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[CLOSED] Nook & Cranny Review – Pardon the Pan(dan)

At no time are we ever in such complete possession of a journey, down to its last nook and cranny, as when we are busy with preparations for it. After that, there remains only the journey itself, which is nothing but the process through which we lose our ownership of it. – Yukio Mishima

 

EDIT JUL 2020: Nook & Cranny are closed till further notice.

So not that long ago I saw this on my Facebook timeline:

I decided to try my luck (some of the answers were pretty good guesses, like pistachio) and lo behold, I was right! So off I went to get a taste of this unusual concoction…

Nook & Cranny

Started in 2015 by part of nookedmag.com, Nook & Cranny is well, literally in its namesake along Sin Ming Road, more popularly known for roti prata and Udders ice cream. Situated at Thomson V One, it is easy to miss it if you’re not looking. Despite that, it’s actually not difficult to reach, with Marymount MRT Station just a couple bus stops out, or a 10 minutes walk.

The interior’s nothing much to yell about, but it feels spacious and cosy despite the area not actually being really big; the biggest table at the al-fresco area is good enough for 8-10 people, although I’m sure they will be happy to accommodate.

Nook & Cranny Nook & Cranny Nook & Cranny Nook & Cranny Nook & Cranny Nook & Cranny Nook & Cranny

The menu also exudes the cosiness and down-to-earth concept of the cafe design. The Truffle Mac & Cheese, topped with a soft boiled egg and the Chicken Bleu (Chicken Cordon Bleu), served on a bed of orzo rice pasta (it feels like rice but tastes like pasta!), are all comfort and zero nonsense. Also check out their signature “Nook Wings” that’s battered with a *secret* recipe and served with a generous amount of BBQ sauce dip!

Other items on the menu that you should check out as well include the Salmon Benedict, and their waffles & ice cream, just to name a couple.

Nook & Cranny

See you Latte

The star and main purpose of my visit, the Pandan Latte, was an interesting spin. Kind of reminds me of eating ondeh-ondeh, a traditional snack in Southeast Asia, with some hints of nasi lemak. However for now it remains a one-time special, as the guys at Nook & Cranny are refining the drink for a comeback (hopefully soon!).

In the meantime, check out their signature drinks like the matcha latte and signature hot chocolate! Perfect for a pit stop in the afternoon or to wind down the evening if you’re that sort of coffee drinker like me (having coffee at night but still managing to sleep).

Recently, they’ve also won the 2017 Singapore AeroPress Championship held at the Singapore Coffee Festival 2017. You know they’re up to some good brews when their barista’s award-winning!

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”5″]
Hidden from street view, and before the Thomson-East Coast MRT line comes, you will definitely need to do some legwork to find Nook & Cranny, in a nook and cranny. There’s ample parking available in the complex though.

Price: [star rating=”3.5″]
Mains and drinks set us back about $50, which puts it in a slightly upper range but still decently priced.

Quality: [star rating=”4.5″]
The food here is not complicated, and servings are comfortably adequate. You can also feel the freshness in their beverage as they prepare them fresh too.

Overall: [star rating=”4″]
A nice hideaway in what is more famous as a favourite supper area, you can cosy up and spend hours here to get your fill of nice food and drinks!

More Information

For the whole month of August, celebrate their first birthday by enjoying a 2nd main course at 50% off!

Nook & Cranny
9 Sin Ming Road
#01-03
Thomson V One
Singapore 575630
Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12:00pm to 10:00pm, CLOSED TUESDAYS
Fri: 12:00pm to 11:00pm
Sat: 11:00am to 11:00pm
Sun: 11:00am to 10:00pm
Reservations: 6452 7449 or info@nookmag.com
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Singapore Coffee Festival 2017 #SGCoffeeFest – Better Latte Than Never!

Singapore Coffee Festival 2017 – Organised by The Straits Times & Presented by DBS Bank

Just yesterday I attended the Singapore Coffee Festival 2017 (Media & Trade Day). Organized by The Straits Times and presented by the DBS Bank, it’s back for its second year!  This year it’s held at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore. To me even though it meant a 10 minute walk down a very long sheltered walkway, it is a big improvement over the previous location, as the entire immigration and boarding centre is turned into a giant festival ground, all in the comfort of cool air-conditioning! There are actually 2 levels of the festival this time, so instead of a claustrophobic corridor, now it is held in a spacious and tall indoor venue.

