Angel Hair Pasta with Tiger Prawn and Lumpfish Caviar ($6.90)

Black clusters of Lumpfish Caviar and fresh dices of Tiger Prawn atop swirls of savoury pasta, the appetizer won us over not only with its exquisite presentation but in the taste department as well. Providing a subtly soft springy bite, the pasta was gently sleeked in olive oil and I must say that it went well with all the highlights of the plate. Together, it all sung and conveyed perfect balance- not too rich, not too light, it was just nice.

Pan Fried Foie Gras with Lentils and Pickled Onions ($14.90 for 70g)

With its very affordable price, Saveur’s Pan Fried Foie Gras with Lentils and Pickled Onions was a star item during our visit. Executed till both meat and fat were delightfully soft, the fat liver melted in my mouth as soon as I sank my teeth on it. A heavenly delicacy from Saveur that is worth every single cent and calorie, the petite portion would most probably leave one craving for more.

Chicken Roulade with Foie Gras Stuffing and Basmati Rice  ($9.90)

An item that was made close to home, the slices of Chicken Roulade with Foie Gras Stuffing were pleasantly tasty but verged on being outshone by its accompanying Basmati Rice that lent a certain class of its own to the entire dish – the grains of rice were fragrant and full of flavour yet light enough.

 Confit of Duck with Orange Segments and Saute Shittake ($8.90)

The widely acclaimed number from Saveur that is a must- order, the top seller was spotted on almost every table while we were there at the restaurant. Lightly charred such that it was crispy on the exterior, the insides were tender and succulent. Offering decent if not show- stopping bites already on its own, one would be taken to another high with the mashed potato beneath, the distinguishable differing textural layers of crisp, chewy and creamy on the plate was utterly satisfying.

 Crisp Pork Belly with Poached Eggs and Diced Vegetables ($10.90)

Cooked till both the meat and fat are soft enough to melt in the mouth in a combination of well- oiled pleasure, the superbly crispy strip of crackling skin was a brilliant contrast to all that soft cooked meat. The Poached Egg oozed golden yolk when pierced with a fork, a great accompaniment to the highlight of the dish and the lentils too.

Pan Fried Wagyu Rump with Shallot Puree and Mushroom Ragout ($21.90)

One of the two items under the French restaurant’s premium selection on the menu, the Pan Fried Wagyu Rump with Shallot Puree and Mushroom Ragout featured prime cuts of meat that were cooked to juicy medium- rare perfection. Deeply savoury with its intense meaty flavours, the delicacy had certainly delivered a good balance of taste and texture.

The restaurant’s service was a tad too slow (and absolutely unbearable for my growling stomach then) but I would opine that the dishes were all worthy of the long wait. Those unfamiliar with the French cuisine should definitely give the restaurant a try since one might just be won over with their simple yet tasty menu. Barely a few months old at her new shop space, the overwhelming dinner crowd during our visit, had clearly represented the fact that while its affordable prices are kind on the customers’ pockets, their offer of French fare has conquered both the hearts and stomachs of many.

Saveur
5 Purvis Street
Singapore 188584

Contact Number: 6333 3121

Operating Hours:
Mondays to Sundays, 12.00pm till 2.30pm and 6.00pm till 9.30pm

Jasper N.

Wagyu Beef Rendang ($18.00)

The luxe version of our local favourite, I thought that the dish tasted utterly decadent due to their use of Wagyu Beef Shin and yes, I do agree with the restaurant that there was clearly a significant difference indeed. The lean meat was mostly covered by all the melt-in-the-mouth fat that had been simmered in its full- bodied spiced lemak Rendang gravy. Delivering a wonderful balance of sweet and spiciness, the number was a soul- lifting indulgence to me. We had it with their steamed fluffy and fragrant Nasi Lemak Rice (available at a cost of $1.90) but honestly speaking, the Wagyu Beef Rendang was already perfect on its own.

Rendang Pizza ($13.90)

As shown on the menu, we were introduced to Wok & Barrel’s Rendang Pizza as an item that has been listed in IS magazine as one of the 50 things to eat before one dies. To me, the creation was more mediocure in comparison to their Wagyu Beef Rendang. Though the meat was still delectably soft and tender, it was not well- accompanied by their middling pizza crust and I could hardly detect the topping of melted cheese that was mentioned in the dish’s description.

Five Spice Pork ($9.90)

Robustly seasoned and imbued with the heavy savour of their secret blend of 5 spice power and other spices, the flavours here are bold and piquant. Uneven cuts (shreds) of Pork Confit that offered show- stopping bites, each brought about an explosion of flavour on one’s palate. The Five Spice Pork was so gratifying that that we spooned up every bit of it.

