It's time to take your cafe-hopping experience to a whole new level. With the highly concentrated food scene in Singapore, a new breed of dining experience has just come on board — Bistros. The Rustic Bistro is not only wallet-friendly, but also provides the perfect ambience for large groups and families. 1. NETT Prices — NO GST, NO Service ChargeDining with your buddies is made exceptionally simple WITHOUT the hassle of calculating +10% service charge and +7% GST. Hooray!

2. Rustic floor plan that surpasses your expectation of a typical SG cafeTheir colourful furniture reflects their pride in creativity and going against convention. While the colours don't seem to complement each other, the contrasting effects appear to work. The ambience may not be as enchanting as that at Carpenter and Cook, but it has its own mystical character. I can't quite put my finger on what it is though.

3. Be inspired by their electrifying decorationsWires and lightbulbs hang loosely overhead as an additional decorative feature, setting the mood of the Bistro. The chefs are definitely the 'Thomas Edison(s)' of Modern-inspired Western cuisine, because any lightbulb moment could lead to Point #4.

4. Receive free appetisers from the Chefs*Occasionally, you may get FREE appetisers from the Rustic Bistro Chefs. This is sparked by their random innovation, according to which they 'make anything when it comes to their mind'. They then get feedback from their customers, and think about putting it on the next menu. Because Rustic Bistro is a totally new concept, they are open to changing their menu to suit the tastebuds of their customers. The appetiser I tried tasted like Cordon Bleu with grape juice extract and the flavours were harmonious.

5. They've got the BEST chefs specialising in ALL kinds of eggsOne of the MUST-TRY items on their menu is the Rustic 3-Way Eggs - S$14.90. I recall this as one of the challenges on MasterChef, in which the contestants had to create various versions of eggs. The Rustic 3-Way Eggs consist of Eggs Benedict with Bacon & Burnt Hollandaise, Scrambled egg on toast with smoked salmon and a sunny side-up on toast with tomatoes.Eggs Benedict with BaconSunny Side-up

6. CHEAPEST poached eggs in townFor only S$11.00, try their Eggs Benedict! It is definitely one of the cheapest in town (and the most delicious too). With bacon, burnt hollandaise and mixed mesclun, this protein-rich food would appeal to bodybuilders after a workout.Play the video and see how the egg yolk slowly oozes out. The texture was thick yet smooth and velvety, with the hollandaise sauce a great compliment to each bite. No editing software was used!7. All their eggs are cooked to perfection at 63°CI always love my eggs with slices of smoked salmon. For only S$13.00, the Eggs Florentine features poached eggs resting on top of smoked salmon, with pieces of spinach and a dollop of burnt hollandaise enveloping the dish. It may look small, but it's actually quite satisfying.

8. Their pasta is flavour-packedTry their Pesto Chicken for S$11.90! It was initially overwhelming with the strong, rich flavours engulfing my tongue. I always thought that this sort of pasta is mild-tasting. Don't feel shy making loud slurping noises with this spaghetti tossed with basil and chicken!

9. Cheapest Truffle Fries in townFor only S$5.00, you get a large bowl of truffle fries topped with powdered parmesan cheese. The fries are cooked fresh, so you don't have to worry about them turning soggy! The portion was large enough to be shared amongst four people, so it's a real steal from The Rustic Bistro. The only downside is that they tasted too salty for me, so do let the chefs know beforehand if you don't want too much salt in it.

10. Best comfort food ever: Fish & Chips Marination is extremely important for flavourful Fish & Chips, and Rustic Bistro offers a great-tasting version for only S$10.90. I would appreciate that they serve it on a plate instead of a chopping board though, as it's rather difficult to contain the crispy breadcrumbs within the wooden board.

11. They have servings for giant eatersThe Rustic Beef Burger - S$11.90 is for big eaters. The beef patty came in an odd-looking shape, as if it was rolled into a square. What I loved most about the burger is its juiciness, although the burger bun wasn't really well-toasted and the lettuce looked like it was hastily chucked in. The cheese used was definitely processed cheese, losing some points for the freshness of their signature beef burger. While the appearance did not stimulate my appetite, it was a really huge portion for one.

