Tamashii Robataya @ North Canal Road

When Maureen aka Miss Tam Chiak posted the review on Tamashii Robataya, I left a comment on her blog post asking her when will she bring me to the restaurant. Indeed my wish came true when Maureen brought me to Tamashii Robataya at North Canal Road for my belated birthday treat. I was really excited when I stepped into the restaurant. A U-shaped bar counter with fresh and gourmet ingredients are lined up around the counter in full view to the diners for selection and to be grilled in front of them. Once cooked, the food is served over the counter using a samoji that is shaped like a paddle for boat rowing.

My lunch is a 8 course Omakase at Tamashii Robataya. Maureen has given the Chef a budget and he has planned a series of surprises for us and I truly enjoyed my first Robatayaki experience.

Can you guess what is this yellow rectangle shaped ingredient? It is actually edible dehydrated Chrysanthemum Flower. Somewhat crunchy with the distinct chrysanthemum flower taste. This is best enjoyed with a dip of the mayo sauce that comes with popping surprises from the fish roes.

The plate of Sashimi literally came alive in my mouth with its freshness. A worthy note in Tamashii Robataya is they have introduced their own way of eating sashimi. Chef Patrick got the inspiration in one of his Japan trips. Instead of servicing soya sauce as a dip for the sashimi, it is served with a special homemade brown paste soya sauce. Patrons can just spread as much as they want on the sashimi to further enhance the flavours of the sashimi.

Next Chef Patrick presents to us a plate of Bamboo Shoot and Orange. What stood out is the tiny orange that was extremely sweet and it can be eaten as a whole.

I wasn't expecting this but I was overwhelmed when served the whole fish for myself. Apology as I did not take note the name of the fish. Grilled only with salt allowing the natural flavour of the fish to shine, this was a winner for me.

This is the highlight of the Omakase, Sage Beef Donburi perfumed with truffle. The Sage A4 beef striploin was so tender that it melted in the mouth. Break the onsen egg and mixed it with the Japanese rice to have a taste of the silky egg with each mouthful. Now I can understand why Maureen has been raving about the delicious donburi.

Wrapping up lunch with a hearty and comforting bowl of miso soup accentuated by the sweetness of the clam.

Last but not least a dessert platter to conclude the wonderful robatayaki experience at Tamashii Robataya. A must try is the homemade mochi which is chewy and very soft.

Thank you Maureen for introducing me to Chef Patrick and bring me to Tamashii Robataya.


Tamashii Robataya
12 North Canal Road
#02-01
Singapore 048825
Tel: +65 62220316
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards the junction of North Canal Road and South Bridge Road. Cross the junction and continue on North Canal Road. Walk along the shophouses along North Canal Road. Look out for an alley and turn left into it. Look for the entrance to the building and take lift to level 2. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk towards North Canal Road. Continue on North Canal Road. Walk along the shophouses along North Canal Road. Look out for an alley and turn right into it. Look for the entrance to the building and take lift to level 2. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Curbside Cafe & Wine Bar @ Nucleos (Biopolis)

Those staying in the west side of Singapore should rejoice with another new cafe at Biopolis joining Revolution Cafe and Hoopla Coffee in the vicinity. The month old Curbside Cafe & Wine Bar is located at Nucleo, Biopolis featuring a blend of classic American cuisine and coffee from Yahava Koffeeworks.

The cafe is decorated in a simple red and black theme with wooden tables using the natural lighting to light up the place in the day. Currently this is a little heaven for me as not many people is aware of their opening and I can spend my day sipping a cup of coffee as the day goes by.

Latte 4.2/5

The Caffe Latte ($4.50) at Curbside uses coffee beans from Yahava KoffeeWorks. This cup of coffee comes with a robust bitterness that will kick start one's morning. It was a perfect cup of coffee for me and this is a taste usually prefer by the non locals. It has a richer and stronger taste with a smooth finishing.

Egg and Toast 3.5/5

We tried the Egg and Toast ($9) with Smoked Salmon (add on $5). It comes with a choice of bread and eggs. We opted for sourdough and scrambled egg. The scrambled egg was quite well executed, moist and creamy. Toast was average. Presentation of the smoked salmon can be improved to make it look more value for money.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie 4/5

The Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie ($8) was a pleasant surprise. The brownie was moist with the cream cheese lending a nice balance to the enjoyment. We understand from the staff that the red velvet cheesecake brownie is made by the owner Samantha herself.

Curbside Cafe & Wine Bar is definitely a welcome addition to the ever growing cafe scene in Singapore. For me a good cafe must comes in a package with good coffee, ambience as well as food. I think Curbside has the potential to be one minus the accessibility.


Curbside Cafe & Wine Bar
Nucleos
21 Biopolis Way
#01-21
Singapore 138567
Tel: +65 81811805
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CurbsideCafeSG
Website: http://www.curbside.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Tue: 8am - 10pm
Thu-Sat: 8am - 10pm
Sun: 8am - 6pm
(Closed on Wed)

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to North Biopolis Way. Continue on North Biopolis Way and turn right onto Biopolis Drive. Continue on Biopolis Drive. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]