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In Food 19 Mins Read

A Comprehensive Guide to Batam, Indonesia

Editor’s Note: It has been awhile since we last blogged and for that, we do apologise for being away for too long. After all, we do deserve a break especially after the hectic year that we had!
With so many media events, food tastings, and things to do, the month of December has certainly been a very busy month for us. Thankfully, we managed to take some time off and embark on a 3 days 2 nights adventure in Batam, Indonesia.

I have to admit that when I first went to Batam, I was very apprehensive about going there as I didn’t have a positive impression of the place. Any information that I had about Batam were pretty negative but after my virgin trip there, I decided that Batam isn’t too bad a place for a good relaxing vacation and so, we decided to make a second trip.

Although prostitution in Batam is illegal, the island has always been a place that is associated with sex tourism; even till now. This would probably explain why people would occasionally give me a weird look when I tell them that I’m going to Batam for a holiday.

In this blog post, we will be mainly sharing about our virgin trip to Batam, the spas that we visited, the cafes that we dined at, the hotels that we stayed at, and the activities that we did.

Virgin Experience to Batam

When we first went to Batam, we booked for a half-day tour around the city and because we were newbies to Batam, we went to places where tour guides can earn commissions from us.

The hotel that we stayed at was Gideon Hotel Batam and the half-day tour included a lunch at Golden Prawn 933 Restaurant.

The Superior Room at Gideon Hotel Batam is really quite crammed and small. Location wise, it is near Nagoya Hill but a distance to Batam Center Ferry Terminal. The level of service met our expectations but if you were to ask whether we would stay at Gideon Hotel Batam for future visits, we would definitely not as there are way better properties than this!

City View from Gideon Hotel Batam

The food at Golden Prawn 933 Restaurant is nothing to shout about and so, if you are planning to dine there, save the trip and money for something else. Golden Prawn 933 Restaurant is way too touristy for our liking.

In our most honest opinions, our first virgin trip to Batam was such a waste of time and money because of visits to places that were unnecessary. As such, we highly recommend travellers to go free-and-easy if they choose to visit Batam. After all, information is readily available on the Internet and when we planned for our second trip to Batam; Tripadvisor, Agoda, and Blogs, were really our best tools.

For our second trip to Batam, all we wanted to do was eat good food, do some shopping, and unwind. It wasn’t so much of a cultural or sight-seeing trip although we might plan for that in future. Hence, we hereby present to your our comprehensive free-and-easy travel guide to Batam.

Currency Exchange

The rupiah [Rp] is the official currency of Indonesia and the current exchange rate [updated as of 12 December 2014] is approximately SGD$1 to 9216 Rp. There are talks that the existing rupiah would be phased out by the end of 2018 but during the transition period, the old and new currency notes will stay valid.

Ferry To Batam

There are a number of ferry operators available but the more popular ones are WaveMaster, Batam Fast, and Sindo Ferry. For our second trip to Batam, we took the WaveMaster and ticket prices for a return trip cost SGD$38 per person. There really isn’t much to compare between the three ferry operators as the level of service is decent enough to bring you from Singapore to Batam and vice-versa. However, the ticket prices will differ so do check out the three and choose the cheapest one.

Web check-in is available for WaveMaster, Batam Fast, and Sindo Ferry so you don’t have to go collect your boarding passes if you have booked your ferry tickets online. However, do ask your ferry operator for the disembarkation / embarkation card as we had to rush and collect ours at the Batam Center Ferry Terminal.

A typical journey from Singapore Harbourfront Centre to Batam Center Ferry Terminal will take about 45 minutes. We recommend visitors to travel to Batam during the weekdays instead of the weekends as it may get too crowded.

When returning back to Singapore during the weekends, make sure you arrive early at Batam Centre as the queue at the immigration counters can get quite long.

Batam Ferry Terminal

Upon arrival at the Ferry Terminal, do observe the rules and regulations. The immigration officers at the Ferry Terminal are especially strict and they expect visitors to be silent while waiting in line to get their passports chopped. We have observed instances where visitors were sent back to Singapore for not adhering to the rules and regulations.

