Antea Social – Get Oolong Now Kids!

Antea Anti-Social Club

From drinking what is basically flavoured water more than 4000 years ago when leaves accidentally blew into a pot of boiling water, to when the lack of it tests people’s resolve in present day, tea has evolved from ultiity to pleasure, from trade commodity to cultural exchange.

A stark contrast to the sugary-loaded tea craze we are going through now, it’s good to see a place that you can nerd out over some spcialty teas. I found Antea Social through an event, and found that it was set up just some time ago by an old classmate of mine with the intention of “conveying stories from makers to drinkers“.

In a pretty nondescript shop unit in the Lavender/Jalan Besar area, the teahouse is a Muji fanatic’s dreamland with minimalistic Zen-esque fittings that exudes some calmness while you enjoy some fine Oolong tea with fine company. Or you know, you can just use the peace to steep the tea and read a book.

Spill The Tea

Sourced with a Tea Master with more than 40 years of experience, their Signature Oolong teas are made with their own innovative process to infuse and scent the teas. Completely natural essential oils are used without any artificial additives, giving it a authentic aroma and taste.

This Kyoho Grape Oolong (a seasonal special at the time) for example had a nice sweet tinge of the grapes while not taking away the toasted, and distinct, aroma of the tea leaves. There’s really a good variety of Oolong teas so you can either be adventurous, or stay classic with more conventional flavours. You can also try their (relatively newer) Kombucha, which has a nice twist to their signature flavours.

Top tip: While they sell some decent pastries and dessert to pair with your drinks that you can definitely enjoy, this is a perfect post-meal place to wind down so come after lunch maybe.

There’s only so much tea you can drink in one sitting, so you can also buy some leafy goodness for your own private enjoyment!

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On top of all these offerings, you can also book workshops or event appearances with them. In this COVID-19 period, do check in with them beforehand.

So what are you waiting for? Come Oolong now!

More Information

Antea Social

https://www.anteasocial.com.sg/
9 Tyrwhitt Road
Singapore 207528

Operating Hours
Sun to Thur – 1130am to 7pm
Fri & Sat – 1130am to 10pm

Tel: 6493 0120
hello@anteasocial.com.sg

18 August 2020 Review

Homeground Grill & Bar – A way to Away

I’ve always been a fan of SG Restaurant Week, as it lets me try really expensive and exclusive venues at an affordable price point. However one additional perk is that you can also find places you have probably never heard of, and this year was one of those times.

Homing In

You might drive past this row of shophouses along Serangoon Road (but at the Boon Keng/Potong Pasir Stretch) often, but you probably might not pay attention to some gems such as Homeground Grill & Bar, “A throwback to old school bars – a safe haven you can escape to after a hard day’s work, a place for soul-searching conversations over a beer or six.“

Cosy, and chill, yet minimal is how I would describe the interior. Kind of like your dream Qanvast house with the dark green tones and brushstroke-painted walls, complete with classy furniture and quirky accessories.

As the name suggests, they are known for their grilled food and they do serve up good meats on a charcoal grill. Beginning with appetisers, we had the Charcoal grilled whisky beef cubes w/ Truffle Mash (an existing signature of theirs) and the Charcoal grilled sweet cured bacon with vodka mustard and charcoal grilled cherry tomatoes (wow what a mouthful). From round 1 you already get sucker-punched with the strong roast umami and intense marination of the meat.

Quick pause: so they have also a flight of whisky tasters by Auchentoshan. The Lowland distillery is an easy choice for me often when I was a simple but good dram of Scotch. This time they serve the 12, 18, and Three Wood (this is good) for starters, mains, and dessert respectively.

So good that I finished the first dram without taking a picture first

Main courses had many options, but we went for the jugular with the Charcoal grilled whisky ribeye (300gm) and the Charcoal grilled lamb chops flambé with truffle mash. It’s VERY generous and I was satiated even before dessert.

To finish off the evening was another mini-adventure by itself, with the Chocolate battered deep fried banana with rum chocolate sauce and vanilla gelato, and a Lemon Meringue Tart. Doesn’t look like much, but not only it’s a mouthful to read after some Scotch and beer, but also a good sweet way to end the meal.

Homerun?

All-in all, Homeground is a straightforward, place for you to get no-nonsense food a cosy setting (there’s a more private area at the back that can sit slightly bigger groups but it’s pretty dim). The food was, I would say, fancily simple with a good twist where it could use some, while still sticking to the core of grilled meats.

Their SG Restaurant Week menu varies season-to-season and some may not be regulars, so I suggest you check out their menu here.

