For full review and photos: http://gninethree.com/2013/04/15/laduree-renowned-parisian-patisserie-chain-opens-in-singaporeA mere 5 days after Hong Kong’s Michelin Star Dim Sum Restaurant- Tim Ho Wan opens its first international outlet in Singapore, world-renowned Parisian Patisserie Chain- Ladurée has followed suit by opening two outlets in Takashimaya Shopping Centre.

Fans of their macarons can choose to either take the express route via the counter on level 1 or immerse themselves in the more chi-chi boutique on the second floor which carries a wider range of Ladurée products, namely their macarons, jams, chocolates and even perfumed candles in beautiful packaging.While there was a queue outside the Ladurée boutique, it was nowhere as maddening and insane as the one Tim Ho Wan had on its grand opening. Perhaps a large contributing factor was due to the fact that there was no sitting area and everyone was simply there to do a takeaway.I for one could not resist joining the queue and it was my turn in no less than 10 minutes (the wait can be up to 20 min during peak hour!). The macarons are sold at $3.80 apiece and any purchase less then 8 will be put into a paper bag, which implies that you have to spend at least $30.40 here to have your macarons packed in a box. Various different designed gift boxes are also available at an extra cost if you do not want the regular standard long boxes. If you feel like splurging and particularly indulgent, there are gold-speckled chocolate macarons going for $7.60 apiece.There were about 18 flavours available and these were the 8 I chose- Salted Caramel, Rose Petal, Vanilla, Pistachio, Marie-Antoinette Tea, Praline, Chestnut and Chocolate Yuzu. Others include Strawberry Marshmallow, Chocolate Coconut Marshmallow, Lemon, Raspberry and Red Fruits.

I would definitely recommend getting the Strawberry Marshmallow, Marie-Antoinette Tea, Pistachio and Rose Petal!

Texture wise, the shells were crisp on the outside and a little chewy soft inside with just the right amount of filling that was not cloyingly sweet. Most will usually compare them with Pierre Hermé's but I personally refuse to pick a side as both were aesthetically pleasing and satisfied my sweet tooth cravings. And while the exorbitant price tag will probably be a deterring factor for some, I hear that these macarons are directly imported from Paris every single day, keeping the authenticity factor intact.

Hopefully in the near future, Ladurée will decide to open a cafe concept for high-tea here in Singapore and bring in their specialty pastries as well!

For full review and photos: http://gninethree.com/2013/05/22/park-holland-village/

While having the name PARK in a park is nondescript and hardly raises any eyebrows, the structure and architecture of the shack probably will. Reconstructed out of an old shipping container and powered by solar energy (hence the eco-friendly element), it is a strategic place to engage in the activity of people watching or simply enjoy some quiet time by yourself, a nice respite amongst the trees and plants.In the day, PARK is usually quiet with few occupants but the scene changes quickly at night as the beer specials and extensive list of alcoholic beverages at extremely competitive prices draw a young and edgy crowd.

Food menu is about a page long, with a decent selection of Salads, Starters, Sandwiches, Mains & Pastas and Cakes. The Starters selection includes Nachos with Cheese, SPAM Chips, PARK Wings and Parmesan Truffled Fries at $8.50 each. We tried the latter which was served with three dips and a good sprinkle of shredded Parmesan.

All-Day-Breakfast items such as Eggs Benedict $13.80, Toast Soldiers $6 and Eggs in a Pocket $12.80 are also on the menu. Our server highly recommended us the Eggs Ben so we took her suggestion and my was our plate pretty when it arrived at our table. I could not fault the plating and elements of the dish because it was substantial. Rosti patties, bacon, cherry tomatoes and even stalks of greens sitting in between the ham, toast and beautifully poached eggs. Almost perfect if it werent for the Hollandaise sauce which was bland and lacked character. I was a little disappointed.But while the items we tried, beverages of tea and mocha included, needed a little tweaking, I say that the overall concept of a cafe in the garden has me sold. And I will definitely be back to try their mains, some of which include the Truffled Mac & Cheese $11.80, Beef Hayashi $13.50 and Sage, Anchovy & Tiger Prawn Risotto $12.80 have me intrigued. Alternatively, have a slice of Lemon Meringue Cake or Old Fashioned Chocolate Layer Cake, each $9.90 if you drop by in the afternoons.

