Fundamentally-flawed | Singapore Food Blog

That's a sight to behold. The elaborate spread on the dessert counter beckoning out to me upon entering the premises of Seasonal Tastes, the signature dining premises of the new Westin Hotel Singapore, located on the 32nd floor of the Asia Square Tower 2.

Since it was a Monday, that was technically Mama Mia Pasta Night featuring a live pasta cooking section in the buffet line as its highlight. I brushed the irrational decision to dive head in for dessert and navigated the line like a regular commuter would.

This large spacious premises (with some of the more secluded corners blessed with boulevard views to die for) is a congregated hot pot for a myriad of cuisines. From grilled lobsters to Indian pakoras, marmite chicken to lobster Russian salad with vodka mayonnaise; the spread had a little something to please even the most finicky of palates.

Since it was pasta night, it didn't take much persuasion to sway its way. I had a go at the Vegetable Lasagna, a decent rendition which didn't exactly hold a formula for excitement but was tidy in execution; apart from certain portion of the dish where I stumbled upon some harder, uncooked pieces of eggplant. The Mushroom Tortellini Aglio Olio was not complicated at all but most of it tastes good enough to justify the gratifying belly rubbing motion at the end of the meal. The blatant use of crispy garlic working well with the subtle filling of mushroom wrapped within the tortellini's delicate flesh.

The Roast Beef was too narrow minded. Sinewy and a tad on the dry side. Make your way around the deceptively attractive looking Marmite Chicken as well, overly battered and disappointing. I recommend the sashimi, solid enough for a small meal on its own for the peckish. From the roasted meats and local noodles section to the more exotic Gosht Gaag (mutton cube with spinach sauce); it is clear as day where the skills of the kitchen lay, with the latter, hence save a little space for the briyani.

For the chef's special, the Lobster Thermidore was perfectly seasoned; fresh lobster topped with a bechamel sauce made from white wine and gruyere cheese, with a tinge of mustard to inspire the concoction. Eat this piping hot to avoid being disappointed by a cold clammy unpalatable situation.

If you're still not satisfied at the end of the meal, round it all up with a trip to the dessert line. The pride and joy of the crew at Westin lies in their in-house Gelato. My bets are placed on the Avocado and Dark chocolate flavors, the former doesn’t require that adventurous a palate to stomach as the natural creaminess of the avocado blends so sneakingly into the smooth mixture. The classic chocolate flavour offers a bittersweet happy ending you won’t quite find anywhere else as the robust earthiness of the dark chocolate runs truly and freely with every bite.

Up in the air, Seasonal Tastes is spared from the bustle of the activity from the streets below. It’s luxurious layout offers a spacious breezy affair with an unfussed range of savouries and desserts. Embark on a gastronomic journey that’s fuelled by the intermittent breaks of pacing the room and taking in the sights. Here, the views of the bay and calm waters in the distant are a temporary distraction from the hearty dishes and the daily grind.

Priced at $42++ for lunch and $62++ for dinner. The Seasonal Tastes buffet offers a range of daily specials to target the specific food fanatics. So choose a day, and knock yourselves out!

Monday			Mama Mia Pasta NightSelection of handmade pasta and sauces

Tuesday			German ClassicsPerennial favorites such as crispy pork knuckle, farmer’s meatloaf, braised veal shank, bratwurst, kassler and sauerkraut

Wednesday			Sweet SweetsMouthwatering dessert spread which includes profiteroles, mini cakes, cupcakes, macarons and berry pink chocolate fountain with marshmallows and fruits

Thursday			Carving & RoastsSmorgasbord of roasts and prime cuts

Friday			Seafood NightAll time favorite buffet night with our freshest selection of crustaceans and salmon sashimi

Fundamentally Flawed dined as a guest of Seasonal Tastes. A major thanks to Hungry Go Where for arranging the dinner.

Seasonal Taste

32, The Westin Hotel

Asia Square Tower 2

12 Marina Square View

Flee Away Cafe has long been on my to-do list. Unfortunately it was a mission I've never came to succeed till a recent event organised by the good folks at Openrice and Nikon.

After a rather heart pulsating play session with some of the Nikon cameras brought in for us, invitees, to fiddle with; we settled down to a feast of rather strange proportions.

Here, customers are fazed with a menu filled with Willy-Wonker versions of the usual sandwiches. A tad sceptical first at the outcome, I was completely taken by this understated concept at the end of dinner. Vowing to head back to satiate the anticipated craving for Le Char Kueys that I could see shuffling its way into my heart.

The Le Char Kuey with Chicken Bak Kwa ($15.50) that hit every flavor on the grid at once was sensational with chewy oddments of honey chicken bak kwa stuffed in crusty you tiao over crushed cream crackers tossed in wasabi mayo. The usage of the word 'Le' making reference to the employment of the French baguette normally in a sandwich, except that here, a custom made super-sized you tiao is used as a carb substitute. As strange as it sounds, this combination was everything I could ask for after a devastating day at work.

The Le Char Kuey with Dry Laksa ($15.50) is another popular option with diners. Filled with fish cake, boiled egg, noodles and laksa sauce, this didn't quite float my boat as the one-noted textures did nothing to liven up the mix.

Another successfully innovative dish in Flee Away Cafe's repertoire is the Tau Kwa Salad with Grilled Chicken Sausages ($12.50). Spices are spread onto the slices of tau kwa before grilling hence each acquiring a smoky sweet layer of caramelization on its surface that sang beautifully with the lightly seasoned greens.

Other dishes to watch our for are the Chicken Luncheon Meat Chips and the Beef Hash Pie tee ($12.50 for 6); the latter reinventing the classic kui pie tee with heaping amounts of American chow down, corned beef hash. Love at first taste.

Such is our love for the nostalgic factor in the food items here that we continued with the Waffle with Gula Melaka Pudding ($8.50), a wrong move considering it's disappointing delivery on the grounds of an overly eggy waffle with slightly dense innards and an oddly gummy and tasteless sago pudding perched on the top of the griddled square. The thin gula melaka sauce doing nothing for the fading flavors,

Oh, but the Irish Cream Mud Pie ($8.50) raised the bar slightly with its creamy dark and opposing vanilla-ry tones in contention with each other. The shaved chocolate overhead providing a bit of crunch.

Out of all the fine tastiness that came our way, it is the Le Char Kuey with Bak Kwa that keeps this cafe front and centre in my heart and mind. I will definitely be making a beeline for Flee Away for a repeated iridescent experience soon.

