The spacious 120-seat Salt tapas & bar gives off a unique modern Spanish vibe, and is a tourist hotspot. Stunning mirror features, raw brick walls and industrial-chic antique lightings provide a great environment for guests to relax and embrace hearty food and conversation. The wide full-length windows allow natural light to stream in and beautifully illuminate the restaurant.I feel really proud that Singapore is able to attract a chef of Luke Mangan's stature! With one of Australia’s leading chefs and restaurateurs heading this eatery, I rest assured that the food will not disappoint.Low-hanging light bulbs and dark walnut chairs form part of a modern Spanish atmosphere.Platter of tacos, breaded chicken breast and deep-fried fish and chips

A group set menu is available upon reservation (minimum of 10 persons).

Taco of tempura prawn, pineapple salsa, chipotle aioli — S$14.00 (Small); S$27.00 (Large) Flavourful and succulent tempura prawn taco

This is highly recommended! The prawns were fresh and juicy to the bite, and the pineapple salsa provided a powerful spicy and acidic kick to the taco. I love the way the dish is presented — it makes the taco really easy to eat and leaves no messy residue.

Fish & chips with slaw— S$25.00Note: Slaw is not pictured

The breaded fish is crispy and juicy within. However, I wonder what type of fish is used here because a pungent fishy smell lingers in your mouth.Spaghetti and Tomato SauceWe tried a really small portion of pasta with tomato sauce, and I was impressed by this well-balanced dish! It was not overly sweet, and each strand of spaghetti was cooked evenly. The tomato sauce tasted fresh and tangy.

Dulce de leche & salted pecan semifreddo, strawberries, coconut wafer — S$14.00One of my favourite desserts of 2014! The texture was so awesome and I wonder how it was crafted with such a rich and luscious consistency. Crispy, creamy, crunchy and cold, this dessert is definitely my star pick!

Churros, Chocolate Sauce — S$15.00Best churros in Singapore

Even LadyIronChef is impressed with the churros here. The accompanying thick chocolate sauce was such a wonderful gratification on its own too! I slowed my pace of eating upon nearing the end of each piece, in a bid to prolong the savoury indulgence!

Food aside, the service was really friendly and the crew were sharp in attending to requests. I cannot over-emphasise how much I love the ambience — it's such a lovely place to relax and unwind after a day's work! It looks ideal for parties, large gatherings and corporate events too. Perhaps the only noticeable downside were the toilets, which were quite dirty during my visit.

Prices are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing GST.

Are you a die-hard fanatic of all things Korean? You now get to experience a new casual dining experience with SYNC Korean Fusion Bistro. Opened in January, the bistro remains a relatively hidden gem as it is situated at a corner of Westgate. As the name suggests, SYNC desires to synchronise Korean and Western food, technology and lifestyle. The brand is powered by Samsung as part of its diversification strategy. 1. Okonomiyaki — S$12.00I gasped when I saw this dish on the menu. I had always thought of Okonomiyaki as a Japanese savoury pancake, and that Pajeon is a Korean version of it. Both the kimchi and seafood pancakes had their own merits. The seafood pancake was more flavourful with the bonito flakes on top, while the kimchi pancake was more plain, yet fragrant.I expected crispiness in each bite, but discovered an interesting thin and doughy texture instead. This portion is good for sharing among four, as an appetiser.

2. Bibimbap — S$12.90I loved how SYNC actually used a poached egg instead of a soft-boiled egg in the bibimbap. The five ingredients used were in perfect balance, and this definitely caters to diners looking for a fuller meal. The sauce had a slightly sour note, and this somehow accentuated the flavours of the other ingredients.

3. Gamja Tuikim — S$6.90One of the more noteworthy offerings at SYNC Korean Fusion Bistro was this plate of fries topped with kimchi nacho cheese. I felt like several flavourful expressions were going on in my mouth at once — there was a hint of spiciness from the kimchi, and a lightly sourish and salty flavour from the nacho cheese. This is definitely recommended for cheese lovers.

