Masumi Sake

Media Invite


The most celebrated premium sake makers in Japan have come to Singapore! Masumi Sake, in collaboration with Haijapan.com and Liang Court have organized an eight-day dining experience which commences on 17th November. Over the course of eight days, patrons can enjoy the Karakuchi Kiippon and Karakuchi Gold sakes in food pairing sessions at Kensai Kitchen, Okinawa Diner, Tanyoto and Ikeikemaru

The Fabulous Baker Boy

Popped by the revamped TFBB after dinner and we were totally spoilt for choice. I've never been to TFBB before but someone delivered a slice of yummy chocolate cake from TFBB to me two years ago!

District 10 Bar & Restaurant

Media Invite


District 10 at UE Square has recently launched a new menu! And fans of Bonta will be glad to know that Chef Luca has brought over to District 10 some of the hot favourites from Bonta.

Common Man Coffee Roasters

A collaboration between 40 Hands and 5 Senses, Common Man Coffee Roasters has taken Singapore by storm since its opening at Martin Road.

Machicon

Invited Food Tasting

X and I were really honoured to be invited to the first ever Machicon event held in Singapore! Machicon is a large scale dating event where participants can meet new people, and possibly their future partners! It has been really popular in Japan since 2011. It has finally reached the shores of our little island and brought along with it much hype and anticipation!





It was drizzling when X and I got to Katanashi which is located at Boat Quay. Katanashi is the first stop for all participants of Machicon. There are 9 other participating Japanese restaurants within the vicinity where the participants of Machicon can choose to go to after Katanashi. Every restaurant features a different menu and free flow drinks






The original plan for the bloggers was changed and we were given these tickets and wrist tags and we went about as "participants"


A small platter for four to share


Tuna and avocado tartar
The pepper taste was overwhelming and the tuna was unfortunately, masked by it.


King of Cream Cheese


Tebasaki(Chicken wings)
The wings were crispy and tasty. Much effort must have been put into marinating it!


Simesaba(Mackerel)
The mackerel was torched right in front of us and everyone was really impressed haha.


Soft and slightly crispy mackerel which was very savory and palatable! My favourite of the lot!


Kakuni (Japanese Braised Pork)
This seemed to be everyone's favourite dish! It wasn't difficult understanding why when every bite of the soft and juicy meat melted in our mouths. I probably was the only one who liked the mackerel more haha


Participants getting to know each other


We moved on to Orihara Shoten at Robertson Quay after hearing that the sake and shochu there is very good. It was quite a distance away so we took a cab!

Oden
A satisfying and comforting dish which features a clear and light soup and simple ingredients. Great for a cold night!


Amaebi
We were taught by our new found Japanese friends that we were supposed to eat these with our hands and to just put the whole thing into our mouths, including the head! Haha I was like eating it super slowly because I was afraid of the feelers and all piercing into my lips or tongue HAHA. There's a slight sweetness and saltiness when you bite into the middle of the prawns. A great dish to accompany your sake and shochu!


Inaniwa Udon
I liked the udon! The noodles were springy and smooth and even in all its simplicity, it was refreshing and yummy


Kawahagi
Pieces of Filefish fried till crisp and hard and served with a dollop of Japanese mayo. Salty, sweet and a little sour. A great dish to have alongside your alcohol!


Our new found Japanese friends and Qingyang(act Japanese HAHA)

It was really fun getting to know them! They were really humorous and it was nice learning more about Japan and their experiences in Singapore!


Our third and last stop : En Grill & Bar



Calamansi Sour
This was basically, lime juice



California Maki


Avocado and soft shell crab roll

Skewers
Bacon-wrapped enokitake, bacon wrapped oysters, meatballs etc

The food at En Grill & Bar was decent and the alfresco area was pretty chill.

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Despite initial confusion, the night improved as it went along and we made new friends. Being a part of Machicon was definitely a unique experience and we are really thankful that we had this opportunity to taste authentic and traditional Japanese dishes!

