Alaturka – Authentic Mediterranean and Turkish Cuisine

We were looking for a place to celebrate LD’s & our Godson’s birthday. Surprisingly, our Godson choose Mediterranean cuisine and his mum made a booking at Alaturka Mediterranean & Turkish Restaurant.

Located in Bussorah Street, nearby the iconic Arab Street, Alaturka fits right at home. Helmed by the most experienced Turkish chefs, Alaturka served authentic and marvellous Mediterranean cuisine. They are also awarded the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand in 2016.

Alaturka Mediterranean & Turkish Restaurant

We started the meal with Hummus ($12.50) and Havuc Salata ($12.50). Whenever LD see a Hummus on the menu, it is a must-order item for her. The version here is smooth, creamy and packs with chickpea flavour. It is served with Ekmek bread that is soft and fluffy.

Hummus

Havuc Salata is a Turkish carrot salad. The peeled carrots are cooked with olive oil and then mixed with yoghurt and garlic. If you don’t like the raw carrot taste, don’t worry, the garlic and yoghurt remove most of the raw carrot taste.

Havuc Salata

When we were ordering, we notice the next table ordered this balloon type of bread. After we find it on the menu, we decided to add Lavas ($6) to our order. Served piping hot and in a balloon shape, we were in awe and took lots of photos of it. It is aromatic and tasted light and clean, yet addictive. You can just eat that on its own and try to finish it while it’s hot.

Lavas

Calamari ($18). Deep-fried breaded calamari, served with spiced mayonnaise. It was not a special dish, but everyone just enjoys it. Crispy exterior, followed by tender yet springy calamari rings.

Calamari

Etli Pide ($24). Pide is like the Turkish version of boat shape pizza with a different selection of toppings. We choose the seasoned coarse-ground lamb and cheese. The base is crisp with a soft chewy texture, while the ground lamb is meaty, well-seasoned and absent of the gamy taste. The cheese binds all the ingredients together, giving it the deserving umami flavour and the delicate chewy texture.

Etli Pide

Next up are the meat platter. Karisik Kebab ($59 for 2) and Alaturka Platter ($79 for 2). Both the platter has similar grilled meat such as Kuzu Pirzolla (Lamb Chop), Tavuk Sis (Boneless Grilled Chicken Thigh) and Kanat (Chicken Wings). The Karisik kebab has Köfte (3 lambs and beef meatballs), while the Alaturka Platter has Adana Chicken / Lamb (Marinated minced meat, hand-formed skewer) and Patlican Lamb Kebab (Ground lamb and eggplant skewers). We also ordered extra Kuzu Pirzolla.

Alaturka Platter

Let me not bored you with the details, because at that time, I also did not know the specifics of it. Let’s make it simple, the chickens are juicy, succulent, super tender and well marinated. While most of the kebabs that I tried previously were dried, Alaturka version beat them hands down. They are moist, juicy and the seasoning is spot on. You can still taste the flavour of the meat, instead of being drowned by spices. The Lamb Chop is overcooked, but it was very forgiving as still remains juicy.

Karisik Kebab with extra Kuzu Pirzolla

Each platter is served with buttered rice, greens and house sauce. The rice is fragrant, aromatic and tasty. While the vegetables are tossed with a balsamic vinegar dressing. The house sauce is the must-try here. Instead of dunking your meat into it, I suggest you mixed it with the rice. It is just delicious!!

Karisik Kebab with extra Kuzu Pirzolla

For desserts, we settle on Kunefe ($15) A Turkish dessert made from shredded phyllo dough, butter, cheese, ground pistachios and milk. Absolutely love this dessert. The combination of the crispy texture, savoury and sweet as well. We described the taste like Chao Da Bee Hoon with Cream (in a delicious way). It is claimed to be Turkey’s finest dessert, I totally agree with them.

Kunefe

Alaturka has two dining sections, indoor and outdoor. The indoor dining room is a bit small, but it is decorated in traditional Turkish lights, carpet and plates. The outdoor area feels like you are dining in a Mediterranean restaurant near the beach. Although the place is packed, the service remains friendly and attentive. We brought a cake to celebrate our Godson’s birthday and they even plated nicely for us. Plus they took our photos with those fun placards and print a hardcopy for our memento.

Overall, it was our first time dining at Alaturka and we can’t wait to make a return visit there. The food is authentic and delicious, accompanied by friendly service. For those who never tried the Mediterranean or Turkish food, this is a good place for your first experience. For those who like it, you must visit Alaturka. Cheers!!

