Teppei Japanese Restaurant, Orchid Hotel ~ An Awesome Omakase Experience!

2 hours! 22 dishes! I had my first ever Omakase experience at Teppei Japanese Restaurant! Much has been raved about Teppei which is nestled at Orchid Hotel near Tanjong Pagar mrt station. How marvelous their food is. How great value their omakase dinner is. So much so that its popularity had our reservation in waiting for 4 months before it was finally our turn to plonk our bums on one of the restaurant's 21-counter seats. 4 months! This is the first time I've to be held in anticipation for so long to have a meal lol. Much to my happiness, it was worth the wait :D

Goldleaf New Taiwan Porridge Restaurant @ Amoy Street ~ Best of Comforting, Endearing Classic Dishes!

"You came all the way here specially to eat Taiwan porridge? It must be good right?", the taxi uncle asked me as he dropped me off at my destination, Goldleaf New Taiwan Porridge Restaurant at Amoy Street. I couldn't answer him in certainty back then as it was my first visit to the restaurant. Now, as I write in retrospective, my answer would be a resounding "Yes!". My meal at this seemingly humble establishment is more than good! It's awesome!

Department Of Caffeine (D.O.C) ~ A Hipster Café At Duxton Road

Some places you definitely have to make a visit to, just to see for yourself what the buzz is all about. Department Of Caffeine (D.O.C) at Duxton Road in the Tanjong Pagar area falls neatly into this category. Every other friends are asking me if I've visited the café, some of them like it, some are curious about it. It's such a talk-of-the-town even after a few months of its opening that it made those who have yet to visit seem unhip. I wanna appear hip too, so I went.

The Lawn Grill & Salad Café ~ Now At Shenton Way!

The Lawn Grill & Salad Café changed my perception of salads totally when I first visited their outlet at Biopolis last year. Mention store-bought salads and what comes to mind is usually heaps and heaps of greens with paltry pieces of cold cuts and insipid dressings, a necessity to fill my tummy with during times when my weighing machine turns into an enemy. Not that I don't like vegetables, but I need substantial portions of meat too. The Lawn fulfills this need perfectly by serving tantalizing premium meats grilled à la minute, pairing it with unique dressings at their salad bar. Ooh... Salads can make such an satisfying meal too! :D

Bar-Roque Grill ~ An Exciting New Restaurant @ Amara Hotel, Tanjong Pagar

It's always beautiful to have dreams. It's even more beautiful when the dream comes true. It's the most beautiful when your dream comes true with your loved one by your side! Executive Chef Stephane Istel (former executive chef of DB Bistro Moderne) and Kori Millar (former GM of Sky on 57) became the envious subject of many when they duet the dream opening of Bar-Roque Grill, a French inspired modern Rotisserie and Bar.

Together as co-owners and life partners, they weaved the Baroque era's melody of conviviality, feasting, enjoyment, pleasure on the table and love on the plate into Singapore's Tanjong Pagar area, right at the corner of Amara Hotel.

Truffs @ Telok Ayer Street ~ Time For A Chocolate Break!

It is often heard, "I need a coffee break", "Let's go for afternoon tea", but would one usually go... "Time for a chocolate break!" ???
 
Kimberly, Derrick and I had a chocolate break one afternoon and we love it!

Hidden in the second level of a row of shophouse along Telok Ayer Street, Truffs would have escaped my attention if Kimberly hadn't introduced the place to us after our failed attempt to visit Sophie's Bakery which was temporary closed for renovations. Best known for their offerings of chocolate desserts, drink and truffles (of course!), Truffs is truly an epitome of a chocolate paradise, a perfect place to have a quiet afternoon of chocolate break! My initial disappointment was very much compensated with this new-found affection.

A Noodle Story ~ A Singapore-Style Ramen Stall @ Amoy Street Food Centre

Noodles, noodles, how do I enjoy thee? Let me count the ways... Mee Pok, Mee Kia, Sapporo, Hakata...

Ooh wait! Now there's a new way! The Singapore-style Ramen way!

For a noodle and ramen lover like me, I'm excited much at the establishment of A Noodle Story with their promise of an ultimate noodle dish which one will never forget. The brainchild of a pair of chefs who were trained at Shatec and has worked at a couple of years in some of the best restaurants in the Singapore, they aim to bring quality noodles at an affordable price to the masses. Marrying modern techniques and re-engineering of local hawker favorites, their very own Singaporean-style ramen to suit local tastebuds is born.

PepeNero ~ Simply Italian

My love for Italian food brought me to PepeNero one evening.

Situated at Stanley Street which is just a 10 minute walk from Tanjong Pagar mrt, it was very easy to locate. For someone like me who doesn't drive, easy accessibility is very important. Many a times I had wanted to visit a place but the ulu-ness of it held me back. Not all friends drive. Taxis may not be available when I want it. I should get a driving licence soon. Ahh I digressed!

Salta ~ An Argentine Parrilla Experience

BFF and I were wondering where to go for dinner when my colleague passed me a booklet full of dining vouchers. As I browsed through it, the 1-for-1 main course offer from Salta Argentine Parrilla caught my attention.

