Saturday, February 22, 2025

[Buffet] Basilico @ Conrad Singapore Orchard

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It was a casual gathering and I guessed, we were in the mood for variety. A few places were proposed and Basilico was picked. For most, it would be a revisit, whilst for me, it'll be my first visit.

We opted for the weekend brunch buffet, priced at SGD128++ per adult. Reservation was made and we were set for the weekend.

Located at Level 2 Conrad Singapore Orchard, I was greeted warmly by the staff at the restaurant entrance.

Basilico

She was all smiles as she led me to the table. As I mentioned that this was my first time at Basilico, she was helpful in pointing out the specific 'room' or 'section' designated for drinks and cheeses. 

table for 6

I like the designs on the plates. Kinda pretty.

secondi section

cold seafood section

antipasti / cold cuts

desserts

beautiful cake

antipasti

fresh burrata

tomatoes galore

cheese and more cheese

I was pleasantly surprised when staff brought out some pretty looking bread for the table.

focaccia

The focaccia was fluffy and served warm. Best to eat it as soon as served.

with olives and dried tomatoes

Guess what was on my first plate. Oysters for sure!

Australian Oceanlink oysters

New Zealand Coromandel oyster

Super loved the Australian oysters. Plump, luscious and clean tasting. The New Zealand ones were also good but I preferred the flavours of the other one.

lobster

scallop

crab claw

Time to get some juices from the bar.

bar

pineapple, mango, orange, cranberry


Next up, would be the meaty platter.

roasted sole (busara sauce), roasted pork knuckle and crauti, grilled sirloin tagliata

close up view of sirloin

crispy cracklings

For the roasted pork knuckle, I asked the staff to give some of the skin as well otherwise, he would've just given me the meat part only.

Surprisingly, my favourite 'meat' was the sole fish.

plate of carbs; pizza, wild mushroom risotto, seafood cavatelli and wagyu beef lasagna

Had an overload of focaccia that day... I ate half of the fluffy bread and a single slice of the pizza focaccia. 

we remembered to eat our greens


Oh and when was I going to do the cheeses? Hahaa, I noticed too but I was kinda full by now. Chef at the cheese room asked if I would like to try the eggs benedict with cheese. Haha, had to decline due to limited stomach space.

tiny bit of truffle burrata

tiny bits of hard cheeses

But I was determined to do desserts. I asked Chef which was the most popular ice-cream flavour and he said coconut. So I had that and yes, it was so good!

coconut ice-cream

And then, another Chef appeared out of nowhere and offered us some berries dessert. Ok, we said.

berries sabayon

fluffy, creamy and full of tangy berries

tiramisu

cappucino

best paired with coffee

At some point in time, I went to the washroom and upon return, there was a mysterious glass of drink appeared. Oh, a palate cleanser kind of drink; Sgroppino made with Prosecco and lemon sorbet. Refreshing!

Sgroppino 



Basilico

Address: 1 Cuscaden Rd, Level 2, Singapore 249715

Websitehttps://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/sinodci-conrad-singapore-orchard/dining/basilico/

Business Hours: 

Daily: 12–3:30 pm, 6:30–10:30 pm


Saturday, February 15, 2025

[Travel Melbourne] NY Style Brekkie @ Bowery To Williamsburg

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It was breakfast and decided to grab breakfast outside before heading towards the airport for our flight back to SG. Drove out, parked and walked about 10 mins to our destination.

us waiting to be seated

Indoor was all occupied and staff informed that they will be right back to seat us outdoor.


I think here would be the closest I'd ever get to experience a New York style diner and food. Do note that there's surcharge during weekends as well as Public Holidays.

Hot chocolate seemed to be my favourite drink throughout this trip and yes, I ordered their Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate to try.

Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate @AUD6.50

Reese Chocolate

I was wondering if the 'peanut butter' in the drink was that separate piece of Reese chocolate served with the drink... Hahaa, turns out to be false alarm as the peanut butter taste in the hot chocolate became more apparent after a few sips. Lovely.

The Benjamin (bagel, smoked salmon and maple smoked bacon) @AUD18

Brisket and Eggs @AUD29

The Reuben @AUD22

pastrami, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, served with pickles


I had the Omelette and Pastrami Roll which I think is probably off-menu by now, as I couldn't find it in their current online menu. 

Omelette and Pastrami Roll @AUD20


I forgot that the food would be in the typical US sizes. Omelette served thick, loaded with lots of pastrami beef brisket, and saucy from the tomato relish and oozing cheese. Basically it was a messy eat but tasted good! If you're a small eater, can consider sharing with a friend/partner.

Breakfast was heavy and rich. What an experience! 

Payment at the cashier inside the restaurant and washroom is available inside as well. 

Staff were friendly and efficient.



