Monday, June 3, 2024

Little Pond 小鱼塘 @ Holland Village - Sauerkraut Fish Hotpot and Prawn Pot Restaurant with Unlimited Drinks, Ice Cream and Condiments at $1/Pax

IMG_9069

I’ve been curious about Little Pond (小鱼塘) after visiting the relatively new One Holland Village. The Chinese restaurant sits on the second floor, just next to Lau Wang Claypot.

IMG_9104

The restaurant was filled with a constant stream of diners on a weekday night. Little Pond specialises in Golden Sauerkraut Fish (酸菜鱼) and Fried Prawn dishes available in different flavours.

IMG_9025

For $1 per person, you get unlimited drinks, ice cream, condiments, and sauces.

IMG_9033

A special mention to their drinks - apart from the typical sweet cold beverages, they offer healthier customisable drinks using a range of tea ingredients, such as Jasmine Tea, Rock Sugar, Chrysanthemum Flowers, and more.

IMG_1655
Golden Sauerkraut Fish 4/5

What differentiates Little Pond from other sauerkraut fish places is that their Golden Sauerkraut Fish ($39.90 for Small) can be enjoyed like a steamboat! After having the fish, you can opt for additional sides to cook in the soup afterwards.

IMG_9059

The induction stove in the middle of each table will help keep your pot bubbling hot, and the service staff will assist in adding more broth along the way. While it may not be the best sauerkraut fish we've had, we liked the freshness and texture of the fish slices. We found it pretty value for money too. By default, the pot comes with slices of snakehead fish, cabbage, enoki mushrooms and tofu puffs. Note that the broth can get quite salty, especially after you've added additional ingredients.

IMG_9086

For our ‘steamboat ingredients’, we had Sliced Chestnut Pork Neck Roll ($8.50), Mashed Shrimp Meat Paste ($7), 6 Sec Seaweed ($5), Cheerful Farm ($12), and Sweet Potato Noodle ($3.80).

IMG_9054

I would skip the Sweet Potato Noodle next time, as the type they use disintegrates too quickly for my liking.

IMG_9037

IMG_9076
Signature Fragrant Spicy Prawn 4/5

Moving on to their Signature Fragrant Spicy Prawn ($49.90 for Small), it was a pity that even though the prawns were sizable and meaty, we found them overcooked. The prawn pot was a lot more oily but had good heat. It came with a bed of ingredients such as konjac, corn cobs, potato strips, lotus root, and more.

IMG_9079
Cold Mixed Shredded Vegetables 4.2/5

If you're coming in a bigger group, try their starters too. We particularly enjoyed the Cold-Mixed Shredded Vegetables ($8) and Cold-Mixed Tofu and Dried Moss Vege ($6). The former had a mix of kelp, carrot, beancurd skin, peanuts, and more in a tangy seasoning.

IMG_9049
Cold Mixed Tofu & Dried Moss Vege 4.2/5

On the other hand, the Cold Mixed Tofu & Dried Moss Vege ($6) had crunchy dried moss vegetables and slices of beancurd in a mild dressing.

IMG_9048
Orlean Chicken Skewers 4/5

We also had the Orlean Chicken Skewers ($3.90 for 2 Sticks), which were seasoned well but slightly pricey.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Little Pond
One Holland Village
#02-32
7 Holland Village Way
Singapore 275748
Tel: +65 8013 2050
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Lorong Liput. Turn right onto Lorong Liput. Walk down Lorong Liput. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, June 2, 2024

Jones The Grocer @ Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 - Cheese & Wine Nights with Free-Flow Fine Wines

JoneTheGrocerT2Exterior-4

Jones the Grocer recently opened a new outlet at the refurbished Changi Airport Terminal 2, offering travellers and locals a gourmet dining experience. One of the highlights of this new location is the Cheese & Wine Nights, held every Wednesday and Friday from 6 PM onwards. These evenings are a paradise for cheese lovers and wine enthusiasts, providing a curated selection of artisanal cheeses and a free-flowing variety of fine wines for two hours.

JoneTheGrocerT2-3
Cheese Platter 4/5

The Cheese Platter ($68, U.P. $88) for the Cheese & Wine Nights comprises a selection of unique cheeses: a robust blue, a rich hard cheese, and a creamy soft cheese. These are complemented with crisp crackers, seasonal fruits, and delightful jams, providing a balanced and indulgent experience.

JonesTheGrocerT2--3

JoneTheGrocerT2-39
Charcuterie Board 4/5

To elevate the experience, diners can add a Charcuterie Board for an additional $20. This board pairs beautifully with the cheese and wine, offering an array of cured meats that enhance the whole dining experience.

JonesTheGrocerT2--1

JonesTheGrocerT2--6

JoneTheGrocerT2-13
Cheese Croquettes 4/5

Those who RSVP via Chope with the promo code "JTG88" are in for a treat with a complimentary appetiser: Cheese Croquettes worth $16.90. These delightful bites are stuffed with chorizo, manchego, and mozzarella, encased in a crispy breadcrumb coat. The accompanying macadamia romesco sauce pairs excellently, adding a nutty and slightly tangy note.

JoneTheGrocerT2-21
Grilled Steak and Chargrilled Artichoke Salad 4/5

Beyond the cheese and wine offerings, Jones the Grocer's menu is diverse and appealing. The Grilled Steak and Chargrilled Artichoke Salad is a hearty option, priced at $25.90. This generous salad includes fresh ingredients like avocado, shallots, radishes, and mixed greens, all topped with a cumin and brown sugar-rubbed flank steak. The chargrilled artichokes add a lovely smoky flavour, making this dish both substantial and satisfying.

JoneTheGrocerT2-17
Tagliatelle with Braised Short Rib Ragout 4.2/5

The Tagliatelle with Braised Short Rib Ragout ($27.90) is a standout dish for pasta lovers. The tagliatelle is perfectly cooked, and the rich, flavoursome braised short rib ragout is complemented by crispy sage and parmesan. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavours, creating a delightful mouthful.

JoneTheGrocerT2-27
Italian Stallion 3.5/5

From their pizza menu, we tried the Italian Stallion ($29.90). This pizza is topped with green peppercorn salami, fior di latte, chilli peperonata, Persian feta, mint, and parsley. The thin, non-doughy crust was perfect for my taste, and the combination of toppings worked beautifully together, offering a spicy, creamy, and refreshing bite all at once.

JoneTheGrocerT2Exterior-2

Jones the Grocer at Changi Airport Terminal 2 has successfully blended gourmet dining with a relaxed, accessible atmosphere. The Cheese & Wine Nights are a particular highlight, offering great value and an enjoyable midweek indulgence. While some dishes shine more than others, the overall experience is satisfying and worth visiting. Whether you're a traveller passing through or a local looking for a new dining spot, Jones the Grocer delivers a delightful and varied menu that caters to a wide range of tastes. Keep an eye out for their menu revamp, promising even more exciting options in the future.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jones The Grocer
Singapore Changi Airport
Terminal 2 Departure Hall
#02-01
Singapore 819643
Tel: +65 9297 8851
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 24 hours

Direction:
1) Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Terminal 2 departure hall. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]