For pictures and full review, pls visit:
http://madamechewy.com/2014/04/20/omakase-burger/
Don’t be misled by the word “Omakase”. No, you don’t leave your meal in the chef’s hands and no, there is zero Japanese influence in the food. This New York inspired burger joint serves American-styled burgers with beef patties that scream “sheer bliss”. Oh, the “Omakase” refers to the trust patrons can place in them to serve burgers made from high quality ingredients, prepared in the best way they know.
Mr Cheng Hsin Yao left his banking job to start Omakase burger. Using an excel spreadsheet, he documented his experiments with countless blends and recipes for each element of his burger. It took him one and a half years to perfect his beef patties.
Place your order at the counter and grab a seat in the park-inspired interior. I wasn’t too pleased with the self-service model though, we ordered quite number of items hence made many trips to and fro the counter. It was tiring and for that amount of money spent ($65 for 2 pax), I’d rather visit a restaurant or cafe, where I can sit down and enjoy a restful meal.
Refreshing home-made Lemonade ($4.60)
Omakase Cheeseburger ($14.90). Fresh, never frozen USDA Choice beef meat flown in from the US arrives at the store daily. They are rolled into a ball and smashed on a hot grill only when an order is made, resulting in a juicy centre with a slightly charred exterior. Every bite oozes flavour, nuff said. Another component of this burger I must gush about is the pillowy, toasted artisanal buns. Buttery and feather-like, they are the best I have ever tried. While the imported American cheese and secret Omasake sauce were nice, I wasn’t floored.
Bacon Cheeseburger ($16.90). Same as the above, plus American bacon smoked in natural hardwood. Uber yumms!
What are stars without sidekicks? Tossed in white and black truffle blend, and topped with grated Italian Black Summer truffles, these Truffle fries (reg. $7.30, large $8.30) were lovely, but I had tried better ones elsewhere (Au Chocolat).
Sweet Potato Fries (reg $5.20, large $6.20) were uncomplicated yet delish, but the fries at the bottom turned soggy rather quickly. I believe its because of the way its stuffed into the cup.
Burgers are petite, so I recommend topping up $5.95 to make it a double. Because the burgers were so dainty, we were still hungry and hence ordered Oven-baked Parmesan Chicken ($15.90) accompanied with a raisin roll. We waited 20 mins in anticipation, but were sorely disappointed. Although the breaded chicken was crunchy, the meat was way too greasy.
Due to the inconvenient location and steep prices, I doubt I will be revisiting. There are shuttle buses from selected MRT stations to The Grandstand, find out more from thier website below. If you can wait a little longer to satisfy your burger cravings, a new outlet will be opening in Wisma April at the end of this month

For pictures and full review, pls visit:
http://madamechewy.com/2014/04/02/district-10-star-vista/
Met my Uni friends some time back at Star Vista for dinner, and our choice was District 10, a bar tapas restaurant serving more than 35 tapas and pinchos (spike in Spanish). Pinchos are small bites skewed on long toothpicks, typically found in Northern Spain bars and taverns. Although tapas are meant to be the star, the main course, pasta and pizza we ordered outshone the former.
Alfresco and indoor seats are available. I would use the word Chillax to describe the ambience- a place whereby many office workers would like to unwind after long day’s work. Service was attentive and patient; and staff are eager to help.
The menu is extensive, with a variety of tapas, pinchos, soups, salads, pasta, pizza, main courses and desserts to choose from. We were spoilt for choice and landed up squabbling on what to order, haha! I strongly suggest to come in a group, so you can order a wider array of tapas.

We kicked start our hearty dinner with some tapas. Please pardon my photo quality; the lightening was difficult for photography
Fried Calamari with Wasabi Mayonnaise ($12). Deep fried with crunchy batter and springy calamari, accompanied with spicy tangy dip. Forget about counting calories and just indulge!
Sautéed Mushrooms with garlic and parsley ($8)- simple, yet so addictive!
Natural Cut French Fries ($9) were crisp and crunchy, yet not at all oily, with enough fluffy potato inside to make them satisfying. Flavour-wise, it was lacklustre, hence ordering the truffle dip ($3) is a good idea.
Pizza with Iberico Ham, Rocket and Parmesan Cheese ($29). We loved the slight charred, thin crispy crust and tasty melt-in-the-mouth Iberico ham.
Linguini in Aglio Oilo and Jumbo Crab Meat ($26). Al dente aglio oilo pasta, huge chucks of succulent crab meat and cherry tomatoes-a winning combination fully deserving of our 6 thumbs up.
Spanish Oven Roasted Pork Belly with Mashed potato and Onion Gravy ($24). This main course is part of the promotion menu so I am not sure whether it’s still available now, but if you see this, order it! Delicious, tender porky goodness that none of us could resist.
Desserts were too pricy ( about $10) and didnt sound very interesting, so we went elsewhere for sweet endings.

Brunch and set lunches are also available during the day, you can find the menu on their website

For pictures and full review, pls visit:
http://madamechewy.com/2014/03/22/astor-bar/

It’s impossible not to be impressed by the décor of the Astor Bar. Located on the first floor of the opulent St Regis Singapore, this Jazz bar is the perfect place chillax.
Named after John Astor IV, who founder St Regis in 1904, this bar looks like something that you would see in The Great Gatsby.