Flee Away Cafe

70 Dunlop Street

Website: https://www.facebook.com/fleeawaycafe

opening times:

Mon-Thu: 11 00 - 21 00

Fri - Sat: 11 00 - 22 00

Sunday: 10 00 - 17 00

The end of my burger drought came in the form of a Suprette Burger ($20, +$3 for extra bacon), this was not just another pretty looking burger stack as it seems like, and somehow I can't get it out of my mind. Here at Suprette, the kitchen doesn't stinge, loading the wax-paper lined platter with an initially intimidating mountain of fries that would unknowingly disappear in a matter of time; seconds optional and highly dangerous. The cook on the beef patty was spot on, a slight pink in the middle teasing me with it's moist innards. The melted gruyere cheese forming a nappage over the patty, lending that edge of complex savoury notes to the construction.

First trip was a charm. Now it was time to put it to my test of 'repeated visits'

The Ken's Heart Attack Burger ($45) is the most dressed-up version of a burger I've ever laid eyes on. Reaching staggering heights with a double patty, bacon, gruyere and mushrooms all layered by a master builder in the confines of his kitchen. The strips of perfectly fried bacon with the gooey cheese making it a comforting mess of umami and saltiness with a touch of earthiness from the mushrooms. As much as the monster burger carried sensible flavors, it would be crazy not to share this with someone.

My verdict on this burger aligned with the many opinions I've heard thus far, this is your secret go-to burger. One that fills the voids of broken dreams and horrid days. The cat's out of the bag.

Did I mention that fries are a free flow affair. Eat that...

Suprette

Kam Leng Hotel Lobby

383 Jalan Besar

S ( 209001)

Tel: 6298 8962

Website: www.suprette.com

Leave it in the hands of the experts of course.

Over at the Fat Cow, located aptly at the Camden Medical Center (in the case of heavy heart palpitations caused from gluttony); the Zen-like surroundings prepares one for the thrill of the cuisine at hand. The atmosphere is mildly cold and a tad intimidating for most, so, warm up with a cup of hot green tea or some well acquainted company is advised too.

The Donabemeshi ($68) is a pulse quickening dish of Wagyu beef grilled over charcoal and finished in a claypot of baked rice with onsen egg and house-seasoned shoyu. For those that relish in a good slice of claypot rice action, this my friends is a Rolls Royce version. The deliciously rich and salty wagyu breaking down at the slightest touch, it's delicate marbling combined with a gingerly sweetened basting sauce is a joy to eat with the plump Japanese rice. The grains of charred rice at the bottom providing a pleasing textural contrast to the conjugal bliss of melt-n-your mouth goodness.

My 45 Dry Aged Sirloin from Rangers Valley ($68) was a sight to behold when it was portioned out by the craftsman right before my eyes. My heart pleading with him to stop as he shaved the steak till it sat with prim precision on the flat board. I'm not fussed. The cooking was long tedious affair, the thickness of the steak warranting a longer time on the Teppen, it's blistering heat building a distinctive crust. All went downhill as the Chef took the paddle to the metal with a deft slicing motion almost immediately after the steak came off the grill. The lack of resting time meant the muscle fibres haven't had time to relax and retain its juices, resulting in a deluge of juices flooding the plate. Outrageous... this is no way to treat a 400 day grain fed wagyu. I ate with grim face, the less than succulent meat leaving a bad taste in my mouth. Call me a snob but I believe that some respect is called for in such situations.

Word of advice, make your reservations before hand to avoid being disappointed. The Fat Cow sees a very busy lunch crowd so do take heed.

Fat Cow

#01-01

Camden Medical Centre

1 Orchard Boulevard

Website: http://www.fat-cow.com.sg

Indian food for me has possibly been the least inspiring cuisine to date. Hardly ever do the nagging cravings for a good briyani or butter chicken dawn upon my munchies led diet. However, a session at D'Bell soon sorted that out. Right now, I'm hankering after a good Chicken Dum Briyani and I know where to get a mighty fine one.

D'Bell is a modern fine dining Indian restaurant which focuses more on the finesse of North Indian cooking with a little ode to Italian cuisine as well for variety. Governed with an iron rod by Chef Satish who has an arduously long 14 years of experience under his culinary accolades and a bunch of other shiny medals from culinary challenges such as that FHA's East Meets West; the kitchen achieves great things, some of which we got to savour over the course of the evening.

When we arrived at the scene, the end of the dining hall was occupied by a 'laughing yoga' group, their forced cackles that soon broke off into pleats of contagious laughter bouncing off the walls. This 'elephant in the room ' breaking down the steely almost 'too uptight' atmosphere in the dining premises. Upstairs, an intimate cocktail party was in full swing, the sexy bar and VIP lounge filled with office workers clasping delicately to their high rimmed glasses, the music and sophisticated ambiance egging them on, pleading with them to to let their hair down; let loose.

After the laughing in the room had subside, we approached the bar with trepidation. Mainly because we were unsure about the concept of Indian ingredients being fused in classic cocktails. These fears were countered with an overwhelming sense of warmness and generous hospitality provided by and in the signature cocktails.

Tamarind Dream ($20) house bourbon with homemade tamarind mix was a stunning combination of contrasting notes, the sourness like that from a Chinese sour prune drink giving punchy characteristic to the alcoholic mix.

The Golden Moment ($20) was yet another hit with the diners in the group, as its refreshing grouping of fresh mango with pulp, passionfruit and kaffir glides so smoothly even with the strong presence of vodka. The hint of chili evoking an air of mystery.

There was no need for grappling for food at the table. The dishes were fastidiously brought to the table in a grand fashion. We kicked off the meal with an array of appetisers. Despite the Lobster Bisqque ($12) won over the hearts of many with its robust flavors and despite it's strange misidentity as Indian cuisine, found a violent death with the continuous clanging of the soup spoon till the bottom of the bowl. Moving to the left, the Kofta Kebab, a beef croquette filled with cheddar cheese, prunes and dusted with semolina failed to maintain charm with it's slightly dry interior made worse only by the coating of semolina on it's minuscule surface. I would strongly recommend the Tawa Wali Fish, Chennai Express though, the butterfish cubes marinated for a good long 3-4hrs being being tossed in charcoal flames, resulting in it being out-of-this-world succulent with a dash of cheekiness from it's caramelised edges. The Tandoori Chicken Tikka did not tickle my fancy as well and at this juncture, my provoked palate, awakened by the depth of spices cried out for more...

