[CLOSED] Rokeby – Australian Inspired Bistro

Rokeby, pronounce as roc – ker – bee is an Australian inspired bistro. Everything served here has Australian flavour, starting from coffee beans which come from Five Senses Australia, Australian gourmet teas, Australian beer, and the food are those that you commonly found in the bistro in Australia.

Located in Jalan Riang, it is in a cluster of housing estate just off Upper Serangoon Road near Nex shopping centre. It is quite a distance to walk in from the bus stop to the bistro, however the place seems to get its share of visitors. The bistro has an indoor and outdoor seating. The indoor seating is brightly lit with natural light from the big windows, and colourful chairs. While the outdoor have a tall long bench with high chairs.

The little devil and I pop by for a late lunch during one afternoon. As I read somewhere that they are serving the coffee beans from Five Senses, I decided to order a piccolo latte while we are waiting for our meal. The coffee taste smooth, strong and a little bit acidic. It is a good coffee, however it is a bit to strong for me, it will suits me better if I try it in a bigger latte version.

Piccolo Latte

For starter we have Truffle Shoestring Fries ($8.90). It has a texture of McDonald French Fries, crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. For elevating the selling point, the fries was coated with truffle oil. The thing with truffle oil is that the smell can be pungent and quite strong. Similar to durian, it is an acquired taste, so you either like it or you don't. The little devil loves it, however I don't really fancy it.

Truffle Shoestring Fries

For mains, we had Prawn Risotto ($18.90) and Slow Braised Lamb Shank ($24.90). The prawns are huge, fresh, juicy and succulent. While the risotto done to perfection, nice texture and full of flavour. The lemon oil create a contrasting flavour but complement the dish. The little devil give it two thumbs up after she polished up this dish.

Prawn Risotto

Lamb shank is supposed to be the cheapest part of the lamb. I used to cook this quite often when we were down under and it cost me $1 per shank. Although it is cheap, with the right ingredients, patience and slow cooking method, a lamb shank can be a gem. The shank here is succulent, tender and the meat fall off the bone. However, I find it will be better with a longer cooking time and a more flavourful ingredients, it will further enhance the taste.

Slow Braised Lamb Shank

During our visit, the bistro does not have much crowd. So the service is good, we can get their attention easily.

Chubby Botak Koala checking out the desserts ... 

Overall, we find Rokeby has really bring the Australian flavour bistro to Singapore. We look forward to our next visit and try out their brunch menu and desserts. Cheers and Thanks Mate!!

Food & Drink: 7.5/10

Value: 7/10

Service: 7/10

Ambiance: 7.5/10.

Rokeby (roc – ker – bee)

15-9 Jalan Riang

Singapore 358987

Tel: 9106 0437

Website: http://www.rokeby.com.sg/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rokebybistro

Op Hours:

Tue – Sun: 09.00 – 22.00

Closed on Monday

No GST and Service Charge

Menu available on website

Himawari Japanese Restaurant – Buffeting with the Golfers

We first notice Himawari Japanese Restaurant opening during our regular visits to Orchid Country Club ('OCC'). As a member of OCC, we have been spoilt with the current dining options here, ranging from restaurants such Peach Garden, Gayatri, Vanda Terrace and now we have the Japanese option of Himawari. Do take note that all the restaurants above are open to public, while for members we just enjoy additional discount.

Himawari @ OCC is a second branch of this popular restaurant renowned for their Japanese ala-carte buffet with over 80 different dishes which include shabu shabu and sukiyaki. This review is compilation of a few visits from the Little Devil and myself.

Located in the second level of OCC Driving Range, this place can easily be seen once you enter the OCC compound. Parking are plenty for those driving, and there is a regular shuttle bus from Yishun MRT station to OCC for the non drivers.

Dining with the Chef

So far we find the buffet option is more value for money, considering our huge appetite we will end up spending the same amount for ala-carte. For Japanese buffet, we normally start with their sashimi and salad. For sashimi, you can choose from salmon, sweet prawn, sea bream, yellow tail, tuna, swordfish, octopus and squid. It is all fresh, thick slices and very generous serving. The California salad that we tried so far has been refreshing with a slight tangy dressing which is good to open up your appetite.

