Yeah, yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, that they didn’t stop to think if they should. –Ian Malcolm

… is what most people bear about themed cafes sometimes. But we definitely won’t say that about the Jurassic World Cafe that will be open to public from 6 November 2020 to 3 January 2021!

Jurassic World Cafe comes to Singapore

Be transported into Isla Nublar at ION Sky, with its breathtaking view all the way up at level 55 of ION Orchard. This immersive experience is suitable for families and fanatics alike with themed menu items and exclusive merchandise from the well-loved movie franchise, Jurassic World – which is set to release its highly anticipated third installment in June 2022.

So, Who’s Hungry?

The menu here is all themed to the movie franchise and is inspired by key elements, such “Volcano Curry” emulating lava from the active volcano in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, the “Geologic Parfait” and “Lava Cookies”.

The Volcano Curry ($23) is a volcano made of rice and pulled pork curry liberally spread onto the plate like lava. To me, this is arguably the star (main) dish of the pop-up. It even comes with a postcard you can prop up for some Instagram moments.

The Jurassic World Burger ($28) is made of a huge bun generously holding a thick beef patty, bacon and mushrooms. Be warned, it might be considered a ‘safe’ option but it is by no means shy of serving size.

Other mains include the Nasi Lemak with a cutout of the four Velociraptor siblings and Curly Fries on the side.

You can also get a cup of hot beverage, like a latte ($6) which comes with a concept latte design in the form of a dinosaur, or a Mosasaurus Soda ($8) for a minty, herby refreshing finish! There are also other choices like the Brachiosaurus Mint Pandan and Brachiosaurus Chendol (not pictured), but those are more instagrammable for sure.

The title of pièce de résistance however, definitely goes to their star dessert, the Fossil Excavation Cake ($16), which is a sponge cake with layers of vanilla, white chocolate mousse, which is ‘buried’ in yet another layer of chocolate and biscuit crumbs. So it feel like you’re digging up some millions-year old dinosaur bones. Diggy Diggy Hole ahead!

Christmas Tree-Rex

The cafe will run through the Christmas period, starting with a couple of Christmas menu specials, the Christmas Meat Platter ($25) and Cranberry Mint Chocolate ($9) available from today!

There’s also a merchandise area where you (or the kids) can lay your/their hands on some sweet toys, and see the raptor lego sculpture right at the corner.

Last but not least, the cafe full of photospots set against the beautiful skyline viewable at ION Sky. The life-size figure of Blue, the beloved velociraptor, is also there for some good ol’gram shots!

Welcome To Jurassic Park

Ian Malcolm: You will remember to wash your hands before you eat anything?

Due to the current social distancing precautions, reservations are highly encouraged. The cafe will be open daily from 11am to 10pm, and tables will be available for booking from 6 November 2020 onwards. To book your table, call +65 8028 1489 or write in to reservation@jurassicworldcafe.sg.

You can visit their website for more information as well.

And yes, we’ll remind Ian to thank John for a lovely weekend.

Now, we’re going back to our dino-snore.

Jurassic World Cafe is brought to you by Universal Brand Development, 1-Group, venue partner ION Orchard and PARCO – a licensee of Jurassic World Cafe.

The post Jurassic World Cafe in Singapore! appeared first on You Otter Go There.

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)

The post Burger Frites 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
Facebook |Instagram

Want to tell me about a hole in the wall in your neighborhood? Write to me!

Also like my facebook page and follow me on Instagram to stay updated on the latest hole in the wall reviews!

The post 26@Marina Review – There’s Not Mushroom Left After This! 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
Facebook | Instagram

Want to tell me about a hole in the wall in your neighborhood? Write to me!

Also like my facebook page and follow me on Instagram to stay updated on the latest hole in the wall reviews!

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)

The post [CLOSED] Growler’s Craft Beer & Bistro Grand Opening – Till Death Do Us Party! appeared first on You Otter Go There.

Living on the better side of the island and don’t want to join the throngs of poor west-siders in queuing for ages? Now you can just stay in paradise!

I am… Cafe (Our Tampines Hub)

Just opened on 28 February 2017, I am… Cafe now brings all that burger and fries (with some pizza) goodness right to our doorstep in the East. Situated on the third floor of Our Tampines Hub right next to the HomeTeamNS clubhouse,  where there are already plenty of fun things to do, it takes a little bit of eyeballing but you won’t miss their trademark signage even from level 1.