Bowery To Williamsburg

Address: 16 Oliver Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Websitehttps://www.bowerytowilliamsburg.com.au/

Business Hours:

Sat - Sun: Saturday, 8:30 am–2:30 pm

Mon - Fri: Tuesday, 7:30 am–2:30 pm




Sunday, January 26, 2025

[Travel Melbourne] The Pancake Parlour Malvern East

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Shermaine selected this breakfast spot for us. Usually we'd be having brekkie at our Airbnb but today, let's eat out!

We reached at about 930am so the place was practically empty except for us!



The outer compound of the place was huge! And when we entered the restaurant, it has a nice classic vibes and spacious.


interior

menu



For breakfast, we seemed to have opted more for the savouries.

group's selection


Traditional Bacon & Eggs @AUD26.50

Eggs Benedict @AUD27.90

Tabriz Crepes @AUD28.90

Breakfast was nice and leisurely but I think they had forgotten some of our drinks, especially the hot chocolates which didn't arrive until almost at the end of our meal.

I had the marshmallow hot chocolate which was nicely sweet, warm and delicious. Yummy end to our breakfast. Thank you to the group for patiently waiting till both Shermaine and myself finished our hot drinks!

Hot Marshmallow Chocolate @AUD8.90

Chocolate Royale @AUD9.90

Staff are nicely cordial and friendly. 


The Pancake Parlour Malvern East

Address: 682 Warrigal Rd, Malvern East VIC 3145, Australia

Websitehttps://www.pancakeparlour.com.au

Contact: +61395304505


Saturday, January 18, 2025

[Travel Melbourne} Pacific House Restaurant 太平洋海鲜酒家 @ Richmond

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The search for crab noodles ended at Pacific House Restaurant as the one that we visited in our last visit was closed indefinitely.

Thanks to Tracy and Hence who helped to make reservation on the same day and so we made our way there for dinner.


The place was starting to get busy when we arrived at about 630pm. 

round table

menu board

menu

We placed our orders promptly and staff quickly went away and to re-appear when the dish was ready to be served. Everything arrived fairly quickly as more and more diners started to pour in. The atmosphere was bustling and lively!

Roast Meat Platter; Chicken, Pork and Duck

roast chicken

The roast chicken was succulent and tasty with chopped spring onions and scallion oil drizzled on it.

crispy roast pork

The roast pork was a mixture of meaty and fatty of around 50-50 ratio. The skin was crackling. Duck was enjoyable too as the meat was not tough.

roast duck

And for a balanced meal, one should order vegetables. But, stir-fry vegetables in Melbourne is expensive at around $20 and above per plate. Funny thing was, the staff asked us if we would like the stir-fry vegetable with beef. It was immediately turned down as the group felt that we had too much meat already. But hor, just needed to top up additional $2 to get the vege with the beef.... *cries*

stir-fry vege

salt and pepper calamari

The calamari was tender and the seasonings were nice. Made me feel like having an ice cold beer.

Crab Noodles (market price)

The Crab Noodles here, seemed to be slightly more oily and had less 'broth' as compared to the Box Hill version. Taste wise, I liked it. Flavourful and finger licking good.



Our group of 4 pax left the restaurant with full and happy bellies. We spent about AUD189 for all the above which worked out to around AUD47 per pax.

As we were walking back towards our car, we noticed another shop nearby called "Singa Pura King of Hawkers". Interesting!


Pacific House Restaurant

Address: 8/240 Victoria St, Richmond VIC 3121, Australia

Contact: +61394278225

Business Hours:

Daily: 10:30 am–10 pm




Sunday, January 12, 2025

[Travel Tasmania] Jailhouse Grill @ Launceston

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The building that houses Jailhouse Grill is said to have been around since the 1800's. Hehe, I thought it was a themed eatery but turns out to be quite an old skool steakhouse in Launceston area.

Our friends said that it is better to make a reservation prior to visit as the place could get rather busy.

approaching the entrance

 

menu



grill station


Friendly staff led us to our table as we have a reservation for 8 pax. As we passed by the open-kitchen at the grill station, one could hear the delicious sizzling sounds and the fantastic smells of meat cooking. 

Once seated and menu perused, we speedily ordered our mains and then, we were free to enjoy the salad bar. The salad bar has a small selection of hot and cold items such as greens and pasta.

salad bar

my plate from the salad bar

Scotch Fillet @AUD52

medium rare

Scotch fillet is said to be similar to rib-eye. The version here was firm and meaty. A masculine/macho version of meats. Haha.

We enjoyed the meats with delicious sips of Taverner's Tasmanian Honey Mead that we brought to the restaurant. BYO corkage fee applies hence do enquire at the restaurant. 

The honey mead tasted sweet, mellow with a touch of spice and complemented well with our meal.


Tasmanian Honey Mead



cheers


It was a night of interesting banter amongst new and old friends, made even more enjoyable in a cosy environment with delicious foods and drinks.


Jailhouse Grill

Address: 32 Wellington St, Launceston TAS 7250, Australia

Websitehttps://jailhousegrill.com.au/

Contact: +61363310466

Business Hours:

Daily: 12.00–2.30 pm, 5.00–9.30 pm


 
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