California Salad

Sashimi 

Sashimi

Next in line is their shabu shabu or sukiyaki. The beef that they serve here has an excellent marble. With a short cooking time, you will enjoy juicy tender beef sensation in your mouth. For a non-beef eater, you can stick with chicken. For the finishing touches to accompany the soup, you can choose udon or rice to go with this meal.

Shabu Shabu Stock

The Beef

For the cooked dishes, the notable mention is the grilled gindara (cod fish) teriyaki. It is tender, moist and not fishy. The other cook dishes such as agemono, tempura or other hot/simmer dishes are average. This is expected when it comes to buffet.

Beef Fillet Yakimono - Grill

Prawn Tempura

Agedashi Tofu

I always like to leave the carbo section for last, so leave some tummy space for the sushi and temaki. We noticed the sushi rice is nicely cooked and seasoned well rice vinegar. There are so many variety to choose from, it will be quite though for you to decide. Skipped the maki though, I am not sure why, but I feel the maki here is just so so. When we get into this stage, we are normally quite stuffed.

Salmon Skin Temaki - Hand Roll

Service is good, but expect it to drop when the restaurant become crowded. For dinner, the crowd start coming in after 7.30pm. The first round of food order normally it come quite fast. For the next rounds, the food will come at a slower rate and don't be surprise if you have to be constantly reminding the waiters on your orders.

The décor of the restaurant is simple and Zen. If you are facing the driving range, the view of golfers hitting the balls and practising their swings is a common sight. I just hope the golfers can still concentrate hitting the balls instead of drooling over our sashimi.

Overall, Himawari Japanese Restaurant @ OCC offer a good dining option in the Yishun area for the public or OCC members. They serve good Japanese food with lots of variety starting from appetizers to desserts. . Although the price can be slightly on the high side, they are very generous in their servings. Cheers!!

Food & Drink: 7.5/10

Value: 7/10

Service: 6.5/10

Ambiance: 7/10

Himawari Japanese Restaurant @ Orchid Country Club

1 Orchid Club Road

#02-02 Driving Range Unit

Singapore 769162

Tel: 6934 3313

Website: http://www.himawari.com.sg/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/HimawariJapanese

Op Hours: Daily 11.30 – 15.00, 18.00 – 22.00

Buffet Price:

Adult (Mon – Thu) Lunch / Dinner: $38.80++ / $42.80++

Adult (Fri – Sun & PH) Lunch / Dinner: $41.80++ / $45.80++

Senior Citizen (Above 65YO) $ $30.80++

Children (90 – 120 cm) $ 27.80++

Other Outlet:

Himawari Japanese Restaurant @ Alexandra

991B Alexandra Road

Block 4 #01-08.

Singapore 119970

Tel: 6272 1110

Op Hours: Daily 11.30 - 14.30, 5.45 – 22.00

Old Hong Kong Taste – Yummy Hong Kong Dim Sum - [CLOSED]

Synonymous to its name, Old Hong Kong Group of Restaurants are established to bring the taste of Hong Kong / Cantonese to the Singapore foodies. The menu itself represent those taste that we commonly found if you have set foot in Hong Kong.

Little Devil and myself have frequented this place quite often, I find its about time to write a review about this place. The reason for the repeat visits are simple, it is close to home and the food never disappoint. So what are things not to miss when you are having dim sum here?

Pickled Winter Melon for Appetizer

The usual suspects such as Har Gao, Siew Mai, and Xiao Long Bao is a good place to start. The Har Gao is fresh, springy with a slightly translucent skin. Siew Mai is excellent, the pork and prawns pieces are succulent, and they even use actual shrimp roe on top. The XLB is good, the skin is thin, with tender juicy mince pork and soup inside the dumpling are very fresh and tasty.

Har Gao

Siew Mai

Xiao Long Bao

Steamed Chicken Claw with Black Bean (Fung Jao) is another classic dish when it come to dim sum. It is well marinated, springy and a little bit spicy. The Beef Ribs with Pumpkin is slightly chewy for my likings, while the Steamed Chicken, Fish Maw & Pig Stomach is tasty but slightly mushy.

