A Winsome Life
Category

Food

Category
In Food 3 Mins Read

Anjalichocolat Artisan Chocolatier @ PasarBella

Editor’s Update [as of 2 April 2015]:
Anjalichocolat Artisan Chocolatier has shifted to 73 Loewen Road, #01-15 & #01-16, Singapore 248843.

Despite the distance that we have to travel to get there, PasarBella is no stranger to us as we have been there so many times for the fresh seafood and fine wines. This time round, we chanced upon Anjalichocolat Artisan Chocolatier at PasarBella and we can’t wait to share about this awesome find that will delight all chocolate connoisseurs!

We had a casual meet up with Anjali, the owner of Anjalichocolat, and we were treated to an indulgent chocolate and wine pairing session. When chatting with Anjali, we found out that she left her illustrious career in the banking sector to pursue her passion in chocolates and since then, she has been in the kitchen experimenting with chocolates. We even discovered that Anjali has successfully incorporated blue cheese into chocolate truffles!

Our Personal Opinion/Review of Anjalichocolat

Anjali handmade every single piece of chocolate and they are a real treat. The ingredients used in making the chocolate come from Belgium and there are absolutely no preservatives or additives added. The luscious chocolate melts in the mouth and the assortment of flavours that are available will tickle the tongue. Our personal favourite is the Salted Caramel Bonbons and it is so rich and very satisfying that one serving isn’t enough!

Though the chocolates from Anjalichocolat are premium-priced, it is definitely more value-for-money as compared to chocolates from Godiva and the like. When we brought home some Toasted Almond Rochers which cost only SGD$18 a pack, our family members absolutely loved it and they finished the entire pack within minutes.

Anjali is also able to handmade and customise chocolates for corporate gifting. If you are looking for a suitable gift for your clients, you might want to consider giving chocolates as it is a natural stress-reliever that makes people happy.

For more information about Anjalichocolat and their latest products, do check out Anjalichocolat Facebook Page!

Lastly, here are some tips which we picked up from Anjali herself. Buy chocolates to eat, not to keep. If you want to keep and store chocolates, the wine chiller is the best place for it but do note that it can only keep up to a maximum of 2 weeks. Should you have the desire to indulge in a little pampering treat, you can pair the chocolates with some sweet wine like the Italian Moscato D’Asti and we guarantee that you will have a bubbly chocolatey time!

by
Read More
In Food 4 Mins Read

A Sensuous Dining Experience @ Breeze, a Rooftop Bar atop The Scarlet Hotel Singapore

We have to confess that we have been having an affair….

Yes…

an affair with food…. and we have been sinfully indulging in so much delicate food that we have put on quite a fair bit of weight and gained some unwanted public scrutiny.

Alright, jokes aside.

We were recently at Breeze, a rooftop bar atop The Scarlet Hotel Singapore for dinner and we had a relaxing evening of decadent indulgence and the ultimate al fresco experience under an alluring night sky.

Rejuvenated during the hotel’s extensive five-month facelift last July, Breeze is set to seduce the senses once again with a swanky new look, an updated and exciting food menu, and an expanded drinks menu, featuring signature cocktails and an exclusive range of beer.

Our First Impression

Inspired by the elegance of Summery gardens and infused with the gracious hostess’ impeccable style, we were welcomed with a touch of sensuality and finesse.

Then, as we were gently caressed by the cool evening breeze, we were ushered into the main seating area, decked with comfortable, curved and inviting chaise lounges, and as well as chic glass-top tables for groups of four.

Set amidst lush greenery, Breeze offers an urban retreat with stunning views and the perfect ambience to unwind.

Our Personal Opinion/Review of Breeze

Lovingly created by award-winning Chef Vincent Teng, Breeze’s new menu features dishes designed with a contemporary twist and a fine blend of creativity inspired by Scarlet. Here, we are going to highlight some of the dishes that we had when we were there!

