite dishes at The Laneway Market is their Signature Dashi Mushroom Risotto ($20). The fluffy rice was well infused with the beautiful dashi stock, complemented by the earthy and crispy mushroom. Topped with a soft poached egg, it added additional shine to the bowl.

Thai Milk Tea Kaffles 4/5

Do save some space for the dessert. Kaffles has changed the waffle's recipe and it tasted even better now. There are three different types of of Kaffles available on the menu. They are the Thai Milk Tea Kaffles ($13.90), Speculoos Kaffles ($12.90) and Nutella Kinder Bueno Kaffles ($12.90).

Speculoos Kaffles 4/5

Among the three waffles I tried, my favourite is the Nutella Kinder Bueno Kaffles. The buttermilk waffle was crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. What I enjoyed most was the nutella sauce drizzled on the vanilla ice cream and buttermilk waffle.

Nutella Kinder Bueno Kaffles 4.2/5

Do note that Kaffles is not opened every day. It is only available on Friday and Saturday from 6pm onwards. The addition of Kaffles to the menu has given diners more reason to visit the cafe again.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Laneway Market
266 Tanjong Katong Road
Singapore 437053
Tel: +65 67198832
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Nearest MRT: Dakota

Opening Hours:
Wed-Fri: 11am - 930pm
Sat-Sun: 10am - 930pm
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Walk to bus stop at Blk 99 Old Airport Road (Stop ID 81181). Take bus no. 10, 31 and 32. Alight 2 stops later. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Walk to bus stop along Paya Lebar Road (Stop ID 81111). Take bus no. 43, 76 and 135. Alight 4 stops later. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Curious Palette @ Prinsep Street

To be frank, with the number of cafe opening up every couple of weeks, it was not easy to keep track. If not for my friend Benson, I probably would not have known about Curious Palette at Prinsep Street. Taking the space of a two storey shophouse, the spacious and brightly lighted cafe is very welcoming with its white walls and wooden furniture.

Truffle Fries 4/5 and Pork Scratching 3/5

Truffle Fries ($14.90) topped with shaved parmesan cheese and truffle salt has always been a popular choice for cafe hoppers. It comes with aioli sauce. New on the menu is the Pork Scratching. The crackling pig skin is perfect with a glass of beer. Since this is a beer snack, I would prefer the seasoning to be heavier.

Boneless Chicken Wings 3.8/5

The Boneless Chicken Wings ($9.80/3pc) comes with chicken minced stuffing, spiced batter and served with homemade Thai chilli sauce. The marinated chicken stuffing and spiced batter has a aromatic scent of Indian spices that distinct it from elsewhere. However. the Thai chilli sauce does not work for me

Pan Grilled Baby Squid 4.2/5

One of my favourite dishes on the menu at Curious Palette is the Pan Grilled Baby Squid ($12.90). Funny enough it seems that I was the only one at the table enjoying this. I kept going back for more of the crunchy baby squid.

Pan Seared Salmon 3.5/5

I think the Pan Seared Salmon ($18.90) is very value for money. There are so many different components on the plate. On the plate, guest will get grilled Halloumi cheese, bacon scone, poached egg, guacamole, arugula, semi-dried tomatoes and honey mustard dressing. Unfortunately, the kitchen has a bad day, the poach egg is overcooked.

Scotch Egg 3/5

I like the idea of having Scotch Egg on the cafe menu. It does get a bit boring with egg benedict in every other cafes. Paired with cauliflower fritters, unfortunately the scotch egg was a bit flat in taste. The meat needs more flavours. I have tried better ones else where, especially By The Fire.

Chicken Leg with Pumpkin Risotto 4/5

The Chicken Leg with Pumpkin Risotto is not only beautiful in its presentation but the taste too. The large chicken leg is seasoned with ginger and prepared confit style. The confit chicken leg is paired with pumpkin risotto, The dish is finished with chilli foam. Tender and juicy chicken with fluffy risotto for a substantial meal.

Lamb Short Rib 4/5

The Smoked Lamb Short Rib is paired with compressed pineapple, sweet potato fries and mint jelly. I like the idea of the mint jelly to pair with the fork tender lamb short rib, with the compressed pineapple cutting through the greasiness.

Beef Steak 4/5

The Beef Steak with red wine sherry reduction is sou vide for 48 hours for a tender and delectable bite, accompanied with baby carrot and pencil asparagus. This may not be the most premium cut of the cow but definitely executed to the level of one.

Buttermilk Waffle with Gula Melaka & Coconut Cream 3.8/5

Buttermilk Waffle with Gula Melaka & Coconut Cream ($14.50) is quite an enjoyable dessert to wrap up the meal. The fluffy waffle with vanilla bean ice cream is a classic combination that is timeless. Could not really taste the hint of gula melaka and coconut but the roasted peanuts made up for it together with the nutty texture. The red beans had a bite to it which I thought the softern version would be more appropriate.

Berry Ricotta Hotcake 4/5

The most instagram worthy item at Curious Palette is the Berry Ricotta Hotcake ($18.90) with vanilla bean ice cream, fresh seasonal berries, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. It comes with golden maple syrup at the side. This is a huge serving and I would never image myself finishing it alone. The hotcake was buttery and spongy, with the cold vanilla bean ice cream giving it an enjoyable warm and cold contrast.

Of the many cafes around Singapore, I would say Curious Palette is one of the better ones with the whole package. Meaning besides the cosy and spacious ambience, it serves good coffee and quality food.


Curious Palette
64 Prinsep Street
Singapore 188667
Tel: +65 62381068
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Bras Basah (CC Line), Dhoby Ghaut (CC Line, NE Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Mon, Wed-Thu: 9am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 9am - 12midnight
(Closed on Tue)

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

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit D & E. Walk down Bras Basah road towards Prinsep Street. Turn right onto Prinsep Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]