Indonesia’s Prepaid SIM Card

After you have cleared immigrations, you would be at the arrival area and that is where you can purchase a prepaid SIM card to get you connected. We purchased the Indosat Mentari 3GB SIM Card and it comes with 3GB Internet and 25 minutes local talktime. All that for only 75000 Rp [equivalent to about SGD$9]. To be on the safe side, we purchased an additional top-up card that cost 50000 Rp and we still had some leftover balance upon returning to Singapore.

Our Preferred Accommodation In Batam- Harris Hotel Batam Center

It was our first time staying at Harris Hotel Batam Center and we will definitely be considering to stay there for future visits to Batam.

Harris Hotel Batam Center is conveniently located beside Batam Center Ferry Terminal and it is very safe as checks are routinely done for every vehicle that enters the hotel’s compound. The level of guest service has over exceeded our expectations and we were very impressed with the facilities that are available at the hotel.

The Harris Hotel branding advocates a healthy and active lifestyle and we really like its Simple-Unique-Friendly concept. Upon checking-in, we were even served with welcome drinks. Hotel facilities such as the gym and swimming pool are also available for hotel guests to utilise.

There is only one room type at Harris Hotel Batam Center and the views from the hotel room are either city view or sea view. We opted for the room that offers sea view and when we entered our room, we were greeted by the pleasant aroma that was coming from the scented oil.

Sea View From The Harris Hotel Batam Center Room

City View From The Harris Hotel Batam Center Room

Breakfast at Harris Hotel Batam Center was also a hearty affair. Freshly squeezed fruit juices are available upon request at no charge and the sumptuous food fare left hotel guests spoilt for choices.

Address: Jl. Engku Putri, Batam Center, Kepulauan Riau 29641, IndonesiaPhone: +62 778 7498888

Our Preferred Mode of Transportation Around Batam- Silver Cab

Learning from our virgin trip to Batam, we decided that Silver Cab was going to be our only mode of transportation around Batam because they charge by the meter. The flag-down rate for Silver Cab is 7000 Rp and every 110 metres will see the fare jump by 500 Rp. From Batam Center Ferry Terminal to Nagoya Hill, the cab fare will cost around 50000 Rp [inclusive of parking fees that cost 2000 Rp]. Our most expensive cab fare was the trip from Harris Hotel Batam Center to Turi Beach Resort as it costs us about 130000 Rp [equivalent to about SGD$15].

Do note that there are a couple of Silver Cab lookalikes in Batam so instead of flagging down cabs as and when you like, always call and book. The cab will usually take about 20 minutes to arrive.

We are sure many of you might be puzzled as to why we didn’t rent a car with a personal driver but it is only because after calculating the approximate cab fares that we would be spending on, taking a cab is way cheaper than having a driver at our disposal.

To calculate approximate cab fares, what you can do is to measure the distance from one place to another using Google Maps and then for every 110 metres, add 500 Rp. After which, you add another 7000 Rp for the flag-down rate and top it up with 30,000 Rp for contingency planning. The flag-down rate of 7000 Rp is correct as of December 2014.

For example, to travel from Harris Hotel Batam Center to Turi Beach Resort, the distance calculated on Google Maps is about 21.2 KM.

Step 1: 21.2 KM X 1000 = 21200 Metres

Step 2: 21200 / 110 = 193 [rounded up]

Step 3: 193 X 500 Rp = 96500 Rp

Step 4: 96500 Rp + 7000 Rp + 30000 Rp = 133500 Rp

Silver Cab Booking Hotline: +62 778 461000

Shopping In Batam

There are a few malls where you can do some shopping in Batam. However, if you are shopping for the latest trendy and fashionable apparels, Batam is not the place for it. Most of the branded goods in Batam are either outdated or of poor quality. Some branded goods may even not be authentic so do be wary before purchasing any branded goods. However, grocery shopping is at the top of our priority list whenever we visit Batam because the prices are really affordable.

