Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park now has a brand new Izakaya! Nestled in the lush greenery contrasted by the bustling of the popular public park, visitors to ToriYard can experience a dining experience where good friends, delectable grilled meats and wind-down drinks go hand-in-hand.

Curated by Chef Hasegawa Isao, a Tokyo native with decades of experience in Japan, France and Malaysia, patrons can relish the sight of their grilled meat cooked to perfection, with Japanese-imported charcoal grills at the open-concept grill station (separated by a glass window for your comfort).

ToriYard

Apart from the namesake Tori (chicken) skewers available on the menu, there are also a long list of grilled beef, pork, seafood and vegetable Kushiyaki skewers. So there will be something for everyone at this abobe-in-a-park. Some ToriYard specials include the Tsukune Ohba Tsutsumi Age (deep fried chicken ball with perilla leaf) and Onsen Tamago Cocktail (a luxurious combo of onsen egg, foie gras, salmon roe and uni), and for me the latter was quite rather much intriguing! My favourite was actually the Tebasaki (chicken wing) Gyoza, where instead of a usual gyoza, the chicken wing IS the gyoza. They even have a cool sauce station for you to find the perfect dip for your skewers!

ToriYard also serves a good selection of sake and Japanese draft beer, like any good Izakaya would. So enjoy a night of liquor and perfectly-grilled skewers in the cool comfort of the night!

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”4″]
Price: [star rating=”3.5″]
Quality: [star rating=”4″]
Overall: [star rating=”4″]

More Information

ToriYard
1380 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
Singapore 569930
(It’s within the bunch of restaurants/cafes near McDonald’s)
Tel: 9296 5988
Operating Hours
Weekday lunch – 11.30am to 2.30pm
Weekday dinner – 6.00pm to 10.30pm
Weekend lunch – 11.00am to 2.30pm
Weekend dinner – 6.00pm to 11.00pm
Closed on Tuesdays

Facebook|Instagram|Reservations (Chope)

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Right at the middle of downtown is Freehouse, a bar opened in 2016 that “was birthed from a thirst that could only be quenched by good beer and cider”. With up to 16 rotating taps of craft beer (they’re usually almost at full capacity), you can be sure that you’ll only be thirsty for that guy/girl down the bar Situated in a shophouse in the Telok Ayer area, its intimate settings ensures you that there’s definitely “no strangers here”.

Week of the Dog at Freehouse

Yo Dawg, so I heard it’s the Year of the Dog, so Freehouse’s got some (hot)dogs at the week of the dog, so you can dog while you dawg!

Just over the last week, while basically half of the bars you frequent were closed over the Chinese New Year week, Freehouse started the year of the dog with a week long event starring their very own bar manager, Christian!

The Week of the Dog featured a special event-only menu made of gourmet sausages, corn dogs and more importantly (to me), TATER TOTS “smothered in homemade meat/beach chilli! With Christian in the kitchen (no sandwiches today), we devoured most of the brutally-named menu, such as the Brat-tallica, a Bratwurst topped with home-made braised red cabbage, Sauerkraut, Bacon, Hefeweizen Cheese Sauce, Spicy Mustard and Devil’s Ketchup; or if you’re in camp Dave Mustaine, there’s The Megadeth Corn Dog, that’s dipped in a special honey-infused buttermilk batter and deep fried to golden glory!

We also checked out good ol’ Trogdor the Burninator, our favourite strong-armed winged beast represented with Tater Tots smothered in molten Cheddar Cheese (that’s enough to make Torbjorn breathe heavily), Home Made Stout Bean/Meat Chilli, Srircha, Sour Cream and Devil’s Ketchup. Beware of the fire-breathing dragon!

No Strangers Here

Beyond the special menu for the week, Freehouse also offers a pretty wide range of bar snacks and dinner items (they’re usually not open for lunch). Favourites include the Cereal Frog Legs, Grilled Eggplant and Japanese Curry Fries just to name a few. Food menu may also change time to time, so find out the latest while you’re there!

Of course being one of the increasingly popular craft beer bar in Singapore, Freehouse offers a rotating selection of delicious craft beer from around the world, as mentioned previously having a capacity of 16 taps in full view of their white tiled display wall. New and seasoned craft beer enthusiasts are more than welcome, as your friendly neighbourhood bar guy Christian will surely put the right beer in front of you. Events and tap takeovers from particular breweries (such as the recent Battle Royale of Vietnamese breweries Pasteur Street and Heart of Darkness) also happen regularly, so be sure to like their Facebook page to keep yourself updated. For a good deal, head down to their Pint & Grub Mondays, where any pint with a side from a selected list go for only $20++!

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”5″]
Price: [star rating=”3.5″]
Quality: [star rating=”4″]
Overall: [star rating=”4″]

More Information

Freehouse
21A Boon Tat Street
Singapore 069620
Email: info@freehouse.com.sg
Opening Hours: 5:00pm to 12:00am (Tuesdays to Saturdays), 3:00pm to 12:00am (Fridays only). CLOSED MONDAYS.
Facebook|Instagram|Website

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Fun fact: Depending on the region of Germany you’re at, the same festival takes on different names: Karneval, Fasching and Fastnacht. Read more here.

