Tai Hing @ Changi Airport Terminal 2

Those who have been to Hong Kong would have heard about Tai Hing Roast restaurants. A few months ago, Tai Hing opened its first Singapore branch. Unfortunately, it is located inside the transit area of Changi Airport Terminal 2.



A few weeks ago, I had the chance to use Terminal 2, and made it a point to visit Tai Hing at the airport.



Was there at around 3pm, so it was off-peak hours and there was really not much diners.



Tai Hing serves dim sum, roast meats and the ordinary HK cafe dishes. For me, I ordered a double platter of roasted suckling pig with char siew. I was surprised at how crispy the suckling pig was. It was not oily as I had expected, and the skin was crispy. The char siew paled in comparison. Next time, shall order just the suckling pig.



The double platter with noodles costs about S$15. Service was a bit slow, so if you are rushing for a flight, you might want to give it a miss.


Tai Hing
60 Airport Boulevard,
Departure/Transit Lounge,
Changi Airport Terminal 2

The Naked Finn @ A Curious Teepee (CLOSED)

The Naked Finn is a two-month-long menu preview put up by the team behind the former Klee Bar before it's set to open on Sentosa 2012. I don't know what took me so long to pay them a visit, but I'm glad that I made it just in time as they move into the very last week of this collaboration.



When visiting A Curious Teepee, it's always good to start off with some coffee. Serving Papa Palheta's very own roasts, prepared by baristas coached by them, you can be sure you are in safe hands. And indeed, my Piccolo Latte ($4.8) was very velvety and rich, a perfect drink to warm up the body a little after days of raining.



We had Tatami Iwashi ($10), a highly addictive snack made from dried shirasu (white fish), came in crispy bite-sized sheets. It makes great beer-buddy if you are here for a drink.



Strongly recommended by our helpful waitress was Salmon Rocket ($12). Succulent salmon belly slices were lightly blow-torched, unleashing all the omega-3 goodness. In the end we had to resist the temptation of ordering another one because we had a show to catch.



My companion very much enjoyed her Chuka Hiyashi Ramen ($9), chilled ramen accompanied by a colourful assortment of toppings. But what made it shine was the appetizing tare dressing.



As for my Aigamo Ramen ($12), while the thinly sliced smoked duck breast was extremely tender, the noodle threads were delicate with a smooth and somewhat 'fluffy' texture, akin to that of udon. But really, what made the bowl of ramen stood out was its clean-tasting stock, which left a lingering taste that was soothing to the palate.

Judging by what this preview has to offer, there is sure much to look forward to when the full menu is unveiled at the new premises on Sentosa next year.

And if you are planning a visit, today would well be your last chance. So come down to Scape this evening before it's too late.


The Naked Finn Pop Up @ A Curious Teepee
*SCAPE #02-24, 2 Orchard Link
6820 1680
Availble until October 30

Update: Oh no, A Curious Teepee has closed their physical space at *Scape on the last day of 2011. Meanwhile, you can still visit their website just a click away.

The Bank Bar + Bistro @ One Shenton

Those who are working in Shenton Way would have seen this bar and bistro right at the ground floor of One Shenton, a new office + residential tower opposite of SGX.



The interiors reminded us of Raffles Hotel more than an British bank. The owner must have spent lot's of efforts and money to create the beautiful chandeliers and wooden cabinets.



The Bank Bar is located just opposite of Lau Pa Sat, and parking is available at One Shenton.



Started off our dinner with a bottle of Magners Irish Cider Original (S$17). This cider is crisp and has a very faint sweetness.



We love how they decorated the bar with huge portraits of the currency used during the straits settlement era.



The had a one page menu, and we ordered those that were the specialties of The Bank. Our first main was the New Yorker Pizza (S$18.90) with tomato, mozzarella, salami, pepperoni, italian spicy sausage, capsicum, onion. All pizzas are handmade and made-to-order. The crust was light and not as thick as those in pizza hut. Toppings were of good quality.