Nagoya Hill

Nagoya Hill is Batam’s largest shopping mall and there are many retail stores that sell branded goods. However, do be aware that some of the branded goods at Nagoya Hill are not authentic. If you are looking for places to dine at, Nagoya Hill would be the best place as they offer more dining options as compared to Mega Mall Batam Centre. Nagoya Hill also has a Cinema where you can catch some movies too. Personally, we feel that Nagoya Hill would be a better place for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Mega Mall Batam Centre

Located just opposite Batam Center Ferry Terminal, Mega Mall Batam Centre offers a couple of dining and shopping options. Though not as big as Nagoya Hill, Mega Mall Batam still has a fairly decent number of retailers for visitors to do some last minute shopping before departure. One of the places that we will always shop at Mega Mall Batam Centre is the Hypermart because that is where we could stock up on our daily amenities such as facial cleansers, shampoos, shower gels, and many more. If you have too much time to kill while waiting for your ferry, Mega Mall Batam Centre has a cinema where you can watch some movies.

Batam Factory Outlets

Most tours will include shopping at the various factory outlets and some of the brands include Polo Ralph, Burberry, Chanel, Gucci and etc. Personally, we are not a fan of branded goods and if you’re like us, you can give a visit to the factory outlets a miss. Furthermore, most of the designs are either outdated or not authentic.

Dining

In Batam, there are many places you can dine at. Whether it is Italian, Thai, Japanese, or Indonesian cuisines, Batam has them and you can be spoilt for choices as the prices can be very affordable. We generally don’t recommend visitors to patronise roadside food stores as hygiene may not be so ideal.

Bella Italia Pizzeria Ristorante Batam

Bella Italia Pizzeria Ristorante Batam has been rated as the num
ber 1 restaurant in Batam on Tripadvisor and truly, it really is! We have always enjoyed dining there ever since we first came to Batam and the food there is top notch.

Our favourites at Bella Italia Pizzeria Ristorante Batam include the freshly shucked oysters, the piping hot wild mushroom soup, the Hawaiian pizza, the linguine marinara pasta, and the flaming chocolate lava cake with liqueur. The serving portions are also quite big!

Although Bella Italia Pizzeria Ristorante Batam is a fine dining restaurant, it is ok to dress down and be casual. If you call in advance to make a table reservation, the waiters will specially lay the table with table cloth and place a table centrepiece.

A dinner at Bella Italia Pizzeria Ristorante Batam with all of our favourite dishes will cost less than SGD$40. We know it sounds pretty pricey but for a high quality meal like this in Singapore, it will cost about SGD$100+.

Rezeki Seafood Restaurant Batam

Seafood restaurants in Batam is aplenty and so far, we have been to Golden Prawn 933 Seafood Restaurant and Wey Wey Live Seafood Restaurant. Rezeki Seafood Restaurant Batam is the third seafood restaurant that we have visited in Batam and so far, it is the best as compared to the other two that we have visited. Just a note, hygiene at Wey Wey Live Seafood Restaurant isn’t so ideal and coupled with the pungent smell of sulphur lingering in the air, dining at Wey Wey Live Seafood Restaurant is a total turn-off.

Although Rezeki Seafood Restaurant Batam is located a distance away from Batam Center, the quality of the seafood there is relatively good.

When we were dining there, there were many locals and not so much foreigners. The price is also rather reasonable. Although the prawns and crabs are quite small in size, they are extremely fresh!

Scenic View From Rezeki Seafood Restaurant

For a lunch which consist of 4 grilled scallops, 1 crab, prawns, sambal kang kong, seafood fried rice, hot plate tofu, and some beverages, it cost us less than SGD$50.

Address: Batu Besar, RT.01/RW.02, Nongsa, BatamPhone: +62 778 761 180 or +62 812 7023 942

Caffein Café

Caffein Café is one of the cafes that we visited in Batam and there, we had their breaded chicken, fish & chips, a slice of red velvet cake, a slice of dark chocolate cakes, and some hot beverages.

The quality of food there is pretty decent and it is one of the better cafes in Batam that visitors could add to their café hopping adventure. In total, lunch at Caffein Café cost us less than SGD$25.

Address: Komp. Ruko Nagoya Hill blok R3-A3A, Batam, Riau, IndonesiaTelephone and Reservation No: +62 778 7493712

Black Canyon Coffee @ Mega Mall Batam

Black Canyon Coffee is a semi-café restaurant in Mega Mall Batam that serves Thai fusion food. We had their Thai mango salad, chicken wings, fried rice with salted fish, and the dinner in total cost less than SGD$18.

Visitors can consider dining at Black Canyon Coffee if they would like to have some Thai food.

Coffee Story Co.

