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ractravels
This is ractravels . Japanese, Korean, Singaporean, Italian are my favorite cuisines. I also love Café, Hawker Centre.
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Categories : Fast Food | Vegetarian | Burgers and Sandwiches

I had been dying to try out VeganBurg after I know that it has recently opened its second outlet on 1 Feb 2012 at Golden Shoe, which is just opposite my office building! The first time that I got to know of this unique vegan burger was on television, but it only has 1 outlet at Eunos which is too far for me. Finally I found a friend who was interested to try out the organic vegan burgers with me.

This little eatery is tucked in a little corner of Golden Shoe, behind a stationery store, and one has to be alert for the signage in order to find VeganBurg haha.

The food and beverages offered in this eatery are all organic stuff, meant to be healthy, nutritious and wholesome fast food. After some time pondering on what to eat, we decided that the set meal is definitely more worth it. tongue Each set meal consists of a burger, a side and a juice/beverage, and there were many choices available. I ordered the Smoky BBQ burger set meal with Vegan Franks and Apple Blackcurrant Juice ($10.85) while my friend ordered the Creamy Pepper Shrooms set meal with Granny's Comfort Soup and Apple Blackcurrant Juice ($11.85).
Smoky BBQ Burger

Smoky BBQ Burger

 
Granny's Comfort Soup - Minestrone soup

Granny's Comfort Soup - Minestrone soup

 
Vegan Franks

Vegan Franks

 
Smoky BBQ Burger

The burger was quite big with generous fillings, that is, if you compare it to those burgers you find in typical fast food restaurants like MacDonald's.tongue It was really like what the menu described: a thick patty of succulent minced mushrooms, oven-baked and slathered in smokey BBQ sauce, coupled with layers of fresh lettuce, tomato and alfalfa, nestled within the softest organic rye bread. In fact the fillings were so generous that I thought I ended up quite "dirty" with BBQ sauce on my lips and palms as it wasn't easy to manage haha. They also added a lot of vegetables into the burger, as you can see from the picture. Really very different from the fast food burgers! chopstick

Granny's Comfort Soup

This side was what my friend ordered, but she did not realise that it was actually Minestrone soup, which she doesn't like. After a few sips she decided to just leave it aside. I also don't really like Minestrone soup so I only tried a bit as well. It was a waste that she ordered this side! We should have found out what soup that was first before ordering...

Vegan Franks

On first bite, the Vegan Franks felt weird, compared to the normal Chicken Franks. Later on I realised that it was because they used tofu as the filling so it is softer than the usual meat franks. I got accustomed to the taste after a few tries and I must say actually, the taste is not bad! The franks had a delicious smoky flavour. smile

Creamy Pepper Shrooms Burger

I didn't try this but my friend said it was very good, generous with the fillings and sauce. I think the next time I will try this, see how different it is compared to my favourite Mushroom Swiss Burger from BK hehe. Afterall, this burger is "back by popular demand" so there must be some good in it!

In general, the food and beverage prices here are not exactly that cheap, but I think it is still quite worthwhile to come here for some healthy and nutritious fast food once in a while. I will definitely go back again!

At least you are not spending this money to put junk into your stomach, are you? And who ever said that Vegan fast food can't be great, they must not have tried VeganBurg yet!;)
 
Recommended Dish(es):  Creamy Pepper Shrooms Burger,Smoky BBQ Burger
 
Date of Visit: Apr 04, 2012 

Spending per head: Approximately $11(Lunch)

Other Ratings:
Taste
 4  |  
Environment
 4  |  
Service
 4  |  
Clean
 4  |  
Price
 3

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Pizza & Pasta Feast OK Apr 06, 2012   
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Categories : Italian | Restaurant | Pasta

This was my colleagues and my first time to Ricciotti Pizza Pasta & Deli at China Square Central, and we decided to come here for lunch as we saw that online recommendations are pretty good.

It was a Tuesday that we visited the restaurant, and the promotion on Tuesday was 50% off the second pizza. There were 4 of us and as we didn't know how much to order as we were unsure of how big the portions are, so we asked the waiter how big is each pizza. Gosh, each pizza size is 11 inches! Since 1 of my colleagues was eagerly waiting to eat the Spaghetti Marinara ($23.50++) given that she is a seafood lover, we picked 2 pizzas in order to enjoy the promotion of the day.
Pizzotto

Pizzotto

 
Al Crudo

Al Crudo

 
1. Pizzotto ($23.50++)

On the menu, the picture of this pizza looks yummy and interesting, as there is an egg yolk on the pizza crust. The ingredients are bacon, mushrooms, egg, pomodoro and mozzarella cheese. When it was served on our table, it really looked appetising, just like the menu picture! Thankfully it tasted as good as it looked. smile I like that the egg yolk was runny and you could spread it out evenly onto the pizza.