We also like the Roasted Tomato Soup (S$11.90) with squids and kidney beans. The tomato soup had a creamy tomato taste to it, and we could also taste that the tomatoes were roasted before being reduced into a soup stock. Squid rings and kidney beans were added for texture.



Another of their specialty is the Beef Bourguignon (S$24.90) with potato mouseline, kenya beans and carrots. It's quite a treat to enjoy such good beef bourguignon in a bar and bistro at such a price. The beef chunks were stewed till tender, but still retains the chunkiness.



Food and drinks are served till 1 a.m. from Sundays to Thursdays, and 2 a.m. on Fridays to Saturdays. They are opened at 11a.m. everyday including weekends.

While paying for our dinner, we were surprised that this bar does not charge service charge. Service was good and so was the food.


The Bank Bar + Bistro
1 Shenton Way,
#01-01
One Shenton

Sweet meets salty @ Tom's Palette

Mention sweet and salty, and salted caramel (and possibly Tom's Palette's salted caramel cheesecake ice cream) immediately jumps to mind. If you're keen to try another salty-sweet flavor combination, do drop by Tom's Palette to try the new flavor for this month - Savory Crunch! Who knew that crunchy, salty potato crisps would taste so good sprinked in milk ice cream?

Good ol' pistachio (above) & Savory Crunch

Fleur de Lait & Kaya (an experimental flavor)

Tom's Palette's milk ice cream tastes great with chocolate-coated almond bits too (left), but I personally prefer Savory Crunch over the former!

 Tom's Palette

100 Beach Road
#01-25 Shaw Leisure Gallery
Opening hours: 12pm-9.30pm (Mon-Thu), 12pm-10pm (Fri-Sat), Sunday 1pm-7pm (closed on the last Sunday of the month)

Oversea Restaurant @ Shaw Towers

Another repeat visit to Oversea last week. This time, it was for a birthday celebration.



As with all visits, a must order is their Char Siew (S$20). It's expensive for a small portion, but I find it well worth the money. The outer layer is caramelized with a thick layer of sugar.



Prawns with Beancurd (S$28) - The gravy had a "prawn soup" taste to it.



This Braised Pork with Salted Fish in Claypot (S$16) goes well with white rice, although it's very unhealthy (fatty pork plus salted fish).



The Oversea Special Fried Rice (S$12) received mixed review. For myself, I like the dual texture (fluffy + crispy rice). But some may not like this version.



Kampung Chicken with Chinese Wine in Claypot (S$18) - Didn't really enjoy this dish, because the chicken chunks did not absorb the Chinese wine. Was quite dry.



Black Hokkien Fried Udon (S$23 for medium) - For those who missed authentic KL Hokkien Mee, this is the closest version you can find in Singapore.



The restaurant presented us complimentary servings of this Coconut Dessert (Complimentary). It's actually coconut milk pudding with chunks of coconut flesh inside.


Oversea Restaurant
100 Beach Road,
#01-27
Shaw Leisure Gallery,
Shaw Towers

梅光軒

Taking a break from my caffeinated adventure, I popped by Baikohken, one of the local ramen destinations many rave about.



Having heard words about Baikohken being notorious of serving huge portions, I knew the rumour was true when I saw the four slabs of monster-sized meat on my Chashu Shio Ramen. Just as I was looking forward to my chashu galore, much to my disappointment, it wasn't as tender as I'd like it to be. While I found noodle texture was fine, the broth was too light (if not bland) for my likings. I recalled Gyoza no Ohsho @ Cuppage Plaza served better shio ramen.



Knowing too well that their big portions are not for everyone's stomach, they also serve ramen in half the portion. Despite that, it was a strnggle my companion trying to finish her half-portion Yasai Ramen. Her miso broth somewhat tasted better than mine.



Given the many better ramen options, it will probably be long before I'm back again.