Coffee Story Co. is located near Nagoya Hill and no offence but it is one of the worst cafes that we have visited in Batam. The quality of the food is really bad and the level of hygiene didn’t quite meet our expectations as we saw ants crawling around most of the tables on the second level.

We were quite disappointed with the food that we didn’t even finish half of it. To be fair, we have to comment that their hot beverages isn’t too bad.

Out of the 3 dishes that we ordered, the fries is the only palatable food.

The food was too much for us to take that we gave up eating altogether!

In total, we spend less than SGD$18 but it wouldn’t be a café that we would recommend to visitors.

Massage & Spa

Massage & Spa Parlours in Batam can be quite sleazy and if you are looking for a genuine and authentic massage & spa experience, you need to go to the right places. Just make sure you do your research before visiting any of the Massage & Spa Parlours in Batam to prevent yourself from being ripped off.

The Spa Secret Batam

The Spa Secret Batam is one of the highest rated Massage & Spa Parlours in Batam with close to 190 reviews on Tripadvisor. The level of service and spa treatment is truly commendable and the place is extremely clean. The therapists are very professional and a variety of body spa treatments are available.

Jacqueline did The Coffee Body Spa Treatment which consist of a sea salt foot bath, body cleansing, relaxing body massage, coffee body lulur, body steam, body yogurt polish, soaking in bath foam Jacuzzi pool, and V-Ratus treatment while I did The Balinese Aromatic Body Spa Treatment which included a sea salt foot bath, body cleansing, aromatic body massage, aromatic body scrub, body steam, body yogurt polish, soaking in bath foam Jacuzzi pool, and a back & shoulder massage.

In total, we spent about SGD$160 for 2 persons and it was really worth the money. In Singapore, such body spa treatments can cost about SGD$400+!

Address: Komp. Nagoya Garden Phase I Blok D No. 1-2-3, Riau 29432, IndonesiaPhone: +62 778 423123

Spa Central Batam (Updated)

Spa Central Batam is also one of the highest rated Massage & Spa Parlours in Batam on Tripadvisor. There, we did the Vitamin-C Facial, a 1-hour Foot Reflexology for me, and a 1-hour Hair Cream Bath for Jacqueline.

The level of service and treatment exceeded our expectations and we were quite pleased with the experience. The place was also very clean and we had an enjoyable time over there.

In total, we spent about SGD$71 for all these treatments that we just mentioned and the prices are very reasonable because in Singapore, such treatments will cost two to three times more!

Address: 2nd Floor Clubhouse @ Central Sukajadi, The Central Sukajadi, Batam – 29444 Phone: +62 [778] 736 7512 or +62 821 69900341 (WhatsApp)

Water Activities @ Turi Beach Resort

There used to be two location for water activities in Batam; one at Harris Resort Waterfront and the other at Turi Beach Resort. However, Harris Resort Waterfront no longer carry out any water activities and the only place that is available to do water activities in Batam would be Turi Beach Resort.

Turi Beach Resort is quite a distance away from Batam Center and the cab fare cost us about SGD$15. If you’re planning a visit to Turi Beach Resort, we recommend that you drop by Rezeki Restaurant as they are both located around the same vicinity.

Turi Beach Resort is a really nice place to relax and unwind, away from the urban civilisation.

Water activities such as Para Sailing, Jet Skiing, and Banana Boat are available at Turi Beach Resort and they can be pretty pricey. When I did the Para Sailing and Jet Skiing, it cost me about SGD$108 but I personally felt that it was worth the money for satisfying the adrenaline junkie me.

If you are planning to do the water activities at Turi Beach Resort, do call and make a reservation beforehand and also enquire on the weather status. If it is low tide or when there’s an impending storm, there will be no water activities carried out for guests’ safety. From the information that we have gathered from the staffs at Turi Beach Resort, the best time for Para Sailing or Jet Skiing would be in the morning before 12pm but it is subjected to weather conditions.

Address: Jalan Hang Lekiu, Nongsa, Kepulauan Riau 29465, Indonesia Phone: +62 778 761080

Batam Specialty Products

There are two Batam specialty products that visitors should get as souvenirs for family members and friends and they are the Kueh Lapis [Layer Cake] and Bika Ambon [Honeycomb Cake]. Although Singapore do have Kueh Lapis and Bika Ambon, the prices are almost twice of those in Batam.