Bak Chor Mee Pasta ($19.90)

It was Wok & Barrel’s unique creation of Bak Chor Mee Pasta that drew me to their restaurant but all in all, I felt that it was neither substantial nor impressive enough to quell my cravings. Paired with the Five Spice Pork as mentioned above, their handmade tagliatelle was smooth but more on the hard side in which I felt that if it was softer, it would have been a fine matching. I was perhaps too used to my favourite noodle dish but the different elements of both the pasta and Pork Confit were not exactly able to come together in harmony to me.

Lamb Char Siew ($29.90)

Boasting an organic free range Dorper Lamb neck fillet that had perfectly cooked to a warm pink centre, the Lamb Char Siew was a memorable number as well. I was more taken in by the execution of its texture with its chewy succulent meat and its contrasting delightful crisp around its edges, but it fared decently in the taste department too. In that aspect, there was a noticeable hint of smoky grilled flavour on top of the gentle sweet tartness as brought about by the aged balsamic vinegar drizzled all over the slices. The Crispy French Fries served alongside, were pretty addictive.

I would opine that results are a mixed bag, with some true stand- outs. Nonetheless, Wok & Barrel is certainly a restaurant accomplished for its interesting selection of modified local creations that would most probably satisfy curious palates like mine. I must say that I do look forward to seeing more unique additions to their menu.

Wok & Barrel
13 Duxton Hill
Singapore 089597

Contact Number: 6220 0595

Operating Hours:
Tuesdays to Saturdays, 11.30am till 10.00pm
Sundays, 11.30am till 4.00pm

Jasper N.

White Tsukemen ($13.90)

I have heard that notably popular in Tokyo now are the ‘dry noodles’ as offered by the popular chain. Menya Musashi’s Tsukemen number is currently on promotion (priced at $14.90), there is a free up- size of up to five times the original serving of noodles. Made locally according to the eatery’s original recipe, I thought that the noodles were clean- tasting and gratifying enough. Having decided on the original White Tonkatsu broth to be paired with my ‘dry noodles’, I was pleased that the soup was full of collagen goodness from a fine mix of chicken, pork bones and fish paste. The savoury broth was ‘concentrated’ enough for each strand of noodles to be coated with enough flavour. The Chashu slices were scrumptious but a little too thin for the bite though.

Red Kakuni Ramen ($14.90)

The Red Kakuni Ramen’s broth was thick and full- bodied and it grew on me with each mouthful, so much so that I felt like having the entire bowl of soup to myself. Certainly not overbearingly hot, I had simply enjoyed how the sweet and spicy notes came together in harmony. It was definitely a well- done take on the classic Japanese staple dish.

The noodles in the soup had a nice bite as well, smooth and firm yet not hard while the braised pork was cooked to wonderfully  juicy, tender perfection and when eaten all together with the rich and creamy soup, each mouthful was pure pleasure. The flavoured boiled eggs were done decently, moist and slightly chilled but I would have hoped for their yolk to be more runny.

Black Cha Shu Ramen ($12.90)

It was the alluringly black broth of this Ramen dish that had first caught my attention to this eatery. Upon tucking in, it turned out to be just a delicate layer at the top, in which after dipping my spoon for a mouthful of ingredients; that would later dissolve into the pool beneath. Infused with a combination of fried garlic and fermented onions, I felt that the creation scored a little high in its saltiness and it did remind me of a couple of Ramen creations from Nantsuttei. Nonetheless, it proved to be a hit with many diners just as well but  it was just a tad too salty for my personal preference.

With many newfangled creations to be expected- the Tokyo outlets have introduced more than 140 kinds of  Ramen, including Chocolate- infused numbers and Ramen that comes topped with cheese fondant, Menya Musashi is definitely one to look out for in our growing Ramen scene. Even with the current limited variety, the increasingly popular Ramen eatery has garnered a firm following and to me, is certainly worthy of return visits.

Menya Musashi
252 North Bridge Road
Raffles City, #01-16
Singapore 179103

Contact Number: 6336 6500

Operating Hours:
Mondays to Sundays, 11.30am till 10.00pm

Jasper N.

Unlike Atherton’s Michelin-starred establishment, Pollen Street Social, in London, Esquina has a much more casual vibe. Unable to secure a reservation to Pollen Street Social during my recent London trip, I decided to drop by Esquina one evening to check out their offerings. With just twelve seats at the counter, one definitely has to be early to secure one of these coveted spots. Housed in a traditional shophouse with chic décor, one gets a very friendly and relaxed vibe upon entering the dining bar with the open kitchen and monochrome colour scheme.

Salt and Pepper Squid, Black Ink Aioli ($16)

Fresh baby squid fried in a light and buttery batter that was crisp and savoury. Accompanied by a sweet aioli with just a pinch of tangy lemon juice, the dish was pleasant on the palate with nice complementary flavours. The crunch in each bite was comparably to the calamari I had at Parm in New York, reputed to be one of the best in the city, and in fact the batter at Esquina more fully encompassed the squid. My favourite dish of the night, this is definitely a must order when you’re over at Esquina.