We sampled a assortment of dishes fit for a king that night. And I shall present you with an illustrious description of a list that I thoroughly enjoyed; starting with the classic Butter Chicken ($18), the in-house version a bit sweeter and milder than i would normally like, however, the charred finish on the chicken tikka pieces were perfect savored with the lashings of creamy tomato sauce flavoured with fenugreek. Another dish not to be missed is the Mutton Rogan Josh ($20), a well executed dish with a perfect spice disposition rocked out by tender chunks of protein, devour this hearty dish with mountains of basmati rice and I guarantee you a happy man. My favourite dish of the night had to be the Kerala Fish curry ($18), the masala fish curry elevated to the next level with a clever touch of coconut millk. The butter fish fillet gently poached in the rich sauces soaking in the flavors like a sponge. I also loved the Kahdai Vegetables ($12) which injected a bit of sunshine to the otherwise brown on brown color scheme we were seeing a lot of throughout the night, the broccoli, cauliflower and capsicum putting some balance into our meat heavy menu. Aside from the usual suspect of Basmati rice to soak up the goodness of all those sauces, D'Bell serves up a huge variety of Naans which include the Chili Cheese Naan, Kashmiri Naan, Garlic Naan and even the Pudina Paratha, a flaky whole-wheat version of the tandoori bread (ranging from $5-$8).

The highlight of the meal arrived looking deceivingly like a chicken pot pie, the Hyderbadi Chicken Dum Briyani was a sight to behold, break thru the dough crust to reveal a steamy showing of supple chicken pieces with aromatic Indian spiced rice. At this very moment, I'm at a loss for words. But my rapacious repeated attacks at the dish despite my full belly speaking volumes.

Sad to say, desserts were a non-impressive showing that failed to capture the imagination and genuine talents of the Chef. The platter featuring smaller servings of the Rasmalai, Mango Kulfi and Chocolate Brownie was uninspired and honestly a tad disappointing.

Brushing that aside, indulging in the superb fare at D'Bell had provided me with waves of delight and I would strongly recommend it to those who have been jaded by the experience of having sub-par Indian cuisine which have often left us with bloated tummies and unsettled hearts. D'Bell will change all that... I promise.

D'Bell

43 North Canal Road

T: 65364046

Website: www.dbell.sg

Fans of the widely popular Single Origin Coffee Roasters in Sydney, hold on to your horses, now you can get your fix at Revolution Coffee at the coveted location along Media Circle! Having just came back from Sydney not long ago, I was more than thrilled to see the Reservoir blend being lugged back to our local shores. Thank goodness for the tenacity of owner Ajie Pramana, who saw his love for the humble roast to the end with the manifestation of this precious cafe.

With a menu conceptualised by Shen Tan; of the now defunct Wok and Barrel and new kid on the block Ujong, I prepared myself for a treat after a successful trip down coffee alley. My skim latte, full bodied with a good touch of bitterness on the finishing notes were a perfect late morning pick-me-up.

It doesn't take much convincing to be sold on the idea of the Pancakes with Gula Melaka Butterscotch and Bananas ($13), sounding completely like a dream team to begin with, this dish delivers on every level. The fluffy pancakes receiving a standing ovation welcome at the table. Every swipe of that rich palm sugar butterscotch inciting obscene moans from my family members.

And then you have the Corned beef hash ($13), a play on the local favorite Malay dish, bergedel. . It's an attractive duo of golden crispy patties filled with a spicy corned beef hash. As much as I do agree with a little bit of spiciness with the referencing to Malay food, however, the dish tripped up majorly with a over gregarious overloading of chili padi throughout the filling that rendered the rest of the spices invisible. Perhaps a pinch of sweetness would have helped to soothened out the overbearing heat.

Big Brunch Breakfast ($16.90) is a good option for the ravenous versus the peckish; whilst my dish of

Baked Eggs ($12) failed to impress with an overall lack of seasoning in the mix of capsicum, mushrooms, herbed potatoes and beef sausage hidden underneath the smouldering crust of cheddar cheese melt. Did I mention the door stopper sourdough toast I got on the side? I almost cracked my teeth biting down on that one.

Despite it's hits and misses, Revolution Coffee does seem capable of stealing the hearts of a regular clientele base, raking in the folks with its genuineness and respect for coffee. I, for one, might just head down for another cuppa soon!

Revolution Coffee

21 Media Circle

#01-03A

Website: https://www.facebook.com/RevolutionCoffeeSG

Nothing is more motivational than having a fire lite under your ass.

I kid you not, and this was the circumstance I faced when thrown into the deep end with some vigorous finger-pointing action over a family whatsapp conversation. Yes, so I had to organise the twin's (my mum and auntie's) 55th birthday celebration. Confounded with a variety of food intolerances ,whims and fancies from a large group of finicky diners; I looked to the cause of Peranakan cooking for a solution.

Nonya cooking as defined by Wikipedia is the 'result of blending Chinese ingredients with various distinct spices and cooking techniques used by Malay/Indonesian community'. For instance, Malay dishes such as assam fish and beef rendang have been reinterpreted to suit the Chinese palates and more often than not are more subtle in spices and possessing more of a tangy edge.

As I had taken the liberty to select the dishes before the event day (please take my advice and follow suite for a more efficient dinner service), dishes starting filling the turn table slowly but surely, like some Chinese wedding banquet sequence gone haywire.Thanks to the ravenous appetites of my surrounding company, we soon got cracking on the intimidating stockpile of food.

The Ayam Buah Keluak appealed to me, regardless of its black ominous stare. For those clueless ones, Buak Keluak is a black nut originating from Indonesia, for this dish, these tough nuts are cracked, prepped with age old traditional methods to get rid of its toxins then then fleshy parts of the nut are removed, mixed into a delicious paste with minced pork and then stuffed back in the the shell. These, together with chicken are then stewed with a copious amounts of spices till tender. I found delight in Peramakan's version, the lavish amount of aromatic filling, highly addictive when mixed in with plain rice.

The Nonya Chap Chye ($10) is not jaw dropping but scrumptious nonetheless, the cabbage achieving an ethereally soft texture carrying the full fledged flavor of the tau cheow (fermented soybeans). A light addition of dried shrimp introducing more umami to the dish.

Food here ranges from average to very good, but what is amazing is how reasonable the prices are.

One dish we did not care for was the Otak Otak Makanan Laut ($18), a mackerel based otah with prawns in spicy paste. It had an almost turgid bite to the finished product, the innards not moist nor fragrant as you would with most generic versions.

Turn your attention instead to the Babi Pongtay and Penang Nyonya Pork Ribs, the former stealing the limelight with its ode to the pork belly, swathed in a sweet and savoury sauce, this was sinfully rich enough with a good refreshing sharpness thanks to a good lashing of vinegar. The latter, a tad more popular amongst the health conscious folks around the table seeing that the dish was big of flavor without featuring such a 'waist-line detrimental' cut of meat.

Perfectly decent is the Beef Rendang, shin beef is used here and it is braised low and slow in a coconut based broth till fork tender. Being more accustomed to the Malay Nasi Padang store versions, I preferred my gravy more thick and textured from the use of desiccated coconut and hence found Peramakan's version a little pedestrian.