More Information

Homground Bar & Grill

1088 Serangoon Road S328188
Nearest MRT: Boon Keng MRT (7 mins walk)
Parking available at Beng Wan Road – I don’t recommend driving here if you can help it

Operation Hours

Tuesday – Friday : 6pm – 12am
Saturday – Sunday : 1pm – 12am
closed on Mondays

Contact

hello@homegroundgrill.com
8774 9278

1 August 2020 Food

Wursthans Switzerland – #SwissNationalDay

The Wurst Is Done

Did you know that Switzerland’s national day is August 1? That’s not too far away from us over here in Singapore (9 August)! For many a local-schooled millennial, Switzerland holds a pretty significant place in our memories in the form of a case study in our social studies textbooks (I do recall our “O” Levels paper that year had that as a topic as well). Sadly I’ve just learnt that the case study has since been taken out from the syllabus! #sadface

Well to be frank, I learnt about this from a humble wurst (German for sausage) store simply called “Wursthans Switzerland” located at Paya Lebar Quarters (PLQ). As to the origin of their name:

Originated from Switzerland, Wursthans is a German wordplay, derived from the word “Hanswurst”. where “Wurst” which means sausage, while “Hans” is a common German first name so Wursthans: (wʊəst’hans) Hans, the sausage expert or Hans, who lives for sausages and we are really hoping that all of you will be Hans in your own way!
Wursthans Switzerland Facebook Page

Phase 2 Circuit Breaker sure whets Singaporeans’ appetites!

Switzerland cuisine, along with most of the country, is a huge cultural melting pot of German, Italian, and French references. Kind of how we have yellow noodles dishes from literally all significant ethnic groups here in Singapore as well.

In German efficiency, the food at Wursthans is straightforward yet still has a a good variety — you either pick from a selection of Rösti meals, or you can make your own meals from a list of mains and sides. If potatoes are not your thing, there’s the Swiss Meatloaf Sandwich and other things like salads for your consideration. One super worth meal is their Swiss Rotisserie Chicken, which is worth a meal for two.

For reference of our simple brunch, we had a Gotthard Rösti which has a Cervelat sausage and topped with an egg, and a Rösti (half portion) with spicy sausage with mixed greens (a DIY).

#SwissNationalDay

To celebrate #SwissNationalDay, they’re now offering some specials just for the occasion. Featuring:

Kalbsbratwurst an Zwiebelsauce mit Rösti:
Veal Bratwurst, Onion Sauce, Wursthans Jumbo Rösti, Swiss Barley Soup – $19.90

Wurst-Käse-Salat mit Bündner Gerstensuppe:
Cervelat Cheese salad with smoked Pork Cervelat, Emmental Cheese, Cherry Tomatoes, Iceberg Lettuce, Cornichons, Onions, Mustard Vinaigrette, Swiss Barley Soup – $16.90

Takeaways and delivery available (for a fee). Order here!

Till then, we’ll be back for more Swiss casual dining!

More Information

Wursthans Switzerland

10 Paya Lebar Road, #01-39 Paya Lebar Quarter, Singapore 409057
Facebook | Instagram

30 July 2020 Food

Kiap – Let’s Taco-Bout It

Having had one too many chicken rice or vegetarian economic beehoon where I stay, when Phase 2 came about I decided to be a bit bougie when our friends could finally come over (while still observing the safe distancing rules!). Away from the usual pizza or fried chicken group party food, I recall this thing I came across on an episode of Food King for Kiap:

Segment Starts at 5:30

KiapTogether with Kiap

Kiap is the brainchild of The Slake Collective, who also run Slake located at Swan Lake Avenue (geddit?). On the menu are tacos and sammies (sandwiches) with an Asian twist. I’m not even going to call this FuSiOn FlAvOuRs because it’s straight-up a-to-the-z-n Asian!

So we went ahead to order their Taco Feast Bundle ($99) which came with 12 assorted tacos. While they don’t look big, they were pretty much as wide as your hand goes, so it fills you up pretty fast (most of us could only manage 2 at most).

The flavours themselves while familiar to all, had quite a delighful rendition. Kind of like your favourite National Day songs having a lofi-hiphop remix.

My personal favourites were the Filipino Pork Belly Sisig where you can get your babi goodness, Torikatsu Curry Chicken which packs some rich Japanese curry, and the Thai Basil Pork, which actually is really authentic!

Also paired with the set was some Har Cheong Kaarage and 2 packs of Mala Popcorn, which were quite the stars of their own right. Special stan to the popcorn as they were really the BOMB! They look to be only available to the Taco Feast Bundle so you know what you gotta do!

Order Together Amigo

You can order your fix of asian-flavoured tacos on their website here. Be sure to do it in advance to avoid disappointment.