Grilled Chicken Salad
romaine lettuce|semi hard boiled egg|Caesar dressing|parmesan crust|crouton

  • A pretty creative way of presenting the classic Caesar’s Salad
  • Absolutely love the semi hard boiled egg
  • Parmesan crust was a little too chewy for our liking. We would have preferred it to be crispy.

The addiction for another signature dish comes from the crispy sensation of the Avocado Tempura, salmon roe marinated with sake & shoyu and topped with Japanese mayonnaise.

Momotaro Tomato

A salad which delivers a satisfying melange of sweet, tart and aromatic flavours to the taste buds. The famed variety of Japanese tomatoes are tossed with generous shreds of crab meat and seasoned with fragrant Japanese sesame dressing.

Bar snack staples are boldly given a refreshing twist, such as the Chicken Wingette with Bulgogi Sauce. 

The chicken wings are marinated with beef sauce for the extra hint of classic Korean flavour.

Mini Wagyu Beef Burger

  • The Wagyu beef patties and and even the burger buns are handmade from scratch!
  • We don’t consume beef because we don’t like the beefy smell and taste but this converted us
  • Simply grilled to perfection with the juice oozing out!
  • You can put the whole burger in your mouth and enjoy it.

Kurobuta Pork Belly With Marmite Sauce

  • Has a local twist because of the Marmite sauce
  • Tastes bittersweet but definitely satisfying and flavourful

Not forgetting guests with a sweet tooth, Chef Teng presents an array of seductively tempting desserts in the menu, including Tiramisu, Strawberry and Cheese Parfait, Mango and Coconut Panna Cotta, Chocolate and Hazelnut Mousse Cake. The desserts are all served in delightful miniature cups for the most unadulterated visual and tasting pleasure.

Expanding its beverage menu, Breeze boasts of being the first rooftop bar to serve Archipelago Beer to guests in Singapore amidst a grand selection of artisanal beers, wines and signature cocktails, with Graciously Scarlet, a voluptuous mixture of gin, lime juice, fresh raspberry, cube sugar, ginger beer and raspberry liqueur.

Personally, we really like the Graciously Scarlet cocktail because of its fruity and berry-licious taste! We highly recommend it and we’re pretty sure the ladies will love it!

An alternative highlight, Foam Party, is an epicurean drink for guest with a palate for an amalgamation of vodka citrus, galliano, lemon juice, vanilla syrup and egg white.

Wednesday nights will take on a whole dimension at Breeze, with an exclusive cocktail for the ladies, Entice Me, offered at S$12++ instead of S$18++.

Fine fare, exceptional drinks, a relaxed evening breeze and the company of friends set the perfect stage for an unforgettable evening at Breeze. Set against the backdrop of the financial district’s skyline, guests will undoubtedly be charmed by the exclusive enclave on top of a 19th century heritage building, while regaling in the luxurious extravagance that Scarlet has intended for her beloved guests to rest their souls and recharge.

If you are looking for a charming rooftop bar that allows you to dine in a contemporary romantic setting, Breeze is definitely the place!

Breeze Rooftop Bar
The Scarlet Hotel Singapore
33 Erskine Road, Singapore 069333
Telephone: 6511-3326.
E-mail: askme@thescarlethotels.com

by
Read More
In Food 4 Mins Read

Restaurant & Food Review- SET Contemporary Cuisine @ PoMo

Centrally located in the heart of Singapore, SET is the latest up-and-coming restaurant to open its doors at PoMo earlier this month and true to its name, SET presents a tantalizing array of contemporary cuisine with Asian and Western influences.

Established by former members of Tao’s Restaurant, SET reintroduces the attractively priced, value-for-money set meal concept that offers flexibility in menu choices. Crafted only with the freshest ingredients to ensure the best food quality, SET presents a five-course lunch at SGD$28.80++ and six-course dinner at SGD$38.80++.

Our Personal Review of SET

Our family has always been a big fan of Tao’s Restaurant and they were very popular when they first opened at the basement level of PoMo. Subsequently, Tao’s Restaurant moved to Clarke Quay Central and the move probably led to its downfall.

