Saturday, 12 October 2024

Fat Belly – The Uncommon Cuts Steakhouse [MEDIA INVITE]

Fat Belly (“FB”) is a community steakhouse in Bukit Timah serving delicious secondary cuts of steak, moreish sides and classic desserts. FB takes pride in its sourcing and butchery, working with a close-knit network of producers across the world for lesser-known cuts of beef, pork and more. Head Chef Spencer Lau embraces a minimalist philosophy, choosing only the finest meats for the Charcoal Grilled section of the menu, which are expertly grilled over charcoal, rested, sliced, and served.

Toasted Sourdough & Raclette Cheese
Our evening at FB starts with Toasted Sourdough [$6] & Raclette Cheese [$18]. The sourdough has a crisp texture externally, followed by a soft and bouncy texture in the middle. The raclette cheese has a gooey and stretchy texture. Together with the crispy bacon, the raclette is irresistible. A great start to the meal.

Toasted Sourdough
Raclette Cheese with Crispy Bacon
The Combo
For the drinks, I had the mocktail version of Hugo while my dining partner, Purple-Eats had Bodega Catena, Malbec 2021 (Argentina). My Hugo is refreshing and floral.

Hugo Mocktail & Bodega Catena Malbec
For the steak, we had Full Blood Wagyu MS 8/9 DENVER [$65] & American Wagyu MBS 6/7 PICANHA [$55].

American Wagyu MBS 6/7 PICANHA & 
Full Blood Wagyu MS 8/9 DENVER 
Full Blood Wagyu MS 8/9 DENVER 
American Wagyu MBS 6/7 PICANHA
The Denver steak is also known as boneless short rib. It is one of my favourite cuts in Korean BBQ joints due to its rich flavour and tender texture. Coming from Full Blood Wagyu MS 8/9, this cut has a lovely marbling. It is cooked perfectly to the point of medium rare, the Denver steak just melts in your mouth.

Full Blood Wagyu MS 8/9 DENVER - Medium Rare 
At FB, the steak is served with rock salt, royal mustard and roasted garlic. I had the Denver with a touch of salt and also with the tangy royal mustard. Both ways are just awesome. The baked garlic is sweet and packed with intense garlic flavour.

The American Wagyu MBS 6/7 Picanha is also a unique steak. Picanha cut is taken from the top of the rump also known as rump cap. This cut is commonly used in Churrascaria (Brazilian BBQ) because of its perfect balance between lean and fats. When grilled, the fat caps just melts and keep the lean part juicy.

American Wagyu MBS 6/7 PICANHA - Medium Rare
For the version at FB, it is cooked to the point of medium rare. It is juicy and tender, but don’t expect a melt-in-your-mouth sensation. Instead, you can expect a bit of bite / resilience in the steak.

For the side, Pomme Puree [$10] & Fried Brussels Sprouts [$14]. The pomme puree (mashed potatoes) is smooth and velvety, drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil for that extra flavour.

Pomme Puree
The brussel sprouts are seasoned with the exciting garum caramel (umami-laden sauce, filled with sweet, salty and savoury flavour). Through deep frying, the brussel sprouts deliver a blend of crispy and crunchy texture, followed by outrageous rich and complex flavour. WOW!!

Fried Brussel Sprouts
We end the meal with Signature Tiramisu [$14]. The texture is soft, light and packed with strong coffee flavour. It was so delicious; that I couldn’t stop scooping the tiramisu.

Signature Tiramisu
Overall, it was great to be back at Fat Belly and experience a superb secondary cut of steak. On top of that, the starters, sides and dessert are delish. A must-visit place for a steak lover. Cheers!!

All Day Ala Carte Menu
Thank you very much Protegie Consultancy and Team Fat Belly for the invitation.

Food & Drink: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Service: N/A (Tasting Invitation)
Ambiance: 8/10
Budget per Person: $51 - $80

Fat Belly
10 Jalan Serene
#01-04, Serene Centre
Singapore 258748

T: +65 6314 2247
OH:
Mon – Thu: 11.00 – 16.00; 17.00 – 22.00
Fri: 11.00 – 16.00; 17.00 – 23.00
Sat: 11.00 – 23.00
Sun: 11.00 – 22.00
Menu Available Online

Tuesday, 8 October 2024

Birds of A Feather – A Lighter and Refreshing Menu 2024 [MEDIA INVITE]

Birds of A Feather (“BOF”) has introduced new flavours in their latest menu, focusing on lighter and refreshing flavours. BOF remains committed to its principles, delivering contemporary cuisine with Sichuan influences that blend East-and-West menu.

We started the tasting with dishes from the “Beginning”.

Beginning

Ume Tomato (V) [$14] - Ume Marinated Looye Cherry Tomato, Ume Granite, Sour Jelly, Salicornia. The Looye cherry tomato absorbs the lovely ume marinate. When I bit into the tomato, it was bursting with sweet and plum flavour. The sour jelly and salicornia provide a contrasting flavour and crunchy texture.

