Wednesday 26 June 2013

Ambush

Hello it's been a really long hiatus! Got a change in job somewhere when I posted my last post, and so decided to give lllf a tiny break. 

For a short pre-mid week date, L and I decided to pop by Plaza Singapura for dinner and then catch Man Of Steel (which is really draggy in our opinions. This money can be better spent elsewhere). And as the name of the post went, we had dinner at Ambush! There used to be an outlet at basement 2 of Taka, which we can't use the store so we concluded that its closed. 

And just like the movie, what we spent on this dinner could be better spent elsewhere. You'll see what we mean.

L ordered Oktoberfest Platter ($17.80) - Pork Knuckle Cutlet with Smoked Bratwurst with Sausages served with Sauerkraut and Mashed Potato. Sounds amazing? We thought so too. 

This is what we got:
4 thin slices of pork knuckles, huge glop of mashed potato, pathetic serving of Sauerkraut, some greens and 2 oily sausages. Full stop. That's all, folks.

Okay to get over our disappointment, we try to look forward to my order, Tiger Prawn and Bacon Linguine (carbonara styled - $13.20). I mean, Italian pasta shouldn't fail right?

Proven wrong once again.

Tiger prawn is basically what we get when you order fried hokkien mee in the markets. The cream sauce is diluted which tasted more like Campbell soup. Linguine is not of al-dente standard, probably a fusion of Asian and Western, but it certainly didn't score with Us. We felt like we are having Chinese style noodles.

So much for all the high rated raves I've got and so much for wanting to try Ambush so much.

Go ahead if you want to give this a try. My two cent's worth? There are definitely better pasta out there at this price.

Ambush
68 Orchard Road 
#04-64/66 
Plaza Singapura

Wednesday 27 March 2013

Gem Bar

Just a stone throw away from Amoy Street, lies Ann Siang Hill. Another amazing street of many hidden finds waiting to be uncovered. And just in case if you're worried about this place being unaccessible, fret not. It's just a walking distance away from Tanjong Pagar MRT and is near to Amoy Food Centre and Maxwell Hawker Centre.

Discovered the existence of this dining place while strolling along Ann Siang Hill one day and I can't wait to try this place out. Hence, our destiantion for lunch one day!

The interior of the place gives diners a comfortable and cosy feel. Equipped with air-conditioners, you will definitely be glad you found yourself this place knowing that weather in Singapore can be so hot it's almost unbearable.

Promotion
Right now, they are having this Set Lunch Promotion every Monday - Saturday at 11am - 3pm. One Soup/Salad + One Main Course at $10++. They will serve you chilled/warm water upon asking. Or if you prefer other beverages, you can always top up $2 for soft drinks and $3 for juices.

What if you can't make it for lunch due to a meeting? No issues. Head down to Gem Bar for a Late Crowd Promotion (Monday - Thursday at 3pm - 9pm) which you will be able to enjoy 50% discount off the main course. Do check out if there are terms and conditions!

Salad
Tradition green mix with a couple of tomatoes drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. Some of the vegetable tasted way too bitter for me to handle. Left more than half the plate of greens untouched. Would have been better if they were more generous with the dressing though.

Beef Lasagna
Carbonara
Spaghetti tossed in creamy sauce with bacon and mushroom. Two words: Super Delish.

Bangers & Mash
Chicken Sausage and Mashed Potato with onion gravy.

Wagyu Beef Burger
Mushroom Burger
Beef Patty topped with Mushroom and Gratin with Gouda Cheese served with a side salad and cripsy fries.

Meat Ball Pasta
Spaghetti tossed in tomato sauce and wagyu meat ball.

Fish & Chips
Deep Fried Battered Dory served with a side salad and cripsy fries and tartar sauce.

Herb Crusted Salmon
Baked Salmon topped with Herb Crust laced with Mustard Cream Sauce with side salad and cripsy fries. My opinion? The slice of salmon certainly doesn't do justice to the amount of price paid.

Spent a total of $99 on this meal for 8 of us, thanks to the set lunch promotion. Definitely worth the money in my opinion.

If you happen to be in this area, do drop by for a meal! Or a drink, if you're in this area at night.

Gem Bar
10 Ann Siang Hill
Singapore 069789
Tel: 6423 9562

Monday 25 March 2013

Zafferano - Contemporary Italian Cuisine

Restaurant Week 2013 was held on 18 - 24 March 2013, which just ended on Sunday. Within the short span of a week, have you managed to make your reservation at your favourite restaurant?

I've gotten a reservation for L and myself at Zafferano, and like the title of this post, the restaurant serves Contemporary Italian Cuisine.