Either way, I believe this place has potential.

For full review and photos: http://gninethree.com/2013/05/16/ito-kacho-yakiniku-dining-mandarin-gallery/

Tucked away at the corner of level 4 of Mandarin Gallery, the interior of Ito-Kacho is inviting with its warm lighting and wood veneer finishes. Unlike your usual barbeque joints which are usually stuffy and uncomfortable with patrons leaving smelling exactly like the meats they just cooked over the charcoal fire, it is never the case here. It is a one-of-a-kind fine dining experience of barbequing at Ito-Kacho as careful thought has been put into the mechanics and technicalities. Convection systems are in place above the barbeque pits to ensure proper ventilation while chairs are thoughtfully upholstered with seat cushions so you thoroughly enjoy your time here.Only authentic Japanese Black Wagyu is served here, air flown and delivered to the restaurant regularly from a farm in Kagoshima, the same specialty cattle which also caters to the flagship branch in Japan. And while the beef we usually eat are frozen, the beef here at Ito-Kacho is chilled instead, believed to be fresher, more nutritious and of course a more elegant robust flavor, all while retaining the marbling and overall consistency.For those looking to try something different or just feeling adventurous altogether, the Wagyu Tongue $29 for 80g; $39 for 120g is a must order. My friends at the table could not stop raving about the smokey flavor and sweet accents of this unusual offering while I personally found the texture of the cow's tongue a little peculiar. I think I might just stick to the more normal parts of the cow the next time.Ito-Kacho also offers other kinds of meats such as Pork, Chicken, Lamb and Sausages (Beef/Chicken/Pork). The Tzubo-Tsuke Kurobuta (Black Berkshire Pork) is a must try! Choose either the Kurobuta Karubi (Pork Belly) $14 for 80g; $19 for 120g, Kurobuta P-toro (Pork Jowl) $14 for 80g; $19 for 120g or Tzubo-Tsuke Kurobuta (Pork Collar) $19 for 180g and you will understand why this breed of pork is so highly prized in Japan.For a change in palate, try some of the seafood items such as the Oo-Ebi Yaki (Giant Tiger Prawn for Grill) $24 which was an absolute pleasure to grill as you watch the succulent flesh of the prawns slowly burst out of their shells.Those who need their carbs can order filler dishes of Rice, Ramen or Sushi. We tried the Ishiyaki Bibimbap $15 which serves 2 very big eaters and found the hot stone bowl of rice, minced meat, namurus topped with shredded dry seaweed and sesame seeds with spicy bean paste sauce extremely comforting and definitely filling. We could not eat anything else after that...Or so we thought..

But then again, there is always space for desserts. I strongly recommend getting the Assorted Dessert $19.80 which is great deal because you get 4 different types of ice-cream (Vanilla, Maccha, Kuri and Kurogoma) as well as 2 types of Mochi (Vanilla and Maccha) topped with Azuki Beans. My vote goes to the Kurogoma (Black Sesame) ice-cream and the Mochi. Simply delectable.

For full review and photos: http://gninethree.com/2013/05/10/the-ascot-british-gastrogrub-the-grandstand

The moniker 'gastrogrub' is not uncommon in England. This portmanteau of gastronomy and grub was after all, first coined in London. The Ascot, opened by owner Sylvester Fedor Thang, was his attempt to recreate the fond pub memories he enjoyed with his mates back when he was studying in the UK.

