December 31, 2014

PinkyPiggu's Best 10 Dining Experiences + Top 5 Favorite Treats Of 2014!



2014 ~ Another year of food, glorious food! I don't understand myself sometimes, why this self-torture of continuing to make personal lists to conclude the year. Haha it's so difficult to narrow down with such abundance of delicious meals! But I guess it serves as a remembrance to the calories that went to the waist but not wasted, the sincerity and soul that the chefs poured into the dishes served, and the wonderful company of my dining companions.

So here it is, PinkyPiggu's Best 10 Dining Experiences of 2014! Listed not in preference but in alphabetical order, and includes both established restaurants and new eateries which opened this year. I have to list down my Top 5 Favorite Treats of 2014 too, little indulgences which I would return again and again for :)

December 27, 2014

PinkyPiggu's Christmas Feast 2014! Recipes Included!



Christmas! We decided to stay at home and cooked up a sumptuous 5-course dinner! It's easy to cook a simple meal for ourselves, but when having guests over, admittedly it can get a bit stressful lol. So we decided to keep to some real easy recipes with minimum preparation time such as:-

  • Mesclun Salad
  • Avocado & Tomato Bruschetta
  • Pan-seared US Angus Ribeye & Kurobuta Pork Collar served with Sautéed Vegetables
  • Truffle Mushroom Fettucine
  • Yogurt Parfait

December 24, 2014

Japan's Asanoya Bakery Opens In Queen Street, Singapore



Yet another renowned Japanese brand ventured its way into Singapore recently ~ Asanoya Bakery! The collaboration with Tan Chong Motors (yes, you read it right, it's the same company which sells Nissan vehicles) marked the popular bakery-chain's first-ever outlet outside of Japan since its establishment in 1933.

While Henri Charpentier is the place to go for chi-chi afternoon tea sessions with lovely cakes and desserts, Asanoya Bakery is where you should be at for some serious gourmet breads and pastries.

December 20, 2014

The Naked Finn @ Gillman Barracks ~ Go Go Go For Their Lobster Roll & Prawn Noodles Soup!



If you ask me, "Where do I find the BEST Lobster Roll in Singapore?", it's a difficult question for me to answer because I do not profess to have eaten all the renditions available to give a fair verdict of any kind. But I will tell you without hesitation that The Naked Finn serves such an awesomerrific lobster roll, it was the most memorable I've ever eaten to date.

The Naked Finn is not as kinky than it sounds, so don't be disappointed worry, you wouldn't get your lobster roll served on a bared torso. It really represents the casual joint's minimalist approach to the preparation of their food, where less is more, where more is no good. The menu is kept concise, with a focus on quality seafood just lightly seasoned and grilled for a more unadulterated taste.

December 17, 2014

The Clan Restaurant @ Bukit Pasoh ~ Elegant Ambience, Delectable Food, Excellent Service!



"Let's go for dinner at The Clan", so I was brought to this cozy dining establishment one evening. Apparently, The Clan Restaurant was chosen because it's somewhere which I've not been to before, and my friend thought I would like the place. He couldn't be more right. Elegant ambience, delectable food, excellent service, our lovely dinner marked a very memorable start to another blissful season in life.

The Clan Restaurant is nestled in a hundred over years old building within the conservation area of Bukit Pasoh (Chinatown), with nearby The Lokal and Majestic Restaurant as its neighbours. I guess its name has got to do with the The Gan Clan Association that is also located in the same premises.

December 14, 2014

Harry's Bar @ Cuppage Terrace ~ Festive Celebration Meal 2014 + GIVEAWAY (worth $250)!



PinkyPiggu loves Decembers! Always a joyous month when we celebrate the greatest love that came down from heavens and the love around us, with our loved ones. So much love? Yes, yes, yes, lol!!! Add one more to that: Harry's Festive Celebration Meal for 4 at their newest outlet at Cuppage Terrace which is conveniently located in Orchard Road (next to Centrepoint).

Since it's the season of giving, Harry's Bar is giving PinkyPiggu's readers a chance to enjoy this feast (worth $250) for free! Read on for details on the Giveaway!