4. Smoked Duck Ramyun — S$13.90Mildly spicy, this Korean noodle soup features curly noodles with tofu, wakame, smoked duck and a soft-boiled egg. I must confess my initial disdain for this dish - "Isn't this instant noodles?" This has long been my perception of Korean ramyun, but this heartwarming bowl of noodles differentiates itself well from the 3-minute-to-prepare meal. The soup broth was very rich and flavourful, and the springy noodles were certainly a far cry from instant noodles.

5. Topokki — S$7.90Koreans have their own version of Lontong. These rice cakes are glazed with a spicy-sweet sauce and accompanied by fish cake slices, bacon, spring onion and a soft-boiled egg. They are extremely chewy and taste divine with that thick, sweet and savoury sauce. This dish is best shared with others, allowing you to sample the various ingredients without getting too stuffed.

6. Yangnyeom Tongdak — S$6.90How can chicken be this crispy?! This was the prevailing thought on my mind as I dug into these sweet and spicy winglets. The meat was really tender and the savoury juices oozed out to mix with the sweetness and spiciness. Every bite of this chicken is sophisticated because of the elaborate science that goes on in the cooking process. SYNC differentiates their chicken by adding a sprinkle of black sesame seeds.

7. Matcha Lava Cake — S$7.90If you are able to order only one dish, make it the Matcha Lava Cake. This is probably the most satisfying dessert I have ever eaten in my life! I usually have a disinclination towards any dessert made with green tea, but this is extremely well-executed. Mere words fail to express how awfully delicious and tantalising this is! Watch the following video and you will know exactly what I mean.Last but not least, SYNC does not impose any service charges. However, you can rest assured that their service standards are comparable to those of many establishments with that ubiquitous 10% charge. 

Full review available at http://www.littletinysun.com/2014/10/7-must-try-korean-dishes-at-sync-korean.html

Supplementary Information:

SYNC Korean Fusion Bistro

Westgate, 3 Gateway Drive #03-01/01A

Singapore 608532

Mon - Thu: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

Fri - Sat: 11:00 am - 12:00 am

Sun: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

 

Recommended Dish(es):  Yangnyeom Tongdak,matcha lava cake,Topokki,Smoked Duck Ramyun,Gamja Tuikim,Okonomiyaki

 

Table Wait Time: 15 minute(s)

Spending per head: Approximately $16(Dinner)

Dining Offers: 信用卡優惠

Other Ratings:

Taste

 5  |  

Environment

 5  |  

Service

 2  |  

Clean

 4  |  

Price

 3

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It's time to take your cafe-hopping experience to a whole new level. With the highly concentrated food scene in Singapore, a new breed of dining experience has just come on board — Bistros. The Rustic Bistro is not only wallet-friendly, but also provides the perfect ambience for large groups and families. 1. NETT Prices — NO GST, NO Service ChargeDining with your buddies is made exceptionally simple WITHOUT the hassle of calculating +10% service charge and +7% GST. Hooray!

2. Rustic floor plan that surpasses your expectation of a typical SG cafeTheir colourful furniture reflects their pride in creativity and going against convention. While the colours don't seem to complement each other, the contrasting effects appear to work. The ambience may not be as enchanting as that at Carpenter and Cook, but it has its own mystical character. I can't quite put my finger on what it is though.

3. Be inspired by their electrifying decorationsWires and lightbulbs hang loosely overhead as an additional decorative feature, setting the mood of the Bistro. The chefs are definitely the 'Thomas Edison(s)' of Modern-inspired Western cuisine, because any lightbulb moment could lead to Point #4.

4. Receive free appetisers from the Chefs*Occasionally, you may get FREE appetisers from the Rustic Bistro Chefs. This is sparked by their random innovation, according to which they 'make anything when it comes to their mind'. They then get feedback from their customers, and think about putting it on the next menu. Because Rustic Bistro is a totally new concept, they are open to changing their menu to suit the tastebuds of their customers. The appetiser I tried tasted like Cordon Bleu with grape juice extract and the flavours were harmonious.