If there is still room for dessert (you'll be dammed if you insist you don't!), jump in on the Durian Chendol ($6), the mind blowing experience that comes from devouring the dreamy durian paste with the rich coconut milk and addictive savoury sweetness of the gula melaka syrup, like a random jolt of inexplicable bliss. Not to be missed! Other desserts like the Bubor Cha Cha and the Sago Gula Melaka paled in comparison to the mastery of engagement that the former offered to its tasters. Smitten, we were.

The Peramakan located at Keppel Club has my strong approval for proposed family birthday dinner venues. Armed with helpful staff who are non-intrusive, the joint sees a good healthy business even on a lethargic Monday. The fact of the matter is, you get good food in healthy servings that won't cost you an arm and a leg. What's there not to like?

Peramakan

Level 3 Keppel Club

10 Bukit Chermin Road

Singapore 109918

website: http://www.peramakan.com/

Alvin and Vincent in their lovechild of a cafe, Percolate, located in the caffeine deprived neighbourhood of Bedok.

Here, the duo's passion for delivering excellent coffee is translated resoundingly with the aid of Nylon Coffee beans (a favourite of mine). While the tantalising display of cakes and sweets may be too bewitching to ignore, have a go at their Smoked Salmon with Wasabi Cream Cheese Croissant, this will surely please the rainy day cravings.

Percolate

136 Bedok North Avenue 3

#01-152B

S ( 460136)

T: 8259 0316

Website: https://www.facebook.com/PercolateCoffee

From one 2-in-1 foodie and baker to another, one can be sure that Lisa Tan knows what she's talking about when it comes to cakes. Her labor of love, the Ugly Cake Shop churns out confectioneries both toothsome to the palate and sweet to the heart; armed with a belief to spread the love, Lisa has pledged to donate 20% of the proceed to support the meals of undernourished kids in Timor-Leste. Delicious artisanal cakes for a worthy cause.

One thing to note, if you do have pre-conceived notions about cupcakes being just dried out mini cakes with a ton of sickly sweet frosting over the top, be prepared to have these challenged when you get a load of Lisa's handmade versions. Using only high quality basic ingredients such as cocoa powder, butter and chocolate, the results speak for themselves in the form of rich, moist petit cakes that are even addictive on its own. Lisa then kicks it up a notch, employing her marvellous pastry skills to produce silky smooth frostings, both ganache and Italian meringue buttercreams which leaves a pleasant mouth-feel (accompanied by numerous eye-rolling motion).

Some of her signature flavors include Zesty Zee ($4 per cupcake and $55/7 inch, $70/9inch). My personal favourite, Sally, featuring an indulgent dark chocolate cake crowned with a delicate wisp of peanut butter frosting, a little salt thrown in for good measure. Cross over to the dark side with her Big Daddy Junior ($3.50/cupcake), guaranteed to please any chocolate snob in the room.

Another crowd pleaser is the ever so popular salted caramel cupcake named Juliana, recent R&D efforts in the kitchen have blessed these beauties with a magic dusting of sea salt flakes, pushing this creation across óut-of-this-world' boundaries.

Melissa is the newest addition to the group, made similarly out of an addictive dark chocolate cupcake base christened with an innocent looking strawberry frosting, hiding a deep dark secret of its salacious hook up with rum.

Thanks to the kind folks at Ugly Cake Shop, Fundamentally Flawed is holding a {GIVEAWAY} where you'll stand a chance to win a box of 4 cupcakes, each box containing one Zesty Zee, one Melissa, one Sally and one Big Daddy cupcake!

All you have to do is

Like my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/snapeatlove and comment on this blogpost with your favorite cake flavor in the world (including your name and email address)
Followfundamentally_flawed on instagram

and you're in the running to win a set of these wholesome cupcakes from UGLY CAKE SHOP. Hurry as the contest closes on the 11th September!

UGLY CAKE SHOP

e: uglycakeshop@gmail.com

t: 8288 8300

w: http://www.uglycakeshop.sg/

Weekends are when the guilt sinks in, a culpability towards the stress that I put my body through with my horrendous diet during the weekdays. Take today for example where I followed a Chicken Tikka Naanwich from Fix with Pulled Pork tacos from Mex-out and then rounded up the whole sinful affair with the BEST fried chicken and waffles at The Beast. All this washed down with copious amounts of alcoholic beverages... hey.. don't judge.. after all #TGIF folks! Continuous days of dietary insurgence with hardly any greens in sight usually leaves me feeling sluggish and out of shape. Then, as my mind shifts to the notion of healthy eating, I am deterred by the thought of bland tasteless dishes. Well, if some of you out there are faced similar dilemmas, fret not, I reckon I've found a solution to this problem.

ON-YASAI is a shabu shabu joint hailing from Tokyo. With origins since 2000, this chain currently has more than 300 outlets in Japan alone. ON-YASAI aims to challenge the common concepts, firstly that shabu shabu is an expensive affair and secondly, to delineate the all-you-can-eat steamboat experiences you often get in Singapore brimmed with cheap ingredients and frozen meats. Targeted at the families, couples and the professional woman, they strive to provide a healthy selection of ingredients driven by seasonal produce with a creative array of soup bases.

Besides its usual ala-carte menu, there is the buffet option which comes with 40 different types of vegetables and appetizers. Each diner also receives 1 tray of meat, 1 Chicken Tsumire (Japanese minced chicken in bamboo stick) and 1 dessert. Priced at just $49.90++ on weekdays and $54.90++ on weekends for adults; this is a wallet friendly manner of eating healthy yet eating well. Do take heed that there is a time limit of 1.5 hour per table on the buffet so pace yourselves.

Japanese hospitality meant us trying a multitude of appetizers before the real deal. Jagakara ($8.90) was a peculiar combination of potato and pickled squid that was very much acquired taste, the distinct poignant taste of the sea with the squid kicking up an appetite. Another stellar dish to order with your beers is the Brown Sugared Broad Beans ($3.90), sugar coated with a brief touch of salt, this crunchy snack is extremely addictive and I dived at it continuously much to my embarrassment when the host offered to refill my bowl.

One of the main characteristics of ON-YASAI is the assortment of soups, there are Tomato Soup, Citron Soup with Collagen, Japanese Style Spicy Soup, Golden Soup (truffle flavored), Seaweed Soup, Sichuan Spicy Soup, Soyamilk Soup and secret Sukiyaki Soup. Best part is.. you get to select 2 soups for every pot!