December 12, 2014

Pek Sin Choon 白新春茶庄 ~ One of The Oldest Tea Merchant In Singapore + YouTube Video



A typical Bak Kut Teh (pork ribs soup) meal would not seem complete without a good pot of tea by its side, in fact bak kut teh is literally translated into Mandarin as "meat, bone, tea", which just shows how important tea is to the overall bak kut teh eating experience. Admittedly, I just eat and drink, without thinking much into this pairing, nor the type of tea leaves used, until I met Kenry Peh over lunch at Goldleaf New Taiwan Porridge Restaurant.

Kenry came across as very soft spoken and humble, little did I realized that this is the man holding forth a family business established since 1925. He is the 4th generation owner of Pek Sin Choon, one of the oldest tea merchants in Singapore. Pek Sin Choon supplies tea leaves to 80% of the local bak kut teh restaurants and stalls! Now I know where those packets of "Unknown Fragrance 不知香" tea accompanying my bak kut teh meal comes from, and actually made an attempt at hand-packaging it!

December 10, 2014

Summer Palace @ Regent Hotel Singapore ~ The Crocodile Meat Claypot Rice Is A Must-Try!



I was full of anticipation as my footsteps hurried me towards Summer Palace, Regent Hotel Singapore's award-winning Cantonese restaurant, for their Claypot Indulgence which features a sumptuous selection of 6 claypot rice specials. It's available only for a limited period from 22 Nov 2014 to 31 Jan 2015, so must hurry!

The most unforgettable claypot rice experience I had was at a streetside eatery in Hong Kong, where we scoffed down piping hot rice served in a sizzling claypot at our al fresco table amid the pleasantly chilly year-end weather. My experience at Summer Palace was just as memorable, all thanks to the yummilicious Crocodile Meat Claypot Rice, an adventurous creation by their Executive Chinese Chef Liu Ching Hai, a Hong Kong native.

December 07, 2014

SELA Restaurant @ Seah Street ~ Great Ambience & Good Food!



Just by the name "SELA" alone did not gave me any inkling that the restaurant serve modern European cuisine, but once I got to its premises at Seah Street (right across Raffles Hotel), I saw why it is named so. "Sela" means "rock" in Hebrew, and lovely white-painted stone walls are a prominent feature in both the interior and exterior of this cosy dining establishment. Minimalist-furnished in soothing tones of white and grey, with wooden furniture for added warmth, the intimate space is so elegantly beautiful!

December 04, 2014

Backstage Café @ Kallang Way



Staying afloat is this competitive café scene is not easy considering the sheer number of newbies popping up every other day. The newbies all want a slice of the pie, and the oldies have to ensure they remain afresh in customers' mind and encourage return visits, while stepping up efforts to attract new patrons. One way is achieve this is to entice with regularly revamped menus, and re-enforcing their presence by tapping on the influence of social media, just like what Backstage Café is doing.

November 30, 2014

Fishball Story @ Golden Mile Centre, Beach Road ~ Handmade Goodness In A Bowl



I have a soft spot for young hawkers, not because they can cook (会煮饭的男人很帅!) or are usually affable people such as Douglas Ng of Fishball Story, but because I can totally understand the sacrificial efforts behind the food they serve. To most of us, food may be a tummy filler, but to these new generation of culinary heroes, it represents their dream and the passion they are living at this very moment.

(Read: Sentimental Sundays: Being A Hawker. I Know How It Feels Like. I Was Once A Young Singapore Hawker.) 

November 27, 2014

Atmosphere Bistro @ Parkland Green, East Coast Park



East Coast Park could possibly be Singapore's most popular coastal park, with barbecue pits, chalets, dining attractions, as well as amenities for sports activities drawing in families and friends looking for recreation and relaxation, especially on weekends. Now, let's add café hopping to the list!

The newly revamped section (next to carpark C1) serves this purpose well. Aptly named Parkland Green, it hosts a couple of food and beverage outlets, including Pick Me Up Café, St Marc Bakery & Bar, SandBank, Patro's Sports Bar & Restaurant, and Atmosphere Bistro.