12. It is founded by Chef Eddy and award-winning Chef Stephen.Chef Stephen (left) and Chef Eddy (Right)

Both chefs have won accolades and cooked in hotels and other chain restaurants. Veteran chef Stephen Yong and chef Eddy Wan met at M.Y Golden Odyssey. With more than 10 years of culinary experience in various hotels and food establishments, the chefs now dish up modern-inspired Western cuisine that will surely surpass your expectations.

Read more at http://www.littletinysun.com/2014/08/the-rustic-bistro-food-review.html

Supplementary Information:

Read more at http://www.littletinysun.com/2014/08/the-rustic-bistro-food-review.html

The Rustic Bistro

21 China Street, Far East Square

Singapore 049563

Mon to Sat : 11am to 10pm

 

Recommended Dish(es):  Eggs Benedict

 

Table Wait Time: 15 minute(s)

Spending per head: Approximately $10(Dinner)

Other Ratings:

Taste

 4  |  

Environment

 5  |  

Service

 3  |  

Clean

 4  |  

Price

 5

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Want to tell your bosses how you really feel but don't know how? Give them a hint with Pie Face. This popular international chain made its Singapore debut as a takeaway kiosk at 313@Somerset last month, and recently opened its 1,400 sq ft flagship bistro at Bugis Village, a stone's throw away from Bugis Street!Pie Face is airy and roomy (a rarity in the cramped shopping areas and cafés in downtown Singapore). The ample space makes it a great hangout for patrons to hold casual corporate gatherings or even large parties, especially with the café's warm and cozy ambience!Couldn't help but notice the red brick walls' subtle hint at the baking culture... did you know bricks go through a baking process too? A wallpaper of emotions is indeed a great way to spruce up the atmosphere, and hopefully banish the image of 'Emotionless Singaporeans'.Pie Face has so many expressions — which one reflects yours?

Off the wall and onto your plate, Pie Face recreates these expressions using milk and caramel drizzles on a puff pastry top with a shortcrust base. Mini-versions of each flavour are available at S$3.00 each.

* denotes my personal favourites

1. Creamy Vegetable Pie — S$3.00Mini Creamy Vegetable Pie

This is when deft surgical skills come in handy! It is a real challenge to make a clean cut in each pie as they are bursting at the brim with ingredients. As the kitchen team folds in a special blend of rich, creamy butter in each pie to create 48 layers of pastry, you'd probably feel better choosing a healthier filling - like vegetables.

2. Chunky Steak Pie* — S$5.20Slicing into the ":S" face

Everyone at the table declared this their top favourite — including the franchise owner himself! Pie Face's signature contains...
Slather some ketchup over your Chunky Steak Pie for a richer experience!

3. Chicken Peppercorn Pie* — S$4.90Exclusive to Singapore, this is another addition to my favourites list! Thick, creamy and strong flavours best describe the peppery chicken within. I love the flaky crunch of the crust — it signals the undisputed freshness of the pastry.

4. Thai Chicken Curry Pie — S$4.90This Asian-inspired offering brings together tender chicken meat prepared with carrots, onions, garlic and coconut milk. Mildly spicy, this pie is a safe choice for the less adventurous, despite its intimidatingly fiery name.

5. The Stack — S$2.00Mash, gravy and mushy peas sitting pretty atop your choice of pie

If you have calories to spare, check out this oozy, tantalising, distinctly British savoury combination. For an additional $2, you can top your pie with this trio of mashed potatoes, gravy and peas! I would recommend sharing this between two people because it's humongous!
6. Chicken + Cheese Sausage RollFor a thoroughly rich and satisfying dining experience, you must try the chicken cheese sausage roll. However, I felt intimidated by its excessively glossy appearance... how much shimmery butter did they add?!Although there does not appear to be much cheese nestled in the sausage, the cheesy flavours are quite prominent. Looking at this photo makes me want to devour it again! So sinful, but so tasty.