We believe many diners enjoyed the food at Tao’s Restaurant but unfortunately, we personally felt that the quality of the food served by Tao’s Restaurant [when it shifted to Clarke Quay Central], wasn’t as good as when they were at PoMo. Coupled with the high rental costs and the decreasing number of diners, it was no surprise that that they closed their restaurant operations at Clarke Quay Central.

Now that the former members of Tao’s Restaurant have once again come together to start SET at PoMo, we are heartened by the fact that the popular value-for-money set meal concept is making a comeback with some really delectable dishes!

Executive Chef Erick Chun has prepared these original creations spanning straight from the kitchen.

Here are some of the tantalising Appetizers & Side Dish that we tried when we were there.

Salmon Garvlax

We found the Salmon Garvlax to be rather flavourful and the slices of smoked salmon sent us craving for more!

Smoked Duck Breast

The leafy vegetables complements the Smoked Duck Breast really well and it tickles the tongue with its sweet and sour taste.

Grilled King Oyster Mushroom

The Grilled King Oyster Mushroom is only available for the 6-course set and we enjoyed this really juicy side dish that is grilled to perfection.

The velvety Mushroom Velouté with Peanut Butter is a delectation that unveils a hidden surprise for the palate with the rich and creamy peanut butter at its base.

Chef Erick puts a contemporary reinterpretation on the traditional miso soup with Miso Soup with Sake. Served in a tokkuri and appreciated from an ochoko, the delicate lightness of the sake turns the homemade miso soup into an exquisite treat to behold.

The Double-boiled Herbal Chicken Soup is highly nutritious and very nourishing; perfect for boosting one’s vitality!

Guests are spoilt for choice with five main course options from the land and the sea, promising to satisfy the most ravenous of appetites.

Meat lovers will relish the Baby Pork Back Ribs. Steamed, roasted, and generously slathered with Chinese Barbeque Sauce, the dish is a melt-in-your-mouth wonder to savour. In fact, this main dish is our personal favourite!

Roasted Chicken Pullet

The Roasted Chicken Pullet that we had was slightly bland in taste and we felt that there’s room for improvement.

Dessert lovers will be thrilled with the trio of decadent treats available at SET.

Featuring the Poached Pear with Gelato, Pistachio Panna Cotta, and Bread Pudding, guests will be able to satisfy their sweet tooth with the gustatory delights.

Poached Pear with Gelato

Pistachio Panna Cotta

SET is dedicated to serving premium dishes prepared using the freshest ingredients and offering meticulous service to its customers. The restaurant houses a 94-seater main dining area adorned with modern furnishings, private dining rooms, and an alfresco area overlooking the charming shop houses along Prinsep Street.

Spacious and atmospheric, SET is ideal for private date nights, business meals and a gathering between friends and loved ones. As for us, we will definitely return to SET to fulfill our stomach’s cravings for the attractively priced, value-for-money set meal!

For more information, do check out SET Contemporary Cuisine Restaurant Facebook Page!

SET Contemporary Cuisine Restaurant
Address: No.1 Selegie Road, PoMo Mall, #02-01, Singapore 188306
Tel: 6337-7644
Email: reservation@set-sg.com
Opening hours: Open Daily From 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM

by
Read More
In Food 3 Mins Read

An Enriching & Inspiring Time @ SCS Star Baker Challenge 2014

We were recently invited to the SCS Star Baker Challenge 2014 Finals that took place at APS Lifestyle Gallery and we had a really enriching and inspiring time checking out the baked creations by the 4 finalists!
[From Left to Right]- Magdalene See, host for the day; Hong Poh, Jane, Joe, and Shelby

While the 4 finalists were preparing their baked creations, we also had the privilege of having Chef Diego Forte who taught us to make a Pavlova with Hazelnut Cream Cheese Filling topped with Raspberry Jam and Feuilletine.

In all honesty, we have never attempted to make a Pavlova, a meringue-based dessert named after the Russian ballet dancer Anna Pavlova, because we felt that it was too difficult. However, after the live baking demonstration by Chef Diego Forte, we were so inspired that we wanted to try and bake this popular dish the following weekend, which we did with much success.

