Kam's Roast arrived last month in Singapore to great anticipation. In Hong Kong, Kam's Roast Goose scooped up its first Michelin star within four months of opening in 2014 and kept the star in the the 2015, 2016 and 2017 guidebook.
Some may sneer at Michelin stars these days, but this award is probably not without merit. After all, Kam's Roast's owner Hardy Kam is the grandson of the founder of Yung Kee in Hong Kong, a culinary legend when it comes to roast goose. He is using recipes from his grandfather's days.
I'm starting to like miniature Christmas trees a lot more than the really big ones. So I was really happy to get this cypress in a pot, called Elfie (S$68). It's about the size of a champagne bottle, as you can see. It'll certainly sit well on an office desk, by the kitchen window, or add oxygen-generating greenery to the bedroom or living space.
Christmas is almost upon us, and if you haven't yet made plans, here are some highlights you can add to your year end festivities. For me, I'm getting this Maplewood Bacon Wrapped & Roast Tom Turkey (S$168 for 5kg) from InterContinental Singapore (thank you, IHG!). Because bacon! This turkey is luxuriously wrapped with strips of bacon and slow-roasted over maple wood. It comes with baked potato, winter vegetables, giblet gravy & mushroom stuffing. I've also got some of Park Bench Deli's truffle butter gravy waiting for this bird.
Crowne Plaza has some seriously good Satay Marinated Iberico Pork Ribs (S$118+, 1.2kg). The meat is marinated overnight in a blend of Asian spices including lemongrass, blue ginger and dried chili. It tastes divine when paired with the accompanying creamy and chunky peanut sauce. Like satay but better.
Check out also their Grain-Fed BBQ Beef Ribs (S$118+, 1.2kg). The ribs have been cooked sous-vide for 24 hours, the former is tender and falls straight off the bone. Glazed with tangy barbecue sauce, the Barbecued Grain-fed Beef Ribs are absolute pleasure to indulge in. The latter is brined and sous-vide for 24 hours and is perfect when paired with the palatable mushroom duxelle and red wine shallot gravy.
The other thing we enjoyed in advance was St Regis Singapore's Marinated Beef Tenderloin (with incredible truffle mash). Even the fussy ones in the family relished this heartily. It comes with a potent Merlot sauce, but we also made our own ponzu-habanero sauce. It's a huge portion and lasts several days. We shredded the leftovers for stuffing into tacos.
For the log cake, I'm getting the Ritz-Carlton "Warmth" (Thanks, RC!) made with Almond Sponge, Joconde Biscuit, Grand Marnier, Praline Cream. It may look ordinary but it's the best tasting of the lot, in my humble opinion.
There's also four other stunning-looking creations (clockwise from top left):
“Hope” with gold star dust - Dark Chocolate Ganache, Hazelnut Biscuit, Gianduja Crémeux, Raspberry Mousse, Gelée
“Love” with fiery chocolate "flames"- Dark Chocolate Mousse, Blood Orange Biscuit, Gelée
“Peace” looking so green - Pistachio and White Chocolate Mousse, Cherry Biscuit, Gelée
“Joy” with white snowflakes - Vanilla and Caramelised Pecan Mousse, Walnut Biscuit, Chestnut Chantilly Cream
And if you prefer something more traditional, this moist red velvet logcake from Concorde Hotel is quite a treat.
This list is not exhaustive, only the stuff I've tried so far. I've seen some spectacular-looking cakes and roasts elsewhere but have not gotten the chance to try or feature them. But happy holidays, and Merry Christmas to those celebrating!
American fro-yo brand Yogurtland launched its flagship store at Suntec City this month. It's one of the largest self-serve frozen yogurt brands from the US, and all its yoghurt is produced in the US and shipped here.
Yogurtland’s signature frozen yogurt features real California milk without antibiotics or added hormones, all-natural fresh fruits, and ingredients sourced from countries of origin (like Belgian chocolate and vanilla from Madagascar). This sweet treat contains vitamin-C, calcium, active live cultures that are beneficial to health, and is also gluten-free.
Instead of combining yogurt premix powders with local milk (ahem, we know which brand that is!), Yogurtland controls the entire frozen yogurt-making process at source, thus maintaining the standards for flavours and quality.
From its library of 200 flavours, the Singapore store will start with eight flavours such as Original Tart, Mango, Salted Caramel Pecan, Sumatra Coffee, Dragon Passion Tart and a Kiwi Raspberry Sorbet.