7. Chicken Sausage RollA similar but less decadent choice would be the Chicken Sausage Roll. Grilled and lightly caramelised, this has a unique combination of sweet and salty flavours. What differentiates this from your usual sausage roll is the flakiness of the crust — it's somewhat croissant-like yet slightly more doughy.Trainer Barista at the Bugis Village outlet

"I'm a trainer who teaches people how to make coffee," declared this cheery young man. He joined to make baristas out of people, and it seemed to me he really loves his job!

8. Café Latte — $4 and upCoffee connoisseurs would be able to recognise the dark chocolate and roasted walnut tones in this coffee. The Dark Roast grants the coffee a full body and lingering finish. The initial bitter-sweetness gradually gives way to a rich caramel sensation on your tongue!

9. Christmas SpecialCreated as a festive drink, this ice blended coffee infused with apple shots really heightens that good ol' Christmas vibe! As it is blended really smoothly, you do not have to hack into those pesky icy chunks present in lesser ice-blended drinks. The mildly sweet flavours from the apple shots exude a lovely fragrance that enhances the coffee aroma.

The service here is exemplary — warm, welcoming and personal. The Bugis Village outlet provides a homely refuge, infused with the aroma of freshly-baked pies, from the maddeningly-crowded Bugis Street. If you're looking for a sincere, hearty and unpretentious dining experience, you should give Pie Face a try!


More details at http://www.littletinysun.com/2014/12/savour-savoury-with-pie-face-singapore.html

Have you tried the recently-transformed dining experience at Crystal Jade's Plaza Singapura outlet? Hailed as the all-new Crystal Jade Steamboat Kitchen, this new food establishment offers steamboat buffet at wallet-friendly prices. This new restaurant is an extension of Crystal Jade's current operations, so here are 10 Things about Crystal Jade Steamboat Kitchen you probably didn't know.1. It's homely and welcoming!Remember all those times you visited Crystal Jade with your family, loved ones and friends? The soft lighting of the 140-seater restaurant creates the ideal warm-and-fuzzy atmosphere for great conversations to be born. Crystal Jade Steamboat Kitchen enhances the experience with their knowledgeable and friendly employees. I asked several questions about the origins of the food and they KNOW them all!

2. Choose from six different soup bases These include Pork Bone soup, Tomato soup, Curry soup, Miso soup and Superior soup. Those who have fiery tastebuds and would prefer something more intense, challenge yourself with the Spicy Mala soup. Each steamboat pot comes with two compartments so you can choose to enjoy different soup bases.

3. All-you-can-eat steamboat with free flow of drinks and soft ice cream for lunch and dinnerCrystal Jade Steamboat Kitchen offers a wholesome spread of more than 35 ingredients including fresh chicken, pork and beef slices, mussels, mushrooms and vegetables. This is probably more than the average number of ingredients I usually have at reunion dinners at home!

4. The Minced Pork Paste and Chicken Paste are home-madeWhat's so special about home-made food? Well, the recipes ignite nostalgic memories in your subconscious. I really loved how Crystal Jade enables us to be creative in shaping our meat with these slabs of paste. You can simply dunk the entire slab into the soup in one flat squarish chunk, or attempt to make your own meatballs, and trust me, that takes a lot of skill. More importantly, the intense flavours and smooth texture of the meat pastes were well-received by my tongue.

5. Daily Special: Deep-fried items to snack on while you wait for the soup to boilMost of us simply want to tuck into our food without waiting. I was delighted to know that cooked items are offered daily at the buffet counter. I tried the Deep Fried Fish Skin, Deep Fried Chicken Skin and Deep Fried Mushroom Stems. They were flavoursome on their own, but you may choose to dip them into the soup for that extra richness. My personal favourite would be the Fish skin because it was really crunchy and chock full of briny deep-sea goodness!

6. Fine slices of fresh pork, chicken and beefYou don't like beef? Not to worry — there's pork. You don't like pork? Well, there's chicken. These meats are kept refrigerated and only served upon ordering. This ensures their freshness!

7. Missing the traditional Cantonese favourites? They didn't forget your roasted combination platter! The Roasted Combination Platter (S$25.80/per serving) is definitely great for carnivorous beings like myself. The Roast Duck is served with a golden proportion of meat and fat. These ducks are specially selected from Ipoh duck
farms, where newborn ducks are raised to 7 weeks of age. The ducks are seasoned with various Chinese herbs stuffed in their stomachs before being
roasted. The Quality pork belly is seasoned with salt and five-spice powder, before being roasted for 1.5 to 2 hours. The crispy skin and flavourful juicy meat is not to be missed! Last but not least, the Honey Barbecued pork is glazed with a mixture of honey and sauces and skewered with long forks
before being placed to roast.

