Shashlik is famous for their borsch soup ($7++ for an a la carte portion; the soup of the day can be upgraded to the borsch for $1++), and it's not difficult to see why. Ladled out at the table from a tureen sitting on a creaky wooden trolley, this tangy tomato-based soup came with a generous portion of soft cabbage shreds, as well as chunks of beef, carrot and potato. An optional dollop of sour cream added a delightfully creamy edge to the beefy borsch!

The restaurant is also known for its namesake, shashlik. Available in beef, chicken, lamb, pork and even prawns, the version here consists of grilled skewered meat served on a sizzling cast iron plate, and accompanied by Russian salad or boiled frozen mixed vegetables and fries. While tender and succulent, the Shashlik of Chicken ($18.50++) should be eaten quickly as it continues to cook on the hotplate. I also felt that the meat could also have done with more flavor as it was served without a sauce.

The Spring Chicken (Whole) ($17++) was another well-executed main course. Though it was not as juicy as some other fried chicken dishes I've had, this was barely greasy. And there's no faulting the crisp and fragrant golden-brown skin or the moist and tender meat!

Out of the numerous local ice cream parlors I have visited, the Daily Scoop is probably second only to Tom's Palette. Utterly avocado contained a fair amount of creamy pulp was lusciously smooth and rich. The intense matcha flavor in the green tea and red beans ice cream left me equally satisfied. As the ice cream portions here are pretty generous, I would advise one not to go for more than two scoops ($5.20) at a go after a meal.

ve found a great place to relieve culinary memories from my trip to England. Judging by both the number of British customers in the eatery as well as my own dining experience, the food at Smiths Authentic British Fish And Chips certainly lives up to its name.

In addition to cod and haddock, fixtures on the menu of every fish and chip shop in England, chicken, dory, salmon fishcakes and sausages are also available at this dine-in/takeaway establishment. Like a true blue British fish and chip joint, Smiths' menu also includes side orders, spanning from pickled eggs and gherkins to baked beans and gravy.

EDT (29 Nov 2010): Plaice, scampi and halibut are now available on the menu!

The first thing that striked me when I opened up the triple-wrapped package of fish and chips was the sheer size of the haddock fillet. While a tad pricey at $16, the portion of haddock and chips was sufficient for two small eaters! Deep-fried a la minute, the golden batter encasing the fish was delightfully light and crispy. The firm and tasty haddock also pleased with its flaky and moist interior.

Though lacking the crisp exterior characteristic of well-fried fries, Smiths' rendition cannot be described as soggy. Seasoned just right with a sprinkling of salt and malt vinegar, these plump and pillowy slab-cut chips definitely won my nod of approval. I'm sure the British patrons of this joint would like them just as much.

Intrigued by its unusual name, I also ordered a serving of mushy peas ($2 for an eight-ounce cup), a popular accompaniment to fish and chips in northern England. Although I am not a fan of the vegetable, this simple and healthy dish comprising marrowfat peas boiled into a thick and stodgy soup was strangely satisfying.

Given the artery-clogging effects of deep-fried food, I don't quite agree with Smtihs' tagline that "everyone deserves a daily portion". But one thing's for sure- Smiths is the place I'll be heading to whenever a craving for fish and chips hits.

I was ecstatic to learn that K ki- my favorite cake shop- has recently launched two new creations, Naturally I headed down to Ann Siang Hill at the earliest opportunity for a dessert fix.

The dreamy Tiramisu ($9+) featured feather-light mascarpone mousse ensconding a well-soaked ladyfinger. This boozy creation certainly got me raring for more!

Just as light and refreshing as its look-alike Kinabaru, Emily ($9) featured smooth champagne mousse sandwiching a delightfully intense wild strawberry gelee. Being a fan of passionfruit, I still prefer the Kinabaru to Emily, but give me either and I'll be one happy girl!

McDonald's Hotcakes, meet your new competitor. KFC's a.m breakfast menu has recently been expanded to include blueberry pancakes!

Perhaps I'm a bit biased as I like my hotcakes on the thicker side. But I'm heading to KFC the next time I seek an affordable and convenient pancake fix. While they were smaller in size, KFC's pancakes was no less satisfyingly soft, and were even more pleasantly fluffy and moist than those from the Golden Arches! The sweetened blueberry bits speckled in the batter rendered every bite all the more delightful.

Like most fast food restaurants, KFC's scrambled eggs were hard-cooked over high heat. Skip them (and save fifty cents) if you like your eggs soft and creamy like I do.

Price: $3.90 for blueberry pancakes, $4.40 for blueberry pancakes & eggs, $4.90 for blueberry pancakes & eggs with coffee/tea

Do also try their egg tarts if you haven't had them before. Served piping hot, KFC's Portuguese egg tarts ($1.30 each) feature smooth, wobbly custard encased in light, flaky pastry. Unfortunately the tarts are a bit inconsistent- sometimes I find that the tarts have oily bases. I'm guessing that they're best eaten when fresh out of the oven!