New Bites - February 2014 | OpenRice Singapore

For the month of love, our heart beats to the rhythm of new food places springing up all around our little island – fast and furious. What’s not to love about that? Brace yourselves for these 5 newbies for you foodies: A healthy Japanese buffet, hearty homemade sandwiches in the CBD, a swanky new cocktail bar with Asian French fusion bites, another new brunch spot and a fight-scene starring hunky burgers and sleek, sleek wings. 1. Burger VS. Wings + Bar

The mighty burger goes face to face in a showdown against the swift fleet of wings at Burger VS. Wings + Bar, Orchard Central’s new restaurant featuring a boxing ring concept. That includes a punching bag at the entrance, a large bell that rings for ready orders and again at any time of the day for impromptu special offers like “1-for-1 beer”. 10 burgers and 10 wings form the core of the menu, including a DIY option for your own ‘champion’ burger made of a patty and any 7 toppings of your choice. The Tyson Peanut Butter Burger ($21.90) is a showstopper, along with the premium Wagyu Beef Black Burger ($28) that consist of a US wagyu beef patty, beer battered onion rings and a sleek truffle jam. The Champion’s Belt platter ($56.80) is a great deal for two. What you get aside from two burgers of your choice: Trio wings and all-in combo fries. Challenge yourself with their Hot Buffalo Wings at the ‘suicide’ level and for those with a weakness for cheese, the Mozarella Jumbo Wings come stuffed with oodles of mozzarella cheese, doused in smoked garlic barbeque hot sauces. This is one food fight not to miss. Orchard Central #11-03/04, 181 Orchard Road, Open daily from 11.30am – 3pm & 5.30pm – 10pm. 2. Kensai Kitchen

Photo courtesy of Kensai Kitchen

Craving for a big meal but still feeling the after-effects of all that festive feasting? Good news – healthy buffets do exist and one has just opened its doors in the basement of Liang Court. Kensai Kitchen hails from the land of the rising sun and has set camp here amongst its comrades, bringing you authentic Japanese home cooking – buffet style. It’s like being invited into a cosy Japanese home for a meal, where your hospitable host constantly serves you humble dishes packed with a healthy punch. Even their rice is astounding! Of the 15 items that line the buffet, highlights include a wholesome beef stew, Nikujaga (sounds a little bit like Mick Jagger, don’t you think?), Salmon Sashimi and the delicately multi-layered omelette, Dashimaki . Probably one of the more afforadable Japanese buffets around, the all-inclusive price of $19.90++ per adult on weekdays for both lunch and dinner gets you access to an all-you-can-eat buffet, as well as the free-flow drinks bar. Liang Court #B1-03/04/05, 177 River Valley Road. Open weekdays 11.30am – 3pm (lunch), 5.30pm – 11pm (dinner) and weekends 11.30am – 5pm (lunch), 5.30pm – 11pm (dinner). 3. Gaest

Gaest (means and sounds like ‘guest’) is a new sandwich bar in the CBD opened by a lovely Danish couple, bent on giving its competitors in the area a run for its money. The food is inspired by Nordic cuisine, something us Singaporeans haven’t quite been acquainted with yet. And what defines them, is that extra personal touch they add to each hearty dish. It starts with homemade sourdough bread baked right on site, which sports a solid crust with a pillow-soft centre –one we could eat all day. Their sandwiches come in generous portions – the most popular being Pork, which comes with orange marinated red cabbage, red apples and mayonnaise. If that’s unfortunately sold out, go for the Potato. The smoked mayonnaise on that will blow you away, so hold on tight! Their soups are a meal itself and vary from day to day. We’ll vouch for the Tomato soup – a thick blend that consist of feta cheese, fresh parsley, roasted hazelnuts and it goes wondrous with the side of bread. So what are you waiting for? Be their gaest. The Clift #01-01, 21 McCallum Street. Open Mon to Sat from 7.30am – 4pm. 4. L'Aiglon

Photo courtesy of L'aiglon

What used to be a creative space along Neil Road, has turned into a upscale cocktail bar inspired by the owner’s luxury travels – a chic mishmash of French and Asian nuances. Think plush velvets, smooth leather and a classy deep maroon interior. Unique to L’Aiglon are cocktails like an aptly named The French 69 (see address) made with luxurious Gin and Champagne. And if you’re into a mean glass of Bloody Mary, you’re in luck. Screaming Tomatoes is the head bartender’s signature cocktail similar to the popular drink. Inspired by the savoury pizza, the combination of tomatoes and lychees harmonizes with hints of basil for a flavour like no other. And while you’re clinking cocktail glasses, indulge in their line of Asian French Fusion bites. Highlights include PEP’s Chicken Mini Burger, the Obsiblue Tartare with ginger flower and lime caviar and the Smoked Salmon Maki. *Price range - Cocktails: $20 - $22, Food: $6 - $18. 69 Neil Road. Open Mon to Sat from 5pm – 1am. 5. Stirling Highway

Photo courtesy of Stirling Highway

Named after the carriageway in Perth where the owners nursed their love for food, Stirling Highway is a café built on friendship, brunch and tantalizing bakes with aromatic brews. Located next to Ridgewood Condominium in Dover, the café is one hidden treasure for dear westies and for any café hopping folks. Head down for brunch and order their Pulled Pork Buttermilk Pancakes that stars 3 thick pancake slabs with an intense layer of pulled pork and whiskey maple syrup. And don’t even think about leaving before trying their desserts. If you’re tart lovers like us, you’ll go gaga over their Passionfruit Meringue and the Earl Grey. And for cupcake people, we hear Peanut Butter Banana and Salted Caramel are available! 5 Ridgewood Close, Unit #G1, Ridgewood Condominium. Open Mon, Wed – Fri from 11am to 9pm & Sat – Sun from 9am to 9pm. -- Don't miss any of our past 'New Bites' finds! Read them here: New Bites - January 2014 New Bites - December 2013 New Bites - November 2013 New Bites - October 2013 New Bites - September 2013 See Also: Hungry for more? These burgers are bound to satiate you More American food to check out