dinner Archives - With Love,

Slake brings SEA Comfort Food with Local Twist

March 3, 2022maybeline

By Alex

Relocating from the sleepy Opera Estate neighbourhood to city-centre at The Riverwalk just opposite Clarke Quay Central, Slake kicks off the new chapter with succulent localized Southeast Asian cuisine Singaporeans should find familiar.
Of course, who doesn’t love fiery spices and explosive tastes in our dishes?

For appetizer, we got the Cold Rendang Custard ($9). It can be easily passed off as tofu ala Japanese style but it’s actually creamy egg custard drenched with cold prawn rendang and topped with tobiko – extra umaminess.

If come with a group of friends with a need for some booze intoxication (before 10.30pm), the hand-torn Creamy Burrata ($29) comes deliciously handy. While you might scream ‘where is the local flavour in this Italian dish?’, the secret is in the extra ingredients – fried laksa leaves, crispy rice paper and tomato coconut chutney. All added together gives a stronger punch than the usual vanilla-style burrata.

There’s alot of grounds to cover for the main courses. For one there is the Crispy Silkie Chicken ($26), which comes jet black and fried. No joke. While its supposed to give the surprise when served, and the drumstick is tender and well-marinated.
You get more bang for your bucks with the Seafood Laksa ($22), which comes choked full of prawns, mussels, clams, and the wok-kissed linguine with house-made laksa sauce hits the right flavour spot.

My personal favourite is the Orange Pork Ribs ($28) – very meaty, tender and explosive citrusy flavours. The pork brisket bones are slow cooked till gelatinous perfection and well charred. For the Charcoal Grilled Vegetables Platter (half – $18), not really a fan of it except that this would be the go-to for the vegetarians.

As for desserts, creativity and sweet deliciousness comingles quite well, especially the Sticky Date Huat Kueh ($12) and berry-loaded Sour Fruit Slump ($12). For the Kopi Gao ($12) – which is a sort of grass jelly poured with a super gao (thick and bitter) black coffee – I am thinking why I would have this after dinner, isn’t dessert supposed to be a sweet ending? But really depends on the individuals so I reserve my reservation.

Slake
20 Upper Circular Road, B1, 48, 058416 The Riverwalk, 058416
Operating Hours: 11.30am to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10pm (daily)
Facebook and Instagram: slake.sg

Burgs Opens Fast Casual Burger Concept at 313@Somerset

August 20, 2021maybeline

By Alex

Burgs (not burp, mind you) has recently debut in 313@Somerset, dishing gourmet burgers at wallet-friendly prices. It’s the founders Indra and Ridzuan first fast casual burger concept right in the heart of the city – the most atas place with expensive food – so the accessible price range is greatly appreciated. Expect new menu with new items available exclusively at this outlet, something the 4 previous outlets doesn’t have!

For us we had the Beef Bacon Cheese Burger ($7.50 single, $10.50 double), followed by Crispy Fish Burger ($7.90 single, $10.90 double). What swept off our feet is not just the battered Alaskan pollack fish or the handcrafted beef patty or the American Cheese – although they’re still tasty – it’s the buns: so soft and pillowy its brioche-like. The buns are freshly baked from original recipe, which to me means its pure divine.

My favourite though, is the Nuggies with Cheese Dip ($5.90). Each nugget is made with real chicken chunks. They are crunchy, flavourful and unstoppable, paired with the cheese dip that packs a sublime spiciness.

For the dessert, our favourite is the Lotus Biscoff Soft Serve ($4.90) and the Lotus Biscoff Shake ($5.90). Its not overly sweet which we are kinda afraid of, its smoother in texture till the bites of Lotus biscuits hits.

Opening Special: Free Chef’s Special Burger Drop
To commemorate the milestone, Burgs unveil an exclusive Chili Cheese Burger that’s off the menu and available for a limited time only.
Everyday for the first week of its opening, one Chili Cheese Burger will be given free to 100 customers who purchase a set meal from Burgs 313@somerset. Promo valid from 21 Aug to 27 Aug at Burgs 313@Somerset. T&Cs apply.