Also don’t forget to look at their sandwiches. The last I saw, they even had a Roti John Sammie! Right now, they have the 55 NDP Taco Set ($55+) special. You Otter Kiap Together!

More Information

Kiap
Address: 15 Swan Lake Ave, Singapore 455711
Order URL: https://order.slake.sg/
Facebook | Instagram
#kiaptogether

26 July 2020 Review

HEYTEA 喜茶 Food Lab – A Delectable Pairing

Hey You Circuit Bakers!

Remember the days of supermarkets running out of flour or eggs as the #CircuitBakers came by the hordes? Feels like forever but not too long ago at the same time.

At least with Phase 2 CB now you can put away the measuring cups and cake tins as HEYTEA Food Lab makes its debut in Singapore!

HEYTEA 喜茶Food Lab – A Delectable Pairing

China’s number 1 contemporary tea connoisseur, and the original inventor of Cheezo Tea, has made fresh additions to its menu with a straightforward, yet delectable selection of baked goods. If you think that bubble tea isn’t enough for the #dessertstomach, them pastries will definitely hit the spot. And they pair perfectly with HEYTEA’s well, tea!

HEYTEA Food Lab makes its debut with four entries, all baked to perfection. The Golden Croissant ($3.60) is a classic delight — flaky and golden on the outside but fluffy and soft on the inside, this toasty treat is sure to satisfy with its impeccable mouthfeel. For something just a little more bougie, opt for the Chocolate Croissant ($4.20), which features the same golden bake filled with decadent chocolate that oozes deliciousness with each bite.

HEYTEA Golden Croissant (L) and Chocolate Croissant (R)

Chocolate lovers will also enjoy the Double Chocolate Chip Cookie ($2.00), a soft and chewy classic that combines the best of dark and milk chocolate for the perfect balance. Meanwhile, the Butterscotch Chip Muffin ($3.20) is a new and unique spin on traditional comfort food, blending sweet and savoury in one light and buttery muffin.

Hey What You Waiting For!

With HEYTEA celebrating the reopening of its outlets islandwide in Singapore, customers can get their hands on HEYTEA Food Lab’s selection of freshly baked goods exclusively at the ION Orchard and Westgate outlets. Customers can also order via the HEYTEA GO mobile application (available for iOS), Foodpanda or the GrabFood mobile application, for self-collection at selected stores.

About The Place – HEYTEA

“INSPIRATION OF TEA”
A Cup of HEYTEA Evokes Inspiration

Since 2012, the original creator of cheese tea, HEYTEA is driven by the aim of showcasing excellent tea offerings sourced from all over the world which has given the ancient culture of tea a new vitality. “A cup of tea, inspiring an inspiration” is a product of inspiration, an original product that wants to share the true taste of tea. HEYTEA is committed to rejuvenating the traditional tea culture and making high-quality tea products accessible to the masses. Today, the brand has over 100 stores in China, and its offerings have won both critical and public acclaim.

Outlet Address

(Note: HEYTEA Food Lab is ONLY available at the ION Orchard and Westgate outlets)

2 Orchard Turn, #B4-29 ION Orchard, Singapore 238801
10 Bayfront Ave, L1 73, Bay Level, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018956
3, #01-25 Gateway Dr, Westgate, Singapore 600226

Website: www.heytea.com
Weibo 微博：@喜茶HEYTEA #喜茶海外首店#，#喜茶新加坡#
Facebook: @heyteacn
Instagram: @heyteasg
Hashtags: #heytea #heyteasingapore

This post is brought to you by HEYTEA 喜茶.

9 April 2020 Review

Takeaway with Chatterbox!

Chicken Rice Is Life

Stuck at home due to CB (Circuit Breaker) and miss having your famous chicken rice from Chatterbox? You can still do so now, as Chatterbox (together with Shisen Hanten by Chef Kentaro, the two Michelin-starred Szechwan restaurant) now offers takeaway pickups and delivery for select items! What’s more, enjoy 50% off for takeaways. I repeat. 50% OFF TAKEAWAY!

Each set of Mandarin Chicken Rice (U.P. $27) is served in a super exquisite box decorated with their green and gold colours, and the signature kuey png (chicken rice) packed neatly inside, ready for your consumption.

Other signatures like the Nasi Goreng Istimewa (U.P. $26) and Herbal Bak Kut Teh (U.P. $27) are also available. Add some side dishes in if you want. I tried out the Salted Egg Chicken Wing (U.P. $20) and they’re A W E S O M E.

I took the chicken wings out of the box and placed it on a plate for display, of course.

