For the full review, visit my blog post at http://melicacy.com/?p=5457

The owner takes pride in cooking the gravy from scratch, insisting on using only the freshest ingredients he obtains from the wet market daily.What sets this Mee Siam apart from others is the secret blend, of several fruit juices that yields a light and refreshing taste. The commixture of fruit juices imparts a familiar tangy flavour that we associate Mee Siam with, but without the heaviness, oiliness and cloyingness of the accustomed version. There’s also a subtle sweetness coming through the tangy notes, which I suspect comes pineapple juice. I couldn’t discern the other ingredients he’d added, but the grittiness commonly encountered in Mee Siam (from the addition of shrimp paste) is not present.

Hawker foods are generally high in calories. A regular serving of Mee Siam consists of an average of 700 calories. For those who seek a healthier alternative, this Fruit Juice Mee Siam is more forgiving on the waistline –same amount of satisfaction, but lesser the guilt. I actually enjoyed this version more than the conventional version of Mee Siam.

A bowl of Fruit Juice Mee Siam costs $3 to $4. For a slightly more lavish option, you can order the $6 portion that comes with poached crayfish. The succulent flesh comes off the shell easily –evidence of its freshness.

For pictures and full review, visit http://melicacy.com/?p=3516Restaurants located amidst an abundance of greenery are positively an endangered species in Singapore, with high-rise buildings sprouting endlessly, as are the number of restaurants in the city.

Poison Ivy Bistro is serenely located adjacent to Bollywood Veggies in the Kranji countryside enclave. It is a deep drive into the remote area, but definitely worth the distance.

Make yourself comfortable in the rustic, homely indoors and enjoy air-conditioning after a tour around the beguiling farm.Fig Tea (hot/cold) – $2

The Fig Tea is available both hot and cold – whichever best suits your mood – and arrives unsweetened. The colour of the drink is derived from fig leaves and red sugarcane, au naturel.

Aloe Vera (left picture; $3), Lemongrass Tea (right picture; $2)

Aloe Vera has to be my personal favourite; it is the sweetest amongst the three (oh yes, I have a sweet tooth!) and you get cubes of Aloe Vera for your chewing pleasures.

Beers and wines are available.

Apart from the alcoholic drinks, the food menu is completely Halal, and in strict absence of pork and lard.

Its food menu isn’t extensive, but there are sufficient choices to please everyone. Its menu comprises of breakfast foods, starters, mains, finger foods and the indubitable veggies.

Talented Cordon Bleu Chef Lynn Ee runs the kitchen seamlessly; drawing inspiration from the farm and what’s available for harvest, she designs the menu with the approval of Ivy’s taste buds.Farmer’s Platter, for two ($10 per person)

To get a gastronomic overview, you can start things off with the Farmer’s Platter that features downsized portions of (almost all) the dishes –a diversity of flavours and textures in a single tray.

We also had a bowl of brown rice to accompany the mouth-watering dishes. To my surprise, after years of avoiding brown rice for its uncanny appearance, I have eaten more brown rice than I have ever eaten in my 24 years of living. It actually pairs perfectly well with the dishes!Deconstructed Grilled Coconut Chicken

You would be expecting a whole lot of greens on your plates when you’re at a bistro that is situated amongst the gardening terrain – like myself, who was initially half-hesitating making the trip down due to the fact that I dislike eating my greens – but fret not, because carnivores are certainly not short-changed at Poison Ivy. In fact, there are more meat dishes on the menu than the actual greens, well complemented by farm-fresh ingredients in the cooking process.Otah Omelet

I love eggs, and I love my Otah thick and whole. With Poison Ivy’s Otah Omelet duo, I can have my cake and eat it too.

