[Media Invite] Spuds & Aprons @ Faber Peak Singapore

Ascended to the hilltop to attain......hearty good food, good service, gentle natural breeze and coupled with an awesome view! What more could one ask for?

signage to the restaurant

Getting to Faber Peak Singapore was fairly easy. By Cable Car Sky Network with Mount Faber Line and Sentosa Line running. A Cable Car Sky Pass ticket for an adult costs $33 and you'll get Mount Faber Line + Sentosa Line and entry into Sentosa. But I think getting the Faber License is more value-for-money and here's why. Get this, for only $39 per year for an individual membership, you'll get unlimited joyrides on the two cable car lines, unlimited admission to Sentosa island plus exclusive privileges for dining and shopping at Faber Peak Singapore. How cool is that! Read more about Faber License and how to be a member here.

Took the cable car ride from Harbourfront Tower, and funny us, we lost our way as we got off at the wrong stop. Haha. My sense of direction is getting from bad to worse, apparently. From Harbourfront Tower to Faber Peak, the journey is about 7 to 8 minutes.

joyrides via Cable Car Sky Network

 
With the Faber Line, it was very easy to locate our dining venue; Spuds and Aprons. After getting off the cable car, walk into the souvenir shop, have a look or get a wishing bell from here, or exit the shop and you'll be greeted by the signage to the restaurant.

Spuds and Aprons is located about 100 metres above sea level at Faber Peak Singapore. If you feel a sense of familiarity of this place, that's likely because Jewel Box was previously here. Now, Spuds and Aprons offers big, comfortable space with good airflow, and has adequate lightings. It even retained part of nature in its space. The restaurant now has a casual vibe and basically pretty chill. The kitchen is helmed by Executive Chef Derrick Ang and the restaurant serves up good hearty proportions of tasty food which has both Western and Asian influences.

interior

one with nature

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Diners could purchase a wishing bell from the souvenir shop and make a wish at the Faber Peak. From the restaurant, you could see the small wishing bells that others had placed. It makes a beautiful view.

wishing bells

Let's quench our thirst by starting with a refreshing mocktail of Wild Berries Chunky Munchies Soda with nata de coco. The soda water provided a bit of fizz to the drink. Nice and sweet and plenty of berries.  Not to worry if berries is not your thing, as one could also choose flavours such as mango, yuzu, passionfruit, soursop, watermelon and lychee. The berries were seriously plentiful in this mug!

Chunky Munchies Soda with Nata de Coco (Wild Berries) @$8++

For appetisers, we had the Truffle Wicked Fries, Chili Crab in a Tux which is listed as 'die die must try' in its menu, Sweet Potato Fries and Thai Green Curry Chicken with Rice Crackers.

Truffle Wicked Fries @$13++

The Truffle Wicked Fries are steakhouse cut spuds with 6 types of cheeses; Provolone, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Gruyere, Emmental and Cheddar and served with a small dish of brown sauce. There was no need for the sauce as the thick cut fries with melty cheese on it were so good eaten as it is! Gooey cheeses and crispy fries for the win!

Thai Green Curry Chicken with Rice Crackers @$14++

The rice crackers in the Thai Green Curry Chicken tapas was really good too. Fluffy and crispy as good rice puffs ought to be. Was just curious about the Thai Green Curry though. Its colour was rather light but the taste of green curry was there. Minced chicken meat was used and that was a tad unexpected along with the colour of the green curry. Curiouser and curiouser.

The other fries that we tried was the sweet potato fries. Sweet and well fried. The dip of curry mayo sauce was quite additive and tasted rather familiar. Lovely!

Sweet Potato Fries with Sea Salt and Japanese Curry Mayo @$10++

For the strongest flavoured starter, go for the Chili Crab in a Tux. A good flavourful mound of chili crab fitted snugly onto potato skins. Slight spiciness and moderately sweet. Cut it into halves? Nah, no way! Am not sharing this. All mine! No need to crack any shells too. So convenient and tasty. Why, one could even eat the skin on this one.Thumbs up for this dish.

Chili Crab in a Tux @$14++

For mains, we sampled dishes that had something from the land and the sea. Something with beef? Yes, one could eat like a horse with a small pot of Gorgeous Beef Guinness, or if duck confit is your thing, go for the Quack & Go.  Chef must be one humorous chap to come up with this name. There's also the good with beer item; the Barbequed Baby Back Ribs. Otherwise, there's Sio Bak or Crispy Pork Belly and lastly, my favourite dish from the mains; the Tobiko Crusted Cod Fillet. The Grilled King Prawns was impressive looking with its huge prawns.