It's priced by weight at S$3.00 per 100g. I like how solidly dense and substantial the fro-yo was and how refreshing it tastes. The sweeter flavours like Salted Caramel Pecan and Strawberry Pop almost taste like ice cream. Choose from an array of 33 toppings to personalise your fro-yo.
We bumped into my sister-in-law's family May and Colin Schooling (photo courtesy of May). Too bad Joseph wasn't there but then again, the crowd would have been impossible if he had been. It was so nice to have the family all enjoying the yogurt.
By the way, Yogurtland has a promotion going on where you can customise your fro-yo and stand a chance to win an Apple Watch! From now till 15 Jan 2017, simply purchase a cup of froyo at our store, snap a picture of your creation at our photo booth, upload your image at Instagram and tag #YogurtlandSingapore and #WatchmyYogurtland to enter the contest!
*Terms and conditions apply.
I thought it was really nice of them to have USB charging stations at their main communal table. They charge pretty fast too. Thumbs up!
It's a fantastic time to be a Star Wars fan. We've got a new movie every year and we are delving deeper into the universe.
Rogue One, the standalone movie that links Episode 3 and 4 between the two trilogies, is one for the fans.
There are plenty of call backs to Episode 4 (bantha blue milk!) and even surprising cameos, many of which should please fans who love the original trilogy.
But I still don't like Jyn Erso.
She's supposed to be badass but I found her bland and cold, save for one passionate plea to the rebel council. Maybe it's Felicity Jones' portrayal, maybe the script could have done better to define her character than just outline her "criminal" side as a list of potential charges: "Forgery of imperial documents. Possession of stolen property. Aggravated assault. Resisting arrest."
I bloody hated her line in the trailers, "This is a Rebellion, isn’t it? I rebel.”
Someone observed that the main hero in Star Wars is never the most interesting; it's usually the side or supporting characters who really fill out the show wonderfully.
Just look at Luke compared to Han, Leia, Chewie, Obiwan, R2D2...
The supporting cast completely outshine Jyn. The movie is tedious when it starts and only picks up momentum when Donnie Yen and Jiang Wen make their entry. Donnie imbues his role with martial arts grace and a mystical monk-like aura. It was even his suggestion to make his Chirrut Îmwe warrior character a blind one, as it would fit well with both the Force and real martial arts (you have to feel with your heart). He also has some of the funniest lines in the show. The other highlight is the comedy droid K-2SO which/who (?) is so much more spunky and likeable. The movie would be dreary without him.
Darth Vader is simply awesome. He truly inspired terror. I don't know who is in that suit, but I'm glad James Earl Jones is still around to do the voice!
Forest Whitaker however, feels underused as Saw Gerrera the extremist rebel. I wish they could have shown more of his relationship with Jyn.
Storywise, Rogue One is fairly focused. We get to see how the rebels steal the plans to the Death Star. I like how it neatly explains why the massive super powerful Death Star has such a weak link enabling its total destruction.
The battle scenes are well-choreographed and it's nail biting to the end. I so loved the imperial walkers; the AT-ACTs are majestic mecha-beasts to behold. And Death Troopers look so cool! :D
The rebels' final dilemma of delivering the Death Star plans seems to hinge on a primitive issue but I guess even in a world where hyperspace jumps and planet-killer battle stations are possible, some things are still too down-to-earth.
As a spin-off, I'd say this was an entertaining movie. I don't know how much the infamous reshoots changed the original take, as some parts feel a little choppy. But I do like how the movie ends. Also, it literally syncs up like 10 minutes before A New Hope, and gets us all excited at the familiar arc the story is about to take.
Would I watch it again? Yes, there's plenty to like and I'll probably find new things to appreciate even in the tedious first half. I'll certainly find more Easter eggs if I look more closely. That's all part of the fun.
I know it's not Christmas yet, but you know what's going to happen the day after - you'll have prepared so much food for everyone, you'll likely end up with some leftovers. Things like extra meat and gravy, and cranberry sauce.
The folks at Park Bench Deli not only have delicious gravy and sauce for the season, they also have got some clever ideas on how to stretch those leftovers into amazing bites in the days that follow:
Brown Butter and Truffle Gravy - 600ml @ $10
A reimagining of the staple turkey gravy, Park Bench Deli's version is a stock made from chicken and a vegetable trio of onions, garlic and celery. The gravy is finished with brown butter and truffle oil.