Kueh Lapis / Layer Cake

Kueh Lapis also known as Layer Cakes are pretty popular with tourists visiting Batam. In Singapore, Kueh Lapis is extremely costly but in Batam, it is almost half the price. Hence, it is no surprise that visitors will horde boxes of Kueh Lapis to bring back to Singapore.

There are many retailers selling Kueh Lapis but we will always buy from Diana Layer Cake Batam as we personal
ly feel that their homemade layer cakes is the best in Batam. Diana Layer Cake Batam only offers two types of traditional layer cakes; original and prunes. A kilogram of the original layer cake will cost 250000 Rp [equivalent to about SGD$28] and a kilogram of the prunes layer cake will cost 300000 Rp [equivalent to about SGD$33].

If you would like to order layer cakes from Diana Layer Cake Batam, do give them a call at least one day in advance. As we were staying at Harris Hotel Batam Center, we had our layer cakes personally delivered to us at the hotel.

Address: Taman Seruni Indah Blok G No. 10, Batam Centre Telephone: +62 778 466906

Honeycomb Cake / Bika Ambon

The Honeycomb Cake also known as Bika Ambon is also another popular specialty product of Batam. My mum personally likes it a lot and she is pretty satisfied with the Honeycomb Cake that we purchased at Nagoya Hill. Prior to the purchase, we did a few comparisons and sample tastings and found that the retailer, The Master, offers the best Honeycomb Cake in our opinion.

The Honeycomb Cake cost 70000 Rp [equivalent to about SGD$8] for half a kilogram and 130000 Rp [equivalent to about SGD$15] for a kilogram.

Name of Retailer: The MasterAddress: Food Street Nagoya Hill [beside the Hypermart Escalator] The Master Telephone: +62 085271388585 or +62 085272099109

In Summary

Batam isn’t so bad a place for a good relaxing vacation. In our future trips to Batam, we will be looking to explore more on the cultural side of the city. Should you have any questions about our comprehensive guide to Batam, do not hesitate to drop us an email! We hope that this comprehensive guide by us has been helpful!

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[Food Review]- Kkongdon Barbecue’s New & Authentic All-You-Can-Eat Korean Barbecue Menu

Kkongdon [pronounced as Kong-don and not K-kong-don] means ‘best price value’ in the Korean language and we daresay that Kkongdon Barbecue does indeed give diners the best value-for-money for its all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue menu.

Originating from Sinchon in Korea, Kkongdon Barbecue opened its first outlet in Singapore in 2012 and has a total of 4 outlets till date. With modern interiors, seating areas with K-pop enhancements, and warm lighting, Kkongdon Barbecue is a perfect dining place for gatherings over meals.

What We Think Of Kkongdon Barbecue?

It was our first time to Kkongdon Barbecue @ SAFRA Toa Payoh and it will not be the last because after having tried many different barbecue menus at various Japanese and Korean restaurants, Kkongdon Barbecue does offer the best value for money.

With a price of SGD$23.30 nett [Mondays to Thursdays] and SGD$29.30 nett [Fridays to Sundays] per adult, the all-you-can-eat menu features a new selection of barbecue favourites that include chicken, pork, beef, and the newly introduced premium 30 Days Aged New Zealand Sirloin cut; all of which are available in three different marinades.

At Kkongdon Barbecue, the well-marinated meats follow the authentic Korean formula and a selection of Ssamjang, Garlic Ssamjang, and Onion Sauce are specially imported from Korea and blended by the local chef. When paired with the well-marinated barbecued meat, the sauces enhance the aromas and flavours of the meat for a lip smacking experience.

The all-you-can-eat menu also includes flow of side dishes such as Kimchi, Gyoza, Deokbokki [Korean Rice Cakes] and sliced fruits. However, if your stomach is not fully satisfied, a-la-carte add on options are available where wallet-friendly prices are extended to an array of appetisers, soups, stews, and desserts.

When we were there, we had the Pork Belly Kimchi Stew [Kimchijjim Jeongol] and it is presented in Korean earthenware with pork belly slices, kimchi, tofu, enoki mushrooms, and a generous amount of yummy spicy soup!

