Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Paulaner Bräuhaus @ Millenia Walk - Singapore's First And Only German Microbrewery Reopens After A Two-Month Makeover

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After a two months of renovation, Paulaner Bräuhaus at Millenia Walk is re-opened again. Singapore's first and only authentic German microbrewery has a new stylish and dapper interior marked by a contemporary palette of light maple. tan leather, matt gold and royal blue. In conjunction with the re-opening, it has also updated its food menu.

We started with some beers from the tap. From left to right, we have the Paulaner Brauhaus Weissbier Wheat Bear, Paulaner Brauhaus Helles Pale Lager and Paul Brauhaus Drunkel Dark Lager.

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Obazda with Pretzel 4.2/5

Kicking off the meal at Paulaner Brauhaus, we started with some light bites. First we had the Obazda with Pretzel ($16.90). The Munich-style pretzel, baked freshly in the premises daily is accompanied by a bottle of obazda (a Bavarian cheese spread). The cheese spread is made with fresh butter, camembert, various spices, chopped onions and topped with fried onions. The obazda is really very enjoyable that you may end up ordering a few pretzel to go with it.

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Paulaner Trio Fish 4/5

The Paulaner Trio Fish ($15.90) is another good choice to go with the pretzel which comprises of smoked salmon in cream cheese, herring salad and red radish salad with smoked trout. My favourite is the herring salad which adds a sourish touch to whet up the appetite.

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Pork Knuckle 4.2/5

A staple of German cuisine, undoubtedly is the Pork Knuckle ($31.90) served bone-in. The whole pork knuckle is marinated in Bavarian spice blend, brushed with Paulaner beer, and then oven roasted for 2.5 hours for a crackling and crispy skin with succulent flesh. It even comes with a traditional Bavarian bread dumpling for a hearty full meal. I like the sauerkraut side that helps to cut the richness.

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Pork Schnitzel 3.5/5

For a meaty enjoyment, go for the Pork Schnitzel ($25.90). The pork escalope is coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and fried in butter until golden brown. It is then served together with lemon wedges, french fries and ketchup.

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Spatzle 2.8/5

For diners who like to have some additional sides to go with their mains, an unique item on the menu is the Spatzle ($6.90), a homemade egg noodles. While the noodle has a enjoyable chewy textural bite, I thought the execution was a little bland. I also don't like the taste of the alfalfa sprouts.

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Currywurst Hot Paula 4.2/5

Besides pork knuckle, German cuisine is also known for their sausages. Not to be missed is the Currywurst Hot Paula ($12.90) which is a six inch smoked pork sausage in a delectable curry tomato-chilli sauce, dusted with curry powder and paired with a side of fries. The addition of curry and chilli definitely made it more receptive to the local palate.

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Apple Beignets 4/5

A warm and comforting dessert at Paulaner Brauhaus is their Apple Beignets ($14.90). The apple rings is coated with wheat beer batter, ddeep fried and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. Paired it with some vanilla ice cream and vanilla sauce with berry compote for a sweet treat.

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Kaiserchmarrn 3/5

Guess I don't have a king's palate as I did not enjoy the Kaiserchmarrn ($14.90), which is heralded as the Emperor's Pancake because King Franz Joseph l is known to be very fond of the dish. The thick-cut pancakes are caramelised in a pan with butter and sugar. To enjoy,  have it together with the red berry compote, apple compote and vanilla ice cream.

Every Sunday, Paulaner Brahaus serves up a sumptuous German Brunch buffet from 1130am to 230pm. A myriad of hot and cold stations teeming with sausages, Bavarian meatloaf, pork knuckle, salads and much more. The dessert station station also comprises a delightful chocolate fountain, warm apple strudel and an assortment of ice cream. Activities such as colouring or mask masking are available for children during the brunch too.

Noted: This is an invited tasting.


Paulaner Brauhaus
Millenia Walk
9 Raffles Boulevard
#01-01, #02-01, #03-01
Singapore 039596
Tel: +65 68832572
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Bar
Sun-Thu: 12pm - 1am
Fri-Sat, Eve of PH: 12pm - 2am
Restaurant
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 630pm - 1030pm
German Sunday Brunch
Sun: 11am - 230pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk towards Conrad Hotel. Continue towards the direction of Suntec Convention Centre. Walk to destination. Paulaner Brauhaus is at the end of the building facing Suntec Convention Centre. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Monday, May 29, 2017

Darling Street Espresso @ Moonee Ponds [Melbourne] - Neigbhourhood Cafe Offering Real Food Without Fuss

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Darling Street Espresso embodies the essence of Melbourne cafe cuisine- real food without the fuss, just a street away from your home.

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Split Shot 

Start off the day with a Split Shot (AUD$ 5) - one shot neat and the other made into Piccolo. How cool is that, to be able to appreciate the beans in both manners. On days when i'm indecisive, this solves everything.

20170330_102600_HDRProtein Bowl 3.8/5

Protein bowls are ubiquitous in Australia and every bowl which I had tried during my trip was interesting in its own way. The Protein Bowl (AUD$18) here is well thought-out. Supergrains formed the base and for greens you have asparagus and zoodles, which is basically zucchini noodles, that I believe will eventually become a hit someday. Beetroot was mashed into a tangy sorbet and a handful of crispy chickpeas for some fun. Not too raw for comfort, when there's a slab of halloumi and poached eggs to bring it closer to home. Fresh turmeric labna, a middle eastern staple made by removing excess whey from salted yoghurt is used to harmonise the ingredients. I thought that adds a homemade touch to this dish.

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12 hr Smoked Pork Shoulder Brik 4.5/5

We had 2 specials of the day, and both dishes speak with sophistication and quality that I never thought could be found in a cafe. I love the vibrant colours and the artful plating. 12 hr Smoked Pork Shoulder Brik (AUD$21) was like a filo pie - tender and moist meat wrapped within a paper-thin and crisp skin. The orange and potato salad supports the richness of the meat while the kohlrabi and basil pesto lent a touch of bitter and nutty nuances to the overall taste.

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Confit Duck Croquettes 4/5

Duck can be quite a tricky meat to handle in the realm of western cuisine which makes this Confit Duck Croquettes (AUD$19) even more outstanding. So just when you find rosti a creative replacement for hash brown, we have got something even more exciting. The crisp exterior cracked readily under my fork, revealing a moist mixture of duck and potatoes. Very well executed dish in terms of taste and pairing of ingredients, turning what is usually treated as a street snack into brunch to look forward to.

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Brekky Roll 3.5/5

When everything else is too fancy, this simple but satisfying Brekky Roll (AUD$13.50) will get your morning rolling. Well toasted brioche bun holding together the meaty Newmarket bacon, fried egg, cheddar, complemented by relish and aioli. Another homemade touch to that.

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Cauliflower Falafel 3/5

Vegetarian options are readily available in cafes. I notice a few dishes with middle-eastern ingredients, Cauliflower Falafel (Aud 15.50) is definitely the most pronounced. Sandwiched in between the flat bread is the cauliflower falafel. I find it kinda dry, despite the eggplant kaunda spread.

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Real food without fuss, in a equally simple and functional setting, no 'hipster' name tag to it.  That's what I love about a good suburban cafe.

Words and photos 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.


Darling Street Espresso
146 Athol Street
Moonee Ponds
Victoria, Melbourne
[Map]
Tel: +613 93262212
Facebook
Website

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 730am - 4pm
Sat-Sun: 8am - 4pm