Situated along Rangoon road, there is this small shop, The Cold Pantry, selling frozen yogurt. When I stepped into the shop, the light colors they used in their shop brighten up my day I was greeted a very warm welcome by 3 ladies in the shop, I believed one of them is the creator of The Cold Pantry.

The menu was passed to me quickly and for my first glance, I saw this exciting combi "Movie date" which consists of popcorn & nachos !! I immediately chose it My younger brother chose the "Dark Desire" as he is nuts over chocolate! It took quite awhile for our frozen yogurt to be served so I went round the shop taking photos. There are props provided too to let customers take fun shots within their shop premises.

After our yogurt is served, I immediately scooped all the way to the bottom of the glass, where I could taste nachos, frozen yogurt & popcorn all in 1 mouthful. The "Movie date" combi was surprising yummy & fun! The "Dark Desire" combi wasn't as fantastic as the "Movie date", as Oreos + Pound cake combi didn't spark off but my younger brother still loves it because he said its very choco-licious! Lol Both cups are $5.90 each.

Definitely we will come back for 2nd round as there are other interesting combi on the menu! Stay tune for more updates on my page

[Praelum Wine Bistro]

Exploring Tanjong Pagar area, hidden along a quiet stretch of shophouses on Duxton Hill, there was Praelum Wine Bistro. A cosy place you could totally relax in, you felt it the moment you stepped into the shop. Using outstanding red color for their walls and beautiful art pieces, Praelum indeed project a "classy" yet comfortable environment. They have their own walk-in wine cellar with more than 1000 bottles of carefully procured vino.Greeted politely by the head of this bistro, Gerald Lu himself, whom was also a sommelier, followed by serving us our wine and food. He even told us the history behind the wines and founder but was way too heavy for me to absorb! We tried these wines: [Wine A] White: Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt "RK" Riesling 2014 (Mosel, Germany) [Wine B] Red: Bodegas Lealtanza Crianza 2011 (Rioja, Spain)Although I'm not a wine person but personally I preferred the white, it was crisp and sweet.

Food that paired with our wines were delicious too. First we had:

1• Pork Parcels (S$27.00)- Cream cheese Portobello cubes wrapped in bacon. Bacon pan fried till crisp and drizzled with tomato-basil dressing. Bacon was a little dry and tough but the creamy mushroom fillings improved the overall texture. Apple chutney on the side spiced up some additional sweet tangy flavour too.

2• Tarts Flambee (S$20.00)- A German dish that resembles pizza. It comes in a rectangular shaped thin crust, spread with fromage blanc, bacon, onions and a sunny side up in the center. Texture was very crispy and tasted lightweight, compared to our usual pizzas. Great as a snack while enjoying the wine.

Lastly, we had fish. It's definitely a healthier choice for weight watchers!

3• Salmon-En-Croute (S$32.00)- Salmon parcel wrapped in pastry and baked till crisp. The golden brown crust was so flaky and buttery, yums! I seldom take salmon because of the fishy aftertaste but I took quite a lot this time. Reason being the herbs fillings, which made up of dill leaves, basil and zesty lemon juice, wrapped between the salmon made the whole dish really delicious.

*** A cosy wine bistro to rest and relax. Although their main target was to introduce customers with better wines but the food here was quite up to standard too. Great wine paired with good food, its definitely a great spot to chill at with friends and colleagues! Occasionally, Praelum do hold private events/ classes to teach you more about wine. Feel free to contact them for more info. ***

📍 Praelum Wine Bistro
4 Duxton Hill
Singapore 089590
Tel: 6238 5287

Mon to Sat - 6pm to 1am
Closed on Sunday

http://praelum.com.sg

[Grand Mandarina]Grand Mandarina, formerly Grand Mandarin, was known as a chinese restaurant serving exquisite fine dining cuisines. But after 2 years of operations, a new management change was implemented and new blood joining Grand Mandarina.
Mr Benson Tong, also the popular man behind quite a number of F & B establishments, including the latest Captain K restaurant, was now their new CEO. Restaurant concept was changed from previously fine dining concept to a more family oriented restaurant. Motive? To let more families come by, gather here and enjoy great food at more affordable prices. Together with Chef Eric Yeo (formerly from Marina Mandarin), new dishes were created and restaurant menu was revamped. Customized menus can be arranged if you have special dietary needs, but with additional charges.
Now, let's walk through some of the popular choices and new created dishes.
Firstly, each of us were served with an individual share of pickles. I was a little amazed as it was the first time I had pickled cherry tomatoes rather than achar or braised peanuts.(1) Pickled Cherry Tomatos and Plum
- Love the tangy sourish punch which burst out in my mouth when I pop in 1 tomato. Even the plum fruit was marinated till soft, flesh falls off seed easily. Rating 5/5
(2) Dim Sum