Barbequed Baby Back Ribs @$26++

Quack & Go @$26++

The Baby Back Ribs has a nice glaze and was well seasoned. Meat was fork tender and portion was good for one pax. Enjoyed the accopanying sauerkraut too.Tangy and appetising!

The Quack & Go was basically Asian spiced duck leg confit, served with mango salsa anbd mixed brown rice. The mango salsa tasted pretty much like Thai som tam. Very likeable and goes well with the mixed brown rice which again has chye poh (fried preserved turnip) in it. Now we can say byebye to bland brown rice.

My preference was the Crispy Pork Belly over the duck leg confit.  Mainly because the pork belly has such tender meat with reasonable fat to meat ratio and of course, the de-facto crackling skin. Satisfying crunch indeed.

Crispy Pork Belly @$27++

Next, were two dishes that would make one sit up and take notice.

The Grilled King Prawns with the two large sized prawns sitting ontop of squid ink pasta which in turn, was bathed in tom yum broth. The tom yum broth was refreshingly tangy but it was also a tad salty overall.

Grilled King Prawns @$32++

Next, was my favourite main course. Looked so beautiful too. Good portion of the cod fillet, lots of tobiko, soba doused in light soy based sweet sauce and with some mushrooms and bok choy. Yummy, lovely colours, strongly flavoured yet has a light mouthfeel.  Recommended and must-try.

Tobiko Crusted Cod Fillet @$32++

For desserts, there are 6 options in the menu and we tried three; Banana Heaven, Jar of Happiness and Chempedak Bread and Butter (Pudding).

Banana Heaven has quite a strong vanilla taste to it, and the banana biscuit was quite unique as it tasted a bit like frozen sponge cake. Decorated with strawberries and marshmallows.

Banana Heaven @$12++

Jar of Happiness @$11++

Liked the Jar of Happiness quite a bit. One just can't help to feel happy eating the content of this jar. Dig into the thick creamy Haagen Daaz vanilla ice-cream that's topped with warm strawberry compote, almond flakes to find treasures of mixed berries and shortbread.

And, for the finale, personal favourite was the Chempedak Bread and Butter Pudding. This is also one of signature desserts, along with Jar of Happiness. The fragrance of the chempedak was evident and very likeable. Warm bread and butter pudding that gives off strong whiffs of chempedak fruit topped with cold ice-cream equates to love.

Chempedak Bread and Butter @$12++

Overall, Spuds & Aprons has a strong line up of hearty good food in its starters, mains and desserts. Its casual vibe was inviting and the place is suitable for families, large groups or even couples and close friends to chat and chill in the cool natural air with some good view from 100 metres above the sea level.

Special thanks and appreciation to Tracy, Yee Shan and Faber Peak Singapore for hosting the dinner and the good folks of HGW for the invite.

Hurry and utilize the on-going promotion at Hungrygowhere for Spuds & Aprons (till 30 Sept 2016) where one can get 50% off second main course, or free sweet potato fries beer/cider bucket or wine bottle, or free half-pint beer for every main course ordered. Check out for more information and t&c here: http://www.hungrygowhere.com/singapore/spuds-aprons-telok-blangah-harbourfront/hot-deal/

D'Good Cafe @ Takashimaya

Recently paid a visit to D'Good Cafe at #B1-56 Takashimaya. Previous visit was to its Holland Village outlet. Read more about that here.  It was post-lunch and the place was bustling as expected during the weekends and we were lucky to have the last remaining counter seats. The 65-seater cafe looked smallish when it was packed.

counter seats view

The cold brew menu looked pretty interesting and there was even one called 'Unknown'. Oooh...so mysterious! Ask friendly the friendly barista and he will explain to you on what to expect for the 'Unknown'.

cold brew coffee menu

One of the signature is the Coconut Infused Cold Brew @$9.50++, so we ordered one of that to try. Coffee brewed with coconut water for that light coconut fragrance and slight fruity sweetness.

are you ready for a multisensory experience?

pour some smoke over the coffee

now, let's do the same for the drinking glass

enjoy~

That was some display of effects and the coffee tasted pretty strong. Or, if you'd like a strong espresso with milk, get Dirty; a concoction of double espresso over 3 oz. of cold milk. In the menu, there is a prescribed way of drinking this. Sip, drink and gulp.

Dirty @$4++

For me, I've gotten the Maple Syrup Sea Salt Latte @$6++. Was disappointed that it turned out to be tasting like a regular latte.

