Applebee's @ Chijmes

Applebee's, first opened in Singapore is 2010 at TripleOne Somerset, has relocated itself to CHIJMES. Specialising in American style cuisines such as grilled meats and burgers, it is one of the biggest American chain restaurants with more than 2000 outlets worldwide. With most items $13.90 and below, I would think it is one of the more affordable dining places in CHIJMES.

Ultimate Trios 2/5

We started off with their Ultimate Trios ($20.90++). We had Fried Calamari with Jalapeños, Buffalo wings, Mozzarella sticks. They came to me looking rather dry, and they did taste just as they looked. The saving grace was when I was served an additional Spinach & Artichoke Dip and tortilla chips. I couldn't really detect the artichokes, but the warm melted cheese together with spinach was really tasty. Something rather unique to Applebee's. I would recommend this for a starter.

Bourbon Black & Bleu Burger 3.5/5

For mains, we ordered their Bourbon Black & Bleu Burger ($13.90++) and Fire Grilled Cedar Salmon ($13.90++). All their burgers do sound real messy and hearty. For example, ours assembles bourbon caramelised onions, mushrooms & red bell peppers, glued with Jack Cheese, blue cheese crumbles, and finally topped with smoked bacon. I like the toasted buns. Unlike those commercially produced white buns that are usually heavy and lack texture, theirs is fluffy and light. What disappoint were the patty and bacon. Perhaps the chef didn't watch his fire well. Both were overdone and we did request for the patty to be "pink".

Fire Grilled Cedar Salmon 2.8/5

As for the salmon, nothing about it tells me that it was fire grilled. I even checked with the staff to confirm that this is the right order. Instead of "a medley of vegetables and herbed potatoes", it was more like steamed Chinese vegetables and plain potatoes. I think more attention needs to be given to food presentation. I think the preserved artichokes topping on the fish, which is quite appetising. The fillet had a nice crisp skin but meat was too dry. But at least the portion is quite decent, more substantial than some other western restaurants of similar price point.

Strawberry Cheesecake 2/5

For desserts, we had Strawberry Cheesecake ($4.90++) 2 and Blondie Bite. The cheesecake is more like a vanilla mousse which taste like a strawberry sundae. A more generous scope of ice cream would have made the Blondie Bite more pleasing.

Blonde Bite 2.5/5

Applebee's, with its pocket friendly menu and a large alfresco area, it is quite an affordable option in CHIJMES for gatherings. If the the chefs can be more attentive to his food, this place will worth a second visit.

Photography and Written 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.


Applebee's
Chijmes
30 Victoria Street
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 66944341
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/applebees.sg
Website: http://www.applebees.com/
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line), Bra Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 5pm - 12midnight
Fri-Sat: 11am - 1am
Sun: 11am - 12midnight

Direction
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, cross the road to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk southwards towards Victoria Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Road, cross the junction to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Mak's Noodle Singapore (麥奀雲吞麵世家) @ The Centrepoint

The opening of Mak's Noodle Singapore at The Centrepoint is a testament of how exciting our foodscape is. Not only you get to taste what the Hong Kongers love right at your doorstep, you get probably the most original version of it. Mak's Noodle legacy dates all the way back to 1920, in Guangzhou China. shifted to Hong Kong during the Second World War, Mak's Noodle was eventually crowned the "Best Wonton Noodle in Hong Kong". So what makes this smaller-than-usual bowl of wonton mee a notch up the rest? Well, perhaps, being small is its strength. In Canton, it was intended to be a snack rather than a main. Small serving ensures springy noodles to your very last slurp. Coupled with specially family-tailored succulent shrimps wonton, this bowl of comfort food has made its name to each and every household in Hong Kong.

Over here in Mak's Noodle Singapore, you may doubt the authenticity of it. However, as endorsed by the Mak owner himself, what you will get is 95% of the real taste (at least they are truthful enough not to claim 100% authentic).

It's jade green cushioned seats adds cosiness to this small 40-seater eatery, I called it, what might otherwise be less friendly and warm if were to follow that of Hong Kong. No harsh ceiling lights, but hanging lights with porcelain fitting drop elegantly down from the ceiling. You might find the table unusually clear, atypical of a Hong Kong setup. That's because all the Sauces plates, spoons, chopsticks and serviettes have been hidden in a drawer underneath the table, making the table roomy enough for your food. A simple one page menu with all the quintessential items - mee, wonton, dumpling, beef brisket, beef tendon and seasonal vegetables. You can have almost any combination of these items you want on your plate together, or as a side dish.

Wanton Soup 3.8/5

We first started off with what they are famous for - Wonton Soup ($6.90++). It's fresh and succulent no doubt, flavourful without being too salty, which I had encountered before. Don't expect it to be as big as a fishball like some others. Remember, their focus here is quality not quantity.

Tossed Noodle with Shrimp Roe and Oyster Sauce 3.8/5

The same goes for their Tossed Noodle w Shrimp Roe & Oyster Sauce ($8.30++). Well, it is really what it is.. It may looks like paprika but it's not! I would recommend to eat without the oyster sauce and slowly savour the shrimp roe.. Just mix it well with the noodle and eat it straight. I find it quite amazing of this humble bits can elevate the taste by so much. For the serving and the price, it is a delicacy indeed.

Wanton Noodle Soup 2,8/5

In comparison with their tossed noodle, their Wonton Noodle Soup ($6.90++) falls short of my expectation. The noodles is just as springy but the alkaline (kee) taste is too strong for my liking.

Beef Brisket and Beef Tendons 4/5

For side sides, we had Beef Brisket & Beef Tendons ($16.50++) and a plate of Seasonal Vegetables ($4.90++) to balance our meals. My journey to Hong Kong is never completed without having a go at their braised beef tendons. Theirs taste as good as what I have had tried before. Firm, flavourful and chewy. Their beef briskets were just as good - tender, well soaked with flavours.

Like what the boss has commented, there are indeed other former Mak's Noodle chefs who have been poached and ventured into their own setups in Singapore with other investors, under a different brand name, claiming to be delivering what's authentic to the locals. However, one can't deny the possibility that Chefs being Chefs, they will tweak the recipes to suit their own preferences, which over here in Mak's Noodle, the chefs don't. I do believe that. If not, it wouldn't have carried with itself the almost 100 years of legacy, and not showing signs of slowing down. I won't say that theirs are the best that I have tried. To provide a "happy stomach" with an authentic Hong Kong dish at an affordable price, is the mission of Mak's Noodle. It is really that affordable? I'm not so sure either. But if you benchmark it against those pseudo Hong Kong restaurants, for the taste and quality, theirs are definitely much more worth it.

Photograph and Written 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.


Mak's Noodle (麥奀雲吞麵世家)
The Centrepoint
176 Orchard Road
#01-63/64
Singapore 238843
Tel: +65 62355778
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B and C. Walk to the main road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]