If you would like to try making this really delightful dish, you can find the recipe here.

The finalists’ skills and creations were scrutinized by Baking Instructor Chef Siti Mastura, Palate Sensations’ Head Instructor Chef Diego Forte, Celebrity Baking Blogger Maureen Ow, and Auric Pacific’s Chief Creative Officer Michelle Lim.

While waiting for the results to be tabulated by the panel of judges, guests were also treated to some refreshing cocktails and delectable teatime refreshments.

Alas, the results were announced and Jane Tan emerged as the Champion for the SCS Star Baker Challenge 2014. Formerly an Air Stewardess and a HR Bank Manager, the 31-year-old full-time mother and part-time home baker cites Martha Stewart as her baking inspiration. To Jane, baking is the perfect marriage between science and art. Like a chemistry experiment, recipes can be easily replicated to get the perfect result each and every time. Yet, baking allows her to showcase her artistic flair through decoration and creativity in the flavours she chooses.

Being participant of the SCS Star Baker Challenge 2014 ourselves, we truly had a great time honing our baking skills and we enjoyed the process of baking some tantalising treats for our family members and friends. Though the SCS Star Baker Challenge has officially concluded, the SCS Passionate Chef Rewards Loyalty Programme is still ongoing till October 2014.

SCS Passionate Chefs Rewards is a six-month long loyalty programme aimed at rewarding loyal supporters of SCS Butter, and as well as giving new consumers more reasons to try SCS Butter. You can earn points when you purchase blocks of SCS Butter or tubs of SCS Spreadable Butter and the points can then be used to redeem a variety of SCS baking essentials and other fabulous items like crystal pens, notebooks, cooler bags, and butter bowls!

In order to earn points, you must first sign up to be members on the SCS Website. The registration process is free of charge and hassle-free.

So what are you waiting for? Start embarking on your baking adventure with SCS now!

by
Read More
In Food 4 Mins Read

[Food Feature]- E’spuma Lab Siphons Out Premium Dishes At Pocket Pleasing Prices

Espuma is Spanish for foam or froth, and it is a culinary technique in which an espuma siphon is used to infuse air into food, creating an airily light mouthfeel. The use of foam in cuisine has been used in many forms in the history of cooking. For example, whipped cream, meringue, and mousse are all foams.

An espuma or thermo whip is commonly used to make these foams through the making of a stock, creating a gel, and extruding through the N2O canister.

Natural flavors such as fruit juices, infusions of aromatic herbs, and etc. are mixed with a neutrally-flavored gelling or stabilizing agent such as agar or lecithin, and either whipped with a hand-held immersion blender or extruded through a whipped cream canister equipped with N2O cartridges.

Such foams add flavor without significant substance, and thus allow cooks to integrate new flavors without changing the physical composition of a dish. Hence, Espuma adds an interesting new dimension to the texture of natural ingredients that have been pureed, mashed, or juiced.

Sous-vide is French for “under vacuum” and it is a method of cooking where the food is sealed in airtight plastic bags and then put to cook in a water bath or in a temperature-controlled steam environment for longer than normal cooking times [72 hours in some cases], at an accurately regulated temperature much lower than normally used for cooking, typically around 55 °C to 60 °C for meats and higher for vegetables. The intention is to cook the food item evenly, ensuring that the inside is properly cooked without overcooking the outside, and retaining moisture at the same time.

Both the Espuma and Sous-vide methods of cooking are usually used in many high end gourmet restaurants and the prices for dishes prepared in such a manner can be quite extravagant. However, you don’t necessarily have to break your wallets because E’spuma Lab at POMO, is a new casual dining outlet that makes use of Espuma and Sous Vide in its dishes at wallet-friendly prices.

Eat Like A King At E’spuma Lab Without Breaking Your Wallet!