Soon, the pots of soup (we chose the citron soup, golden soup, seaweed soup and soyamilk soup) placed on the induction stoves had reach a rolling boil and we proceeded to cook our meats with gentle precision. The Japanese Wagyu Chuck Roll ($34.90) and Australian Wagyu Chuck Roll ($23.90) both had excellent marbling and cook within seconds of its interaction with the hot stock. Boosted by a refined setup, we were encouraged to leave our meats on a drip tray before dipping in our choice of goma or ponzu suce to prevent watering the sauce down. Utter brilliance and such attention to detail on the restaurant's part. The Japanese Momoiro Pork Collar ($18.90) was best savored in the soyamilk soup, the milky richness of the soup enhancing the fattiness of the protein. I found refuge in the exquisite goma sauce, the use of foie gras adding an extra flavor dimension. Truth be told, I would have loved to take a swim in this sauce had it not been for my nagging reminder to maintain proper table manners in front of my hosts.

The Chicken Tsumire ($6.90) is a house special of chicken mince stuffed in a bamboo skewer that eventually becomes meatballs as you carve them with a spoon into the pot of soup.

Let the feast begin.

The assortment of fresh vegetables and mushrooms filled us up quickly. The excellent broths adding to the pageantry of the dish, the restaurant's consideration for every aspect of the meal pushing it past any type of expectations I've had for a shabu shabu experience.

The Soya Milk Cheese Risotto Set ($5.90) hit the nail right on the head with a grand finale that I've yet to encounter anywhere. At the end of the meal, instead of letting a good rendered down broth with the essence of all that cooked meats and vegetables in it go to waste, we are given cheese, rice, condiments and an egg. After a few magical whisks of the wrist, we were presented with a bowl of silky smooth risotto. As simple as it sounds, it's an ingenious and satisfying way of appreciating the entire shabu shabu experience at ON-YASAI.

The meal concludes in a wave of gustatory pleasure capped off with a dazzling cat-walk of light desserts to sweeten the deal. The Homemade Pumpkin Pudding ($8.90) comes strongly recommended, the dish entailing a restrained sweetness with elegance, stacking earthy flavors from the steamed pumpkin to comforting nuances of cream with the warm toasty notes from the brown sugar syrup.

We also indulged in the Peach Sorbet ($6.90) and the ON-YASAI ice cream ($7.90), a pleasant way to round up the evening of food festivities.

ON-YASAI on the grand scheme of things offers up a holistic experience that intends to debacle some old school shabu shabu controversies. With the backing of such an excellent array of soup bases to boot, I reckon that factor alone seals the deal for many return visits.

ON-YASAI

Chijmes

30 Victoria Street

#01-03/04

t: 6336 4002

Website: http://on-yasai.co.sg/

Sporting a modest single page menu, Five and Dime eatery located along River Valley road at the back of Killiney Road has clearly got something right with queues snaking out of the restaurant and an army of reservation tags attempting to conquer my dining territory on the bar counter. 2 years into business and yet there is still no lack of activity within the stand alone building. With a parking lot conveniently located next to the cafe, that could be a contributing factor.

I had the Braised Pork Belly Sandwich ($18); Black Berkshire Pork slow-cooked for 6 hours on toasted ciabatta with sweet potato fries; this comes across as a knockoff (though as knockoffs go, it's very well made). The rich spices in the braised pork rich are very predominant and the pork was braised to a jaw-dropping tender. The only flaw in the dish would have to be the mindless horizontal slicing of the pork belly in order to spread it out onto the ciabatta, This resulted in a half of the sandwich swathed in succulent fatty goodness whilst the other half left to deal with a chunk of lean meat. Just deal a smaller serve of bread please. That would solve the whole situation. The sweet potoato fries on the side are excellent, crisp, slightly hollowed and a bit creamy on the inside.

The much raved about Mentaiko Pasta ($18) spaghetti tossed in spicy mentaiko, topped with more cod fish roe was perfectly delicious albeit a little on the dry side. A peak at our neighbour revealed a little inconsistency to the dish, hers gleaming with a more raucous sheen from the sauce.

Simple and cozy with homely cuisine, don't expect the kitchen to achieve transcendence here. But still, with such tough crowds to handle, make sure to nail your reservations should you be dropping by on a weekend.

Five & Dime

297 River Valley Road

T: 9236 5002

W: http://fiveanddime.com.sg/

Opening hours:

Mon-Thurs: 12pm - 10pm

Friday: 12pm - 12am

Saturday: 10am - 12am

Sunday: 10am - 10pm

Offering more than just Ramen, the new Shin Sapporo at Orchard Gateway gives the other ramen joints in the vicinity a good run for its money. Here, the options run wild and freely, spanning from the usual suspects of soup bases, miso, shoyu and tonkatsu to even the noodle types. bodaciously curvy to straight-edged; there's something to satisfy everyone's whims and fancies.

The thing about the practise of eating ramen here in Singapore is how everyone is so strongly opinionated, almost guru-like, often sticking to familiar territory when navigating a new menu. When at Shin Sapporo, ,my advice would be to remove all inhibitions and try something different. How about the new Seasonal Summer menu?

Acquaint your taste buds to the lighter flavor nuances of this newly introduced menu with the appetiser of Ebi Tofu ($6.80), a plump prawn sits on a pedestal of cold silky tofu and an aromatic homemade sesame sauce cascades down the sides. I wish the sauce was a little thicker but it may be wiser to appreciate the more subtle approach of this dish in the entirety of the meal ahead.

I soldier on...the Miso Tofu Steak ($6.80) picking up the pace with its racy entry. Here, tofu is a deep fried to golden brown in tempura batter and topped with a sauce that was redolent with miso paste and just sticky enough to moisten the dish perfectly.

For mains, the Tenchirashi Ramen ($15.80) comes highly recommended. If you're a carnivore like me and can't imagine tucking into a bowl of ramen sans the mandatory slice of char siu then you might want to heed my advice, clear you mind and give this dish a go. At the end of the day, you'll thank me for it.

Chilled ramen is served with a generous mixture of tempura prawns, shitake and shimeiji mushrooms. I appreciate the additional whisper of sweetness with each mouthful, from the light sauce that was expertly balanced. Before eating, give the poached egg a playful poke and enjoy the classic combination of poached egg with mushrooms done with a Japanese twist.

Having said that, I turned to my usual ramen order to weigh it against my benchmark. The Shin Sapporo Miso Ramen ($14.80) delivers on its promise for a lighter approach. The soup is translucent and only slightly salty, not so much that it sets you back with tingling lips at the end of the meal; topped with sweet corn, stir fried vegetables (just a tad queer with the boiled cabbage), bean spouts, tender yakibuta and RUNNY egg. This was a bowl of comfort, simply made, yet big on flavor. Authentic sapporo miso noodles are used in the dish, a tad thicker than the usual versions, this curly noodle feel fuller to the bite and allows the sublime flavor of the broth to adhere better to its surface when you handle them. To be honest, this isn't a bowl of ramen that would send me running up and down the corridors flailing my arms in the air; but IT IS a good dependable version that is unlikely to disappoint.

