OpenRice Index
  
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.
Member 32 First(s)
No. of Review176 Review(s)
編輯推介數目69 Editor's Choice
Recommended8 Recommended
Popularity2260 View(s)
Replies in Forum0 Comment(s)
Upload Photos2049 Photo(s)
Upload Videos0 Video(s)
My Recommended Reviews0 Recommended Review(s)
My Restaurant147 My Restaurant(s)
Follow44 Following
粉絲357 Follower(s)
Chubby Botak Koala  Level 4
Follow Follow  Comment Leave a Message 
Sort By:  Date Smile Smile Cry Cry  Editor's Choice  Overall Score 
Display: AllSingapore  
 
 
 
 
 
  Full View Full View   |   Map View Map View
Showing 46 to 50 of 176 Reviews in Singapore
No Signboard Cafe Smile Dec 16, 2014   
Share on TwitterShare on Facebook
Categories : Singaporean Western | Café | Pasta | Halal | Burgers and Sandwiches | Brunch

The Bravery is a new cafe that treading a fine line between brave and suicidal. The owners are so confident of their products and service, they did not even put a signboard on the door, and let their presence spread through word of mouth and social media.
The Bravery Cafe

The Bravery Cafe

 
Located near the hardware shops across Jalan Besar Stadium along Horne Road, you can identify this shop by steel red chairs and sturdy tables which looks made the left over of industrial steel shelf and thick plank of wood. The glass windows are covered with bright and attractive films such as red, blue and yellow. The interior inside are not much different, however the square communal table with piñata as the centre piece really represent the character of this place.
Communal Table with piniata

Communal Table with piniata

 
We ordered Pancake Stack ($15), with my Latte ($4.50) and San Pellegrino ($6) for Little Devils. The pancake the thick version, similar to what we had during our days in Melbourne. Served with Bananas, Ricotta Cheese, Honey and Crushed Pistachio. The thick pancakes are moist and crumbly however the banana is not ripe. The honey is very sweet, while the ricotta cheese and crushed pistachio provide a contrasting flavour and texture. LD gave her seal of approval for the pancakes.
Pancake Stack

Pancake Stack

 
For the coffee, The Bravery used the beans roasted in Melbourne Australia, by Genovese. It is smooth, with mild coffee flavour and not acidic. The type that I like.
Genovese Coffee

Genovese Coffee

 
Latte

Latte

 
The service staff are bunch of people that enjoy their work here. They are nice and friendly and knowledgable about their coffee. Check out the photo below.
The Coffee Bar & The Energetic Barista and Service Staff

The Coffee Bar & The Energetic Barista and Service Staff

 
Overall, The Bravery Cafe is the place where you can chilled and relax. The atmosphere is just awesome and they serve good coffee and food as well. We'll definitely return in the future. Cheers!!

For the complete Chubby Botak Koala experience, click / copy the link below:
http://www.chubbybotakkoala.com/2014/12/the-bravery-cafe.html
Water anyone?

Water anyone?

 
 
Recommended Dish(es):  Latte,Pancake Stack
 
Other Ratings:
Taste
 4  |  
Environment
 3  |  
Service
 4  |  
Clean
 4  |  
Price
 4

  • Keep it up!

  • Looking Forward

  • Interesting

  • Touched

  • Envy

  • Cool Photo
      View Results
Recommend
0

Welcome to Symmetry Street Smile Nov 27, 2014   
Share on TwitterShare on Facebook
Categories : Australian / New Zealand | Bars/Lounges | Brunch

A while back during one of food tasting session, I had a chat with a passionate “Pastry Chef Blogger”, about what is her pick for a must try cafe in Singapore. Symmetry Cafe was her pick.
Welcome to Symmetry Street

Welcome to Symmetry Street

 
Chai Tea Latte

Chai Tea Latte

 
Following her recommendation we decided to give this cafe a try on a Saturday Morning. Without knowing, it was actually nearby where LD's pick for food reflexology in SG. Symmetry Cafe is a new breed of cafes in Singapore that are heavily influenced by the Australian casual dining trends. It is a cafe by day and morph into casual restaurant bar by night. Definition of bar, is that alcohol is definitely involve here. A place for people to gather to enjoy a great meal and drinks. Food sharing are welcome.
Part of the decor and bench seating