November 24, 2014

Grand Mandarina 御华庭 @ New Bridge Road (Chinatown) ~ Chinese Dining At Its Indulging Best



Grand Mandarina (御华庭) is the kind of posh nosh place to go for a delectable meal of fine Chinese cuisine, to impress the people you need to impress, or just to earn bragging rights that you've tried their most indulgent dish: The signature prized Empurau Fish (忘不了鱼) which cost a whopping $888 per kg!

Situated along New Bridge Road (right next to EW16/NE3 Outram mrt station), Grand Mandarina is also one of the few independent Chinese restaurants in Singapore which caters to the mid and up-market diners, and does not belong to any F&B chain or hotel groups. It presents a menu of Cantonese cuisine, traditional in most parts yet injected with a modern flair. Think along the lines of Roasted Duck with Truffle Sauce, Fried Rice with Foie Gras, and you'll get the drift.

November 22, 2014

Saturday House, A New Café At Upper Paya Lebar Road ~ Everyday Can Be A Happy Day!



Shrove Tuesday, Sunday Folks, now we have Saturday House, a new café which has recently made its debut along Upper Paya Lebar Road in early November. Why Saturday? Because owner Adrian Koh (who also runs Changi Bistro) believes that Saturday is the best day of the week, there's no need to get to work nor face the impending Monday blues yet. And if you come to Saturday House, any day can be a happy day!

November 20, 2014

Australia's Popular PIE FACE Arrives In Singapore! Find It At 313@Somerset and Bugis Village!



Pie Face was a very familiar "face" when I was in Sydney earlier this June. The popular Australian micro-bakery café chain has a presence of more than 80 stores around the world, so perhaps you'd like to imagine how many outlets they have in their "home-ground" alone. Pie Face is new in Asia though, the two recently-opened stores at Singapore's 313@Somerset and Bugis Village marked their first foray into this untapped market.

At the risk of sounding like a food snob, admittedly, I did not feel the lure to try out Pie Face's pies while in Sydney because it's everywhere (erm... too common like Old Chang Kee in Singapore?). I'd rather use my limited tummy space to check out the numerous indie cafés instead.

November 17, 2014

Jack's Place Launches Hearty U.S. Premium Selection Menu!



Our eyes spaced into nostalgic mode whenever Jack's Place is mentioned. How many of you have grown up with this well-loved local restaurant synonymous with serving hearty steaks on sizzling hot plates at affordable prices in Singapore since 1968? Hands up!

While the popular steaks remain to be a mainstay on Jack's Place's menu, the offerings at its Great World City and The Grandstand has now went up a notch, with six new dishes featuring premium meat selection such as USA Brandt Steak cuts, as well as Kurobuta Pork.

November 14, 2014

JOIE By Dozo @ Orchard Central ~ I Found Joy In Modern Meatless Cuisine!



"What have I gotten myself into?", as carnivore me accepted a tasting invitation before realizing that JOIE By Dozo specializes in modern meatless cuisine with Japanese-European influences. My eyes were distracted by the photos of the restaurant's enticing dishes, plus, the convenience of its location at Orchard Central (next to 313@Somerset, directly linked to NS23 Somerset mrt station) played quite a decisive role in scheduling my tummy in for this dinner too.

But hei hei, after an evening of going without meat, I was filled with joy. What an experience!

November 12, 2014

Pantler @ Telok Ayer Street ~ Purveyor Of Thoughtfully Made Pastries!



Woohoo, another new opening and what a great one! You may think I'm crazy for visiting Pantler thrice within a short span of 6 days, but the quality pastries at this bakery-café is really that worth the time and calories. Really.

Nestled among the row of conserved shophouses along bustling Telok Ayer Street, Pantler is located just 2 units away from My Awesome Café, and easily accessible by nearest mrt stations: EW15 Tanjong Pagar & DT18 Telok Ayer.

November 10, 2014

Saveur Art @ Ion Orchard ~ How Great Thou Art!