2. Al Crudo ($25.50++)

This was 1 of the recommendations the waiter made, as it was without beef. His very first recommendation was actually Carnivora but too bad it contains minced beef and 2 of my colleagues do not take beef. The ingredients of this pizza include rucola, parma ham, pomodoro and mozzarella cheese. However, there was too much of the rucola leaves, which we didn't really enjoy.

We couldn't finish the Al Crudo pizza and to pack the remaining 4 slices back, as it didn't suit our palates and we were already too full after eating the other dishes - 1 Caesar Salad to share ($12.50++), 2 big bowls of Mushroom soup (Soup of the Day $8.50++) to share, as well as the spaghetti that 3 of them shared.

The food portions here are very big, such that we had problem finishing the food! But then, the prices aren't exactly that wallet-friendly too. In addition, the pizzas are meant to be thin crusted, but when they were served, it wasn't as thin crusted as we thought they might be. Lastly, overall it is not as satisfying a meal in terms of the taste as some other Italian restaurants that I have been to.
 
Recommended Dish(es):  Pizzotto
 
Date of Visit: Apr 03, 2012 

Spending per head: Approximately $27(Lunch)

Other Ratings:
Taste
 3  |  
Environment
 3  |  
Service
 3  |  
Clean
 3  |  
Price
 4

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Fine Belgian Pastry, Anyone?  OK Mar 31, 2012   
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Categories : Singaporean | Café

After a hearty Japanese dinner at Millenia Walk, we strolled to Marina Bay Sands The Shoppes via the Helix Bridge for our second round - drinks and desserts! ;) It was a good way to burn some of the calories gained from our dinner while enjoying the lights along Marina Bay, before we pile on some more calories from the desserts to be eaten hehe.

When we reached Jean-Philippe Darcis, we were attracted by the very pretty interiors. However when we saw the desserts displayed at the counter, we were a bit disappointed. "You mean you only sell macarons and just a few pieces of pastries?" was our initial thought. Fortunately, soon we spotted the menu by the side which included waffles, crepes, beverages as well as the savoury menu. Thus we proceeded into the cafe.

The waiter told us that we could sit anywhere we like, since there was only 1 (or was it 2) tables occupied. The cafe isn't very big, but there is a very comfortable huge couple chair and 2 more sets of sofa seats available. We didn't choose the couple chair but took the sofa seat instead as it was easier to talk to each other face to face rather than side by side. Guess that is more for dating couples haha. Nonetheless I really love the decor and cosy feeling the cafe presents. smile

1. Peach Smoothie ($6++) and Ice Chai Latte ($5.50++)

 
My Peach Smoothie was great, very smooth and flavourful. My friend said her Ice Chai Latte was not milky enough though, somewhat lack lustre.

2. Raspberry Macaron ($6.05++)

 
Yes Macarons are almost always very sweet, but since the Macarons from JP Darcis are frequently raved about (heard they are imported from Belgium), I suggested that we should order this to try, as it looked beautiful, and also is the biggest amongst the others. tongue

But gosh, guess we really don't have very sweet tooth, because the first bite was too sweet for both of us.. It was a bit hard for us to cut the macaron too. The redeeming factor was the centre filling was raspberries which added a tinge of sourness and managed to mask the sweetness a little bit.

3. Apple Crepe ($12.90++)

 
This crepe took quite long before it came to our table, but it was good that it was served warm. We prefered this crepe to the Raspberry Macaron as it wasn't overly sweet. However, the more we ate this and got more of the caramel syrup into our mouths, the sweeter it became. My friend was the first to give up so I reckon her tooth was not as sweet as mine haha. Nonetheless I like the way the crepe was done - very fluffy. The vanilla bean ice cream was great too, which we finished together with the cooked apples.

We didn't manage to finish the Raspberry Macaron though, because of sugar overdose! tongue

I noticed from the menu that JP Darcis has afternoon tea sets from 1-4.30pm which seems to be more value for money. So the next time I visit this place, I will come for the afternoon tea to give it another chance!
 
Date of Visit: Mar 30, 2012 

Spending per head: Approximately $18(Supper)

Other Ratings:
Taste
 3  |  
Environment
 5  |  
Service
 4  |  
Clean
 5  |  
Price
 4

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Quality Japanese Dinner Smile Mar 31, 2012   
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Categories : Japanese | Sushi/Sashimi

It was one of those rare opportunities that I could get together with this friend after work, and hence we decided that we deserve a restaurant with good food and ambience after a week of hard work. After some research online, we chose Rakuzen as online food reviews seem to be consistently good. smile

The restaurant is located on level 1 of Millenia Walk, in a corner, facing Conrad Hotel. At about 6.30pm, there were already quite a number of tables filled, but thankfully, we did not have to wait. It was not easy deciding on what to eat, as there was a variety of set meals as well as ala carte dishes available.