Scallop Ceviche and Radish Salsa ($17)

Prepared by soaking fresh raw fish in citrus juices, ceviche is a dish popularized in Central and South America. Using fresh scallops for their take on ceviche, Esquina serves the ceviche in a bed of light oil with just the mildest hint of vinegar, lemon juice and maybe sesame. With a smooth and chewy texture, the scallops’ natural sweetness and flavour unfortunately did not shine through the marinade. The contrast of the bittersweet radish with the sweetness of the rest of the dish did do a little to balance out the flavours.

Ox Cheek Olorosa, Mash, Caper, Bacon, Bone Marrow Crumbs ($21)

Braised in olorosa, a kind of sherry, the ox cheek was tender and the meat easily separated. Served on a bed of mashed potatoes and topped with bacon and bone marrow bits, the meat was disappointingly dry and lacked flavour. While the richness of the bone marrow and the savoury saltiness of the bacon went well with the less decadent mash, the meat was a chore to finish towards the end. A word of advice, this definitely needs to be shared amongst two or more.

Iberica Pork and Foie Gras Burger ($26)

The last Foie burger I had in Singapore was the famous db Bistro Moderne and  I was looking forward to seeing how these bite-sized burgers would stand up to the competition. While I wasn’t a particularly big fan of db’s monstrous burger at least the Foie tasted creamy and rich, on the other hand in Esquina’s I couldn’t taste the Foie at all. To be fair, this was a very good burger otherwise with fluffy crisp buns and a sweet moist pork patty. The strong flavours of the Iberica pork coupled with the advocado mayo went well together and unfortunately masked whatever little flavour there was of the Foie Gras. At $13 a pop, I was slightly disappointed by this dish.

A complementary pre-dessert of Sangria ice cream, this was light and refreshing with just the slightest hint of alcohol.

Pistachio Cake,Sangria Jam, Vanilla Ice Cream ($12)

Compact and crumbly, there was something about the pistachio cake that kept me going for spoonfuls which I just couldn’t place. Whether it was the mildly and unassumingly sweet flavours or the fragrant vanilla ice cream with the citrusy and sour sangria jam on the side, the flavours came together in a very wholesome and pleasant manner. Writing about this now, I actually crave another piece for the day.

With consistent food and decent portions, Esquina is undoubtedly one of the safest choices to head to for a tapas meal. As evidenced by the buzz surrounding its opening, long waits for a table and regular pool of diners even at its infancy, Esquina seems set up for the same success that Atherton’s Pollen Street Social has had in London. A little on the pricey side, expect to spend $50-60 per head excluding drinks at Esquina. Nonetheless, Esquina is a worthy addition to the local dining scene and a place to check out. I know I am definitely heading back soon for more!

Esquina Tapas Bar
16 Jiak Chuan Road
Singapore 089267

Contact No: +65 6222 1616

Opening Hours:
Mondays to Fridays: 12-3pm, 6-11pm
Saturdays: 6-11pm

Bryan C.

A vastly spacious dining area with contemporary furniture, the hip and modern restaurant would be an ideal spot for any family dinners or large gatherings. Boasting a small number of live- cooking stations, The Square offers her diners the opportunity to interact closely with the chefs for a more casual and friendly dining experience.

A few of us found it incredibly hard to restrain ourselves from the Fresh Seafood selection, particularly the plump and juicy Canadian Oysters that appeared to be one of the the crowd’s absolute favourites. I concurred with the opinion that some of the other Seafood items were just as fresh and succulent as well. I would presume that the hunk of Parma Ham would cause hungry stomachs to growl the moment one entered the restaurant- it would be tough not to notice the entire leg of Parma Ham showcased in the middle of the buffet spread. Thinly shredded on a plate, the meat was subtly sweet and decadent on its own.

The Salmon and Tuna Sashimi slices were crowd favourites as well, they were wiped off clean from the serving plate a little too quickly. Fresh and mouth- wateringly smooth, I was glad that they were replenished quickly by the service staff. The selection of Sushi was fairly decent, equal attention was paid to the details of both the ingredients or highlights and the rice grains.

I would have liked a greater variety of Cheese and some other accompaniments but well, they can hardly ever go wrong with Bread and Crackers.

The Square offered quite a reasonably decent Salad Corner for one to mix and match. Featuring mainly the usual suspects, I found it to be not surprising that it was somewhat popular with the fairer sex.

Without much dressing, the Salmon Salad delivered the robust flavours of quality salmon with a punch and I thought that it was the most enjoyable appetizer out of the few. The Couscous Salad with Tomato was simply prepared and considerably light on the palate while the Bean Vermicelli Salad, with its thin slippery noodles, would certainly help to whet one’s appetite. The Chicken Salad and Beef Salad were two rather straightforward options that would pass the test well as moreish appetisers.