After Saveur and Concetto, hawker-guys turned restauranteurs Joshua Khoo and Dylan Ong are now wooing us with their latest dining concept, Saveur Art! I was there for a lunch session last week, and my heart was effortlessly won over by their repertoire of French-inspired cuisine. How can I not be, when the food was visually beautiful and taste delicious, with prices that are easy on the wallet? One of the dishes was so mind-blowing good, my dining companion, Nat (Rubbish Eat Rubbish Grow) teared. #notexaggerating

November 07, 2014

TRUFFLE WONTON MEE (Recipe Included!)



After "I-love-SALTED-EGG-YOLK-anything", my next love is undoubtedly "I-love-TRUFFLE-anything!" We bought a bottle of white truffle oil sometime back, and judging by its utilization rate, we wondered when we're ever going to finish it. Time to get cooking! Lol! #PinkyPigguDomesticGoddessWannbe

It so happened that we were given some fresh egg noodles and wonton wrappers by a friend whose family runs a business supplying these foodstuff, so..... tadah! We decided to cook TRUFFLE WONTON MEE!

November 04, 2014

Jing Hua Restaurant (京华小吃) @ Rochor Road (Bugis Village)



"You mean there's good 小笼包 (steamed soup dumplings) so near to me?" My friend asked me in disbelief as I visited her shop in Bugis Village after a scrumptious dinner at Jing Hua Restaurant (京华小吃). "Yes! Delicious, affordable, and located just around the corner", I said. It goes to show how much the humble-looking eatery is under the radar.

Though this outlet at Rochor Road (nestled amidst the row of shophouses in Bugis Village where Four Seasons Keisuke Tonkotsu Ramen King is) has only opened for only a year, Jing Hua Restaurant has been established since 1989 at their flagship venue along Neil Road (Chinatown), and will soon expand with a third outlet at Palai Renaissance (Orchard). Now, 25 years on, it continues to serve up "Jing Hua Cuisine", a term fondly coined by the native-Singaporean founders to reflect their host of Tianjin-inspired delicacies which has been thoughtfully tweaked to better suit local tastes.

November 02, 2014

Ultimate Hawker Fest 2014 (终极街头美食节) ~ Feast On Our Local Delights For A Good Cause!



Hello November! This month, the spotlight is on..... our beloved hawkers and their delicious fare! The Ultimate Hawker Fest (UHF) (终极街头美食节) returns for a 3rd year with a unique focus on celebrating Singapore’s Hawker Heritage, as part of Singapore’s Jubilee (SG50) celebrations. Keep your day free for this iconic one-day event, which will take place at Suntec Convention Centre Halls 401-402 on 22 November 2014, from 11am to 5pm.

Organised by TOUCH Community Services and featuring celebrity food bloggers Maureen Ow (www.MissTamChiak.com), Derrick Tan (www.SgFoodOnFoot.com) and Ian Low (TheSilverChef.blogspot.sg) who combined their gourmet expertise to bring together more than 20 chefs to create the Ultimate menu, what we can expect are our local delights showcased over three food zones namely Ultimate Original Recipe (食代相传), Ultimate Pursuit of Happiness (食膳为心) and Ultimate Ingredients (食材科举).

October 30, 2014

Henri Charpentier ~ Renowned Patisserie From Japan Opens In Dempsey Hill, Singapore! Lovely Place For Cakes & Desserts, But Expensive!



Think I've found possibly the loveliest place in Singapore to enjoy some pretty cakes and delicious desserts ~ Henri Charpentier! Yes, the renowned French-inspired Japanese patisserie with 81 stores across Japan has recently opened in Singapore, choosing the idyllic enclave of Dempsey Hill as the location to nestle their first overseas outlet.

October 27, 2014

Lau Ah Tee Bak Kut Teh 老亚弟肉骨茶 @ Whampoa West ~ Oldie But Goodie



Mention bak kut teh (pork ribs soup), those Teochew-style kick-ass peppery hot versions from the popular big boys like Founders, Ng Ah Sio and Rong Cheng Bak Kut Teh effortlessly comes to mind. But hey hey, recently I was introduced to a "old little brother", Lau Ah Tee Bak Kut Teh!