Appetizer
Sous Vide Eggs [Smoked Norwegian Salmon], Topped with Crispy Salmon Skin and Ginger Soyu, SGD$3.80

The Sous Vide Eggs with Smoked Norwegian Salmon elevates the local breakfast favourite of soft-boiled eggs to new heights with the addition of premium ingredients. Savour the interplay of textures between the perfectly cooked runny eggs and crispy salmon skin!

Main Course
Fragrant Rice Served with Pan Seared Sou Vide Chicken Breast and E’spuma Pesto Sauce, SGD$6.80

Delight at the play of flavours on your tongue as you savour the rich melange of spices in the Fragrant Rice served with Pan Seared Sous Vide Chicken Breast and E’spuma Pesto Sauce.

Dessert
E’spuma Batter D24 Durian Fritters, SGD$3.80

Durian Fitters that encase the creamy flesh of premium D24 durians in a similarly crispy, golden espuma batter. Inhale the heady scent of this tropical King of Fruits and complete your meal with this lovely sweet treat!

Total Cost?

SGD$14.40

And if you top up just SGD$2, you can have an additional bowl of soup and a choice of beverage such as orange juice, coffee, tea, or ice lemon tea!

To have a taste of Espuma and Sous Vide dishes without breaking your wallet, head down to  E’spuma Lab!

On a similar note, we will be giving away 1 X SGD$20 worth of E’spuma Lab Dining Vouchers to one of our lucky readers to try the extremely unique dishes at E’spuma Lab and all you have to do is just comment on this post  and tell us what are the dishes that you would like to try at E’spuma Lab and why.

For more information, do check out E’spuma Lab’s Facebook Page!

E’spuma Lab
POMO Mall
1 Selegie Road
#01-20/21
Singapore 188306

Operating Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 11am to 9pm

by
Read More
In Food 4 Mins Read

[Food Review cum Blog Giveaway]- Hee Kee Desserts @ Jurong Point Mall

We were at Hee Kee Desserts last Saturday for a tasting session and we had a really sweet time indulging in the desserts that were lovingly created by the chefs. With a delectable spread of 80 desserts, there is definitely a dessert that will suit even the choosiest person.

At the tasting session, we tried four of Hee Kee Desserts’ top-selling items and we had a myriad of mixed feelings.

Traditional Steamed Milk Pudding

We were served the Traditional Steamed Milk Pudding first instead of the other desserts because it was light and not over-powering in terms of taste and smell. The texture was really soft and we could smell the pleasant fragrance of the milk. Unfortunately, both Jacqueline and I were not able to appreciate this dessert because we’re lactose intolerant. Otherwise, we believe that this would have been a real treat for milk-lovers.

Homemade Beancurd with Gula Melaka

To begin with, the idea of serving beancurd with gula Melaka isn’t new and we had tried some variations from other stores that were much better in terms of flavour, texture, and taste. The beancurd was not as silky smooth as we wanted it to be and we felt that the gula Melaka that was served alongside wasn’t flavourful enough. If only the gula Melaka was richer and thicker, it would have made this dessert a rather tantalising one.

Whole Coconut with Coconut Ice Cream & Peanut Crush

The Whole Coconut with Coconut Ice Cream & Peanut Crush was my most favourite dessert of all! It is simply refreshing and the crushed peanuts added a crunchy punch to the coconut ice cream and the coconut flesh. We enjoyed the roasted aroma of the peanuts and it really blends in well with the coconut. Overall, we give two thumbs up for this dessert that is served alongside with a cup of fresh coconut juice!

Mango Cheong Fun

We found the Mango Cheong Fun to be really interesting. The way the dessert is served fooled us into thinking that it was going to be a savoury dessert. However, we were so wrong and it turned out to be a really sweet treat!

This well-balanced and healthy steamed treat is an envelope of spongy sweet-coconut infused skin with its inside filled with a voluptuous mango chunk for a bouncy bite that will make you hanker for more than just one helping!