To cater to everyone, they’ve also split up the sessions into two: brunch (10:00am to 3:30pm) and sundown (4:30pm to 10:00pm). Be sure to go on time so that you have maximum enjoyment of your favourite cuppa. Before you read on, get your tickets here! Regular tickets are priced at $22 per session, and at $18 per session for DBS cardholders and Straits Times subscribers.

 

The Straits Times – Coffee and Conversations

Similar to last year, apart from just downing shots of caffeine, The Straits Times are holding a series of talks and conversations with interesting personalities, from baristas and start-up entrepreneurs, to social enterprises and corporate leaders.

The brunch sessions features Coffee with the Boss, a series of talks by towkays (bosses/leaders) such as DBS’ regional head of group research Timothy Wong on investment tips (Sunday), Singtel’s consumer chief executive Yuen Kuan Moon on the digital age and technology (Saturday), as well as Princess Cruises director for South-east Asia Farriek Tawfik on travel tips and destinations (Friday). The sundown sessions are more casual, featuring cafe owners, baristas discussing becoming a F&B entrepreneur, and having a mid-career change into the industry. Check out the full programme here.

Live Kind with DBS

Can a cup of coffee change the world? As part of its vision to create a positive impact beyond banking, DBS Asia For Good Foundation presents Live Kind, which include a series of interactive workshops like coffee brewing, latte art to snack making and tasting sessions. You can also  shop for some artisanal coffee, tea and snacks at The Good Market. Live ethically, effortlessly with these sustainable businesses from across Asia that will be showcasing a range of socially conscious coffee, organic snacks, and all natural skincare products.

Also get yourself some goodies by completing a list of tasks on the Live Kind Passport, but you got to register on the link first or at the festival!

Check out their website before you go down, over here.

Hook me up with some Caffeine!

This year, Singapore Coffee Festival boasts over 100 partners and exhibitors, from commercial brands to local coffee brewers. Get yourself some classic and curated roasts by various cafes (I went for Brawn & Brains’ Natural and Kochere coffee mixes (served in a pourover). Personally I preferred the natural for its berry taste and acidity! Otherwise, get some cold brews such as by Lorgan and Sons and 1degreec, or Coffee in a Cone by Coffee Academics just to name a few. Some festival exclusives are also available, such as Hyde & Co, whom are selling its cold brew iced teas in bottled form for the first time at $8 each, while Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee will be launching a special blend of coffee beans. There are also international specials like the Japan Roast (I love their Kenyan roasts) and Shiseido boutique are also here to show off some international love!

Do also check out the second level of the exhibition (there’s escalators and elevators available) where you can find coffee making paraphernalia for sale, and also Owa Coffee by Mandai & Wildlife Reserves Singapore, which is grown by Javanese farmers in an wildlife-friendly manner and protects the Javan silvery Gibbons, which is threatened by deforestation from practices such as coffee-growing. You can also participate in (you need to register online first) different workshops like Lab Sessions @ The Lab by Common Man Roasters.

Check out the different sections of the exhibition, such as a local Kopi Corner designed by Daniel Boey featuring Ya Kun Kaya Toast, and the sunset wharf where you can find Hyde & Co and Symmetry along with a power packed line-up of musical performances throughout the festival, featuring acts like local singers Inch Chua, Jawn , indie rock band Stopgap, and producer Tim De Cotta. I’d recommend chilling there, by the seaside, to end the night with your favourite beverage! For me it was the coffee pale ale (beer) by Brawn & Brains!

For a whole list of participating cafes and brands, click here!

Coffee Alternatives

Wished you had a better tolerance to caffeine (unlike me) and want to take a break from the coffee? There’s also plenty of options such as the flower teas by SWATi, Strawberry Oolong Tea by Boba Brew, and many more! Hungry? There’s also plenty of food choices, such as the watermelon soft serve (eat it fast, it melts really quick!) and Rendang Mac & Cheese with Ayam Keluak Kueh Pie Tee by Arbite. Check out the friendly magazine that’s available if you ever get spoilt for choice!