[a] Steamed Vegetarian Dumplings with Diced Assorted Mushrooms and Vegetables in Black Pepper [S$4.80/3pcs]- Juicy, chewy mushroom bits and cabbage wrapped in thin dumpling skin. A great choice for weight watchers and suitable for vegetarians too as the whole dish was meatless. Black pepper wasn't distinctive but the mushroom fragrance did made up for it! Rating 3/5
Crispy Rice Rolls filled with Shredded Smoked Duck and Bamboo Shoots [S$7.50/6pcs]

 

- I was quite fascinated with this "you tiao" (dough fritter) dim sum. Although silky soft rice rolls were wrapped around the you tiao ,the you tiao could still remain very crispy. Shredded smoked duck fillings were very flavorful and bamboo shoots gave the additional crunch. Overall taste was slightly salty so I suggest not to dip the you tiao in the light soya sauce provided. Rating 4/5
[c] Pan Fried Bun with Minced Pork and Cabbage [S$5.00/3pcs]

 

- Compared to the other two dim sum dishes mentioned above, this was the least I liked. Bun dough was too thick and meat fillings were bland. Rating 2/5
(3) Roast Meat Platter [S$104.00]
[a] Honey Glazed Bbq Pork Loin [S$18.00/portion] *Pictured 2 portions*

These were 2 portions $36

 

- Sweet caramelized exterior and tender meat texture, these char siew were "TO-DIE-FOR"!! Having balance of 50% meat + 50% fats on each slice, this perfect melt-in-mouth proportion made me go on for more slices! Rating 5/5
Crispy Roast Pork Belly [S$18.00/portion] *Pictured 2 portions*

$18 per potion. Pictured 2 portions $36

 

- Jennifer's rule for roast pork belly "skin must be crackling" and indeed, the chef did it! Thin, crackling skin with belly well marinated. Consume it with mustard provided to give it an extra tangy touch. Rating 4/5
[c] Roasted Duck in Summer Truffle Sauce [S$32.00/portion]

 

- Usually for roast duck, I will go for the drum part, as meat would be more juicy, what about you? Well executed roast duck with crisp skin, fragrant and meat succulent. A pity when the truffle sauce beneath the duck meat was not distinctive of truffle taste, I totally don't taste it, otherwise it would be an interesting marriage between the two. Rating 4/5

(4) New Dish- Deep Fried Chilean Seabass with Crispy Fish Skin served with Egg White Crumble and Golden Broth [S$26.00/pax]

 

- Such a beautifully plated dish, by just looking at it, I'm already impressed. Chilean seabass fillet deep fried till crispy on all sides and placed on top of egg white together with golden broth. This golden broth made from red carrots was creamy, the sweetness brings the rather bland fish to life. Fish meat was firm yet texture really fine. As for the crispy fish skin and edible flower, although not necessary but they did good to make whole dish looks prettier. Rating 3/5
(5) New Dish- Steamed Wild Yam in Imperial Sauce [S$12.00/portion] *Pictured 1/3 portion*

Pictured 1/3 portion only

 

- I love the crunchy texture with natural sweetness from these Wild Yam (淮山) slices. They may looked plain but tasted yummy on its own. Imperial sauce beneath resembles shanghai style soya sauce, with vinegar and chili buddies added, to give us slight tangy spicy aftertaste. This dish was served chill, it's great as an appetizer and also as a main. Rating 4/5
(6) New Dish- King Prawn, Silken Longevity noodles served in Coconut Crustacean Broth [S$26/pax]

 

- Using whole coconut to make double-boiled soup was the common dish you see in Chinese restaurants. But using it to cook prawn noodles "hei mee", this was my first encounter. I wasn't expecting much when it was served but one sip of the soup, you know you're in HEAVEN! This thick flavourful prawn soup filled with all the crustaceans goodness together with fresh coconut juice, so sweet, my throat nearly choke on it!! The noodle texture was soft and silky, with the goodness of the soup all soaked within, I suggest you guys to consume them quick to avoid noodles being soggy. As for the jumbo prawn, it was more of a "配角" compared to the soup but it's really firm and fresh! Rating 5/5
(7) Special Dessert- [ 雪中送炭 ]

 

