Long Bar Steakhouse @ Raffles Hotel

Having dine at the various restaurants at Raffles Hotel on numerous occasion, I am kind of ashamed that I did not know that there is a steakhouse at Raffles Hotel. Located just adjacent to the iconic Long Bar that created the Singapore Sling, is Long Bar Steakhouse helmed by the restaurant's steak expert Chef de Cuisine Kenny Chung. Currently Long Bar Steakhouse is having a Tomahawk Special from 5 October to the end of the month.

Chef Kenny Chung has specifically chosen the chosen to use the grain fed tomahawk airflown from Australian for its better marbling over the grass fed counterpart. The on-the-bone ribeye weights 1.7kg and its around 2 inches thick.

Before starting our dinner, we were served some complimentary bread to kick start the dining. Unfortunately I was a bit disappointed that bread is not served warm.

Long Bar Steakhouse Sampler 3.8/5

Next we have a trio of appetiser from the Long Bar Steakhouse Sampler consisting of Seared Scallop, Scottish Smoked Salmon and Dungness Crab Cake. The plump scallop is beautifully seared locking in the sweetness. The saltiness of the smoked salmon is cleverly balanced with the thinly sliced beetroot and greens. The crab cake has a hint of spiciness. However I find the texture a bit too mushy.

Macaroni Zita with Comte Cheese 4/5

Sauteed Broccolini 4/5 and French Fries with Truffle Salt 4/5

To go with the tomahawk, we have a few accompanying sides like Macaroni Zita with Comte Cheese, Sauteed Broccolini and French Fries with Truffle Salt.

Tomahawk 4.8/5

Tomahawk 4.8/5

The highlight of the night has to be the Tomahawk ($265++ for 1.7 kg) that is cooked to medium rare. It is simply seasoned with just salt and pepper with no marination. The beauty pinkish meat is put on the grill for 5 minutes on each side, then it is placed in convention oven before finishing it in a pizza oven to get that exterior crust. The tomahawk is then allowed to rest for about 10 minutes to lock in all the juiciness before before cut and served. Each tomahawk can served up to 2-3 pax. The waiter offered me mustard to go with the meat but I declined as the beef was already so favourful and juicy on it own.

Cheese Cake 4.2/5

Wrapping up the dinner is the Cheese Cake with mixed berries and raspberry sorbet. The smooth and creamy cheese cake ended the night on a perfect night.

The Long Bar Steakhouse Tomahawk Special is only available from now until end of the month. If you enjoy a good piece of steak, you may not want to miss this as it is only available for a limited period.


Long Bar Steakhouse
Raffles Hotel
1 Beach Road
#02-00
Singapore 189673
Tel: +65 64121816
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line),Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Thu-Mon: 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Tue & Wed)

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut through Raffles City Shopping Centre. Walk to Bras Basah Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to Beach Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters @ Upper Thomson Road

This is a backlog post which I sold how allows it to slip down the whole list of articles to be published. Probably because I decided there is no urgency to feature Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters at Upper Thomson Road since it has been reviewed numerous times and even to the extend that some claimed the cafe to be their best cafe of 2014.

Latte 4.2/5

Stepping into Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters, I can understand why so many cafe hoppers love this place. The cafe has the Aussie feel. Beautifully decorated in white with wooden furniture, I felt as if I am in Melbourne, sipping my cup of Latte ($4.50/$5/$5.5) which comes in three different sizes of 3oz, 5oz and 7oz.

Truffle Fries 4/5

I am not a big fan of Truffle Fries ($8) as I don't think it is worth the extra cost to pay for a few drops of essence. Nevertheless I still gone with the group and ordered this. The fries were deep fried to nice crisp but yet not overly oily.

Deep Fried Mid Wings 4/5

I remembered have a similar rendition of the Deep Fried Mid Wings ($8) at Sunday Market. However, the version with a more crispy exterior batter fares better while also retaining the juiciness. Once again this is not something I would usually order, I felt it is not value for money with the skinny wings for that price I need to pay.

Quinoa Salad 3.8/5

For a healthy brunch, one can go for the Quinoa Salad ($15) that comes with quinoa, edamame bean, pique pepper, baby spinach, sweet corn and pomegranate with lemon vinaigrette dressing. The colour combination is very pleasing in sight. If only the seasoning can be a bit bolder that will give the dish a much needed lift.

Red Velvet Pancakes 2/5

Food that looks pretty does not mean it will taste good. This is exactly how we felt with the Red Velvet Pancakes ($16) served with mascarpone and fresh berries. The pancake itself was rather bland and dry. In the fact the tastiest components on the plate are the berries.

