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Thomaschan
This is Thomaschan living in West Coast. I am a StudentI like to hang out in Orchard, Yishun, Clementi. Japanese, Singaporean, Cantonese/Hong Kong are my favorite cuisines. I also love Restaurant, Café and Dim Sum, Steaks and Grills, Sushi/Sashimi.
Member 6 First(s)
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Thomaschan  Level 3
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Fuss-free Hotpots OK Mar 06, 2013   
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Categories : Sichuan | Restaurant | Steamboat/Hot Pot | Kids-Friendly

Chicken Hotpot was something we always wanted to try at Serangoon Nex - the ingredients coupled with boiling broth looks appetizing, their concept of "Shanghai-nese buffet hotpot" is refreshing, what else? Oh yes, televisions screening them as a featured restaurant and what typical Singaporeans look for in a "die-die-must-try" makan place - snaking long queues.

The Shanghai-inspired restaurant has a couple meal going on for approximately $30+, which includes the Spicy Prawn hotpot and Chicken Claypot, along with a jug of thirst-quenching fruit punch/soft drink.

The Spicy Prawn hotpot is recommended for chilli-lovers looking for an intriguing fusion in their mini-hotpot. French fries in sambal broth?! Don't be alarmed like yours truly. It was my virgin experience trying out this unique combination as well, and trust me when I say that it is addictive. Prawns-wise, the meat lacks in juiciness and appears to be slightly overcooked. For health gurus, just a friendly warning that the gravy will be quite oily to take in.

 
Their signature Chicken Claypot was the highlight of the entire meal, with tender and succulent chicken meat simmered in thick and flavourful base over long hours. It is paired with crunchy celery, capsicums and onions. However, the amount of chicken meat was rather disappointing, if not, paired with glass noodles, the Chicken Claypot would make a perfect choice for any individuals looking for inner warmth in a chilly weather.

 
Not enough? Grab some ala carte items (S$1+ to S$3+) and cook them in the refillable broth!

All in all, Chicken Hotpot is not really "wow-inducing", but it would do fine for people looking for convenient and fuss-free hotpot meals, else the slightly hefty price.
 
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 3  |  
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 3  |  
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 3  |  
Clean
 3  |  
Price
 2

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Food for Cause OK Feb 22, 2013   
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Categories : Singaporean Western | Restaurant | Pasta | Steaks and Grills | Halal | Kids-Friendly

It was some times back when Peiyi and yours truly decided to get some light bites after a movie. After mulling for a few minutes, we decided to settle for Eighteen Chefs, a brainchild of former drug addict and convict, Chef Benny who believes in providing a positive working environment and experience for troubled youths and ex-convicts. Hence, do not be alarmed when a young man, full of tatoos is serving you. What a noble cause!

With students and youths as their targeted patrons (discounts or specials when you display your student pass etc), I wasn't convince about the food quality. Perhaps of previous bad experiences, I do not trust them as much. Eighteen Chefs surprised me. I wouldn't say that it was exceptionally good, but it was considerably above average, given that most of their dishes are value for money.

Down to the food, we ordered the Bolognaise Cheese Fries (S$4.90) - mozzarella cheese-baked fries topped with classic beef bolognaise sauce. The fries portion was generous and I assure you that they neither scrimp on their sauce.

 
With the flavour incorporated to every single potato fry, this afternoon snack makes the cut to be one of their signature dishes. Do note however, that the cheese fries are really filling, so it is recommended to share this among 2-3 people, if you are eating it along with their mains.

The Waffle w/ Vanilla ice cream (S$6.50) topped up with chocolate fudge was okay. While the Belgian waffles is a little too cold for my liking, the generous drizzle of chocolate fudge is a plus point.

 

Eighteen Chefs also provides customized pastas or cheese baked dishes, where you D-I-Y your meals by choosing from a wide selection of sauces and ingredients, and they cook it for you.
 
Other Ratings:
Taste
 3  |  
Environment
 3  |  
Service
 3  |  
Clean
 3  |  
Price
 5

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Decent Western Affair OK Feb 22, 2013   
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Categories : American | Restaurant | Kids-Friendly

Although I frequent this mall oftenly, I wanted to try something I never had. It is when we stumbled upon Barcelos Chicken and White Dogs Cafe, I had quite a hard time deciding, before we settled for the latter. After approximately 15 minutes of waiting, we were ushered to a table near the entrance, not what I hoped I'd get because I would really like a table with a Sentosa view.

I ordered their Seafood Marinara (S$14.00) - the linguine pasta is cooked al-dente, but the sauce can do with a little more salt. Their portion of seafood is larger than usual, with a generous serving of succulent prawns, mussels and squid rings. However, I thought that the overall appearance can be improved. (Currently, it looks like the chef dumped the whole chunk of seafood-mixed pasta on the plate.)

 
Peiyi had their special set menu, which includes Grilled Half Chicken, Soup of the day (which you can upgrade to premium for S$1) and a glass of drink. The upgraded appetizer tasted lumpy, which is already a huge down point. But at least the garlic bread tastes crispy and fragrant.