Part of the decor and bench seating

 
The Brunch Menu

The Brunch Menu

 
We walk in without reservation that morning and was lucky enough to get a table. The service staff politely inform us that due to prior reservation, we need to vacate the table at a certain time. No problemo, so we quickly placed our brunch order.
Hickory Corned Beef & Hash ($22) catch my eyes, while LD's pick Truffle Egg Mushroom ($21) with extra hash brown. My caffeine pick was Latte and LD's goes for Chai Tea Latte and Calpis Soda drink.
Hickory Corned Beef & Hash

Hickory Corned Beef & Hash

 
My Corned Beef served in a cast iron pan. Food is kind of interesting, as it looked like it is all mash up together, but all the ingredients gel well. I poke the egg to allow the yolk to ooze to the corned beef, and using my bread to scoop it. The corned beef is flavourful and not salty, while the potatoes and salad give a different texture to the dish. The bread used here has a similar texture to the soft colourful traditional coffeeshop bread. It will be good if there is another slice of bread to polish up the proteins.
Hickory Corned Beef & Hash (Close up)

Hickory Corned Beef & Hash (Close up)

 
LD's Truffle Egg Mushroom comes with scrambled eggs, sautéed mushrooms, truffle oil, berries butter and toast. Served on a long plate, the presentation is just gorgeous. The eggs are fluffy and the mushrooms are nicely executed, however she was a little taken back by the pungent smell of the truffle oil. It seems the kitchen was a little too generous with it. The hash browns are crispy and the berries butter goes down well with the toast.
Truffle Egg Mushroom

Truffle Egg Mushroom

 
The latte is smooth and well balanced. While the Chai Tea Latte is a bit on the sweet side and lack of cinnamon according to LD. We both enjoy the calpis soda, although it is slightly flat, missing the carbonated feel of soda.
Latte

Latte

 
Calpis Soda

Calpis Soda

 
Service was good and polite, however it can be slightly hard to catch their attention. The ambiance here is very good. Crowded yet relaxing with lounge music playing in the background. They try to maximise the space available with counter seats as well. We manage to check out before the customers that reserved the table arrives.
The Indoor Dining Area

The Indoor Dining Area

 
Overall, Symmetry Cafe / Restaurant Bar are one of the best cafe that we tried this year. The food is great and the same can be said about the atmosphere. The best part, you can actually make reservation online, so you won't get disappointed. Drinks price for brunch is on the high side, more like bar price instead of cafe. Thanks Fundamentally Flawed for the recommendations. Cheers!!

For the complete Chubby Botak Koala experience, click / copy the link below:
http://www.chubbybotakkoala.com/2014/11/symmetry-cafe.html

 
Recommended Dish(es):  Chai Tea Latte,Calpis Soda,Truffle Egg Mushroom,Hickory Corned Beef & Hash,Latte
 
Other Ratings:
Taste
 4  |  
Environment
 4  |  
Service
 4  |  
Clean
 4  |  
Price
 3

  • Keep it up!

  • Looking Forward

  • Interesting

  • Touched

  • Envy

  • Cool Photo
      View Results
Recommend
0

Probably The Best Cafe for 2014!! Smile Nov 20, 2014   
Share on TwitterShare on Facebook
Categories : Fusion | Café | Brunch

Located at Lim Tua Tow Road, this area can be consider one of the foodie cluster, especially those shop houses facing Upper Serangoon Road. Luckily Sunday Market is located in the next block, where it is easier to get car park and there is valet available during certain nights. Since our first visit, Little Devil and I went back there three times in the past two months and we just can't get enough of the place and it is so near our place.
Sunday Market Cafe

Sunday Market Cafe

 
The Fortune Cat

The Fortune Cat

 
First impression, from the outside, it is quite funky. The signboard is a combination of red and white is more like a Chinese restaurant instead of cafe. Once you are in, the décor is unique, minimalistic but making you feel like you are dining outdoor. The crowd just make it feels lively. Not sure why, but it seems to be in trend that lots of cafe like to hang oldies stuff such as bicycle, chair, TV, etc. from their ceiling.
The Flying Bicycle

