Cowaramup Roadhouse @ Telok Blangah Road - Australian Roadhouse Style Family Restaurant & Bar

Newly opened along Telok Blangah Road is Cowaramup Roadhouse, an Australian roadhouse style family restaurant and bar by Mooloolabar and Kitchen by JT. It replaces the now-defunct San Laksa Steamboat. Customers can look forward to an extensive menu featuring a wide variety of starters, grilled skewers, gourmet meats, sharing platters, kids and weekend breakfast. It even has a dog-friendly alfresco dining area.

Since Cowaramup is an Australian roadhouse-style restaurant, I just have to kick start the dinner with a few beer glasses.

Veal Sweetbread 3.5/5

From the starters, we had the Veal Sweetbread ($18) to kickstart our dinner. The deep-fried breaded veal nuggets are incredibly tender, an ideal munch to go with a few drinks. It is a change from the usual fries and chicken wings.

Seafood Skewer 3.8/5

A delightful starter is the Seafood Skewer ($25 for 2pc), comprising of tiger prawn wrapped with fish skin, squid, scallop and baby octopus. If you are not a seafood person, there are other skewers such as chicken, beef, lamb, and vegetarian.

Oven-baked Barramundi 3.8/5

We started with the Oven-baked Barramundi ($22) for the mains. The huge fillet of barramundi comes wrapped in bacon, resting on a bed of creamy spinach, crowned with smoke onion rings. It is indeed value for money.

Beef Wellington 4.2/5

Suppose you have tried the western fare at Meet 4 Meat at East Coast Road by Chef Jimmy Teo for its affordable gourmet meat. In that case, you will be delighted to know that Chef Jimmy Teo curates the menu at Cowaramup. I have tried his beef wellington before, so I am glad that he had brought the dish to the West. Now, I need not travel to East Coast to savour it anymore.

Beef Wellington 4.2/5

The Beef Wellington ($34/$100/$180) comes in three weights - 200g, 500g and 1kg. The charcoal-grilled Australian beef tenderloin and mushroom duxelles are wrapped in puff pastry paired with a brown sauce and fresh herb salad. Customers who want to perk up the enjoyment further have a choice of adding foie gras.

Cowaramup is a new exciting addition to the F&B scene in the west. I am glad that there is a new place near my home for me to grab a drink complemented with affordable Western fares. I am looking forward to my next visit to try more of the dishes curated by Chef Jimmy Teo, especially his Duck Wellington and Chicken Parmigiana.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Cowaramup
404 Telok Blangah Road
Singapore 098840
Tel: +65 85001111
Facebook
Website
Nearest: Telok Blangah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri:3pm - 12midnight
Sat-Sun & PH: 9am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Turn right and walk down Telok Blangah Road. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

LINO Restaurant and Cafe @ Forum The Shopping Mall - Hearty Italian Favourites, Outlet-exclusive Dishes And Cafe Bites

LINO, the casual dining brand by Les Amis Group, has recently opened its second outlet LINO Restaurant and Cafe, at Forum The Shopping Mall. Lino is known for its repertoire of hearty Italian favourites such as pizza and pasta. The second outlet offers a holistic dining experience with an extensive menu comprising exclusive dishes and café bites accompanied by specially designed cocktail selections. A kid-friendly menu is available as well.

Smoked Scamorza 4/5

Our dinner began with a couple of Cold and Hot Antipasti. The Smoked Scamorza ($22) is weighty with chunks of warm lightly-torched smoked Scamorza (South Italian cow's milk cheese) served on a bed of fresh rockets. It is topped with ribbons of luscious parma ham and finished with a slightly sweet balsamic glaze drizzle. Rich in texture and flavour, this dish is perfect if you have a drink on hand.

Octopus 4.2/5

Alongside is a stunning Octopus ($34) - Beautifully chargrilled tentacles, served with smokey and fruity Palermo sweet pepper, punctuated with piquant capers and parsley.

Lamb Ragu Garganelli 4.5/5

For Mains, we had Lamb Ragu Garganelli ($29). Australian lamb shoulder is slow-braised for three hours with eggplant caviar, rosemary and fresh tomatoes. The resulting lamb ragu was meaty yet tender, rich with flavours and aromatics. The choice of pasta is Garganelli pasta done al dente– small cylindrical-shaped tubes with points at both ends and ribbed sides ideal for soaking up and catching on the vibrant and luscious sauce.

Pan-fried Veal Escalope 4/5

Pan-fried Veal Escalope ($44) is outlet-exclusive. This classic secondi features Dutch milk-fed veal fillet lightly pounded till flattened and pan-fried. As the meat was tender and offered a much delicate flavour, the accompanying creamy and chunky mushroom sauce sweetened with a splash of Marsala wine complemented excellently.

