Amazonia Bistro is nothing short of amazing— its a different kind of Disneyland that attracts the hearts of both the young and old, male or female. I joined other OpenRicers for a tasting session after a long, tiring day at the zoo and River Safari. How I wish I spent my entire day here! Oh yes, please make sure you wear a pair of socks as you have to take off your shoes (even at the dining area).

This indoor attraction is indeed a treasure within Great World City, and I'd have never known that if not for the OpenRice tasting session.

Here's what we tried that day:
Ceasar Salad with Avocado - $13.80The plating was really adorable, with the eggs and tomatoes separated from the rest. This makes the yolk stay really fresh (usually, the yolk is blackened at its radius). The lettuce remained crisp and the dressing was perfectly well balanced. Sometimes, there is a lot of residual liquid / dressing left behind but this dish doesn't! 

Chocolate Fondant with Ice Cream - $7.50This organized mess is an enjoyable delight for me — and I think it's quite worth it for its price! It's quite difficult to go wrong with chocolate and vanilla.

Other items which we've tried are:
Chef Nasi Gorengs - $12.70
Love it, love it, love it! The yolk remained runny while the satay had the smoky grilled flavour... its quite comparable to Lau Pat Sat satay eh.

Spicy Garlic Tiger Prawn - $15.20
Unfortunately, the tiger prawns were gone as I arrived an hour late— hence, my review will not be accurate for this dish.

Apple Juice - $5
Skip this drink unless you're really thirsty and have no other choice. It doesn't taste like freshly squeezed apple juice as there wasn't any pulp... quite exorbitantly priced for a glass of apple juice *gasps*.

Party RoomsHow I wish I could turn back time and hold my birthday parties here! It's a wonderful place for a child's imagination— so much magic can happen at the various themed party rooms. 

3D GLOW MINI GOLFInitially, I thought this was a haunted house because the decorations look quite creepy in the dark. Complete with 3D Glow in the dark artwork and motion props, this section features various themes such as Under the Sea, Pirates and Dinosau. I never thought that I could have so much fun trying to put golf balls into holes!JUNGLE PLAY GYMMy greatest regret? Not sliding down this *cries*

The spacious 120-seat Salt tapas & bar gives off a unique modern Spanish vibe, and is a tourist hotspot. Stunning mirror features, raw brick walls and industrial-chic antique lightings provide a great environment for guests to relax and embrace hearty food and conversation. The wide full-length windows allow natural light to stream in and beautifully illuminate the restaurant.I feel really proud that Singapore is able to attract a chef of Luke Mangan's stature! With one of Australia’s leading chefs and restaurateurs heading this eatery, I rest assured that the food will not disappoint.Low-hanging light bulbs and dark walnut chairs form part of a modern Spanish atmosphere.Platter of tacos, breaded chicken breast and deep-fried fish and chips

A group set menu is available upon reservation (minimum of 10 persons).

Taco of tempura prawn, pineapple salsa, chipotle aioli — S$14.00 (Small); S$27.00 (Large) Flavourful and succulent tempura prawn taco

This is highly recommended! The prawns were fresh and juicy to the bite, and the pineapple salsa provided a powerful spicy and acidic kick to the taco. I love the way the dish is presented — it makes the taco really easy to eat and leaves no messy residue.

Fish & chips with slaw— S$25.00Note: Slaw is not pictured

The breaded fish is crispy and juicy within. However, I wonder what type of fish is used here because a pungent fishy smell lingers in your mouth.Spaghetti and Tomato SauceWe tried a really small portion of pasta with tomato sauce, and I was impressed by this well-balanced dish! It was not overly sweet, and each strand of spaghetti was cooked evenly. The tomato sauce tasted fresh and tangy.

Dulce de leche & salted pecan semifreddo, strawberries, coconut wafer — S$14.00One of my favourite desserts of 2014! The texture was so awesome and I wonder how it was crafted with such a rich and luscious consistency. Crispy, creamy, crunchy and cold, this dessert is definitely my star pick!

Churros, Chocolate Sauce — S$15.00Best churros in Singapore

Even LadyIronChef is impressed with the churros here. The accompanying thick chocolate sauce was such a wonderful gratification on its own too! I slowed my pace of eating upon nearing the end of each piece, in a bid to prolong the savoury indulgence!

Food aside, the service was really friendly and the crew were sharp in attending to requests. I cannot over-emphasise how much I love the ambience — it's such a lovely place to relax and unwind after a day's work! It looks ideal for parties, large gatherings and corporate events too. Perhaps the only noticeable downside were the toilets, which were quite dirty during my visit.

Prices are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing GST.

Are you a die-hard fanatic of all things Korean? You now get to experience a new casual dining experience with SYNC Korean Fusion Bistro. Opened in January, the bistro remains a relatively hidden gem as it is situated at a corner of Westgate. As the name suggests, SYNC desires to synchronise Korean and Western food, technology and lifestyle. The brand is powered by Samsung as part of its diversification strategy. 1. Okonomiyaki — S$12.00I gasped when I saw this dish on the menu. I had always thought of Okonomiyaki as a Japanese savoury pancake, and that Pajeon is a Korean version of it. Both the kimchi and seafood pancakes had their own merits. The seafood pancake was more flavourful with the bonito flakes on top, while the kimchi pancake was more plain, yet fragrant.I expected crispiness in each bite, but discovered an interesting thin and doughy texture instead. This portion is good for sharing among four, as an appetiser.