梅光軒
7 North Canal Road
6534 3808

Alfero Artisan Gelato

I firmly believe that ice cream parlors should not be stingy with samples- how are customers supposed to be satisfied with their purchase if they haven't found the flavors they like? Thankfully, Alfero Artisan Gelato passes in this aspect with flying colors- the friendly staff kept handing its patrons sample after sample during my visit there!

Unlike most of its competitors, Alfero does not showcase its wares behind a glass display- it stores them in metal containers instead, which apparently help preserve the freshness of the gelato.

 

Not only was the service at Alfero commendable, the gelato was excellent as well. I really liked the exquisitely silky mouthfeel of its gelato- you should try it out yourself! While Coccogelo's pistachio gelato was slightly more intense in flavor, Alfero's version is unparalleled in smoothness- I can't decide which I prefer. Wanting a refreshing perk-up after dinner, I chose to have a scoop of lemon sorbet as well. Although it was decent by all measures, I'll rather go for double or even triple scoops of gelato the next time I visit Alfero!

Price: $4.50 for a small cup (1 flavor), $6.50 for a medium cup (2 flavors), $8.50 for a large cup (3 flavors)

Alfero Artisan Gelato

6 Raffles Boulevard

#02-226A/B Marina Square

Opening Hours: 10am-10pm daily

Hummerstons @ Robertson Walk

I think of most of us have been to the first floor of Robertson Walk, where most of the restaurants are located. However, a new restaurant opened a few months ago on the 2nd floor, at a corner facing TCC.



The restaurant, Hummerstons, is located just below the "clock tower" at the 2nd floor.



When we stepped inside Hummerstons, we were reminded how similar the decor is to PS Cafe. The food on the menu is also very much "PS Cafe-ish", although they were different. One thing we liked about this place is that it is very spacious and had a very relaxed atmosphere to it. Tables were large and chairs were comfy. Great for gatherings or just to chill out.



After ordering our food, our cutlery came in this cute red "pails". I did some research and found out that the chef here was formerly the head chef from PS Cafe, and that explains the "PS Cafe-ish". Thumbs up for complimentary iced water, and service was excellent. Very prompt and discreet.



We shared the Caramelized Onions Soup (S$14) - Beef and sherry broth with melted mozzarella & grated parmesan. It came warm, but we wanted it to be even warmer. So we sent the soup back and they made it boiling hot. The soup was tasty and also had a nice "beefy" taste to it.




They had a long list of salads, and the Miso Roasted Vegetable Salad (S$22) did not disapoint. It cotained miso roasted seasonal vegetables, short grain brown rice, toasted cashew, mixed greens, chilli-roasted garlic & honey vinaigrette. I enjoyed the salad very much, and portion was good as a main.



They have special off-menus item every day, which you can see on the blackboard in the restaurant.



We also ordered this Country Roasted Chicken (S$27) - Herb rubbed roasted chicken, caramelized onions, capers, olives, carrots, buttery corn mashed potatoes and home gravy. I was surprised at how juicy and tender the breast meat was. The mashed potatoes were creamy and buttery.



Ended our meal with the Blackforest Gateau (S$11) - Chocolate sponge with layers of chocolate mousse, chantilly cream & Kirsch liquor marinated sour cherries. The layers of choco mousse was thick and not overly sweet.

We read from 8 Days that their pancakes were highly recommended, and is served on weekends till 5pm. Think we will be making a trip back soon!


Hummerstons
11 Unity Street,
#02-14
Robertson Walk

Jimmy Monkey

With a buring passion for coffee and the desire to bring his coffee experience in Melbourne back to Singapore, Michael Ryan, owner of Jimmy Monkey started the café at the One-North Residences neighbourhood, a short walk away from Buona Vista MRT.



Came equiped with Singapore's very first Slayer Espresso machine, it is no monkey business here for owner barista Michael when it comes to pushing your cup of coffee.

My Flat White ($5) tasted a little harsh at first, but soon I found myself succumbed to its rich aroma and velvety texture.