Burgs at 313@Somerset
313 Orchard Road, Singapore 238895, #05-01/02/03, Stall 25
Website: projectburgs.com
Instagram: @burgsbyprojectwarung
Facebook: @projectwarung

Hainan Story Opens 24hr Coffee House @ Hotel Boss with Medley of New Food

April 18, 2021maybeline

New food items include Hainanese Yuan Yang Satay with Peanut Sauce & Pineapple Sauce ($15 for 10 sticks). Available in pork and chicken options, they are not stingy on the meat port. Perfectly grilled morsels of meat comes with 2 dipping flavours – traditional peanut sauce and pineapple sauce made with well-loved Southeast Asian ingredients and spices.

Also new to the concept is the Hainanese Claypot Braised Pork Belly Set ($13.80) and White Kway Chap and Pork Meat Ball Trio Egg Pumpkin Porridge ($9.80, served with crispy ‘you tiao’). Wholesome and delicious, I wouldn’t complain at all if its served in the morning or night.

Other notable delights include Hainanese Swiss Roll ($3.80 – $6.80) Hainanese-in-law Banana Leaf Grilled Stingray ($18.80) Ah Kor Hainanese Lamb Stew with Crispy Noodle ($12.80) Mama Wee’s Curry Chicken Drumstick Set ($7.80) Bagel Spam & Egg Burger ($5.80)

The décor pays homage to the colourful, vibrant and lively Hainanese stage opera, with splashes of bright colours punctuated with humble wooden elements and marble tables. The new store also comes with a highly instagrammable stand with pixels of bright colours dressing the space.

Social Media Giveaway Diners can take a photo while dining at The Hainan Story (Hotel Boss) outlet with tag @thehainanstory and hashtag #hainanstoryhotelboss on Instagram, and stand a chance to win an exclusive The Hainan Sotry gift box. Each box contains Limited edition specially designed The Hainan Story Coffee Cup & Saucer set A jar of The Hainan Story Signature Gula Melaka Kaya Coffee bags prepared with The Hainan Story’s own house blend of coffee beans 5 lucky winners will be chosen every week from 19 April to 31 May. Time to get creative!

The Hainan Story (Hotel Boss)

500 Jalan Sultan, Hotel Boss, #01-09 Singapore 199020

Opens 24 hours daily Facebook and Instagram @thehainanstory Hashtag: #thehainanstory #hainanbao

Tsuta Unveils Its Biggest Menu Revamp Yet

November 11, 2020maybeline

Author: Alexius Chua

If you are fans of Tsuta, you should pay attention.
The world’s first Michelin-starred ramen unveiled its biggest menu revamp with 80% new items. It premieres Tsuta’s first Crab Soba, R.H.C.P Mazesoba plus new sides to boot.
The star of the menu – Crab Soba with Premium Char Siu and Crab Shell ($23.80) is pleasing to the eye and satisfy our stomachs. The Japanese snow crab has been lightly seasoned and torched flame, imparting the chunks of snowy white meat a fresh, flavourful oceanic taste. There’s also tender Iberico pork belly and Kurobuta pork loin, all layered on top of the umami-filled broth for the picking. It’s pure land and sea delight.

The R.H.C.P Mazesoba ($11.80) is one of Chef Yuki’s new dishes and a tribute to his favourite band – Red Hot Chili Peppers. It takes on Japanese favourite, hamburg but made with mazesoba where al-dente thick chewy noodles, drenched in house-made tomato sauce, are served with minced beef and house-made cheese sauce. While it tastes more like a tomato-based spaghetti than a burger to us, its still quite an interesting dish with robust flavours.

For long-time fans of their soba don’t fret yet, Tsuta has reintroduced the old classics – the Shoyu and Shio Soba. The Shoyu Soba with Char Siu ($16) is further enhanced with addition of a piquant balsamic black truffle sauce, giving it a full-bodied yet delicate taste. While existing menu are overhauled, Chef Yuki Onishi’s commitment that every bowl of ramen is served with 0 MSG and no artificial flavourings remain unchanged.

Chef Yuki also made a personal rendition on all-time favourite classic Chinese dishes with the likes of Soboro Meshi ($6) or mala lu rou fan, and Teriyaki Chicken Bao (1 piece at $2.80 or 3 pieces at $6.80). These kong bak pau slider is so easy to bite into, the juicy teriyaki chicken thigh meat is so tender and flavourful, sandwiched in a soft and fluffy bun. It can just be a meal by itself.