A dessert made specially for us by Head Chef Eric Yeo. D24 Durian Pengat in Charcoal sesame ball crust, paired with red bean paste and coconut ice cream. It was like 2 different desserts served on the same plate but my eyes were only on the durian. Love the chewy charcoal crust with fleshy d24 durian and the colorful fruity dollops on the plate. Generous of the Chef to put so much gold flakes on the durian pengat. Red bean paste with coconut ice cream was decent too but abit tad common. Rating 4/5** A great lunch experience at Grand Mandarina with calories well spent. It would be a suitable place for gathering and celebrations especially when current new pricings were more pocket-friendly. Food were definitely up to high standards and staff pretty attentive. Private rooms/ sections available too upon request. So hurry down here to try out the food for yourselves! **

 

Grand Mandarina
🚩 325 New Bridge Road
#01/02-00
Singapore 088760
Tel: 62223355
Opens daily from 11.30am to 2.30pm (lunch)/ 6.30pm to 10pm (dinner).
http://www.grandmandarina.com.sg

[This was a hosted tasting session]

[York Hotel] Penang Hawkers' Fare 2016
Good news for all! This year, York Hotel Singapore is back to celebrate the 30th Anniversary for their renowned Penang Hawkers' Fare Buffet, held at their White Rose Cafe, Level 1.They brought in 12 stalls this year and 3 sessions throughout 2016:
- March 11 to March 27, 2016
- Sept 2 to Sept 18, 2016
- Dec 16 to Jan 1st, 2017
Response was really good and NO RESERVATIONS entertained, walk-in-only. Lunch 12noon to 2.30pm / Dinner 6.30pm to 10pm.Weekday Priced at $29++ Adult / $20++ Child below 12 / Weekends Priced at $33++ Adult / $20++ Child below 12
If any of you interested to learn how to make their prawn noodles, assam laksa and ban chang kueh, last chance on 19 March 2016. Limited seats, call 68301156 to register now.
Here were some highlights from their Penang hawkers' fare buffet:
(1) Penang Assam Laksa- Assam laksa, the best item I had that night. A bowl of thick bee hoon (rice noodles), soaked in pipin' hot broth made from fish and tamarind. Sourish, full of flavours, so SHIOK! Topped with pineapple slices, chilli buddy, shredded cucumber, torch ginger and complete with a small spoonful of prawn paste. I can have this everyday! Rating 5/5
(2) Prawn Noodles- This bowl of "hae mee" (prawn noodles) wasn't as impressive as the laksa but was definitely comfort food. As told by the hawker chef, broth was made from piles of prawn heads, pork ribs and shells to obtain this robust consistency but I wished the taste was much stronger. Prawns given were really tiny, pork slices too dry but the rewarding part? Lotsa crispy pork lard! Rating 3/5
(3) Lor Bak- A snack resembling our local fried prawn fritters (五香虾饼), this Penang version came with only 4 items; deep fried prawn, sweet potato, tau gua (fried beancurd) and handmade five-spiced meat roll. I love the meat rolls most while the other three were rather common. They were well marinated with good amount of chinese spices, not overpowering, while the meat was firm and juicy. Rating 3/5
(4) Penang Rojak- This interesting plate of "chinese salad" caught my attention because of the ingredients used. Instead of the usual tau pok (fried beancurd skin) and dough fritters we had in our rojak, Penang version had jambu and green mango in it. Love the crunchiness of the fruits mixed in with the thick flavourful rojak sauce (prawn paste) and fragrant grounded peanuts. Not everybody could accept the pungent smell of prawn paste but I can and I quite like it. Rating 4/5
(5) Char Kway Teow- Longest queues were found infront of this char kway teow stall. Everyone patiently waited, just to get their hands on this Penang's renowned char kway teow. A small plate of fried flat rice noodles in soya sauce, loaded with bean sprouts, spring onions, cockles, egg and prawn. Fragrant, savoury, semi sweet and least oily! It's a waste that my plate of CKT doesn't carry that smokey "wok hei" taste otherwise it would be perfect! Rating 4/5
(6) Kway Teow- An ordinary looking bowl of dry kway teow with fishballs and shredded chicken. But the base sauce for tossing the kway teow was so yum! A mixture of Penang sweet sauce, dark soya sauce plus sesame oil, these sauces' combination seems so simple yet delicious and satisfying. Rating 3/5
(7) Pasembur- This year's new item. A mixture of shredded cucumber pile, potato chunks, fried beancurd, Egg slice and thin crispy dough biscuits. Special? Yes, the sauce! The orange-coloured sauce on top was made from sweet potato! Sweet and slight grainy, interesting fusion taste when consume with the ingredients. Rating 3/5
(8) Ban Chang Kueh- Crispy, sweet, buttery, loaded with lotsa grounded peanuts, so yummy so IRRESISTABLE! Nuff said Rating 5/5
(9) Chendol- Personally, I felt this chendol wasn't as authentic as those I tried before, especially these greeny pandan jellies (If you know what I meant). Kidney beans were nicely done and not mushy, the thick caramelized gula melaka was a highlight too but I prefer the portion to be more. Rating 4/5Other stalls' delicacies include Nasi Lemak with Nonya Chicken Kapitan which had very fragrant coconut rice and nicely done ikan billis chilli, Oyster omelette which lack crispiness, Cuttlefish Kangkong and dessert Ice Kacang.