Serving up distinctly British comfort foods of Bangers and Mash, Fish and Chips, Curries, Shepherd's Pie and the Sunday Roast (available only on Sundays of course), with a comprehensive alcoholic menu of imported beers and beverages from England and Europe, this place is the next best thing you will get without hopping on a 13 hour plane ride.A rustic Cold Cut Platter $18 that will be excellent with a guzzle of beer, this one features 3 types of cold cuts with silver onions, gherkins, scotch egg and homemade bread. The highlight of course, has to be that freshly made scotch egg with a gorgeous sunny-yellow yolk still runny despite being deep fried. A nice change to the usual ways eggs are prepared, this one comes wrapped in sausage meat and breadcrumbs for a contrast of textures and bite. It is a little British delicacy done right.I would not usually condone paying so much for a plate of salad but in the case of this Strawberry Spinach Salad $18 [must try!] which produces a kaleidoscope of flavors that is undeniably compelling, it is probably justified. The first thing that hits you is probably the sweet tang of the raspberry vinaigrette dressing that lends a fruity burst with every bite. Next would be the crumbled blue cheese with its characteristic sharp and and salty flavor which cuts through the sweetness and is surprisingly not as foul-smelling as blue cheeses usually are. My favorite part has to be the generous sprinkle of whole pistachio nuts.A Bunch of Bangers $20 [must try!], another memorable dish, pays tribute to the quintessentially British dish of Bangers and Mash and put its own twist to it by adding Bubble and Squeak (stir-fried 'leftover' vegetables, The Ascot uses ) instead of regular mashed potatoes. Made up of three types of broiled and coiled sausages (Pork, Veal, Garlic and Thyme) and bathed in onion gravy, this one definitely has my vote because it was just so good and comforting! Can totally imagine a group of friends chilling over some bottles of beer and this plate of Bangers. Oh YUM!All desserts here are homemade so be patient as the kitchen will take up to 15 min to prepare them! But trust me, the wait will definitely be worth it! Expect the classics of Bread & Butter Pudding $9 [must try!] and Apple Crumble $10 or even go all out and indulge in the Deep-Fried Mars Bars $8 that will leave you with sticky gooey caramel teeth but make you feel so satisfied (probably guilty afterward).

The Ascot's Bread & Butter Pudding, made from brioche, was served warm and delivered a delightful end to the meal with those bursts of blueberries and accompanying Vanilla ice-cream. Truly memorable.

For full review and photos: http://gninethree.com/2013/05/07/strangers-reunion-37-kampong-bahru-rd/Strangers' Reunion created many waves when it opened its doors early last year. With the coffee culture growing and the rise of the 'third wave' coffee movement in Singapore, many applauded the introduction of yet another specialty coffee joint to the scene. Fronted by Ryan Kieran Tan, two-time winner of the Singapore National Barista Championships and second runner-up at last year's World Latte Art Championships, and his brother, Dylan, who were both formerly from Papa Palheta, it is no secret that discerning coffee drinkers can look forward to a cuppa that is well-balanced with bold flavors when they drop by this cafe.

Expect the usual serving styles of Flat Whites, Piccolo Lattes and Macchiatos for $3.90-$4.90 while the Strangers' signatures such as Magic (double ristretto + milk) and Schlong (double ristretto half long black) are $5.50 and $4.90 respectively, in cup sizes between 5oz and 6oz. Tea drinkers can opt for a pot of English Breakfast or Oolong for $7-$8.Their best-seller is the Buttermilk Waffles which everyone orders when they come here. Served with either a choice of artisan greek yogurt, vanilla ice-cream or maple syrup with fresh fruits for $8.50, these waffles are worth every single calorie. Light and puffy with a rich doughy flavor that remained light and crisp right to the end. A definite must-try here!We came here on a Monday afternoon and while the place was not insanely crowded, almost every table of this distressed rustic- looking cafe was taken. The healthy stream of customers on a weekday makes me think that getting a table here on a weekend will be even more challenging. But the good news is that Strangers' Reunion will be expanding its cafe size when it takes over the unit next door in the near future so look out for that! Meanwhile coffee lovers, enjoy the cosiness of this quaint space over a genuine good cup of coffee.