Maple Syrup Sea Salt Latte @$6++

And, we just couldn't resist ordering the Deutsch Skillet Pancake that D'Good Cafe does so well. Chose the plain and simple Classic of sweet dutch pancake, served with maple syrup, lemon and cream cheese on the side. Added a scoop of white chocolate raspberry ice-cream with chocolate drizzle because who'll say no to ice-cream? Do order early as it takes about half an hour for the pancake to arrive piping hot to our table. That anticipation...was well worthed it!

Classic @$8++ (ice-cream additional $3++)

It was an indulgent to have it with the ice-cream for that contrast of warm and cold, and distinct sweetness jolt. It was refreshing to the palate to have it plain with just a drizzle of maple syrup and a squeeze of lemon. Totally yummy! A dab of cream cheese on the thin eggy pancake gave it another slightly heavier taste that was almost buttery.

Expect to spend about $10 to $15 per pax for coffee and dessert. Was great catching up with fellow foodies; Kris, Tiara and Justin over coffee. Thanks Justin for being the hand-model.

D'Good Cafe

Address: 391 Orchard Road #B1-56, Takashimaya S.C., Ngee Ann City Singapore 238872
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dgoodcafe
Website: http://dgoodcafe.com

Sun With Moon Japanese Dining & Cafe @ Wheelock Place

Located at Level 3 of Wheelock Place, this restaurant has been around for quite some time. Possible to walk in during weekends but reservation is recommended for larger groups. There were a mix of diners including solo diner, families and couples. Mostly are families dining out.

Let's get started with a Yuzu Highball. The price was right so couldn't resist ordering one. Refreshing with lots of yuzu sweetness. Thirst quencher on warm evening.

Yuzu Highball @$5++

Kyushu Yuzu Amasake @$4++

Another interesting drink was the sweet and cloudy Kyushu Yuzu Amasake. With very low alcoholic content of just 0.5% ABV, it tasted quite like a nigori sake mix.


For 2 pax, we chose a kamameshi dish and a salad to share. Chose the Salmon Avocado Salad with ample slices of creamy avacodo. The dressing was a simple soy-based sauce. Would have preferred a more citrus-y flavoured dressing.

salmon avocado salad @$13.80++

The kamameshi is basically flavoured rice in an iron pot. The whole setup included a small kettle of bonito broth, a cute small iron pot good for one pax and a side dish of ikura and seaweed strips.

kamameshi

how to enjoy Kamameshi

Chose the Seafood Mix Kamameshi and there were unagi, small scallops, salmon, mushroom and broad beans (soramame).

Seafood Mix Kamaneshi @$24.80++

海鲜釜飯

Lovely flavours that was not too strong. Equally enjoyable with the bonito broth. There was still room for desserts.

The sweet potato mont blanc was rather nice. Not overly sweet and has a light sweet potato taste.

Amasa Satsuma Imo Mont Blanc @$6.80++

cross section

Expect to spend about $38 per pax for a set dinner with a drink, or dessert. Service was good and staff was friendly.

NOW Noodles+ @ Novena Square 2

Occupying the space that was previously 天晴 Appare Udon and Tempura Japanese Restaurant (that has been left vacant for the longest time), is NOW Noodles+.

NOW Noodles+ has just opened its doors on 10 September 2016 and serves up Asian contemporary noodles from family recipes. Shop has a modern decor, warm lights, manned by a young crew and with a small menu for a start. Payment at the moment is by cash only and the style is semi-self service. Order and pay at the counter. Take your own utensils and sauces and take a seat. Your food shall be served to your table.

now opened

menu

The menu at the moment has five mains only of Dry Laksa, Dry Mee Siam, Mee Tai Mak with century egg, Vegetarian Mee Goreng, and Heng Hwa Noodle Soup. Sides such as Gyoza, Chicken Mid-Wings, and Sotong Balls and two desserts of churros and malasada. Drinks choices include coffee from coffee machine with choices including espresso, latte, cappucino and black coffee, and other drinks like black tea, chinese tea and mineral water.


The mains are all currently priced at $9.80, sides at $2.80 and desserts at $3.80. All prices are nett.

The Dry Laksa was nicely fragrant in all aspects. The prawns were of a good size, translucent and barely cooked, just the way I liked it.

Dry Laksa

Dry Mee Siam

At one glance of its menu, my choice would be the Heng Hwa Noodle Soup as this item is rather rare as compared to mee siam or laksa. The mee tai mak with century egg just seemed a tad too funky for me. I'll probably play safe and let someone else order and I'll just try that.

The noodle soup has plenty of ingredients in it including sweet pea, bok choy, egg strips, black fungus and dried lily bulb with a piece of chunky chicken meat. We got a drumstick!