Ume Tomato
Ceviche [$21] - European Sea Bass, Chopped Chilli Salsa, Celtuce, Oriental ‘Tigers Milk’, Citrus Pops. The thick cubes of European Sea Bass are marinated with Oriental “Tiger Milk”. Tiger Milk is a Peruvian sauce base used to make Ceviche. This oriental version is on the milder side and it also adds pickled ginger as part of the sauce. The result is a lovely Ceviche with Oriental flavours.

Ceviche
Yu Xiang Eggplant Soba (V) [$18] - Japanese Eggplant, Soba, Puffed Buckwheat, Julienne Vegetables. I am not an eggplant fan, but I must admit this vegetarian dish piques my interest. The julienne vegetables consist of bell peppers and carrots have a lovely crunchy texture, in contrast to the braised eggplant. The sauce has a touch of bitterness and tanginess to tease your palate.

Yu Xiang Eggplant Soba
Spinach & Mushroom (V) [$17] - Spinach, Pine Nuts, Smoked Bamboo Shoots, Tea Tree Mushroom, Rye Croutons, Ferment Soy Bean Sabayon. A lot of flavours and texture happening in this dish. I like the flavour combination of smoked bamboo shoots and mild fermented soy bean sabayon that coddles the bitterness from the spinach. Hidden in the background is Sichuan sweet vinegar sauce that liven up the flavours. Meanwhile, the pine nuts and rye croutons for some crunch in the dish. A nice warm salad dish.

Spinach & Mushroom
Pork Dumpling [$18] - Pan Seared, Sichuan Dressing, Fried Sage, Almond, Lavosh. The pork dumpling is bursting with flavour, coated with spicy Sichuan dressing and sweet butternut puree. The sesame lavosh tasted like crispy dumpling skin.

Pork Dumpling
Next up for the tasting is “Ongoing” Menu. These are the favourite items on the BOF Menu, that have undergone some tweaking.

Roast Duck Consommé 
Roast Duck Consommé [$28] - Oriental Flavoured Duck Consommé with Duck Ravioli, Black Trumpet Mushroom, Cordyceps Flower, Braised Daikon. For someone who enjoys a lighter dish. The broth is clean-tasting and infused with mild oriental herbs. The ravioli is filled with juicy roast duck.

Roast Duck Consommé 
Chow Chow Prawn [$43] - Wok Fried Spiced Tiger Prawn, Sichuan Chow Chow Relish, Coriander Puree. This is the dish that you want to keep the utensils aside and use your fingers. The tiger prawns are fresh and well-seasoned. I enjoy sucking the jus from the prawn head, followed by the crunchy flesh of the prawn. The Sichuan chow chow relish is tangy, sweet and packed mala heat. Yummy! One of the must-order dishes at BOF.

Chow Chow Prawn
Barramundi Chazuke [$36] - Pan Seared Fillet, Classic Sichuan Sour Veg Fish Broth, Japanese Rice, Sauté Romaine, Kale, Mustard Green. One of the main stayers in the BOF Menu. The barramundi fillet is pan-seared to deliver a crispy skin and moist flesh. However, the star of the dish is the classic Sichuan sour vegetable fish broth. It is robust, sourish and packed with a bit of heat. A great dish to warm up your stomach.

Barramundi Chazuke

Next up is the Apportion dish (dishes good for sharing). Loup De Mer (600g - 700g) [$98] - Whole European Seabass Spiced, Sichuan Chopped Chilli Salsa, Asparagus, Ratte Potato, Kale, Black Trumpet, Vine Pepper Beurre Blanc. The whole European seabass is spiced, butterflied and pan-fried with the scales still on. The result is a crispy exterior, with natural scales crackers on the skin side and velvety flesh. The vine pepper beurre Blanc (white sauce) complemented the fish perfectly together with the ratted potatoes and asparagus. Yummy!!

Loup De Mer

For “Finale” / desserts, we have Citrus Block [$16] - Grapefruits & Orange Terrines, Milk Chips, Spiced Earl Grey Sauce & Sabayon, Popping Candy, Crispy Yogurt. A refreshing citrus fruit terrine, paired with awesome spiced earl grey sauce. The milk chips popping candy provide an exciting texture in this dessert.

Citrus Block
Jujube & Strawberry [$17] - Red Chinese Dates, Jujube Mascarpone Cremeux, Jujube Cake, Jujube & Strawberry Compote, Almond Sable, Dried and Fresh Strawberry. A deconstructed version of jujube pastry, bind together by jujube mascarpone cremeux.

Jujube & Strawberry
Overall, it was an exciting meal at BOF. Executive Chef Eugene See and his team always impress us with the East-meet-West concept, beautiful plating and lovely Sichuan flavours. Although the latest menu is lighter and more refreshing, the Sichuan-inspired flavours remain. Our personal pick is the Ceviche, Ume Tomato, Chow Chow Prawn, Barramundi Chazuke, Loup De Mer and Citrus Block. Kanpai!! Cheers!!

Thank you very much Kristine, Chef Eugene See and BOF team for hosting us.

