[Tasting] Fat Belly @ Serene Centre

Was invited to Fat Belly, a community steakhouse located in Serene Centre (Bukit Timah). They are known for offering delicious uncommon steak cuts. 

Thank you Hence for the invite and Fat Belly for hosting the tasting. We got the counter seats and was able to chat a bit with Head Chef Spencer Lau. 

have a sip while perusing the menu

menu

I've tried their onglet, flatiron and shortribs before and back then, onglet was the preferred cut due to its overall texture and price point.

Starters

Toasted Sourdough & Raclette Cheese

starters

Toasted Sourdough @$6 (served with salted butter)

Raclette Cheese @$18

The raclette cheese was served bubbling, so don't go touching the sides of the plate! Sourdough was crisp on its exterior and we used it to mop up the yummy cheese. 

delicious bites

Both the sourdough and raclette cheese combination could easily feed up to 3 to 4 pax as starters.

But of course, before that, friendly Shanice came by the counter to ask if we're ready to order our drinks. Hence got himself a Hugo mocktail while I chose the Malbec.

a glass for you?

Bodega Catena, Malbec 2021 (Argentina) @$23 per glass

The malbec tasted of ripe dark fruits with a hint of chocolate. Tasted good with the raclette cheese sprinkled with bits of salty crispy bacon.

left: Hugo (mocktail) @$14

Hugo's a refreshing drink with main ingredients from elderflower, grapefruit and soda. The cocktail version is gin-based and topped with prosecco.

Charcoal Grill

beautifully marbled meats; Picanha, Denver

Fat Belly takes pride in its sourcing and butchery of the meats and works closely with their network of producers for the uncommon cuts. These fine cuts are then expertly grilled over charcoal, rested and sliced into morsels of deliciousness for us, diners to enjoy.

Picanha

Picanha cut is from the rump above a fat cap while Denver cut is from the chuck located on the shoulder part.

steak dinner for two

Steak was done medium rare and it was quite a sight to behold when served. Minimalist plating yet visually impactful. A mouthwatering sight.

Picanha (American Wagyu MBS 6/7, America) @$55

The steak was served with garlic confit, salt and we tried the Mustard Royale sauce ($4). The meat was flavourful on its own or good with a tiny dab of salt. Tender and juicy mouthfeel yet not oily. As we are alternating between the Denver and Picanha between bites, the Mustard Royale with it a tinge of tangy-ness helped to refresh the tastebuds.

Denver 

Denver (Full Blood Wagyu MS 6/9, Australia) @$65

Full Blood Wagyu typically refers to the beef produced from Wagyu cattle that has no evidence of cross-breeding with other breeds and whose pedigree can be traced back to Japan providing 100% Full-Blood Wagyu beef.

As both Picanha and Denver cuts at Fat Belly are of high wagyu grading, the meat was tender, with good mouthfeel. Denver has a fuller/richer/creamier mouthfeel in comparison. I think it is best to share Denver with a partner/friend while I am confident that I can polish off the whole plate of Picanha on my own. Of course, sips of Malbec between bites of these premium meats complemented the overall enjoyment.

Sides

Pomme Puree

Pomme Puree @$10

Fried Brussels Sprouts

Fried Brussels Sprouts @$14

The sides portion are good for two. Pomme Puree was expectedly smooth and creamy. Was surprised by the fried brussels sprouts for its smokey aroma. There are savoury granola in it and the garum caramel added a touch of sweetness to this dish. 

Desserts

Signature Tiramisu

Signature Tiramisu @$14

Tiramisu portion was good for two pax and best to dig in as soon as it was served. Light as a cloud in all its creme chantilly glory! Strong coffee flavour in this one. 

All in all, Fat Belly is a cosy place, with friendly vibes to enjoy premium uncommon steak cuts in the Bukit Timah area.

Once again, thank you Fat Belly and team for your hospitality. Special thanks to Chef Spencer and also to Shanice for coming by to chat with us.

Fat Belly (FBG)

Address: 10 Jln Serene, #01-04 Serene Centre, Singapore 258748

Website: https://www.fatbellysg.com/

Contact: 6314 2247

Business Hours: 

Mon - Fri: 11 am–4 pm, 5–11 pm

Sat: 11 am–11 pm

Sun: 11 am–10 pm

O.BBa Jjajang & BBQ @ Chun Tin Road

Finally, tried O.BBa KBBQ at their Chun Tin Road outlet (Bukit Timah). It's within 5 minutes walking distance from Beauty World MRT, so that's pretty convenient. Reservation is not available at this outlet, hence diners would have to appear at their doorstep, then key in your phone number at the queue kiosk (at the entrance) and wait for staff to call. One could also check queue status via whatsapp.

My bro and me went at about 1pm and were seated within 10 minutes. The shop was fairly busy even at late lunch hour.

Scan the QR code left by the staff at the table and order through that as well. The place has adequate staff, so no issue in getting your questions answered. Drinks were served immediately once order is placed and the BBQ set appeared within 5 minutes as well. 

Set C - mix of beef and pork @$96++

scan for menu/wifi

Beef short rib, pork belly, traditionally marinated beef, marinated pork rib, sausage

At first, I was slightly confused as to whether the staff will do the BBQ or are we supposed to do it ourselves as the staff was just standing at our table after bringing out the meats. Ahh, perhaps he was waiting for me to finish taking the photos? Hahaha!

let's start

apple salad

fishcake

sliced sausages in tomato sauce

kimchi

While staff was busy grilling the meats, we busied ourselves with the side dishes. I liked the cold apple salad and the kimchi the most.

beef short ribs

We loved the tender slices of short ribs. It's unmarinated hence, one could add dip it into the sesame oil salt mix, or make it into a wrap with whichever condiments that you like. Noticed that the shop don't provide raw garlic here.

grilled cheese

Realised that the set also came with 2 squares of cheese which is also grilled. Interesting, and staff shared with us that this type of mozzarella cheese isn't too melty and hence, suitable for the grill. My first time trying a grilled cheese that isn't haloumi.

