Ngee Ann City's restaurant scene has seen changes over the years. For the keened eyes, you would have noted that Coca has left the building. And replacing it is the third Imperial Treasure offshoot in the shopping centre...Imperial Treasure Shanghai.

It is now perimeter-ed by a row of cocoon-like seating booths that can comfortably accommodate 5-6 easily. The lights are warm, low and fuzzy in the cocoon. Nice ambience but not good for photography.

The Food
As mentioned in an earlier post, I am not familiar with Shanghainese food. I took my time in the two-hours, ordering some food and waiting for them to be served and consumed before ordering more.Nice and saltedTri-coloured eggs 4/5Crab terrine jelly 3.25/5SAF steel?Double-boiled lion's head!Crab claw in wine.Deep fried crispy duck 4/5


Conclusion
Unfortunately, I could only upload 8 pics here max. Nice place with good and light cooking. But then again, the menu is extensive. Go venture. 3.5/5

http://hmphie.blogspot.sg/2013/07/imperial-treasure-shanghai.html

Thai food has never featured greatly in my epicurean journey. But I do like its eclectic mix of spices and flavourings.

Jai Thai at Clover Way does not come to my mind easily even though I live in the vicinity. It's less than 10mins away from Marymount MRT station. Prices are affordable. Food is a pass, but not mind blowing.

If you are in the area and hankering for Thai, this is the place.

The Food

I told my colleague I paid about $25 at Jai Thai. He chuckled and said I must have ordered too much for two persons. That's the degree of affordability here. Unlike some Thai joints that charge double for the same quantity/quality. Tom Yum soup not pictured here.

Pizzas are not for everyone.

If you do not like carbohydrates, sodium and cheese, Extra Virgin Pizza (EVP) is definitely not for you. But if you do, I would welcome you

EVP at United Square is not stingy on its ingredients and sodium. Coupled with a fiery oven, the pizzas usually turn out nice, crisp and have robust smokey flavour.

The Food
I like my pizzas cheesy. So white pizzas are a good choice here. A good measure of a good pizza,to me, is a pepperoni. Nothing beats pepperoni fats flowing onto good cheese and fusing the flavours together on a well-spotted pizza.White pepperoni 4.25/5

It's not often that one sees clams served baked in briny broth at a pizza joint. The ones done here are very well executed with a very strong clamy taste, that borders on bisque and butter. Oven baked clams 4/5

if you like meatballs, you may wish to try EVP's version here. Not fantastic, but passable if you like a tangy basil laced ball of meat.Oven baked meatballs 3.5/5

Conclusion

I must warn you about the place. It's all indoor seating with an open concept kitchen. If you do not wish to smell of smokey pizza, try asking for a table further in the restaurant where the cashier/bar is located. Prices are reasonable and food great if you are in the Novena area.http://hmphie.blogspot.sg/

Business lunches, as what the phrase implies, usually involve the discussion on work-related issues. Au Petit Salut (APS) at Harding Road was often used by my co-workers for business lunches.

Not that it was all that good of an option. You have a good mix of suits and tai-tais. And you can imagine the din in the closed indoor dining area. The noise sure is distracting.

That's why I prefer seating outdoors under the fan and soaking in the sounds of the waterfall feature. If you do not mind the lack of air-conditioning, it's a pretty good option. At least you get to hear yourself better.

The Food

Anyway, they serve up a set-lunch which can be had for S$36 less taxes. For starters, you can try the snails or pork terrine. But if you had tried APS prior, you would have noticed that snails are now served on 'half a bone'. I preferred the previous way that it was served...in a 6-pitted bowl which sizzled with overflowing herbs and garlic butter. Burgundy snails 3.5/5

However, I prefer the pork and prune terrine. Even though I am not a fan of dried fruits like raisins, prunes and dates, the culprit here is not discernible. The pork is of a good briny flavour and smooth texture. Goes well with the complimentary bread.Pork and prune terrine 4.25/5

If you are adventurous, you can have a go at the prawn tartare if it is available. Raw prawns paired with poached quail egg and cucumbers....heavenly.Prawn tartare 4.25/5

Conclusion
There are also other starter options to be had for an added cost such as the Alaskan king crab or seared foie gras. But if need to be mindful on the wallet, the standard fare are good as well.

http://hmphie.blogspot.sg/2013/06/au-petit-salut-part-1.html

I have always been enamoured by prawn noodles. My mother had tweaked the recipe handed down by my paternal grandmother and the latest version is wonderful to say the least. And I swear the stock is better left overnight!

The Food

Anyway, Hoe Nam was an early discovery in my epicurean journey of sorts during the late 1990s. The flavour has not changed much, the chilli powder still as good. Maybe the $1.20 fish cake is new, but that's about it.

You get the usual suspects of big prawns, pork ribs, pig tails, intestines, clams etc in various price combos. Do not forget to ask for extra pork lard bits if you like them. If you are thick-skinned enough, you can also try asking for more soup halfway through your meal.

Conclusion

Remember to skip the pork ribs as they tend to be a little tough. The dry version is not likely to excite you too. Do not stinge, get the $5-version or above, it is worth the price. Try to be there during off-peak timings like 11.00am.