Our Personal Opinion of Hee Kee Desserts

Out of the four items that we tried, we only fancied two of them, the Whole Coconut with Coconut Ice Cream & Peanut Crush, and the Mango Cheong Fun. The other two desserts, the Traditional Steamed Milk Pudding and Homemade Beancurd with Gula Melaka, didn’t quite agree with our taste buds but they were actually quite a hit with some of the other bloggers whom were present.

However, with that being said, we will definitely want to return to Hee Kee Desserts to try their other desserts because there are some that actually caught our eyes. Just so you know, we are big fans of desserts that are generous with servings of mangoes, dumplings, and absolutely anything with the likes of Cheng Tng, a light refreshing soup with longans, barley, agar strips, lotus seeds and a sweet syrup.

Furthermore, the quality hand-made sweet desserts at Hee Kee Desserts are made fresh daily and are really affordable!

The only qualm that we probably have is that Hee Kee Desserts only has one store and it is located in the far western part of Singapore. If you are in for a food adventure and would like to explore or venture out, you should consider giving Hee Kee Desserts a try.

Hee Kee Desserts
Jurong Point Mall
#03-54/55

If you are interested to find out more information about Hee Kee Desserts and their upcoming promotions, do check out Hee Kee Desserts’ Facebook Page!

Also, we will be giving away 2 sets of SGD$25 Hee Kee Desserts Dining Vouchers for you to spend some quality time with your family members and friends over some sweet and tantalising desserts at Hee Kee Desserts.

All you have to do is just the following:

1. “Like” A Winsome Life Facebook Page and “Like” Hee Kee Desserts Facebook Page

2. Comment on this blog post by sharing with us one of your sweetest moment with your family members or friends! It can be in the form of a picture with caption or a simple short paragraph. Be as creative as you can. 🙂

3. Contest will close on 03 August 2014 [Sunday] at 2359 hours.

4. The 2 most sweetest and heart-warming entries will be selected to win this contest!

by
Read More
In Food 4 Mins Read

Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill Celebrates 15th Anniversary With SGD$15 Specials!

A few days ago, we celebrated my brother’s birthday at Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill that is on board Stewords Riverboat and we had such a fantastic time that we can’t wait to dine there again. In fact, Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill is no stranger to us because we have been there before and have even done a food review about them.

From now till 15 July 2014, Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill will be celebrating their 15th Anniversary with some really awesome deals that will only cost you SGD$15 nett! If you haven’t been to Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill before, you really should check it out because it is one of Singapore’s dining gem that is well-hidden at the Marina South Pier.

Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill is a really charming and cosy place to dine at and the warm hospitality from the crew never fails to put a smile on our faces.

There are a whole range of appetizers that you can choose from and as part of Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill’s 15th Anniversary Celebrations, you can choose any 3 items for SGD$15 nett! As for us, we had the Turkey Quesadillas, Buffalo Wings, and Nachos, and it was superbly tasty.

We ordered the same entrees that we had last year and they still taste just as good! The best part is, they are going for SGD$15 nett as part of the promotions that Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill is having for their 15th Anniversary celebrations.

Santa Fe BBQ Ribs

Tender baby back ribs (half rack) grilled to perfection and ladled over with Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill’s signature BBQ sauce. Served with fries and house salad.

Tex-Mex Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken breast spread with BBQ sauce and topped with bacon and melted cheese. Served with mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables.

Blackened Salmon Veracruz

Fillet of salmon coated topside with crusted black pepper and panfried. Served with spicy rice and grilled vegetables with tomato compote.

One of Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill’s signature dish, you mustn’t miss out on their sizzling hot Fajitas!

You can choose between chicken, beef, pork, or venison and the meat will be served sizzling on a skillet with sauteed onions and bell peppers.

FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY… Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill will be serving Seafood Fajitas…

and Wagyu-Portobello Fajitas as part of their 15th Anniversary Celebrations!

The Fajitas will come with flour tortillas for you to self-wrap and enjoy.

Should you desire some booze to accompany the dinner, there are also SGD$15 Specials for drinks too!