Salted Caramel Banana French Toast 4.2/5

The Salted Caramel Banana French Toast ($16) was the opposite of the red velvet pancakes. It may look messy but it tasted so delicious. The soft brioche french toast was drizzled in a salted caramel sauce and topped with caramelized bananas and whipped cream.

Truffle Benedict 4.2/5

I really felt cafe food are over priced, just take for example the Truffle Benedict that costs $18. I am not saying the food is not good but I probably can't afford to eat it everyday. A breakfast dish is as expensive as a dinner main. Anyway back to the food itself. Two free range poached eggs with truffle hollandaise sauce sits on a bed of wilted spinach, smoked ham and brioche. A beautiful combination that brought sunshine to the plate.

Oven Baked 5 Cheese Macaroni 4.2/5

Last but not least another worthy dish to try is the Oven Baked 5 Cheese Macaroni ($18). The five cheese used are parmesan, feta, emmental, mild cheddar and mozzarella. The macaroni is also infused with honey ham and mushroom, finished with a dash of truffle oil. I love my cheeses and this has the cheesiness that I enjoyed while not too overpowering with a nice harmony. Being oven baked, the macaroni may turned dried but this is still well timed. By the way, I don't understand the need to display the types of cheeses used for the dish on the wooden plank.

Overall Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters is a nice cafe to check out. It has ticks all around (Ambience, Coffee, Food and Service.). No wonder it is one of the more popular cafes for cafe hopping in Singapore.


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Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters
185 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574333
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pacamarasg
Nearest MRT: Upper Thomson (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 9am - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Upper Thomson MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk down Upper Thomson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sunday Market @ Lim Tua Tow Road (Upper Serangoon)

So another cafe has sprung up at Upper Serangoon Road replacing the defunct The Factory. I would say the new cafe, Sunday Market did a much better job in the interior design compared to the ex-tenant. What about the food? The menu seems promising with some Asian influenced dishes. We will let the taste buds do the taking as I dropped by Sunday Market to check out the cafe.

Skinny Wings and Truffle Fries 4/5

We started with some light snack in the Skinny Wings and Truffle Fries ($6.90).The skinny wings indeed is like supermodel of chicken. This is probably the skinniest chicken wings I have ever eaten or seen. Marinated with an in house spices and deep fried till crispy, the skinny wings were surprisingly very delicious. The shoestring fries toosed in truffle oil is quite classic and good. It also comes with Aioli and Thai Chilli dipping sauce.

Seafood Aglio Olio 3/5

For a cafe, I was surprised with the generous amount of seafood being served for the Seafood Aglio Olio ($14.90). The spaghetti was nicely cooked and topped with fish flakes and chopped parsley. Unfortunately this was a mediocre dish that was not memorable.

Sirloin Rendang Toast 2.8/5

An uncommon cafe dish on the menu is the Sirloin Rendang Toast ($15.90) that comes with chunks of striploin beef simmered in a rendang gravy with crispy buttered brioche. The ideal was brilliant but it lacked the character of a good rendang gravy missing the aroma of the spices. I also felt that they have used the wrong cut of the meat which was too tough.

Waffle with Smoked Salmon and Cheese Ice Cream 4/5

I am not a big fan of savoury and sweet combination but the Waffle with Smoked Salmon and Cheese Ice Cream ($14.90) turned out quite good. The fluffy waffle was topped with mixed cress, smoked salmon, avocade and cheese ice cream. Surprisingly I enjoyed how the smoked salmon and cheese ice cream has a pleasing harmonious taste on the palate.

Bangkok Toast 4/5

Lastly I tried a dessert dish on the menu, the Bangkok Toast ($10.90). The cinnamon thick sweet brioche toast got the thumbs up. The Thai milk ice cream was even more excellent. However I don't really get it for the matcha green tea custard. It felt kind of irrelevant on the plate.

Overall I think Sunday Market has the formulae for success as long as the keep up to their quality and consistency. I am glad that another new cafe has opened up near my neighbourhood joining the likes of Lola's Cafe and Hatter Street.