Food & Drink: 8.75/10
Value: 7.5/10
Service: N/A
Ambiance: 8/10
Budget per Person: $51 - $80; $81 and above

Birds of A Feather
115 Amoy Street
#01-01
Singapore 069935

T: +65 9755 7115
OH:
Mon – Sat: 12.00 – 15.00; 18.00 – Midnight
Sun: 12.00 – 15.00; 18.00 – 22.00
Menu available online

Thursday, 22 August 2024

Permata Singapore – National Days Celebration [MEDIA INVITE]

This August, Permata Singapore celebrate the National Days of Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia with 1-FOR-1 Halal Buffet, bringing together the best culinary menu of the three nations.

National Month 1-for-1 Buffet
Highlights of this feast are:
Punten + Sambal Ijo. Punten origin from Java, it is a rice cooked with coconut milk, crushed and mould into desired shape. It is rich, creamy and together with Chef Mel Dean’s sambal ijo, it has a kick to our palate and a good start to the meal.

Punten + Sambal Ijo
Pulut Kuning + Beef Rendang + Javanese Sambal Goreng. The yellow glutinous rice is packed with turmeric. The beef rendang is rich and fork tender and goes well with the sambal goreng made with potatoes and long beans.

Pulut Kuning + Beef Rendang + Javanese Sambal Goreng
Nasi Goreng Rawon + Ayam Goreng Rempah + Sambal Quail Eggs. This flavourful fried rice is made with beef and candlenut soup. It paired well with the tasty fried chicken and the rich quail eggs chilli.

Nasi Goreng Rawon + Ayam Goreng Rempah + Sambal Quail Eggs
Gado Gado. My favourite Indonesian salad. A combination of rice cake, fried tofu, bean sprout, fried tempeh, cabbage and keropok bind by thick, tasty and rich peanut sauce. I will usually drizzle peanut sauce until it covers the whole plate.

Gado Gado
Mee Siam Mamak. LD like the version here because of the bold flavours. It is sweet and tangy, plus the chilli is also power. Yummy!!

Mee Siam Mamak
Seafood Lemak Casserole + Rawon Risotto. I called this combination as Surf and Turf. The seafood lemak casserole is rich, creamy, infused with fish and prawns plus the flavour bomb from the Lemak Api Chilli.

Seafood Lemak Casserole + Rawon Risotto
Meanwhile, the Rawon Risotto has a closer texture to a fried porridge. It is tasty and it is great to eat with a keropok.

Soto Lamongan. Indonesian chicken consommé, flavoured with turmeric, coriander, candlenut, galangal and kaffir lime. A comforting bowl of soup.

Chargrilled Striploin with Sambal Geprek, Lemak Cili Api Sauce & Sambal Ijo. I always like the chargrilled striploin here. The beef is lean, yet tender. For me the Lemak Cili Api is the perfect companion for this dish.

Chargrilled Striploin with Sambal Geprek,
Lemak Cili Api Sauce & Sambal Ijo
.
Botok Botok Barramundi. Chef Mel Dean version of Barramundi Otah. The fish is silky and the spices paired well with the fish. One of our favourite dish of the night!!.

Botok Botok Barramundi
Bubur Som Som + Kolak Pisang + Kole Kole Temasek. A sweet ending to the evening. Three traditional dessert that are full of flavours. I wanted to go for second round, but there was just too much food.

Bubur Som Som + Kolak Pisang + Kole Kole Temasek
By the way, I just found out there is a DIY Chendol Corner. So if you are in Permata, keep a look out for this.

Overall, it was another gastronomic journey at Permata, curated by Chef Mel Dean and his team. My picks are Seafood Lemak Casserole, Botok Botok Barramundi, Nasi Goreng Rawon, Beef Rendang and Bubur Som Som + Kolak Pisang + Kole Kole Temasek. Cheers!!

National Day Month Special (1-FOR-1 HALAL BUFFET)
When: 1st Aug to 31 Aug 2024
Time: Lunch, Daily, 12.00 – 14.30
Dinner, Mon – Fri, 18.00 – 21.30
Dinner, Sat – Sun, 1st Seating 17.00 – 19.00
Dinner, Sat – Sun, 2nd Seating 19.30 – 21.30
Price: Lunch, Daily, $88++ Adult - $15++ Children 6 yrs - 10 yrs
Dinner, $98++ Adult - $15++ Children 6 yrs - 10yrs
(1-FOR-1 Buffet Promotion)

For Reservation:

Thank you very much to Chef Mel Dean and Permata team for hosting us.

Food & Drink: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Service: N/A (Tasting Invitation)
Ambiance: 8/10
Budget per Person: $51 - $80

Permata Singapore
73 Sultan Gate
Singapore 198497

T: +65 9082 9941
OH:
Lunch, Daily, 12.00 – 14.30
Dinner, Mon – Fri, 18.00 – 21.30
Dinner, Sat – Sun, 1st Seating 17.00 – 19.00
Dinner, Sat – Sun, 2nd Seating 19.30 – 21.30

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