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)

7 March 2017 Food

I am… Cafe (Our Tampines Hub) Review – #newbeastfromtheeast

I am (hehe) pretty sure most of the cafe-hopping crowd in Singapore would be familiar with I am… Cafe (yes, the name includes the ellipsis) and their signature red letter blocks at the corner of Haji Lane:

A post shared by I am… (@iamathajilane) on Oct 11, 2016 at 8:39pm PDT

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.

A post shared by I am… (@iamathajilane) on Jan 22, 2017 at 10:05pm PST

A post shared by I am… (@iamathajilane) on Mar 1, 2017 at 9:57pm PST

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

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23 February 2017 Drinks

Nickeldime Drafthouse Review – Ain’t Dime A Dozen

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!