Located at a block of HDB flat within the Whampoa West estate (nearest mrt station: NE9 Boon Keng) in a nondescript coffeeshop-style eating house, it can be easy to dismiss it as just another bak kut teh stall, but those who are in the know will know about the rich history of Lau Ah Tee Bak Kut Teh. They are one of the pioneers to sell the well-loved soupy delicacy in Singapore.

October 24, 2014

Rabbit Owl Depot @ North Bridge Road ~ Their Ice Cream & Snow Flakes Waffles Are Definitely Worth A Try!



We can never get too much of ice cream! Rabbit Owl Depot, another indie parlor specializing in these icy delights has opened its doors a week ago at North Bridge Centre, right across where our National Library is situated (nearest mrt station: NE12/DT14 Bugis). Very convenient! Also, I like its close proximity to my favorite chicken rice place Yet Con at Purvis Street, which makes it the perfect spot to chill out after my regular indulgence for more indulgence! Lol!

October 20, 2014

Chotto Matte @ Blair Road, Singapore ~ Delicious Sushi & Japanese-inspired Food!



Not to be confused with the Japanese-Peruvian fusion (Nikkei) restaurant in London bearing the same name, the Chotto Matte I'm gonna share with you is a recently-opened tapas bar that sits within the tranquil ambience of Blair Road right here in Singapore (nearest mrt station: NE3 Outram Park). So peacefully charming, we can even hear the birds chirping and sound of piano playing from the nearby private residence as we strolled towards our intended destination for a dinner of Japanese-inspired dishes with European influences.

October 17, 2014

GRUB Noodle Bar @ Rangoon Road ~ The Place For Late-Night Delicious Grub!



Nocturnal fellows alert! GRUB Noodle Bar could possibly be the best new place for you to have a hearty and wholesome meal when those late-night hunger pangs strikes! Just opened yesterday on 16th October 2014 along Rangoon Road (opposite the stretch where Ng Ah Sio and Founder Bak Kut Teh are), their daily operations only begins at 7pm for dinner, and opens all the way till 12.30am (good lah, not that late too so that we can still get home early to have our beauty sleep).

Much thanks to Cookyn Inc which brings us their latest dining concept! If the name rings a familiar bell, it's because they are the same folks behind the successful GRUB at Bishan Park and FIX Café at HomeTeamNS.

October 14, 2014

Yet Con Hainanese Chicken Rice 逸群鸡饭 @ Purvis Street ~ One Of My Favourites and Personal Best



Chicken Rice is a local staple food which can be found in almost every corner of Singapore, from the most inconspicuous coffeeshops (such as Yishun 925) and hawker centres (such as Tian Tian) to eateries (such as Boon Tong Kee, Wee Nam Kee, Loy Kee) specializing in this well-loved national dish. Atas-ified versions can even be found in 5-star hotels, most famous being the award-winning Mandarin Chicken Rice at Chatterbox in Mandarin Orchard.

If you ask me, one of my favourites and personal best has to be Yet Con Hainanese Chicken Rice 逸群鸡饭! They have been serving their style of authentic Hainanese chicken rice at the exact same spot in Purvis Street (near the iconic Raffles Hotel) since 1940! Oh my goodness, we're talking about an age-old institute that has survived world war II and is already in business for 74 years!

October 12, 2014

Ice Queen ~ Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Parlour @ East Coast Road, Singapore! Must-Try!



What I have been constantly craving for lately: Ice cream at Ice Queen! The recent newcomer to our local ice cream scene joins the likes of 320Below, Just Like It and Cloud & Cream, specializing in churning out instant frozen delights using liquid nitrogen! I had always thought the concept sounded a tad gimmicky, but a visit to Ice Queen's shop at East Coast Road (opposite Chin Mee Chin, next to Spizza) soon proved me wrong. I want more and more of their cooler than cool deliciousness!

October 10, 2014

The Alley Café @ Keong Siak Road, Singapore



Admittedly, I'm already quite tired of the recent café scene. So many new openings, so many disappointments that I wouldn't even wanna waste my time writing about them. But surprisingly, the relatively new The Alley Café along Keong Siak Road at Chinatown drew me back for a repeated visit (which is quite a rarity considering the abundance of café choices we have).

