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The quintessential list for Aperol Spritz lovers
HOT SEAT p3
Shawn Kishore brings wallet-friendly Taiwanese street food to the CBD
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Join us as we discover the delicious secrets of Serangoon Gardens
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9 boozy buffets that won't burn a hole in your pocket
Singapore's best Italian joints P6
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Where to find your B i TES ? PICK US UP! Free at over 100 venues | BITE INTO US ONLINE www.bites.com.sg | Cafes & restaurants & Sons • California Kitchen- Forum • Casa Manini • Coffee Club ( Marina Square) • Coffee Club ( Seletar Mall) • Coffee Club (Raffles City) • Coffee Club ( Paragon) • District 10 (UE Square) • Emicakes @ Kovan • Fusion Bistro • G Bar & Grill • Ginkhao Bistro @Sentosa Cove • GinKhao Bistro @ One Raffles Place • Ginza Lion Beer Hall • Haráru Izakaya • Joe& Dough ( Kallang) • Le Petite Boutique • Medzs (Raffles Place) • Ootoya Japanese Restaurant • Oriole Coffee • Outback Steakhouse • Oyster Bar & Grill Wharf • Picotin Express ( Bukit Timah) • Picotin Express ( East Coast) • Pu3 Restaurant • Ramen Champion ( Changi AirportT3) • Ramen Champion ( Bugis +) • Roti Mum • Serenity Café • Starbuck • Spinelli • SQUE Rotisserie & Alehouse • Tea Chapter Cooking Schools Cookyn Inc • My Private Pantry • The Eureka Cooking Lab Country & Private Clubs British Club • Hollandse Club • Keppel Club • Laguna National Golf & Country Club • NUSS - Kent Ridge Guild House • NUSS Suntec City • Orchid Country Clubs • Raffles Marina • Republic of Singapore Yacht Club • Seletar Country Club • Serangoon Gardens Country Club • Singapore • Island Country Club • Singapore Chinese Swimming Club • Sentosa Golf Club • Tanah Merah Country Club • The Swiss Club • The American Club • Tanglin Club
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Maka
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Each month, we’ll feature a fresh makan place for you to guess what/where it is. Correct answers will be entered in a draw to win a dining experience with us! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram/Facebook!
5 READERS STAND TO WIN A DINNER FOR 2
Launched in 2014, this hotel group offers nine hotels across Asia, two of which are located in Singapore’s bustling Orchard district. This month’s session will take place at one of their all-day dining restaurants, conveniently located above Somerset MRT Station. It is popular for its themed buffets, such as the lavish Weekend Seafood Dinner and Asian Lobster Dinner buffet, as well as local dishes with a twist. Besides the signature Laksa Fried Rice, they’ve introduced the Chicken Rice Pow!!, a pan-fried dish of poached chicken, jasmine rice and Jen’s Special Sauce. Give us your best guess of the restaurant and its address from 1 to 24 May to dine on 5 Jun, 7pm! For full details and to enter, visit bites.com.sg/makanonbites.
B i T E S reserves the right to publicise winners’ names and pictures. By entering the contest, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to publish publicity photos and videos in any format without limitation. Participants to ensure they can dine on 5 June at 7pm. More at www.bites.com.sg/makanonbites.
Makan on BiTES Where: FEAST@EAST BUFFET RESTAURANT AT GRAND MERCURE SINGAPORE ROXY When: 5 APRIL WHAT WE Ate: • Ayam Buah Keluak • Durian Pengat • Assam Vegetables • Chilled prawns, crab, and shellfish • DIY Chendol • Colourful salad bar • Assorted Nyonya Kueh
Our enthusiastic readers after a hearty Peranakan feast
A luxurious, sweet durian pengat to round off the meal
Assorted Nyonya Kueh Kueh
Chilled crab and whelks among other fresh seafood
Last month, we treated five of our lucky readers and their plus-ones to a sumptuous feast at Feast@East Buffet Restaurant, Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy, where a generous buffet spread filled with Peranakan delights and international favourites awaited. Our winners loved the fresh seafood selection, but a hot favourite that night was the Peranakan dishes like Ayam Buah Keluak, Assam Vegetables and Spicy Sliced Beef. The DIY Chendol station was a hit with our readers, along with the wide array of Nyonya Kueh that included the ever-popular Kueh Salat. The Peranakanthemed feast didn't stop there; our readers enjoyed multiple servings of the chef's signature, Durian Pengat, which many claimed to be one of the best they've tried.