Here's an extract from Zafferano's website:
Located 240 metres above the ground at the top floor of the Ocean Financial Centre along Singapore CBD’s bustling Collyer Quay, Zafferano offers gastronomes a winning hybrid concept that consists of a contemporary restaurant and chic rooftop bar. Enjoy the panoramic 270-degree view as you dig in to Chef Roberto De Franco’s neo Italian cuisine that’s a refreshed and modern version of the classics.


The description is enough for me to make a reservation almost immediately. The view is said to be to-die-for, isn' it?

We didn't get an al-fresco seating arrangement but the interior of the restaurant was impressive.
Source: google.com


Having been to several italian restaurants, and being served just a single kind of bread before starting the meal, Zafferano was indeed refreshing as they offer not just a single, but a variety of bread. Which I am not complaining, I love bread sticks!

Tonno - Tuna & Avocado Tartar, Cherry Tomato Juice & Aromatic Salad

This was my choice of starter, and to be honest I wasn't attracted to the taste and even switched plates with L after a single bite. However, I have to admit that I hold a biased point of view in this case, because the smoked tuna tasted raw, and I don't stomach raw food. But the cherry tomato juice makes a perfect bread stick dip!

Burrata - Burrata Cheese, Cherry Tomatoes & Basil
L's choice of starter, which ended up became mine heh. This dish went well. I really love how fresh the tomatoes were and how they tasted after the chef's work. But to be honest, I would prefer less servings of cheese and more of the tomatoes.

Our mains! L got Short Ribs, and since I don't take beef, I got the latter - Astice. Okay, confession time. I got greedy after seeing 'lobster' on the menu.
Short Ribs - Slow-cooked Beef Ribs, Port Wine & Black Truffle Sauce with Polenta, Taleggio Cheese & Briased Vegetables.

Huge thick chunky piece of tasty tendy meat on your plate. Who can resist?
Astice - Boston Lobster Ravioli, Celeraic Cream & Asparagus
To be honest, I wasn't expecting any dumpling-like dish. I mean, I want to see Lobster. But then again, to be really fair to the chef and his works, this dish is tasty and the taste of lobster is too obvious to miss.

Favourite course of the meal: Desserts!

Caffee' - Coffee Mousse, Mascarpone Cheese Foam & Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream

Was a little hesitant to order this since I am not a fan of mousse cakes, but this impressed me. The chocolate ice cream was delicious, just that it melts a bit too quickly. The coffee mousse was sweet and chilled, but the coffee was overwhelming that the aftertaste gets a little bitter. Great for coffee lovers though!

Tiramisu - Traditional Expresso Tiramisu
The serving of coffee icecream which comes along was really good. Tiramisu didn't quite impress and it tasted too bland. Or rather, since it was accompanied by desserts that are way too sweet, the tiramisu turns out pale in comparison. Have yet to try any tiramisu worth raving about. Do you have any recommendations?

Total bill comes up to a total of $129 for just the both of us. Worth a try, especially if you're a diner who pays attention to the ambience and interior of the restaurant.

Zafferano
Ocean Financial Centre, Level 43
10 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049315
Tel: 6509 1488




Tuesday 19 March 2013

Red Pig Korean Restaurant

Source: google.com
Amoy Street is one of the areas whereby there are alot of hidden finds. And by that, I meant restaurants waiting to be discovered. Since my office is situated just afew streets away from Amoy Street, my colleagues and I decided to drop by a Korean restaurant for a lunch one day.

Was pretty disappointed when we found out that buffet is only available for dinner, and that only the ala carte menu is available in the day. And it certainly didn't help when the lunch ala carte manu is pretty limited. But it did cheer me up a little, to see the high volume of korean customers and of course, the bosses!




Budae Jjigae - Spicy Sausage Stew (S$45)
This comes in 2 sizes - Small (S$35) and Large (S$45). Since there were 4 of us, and all three of them were guys, we opt for the large sized one. I love maggie noodles. I love spicy stew. So basically, I love this dish. With a tinge of spice, yet not overwhelming, the stew was so good we ordered more noodles to be added in.

Doijibulgogi - BBQ Pork Hotplate (S$10

We ordered Dakbulgogi (BBQ Chicken Hotplate S$10) as well which I failed to take a close up shot. Personally, I prefer the chicken dish over the pork as the chicken pieces are really tender and tasty. The pork pieces tends to be a little dry and tough to chew after the dish is cooled.

Haemul Pajeon - Seafood Pancake (S$18)
This was served piping hot, and other than being slightly oily, I really cannot find fault with this dish. Many raved about this particular dish and how this is a must-try if you dine here. I wouldn't go as far to say it is a must-try, but this is definitely worth a try in my opinion.

And as usual, all Korean restaurants will serve you many sides during your meal. This is one of my favourite here.
Egg Roll
However, do note that although most of the sides are re-fillable, this isn't. Limited to one piece per person. A little stingy, I would say.