5. They've got the BEST chefs specialising in ALL kinds of eggsOne of the MUST-TRY items on their menu is the Rustic 3-Way Eggs - S$14.90. I recall this as one of the challenges on MasterChef, in which the contestants had to create various versions of eggs. The Rustic 3-Way Eggs consist of Eggs Benedict with Bacon & Burnt Hollandaise, Scrambled egg on toast with smoked salmon and a sunny side-up on toast with tomatoes.Eggs Benedict with BaconSunny Side-up

6. CHEAPEST poached eggs in townFor only S$11.00, try their Eggs Benedict! It is definitely one of the cheapest in town (and the most delicious too). With bacon, burnt hollandaise and mixed mesclun, this protein-rich food would appeal to bodybuilders after a workout.Play the video and see how the egg yolk slowly oozes out. The texture was thick yet smooth and velvety, with the hollandaise sauce a great compliment to each bite. No editing software was used!7. All their eggs are cooked to perfection at 63°CI always love my eggs with slices of smoked salmon. For only S$13.00, the Eggs Florentine features poached eggs resting on top of smoked salmon, with pieces of spinach and a dollop of burnt hollandaise enveloping the dish. It may look small, but it's actually quite satisfying.

8. Their pasta is flavour-packedTry their Pesto Chicken for S$11.90! It was initially overwhelming with the strong, rich flavours engulfing my tongue. I always thought that this sort of pasta is mild-tasting. Don't feel shy making loud slurping noises with this spaghetti tossed with basil and chicken!

9. Cheapest Truffle Fries in townFor only S$5.00, you get a large bowl of truffle fries topped with powdered parmesan cheese. The fries are cooked fresh, so you don't have to worry about them turning soggy! The portion was large enough to be shared amongst four people, so it's a real steal from The Rustic Bistro. The only downside is that they tasted too salty for me, so do let the chefs know beforehand if you don't want too much salt in it.

10. Best comfort food ever: Fish & Chips Marination is extremely important for flavourful Fish & Chips, and Rustic Bistro offers a great-tasting version for only S$10.90. I would appreciate that they serve it on a plate instead of a chopping board though, as it's rather difficult to contain the crispy breadcrumbs within the wooden board.

11. They have servings for giant eatersThe Rustic Beef Burger - S$11.90 is for big eaters. The beef patty came in an odd-looking shape, as if it was rolled into a square. What I loved most about the burger is its juiciness, although the burger bun wasn't really well-toasted and the lettuce looked like it was hastily chucked in. The cheese used was definitely processed cheese, losing some points for the freshness of their signature beef burger. While the appearance did not stimulate my appetite, it was a really huge portion for one.

12. It is founded by Chef Eddy and award-winning Chef Stephen.Chef Stephen (left) and Chef Eddy (Right)

Both chefs have won accolades and cooked in hotels and other chain restaurants. Veteran chef Stephen Yong and chef Eddy Wan met at M.Y Golden Odyssey. With more than 10 years of culinary experience in various hotels and food establishments, the chefs now dish up modern-inspired Western cuisine that will surely surpass your expectations.

Read more at http://www.littletinysun.com/2014/08/the-rustic-bistro-food-review.html

Supplementary Information:

Read more at http://www.littletinysun.com/2014/08/the-rustic-bistro-food-review.html

The Rustic Bistro

21 China Street, Far East Square

Singapore 049563

Mon to Sat : 11am to 10pm

 

Recommended Dish(es):  Eggs Benedict

 

Table Wait Time: 15 minute(s)

Spending per head: Approximately $10(Dinner)

Other Ratings:

Taste

 4  |  

Environment

 5  |  

Service

 3  |  

Clean

 4  |  

Price

 5

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Want to tell your bosses how you really feel but don't know how? Give them a hint with Pie Face. This popular international chain made its Singapore debut as a takeaway kiosk at 313@Somerset last month, and recently opened its 1,400 sq ft flagship bistro at Bugis Village, a stone's throw away from Bugis Street!Pie Face is airy and roomy (a rarity in the cramped shopping areas and cafés in downtown Singapore). The ample space makes it a great hangout for patrons to hold casual corporate gatherings or even large parties, especially with the café's warm and cozy ambience!Couldn't help but notice the red brick walls' subtle hint at the baking culture... did you know bricks go through a baking process too? A wallpaper of emotions is indeed a great way to spruce up the atmosphere, and hopefully banish the image of 'Emotionless Singaporeans'.Pie Face has so many expressions — which one reflects yours?