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Fans of Uncle Tan’s now-defunct Redhill Lor Duck Rice and Noodles can enjoy his Teochew braised duck at LOR Duck. Situated next to Simei MRT, the modern eatery offers Tan’s tender slivers of Signature Braised Duck (from $8/person to $48/whole duck) to go with braised side dishes, like fatty pork belly and tofu. Go for the Lor Duck Braised Platter (from $14/person to $48/5-6 persons) which includes both, and complete the meal with the herbal Signature Hor Fun ($8). #01-33, Eastpoint Mall, 3 Simei Street 6. Tel: 6702 0252 Popular among students in Dhoby Ghaut is En Sushi's generous yet affordable Japanese fare. The sprawling restaurant serves a Bara Chirashi Don ($10.80) teeming with salmon, tuna, yellowtail and octopus chunks marinated in their signature soy sauce, as well as a mammoth Spicy Ebi Fry Salmon Aburi Maki ($15.90) that's stuffed to the seams with tempura prawn, smoky torched salmon slices and slathered with an umami-laden mentaiko sauce. Wash it down with the En Beer ($7), a mixed pint of Sapporo Premium Beer and Premium Black Beer. #01-02, Income@Prinsep, 30 Prinsep Street. Tel: 6253 1426 Zui Hong Lou has zui hong luo ditched its dim sum bar roots and returned to Club Street with a lip-smacking menu of Chinese delights and kopitiam-inspired cocktails. To go with their Grilled Kung Pao Baby Octopus ($8) and Chong Qing Wings ($10) is the refreshing Kopi Gin Tonic ($15), made with Expresso Cold Brew and Bankes Gin, as well as a decadent Breakfast Club ($16) of Mount Gay Eclipse Rum, Averna-infused coffee, kaya oat milk and egg yolk. 90 Club Street. Tel: 8181 0572
g bar & grill
new openings
G Bar and Grill's affordable selection of grilled meats and huge portions is sure to win you over. Helmed by a former chef of CUT by Wolfgang Puck, the mouthwatering options include the Pork Knuckle Bee Hoon ($11.90), where pork belly is fried in a traditional wok with bee hoon and spring onions for that delightful wok hei; Unagi ($15), perfectly charred at the bottom with succulent, sweet flesh on top, thanks to a Bertha charcoal grill. Another must-eat is the Hamachi Kana ($3.75/50g), a large yellowtail collar seasoned simply with olive oil, sea salt and pepper. Other wallet-friendly deals include the lunch set meals, which offers the creamy Spaghetti Truffle bowl ($8.90), Crispy Chicken Rice Bowl ($7.90) and the Unagi Rice Bowl ($13.90), as well as a brunch menu ($28/person; add-on $5/person with two bottles of beer) of one starter, main course, carbohydrate and free-flow desserts. With ample indoor and outdoor tables, this a great no-frills hangout place to unwind with satisfying grilled grub. 201 Henderson oporto Road, #01-06. Tel: 6258 1251. Have a clucking good time as Australia’s favourite Portuguese flame-grilled chicken chain, Oporto, hits Holland Village. The Chicken ($6.90/quarter, $11.90/half, $21.90/whole chicken) is marinated prior to cooking before basting in an addictive Oporto Original Chilli Sauce; a Portuguese blend of chilli, ginger and garlic. Other sauces include Garlic and Lemon & Herb. Try main courses, like the famous Bondi Burger ($5.90/single, $7.90/double, $10.90/ triple), where two flame-grilled chickenbreast patties are surrounded by cheese, mayo, lettuce and chilli sauce. The Chilli Cheese Chips ($5.90) are a must-have. #01-01, Holland Piazza, No.3 Lorong Liput.
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Tokachi Tontaro Buta Don
CBD lovers will be glad to know Hokkaido’s Tokachi Tontaro has opened its first outlet at OUE Downtown Gallery. The toothsome pork slices, coated in head chef Junko Goto’s signature tare sauce, are layered atop Hokkaido Yumepirika rice. Go for the tender Kagoshima Pork in the Premium (from $22.80) or savour the flavoursome US Pork in the Regular ($13.80). #03-26, OUE Downtown Gallery, 6A Shenton Way. Tel: 6224 1470
Joining the parade of Japanese restaurants at Orchard Central is Sushi Shiki Hanamaru, a sushi chain from the port town of Nemuro, Hokkaido. Besides the usual suspects of Bluefin Tuna with pickled daikon ($7) and Raw Sea Urchin ($17), they serve Benisake Sujiko Shoyu-zuke (salmon eggs marinated in soy sauce) ($7) and Matara no Kobu-jime ($4.80), an east Hokkaido cod. Indulge in a bowl of Fresh King Crab Miso Soup ($8.50) or splurge on the Hanamaru Genki Sashimi ($41) featuring five of the chef’s recommendations. Level B2, Hokkaido Marche, Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road. Tel: 6634 0211
new menus
oxwell & co's Oxwell & Co’s rooftop bar is back – bigger and better. They’ve revived the herb garden for a spanking new menu of invigorating tipples, from the Indian borage (Mexican mint) in Brew On The Roof ($22/glass; $85/ pot) to the Thyme For Breakfast ($22/glass). Hendrick’s Gin still populates much of the list, but we have our eye on the Hendrick’s Ice Tea ($22/glass; $85/pot) with its fragrant breakfast tea infused gin. Add a little spice into your happy hour with the Schinu Shrub Daiquiri ($22/glass), a rich blend of Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum with coriander and pink peppercorns. 5 Ann Siang Road. Tel: 6438 7036
Uni Gallery by Ooster Bay’s new offerings include a 2-Type Premium Uni Chiraishi set ($49 during lunch; $59 a la carte) of seasonal uni, varying between Bafun, Shiro and Murasaki varieties, and Le Tetsuya ($48), where Hokkaido crab meat and funi are topped off with Beluga Sturgeon Caviar. The Uni Sampler Set, on the other hand, offers up to five types of uni ($98). For an alcoholic twist, pick the Uni Sake Shot ($18). Creamy Bafun uni is bathed in Imayo Tsukasa Junmai Sake, taking the prized seafood to new heights in an umami explosion. #B1-1310, The Plaza, 7500A Beach Road. Tel: 9838 8209 Summer comes in the form of Somersby Sparkling Rosé, the brand’s first rosé cider. Positioned as an alternative to wines and cocktails, the light, floral tipple comes in packs of four ($16.90). The adorably pink drink will be hit at parties as it makes a winning combination with seafood, such as grilled fish or shellfish, and semi-soft cheeses like Gruyere. Available at all major supermarkets. uni gallery
Somersby Sparkling Rosé
H t Seat openings We go behind the scenes to find out the highlights and challenges of the latest F&B openings. By Jessica Chan
Before The Salted Plum, there was Five Ten. What can diners expect from the new concept? Like Five Ten, the menu will focus on Taiwanese street food. Think night markets and age-old family-owned establishments from south Taiwan. My brothers and I want to bring back these comfort foods in a way Singaporeans will enjoy. We worked with chef Shawn Koh (formerly from Salted & Hung) to showcase the unique flavour profile of the cuisine while reinventing it. Our Lu Rou uses a special house sauce that’s a result of Shawn’s experimentation with his mother’s recipe, while our bouncy pork patties are reminiscent of the aromatic, sweet lap cheong. Is there a dish you’d recommend? The Burnt Chilli Chicken. Feeling peckish one day, I had Shawn fry up some chicken in garlic and chilli. He amped up the flavours with coriander. One bite in, I knew I had to put it in our new menu.
Who: Shawn Kishore, 32, managing director of Five Ten Holdings What: Taiwanese comfort food with a Singaporean touch in the bustling CBD district
How is it like working with your brothers? Our youngest brother, Bryan, has been working with me since 12. Nick took on a more pragmatic side to the business, asking tough questions that I, the cavalier of the three, would often overlook. This dynamic of opposites working together makes us an effective unit. You initially built your career behind the
bar counter. What made you launch a hospitality consultancy firm? As a young man, bartending at Mezza9 Restaurant in Grand Hyatt Singapore was everything. I got to travel the world, be it for competitions or work, but I soon realised it was only one facet of the hospitality industry. Before I started consulting, people wanting to open restaurants or bars would come to me for insights – to understand the perspective of an owner, client and consumer. It was a growing gap in the market and I went for it. What's the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a consultant? As an owner, you would always want to showcase the best – interior or ingredients. The reality is the budget and the return on investment (ROI). So, I must find the balance between a noteworthy product and a good ROI as the business progresses. Looking at business from a numbers standpoint is what makes us successful. For example, we keep prices low at The Salted Plum by increasing volume. The idea is to entice first-timers with our price point but have them come back for the food. What’s next for Five Ten Holdings? We will be expanding our drinks menu using Taiwanese plums. It’s hard to deny our love for the sour plum flavour; it’s something we all grew up on. Tiki bar Bee Bee’s, helmed by Bryan, will be making its return on the third floor in the late 2018.
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boozy buffets that won’t burn a hole in your pocket The night is still young and so are you – hit these hotspots for free-flow party juice to to last you through the night. By Jolene Saw Panorama: Riverside Lounge
Idle Bar
idle bar
Idle Bar’s affordably priced Liquid Buffet is one you can’t miss. Think six hours of gin, vodka, rum, bourbon, whisky, and beer slushies, all at knockdown prices! Ladies can enjoy this deal for only $9.90 at the Media Circle outlet, while guys drink for $19.90. At the bustling Prinsep outlet, prices go as low as $9.90 for females on Thursdays, while it’s $20-$28 for females and $19.90-$35 for males on other days. Chug down drinks with friends from 5-11pm, but head down early to get your tables, as both outlets do not take reservations. Infinite Studios 21 Media Circle #01-05; 50 Prinsep Street. Tel: 9384 4557
Panorama: Riverside Lounge Indulge in Italian wines, antipasti, cheese, and more alongside the Singapore River at Panorama: Riverside Lounge. Pamper yourself with sweet blue Gorgonzola and smoky Scarmoza cheese, and a variety of premium cold cuts, including a house-made Beef Bresaola. Pair them with unlimited sangria, beer, and a glass of red, white, or sparkling wine. Add a pasta to that, and Free Flow Fridays will only set you back $42++/person. Or, opt for free-flow beer and finger food for $29++ on Mondays, or free-flow prosecco and finger food for $29++ on Wednesdays. All promotions are available from 6-9pm. 30 Boat Quay. Tel: 6532 6283
Bar on Chulia Nine-to-fivers working in the CBD area have much to rejoice about. Bar on Chulia, an alfresco-concept bar, is going to be your new post-work hangout (if it isn’t already). Ladies enjoy unlimited gin & tonic and wines on Wednesdays. The best part? The drinks aren’t only free-flow, they’re free too! The Girls’ Night Out promotion is valid only from 6-7.30pm. 67 Chulia Street. Tel: 6438 0566
Rumours Bar and Grill Award-winning bar and restaurant Rumours Bali has opened its doors in Holland Village. Along with tempting house signatures like the 1.2kg Australian Black Angus Florentine Bistecca and a cheesy Lobster Thermidor, Rumours Bar and Grill offers an exciting daily liquid buffet. For any two hours between 8pm and 12am, enjoy free-flow drinks at $35++/ person. Choose from beer, red and white wines, spirits and liquor shots, mixed shots, and fancy cocktails (and even mocktails). There’s something for everyone here – from a classic Cabernet Sauvignon, to a tropical Midori Lemonade
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rumours bar & grill
shot, or an intriguing Orient Sangria. 24 Lorong Mambong. Tel: 6463 5053
Highlander Bar & Restaurant Right in the heart of Clarke Quay lies Scottish whisky bar, Highlander Bar & Restaurant. Relax with live entertainment from 9pm, and let your hair down on Thursdays with the Ladies and Guys Night Liquid Buffet. For a $30 cover charge (nett), everyone can enjoy free-flow beers and house pour spirits (females from 9pm-12am, males from 9-11pm). 3D River Valley Rd, Clarke Quay. Tel: 6235 9528
Wine BOS For a classy night out, visit Wine BOS, an elegant wine bar and lounge run by wine consultants. Order any food item from Wine BOS and you can indulge in unlimited wines from 6-8pm daily. If it’s a Wednesday, ladies can also enjoy free-flow wines with every main course ordered, from 7-9pm. Order the Tapas Festival ($19.50) to share with friends, or pair your red and whites with a sinful Porterhouse Steak ($35) or Grilled Fish ($22.80). 180 Albert St 01-09 Village Hotel Albert Court. Tel: 6909 3828
Bites guide:
Certified halal Does not serve pork or lard Kid-friendly facilities Veg-friendly
Don’t Tell Mama Every night, Australian-Korean café The Da Bang transforms itself into Don’t Tell Mama, a KoreanMexican fusion bistro. Open from 5pm-12am, the bistro serves intriguing Korean-infused Mexican nosh like Bulgogi Quesadilla and Kimchi Fries. Ladies are in luck again – order any food item on Wednesdays from 7-10pm. and enjoy free-flow rum, gin, vodka, and Jim Beam pours. 52 Tanjong Pagar Road. Tel: 6221 2007
The Exchange Every Wednesday is Ladies Night at The Exchange. Gather your girlfriends, and enjoy free-flow Lychee Martinis, Hoegaarden Rosee, House Pour Vodka Mixed Drinks, and Frozen Lime Margaritas from 6-10pm – all on the house! Visit on May 9 or 23 for live entertainment that starts at 7.30pm. 8 Marina View, #01-05, Asia Square Tower 1. Tel: 6636 1200
Morganfield's BarMF by Morganfield's is quite possibly the highest craft beer bar in Orchard. Save the date for May 19, and join in the first of what will be a boozy monthly event – Saturday Beer Club. From 3-6pm, savour 10 craft beers on tap, including Sweetwater & Bridge Road craft beers, and assorted finger food for $40 nett. Seats are limited, so book online to reserve your tables. 181 Orchard Road #11-03/04, Orchard Central. Tel: 6634 1828
Exciting new fusion restaurant specialised in Tze Char and grilled food - using an airflown Bertha oven from the UK for that perfect smoky taste
Weekend Set - Brunch
the exchangE
20% discount for BiTES readers Till
31 May 2018
Available: Weekends & Public Holidays Time: 10.30am – 5.30pm Price: Promotion Price S$28.00++ S$35.00++/per person Bottle Beer Add On: S$5.00++/per person [2 bottles]
Choose ONE Starters: - Mozzarella Cheese Ball - Mantou Chicken - Chicken Tikka - Caesar Salad
Free-Flow: - Dessert selected from the menu - Coffee, Orange Juice and Ice Cream
from Starter / Main / Carbo Selection Mains:
- Lemon & Thyme Half Spring Chicken
- Half a Grilled Unagi
- Sambal Squid & Clams [Spicy]
- [Add on S$5.00]
Bone-in Rib Eye 250gm
Carbo: - Fried Beef Hor Fun - Pork Leg Bee Hoon - Thai Vegetarian Olive Rice Kid Menu: Choice: Spaghetti/ Fish Nugget /Wedges Potatoes
*Kid Below 1.2m height dine for free
G Bar & Grill: 201 Henderson Rd, #01-06, Singapore 159545 Tel: 6258 1251
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LainDolce Vita Singapore
Pizza and pasta come to mind when one talks about Italian cuisine, but the rich culinary hertiage dating back 1000 years (and more) has so much to offer. Join us as we go on a delizioso journey through the riveria right at our doorstep. By Natasha Venner-Pack jamie's italian
Meat & Seafood
In Italian cuisine, there is definitive meal structure that determines the order of the dishes. After your aperitivo (a small dose of liquor), antipasto (appetisers) and primo (pasta), it is time for il secondo, the second main course that features heavier dishes like chicken, red meat and seafood.
Where to eat: Jamie’s Italian While this may not be the most traditional of Italian joints, the restaurant chain is popular for its family-friendly atmosphere and affordable prices. Celebrating spring with a seasonal menu that varies according to each branch, new offerings include the Fish in a Bag ($32, available at both branches) and the Balsamic Braised Beef (37.95, available at The Forum). With the former it’s guilt-free eating as you tuck into sustainably fished salmon (or tuna at The Forum) with Puy lentils, Italian greens, roasted pumpkin, salsa verde, and chilli to give it a little kick. If you’re craving red meat, sink your teeth into the tender braised beef, which has been slowcooked for eight hours, simmered in red wine, and served with olive oil mash, spicy horseradish and parsley. Forum the Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Road. Tel: 6655 7676. #1-165-167, Vivocity, 1 Harbourfront Walk. Tel: 6733 5500
Sure, we all love a good tiramisu, but it’s harder to find a good cannoli in Singapore. This pastry is a staple in Sicilian cuisine, and consists of fried dough in the shape of a tube, with a sweet, creamy filling - usually ricotta. On the other hand, the origins of tiramisu are often disputed with most claiming it to be from the Northern regions of Veneto, Piedmont and Friuli-Venezia-Giulia. Sponge fingers are soaked in coffee (and sometimes alcohol), and layered with a mixture of mascarpone, eggs, and sugar, before being sprinkled with cocoa.
Dessert
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etna italian restaurant
Where to eat: Etna Italian Restaurant Opened in 2006, this stalwart of authentic Sicilian cuisine has been whipping up sinful cannoli and tiramisu ever since. Named after the famous volcano, their ingredients are sourced from artisanal suppliers. Think Sicilian cannoli shells, candied fruits, ricotta cheese and the pure pistachio paste from Bronte. The latter is famous for green and gold pistachios that flourish in the lava-rich soil. Sip some Passito ($16) and indulge in the Cannoli Etna ($12), filled with ricotta, candied fruits and chocolate chips, or the pillowy Tiramisu’ Al Pistacchio di Bronte ($14). 49/50 Duxton Road. Tel: 6220 5513
al forno
Pizza Pizza varies from region to region, though the birthplace of this yeasted flatbread is Naples. The city has even been awarded a spot on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, thanks to their traditional pizza twirling technique, known as pizzaiuolo. d.o.p mozzarella bar & restaurant
This cheese is known as fior di latte, “the flower of milk,” when it's made from cow’s milk. The other version comes from the milk of water buffaloes and is known as Mozzarella di Bufala Campagna, and carries the Denomination of Protected Origin (D.O.P) label, which guarantees it was made in a certain area - in this case the region of Campania, which includes Naples and the stunning Amalfi Coast.
Mozzarella cheese
Where to eat: Al Forno This East Coast institution has been churning out traditional wood-fired pizzas for 23 years. Hailing from the South of Italy, chef-owner Alessandro di Prisco creates a warm, friendly atmosphere. Professional Italian pizza chefs prepare the fresh pizza dough daily, letting it rise over 48 hours. In addition to the the popular Pizza Margherita ($23), signatures include the savoury Calzone ($26) and the Pizza Primavera ($27). The former is a folded pizza stuffed with ham, mushroom, mozzarella cheese and served with tomato sauce, while the latter is a filling ode to spring, with fresh rocket leaves sitting on top of mozzarella cheese, Parma ham and tomato sauce. 400 East Coast Road. Tel: 63488781
Where to eat: D.O.P Mozzarella Bar & Restaurant D.O.P Mozzarella Bar & Restaurant serves the best buffalo and cow mozzarella from the Campania region, where owner Luca Iannone is from. Start off with the Mozzarella Ball ($17), where Parma ham, basil and sundried tomato is stuffed inside a large cheese ball before being fried. Try the Homemade Scialatielli ($28) pasta that is cooked in creamy black truffle pesto and displayed in a hard buffalo cheese bowl. If you’d like more variety, the Make Your Own Antipasto Platter ($32) is for you. Choose from one type of mozzarella that includes buffalo, cow, smoked buffalo, smoked burratina; one cold cut (such as Parma ham) and one side dish - we recommend the baby spinach with balsamic vinegar and olive oil - and your platter is done. 60 Robertson Quay, #01-04A, The Quayside. Tel: +65 69080830.
pasta brava
Italian cuisine would not be complete without pasta. Coming in all shapes, sizes and flavours, each region has its own special way of preparing different pasta dishes. For example, the tubular shaped penne comes from Campania and is traditionally served with arrabiatta, a spicy sauce, while in Sicily it's ziti, the fatter version of penne. The latter is usually baked with ricotta and parmesan in a marinara sauce.
Pasta
Where to eat: Pasta Brava venchi
Located in a beautiful shophouse on Craig Road, Pasta Brava offers generously portioned pasta served by the friendly service staff. Chef Rolando Luceri’s Spaghetti Al Cartocchio Del Barcarolo Alla Marinara ($26.50) is a treat, where whole crayfish is served with spaghetti, garlic, herbs and tomato sauce in parchment paper. Their homemade pastas are equally enjoyable - the Stracci Ai Gamberi E Capesante ($25.50) sees their handmade pasta covered in a moreish saffron cream sauce, with juicy scallops and prawns. 11 Craig Road, Tanjong Pagar. Tel: 6227 75v50.
Gelato
While everyone is now able to enjoy a scoop of gelato, it started off as a treat for the aristocracy in the 16th century. Local gelato flavours have popped up here and there but nothing beats the original.
Where to eat: Venchi Venchi’s rich and smooth gelato is produced according to the traditional Italian way - no gimmicky rainbow gelato here. With 10 decadent flavours, we recommend the seductive and fragrant Giandujotto, a type of thick chocolate blended with Piedmont hazelnuts, or flavourful Pistachio. For those with a sweet tooth, the Mascarpone with Figs or refreshing Lemon gelato is sure to please. Available in three sizes, in your choice of a cone or cup, with various toppings (Baby/$6.90, Regular/$8.90, Large/$10.90). Basement 2, Takashimaya, 391 Orchard Road. Tel: 6235 4088. Marina Bay Sands, N.2 Bayfront Avenue. Tel: 6688 7010
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Secrets of Serangoon Gardens One of Singapore's oldest estates with colonial roots dating back to the early twenties, Serangoon Gardens was the former home to the British Army - where the Royal Air Force Chia Keng Camp is at. It has now blossomed into a thriving enclave with popular icons like Chomp Chomp Food Centre and R.K. Eating house. Victoria Lim trawls the streets and discovers lesser known gems.
Maju Avenue
It may be small but they have it all – from a supermarket, cafés, hair salons, to the occasional outdoor movie screenings. Daily Juice daily juice There are over 10 different coldpressed concoctions for your juice fix. Try the Matcha-Do ($6), a combination of matcha, alkaline water, dates, Himalayan pink salt and vanilla essence; the scrumptious Apple Pie ($4); and Beranged ($5.50), using beetroot and oranges. Sandwiched between a cafe and an eyewear shop on level one of myVillage, Daily Juice also sells a plethora of retro sweets and snacks t. #01-08, myVillage, 1 Maju Avenue. Tel: 9721 1321
SIMPLEburger This new joint is for those who like to choose what goes inside their burger. First, choose between chicken ($8), pork ($9), beef ($9) and natural beef ($11) patties; every order comes with a slice of cheese melted over the meat. Then pick the add-ons ($1 each): bacon, fried egg, extra cheese, sautéed or crispy onions, or sautéed mushrooms. Proceed to the salad counter, and choose the free toppings such as chopped iceberg lettuce, sliced tomatoes, onions and pickles. #B1-21/22, myVillage, 1 Maju Avenue. Tel: 6634 2526 K-Garden Family KTV The best kept secret of Serangoon Gardens, K-Garden Family KTV is one of the cheapest karaoke joints in town. Think six hours of non-stop singing for just $10 per person. Their Happy Hour starts from 2pm to 8pm, and is available from Monday to Friday. Budding singers can choose from 11 different rooms with various sizes. 18 Maju Aveune. Tel: 6287 7256 Staple Food by krazbikes
Staple Food by Krazbikes The newest kid on the block, Staple Food offers scrumptious and wholesome dishes for those seeking a healthier alternative. Known for their Craft Your Own Bowl (from $10), you can choose from five different bases (cha soba, brown rice, mixed greens, couscous and quinoa), five different proteins, a variety of toppings and four dressings like roasted sesame and classic Italian. Craving for Asian flavours? Get the Salted Egg Yolk Soft Shell Crab ($16) and Chicken Rendang Sandwich ($8). #B1-23/24, myVillage, 1 Maju Avenue. Tel: 6634 1181
penshurst place
The lesser known street of Serangoon Gardens, it is home to popular eateries such as Dessert Bowl, plus a pilates gym.
8 signature seafood's Eight Signatures Seafood Platter
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8 Signature Seafood When the midnight munchies hit, there's always 8 Signature Seafood, a late-night seafood joint (open till 3am from Wednesday to Saturday, open till 2am from Sunday to Tuesday) to satisfy your cravings. Their massive Eight Signatures Seafood Platter ($158 for four to six persons, $258 for eight to 10 persons), which is available in four flavours: original, ma la, curry and tom yum, is a sight to behold. It includes an appetising array of crayfish, prawn, scallop, clam, crab, gong gong (sea snails) and octopus. Feeling a little peckish? Get the popular Homemade Tofu with Abalone Sauce ($16) and the oh-so-juicy Steamed Truffle Chicken ($22), that was created for the owner, Ah Le’s then-pregnant wife. Wash down your decadent meal with a glass of ice cold beer (from $2/bottle). 87 Homemade Tofu with Abalone Serangoon Garden Way. Sauce from 8 Signature Seafood Tel: 6282 3996
asian gel at
Kensington Park Road
casa manini's Burrata Con Prosciutto
Like the nearby roads, its name reflects the early influence of British soldiers who lived there.
lasagna classica
animal arts academy
Tiramisu
SIMPLEBurger Staple Food by Krazbikes
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La Petite Boutique
La Petite Boutique Have a taste of France when you step into the quaint La Petite Boutique. What we love: Jambon de Bayonne ($7.50/100g) from the Basque country that’s been cured for 12 months and seasoned with Adour Basin salt, and the highly addictive Truffle Brie ($18/150g), made in-house, by layering creamy Brie de Meaux with mascarpone and fresh truffle bits. Minimum order of $80 for free delivery. 4 Kensington Park Road. Tel: 6717 1849
a selection of cold cuts from la petite Boutique
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Casa MANINI Step into cosy Casa MANINI and you’ll feel as if you’re part of an Italian family in this casual dining restaurant. Run by the Manini household – dad is the main chef and mum is in charge of front of house - it serves value-for-money dishes. Dig into authentic Sicilian fare such as the Burrata Con Prosciutto Di San Daniele ($25) and Calamari Friti ($18). Mains include Lasagna Classica ($19), a generous mound of beefand-pork-filled lasagne sheets, plus the Rigatoni Al Brasato Di Manzo ($20), a comforting bowl of fresh rigatoni pasta served with the rich, flavourful braised Wagyu beef sauce – cooked for four hours. 14B Kensington Park Road. Tel: 6281 1286 Animal Arts Academy Founded by award-winning pet groomer, Kingsly Tan, the Animal Arts Academy is the solution for furkids with messy locks. Services include nail clipping, ear cleaning and even pampering special spa packages, such as the Japanese Herb Treatment, to rid yeast infections and dandruff. Prices differ for individual pets. 9 Kensington Park Road. Tel: 6282 1341
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The Summer of Spritz Skip the mimosas and make a beeline for the new comeback kid, Aperol Spritz. an age-old Italian aperitif that mixes Prosecco with the rubycolour Aperol. Its striking colour makes for a great instagram shot. By Jessica Chan Jigger & Pony The Torresella Prosecco Brut also makes an appearance in Jigger & Pony’s renditions of a spritz. You can do no wrong with the Aperol Spritz ($14 from 6-8pm) but the Amalfi Spritz ($14 frpm 6-8pm) steals the show with the addition of a citrusy Acqua di Cedro. The latter also includes Beefeater Gin, giving the refreshing tipple a delightfully spicy note. 101 Amoy Street. Tel: 6223 9101
Humpback Spoil yourself with Humpback’s choice of either the Classic Aperol Spritz ($14 from 5-8pm) and the Flamingo ($20). Both use the crisp yet delicate grape flavours of the Torresella Prosecco Brut, but we can’t get enough of the latter, thanks to the tropical blend of passionfruit and grapefruit flavours. 18-20 Bukit Pasoh Road. Tel: 9772 9896
toast to the view Summerlong This list would be incomplete without Summerlong, an open-air restaurant with a stunning view of the river. Their bright orange renditon, the Summerlong Spritz ($14/glass; $50/jug) gets a additional Mancino Blanco vermouth, which adds a herbal and floral undertone to the appetising burst of grapefruit. #01-04, 60 Robertson Quay. Tel: 6235 1225 summerlong
publico
Happy hour deals The Brightside
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This vibrant fixture along Duxton Hill offers house pour Aperol Spritz at just $8 as part of their happy hour deal (before 8pm). Try their other bubbly creation, a vanilla vodka-based Porn Star Martini ($12 during happy hour; U.P. $15) or, go for the Monty Pythons Cocktail Circus ($32) which comes with four cocktails of your choosing. 37 Duxton Hill. Tel: 8427 1232
Publico
Vespetta Italian Gastro Bar
Gibson
Of the many happy hour deals along Boat Quay, Vespetta Italian Gastro Bar wows with its value-for-money Italian Spritz ($10 from 12-7pm; U.P. $14). They use Terregaie Prosecco from Veneto, Italy for this delectable tipple that’s a favourite among CBD dwellers. 40 Boat Quay. Tel: 6532 2374
Over at Gibson, mixologist Aki Eguchi offers an elevated version of the Italian aperitivo. Named the Rose Spritz ($14 from 6-8pm), it uses rosehip-infused St Germain, elderflower liqueur and DB Sparkling Brut. A classy drink fit for the bar's warm, vintage setting. 2nd floor, 20 Bukit Pasoh Road. Tel: 9114 8385
Raise your glasses to Italian favourites like Aperol Spritz, Sbagliato or Pirlo at Publico’s Spritz sessions. Happening from Mondays to Fridays, between 4pm and 7pm, these delightful cocktails will be going at $12 (U.P. $16). Each order comes with a side of signature white pizza bread as well. 1 Nanson Road. Tel: 6826 5040
Jamie’s Italian Pair off lip-smacking Italian dishes with Jamie’s Italian classic Aperol Spritz ($17.95) or jazz up your weekend brunch affair with the tart Sour Cherry Fizz ($18.95). Enjoy them at the Vivocity branch as it offers an al fresco section overlooking Sentosa. Forum the Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Road. Tel: 6655 7676. #1-165-167, Vivocity, 1 Harbourfront Walk. Tel: 6733 5500
Bar Piccolo From the folks who brought us Luxe comes Singapore’s first Aperol spritz bar, Bar Piccolo. The terrace bar is one of our top picks for an after-work tipple with its affordable prices ($12) and prime location above Keong Saik Road. Come by during the weekends for a taste of the island's bustling night scene. #01-04, The Working Capitol, 1 Keong Saik Road. Tel: 6221 5615
Kult Kafé Housed within an old colonial mansion atop Emily Hill, Kult Kafe is a neighbourhood bar serving a mean Aperol Spritz ($20). The hefty pour of Terragaie Prosecco is perfect for couples or paw-rents to while weekend afternoons away, especially during their monthly Sunday on the Hill events (first Sunday of every month). Emily Hill, 11 Upper Wilkie Road. Tel: 9389 2185
jamie's italian
nEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK Panamericana After a short hiatus, Ricky Paiva (formerly head bartender of Manhattan Bar) and Julian Serna (formerly group bar mentor at Lo & Behold) returns to Singapore’s bar scene with Panamericana, a 100-seat terrace exuding a rustic, colonial-chic vibe with a spendid view of the Singapore Straits. They offer a cheeky rendition of the spritz, the Grown Up Fanta ($18). It comes with an enticing blend of lemon, orange and vanilla that’s rounded off with the sweet bubbles of their own Prosecco label, Panamericana by Zardetto. Sentosa Golf Club, 27 Bukit Manis road. Tel: 6253 8182
Caffe Fernet What better way to pair the stunning skyline of Marina Bay than with a pitcher of Caffe Fernet’s Aperol Spritz ($78)? Jigger & Pony group's new venture is an Italian-American dream, from the hearty plates to its warm, homely ambience.Their classic combination of Terregaie Prosecco, Aperol and house-made soda comes in glasses ($17) as well. #01-05, Customs Housse, 70 Collyer Quay. Tel: 9178 1105 Panamericana
caffe fernet
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Snackgold Jamon Iberico Origin: Spain Buy: Redmart.com, $5.90 Taste: These handcooked Jamon Iberico-flavoured chips are the next best (affordable) thing after the real deal. The flavour is spot on – sweet, smoky and just enough salt to keep you coming back for more. Pair that with the loud, snapping crunch unique to Snackgold’s large-cut chips and we have a winner. Verdict: e d i t o r ' s p i c k
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Great British Crisp Traditional English Breakfast Origin: Britain Buy: Redmart.com, $4.95 Taste: One bite of these chips and some imagination is what you need to get a taste of breakfast sausages and streaky bacon, served with charred tomatoes. Verdict:
Chip Chip, Hooray! 8 unusual potato chip flavours that are definitely spud-tecular. By jessica chan and jolene saw
Great British Crisp Chicken Tikka Masala Origin: Britain Buy: Redmart.com, $4.95 Taste: Surprisingly, these intriguing morsels do not deliver the gentle heat we'd expect of an authentic chicken tikka masala, but the turmeric flavour keeps things interesting. Lightly-flavoured, these crunchy tikka masala crisps are short of being too cloying. Verdict:
Fukugawa Potato Chip Salt Origin: Japan Buy: Meidi-Ya Supermarket, $2.50 Taste: The benchmark of a basic potato chip. Using only Hokkaido potatoes, vegetable oil and salt, it is a simple potato chip that showcases the northern region’s prized produce. Verdict:
Ten Acre The Day Sweet and Sour Became Friends Origin: Britain Buy: Redmart.com, $5.80 Taste: Bursting with umami from tomatoes, these chips are sweet, salty and tangy all at once. The different elements work well together to give each chip a rounded flavour, making it a more palatable alternative to the polarising potato chip flavour of salt and vinegar. Verdict:
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Calbee Kataage Ume Plum Flavoured Potato Snack Origin: Japan Buy: Redmart.com, $1.25 Taste: “Kataage” refers to hard and fried, and these chips are just that; but minus that satisfying crunch. Each pack is generously covered in Japanese plum powder for that appetising sweet and salty flavour. Once you start, you can’t stop. Verdict:
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Fukugawa Potato Chip Garlic Origin: Japan Buy: Meidi-Ya Supermarket, $2.40 Taste: Remember those fried garlic flakes you’d get with your teppanyaki steak? Well, these chips taste just like that - nutty, roasted, and addictive. We find it just a tad too salty for our liking, but it would go pretty well with a pint of lager. Verdict:
The Golden Duck Gourmet Salted Egg Yolk Potato Crisps Origin: Singapore Buy: Various outlets and thegoldenduck.co, $7 Taste: Light, airy chips coated with a generous layer of salted egg yolk and a touch of spice, complete with golden crumbs and fried curry leaves. The height of the salted egg yolk craze may be over, but this bag of iconic golden goodness is here to stay. Bonus points for the resealable bag. Verdict:
presents
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23/4/18 4:29 pm