Apart from the items available on the menu on a daily basis, there are daily specials that are highly dependent on what’s available for harvest.Generally, all the mains cost $6 each for regular portions.Jackfruit Lemak (half portion)

Highlight: The Jackfruit Lemak steals the show. The stew commingles the sweet and the savoury, with soft and juicy pieces of jackfruit immersed in a creamy coconut milk sauce. Slightly lacking in the visual department, it is more than compensated for in its tremendously decadent coalescence of flavours.Bollywood 3-in-1 Dessert ($7.50)
–Banana Bread, Kueh Bingka (Baked Tapioca) and Kueh Kosui (steamed tapioca flour with palm sugar)

The Banana Bread is soft, moist and isn’t too sweet. The best part is, they warm it before serving. Very comforting to dig into! I like!

Must-have: The Kueh Kosui is the best in Singapore. Confirmed. It is a unanimous favourite! It is so, so soft, appropriately sweet and not too chewy or sticky –it is splendid in every possible way.

For pictures and the full review, visit http://melicacy.com/?p=4967

The ever-expanding Thai Express Group has got a large chain of restaurants under its belt. Poulét, its newest concept, has received innumerable positive feedback from returning patrons. Their second outlet, at Great World City, will not be their last.

The snaking queues at Bugis+’s outlet, especially on weekends, can be a tad overwhelming. I’ve had friends who waited more than 3 hours before they could get a table. The upcoming outlets would definitely be advantageous in dispersing the crowd.

Read about my previous dining experience at Poulét (Bugis+) here: http://melicacy.com/?p=4537

Along with the opening of Great World City outlet, Poulét has also launched a new Signature dish –a twist to the brand’s highly raved ‘Amazing French Roast Chicken’ (Poulét Roti).

Poulét de Cranberry ($17.80 for half, $30.80 for whole)

Cranberry Sauce, Double Pommery & Dijon Mustard

Pleasing the palate with both fruity and savoury notes, this new signature came just in time for the jolly festive season!

Personally I really loved the creamy homemade mushroom chardonnay sauce in the Poulét Roti, while the Poulét de Cranberry makes a healthier option that is less rich. It really boils down to personal preferences, as both dishes are as enjoyable. The most important component of the dish – the chicken – turns out perfectly tender and succulent.

Here are some other items on the menu I had that day:

Chicken and Fig Marmalade Sandwich ($8.80)

Homemade fig marmalade and shredded chicken dressed with aioli sauce, crispy lettuce and tomato

Why didn’t I try this gem earlier? I’m so glad I did this time round. They bake croissants from scratch. I’m so impressed (and I never knew I would be, this much, with sandwiches).

Chicken tends to turn out dry in most sandwiches, but here, there’s no lack of moisture. The aioli sauce also helps keep the chicken moist. The sweetness from the fig marmalade complements the shredded chicken beautifully.

Love it.

Prawn Fritters ($7.80)

Fried prawn fritters served with sweet and spicy sauce

This is sooo not French (who are you trying to kid, the sweet and spicy sauce screams Thai), but taste triumphs it all. I’m so addicted to these golden strips of breaded prawns –crisp on the outside, succulent on the inside. I will definitely order this again during my next visit.

Oxtail de Bourguignon ($15.80)

Pressure-cooked oxtail in red wine sauce with carrot and onion

I heard they tweaked the recipe for the Oxtail de Bourguignon, so I HAD to try it! The previous rendition was a tad salty and heavy on the palate, but I saw potential in it. After trying this new version, I can safely say that I 100% recommend this dish.

They’ve infused even more flavour into the sauce without having a high salt content; oxtail, melt-in-the-mouth tender; pricing-wise, totally value for money. Must try.

Tiramisu ($7.80)

Mascarpone cheese, sponge finger soaked in espresso and rum syrup

Ordered the Tiramisu because I couldn’t get enough of it during my previous visit.

Guess what? I’ll be ordering it again on my next visit.

For pictures and full review, visit http://melicacy.com/?p=4845

PepeNero means black pepper in Italian.

Ristorante PepeNero is a quaint little restaurant housed in one of the conservative shophouses along Telok Ayer, on Stanley Street to be exact.

As opposed to its appellation, black pepper does not take centre stage at this Italian restaurant. I reassure you, you won’t get a choke-inducing profusion of black pepper that overwhelms each and every dish.

