Saturday, 18 May 2024

SPRMRKT After Hours x ENJOY Eating House and Bar [MEDIA INVITE]

From Jalan Besar to Dempsey Hill, SPRMRKT teams up with Enjoy Eating House and Bar to Bring Authentic Singapore Cuisine to Dempsey. Known as a lifestyle destination, SPRMRKT united its loves for food, retail and art during the day. These “after-hours” collaborations will celebrate Modern Singapore cuisine and leave diners with nostalgic happy memories and “SHIOK” feeling.

SPRMRKT
The Window to
SPRMRKT After Hours x Enjoy Eating House and Bar
We kick off the meal this evening with Kueh Pie Tee [$18]. A traditional Peranakan appetiser, the “atas” version. Jicama braised in prawn and conpoy stock, handmade pastry shells and fresh prawns Paired with shredded egg, sweet soy and house garlic chilli. For me, this crispy mini cup is always a welcome starter. It is a “flavour bomb” that delivers exciting flavours and textures, especially when the ingredients are upgraded, especially the fresh prawns and the thick cut of jicama. I like mine without chilli, opposite to LD.

Kueh Pie Tee
My Creation
Chonky Chicken Satay [$20]. Juicy and succulent spice marinated jumbo size chicken thigh, served with homemade ketupat (rice cake). A restaurant standard of satay, each bite of the satay is bursting with spices marinates, accompanied by ketupat dip in coconut milk for that umami richness. Though the satay is already very nice on its own, the creamy peanut sauce increases the “Shiokness” to this dish and the pineapple puree balances the rich creamy flavour nicely.

Chonky Chicken Satay
Enjoy Hokkien Mee [$34]. Masterfully created by Chef Joel, infused with Wok Hei (Breath of Wok). Lots of ingredients such as Wild-caught “Ang Kar” prawns, pork belly, squid, pork lard and secret rich prawn broth. For those who like things spicy, don’t forget their housemade chilli. Yummy!

Enjoy Hokkien Mee
Crispy Local Barramundi in Chef Joel’s Red Curry [$29]. A thick slice of deep-fried sustainable sea-farmed local barramundi fillet, house coconut curry sauce and sauteed local vegetables. I like the deep-fried fish as it has crispy exterior, followed by soft and flaky flesh. The red curry is rich, fragrant and spicy, however, due to the plating style, the red curry and the fish seem distant. You have to scoop the red curry sauce to the fish, to ensure you get the right taste, unlike the traditional curry dish.

Crispy Local Barramundi in Chef Joel’s Red Curry
The Flesh
To accompany the meal, we had Pandan Negroni Cocktail [$14] and Milo Dinosaur Mocktail [$14]. The cocktail is refreshing with a twist of local flavour, while the Milo Dinosaur is enhanced with Vanilla infused syrup.

Pandan Negroni Cocktail
Milo Dinosaur Mocktail
Overall, it is an exciting project for SPRMRKT After Hours, where the diners can enjoy Modern Singapore cuisine with Chef Joel’s signatures. The Enjoy Hokkien Mee is a die die must try!! Cheers!!

The Bar
Outdoor Dining Area

SPRMRKT After Hours x Enjoy Eating House and Bar
When: Every Thursday – Sunday
Time: 17.00 – 22.00
Location: SPRMRKT Dempsey

Thank you very much Chef Joel & SPRMRKT Team for hosting us.

Food & Drink: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Service: N/A (Media Invite)
Ambiance: 7.5/10
Budget per Person: $26-$50; $51 – 80

SPRMRKT x ENJOY
8 Dempsey Road
#01-15a
Singapore 247696

T: +65 8129 8166 (WA for Orders & Reservations)
OH:
SPRMRKT After Hours:
Thu – Sun: 17.00 – 22.00
Menu available online

Sunday, 12 May 2024

Bites & Brews – A Laid Back Resort Like Café with Yummy Food [MEDIA INVITE]

Bites and Brews Singapore (“B&B”) is the first official outpost of the Shanghai-based Bibimi F&B Group. The Singapore outpost is located in our Peranakan heritage neighbourhood, Joo Chiat. This new 60-seater casual dining restaurant embodies the brand’s commitment to sustainability and embracing the heritage of its surroundings.