The chef at the Chicken Rice Counter served me with a good plate of assorted meat. A hearty assembly of Chicken and Chinese Roasted Pork, both that provided for a delectably good bite. Other than the reasonable selection of accompanying sauces, the meat would be a nice pairing with the fluffy rice that is kept warm in the rice cooker just beside the counter.

Cloaked in an alluringly smoky char, the Satay choices did win us over with their well- marinated tender meat. I did not try out the Laksa and Mee Rebus from their Noodles Station (I was a tad too stuffed and lazy to cook the noodles on my own) but the local noodle classics appeared to be considerably popular with the diners.

The Grilled Chicken With Mustard Sauce worked pretty well on the taste buds and with its succulent meat, the dish was pretty yummy to me. Swathed in an appetising tangy- spicy dressing and soft to the bite, the Dory Fish With Thai Chilli Sauce turned out to be pretty decent was well. A seemingly simple dish, the Stuffed Tomato With Minced Meat was both belly- warming and comforting and I took pleasure in how the minced meat was underscored by the refreshing sweet flavours.

Quite highly anticipated, the Singapore Chilli Crabs failed to meet expectations since a few of our co- diners felt that the crustacean flesh tasted a little mushy. The Devil’s Chicken Curry was sadly, not hot enough to deliver that pungent kick. Though it was definitely devilishly oily, the spiciness was barely discernible to the couple of us so I figured out that it was probably to suit the palates of our fellow foreign expatriates. Nevertheless, the chunks of chicken meat were pretty delish on their own.

Perfumed with that all-so-familiar peppery- salty seasoning, the slices of Sauteed Black Pepper Beef were cooked to the right doneness. The Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs was the first dish that caught my attention while I passed by the row of black pots. Glazed in a zingy and refreshing sauce, the meat of the large hunks was tender enough to fall of the bones yet still offering some bite.

An Asian spin on the European classic, the Laksa Risotto might have been an uncommon experiment but to me, it had certainly worked with remarkable results. Tossed in a Parmesan Cheese Bowl (reminded me of the gigantic one at Oscar’s Cafe & Terrace), the infusion of flavours from both the local classic and the gratifyingly significant Cheese worked their magic on our taste buds. Prepared ala- minute and thus served warm to further enhance the flavours, the divine signature dish is one that is definitely not to be missed. The Cheese Risotto was lip- smackingly delish as well- utterly creamy and savoury, any fanatic would be in cheese bliss. It was suggested that the delicacy be matched with Parma Ham.

Probably because of the fuss required, I noted that the Ice Kachang Station was hardly utilized by the diners. There might be hardly anything particularly special about the Assorted Jelly and Mousse but the sweet treats were clearly enjoyed by the young and old.

The Mango Mousse Cake was one of my more preferred desserts from the wide array, I thought that it was well- executed as it boasted all the right elements. Done just the way one will like it, there was a great balance of tart and creaminess. The Strawberry Cheesecake was definitely enticing to look at, thought the Strawberry jam threatened to overwhelm the light flavour of the cheesecake. Nonetheless, it was still quite a toothsome delight.

The Tiramisu Mousse In A Shooter fared alright in the taste department but it was let down by its lacklustre texture, that could have definitely been more luscious and smooth for that extra punch. I would opine that the Bread and Butter Pudding was done just so, since it could have been more buttery and complex in flavour and it would have been more gratifying if it was less coagulated.

Though a tad too crumbly, the Pear Tart tasted quite like the fruit, right down to the slightly tart flavour the fruit possesses. The Fruit Cake was studded with aplenty of preserved fruits; sweet buttery and thankfully, not too heavy on one’s palate. Since I did not taste any tinge of alcohol from the cake, it would probably appeal to kids as well.

Yet another one of the better treats that left a deeper impression, the Orange Panna Cottta delivered distinct accents- tangy and sweet, providing the bold balance that the dessert would require. I was very much appealed to the fragrant zest of the fruit that permeated through the custard. The Strawberry Creme Brulee was fairly pleasant, taste-wise but it could have been done better in terms of texture as I was expecting it to be more silky.

The Square’s Durian Pengat has been touted as an absolute must- try should one pay a visit to the restaurant. The heavenly dessert was luscious and so incredibly packed with goodness that I felt addicted to it. It was so intensely flavoured that I thought it tasted distinctively similar to the fruit itself (I don’t really take Durians very frequently though).

We were later brought up to the hotel’s private lounge where we managed to catch a captivating view of Clark Quay at night.

I had simply no complaints about the service at The Square during my visit. Our plates were cleared almost instantly and our glasses were filled rather quickly as well. The service team was friendly and approachable, paying close attention to our needs. The restaurant’s service quality has certainly gained many of my merit points.