"This Argentine restaurant is known for its directly-imported, free-range and grass-fed premuim beef which is natural, hormone free, lean and flavorful. With only the best meal cooked over their parrilla (wood and charcoal fired grill), a savory feast awaits you."

1-for-1 charcoal fired grilled steak? Sounds very much like a good deal worth checking out! So, here we go, to Icon Village where it is located!

The first thing about Argentina that came to my mind was World Cup and soccer, but do you know that Argentina is actually the 3rd largest beef exporter in the world (after Brazil and Australia)? Due to its rainfall and largely temperate climate, the country bears high quality pastures ideal for cattle-rearing. Salta not only brings to us this quality Argentinian beef, but also the parrilla, a 5-metre long charcoal fire grill, on which the chefs grill up chicken, lamb, and of course, the beef which we're here for.
 

Tomato Ciabatta (Complimentary)

Most restaurant serves a complimentary bread basket and here at Salta, it comes in form of a loaf of ciabatta which packs a distinct tomato flavor. Slightly warm, hard crusted with a soft and chewy interior, it was no surprise that we finished up the delish loaf in no time. Accompanied by a dip which tasted like tuna, we wouldn't have guessed correctly that it's actually a mixture of pork, beef and beef liver mousse if we hadn't checked with the waitress.

We were also told that this trio of parsley, white vinaigrette, chili red vinaigrette dips is designed to go along with the meat orders, but we feel that it resonate better with the ciabatta.

Provoleta (S$18+)

We were contemplating which starter to order when we decided that we can't go too wrong with something that is marked as a signature Argentine dish. Provoleta, a whole dish of melted Provolone cheese topped with oregano and chili flakes seems promising, but saltiness and heavy cheesiness of it proved to be a little too overwhelming as a prelude to the main course.

Tira de Asado 400g (S$38+)

The beef short ribs is perfectly executed! Wonderfully charcoal grilled to medium rare doneness, every piece is full of robust beefy flavor! Those of you who like to gnaw on the bones, hands up! This is the cut for you!

Bife de Chorizo 350g (S$35+)

The beef sirloin is of a substantial cut and came slightly charred at the sides. The first cut warns of an overdone steak and I was right when it reveals none of the medium rare doneness which I had requested for. Done to a medium, my jaws did not appreciate the workout which it had to go through. Though the beef sirloin is flavorful and the center part fared slightly better, the uneven cooking verdicts it to an overall disappointment.

Panqueque de Manzanas al Rum (S$12+)

A traditional Argentine dessert served with praline ice cream and rum is up next. Encompassed within the chewy crepe are thinly sliced crunchy green apples which provides a nice textural contrast. Soaked in a slightly caramelized sauce which tasted like the sweet black soya sauce, this is a dessert which my tastebud is not adverse to.

This was my first time having Argentinean food, and I would say the food is pretty decent. With no service charge, the prices are wallet friendly even without the 1-for-1 dining voucher. The restaurant is casual and suitable for group of friends wanting to catch up over a hearty meal of charcoal grilled meat.

Salta Argentine Parrilla Restaurant
Address: 12 Gopeng Street #01-56/57, ICON Village Singapore
Contact: +65 6225 8443
Website: http://www.saltaparrilla.com.sg/
Opening Hour: Mon - Sat 11:30am – 2:30pm / 6:30pm – 10:30pm

Parco Caffè ~ Makankakis Goes Italian!

It's that time of the month again, and it's Italian this time.

 

Almost every month since last year, I'd join fellow food lovers from the Makansutra forum in their monthly dinner gathering. I will always remember the feeling I felt when I attended my very first Makansutra dinner: The food is served, everyone at the table took out their cameras, everyone started taking photos, everyone is... like me! For once, I don't feel like the alienated one taking photos of the food before I start eating. Well, most of my friends don't behave this way, so you can imagine how happy I was, as I discover this company of makankakis.

Dinner is usually Chinese cuisine and venues can vary anywhere from old-school restaurants to hotel fine-dining. This month, November, is one of the rare month when we have Italian food and Parco Caffè is the place.

Parco Caffè not only serves up classic Italian cuisine, but also authentic Asian favorites as well. For you who like to complete your dining experience with a drink or two, you'd be happy to know that the restaurant is quipped with a full bar and wine selection.

My dining companion, The Hungry Cow, and I made our way to Raeburn Park, where Parco Caffè is situated. The ulu idyllic sounding Raeburn Park turns out to be not a park, but an office block which was once home to Gan Eng Seng Secondary School. Located behind the now defunct Tanjong Pagar railway station, it's just a stone's throw away from the CBD area.

As usual, we were on time, but early. Haha yes, dinner seldom starts on time. Being the usual me, I started camwhoring while waiting for the other makankakis to arrive.

It’s pretty obvious The Hungry Cow doesn’t enjoy the camera as much as I do. Lol.

I also took many shots of the restaurant because it looks so gorgeous and romantic. The set up is reminiscent of a garden with the generous use of foliage, which gives guests the experience of dining amid an al-fresco area without sacrificing the comfort of air-conditioning. Perfect for someone like me who loves outdoor greenery but cannot stand the Singapore heat.