8. The crispiest Deep-fried Yam Puff with Minced MeatAnother quintessential favourite at Cantonese dim sum restaurants, each piece is packed
with soft, fragrant yam with juicy minced meat and deep fried with delicate golden flakes. You can get this a-la-carte for only S$4 per serving (3 pcs).

9. They have one of the freshest Ha-Kau you can find!The fresh shrimps are wrapped
with a thin layer of dough skin and steamed in a traditional bamboo basket until the skin is
translucent. They're really juicy and fresh! Didn't understand why they were so slippery to pick up though. The Steamed Shrimp Dumplings are priced at S$4.60 per serving of 3 pieces.

10. Chewy and the colour of sunshine, this never fails to satisfy.You'd be surprised at how juicy the Steamed Pork & Shrimp with Crab Roe Dumplings (S$4.20 per serving of 3 pieces) are! They are really moist and matched the lofty standards of all the steamed dim sum. Addictive to the max!

Thanks to Crystal Jade Steamboat Kitchen for the media tasting session. Now I know where to go for my next gathering!

Weekday dinner buffet: S$20.90++ for adults and S$17.90++ for children (12 years and below)

Weekend and Public Holiday dinner buffet: S$26.90++ for adults and S$23.90++ for children (12 years and below)

There's no place like home, and there is no greater pride than having our very own local Gordon Ramsay in Singapore. Award-winning Chef Tan Yong Hua is not only the FIRST Singaporean chef to emerge triumphant in Iron Chef Thailand, but also a winner of a gold and 2 silver medals at the prestigious 6th World Championship of Chinese Cuisine in China. Now, he has his very own Restaurant HOME brand on his shoulders at The Rail Mall. Is his craft comparable to that of non home-grown brands? Let my tastebuds tell you more. (Read till the end of the post for an ongoing promotion at Restaurant HOME)Chef Tan Yong Hua with his signature smoky, tantalising duck!

Barbecued Peking Duck with Lychee Wood

炭烧荔枝木烤鸭 — SGD $68 (Whole Duck)The Peking Duck is Chef Tan's signature dish! If you order a whole duck, you get a three-in-one dish presented to you. First, the skin from the breast is served together with palm and white sugar. Chef Tan knows his duck really well, and pointed out that this part is the prime cut of the duck. Indeed, it was extremely crispy even while retaining much of the duck's juices. It's best eaten with the mixed palm and white sugar so that the varied flavours melt evenly in your mouth.Meat from the whole duck

Next, the sliced duck meat is served together with cucumbers, leeks, sweet hoisin sauce and crepes. I was surprised we had to put the ingredients together ourselves as most Chinese restaurants serve up ready-made Peking duck crepes. Chef Tan explained that upon exposure, the crepes lose moisture quickly and turn hard. They were thus served in a dim sum steamer which we could cover to retain the moisture.Warm and soft freshly-steamed crepes.

The dish was perfectly balanced and had a therapeutic yin-and-yang feel to it. The cucumber and leek formed the yin food, while the yang food was the meat and hoisin sauce. Combined into the crepe, the dish was both richly savoury and sweet at the same time. Just as Chef Tan pointed out, the crepe was satisfyingly chewy, probably because it was thicker than most other crepes.Baked Marble Goby in Claypot with Chef Tan In-house Recipe

炭烧焗鼎锅笋壳 — $9 per 100gInitially stir-fried with lemon grass, galangal, spring onions and oil, the fish is then steamed in Chinese white wine, ginger and parsley for about 7 to 9 minutes. The taste is extremely compact; the fish packs some strong flavours without any unpleasant fishy smell. I would highly recommend this as a sharing portion for about 4-5 people.Chef Tan explains the intricacies of cooking up a perfect dish