#Covfefe or Bust

Hope you people enjoy this year’s Singapore Coffee Festival like I had. As drinking a large amount of coffee does have a diuretic effect, be sure to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, and avoid it on a completely empty stomach!

More Information

Singapore Coffee Festival 2017 By The Straits Times and DBS Bank
Marina Bay Cruise Centre – Getting There
61 Marina Coastal Drive
Singapore 018947
Tickets here

 

Many thanks to The Straits Times & DBS for inviting!

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26@Marina Review – There’s Not Mushroom Left After This!

In Singapore, even as Singaporeans,  there’s a few things that grind our gears. The (sometimes overzealous) sun and heat, and never-ending crowds. Put both together and you got yourself a nightmare even the sandman can’t dust away. So one sweltering afternoon, as we were loitering around the Marina Bay Sands hotel and Gardens by the Bay while playing Pokemon Go (yes don’t judge, I want my pokedex ok), we wanted to find somewhere that we knew would be away from the throngs of visitors in the area.

26@Marina Bar & Bistro

26@Marina is a bar & bistro that took root (geddit) right at the far corner of Satay by the Bay; a good distance away from the tourist crowd in the Gardens. Being at the side means they’re shielded from the smoky satay and BBQ seafood fumes, and not to mention the hustle and bustle that comes with it. With ample seating, it’s great for one, or with your entire bike/e-scooter gang while you crack a cold one with the boys.

So anyway, after grabbing a pint of ice-cold beer to cool off the heat, I was introduced to one of their specialties the crispy pork belly (i.e. sio bak) salsa. While the pork has all the juicy goodness to match the crunch of the skin, the real hero of the dish IMO is actually the sambal chilli, which is V E R Y S P I C Y. PEDAS. 很辣. காரம். Do take it sparingly if you’re a ketchupboi/ketchupgal! By the way, the chilli (aptly named Woo-La-La! Sambal Belachan) is available for sale in bottles at the counter if you want… BUT BE WARNED.

Feeling really hungry, we went straight for the mains. A new creation of theirs at that time is a charcoal burger, served with a generous 180g beef patty, and a breaded portobello mushroom stuffed with cheddar cubes. That’s right, an entire portobello mushroom, not one of those uppity burger joint burgers that only have a few slices of mushrooms ‘for the flavour’. Dressed well in cheese and sauces, the beef is done properly (medium) and I can only complain that I don’t have mushroom left in my stomach after eating! There’s going to be more burger creations apart from this one, so be sure to check out their social media or their menu when you’re there! (Newly launched: Mushroom Swiss Burger & Double Cheeseburger, +$2 for truffle fries)

Despite being a casual diner in an al-fresco setting they take their food seriously. The U.S. pork chops that we ordered came along not overcooked (common gripe) and well-seasoned too!

26@Marina 26@Marina 26@Marina 26@Marina26@Marina 26@Marina26@Marina

Incoming Promotion!

In line with our 52nd National Day (SG52), 26@Marina will have a promotion from 3 August onwards! With any purchase of a gourmet burger (including the charcoal burger I ate, while stocks last) gets you a bottle of Tiger white (wheat beer)/black (dark lager) for just $5.20 (U.P. $8.50)! While stocks last!

Tiger Black White Promo 26@Marina

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”3.5″]
It’s a bit far-flung from public transportation, but still rather accessible. We took an oBike here from MBS and it only took like 7-10 minutes? Also there’s free parking on weekdays for lunchtime (12-2pm)!

Price: [star rating=”4″]
Standard bistro prices, about $20-30/person. Which isn’t bad considering it’s right next to Gardens, a major tourist attraction.

Quality: [star rating=”4″]
Everything is freshly made, and by including an entire portobello mushroom that’s the same width of the burger patty, it shows they mean business!

