Saturday, September 27, 2014

Mouth Restaurant (地茂馆) @ China Square Central

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It was almost two years since I last visited Mouth Restaurant at China Square Central. Today I am back for their Treasure Pot Feast (九大簋盆菜) promotion. The value for money 9 course feast begins at $31.80++ per pax (for 6 to 9pax) or $29.80++ (for more than 10pax). The background of the treasure pot feast is based on the fact that in the past for village celebrations, the ordinary people ate poon choi while the wealthy family feasts over a total of nine courses.

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Steamed Shanghai Hairy Crab 4/5

Our 9 courses feast started with the Steamed Shanghai Hairy Crab. Actually the Treasure Pot Feast (九大簋盆菜) does not have this dish. The owner decided to replace the Suckling Pig with the Hairy Crab for us to try since it is in season. This is actually my first time having hairy crab. It is quite an experience eating the delicate crab with the creamy roe and sweet flesh. Currently Mouth restaurant is having 3 different promotion sets for the hairy crab at $38.80, $48.80 and $88.80 per pax.

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Early Days Shark Fin Soup 4/5

Next is the Early Days Shark Fin Soup, I like the extra fried wanton skins that is topped to the soup to give it an addition layer of texture.

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Nostalgia Whole Prawn 3.5/5

The Nostalgia Whole Prawn is given a modern interpretation with the used of whole prawn instead of minced prawn paste. Toast and kaya or butter is common but it never came across my mind to pair it with prawn. A delectable combination that will be enjoyed both the young and old.

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Sauteed Asparagus with Wild Mushroom in Truffle 4.2/5

The Sauteed Asparagus with Wild Mushrooms in Truffle was very well executed. The asparagus retained its crunchy texture while the use of real truffle and truffle essence further enhanced the sweetness of the crunchy greens.

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Traditional Braised Pi Pa Tofu 4.2/5

Not to be missed is the Traditional Braised Pi Pa Tofu. I actually don't understand how the dish is associated with the classic Chinese instrument. All I know is that the tofu was silky and smooth.

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Hong Kong Temple Street Claypot Rice 4/5

The aroma of the Hong Kong Temple Street Claypot Rice filled the air when the lid was lifted. I like the fact that the chicken was still moist and tender. While I hope that the sauce for the rice could be more there was actually an even better way to enjoy this to the fullest. Add a bit of the garlic vinegar sauce to the claypot rice and be surprised by the accentuated taste.

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Sauteed Basil Grouper Fish Meat in 3 Cup Sauce 4/5

I like the fact that the Sauteed Basil Grouper Fish Meat in 3 Cup Sauce is fillet into cubes, making it easy to eat. Cooked in a sauce that is similar to the 3 cup chicken, I actually enjoyed this more. I find that the fish meat infused with the sauce better than chicken. The basil also given the dish an added dimension in flavour.

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Braised Trio Sea Treasure in Abalone Sauce 4.5/5

For me the highlight of the 9 course treasure pot feast has to be the Braised Trio Sea Treasure in Abalone Sauce. The premium sea cucumber and fish maw infused with the delicious abalone sauce simply sent me to seventh heaven with the luxurious ingredients. For the amount one is paying for the 9 courses feast, I think this already recovered if not all but most of your cost.

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Doubled Boiled Ginger Tea with Glutinous Rice Balls 4/5

This is specially served because using when one has hairy crab it is paired with ginger tea or yellow wine for a balance in ying and yang in the diet.  The Doubled Boiled Ginger Tea with Glutinous Rice Balls was warm and refreshing, serving the purposes in a yummy one.

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Legendary Baked Salted Egg Yolk Bun 4.5/5

How can I come to Mouth Restaurant and not have the Legendary Baked Salted Egg Yolk Bun. The name already say for itself, it is legendary. The baked crust bun with its crisp and fluffy texture filled with flowing salted egg yolk lava was like a match made in heaven. It was heavenly.

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Squid Ink Char Siew Bao 4.2/5

Ever since my previous almost two years ago, I still remembered and missed their Squid Ink Char Siew Bao. Hence I made a special request to try them again. I am glad that it is still as good and I was really content. They also have the squid ink har gow and chee cheong fan. Unfortunately I am too full to have more. I will save my stomach for my next visit.