It was later we found out that there were two shots that went into it.



Delectable Smoked Salmon Pesto Aglio Olio Spaghetti ($14) to go with my coffee. The pasta was al dente!



Priced as much as my pasta was their Signature Alcoholic Thick Shake ($14). Topped with a bed of Violet Crumble, the soothing fragrance of rum reminded me of my fave order at Once upon a Milkshake. It's a to-die-for you have a sweet-tooth. Too sweet for me however.



Hearty Breakfast Sandwich ($12) with rocket, avocado, bacon, egg and the mysterious Kay's relish that I super liked :)





If there be just one more thing that would give one a lasting impression on this place, this has to be it. Came complete with a toilet roll.

While Jimmy Monkey can be counted on for their excellent brews, their Sunday brunch menu is sure one big draw that makes future visits a must.


Jimmy Monkey
9 One-North Gateway
#01-51 One-North Residences
Sun - Thu, 8:30am - 8:30pm
Fri - Sat, 8:30am - 10:30pm
Closed on Mondays
6777 8470

Il Cielo @ Hilton Singapore

Last week, famous Italian caviar brand Calvisius held a 1 week Caviar festival over at Hilton's Il Cielo. Calvisius is famous for its high quality farmed caviar, and according to news reports this helps to ensure sustainable fishing and collection of caviar. We are not experts on caviar, so we decided to come here not only to enjoy, but also to learn more about this delicacy.



We arrived at Il Cielo during the final night of the caviar festival. It was quite empty when we arrived, but at around 8:30pm most tables were filled. About half of the diners were here for the caviar.



We started our caviar feast with a glass of Louis Roederer Prosseco (S$19 per glass).



This was recommended by Calvisius - Caviar Degistation Menu (S$296 for 2 pax) - 4 different tins of 10g caviar, with fresh blinis, vodka scrambled eggs, potatoes, angel hair, lobster, fine raw ombrina, cristal bay prawns crudo and rissotto oysters cooked in champagne



The Calvisius White Sturgeon Caviar (10g tin), in our humble opinion, is the best of all 4 caviar in terms of the taste and texture. The caviar came from the fish Acipenser Transmontanus, and this larger size caviar has a deep sea taste to it.



The second was the Calvisius Oscietra Royal Caviar (10g tin). Oscietra caviar is obtained from the fish Acipenser Gueldenstaedtii. The fish nearly went extinct some years back, but then after careful breeding the fish has now thrived in caviar farms all over the world. This "Royal" caviar has a nutty taste to it.



As the name suggests, the Original Siberian Caviar (10g tin) originated from a Siberian fish Acipenser Baerii from Siberia. There were some historic records that the Russian aristocrats who fled to Europe during the revolution tried to bring over some of this Siberian fish to Europe because they were prized for their caviar. The taste of this caviar is said to be crisp and light.



Finally, the Calvisius Oscietra Classic Caviar (10g tin) has a more intense taste as compared to the "Royal" selection.



Il Cielo has done a good job on the sides. Our favourite are the vodka scrambled eggs, and this Angel Hair with Black Truffles. Although we were suppose to put caviar on them, but they were good enough to eat it on its own.



After the caviar, we were served this Lemon Juice Beverage to cleanse the palate



We ordered the Il Cielo Tuscany Style Tomato Soup with Alaskan Crab (S$18). When it came, there was a transparent cup inside the soup bowl. The service staff will lift the cup up and all the crunchy crab meat will "drop" into the soup.



Find the crab meat fresh and sweet.



Of course, we had to order our favourite Pizza Bosco (S$42) - Porcini, home cured Italian sausage and truffles. Now sure why, but this pizza didn't taste as good as the first time when we were there. We didn't like the overly burnt crust. But the fillings were good.



It's quite warm here in Il Cielo because of its poolside location. Smart casual is recommended here.


Il Cielo
Level 24,
Hilton Singapore
581 Orchard Road