Overall: [star rating=”4″]
A nice change from the Satay (hence Satay by the Bay) and other overpriced local fare, you should come to this watering hole for a ice cold pint and that F-L-A-M-I-N-G HOT chilli!

More Information

26@Marina Bar & Bistro
18 Marina Gardens Drive
Satay by the Bay
Singapore 018953
Opening Hours: 11:30am to 11:30pm Daily
Reservations: 6702-0739
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Jules Taylor Wines Launch with WOK°15 Kitchen at ONE°15 Marina

Jules Taylor Wines Singapore Launch

Just a couple of weeks ago, we were invited to the Singapore launch of Jules Taylor Wines at ONE°15 Marina, Sentosa Cove. From Marlborough, New Zealand,  this namesake winery started as and is still a boutique, family-owned-and-run company. Launched in 2001 with just 200 cases of Pinot Gris and Riesling, it has grown to include several other varieties, including Jules’ award winning Sauvignon Blanc. Joined by her husband George, another experienced winemaker with more than 18 years of experience (that adds up to at least 40 years of wine-making between them!), they also eventually launched George’s own collection, aptly named ‘The Better Half’. More on that!

WOK°15 Kitchen at ONE°15 Marina

Lauded as “Singapore’s Top Restaurant” by Wine & Dine, WOK°15 Kitchen radiates the spirit of the sea by featuring fresh live seafood for selection from the aquarium. With Executive Chef Chum Kar Ho leading the line, WOK°15 Kitchen showcases exquisite yet hearty Cantonese cuisine that, with its complex and rich flavours, will allure palates and satisfy even the most discerning and picky gastronomes. Presenting cuisines that are faithful to the traditional cooking techniques of Cantonese dining, expect only the most exalted flavours with an emphasis on premium seafood and uniquely crafted dishes.

We were treated to a really generous tasting menu by WOK°15, such as their appetiser which includes signature deep fried fish skin with salted egg yolk (黄金炸鱼皮) and sautéed pork belly with special sauce(妙酱烧肉); deep fried marble goby served with deluxe soya sauce (油浸顺壳鱼), sautéed beef cubes with garlic flakes (蒜片牛柳粒), and the star of the day, Singapore Chilli Crab with ried mantou (特制辣椒蟹伴炸馒头)! Okay enough talking for a bit, enjoy the pictorial break!

With fine food comes fine wine as well, in epicurean style. We had a wide variety of wines to pair with, but we especially loved the award winning Jules Taylor Wines Sauvignon Blanc. Without rambling on too much on the vintage, the concentrated of citrus and passionfruit flavour notes also carries subtle hints of fresh summer herbs with lemongrass. These linger on your palate, giving a long well-rounded finish to the wine without feeling too dry after. Grouped with fresh and well-prepared seafood, it is a perfect pairing!

All Aboard the ANKA by ONE°15 Marina

After a scrumptious lunch we were brought on board the ANKA, a mid-sized luxurious yacht courtesy of ONE°15 Marina. On deck we were graced with a presentation by George Elworthy (Jules Taylor’s husband), CEO of Jules Taylor Wines and Laura Grey, Deputy High Commissioner of New Zealand for Singapore. As explained the wines on offer were basically categorised into 3 groups; the classic, premium and elite; each represented by The Better Half, Jules Taylor (the wine collection) and “On The Quiet”, which is a reserve range of single vineyard wines by Jules, released in very limited volumes.

Out of all we felt the Pinot Noir was undoubtedly the most memorable. With wonderfully intense fruit flavours seamlessly balanced with soft, velvety tannins, it gives off a potpourri of aromas; ripe dark fruit, cherry and plum are layered over subtle oaky notes. Which is what we would expect of a Pinot Noir, complex but very easy to drink over just about anything you want to pair it with (went well with the scallops and other light bites served on board by WOK°15 Kitchen as well)!

So that was a really fruitful (and fruity, geddit, fruity notes #dadjokes) afternoon, albeit dampened slightly by poor weather. Many thanks to ONE°15 Marina and Jules Taylor Wines for putting together a feast!

