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Chubby Botak Koala
This is Chubby Botak Koala living in Hougang/Kovan. I am a Foodies, work in Ang Mo Kio. I like to hang out in Serangoon, Katong, Tampines. Singaporean, Chinese, Multi-Cuisine are my favorite cuisines. I also love Hawker Centre, Restaurant, Café, Bistro and Roasted Meat, Desserts and Cakes, Dim Sum, Something not too spicy.
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Categories : Café

For the complete review, click / copy the link below:
http://www.chubbybotakkoala.com/2015/12/murphys.html
Murphy's

Murphy's

 
Fish & Chips ('F&C') brought me back to my memories during my high school in Melbourne. A good plate of fish and chips always have three characteristics: Light and crisp batter; Fresh, flaky and juicy fish; Of course mountains of fries. It is kind of difficult to get a pretty decent F&C here, they either use lower quality fish to maintain the cost down or charged pretty high.

I can't remember when I saw Murphy's in the media post featuring F&C shop in the heartland. A quick google, I found the location. Apparently it is not that far from my office. So I decided to drop by for my usual after 2 pm late lunch.
Part of the dining area, order counter and drinks

Part of the dining area, order counter and drinks

 
Located near Cheng San Market and Food Centre, in Ang Mo Kio. It took me a while to find the restaurant as it was facing the big carpark behind the Anderson Secondary School, instead of the market. The décor was minimalistic with a rustic feel. The overall feel of the cafe / restaurant is very cosy.

I ordered Murphy's Fish and Chips ($16) and Crispy Wings ($10). There was a lunch promotion from Tuesday to Thursday, a free drink with any order of a main. FYI, food need to be ordered and paid at the counter and the food will be served to you.
Murphy's Fish and Chips

Murphy's Fish and Chips

 
First impression, F&C looks like a pretty good portion for $16. Cut through fish, the batter was light and crispy. There was no residual oil on the plates from frying. You can see the smoke ozzing out from the fish meat. I noticed that the fish was pretty firm. When I bit into it, it was flaky, nicely seasoned and not fishy. Apparently they used Arrowtooth fish from Canada that gave this amazing texture instead of the usual of dory or sutchi. I actually finished the whole fish without using any sauce (Yup, I did not even bother with the tartar sauce).
Murphy's Fish and Chips - Check out the texture of the fish

Murphy's Fish and Chips - Check out the texture of the fish

 
For the chips, it was thick, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Before your hand grab a hold of the tomato sauce or chilli sauce, try to eat the chips like the Brit, with vinegar. They offer the balsamic and white vinegar. This is actually good to reduce the overwhelming flavour of eating too much fried stuff. The salad with balsamic vinegar on the side was also very refreshing.

Crispy Wings reminded me of McWings. There was 8 pieces, combination of mid wings and drumlets. The thick seasoned batter was crispy, sealed the juice in the meat. It is a bit spicy for the kids, but adults will definitely like it. I was pretty stuffed with the F&C so only managed to eat 2 pieces and packed the balance.
Crispy Wings

Crispy Wings

 
For the FOC Drink, I decided to order Artisan All Natural Ginger Ale by Reeds (normal price $6 per bottle). A pretty unique flavour, with a solid kick from the ale. Apparently there is no preservative, so its even better.
All Natural Ginger Ale by Reeds

All Natural Ginger Ale by Reeds

 
Service was friendly and prompt. I had a chat with Darrem, the person in charge that day and I honestly gave him my feedback. The Fish and Chips were excellent, comparable to the high end establishment in town. While Murphy's only charged $16, those in town will charge $28 and above. So if you are a Fish and Chips fans like me, you must give Murphy's a try. Cheers!!
 