A decent buffet spread with several memorable dishes that left quite a deep impression, a comfy set- up with contemporary furnishings and coupled by the restaurant’s excellent service; Novotel’s The Square with its new menu that is built around the theme of ”Flavours Around The World with a Local Twist” is indeed worthy of one’s visit. Moreover, the affordable prices provide a stronger reason to check out the restaurant. Looking for a venue for family dinners or large gatherings? I guess you can probably consider The Square at The Novotel Singapore Clark Quay.

Many thanks to Mr John Paolo Tan from Novotel for the kind invitation and for hosting this food- tasting session! I will like to express my gratitude to Mr Jason Yang for the great service and hospitality as well!

The Square
Novotel Singapore Clark Quay
177A River Valley Road, Level 7
Singapore 179031

Contact Number: 6433 8790

Operating Hours and Prices (For Buffet Only)
Mondays till Fridays; Lunch- 12.00pm to 2.30pm ($38.00++)
Saturdays and Sundays; Hi Tea- 12.00pm to 3.00pm ($45.00++)
Sundays to Thursdays; Dinner- 6.00pm to 10.00pm ($48.00++)
Fridays and Saturdays; Dinner- 6.00pm to 10.00pm ($58.00++)

Jasper N.

 Fire Mackerel ($16.00)

A signature item under Rakuzen’s Special broiled dishes, I must say that we were initially deceived by its unremarkable appearance, until the local Chef whipped out his blowtorch and starting searing the diagonal cuts that sizzled while releasing a pungent yet mouth-watering aroma that caused our hungry stomachs to growl.

My absolute favourite of all the numbers I had tried- the first mouthful of the mackerel had definitely caught me by surprise. Retaining a slight hint of rawness and iciness, the delicately flavoured dish that has been accented by a significant taste of tangy rice wine vinegar, was extremely enjoyable and memorable. Not only did the Fire Mackerel serve to whet our appetite, it left us craving for more of it.

 Moeyo Beef Roll ($18.00)

Yet another of their stand- out house specialities, we watched on in anticipation as the chef walked into our private dining area again and started searing each piece of the well- sized treats with his blowtorch. We were rather intrigued by how the slices of raw beef transformed from a vibrant red to a slightly brownish hue.

A considerably chewy slice of grilled beef settled atop in addition to the tiny wedge of creamy avocado and slightly crisp tempura batter held within the comforting grains of rice, the Moeyo Beef roll had certainly offered lovely textures with each bite.

 Sashimi Zen ($24.00)

A few (if not, many) of us might often opine that when it comes to fresh Sashimi, what you pay is what you get. Thankfully, Rakuzen offered elegant slices of Sashimi that were of decent- quality; which are definitely worthy of the price tag.

 Sakura Chirashidon Zen ($24.00)

Served on a bed of warm, lightly vinegary al- dente Sushi rice, I was glad that my personal order (of the assorted Seafood Sashimi slices) delivered a good balance of taste and texture as well. Not the slightest bit of fishy, I was able to taste the natural sweetness of each and I must admit that they did quell my cravings for the time- being.

 Chicken Teriyaki Zen ($14.00)

Reasonably- sized chunks of Grilled Chicken that were well- marinated and juicily tender, the set meal was gratifying enough to bring about a nod from my friend.

Sushi and Gyuniku Houba Yaki Zen ($24.00)

With plenty of bite, the chewiness of the Grilled Beef pieces was rather pleasant and comforting. The meat could have fared a tad better on the taste buds since it was not exactly thoroughly cloaked with flavour. Without the assorted Sushi that I had actually found to be deserving of one’s order, the set meal is priced at a cost of $16.00.

Unagi Zen ($18.00)

The Grilled Eel hit the right notes with its deeply savoury profile and the deliciously tender texture. Without being too soft, the Grilled Eel was just slightly crisp on the outside while being smooth on the inside. It is probably quite uncommon in many casual Japanese eateries but the servings were noticeably generous, very much to my friend’s joy.

Yakiniku Zen ($16.00)

The Yakiniku Zen was the most popular set meal on our table. Cooked just right and rich enough in flavour, the Grilled Beef Set was not mind- blowing, but it was satisfying enough when what some of them wanted was a good, simple Japanese standard meal done well.

We had to remind the service team of a few of our orders on several occasions while during the day of our visit, the restaurant were unable to accept cash payment. In addition, I thought that some of the waiters and waitresses could have been a little more friendly and approachable since a couple of them appeared to be a little stern.

The Special Broiled numbers are certainly must- tries should you patronize Rakuzen while the set meals are definitely reasonably priced. Comprising of a spacious main dining venue and a few small private rooms, Rakuzen might be a worthy option to hold sizeable gatherings, corporate or family dinners. All in all, I would give thumbs up to the wallet- friendly prices and the decent quality of creations offered by Rakuzen.