More Information

Jules Taylor Wines
Facebook | Instagram | Website
Price range for the wines are from $60-$80 for The Better Half and Jules Taylor, to about $100-110 for On the Quiet. For more information, visit their website or contact  the local Singapore distributor, SUTL Consumer Goods. I’d recommend you look at their full list of wines at their page here, or the gallery below. Currently they’re available at both of  ONE°15 Marina Club’s restaurants, Wheeler’s Yard, Post Bar at Fullerton Hotel and Temasek Club, just to name a few!

 

WOK°15 Kitchen
Level 1, ONE°15 Marina
Sentosa Cove, 11 Cove Drive
Singapore 098497
Lunch:
Tuesday – Saturday 11.30am – 2.30pm
Sunday & Public Holiday 11.30am – 2.30pm
Dinner:
Tuesday – Sunday & Public Holiday 6pm – 10pm
CLOSED ON MONDAYS
Reservations; call 6305 6998 or email at wok15@one15marina.com
Facebook | Instagram | Website

BONUS CONTENT

Beat the heat this National Day with the Red and White Pool Party. Featuring DJ Daniel Benjamin, DJ Patrick Olivier and DJ Maverick on the decks, be prepared to move to the groove of the fresh beats from day to night while immersing in the view of surrounding multi-million dollar superyachts, right at ONE°15 Marina Club. Tickets information as below on the poster.

As part of National Day celebrations, they’re also having a promotion for the aforementioned chilli crab at WOK°15 Kitchen, where it is $6++ per 100 grams (usual price at $8++ per 100 grams) for the whole month of August! That’s not all, there’s also a 1-for-1 Singapore Sling promotion at their bar, Bar Nebula! Talk about the good life!

 


 

This post is brought to you together with ONE°15 Marina and WOK°15 Kitchen, and Jules Taylor WInes. Picture and stomach space credits to Jon.

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Mandarin Gallery presents Singapore Food Trail (13 July 2017)

So the Singapore Food Festival (SFF) is going on this month, and to join in the festivities, Mandarin Gallery teamed up with selected restaurants to present the Singapore Food Trail! We were invited to the official presentation of this event just last week, where familiar names such as Antoinette, Arteastiq, Lawry’s The Prime Rib, and The Providore have all created specials for you to enjoy from 14 July to 9 August 2017, leading up to Singapore’s 52nd National Day! I’ll go through each and every one of the dishes we got to taste that day, so sit tight!

The Providore

A homage to the cocktail that is often part of the repertoire of many bartenders’ across the globe, The Providore came up with the Singapore Sling Mocktail ($8.50++), so everyone can enjoy the refreshing and fruity notes of this Singapore classic! It was a really humid afternoon (like really surprising, huh?) so this was a good starting point to quench our thirst. We liked the pineapple crisp that gave that extra zest and crunch to the drink!

Antoinette

Fancy some sweets for high-tea? This quintessential Parisian pâtisserie and salon de thé combined the fragrance of Southeast Asia with French finesse, with the Orient ($9++; comes in a regular and mini size). This holy creation consists of a salted egg cremeux with lotus seed mousse, coconut cake, on a salted peanut sesame praline crispy. Think Liu Sha Bao (流沙包; salted egg yolk custard buns), but on delicate French confectionery. Heavenly!

Arteastiq

While better known for being a tea house and an art jamming studio (hence the portmanteau of art and tea), Arteastiq also has a generous brunch selection. For the food trail, they unveiled the Two-Way Lobster ($38++; totally unintended innuendo btw). It features (well) lobsters prepared in two very different styles; Lobster Thermidor (French) and otah-stuffed lobster shell (SIngaporean), served with barley risotto. The result is a burst of flavor (in fact, 2 bursts) which are both savory in their own rights, but are well-balanced with the other.

Lawry’s The Prime Rib

Last stop of the day! At this time we were already S-T-U-F-F-E-D. But who could say no to…

Chilli Crab Pasta($38++)! Lawry’s The Prime Rib is not only well-known for its steaks and roasts, also has a fresh seafood collection. With chilli crab ubiquitous to Singapore cuisine, from hawker centres to fine-dining restaurants, this steak house decided to have a go at it! On top of the chilli crab pasta, which is generously prepared with shreds of fresh crab, is yet another crab, albeit a soft shell one. But that’s not all, Lawry’s also came up with a refreshing Red Jubilee ($5.20++), a festive creation that calls for a celebration!

