Thursday, August 16, 2012

Backyard @ Dempsey

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Backyard@Dempsey is a casual and comfort restaurant and bar amidst the lush and mature greenery nature just off the Dempsey catchment of F&B establishments. The nook in the woods is a relaxing haven for the frazzled and for those seeking a brief respite from the everyday hustle of Singapore.

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Cream of Shitake Mushroom 3.8/5

I enjoyed the Cream of Shitake Mushroom ($6.30) that came with slices of shitake mushroom giving it texture and flavour.

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Lobster Bisque 3.5/5

I could tasted the roasted lobster flavour in the Lobster Bique ($7.30) but I would prefer it to be more creamy.

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Ayam Goreng Kunyit 4.5/5

When the Ayam Goreng Kunyit ($2.10 per pc) was served, I already could smell the aroma of the spices. We were pleasantly surprised that such Malay style chicken marinated in turmeric and cumin is served at Backyard@Dempsey. A best try.

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Spam Fries 4.2/5

Actually I have no clue what is Spam Fries ($9.80) until I bite into it. Instantly fell in love with the luncheon meat fries! This is my first time having them and I hope I don't sound like a mountain tortise.

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Spinach Salad with Marinated Chick Peas & Feta with Grilled Chicken 3.8/5

The Spinach Salad with Marinated Chick Peas & Feta with Grilled Chicken ($14.30) is a lovely combination of fresh and healthy ingredients.

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Kronenbourg Beer Battered Fish & Chips 4.2/5

Two types of Fish & Chips are available at Backyard@Dempsey, the bread crumbled and beer battered. Han, the owner told us the best beer battered fish is from Guinness Stout but the appearance is not presentable. The Kroenbourg Beer Battered Fish & Chips ($14.30) is the next best. Golden brown and crispy outside while fresh and moist inside.

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Pomodoro Sausage Linguine 4.5/5

The pasta at Backyard@Dempsey is quite special. I would labelled it as semi dry version with a nice amount of sauce coating the linguine. It also has a nice balance of tomato and cream sauces making the Pomodoro Sausage Linguine ($12.80) very delectable.

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Grilled Chicken Spaghetti 4.2/5

Like the Pomodoro Sausage Linguine, the Grilled Chicken Spaghetti ($12.80) is cream base but same semi dry version with the right amount of sauce coating the spaghetti. Both the pastas were as good except that I preferred tomato base sauce.

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US Black Angus Prime Ribeye 250g 4.2/5

This may not be Wagyu Beef but the US Black Angus Prime Ribeye 250g ($45.80) was just as good. The lovely beef was nicely grilled and fork tender. The ribeye was already flavourful without any sauces. Nevertheless you can still request for topping such as truffle salt ($2.80), blue cheese ($2.30), sauteed onions ($1.20) or sauteed shitake ($2.80). I tried the truffle salt with the ribeye and it enhanced the flavour even more.

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Shroom Burger 4.2/5

The Shroom Burger ($13.80) was topped with shitake mushrooms sauteed in a special herbed mozzarella brown sauce. The patty may not look appetising but it was packed with flavours and juiciness. Definitely one of the better burgers I have tried.

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Dressed Up Dog 4.2/5

Dressed up indeed it was. The Dressed Up Dog ($14.80) was all dressed up with bacon, melted cheddar cheese and a sunny side up egg. We had the giant chicken hot dog as some in the group does not take beef. The owner told me that giant beef frank will be more flavourful with the combo.

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Affogato 4.2/5

Being both a coffee and ice cream lover, I just can't fault the Affogato ($7.30) that is shot of espresso served over a scoop of clotted cream ice cream. As per what I have shared with the owner, I have affogato elsewhere where it is more elegantly presented.

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Blueberry Panna Cotta 4/5

I don't really know how to appreciate panna cotta but I do enjoy the silky smooth lightness of Blueberry Panna Cotta ($7.30).

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Honey Walnut Panna Cotta 4/5

Besides blueberry panna cotta, Backyard@Dempsey also serves Honey Walnut Panna Cotta ($7.30) if you prefer stronger flavours.

Most of the F&B establishments are located at the hill top of dempsey and it is rather inconvenient for people that do not drive. Backyard@Dempsey is conveniently located within walking distance from the bus stop opposite Gleneagles Hospital. For car owners, Backyard@Dempsey has plenty of free parking lots too.

Thank you for Han, Val and Jerome for the invitation and hospitality.


[CLOSED]
Backyard @ Dempsey
130E Minden Road
Singapore 248819
Tel: +65 64790388
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/backyardatdempsey
Website: http://www.backyardatdempsey.com
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am to 12am

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT. Take Exit B. Cross the road and walk to bus stop at Boulevard Orchard opposite Orchard MRT (Stop ID 09022). Take bus no. 7, 77, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to Minden Road. Journey time about 20 minutes.




Wednesday, August 15, 2012

The Exchange @ Asia Square Tower 1

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Back in July 2012 when I attended the Heineken Star Serve event at The Exchange, the organiser was very kind to order us some finger food to go with the beer.

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Crispy White Bait 4/5

This is my first time seeing and having such big Crispy White Bait ($13). The fried white bait was big and fat so it was quite enjoyable biting into the meaty texture. The saltiness of the white bait is the perfect reason for me to wash it down with more beer.

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Truffle and Parmesan Fries 4/5

I like how the Truffle & Parmesan Fries ($10) was served in a rustic bucket. The combo of flavours from the truffle oil and parmesan simply made the fries tasted a notch better.

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Skewers and Sharing Platters 4/5

I couldn't really make out what the organiser had ordered but it seems to be that they have ordered the Chicken and Lamb Skewers, Sharing Platter and other nibbles sides. Simply loved and enjoyed the platter of nibbles especially with a glass of ice cold Heineken beer.

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Hangar Steak 4.5/5

You seldom get to see restaurants having Hangar Steak on their menu. Hangar steak is a cut that is prized for its flavour and weights about 450g to 675g. It is usually served medium or medium rare or it will be too tough for consumption. The 200g Hangar Steak ($40) I had was very bloody but extremely flavourful. If you don't like your steak too rare, this is not for you.


The Exchange
Asia Square Tower 1
8 Marina View
#01-05
Singapore
Tel: +65 66361200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Exchange/277364712293388
Website: http://www.theexchange.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 12am
Sat: 1130am - 12am
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit I. Exit One Raffles Quay Building and walk towards Lau Pa Sat Festival Market direction to One Sheraton Building. Walk to the back of One Sheraton Building onto Shenton Lane. The Exchange is located in between Asia Square Tower 1 and 2. Journey time about 12 minutes.