Rakuzen
300 Tampines Avenue 5
NTUC Income Building #01-01
Singapore 529653

Contact Number: 6786 8484

Operating Hours:
Mondays to Fridays, 11.30am till 3.00pm and 6.00pm till 10.00pm
Saturdays to Sundays and Public Holidays, 5.00pm till 10.00pm

Jasper N.

Baker & Cook appeared to be a new favourite hang-out for many locals and foreign expatriates for as expected, it was extremely packed when we arrived on a Sunday morning. With a few outdoor seats and a long communal wooden dining table set up within the bakery, many customers were seen streaming in and opting for take-away orders.

Peach Danish Crown Pastry($3.25)

A buttery and flaky pastry housing lightly sweet custard that surrounded the alluringly orange peach, the Peach Danish Crown Pastry did pass the test well. Easy on the palate and delectable to the bite, the toothsome pastry would certainly satisfy both kids and adults. I hoped that the serving of peach was more generous though.

Blueberry Bagel with Cream Cheese ($4.95)

I thought that the bread product went a step up having been toasted, since it helped to highlight the flavours of the blueberries studded within. Dense and doughy with a crispy exterior, the Cream Cheese was a great classic companion with the Bagel.

Pain Au Chcolat ($3.10)

The pastry was wonderfully flaky but it could been more exciting with more chocolate inside, perhaps a more luscious dark chocolate centre. The filling was a tad too little and coagulated for one’s gratification.

Ham and Cheese Quiche ($7.95)

Baker & Cook’s selection of Quiches is one of their best-sellers and during our visit, it was an item that was spotted on almost every table. My friend liked his Ham and Cheese Quiche chilled though I thought it would have tasted much better if he had allowed them to heat it up. He thought that it was a bit of a let-down since it incorporated way too much peppers. The popular item is served with salad and chutney as based on one’s choice over at their chilled counter.

Eggs Benedict ($16.95)

The Eggs Benedict did appear to be drool- worthy but my friend and I felt that it was not as pleasing as it was on the palate. The essence of the Hollandaise Sauce was a little too muted as it failed to infuse with that of the slightly overdone poached eggs to work its magic on our taste buds. The toasted Baker & Cook bread was a fine accompaniment and it did save the dish, while the savoury- salty streaks of bacon were both crispy and chewy.

Simply Scrambled Eggs ($13.95)

Though the texture of the Scrambled Eggs was indeed enjoyable, I thought that the sweet notes could have been more apparent since the dish leaned towards being slightly bland. On the other hand, I was more intrigued by the gratifying home- made taste to the warm, fluffy bread that was enrobed by a thin and flaky crust.

Lemon Tart ($4.95)

One of the best Lemon Tarts I have ever had, the first forkful off the pastry shell caused the tart to ooze with a well of delish- creamy- sharp lemon curd one could eat right out of a jar. It was a pure luxury spooning the sweet citrusy curd up and the show stopping pastry was so heavenly that we wiped the plate clean. Baker & Cook’s Lemon Tart is definitely a must- try should one pay a visit to the bakery.

Pecan Tart ($5.70)

The Pecan tart was surprisingly gratifying as well. Dense and compact, the buttery pastry went well with the highlights of the tart that was not overly- sugared. I must say that it was quite a scrumptious treat for me.

Chocolate Indulgent Cake ($4.95)

I thought that the slight bitterness contrasted beautifully with the subtle sweetness though the cake could have been more moist. It did taste good for the first few mouthfuls but it got a little monotonous and heavy on the palate.

Carrot Cake ($4.95)

Baker & Cook’s Carrot Cake was another winner for me and it could possibly be one of my favourite Carrot Cakes locally. Moist and dense, the pastry boasted good ingredients such as crunchy black sesame and pumpkin seeds and cubes of dried apricot (adding texture) that caused it to be delicious comfort at its best. The luscious layer of cream cheese at the top, worked well to endow the cake with a greater hit of richness.

It was quite a memorable visit to Baker & Cook and I would opine that the hype about the bakery is very much justified. The Carrot Cake and Lemon Tart are clearly must- tries and would be the perfect options for take-away while the bakery’s selection of Quiches appeared to be the crowd’s favourite since we spotted the item on most tables (hence, our order). A brilliant addition to Singapore’s bakery scene, we concluded that we are definitely envious of the residents who live just around the corner.

Baker & Cook
77 Hillcrest Road
Singapore 288951

Contact Number: 6469 8834

Operating Hours:
Sundays to Thursdays, 7.00am till 8.00pm
Fridays and Saturdays, 8.00am till 10.00pm

Jasper N.

A French- styled patisserie specializing in the design and production of Macarons, Entremets (Layered Cakes), Tarts and Chocolates, De La Creme is motivated to ensure that their products are made from the finest quality ingredients and the team looks forward to bringing a variety of novel tastes and designs to the local dining scene.