Psst. the chilli crab pasta will only be available for lunch in July, but will be available all day in August. Take note!

Win Some Good Food (Giveaway)!

Did I get your attention with all these wonderful dishes on the food trail? Now YOU can stand a chance to win dining vouchers worth $100 from each of the above restaurants, simply by following Mandarin Gallery on Instagram (@mandaringallery) and Facebook (facebook.com/mandaringallery), and leaving a comment (you need to tag 3 friends on Instagram) telling them which dish you would like to try the most and why! (See posts below). Good Luck!

More Information

Mandarin Gallery: Facebook | Instagram | Website

Antionette: Facebook | Website

Arteastiq: Facebook | Instagram | Website

Lawry’s The Prime Rib: Facebook | Instagram | Website

The Providore: Facebook | Instagram | Website

This post is brought to you by Mandarin Gallery presents Singapore Food Trail. Picture credits to Mandarin Gallery, the participating restaurants, and Kyla Tan (give her a follow @_kylatan too yea!).

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Pecori
Featured Person

[CLOSED] Pecori Japanese Egg Restaurant with Natalie Wang (@natwangthecat @natziwang)

The way you make an omelet reveals your character. – Anthony Bourdain

Pecori

UPDATE JUL 2020: Pecori, along with the entire Liang Court, has closed. The mall is undergoing redevelopment.

Liang Court to many *cough* youths of my age used to be associated with the 24hrs MacDonald’s at the first floor (which has since been replaced with a food court instead) that you go to for cheap calories before a night of parties. But relatively unbeknownst to many, there is actually a Japanese enclave with a wide selection of F&B options. From premium nigiri sushi to croquettes and curries, there’s something for everyone and their wallets.

Natalie Wang

Poet. Debate specialist & coach. Makeup artist & beauty blogger. Natalie (@natwangthecat , and @natziwang) keeps herself busy with many activities. You should check out her adventures and short-lived love affairs with cats she encounters! But tonight, she brings me to her favourite spot to recharge with some of her comfort food: omu rice.

Pecori

 

A post shared by natziwang (@natziwang) on

Pecori Japanese Egg Restaurant

Placed at a cosy corner of the cooked food section of Medi-Ya supermarket, Pecori specialises in, amongst other minor ones, Japanese omelette rice. While many are familiar (thanks to social media) the dramatic service style of Kyoto’s Kichi Kichi, they (Pecori) do it quietly and without much fanfare. Designed like a cutesy countryside cottage, the interior has very limited seating; most customers, including us) sit at the common tables in the area right in front.

PecoriPecoriPecori

With any purchase you get access to the all-you-can-eat salad and soup bar. Perfect for warming your poor soul, but why would you overeat and miss out on the star of the night? (edit: free access is only for dinner; a small top-up is applicable during lunch)

Pecori
PecoriPecori

 

 

Picture from PecoriSG facebook
No automatic alt text available.
Picture from PecoriSG facebook

The mainstay of Pecori, the Japanese omu rice, is served with a variety of sauces and toppings (e.g. like a huge piece of tonkatsu, which I got). There’s no real favourite here, although the classic thing to order here is the demi-glace sauce with the beef stew. If you’re feeling for something a bit lighter, there’s the mushroom ankake sauce (kind of like a light clear soy sauced-based gravy). Underneath the fluffy omelettes lay an equally fluffy bed of stir-fried rice, and the generous portion will make sure you get your full $12++ worth of comfort! They also have other non-omu rice items on offer… but really?

Usually they also have a selection of dessert(s) to finish of the meal, such as this jiggly piece of Japanese pudding. According to Natalie, if you’re lucky you may even get their elusive chocolate cake!

Pecori

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”3.5″]
It is pretty hidden from most mall visitors, but nonetheless it is a shopping mall. Natalie would disagree as virtually none of her friends even know this corner of the mall existed.