We'll like to thank Jerome and the people behind Machicon for inviting us! [:


Katanashi
77 Boat Quay
Mon - Sun: 12:00 - 11:30

Orihara Shoten

11 Unity Street

#01-02 Robertson Walk

Mon - Wed: 19:00 - 00:00
Thu - Sat: 19:00 - 01:30
Closed on every Monday of the month

En Grill & Bar

207 River Valley Road

#01-59/60 UE Square

Daily: 19:00 - 03:00

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Love, K

Song Fa Bak Kut Teh

Now that it's raining almost everyday, Bak Kut Teh is certainly comfort food for every soul.

It was a cold and rainy evening when X and I were driving around looking for something to eat when he came up with the idea of bak kut teh! We decided to try the one opposite Clarke Quay, which is also supposedly one of the best bak kut tehs in Singapore

There are numerous parking spaces near the outlet but be prepared to have to wait quite a long time for a lot

The place was packed when we got there. They have two shop spaces which are just a few metres away from each other. But both spaces were full. We waited for awhile before we got a table








Pork Ribs Soup - $6


Pork Tenderloin - $6


Premium loin ribs - $8.50

The meat was tender and the soup was good! It wasn't too peppery and we had youtiaos to go along with the soup too. I prefer black to white bak kut teh actually because I don't like the strong pepper taste in white bak kut tehs but this was just right for me!


Braised Peanuts
X and I both love braised peanuts haha so this was a must-order

Salted vegetable

The two of us were extremely full after all these, a bowl of rice and a glass of barley each. Even though the place was packed, service was efficient and we received our dishes shortly after placing our orders. This place is definitely a great choice for dinner on a cold and wet evening! It's raining now, and as I'm typing this, I'm craving for a piping hot bowl of bak kut teh

Where's your favourite place for bak kut teh?

11 New Bridge Road
Tuesday to Sunday : 7am - 10pm

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Love, K

K's rating of Song Fa Bak Kut Teh : 7.5/10
(based on food and service)

Absinthe

Restaurant Week

X had wanted to go to Absinthe for the longest time. He checked the Restaurant Week website everyday, hoping for seats to be freed up hahaha and FINALLY, we managed to get a reservation at a timing that we both could make it! Tuesday dinner!

We had difficulty finding a parking lot and circled the area numerous times before chancing upon a parallel-parking lot by the road. Yay! You can park at the UOB building or a public car park nearby too!

We had to walk a distance to Absinthe



















The bread was too hard but the butter was very nice!


Carpaccio of Hokkaido Scallops,
Fava beans, hazelnut, Soy-Argan oil dressing

The scallops were fresh, juicy and tasted really good with the hazelnut!


Cognac scented lobster bisque

Thick, tasty and appetizing


Crispy Braised Kurobuta Pork Belly,
Star Aniseed Jus, Beans and Potatoes

The pork belly was crazy tender! Really well-cooked! But the portion was too small


Black Cod,
Prawn-crushed potato, Chervil Emulsion

The cod was slightly crispy on the outside and very soft on the inside. The prawn-crushed potato was delicious and really complemented the cod!


Valrhona Chocolate Tart,
Coffee Cream

The tart was simple. The ganache was smooth and bittersweet. I thought the highlight was the coffee cream haha


Coffee - additional $6
The coffee was not very fragrant


Sugar from Paris

We had a pretty pleasant dining experience at Absinthe. They seemed to be really understaffed because they took pretty long to pass us the menu, or serve us and they seem to be in a hurry going round. Despite the slow service, the waiters were really polite and tried their best to make sure everything was perfect.

The chef came out of the kitchen and went to every table to speak to the diners personally. I thought that was really sweet! Also, he's very humourous and friendly. It's nice that they take such personal interest in the thoughts of their customers!

If you're looking for unpretentious French fare, Absinthe is the place for you!


Total cost: $143

72 Boat Quay
Lunch : 12pm - 2:30pm (Mon - Fri)
Dinner : 6:30pm - 11:00pm (Mon - Sun)
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Love, K

K's rating of Absinthe : 7.5/10