Recommended Dish(es):  Murphy's Fish and Chips,Crispy Wings
 
Spending per head: Approximately $26(Lunch)

Other Ratings:
Taste
 4  |  
Environment
 4  |  
Service
 4  |  
Clean
 4  |  
Price
 4

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Celebration of Argentinian Food Smile Jun 09, 2015   
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Categories : Latin American/South American | Restaurant | Steaks and Grills

For the complete review by Chubby Botak Koala, click / copy the link below:
http://www.chubbybotakkoala.com/2015/06/bochinche.html

 
Bochinche, an Argentinian theme concept deli and restaurant. A collaboration between Spa Esprit Group with Argentinian born Chef Diego Jacquet. It seems that Cynthia Chua and her team are the people with the golden touch when it comes to new F&B concepts in the market.
Bochinche Entrance

Bochinche Entrance

 
Bochinche is located in the same building as Common Man Coffee Roaster, which is also owned by Spa Esprit Group. Once you entered the second floor, you will be welcomed with huge paper carcases as if you are entering a butcheries. Of course no major scale butchering happen here, instead you will see the range of Argentinian products.
Bochinche Market

Bochinche Market

 
Our brunch stated with Watermelon Salad ($13). Our favourite cheese was on it. Beautiful Mozzarella with extra chilled watermelon cubes are just refreshing. The sliced tomato, micro herbs and toasted seeds provided the contrasting texture and flavours to the dish. Yum Yum, good start.
Watermelon Salad

Watermelon Salad

 
Chimichurri Burger V2.0 ($29) and Bife Ancho Rib Eye Steak ($55 for 300 gram) are our main meal. Together with Provenzal Chips ($10) on the side and Béarnaise sauce ($5).
Ice Lemon Tea & Sparkling Water

Ice Lemon Tea & Sparkling Water

 
Chimichurri is a common sauce use in Argentina to marinate or to accompany the meat. Made of finely chopped parsley, garlic, olive oil, oregano and white vinegar. Normally each family will have their own family recipe for this sauce and each one will tell you that theirs are the best.
Chimichurri Burger V2.0

Chimichurri Burger V2.0

 
This sauce paired well with the burger as the acidity and herbs balance the fats in the meat. The patty is tender and juicy. The deep orange colour of the yolk just scream BITE ME!!! However, watch out for the extra pungent provolone cheese which did not bode well with us.
Check out the chimichurri spread on the bun

Check out the chimichurri spread on the bun

 
The beef from the Rib Eye originated grass fed cattle in Buenos Aires, hand selected by Chef Diego. Our first encounter with Argentinian beef was a memorable experience, so we have no doubt this one will be the same. It is nicely charred, cooked to medium rare. It has a nice marbling to it, tender and succulent. I say it is comparable any US or Australian grass fed beef.
Bife Ancho Rib Eye Steak

Bife Ancho Rib Eye Steak

 
The provenzal chips was well seasoned and a good pairing for the steak. Crispy on the outside, yet moist inside. It is definitely better than normal fries. It is also good as a beer snack.
Provenzal chips

Provenzal chips

 
Service was friendly, attentive and have a good understanding on the menu.
Bench Seating Chef's Table

Bench Seating Chef's Table

 
The décor of this place is very casual, whimsical using solid wood as the main theme here. Indoor and outdoor seating are available, my suggestion is that watch out for what's written in the back of the seat cover and have a good laugh. For the indoor seating, Bochinche have two long bench seating beside the usual dining tables. On one side you can see the chefs at work, while on the other side, the bartender will provide the entertainment during your dining.
Bench Seatings (Bartender's Table)

Bench Seatings (Bartender's Table)

 
Seatings

Seatings

 
Overall, our dining experience in Bochinche was a positive one. The food, service and atmosphere is just dandy. We really look forward to our next visit here and try our their dinner menu. Salud!!! Cheers!!!

 
Recommended Dish(es):  Provenzal chips,Bife Ancho Rib Eye Steak,Chimichurri Burger V2.0,Watermelon Salad
 
Spending per head: Approximately $74(Lunch)

Other Ratings:
Taste
 4  |  
Environment
 4  |  
Service
 4  |  
Clean
 4  |  
Price
 4

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Categories : French | Restaurant | Desserts and Cakes | Roasted Meat

Poulet, a French word for Chicken. It is a French theme bistro offering French classic dishes, especially their signature dish of Poulet Roti (Roast Chicken), Poulet also served array of classical French cuisine from Appetizers to desserts.
Poulet