Instructions: Place in small saucepan over low-medium heat and whisk until smooth and just simmering. Serve hot.
What to do with this gravy?
i) Lubricate your mashed potatoes.
ii) Use to moisten crusty ends of bread loaves - sourdough, for instance.
iii) Pair with a well-seared leg of chicken for fun times.
iv) Add to sauteed mushrooms and caramelised onions.
v) Obtain a roast bird. Carve. Coat bits of meat liberally.
Cranberry Sauce - 200g @ $10
Park Bench Deli’s take on a classic Cranberry Sauce. A classic accompaniment to your meat selection.
Instructions: Place in small saucepan over low-medium heat and whisk until smooth and just simmering. Leave to cool before serving.
What to do with this sauce?
i) In a pinch, use it as a replacement for jam.
ii) Add it to yogurt with cinnamon, lemon juice and some fruit for a parfait.
iii) Pair it with some vinegar, virgin olive oil, salt and pepper for a salad dressing.
iv) Mix some into pancake batter for a berry twist.
v) If all else fails, make a negroni with it.
With scrumptious ideas like these, you'd want to stock up on a few more packs just to make sure you HAVE leftovers!
Park Bench Deli is located at 179 Telok Ayer St, S068627.
Tel: 6815 4600.
Opening hours:
Mon- Fri 10:30am - 4pm & 5pm-9:30pm
Sat 10:30am-4pm.
There are days in a man’s life, when he just wants to lay low, hang with his bros and go on a crazy, wild adventure – away from the girlfriend, the wife or the family. Well, starting tonight, action entertainment channel KIX is debuting its brand-new reality show, The Ultimate BROcation, to give viewers a glimpse of that male fantasy!
It should be very interesting to see Singapore’s own maverick chef, Bjorn Shen in this five-episode reality series following four famous Southeast Asian celebrities who meet for the first time in an unforgettable, testosterone-fueled vacation in Hong Kong.
Joining Bjorn on the “brocation” are award-winning Malaysian hip hop artist SonaOne, Thailand’s “bad boy” DJ and TV host P.K., and the Philippines’ R&B sensation Billy Crawford. The funny thing is - it's not traditional bros as in friends you already know, but new friends you make when you put guys together in close quarters for a period of time.
Bringing these four strangers together is Hong Kong martial arts movie star Philip Ng, who has invited them to join him on an all-expenses-paid trip full of authentic, tailor-made experiences offering the best of his hometown.
"We are very excited to work with Hong Kong Tourism Board and Endemol Shine Group to create this KIX original production. The Ultimate BROcation is a fun-filled ride that guys will relate to and ladies will laugh at! The show captures how four guys who don’t know each other can bond over shared experiences in a foreign land. I think our viewers will really enjoy the bro-bantering between Bjorn, SonaOne, P.K. and Billy. Their antics on this ‘brocation’ are truly hilarious.” said Andy Chang, Senior Vice President of Advertising Sales, Marketing and Original Productions, Celestial Tiger Entertainment.
Mr. Simon Wong, Regional Director, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Southeast Asia, shared, “We are glad to work with KIX and Endemol Shine Group on the production of The Ultimate BROcation and now we are excited about the airing of the series. We believe that the bros’ unforgettable fun times in Hong Kong will inspire the audience to experience for themselves the best and most authentic shopping, eating and playing options Hong Kong has to offer.”
“My first thought when I heard about going on BROcation with three other strangers was if these guys were gonna be total freaks! Chemistry is an obvious deal breaker for any kind of trip and I definitely didn’t want to be around someone who’d be a total buzzkill. I’m glad to say that Billy, P.K. and SonaOne were the best choices for this BROcation – these guys were down for anything and even encouraged my antics. Even though filming is over, we all want a reunion just so we can hang out with each other again,” said Bjorn Shen.
In the series, Bjorn will see, feel and taste the best Hong Kong has to offer alongside the other bros. From tasting sampling some authentic Hong Kong dishes to wine-tasting on a tram, from to fly boarding on the south side of the island to racing up to the Peak, it was certainly a trip to remember.