Food & Drink: 8.5/10

Value: 8/10

Service: 8.5/10

Ambiance: 7/10

Budget per Person: $26 - $50; $51 - $80.

Alaturka Mediterranean & Turkish Restaurant

15 Bussorah Street

Singapore 199436

T: +65 9434 6026 / 6294 0304

W: https://www.alaturka.com.sg/

F: https://www.facebook.com/alaturkarestaurantsingapore

IG: @Alaturkarestaurantsingapore

OH: Daily 11.30 – 22.30 (LO 22.00)

George Town – Festive Delights and BBQ Skewers [MEDIA INVITE]

BBQ Skewers @ George Town

George Town Tze Char & Craft Beer has launched their festive delights and BBQ skewers menu. This delicious menu will pair nicely with their Craft beer on the tap from Brewlander, bottled craft beer from Japan and UK, fine wines and award-winning sake and gin. Their signature mix includes the Chendol Gin and Rojak Gin.

Festive Dual Flavoured Turkey 

Festive Dual Flavoured Turkey (Deep-Fried Turkey and Braised Turkey with Guangxi Sauce) - $28. Surprisingly tender, succulent and un-turkey like. It tasted similar to big size chicken and it is not gamy. The deep-fried turkey reminds me of the Hainanese pork chop, with ketchup on top. Meanwhile, the Guangxi sauce is made from Chinese chives and ginger, has a nice aromatic flavour.

Festive Dual Flavoured Turkey

Metal Jacket Drumlets ($18). Coated in sweet and savoury sauce, these sexy drumlets are a great dish for your meal or a great nibble to go with your beer and drinks. Though it is covered with aluminium foil, you will still get some sauce on your fingers. Allowing you a finger-licking good moment.

Metal Jacket Drumlets

Metal Jacket Drumlets

Garlic Fried Tilapia ($35). The fish is deep-fried till crispy and covered with spicy and aromatic garlic. The flavour is bold, strong and spicy. LD enjoy the crispy tail and fins, while I prefer the flesh. I find the sauce is too spicy for me, however, it is suitable for spicy food lovers.

Garlic Fried Tilapia

Garlic Fried Tilapia

Hotplate Black Pepper Wagyu with Parmesan Butter ($28). There is an old school feel when beef is served on a hot plate. I like the tenderness of the wagyu with black pepper sauce. However, I feel the parmesan butter is a bit over the top. You got a lot of flavours going on the plate, but it just covered the true taste of the beef. Another option is to serve / offer an option to serve this dish with mantou or bread, so it can be used to dip into the gravy.

Hotplate Black Pepper Wagyu with Parmesan Butter

Penang Fried Kway Teow ($10, Small). LD and I had their Penang Fried Kway Teow on a few occasions. Surprisingly, this dish is just getting better and better. You get the Wok Hei, followed by smooth and silky rice noddle and coated eggs. Yummy.

Penang Fried Kway Teow

Penang Fried Kway Teow

George Town Choy Sum ($12). Sweet and crunchy Choy Sum, cooked with oyster sauce and topped with fried shallots. A simple vegetable dish, executed spot-on.

George Town Choy Sum

George Town also launching their BBQ skewers menu, where the meat and vegetables are marinated with their secret rub and bbq to perfection. We were served Wagyu Beef ($5), Mutton ($1), Beef Tongue ($3), Pig Intestine ($2) and Taiwan Sausage ($2) for the meat. For the vegetable Potato ($1), Brinjal / egg plant ($2), Mushroom ($2), Asparagus ($2) and Long Bean ($2).

Vegetable BBQ Skewers

Our pick from the skewers are the wagyu beef, mutton and beef tongue get our thumbs up. The meat is slightly charred, juicy and succulent. The seasoning is not a strong China’s lamb skewers marinate, instead, it has a hint of Nanyang curry flavour in it. The vegetable will need some improvement on the presentation and bbq timing.

Meat BBQ Skewers

Meat BBQ Skewers

Located at Boat Quay area, with a view of Singapore iconic river and the Parliament House, George Town Tze Char is a great place to enjoy your evening. I am impressed with the creativity of Charles (the owner) that keep coming with new dishes, especially the turkey dish.

Overall, it was a pleasure returning to George Town to try their new dishes. Turkey with Two Flavours, Metal Jacket Drumlets and Garlic Fried Tilapia are good. While their signature Penang Fried Kway Teow is just getting better and better. If you are around Boat Quay area, check out George Town Tze Char and Craft Beer. Cheers!!

George Town BBQ Menu

Thank you very much Jennifer Yeo Consultancy and George Town Tze Char & Craft Beer Team for hosting us.