Interior wise, it does remind you of Haji Lane, and I very much prefer an air-conditioned experience, although it does contain the noise of the hustle and bustle going on (it is a family casual restaurant after all so don’t expect classical music and hush-hush conversations).

Likewise, the menu still consists of old favourites such as their side of truffle fries, which is topped off with thick and creamy truffle mayo. Burgers, pizzas, and their fish & chips are also available, along with their signature mocktails (they’re halal certified). Don’t forget their desserts like the RAINBOW CAKE! Call me nitpicky, but while my ‘the boss’ burger is definitely scrumptious, I’d wish for the patty to be at least the same diameter as the buns so that I can pick it up to chomp down on it (hehe) without risking it popping out of the buns mid-bite.

Waitrr Pls

One new addition since I last ate at I am… Cafe is the use of a mobile app called “Waitrr“. From browsing the menu, all the way to ordering and paying for your meal, it’s a seamless process that’s quite frankly a well-designed user experience. No more hems and haws when your service staff probes whether you are ready to order, or yelling through to them during busy weekend dinners and hoping he/she read your order right. Just scan the QR code, pass the phone down the table and pick your food and drinks! What’s also good I realised, is that you don’t have to make one person pick up the tab or get service to split your tabs (a horrible experience for large groups, please don’t do this to wait staff…). Just use your own phone(s) to order separately and pay immediately after! EZPZ!

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”2″]
This is in (what’s becoming) a very popular hangout in Tampines, so it’s not something too out of the way. Also the brand is already a staple in halal Cafes.

Price: [star rating=”3.5″]
Prices are still pretty fair, nothing out of the ordinary for cafes (I spent about 20 per pax).

Quality: [star rating=”4″]
You probably need to order dessert if you’re really hungry, but portions are not scrimped on here.

Overall: [star rating=”3.5″]I
Joining the fray with other cafes showing up in Tampines, like one I previously visited, I am… Cafe banks on its already solid reputation in dishing out relatively affordable premium western cuisine that’s halal-certified, right in the heartlands! Surely, a #newbeastfromtheeast!

More Information

I am… Cafe (Our Tampines Hub)
51 Tampines Ave 4
#03-04
Our Tampines Hub
Singapore 529684
​Tel: 6295 5509
Email: enquiry@iam.com.sg
Facebook | Instagram | Website

Want to tell me about a hole in the wall in your neighborhood? Write to me!

Also like my facebook page and follow me on Instagram to stay updated on the latest hole in the wall reviews!

The post I am… Cafe (Our Tampines Hub) Review – #newbeastfromtheeast appeared first on You Otter Go There.

Milk is for babies. When you grow up you have to drink beer.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Tired of cycling through a list of the same few restaurant-pubs serving the same selection of deep-fried snacks? Or having to travel to far flung places like Changi Village for a change of scenery?

Nickeldime Drafthouse

Nickeldime is not a new player in the growing craft beer scene in Singapore, but they have recently moved to another block,just next door. While the new premises is slightly smaller, it still feels spacious and given that it’s a corner unit, the alfresco area remains just as refreshing!

New interior aside, they still boast a wide range of craft beers on tap (at the last count it was 19!), and an even wider selection of bottles; from old favourites like Stone Brewing, Anderson Valley to newcomers like Tuatara Brewery and Mountain Goat Beers. Craft beer selections can change from season to season so you guys got to find out for yourselves!

Another feature of Nickeldime is their beer-infused cuisine. These novel and hearty eats, handcrafted by their own kitchen with various brew styles, are sure to tantalise your tastebuds!

It was (supposed to be; yeah right) a slow and simple lunch so I got myself the Stout Braised Beef Ragu, and the Stout (again!) Shepherd’s Pie at the side. Paired with a pint of saison on a warm dreary afternoon, it’s the life!