Bring The Flavours Home

Hungry? Order directly online now HERE. Recommend that you order slightly ahead so the kitchen can ensure the food comes out piping hot on collection.

Terms and conditions:

Available from 11am to 9pm daily
Order must be placed at least 30 minutes in advance
Payment must be made by cash or credit card

For more information, you can visit their website HERE.

For enquiries, please call +65 6831 6291 or email chatterbox.orchard@meritushotels.com.

Information
Mandarin Orchard Singapore
333 Somerset Road, Singapore 238867
Website: https://www.meritushotels.com/en/mandarin-orchard-singapore
Email: orchard@meritushotels.com
Phone: +65 6737 4411

This post is brought to you courtesy of Mandarin Orchard Singapore, by Meritus.

16 March 2020 Food

Burger Frites

Burger Frites – Bringing Back The Classics

With the advent of global burger joints in Singapore in the past year, there comes a discussion amongst burger fanatics over what constitutes the best meat-in-buns concoction – is it the glazed and juicy patty, seared to a perfect medium doneness? The fluffy, toasted buns? Or the entire presentation of a no-nonsense, clean burger?

Inspired by his love for steak and food in general (vibing with practically everyone), Alexandre Pini founded Burger Frites with dedication to quality and value-for-money.

Read Between The Buns

Burger Frites’ mantra is a no frills, no-nonsense approach to the age-old burger, yet with modern culinary finesse — using only the best U.S. Angus beef, artisanal brioche buns and hand-crafted french fries, it represents a good mince of old-school and new-school.

Situated in the quaint neighbourhood along Joo Chiat Road, the shophouse unit is dressed in a modern interior design of soothing teal colours and leather seats, giving you a taste of modernity to a traditional gastronomic experience.

Their menu is also considerably simple: Choose between 3 different type of patties (180g Angus Beef patty/Crispy Chicken/Breaded Brie Cheese), and choose the style of burger (plain single patty, cheese burger, bacon burger, or a combination of cheese bacon burger). Get your frites (fries in French) with cheese or not, and try out their signature milkshakes!

Prices start from $16 for a plain burger to $19 for a cheese bacon burger (add $8 for double patty).

Verdict

Sticking true to their motto of “Quality Food, Quality of Life”, you can certainly taste the uncompromising commitment to quality and fresh food, without reducing the authenticty of and over-complicating something straightforward like a burger; from the meat to the vegetables and even the sauces, it’s definitely worth the calories. Top tip, get the classic frites and enjoy their housemade sauces!

More Information

Burger Frites
340 Joo Chiat Road Singapore 427592
Opening Hours
Tue – Fri 5pm to 11pm
Sat – Sun (Inclu. PH) 12nn – 11pm
Email: contact@burgerfrites.sg
Facebook | Instagram (@burgerfrites)

26 November 2019 Review

Merry Moments at Mandarin Orchard Singapore – 2019 [Media]

We’ve been away for quite a while, and it’s only right we return by sharing some awesome Christmas treats!

This year, how about taking your mind away from preparing for the festive dinners, and still enjoy some quality selections from Mandarin Orchard Singapore? They’ve never been a hotel to shy away from festive treats and this year is no exception.

A Delectable Debut & More

It’s time to jio your friends and loved ones to a lavish feast of Mandarin Orchard Singapore’s Christmas roasts and other savoury delights. One newcomer this year is the Chicken Ballotine ($98, 2kg), which is oven-roasted and stuffed with buttery fois gras and generous shavings of black truffle (!!)

Other Christmas classics, such as the (one of our favourite) Premium Honey-glazed Gammon Ham (from $318), Roasted U.S. Turkey (from $228), and specials like the Roasted Australian Beef Prime Rib (from $428) and Braised Australian Lamb Shank with Port Wine ($88) are also available for your selection.

Watching the weighing scale? There’s also some guilt-free indulgence in their Baked Norwegian Salmon crusted with Scallop Mousseline and Mushroom Sauce ($188, 1.5kg). Moist and tender within and topped with a layer of scallop mousseline, the dish brings healthy goodness in every bite.

Sweet Tidings We Bring

No Christmas feast is complete with your exquisite sweet treats. Who’s up for some Yule Logs? We are! With FOUR types of Yule Logs ($80, 1kg) available to choose from, Yule be spoilt for choice with their intricate decorations.

Accompanying these are also a WIDE range of specialty desserts by Mandarin Orchard Singapore. From Festive Macarons ($12, 4pc) and Festive Pralines ($35, 12pc), an entire Gingerbread House ($38) and Gingerbread Figurine ($12), Fes- there’s too many to name! Let the pictures speak for themselves: