Ju Shin Jung Korean Charcoal BBQ Restaurant @Robertson Walk

Located at Roberston Walk, in the middle of the courtyard, this Korean restaurant is not hard to miss among all the European bars and restaurants around.

The place!

We were early for our reservation, and hence was one of the few to start our meals. We were led to a room with many copper exhaust pipes, the usual ones for Korean BBQ, albeit the pipes looked quite new. Out table was already set with all sorts of food- Lettuce and cabbages for us to wrap our meats, at least 8-10 Korean side dishes (pretty average tasting), sauces (sesame, chilli paste) to go with the meats, a bottle of Dasani mineral water, and two wet-to-inflate facial wipes!

We ordered one of each kind. There were 6 dishes to choose from anyway. Seasoned Slice Beef, Pork Belly, Pork Collar, Marinated Pork, Marinated Chicken, Tiger Prawn. The dishes are quite fresh and tasty. The Pork Belly is one of the largest we've seen!

We were also allowed to choose one of Signature Main Course: Beef Rib Soup, Seafood Spicy Tofu Soup, Mixed Veg Rice in Stone Pot, Beef Soya Bean Paste Soup, Cold Noodle, Spicy Cold Noodle. We ordered the Beef Soya Bean Paste Soup and Cold Noodle. But honestly, you could have done without these 2 dishes as the meat itself is quite filling. The portions given were quite big. We felt full after the second serving of meats.

Side dishes, lettuces and sauces!

BBQ!

Huge Pork Belly!

Put them with water and watch them grow into full-sized wet tissues!

It was quite full at 8+pm, but their service was still great. I even saw some staff cooking for the customers! They changed our chao-tah-ed hot-plates at least five times for the one hour plus we were there, in a very quick and professional manner. Our meats and almost-empty sauces were served & refilled quite quickly, and they even brought us extra sauces. Also, the screen at both sides blaring with Korean music and music videos kept our eyes riveted...

At $39++ per adult, I would definitely be back here again!

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Verdict:

Food: 2.5/5

Service: 3/5

Ambiance: 4/5

Total Score: 2/5

[1- Never visit again, 2-Won't visit unless there's no other option, 3-Perhaps, 4 & 5- Yes!]

Good for? Couples, Groups

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About it:

Ju Shin Jung Korean Charcoal BBQ Restaurant

Address: 11 Unity Street, #01-30, Robertson Walk, Singapore 237995

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Pepenero @Chinatown, Telok Ayer

The Telok Ayer area on a weekday could get really quiet, and Stanley Street is one of it. This quaint place with Italian decor is equally quiet as well. When we entered the restaurant, there was only one table of two. As we ate, there were only 3 tables who came in. The servers knew their stuff and were quite prompt, a few times asking if my bread basket is to be re-filled, which was quite uncommon. The bread is generous, and came with bruschetta-kind of olives dipping, which I loved it, departing from the usual butter.

Burrata con crudo di Parma ($29)

Burrata served with Parma ham

Astice alla Sarda ($45)

Boston Lobster in Sardinian Style with Lemon sauce, cherry tomatoes, onion and fresh fruit (600 grams)

Astice alla Sarda ($45)

Boston Lobster in Sardinian Style with Lemon sauce, cherry tomatoes, onion and fresh fruit (600 grams)

Tagliata di Manzo con Patate e Funghi ($45)

Angus Beef Tagliata with roasted potatoes and wild mushrooms (250 grams)

Tagliata di Manzo con Patate e Funghi ($45)

Angus Beef Tagliata with roasted potatoes and wild mushrooms (250 grams)

Tiramisu’ ($12)

Classic Italian Homemade Tiramisu’ with lady fingers, eggs, mascarpone cheese, sugar, liquor, coffee & cocoa powder

Burrata con crudo di Parma ($29), which is Burrata cheese (the white blob in the photo) and salty, thinly-sliced Parma ham, both of them make quite a great pair, but only with an extra dash of olive oil on the Burrata cheese, in my opinion, Else, it could get a bit too bland if eaten alone.

Tagliata di Manzo con Patate e Funghi ($45), Angus Beef Tagliata with roasted potatoes and wild mushrooms (250 grams), had a close to perfect doneness. The fats melt in the mouth, and the meat red where it should be. Although, it is under seasoned, and probably could do with a bit of olive oil and sea salt, the chef's technicalities shine in this dish. The wild mushrooms and roasted potatoes went well with the meat, providing an extra crunch to the meat.

The Tagliata's limelight could be easily stolen by the Astice alla Sarda ($45), Boston Lobster in Sardinian Style with Lemon sauce, cherry tomatoes, onion and fresh fruit (600 grams). It is one of the sweetest lobsters we have ever tried. Medium rare, slightly undercooked which is perfect in this case, retaining the lobster's sweetness and natural juices. Fruits like raspberries and blueberries dotting the slate plate added another layer of taste to the dish. The lemon sauce is good, of the right acidity. Very sour, but goes well with the lobster. It is not a very filling dish, but you could order the pasta to go along. Or, just go for another bread basket refill! Either way, you'll feel that sweetness filling up inside you, and you'll definitely be savouring each and every bite.

Rounding off, we had the Tiramisu' ($12). Classic Italian Homemade Tiramisu’ with lady fingers, eggs, mascarpone cheese, sugar, liquor, coffee & cocoa powder. Well, it is actually really normal. At $12, it could be considered an above-the-average portion. Creamy and not very alcoholic. If you love the creamy kind of Tiramisu, you'll love this dessert.

I would definitely be back, to try their pasta and risotto, and perhaps another of that sweet juicy Boston lobster... This place is perfect for a romantic date out!


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Verdict:

Food: 4/5

Service: 4/5

Ambiance: 4/5

Total Score: 4/5

[1- Never visit again, 2-Won't visit unless there's no other option, 3-Perhaps, 4 & 5- Yes!]

Good for? Couples, Groups

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About it:

Pepenero

Address: 14 Stanley St, Singapore 068733
Menu: http://pepenero.sg/

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Fern & Kiwi @Clarke Quay

The menu prices are not ordinary. It costs $35 to $45 for a main dish, and appetizers are well above $10. It's for tourists, set in a touristy area, so, wallets, be well-prepared. The service is great, staff prompt and friendly. Just don't sit on the second level, near the kitchen, if you want to enjoy your expensive dinner like a fine dining place. You'll hear the grumpy chef lecturing the servers, or shouting out your orders in a very unglamorous way.

(Image Unavailable. Sorry, too hungry to snap a picture!)

Southern Ocean Chowder ($19.50)

Green lipped mussles, sea run salmon and scallops, in a light creamy fish broth with potato chunks

Canterbury Plains Rack of Lamb ($39.50)

Coasted with trio of peppercorns and grilled garlic served on mashed potatoes and sauteed haricot beans

Oven Baked Cod ($39.50)

Served with roasted potatoes and grilled asparagus in a Fern & Kiwi special sauce

Pure South New Zealand Beef Ribeye ($41.50)

225grams of grass fed sirloin

Pure South New Zealand Beef Sirloin ($41.50)

225grams of grass fed sirloin

Cauliflower gratin with Upper Moutere cheese ($10.50)

Haricot Beans and feta cheese with almond flakes ($10.50)

We started off with an appetiser, Southern Ocean Chowder ($19.50). Green lipped mussels, sea run salmon and scallops, in a light creamy fish broth with potato chunks, this soup looks pretty when served with the oil floating nicely on top. However, we had to add quite a bit of salt and pepper to season it... It is a really big bowl, easily serving up to 2 persons. There's all sorts of ingredients from the main dishes that you'll see inside the soup- cod fish, salmon, potatoes...

A group of 4, we ordered steaks, Pure South New Zealand Beef Sirloin ($41.50) and Pure South New Zealand Beef Ribeye ($41.50), both veiny (grass-fed... ...), not juicy and marinated. Overall, nothing impressive, especially with the normal salad by the side.

The Oven Baked Cod ($39.50) and Canterbury Plains Rack of Lamb ($39.50) fared better than the steaks, and had more interesting side dishes ,like grilled asparagus and sauteed haricot beans.

The Cauliflower gratin with Upper Moutere cheese ($10.50) was not as cheesy as we had expeceted, but the light, fragrant natural taste of Cauliflowers brought out the taste. The Haricot Beans and feta cheese with almond flakes ($10.50) is average as well, but we thought our zhi-char stall could've done better, as they tasted quite similar...

Overall, don't visit this place if you're a Singaporean. At a $45+ per head just for main dishes, go Paulaners or elsewhere like the Central or Liang Court if you are okay with walking, for there are much more (and better) options available.

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Verdict:

Food: 2/5

Service: 3/5

Ambiance: 3/5

Total Score: 1/5

[1- Never visit again, 2-Won't visit unless there's no other option, 3-Perhaps, 4 & 5- Yes!]

Good for? Couples, Groups, Family

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About it:

Fern & Kiwi

Address: 3C River Valley Road, #01-02/03 The Cannery, Clarke Quay, Singapore 179024
Menu: http://www.fernandkiwi.com/download/menu-main.pdf

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The Sushi Bar @Orchard, Far East Plaza

I really wondered what the hype is all about. My friends are all talking about it, and the queue is long, the few times I walked past it around evenings. I finally gave it a try on a public holiday, after all, queues are inevitable everywhere in Singapore on a PH. Just a matter of which one's more worth your time.

While in the queue, a friendly lady came over to tell us there's another store just downstairs, newly opened, that has a similar menu. But we stuck to the queue. A table for 2 is much quicker than a larger group, and we were given our seats after less than 30 minutes. But, if you're looking for a intimate place, forget this place. It's very squeezy, you can hear your next-door's conversation. In fact, a couple beside us had to share a table with another couple...

A quick glance through the menu and a specials leaflet, we knew we are going to spend $30+ per pax for a not-very-filling meal... But since we've queued, we're just gonna try! We ordered:

Eihire (Fried Stingray Fins) ($5.90) -DON'T ORDER!

Califronia Roll ($8.90)

Maguro Karage ($6.90)

Scallop Mentaiyaki ($13.90) -MUST TRY!

Aburi Sake Sushi ($2.20) & Maguro Sushi ($1.80)

The wasabi deserves a special note though. It's made fresh, hence you can really taste the difference. Plus, they give a generous amount for, say, a tiny sushi. Also another dish that's a must-try, their Scallop Mentaiyaki ($13.90). The server recommended it to us, saying "sliced thinly, pan-seared..." and we were hooked. I am always up for a scallops dish! When it came, we were glad the price tallied with what we ate. It was delicious, each slice was juicy and the sauce went well with it.

On the other hand, DON'T ORDER Eihire ($5.90)! My friend who ordered the same dish, we both agreed we got "conned" by the menu! Fried stingray (cue those hawker BBQ Stingray, albeit smaller pieces) was served, but NO FLESH! Only the cartilage!  It tasted like those packet fried cuttlefish, a bit hard to chew, and definitely not crispy at all. Order anything except this from the menu!

The Maguro Karage ($6.90) did not taste nice as well. Frying the tuna killed the original taste. It was like eating meat. The rest, Aburi Sake Sushi ($2.20), Maguro Sushi ($1.80), Califronia Roll ($8.90), Soft Shell Crab Temaki ($4.50) was flavourful, and the ingredients fresh.

We should have tried the Sirloin Steak ($14.90), but well, I doubt I'd be back due to the pricing. The portion's not enough to feed a hungry stomach as well.

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Verdict:

Food: 3/5

Service: 3/5

Ambiance: 2.5/5

Total Score: 2/5

[1- Never visit again, 2-Won't visit unless there's no other option, 3-Perhaps, 4 & 5- Yes!]

Good for? Couples

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About it:

The Sushi Bar

14 Scotts Road, Far East Plaza, 03-89, Singapore 228213

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Baja Fresh Mexican Grill @Dhoby Ghaut, Bras Basah

Having been to Muchachos only recently, we can't help but to compare these two places, although we knew the environment is different. Here in Baja (pronounced as Ba - Ha, like Ja-lepeno is Ha-lepeno) Fresh, it's more of a fast food ordering style. The ingredients are really fresh, even though we had a pretty late dinner, at 9pm on a weekday, and they close at 10pm Monday- Thursday, 11pm on Friday to Sunday.

The place!

The thing that stuck to my mind was their tomato. In Singapore, a majority of Tomatoes is only just skin. Tough, chewy skin, no juicy flesh and sweetness. But here, it's really different. Their sauces bar, where I could eat these sweet juicy tomatoes to my fill, with the nachos chips on the side, has different levels of spiciness divided, into Mild, Medium and Hot. There's also a copious amount of lime and cilantro (chinese parsley) for you to add in to your meals as you wish.

Salsa!

Burritos Classic, filled with Crispy Mahi-Mahi ($15.95) Enchilado Style +$3.45

Quesidilla, filled with Char Siew (Pulled Pork) ($13.95)

Their Burrito is HUGE. Good for 2 girls to share kind. Their Mahi-mahi's fishy smell is abit strong, hence you may need abit more lime to negate it. For a safer dish, go for their Cheese or Chicken. They even have specials such as Duck and Lamb. They also have a Larger size, apart from the Regular, which you can really share for a full meal. It comes with more portions of nachos chips and tomatoes on the side.

Their Quesadilla, is good for a girl- very clean, not messy and wild as the Burrito. Very cheesy, and the sides with Sour Cream, Gucamole and (more!) Tomatoes go great with one another.

I'd be back to try their own dishes, such as their Tacos and bowls!


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Verdict:

Food: 4/5

Service: 3/5

Ambiance: 3/5

Total Score: 4/5

[1- Never visit again, 2-Won't visit unless there's no other option, 3-Perhaps, 4 & 5- Yes!]

Good for? Couples, Groups, Quick Meals

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About it:

Baja Fresh

Address: 9 Bras Basah Rd, Singapore 189559

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Pique Nique @Jurong, JCube

There was quite abit of negative reviews on Hungry Go where, but I visited this place with an open mind, as I have bought some vouchers with the mall's promotion at JCube. I have always wanted to visit this quaint-looking place in Ngee Ann City anyway. There is a big open space in the middle, supposedly for large groups, with astro turf grounds, providing a very story-book like feel.

Their wait staff were very friendly and helpful, and acceded to our take-away request quite promptly, filling up our waters whenever it was getting empty.

I couldn't really rave about the food though...

Goulash ($20)

Roasted Chicken with Mac & Cheese ($17.80)

Pique Nique's Classique Burger ($18)

But, I was sorely disappointed, considering Chef Pang's background in Les Amis Group. Their beef Goulash ($20) is quite average, the beef really tender, the pasta done right. But it got jelak after awhile, so we were glad when the Roasted Chicken with Mac & Cheese came next ($17.80). Their Gruyere cheese went really well with the nicely-done macronies. I shouldn't have ordered their Pique Nique's Classique Burger ($18), and should have stuck to their all-day breakfast... The meat was under-marinated and crumbly, no juice. The fries were crunchy and not oily, which saved the dish.

Not to mention the plates. The paint was fading off, and I felt like I was eating the paint with every spoon. What once seemed classy is now an eyesore. I'd rather they just use plain ceramic plates. 

All in all, I wouldn't be back for Pique Nique. There are way too may good food over in other malls, West Gate and Jem, and even the food courts around.

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Verdict:

Food: 3/5

Service: 3/5

Ambiance: 2.5/5

Total Score: 2/5

[1- Never visit again, 2-Won't visit unless there's no other option, 3-Perhaps, 4 & 5- Yes!]

Good for? Couples, Groups, Family

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About it:

Pique Nique

Address: 2 Jurong East Central 1, Singapore 609731

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Medz, Rainbow Cake @Orchard Central

This store has closed at this location...

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We were rushing around Somerset to find a cake for dear mummy, after deciding last minute that another birthday cake before the clock chimes 12 would be another birthday surprise. But, we were running late! It was 9pm when we finally had errands done and had this idea and started hunting.

But the first round around Orchard Gateway and 313 Somerset saw some cafes selling slice cakes, or humongous cakes that you have to ta-bao for many breakfasts the next few days. And, we had already ordered the chocolate cake from Chocolate Origin for a birthday previously, hence it's off the list. Click here for pics & review!

Suddenly, I thought of a recent article I read on a magazine, best rainbow cakes in Singapore. And one of it was Medz. By then, I was so desperate, anything that doesn't look traingularly-sliced will pass. I walked into the one at Orchard Central, and behold! They told me they do sell Rainbow cakes, 500grams and 1kg!

I saw the cakes in the fridge and they looked pretty. The servers told me 1kg costs $64.90 (Off my budget) and 500grams is at $38.90. Great! The frosting was ready in less than hour, (so glad they close at 11pm that day!) and I even got a handwritten birthday wish on the cake itself!

The cake's topping and frosting was done well. In fact, my dog couldn't pull his head away from the cake amid the loud birthday song!

Overall, I would say the cake itself is fragrant and soft, like the usual sponge cake. I wouldn't order for the taste, but for the whimsical colours. I'd definitely give kudos for their friendly service!

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About it:

Medz

Address: #B2-01/03 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd

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Lola's Cafe @Kovan, Simon Rd

It was full during a weekday lunch, but I heard there has been hour-long queues for this cafe on weekends. They had an iPad-call system (somewhat like Saveur's), but we were quickly given a table nonetheless. What's interesting is that, we were given a vintage sewing machine as our table! The whole interior is quite cozy, with bits of quirky deco, like empty photo frames, providing a unique art installation on their walls.

Brunch is available from 10am to 3pm, but we liked the dinner menu better when we eyed it... Oh well, we ordered:

Crispy Wings ($10)

Mushroom Melt ($10)

Brioche Bread, Swiss White Mushroom, Mozzarella Cheese, Cream, Garden Salad, Balsamic Dressing

Avocado Eggs Benedict ($15)

Breakfast Butter Crossant ($13)

As the dishes had pretty similar ingredients, I will make an overall comment. The honey bacons got too sweet after awhile, and the eggs too much for lunch. If you really had to order something, go for their Mushroom Melt ($10). It is possibly the least jelak dish of all.

Iced Marigold Round Fruit Tea ($4.50) - Don't order this! It's like fruit juice and water...
Hot Chocolate ($5)

Desserts, we went for the Chocolate Nutella Tart ($7), Chocolate Ganache, Nutella, Oreo Cookie Base, in which the Base is quite crunchy and tasty. Chocolate was not too sweet, which is a welcoming change. But for drinks, skip it, unless you need your coffee fix. For the iced drink, Iced Marigold Round Fruit Tea ($4.50), it would be great if they had put a sprig of mint on top, so it wouldn't look so cheap.

I guess with all that new cafes sprouting about in Singapore, this is another one that I'll tick as 'Been there & done that'.


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Verdict:

Food: 2.5/5

Service: 3/5

Ambiance: 4/5

Total Score: 3/5

[1- Never visit again, 2-Won't visit unless there's no other option, 3-Perhaps, 4 & 5- Yes!]

Good for? Couples, Groups, Family

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About it:

Lola's Cafe

Address: 5 Simon Rd, Singapore 545893
Menu: http://lolascafe.com.sg/Menu/Lola's%20Cafe%20-%20Menu.pdfs

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Mariott Cafe @Orchard, Mariott Hotel

The buffet is one of the better ones I have seen. Seafood, they have Alaskan Snow Crab (legs...), but they do not have lobsters. Whatever you'd expect is there for a buffet is there- live carving station, Japanese, ice cream, desserts, local and western cuisine... They have more of Western dishes, which I am glad, as I am not a fan of paying expensive money for hawker dishes. Some of the dishes are great, some are bland. But overall, I would definitely come here ONLY if the promotion's great.

Cookies & Cream Cheese Cake (500 grams) ($38)

Their birthday cake was slightly too sweet, but if you need a whole cake, they have it at the Java+ cafe (located right in front of the Mariott Cafe). Pretty convenient. They have 3 other flavors of the same price as well! 

A group of 3 sang the birthday girl a birthday song, which was really sweet of them. A couple of other tables were celebrating their birthdays as well and they did the same with a happy smile :)


Prices:
Lunch Buffet
Monday to Saturday / Sunday:
Adult $55.00++ / $60.00++ or $138.00++ (With Champagne)
Child $31.00++ / $36.00++ (Age: 5 to 12 years old)

Dinner Buffet
Sunday to Thursday / Friday & Saturday:
Adult $68.00++ / $78.00++
Child $36.00++ / $38.00++ (Age: 5 to 12 years old)


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Verdict:

Food: 3/5

Service: 3/5

Ambiance: 4/5

Total Score: 3/5

[1- Never visit again, 2-Won't visit unless there's no other option, 3-Perhaps, 4 & 5- Yes!]

Good for? Couples, Groups, Family

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About it:

Mariott Cafe

Address: Ground Floor, Singapore Marriott Hotel, 320 Orchard Road
Menu: http://www.singaporemarriott.com/restaurant/marriott-cafe/

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Yoshimaru Ramen Bar @Holland Village

There are way too many good Ramen places in Singapore. Sadly, this isn't one of my favourites. 
Squeezy and small, you can hear the conversation next table quite clearly. I bought a deal coupon, (or perhaps that's the reason why the food wasn't good?) and only had one choice- Creamy Black Sesame Pork Ramen ($12.80). We were first served with a bowl of sesame to crush by hand, something like Tonkichi's.

Crush your sesames!

Black Sesame Pork Ramen ($12.80)
Of Hakata ramen, it is a distinctive ultra thin ramen with a film texture, served in a rich in iron, magnesium and vitamins B and E, using roasted black sesame seeds to enhance their flavor and aroma. The char siew was well-marinated and is the star of the dish, pretty generous as well. However, the soup killed everything. DO NOT ORDER THE SPICY SOUP. It tastes extremely different from the non-spicy one. If you do, be prepared to drink lots of water, or love it because you're a spice lover!
It isn't fair to just mark this place down because of one dish, but sadly, if the purpose of having a deal coupon is perhaps just to earn some money with a badly thought-through of dish and not gaining awareness, then my experience would have been better if I had order the other full-priced menu dishes... ------------------

Verdict:

Food: 2/5

Service: 2.5/5

Ambiance: 2/5

Total Score: 3/5

[1- Never visit again, 2-Won't visit unless there's no other option, 3-Perhaps, 4 & 5- Yes!]

Good for? Couples, Groups, Family

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About it:

Yoshimaru Ramen Bar @Holland Village

Address: 31 Lorong Liput Holland Village Singapore 277742
Menu: http://www.yoshimaruramen.com.sg/menu.htm 

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Muchachos @Outram, Keong Saik

Up and coming Keong Saik, this restaurant ain't new here. Ben here for quite awhile, but I haven't had the chance to try it, till now. Located at a new bustling area of China town on a stretch of other restaurants, beside Potato Head Folks and the likes.

The Place

Choose your protein!

When we first stepped in, (the doors are big!) we saw two long rows- on the left, bar stools, on the right, order and move- very much like subway, but the more atas version. You get to choose your proteins- beef, pork,  chicken,  vegan. They have Quesadillas as well, and sides like buffalo wings and nachos chips. 

This place is raved for their burritos, and hence we ordered the beef and the pork. If you are a mild spice eater, don't go for the spicy one. It can get really hot if you don't intend to order drinks. 

Wrapped full of goodness!

Carnitas Burrito- Pork $12.95

Carne Asada Burrito- Beef $13.75

Mexicoke $4.25

The Carne Asada Burrito- Beef $13.75 is quite average, while I'd prefer the Carnitas Burrito- Pork $12.95. It has a tinge of Chinese flavour to it. Both meats are tender and well-marinated, together with the rice, veges, guacamole (we ordered Extra Gucamole $1.75!), beans, and their amazing skin, of course. The skin is chewy, slightly sweet and most amazingly, does not break even though the fillings are bursting full. Each bite is a a burst of flavours as well. 

The prices could turn you off slightly, $13.75++ for a burrito, but the portion feeds a grown man well. The quality of food is all worth it too. Down it with drinks, like their Mexicoke $4.50, coke specially imported from Mexico, (well, ignore the little sticker that says imported by some agent in Singapore that turns off the whole exoticness). Nothing interesting,  in fact it tastes like normal coke. I kept the glass bottle to put a flower though.

I'll be back for Quesadillas, but not so soon, there's so many interesting places to explore too... 


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Verdict:

Food: 4/5

Service: 3/5

Ambiance: 4.5/5

Total Score: 4/5

[1- Never visit again, 2-Won't visit unless there's no other option, 3-Perhaps, 4 & 5- Yes!]

Good for? Couples, Groups, Family

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About it:

Muchachos

Address: 22 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089129

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