Profiteroles 4.5/5

Our dessert was just as hearty as all the courses. The Profiteroles ($14) gave us two generous scoops of vanilla bean ice cream sandwiched between light house-made choux pastry, drizzled with warm, velvety melted dark chocolate and toasted almond slices.

To celebrate the opening of the restaurant, a line-up of promotions are available:
1) From 18 October to 31 October 2021, diners can enjoy 20% off Café menu with minimum spend of $60 daily between 11am and 5.30pm.

2)From 27 September to 31 October 2021, guests can also enjoy Select Cocktails at only $14++ daily from 11.30am to 2.30pm and 6pm to 9.30pm.

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.


LINO Restaurant and Cafe
The Forum Shopping Mall
583 Orchard Road
#01-01/04
Singapore 238884
Tel: +65 62358690
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hour:
Restaurant Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 930pm
Cafe Daily: 11am - 530pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Walk down Orchard Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Zafferano @ Ocean Financial Centre - The Revitalised Menu Comes With A Touch of Finesse

I visited Zafferano when it first opened its door back in 2012. Six great years have passed and the restaurant located on level 43 of the Ocean Financial Centre, revitalised its menu with a new chef on board. The new Executive Chef, Chef Emanuele Faggi has bags of experience under his belts, with his last stint helming the kitchen of Gaia Ristorante.

Rice Cracker 3/5

Before starting our meal, we are served complimentary Rice Crackers and Homemade Bread. The colourful rice crakers looks like coral in the sea. The coloring comes from natural ingredients such as beetroot, saffron, spinach and squid ink.

Homemade Bread 4.2/5

The warm and fluffy homemade bread is not to be missed too. My favourite is the Cheese and Onion Bread which gives it an added bonus in aroma.

Salmone 3.8/5

The slices of Salmon is marinated in beetroot juice for 3 days. I find it a bit on the salty side when having it on its own. Hence it is better to pair it with the salsa verde, beetroot lime salad and quinoa chips, to get that balance.

Raw Red Prawns 4.5/5

I didn't know Italian cuisine serves raw food too. The Raw Red Prawns ($32) from Mazara is drizzled with olive oil and crowned with a cocktail sauce. The sweetness of the raw red prawns goes really well with the cocktail sauce. I think the Japanese chefs can learn a thing or two from Chef Faggi.

Raw Hokkaido Scallops 4/5

I am suspecting that Chef Faggi has worked in a Japanese restaurant with his next dish, the Raw Hokkaido Scallops ($32) which is sprinkled with dried capers powder and topped with avruga caviar, served with saffron sauce. It is another beautiful dish with excellent pairing but not stealing the limelight of the ingredient.

Saffron Risotto 5/5

The Saffron Risotto ($32) is Chef Faggi’s tribute to his mentor, the late Chef Gualtiero Marchesi. Putting aside the 24 karats gold leaf which I thought it is not really necessary, scored full marks for me. Cooked in a vegetable stock, with white vinegar, bone marrow and saffron, these yellow gold rice grains are packed with robustness and an enjoyable textural bite to it. This is the most perfect plate of risotto I have ever even.

Ricotta and Spinach Gnudo 3/5

Chef Faggi is from Tuscan and gnudo is a staple there. He has also brought this onto the menu in the Ricotta and Spinach Gnudo ($26). Gnudo is like a gnocchi-like dumplings without the pasta. Ricotta, parmesan, spinach and egg white are mixed in and rolled into a ball, and then boiled in water. The sauteed baby squid provided the needed dimension to the dish or else it will be quite monotonous.

Bottoni 3.8/5

While I was slightly lacked down by the salty veal stock, the Bottoni ($38) has the potential to be one of the signature dishes at Zafferano. The hand crafted bottoni is filled with braised veal tongue which has been slowed cooked in vegetable stock for 4 hours. These little parcels are really delicious. What is even bolder and surprising is the pairing of fresh oyster. An unexpected combination that actually works harmoniously together.

Oven Baked Black Cod 4/5

The Oven Baked Black Cod ($58) is served on a bed of roasted potato puree, with vanilla scented green asparagus on the side. Cooked to perfection is the Alaska black cod which comes with crispy skin, while the fish meat is still moist.

Lamb Loin 4/5

If you are those that is concerned with the gaminess of the lamb, the Lamb Loin ($55) does not have that. This is probably due to the fact hat the lamb loin has been sous vide with thyme and garlic. It is pan fried and finished off on charcoal grill before serving. For the sides, there are the bok choy and eggplant puree to go along with the tender red meat.

