alright-to-decent fish at this chain (we went to the novena square branch). I’ll be honest: I come here only for their swordfish collar. it’s brilliant, and clearly outshines the other dishes, which skim the surface of perhaps-above-average.
this chain suffers from inconsistency – food standards can be well below average depending on the outlet you visit, and service is slightly haphazard. but I think of the swordfish and drool a little, and ignore it all.
decent dessert at this american-french import in the marina bay sands mall – not a silence-inducing sort of impressive but did just manage to hit the spot during a dessert craving.
I’m on a quest to dessert my way through the lauded restaurants in this luxurious mall – these restauranters are meant to be at the top of their class, and what better way to test their prowess than through my favourite course of a meal (and the only reason I sit through the preceding courses)?
average brunch food at the botanic gardens – some dishes (the simple ones) better executed than others. I’ve wanted to come to this place for a while – it’s rather popular, and I can see why. it’s a large open space, completely casual canteen-seating predominates, and the menu is likewise expansive – so there’s something for everyone.
it’s not the best brunch I’ve had – really, it’s not even close – but I don’t think that’s the point. it feels rather more like a place you go to to be convivial, or bring your screaming children to without too much recrimination – with decent food on hand to lubricate conversation.
also, if that’s your kid screaming in the corner, it ain’t cute.
the heat is getting truly insufferable in singapore – but the good thing is it heralds the start of the tropical fruit season.
I’m not one for much durian – it’s a little too rich for more than a seed or two at a go – but I do get my (small) share when the season comes around. what I like about the whole durian exercise is that it’s a family thing – and those stalls selling these prickly green fruit also carry bags of my favourite lychees and mangosteens.
remember to drink loads of water if you’re indulging this season!
x
really good heng hwa food at this crowded outlet at the nex mall in serangoon. the weekend is here! and with father’s day looming this sunday, most of you are likely looking for a place worthy of family gatherings, and I think this could be it.
I really rather like the putien chain – the flavours are light but intense, and I frequently get cravings for their squirrel fish (that lovely specimen you see up there). and while service can get rather hectic when full-house, as they often are, it’s efficient and earnest when you do get it. highly reliable, consistently delicious, and a large enough menu to return frequently (though we do have our favourites, of course).
decent local food in rarefied surroundings at the marina bay sands shopping mall – like the barest extraction of our local food culture into something a little more accessible for both tourists and locals escaping the heat – like me.
this is one of a few chains in singapore upping the ante on our traditional coffeeshops: serving the same dishes at a more consistent delivery (though therefore imbuing it with more factory-type monotony) amidst the modern comforts of air-conditioning. much like a food court, actually – just that these try to maintain a semblance of rusticity and local flavor.
fantastic food at hipster prices in the central business district. I hopped on the hipster bandwagon in coming to this restaurant – but I couldn’t resist. the myriad reviews coming out were too positive and too curiosity-inciting for me to ignore, and I’m glad this place more than lived up to the hype. the food was delicious, the ambience cosy – I only wished the prices were a little less on the high side.
but I suppose one can’t have everything, eh?
fantastic turkish/middle-eastern food up in fusionopolis. this place was a gem – expert, wholesome cooking coming out of a tiny kitchen. and it was manned by the most unlikely – and very likable people too – plus, plus.
reasonable prices and decent portions too – I think this might be the totally uncool but entirely amiable and completely delightful country cousin of the town-cool hipster joint.
my favourite madeleine recipe – here spruced up with the zest of a whole orange and lime, half a teaspoon of vanilla for the honey, and omitting the glaze for beautiful simplicity.
the worst part of the weekend is the knowledge that the new week is starting – which contrarily shortens the weekend further. but knowing you spent the time on precious (and tasty) weekend endeavours helps.
if you live in a timezone where your sunday is barely starting, I hope you have a great one!
x
I can’t be the only person with a liking for truly plain biscuits, can I? carr’s table water are some of my favourite crackers for their crisp snap and tasty plain wheat flavour – and I never knew how easy it was to make my own. they are immensely addictive on their own – but also go so well with peanut butter and cheese (yes, I promised you this a month ago, I’m so sorry).
but you’ll forgive me – pretty please? – when I tell you that these only need four ingredients, all of which you probably already have in your pantry.
