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gninethree
This is gninethree . I am a Full-Time Foodie
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Categories : European | Bars/Lounges | Restaurant

The flagship outlet of District 10 Bar & Restaurant at UE Square has recently unveiled a new gastrobar dining concept which incorporates both gourmet and casual under one roof. Boasting of two separate menus that reflect the decor of the two spaces, the Al Fresco menu- matching its chilled ambiance is all about bar bites and cocktails while the Dining Room menu- similar to its sleek finishing comprises of more elegant options, Italian-inspired cuisine and an extensive list of boutique wine labels.

 
We dropped by on a weekday evening and got a sample of The Dining Room menu. While options are not exactly extensive, the prices are affordable, with Starters starting from $13++, Mains from $24++ and a Black Angus Ribeye for $28++. Old Bonta fans will find a few signature offerings familiar while others like me who had never dined at Bonta before it closed a few months back, will be in for a satisfying gourmet experience.

Wagyu Beef Carpaccio, Mustard Dressing, Sautéed Wild Mushrooms $18++


I am no fan of raw food or carpaccio styled cuisine but this admittedly was a tad more palatable than my previous encounters. The wagyu beef was sliced a little thicker than usual- Italian style but the mustard marinade made the flavor of the meat less overwhelming. Not exactly my favorite of the lot because of my initial bias but the plating was undoubtedly aesthetically appealing.

 
Crispy Goose Leg Confit, Roasted Garlic, Soft Potato Mousse $29++

While Duck Confit is mainstream, Goose Leg Confit is a tad more indie and less common. I dont quite understand why though because it was just as luxuriously fatty and succulent as its duck cousin. Though some mentioned that the meat in this one was a bit dry, I thought it was just right.

 

Signature Black Angus Beef Striploin, Fried Eggs & Black Truffle $36++


While the black truffle smell of this platter was undeniably irresistible and that gorgeous sunny-side up glistening under the light stole our attention, the most understated highlight of this dish turned out to be the natural cut fries fried in GOOSE FAT! Mind.blown. really. One does not go back to eating ordinary fries after having had goose fat fried fries. Yes it is unhealthy and yes it is probably disastrous to your waistline but the flavor, caramelization and crispy edges on every individual fry was so beautifully sinful. I believe adding a little truffle oil to the mix will just tip the scales and bring it up a notch. The striploin on the other hand sadly, was rather forgettable.

 
If you were hoping for creative and unique desserts, then this District 10 Chocolate Sundae with Roasted Nuts $12++ is as interesting as you will get. Desserts are not really District 10's strong suit so you may want to fill yourself up with the starters and mains instead. But if you must, the Cinnamon Apple Fritters $12++ and Warm Apple Crumble $14++ may be one of the better few picks.

 
In short, there is no denying that the food here at District 10 is generally good. There were a couple of standouts and dishes which I would specially return to the restaurant for. With that said, I would be more inclined towards checking out their Al Fresco menu instead on my next visit- their Pizzas and Small Bites do sound drool-worthy and the space makes for a welcoming chill-out session.

For full review and photos: http://gninethree.com/2013/11/19/district-10-bar-restaurant-ue-square/
 
Date of Visit: Nov 28, 2013 

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 3  |  
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 3

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Categories : Fusion

Formerly known as Pamplemousse Bistro and Bar, Pidgin Kitchen & Bar- the newest addition to Dempsey Road is all about putting a creative spin on popular Southeast Asian local favorites and transforming them into unique original creations. This bold and ingenious concept by restaurateurs Adrian Ling and Cleo Chiang-Ling, takes your palate on an exciting journey of exploring familiar flavors that are presented in a whole new way. I personally enjoyed my tasting experience so much that I immediately made a reservation for a family dinner that same Friday night but was told that it was fully booked already.

The 1500 sqft space seats 56 pax both indoors and outdoors comfortably and oozes 'industrial-chic' appeal with its concrete wall features and parquet flooring.

 
Inspired by the well-loved fish paste banana leaf snack Otak-Otak, these Crab Otak Croquettes $12++ are instead snugly packed with chunks of crabmeat mixed in a concoction of rempeh spice paste and coconut milk that lends a creamy bite against the crisp deep fried skin, complimented further by a chye poh remoulade sauce which sends you on an umami rush that was simply addictive. Must try.

 
Although the hawker favorite Wonton Mee is the supposed inspiration for this Lobster Wonton Capellini $26++, dont order this expecting something similar, because from the way the noodles are prepared, to the chorizo slices and lobster stuffed fried wontons, the flavors were more subtle, fragrant and intriguing. I actually really did like this a lot despite detractors who may be missing that lack of spicy kick.