I was confused x2, when the staff suddenly dangled the already grilled cheese infront of me. So I quickly brought up my small plate to receive but he frowned. I was like thinking... what, what do you want me to do? Then he said "photo". Orhhhhh, he wanted me to take a photo of the grilled cheese.

grilled cheese photo with an amused bro at the background

For drinks, we tried the Chungha Sparkling which is like soju in sparkling form. A ladies drink, and it was sweet.

Chungha Sparkling @$15++

pork belly

gyeran jjim (with the set)

Staff kindly advised us to eat the steamed egg otherwise, the hotstone pot will continue to cook it due to its retained heat and the parts that are in contact with the pot surface, will likely get burnt.

This oppa staff at our table, do like to nag us a bit. Hahaha!

tasty

pork ribs

grill all

traditionally marinated beef

I least liked the traditional marinated beef as it was mostly lean and became such small bits after cooking. The marinade was sweet and similar to teriyaki or bulgogi sauce.

Give me all the fattier cuts, anytime!

The set also came with selected stew or noodles. We chose jjajangmyeon because wanted to try their shop specialty.

jjajangmyeon (with the set)

mix well and slurp

The noodles portion could be main dish for 2 pax. We were so full after all the food. I think this set feeds 3 comfortably.

juicy pork ribs

grilled white kimchi, onions, sausage, beef tendons (cut out from the beef shortribs earlier)

The free sausage was pretty good. I think it is pork sausage and texture was bouncier than the banchan version.

Once you're done with the food, head on to the cashier to make payment. Our meal costs $133 in total for 2 pax.

On your way out, remember to take your complimentary small haagen daaz ice-cream to eat outside as staff said they are sorry, but the ice cream can't be eaten inside the shop. I guess this way is to free up the dining table for the next seating.

ice-cream choco flavour

Overall, staff are friendly and efficient. Thank you to the oppa who helped us BBQ that afternoon.

 O.BBa Jjajang & BBQ

Address: 19 Cheong Chin Nam Rd, Singapore 599743

Website: https://obba-sg.com/

Contact: +6564639262

Business Hours:

Daily:  11:30 AM–3 PM, 5–10 PM

Rubato - Italian Kitchen & Bar @ 12 Greenwood Ave

I remembered being here before, and I was right! But that was a long time ago with Cherlyn. Back then, she was my wine buddy. Now 2021, am here again with the wine gang on a Friday night.

back here, after 7 years

In 2021, still seated at alfresco area. Deja-vu. Reservation was definitely necessary on Friday evenings. The place was a tad chaotic, with a few people waiting at its door, for the hostess to be avail. Staff are friendly but they have pre-assigned tasks.

It was a short 15 minutes wait, before we were assigned a table. This is a place with sparkling or still, so sparkling it shall be.

Ferrarelle 750ml @$3.90++

World's US Finest Oysters @$57.60++

Let's start with fresh oysters, and can't say no to that! We got a dozen to share amongst the 5 of us. That worked out to be $4.80++ per piece. Plump, briny and creamy.

closer look

Terre Gaie Prosecco DOC @$66++

We had Prosecco with the fresh oysters. The house curated Prosecco bottle price is reasonable.

cheers!

Lovely start. Ivan recommended the "Gift from the Angels" (cold angel hair pasta with scallops and truffle oil) and when asked if would like to top it with uni (sea urchin), the answer was yes. We do atas that night.

Cold Angel Hair Pasta @$88++

It was really good. Perfect harmony and so tasty. Would we care for more? Why, yes! And, we ordered one more when Bernice arrived. Am opined to think that this is one of those things to eat before we die, if one could afford it.

Come to think of it, we started with seafood so let's move on to meat. We gonna have chicken and tenderloin to satisfy the meatatarian in us.

The chicken was nice and pleasant, and the sauce was a tad spicy. Not sure what's in there, but pretty good combo with the cauliflower.

Chicken alla Diavola @$28.60++

Tenderloin @$44.60++

The doneness of the steak was incorrect initially, and we informed the staff. Service recovery was fast, and a new plate was brought for us without a fuss.

Tenderloin - medium rare

Time flies when you're having fun, and soon, it was time for dessert. "How about some gelato or sorbet?"

chocolate and pistachio gelato, mango sorbet

My favourite was the pistachio gelato. But it melted too fast! Keke, no worries 'coz am gonna have an affagato all by myself. Yay!

Affogato with vanilla ice-cream @$9.90++

But that's not all, there's more! The chocolate fondant took quite a while to arrive, and we got a complimentary pistachio gelato. Wow, that's a nice gesture. It warmed our hearts.

Chocolate Fondant @$14.90++

"Do you think it'd flow?"

Lovely meet up with Elle, Hoong Ann, B and Ivan. Thank you Ivan for arranging the dinner! 

RUBATO - Italian Kitchen & Bar

Address: 12 Greenwood Ave, Singapore 289204

Website: https://www.rubato.com.sg/

Contact: 6252 3200

Business Hours:

Daily: 10am–2am