Desserts such as the Chocolate Lavacake trip up the traditional line up of mochi and matcha dominated finale menu choices. It's uncanny presence revealing a burlesque-girl type performance, with all the bells and whistles included. Piping hot chocolate dribbled from the molten centre, the sides reinforced by sinister walls of crusty chocolate cake batter. Trailing your spoon along the plate, get a bite of the vanilla ice cream with the unorthodox toasted peanut crumbs and that divine chocolate cake; then, you're pretty much in heaven.

Shin-Sapporo Ramen

Orchard Gateway

#B2-04A/05

t: 6702 4906

w: www.shin-sappororamen.com

Opening hours:

Daily 11am - 10pm

NUVO sitauted at The Dining Edition in Marina Square has recently refreshed its menu, opening up its doors to a whole league of inquisitive diners looking for something a little out of the norm.

Due to space constraints and location, I cannot vouch to NUVO having a very attractive setup, deco-wise, they fail to get the chops. Brief touches of Japanese influences mar the naked walls and elaborate archways in the center of the darkened restaurant entrance intimidates; this opens up to an open dining area with booth seating that kisses the passageway, the absence of a partition resulting in a lack of privacy. Fortunately, for whatever NUVO lacks in the design savvy department, it makes up for ten-fold in terms of flavor.

Pulling its punches as a contemporary Italian & Japanese restaurant, Chef Mark Richards (previously of Keystone Restaurant) impresses with his starter of Warm Japanese Mushroom Salad ($18) featuring 2 types of mushrooms with a delicate mix of pine nuts, baby spinach, asparagus and tossed in a mouthwatering butter truffle oil shoyu dressing. The contrast in textures and flavors making this one of the most innovative salads I've had this year.

Equally impressive is the Angus Osso Buco Stew ($28), with a refined version of the passe 'surf & turf' combination. Here, a stew made from roasted bone marrow meets Tsukiji oyster fritters. To further accentuate the collaboration, oven roasted Hijiki and porcini mushrooms are pulled into the portrait along with a reduction of veal jus, parmiggiano-reggiano and that little nuggets of pickled crumbled to bring acidity to the dish.

The Crispy Calamari ($18) is another of Chef Mark's attempt to inject artfulness into the Japanese and Italian infusion. Freshly fried calamari is sprinkled with togarashi (a peppery Japanese condiment) and this is served alongside compressed watermelon, cooked sous vide with yuzu. Unfortunately this did not pan out for me as the calamari itself was a bit on the chewy side.

The next offering sees two dishes on a platter, the Kurobuta Pork Belly ($32) and Angel Hair Wakame ($18/$24) lying awkwardly beside each other. The former, is a slab of delicately sliced pork belly glazed with a sheen of honeyed fats; cooked kakuni style, braised in dashi and soy sauce; this bared resemblance to the Chinese style braised pork but with an air of sophistication. The Angel Hair Wakame is an expertly prepared dish highlighting the clean un-fussed approach of Japanese cooking methods using Italian ingredients. Al dente pasta is tossed in lobster essence, rayu oil and sprinkled with tamago fukikake.

When the Baked Olive Black Cod ($35) arrived at the table, we were fazed with a flurry of shots attempting to capture the life and vibrancy of the dish. Here, the supple black cod rest above a pool of bisque style gravy. Pepperoni, hon shimeiji, baby potatoes and leek in the sauce resonating a picturesque background for the oily baked cod peppered with a espresso bean paste for that slight unexpected edge of bitterness.

The Japones Australian Lamb Shank ($38) cooked sous vide in Limoncello had a subtle tang that was barely noticeable to most others, the crispy kale with yuzu salt providing a fresh coat of cheer in the dish. A blanket of fregola sarda rest below the hunk of meat, like pearls of barley, this Sardanian pasta had a strange texture that I did not care much for. .

The next dish was an fair example of a mundane dish that has been elevated by the use of extraordinary ingredients and meticulous attention to detail. Smoked Uni Carbonara ($38): the velvety creaminess of the sauce, the sweet onerous teasing of the crayfish, the earthy crunch of the truffle soil; all this relegates the usual versions to stepchild status; all if not for the accompanying price tag.

Desserts bend traditions a little more. The Wild Honey Panna Cotta ($16) had a soy pudding like texture that dissolved quickly due to the lack of setting agent, this allowed the robust flavors of the wild honey to be better translated. The crisp whole pieces of dehydrated mandarin and lychee bringing a touch of whimsical to the dish. The next sweet ending, the Fuji Apple and Parmigiano Reggiano Torta ($14) impresses with its more traditional approach to a classic Italian dessert with a warm apple tart served with ice cream. The thing about NUVO is that you never quite get what you expect; and indeed, this version has a mild case of weirdness with the use of the savoury parmigiano-reggiano cheese in the cake batter itself and that served alongside a sweet fig and honey ice cream. Truly a smack down of flavors.

For those seeking something a little more adventurous, NUVO may just provide the gateway to extraordinary dining without the spectacular price tags. Lunch sets are affordable and portion sizes navigable. Creative plates with a big emphases on quality of ingredients are the order of the day at NUVO, so do not hesitate to visit soon!

NUVO Restaurant and Lounge

6 Raffles Boulevard #02-100

Marina Square Shopping Mall, Singapore 039594

t: 6822 2098

w: https://www.facebook.com/nuvosingapore

Opening Hours:

Daily 11 30am - 3 00 pm

5pm - 11pm

Just the name alone divulges all secrets of the nature of business of this infant joint. If it's a good roasts that you're after; then you're struck gold with this one.

At Carvers and Co., a family oriented laid back atmosphere is key, and the pride and joy is simply the hearty roasts and comfort food produced by chef/owner Sarah Lin. Staff are enthusiastic, endearing and friendly, generally doing the kitchen justice. We indulged in a languid affair of The Carvers Plate for 2 ($70) complete with a gratifying flow of Long Row Cabernet ($15/glass) to fill in the gaps. Featured roasts of the day included a gammon ham, roast pork belly, chicken leg and wagyu beef with roast potatoes. The bitter arugula salad accompaniment did much to cut out the rich meatiness of the dish's protein overloaded being. That being said, there were no complaints as we worked our way through the mouthwatering assortment of roasts, the succulence in the flesh attesting it's uncalled allegiance with gravy or any sorts.

If you're convinced to make a trip down soon, my word of advice would be to book a roast in advance for the meal to ensure that they don't run out. Done in small batches with love and meticulous care just as you would when eating in someone's home, don't expect to be served what you want at any given time of day.