The Flying Bicycle

 
Dining Area

Dining Area

 
So what are the must try items here:
Crispy Duck Leg Confit ($17.90). Move over French Bistro, most newbies cafe in Singapore has mastered this dish. The same can be said here, nicely executed. The skin is crispy, the meat is tender, flavourful and not too salty. While duck confit supposed to be soak in duck fat during the marinating process, you don't feel the oiliness here. The potato is crisp, goes well with the brown sauce and salad.
Crispy Duck Leg Confit

Crispy Duck Leg Confit

 
Pulled Duck Sandwich ($13.90). Another well executed duck dish here, the use brioche bread packs more flavour to the dish. It was pan fried at first, so it is crispy, and you can feel the crunchiness of the duck in the sandwich as well. The creamy slaw and brown sauce bind the whole sandwich together. Good for light bite.
Pulled Duck Sandwich

Pulled Duck Sandwich

 
French Toast with BBQ Chicken ($12.90). This is a modern fusion dish with Thai twist. The grilled chicken is sweet, tender and succulent. Using the same brioche bread for French toast is the right choice. The fried egg is good and the sriracha sauce give a unique twist to the dish.
French Toast with BBQ Chicken

French Toast with BBQ Chicken

 
Bangkok Toast ($10.90). One of the best desserts here with awesome presentations. The brioche is flavoured with cinnamon (very light) and icing sugar. Green tea custard and Thai Milk tea ice cream are have a subtle hint of sweetness and very good to accompany the toast. Once the ice cream melts, it become a creamy milk shake.
Bangkok Toast

Bangkok Toast

 
Waffle with Ice Cream ($9.50 – double scoop). The waffle is thick and crispy. We tried Belgium Chocolate and Thai Milk Tea ice cream. Both are creamy and delicious, best of all it is not overly sweet. Yum Yum
Waffle with Ice Cream

Waffle with Ice Cream

 
Ice Cream Selections

Ice Cream Selections

 
For drinks, the caffeine is very average. Don't expect those artisan coffee, as it is not their focus here. (Hint to management, Can we get better coffee??). I personally like their Lemmy Lemonade ($5.90). This lemonade is just refreshingly tangy. Imported from New Zealand, this drink is organic (not that I really care) and it just tasted awesome. Thai Milk tea is also a favourite but it can be a bit sweet if you don’t have a sweet tooth.
Lemmy Lemonade

Lemmy Lemonade

 
Service is fast and friendly. After they took your order, they will provide you with the cutlery and the anticipation of getting your grub soon. From the way it looks, the utensils and cutleries are from Thailand.
The Average Coffee

The Average Coffee

 
Overall, Sunday Market is going to be our cafe of choice in 2014. The food is excellent and value for money. We really enjoy the comfortable atmosphere here and best of all you don't need to wait for long to get a seat. Well, you definitely see us more often here. Cheers!!

For the complete Chubby Botak Koala dining experience, click / copy the link below: http://www.chubbybotakkoala.com/2014/11/sunday-market.html
 
Recommended Dish(es):  Lemmy Lemonade,Bangkok Toast,Pulled Duck Sandwich,French Toast with BBQ Chicken,Crispy Duck Leg Confit,Waffle with Ice Cream
 
Other Ratings:
Taste
 4  |  
Environment
 4  |  
Service
 3  |  
Clean
 4  |  
Price
 4

  • Keep it up!

  • Looking Forward

  • Interesting

  • Touched

  • Envy

  • Cool Photo
      View Results
Recommend

Share on TwitterShare on Facebook
Categories : Multi-Cuisine | Hotel | Restaurant | Seafood | Buffet

Welcome to Hotel Jen

Welcome to Hotel Jen

 
As part of the celebration of Rebranding Traders Hotel Singapore to Hotel Jen Singapore, Little Devil and I got invited for Super Brunch by Hotel Jen Singapore. 
Cafebiz

Cafebiz

 
Cafebiz is the main dining area at the lobby that cater for the gastronomic satisfaction for the guests in Hotel Jen. Cafebiz served ala-carte menu and buffet ranges from exotic Asian, International and local cuisines.
The Bar

The Bar

 
As today is a special occasions for the Hotel Jen, the spread was just superb and it is impossible to cover everything. However, we did try our best and the following are our recommendations.
Healthy Fruit Infused Water