Fung Jao

Beef Ribs with Pumpkin

Steamed Chicken, Fish Maw & Pig Stomach

For taste of HK, you can't come any closer than the Steamed Beef Ball with beancurd. The beef ball here not only smooth by also quite springy. Deep fried pig intestines from the ala carte menu is something not to miss. It is crispy on the outside, but tender while retaining the slight chewiness of the intestines. The intestine was clean properly and does not have pungent smell.

Steamed Beef Ball with beancurd

Deep fried pig intestines

Most recently, we kind of get hooked with deep fried fish skin. Some restaurant serve just the fish skin, but others pair it with the house broth. In Old HK Taste, the fish skin was accompanied with the house broth. The idea is with quick dip into the broth, it will slightly tenderise the fried fish skin and give an contrasting texture to this dish. Yummyyy!!

deep fried fish skin with house broth

We normally like to end our dim sum with Steamed Egg Yolk Custard Bun. The bun is soft and moist, and the custard is oozing out from the bun when you break it into two. The custard has a nice balance of saltiness and sweetness. What a good way to end the meal.

Steamed Egg Yolk Custard Bun

The décor of the restaurant is quite modern, while retaining the Chinese influence. During the day, it is brightly lid with the natural lights coming from the windows. Service is good although they seems to be short of service staff.

Overall, if you are looking for dim sum or Hong Kong / Cantonese flavour around Serangoon Garden area, you definitely must consider this place. The food are always consistently good and you can easily get a place during weekday. For weekend, you will need to book in advance for dim sum. Cheers !!!!

Food & Drink: 8/10

Value: 7/10

Service: 7/10

Ambiance: 7.5/10

Old Hong Kong Taste

1 Maju Avenue

#02-01 myVillage @ Serangoon Gardens

Singapore 556679

Tel: 6834 3013

Website: http://oldhongkong.com.sg

Op Hours: Daily 10.30 am – 23.00

Dim Sum serving time: 10.30 – 17.00 Daily

Enjoy 20% discount of all Dim Sum and Snack items between 14.30 – 17.00 (except for Sunday and PH).

Chye Seng Huat Hardware – Top 3 Cuppa in Singapore

Chye Seng Huat Hardware ('CSHH') is the second outpost of Papa Palheta which located in the new headquarters for Papa Palheta. Instead of going the boutique way, such as in Bukit Timah establishment, CSHH is a full fledge café serving Coffee, Coffee flavoured beer, food and desserts. At the back of the café, you can see their workshop roasting machines. Beside the workshop is the Annex, this is where you can buy coffee beans and other coffee apparatus. The coffee school and gift shop can be located on the second floor.  

Coffee Beans and Coffee Apparatus @ The Annex

The Workshop

This time around, I decided to pop by for a quick shot of caffeine and a quick bite before my next appointment in Novena.

The coffee here can be considered as one of the best roasted coffee beans in Singapore. Just check with the crowds flocking this place every day. With the third wave coffee movement hitting its stride in Singapore, you can be sure that you will get a good cuppa just by judging the Rosetta latte art in your coffee. If it does not have one or the rosetta does not look good, you better lower your expectations.

My Beautiful Cuppa

Most of the time, CSHH will be using their own blend of coffee bean which is known as Terra Firma for their milk base coffee, such as cappuccino, latte, other variety. Their coffee is smooth, dark with a slight chocolate flavour at the end. The best part, is that you will not need to add sugar into it.

For food, this is the first time around I have a grub here. Ordered The BLT sandwich, and it does not disappoint. The bacon and bread is nice and crispy. The tomato and lettuce inside the sandwich is fresh. They serve the sandwich with chips and mesclun salad with Italian dressing.

BLT Sandwich

Overall, the quality of the coffee here is excellent. The top 3 best coffee in Singapore in my opinion. Don't forget to check out The Annex for coffee beans and coffee apparatus. Cheers!!