Homemade Egg Bean Curd with Shrimp Paste, Crabmeat and Roe in Pi Pa Style

珊瑚琵琶豆腐 — SGD $18My first reaction to this dish was: Where is the tofu? It seemed as though it was drowned in shrimp paste, crabmeat and roe, but lo and behold, looks are deceiving! The egg bean curd almost melted in my mouth without any vigorous chewing and I thought I could slurp the entire dish down all by myself! It was really fragrant and extremely fresh and soft. Visually, the dish doesn't appear that pleasing but it is victorious in the sensory realms of taste, smell and texture. Contrasted with some other tofu dishes with rough skin and partly burnt edges, this dish was evenly cooked. I couldn't pick out the individual elements of shrimp paste, crabmeat and roe because they had fused into a thick and rich gravy, and one that was absolutely sumptuous.

Three Kinds of Vegetables Wok-fried in X.O. Chili Sauce

酱皇烧田圆 — SGD $18A trio of broccoli, asparagus and snow peas wok-fried in X.O. sauce

Crunchiness defines this dish. The vegetables were sweet and fresh, with a spice kick from the sprinkling of chili flakes. However, I thought the portion was smaller than average. The X.O. chili sauce provides the flavour that unites the dish. This is clearly not for you if you don't like spicy flavours in your food!

Deep-Fried Duck with Dried Chili, Roasted Minced Garlic and Capsicum Pepper Fine Salt

桥低避风塘鸭件— SGD $10This dish is created from the meat left over from the Peking Duck. For an additional $10, the remaining meat can be prepared in one of three ways: as a stew with vegetables, beancurd and mushrooms, wok-fried with ginger and onion, or deep-fried with garlic and chili. The latter version provided a huge contrast to the flavours experienced earlier, and I was surprised at the various ways in which duck meat could be cooked. I thought the capsicum pepper fine salt was slightly overpowering though, and so I didn't really fancy this dish.

Stewed Golden Noodles with Lobster and Spring Onions wrapped in O Ba Leaf

乌巴叶姜葱龙虾焖黄面— SGD $12.50 / 100 gmThe lobster is great enough to be a dish on its own. The huge chunks of briny crustacean made it extremely satisfying to devour, and I didn't think lobster paired with stewed noodles would make such a winning combination. I really loved the creative presentation of this dish, and coupled with the tantalising flavours, it definitely deserves high praise.Stewed Golden Noodles

While I thought the noodles looked like bee hoon, they actually had a bouncier texture, and the strands were easily separated. In other words, it's easy to divide the noodles into serving portions because they are not clumped together.

Soup of the Day (Old Cucumber Soup)

老黄瓜汤 — SGD$20Have you ever had a dish which gives you a heartwarming feeling of home and family? This old cucumber soup is a familiar favourite of mine, and I would say there is a sweet finish to every spoonful. It was only later that I realized the usual pork ribs were replaced with chicken, and this little twist certainly did no harm at all to the taste of this ubiquitous traditional favourite.

Homemade Ramen with 8 Head Quality Amidori Abalone

8头网鲍拉面 — SGD $26We had a sampling portion of the 8 Head Quality Amidori Abalone, and oh my goodness! The abalone had a really chewy texture and I truly enjoyed the dish. The abalone itself is the star and highlight of this dish, and the simple, pared-down presentation allows it to truly shine.

Crispy Roast Pork with Homemade Yellow Noodles

干捞烧腩仔肉黄面 — SGD $24The roast pork is extremely crispy because it is initially boiled before being placed in the steamer and then dripped dry. The layers of pork were almost fused into one, with no visible signs of fat at all. It was indeed very crispy, and there was a slight hint of saltiness cutting through the various flavours.

Barbecued Duck with Lychee Wood served with Homemade Yellow Noodles

干捞荔枝木烧鸭黄面 — SGD $24This dish wasn't as good as the earlier Peking Duck portions as it was a tad too dry. If you are looking for a simple single-portion meal, this should cut it, though my personal preference would be to order the Peking Duck over this dish.