Tsuta Instagram Story Filter Contest
Stand a chance to win a $50 voucher from 29 October till 15 November! Use Tsuta’s filters and tag @tsutasingapore to submit your most creative entries. 5 winners will be selected at the end of the contest.

Tsuta @ Funan Mall
109 North Bridge Road, #01-04, Singapore 179105
Operating Hours: Daily, 11am to 9pm (last order 8.30pm)
Website: tsuta.com
Facebook and Instagram: @TsutaSingapore

Authentic Peranakan Cuisine by Chef Philip Chia @ The Real Peranakan

October 27, 2020maybeline

Author: Alexius Chua

The Real Peranakan, which opened two outlets on July and August 2020 at Hillcrest and Kim Yam, is likely to attract families longing for this nostalgic taste of Straits Chinese cuisine. Especially those who grew up eating Peranakan dishes and longing for some authentic taste, they will be tastefully persuaded by the culinary of Celebrity Chef Philip Chia – a true blue Peranakan and an indisputable authority on Peranakan Cuisine – who has brought traditional favourites and long-lost recipes back to the table.

The soul-nourishing Hee Peow Soup ($16.80), which consists of fish maw, collagen-rich broth filled with handmade prawn ball, pork ball and fish ball using Chef Philip’s grandma’s age-old recipe. It needs 6 hours of preparation and simmering, so remember to pre-order 3 days in advance to snag this homely, belly-warming soup.

Next dish is the Ayam Buah Keluak ($19.80). For those who don’t take Buah Keluak nut, this might not be appealing to you, but for me the bitter sweetness and creamy earthiness tastes truly unique and special, like eating dark chocolate. It’s an ingredient you shouldn’t cook by yourself because its said to contain hydrogen cyanide that is deadly if not treated properly.

The Sambal Udang Belimbing (seasonal) ($26.80) is my favourite in this menu. Featuring the star fruit ‘Belimbing’ that is used to grow in abundance, its tarty and refreshing flavour complents perfectly with the rich lemak taste of coconut milk and with Chef Philip secret recipe. The prawns are very fresh and comes with a bite too.

The Babi Pong The ($22) is an old recipe passed down 5 gens and which requires 3-4 hours of labour in the kitchen. What resulted is a flavourful melt-in-the-mouth pork slices with added spiciness from the green chili.

For dessert we have a platter of homely kuehs, which is colourful for the eyes and delightful in stomach. It’s a sticky sweet ending to the gastronomic journey, and here’s 1 sweet promotion for you.

Official Opening Special: Get 1 Free Man Course with any Purchase of 4 Main Courses
• Promotion is from 21 Oct to 20 Nov 2020, while stock last
• Available for dine in only, not takeaways allowed
• Availale from 11.30am – 9.30pm (last order0
• Not redeemable with any other discounts or promotions
• Not applicable for breakfast items
• No splitting of bill is allowed
• Not valid on eve of public holidays and public holidays

The Real Peranakan
73 Hillcrest Road, Singapore 288945
Operating hours: Tue-Sun, 7.30am – 10pm (last order 9.30pm)
Facebook: @TheRealPeranakan
Instagram: @TheRealPeranakan
Website: therealperanakan.com

Hot Stones offer Japanese Steakhouse Dining Experience

October 11, 2020maybeline

Author: Alexius Chua

Are you into hot stone cooking? Located at River Valley, Hot Stones is the first restaurant in Singapore to offer cooking over volcanic stone slabs since 1992, and has revamped its dining concept to offer a Japanese steakhouse dining experience. The sizzling Yakiniku hands-on dining experience is indeed a feast for both the eyes and taste buds
But why hot stones? It is said that this cooking method help seal in the natural juices of the meat or seafood, further amp up the flavour and taste.

Combining the best of both worlds, the Surf & Turf for 2 ($108) is a medley of king prawns, salmon, US scallops, Australian wagyu and US striploin. The beef is surprisingly juicy and tender once cooked, and with alluring smell to arrest your senses. For the seafood, it is fresh and tasty but you need abit of handiwork on the prawns. The best part is since this is a DIY cooking concept, you can cook the meat to your preferred doneness and seafood to the preferred charring.