 
No soup in this Bak Kut Teh though no less appealing, Pidgin's Pork Bone Tea $24++ presents a deconstructed version with two premium slices of pork ribs marinated American style with tea-smoked beef bone marrow served in a peppery garlic jus. Tender succulent meat with a fragrant smokey flavor that was delightful.

 
For desserts, I strongly recommend the "Milo Dinosaur" Version 2.1 $15++ served on a plate instead of a mug but flavorful nonetheless. Chocoholics and Milo fans will be in for a treat as the deconstructed rendition charms with the intense 72% Dark Chocolate Flourless Cake and a scoop of Milo Ice Cream with its malty Milo Streusel bits.

 
Chef Adrian Ling's playful imagination and intriguing concepts with Southeast Asian cuisine certainly amazes and impresses. I for one am looking forward to my next visit. And yes, I made sure my reservation was made at least one week in advance. Pay a visit to Pidgin Kitchen & Bar as well! I am sure you too will enjoy the novelty.

For full review and photos: http://gninethree.com/2013/12/14/pidgin-kitchen-bar-7-dempsey-road/
 
Recommended Dish(es):  Wonton Mee
 
Date of Visit: Dec 04, 2013 

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 4  |  
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 4  |  
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 4  |  
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 4  |  
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 4

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Categories : Café

Mandarin Gallery welcomes a new addition to their brood of elegant and swanky tenants with the launch of gourmet label- The Providore's flagship cafe on the second floor. From the same people who brought you Jones the Grocer, founders Bruce Chapman and Robert Collick's latest gourmet F&B venture involves both a concept retail store in a 3,000 square foot warehouse in Tan Boon Liat that carries over 500 private label items and this cafe which serves up western food with an Australian influence.

 
Diners will never get bored with a myriad of offerings available at different times of the day. Breakfast from 9am-12pm on weekdays and extends till 3pm on weekends showcases primarily artisan breads such as Sourdough Toast and the Open Faced Breakfast BLT all freshly baked from BAO Bakery and free range eggs in their English Breakfast and Spanish Baked Eggs.

Lunch from 12-3pm is straightforward with offerings of gourmet sandwiches and salads from $14.50 while the transition into evening from 3pm onwards is all about Sharing Plates and a choice of Small $14.50, Medium $18.50 and Large $22.50, ideal for communal dining.

 
Organic Muesli Parfait $12.50

For the health conscious, start your day with The Providore's toasted muesli with shaved coconut. Topped with natural yoghurt, fresh fruit and crunchy roasted almonds, healthy never tasted this good. The cinnamon honey brought it home for me with its thick consistency, sweet yet not cloying aftertaste and full-bodied richness. But the trick ironically is in stirring it all up with the milk and letting it sit for a bit before digging in so that the muesli absorbs all that flavor.

 
Ricotta Pancakes $17.50

The first item on the menu to catch my eye, pancakes with bananas are almost impossible to resist, especially when those bananas are caramelized and walnuts are candied. Using the label's Yellowbox Honey, which I believe was the same one used in the Muesli Parfait, it was a refreshing change from the usual Maple Syrup.

Pancakes were fluffy and ridiculously light despite its thickness and lapped up all the honey we poured with its pockets of air. Do not be afraid to ask for more honey if your jar runs empty, in fact, we recommend it for a heightened sense of satisfaction with your pancakes.

 
The entry of The Providore into our brunch scene gives places like Wild Honey a good run for its money. With such a strategic location, I can foresee crowds flocking here especially on the weekends though we hear that it is now already difficult to find a seat if you do not come early. While prices may come across as a little steep, one has to understand that you are paying for its rent in the heart of Orchard Road and the quality produce that goes into every dish on the menu.

So the next time you are in town, you know where to go for some delicious and Instagram-worthy food.

 


For full review and photos: http://gninethree.com/2013/10/15/theprovidore-cafe-mandarin-gallery/
 
Date of Visit: Oct 11, 2013 

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 4  |  
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 4  |  
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 4  |  
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 3

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Categories : Multi-Cuisine | Café | Coffee | Brunch

For full review and photos: http://gninethree.com/2013/10/11/common-man-coffee-roasters/

The hottest collaboration in town at the moment is none other than the one located at 22 Martin Road. Two month old Common Man Coffee Roasters upped the ante by pulling out the big guns, bringing together Spa Esprit Group, Harry Grover from 40 Hands and Five Senses Coffee (Australia) for the trendiest concept cafe of the season.

 
Setting itself apart from other specialty coffee places, CMCR instead serves up a bevy of Middle-Eastern influenced all-day-breakfast items such as the Common Man Full Veggie Breakfast which features halloumi & free-range organic eggs, and the Turkish Common Man Breakfast with phyllo-wrapped soft boiled eggs, crispy feta with hummus and pita bread. Lunch options too are exotic with the likes of Baked Beetroot with feta cheese or Quinoa Salad with yoghurt & mint.