As for appetisers, we had the Kkongdon’s Kimchi Pancake [Kimchi Buchimgae]. This firm-textured pancake presents itself with kimchi chunks, and a mild spicy sour flavour to whet an appetite for a feast.

To go or not to go?

Well, our overall dining experience at Kkongdon Barbecue is a pleasant and shiok one and we will definitely be back for more well-marinated barbecued meat! Between Seoul Garden [not to say anything bad but because they are almost similarly-priced] and Kkongdon Barbecue, we will definitely choose Kkongdon Barbecue because the meats are more premium and better-tasting; though we don’t deny the fact that Seoul Garden has more variety on their buffet menu.

For more information about the Kkongdon Barbecue outlets in Singapore, do check out Kkongdon Barbecue Official Website and like Kkongdon Official Facebook Page!

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In Gift Ideas 4 Mins Read

First Ever Rakuten Japan Gourmet Festival Is Now Here In Singapore @ Jurong Point

Japanese food lovers are in for a real treat as Japan’s number one online shopping mall, Rakuten, is bringing its renowned food festival, Rakuten Japan Gourmet Festival, to Singapore for the first time. From 25 November 2014 to 4 December 2014, shoppers will be able to taste and experience Rakuten’s food offerings from all over Japan in an offline setting, at the newly-opened Japanese-themed WAttention Plaza at Jurong Point.

Since its inception in 2010, the largely popular food festival [known as Rakuten Umaimono Taikai in Japanese] has become one of the most anticipated food events in Japan.

The festival is Rakuten’s way of presenting the best of Rakuten’s online food merchants to shoppers in a retail environment, thus merging the offline world that customers live in and the online world that Rakuten operates in.

The 10-day festival will feature over 100 types of premium seafood, exquisite confectioneries, delicious desserts, and many other delectable delights from Hokkaido, Yokohama, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Shizuoka.

Food enthusiasts will be introduced to a variety of new-to-Singapore specialty products presented by 11 merchants from Rakuten Ichiba in Japan and many of them are award-winning and have received accolades; including Rakuten Japan’s ‘Shop of the Year’ award.

In this blog post, we will be shortlisting 3 merchants that you ought to check out at Rakuten Japan Gourmet Festival!

1. Tsukiji Ryotel Takewaka

Established for over 20 years, Tsukiji Ryotel Takewaka sources fresh and seasonal seafood from Tokyo’s renowned Tsukiji market for their products. Its chirashi bowls are intricately packaged by masterchefs in the style of parfaits, a visual treat that enhances the taste of freshness with every spoonful.

Also known as the Japanese Seafood Parfait, the chirashi is made with premium Japanese rice, topped with ikura [salmon roe], salmon, and tuna belly. With the colourful mix of seafood and vegetables, diners can even replace chopsticks with spoons to enjoy the savoury seafood parfait to the fullest.

2. Sasaya Syoen

Founded in 1918, Sasaya Syoen is deeply rooted in tradition with its handmade sweets. The sugar is expertly pulled by its confectioners to give a real and authentic taste. The warabi mocha is one of its most popular products, along with other seasonal pastries and sweets, which are all ideal as snacks and gifts.

Using the finest bracken powder produced domestically, each bracken rice cake is exquisitely handemade by a master Kyoto confectioner and it will melt in the mouth. We highly recommend that you dip the warabi mochi in some soybean powder and it will make a perfect treat.

3. Ginza Sembikiya Patisserie

Founded in 1894, Ginza Sembikiya was originally a fruit specialty store. In the 1960s, it began developing creative methods for people to enjoy tasting fruits while remaining loyal to the shop’s dedication to using only quality premium fruit products. The result is artisan fruit-infused confectioneries, which very quickly became a hit among locals, as well as tourists looking to bring back omiyage [souvenirs] for their friends and loved ones.

Using only Fuji apples produced in Japan, its attentive confectioners ensure that the tartness and sweetness of the apples are retained. The apples are simmered to perfection to a texture as smooth as silk. Flavoured with a hint of cinnamon, the apple filling is encased in Ginza Sembikiya’s interpretation of a baumkuchen, a layered cake originating from Germany.