 Finally, the dinner is starting!

The Hungry Cow brought along a bottle of white wine this month cos I prefer to drink white. 

Pizza Parco Caffe

7” inch favourite Parco pizza topped with tomato, mozzarella, hoishimeiji mushroom, Parma ham and black truffle spread

This is how I like my pizza to be: Crisply thin crusted with parma ham! The parma ham is not too salty here and goes very nicely with the mushrooms. I can’t really taste the black truffle spread though. I would also love to have some rocket leaves on my pizza, but this is nevertheless enjoyable just the way it is. I polished off 2 slices!

Parco Chilled Cappellini

Chilled Angel Hair pasta tossed with eggs roe, spring onion, parmesan cheese, truffle oil and fish liver Bottarga

What a refreshing dish! Nicely chilled and bursting with fish roe in every bite, I enjoyed this pasta tremendously. My only gripe is that the portion is way too little. Can I have more pleeeeease?

Branzino con Patate

Roasted sea bass cube served on purple mash potatoes, black olives, capers and extra virgin olive oil emulsion

The sea bass is my favorite item of the evening! Very fresh and delicately flavored, the flesh is moist and meltingly tender. Instead of the usual potato for mash, purple potato is used. I would have mistaken it for yam paste at a first glance.

Costina d’Agnello

Roasted AUS Lamb chop crusted in bread crumb and Italian herbs served with mixed vegetables caponata

The serving of lamb chop marks the last of the savory courses for the evening. Not too gamey, it is served medium rare and the doneness of mine is just nice. However, one of the plate from my table has to be sent back to the kitchen as it’s almost raw. There’s also inconsistency in the thickness of the meat, The Hungry Cow’s slice is noticeably thinner compared to mine.

Parfait al cioccolato

Double chocolate and cherry jelly Parfait

This dessert looks so dainty and sweet! The cherry parfait is sandwiched between layers of chocolate mousse and crowned with a macaroon. It looks sweet and taste even sweeter. I’m still hungry a dessert person and yet I couldn’t finish it. It somehow made me crave for something simple, like good old classic tiramisu.

Overall, my dining experience here is a pleasant one. Many thanks to TianTianChi for yet another wonderful evening.

Looking forward to the December Makansutra grand dinner next month!


Parco Caffè
Address: 10 Raeburn Park #01-28, Singapore 088702
Contact: +65 6223 6338
Website: http://www.parcocaffe.com.sg/
Opening Hours: Lunch 11:30am - 2:30pm  / Dinner 6:00pm - 11:00pm


Other Makansutra Dinner Posts:
Tonny Restaurant @ Geylang ~ A March Makan Dinner
品珍私房菜 Yummy Recipes ~ A Yummy Makan Night
Grand Makan Session @ Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck

The Sleeping Rhino... Yawnzzz...

** Guest Post by BFF **

It’s SINGAPORE RESTAURANT WEEK! Relatively valued priced 3-course set meals for both lunch and dinner across Singapore! This will be a first of a three part review of the participating restaurants.

First stop! The Sleeping Rhino! Located in Klapsons Hotel (be sure to check out the hotel lobby), The Sleeping Rhino is a bistro-styled restaurant serving local and European casual dining.

Hot Steamy Buns (no pun intended). This bread roll served piping hot has hints of dried shrimp infused in the bread, creating an interesting unami flavour usually not associated with this deceptively simple looking roll.

Roasted Mushroom Soup. Hot thick creamy soup with drops of truffle oil. By using roasted mushroom, the flavours of the soup is further intensified and concentrated.

Roasted Almond-Crusted Salmon Fillet. Salmon fillet served on a bed of vegetables and mash potatoes. Unfortunately this dish had too many things gone wrong. Mash potatoes tasted exactly like KFC mash potatoes right down to the sauce, fish was over cook resulting in a chalky flaky texture. The almonds did nothing in terms of flavour to the dish and there was just a confusing mix of mustard sauce on top and white cream sauce at the bottom. Strangely we could not find the basil pesto sauce as described in the menu.

Double-Cooked Pork Rib. Pork ribs coated with chef’s secret BBQ sauce, served with vegetables and mash potatoes (KFC styled). Cooked to the right doneness, the meat was tender but yet firm enough to gnaw it off the bone which I feel is the best way to appreciate ribs. The secret sauce was slightly caramelized on the ribs providing a nice sweet and tangy flavor to the ribs.

House Tiramisu. Decent average tasting tiramisu, nothing really to shout about here.

Overall it was a disappointing start to our restaurant week. My partner and I left the place feeling short changed as the portions were small and the food was just average at best. It felt like we had just eaten at café-cartel but instead at $35++ per pax.


The Sleeping Rhino @ Klapsons, The Boutique Hotel
Address: 15 Hoe Chiang Road, Singapore 089316
Contact: +65 6521 9000
Website: http://www.klapsons.com/dining.php
Opening Hours: Mon - Sat 7am - 10.30pm / Sun & Public Holiday 7am - 11am