The Alley Café does not stand out particularly for its decor nor food nor coffee, but there is a well-balanced element residing in all these factors combined. It's like a trusted old friend whom does not induce any heart-thumping excitement, but is surely dependable when you wanna retreat into moments of comfort.

October 07, 2014

Hairy Crab Treasure Pot Feast At Mouth Restaurant (地茂馆), China Square Central ~ A Seasonal Special Not To Be Missed!



The season is back for hairy crabs, but I say, it's the season for good food all year round at Mouth Restaurant (地茂馆)! Serving up Cantonese dishes and freshly made dim sum for more than two decades, it has earned quite a reputation as one of the most trusted food establishments in Singapore.

After saying goodbye to its former location of many years at Chinatown Point, it's hello to the current premises at China Square Central (shophouse unit directly facing Hong Lim Complex). The other branch is situated just as conveniently within Plaza Singapura in the heart of Orchard Road.

October 04, 2014

Shin-Sapporo Ramen ~ More Than Just Ramen, The Seasonal Menu Delights!



Ooh yes I finally made it before it's gone!!! Talking about none other than Shin-Sapporo Ramen's seasonal menu which has already been launched since 1st August, and is available till end of this month, 31st October 2014, at all their outlets at Orchard Gateway, Akexandra Retail Centre, Century Square and Changi Business Park.

Serving more than just miso ramen which they're best known for, Shin-Sapporo presents a trio of summer specials which deviates from the usual traditional Japanese dishes, delivering light and healthy options that are perfect for battling the perpetual hot weather in Singapore.

September 30, 2014

Eng Kee Chicken Wings 榮記炸鷄翅膀 @ Commonwealth Drive. Fried Bee Hoon + Chicken Wings = Best All-Day-Breakfast!



Ask me what my favorite "all-day breakfast" item is and my reply would not be the usual egg benedict (even though I'm addicted to eggs of all kinds) or sausage and toast, but a localized version which is very close to my heart ~ Fried Bee Hoon & Chicken Wings!!! Yummy!

Usually a breakfast staple and found in hawker centres or coffeeshops, most economic bee hoon stalls serving this delight are usually sold out by afternoon, but we do get a couple of places such as Eng Kee Chicken Wings 榮記炸鷄翅膀 at Blk 117 of Commonwealth Drive which operates late into the evening. This means we get to eat this fantastic combo at almost all times during lunch, dinner or supper! Yay!

September 27, 2014

GastroSmiths Bistro & Bakery @ Tan Quee Lan Street, Beach Road ~ One Of The Best New Openings This Year!



Love love love my foodie friends for always sharing about great food places! When messages came excitedly through our whatsapp group chat that "Gastrosmith is one of the best new cafés to open recently", it came to a no-brainer conclusion that the place is definitely worth checking out. (Daniel, you're like the big brother whom Nat and I really trust!)

Founded by the makers of The Humble Loaf who closed down the establishment at Katong Shopping Mall in favor of a bigger space to better accommodate its regulars, GastroSmith Bistro & Bakery, though comparatively more spacious, is unexpectedly still quite intimate with no more than a few indoor tables.

September 24, 2014

Sarah's The Pancake Café @ East Village, Simpang Bedok



I was half-expecting to see a lady named Sarah behind the counter at Sarah's The Pancake Café, but still true enough to its name, this new Halal establishment at East Village Mall in the Simpang Bedok vicinity focuses on mainly pancakes, serving up both sweet and savory version. What the concise menu lacks in variety, the café certainly made it up with touches of creativity. Homemade potato pancakes or chendol-inspired crepes, anyone?

September 22, 2014

Chang Thai At 151 Bishan ~ Casual Thai Eatery With Delicious & Affordable Food! What A Neighbourhood Gem!