Poulet

 
Apparently, Poulet is operated by Minor Food Group Singapore (MFGS), global operator of other popular brands such as ThaiExpress, Xin Wang Hong Kong Cafe and Kiseki.
Poulet

Poulet

 
We dropped by at Poulet Raffles City for a quick bite before we completing our Christmas Shopping. We were lucky to grab a seat before the dinner crowd begun to swarm the place and were seated near the back of the restaurant.
Salad De Canard Fume

Salad De Canard Fume

 
Our dinner started with Salad De Canard Fume ($12.90). The unique thing that we notice about the salad, is that the greens are chopped. It is refreshing, especially with the tomato and orange wedges. The smoked duck has a very subtle salty flavours and the raspberry dressing provided a sweet touch to the salad. Simple and Refreshing.
Poulet Roti with Mushroom Chardonay Sauce

Poulet Roti with Mushroom Chardonay Sauce

 
For Poulet Roti, LD ordered the original Poulet Roti with Mushroom Chardonay Sauce ($15.90 - half) and I had their Christmas special Poulet Roti with Caramelised Apple Sauce ($17.90 – half). We both shared a side of mashed potatoes ($4.90).
Poulet Roti with Caramelised Apple Sauce - Christmas Special

Poulet Roti with Caramelised Apple Sauce - Christmas Special

 
We noticed that both the roast chicken has the same basic seasoning. The amazing part is they manage to roast it to an even consistency on the white and dark meat. It is common for the thigh to be tender and succulent, however the same can be said with their breast meat. Yum Yum. Typical French dish, sauces are the important component of the dish. I preferred the Caramelised Apple sauce, as the apple and cinnamon provide a little acidity to the sauce and balance the dish. We feel that the Mushroom Chardonnay sauce was too rich and overwhelming your taste buds after a few bites.
Check out the moist chicken breast

Check out the moist chicken breast

 
The mashed potatoes are just smooth, velvety and creamy. With a texture of those bottled baby food, but taste just superb. It is good with the apple sauce, but not with the Mushroom Chardonnay sauce.
Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes

 
For desserts, we ordered the Rustic French Pear and Apple Tart ($8.90) from the Christmas Menu. The presentation are beautiful. The puff pastry are light, crispy and fully, sits on the bottom and top of the vanilla ice cream. The apple and pear bits are nicely caramelised and intensified their taste. The ice cream added a perfect sweetness to it together with the berries sauce, it just bind all the components together. This desserts will give most of desserts from fine dining restaurant a run for their money.
Rustic French Pear and Apple Tart

Rustic French Pear and Apple Tart

 
The service is attentive and friendly. Although the bistro is packed, the service staff attend to our request and speed up our order. The bistro is furnished with dark colour wooden tables and chairs. With a Parisian theme décor as well, you will be able to spot this place from a distance. As they try to maximise the place, I just find the table and chair a little cramp for my size.
Part of dining area

Part of dining area

 
Overall, although it has been two years since its opening in Singapore, we did not really had a chance to try it until now and we truly enjoy our meal here. The food is just delicious, accompanied by good service, good atmosphere and reasonably priced. We'll definitely be back for more. Cheers!!

For the complete Chubby Botak Koala experience, click / copy the link below:
http://www.chubbybotakkoala.com/2015/02/poulet-raffles-city.html

 
Recommended Dish(es):  Poulet Roti with Mushroom Chardonay Sauce,Poulet Roti,Roast Chicken,Mashed Potatoes
 
Other Ratings:
Taste
 4  |  
Environment
 4  |  
Service
 4  |  
Clean
 4  |  
Price
 4

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Categories : American | Mexican

Ras Bites is the mass market eatery concept by Palate Vine Group, which strive to offer up-market dining experiences that are truly unique in nature. Located in Changi Business Park, Ras Bites target market are employers of banks and MNCs who set up their outposts in the east of Singapore.
ras bites

ras bites

 
We were introduced by our friends A&M where they celebrated their son first communion here. On Saturday night it can be difficult to find this building as the surroundings are very quiet and dark. Not recommended if you do not have your own transport. Should you able to come this area, you will be rewarded with atmosphere closer to private dining, as there are almost no other customers and you will have their full attention in serving you.
The Buffet Table