So did bromance develop or did their egos get in the way? Find out what Bjorn and the rest of the celebrity dudes are really like, when they leave their girlfriends and wives at home and go on the “brocation” of a lifetime. So mark your calendars for the premiere of The Ultimate BROcation on December 14 at 9PM only on KIX (Singtel TV Ch 309 and Starhub Ch 518).
The Ultimate BROcation is produced by the top-rated action entertainment channel KIX and Endemol Shine Group, the global production house behind such popular and award-winning shows as MasterChef and Big Brother. The show is supported by Hong Kong Tourism Board, and co-sponsored by DJI, Cathay Pacific and the Harbour Grand Hong Kong.
Mario Batali is in town. Last Saturday, the larger-than-life chef and TV personality gave our culinary students an inspiring and entertaining talk at Marina Bay Sands.
Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant at the Marriott Singapore Tang Plaza Hotel has re-opened its doors after a major refurbishment. The new theme “House of a Chinese Scholar” brings about ornate décor with dramatic black and gold colours. Along with that comes a new repertoire of Cantonese cuisine with a focus on well-executed, nutritious dishes, as well as an extensive array of wines.
At a recent tasting, we saw some of the new dishes:
From top: Steamed Shrimp Dumpling with Black Truffle and Cordyceps ($6 for 2 pieces), Deep-fried Taro Dumpling with Mini Abalone and Scallop ($10.50 for 2 pieces) and Crispy Mango Prawn in Rice Roll ($6.50 per portion)
This select trio showcases some of the well-thought out new items on the dim sum menu. I love how the chef managed to create such translucence and bite in the crystal skin of the shrimp dumpling. The deep-fried taro dumpling is superb, with the savoury baby abalone on top and a piece of scallop ensconced within! The Crispy Mango Prawn Roll seems ordinary by comparison though.
Stewed Bird’s Nest with Egg White, Crab Meat and Superior Soup ($68 per person)
This dish won many hearts that night. Copious mounds of braised bird's nest mingling with ethereal egg white, and succulently sweet crab meat - this in itself is already a treat, but the exquisite superior soup (see background) elevates this to even higher ground.
We were recommended not to pour the soup into the bowl, but to eat them separately. A mouthful of soup, a bite of the ingredients...and let the flavours intertwine. Wow.
Deep Fried Prawn with Black Truffle, Mayonnaise and Broccoli ($35 for small portion)
Crunchy fried prawns with an interesting truffle mayo - what's not to like? What I really enjoyed was the crispy spherical half-shell of yam that the prawns rested on. A bonus treat, it was.
Wok-fried Iberico Pork with Home-style Spiced Sauce ($30 for small portion)
This is a fairly typical Cantonese-style stir-fry. The Iberico pork is suitably tender (maybe still with a little help from tenderiser), and the sauce is not too spicy but well-balanced.
Braised Japanese Ramen with Lobster Meat in Superior Soup ($16 per person)
That's a lot of lobster in this dish for this price. The flavours for the stock were a little subdued for noodles of this thickness. I was just thinking if they had used the rich and intense stock from the bird's nest dish, the whole experience would certainly change. Maybe even some yuzu zest sprinkled on top as a finishing touch. Of course, the price should also change accordingly!
Deep Fried Crispy Durian ($16 for 4 pieces)
If you love durian, don't miss this dessert. These plump fritters are so well-fried, they don't seem greasy at all.
And the smooth durian pulp within the light and crispy batter is just delightful.
Chilled Coconut Pudding with Purple Glutinous Rice Sauce ($10 per person)
For those who prefer a cold dessert, this pudding with ice cream should satisfy. It's not loud or dramatic but just very soothing.
The dining environment is elegant with no expenses spared in furnishings.
Since ancient times, the ideals of a Chinese scholar are demonstrated through the individual’s strength in reason, creativity, expression and dexterity, and these are evident in the four arts – “Qin” (zither, 琴), “Qi” (strategy board games 棋), “Shu” (calligraphy 書) and “Hua” (painting 畫).
The influences and elements of these four arts are incorporated into the design, from the plush furnishings to the reception and main dining hall that are bathed in hues of gold and brown. The use of curated art pieces and artistic calligraphy play up the experience.
The four-seater booths are reminiscent of giant jewel boxes, each representing one of the four arts, while the four private dining rooms fashioned with oriental influences offer exclusivity – perfect for hosting private events.