Price: [star rating=”3.5″]
Japanese food have always commanded a premium here. With prices starting from about $12, it is indeed quite dear. But in exchange you will get quality and freshness where it matters.

Quality: [star rating=”4.5″]
Portions are big and ingredients clearly look and taste fresh. Mmm those eggs…

Overall: [star rating=”4″]
Fancy some eggs, monsieur? Maybe come here before a long night ahead at Clarke Quay next time!

More Information

Pecori Japanese Egg Restaurant
177 River Valley Road
#B1-31
Liang Court
Singapore 179030
(Go down the ramp escalator to basement 1, and walk towards Medi-Ya supermarket and all the way across the cashier rows, not into the supermarket)
Tel: 8277 0959 (but you don’t really need it, they are open rain or shine)
Opening Hours: 11:00am to 10:00pm daily
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Let Freedom Ring! Burger Joint Singapore with Jolie (@joliehwee)

“Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide.” -Napoleon Bonaparte

Burgers. Originally just served as a meat patty in Germany (Hamburg, hence the name to hamburger and then burger), the modern burger was debatably developed by a few different sources in early USA history, but one thing in common was the mobility and ease of mass production it brought. Especially to a fast-paced metropolis like the big apple: New York City (cue nasal voice), the land of opportunity.

Jolie Hwee

When not learning how to scalp (literally, guys) people on surgical tables, Dr. Jolie turns to looking for new places to dine at. Check out her Instagram!

So when told of a burger joint that’s so obscure it literally doesn’t even have a front display and entrance, she had to come take a look.

Burger Joint Singapore

Of Le Parker Meridien down 56th St, NYC fame, Burger Joint opened their first outlet in Southeast Asia down in the Telok Ayer/Amoy Street area. Why am I being so vague? That’s because instead of a prominent front display, it is actually situated in what could have been a kitchen/pantry/worker’s quarters in the early 20th century. To access it, you would have to go round the back, along Gemill Lane before you spot the ubiquitous neon burger sign plastered next to a inconspicuous door… only to go in and be greeted by a dark corridor lined with curtains, and yet another neon burger sign.

Once you (finally) reach the restaurant, you’ll be greeted with a familiar sight (if you’ve ever been to the one in NYC; I haven’t though): the worn-looking wooden furniture and walls in a dimly lit room. If you come in a group you can try your luck at one of the booth seats, but most are happy at the standing tables or even to chill at the bar, where they serve a decent spread of cold beer and good ol’ American whiskies.

Ordering a burger here isn’t… too many layers of work. You are free to choose whether you want a plain hamburger or load it up with cheese, bacon, jalapeno peppers, or all of the above! For best results, go for ‘the works’ when asked for your vegetables. But of course in a capitalist free world, more will cost you.

The burgers come wrapped in paper bags and perfectly grilled to your liking (medium rare’s great), and piping hot. Now chomp on to that freedom and opportunity all the way from the East coast!

Yes, the burgers are quite expensive. Yes, the servings are not exactly very big. But does it matter? Not really, when you have the freedom of choice. If you like what you’re getting, feel free to scribble your words of praise or greetings on literally any surface you can find (most people choose the walls though) too! Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”5″]
The only giveaway of any semblance of a restaurant is the neon sign in the door so yes, hole in the wall.

Price: [star rating=”3″]
For prices starting at $17 excluding taxes, it is definitely on the steep side when it comes to burgers. You do get quality meat that is grilled to your liking though. BUT I only found out after that they actually are on the entertainer app, so you can bring a friend along, or simply take two burgers!

Quality: [star rating=”4″]
I give credit that they make it up in quality, that their meat, vegetables and even buns are freshly made (buns are made in-house).

Overall: [star rating=”3.5″]
A good concept with no-nonsense and no-frills food, but I probably will only come here once in a while if I were on a budget. I mean, we’re free to choose right?

Wishing all readers from the USofA a happy 4th July!