Food & Drink: 8/10 (Coffee 9.5/10)

Value: 8.5/10

Service: 7.5/10

Ambiance: 7.5/10

Chye Seng Huat Hardware

150 Tyrwhitt Road

Singapore 207563

Tel: 6396 0609

Website: http://www.cshhcoffee.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ChyeSengHuatHardware

Op Hours:

Tue – Fri: 09.00 – 19.00

Sat – Sun: 09.00 – 22.00

Kitchen closes at 17.00

This is what's going on inside The Workshop. Photos from my session attending the Coffee Roasting Tour by Papa Palheta. To deepen your knowledge on coffee, you can check out C-Program @ http://www.papapalheta.com/

Diedrich Coffee Roaster

Probat Coffee Roaster - combine with high tech application

Coffee Beans - The finish product

[CLOSED] Kome – Refreshing Quality Japanese Food

Thank you to Kome Team and Hungry Go Where for the invitation.

Kome Japanese Restaurant in Keppel Club is under a new management. The new owner, Bobby has brought in Chef Albert a well-loved chef with over 30 years of experience in top Japanese Restaurants in Singapore, to ensure Kome serve the best quality Japanese food to the diners.

We kicked off the food tasting with the serving of Sashimi Moriawase; which consist of tuna, tuna belly, salmon belly, yellow tail, yellow tail belly and scallops All the sashimi tasted smooth, fresh, and the cutting is very generous. This is the first time I tried yellow tail belly, it looked like swordfish sashimi, with its creamy outlook but with a texture that tasted like salmon belly. It is simply tasted awesome.

Sashimi Moriawase

Next come several grilled fishes such as seasonal fish, grill yellow tail cheek, salmon belly and cod fish. The seasonal fish and yellow tail cheek are grilled with salt and serve with grated daikon and lemon wedge. The meat is slightly resilient, fresh and moist. Meanwhile the salmon belly and cod fish accompanied with variant of sweet sauce, the meat is so moist and tender, it just melts in your mouth.

Grill Seasonal Fish

Grill Yellow Tail Cheek

Grill Salmon Belly

Grill Cod Fish

The speciality of the Kome is their shabu shabu, where they had used monk fish as an ingredient for their soup base. The soup base has a natural sweetness and is full of flavours. The best part is that it does not contain any MSG and I can vouch for this as I am pretty sensitive when it comes to MSG. For normal buffet, you can have unlimited serving of topside beef, with excellent marbling that it melts in your mouth. For this tasting, we have Alaska crab legs as well.

Shabu Shabu

Topside Beef

If you are ordering ala carte, the foie gras and beef cubes are a must try. The foie gras is seared perfectly with a crispy texture on the outside with smooth velvety texture on the inside and coated with sweet sauce. Perfecto!. The beef cubes is cut to bite size and well cooked. It is tender and full of flavour. It will even be better if the beef has a little more fat / marble in it.

Foie Gras

Beef Cubes

To end the night, we close the dinner with sushi and yuzu sorbet. The cutting of the fish in the sushi is very generous to accompany the rice. Good all rounded sushi. The yuzu sorbet has a light and refreshing taste to it. A good way to end the meal.

Sushi

Yuzu Sorbet

For those who like shochu, try out out their sparkling yuzu shochu and blueberry shochu. As I can't have any alcohol at the moment, but looking at the others gulping down the shochu, it must be good.

Sparkling Yuzu Shochu

Blueberry Shochu

The décor of this restaurant is very Zen and bright. Private room with tatami seating is available. There are several dining options available, such as ala carte, ala carte buffet (adult $40++), and omakase. If you compare the buffet price with other restaurant in the market, you will get your value for money here.

Overall, Kome served a very good quality Japanese food. The ingredients are fresh, seasonal and unique. The location in Keppel Club can be slightly challenging for the non drivers, but it is a good place for a quick getaway from the business in the city. I'll be back soon, as my Little Devil keep pestering me to go for a meal here after she saw the pictures. Cheers!!

Food & Drink: 8/10

Value: N/A

Service: N/A

Ambiance: 7.5/10.

Kome

10 Bukit Chermin Road

The Keppel Club

Singapore 109918

Tel: 6273 0118

Op Hours:

Daily 12.00 – 15.00; 18.30 – 22.00