After that we had more beer-infused goodness from their bar snacks and (more!) beer, like their popular stout (see a trend here?) meatballs, the mini Jalapeño IPA burgers (i.e. sliders) and garlic fries. Their buffalo wings, served with a generous slather of spicy marinade and dressed with blue cheese sauce, is a heavenly match with a refreshing american pale ale (also on tap)! Other dishes recommended here are their signature 510 burger, the pizzas, such as the Salami pizza, and beer-desserts (yes!) such as the beer-infused waffles. May I also mention that their pizzas have really cheesy (hehe) names, such as “I Wanna Hold Your Ham”, “The Fun Guys(mushroom pizza, geddit)” and several others?

The Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”3″]
It’s a little bit out of the way, but this block of shops are known for being a F&B centre which lots of office workers will visit, so not that much of a hole-in-the-wall factor here.

Price: [star rating=”3.5″]
I heard their pizzas are a steal at nothing more than $20 for a 11″ pizza, but there was so much 2 guys can eat that day that we didn’t order that. They do have weekday lunch specials (1 for 1) for more value too! For best value, try out their platter sets on their menu!

Quality: [star rating=”4.5″]
Each of their dishes is well thought out and balanced in taste, even though they are largely beer-infused and meant to be washed down with copious amount of beer. Speaking which, beers on tap are fresh, which is imperative for any place selling decent beer.

Overall: [star rating=”4″]
While it may not be the most convenient place for lunch unless you work in the Novena/Thomson Road area, it is a good getaway in the evenings thereafter where you can enjoy a good pint of craft beer and some really creative food!

More Information

Nickeldime Drafthouse
273 Thomson Road
#01-01
Novena Regency
Singapore 307644

p.s. It’s just the next building from where they were previously located!

The post Nickeldime Drafthouse Review – Ain’t Dime A Dozen appeared first on You Otter Go There.

– Two Blur Guys

I used to work in the Tanjong Pagar area for the last few years, and even before I went on my trip to Japan (read my about page!), I’ve already known of their existence  whilst passing by to somewhere else to eat. Since then, I go there time to time when i need to get my occasional burger fix. Started by two mysterious blur guys in 2012 to share their love for blurgers burgers and pastries and did so when they found their very own hole in the wall (a ha!)

Located along the facade of the Orchid Hotel (towards Tanjong Pagar Road), amongst a myriad of  Japanese ramen and sushi restaurants, it’s not difficult to spot their monochromatic front display. Stepping in, you have to slide through the narrow pathway with space for a dozen, and a slick glass counter stuffed full of burger buns!

Burger it up!

On the menu, these guys pack a list of prime-beef burgers, although they are also known for their pulled-pork burger and pastries (couldn’t try as we were quite full) . Today, I ordered the Prime Beef with Streaky Bacon (mmm, bacon!). Each set is generously served with cheese-drizzled potato wedges and some green. Click here for a link to their menu, but be sure to check in once in a while as they update it with new gourmet creations now and then! Also, they do stock some beer on tap and in bottles that sometimes go on promotion (depends, they don’t have a fixed schtick going on) which is good news for you guzzlers!

Some would feel that the portions are a tad small, but I feel that it’s reasonable. Taste-wise, you can taste the quality of the meat (and not some random chuck meat leftover from the butchery). Having it served up on a wooden board does make it presentable and easy to eat as well!

It’s definitely not the cheapest lunch you can find in town (mine costed S$17.95 before service charge) but it does show its worth with fresh ingredients and no-nonsense presentation.

The Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness : [star rating=”4″]
Definitely has the vibe of a hole in the wall restaurant. The place had a few other diners as well, with decent turnover although it was never full.

Price: [star rating=”3″]
Not the cheapest, but not unreasonably priced.

Quality: [star rating=”3.5″]
Decent, fresh ingredients that are made and served piping hot.

Overall: [star rating=”3.5″]
Worth giving a try if you are in the area!

More Information

Two Blur Guys

1 Tras Link, #01-13,
Orchid Hotel
Singapore 078867
+65-66364183
Opens daily from 11:00am to 10:00pm

Website: https://twoblurguys.sg/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twoblurguys/

E-mail : twoblurguys@gmail.com

Want to tell me about a hole in the wall in your neighborhood?

Write to me in my Contact page to tell me about it!

Like my facebook page and follow me on Instagram too!

The post Two Blur Guys Review – Burger Blurger appeared first on You Otter Go There.