Bites & Brews
B&B Facade (Image Credit: Bites & Brew)
In line with its sustainability theme, B&B is decorated with warm textured wood furnishing, recycled doors, windows and open brick walls which also creates a laid-back resort-like ambiance. The furniture used is sourced from second-hand, while the Perankanan-inspired fabric ceiling drapes, lamps and tiles add an extra touch of charm and pay homage to the rich heritage of Joo Chiat.

Al-Fresco Dining Area
Part of Indoor Dining Area
Peranakan Inspired Light & Vase
To set the mood, the music is controlled by a team member from the DJ station. During brunch, the music is tuned to something hipper to lift the spirit of the diners, while in the evening it will induce more calming music to set intimate dining scene and to chill.

Part of Indoor Dining Area, DJ area under the B&B logo
We started our dining experience at B&B with some mocktails. Passion Fruit – Raspberry Lemonade [$9] made with Fresh passion fruit, homemade raspberry juice, Lemon juice, soda water. A refreshing combination of citrus and berries.

Passion Fruit – Raspberry Lemonade
Kaffir Limes – Lemongrass Sencha Tea [$9] made with Resh kaffir lime, fresh calamansi, cold sencha tea, cold brew butterfly pea flowers. A complex drink with Peranakan influence.

Kaffir Limes – Lemongrass Sencha Tea 
Following the drinks is Shawarma Lamb Pide Pizza [$28]. This boat-shaped pizza is inspired by Turkish tradition. The sourdough base pizza crust is crisp and fluffy with a nice chewiness. The lamb shawarma uses premium lamb shoulder, marinated for 12-hours in a blend of Middle Eastern spices and sous-vide for 24 hours. Completing the generous toppings are creamy feta cheese, spicy red pepper sauce infused with Middle Eastern-style yoghurt, roasted peppers and fresh mint. What a “Flavour Bomb”

Shawarma Lamb Pide Pizza 
B&B Cheeseburger Burger [$28] - Kimchi Jam, Spicy Mayo and Arugula. Soft and fluffy charcoal buns with perfectly cooked burger patty and melted cheese. The kimchi jam and spicy mayo work wonders on the background, infusing sweet, fermented and creamy flavour.

B&B Cheeseburger 
Perfectly Cooked Patty
Grilled Iberico Pork Jowl [$35] – Coffee-roasted parsnip, pea sprouts, grilled pineapple, fig-sesame mostarda. At a glance, it looks like a simple stir-fried dish. It turns out to be the opposite. The pork jowl is tasty and juicy, the parsnip is crunchy with a lovely smoky aroma, while grilled pineapple and fig-sesame mostarda added a different type of sweetness to this dish. A lovely dish with plenty of flavours.

Grilled Iberico Pork Jowl 
Spicy “Pina Colada” Red Snapper [$45]. A signature dish at BB inspired by Puerto Rico's Pina Colada cocktails. The red snapper is firm yet tender, stuffed with Chinese cabbage, kaffir lime & ginger, topped with house-made basil-lime leaves oil and luscious pina colada sauce.

Spicy “Pina Colada” Red Snapper 
The result is a culinary delight, sophisticated and filled with the charm of the tropical ocean. Love the combination of the creamy pina colada and the perfectly cooked fish.

Mapo Tofu Lasagna [$21] Sichuan meat & tofu ragu, mozzarella, tomato sauce, parmesan. A fusion of Chinese and Italian cuisine. Instead of the usual creamy tomato, the fillings are replaced with Signature mapo tofu meat sauce and the sauce sips nicely into the pasta sheets. The signature mala spicy Sichuan flavour helps to balance the usually rich lasagna dish.

Mapo Tofu Lasagna
Dessert was Berries & Cream Waffle [$18] – Fresh berries, raspberry gel, strawberry chamomile gelato, whipped cream. The crispy and chewy waffle provided a nice comfort and a sweet ending to the meal.

Berries & Cream Waffle 
Don’t forget to check out their Signature Cocktails such as RUMORbanana (finest Bumbu Rum, homemade apricot-honey cordial, Assam Tea); DRUNKMatchaka (Gin, homemade raspberry jam, Matcha tea); and TomRUMYum (coconut water, lime juice, Rum, kaffir lime and ginger juice).

RUMORbanana
DRUNKMatchaka
TomRUMYum
Overall, LD and I had a great time during our tasting session. The culinary creations are well executed and each have a unique twist. Our pick for the food are Lamb Shawarma Pide Pizza, Grilled Iberico Pork Jowl and Spicy “Pina Colada” Red Snapper. The Signature cocktails and mocktails are a must-try as well. Cheers!!