Carvers & Co.

43 East Coast Road S(473500)

t: 9667 1096/ 63480448

w: www.http://carversand.co/

Operating Hours

Mondays -Friday: 11am -10pm

Sat-Sun: 8.30am - 10.30pm

Closed on Tuesdays

I continue on a trend of Japanese Eats and shabu shabu tastings. Today we cover the Wagyu Shabu Shabu Buffet at Azmaya located along the picturesque Robertson Quay (just beside bella pizza).

With red hot competition from various other concepts dotting the island, Azmaya attempts to draw in the crowds with a wagyu buffet special promotion. Priced at just $50 now (U.P. $100), diners get to pick from a menu of proteins (wagyu beef, pork belly, collar, chicken leg, wagyu cut steak and tongue, etc...), side dishes of Kimchi, Namul and Rice as well as a tight selection of ala carte dishes such as Cold Tofu, Spicy Cucumber, Salted cabbage and fried pickles. Take heed that a 2 hours time limit is enforced at the point of ordering.

While the A5 Wagyu Sirloin from Japan ($95) gets a nod from me, the soup base I found to be too light and almost forgettable. Save for the nutty goma dipping sauce, the entire affair was albeit a bit underwhelming.

Try the craveable Wagyu Roast Beef ($15), a tantalising red centre with a piquant dressing for those ravenous carnivores.

Another modest dish for the peckish is the Korean Spicy Cucumber ($6), fresh crispy chunks of cucumber tossed in a spicy chili oil based dressing, the juxtaposition of juicy cooling innards versus the feisty exterior working up an appetite.

Going through a varied selection of ala carte dishes, the Salmon Caesar Salad with salmon roe with Caesar dressing ($13) tickled my fancy. The Salmon slices benefited from a generous squirt of decadent creamy dressing, the orange scatter of roe adding provocative bursts of savouriness and the chunks of avocado pulling in all the pieces. I could have easily gone through two bowls of these.

The Grilled Squid ($14) didn't fare too well as the flesh had gone a little rubbery, a little too familiar with the flames.

Steer clear of the Sashimi (3 types for $17). I question its freshness especially in a place better adept to handle its meats well.

The Gyoza and Assorted Tempura ($15) were your standard run-of-the-mill renditions of the fare found at most ordinary establishments. Shy of fillings in the former and lack of seasoning in the batter in the latter. I was less than impressed and refrained from seconds.

Azmaya with its spacious dining room and more family orientated seating patterns would be a wise choice for birthdays or intimate family gatherings. There's just something about fretting over a steamboat that pulls people together, fostering relationships; the relentless chatter and the mutual cooking favours. That aside, do not expect extraordinary events to unfold at Azmaya on the culinary front.

Azmaya

30 Robertson Quay

#01-12/13

t: 6737 6863

w: http://kthsg-shop.com/azmaya/

Opening Hours:

Tues-Sun 5pm - 1am

We tip-toed every so carefully around the ticking time bomb, but as predicted earlier, his 'child-unfriendly' presence had become known in the room and the flood gates of persistent wailing from the infant opened wide, reigning painful cries between gurgles down upon us and the other diners. All this unfolded much to his annoyance, of course, so we requested a change of tables that the staff were very much happy to attend to.

A quick run thru the menu revealed a tight selection of burgers and other comfort foods. Never mind the background jargon, pass the lady a burger please!

Reflecting the simplicity of of its environment, the fare was quick and concise. My billboard special of b3 Mushroom Cheese Burger ($18.40) was all the works, sauteed and well seasoned mushrooms, greasy smoked bacon (+$3), melted emmental cheese, medium-rare juicy beef patty all lewdly forced between two sesame buns. The buns could have used a good lashing of butter and a good toasting; put that out of the picture and you've got results that show more finesse than your regular burger. What stole the limelight was the patty alone, deliciously scorched and still juicy on the inside.

The boy was silent as he chowed down on his Blue Cheese and Pear Burger ($21.90). Take a classic combination, transcribe that into burger formula and you've got a sure winner. The walnut peanut butter providing firm nutty notes for the singed sweetness of the poached pears and that grounding the outlandish flavors of the Auvergne bleu cheese. To be frank, I was grateful to even get one tiny bite of this baby.

Definitely one of more impressive burgers I've had in Singapore so far. The search continues...

Relish by Wild Rocket

501 Bukit Timah Road

#02-01, Cluny Court

S( 259760)

t: 6763 1547

w: http://www.wildrocket.com.sg/

Opening Hours:

Tues-Sun 9am-10pm

Following my rather good first-time experience in Saveur at Far East Plaza. I decided to push the envelope with a second visit to the Italian version of the former. Or rather, an impromptu plan to head down to the movies at Grand Cathay sent us scuttling for nearby food options that would be easy on the wallet. Owned and operated by the same entrepreneurs in the Saveur group, Dylan Ong and Jason Khoo have decided to spill their culinary love into the art of Italian cooking. Hence, coming up with a derivant of Saveur, which is better known for it's affordable French fare.

I gamely ordered the Carbonara Fettucine ($12.90), after fine-tuning my options to the belly full of cravings. Fresh pasta is coated in 'flavored sauce', then pieces of crispy bacon showered down upon it's white pristine, this then bestowed with a sous vide egg. A shameless concubine of confit pork trails closely beside. Under an immense amount of food stress, I must confess that I indulged in a bit of mindless eating with this one. The sinful creaminess of the dish soaking up my miseries and disgruntles. Despite the sauce being on the verge of breaking and the pork confit being a little irrelevant; I kept mum and slurped up every drop. Hey.. my wallet didn't complain either.

His Cod ($22.90) was a tad of a let down with pan-seared cod in a clam stew of sorts, an assortment of roughly chopped vegetables attempts to lifts the mix whilst the absence of salt in the broth made the dish seem uninspired. It's saving grace was the golden brown top-hat of puff pastry that was beautifully crisp and cooked thoroughly.

We washed that down with 2 glasses of house Sauvignon Blanc ($8/glass), yet again a worthy investment for a rather dreary day at work.

Concetto by Saveur

2 Handy Rd, Singapore 229233

t: 6735 1141

w: http://www.concetto.sg/

Opening Hours

Daily 12pm - 9 30pm

Resting poolside, FIX cafe exudes an atmosphere that is breezy and relaxed, splicing beachy miami vice casual with inner city city cool. Hidden away in the peaceful enclaves of HomeTeamNS clubhouse is the newest cafe at the tip of the tongues of many Singapore foodies. Beside rousing the interest of the cafe hungry hipster crowds, Fix cafe ups the ante by attaining a halal food certification, increasing it's prospective audience massively.