** The whole dining experience was really good, especially when dine with good friends. On site situation was crowded, even on a weekday Tuesday night, but all customers were really discipline and queued politely. Despite the long queues and busy nights, the hawkers cooking at individual stations were all smiles throughout. They were also kind enough to tell us more about the food recipes when asked upon. Thumbs up! Although each dish came in small portions but you could queue again for your favourite choices, it's buffet!!
For the price of $29++ on weekdays and $33++ on weekends, this deal was definitely worth! Hurry down before this fare ends on 27 March 2016. **

York Hotel Singapore
📍21 Mount Elizabeth Singapore 228516
Tel: 67370511
Open daily.
http://www.yorkhotel.com.sg
Nearest MRT station: Orchard
Exit to Far East Plaza, walk across the big carpark from Goodwood Park Hotel and you will see destination, York Hotel.
 

[Portico Prime]Portico Prime, sister arm of Portico, took over the space at Dempsey hill which used to be The Prime Society, serving modern european cuisines.
My man and I had their 3-course Festive set lunch priced at $48++ per pax and we enjoyed it.
Starters:
(1) Bread and butter- The highlight here was the seaweed butter. Consume together with the sundried tomato bread, it's was yum! A great start to my festive lunch. Rating 4/5.
(2) Jerusalem Artichoke Soup- Parmesan and sesame tuile; crispy, savoury with fragrance from the roasted sesame. Blue swimmer crab croquette was packed with firm crabmeat, deep fried till crispy. Seafood freshness was clearly presently in every bite into the crabmeat. My only complain? Too small piece! A bite of croquette with a mouthful of artichoke soup, it was so rich, sinful and delicious. Rating 4/5.
(3) Smoked Salmon Mousseline- The most pretty dish of all courses. Salmon mousse was creamy and texture real smooth. Served chilled and it's like eating salmon gelato. Before I forked it, I was quite worried that there might be overwhelming "fishy" taste which I'm afraid of but the pickled radish and shallots helped in reducing it. The crispy pumpernickel crumbs and salmon roe also helps in bringing up some crunchiness and lesser the mushy. The most love part were the thin salmon skin crisps! Rating 3.5/5.
Mains:
(4) Roasted Pork Belly with Crackling- Meat was marinated till flavourful, taste of chinese spices was pretty strong but was slight salty for me, still it was delicious. Pork was paired with sherry pork sauce, with hints of sweetness and light alcohol aftertaste. Unfortunately the pork belly skin wasn't crackling otherwise it would have scored higher with my tastebuds. Pumpkin purée that was supposed to carry ginger scent wasn't distinctive at all. Rating 4/5.
(5) Roulade of Turkey with wild mushrooms- This turkey dish surprised me with wild mushroom hidden inside the meat roulade. Mushroom taste was rather strong, It actually helped to reduce the overpowering thyme marinates found on the meat. Together with the poultry jus and brandy cranberries, the overall taste was more well-balanced. Roasted seasoned potatoes with herbs tasted great too and I don't mind having them alone as a starter or snack. Rating 3/5.
Desserts:
(6) Max Felchlin 64% Chocolate and hazelnut mousse- Dessert!!! A girl's best friend Marron ice cream was bery sweet with strong nutty aftertaste. What won me over was the homemade prune and armagnac jam, it worked so well with the chocolate hazelnut mousse! Weird marriage but tasted good! Rating 4/5.

*** A classy restaurant with nice ambience and attentive servers. No complains at all for their good service. Food and plating were definitely of high standards. When you're there, you might want to take their alfresco seatings overseeing Portico's own herbs garden, very relaxing and great if drinking a glass or two. Suitable for dating, friends gathering or after-work get together ***

Portico Prime
10 Dempsey Road #01-20
Singapore 247700
Tel: 64747427
www.portico.sg
Tuesday to Sunday
Lunch 11.30am to 3pm.
Dinner 6pm to 10.30pm Weekdays & till 11.30pm on Weekends.
(Closed on Monday)