Our Personal Opinion/Review of Rakuten Japan Gourmet Festival 2014

Though the Rakuten Japan Gourmet Festival is held at Jurong Point, this is truly one gourmet festival that foodies shouldn’t miss because there are many new-to-Singapore food and beverage product offerings. Our recommendation is that you bring at least SGD$50 as some of the food and beverage products can be priced on the higher side [after all, some of the food and beverage products are specially imported all the way from Japan]. Should you not have enough spare cash, some of the merchants do accept credit cards.

If you are looking for some specialty products from Japan, the Rakuten Japan Gourmet Festival is a must-go!

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[Food Review]- New U.S Premium Selections at Jack’s Place

The Jack’s Place at Ang Mo Kio Central was my family’s favourite restaurant and even till today, whenever I dine at Jack’s Place, it will remind me of my childhood days.

Known for it’s “steaks and more” concept, Jack’s Place serves not only sizzling beef steaks, but also a wide range of hearty food, desserts, and cakes. The casual fine-dining restaurant has recently launched its wholesome U.S Premium Selection menu, and it is only available at Jack’s Place [The Grandstand] and Jack’s Place [Great World City].

The U.S Premium Selection features six new dishes, which includes the finest Kurobuta Pork also known as “black hog” pork, USA Brandt steak cuts, and Chargrilled Baby Back Ribs.

We were very privileged to have been invited to a tasting of the U.S Premium Selection and in this blog post, we will be sharing with you what we think of the hearty menu that is sure to delight all meat-lovers!

Are you a fan of steaks?

The USA Brandt Ribeye Cuts [SGD$36.80] is definitely Jack’s Place crème de la crème of all cuts. The well-marbled ribeye cuts are paired perfectly with a homemade special brown sauce which melts in the mouth.

Not to forget the USA Brandt Striploin Steak [SGD$35.80], this 365 day grain-fed beef striploin steak is lightly marinated with home-made garlic and paired with Jack’s special black pepper sauce that is underscored by a tenderness that few palates know.

The scrumptious signature dishes also include the Grilled Kurobuta Rack of Pork [SGD$32]. The moist and juicy rack of pork comes together with Jack’s Place very own caramelized onion brown sauce and we enjoyed having a bite of this very tender and gratifying meat.

If you prefer a much leaner kind of pork meat, the Kurobuta Fillet of Loin [SGD$21.80] that comes with the signature black pepper glace, accompanied with roasted onions and new potatoes is a very good choice. The peppery flavours will definitely whet one’s appetite but honestly, we still prefer the Grilled Kurobuta Rack of Pork over the Kurobuta Fillet of Loin.

The Kurobuta Pork Schnitzel [SGD$18.80] is a main dish where the tender Kurobuta fillet of collar is coated with crushed biscuit crumbs and herbs, then paired with arugula salad and roasted almond flakes. Truthfully, we don’t really fancy this dish because it was a little dry for us and we prefer our meat to be either grilled, steamed, or baked; definitely not deep-fried.

Our personal favourite is the lip-smacking and bone-drop textured Chargrilled BBQ Baby Back Ribs [SGD$36] that is marinated overnight with paprika spice, drizzled with pineapple BBQ sauce, and served with lattice fries! This is definitely a must-try dish because it is so flavourful and very satisfying!

Bursting with flavours, the U.S Premium Selection at Jack’s Place definitely promises a gastronomic time and just a gentle reminder, it is only exclusively available at Jack’s Place [Great World City] and Jack’s Place [The Grandstand].

For more information on the menu, do check out Jack’s Place Official Website and like Jack’s Place Official Facebook Page!

Jack’s Place @ The Grandstand
200 Turf Club Road, #01-29/30
Tel: 6466 7933
Operating Hours: Daily 11am -10:30pm

Jack’s Place @ Great World City
1 Kim Seng Promenade, #03-16
Tel: 6738 5868
Operating Hours: Daily 11am – 10:30p

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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

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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

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[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

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How Does The Vegetables From Panasonic’s Indoor Agriculture Farm Taste Like?

Do you know that Panasonic has an indoor agriculture farm here in Singapore that cultivates premium Japanese crop varieties via a controlled soil-based and pesticide-free environment with LED lighting?