Sunday Market
22 Lim Tua Tow Road
Singapore 547772
Tel: +65 62878880
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sundaymarket.sg
Website: http://www.sundaymarket.sg/
Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1pm - 10pm
Fri: 1pm - 11pm
Sat: 11am - 11pm
Sun: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to Upper Serangoon Road. Turn left onto Upper Serangoon Road. Walk down Upper Serangoon Road until Lim Tua Tow Road. Turn left onto Lim Tua Tow Road and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

PODI @ Raffles City Shopping Centre

Today marks the official opening of PODI at the basement of Raffles City Shopping Centre by The Bakery Depot Pte Ltd, the same company that brought us Cedele, Toss & Turns and P.L.T Sandwiches. PODI which stands for Pure, Offbeat, Delicious and Infusions offers all day breakfast and grills on the menu.

The restaurant has a casual and relax ambience offering a dine in section as well as a quick service/retail counter for takeaway. If you love a cup of coffee, you will not be disappointed. PODI offers freshly grinded and roasted coffee beans from Smitten as well as various flower tea.

Shoestring Fries 3/5

For some light snacks, the Shoestring Fries with Seaweed Nori / Truffle Oil will be a good choice. I thought the Shoestring Fries with Seaweed Nori was more of a gimmick lacking in flavour. Given a choice, I would spend my money on the Shoestring Fries with Truffle Oil

Baked Egg Pot 3.5/5

Breakfast definitely can't do without eggs, at least for me. The Baked Egg Pot definitely looks very appertizing with baked runny eggs and chorizo in a tomato based sauce. The menu mentioned that there is goat cheese in the dish but it was definitely missing for me. Flavours wise the dish was still good but it could have been better if the goat cheese flavour was stronger.

Duck Berry Waffle 3/5

It sounds quite bizzare to put a savoury and sweet dish together. The Duck Berry Waffle comes with a waffle topped with duck confit served with egg, blueberry compote and maple syrup vinaigrette. I have a bit of everything together but the combination did not have that wow factor. As a dish, I was puzzled with the concept. Individually the duck confit was flavourful and tender. The waffle was also fluffy and delectable with the beautiful blueberry compote. My comfort was that I got both main and dessert on a plate.

Stuffed French Toast 3.5/5

The Stuffed French Toast is made with spinach brioche with eggs and stuffed with smoked ham and brie cheese, served with garden greens and maple syrup on the side. Nicely toasted the french toast sandwich hit the right spot for me with the cheesy brie. My only request is to add spinach in between the 2 slices of toast. That will complete the whole enjoyment.

Beetroot Carpaccio 4/5

I actually quite like the Beetroot Carpaccio. The beetroot was beautiful seasoned, hardly can taste that earthy taste of it.

Prawn and Crab Spinach Salad 4.2/5

Surprisingly the Prawn and Crab Spinach Salad was the best dish for me. A clean and refreshing plate of greens with baby spinach, grilled prawns and crab meat. The zesty peppermint and lemon vinaigrette was the star that brought the whole dish together, whetting up the appetite.

Chicken Pot 3.5/5

Chicken thigh simmered in a pastry pot with potato and seasonal vegetables served with toast. It was an interesting cooking technique where the Chicken Pot was sealed around with pastry to lock the heat inside. The chicken thigh was cooked perfectly, moist and tender. Although I spotted rosemary in the pot, the herby flavour was non existence.

Argentina Sirloin Steak 2.8/5

When I have a hard time cutting into the Argentina Sirloin Steak, I knew it was going to be an disappointment even before biting into it. At least the chimichurri and mustard cream sauce managed to redeem some credits to the dish.

Spicy Prawn Konbu Pasta 3/5

Suitable for the local palate is the Spicy Prawn Konbu Pasta. The hearty aglio olio pasta was tossed with spicy prawns, konbu ad prawn oil. Spicy and bursting with flavours, the only complain was its too oily.

King Prawn with Herb Butter 2.8/5

The King Prawn was baked in garlic, butter, cheese, herb, orange peel and finished off on the grill. It was a nice smokey aroma when served. Unfortunately the texture was mushy which spoilt the enjoyment.

Whoopie Pie 2.8/5

The Whoopie Pie is made up of 2 cake like cookies with a creamy, orange earl grey flavoured filling. I did not enjoy it, I thought it was quite one dimensional and there was no excitement in it. The filling had a lot of the orange zest but the earl grey flavour was definitely non existence.

Mexican Spiced Hat 3.5/5

The Mexican Spiced Hat comes with Nigella spiced meringue thins with 2 scoops of ice cream. A pretty decent dessert to end the night on a sweet note.

The all day breakfast and grill is not ready a new concept, missing a pull factor for me. Food wise, there are still rooms for improvement given that it's only their pre-launch when I tried their food.