Black Angus Beef Tenderloin 3.5/5

Another bold combination by Chef Faggi is the Black Angus Beef Tenderloin ($58) which is gratinated with liquorice and capers. Although the liquorice did not overpowered the beef, I thought it somehow suppresses the flavour, not allowing it to shine. I have to admit I am not a fan of liquorice so I can't speak for those who enjoys it. Completing the dish, the red meat is paired with celery root puree and grilled leeks.

'Bresse' Pigeon 2 Ways 4/5

At Zafferano, the Pigeon ($68) dish is presented in two ways. The legs are braised till tender while the breast meat is roasted and smoked in rosemary before serving. The first plating is a bit shocking after all the previous plating, it felt like the bird has died a tragic death. I personally prefer the roasted breast meat for that acquire taste that is quite close to that of pig liver. This is further accentuate with hints of rosemary aroma.

Mascarpone Cloud 4/5

What an appropriate name for the soft and fluffy as cloud dessert, Mascarpone Cloud ($16). It is made up of mascarpone cheese and cream. The shredded sponge covering the mascarpone cheese and cream is infused with saffron and crafted to look like the mimosa flower.

Chocolate Cremino 4.2/5

Last but not least, the Chocolate Cremino ($16) wraps up the dinner on a sweet note. The chocolately rice mousse is without cream, made using 65% Valrhona cocoa. To balance the bitterness, this is paired with white sable, yoghurt sponge and watermelon sorbet.

Compare to the menu when Zafferano first started which is more traditional and comforting Italian cuisine, the new menu by Chef Faggi has brought finesse and bold flavours to it.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Zafferano 
Ocean Financial Centre
Level 43
10 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049315
Tel: +65 65091488
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm
Brunch
Sat: 12pm - 3pm (contact restaurant for more info)
Dinner
Mon-Fri: 530pm - till late (last order 10pm)
Sat: 630pm - till late (last order 10pm)
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place. Take Exit C or J. Walk to Ocean Financial Centre which is on the left. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Tablescape Restaurant & Bar @ Grand Park City Hall - Traditional Connects Modernity

Tablescape is a new Modern European restaurant and bar located within the newly refurnished Grand Park City Hall. Tablescape lead by Executive Chef Robert Chan, focuses on delivery hearty and comforting classic favourites, where traditional connects modernity in a beautiful setting.

Tablescape definitely brought back a sense of nostalgia with the bread trolley showcasing the freshly homemade bread selection. During my visit, the bread selection has Focaccia with Cheese, Sour Dough Mini Baguette, Onion Bread and Squid Ink Brioche. Diners have a choice to pair the bread with salted or unsalted butter.

Salmon Gravlax 4.5/5

Getting our dinner started is the Salmon Gravlax with Vegetable Shavings, Lemon Myrtle Oil and Cream Cheese Ice Cream ($16). I enjoyed the play of the icy cold cream cheese ice cream with the salmon. It is a very refreshing way to enjoy the salmon.

Steak Tartare & Crispy Battered Poached Egg 3/5

The Steak Tartare & Crispy Batter Poached Egg ($24) stands tall like a mini tower. Cut into the crispy battered poached egg to let the egg yolk flow onto the steak tartare. I find the execution a bit overpowered by the onions, and it need a bit more zest to liven the flavour.

Veal Sweetbread in 2-Minute Pea Soup with Ceps Mushroom Ragu 3/5

The Veal Sweetbread in 2-Minute Pea Soup with Ceps Mushroom Ragu ($18) can be acquired for some, especially those that does not like peas. The earthy taste of the pea is still very distinct in the soup. I personally prefer the pea soup to be more creamy to hide the distinct taste.

Prosciutto Ham Wrapped Monkfish and Maine Lobster on Risotto 3.8/5

I have mixed feeling for the Prosciutto Ham Wrapped Monkfish and Maine Lobster on Risotto in Armagnac Lobster Bisque ($38). The maine lobster and risotto is cooked to point, complemented by the flavourful and robust lobster bisque. However I find the monkfish needs refinement and was a bit dry. I didn't like the layer of prosciutto ham that is wrapped around the monkfish. It is like dry over dry.

Milk-Fed Veal Stuffed with Foie Gras, Duxelles and Sage 4.2/5

I guess I am still a meat person and I enjoyed the Milk-Fed Veal Stuffed with Foie Gras, Duxelles and Sage with Cauliflower Mimosa and Madeira Jus ($38) more. The rich flavour of both the veal and foie gras works beautiful on the palate. Even the accompanying cauliflower mimosa play an important supporting role to balance the richness on the plate.