 
For the Grilled Half Chicken, we substituted the french fries with a really bowl of mashed potatos. It also comes with coleslaw salad and their signature peri-peri sauce. The chicken is soft and tender, with the flavour of the seasoning fully absorbed. I highly recommend eating together with the spicy sauce.

 
White Dog Cafe is one of the restaurants that I will visit again, but not in the near future. The next time I visit, I'll definitely book earlier to get a table with the panoramic scenery and of course, to save myself the waiting time.
 
Other Ratings:
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 2  |  
Environment
 3  |  
Service
 3  |  
Clean
 3  |  
Price
 3

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Mediocre Japanese Cuisine OK Feb 22, 2013   
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Categories : Japanese

One can never miss out the prominent, cursive "Shokudo" logo when walking pass Cathay Cineleisure. You know, one of those restaurants or cafes where you pass by time and time again, but you never had the chance to try out?

So last Friday night, my dear and I were contemplating what to eat, before we decided to have our virgin experience at this modern Japanese coffee house.

Upon reaching the restaurant, we were promptly greeted and seated by one of the service staff. The cafe has a nice western touch to its interior and location-wise, I would say it is perfect (considering that the escalators are just a few metres away from the entrance). However, it was surprising that on a Friday night (at approx 8.15pm), the place was only about 30% filled.

Anyway, I ordered the Japanese-style Kinoko Pork Chop (S$14.80), topped up with assorted mushroom sauce, crispy veggies and corn salad. The meat was slightly overcooked, resulting in a tough and "gnawy" interior. The sauce makes up for it, but could definitely do with more mushroom bits and chunks. One thing that was perfect in this dish though, was the corn salad; the cold mashed potato mixed with sweet, crunchy Hokkaido corn was very good.

 
My girl ordered the Grilled Chicken Curry Omu Rice (S$14.80) - the grilled chicken was nothing special, but the short-grained rice cooked with tomato paste and drenched with runny scrambled eggs was awesome. The dish was also completed with a bowl of typical Japanese curry with assorted vegetables.

 
Their desserts and square thin-crusted pizza looked appetizing too, not very “wow”-inducing, but I might give this cafe a try again in the future.
 
Other Ratings:
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 2  |  
Environment
 3  |  
Service
 3  |  
Clean
 3  |  
Price
 3

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Decent Korean Food OK Feb 20, 2013   
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Categories : Korean

Located at the top floor of Jcube (previously - Jurong Entertainment Centre), a newly built mall which housed the second IMAX theatres locally and highly acclaimed olympic-sized ice skating rink that opened their doors earlier this year, Manna Story has made another of its nest there in the midst of cool air. Like most Korean restaurants, it boasts authentic Korean cuisine served in a homely environment. Bromance ZR, Tim and yours truly decided to have our virgin experiences (okay, that sounds pretty gay) right there.

On a typical Saturday night at approximately 7pm, we expected to see restaurants filled with diners, but it was barely half-filled when we got there. Upon ordering, one of the service staff served us an impressive platter of assorted appetizers, which usually in other restaurants - the most you can get is probably a maximum of 4. For the benefits of all kiasu Singaporeans, this is refillable but please do not waste.

 
My favourite was the peanuts (2nd row, most right) if you want to know. It is slightly different than the ones you would have in Chinese restaurants, this is harder and a tad more chewer. It was like popping sweets and trust me, it is addictive.

For me, I had their sizzling plate of BBQ Beef (S$13.80) with bowl of white rice, salad and soup. Quantity-wise, it exceeded my expectations, however quality-wise, it was a little dry and hard. There is a small 20% chance you could find a piece that is juicy and tender. Other than that? Keep digging.

 

We ordered their promo item - Kimchi Pizza Bab (S$8.80) for sharing. Although not exactly pizza, the name simply means Kimchi rice topped with melted cheddar cheese, tomatoes and capsicum. This is good, I love how well the cheese complemented the kimchi rice. I just wished that there was more kimchi in the rice.

 

Curry Pork Cutlet (S$14.00) tasted like their Japanese counterpart. Thick, juicy, curry-drenched pork katsu topped with carrot and potato cubes. Do you know what I wanted to say? OM NOM NOM NOM.

 

Mul Naengmyeon (S$11.80) was a disappointment according to ZR. This bowl of Korean cold noodles in plain broth (or water as some might call it) is better appreciated in smaller portions, and when not consumed in chilly weathers. For me, I definitely prefer the Bibim Naengmyeon (which they don't serve here) - cold noodles with broth made from beef.

 

The whole dinner costed us S$59.70, including service charge and prevailing government taxes. Is it worth visiting again? Well, maybe I might.. if I ran out of food to try.
 
Other Ratings:
Taste
 2  |  
Environment
 3  |  
Service
 3  |  
Clean
 3  |  
Price
 3

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