A la carte specialties starting from $3.50++
Set Lunch (Daily) starting from $58++ per person
Set Dinner (Daily) starting from $78++ per person
Weekend Dim Sum Buffet (Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday), starting $68++ per person
Check out the website also for their seasonal promotions, like the Lunar New Year ones coming up. WAN HAO
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 6831 4605
Opening Hours:
Lunch: 12pm to 3pm
Dinner: 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm Monday to Friday
Lunch: 11.30am to 3 pm
Dinner: 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday
It's not often I begin with desserts, but the ones at Fat Lulu's are worth talking about. They are pretty and playful, a sweet treat for the senses. This Childhood (S$16) peanut popsicle with chocolate cookies and frozen raspberry puree is even evocative of a child's lolly smashed on the ground. The good part is you can pick all of it up and eat it. Ah, closure.
Fat Lulu is the bromantic brainchild of divergent Chefs Sam Chablani (Head Chef, left) and Chef Song (Pastry Chef, right). They used to co-own Five & Dime at the same premises, but revamped it to introduce a brand new concept: beautifully charred BBQ (#NoBurnNoTaste) seasoned with Asian spices and chilies by the gregarious Sam, paired with the visually arresting and soulful desserts by the soft-spoken Song who strives for a #HappyEnding.
The Entertainer has launched its 2017 iOS and Android apps for Singapore! This is a leading "Buy One Get One Free" incentives brand offering over 1,700 such deals for hotels, restaurants, cafes, attractions, leisure activities, spas, fitness, and retail.
Total savings are valued at S$250,000 for 2017 and available at spots such as Meat Smith, Open Door Policy, Jamie's Italian, Bedrock Bar & Grill, Wave house, Spa Luna Sentosa, and Forest Adventure.
What's New
For 2017, Entertainer Singapore is introducing Cheers Singapore 2017 featuring 800 Buy One Get One Free Drink offers at restaurants, bars and nightspots. Pick from single beverages to bottles of wine / spirits / beers, double cocktails, pitchers and more. Venues include LongPlay, Gravity Bar (Carlton hotel), Mad Men Attic Bar and Sentosa’s Finest - Bob’s Bar, Museo and much more.
The other new thing seasoned ENTERTAINER Singapore members will appreciate is: You can now get a 4th voucher at your favourite spots! Most places offer three vouchers.
"Smiles" is a virtual currency system which allows members to earn reward points when you use the app. Once you've hit a certain number of reward points, you get to unlock a 4th voucher and get extra Pings, among other benefits.
Buy Entertainer, Get Cheers Free
Cheers Singapore 2017 normally costs S$125 but you'll get it free with The Entertainer Singapore 2017 .
The Apps' regular retail price is $125 each, but right now, both Apps are available until November 30th at a special discounted price of $95. That's $155 in savings! Buy The Apps Here.
In 2016, it's estimated Entertainer members will have used over 310,000 digital offers, with the average member saving about S$650.
Those of you who have been to China may have come across Nanjing Impressions ( 南京 大牌檔 or Nanjing Dapaidang) which has 35 outlets across the country. Recently a new acquaintance of mine told me he liked them so much he visited them three times on a trip. He is very excited that Nanjing Impressions is opening its first overseas outlet at Plaza Singapura in Dec 2016. UPDATE: Nanjing Impressions has opened at Plaza Singapura #04-46 to 51 (Tel: 6352-7877) and operates daily, 11am to 10pm. The experience is pleasant but not exactly the same due to the use of different produce and certain tweaks to suit local palates. I will visit after they have settled in and finished fine-tuning the dishes after getting local feedback.
Mexican food in Singapore has for many years been the bastion of poor imitations. When Lucha Loco opened at Duxton Hill in 2012, they brought a modern take on authentic Mexican flavours inspired by the founders' travels in Mexico.
Since then, The Loco Group has spawned two other restaurants: Super Loco at Robertson Quay in 2014 and most recently, Super Loco Customs House in the heart of the CBD. Each one has its own focus, but the overall theme of fun and festive eating is prevalent throughout.
Oh and there's no service charge, so leave a tip if you've enjoyed their service!
YES!!! I'm no longer stuck with a randomly generated referral code, but I now own OBWAN, named after my favourite sci-fi Gandalf. That's all because from Nov 2016, Circles.Life users can customise their referral code, as a reward for hitting 3GB of bonus data.
Use my referral code OBWAN and get $20 off your Circles.Life registration fee!