Each set comes with complete with five choices of appetisers, carbs and desserts per diner. The delectable options include cold shrimp tofu, mushroom soup, garlic rice and matcha cheesecake.
It’s perfect for couples on date nights or for small party of friends to catch up and bond over good food.

Apart from the specially curated sets, you can savour appetisers such as the melt in the mouth Aburi Wagyu Beef ($14), which has MS7 to 8 beef topped with sliced onions, wakame, Steamed Shrimp Momotaro ($8), Japanese Curry Mussels ($14), Sake Steamed Mussels ($14), Spicy Garlic Miso Mussels ($14) and Garlic Butter Mussels ($14).

If you like your meat accompanied with carb such as rice, you can look at Hot Stones luxurious bowls of donburi such as the Australia MS7-8 Wagyu Striploin Don ($38), Honey Miso Salmon Don ($28), and Teriyaki Chicken Don ($22). Its very atas looking.

End it off with a intoxicating yet refreshing Cherry Blossom Martini ($16) – a sweet concoction made with vodka, sake and grapefruit juice. Or with the more citrusy Shojito ($16) which is a mix of shochu, lime and mint leaf.

Promotion
Enjoy 50% off its 2nd set menu from 1 – 31 Oct 2020. T&Cs applies.

Hot Stones
3D River Valley Road #01-06 Block D, Singapore 179023
Operating hours: Mondays to Sundays, 12pm to 3pm, 5pm to 10pm
Facebook: @hotstones.sg
Instagram: @creativeeateries
Website: hotstones.com.sg

Fresh Halal Ala Carte Buffet @ Window on the Park

August 6, 2020maybeline

Author: Alexius Chua

Here’s an a la carte buffet with the prettiest presentation we’ve seen. Window on the Park @ Holiday Inn Orchard City Centre has recently introduced the Halal Weekend Dinner Ala-carte Buffet, perfect for date nights or double dates.
And of course, safe distancing and measures must be practised during dining (not more than 5 guests per table).
I like the fact that the dishes served are made to order, so the food is always fresh and in its optimal condition. You can also keep ordering till your stomach desires without needing to queue for the buffet spread.

Starting with the appetizer, with an assortment of sushi, 3 types of antipasti of the day and mixed greens to freshen and open up your palate. The Local Fare Appetizer Set holds a myriad of dim sum and kueh pie tee, and fruit rojak to munch through.

Then there’s the Seafood On Ice, which is a platter of succulent fresh seafood comprises Poached Tiger Prawn, Canadian Black Mussel and Lala Clam to warm the cockles of your heart. They are accompanied with Thai Mango Chili Sauce Cocktail Sauce and Hot Sauce Tabasco to further ampt up the flavour.

By this point we were already like half full but wait there’s more. The local fare highlights continue with the Assorted Satay (chicken, beef and mutton) which is delicious, the Tandoor Chicken Tikka and the signature Claypot Nyonya Laksa with Prawn.

Just look at that ginormous prawn which takes up like half the portion of the claypot. Noodles are al dente and smooth laksa broth not too spicy, it’s an ultra worthy dish at this value.

Next comes the all-time favourites – the Seafood in A Wok. It’s a one time table service with precious seafood gems such as flower crab, slipper lobster, prawn, mussel and clams with your choice of signature sauce (Black Pepper or Mushroom Cream Cheese). Full of wok-hei umami, for the seafood lovers it’s the perfect seafood bonanza.

If you love more seafood like we do, then at the Hawker Highlights section where you can order Singapore Chili Mud Crab with Golden Mantou, Wok Fried Prawn Char Kway Teow and Wrapped baked Fish with Banana Leaf. It’s unlimited servings of over 40 dishes all so you can your heart’s fill.

There’s still room for desserts right? Their tiered dessert which comprises of assorted nonya kueh, kueh lapis, red velvet cake, tiramisu cake, bread and butter pudding and more, with a selection of coffee or tea. One commendable item in the tier is the durian cake, so light yet so punchy and flavourful. If you don’t mention its dinner I would have thought it’s a high tea set.
There’s also a fruit platter and Chef’s Choice of Local Hot Dessert for those who want to digest their satisfied stomach.