Here the menu is kept snugly familiar with cafe favourites such as homemade quiche and fish & chips; then things are swayed a little with the novel introduction of naanwiches. To lay it all out, naan is baked in-house and used as a bread replacement in a typical sandwich. Before you decide that such a combination is bit too outlandish for you, hear me out; this works - the fluffy innards of the naan absorbing the defiant runaway juices from the fillings and the charred edges perfect to poke and prod at the runny yoke perched on top. The Beef and Kimchi Naanwich ($10) lends an explosion of flavors from the fillings, the slow cooked beef rendered down a fork tender consistency. Just be mindful to steer clear if you've an aversion towards fatty meats. The Chicken Tikka Naanwich ($10) in my opinion fared better with a the tender chicken slices being the perfect canvas for the melange of Indian spices. The side serving of achar imparting a sour note, helping to neutralise any greasiness. Note that a cup of nachos are served on the side with each naanwich, slightly 'lao-hong' tortilla chips drizzled lightly with melted cheese and chunky salsa. Great for the 'itchy-mouthed' companions or a single famished diner.

Putting that aside, a must try at FIX cafe is definitely its wide array of expertly executed desserts. The Strawberry Pistachio Rose Tart ($7) was my least favourite. A layer of pistachio financier sits above a uniform pate sucre base and all that topped with fresh strawberries, raspberry compote and a quenelle of rose chantilly cream . A tad too dry for my liking, the pistachio financier could have used a boost of flavor (soon to be fixed =) ) and the sable base, in disagreement with the overall parched conditions.

Moving on, we had the Passionfruit, Mango and Coconut chiffon cake ($7) , an addictive amalgamation of light tangy spring flavors with an interesting juxtaposition of Asian tradition flavors contrasted with a sparse artistic modernity. The coconut mousse pulling the weight of the other more acidic flavors in the entremet. Definitely well suited for the al-fresco dining conditions.

The piece de resistance came in the form of a hollow choux pastry capped with crunchy craquelin filled with coffee chantilly, salted caramel and a secret chocolate truffle center. The Butterscotch Arabica Choux ($6) stole my breathe and my heart.

Another heavyweight is the Chocolate Truffle Cake ($7) made using only Cacao Barry's OCOA chocolate taken from the 'Purity from Nature' range that has been created with pure cocoa beans using the Q-Fermentation method. This method basically involves extracting specific ferments on plant leaves and soil to hasten the fermentation process on the cocoa beans thus deriving the most intense and pure flavors. The Cocoa Barry Chocolate truffle cake comprises of sacher cake, OCOA chocolate cremeux, OCOA chocolate mousse and glacage and finally topped with a few shards of salted chocolate sable; a feast for the senses, the rich flavors and textural contrasts cumulating in a smackdown. This may pose a challenge to finish, even with the most serious of chocolate aficionados. Be a doll and share...

Fix cafe is a casual joint that is not to be missed despite it's rather non-descript location. In the grand scheme of things, the variety of dishes here and their near perfect execution makes it a diamond in the rough.

FIX cafe

Balestier

31 Ah Hood Road, HomeTeamNS-JOM Clubhouse

#01-06

S( 329979)

t: 6256 1484

w: http://fix-cafe.com.sg/

Opening Hours:

Daily 9 30am - 9 pm

The Farm Boy Burger ($22) at The Beast. 8oz patty, lettuce, tomato, pickle, pimento cheese,

tomato relish, candied bacon and side of paprika dusted fries. Imagine that.

The Pimento cheese, a relish of sorts made from sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnise, pimentos and seasoning was a delight to eat on its own, and better still when slathered onto toasted sesame buns. The patty, however , cried out for a bit more love and attention. Not the best but definitely not the worse. Order their #OutofThisWorld Fried Chicken and Waffles instead and you're guaranteed many future craving-led meetings with your new drug dealer. The Beast.

The Beast

17 Jalan Klapa

S(199329)

t: 6295 0017

w: www.thebeast.sg/

Opening Hours:

Mon-Thurs 5pm-midnight

Fri - Sat: 5pm-1am

Sun: 10am - 5pm

Opening H

Hakata Ikkousha basically takes the heritage of Tonkotsu Ramen and combines it with the happiness that its' ramen is to bestow onto people. Chef Kousuke, after holding the reigns for Singapore's Ultimate Ramen Champion for two years has gone on to open his second Singapore-based restaurant in CHIJMES.

It's menu is easy to comprehend with range of variations that allows for a bit of personal flair. Feeling a bit flat-lined from work, I opted for the straightforward Ajitama Tonkotsu ($14) which is composed of ramen steeped in boiling water and served in a collagen rich pork bone broth and then some razzle dazzle injected in with the lava-centered Ajitama (seasoned egg). It was an undeniably intense dish, that showed the energy and skillfulness of the chef with a great respect of tradition along the lines of Japanese cuisine. The spoonfuls of creamy soup catapulted themselves into my mouth at the slightest encouragement and I appreciated the Chef's easier touch on salt as compared to many other local versions. I did not fancy the noodles however , finding that it's anorexic proportioning did not work well with the full-bodied flavors of the broth.

As much as I fancy the soup, the noodles for me was the weakest player in the team that would probably hinder me from a return visit. That's just me, I'll let you be the judge.

Hakata Ikkousha @ CHIJMES

30 Victoria Street

#01-07 CHIJMES

Operating Hours:

Mon-Sat: 11 30am - 10pm

Sunday: 11 30am - 9pm

Seasonal Taste @ The Westin Singapore: What do you fancy?

Flee Away Cafe: Fly me to the Moon

Suprette: a Top 3 Burger...

Fat Cow: Leaves a bad taste in my mouth

D'Bell: Indian food with a side of good laughs

Revolution Coffee: Single Origin Coffee Roasters

Peramakan @ the Keppel Club: Family Birthday Dinners

{Wordless Wednesdays} @ Percolate: Seriously Coffee

The Ugly Cake Shop: Sweet nothings and a {GIVEAWAY}

ON-YASAI @ Chijimes: A Welcome Relief

Five & Dime Eatery: Reservations recommended

Shin Sapporo @ Orchard Gateway: Seasonal Summer menu

NUVO Restaurant + Lounge @ Marina Square

Carvers and Co. : Strictly Carnivores only.

Azmaya: just the usual Wagyu Shabu-Shabu affair

Relish by Wild Rocket: Not your average joe of a Burger

Concetto by Saveur: Wallet Friendly Italian fare

FIX cafe: with a Halal Food Certificate to boot

Wordless Wednesdays: Burgers @ The Beast

Hakata Ikkousha Ramen: where the broth and boiled eggs runs freely