PODI
Raffles City Shopping Centre
#B1-45
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 63365648
Website: http://www.podifood.com
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10am - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 9am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT Station. Take Exit A. Walk to basement of Raffles City Shopping Centre. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

High Society Cafe/Restaurant @ Marina Bay Sands

The jewel of the recording industry, High Society founded by That CD Shop in 2006 has ventured into the food and beverage scene and opened High Society Cafe/Restaurant at The Shoppes, Marina Bay Sands.

An artisan display of cupcakes, cakes, tarts and macarons welcomes patrons at the front of the cafe/restaurant. Popularly known for their pastries, many patrons may mistaken that High Society is a dessert place for the sweet tooth. Little may you know that High Society cafe/restaurant offers an extensive menu that serves delectable food besides pastries.

On top of the usual items on the extensive menu, every quarterly High Society offers a special seasonal menu from the chef's creation. That's something to look forward to every 3 monthly.

Crab Salad 4/5

From the Summer seasonal menu, the refreshing Crab Salad ($22) with chilled crab meat and tobiko accompanied with fresh greens and honey mustard dressing was a very appetizing starter. I love cheese and I am glad it came with a generous topping of them.

French Fries with Truffle Aioli 3.8/5

The French Fries with Truffle Aioli ($8) is always a delightful light bites to munch while catching up with a group of awesome friends and waiting for our mains to be served.

Duck Confit 4/5

The Duck Confit ($28) prepared using the centuries-old process of preservation was fork tender with a nice crisp on the skin. Unfortunately the duck confit was a tad on the salty side. Maybe a pinch too much salt during the curing process. Nevertheless. the smooth carrot puree was a winner for me.

Summer Seafood Laksa Spaghetti 4/5

The Summer Seafood Laksa Spaghetti ($27) was on the seasonal menu. Served with pan-seared scallops and tiger prawns in laksa sauce, the fusion of Asian flavour was delish but a hint oily.

Steak Frites 3.8/5

The Steak Frites ($38) is a common and popular dish of steak and fries served in Brasseries throughout French-speaking Europe. High Society uses 200 days grain fed Angus Rib Eye steak which was cooked beautifully and paired with red wine sauce.

Lamb Shank 4.2/5

The flavourfully braised Lamb Shank ($29) in tomato and red wine was accompanied with whipped potato and seasonal vegetables. The sauce was really top notch. No wonder the melt in the mouth lamb shank was everyone's favourite.

Ispahan 4/5

After a hearty meal, do remember to leave some space for the delish desserts and pastries especially the cupcakes of High Society.

When I saw the Ispahan ($9) in the pastry display window, I knew Maureen definitely will order it because she is just crazy about Ispahan.

Savour a range of beautiful pastries such as the Boss ($12) that is 66% chocolate mousse with peppermint creme brulee and cocoa nip nougatine. Apple Crumble ($9) a sauteed granny smith with honey & rosemar, almond cream, perfumed with thym. Strawberry Short Cake ($12) of sabel breton, kirsch mousseline with fresh strawberries. Haute ($6) a vanilla cake with lemon curd topped with chantilly cream.

Cupcakes 4.5/5

Not to be missed is the popular cupcakes at High Society. I am not a cupcake lover because I always find them too sweet, dry and kind of boring. Kennie from High Society definitely has converted me with the artisan cupcakes. We tried the Casanova ($6), Red Velvet ($6) and Classic Vanilla ($6). Three factors why I enjoyed the cupcakes at High Society so much. The cupcakes were not overly sweet, they were moist and each cupcake comes with an element of surprise in it. Take for example biting into the red velvet cupcake came with surprises of rum raisins in it.

Macarons 4/5

How can we not have the Macarons ($2.30 each). High Society offers a selection of 12 flavours. They include chocolate, coffee, vanilla, earl grey, raspberry rose, green tea passion fruit, maple walnut, caramel banana, coconut lime, rum & raisin, praline hazelnut and lemon.

The casual dining ambience at High Society besides their popularity pastries also offers an extensive delectable food selection on their menu. On top of them, the kitchen offers a seasonal menu every quarterly using the freshest and seasonal ingredients.

Thank you Kennie of High Society for the invitation.


High Society Cafe/Restaurant
The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands
10 Bayfront Avenue
#B2-43/44
Singapore 018956
Tel: +65 66887522
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highsocietysg
Website: http://highsociety.com.sg/hs/
Nearest MRT: Bayfront (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 10am - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 10am - 1am

Direction:1) Alight at Bayfront MRT station: Exit and walk towards The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. Journey time about 5 minutes.