Coq & Balls @ Kim Tian Road (Tiong Bahru)

It was a Thursday afternoon, met up with Charleen to check out Coq & Balls which is located within walking distance from Tiong Bahru MRT station. Having heard good words about this place, we were looking forward to check out the place. Arriving at 4pm which the bar just opened, we noticed there were a couple of customers enjoying a lazy afternoon beer while the staffs were still trying to put a few last touches to the opening.

I remembered the Entertainer App has 1 for 1 main course promotion at Coq & Balls. Just to make sure that the offer is still valid, I double checked the Entertainer App again while waiting for Charleen before proceeding to the Coq & Balls. The 1 for 1 promotion is valid until end of the year.

Mixed Mushroom Stir Fried in Butter 2/5

Since it is a bar, Coq & Balls does not really have a extensive food menu. There are only 5 selections of mains and 2 desserts on the menu while the rest are tapas which logically is understandable. We started with some tapas and ad the Mixed Mushroom Stir Fried in Butter ($9). We each took a bite of it and left the rest untouched as it was way too salty for consumption.

Glazed Teriyaki Chicken Yakitori 3 sticks 2/5

The other tapas item we tried was the Glazed Teriyaki Chicken Yakitori (3 sticks for $8). It was too bland in my opinion and we found some pieces of the chicken not cooked thoroughly. Once again we did not finish the tapas and left 2 sticks untouched.

Brazen Beef Steak 2.5/5

Since I have not had my lunch, I decided to get the Brazen Beef Steak ($24) which is served with fries and salad. The steak is served in slices which is done to the doneness I have requested. However the steak itself had too much tendon which was hard to bite and I did not enjoy it. It definitely felt that I was served a lousy cut of meat for the amount I have paid.

Tempura Fish and Chips 4/5

Finally the redemption came from the Tempura Fish and Chips ($15). The lightly battered tempura locking up the moist fish inside was definitely one of the best I have tried so far.

As usual for the payment, I just entered my 4 digits password to redeem the 1 for 1 main course, pass it to the staff to enter their 4 digits password and as easy as ABC, I got one of my main course free.


Coq & Balls
Kai Fook Mansion
6 Kim Tian Road
Singapore 169246
Tel: +65 62766609
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coqnballs
Website: http://coqnballs.com/
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 4pm - 12midnight
Sat-Sun: 10am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Head east on Tiong Bahru Road towards Jalan Membina. Walk down Tiong Bahru and turn right onto Kim Tian Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Pasta Fresca Da Salvatore @ Rochester Mall

Many of us will be familiar with Pasta Fresca Da Salvatore with its flagship branch along Bukit Timah Road. Servicing quality Italian food at affordable price, Pasta Fresca has been around since 1988 which is a good 25 years. It has expanded with 5 outlets around the island as well as another 4 in China. It is quite an impressive story by itself.

In conjunction with the festive season, Pasta Fresca is having a 5 course Chirstmas Set ($39.90) that is available until 31 December 2013. The value for money 5 course set meal comes with a soup, salad, pasta, main course and dessert.

Pumpkin Soup 4/5

Starting the 5 course christmas set is the Pumpkin Soup with cream and herbed croutons. A rich and hearty soup to whet up the appetite for the rest of the meal.

Rucola and Smoked Salmon Salad 4/5

Next up for the 5 course christmas set is the Rucola and Smoked Salmon Salad. The healthy plate of garden has sauteed mushrooms, walnuts, cheery tomatoes and parmasan shaves. A delightful plate of salad with flavours and different textures.

Squid Ink Linguine 4.2/5

For the pasta dish of the 5 course christmas set, the Squid Ink Linguine was well received by the diners. Cooked to perfection with a nice al dente bite, I like the use of the red pepper sauce and the hint of lemon zest to balance off the saltiness of squid ink. The only shy of the dish is the prawns. Although crunchy we suspected it was not fresh live prawns as they were lacking in the natural sweetness.

Pan Fried Breaded Sword Fish 3.8/5

For the 5 course christmas set, there is a choice of main in the Pan Fried Breaded Sword Fish or Grilled Turkey Breast. The breaded sword fish came in a mediterranean sauce and buttered vegetables. The firm meat of the sword fish was pan fried to a delectable bite. The grilled turkey breast with balsamic reduction, rucola, cherry tomatoes and grilled vegetables was surprisingly good. I usually don't enjoy turkey because its meat is tough but the execution was so excellent that I thought I was having pork.

Italian's Traditional Christmas Panettone 2.8/5

Ending the 5 course christmas set is the Italian's Traditional Christmas Panettone that is served with vanilla gelato and chocolate sauce. The sweet bread loaf went well with the sauces but I thought it was a bit on the dry side.

Tagliere Misto 4.2/5

Moving on to the ala carte menu, the Tagliere Misto ($26.50) has been revamped after listening to their customers. The platter of cold cuts and cheese now comes with grilled and preserved vegetables giving customers more value for their money.

Mascarpone White Pizza 4/5

I didn't know of white pizza until my visit. White pizza originated from Rome where the tomato sauce base is substituted with a mix of selected ingredients. I tried the Mascarpone White Pizza ($19.90) which comes with mascarpone cheese, parma ham, fresh rucola and tomatoes. It is a delightful culinary discovery with the different flavours working harmoniously.

Risotto Asparagi E Salmone 3.5/5

The cream base Salmon and Asparagus Risotto ($20.80) was cooked in white wine and chopped onions. The version although packed with flavours but was on the wet side. Subject to individual preference, the version will suit most patrons but I would prefer it to be more grainy with a bite.

Ai Funghi E Salsiccia 4/5

The Ai Funghi E Salsiccia ($17.20) comes in a combination of homemade Italian sausage and mushrooms. The penne pasta in a creamy sauce with its cheesy and earthy flavours was indeed delicious.

In my opinion the food at Pasta Fresca is quite good and reasonably priced. This is proven with its 5 outlets in Singapore over the 25 years. Among the 5 outlets, I find that the rochester mall outlet has its own character with a casual and relax ambience away from the hustle and bustle of city life.


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Pasta Fresca Da Salvatore
Rochester Mall
39 Rochester Drive
Singapore 138641
Tel: +65 66848414
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pasta-Fresca-Da-Salvatore/60299811757
Website: http://www.pastafresca.com/
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
Fri-Sun & PH: 1130am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take exit A or C. Follow the shelved pathway towards Star Vista. Turn left on Rochester Drive. Continue on Rochester Drive until Rochester Mall. Walk to destination (beside Starbucks). Journey time about 7 minutes. [Map]