Seriously, he's so bad ass, he fears nothing.
Circles.Life does have a great referral program - code users get $20 off, and you get 200MB bonus monthly data per user who stays on the network. The bonus data keeps adding up!
Don't worry, my old one 2DQWC still works, if you submitted that. If you'd like to help my daughter Jolie get 200Mb more to talk to me, then use her code:
U3J5I
(and that's the letter I, not number 1, at the end)
By the way, some people aren't sure where to key in the referral or promo code. It's right here on top of the final screen before checkout:
Yeah that gray box can be a bit hard to spot if you zero in on checking the figures and the big blue PAY NOW button. But now you know!
Circles also just introduced the "Break Up" promo campaign. If you're still tied to your existing telco's contract, you'll be happy to know you can be rewarded with extra data for breaking that contract early. Circles will give you 2GB per month EXTRA data (up to 12GB max) until June 2017. After which, 1GB per month stays on permanently.
For example, if you have 6 months left on your contract, if you port your number over, you'll get 12GB per month BONUS data until June 2017. From July, your bonus data will then be 6GB per month.
Recently I got to try some new snacks from Korea and Thailand.
Darda Premium Caramel Popcorn (S$3.90)
i) Caramel & Cashew Nuts
ii) Caramel & Pretzels
Product of South Korea
Highlights: Similar taste to Garret Popcorn but at a more affordable price.
Uses Mushroom kernel popcorn which pop into firm round shapes, unlike Butterfly types that are light, airy and pop into complicated shapes. The popcorn is coated with rich caramel, but does not stick between teeth after eating. Resealable pack for convenience.
My take: Forget Garrett! This is WAY better and far more addictive. The caramel coating is truly generous and the hint of salt just makes this so addictive. I generally prefer savoury to sweet snacks but this one won me over.
Available at: NTUC Fairprice (from Dec-Jan festive period), SPC Gas stations, Popular bookstores, Redmart, Nice minimart, Shine Korea Mart, Sol-Mart, MrBazaar.com.sg
Yuki Jasmine Rice Crackers (S$1.50)
i) Snowy Milk Flavour (57g)
ii) Original Flavour (57g)
This is produced in Thailand by an old Japanese Brand 雪饼 (Snowy Milk)
Highlights: Smooth and light texture
My take: Oh these are pretty nice. They kinda taste like Wang Wang biscuits but are more delicate in texture but stronger in taste.
Available at: Caltex Gas stations, Popular bookstores, Redmart, Nice
minimart, MrBazaar.com.sg
Chao Lay Crispy Anchovy (S$4.95)
i) Tom-Yum Flavour (100g)
ii) Original Flavour (100g) Product of Thailand
Highlights: No MSG, No Preservatives, High Omega 3, High Protein. Can be used to as a protein-based topping for instant noodles/ Bee Hoon/ Porridge. Also makes a good beer snack.
My take: These take a bit of getting used to. They are not the super crunchy kind of satay fish that we have locally. Although generally crispy, the fish is a little bit soft and chewy. The anchovy scent is also an acquired taste. I still prefer our local versions of crispy fish or Big Bang Seaweed for the spicy tom yum taste. I think they might work better in porridge or with soupy noodles than as a snack.
Available at: NTUC Fairprice (from Dec-Jan festive period), Popular bookstores, Redmart, Nice minimart, MrBazaar.com.sg
If you're tired of Western brunches, take a look at Mitzo's Weekend Brunch (S$68++ per adult) which seeks to redefine the yum cha experience with progressive Cantonese fare. It features premium dishes such as lobster, abalone and bamboo clam in addition to an a la carte buffet of over 40 dishes comprising of supreme seafood delicacies, dim sums, roasts, wok dishes and desserts.
For another $60++ per adult, indulge in free flow Veuve Clicquot champagne, wines, beers or artisanal cocktails artfully selected by Mitzo’s in-house mixologist to complement the brunch.
But the great value brunch is not the only reason to visit.
Everyone is curious about Tsuta - the first ramen eatery ever to receive a Michelin star, awarded in 2015 - opening its first overseas branch in Singapore tomorrow (6 Nov 2016).
There's only one outlet in Tokyo, and they only serve 150 bowls a day. Hundreds of hopeful diners in Japan begin queuing as early as 6am for a ticket to dine at the nine-seater establishment. The store does not open its doors until 11am, but tickets for the day typically sell out by 8am.