Karneval @ Brotzeit

From now till 25 February 2018, Brotzeit is bringing the flavours and Gemütlichkeit (a feeling of warmth, friendliness, and good cheer) of Karneval to Singapore! While you can’t get a parade here, Brotzeit has launched a specially-curated Karneval menu, featuring festival favourites and exclusive Karneval-only craft beers from Germany during this festive season.

We were greeted by Brotzeit’s Group Executive Chef Wolfgang Ranner, who gracefully brought us through some of the common menu items that you can get at the actual Karneval in Germany. After starting the party with hearty “prost” over a refreshing pint of Karneval-exclusive Gaffel Kölsch, we were presented with a really long sausage on an equally big bun. #thatswhatshesaid

The Gaffel Kölsch a fresh speciality beer from Cologne with a delicate blend of a bitter yet pleasant and slightly hoppy taste. Brewed according to a time-honored family recipe and the German Purity Law of 1516, Gaffel Kölsch is clearly distinguished from all other Kölsch brands.

Brotzeit’s Half-meter Sausage Challenge

Ready your stomachs, and test your might to take on their Half-metre German Sausage Challenge. Teams of two will each have four minutes to finish a half-meter of Brotzeit’s Deutsche Halbmeter Wurst, featuring classic Nürnberger sausages, served with sauerkraut and potato salad in a baguette. That’s about as long as an entire adult forearm, or about 2.7 banana for scale. Any team that completes the challenge within the stipulated four minutes will enjoy the sausage on the house, and being able to have bragging rights to have TESTED YOUR MIGHT and be called Brotzeit’s Wurst Champions.

We were lucky that there were 6 hungry people to wolf it down, and we probably took longer than four minutes anyway. Accordingly to a manager from the team, the record at that time is(maybe was) 3 minutes 44 seconds!

Another feature of Brotzeit’s Karneval menu is Zweierlei von Huhn (Duo of Chicken), which is basically chicken served two-ways; a tender oven-roasted chicken, and golden fried chicken (done like chicken schnitzels). Marinated generously, the roasted chicken was as tender and juicy as you can imagine, while the fried chicken was on point with the amount of batter and crispiness to it without being dried out. Served with potato salad and Fries, it’s a good sharing dish!

Ever been in the situation where you have a big party and everyone wants everything? Or conversely, you really want that one dish in a platter, but you got to deal with the others that make you go ‘meh’? Brotzeit’s Deutsche Tapas (German Tapas, 3 for $15, 6 for $28, 12 for $45) is the solution for all diners! Choose from a list of TWELVE different tapas items, totally customisable to your liking below. Want 12 meatloaves? Yes please!

Bierbeisser (sausage), super food salad (Chef Ranner lol’d), spicy chicken sausages, currywurst, golden fried chicken, cheese spätzle, meatballs, seabass filet, fried mushrooms, meatloaf in a mini kaiser roll, chicken schnitzel in a mini kaiser roll, and their meat patty in a mini kaiser roll.

To finish off the evening, we were given special off-the-menu Berliners (German doughnuts with fillings), but you can check if you can get lucky too

More Information

Brotzeit Singapore
Outlets in Singapore: 313@Somerset, VivoCity, Raffles City, Katong, Westgate (click to see opening hours and reservation info)

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Morganfield’s Orchard Central

Morganfield’s, of Sticky Bones – American BBQ pork ribs, slow cooked to tender perfection – has just opened their 4th outlet at Orchard Central! Perched high up at level 11, you can expect the same delicious ribs in town, smokey, juicy and tender, slathered with your favorite sauce! Best washed down with a nice pint of beer, mmm.

Speaking about beer, a new feature at Morganfield’s Orchard Central is Bar MF, the highest craft beer bar in Orchard Road. This craft beer bar aims to make craft beer more approachable and accessible, and they serve up to 10 rotating beers on taps from all over the world. Don’t worry about being called a noob if you’re new. Simply approach the friendly bartender, and he will be more than happy to introduce you to the wonderful world of craft beer, and find one that suits you best! Expect crowd favorite brands, and crafted seasonal specials as well.

We were invited to their launch event where some of their favourites were served, such as the Pulled Rib Sliders, Crispy Golden Pork (must try) and Candied Bacon (!!!). Being at the pinnacle of Orchard Road dining means that the restaurant is a great place to gather with friends for a hearty meal or colleagues for a round of after work drinks, away from the bustling city crowd. You can expect great quality food, and equally great beers here!

Check out their regular promotions too, like their Weekend Ribs Buffet where you get free flow ribs at $40++ every weekend and public holidays from 11am to 4pm. Did I also say that kids eat for free on weekends too (with every purchase of any mains, up to two kids’ meals per table). Check out their website (link below) for more information.

