Yummy Recipes (品珍私房菜) @ Aljunied

The venue for January 2013 Makansutra dinner was held at Yummy Recipes at Aljunied which was opened in November 2011. I have not heard of the restaurant until makansutra dinner. It was after some research and chatting with my dinner mates did I realise the owner behind Yummy Recipes is the same owner for Yummy Claypot at Joo Chiat. I have visited Yummy Claypot on a few occasions and I really enjoyed the food there. Hence I was looking forward to their new fine oriental dining concept at Yummy Recipes.

From a shop house in Joo Chiat, Yummy Holdings expands into a full fledged restaurant with its bold and elegant decor that emphasises on antique and chinese culture. The hundred years old elm main door welcomes you to the restaurant with its wooden floorboards that are made from century old recycle planks of railway sleepers which are quality hardwood that are still in a perfect condition. The restaurant's furniture are also made of yellow rosewood while the beams supporting the roof are made of durian timber which is a solid and light hardwood.

Walking into the entrance, one is greeted by the 9 statues of the "Dragon's Nine Descendants". According to a popular version of the legend, it was said that a dragon once gave birth to nine descendants. If you are interested, you can read more about it on their website or pay a visit to the restaurant.

Prosperous Salmon Yu Sheng 3/5

In conjunction with Chinese New Year which was just around the corner, we started with the Yu Sheng to usher in the Year of the Snake. I understand from some of the makansutra regulars, this is part of the makansutra dinner tradition every year.

Steamed Prawn with Garlic 4.2/5

The Steamed Prawn with Garlic was nothing special but showcased the freshness and how the used simple ingredients can lift a dish to a new dimension.

Double Prosperity Baby Kailan 3/5

The Baby Kailan done 2 ways was interesting especially but not fantastic. The deep fried Kailan had a nice crunch but it was quite bland and bitter. I still prefer the stir fried baby kailan.

Yummy Imperial Chicken 3/5

The Yummy Imperial Chicken was nice but not memorable. The star was actually the garlic dipping sauce for the chicken.

Braised Sea Cucumber with Pork Knuckle 3.8/5

I thought the combination of  Braised Sea Cucumber with Pork Knuckle was rather unique. At least for me, I have not seen such combination being served in restaurants. Both the sea cucumber and pork knuckle were cooked until fork tender that melted in the mouth.

Special Butter Bun 3/5

The Special Butter Bun is actually the same as steamed custard bun. The lava filling was delish but the skin of the bun was rather dry and a tad thick for me.

We also had the following dishes Chicken in Pig Stomach Soup, Glutinous Rice with Wat Meat and Homemade Dou Hua which I did not manage to take any photos. Overall I felt that the food at Yummy Recipes is still short of being a full fledged restaurant. It is nice but needs to raise their standard from the Yummy Claypot's menu.


Yummy Recipes (品珍私房菜)
Crescent @ Kallang
47 Kallang Pudding Road
#01-08
Singapore 349318
Tel: +65 63431818
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yummyholdings
Website: http://yummyholdings.com/yummyrecipes
Nearest MRT: Aljunied (EW Line)

Direction:
Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the overhead bridge to bus stop opposite Aljunied MRT station (Stop ID 81081). Take bus number 62 or 100. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. 12 minutes.

Blu Kouzina @ Bukit Timah Road

One will not miss the blue and white theme decor of Blu Kouzina located along Bukit Timah Road. The Greek Restaurant opened by couple Effie and Dennis Tsakiris created a warm mediterranean sea setting in a fourth storey building, born out of the founder's love of sharing a hearty with friends.

Serving Greek cuisine, the food at the restaurant is cooked using their own family brand of extra virgin olive oil called Green Gold which can also be purchased at the restaurant. I also understand that Blu Kouzina serves authentic Greek food that has not been adjusted to suit the local palates.

Pita Bread and Dips 4/5

The lunch started off with Pita Bread ($3) with sea salt and paprika. The grilled pita bred is crisp on the exterior and fluffy inside. Pair with delectable dips that is available in the menu, it was a good starter tantalising the appetite. For the dips we tried the Fava ($11.80), Taramosalata ($13.80) and Melitzanosalata ($13.80).

The Fava is yellow lentils with fresh onion, oregano and extra virgin olive oil. Taramosalata is cod roe dip and Melitzanosalata is smoked eggplant mixed with herbs. I could not make up my mind which is my favourite as all of them were as good having their own distinct flavour.

Grilled Feta 3/5

This is the first time I was served with the whole slice of Grilled Feta Cheese ($12.80). I am not an expert in cheese appreciation but the feta cheese is usually a bit moist, salty and milky. After being grilled, it lost its saltiness but not the milky flavour with a firmer and more enjoyable texture to it.

Spanakopita 4.2/5

Love the Spanakopita ($12.30) which is phylo pastry filled with spinach, feta cheese and herbs. I am a big fan of spinach and cheesy stuff hence the filling was a winning combination to me. The paper thin pastry was also fried to a nice golden brown that was both crispy and flaky.

Kreatika Anamikta 3/5

I also get to try the Kreatika Anamikta ($83.80 for 2pax, $166.80 for 4pax, $248.80 for 6pax) which is a Meat Platter which comes with meat balls, kalamaki, bifteki (beef patty) and lamb chops. Except for the lamb chops which was really flavoursome and succulent, the rest of the platter was rather tough or dry.

Psari Stin Sxara 4.2/5

From the grill again, the Psari Stin Sxara or Greek Grilled Fish (Sea Bream 400g $39.80, Sea Bass 1kg $88.80) was excellent. Nicely grilled to a smokey flavour, the fish was fresh and moist.

Mousaka 4.2/5

Our group was already done with our lunch but we can't help ordering the Mousaka ($24.80) because it smelled so good from the table beside us. The traditional Greek dish of oven baked eggplant with potatoes, minced meat and bechamel sauce was really hearty and comforting.

I really like the decor of Blu Kouzina. The relax and casual ambience of the restaurant made one felt like being transported to Greek or the Mediterranean Sea. For those who drives, not to worry as the restaurant offers complimentary valet service.


Blu Kouzina
893 Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 589619
Tel: +65 68750872
Website: http://www.blukouzina.com
Nearest MRT: Sixth Avenue (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch
Fri-Sun: 12pm - 230pm
Dinner:
Daily: 6pm - 10pm
First Seating: 6pm - 8pm
Second Seating: 815pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Sixth Avenue MRT station (Stop ID 41081). Take bus number 66, 67, 151, 154, 170 or 171. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]