1 for 1 Halal Weekend Dinner Ala-Carte Buffet @ Window on the Park
Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre
Website and Booking: https://singaporeorchard.holidayinn.com/offer/alacarte-buffet
Instagram: @holidayinnsporeorchardcityctr
Every Friday to Sunday
1-for-1 Offer: S$96++ (for 2 persons, inclusive of table served Seafood in a Wok available in two flavours of mushroom cream & cheese or black pepper)

Indulge bountiful feasts at The Carvery @ Park Hotel Alexandra

January 18, 2020maybeline

Author: Alexius Chua

If you want to pig out, you can consider doing so at The Carvery, Park Hotel Alexandra. This popular buffet restaurant celebrates the lunar new year with an abundant array of mouth-watering meats, seafood, sweets and treats that are worth every calorie. There’s also a chance to win a weekend stay at the hotel!

I like my yusheng to have bursts of citrusy sweetness – bonus if its healthy – instead of being blanketed in sugar. The Carvery Golden Eight Treasure Yusheng with Cured Trout and Abalone ($68+) suits my palate perfectly. The combination of shredded vegetables, candied walnuts, fruits and generous topping of cured trout and abalone, all brought together with a slightly tart white balsamic and peach dressing.

Following the tradition of abundant feasting, The Carvery has lined up auspicious marquee highlights of the signature roasts. From chicken, pork, lamb and beef – all these premium meat cuts are served at the carving station right smack in front of the entrance so you won’t missed it.
Using only top quality Australian prime rib further dry-aged with Himalayan salt to concentrate the flavour before slow roasting, the Angus Beef Prime Ribs (weekends only) is the piece de resistance at The Carvery. You just cannot go without trying it!

The signature ones for this CNY includes the Pork Porchetta with Mushroom and Chestnut Stuffing, which is the Chinese Roast Pork made from Prime Grade pork belly with satisfying crunchy crackling skin, and the Spit-Roasted Char Siew Chicken. The bird possesses that sweet, savoury richness which probably came from Chef Ian Hioe’s own seasoning mix of hoisin, superior cooking wine and other condiments.

Of course, you get to enjoy the all-time delectable like the salad and dessert spread, western and Chinese stations, with some given a festive twist. So if you came with a family everyone will surely will have their favourites!

Here’s a bonus for those who dined during the first 3 days of the lunar new year (24 to 27 Jan 2020), will receive a complimentary ‘Golden Prosperity’ Welcome cocktail, and a Lunar New Year Lucky Bag containing a pair of mandarin oranges and a pack of Park Hotel Group angpows. Also, they will be entered into the hotel’s Lunar New Year Grand Draw to win a 2D1N Weekend stay at Park Hotel Alexandra*.
For those born in the lucky year of the Rat (those born in 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996 and 2008), The Carvery will also be giving away complimentary dining vouchers as well.

The Carvery at Park Hotel Alexandra
323 Alexandra Road, Singapore 159972
Telephone : +65 6828 8888
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParkHotelAlexandra/
Check out the CNY Festive Dining schedule and pricing here – https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/en/alexandra/promotions/cny-2020

Prosperity Buffet to Wow at Swissotel Merchant Court

December 26, 2019maybeline

Author: Alexius Chua

To welcome the year of the rat – or metal rat to be more precise – Swissotel Merchant Court have prepared an array of festive dishes and takeaway treats to wow your family and loved ones.
Starting 10 January 2020, The Prosperity Buffet at Ellenborough Market Café will feature notable Chinese dishes such as Steamed Red Garoupa, Dried Oyster Fatt Choy, Fish Maw Soup and many more.
Known for its tantalising medley of Asian and International delights, with a view of the banks of Singapore delight and not forgetting durian pengat, I am piqued by how their CNY dishes would fare

The first dish is the Fruity Lobster Yu Sheng, which possessed a delightful mixed texture of crunchiness from the veg and ‘bird nest’ made of fried yam ring, and slight chewiness from the lobster with every bite.
For the second dish, the Roasted Honey-Glazed Char Siew or Crispy Golden Pork Belly Platter, the char siew tastes divine with good fat/lean meat ratio and its roasted to perfection.