More Information

Burger Joint Singapore
115 Amoy Street
#01-03
Singapore 069935
(Entrance at back on Gemmill Lane)
Tel: +65 6221 8648
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Food

[MOVED] Stirling Grill Review – Good Steaks Pound For Pound

“Don’t count the days, make the days count.” – Muhammad Ali

Cheong Chin Nam Road is a popular supper place where most would associate with local fare, like Roti Prata, Teochew Porridge or Chicken Rice. There are even Korean BBQ restaurants now! But sitting in plain sight is a steakhouse that’s definitely punching above its own weight.

NOTE: Stirling Grill has changed to STIRLING STEAKS (website) and has relocated to 115 East Coast Road, all while still offering quality and affordable steaks. They even do wholesale and supply meats now!

Stirling Grill

Having been opened for a few years, Stirling Grill dutifully serves up charcoal-grilled meats and delicious desserts in a casual diner setting. The deliberately mismatched furniture and crockery, together with the colourful chalk drawings, emits that cosy ‘at home’ experience that owner Elwyn sets out to give to his customers. There’s both an indoor seated area (with a comfortable couch booth available for a bigger group) and an al-fresco area that screens football matches live sometimes!

What isn’t casual about the place though, is their steaks. Faithfully charcoal grilled, the meats retain more flavour and nutrients all while reducing all that oil and fats. What it results to is juicy, and tastier cuts of goodness! What surprised me was that the sirloin steak burger is in fact an full cut of sirloin, perfectly grilled to your liking, wedged between toasted burger buns! Usually you’d expect a minced beef patty (sometimes dubiously) labelled as Wagyu/Angus Ribeye/Sirloin, but Stirling decided to put their foot down to this disparity.

Thanks to the Entertainer app we managed to get a bigger portion of steak for less, so we didn’t manage to try the other specialties of theirs that are well-raved online: the Crispy King Salmon and stirling sliders, good for a quick bite with a pint from their selection of beer, including Archipelago Beer on tap!

We couldn’t agree more with @teojimmy 😀💯👍 #repost ・・・ Chunky salmon steak with skin pan-seared ’til chips-like crisp yet retaining its juiciness, served on mashed potatoes with creamy dill! . . . #stirlinggrill #stirlingsg #crispykingsalmon #norwegiansalmon #pansearedsalmon #salmonsteak #salmonfillet #mashedpotatoes #creamydill #archipelagobrewery #archipelagobeer #belgianwit #wheatbeer #tagsforlikes #foodgasm #foodphotography #foodporn #sgfoodie #sgfoodunion #sgmakandiary #singaporeeats #sgeats #setheats #burpple #burpplesg #hungrygowhere #whati8today #8dayseat #8dayseatout @stirlinggrill @archipelagobrewery

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It’s sliders galore this Easter Sunday! 😁 #charcoalgrill #stirlinggrill #medium rare #juicybeef #igfood #sgfoodie #burrplesg #tops #meatporn #grill #grilling #grillporn #sgrestaurant #beauty world #dtl2 #moo #sgfoodporn #whati8today #sgfoodies #sgfood #buzzfeedfood #eatoutsg #singaporeinsiders #8dayseat

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We’re not done yet after the main course! Stirling also serves a good selection of ice cream (yummy) and other desserts also served in-house by their sister brand DessertSplash. Don’t you find that holy union of a belgian waffle, ice cream AND a cone tantalising?

Verdict


hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”4″]
What used to be a relatively remote enclave for the west is now made more convenient with the Downtown Line, but the diner remains quaint amongst the hustle and bustle in the Cheong Chin Nam Road supper scene.

Price: [star rating=”4″]
Be prepared for a premium, but the prices here are still affordable for the quality of meat you are served. It helped that we got the Entertainer app too. Best if you go in a small group so that you can try more of their signatures!

Quality: [star rating=”4.5″]
Quality without compromise, at least that was what I felt. Good progress in his business will only help motivate the team to do even better!

Overall: [star rating=”4.5″]
Looking to wind down without breaking the bank, but still want some good meat and beer at that? Try this place out.

More Information

Stirling Grill (aka Stirling Bar & Grill)

15 Cheong Chin Nam Rd
Singapore 599739
(Nearest MRT: Beauty World)
Reservations: (65) 97882583
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