The 248 square metre indoor agriculture facility currently produces 10 types of vegetables; green and red leafy lettuce, mizuna [potherb mustard], mini red and white radish, rocket lettuce, basil, ooba [mint herb], mitsuba [wild parsley] and baby spinach. Both leafy and root vegetables are cultivated in the controlled soil-based environment with LED lighting. At present, total production capacity is at 3.6 tonnes annually. Through this local indoor cultivation, consumers like you and us can potentially gain significant savings compared to purchasing similar premium Japanese produce that are imported.

Panasonic is strengthening its research and development efforts to accelerate harvest such as increasing shelf capacity [vertical farming], shortening cultivation lead time from 35 days to 28 days, improving area productivity and expanding crop variety. By 2016, Panasonic is looking to grow more than 30 crop varieties.

In land scarce Singapore where only 8% of vegetables consumed are grown in local farms, Panasonic aims to contribute to the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority’s [AVA] vision of raising self-sufficiency level for leafy vegetables through its technology and harvest. Panasonic also hopes that the indoor vegetable farm can provide a better life and a better world through improved food quality.

As of now, the produce from Panasonic’s indoor agriculture farm is not commercially available but Panasonic will assess market demand for commercial expansion to restaurants and supermarkets within this fiscal year.

Currently, Panasonic supplies on average, 0.3 tonnes of vegetables to all three Ootoya outlets in Singapore per month.

If you are interested to find out how the fresh, crunchy, and pesticide-free Japanese produce from Panasonic’s indoor taste agriculture farm tastes like, all you have to do is head down to any Ootoya Japanese Restaurants and order their new salad offerings.

Salad Roll with Bagna Dressing, SGD$4

Mini red radish, red leafy lettuce and mizuna [potherb mustard] wrapped in rice paper, served with a typical Italian style dip made from anchovies, fresh cream, milk and garlic.

Homemade Tofu Salad with Sesame Dressing, SGD$4.50

Mini red radish, red leafy lettuce, mizuna [potherb mustard] and home-made tofu, served with flavourful, healthy Japanese style light sesame dressing.

Bonito Salad with Vegetable Dressing, SGD$5

Mini red radish, red leafy lettuce, mizuna [potherb mustard], bonito or katsuobushi [dried, fermented, and smoked skipjack tuna, served with Ootoya’s original tangy dressing made from tiny sliced onion, bell pepper, lemon juice and olive oil]

Shrimp Salad with Aurora Dressing, SGD$4

Mini red radish, red leafy lettuce, mizuna [potherb mustard] and shrimps, served with creamy dressing made from bell pepper and tomatoes drizzled with freshly squeezed lemon juice which enhances vegetable and shrimp flavour.

Our Personal Opinion of Ootoya Japanese Restaurant’s New Salad Offerings

A few days ago, we were at Ootoya Japanese Restaurant [Orchard Central] for a media tasting session and we had a really refreshing time indulging in the crunchy and fresh vegetables from Panasonic’s indoor agricultural farm. The vegetables are delivered fresh from Panasonic’s indoor agriculture farm to Ootoya restaurants daily, ensuring that the quality of harvest is maintained.

If you ask us if there are any difference in terms of taste and quality of the fresh produce from Panasonic’s indoor agriculture farm and those from the conventional farms, we felt that there wasn’t much difference except that the produce from Panasonic’s indoor agriculture farm are much fresher and really crunchy.

We felt that the new salad offerings from Ootoya Japanese Restaurant are really wholesome and relatively affordable. Drizzled with Ootoya Japanese Restaurant’s homemade sauce, the salads make a perfect appetizer for a healthy and nutritious meal.

And if you’re a meat eater, you don’t want to miss out on the Ootoya Japanese Restaurant’s Grilled Pork Belly!

From now till 30 September 2014, you can enjoy a complimentary Kirin Draft Beer OR Dessert with purchase of any main course at any of the 3 Ootoya Japanese Restaurant. All you have to do is just flash this coupon!

On a last note, we have been wanting to grow our own vegetable produce at home and recently, we embarked on a mini project to grow our very own cherry tomatoes and sunflowers. We’re still in the beginning stage of the cultivation process and we are glad that the baby cotyledon leaves have started to surface.

Looks like it will be weeks before we get to enjoy the fruits of our labour and we can’t wait!

Happy Weekends!

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[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!

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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!

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