If you dont have such big appetite, then don't over-order! Because the sides can certainly fill you up. And be prepared to stink a little after dining here! Service wasn't very efficient and especially since we were seated in the room. The only time we can order/request for additional sides is when the waitress decided to pop by the room. Selection on the menu is limited, so don't expect too muh variety of food! 

Can't wait to be back for the buffet at night one of these days though.

Red Pig Korean Restaurant
93 Amoy Street
#06-9913
Tel: 6220 7176








Tuesday 5 February 2013

Noodlestar

Last Saturday, I finally decided it's time for some Asian Cuisine in my system. So I brought both my mother & brother (poor daddy's working) down to bugis for a lunch before commencing our CNY shopping trip.

It didn't take me too long to decide where to go for lunch, since I wanted a place where we dont have to queue, and can enjoy our lunch in the air conditioned place. 'Noodlestar', which I had patronised for more than 3 times in year 2012.

Cramped Sitting Area
The only sofa booth seats available.
Please do not expect high end resturant setting, and be prepared to find yourself in a slightly cramped up sitting area.

There is a current on-going promotion for Lunch on Mondays-Saturdays (11.30am - 5pm) , which consists of  a main (la mian) + drink (ice lemon tea/ice green tea) + dim sum. Very worth it, I would say!
Lunch Promotion



Since I have been here before, I knew exactly what to order. And both my mummy and brother ordered almost immediately too.
The la mian before mixing
After mixing with the sauce given
Tender Chicken Cutlet
So we got ourselves 2 La Mian with Crispy-Fried Chicken Chop and 1 La Mian with Crispy-Fried Pork Chop. All the noodles are the same, but in my opinion, get the set with Chicken Chop as side. The Pork Chop is too dry and tough, becomes a chore to finish the tray of meat after afew pieces.

Dumplings with Hot & Sour Sauce

Steamed Pork & Cabbage Dumplings

Steamed Pork & Chive Dumplings
These dumplings are worth trying.The pork fillings in each dumpling is juicy and tender. Top it off with the usual vinegar and ginger slices, too good. However, you can try some of the better steamed dumplings over at Din Tai Feng & Lao Beijing.

We spent a total of $39.40 for 3 sets, due to the lunch promotion. Not expensive for a decent lunch at air conditioned place, but I have to admit the food disappoints. I remember the food quality was so much better in year 2012, which is the reason why I continued to patronise this store.

My advice? Hop over to Bugis+ (previously known as Iluma) for more variety of food.

Noodlestar
233 Victoria Street
Bugis Village



[PROMOTION] ETNA

Pardon me if I am too slow, but I just got the true definition of ETNA. (Refer to my dining experience at ETNA over here). And ETNA means... Every Table Need Attention!

So, if you're looking for a restaurant, where you will be served good (italian) food with above average service, please make your way down to ETNA. I assure you that you will not be disappointed, because I wasn't.

Here's a promotion for the upcoming Valentine's Day. Surprise your partner by bringing him/her for an unforgettable dining experience!


Wednesday 30 January 2013

Etna Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria

Another new post. Another new post on Italian cuisine.

2 Saturdays back, L decided to bring me to Enta Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria! We took quite awhile to find the location, and the rain didn't help at all.

Entrance (courtesy of google.com)
There wasn't any set menus for us to choose, so we had to make do with the ala-carte menu. It took both of us awhile to decide on what we want because all the items on the menu are so attractive!

Funny how neatly presented dining utensils can affect my mood for the meal.

The traditional fire place where the chefs will prepare our pizza.
Fire place

While the chefs were preparing our mains, the waitress politely serve us some warm bread.
Bread was warm, and fluffy. Not the kind of usual plain bread served in other restaurants though. L and I finished all 4 pieces up in a jiffy.

Another cute container for the olive oil and vinegar just like that one we saw at Pasta Inc.


Our mains!
L got the Chef's Special of the Day. Pizza with Burrata, Parma Ham & Rocket Salad
Pizza with Burrata, Parma Ham & Rocket Salad (S$29.00)
This didn't quite score with me, though the thing crust did impress me quite abit. The saltiness from the parma ham is delicious with the crust, but sadly, the rocket salad dressed on top was too bitter for our comfort. But I must say that the pizza is worth trying still!

I opt for pasta, as usual.
Linguine con Polpa di Granchio e Crema di Aragosta (S$25.00)
Liguine served with chunky crab meat in a lobster cream sauce.
And I really meant Chunky.
One word : Delish. Although it does annoys me to find some shell (probably due to crab meat) in my food...

Total bill came up to a total of S$57.78 for just 2 mains. Not cheap, but not expensive for a decent Italian meal too. Afterall, you get what you paid.

Promotion: There is a on-going 3/4 course set menu which is only valid on Weekdays Lunch.
ETNA Italian Restaurant & Pizzaeria
49/50 Duxton Road
Singapore 089513
Tel: 6220 5513