The Buffet Table

 
Appetizer was baked papadum, instead of deep fried. It is crispy, not oily but slightly thicker and harder in some part.
Papadum

Papadum

 
In normal Indian customs, it is common to start with grilled meat. We had chicken tikka ($14) and mixed grill platter ($26) as entrée. The chicken tikka is well marinated with hung-curd and spices. It is tender, succulent with a bit of heat in the dish.
chicken tikka

chicken tikka

 
The mixed grilled platter is a combination of Tandori Prawn, Mince lamb kebab, reshimi (mince chicken) kebab, chicken tikka and fish. The mince lamb and chicken are well marinated, flavourful, succulent with minimum trace of gaminess in the meat . The juice are sealed in the meat internally, so it remain tender and succulent. Unfortunately the prawn end up in someone else plate before I manage to savour it.
mixed grill platter

mixed grill platter

 
For the kids that can't take spicy stuff, they had Chicken 65 ($12) for starter. Deep fried to perfection, it is crispy yet succulent. The seasoning was just right.
Chicken 65

Chicken 65

 
The main meal consist Butter Chicken ($14), Palak Paneer ($14), Rogan Gosht ($16) with Chicken Briyani ($16), Lamb Briyani ($16) and selections of Naans.
Mixed Naans

Mixed Naans

 
The Butter chicken has a thick, rich and creamy gravy to go with succulent chicken. This dish is best to accompany the moist and fluffy naans. Surprisingly the butter chicken here packs a subtle heat.
Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken

 
Both of the briyani are flavourful. The chicken and lamb slowly cooked with the basmati rice, allowing their flavours to infused into the rice together with the rest of the herbs. The portion is huge and served in Indian copper pot and filled to the brim. The rice is fluffy and not starchy.
Briyani - Chicken or Mutton

Briyani - Chicken or Mutton

 
Rogan Gosht is tasty and flavourful, however the lamb will be better if its cooked longer. As the cut of the meat is lean, it turn out to be tougher than expected. Palak Paneer is our favourite dish. The blended spinach and cottage cheese are nice and made us feel less guilty of eating all those nice proteins and curry.
Rogan Gosht

Rogan Gosht

 
Palak Paneer

Palak Paneer

 
At the end to cool down the burning flames from the curry, it is nice to have mango lassi ($4).
Mango Lassi

Mango Lassi

 
The atmosphere of the place is bright and decorated with modern Indian flair. There are buffet line on the right side of the restaurant, that are available during weekday lunch and dinner. The chandelier just made the place looks classy. The service during the night was good and attentive, as there was not many customers at night.
Indian Traditional Instrument

Indian Traditional Instrument

 
Overall, Ras Bites serve delicious and authentic Indian food. The briyani & naan are great, and the price are reasonable. We look forward to our next visit. Cheers!!

For the complete Chubby Botak Koala dining experience, click / copy the link below:
http://www.chubbybotakkoala.com/2014/12/ras-bites-changi.html

 
Recommended Dish(es):  Palak Paneer,Mango Lassi,Rogan Gosht,Briyani - Chicken and Mutton,Butter Chicken,Naans,Chicken 65,chicken tikka
 
Other Ratings:
Taste
 4  |  
Environment
 4  |  
Service
 4  |  
Clean
 4  |  
Price
 4

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SIM, Por Favor = Yes, Please !!! Smile Nov 16, 2014   
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Categories : Latin American/South American | Restaurant | Steaks and Grills | Buffet

Carnivore is one of the leading Brazilian Churrasco restaurants in Singapore just opened its latest outlet in Grandstand. Like the rest of its outlet, Carnivore is a buffet restaurant, so for meat lovers, this is a place you must try. We were there for lunch during Deepavali and apparently it was only open for seven days according to the service staff.
Carnivore - Grandstand

Carnivore - Grandstand

 
The Menu Board

The Menu Board

 
If you never been to Carnivore before, it has a very interesting concept. After you are seated, order your drinks and proceed to the buffet counter for your side dishes and sauces. Once you are back to your seat, put the sign for SIM, Por Favour (Yes, Please). The knife wielding Passadors (meat waiters) will come to you individually and sever you with the rotisserie-roasted selection of meat. This will goes on and on until you turn the sign to NÃO, Obrigado (No, Thanks).
Ready to Eat