PepeNero is helmed by chef Marco Violano, whom hails from Apricena, a small town on the Southern East coast of Italy in the Apulia region, where its long coastline brings large quantities of seafood and inspires seafood-dominated dishes. He creates authentic Italian dishes with a modern twist with more than 15 years of experience.

Occasionally, chef Marco Violano comes out of the kitchen, greets new guests in the dining room, exchanges short conversations with diners who are halfway through their courses, and pops back into the kitchen. This interaction builds rapport with the customers –glance around and you could spot regular patrons and loyal fans ordering old favourites.

The small restaurant is well appointed with crisp white tablecloths, warm lighting and plush seats –swanky with a rustic and cosy touch.

Breadbasket

After making our order, a rustic breadbasket was served in quick succession –a welcome relief to our rumbling stomachs.

Arriving to the table warm, the homemade bread has a crisp crust with a soft airy interior, while the breadsticks were dense and crunchy. The rustic elements and freshness gives a simple breadbasket much more appeal. Accompanying the bread are two condiments – sundried tomato pesto and olive paste – that are leagues above the usual olive oil or butter.

Yellow-fin Tuna Tartar and Crunchy Crab Meat with Tuna Sauce and Roasted Pistacho ($23)

We ordered the Yellow-fin Tuna Tartar and Crunchy Crab Meat with Tuna Sauce and Roasted Pistacho for starters, as mum and I both love fish.

The breaded crabmeat patty adds a crispy contrast to the tender fresh cubes of tuna, while the dressing elevates the fish’s flavour and allows its freshness to shine. This dish was light on the palate and was a perfect start to the meal.

Millefeuille of Organic Eggplant and Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese with “San Marzano” Tomato Sauce ($21)

The other starter we ordered was the Millefeuille of Organic Eggplant and Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese with “San Marzano” Tomato Sauce. It is essentially alternate layers of lightly charred eggplant and gooey melt-y cheese, doused in a light tomato sauce that brings the whole dish together. Perfect combination of flavours.

Homemade Ravioli Filled with 8-Hour Braised Duck Leg with Meat Jus and Shaved Smoked Ricotta Cheese ($29)

Pasta dough is made in-house. I highly recommend the Homemade Ravioli Filled with 8-Hour Braised Duck Leg with Meat Jus and Shaved Smoked Ricotta Cheese –it is ambrosial.

The ravioli skin is thin without being fragile; encased within is shredded duck meat, braised for 8 hours to achieve tender perfection. One of the best raviolis I’ve ever had.

“Carnaroli” Risotto in Squid Ink with Seafood Ragout ($33)

I urge you to try the squid ink risotto, even if you’re on a date. Think: you end up giggling at each others’ stained lips and teeth, wiping each others’ mouths, and exchanging remarks on this supreme dish –unless your date is so shallow and grim, you should just never see him/her again. Sounds like an idea.

The squid ink base has a saucy consistency, enriching every rice grain that wears it like a dark briny coat. The complementing seafood ragout burst with succulent juices of the ocean in every bite.

12-Hour Slow Stewed Squid Stuffed with Altamura Country Bread, Clams and Prawns with Fresh Basil and Pachino Cherry Tomatoes ($26)

Squid isn’t something that I would ever order in a restaurant, but I heeded Nicholas (a cook at PepeNero)’s recommendation and I am glad I took a chance. Generally speaking I’ve never liked squid very much, as it turns tough and chewy often too easily. Here, it is executed to my liking –succulent and tender. The stuffing adds bounty of flavours and textures to this dish. I never knew I would enjoy squid this much.

PepeNero Tiramisu ($12)

To end the meal on a sweet note, we had the PepeNero Tiramisu. Don’t worry, there’s no black pepper in this dessert –or rather I can’t detect any trace of it. PepeNero’s rendition is richer and denser than usual; it is one of the most decadent tiramisus I’ve had. I found the sweetness to be just right. It left me wanting more.

Note: Do make reservations to avoid disappointment.