Nobody would say no to the Braised Buddha’s Temptation Claypot. Brimming with exceptional sea treasure delicacies of abalone, sea cucumber, dried oyster and tiger prawns, every ingredient is artfully placed and tastes heavenly with that broth. The baby abalone is so tender and flavour, yum yum!

The rice in this Waxed Duck and Sausage Rice has that nice wok-hei flavour, and the smell floats down heavenly when the lid is lifted. I would definitely finish three bowls of this if not for the fact that my stomach space is almost to the brim at this stage already.

The flavours of this Steamed Red Garoupa is textbook good. Traditional, expected and the fish tender to the bones. Coupled with the waxed duck and sausage rice above, it makes a powerful combo of clearing bowls.

As mums usually say, you cannot be prosperous without eating Fatt Choy during Chinese New Year, and this Braised Dried Oyster Fatt Choy and Black Moss is so visually appetizing and easy to down there’s no need for mum’s nagging. I really appreciate the flavourful sauce which holds the individual elements really well.

Swissotel Merchant Court
20 Merchant Road, Singapore 058281, Singapore
Telephone : +65 6337 2288
Email: singapore-merchantcourt@swissotel.com
Instagram: @swissotelmerchantcourt #swissotelmerchantcourt

Prosperity Buffet at Ellenborough Market Café
10 – 31 January 2020
Lunch: $68 (adult), $34 (child)
Dinner: $88 (adult), $34 (child)
Weekend High-tea: $48 (adult), $24 (child)
*Items are available on a rotational basis.

Festive Feast @ The Square Restaurant, Novotel Clarke Quay

November 26, 2019maybeline

Author: Alexius Chua

The sumptuous spread artfully presented at The Square Restaurant @ Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay would have made even King Henry VII envious. Packed in 1 room are 2 buffet spreads – Christmas and Chinese New Year themes – all equally enticing and with sinful desserts to boot.

It’s a merry little Christmas feast at The Square Restaurant from 1st to 31st December 2019. Starting the traditional xmas festive favourites with the proteins – 24-hour roasted brine turkey, roasted beef striploin and roasted lamb leg. There’s also A-la minute pasta with homemade salted egg sauce or Chef Kishen’s new creation – Mala sauce, which is not too spicy for me. Adding on the spread will be Seafood on Ice, Sushi and The Square Signature Laksa.

Here’s something to loosen up your belt for – the desserts. Their homemade Christmas Log Cake, Fruit Cake, The Square Signature Durian Pengat, Chocolate Fondue and Tiramisu are some that’s worth the extra calories for.

Coming in to the second festival which is just 2 months away, the Chinese New Year buffet would kickstarts from 8 January to 8 February 2020. Following the traditions, we have a toss of Yu Sheng to usher the new year with prosperity and start the year on the right foot. The Yu Sheng we had, of course is Novotel-style MEGA.

The spread features assorted Chinese BBQ platter, Roasted Chicken & Duck, Poached Broccoli with Dried Oysters & Black Moss and Dim Sum. The roast is always my favourite, and its perfectly moist and juicy meats perfectly cut by a master carver are worth more than gold.

For Lunar New Year’s eve, there’s the DIY Kong Bak Pau Station, Wok Fried Salted Egg Prawn, Wok Fried Sliced Beef with Fungus and Black pepper Sauce, and the not-to-be-missed traditional Hong Kong Style Steamed Pomfret. It’s freshest of the fish its not overpowered by the sauce, brilliantly executed.
Not to mention local infused pastries like Pandan Egg Tart, Taro Butter Cake, Bak Kwa Chicken Floss Swiss Roll and many other sensational desserts, to make your tummy and the year round and sweet, figuratively speaking.

The Square Restaurant @ Novotel Clarke Quay
177A River Valley Road, Singapore, 179031
Phone: +65 6338 3333
The Festive Buffet Lunch and Dinner are at S$48++ and S$68++ respectively for adults.
Check out http://www.novotelclarkequay.com/en/dining/the-square-restaurant.html for detailed pricing.
Facebook and Instagram: @novotelclarkequay