You can choose between a jug of fruit juice, two mugs of tiger, three-course wine, four tequila shots, or a mug of top shelf margarita for only SGD$15 nett!

In collaboration with Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill, we are very happy to help diners complete their dinner with a really sweet ending! If you are planning to dine at Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill anytime from now till 13th July 2014, a FREE Chocolate Brownie Sundae will be served to you if you share this blog post on Facebook. However, do note that only 1 Chocolate Brownie Sundae will be served per share so if everyone on the table shares the blog post, everyone will get one free dessert each with no minimum order required!

Again, just a gentle reminder that the promotion for the FREE Chocolate Brownie Sundae is only valid till 13th July 2014!

On a closing note, we are expecting Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill to be really packed with diners till 15th July 2014. Hence, reservations are highly recommended. If you’re planning a visit any time soon, do take note that the operating hours are from Tuesdays to Sundays [6-10pm] and you can drop them a line at 6278-5775 to book your table.

For more information and promotional updates from Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill, do “like” Stewords Riverboat Facebook Page!

by
Read More
In Food 2 Mins Read

Malacca’s Hidden Gem On Board Singapore’s iCoffeeshop

A few weeks ago, we had a very satisfying dinner at Hualong Fishhead Steamboat and it would be very selfish of us if we keep all the good food finds to ourselves and not share with others. Centrally located at the iCoffeeshop of Block 347, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, Hualong Fishhead Steamboat offers an extensive menu that is fit for even the fussiest diner. With an array of dishes available, you will definitely be spoilt for choices!
Now, you might probably be wondering what is Malacca’s hidden gem all about and well, when you order a plate of yam ring from a typical Chinese zi char store in Singapore, the centre of the yam ring is usually filled with prawns, chicken, cashew nuts, green peas, and carrots; but in Malacca, the centre of the Yam Ring is filled with sweet and sour pork, and Hualong Fishhead Steamboat happens to be the only zi char store that we know of in Singapore that serves their yam ring this way.

Every dish that we had were sumptuous and tasty, and the only qualms that we had was that the dishes were mainly fried. Amongst all the dishes that we tried, we personally like the Chef’s Bacon Cheese Roll and the Pork Ribs!

Some other dishes that we had at Hualong Fishhead Steamboat are as follows and we shall now let the picture do all the talking for us.

Japanese Melon Prawn Coated with Wasabi

Hualong Signature Wok-fried White Kway Teow on Opeh Leaf

Pan Seared Sea Scallop with US Asparagus

Irish Guinness Stout Ribs

Chef’s Bacon Cheese Roll

Golden Roll

Homemade Fried Seafood Beancurd

Stir Fried Crab with Salted Egg Sauce

Mango Pudding Topped with Peach, Kiwi, & Cherry

We can almost hear your stomach growling and see you drooling on your workstation & clothes. Well, if you are a foodie like us, you wouldn’t want to miss out on this hidden gem that is centrally located at Block 347, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, #01-2142. Pick up your phone and dial 6457-2275 to reserve your table now!

Tip #1: Reservations are highly recommended as they are always packed!

Hualong Fishhead Steamboat

Address: Block 347, Ang Mo Kio Ave 3, #01-2142
Telephone Number: 6457-2275
Opening Hours: 11am-2.30pm, 4.30pm-11pm daily

by
Read More
In Food 3 Mins Read

[Food Review]- Bread & Hearth @ 18 Keong Saik Road

If you are a café hopping enthusiast and you absolutely enjoy European styled bread and pastries, you ought to visit Bread & Hearth, an artisanal bakery café at 18 Keong Saik Road that opened recently.

When we first stepped into Bread & Hearth, the sweet and buttery aroma of the freshly baked breads and pastries consumed us and we just could not wait to try some of the delicious-looking breads.

The ambience is warm and cosy and the interior décor and furnishings match the contemporary European theme of the café.

In all honesty, we felt that the dining space was a little tight and crammed for us but well, it wasn’t that bad because they have a separate dining area from the main dining floor.

