Binary @ Palais Renaissance - New Gastrobar Featuring Asian And Western Cuisines

Newly opened at Palais Renaissance is Binary, a gastrobar that offers both Asian and Western cuisines complemented by a remarkable selection of 60 wine labels and cocktails. The menu allows guests to choose from two culinary approaches or enjoy both styles on the same plate.

Home-made Kubaneh Bread 4.5/5

A crowd favourite with almost every diners that I know that has visited the gastrobar is the Home-made Kubaneh Bread ($14) served with garlic butter and kombu butter. The Jewish Yemeni pull-apart bread is so soft and fluffy that is addictive so good with the butter pairing. 

Tomato Bruschetta 3/5

The other bread item on the menu is the Tomato Bruschetta ($14) served with fresh tomato concasse and sour plum infused tomatoes. Tomato is served two ways incorporating both Asian and Western flavours. It is enjoyable but not something extraordinary.

Deep-fried Burrata 

It is my first time having a Deep-fried Burrata ($18). The whole burrata is coated in panko and deep-fried. It is paired with pesto alla genovese. It may be an interesting idea, but I didn't find it helps elevate the enjoyment. I still prefer the burrata in its original form.

Chicken Wings 4.5/5

I adore the "Nasi Lemak" style Chicken Wings ($18) served with sambal tumis. It is very flavourful and aromatic from the various spices marination. The accompanying sambal tumis is an excellent pairing for the delicious chicken wings.

Tiger Prawns 4.5/5

A beautiful dish on the menu is the classic Spanish tapas, Gambas Al Ajillo. The bouncy and crunchy tiger prawns are sauteed in olive oil, garlic, chilli flakes, parsley, lemon juice and white wine.

Octopus 4.5/5

The Grilled Octopus in Lao Gan Ma Chilli is a unique dish on the menu. It is an interesting combination that works for me. I have tried a local take using sambal, but Lao Gan Ma Chilli's version is even better.

Iberico Pluma 4.5/5

The Iberico Pluma ($38) is marinated with Korean Gochujang, served with fresh green coral lettuce, ssamjang sauce, chopped kimchi and sea salt. The best way to enjoy the tender meat is to eat it like a wrap, wrapping it with lettuce.

10 Veg Chopped Salad

Parmesan Bacon Cauliflower

You can also order some sides to go along with your mains such, as 10 Veg Chopped Salad ($14) and Parmesan Bacon Flower ($14).

Ice Jelly, Yuzu Sorbet

Warm Homemade Fudgey Brownie, Vanilla Ice Cream

Ending the night on a sweet note, we have the Ice Jelly, Yuzu Sorbet ($16) and Warm Homemade Fudgey Brownie, Vanilla Ice Cream ($16). I prefer the Aiyu Jelly as it is sweet and refreshing.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Binary
Palais Renaissance
390 Orchard Road
#01-01A
Singapore 238871
Tel: +65 93630101
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction:
Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to Wheelock Place. Walk to traffic junction of Orchard Road and Angullia Park. Cross the road to Royal Thai Embassy. Turn left and continue down Orchard Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes.  [Map]

Da Dong Prawn Noodles @ Joo Chiat Road - A Stingy Bowl Of Prawn Noodle

I have heard many raving reviews of Da Dong Prawn Noodles at Joo Chiat Road. Some even labelled it the best in Singapore, with long queues at the stall daily and usually sold out by late noon. Da Dong has been around since 1966, and now the 2nd generation is running the stall. So together with my foodie friends, we dropped by on a Monday morning to try the prawn noodle.

Prawn Noodle Soup 4/5

The prawn noodle comes in 3 sizes for $6, $8 and $15. We have the regular size for $8. the Prawn Noodle Soup comes with two small prawns sliced into half and julienne pork slices. My first reaction was that it is a very stingy bowl of noodles for $8. Even the prized soup is only half-filled. I can understand why many raved about the soup. Unlike the other more crustacean based soup, their soup is more pork-based, incline to a tonkotsu broth.

Prawn Noodle Dry 4.2/5

We also ordered the Prawn Noodle Dry, another pathetic serving of 2 small prawns sliced into half and two small pieces of pork ribs. Taste-wise it is better because of the sambal and pork lard. I would recommend going for the dry version.

Is it a good bowl of prawn noodles? Yes, it is. Is it worth it? No, it does not. Why so? While their soup is different and tasty, it is too stingy and not value for money. Unless you stay around the neighbourhood, it is not worth travelling all the way for it.


Da Dong Prawn Noodles
354 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427600
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Nearest MRT:

Opening Hours:
Wed-Mon: 730am - 2pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 16. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]