One of the requisites when I was hunting for a place to live was: It must be near FOOD! Nothing beats the convenience of walking down your apartment to find a good variety waiting to satisfy the hunger when it strikes. I imagined residents living around Blk 151 in the heartlands of Bishan would be happy for this reason alone because, not only do they get a decent selection from the coffeeshop, they're now pampered with more choices from the casual eatery next door, Chang Thai at 151, which serves delicious and affordable Thai cuisine!

September 20, 2014

PAUL Singapore Launches Lunch & Dinner Sets! Exclusively At Westgate and Tanglin Mall Outlets!



Most of us would have been enticed initially by the popular specialty breads and pastries (ooh la la those large macarons!) to visit PAUL French bakery-restaurant at some point since its Singapore flagship store at Ngee Ann City opened in January 2012, but its savory range of pancakes, crepes, salads and simple main courses has soon proved to be of affordable and reasonably good quality as well. Their recently-launched executive lunch and dinner set featuring some of the all-time favourites from PAUL's menu at their Westgate and Tanglin Mall outlets looks pretty attractive in a value-for-money way too!

September 17, 2014

The Company Of Cats @ Mosque Street (Chinatown) ~ Another New Cat Cafe In Singapore!



Recently opened in August 2014, The Company of Cats at Mosque Street (Chinatown) joins Neko no Niwa, The Cat CafeCuddles Cat Cafe and Meomi Cat Cafe as the 5th cat cafe in Singapore. There are many reasons to visit a cafe, but at these feline-themed joints, perhaps one reason surpasses them all: To spend time with some furry friends! Meow~ Meow~

September 14, 2014

Stir-Fry Minced Pork with Thai Basil (Recipe Included!)



Too often, I get comments from friends: "You always eat good (restaurant) food!" Not that I'm complaining, but sometimes all I wanna do is to stay in the comfort of my house and have a simple meal. Stir-fry Minced Pork with Thai Basil fits the idea perfectly! Easily prepared in less than 30 minutes, convenient to eat (I served everything in a deep bowl and ate in front of the TV lol), aftermath of washing is very minimum, and most importantly it serves as a tasty and satisfying one-dish-meal. Let's get cooking!

September 12, 2014

PinkyPiggu ~ The #DomesticGoddessWannabe! Recipes Included!



I've been too caught up with work and food tastings in the last few months that my love for cooking has taken a backseat. But recently, the #domesticgoddesswannabe bug strikes again! Couldn't be more than happy to do some cooking at my friend's house, because... I can make a fun mess of cutting, chopping, frying without any need to wash up after! Haha! Just kidding! Really grateful to have friends who indulge me in my experimentalism streak and ate up whatever I cooked that evening, which was a 5-course meal comprising of:-

September 10, 2014

Song Kee Fishball Noodles 松记鱼丸面 @ Upper Serangoon Road



The first thing I heard about Song Kee Fishball Noodles 松记鱼丸面 was not their fishballs nor noodles, but their highly raved handmade fish dumplings (which is more commonly called "hee keow" in dialect). How ironic! Why huh? I'm not a cat so worries of being killed by curiosity has no effect on me. I just have to make a trip to their outlet at Upper Serangoon Road to find out!

September 08, 2014

ANTOINETTE Excites With Brand New Selection Of Classic French Savory Dishes And Plated Desserts!



"Let them eat cake!" Did the last queen of France Marie-Antoinette really uttered that infamous quip? While it will always remain questionable, I know for sure that just cakes alone isn't enough for me. Happy that Sugar Daddy Pang Kok Keong not only has tantalizing treats to satisfy the sweet tooth, he also recently introduced an entirely new and complete menu of classic French savory dishes, available for our enjoyment at all his three Antoinette Restaurant at Penhas Road, Mandarin Gallery and Palais Renaissance! Savory or sweet, Antoinette has it all! Let us eat and eat and eat!

September 05, 2014

[Video Blog] PinkyPiggu's 2nd Blog Anniversary + Quest For Best Aglio Olio With Celebrity Chef Peter Neo (Recipe Included)



It's PinkyPiggu 2nd Blog Anniversary! Sounds a tad cliché to say time flies since I first shared my dining experience on this platform, but until I find a way to word it better, please bear with me lol! To commemorate the occasion, I've decided to launch PinkyPiggu's YouTube channel on this day! You can say this is another milestone on PinkyPiggu's journey of Experiencelism and Experimentalism! Woohoo!

