tesss

 ~Invited Session~ Butcher’s Block, one of the newest kids on the block for the numerous high-end steakhouses in Singapore, is located at Raffles Hotel and led by Chef Rémy Lefebvre. I had the pleasure of being invited to try a sample of their new lunch menu offering, which has been revamped to include some dinner staples such as the John Stone Angus Grass-Fed 28 Day Dry-Aged Cote De Bouef, alongside lighter Tostadas snacks that gives the menu a modern and more fashion-forward take on the traditional steakhouse.  The moment you walk into Butcher’s Block, everything there is styled very Art Nouveau, which is really one of my favourite architecture/interior design styles. Brilliant cobalt blue hues, complementary dark wood panelling and polished brass furnishing and gold accents brightens up any dour mood and lifts the spirits up for in preparation for a Dionysian meal. Once you walk into the main hall you will see The Vault, displaying fine cuts of meats, but to be honest my attention w...

Themed restaurants are not my thing but DC Comics Super Heroes was near Sands Theatre and dinner had to be settled before my musical began. Not much choice apart from the food court that is perpetually burgeoning with people. We originally planned for pizza but the dough needed to rise and that would have taken 45 minutes - I'm not sure if it was the sheer timing of dinner at almost 645pm but having to wait 45 minutes for it sounded too incredulously long. If anything, they do their pizza doughs in house and that did pique my curiosity for a return. Aquaman VS Black Manta Burger ($28.90) Mentai prawn and cheese patty in black pepper bun, mesclun salad, shoestring fries Since it was the first visit to the cafe, I had to give these themed burgers a go as well. Comes with a cheese cut out logo atop my black bun which honestly did not taste like black pepper much save for the colouring. The patty was another story altogether - juicy, crusty and legit save for too much salt that was use...

~Media Invite~ Hidden within Sugarhaus, the bar counter comes alive after 6pm with the kitchen serving up charcoal grilled steaks mainly. Prices mentioned come with a side and dessert. USDA 150day Grain Fed Angus Flat Iron Steak ($35)   USDA Grain Fed Angus Short Rib Steak ($38) Wagyu Marble Score 4-5 Onglet Steak ($50) While there is none of the fatty and marbled steaks that a higher price point would get, these are rich on flavor and chewy. Of course my best bet was on the wagyu onglet steak which was the most tender of all 3. That said, the rest were still great value with great searing and a beautiful char. Creamed Kale trumps creamed spinach for the new favourite side dish. Kale somehow has more bite and stiffer than spinach. Sautéed Thyme Mushrooms and steak somehow is the best combination. The earthiness of the mushrooms and juicy steak with a swig of wine. Ultimate shiokness. Sticky date pudding surprisingly was light, not so sweet and really addictive. I thought the era of...

I could not resisit another visit to this affordable steakhouse in town - and the intent was to check out those $9.90 steaks. Grilled watermelon and feta($5.90) is one of those appetizers that gets me very motivated to replicate at home because it ended up grilled and served with feta. I guess I forked out the money to be inspired and it was worth the while. Between the $9.90 offer and their ribeyes, I actually caved into paying three times more and receiving satisfaction more times over. Instead of fries I gave the hash a go, this could do with more butter. Steaks are still their forte and the second fiddles are a hit and miss. I would recommend a visit just for the steaks though. Stirling Steaks 43 East Coast Road

I love the whole humble beginnings from a coffee shop stall and finally the hardwork pays off and the stall gets upgraded to a proper restaurant - Stirling Steaks is one of these success stories (and while I mourn the closure of Carvers and Co), I welcomed them into the 'hood. It felt like Carvers and Co with brighter lightings and still very cramped dining conditions. IG gave a heads up on the queues expected and I highly recommend reserve before going - else face a snaking wait list and alfresco seating. Haloumi Salad ($11) Those pan fried goat's cheese disguised as tofu were the hidden tigers in this unassuming salad course. Refreshing with a spot on dressing and those tasty cubes. Classified a must order and I say so too! Stirling Sliders ($3 each) Happy hour must have gotten the better of me when I caved into these mini burgers. Soft patties in between toasted buns and a slice of tomato. Ribeye 250g ($31.90) Sirloin 250g ($29.90) And the big wigs are served! We h...

~Invited Session~ Outback Steakhouse is back with a bigger bang and revamped menu. I remember their flagship store at Millenia Walk and if not for Outback and Mos Burger, I may not even venture there. Sour dough bread and butter for appetizer. Typhoon Bloom ($15.90) Fresh Onion Rinsg, Secret Seasoning Their siganture blooming onion was the bomb - the whole novelty of plucking fries from a fried onion bouquet and a toothsome dip was what defined the Outback Steakhouse experience and I was just so bummed when that was removed from the menu as well. It has since been replaced with an onion ring varient, less novel but still delicious. The secret I suspect lies in the sauce which makes this a must order and perfect finger food. Crispy Volcano Shrimp ($17.90) Spicy Sriracha Aioli Spicy sriracha aioli was the highlight with the crispy rock shrimps. The batter could be coated fully instead of the batter hanging loose, yet that said, really tasty! Asian Spicy Pasta ($23.90) One would ha...

Basilico tables at any Restaurant Week are the hottest, it was clearly a case of fastest fingers first before we nabbed ours at this March's installation. Boy was I thrilled because I am through and through a huge fan of Basilico buffets. The all too familiar anti pasti spread. Each time I pay Basilico a visit, I cannot help but be amazed by the variety of a single ingredient. At least five different types of tomatoes, cheeses, olive oils and salts even! I wish I could take them all home. Believe it or not, I have not been able to try every single salt, vinegar nor olive oil yet! The spread of cured meat is equally mind boggling. Cold cuts too. And dessert. To the death of me, I love my sweets more than my savouries. Spot them italian classics, from bon bons to chocolate salami. Gold dusted bon bons anyone? I love how Dolcetto's monthly specials are also showcased at the buffet and it included this lemon tart. As well as this white pear tart that I intended to purchase anyway!...