For pictures and full review, visit http://melicacy.com/?p=3394

Roadhouse serves up all-time favourite diner food in a rustic setting, resembling a cowboy’s den, great for convivial gatherings. This western-themed restaurant is one of the very few in Singapore to char-grill their meats and burger patties using the acclaimed Josper Grill –get ready to be impressed!

There’re not plenty of seats in the restricted space and it is mostly filled to the brim especially during weekends; alfresco seats are available, but scarce. A brief row of counter seating is available as well, where you can catch a glimpse the Josper Grill in action.

Soups

Wet & Wild Mushroom Soup $10

Soups available are Mushroom Soup and the Soup of the day. The soup of the day we had was the Tomato Soup, which I won’t recommend ordering; it tastes like a standard tomato sauce typically used for a pasta dish. The Mushroom soup is ordinary and wasn’t impressive, though it didn’t taste bad.

Soup of the Day $10

Salads

Cajun Chicken Salad $13

Among the five choices of Salad available on the menu, I tried the Cajun Chicken Salad that is composed of crisp rocket salad, tender Cajun chicken chunks that are succulent and juicy, fresh tomatoes, cashew nuts for that crunchy texture, all tossed in a sweet homemade honey mustard dressing that is used sparingly.

Starters

Crusty Blue Swimmer Crab Cakes $15

For starters, I highly recommend the Crusty Blue Swimmer Crab Cakes. The breaded crust is fried to a golden brown; it is crispy without being greasy. Instead of the mushy interior you’d typically find in crab cakes, the one here encompasses moist chunky pieces of crabmeat minus the starch. Served with sweet corn kernels and savoury milk glaze, this dish will perk up your appetite!

Quesadilla and Tacos

Mushroom Melt Quesadilla $13

In the quesadillas and tacos menu, the Mushroom Melt Quesadilla is highly recommended. The taco shell is baked to a crisp with a nice char, with melted gooey cheese within. It’s delicious and it left me wanting more.

Burgers

Simply Brie-vine Burger $24

The highlight of that evening was the Simply Brie-vine Burger. Expect a 170g Josper-grilled Wagyu patty arriving straight out of the grill, sandwiched between a homemade bun together with grilled poached pear, Brie cheese, wild rocket & sun-dried tomatoes. The thick piece of patty is orgasmic; instead of the minced beef you’d typically get in burgers, the ones here contain tender chunky pieces of meat, so moist and juicy. The moment it arrived at our table, I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into it.

Miso Cod Burger $26

If you’re not a fan of red meats, the Miso Cod Burger is no less impressive. The Josper-grilled miso cod specked with toasted sesame is so tender and fresh, and simply delectable. I would order this again the next time I visit!

Dessert

Old-Fashioned Apple Strudel $12

I enjoyed the Old-Fashioned Apple Strudel, that is made up of cinnamon apples, plump California raisins stuffed in a light crisp pastry baked to perfection, sided with vanilla bean ice cream.

Cranberry & Walnut Brownie $10

The Cranberry & Walnut Brownie is a tad sour for a brownie to please my sweet tooth, but the liberal drizzle of Varlhona chocolate sauce is divine.

Esther’s Lemon Meringue Pie $10

Esther’s Lemon Meringue Pie came in such a beautifully constructed piece of art – it looks like something you could give as a gift providing it doesn’t fall apart in the gift box – that I almost couldn’t bear to dismantle it. Taste-wise, the lemon curd on its own is a tad too tart, and the meringue on its own is a tad sweet. Put them together, the result is magical.

In conclusion:
Roadhouse gets a tick in all positive aspects in terms on the food and flavour. Service-wise, it is casual and efficient, but could deem as a little unprofessional if you’re a discerning diner.

Business is brisk; although reservations are not necessary, it is recommended to do so especially during the weekends.

Roadhouse is also home to the Terminator Challenge, which requires fast eaters with a huge appetite to wolf down a 1kg burger within 20 minutes. Once accomplished, they get the burger for free and their names and pictures on the Wall of Fame.

Check out my experience with the Terminator Challenge here: http://melicacy.com/?p=3352