For the previous review of George Town, click on the link here. Review 1. Review 2.

Food & Drinks: 7.5/10

Value: 7.75/10

Service: N/A (Media Tasting)

Ambiance: 8.5/10

Budget per Person: $26 - $50; $51 - $80

George Town Tze Char & Craft Beer

81 Boat Quay

Singapore 049869

T: +65 6535 6277 / 9682 3826

F: https://www.facebook.com/georgetowntzechar

IG: @Georgetowntzechar

OH: Daily 12.00 – 23.00

SO/ Singapore – Christmas Brunch 2021 [MEDIA INVITE]

Roast Turkey @ Xperience

Santa is SO/ coming to town, come and celebrate this festive season ith over-the-top feasts done the SO/ audacious way through Christmas Brunches, Dinners and Takeaways. In-house dining will take place at Xperience, a vibrant all-day restaurant and bar known for its tantalizing cuisine and attentive service. Chef Nyon Yan Quan has taken the lead this time around and has curated a sumptuous meal for us to savour.

Over-Flowing Brunch Tower

We were invited to try the Christmas Brunches and we started the meal with Xperience Signature Over-Flowing Brunch Tower. Consist of 3 levels of treats, from savoury to sweets. At level 1, we have overflowing platter filled with appetizer, artisanal cold cults, cheese and brunch items.

Over-Flowing Brunch Tower

The Beef Con Carne Tortilla Chips with Cheese hits the sweet spot in me. It is thick, robust and bursting with flavour, sitting perfectly on crispy tortilla chips. Together with smoked salmon and wild rocket salad, it was a nice start to the meal.

Level 1

Level 1

Moving to Level 2, you are treated with Bounty of the Sea. I enjoy the flesh of the Garlic Butter Roasted Boston Lobster. Most of the time, I enjoyed my Alaskan King Crab served on an iced bowl, it takes a bit of getting used to having it served at room temperature.

Level 2

Level 3 are reserved for desserts and you must pace yourself and keep some space for them at the end of your meal. However, before I go to level 3, let’s take a detour to the free flow Carving Stations. A sampler platter will be served to your table to start, you can then inform the service staff of additional dishes that you want to add.

Whole Roasted Turkey. Perfectly roasted. The dark meat is juicy, succulent and packs with flavour. Meanwhile, the white meat part is lean, yet moist. The gravy complements both cuts nicely.

Whole Roasted Turkey

Whole Roasted Turkey

Homemade Honey Baked Ham. Served in generous thick slices, I like the smokiness of the flesh. It is very meaty, therefore best enjoy with the braised purple cabbage.

Homemade Honey Baked Ham

Mediterranean Spiced Roasted Striploin. Roasted to medium-rare, each slice of the striploin is pink in the middle. The fats from the top of the sirloin, rendered into the meat to ensure the flesh remains juicy and succulent. The crust at the edges of the roast delivers a contrasting texture to the flesh and infused the meat with additional flavour. I asked for additional servings of the beef and it definitely goes well with warm potato salad.

Mediterranean Spiced Roasted Striploin

Mediterranean Spiced Roasted Striploin

Seabass Fillet with Tomato and Olive salsa. The boneless seabass is moist, meaty yet flaky. The fish is lightly seasoned and it just melts in your mouth. The tomato and olive salsa provided a sweet and tangy burst of flavour but did not overpowering the flavour of the fish. Yummy!.

Seabass Fillet with Tomato and Olive Salsa

Now coming back to Level 3, the desserts. From the folks that curated Sunday brunch menu fully based on pancakes, you know the pancakes are a must-try Moist, flavourful with a hint of chewiness, it is just delicious. Together with chantilly cream, brown butter and maple syrup are just impeccable.

Level 3, Desserts

The Macaroons has a light, smooth and crisp exterior. Followed by a chewy filling that is not overpoweringly sweet. Also don’t miss out on the solid chocolate Santa.

Chocolate Santa

Overall, it was an enjoyable Christmas Brunch meal. The Carving Stations and dessert level of the brunch tower are my favourites. If you are still looking for a Christmas Brunch place this season, do consider Xperience at SO/ Singapore. Cheers!!