B&B SG Menu 1
B&B SG Menu 2
I brought my overseas guests for brunch the following week and I ordered Lamb Shawarma Benedict [$28] – Poached eggs, harissa hollandaise, spinach, house-made brioche. I must say, anything with Lamb Shawarma on B&B’s menu is a must order!!

Lamb Shawarma Benedict 

Flat White
Thank you, Christine (CQ Works) and Team Bites & Brews, for the invitation and for hosting us.

B&B SG Menu 3
B&B SG Menu 4
Food & Drink: 8.5/10
Value: 7.5/10
Service: N/A (Media Invite)
Ambiance: 8.75/10
Budget per Person: $26-$50; $51 – 80

Bites & Brews
15 Crane Road
Singapore 429360

T: +65 8815 9615
OH:
Tue to Thu and Sun, 11.00 – 22.00
Fri, 11.00 - Midnight
Sat, 10.00 - Midnight
Closed on Mon

Tuesday, 30 April 2024

Chapters by Drinks&Co – A Star in Clarke Quay Rejuvenation [MEDIA INVITE]

Chapters by Drinks&Co (“Chapters”) is the latest concept by Drinks&Co as part of rejuvenation in CQ @ Clarke Quay. Chapters provide a unique and sophisticated dining experience for both indoor and outdoor. For the Outdoor Refreshment Area (ORA) diners can enjoy great food and experience while absorbing the beautiful view of the Singapore River day and night.

Chapters by Drinks&Co
Outdoor Refreshment Area
The indoor dining area showcases different chapters (area) of the restaurant, starting from The Great Hall with papers floating above, The Rainbow Bar, and also The Secret Chamber, hidden behind the ordinary bookcase.

Part of The Great Hall

The Bar
Once we were seated, we started our gastronomic journey with Chapters Singapore Sling Premium (Hendrick’s Base) [$26 HH / $29 REG]. Beautifully decorated, artistically made and pleasing on the palate. The best part, they also make it in mocktail version for me.

Chapters Singapore Sling Premium (Hendrick’s Base)
Our tasting commences with Chapter One – Starters and Bites. Authentic Singapore Satay, Chicken or Beef (per Dozen) [$38 / $34 Members Price]. Well-marinated chunky chicken and beef, juicy and grilled just right. It is bursting with flavours in each bite accompanied by solid satay sauce. Not forgetting the traditional sides, a medley of cucumber, pineapple, onions and ketupat.

Authentic Singapore Satay
Drinks & CO., Salt & Pepper Squid [$30 / $27MP]. The strips of deep-fried squid are crispy and crunchy. It is tossed with their special mix of chilli padi, spring onions, garlic, black pepper, sugar and salt. A squeeze of lemon bind adds a lovely twang to the dish. Watch out for the explosion of spiciness, especially if you bit into the chilli padi. This dish is also served with a healthy portion of salad, which can easily become a full meal on its own.

Drinks & CO., Salt & Pepper Squid 
Prawns & Chorizo [$28 / $25MP]. Taking inspiration from a popular Italian pasta recipe. This surf and turf dish is robust and packed with flavour. The prawns are crunchy, while the chorizo just solid. It is then topped with the mixed garnish of fried garlic, chilli padi and spring onion that spice up the dish. There are a few toasted sliced baguettes to carry the prawns and chorizo mix.

Prawns & Chorizo
Boxing Chicken in Teriyaki Sauce (5pcs) [$34/$30MP]. A dish that I have not seen in a long time. The meat of the chicken drumette is pushed to one side to create a lollipop. It is then deep-fried and coated with thick teriyaki sauce. It has a crispy exterior followed by juicy meat and yummy teriyaki sauce. It is a dish that is best eaten with your fingers. Yum Yum.

Boxing Chicken in Teriyaki Sauce 
Moving on to Chapter Two – Salad, Greens. Classic Tomato Bruschetta (5pcs) [$14/$14MP] Crisp sliced baguette topped with homemade tomato salsa and sweet basil leaves. The bright red colour of the tomatoes is just so inviting, together with the sweet and tangy flavour, it is just irresistible.

Classic Tomato Bruschetta 
Chilled Waldorf Salad with Aussie Wagyu Beef (125gram) [$48 / $44 MP]. A classic salad, that is hard to find nowadays. The combination of fruits, vegetables and nuts with a twist of sesame dressing instead of the traditional mayonnaise delivers a party in your mouth. It is paired with 125 grams of Aussie Wagyu Beef, making it a complete dish.