Champagne Jelly 4/5

Camembert Cheesecake 4/5

Do save some space for the dessert trolley. A variety of dessert selection ($12 each) will be available for diners to choose from. We tried a number of items such as the Champagne Jelly, Camembert Cheesecake, Raspberry Lychee & Almond Cake, Spicy Mango Mousse and Carrot Cake. The desserts are really good, they are not to be missed. Its just about whether you have the space to try them all.

Raspberry Lychee and Almond Cake 4.2/5, Spicy Mango Mousse 4.2/5, Carrot Cake 4/5

Tablescape offers a la carte as well as set lunch and dinner menus every day. The attractive two or three course set lunch (priced at $32++ and $42++ respectively) is a fantastic option for a weekday business meal, or a leisurely one in between museum stops on the weekend — the restaurant is located conveniently just a 5-minute walk to the National Gallery and a short walk to the Singapore Art Museum. The three or four course set dinner (priced at $48++ and $58++ respectively) provides true value for a delectable night out.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tablescape Restaurant & Bar
Grand Park City Hall
Level 3
10 Coleman Street
Singapore 179809
Tel: +65 64325618
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk to junction of Coleman Street and North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to Peninsula Plaza. Continue down Coleman Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Brez'n @ Valley Point - Bavarian Experience In A Neighbourhood Celebrates 1st Anniversary With 1,000 Sure-Win Dining Prizes

When we talk about crispy pork knuckle, sausages, German beers, there are only that many that we could think of. However, residents of River Valley just have another option since a year ago - Brez'n. located at Valley Point. Brez'n offers you Bavarian cuisine alongside with beers imported directly from the leading Bavarian breweries, such as Paulaner.

A closer look at Brez’n, the name itself is actually Bavarian name for pretzels, which explains the iconic pretzel logo. The best part is, you get to savour that too! Done with a distinct Brez’n twist, Brez’n Sandwiches are a first for Singapore.

Brez’n Sandwich Mit Gegrilltem Käse ind Schinken 3.5/5

We picked a simple classic Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich ($16). Oven–baked Brez’n pretzel with grilled Camembert and Emmental cheese, with honey glazed leg ham and pickled gherkins, the gooey thick cheese supports the chewy and dense pretzel nicely. What brings all these ingredients together is surprisingly the honey mustard spread discreetly on the bread. It greets my tastebuds with a tang and sweetness, giving the savoury sandwich a pleasant balance.

Gulasschsuppe 4/5

The satisfying bowl of Goulash Soup ($12) is something that I could come back anytime for it. I took on a liking for Goulash soup during my trip in Hungary and this definitely satisfies my craving. Loaded with potatoes and bell peppers, it is a little spicy and tangy, and it's thickness makes it just right for the two Brez’n buns served at the side.

Weiner Schnitzel 4.2/5

Adding on to the feast is Pan-fried Veal Escalope ($32). Though it appears pretty flat to me, the meat turns out to be a lot of more tender and juicer than I thought it would be, with a thin crisp crust. The tart cranberries compote makes it even more enjoyable. The potato salad at the side is fluffy and tangy, making it a rather balanced meal.

Spinatknödel 4/5

An unassuming dish worth mentioning is the Spinach and Bread Dumplings ($22) on braised red cabbage with butter roasted almond and cheese shavings. It's like having a Spinach Lasagne, being shaped and compacted into a ball.

Schweinshax’n 4.5/5

Not to be missed is of course it's signature Crispy Pork Knuckle ($29.50). I love how Brez'n does its pork knuckle. A homemade sauce has been injected into the meat before roasting to keep it supple when roasting, which explains the light pinkness in the meat. The crunch and flavour that the crispy skin delivers will just make you reach out for more and perhaps more beer too. The meat itself was quite tender with dark lager beer sauce to boost its flavour. The homemade sauerkraut has a pleasant acidity that cuts the richness of the meat and is far better than any that I have tried.

Brez'n will be celebrating its first year anniversary soon! To mark the milestone and to give back to you diners, the Brez’n team has announced a total of 1,000 sure-win dining prizes up for grab when you dine at the restaurant between 1st and 10th September. Prizes range from an entirely free meal to cold pints of Paulaner and many more!

DISCOUNT FOR READERS

You can also enjoy a 10% off total bill by simply mentioning SG Food on Foot from 1 – 10 September 2017 to enjoy the discount.

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.


[CLOSED]
Brez'n 
Valley Point
491 River Valley Road
#01-21/22/23
Singapore 248371
Tel: +65 62351613
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 11pm
Fri: 1130am - 12midnight
Sat-Sun: 10am - 11pm
PH Eve: 1130am - 12midnight
PH: 1130am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT Station. Take Exit B. Cross the road and walk to bus stop along Orchard Boulevard (Stop ID 09022). Take bus 14, 65. Alight 4 stops later. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10209). Take bus number 32. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]