Finally we decided to order 2 set meals because they are more value for money compared to ala carte dishes.
Chicken Teriyaki Zen with Sashimi

Chicken Teriyaki Zen with Sashimi

 
Gyuuniku Houbay Yaki Zen with Sashimi

Gyuuniku Houbay Yaki Zen with Sashimi

 
1. Chicken Teriyaki Zen with Sashimi set ($21++)

This was for mine, and I love it! The Grilled Chicken was well marinated with Teriyaki sauce and they were generous with the serving. I also like the Chawamushi very much. It was very flavourful and was an unique taste from the Chawamushi served in restaurants like Sakae Sushi as it didn't give me the feeling that I was eating "steamed egg". Lol......

I thought the rice was also different from the rice available in other Japanese restaurants, more sticky and fragrant, so I guess the restaurant claim that it uses only the best Japanese rice from a Japan farm house is true. There was also 1 cold dish on the right side of my picture, just above the miso soup. I don't fancy cold dishes, but this one was quite good, it tasted like sweet & sour fish slice. Of course, not to forget the freshly sliced sashimi! There was 7 or 8 pieces of 3 types of sashimi and all were very fresh and yummy! chopstick

2. Gyuuniku Houbay Yaki Zen with Sashimi set ($23++)

My friend was feeling adventurous that night, so she decided to order this haha. The only difference between her set and mine was the meat. Hers was beef cooked over a flaming pot. I try some of the beef and wow! Delicious! Very tender and well marinated!

We enjoyed every bit of our food as well as the ambience of the restaurant. The servings were generous too, and we had to waste some food as we were really very full.

The service was also not bad, generally friendly and courteous, but we must say they are a bit careless. We didn't notice that they forgot to ignite the flame for my friend's beef, and already started eating, then suddenly 1 of the waiters came to ignite the flame for her, while at the same time he apologised for forgetting to do that before serving the set. Imagine if we had been fast eaters and the beef was all eaten up before he remembered? shocked

Nonetheless, I'd love to return to this restaurant again to try its other food on the extensive menu. smile
 
Recommended Dish(es):  Chicken Teriyaki Zen with Sashimi set,Gyuuniku Houbay Yaki Zen with Sashimi set
 
Date of Visit: Mar 30, 2012 

Spending per head: Approximately $26(Dinner)

Other Ratings:
Taste
 4  |  
Environment
 4  |  
Service
 3  |  
Clean
 4  |  
Price
 3

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Ippudo Tao Weekday Set Lunch Smile Mar 28, 2012   
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Categories : Japanese | Ramen

Frankly, my first encounter at Ippudo Mandarin Gallery wasn't very nice, as I don't really fancy food with strong ginger taste, and also because we had to share tables with another couple, which baffled me a lot given that I wasn't having my meal at a hawker centre or foodcourt. Anyway since my colleague who is leaving us soon is the queen for today's lunch, I can't say much haha.

We were able to book the VIP room as it was a table for 10. The room was not very big, just nice for 10 people. There is this weekday lunch promotion for March - the Ippudo pork/ fish/ shrimp buns (2 for $5++). It actually looks like the Chinese kong bak pau and we decided to order that first as we were all hungry.

 
I had the Ippudo Fish Bun. The fish was nicely fried, but seriously, it's actually like eating a Filet O'Fish, same kind of crispiness, just a smaller portion hehe.

Shortly after, the sides to our set lunches came. I ordered Set A which comprises of the green salad, gyoza and choice of drink (I chose the hot green tea). The price of the set is just to add $5++ to the ramen that you pick.

 
The green salad was very yummy. I like the sauce they used (tasted like wafu sauce?) and the vegetables were very fresh & crisp. As for the gyoza, it was nothing to wow about although they were pretty delicious.

 
Before I could finish my sides, my Ippudo Shiro ramen arrived! I remember I actually had this the other time at Mandarin Gallery and was not impressed. However surprisingly, this time round I felt it tasted better. Guess could be there wasn't any strong ginger taste lingering in the soup. tongue This ramen is actually Ippudo's original Tonkatsu soup served with thin noodles, 2 pieces of Chashu, cabbage and black fungus. I asked for the spring onions to be removed. Since the ramen soup didn't "stink" of ginger, I could finish every bit of it, although I didn't finish the soup as I was too full by the time I finish all the noodles and my sides.

We were all so full after completing the set lunch, but my colleagues went ahead to order the desserts which I decided to skip in order not to torture my stomach further hehe.

Overall, I think the dining experience this time at this Ippudo Tao branch was more pleasant than the one at Mandarin Gallery. Besides, with the weekday set lunch, it's actually more value for money. So I don't mind going to this restaurant again.smile
 
Recommended Dish(es):  green salad
 
Date of Visit: Mar 28, 2012 

Spending per head: Approximately $27(Lunch)

Other Ratings:
Taste
 4  |  
Environment
 4  |  
Service
 4  |  
Clean
 4  |  
Price
 4

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