The Gin Cart

Christmas Brunches Menu

SO/ Singapore Festive Dining Options [click on the blue link for more details & menu]

Daily Festive Set Dinners

01 to 30 December 2021 from 6pm

$98++ per person

Top up $68++ for free-flow Prosecco, wine and beer

Top up $98++ for free-flow champagne, festive spritz, jingle juice, gin cart

Festive Set Dinners
Image Credit: SO/ Singapore

Christmas Dinners

24, 25, 26 December 2021 from 6pm

$98++ per person

Top up $68++ for free-flow Prosecco, wine and beer

Top up $98++ for free-flow champagne, festive spritz, jingle juice, gin cart

Christmas Brunches

25 & 26 December 2021 from 12pm

$98++ per person

Top up $68++ for free-flow Prosecco, wine and beer

Top up $98++ for free-flow champagne, festive spritz, jingle juice, gin cart

Christmas Takeaway Brunch

25 & 26 December 2021 | 11am and 5pm

$298+ for 2-3 persons

$348+ for 4-5 persons

Christmas Takeaway Brunch

Christmas Festive Takeaway

New Year’s Dinner

31 December, 01 & 02 January from 6pm

$78++ per person

Top up $48++ for free-flow Prosecco, wine and beer

Top up $68++ for free-flow champagne and gin cart

Hangover Brunch

01 & 02 January from 12pm

$78++ per person

Top up $48++ for free-flow Prosecco, wine and beer

Top up $68++ for free-flow champagne and gin cart

Party Pack 2022

31 December, 01 & 02 January | 11am and 5pm

$298+ for 2-3 persons

$348+ for 4-5 persons

Thank you very much SO/ Singapore team for hosting me.

Food: 7.75/10

Value: 7/10

Service: N/A (Tasting Invitation)

Ambiance: 8/10

Budget per Person: $81 & Above

Xperience Restaurant

SO/ SINGAPORE

35 Robinson Road

Singapore 068876

T: +65 6701 6700

W: https://www.so-singapore.com/

F: https://www.facebook.com/SOSingaporeOfficial

IG: @Sosingaporeofficial

OH:

Mon – Sun: 08.00 – 21.30

Sat & Sun Brunch: 12.00 – 14.00

Oscar’s – Festive Dining 2021 [MEDIA INVITE]

Joy at Oscar's 2021

Celebrate this festive period with mouth-watering gastronomic delight at Oscar’s. This year buffet theme will move to "Assisted Buffet" where guests can walk to the buffet lines to get their own food served by the Chefs. 

Cheers!!

We started the Festive Menu dinner with Red and Green Colour Mocktails, inspired by the popular show Squid Game. The red mocktail is concocted from cranberries juice, it has the acidity to perk up your appetite, while the green mocktail is made from refreshing lime.

The Table Setting

Here are the highlights of this year festive menu:

Frutti Di Mare Platter, consist of Boston Lobster, Alaskan King Crab, Oysters and Prawns. What a luxurious seafood platter. The lobster is sweet and bouncy, while the Alaskan King Crab legs are packed with juicy flesh. Looking at the fresh oysters just brings back the memories where you can walk to the seafood bar and see the chef shucking the oysters and you can choose from three to five types of oysters in one seating.

Frutti Di Mare Platter

There are three sauces to compliment the seafood platter, tartare, seafood sauce and vinaigrette.

The Sauces

Truffled Turkey and Caramelized Onions Pincho. Pincho means a small snack in Spanish. It has a combination of sweet (caramelized onions & candied orange) and savoury (truffled turkey), followed by a kick from the garlic cream cheese. A nice intermission between the two seafood dishes.

Truffled Turkey and Caramelized Onions Pincho

Snapper and Pineapple Ceviche, Gazpacho. A refreshing seafood dish. The snapper is cured with sweet and refreshing pineapple. The pickled onions added some sparks to the dish, while Spicy Salsa is surprisingly mellow.

Snapper and Pineapple Ceviche, Gazpacho

Snapper and Pineapple Ceviche, Gazpacho

Foie Gras – Egg, Wild Mushrooms Truffle Toast. Suitable for the all-day breakfast festive theme. The poached eggs are perfectly cooked and the yolk slowly oozes out when you cut through it. It is followed with bold flavours from truffle, wild mushrooms and foie gras. To balance the rich flavour, bite into the acidic lingonberries. Yumz!!

Foie Gras – Egg, Wild Mushrooms Truffle Toast

Foie Gras – Egg, Wild Mushrooms Truffle Toast

From the Chef’s Carving Trolley, we have Whole Roasted Turkey with Brandy infused Turkey Gravy. LD and I are always impressed on how Chef Mandar and his crew at Oscar’s always get their turkey juicy and succulent, including the breast meat. We like the medley of flavours from Spiced Caramel Glazed Chestnuts, Roasted Brussels Sprouts plus the gravy. For the bread stuffing, it is slightly dry to my liking, therefore best eaten with more gravy on top. LD always say that it is the only Roast Turkey that she likes.