Chilled Japanese Pumpkin Puree with Black Glutinous Rice Served in Pumpkin

金盅南瓜紫米露— SGD$10Another thoughtful presentation that looked like a dish for Halloween. The pumpkin puree with black glutinous rice was heavenly as I could taste the simple pureness of the dessert. It almost gave me goosebumps because I felt it was really light and pleasantly satisfying. I would highly recommend this.

Chilled Rosella Flower Jelly with Diced Mango

洛神冻 — SGD $6This chilled Rosella Flower Jelly makes a great takeaway for sleepyheads, in particular those who encounter after-lunch drowsiness. It really perked me up because of the shocking flavours of extreme sourness, though my friend who is used to the taste of Rosella thought it was perfect. My shoulders and arms trembled with each bite as I tried to suppress my equally sour facial expressions, but I guess the health benefits of this dish make it a great conclusion to the feast.

Restaurant HOME is currently offering a 1-for-1 Set Lunch promotion (min 4 pax) on top of the lunch set menu. More details here: http://www.littletinysun.com/2014/12/restaurant-family-singapore-review.html

There is great joy in giving and receiving, especially during Christmas! I was really blessed to receive the SweetSpot Hamper from Marina Bay Sands. If you're wondering what would make the perfect romantic gift for someone you love dearly, this hamper will definitely wow your other half! Here's a word of caution though: the hamper felt like it weighed 3 kilograms or more and it's definitely not something you would enjoy carrying while shopping! Thankfully, it's so much more convenient if you are driving (or being driven)! Read till the end to find out about the ongoing promotions (valid till 1 January 2015).

SweetSpot Hamper — SGD$185.00Chocolate Pralines and NutsThese designs are specially crafted for Marina Bay Sands, as you can tell from the iconic logo. Regrettably, the chocolates turned rather hard after being placed in the refrigerator. On hindsight, I believe these chocolates were made to withstand melting even in Singapore's hot and humid conditions, so there is no need to keep them in the fridge! Be delighted by an assortment of dark chocolate, milk or white chocolate and pure chocolate.

Chocolate-covered NutsThese are extremely addictive! Compared to other chocolate brands I have previously sampled (including those from Switzerland and France), this certainly stands out with its crunchy and slightly powdery texture, It was also not overly sweet. I had this to tide me over the exams and I finished the entire box in a week. Surprisingly, I didn't fall sick!

Handmade Chocolate Raspberry Jam with nutsThick and gooey, this huge jar of handmade jam only lasts two months after opening. The texture of the nuts comes out strongly in the jam, and this makes your bread feel more like biscuits because it is so crunchy! I couldn't detect much chocolate though; the raspberry taste was so strong, I felt like I was eating the fruit itself. Refrigeration is required even before opening, to prevent it from spoiling.

Piper-Heidsieck ChampagneClassic Piper-Heidsieck Champagne

My family is saving this bottle for Christmas! Having previously fallen in love with Piper-Heidsieck at an event, I can guarantee it's the sort of champagne you can have many rounds of without ever feeling sick of the taste.Hot Chocolate MixOh my gosh — what a rarefied taste of chocolate this is! The Hot Chocolate Mix features coarser-grain chocolate powder that appears somewhat lumpy, but it dissolves smoothly in hot water. It is only after sipping (or gulping) this wonderful drink that I realised I haven't actually tasted a genuine cup of hot chocolate before! Forget about those chocolate drinks that taste no different from Milo or Ovaltine, and get the real deal.

Divine Macarons — S$2.70/pc, S$14/box of 6, S$25/box of 12Isn't it amazing that you can derive such pleasure in a delicate assortment of Wild Raspberry, Chocolate Mint, Strawberry Basil, Passion Fruit, Salted Caramel, and Dark Chocolate macarons? Presented in a magnetic box, these beautiful babies are evenly baked and melt readily in your mouth. I especially love them straight from the refrigerator - chilled, sweet heaven in your mouth.You can also get a smaller SweetSpot three-tier gift box which consists of 12 pieces of macarons and 12 pieces of chocolate pralines and nuts. You can check out the price at http://www.littletinysun.com/2014/12/sweetspot-hamper-from-marina-bay-sands.html

Sands Rewards LifeStyle members receive 20% discount.
Citibank card members receive 15% discount.
Hotel guests receive 10% discount.