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Mouth Restaurant (地茂馆)
China Square Central
South Bridge Court Shop House
22 Cross Street
#01-61
Singapore 048421
Tel: +65 64385798
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mouth-Restaurant-%E5%9C%B0%E8%8C%82%E9%A6%86/213508241996944
Website: http://www.mouth.com.sg
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (NE Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Weekday: 1130am -3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Weekend & PH: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit E. Cut throught Chinatown Point and Hong Lim Complex. Cross South Bridge Road. Walk towards the stretch of shop houses along South Bridge Road. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to South Bridge Road. Cross South Bridge Road. Turn left and walk towards the stretch of shop houses along South Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, September 25, 2014

The Boiler @ Howard Road (Tai Seng)

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A new seafood joint has opened in the industrial area of Tai Seng by a group of bankers. The Boiler is a South American inspired seafood joint that serves up fresh seafood in Louisiana style. The spacious premises, high ceiling and its communal dining setup sited at the heart of Tai Seng industrial area stand out like a shining gem among the concrete forest. I was there on a Tuesday night and the restaurant is packed with diners.

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Beerita 4.2/5

Besides being a seafood joint, The Boiler also offers imported French and Louisiana crafted beer. Not to be missed is there signature interpretation of the margarita, Beerita ($11.90). This is indeed a refreshing start to my seafood dinner.

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Bacon Shrimp 2.8/5 and Louisiana Spicy Mid Joint Wings 4.2/5

We started our dinner with some like bites in the Bacon Shrimp ($11.90) and Louisiana Spicy Mid Joint Wings ($8.90).  I thought the bacon shrimp was rather average. The prawn was too dry for my liking. On the other hand, the wings was excellent. The tangy marination plus the crispy and juicy wings won me over.

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Fish & Chips 4.5/5

A surprise discovery at The Boiler is the Fish & Chips ($12.90). This is probably the best fish & chips I have ever eaten. The fish was extremely moist under the crispy batter coat. It somewhat felt like the fish was coated in a fried chicken batter. You just need to experience it to know the different.

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Southern Chicken & Waffles 3.8/5

By now most will know that I am not a big fan of sweet and savoury combination. The South Chicken & Waffles with maple syrup ($9.90) maybe interesting for many but not me. However being objective, my praise went to the tender, juicy and crispy southern chicken. I would gladly enjoy the whole piece of the southern chicken myself.

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Lobsicle 3/5

An interesting item on the menu is the Lobsicle ($15.90 half/ $28.90 full). This is probably one of the first in town with the lobster flesh being coated in a batter and deep fried. Sad to say, it did not manage to wow me.

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Boston Lobster in Garlic Butter 4/5

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Boston Lobster in Peppa's Butter 4/5

Now let us move on to the star of the restaurants, the boiled seafood with their special homemade sauces. Currently until end of the month of September 2014, The Boiler is have a special promotion for their Boston Lobster ($75), going at $49 per piece. The boston lobster can be cooked in a choice of Garlic Butter, Peppa's Butter or The Work which has 3 level of spiciness. Boiling lobster simply allows one to enjoy the natural sweetness of the flesh. For me, the difference of Boiler to other similar joints is their sauces. I have the opportunity to try all the 3 sauces and I have enjoyed all of them. No wonder the co-owner has been tight lip about the recipe of the sauces.

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Boiler's Bombdiggity Bag 4.2/5

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Similar to the concept of Crab in de Bag, the seafood is boiled and served in a bag with the sauce. You can choose to eat from the bag or pour them out on the table. There is only one rule. Be prepared to get your hands messy. We tried the Boiler's Bombdiggity Bag ($139) which is good for 4 person. In the bag there are dungeness crab, prawns, mussels, clams, sausages, corn & bun. For a smaller group, you may opt for the Boiler's Duo Bag ($49) which is good for 2 person. It comes with everything per the bombdiggity bag except the crab. Similar to the boston lobster, there is a choice of 3 sauces, Garlic Butter, Peppa's Butter or The Work which has 3 level of spiciness.

There is not much I can complain about the food or ambience. It definitely got the ticks from the group. My only warning is that it can be pricey however do note your are paying from fresh and quality seafood.


The Boiler
Novelty Bizcentre
18 Howard Road
#01-06
Singapore 369585
Tel: +65 66351285
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBoilerSG
Website: http://theboiler.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch
Tue-Fri: 1130am - 230pm
Dinner
Sun-Thu: 5pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat & Eve of PH: 5pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk down Harper Road. Turn right on Playfair Road. Turn left on Mactaggart Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]