Heng Hwa Noodle Soup

thin egg noodles

The broth of the noodle soup was robust but with bitter aftertaste. The smell of chinese wine was quite evident. Am not sure how many would like the bitter aftertaste though. I certainly enjoyed it less.

For desserts, we were eager to try the churros but unfortunately it was not available that day. So we tried the malasada instead. According to wiki, malasada is a Portugues confection much like a doughnut which is balls of dough, deep-fried and sugar dusted.

Customer can choose two choice-fillings from three flavours; Thai Tea, Kaya and Orange. We chose Thai Tea and Orange. The word malasada also refers to under-cooked. After taking a bite into this, and it was understandably true to taste. It tasted abit undercooked and doughy. The filling was nice and creamy though.

malasada @$3.80

As with all restaurants that had just began its operation, teething problems were bound to occur.

Will probably do a revisit after it has been in operation for another few weeks.

Expect to spend about $13 per pax inclusive of a drink.

[Media Invite] Outback Steakhouse @ Millenia Walk

Outback Steakhouse is not a stranger to the steak scene in Singapore. Outback is an American outfit which started in Tampa, Florida and its restaurant has an Australian theme. Just a month ago, it has launched some new items in its menu. Was invited to try the new additions along with fellow bloggers. Dinner with the blokes.

featured menu

interior

The place gets rather busy after 7pm on weekdays. The favourite orders would include the classics such as Typhoon Bloom as appetiser and rib-eye steak served with two sides of your choice as mains.

Upon placing your orders, diners would be served with complimentary bread. Two small loaves bushmen bread served with butter cream spread. Rather enjoyable soft mini-loaves. Its slight sweetness came from honey and cocoa powder. Yummy.

Honey Wheat Bushmen Bread (complimentary)

For drinks, we had the refreshing non-alcoholic Barrier Reef Punch. Basically a fruit punch made of mango, pineapple and orange juices blended with pureed strawberries. A cooling thirst-quencher!

Barrier Reef Punch @$5.90++

Tried the Tomato and Mozzarella Bruschetta. Was impressed by the thick cut mozzarella on the grilled baguette. Crunchy toast with thick soft slice of mozzarella topped with cherry tomatoes and greens. Liked the sweet dressing of basil pesto and balsamic vinaigrette. Good for sharing amongst 3-4 pax. It was quite hard to stop eating the breads. Enjoyed both the bruschetta and bushmen bread.

Tomato and Mozzarella Bruschetta @$14.90++

One of the crowd favourite thus far at Outback Steakhouse in terms of appetisers, would be its 'Typhoon Bloom'. A huge mound of onion rings, stacked like a flower and deep fried till golden brown. Dusted with Outback's seasoning, it was rather sweet on its own. But having it with the dip added to the enjoyment.

Typhoon Bloom @$14.90++

I think it would be rather daunting for two pax to devour that huge plate of onion rings as appetiser!

As part of The Great Aussie Eats menu, Outback is introducing its Crab Topped Sirloin. Chunks of lump crab meat sitting ontop of a 6-oz seasoned and seared sirloin. Served with two sides of your choice and hollandaise sauce.

Crab Topped Sirloin with two sides (baked potato and seasonal vege) @$37.90++

 As usual, we ordered our meat medium rare. The baked potato was really good with its salt crusted skin.

Loaded Baked Potato @$6.90++

Crab Topped Sirloin, medium rare

While we were there, most diners would opt for the USDA ribeye steak as their choice of mains. Got ourselves a chargrilled ribeye with peppercorn sauce to try. For the sides, we tried corn-on-cob and sweet potato fries. Was rather disappointed with the bland corn. The sweet potato fries (@$5.90++) on the other hand was good. Well fried and great seasoning. The ribeye was rather thin but its marbling was good. Can be eaten without sauce as it was adequately seasoned with Outback's secret blend of 17 herbs and spices.

10 oz. Chargrilled Ribeye @$39.90++

For non-beef option, you may want to try the Sweet Chili Chicken and Shrimp combo, served with one choice of freshly made sides. For the sides, we had Rice Pilaf and Fresh Seasonal Veges. Thought the rice pilaf was rather good. Moist and soft.

Sweet Chili Chicken and Shrimp @$23.90++

Ended with a new dessert of Key Lime Pie. Soft fragrance of lime and the sweet creamy curd encasted on slightly spiced pecan graham cracker crumbs base. Not too heavy and probably can do with a cup of coffee with this.

Key Lime Pie @$6.90++

Special thanks to Meghana and Outback Steakhouse for hosting the dinner, and Hence for the invite.

Outback Steakhouse

Website:  http://www.outback-sea.com/