Relax in luxurious leather sofas, sip on delicious cocktails, while resident pianist-singer Ron Sinclair captivate your heart with his smooth vocals and jazz tunes.
While ambience, beverages and service were top-notch, nut and chips were rather flat. Expected more from St Regis….
St Regis Signature Cocktail- The Bloody Mary ($22) perfected in 1934 by Fernand Petiot, a bartender at St Regis New York’s King Cole Bar. An additive spicy concoction made with Vodka, tomato juice, lemon Worcestershire sauce and Cayenne pepper.
St Regis Singapore is also famous for another unique cocktail, Chilli Padi Mary, which has lemongrass, chilli padi and ginger ale, giving it a distinct spiciness which reflects Singapore’s diverse cuisine. We skipped this as we had curry fish head for dinner had enough of spicy stuff.
Singapore Sling ($21), with gin, Cointreau, cherry brandy, pineapple juice and Angostura was equally excellent.
For those who don’t take alcohol, you can choose from a range of appealing mocktails and juices.
Apple Pilar ($14): apple juice, ginger ale, mint leaves

Grapefruit Cooler ($14): grapefruit juice, soda water, grenadine syrup

For full review and pictures collated from 4 visits, pls visit:
http://madamechewy.com/2014/03/16/drips-bakery-cafe/
Co-owner Alfred Chan went from baking in Shangri-la Hotel to opening a cheery bakery café serving up quality fare in Tiong Bahru. Although Drips is well-known for their tarts and quiche, their tea cakes and sandwiches impressed me enough to revisit trice.
The café consists of 2 sections. If you wish to chill and relax, I recommend seats at the back, which comprises of mismatched sofas and couches. The front portion reminds me of a fun school canteen. Menu is written on a black board and selection changes often. Selection of both savories and sweets dwindle in the late afternoon, hence I prefer visiting at lunch time.
I don’t have close-up pictures of the teacakes to entice you; must try as they are are to-die-for! Pound cakes are so common these days; but I have not encountered any as good as Drips. They are luxuriously dense, amazingly moist and melt in the mouth. My family loves the raspberry cake; we buy a large block each time for breakfast.
Drips’ Iced Long Black ($5.50) is Hubby’s favorite coffee; he never fails to order this. Earl Grey Tea by the pot ($7.20) was satisfactory. There are 2 teabags in the pot, so be prepared to take them out to prevent over-steeping.
Hot Chocolate ($5) was fair; I had better ones elsewhere.
In order to set aside space for desserts, we ordered a slice of Rosemary and Chicken Quiche ($6.80) which was creamy and tasty. Don’t be deceived by the serving, although it does not look big, it’s very filling.
Sandwiches are wholesome and appetizing, prepared with generous portions juicy meat and fresh vegetables, plus a citrus side salad
Virginia Ham Sandwich ($13.80) with Dijon Mustard,
Sliced Corned Beef Sandwich ($15.80) ….
…and Oven Roasted Turkey Ham Sandwich ($15.80) with deliciously grilled capsicum and zucchini.
THIS Chocolate Tart ($6.80) stole my heart the moment I took my first bite. The first thing I do when I step into Drips is to check if this is available, and reserve one before it sells out. Made using high percentage of cocoa, the result is a slightly bitter tart with the ideal amount of sweetness.
Mixed Berry Fruit Tart ($8) was equally excellent. I particularly like the buttery and crumbly tart base, which had right amount of salt. Egg custard was just right-creamy and not too sweet.

For pictires and full review, pls visit:
http://madamechewy.com/2014/03/14/au-jardin/
How sad! Au Jardin under the prestigious Les Amis Group will be shutting its doors in approximately 2 weeks (apparently due to lease issues). In French, Au Jardin means “in the garden”. How apt, as it’s located in the beautiful Singapore Botanic Garden.
W and I visited some time ago during restaurant week for lunch ($40++ per pax), and I am so glad we did. I daresay you are missing out on a gem if you let the chance of checking out Au Jardin slip by. Their last day of operation is on 29th March.
The romantic fine dining establishment occupies the 2nd level of an elegantly restored colonial residence. Wine and dine in old-world charm. Love the warm-toned handsome furnishings and the touch of opulence thanks to the chandelier.
The best seats in the house are by the window, where one can admire the lush greenery. The tranquility is calming.
Warm bread promptly arrived at our table. I can’t help but notice their elegant China.
Amuse bouche was Cured Salmon, Orange, Honey Mustard adorn with Mesclun. Absolutely appetizing and no one flavour overpowered the other.
Foie Gras Ravioli in Mushroom consommé possessed robust flavours which W loved.
Shredded Duck Leg Confit and Gizzard with Organic Egg confit, wilted spinach, asparagus, truffle reduction. Oooo la la! Egg porn!
A winning combo of Butter Roasted Red Snapper with purple mashed potatoes, sautéed fine bean, bacon and Pommery mustard sauce. I polished these off in a snap.
Grilled saddle of lamb, vegetable couscous, confit of tomato and rock salad, natural jus. Another excellent main course with well-marinated lamb without a hint of gamey taste.
While the servings for appetizers and mains were substantial, the portion for dessert was rather small. This sweet and tangy dessert was the YUMS, and hence I was a bit upset that I didn’t get enough to satisfy my sweet tooth. Decussated lemon tart crumble , jelly and lemon sorbet.
We rounded of our meal with coffee, tea (included in set lunch) and petit fours. These cute mini Madeleines are irresistible-crisp on the outside while remaining soft, buttery and moist on the inside.