Ready to Eat

 
Check out the following on what on offers for on the sauces, salads and side dishes. My suggestions are to stick with something light. Our favourites were the Tomato and Mozarella Cheese, Mash Potatoes and Mushrooms Salad. For sauces, make sure you try Chimichurri, Homemade BBQ Sauce and Capsicum Vinaigrette. Those tangy and acidic sauce will be good to break down the fats in the meat and allow you to eat more.
The Sauces

The Sauces

 
Salads

Salads

 
Salads & Dressings

Salads & Dressings

 
Sides - 1

Sides - 1

 
Sides - 2

Sides - 2

 
Sides - 3

Sides - 3

 
We started on our Carnivore Gastronomic journey with Pork Sausage. It is thick, slightly salty and a bit dry. It will be good if the sausage has more fat in it. Lamb Shoulder, although the board says leg of lamb, I was told by the Passador it was lamb shoulder. It is juicy with slight pinkish in the middle. Expect the lamb to be a springy texture but delicious. Ham, similar taste to our day to day ham, except it is a bit drier due to the roasting.
Pork Sausage, Lamb Shoulder & Ham.

Pork Sausage, Lamb Shoulder & Ham.

 
Chicken thigh was well seasoned, tender and succulent. In comparison the Chicken breast with bacon was on the drier side. If you get the Beef Rump on the first cut, it's the best. Nicely done with a good charred and well balance of fats and meat. The best cut of the day in my opinion.
Beef Rump

Beef Rump

 
Beef Tenderloin

Beef Tenderloin

 
Pork belly was all right, with minimum fats but I find it missing the juiciness. Instead tasting like being grilled, it has a texture more like a smoked pork belly. The Beef tenderloin was also good, but it was not as tender and juicy compare to the rump. The fish thick and flavourful. They will need to use those big fishes so the meat does not break down easily.
Pork Belly

Pork Belly

 
Fish

Fish

 
At the end the first cycle of meat, the Passador served the grilled pineapple. It is juicy with a nice caramelisation on the outer part. Good to cut through the jelakness and overwhelming sensation from too much meat. We actually have additional 2 servings of beef, lamb and pineapple before we turn the sign to NÃO, Obrigado (No, Thanks).
Grilled Pineapple

Grilled Pineapple

 
Game Over - No More Meat

Game Over - No More Meat

 
For desserts, there is an ice kacang station. Yes, this might not be Brazilian, but I never hear anyone complain about ice kacang right smile
Ice Kacang Station

Ice Kacang Station

 
Chubby Botak Koala Ice Kacang

Chubby Botak Koala Ice Kacang

 
Service was excellent, the service staff was very attentive and informative. He actually recommend the Brazilian Guarana. Tasted like red bull with more gas and less sugar. They also clear our plate regularly.
Brazilian Guarana Drink

Brazilian Guarana Drink

 
The décor is very simple, nice and clean. There are lots of natural light, as they use glasses as wall for the section wall facing the outdoor.
The Dining Area

The Dining Area

 
The Bar

The Bar

 
Overall, it has been ages since we had our last Brazilian Churrasco. If you have are a meat lover, you must give this place a try. The food here is good, and we find the buffet lunch is really value for money and enough time to digest those proteins. We actually had simple and light dinner that day, as we were stuffed from the lunch. Cheers!!

For the complete Chubby Botak Koala dining exprience, click / copy the link below: http://www.chubbybotakkoala.com/2014/11/carnivore-grandstand.html
 
Recommended Dish(es):  Brazilian Guarana Drink,Beef Rump,Beef Tenderloin,Fish,Pork Sausage Lamb Shoulder & Ham.,Grilled Pineapple
 
Celebration:  生日 

Spending per head: Approximately $49(Lunch)

Other Ratings:
Taste
 4  |  
Environment
 4  |  
Service
 4  |  
Clean
 4  |  
Price
 4

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