Our Common Man Burger $28 from the Lunch menu stood tall and was packed with layers of provolone, grilled tomatoes, caramelized onions and of course a 100% ground rib-eye patty. The flavors were spot on with the fluffy brioche bun pulling all the elements together with a single bite, a huge one of course. And while I personally thought that the patty could be a tad less tough and a little less well done, that would just be me being fussy. Served with a cup of crisp and salty fries for a complete picture.

 
Next was the highly raved about Organic Eggs Benedict $24 which came with braised ox cheeks instead because slices of ham are simply too pedestrian. And boy oh boy did it live up to expectations. Every single bit of it. For starters, the two organic eggs were poached so perfectly that not only did the yolk ooze out but the whites also had great consistency and texture. The ox cheeks were plain flavorful and so beautifully tender, it just melted in our mouth. And that lovely butter chive hollandaise made it all too easy to enjoy with the sourdough.

 
The space itself is spacious with a long communal table taking centre stage and plenty of room between smaller tables to have conversations that do not cramp your style. Bar counter seats are also available for those who wish to watch the barista pull their coffee. Overall, ambiance is great and food surprisingly good, just come prepared to spend a little more than a common man would for a meal.

 
 
Date of Visit: Oct 03, 2013 

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 4  |  
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 3

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Categories : European | Restaurant | Steaks and Grills | Burgers and Sandwiches | Brunch


When &MADE first opened in July this year, it became the talk of the town. Throngs of people flocked to this casual dining restaurant helmed by Chef Bruno Ménard. It was exciting because this establishment was opened by the first ever Michelin-starred chef that was to be based in Singapore permanently. The concept was a winning recipe- a well accredited chef with a convenient and accessible location, serving up comfort foods of gourmet burgers, fries, toastoos and interesting desserts. This burger bistro soon found its fans who raved over the amazing beef patties and detractors who thought it was overrated. 6 months later after all the excitement had died down, I decided to make a trip down myself to see what the fuss was all about.

 
The design of the place was charming and whimsical. I immediately warmed up to the low-hanging light bulbs, graffiti sticker-ed glass windows and bold colours of blacks and reds used to spruce up the decor. The feel was inviting, casual and relaxed with a chorus of 'Welcome!' by the chefs in the open concept kitchen each time a new customer walked in.

 
The 3 Little Pigs $23

The burgers come served in a platter with fries and homemade &MADE BBQ sauce dip. Top up an additional $3 for truffle fries which we both could not resist doing so.

Layers of shitake mushrooms, Japanese cabbage, Shibazuke pickles with a thick patty of bacon, pork filet and chorizo that was amazingly moist and tender, this burger had some great flavours going for it. And bringing it to the next level was the yuzu-kosho mayo dressing that tied it all together. Loved the toasted buns that was fluffy and crisp all at the same time. Truly memorable.

 
DD $22

Unaccustomed to not seeing my duck leg confit not in the form of a duck leg, this burger initially did not look too enticing especially since it appeared quite flat compared to The 3 Little Pigs. Nonetheless, I took a bite and was quite impressed. The red cabbage pickles were so crunchy and fresh, sweet shredded green apples, the citrusy green pepper lime mayo and of course that tender saltiness of the duck confit. Very interesting blend of textures. Very unique.

 
White Chocolate $12

The trick to eating this sundae is to use the tall spoon provided to dig right to the bottom of the cup. Much like a trifle, you need to get a bit of all the layers for that complete sugar rush sensation. A clever use of sweet and sour, the white chocolate sauce was paired off with a passion fruit coulis that tapered off so well that even those who may find white chocolate a tad too sweet, can and will finish this sundae. Topped with the caramelized coconut shavings, this dessert had a nice Hawaiian feel to it.

Hot Caramel Lava Cake $15

The menu states that this lava cake will take 15 min to prepare. But dont let that deter you even if you were in a rush. Just order it when you are almost done with your burger and it should arrive as you are about to begin digesting your food.

Coupled with a little theatrics, the waiter will cut the cake for you at your table so that you can watch that thick caramel sauce ooze out. And after you try it, chocolate lava cakes would have become a thing of the past because this hot caramel lava cake just changes the whole game. The cloyingly sweet caramel sauce was still warm and I ended up eating my nougatine ice-cream with it because it was just so good. I did find the cake to be a little too dense though and you are definitely better off sharing this one or it might be too much towards the end.

 
Overall, &MADE certainly exceeded my expectations. The service was flawless, with regular changes of serviettes and cutlery between courses and checks to make sure we were happy with the food. A feel good place with comfort food and great service- I am definitely sold.
 
Date of Visit: Jul 10, 2013 

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