September 02, 2014

Chabuton @ 313 Somerset ~ Prestigious Ramen Chain From Japan Opens Its First Singapore Outlet!



Since the opening of its first Chiba outlet in year 2005, Chabuton has seen rapid expansion growth to the current 9 shops in Japan and 14 shops in Thailand! Wow! Is it popular? Definitely yes! Is it delicious? Well, now with the opening of its first Singapore outlet at 313 Somerset (so convenient!), local ramen aficionados have no reason not to visit the noodle joint and judge for themselves. Tonkotsu ramen, here we come!

August 27, 2014

Alkaff Mansion At Telok Blangah Hill Introduces New Italian Menu



The mention of Alkaff Mansion at Telok Blangah Hill never failed to conjure up lovely images of leisure outdoor brunches, romantic dinners and lavish weddings. Reality is, the charming two-storey heritage bungalow and its beautiful garden grounds has indeed seen many of such memorable occasions taking place. Built in 1918 and painstakingly restored a few years ago to its glorious splendor, Alkaff Mansion is undoubtedly one of the best destination dining and event venues in Singapore.

August 24, 2014

Kki ケーキReopens AT SOTA! Now You Know Where to Go For Some Of The Best Cakes In Singapore!



Why would I be caught by surprise that Kki ケーキ at 3pm+ on a Thursday afternoon during its opening day was crowded? The popular Japanese-theme patisserie well-known for its delectable cakes must have been missed exceeding much by their fans during their 8-month hiatus when they moved out of their former location at Ann Siang Hill. Well, now it's back! Right here at SOTA, School of the Arts (beside Cathay, nearest mrt Dhoby Ghaut). Happy happy!

August 22, 2014

Babette ~ A French-Japanese Restaurant & Bar At Parc Sovereign Hotel, Singapore. BEST Matcha Lava Cake Ever!



Babette at Parc Sovereign Hotel is the latest restro-bar addition to the hipster stretch of Tyrwhitt Road at Jalan Besar area where popular cafés Chye Seng Huat and Willowsill Pies resides. The 2nd brainchild (1st is Chillax Çafé at Serangoon Gardens) of radio 98.7FM DJ Darren Wee, it was not that totally surprising to have the man himself served us personally at our table. I was too shy to say hi :p

August 20, 2014

Singapore Blog Awards 2014 ~The Announcement Of Winners + Sneak Preview of PinkyPiggu's YouTube Channel!



First thing first! I wanna give a big THANK YOU to all my readers, media friends, fellow bloggers, friends and family who have been with me on this food blogging journey. Before you start wondering if this is gonna be the opening of my winning speech, I better clarify that, no, PinkyPiggu did not win in the nominated Best Food Blog category this year, but nevertheless a winner in every sense because the love and support you've showered on me is far greater than any title or trophy can contain. Still, I hope to win the award lah lol! Am I too greedy? Next year okie? Haha!

August 18, 2014

BreadTalk's Mooncake Collection 2014 ~ Dance To A Dazzling Mid-Autumn



It seems that nowadays we do not have to try too hard to remember the dates of traditional festivals anymore, because the appearance of those festive treats itself will serve as the best reminder for impeding celebrations. Mooncakes are an quintessential part of the Mid-Autumn festival, which falls on September 8 this year, and the collection that BreadTalk has unveiled will certainly add a delectable sparkle to the occasion.

August 14, 2014

Manhattan ~ Swanky Hotel Bar At Regent Singapore



There is something insanely sexy about Manhattan. From the moment we went beyond those mysterious black lacquer panels which flanked the entrance, the lush opulence of this swanky hotel bar at Regent Singapore time-traveled us back to 19th century's Golden Age of cocktails, fine drinking and gourmet bites. Reminiscent of glamorous old New York yet exuding an upscale contemporary feel. Dark. Intimate. Sexy.