Chilled Waldorf Salad with Aussie Wagyu Beef 
Mixed Vegetables Curry Risotto (V) [$38 / $35MP]. A homage to Asian cuisine. The vegetable curry is rich, spicy and delicious; while the Arborio rice soaks up the essence of the curry. Do watch out for the spicy kick from the curry.

Mixed Vegetables Curry Risotto 
Accompanying my meal for this round is Virgin Mojito [$16]

Virgin Mojito
Chapter Three – Pasta. Tiger Prawns Aglio Olio (spicy, no spice, middle spicy) [$48 / $44MP]. Pan-seared giant tiger prawns, al-dente spaghetti with cherry tomatoes, olives, garlic, curry leaves, white wine and chilli padi is a recipe for an enticing pasta dish. It is spicy and packed with the essence of the prawns, you will be slurping all the pasta in no time.

Pasta. Tiger Prawns Aglio Olio
Japanese Wagyu Beef (75gm) Stirred Fried Udon [$58 / $52 MP]. A Japanese pasta dish. The udon is thick and has a nice crunchiness, while the black pepper sauce and bonito flakes power up this dish. Unfortunately, the Japanese Wagyu Beef seems lost among this strong and bold flavour.

Japanese Wagyu Beef Stirred Fried Udon 
Chapter Four – Pizza. Mentaiko Tiger Prawns Pizza [$38 / $35 MP]. Not your traditional Italian pizza but it is a crowd-pleaser. Thin-based crust, topped with big and crunchy prawn, mozzarella cheese, mentaiko sauce, shaved bonito and roasted kazimi nori. It is tasty and delicious.

Pizza. Mentaiko Tiger Prawns Pizza
Chapter Five – Mains. Beef Wellington [$65 / $60 MP]. A technically challenging dish, yet executed perfectly by the team at Chapters. The pastry is crisp and fluffy, while the tenderloin is cooked to the point of medium-rare. The bacon and mushroom spread infused the umami flavour to the tenderloin. Accompanying the beef wellington are tri-colour carrots, mashed potatoes, mesclun salad and cherry tomatoes with balsamic vinegar dressing plus the gravy. This beef wellington will get a nod from Gordon Ramsay.

Beef Wellington
Pan-Seared Lemongrass Halibut Fish (200gram) [$45 / $42 MP]. The halibut fish fillets have a crisp exterior followed by a moist and flaky interior. They sat on top of the mixed baby carrots and mashed potatoes, basked in the unique taste of lemongrass capers cream sauce. It is served with Australian mesclun salad and sour plum cherry tomatoes. There is a lot of flavour going on the plate, but the sour plum cherry tomatoes are not to be missed.

Pan-Seared Lemongrass Halibut Fish
Chapter Six – Kids & Dessert. Home Made Baked Red Dates Sticky Pudding [$22] & Home-Made Burnt Cheese Cake [$22]. Two lovely plated desserts. The home-made red dates stick pudding is soft and bouncy. It goes well with the berries and vanilla ice cream,

Home Made Baked Red Dates Sticky Pudding 
Meanwhile, the burnt cheesecake has a nice smoky flavour but missing the signature gooey and melting texture in the middle. The blueberries, strawberries and red grapes paired nicely with the cheesecake but the ice-cream seems to be the odd one out.

Home-Made Burnt Cheese Cake
Overall, it was a pleasure visiting Chapters by Drinks&Co, part of the rejuvenation of Clarke Quay. The food is delicious and the traditional cocktails and mocktails are nicely done. LD and I recommend their Beef Wellington, Chilled Waldorf Salad with Aussie Wagyu Beef, Tiger Prawns Aglio Olio and Mentaiko Tiger Prawns Pizza. Plus don’t miss out on Chapters Singapore Sling Premium. Cheers!!

Cocktail - Pina Colada
Thank you very much Kristine and Team Chapters by Drinks&Co for the invitation.

Food & Drink: 8.5/10
Value: 6.5/10
Service: N/A (Media Invite)
Ambiance: 8.75/10
Budget per Person: $51 – 80; $81 and above.

Chapters by Drinks&Co.
3D River Valley Road
#01-08 Clarke Quay
Singapore 179022

T: +65 9619 4568
OH:
Sun – Thu: 12.00 – 23.00
Fri – Sat: 12.00 – 02.00
Food and Drink Menu is available online (click here)

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