Off the wall and onto your plate, Pie Face recreates these expressions using milk and caramel drizzles on a puff pastry top with a shortcrust base. Mini-versions of each flavour are available at S$3.00 each.

* denotes my personal favourites

1. Creamy Vegetable Pie — S$3.00Mini Creamy Vegetable Pie

This is when deft surgical skills come in handy! It is a real challenge to make a clean cut in each pie as they are bursting at the brim with ingredients. As the kitchen team folds in a special blend of rich, creamy butter in each pie to create 48 layers of pastry, you'd probably feel better choosing a healthier filling - like vegetables.

2. Chunky Steak Pie* — S$5.20Slicing into the ":S" face

Everyone at the table declared this their top favourite — including the franchise owner himself! Pie Face's signature contains...
Slather some ketchup over your Chunky Steak Pie for a richer experience!

3. Chicken Peppercorn Pie* — S$4.90Exclusive to Singapore, this is another addition to my favourites list! Thick, creamy and strong flavours best describe the peppery chicken within. I love the flaky crunch of the crust — it signals the undisputed freshness of the pastry.

4. Thai Chicken Curry Pie — S$4.90This Asian-inspired offering brings together tender chicken meat prepared with carrots, onions, garlic and coconut milk. Mildly spicy, this pie is a safe choice for the less adventurous, despite its intimidatingly fiery name.

5. The Stack — S$2.00Mash, gravy and mushy peas sitting pretty atop your choice of pie

If you have calories to spare, check out this oozy, tantalising, distinctly British savoury combination. For an additional $2, you can top your pie with this trio of mashed potatoes, gravy and peas! I would recommend sharing this between two people because it's humongous!
6. Chicken + Cheese Sausage RollFor a thoroughly rich and satisfying dining experience, you must try the chicken cheese sausage roll. However, I felt intimidated by its excessively glossy appearance... how much shimmery butter did they add?!Although there does not appear to be much cheese nestled in the sausage, the cheesy flavours are quite prominent. Looking at this photo makes me want to devour it again! So sinful, but so tasty.

7. Chicken Sausage RollA similar but less decadent choice would be the Chicken Sausage Roll. Grilled and lightly caramelised, this has a unique combination of sweet and salty flavours. What differentiates this from your usual sausage roll is the flakiness of the crust — it's somewhat croissant-like yet slightly more doughy.Trainer Barista at the Bugis Village outlet

"I'm a trainer who teaches people how to make coffee," declared this cheery young man. He joined to make baristas out of people, and it seemed to me he really loves his job!

8. Café Latte — $4 and upCoffee connoisseurs would be able to recognise the dark chocolate and roasted walnut tones in this coffee. The Dark Roast grants the coffee a full body and lingering finish. The initial bitter-sweetness gradually gives way to a rich caramel sensation on your tongue!

9. Christmas SpecialCreated as a festive drink, this ice blended coffee infused with apple shots really heightens that good ol' Christmas vibe! As it is blended really smoothly, you do not have to hack into those pesky icy chunks present in lesser ice-blended drinks. The mildly sweet flavours from the apple shots exude a lovely fragrance that enhances the coffee aroma.

The service here is exemplary — warm, welcoming and personal. The Bugis Village outlet provides a homely refuge, infused with the aroma of freshly-baked pies, from the maddeningly-crowded Bugis Street. If you're looking for a sincere, hearty and unpretentious dining experience, you should give Pie Face a try!