There hasn't been a long storied past with Tsuta. Chef Yuki Onishi broke away from the fashion industry and started Tsuta only in January 2012. He apprenticed with his father who was a ramen seller. Chef Onishi focused on the shoyu broth and using a rich dashi (soup stock) to accentuate the flavours.
The signature Shoyu Soba (from S$15 to S$22.80 nett per bowl) comes with a decidedly complex soy broth made with three types of shoyu. Two of the shoyu is formulated inhouse, and Chef Onishi has a brewer in Wakayama prefecture making the third to his specifications, and using soybeans that are matured for two years.
Approach the ramen with Tampopo-like meditative appreciation, and you will experience the smoky depth of the shoyu broth enhanced with dashi made with whole chickens, vegetables, clams and other seafood ingredients.
The toppings (optional) are simple: slices of char siu (nicely marinated), menma or stewed bamboo shoots, and an incredibly tender but salty boiled egg.
A dollop of leek and truffle paste in truffle oil anoints the piping hot bowl of noodles. Purists may balk at this, but it's meant to give the ramen character, to help it stand out.
Personally, while I enjoyed the shoyu soba, I'm still a tonkotsu girl at heart. I will go for the shoyu broth when I want something "cheng" - clear and light.
I am curious to see how Singaporeans will respond to this shoyu broth, as the majority are steadfast tonkotsu fans. The Shoyu Shoba does have its own unique signature and is sophisticated in its own way. Will it be strong enough to carve a following among the palates craving something different?
There is also a Shio Soba (salt broth, same prices) which is a chicken-seafood blend made by adding a careful balance of Okinawa sea salt and Mongolian rock salt.
The two bowls look remarkably alike, as you can see from the first photo. The one on the left is the Shio broth. I thought I would like the Shio version more as I normally prefer shio to shoyu, but Chef Onishi's Shoyu is truly more exotic.
A Miso version is coming at a later date.
Tsuta’s noodles are handmade, as it is Chef Onishi’s motto to prepare ingredients by hand. Chef Onishi has also specially curated four types of whole wheat flour as well as whole grains to create the noodles. The smooth strands certainly are made for slurping!
So is it ramen or soba, you wonder? It's called soba here, because in Japan, "soba" is a generic term for noodles.
Singapore’s 18-seater outlet is a bright and cheery one at Pacific Plaza. The chefs here will be using the same special soy sauce and ingredients (as much as 80%) that its Japanese counterpart uses, so that the flavours are as close as possible.
In Japan, they have a vending machine dispensing tickets for the ramen. Here you get a touchscreen kiosk with photos of the food for easy ordering. You can by by cash or card, and even Apple Pay. You'll even get change back for cash!
It's only one machine though, so I reckon the line that forms here is going to be made worse when a bottleneck forms with people who aren't familiar with this method of ordering.
TSUTA
9 Scotts Road
#01-01/02/03 Pacific Plaza
Singapore 228 210
Opening hours
6-11 Nov : 11am to 6pm (last order 5:30pm)
12 Nov onwards : 11am to 10pm (last order
Who's up for a movie night with a lovely Sauvignon Blanc, scrumptious chips, Hokey Pokey chocolate (studded with honeycomb), natural fizzy drinks, and peanut butter to eat straight from the jar? These are all some of New Zealand's snacks that are available here. New Zealand has such great produce. I like their focus on quality natural ingredients, sustainable produce and how everything is GMO-free.
I loved the hot sauces from Culleys, the coconut and chia snack pots from New Zealand Dessert Company, and also Genevieve's dressings. I'm still hoping they will arrive on our shores soon, but until recently I didn't have a way to track what New Zealand products were here.
But now New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) has set up a microsite that highlights all the New Zealand food and beverage products available online in Singapore. www.newzealandfood.co
Giveaway
NZTE is giving away one Snack Pack for Movie Nights worth S$75 comprising the following:
Peter Yealands Sauvignon Blanc
Mother Earth Natural Peanut Butter (no sugar added)
Whittaker's Chocolate Hokey Pokey Proper Crisps - Sweet Smoked Paprika
Proper Crisps - Marlborough Sea Salt Pete's Natural Ginger Beer
Pete's Natural Lemonade
A Virtual Reality Goggle Kit you can use to view 360 videos.
All these would be perfect for a movie night in! Netflix and munch!