As my friend and I were there on a weekday afternoon, the venue was relatively empty. A small and tiny cafe that exudes warmth and cosiness from her all-so-familiar- living- room- like set-up, it is no wonder why many of the residents nearby like to settle for an afternoon session of hi- tea at this patisserie.

Assorted Macarons ($2.40 each)

Notoriously difficult to be perfected, De La Creme’s Macarons are certainly not those mediocre morsels one can find just anywhere. Made from ground almond meal, sugar and egg whites instead of jams and pastes, the patisserie believes that the bases of the fillings sandwiched between the shells, provide appropriate prime characteristics that suitably complement the respective flavours carried. My first bite off the Chocolate Amer Macaron was met with awe, the luscious filling that consisted of the Guanaja 70 per cent chocolate was astonishingly delicious- even more so when had with the moist and slightly soft shells that simply spelled comfort. The Earl Grey Chocolate Macaron was my absolute favourite as enhanced by their butter- cream based filling, it comprised of a fascinating- intense flavour that tasted akin to a well- steeped cup of Early Grey Tea. Known as a classic favourite, the Sea Salted Caramel Macaron was a little heavy on the palate since its filling could have been less buttery. The Gula Melaka Macaron left a remarkable impression on the taste buds too, the Asian- inspired filling that consisted of molten palm sugar, was cleverly mixed with coconut and infused in light butter cream. In my opinion, De La Creme’s Macarons are definitely the best few out there and are certainly not be missed.

Mango Shortcake ($7.50)

Known as one of the pastries not to be missed should one pay a visit to the cafe, the cake was gently lifted by the scent and aroma of generous cubes of fresh sweet mango that were stacked between luscious cream and Kirsch soaked layers of French genoise sponge. Most of it was pretty enjoyable but the dessert fell short of being perfect as during our visit, we found it to be unbelievably a tad more dry and less sweet at the other side of the cake.

Magadar ($7.50)

De La Creme’s take on the classic dark chocolate mousse dome was dependably good as the Magadar boasted all the right elements in both texture and the concoction of flavours.

With a refreshing raspberry compote centre that oozed seductively as we dug deeper into the cake, each mouthful was pure pleasure when eaten all together. The smooth dark chocolate mousse and ganache did work decently enough, but the alluringly red slab of raspberry centre was a brilliant contrast,  delivering distinct accents- tangy and sour- to provide the bold balance that the cake would require for a higher escalation of excitement on the palate.

 Lemon Meringue Tart ($6.90)

Snuggled in a buttery tart case that was slightly too hard for the fork to go through easily, the citrusy acerbic curd possessed a fragrant zest of lemons that I found to be incredibly difficult to restrain myself from wiping it clean off the plate. On the other hand, we concurred that the mounted swirl of sticky, torched meringue could have been less coagulated.

During my visit, I tried almost all the desserts on offer then and I had hoped for a wider selection of pastries. The verdict? There might have been a few misses but I would definitely pay a second visit to the patisserie for their utterly delish Macarons that I have since been craving for (well, they are probably the best few out there in the local scene). A little envious of the residents living in close proximity to the cafe, De La Creme is unquestionably a fine addition to the local pastry scene.

De La Creme
42 Siglap Drive
Singapore 456167

Contact Number: 6246 2476

Operating Hours:
Tuesdays to Thursdays, 12.00pm till 11.00pm
Fridays, 12.00pm till 12.00am
Saturdays, 11.00am till 12.00am
Sundays, 10.00am till 11.00pm

Jasper N.

Greeted by spotlights and pretty shades of lavender and other matching colours, The Sleeping Rhino exudes a chic vibe the moment one enters the restaurant. Transparent plastic chairs, a classy- looking small bar area and the glass panel separating the interior from the hungry passer-byers outside, there is no doubt that the restaurant does appear to be a contemporary casual dining venue. We were also told that the sizeable space is highly recommended for large gatherings, cocktail receptions or even birthday parties.

Avocado, Mango and Prawn Salad

The simplistic appetiser had really showed up the originality and freshness of the different ingredients. Not only did the Avocado, Mango and Prawn Salad serve to whet one’s appetite, it hit the right spot with the bright fresh flavours that were not exactly engulfed by the sour balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Offering gratifying differing textures as well, the salad had quite caught my fancy.

Roasted Mushroom Soup

The hearty bowl of Roasted Mushroom Soup turned out to be what I had simply hoped for, a belly- warming yet subtly sweet dish that would quietly delight the diner. Luxed up with a few drops of truffle oil, the velvety and complex soup was just all-so-comforting with the accompanying serving of fresh and warm bread on the rainy day. Though it is subjective to one’s personal preference, I enjoyed the fact that the broth was light and not too creamy.