We were quite privileged to be able to enter their kitchen for a mini-tour and we saw how the breads and pastries were made using only the finest ingredients. A great emphasis is placed on using age-old bread-making techniques, which may be time consuming, but yields distinct results that discerning gourmands will surely appreciate.

We saw for ourselves how the dough for croissants were being made using top quality butter and we were mightily impressed because a lot of effort and consideration have been put in place to ensure that the butter does not melt while being layered into the dough despite the hot and humid weather we have here in Singapore.

A café would not be complete if there aren’t any beverages served. Though we felt that the prices for Bread & Hearth’s beverages were a little steep as compared to their freshly baked goods; the truth is, almost every cafés that we have been to have their beverages priced really high.

At Bread & Hearth, they serve organic soft drinks like these…

and other hot beverages like coffee and tea. The Barista at Bread & Hearth is very skilful in crafting latte art and though we fancied our coffee to be well-decorated, we would also have preferred our coffee to be richer and more flavourful.

The breads and pastries are reasonably priced and they are served with Bread & Hearth’s homemade jam. We have tried a few of Bread & Hearth’s freshly baked goods and we love the breads more than the tarts because the breads were soft and fluffy while the tarts were slightly too hard.

If you ask us for our recommendation, you must absolutely try their signature croissant! It is the best croissant we have ever tried so far and it beats Delifrance hands down! The croissant is flaky and crisp; and every bite is just so yummy!

Bread & Hearth opens daily from 0800am to 0930pm and what’s more, they are now offering a 10% discount off all bakes and drinks. The promotion ends 30 June 2014 so hurry down and try out their fresh bakes; especially their yummy signature croissant! 

Do check out Bread & Hearth’s Official Website and like Bread & Hearth’s Facebook Page for more information!

by
Read More
In Food 3 Mins Read

Learn to Express Yourself Through Complimentary Coffee Appreciation Workshops with McCafé

McCafé in Singapore has come a long way since 2003 and having been a barista with McCafé from 2006-2007, I am delighted to find out that McCafé now offers a wider range of quality coffee and tantalising treats.

New delightful treats at McCafé Singapore: Mango Cheesecake, Strawberry Cheesecake, Oreo Cheesecake

Apart from the new menu offerings, you can now choose to include a shot of flavoured syrup for just an additional SGD$0.70. Available in 3 different flavours [roasted almond, chocolate, and caramel], you can create your own unique drinks that expresses your creativity.

If your creativity is being stifled, you might want to try your hands at some simple latte art. We trawled YouTube for some tutorial videos on creating fanciful latte art using chocolate syrup so you might want to try your hands on perfecting those designs before you move on to something more challenging at McCafé Singapore.

What is even more exciting to know is that McCafé Singapore will be conducting a series of Coffee Appreciation Workshops for young coffee lovers to rediscover coffee in a fun and interactive way. From discovering the history of coffee and the origin of McCafé, to handling the coffee machine, watching a latte art presentation, and trying first-hand cappuccino preparation, participants will be learning from the McCafé team of talented Baristas led by McCafé Master Trainer, Mr Hilmi Mohamed, who has 10 years of experience in the coffee industry!

Participants will learn how to froth milk like a professional McCafé Barista.

The 3-hour workshop will also include a latte art and plate art session where participants can learn to express their creativity using freshly-brewed coffee as their canvass for their imagination. The workshops are kept intimate and McCafé Singapore only accepts 6 to 10 people per session so as to foster greater interaction and engagement with participants.

The first two Coffee Appreciation Workshops by McCafé Singapore will be taking place on 6 September 2014 and 13 September 2014; and the next two sessions are slated to take place sometime in December 2014. If you are interested to participate in the McCafé Coffee Appreciation Workshops, simply drop an email to promotions@sg.mcd.com

Registration will take place from 18 August 2014 to 1 September 2014 and it is only open to youths [16 to 35 years old].

For more information and updates, do “like” McDonald’s Singapore Facebook Page so as not to miss out on the Coffee Appreciation Workshops!

by
Read More