Chef’s Carving Trolley

Whole Roasted Turkey with Brandy infused Turkey Gravy

Partnering the turkey on the Carving Board is Dry Rubbed Whole Roasted Ribeye. The ribeye has a good crust around the exterior, followed by tender flesh with a slightly resilient texture. The roast beef is served with horseradish slaw and peppercorn jus.

Dry Rubbed Whole Roasted Ribeye

Dry Rubbed Whole Roasted Ribeye

Meanwhile, their Festive Barbeque selections offered this delicious Rosemary Garlic Marinated Lamb Chop, Chestnut and Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Wings and Orange Thyme Australian Quails.

Orange Thyme Australian Quails

The Quails is excellent. It is juicy, delicate and packs with a beautiful smoky aroma from the bbq. However, if you are not keen on quails, go for the stuffed chicken wings. It is stuffed with chestnut and cranberry, almost the size of a roast duck drumstick. HUGE!

Chestnut and Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Wings

Chestnut and Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Wings

Rosemary Garlic Marinated Lamb Chop has a nice charred exterior, followed by a slightly chewy texture. The gaminess from the lamb chop is a bit strong, however, the pomegranate glaze and mint oil help to offset it.

Rosemary Garlic Marinated Lamb Chop

We finally arrive at the dessert. Bitter Sweet Chocolate Yule Log, Panettone Yule Log, Traditional Stolen and Pecan Tart. The mini bittersweet chocolate yule log and panettone yule log gets my pick. Not only the designs are cute and adorable, but they are also delicious. Yummy!

The Dessert

Traditional Stolen & Bitter Sweet Chocolate Yule Log

Pecan Tart & Panettone Yule Log

Overall, it was another great preview from Oscar’s for its Festive Offerings at Oscars. If you are planning for your Christmas gathering with your family, better to book soon as they are running out.

Festive Buffet at Oscars

Festive Season with Oscar’s Assisted Buffet starts on Thanksgiving Night.

Available from 25th November 2021 (Dinner) to 31st December 2021 (Lunch).

Lunch: 26th Nov – 24th Dec & 26th Dec – 31st Dec

Time: 12.00 – 14.30

Monday to Friday: Adult S$58++, Child S$29++ (6 – 12 years old)

Dinner: 25th Nov – 23rd Dec & 26th Dec – 30th Dec

Time: 18.00 – 22.30

Sunday to Thursday: Adult S$78++, Child S$39++ (6 – 12 years old)

Friday and Saturday: Adult S$88++, Child S$44++ (6 – 12 years old)

Weekend Brunch, Saturday and Sunday (excluding 25th December 2021)
S$98++ per person inclusive of Coffee and Tea
S$128++ per person inclusive of Sparkling Rosé, G&T Live Experience, House Wines, Beers and Soft Drinks
S$158++ per person inclusive of Champagne, Mimosa, Sparkling Rosé, G&T Live Experience, House Wines, Beers and Soft Drinks

Click > HERE < for Lunch Menu

Click > HERE < for Dinner Menu

Click > HERE < for Weekend Brunch Menu

Christmas Eve Dinner, Christmas Day Brunch & Dinner and New Year’s Eve Dinner

Available on 24th, 25th and 31st December 2021

Price:

S$178++ per person unlimited soft drinks, chilled juices, ice tea bar, and coffee & tea

S$208++ per person unlimited soft drinks, house wines, beers, sparkling rose and G&T live experience

S$228++ per person unlimited soft drinks, house wines, beers, sparkling rose, champagne, mimosa and G&T live experience

S$89++ per child (6 – 12 years old), S$44.50++ per child (3 – 5 years old)

Click > HERE < to view our Festive Menu

For Hilton Honors members, enjoy the benefits of the “Like a Member” offer by calling Oscar’s directly on 6432 7481

For more information or to order please call 6432 7481 or email sinci.oscars@conradhotels.com.

Thank you very much Conrad Centennial Singapore Team for hosting us.

Food & Drinks: 8.5/10

Value: 8.75/10

Service: N/A

Ambiance: 8.5/10

Budget per Person: $51 - $80; $81 & Above

Oscar's

2 Temasek Boulevard

Lobby Level, Conrad Centennial Singapore

Singapore 038982

T: +65 6432 7481

W: http://bit.ly/cbkconradoscars

F: https://www.facebook.com/conradcentennialsingapore

IG: @Conradsingapore @Oscarsatconrad

OH: Daily 07.00 – 22.30