Healthy Fruit Infused Water

 
Appetizer (Smoked Salmon, Prosciutto with Rock Melon, Foie Gras & Apple Terrine and Sun Dried Tomatoes). These dishes basically our wake up call and kick start our appetite that was still in sleeping mode. Smoked salmon is good and fresh. The thinly sliced prosciutto perfectly matched with rock melon. While the apple provide the sweet touch to balance the smooth and velvety terrine foie grass. LD enjoys the sundried tomatoes so much, she went back for second round.
Appetizer (Smoked Salmon, Prosciutto with Rock Melon, Foie Gras & Apple Terrine and Sun Dried Tomato

Appetizer (Smoked Salmon, Prosciutto with Rock Melon, Foie Gras & Apple Terrine and Sun Dried Tomato

 
Roast Selection (Roast Beef and French Lamb Rack). Weekend Roast always have a special place in my heart and my tummy. The roast beef were between medium rare to medium and thinly sliced upon serving. Mine was still pinkish and slightly bloody in the middle. Just like the way I like it. The meat is just tender and succulent, and goes well with the yorkshire pudding (kudos from LD on the yorkshire pudding as it is baked to perfection) and the gravy. The same apply to the lamb rack, tender and pink in the middle not over roasted. The potato gratin can be better with more cheese in between the potatoes. Yum Yum.
Roast Selection (Roast Beef and French Lamb Rack)

Roast Selection (Roast Beef and French Lamb Rack)

 
Cantonese Roast Selection – Suckling Pig Only. Where there are many options like roast pork, roast duck, char siew and suckling pig, our recommendation that you just stick with the suckling pig and forget about the rest. Paying ode to the little piggy, it has minimum fat, crispy skin and tender and succulent meat. Together with the sweet sauce, it is just a foodgasm.
Cantonese Roast Selection

Cantonese Roast Selection

 
Crispy Roast Pork, Roast Duck, Char Siew and The BEST CHOICE - Sucking Pig

Crispy Roast Pork, Roast Duck, Char Siew and The BEST CHOICE - Sucking Pig

 
Desserts (Lemon Meringue Pie & Custard Puff). The taste of the lemon curd and meringue has a nice balance between the sweetness of the sugar and tanginess of the lemon curd. The curd is light and smooth, sitting nicely on golden brown crust. The custard puff is just light, smooth and not overly sweet. The apple strudel and pear tart tartin are quite ordinary.
Desserts - 01

Desserts - 01

 
Desserts - 02

Desserts - 02

 
Best Lemon Meringue Pie

Best Lemon Meringue Pie

 
Finale (Wild Mushroom Risotto) cooked by the GM of Hotel Jen, Mr. Clifford Weiner. Well you can consider this as the start of the attraction. It was supposed to be ready by 12.45 pm, however due to his other commitments, the risotto was only ready by 1.15pm. Although we were slightly in food comma and minimum stomach space available; The wait was indeed worth it. The risotto cooked to al-dente, infused with flavourful broth. The wild mushrooms were sautéed separately and only added upon servings. LD just wished that it has more cheese in it but she still loves it as it is her favourite Italian dish smile
Finale (Wild Mushroom Risotto) cooked by the GM of Hotel Jen, Mr. Clifford Weiner

Finale (Wild Mushroom Risotto) cooked by the GM of Hotel Jen, Mr. Clifford Weiner

 
While they are quite a few a selections for sushi, sashimi and cold seafood on offer, we find that it does not really give us the WOW feeling. I have to say our tummy prefer something warm and hearty for brunch, cold seafood dish are at odds with us that day.
Sushi, Sashimi and Cold Seafood Selection

Sushi, Sashimi and Cold Seafood Selection

 
Notable mention, for cheese lovers, they have this special Cheese Counter, supplied by The Cheese Ark and according to LD, the cheese spread is superb.
Cheese Selection by The Cheese Ark

Cheese Selection by The Cheese Ark

 
Overall, it is indeed a Super Brunch. The buffet spread was extensive with a few items that we mentioned are so much better compare to the rest. We consider this one of the heaviest brunch we ever had.

