Dan's Steaks Bar & Grill @ The Star Vista - A Home-grown Steakhouse By Ex-Radio DJ Daniel Ong

Dan's Steaks has expanded into 4 outlets in Singapore, one of which is at Star Vista, which I visited recently. It is known for its large cuts up to 1.2kg. House cuts that are good for one are available as well. To complement your steaks, the restaurant has also curated a list of wholesome starters and sides and a considered selection of wines, cocktails and craft beers, including the much beloved Brewlander.

Pan-seared Hokkaido Scallops 4.5/5

We started with Pan-seared Hokkaido Scallops ($27), which is very well received by customers. The scallops were served piping hot in aromatic garlic butter sauce and were exceptionally plump and succulent. I love the charred sides that gave an edge to their texture. It would have been perfect should the accompanying toasts be just plain toasts to sop up the garlic butter.

Austige Wagyu Hanging Tender 3.8/5

From House Cuts, we had Austige Wagyu Hanging Tender (230g $46 with one side) served with Chimichurri and Dan's special mustard. It is one of the more exclusive cuts the restaurant offers with a limited daily quantity. It's well-liked for its leanness and beefy flavour. Ours was beautifully charred, forming a tantalising crust. Dan's special mustard has a hint of fiery kick, which I reckoned it's from the use of wasabi, and together with the tangy Chimichurri, the sauces cut the meat's richness. However, I found the steak lacked some salt to bring out its full flavour.

Fresh Creamed Spinach 3.8/5

Each House Cut comes with one side of choice. I had the Fresh Creamed Spinach that came bright and sunny with a fried sunny side-up. Though it was just a dish of spinach and cream, I love the idea of beefing up the side with a fried sunny side-up and mixing the egg yolk in helped to make it creamier.

Dan's Mac & Cheese 3.5/5

The sides are available in generous portions for a la carte orders. Dan's Mac & Cheese ($14) with triple cheese is definitely a crowd-pleaser for all cuts. It was done al dente and wasn't overly creamy, but it was relatively mild tasting. Adding some sharp-tasting cheeses will help to give it some oomph.

Pan-Roasted Mushroom 4.8/5

The much-recommended Pan-Roasted Mushroom ($14) featuring a trio of mushrooms is one of the best I had. These well-roasted morsels, especially those with caramelised edges, were so flavoursome with aromatic white wine, balsamic and garlic. It is a must-have if you drop by Dan's Steaks.

This Star Vista outlet has a very cosy ambience, with warm natural lights from its glass facade. The drinks menu is designed to go with the food menu. Diners can look forward to good craft beers and a good selection of wines.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Dan's Steaks
The Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green
#02-22
Singapore 138617
Tel: +65 81233853
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thur: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 11am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit A or C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]

YUN NANS Stonepot Fish - Premieres New Stonepot Chicken Soup Starring Exclusively Raised Kabir Chicken Breed

YUN NANS Stonepot Fish at Northpoint City is Singapore's first stonepot cooking concept specializing in high-pressure steaming method. Following the success of YUN NANS Stonepot Fish, the restaurant has recently launched a new addition - Stonepot Chicken Soup with Pig's Stomach, inspired by the brand's signature steam pot chicken soup.

Stonepot Chicken Soup with Pig’s Stomach 3.8/5

Stonepot Chicken Soup with Pig's Stomach (Regular $39.80/Large $68.80) uses a premium breed of chicken. The Kabir chicken is reared exclusively for the restaurant for no more than 120 days to reach the optimum weight of 1.4kg-1.5kg. This helps retain the original free-range chicken's natural sweetness and flavour. The meat is also prized for being more tender and leaner than regular chicken.

The chicken is then cooked under high pressure in the specially handcrafted granite stone pot with pig's stomach, highland white corn, Yunnan golden fungus, and a soup base. In just eight minutes, the soup is done. It had a slightly creamy body and tasted quite savoury from cooking down the Chinese Ham. However, I expected a richer consistency since it is meant to be collagen-rich broth.

Highland White Corn

One of the star ingredients here is the Highland White Corn. They are sweet, juicy and refreshing. Adding them to the soup brings a depth of sweetness.

Deep-fried Crispy Shrimp Heads 3.5/5

Yun Nans Stonepot Fish is the only outlet offering stonepot and hot dishes. There are some new Hot Dishes on the menu. One of which is a plate of snacky Deep-fried Crispy Shrimp Heads ($9.90). The shrimp heads are deep-fried in high heat and then tossed with a house-made spice mix featuring Yunnan Qiubei chilli.

Stir-Fried Chayote Leaves with Soy Bean Sauce 4.5/5

One of my favourite new dishes is the Stir-Fried Chayote Leaves with Soy Bean Sauce ($15.90), a home-style dish of the Dai minority. Stir-frying with Yunnan bean sauce, alongside some garlic and chilli, brought out its sweetness.

Signature Fried Rice 4/5

A good plate of fried rice is always hard to come by at times. YUN NANS Signature Fried Rice ($8.80), simply fried with eggs and flavoured with specially concocted three-blend soy sauce, was moreish and deeply satisfying.

Wild Porcini Mushrooms with Dried Chillies 4.5/5

Stir-Fried Wild Porcini Mushrooms with Dried Chillies ($27.90) was highly flavoursome with wild porcini mushrooms, handpicked from the highlands, flash fried with Yunnan dried chillies and solo garlic. I love the chewy texture of the mushrooms, which were garlicky with a hint of heat.

Stir-Fried Pork Collar with Scallions 3.8/5

Stir-Fried Pork Collar with Scallions ($17.90) was very delectable too, featuring tender slices of pork collar, flash-fried with light sauce, then tossed with scallion. The latter added sweetness to the dish and enlivened it with its mildly sharp and oniony flavour.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


YUN NANS Stonepot Fish
Northpoint 
South Wing
1 Northpoint Drive
#01-103
Singapore 768019
Tel: +65 65131381
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Nearest MRT: Yishun (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Yishun MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]