2. Bibimbap — S$12.90I loved how SYNC actually used a poached egg instead of a soft-boiled egg in the bibimbap. The five ingredients used were in perfect balance, and this definitely caters to diners looking for a fuller meal. The sauce had a slightly sour note, and this somehow accentuated the flavours of the other ingredients.

3. Gamja Tuikim — S$6.90One of the more noteworthy offerings at SYNC Korean Fusion Bistro was this plate of fries topped with kimchi nacho cheese. I felt like several flavourful expressions were going on in my mouth at once — there was a hint of spiciness from the kimchi, and a lightly sourish and salty flavour from the nacho cheese. This is definitely recommended for cheese lovers.

4. Smoked Duck Ramyun — S$13.90Mildly spicy, this Korean noodle soup features curly noodles with tofu, wakame, smoked duck and a soft-boiled egg. I must confess my initial disdain for this dish - "Isn't this instant noodles?" This has long been my perception of Korean ramyun, but this heartwarming bowl of noodles differentiates itself well from the 3-minute-to-prepare meal. The soup broth was very rich and flavourful, and the springy noodles were certainly a far cry from instant noodles.

5. Topokki — S$7.90Koreans have their own version of Lontong. These rice cakes are glazed with a spicy-sweet sauce and accompanied by fish cake slices, bacon, spring onion and a soft-boiled egg. They are extremely chewy and taste divine with that thick, sweet and savoury sauce. This dish is best shared with others, allowing you to sample the various ingredients without getting too stuffed.

6. Yangnyeom Tongdak — S$6.90How can chicken be this crispy?! This was the prevailing thought on my mind as I dug into these sweet and spicy winglets. The meat was really tender and the savoury juices oozed out to mix with the sweetness and spiciness. Every bite of this chicken is sophisticated because of the elaborate science that goes on in the cooking process. SYNC differentiates their chicken by adding a sprinkle of black sesame seeds.

7. Matcha Lava Cake — S$7.90If you are able to order only one dish, make it the Matcha Lava Cake. This is probably the most satisfying dessert I have ever eaten in my life! I usually have a disinclination towards any dessert made with green tea, but this is extremely well-executed. Mere words fail to express how awfully delicious and tantalising this is! Watch the following video and you will know exactly what I mean.Last but not least, SYNC does not impose any service charges. However, you can rest assured that their service standards are comparable to those of many establishments with that ubiquitous 10% charge. 

Full review available at http://www.littletinysun.com/2014/10/7-must-try-korean-dishes-at-sync-korean.html

Supplementary Information:

SYNC Korean Fusion Bistro

Westgate, 3 Gateway Drive #03-01/01A

Singapore 608532

Mon - Thu: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

Fri - Sat: 11:00 am - 12:00 am

Sun: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

 

Recommended Dish(es):  Yangnyeom Tongdak,matcha lava cake,Topokki,Smoked Duck Ramyun,Gamja Tuikim,Okonomiyaki

 

Table Wait Time: 15 minute(s)

Spending per head: Approximately $16(Dinner)

Dining Offers: 信用卡優惠

Other Ratings:

Taste

 5  |  

Environment

 5  |  

Service

 2  |  

Clean

 4  |  

Price

 3

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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

The only Tonkatsu specialty chained restaurant in Singapore, Tonkichi bills itself as a cosy restaurant in reminiscent of the causal eateries in Japan. With the soft yellow lighting, the restaurant is a stark contrast from the nearby brightly-lit Japanese department store, Isetan. From the positive raving reviews about their Original Tonkatsu, I was skeptical about the quality and authentic of their Japanese food. I decided to try for myself to see if it is really one of the best Tonkatsu restaurant in Singapore.
Dashi Maki Tamago - SGD8.00Delving my chopsticks into Tonkichi's Dashi Maki Tamago reveals a wonderfully savoury taste. It was piqued with a hint of sweetness, and the eggs were so fluffy that it felt like chewing on cotton candy. It was strange how the chef could make the egg thick yet soft at the same time.All Original Tonkatsu Sets are served with Japanese rice and miso soup. They can be called Original because it is truly the most authentic Tonkatsu I have ever eaten.

Kuro Buta Rosu Katsu Set - SGD32.00
Deep fried black pork shoulder loinCrispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, the Kuro Buta (Black pork) was not oily and extremely moist. The shoulder loin was evenly tender, and it could easily go without any sauce or garnishing. Eating it on its own is definitely flavoursome enough.Other items and prices in the Original Tonkatsu set include:
Hire Katsu Set (3 pcs — SGD21.00; 4 pcs — SGD25.00)
Deep fried pork fillet
Mentaiko Kasane Katsu Set (SGD28.00)
Deep fried layered sliced pork loin sandwiched with mentaiko (spicy silver cod roe)
Cheese Kasane Katsu Set (SGD28.00)
Deep fried layered sliced pork loin sandwiched with cheeseRosu Katsu Toji Set - SGD23.00
Deep fried pork loin simmered with egg and special soya sauce served in hot plateYou can find the Rosu Katsu Toji set in typical food courts, but the freshness and tenderness of the meat can never beat Tonkichi's. Served with free flow of Japanese radish, the amalgamation of the eggs and deep fried pork loin provides deeply savoury flavours and melts in your mouth.The added garnishing of seaweed also gave natural saltiness to the dish, with a hint of underwater aroma

The service was really slow, but I guess they can't handle the large number of customers. We also had to sit on a table with strangers, so it was kind of unpleasant as there was no privacy. Other than that, the food is really great and it's worth visiting!