Thank you very much for the Hotel Jen Team for the invitation and asking us to come earlier so we can take gorgeous pictures of the Super Brunch Spread. For the complete Chubby Botak Koala experience and more food photos, check out the following link: http://www.chubbybotakkoala.com/2014/10/cafebiz-hotel-jen-singapore.html

 
Recommended Dish(es):  Suckling Pig,Cheese Selection by The Cheese Ark,Appetizer (Smoked Salmon Prosciutto with Rock Melon Foie Gras & Apple Terrine and Sun Dried Tomato,Roast Selection (Roast Beef and French Lamb Rack),Clockwise from Top Left: Puff Pastry and Marshmallow; Lemon Meringue Pie; Donuts & Mini Pavlova; App,Wild Mushroom Risotto,Sushi Sashimi and Cold Seafood Selection
 
Dining Offers: Media Invite


Other Ratings:
Taste
 4  |  
Environment
 4  |  
Service
 3  |  
Clean
 4  |  
Price
 4

  • Keep it up!

  • Looking Forward

  • Interesting

  • Touched

  • Envy

  • Cool Photo
      View Results
Recommend
0

Steaks Fit for The Cowboys Smile Sep 01, 2014   
Share on TwitterShare on Facebook
Categories : Hotel | Steaks and Grills

Black Angus Steakhouse

Black Angus Steakhouse

 
The first thing that come to your mind when you hear Black Angus is Steak. One of the finest steakhouse in the states, they first open their door in Singapore in 1997 and won lots of awards in early 2000s. Although they have been in Singapore for almost 17 years, this is the first time Little Devil and I ever been there.
Black Angus Cowboy

Black Angus Cowboy

 
The first thing that catch my eyes when we go to Black Angus Steakhouse ('BAS') is their logo. A cowboy squatting and cooking on campfire. The BAS @ Orchard Parade Hotel a choice of indoor and outdoor seating. As the weather was pretty war, we decided on the indoor seating, where it is decorated base on traditional Cowboy / Country Western theme in the States. Let just say, if you walk in with jeans, cowboy boots and hats, you will feel right at home.
The Indoor Dining Area

The Indoor Dining Area

 
The Indoor Dining Area - Our Seat

The Indoor Dining Area - Our Seat

 
Since we were not that hungry, we decided to skip the appetizer and get straight to the main menu. I ordered their signature Prime Rib Three Quarter Pound Cut ($59.90) and LD decided on their Rib-Eye Steak, 10oz cut ($44.90).
Garden Salad

Garden Salad

 
As part of the meal, we can choose an entrée to complement it. LD choose Garden Salad, while I decided on Steak Soup. The garden salad is a simple salad of fresh lettuce, tomatoes, croutons and with simple salad dressing. For those who never tried the steak soup like me, it is almost the same as stew. Thick and intense in flavour. How I wish if they serve a corn bread to go with the soup.
Steak Soup

Steak Soup

 
My 3/4 pound (about 340 grams) prime ribs came medium rare as per order. Generous cut with well spread marbling. Presentation is very simple, mash potatoes on the side, boiled vegetables and the au jus from the ribs. It is tender, juicy and deliciously yummy!!
Black Angus 3/4 Pound Prime Rib

Black Angus 3/4 Pound Prime Rib

 
Black Angus 3/4 Pound Prime Rib (Close up)

Black Angus 3/4 Pound Prime Rib (Close up)

 
LD's choose the smaller rib-eye, its about 280 gram. However, we feel that it might be bigger than 280 grams. Cooked to medium rare, served with baked potato, onion rings and boil vegetables. The Rib-eye is tender and juicy, goes well with the crispy onion rings. They sure know how to do their steak properly and their serving is definitely the big US size.
Black Angus Rib Eye

Black Angus Rib Eye

 
Service was good. As we were seated on the main walkway, we have no problem getting their attention.

Overall, we enjoy our meal here. BAS served a very good quality for steak, with no fuzz and reasonable price. It is definitely not your Kobe or Wagyu beef, but it sure is better than your average steak. Cheers!!!

For the complete Chubby Botak Koala experience, click / copy the link below:
http://www.chubbybotakkoala.com/2014/09/black-angus.html
 
Supplementary Information:
Black Angus Prime Rib
 
Recommended Dish(es):  Black Angus 3/4 Pound Prime Rib,Black Angus Rib Eye
 
Other Ratings:
Taste
 4  |  
Environment
 3  |  
Service
 4  |  
Clean
 4  |  
Price
 4

  • Keep it up!

  • Looking Forward

  • Interesting

  • Touched

  • Envy

  • Cool Photo
      View Results
Recommend
0