Macadamia- Crusted Salmon Fillet

I took pleasure in the execution of the Macadamia- Crusted Salmon Fillet for the generous pink slab of Salmon fillet was covered in a nutty Macadamia crust for greater depth in flavour and textural dimension. As the fish could have verged on being a little too dry, I craved for more of the creamy and rich lemon butter sauce. Served with seasonal vegetables and a dollop of mashed potatoes, I would opine that the number from The Sleeping Rhino would be a decent choice for the more diet- conscious eaters.

Double- Cooked Pork Ribs

The star of our dinner, the Doubled- Cooked Pork Ribs was as lip- smackingly delicious as visually appealing it had appeared to be. Mouth- wateringly tender, the meat slipped off the bones easily as it yielded effortlessly to the fork and it was a double win with the accompanying Chef’s secret Barbecue sauce that together, it all sung and conveyed perfect balance- not too rich, not too light and simply just right. A decadent option that would probably conquer hearts and stomachs, I would opine that the Double- Cooked Pork Ribs is worthy of a try should one pay a visit to the restaurant.

Berry Mousse Cheese Cake

We ended off our meal with the well- presented Berry Mousse Cheese Cake, conscientiously arranged with lychees slices and raspberries and drizzled with light maple syrup. Incredulously light with a just a little creamy and smooth texture, I had enjoyed how the cake’s sweet and sour notes come together in harmony as the citrus flavours and the cheese had complemented one another perfectly. I would have definitely hoped for a larger portion of the dessert.

Each dish arrived at a comfortable pace and they were served in a very organised manner. The waiters maintained a professional image and they were both courteous and polite as they approached us. Thumbs up to the service team at The Sleeping Rhino!

Decent food in a cosy setting, paired with excellent company and coupled with remarkable service- I must say that dinner was certainly memorable. Should one be working around the area,  this casual- dining restaurant located along Hoe Chiang Road is worthy of a try, whether it is during one’s lunch break or it is past working hours.

Many thanks to Ms Belda Chen from klapsons, The Boutique Hotel for hosting this food- tasting session!

The Sleeping Rhino
klapsons, The Boutique Hotel
15 Hoe Chiang Road
Singapore 089316

Contact Number: 6521 9001

Operating Hours:
Mondays to Saturdays, 7.00am till 10.30pm
Sundays, 7.00am till 11.00am

Jasper N.

 Etna Pizza ($25.00)

As pleasing to the eye as it was on the palate, the Etna Pizza did certainly serve decent bites to quell our cravings for truly Italian pizza. With just enough Mozzarella and Cream cheese to lend a distinctive aroma to the dish without stealing the show, the shreds of Parma Ham were scrumptious and delectable to the bite just as well. Well- balanced texturally, the Etna Pizza went a step up with the sprinkling of grounded Pistachio (from Bronte in Sicify).

Fruitti di Mare ($26.00)

One of the offerings under their Pizza Rosse (Red Pizzas, Tomato and Mozzarella Cheese base) selection, the restaurant’s Fruitti di Mare was quite yummy too. Appearing to be drool-worthy as seen from its concoction of delightfully succulent shrimps, mussels and squid, together with its hearty tomato sauce from the red edges, I had actually preferred the Fruitti di Mare for I took gratification in how the different refined sweet flavours from the tomato-influenced pizza base and seafood ingredients complemented one another.

Margherite al Pistacchio di Bronte ($24.00)

Initially, I could not help but concur with my friends that the culinary team could have been more generous with the servings of home-made pasta. However, all the negativity about the portion simply diminished after I had a forkful of the decadently rich dish. Encased with Walnut and Four Cheeses stuffing in Sicilian Pesto Sauce, the contrast between the sweet and salty savour, the crunchy, creamy and chewy textures made each bite an absolute adventure that was really soul- lifting. The pasta number from Etna was so delish that the plate was mopped clean in the end.

Linguine con Capesante ($24.00)

Another signature item from the Pasta- Chef Specialties variety, the Linguine con Capesante did come quite rightly. The flat pasta was cooked to the perfect degree of al- dente but I would have hoped that the Pink Lobster sauce that the Linguine was slathered in, could have been given a more flavour- packed edge in the sense that the flavours could have been a tad more assertive. On the other hand, the Scallops were considerably fresh and tasty.

The menu here at Etna Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria is rambling with an extensive array of pizza standards and pasta dishes that are quite decent, if not marvellous for a few of their signature numbers. When questioned, my friends had said that they would prefer Bruno’s while a few others (not from this visit) would rather pay a visit to Etna. So what is your opinion of the competition here?

Etna Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria
110 Upper East Coast Road
Singapore 455298

Contact Number: 6444 9530

Operating Hours:
Mondays to Saturdays, 12.00pm till 2.30pm and 6.30pm till 10.30pm
Sundays, 11.00am till 11.00pm

Jasper N.