More details at http://www.littletinysun.com/2014/12/savour-savoury-with-pie-face-singapore.html

Here's an ice-breaker: Have you ever wondered what Christmas would taste like? I've always known how Christmas looks (think beautiful gems of lights twinkling across malls and streets of Singapore) and sounds (melodic hymns and carols permeating the air). It would be interesting to see how a chef encapsulates the wonders of Christmas in a dish. I was back at SYNC once more to try their ingenious Christmas selection of tapas and mains. In South Korea, Christmas is a real big deal — they even tried building a huge Christmas tree made of steel near the border with the North to spread the joy of the Gospel! (Festive menu will be served from 12 Dec 2014 to 2 Jan 2015)* denotes my recommendations.

1. Sweet Potato Croquettes* — S$10.90Have you heard of the unique Korean sweet potato diet? These fanciful little crusty bits are made with traditional Korean sweet potatoes and a European twist of cheese and chorizo. Topped with apple salsa, these delightful tapas are sure to perk up your festive season! It's that sort of addictive food you would subconsciously pop into your mouth one after the another, leaving you craving more.

2. Christmas Citrus Salad — S$9.90A colourful salad with pomegranate, orange and mesclun, topped with Citrus dressing

Do you like spicy salad? I was overwhelmed with surprise when I realized the salad dressing had a spicy kick to it. The orange slices and mesclun leaves were a little too chunky and I would have preferred a greater variety of ingredients such as nuts in this salad bowl. The pomegranate was a tasteful and visually pleasing addition. The flavour profile of this dish gears strongly towards spiciness and sweetness, while I prefer something more neutral (think Caesar salad).

3. Kimchi Cheese Fries — S$9.90I previously reviewed the Gamja Tuikim (Kimchi Cheese Fries) at SYNC Korean Fusion Bistro. Although not part of the original menu at the Tapas Bar, this dish has been introduced here due to its overwhelming popularity over at the Fusion Bistro. The differences in portion, price and taste are obvious though. Too sour for my liking, I would recommend that avid lovers of this particular dish stick to the Westgate outlet.

4. Clay Duck Ssam — S$10.90SYNC Korean Tapas Bar scores high on visual presentation — doesn't this look very zen? It's pretty easy to gobble each piece in one mouthful. I could make out the multitude of distinct tastes exploding in my mouth, such as the initial taste of the fresh and slightly minty Perilla leaf, followed by the savoury duck meat and a hint of sweetness and crunch from the Korean Daikon. Which tastes better — Sogogi Jowl or Clay Duck Ssam? If you are going for a more robust meaty taste, I would say go for the Sogogi Jowl.

5. Turkey Risotto* — S$26.90What is Christmas without turkey on the table? A unique twist to the traditional Italian risotto lies in the use of Korean pearl barley, which is topped with succulent turkey roulade, sautéed mushrooms and cranberries. It took me a while to get used to the unconventional combination before falling in love with it! The thick slices of turkey were indeed the star of the show, being exceptionally flavourful, tender and juicy.Turkey Risotto with its glistening appearance and tantalising aroma

6. Kalbi Jim* — S$26.90The Kalbi Jim (Korean-style braised short ribs) is another dish to be added to your must-try list. These beef short ribs are braised for 48 hours with special Korean sauce and served on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. Sprinklings of pickled daikon add a welcome crunch. Comparable to the standards at top hotel restaurants, the meat melts delicately in your mouth like snow in late winter. A larger portion of this would have been most welcome!

7. Chestnut Crunchy Bar — S$10.90Moist Chestnut Crunchy Bar

Hmm... is this a slice of cake in disguise? While the plating looks pretty awkward, the beauty is hidden within. The chestnut mousse is wrapped in a chocolate tart shell and topped with chocolate pearls and orange gel, making the texture both soft and crunchy at the same time. It has a slight citrus taste with an iconic slice of citron sprouting at the tip of the bar. De rigueur gingerbread men

Soju Mojito* — S$9.90The Soju Mojito is served in shot glasses.

These are the two separate festive menus available at the respective outlets. The ones reviewed above are available at SYNC Korean Tapas Bar (Serangoon Gardens outlet).Full review found here: http://www.littletinysun.com/2014/12/sync-korean-tapas-bar-christmas-menu.html