Beerfarm – Established For The Future

Breaking the duck for both Morganfield’s, as well as their own appearance in Singapore is Beerfarm brewery, from Metricup, Western Australia. Living by their mantra “Established For The Future“, Brewmasters Neal and Peter came to Singapore for the first time to tell about how Beerfarm prides itself as a brewery that makes award-winning beer in a sustainable fashion that grows with their local community.

We were treated to a wide selection of their beers, ranging from the light, crisp West Coast Lager to the punchy, hoppy India Pale Ale (IPA) and the milky Milk Stout. Each had a distinct character and taste; a hallmark of the dedication to stringent brewing practices and quality ingredients. My personal favourite was their Belgian Sour and all its tarty glory, and the Barrel Aged-Marmalade Saison, of which the Seville oranges were actually picked from a tree from their own farm.

New or seasoned craft beer enthusiasts, do check out their decorated India Pale Lager, or “the beer the brewers make for their own selfish pleasure”. Bagging the “Best International Lager” at the 2017 Australian International Beer Awards, it is a vibrant mix of tropical fruit flavours and the aroma of a few hop varieties (Magnum, Mosaic & Saaz for the nerds), matched with a light maltiness and fiinshed with a crisp bitterness.

GIVEAWAY

Score some free chow at Morganfield’s Orchard Central! Stand a chance to be the one lucky winner to walk away from a $50 voucher*! To participate:

Instagram:

Follow @MorganfieldsSingapore and @holeinthewallsg on Instagram and comment on this post:

• What do you look forward to seeing in Morganfield’s Orchard Central
• Participants to tag someone you would like to visit Morganfield’s Orchard Central with!

Contest is open to all Singaporean/PR residents with a public Instagram account. Remember to set your profile to public! This contest ends by 22 December 2017 11:59PM.

More Information

Morganfield’s Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
#11-03/04
Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Reservations: 66341828
Facebook | Instagram | Website

Beerfarm
177 Gale Road
6280 Metricup, Western Australia
Australia
Email: orders@beerfarm.com.au
Facebook | Instagram | Website

p.s. Thanks Neal for the beer talk!

The post Morganfield’s Orchard Central X Beerfarm (Media/Launch) appeared first on You Otter Go There.

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!

Incoming Promotion!

In line with our 52^nd 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!

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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The post 26@Marina Review – There’s Not Mushroom Left After This! appeared first on You Otter Go There.

“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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The post Let Freedom Ring! Burger Joint Singapore with Jolie (@joliehwee) appeared first on You Otter Go There.

“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’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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The post [MOVED] Stirling Grill Review – Good Steaks Pound For Pound appeared first on You Otter Go There.

I’ll have another beer, I’m not driving – Father Theodore, Trappist Monk

UPDATE JUL 2020 – Growler’s has closed.

Craft beer in Singapore is still a pretty new scene, so while there are quite a few bars in the Central Business District, it’s quite uncommon to have one beyond the city boundaries. So when I heard of one in the Macpherson/Potong Pasir area, I knew I had to go there one day.

My memory of Tai Thong Crescent is pretty fuzzy as it has been really long since I’ve really gone there. ever since the old Jackson Center with its delicious ngo hiang (that has moved to an adjacent coffeeshop) was torn down. So to arrive there to see the iconic jagged edge facade replaced with swanky new condominium blocks was kind of melancholic. Not to mention it was still drizzling when I was there.

Growler’s Craft Beer & Bistro

Opened just a few months back in February 2017, the bar’s concept is eponymous: apart from taking a (cold) pint at the bar after work, you get to buy a full growler (basically a big glass/metal beer bottle; usually 1-2 litres but this one here is 2 litres) worth of golden goodness home if you want to. So just a couple weekends ago they just had their grand opening, and boy was it a blast! Placed along row of shophouse units across where Jackson Centre used to be, it’s a minutes stroll from Potong Pasir. Don’t bother driving here because of 1) lack of parking and 2) don’t drink and drive (important!!!)

I didn’t get to try their regular menu when I arrived as only bar bites (free throughout!) were available (only to be opened later into the night but I was already so stuffed). I did however get enough of beer to make my trip worthwhile though. In between platefuls of sweet potato fries and chicken wings (rather good!), a beer on a rainy evening doesn’t seem like a bad idea at all. Speaking which, they have a curation of beers on tap and in bottles; currently they serve beers from local brewery Circa 7 on tap, and I do recall they switch it up now and then. So check their Facebook page for updates! In the meantime, enjoy ice-cold favourites like the Working People’s Golden IPA and Pursuit of Hoppiness IPA; or if you’re not into heavy beers, the Bohemian Pilsner. Definitely refreshing and suitable for Singapore’s warm humid climate!

We did manage to order the salted egg yolk chicken burger at the end for a hungry latecomer and yes as seen on the photos, it’s pretty big and filling, yum!

Special mention: sick jell-o shots bruh!

More Information

Growlers Craft Beer & Bistro
37 Tai Thong Crescent
Singapore 347862
Reservations: 83539572
Opening Hours: 11:30am to 11.00pm (12:00am on Fri/Sat)

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