[Media Invite] Grissini @ Grand Copthorne Waterfront

Grissini at Grand Copthorne Waterfront hotel is a contemporary Italian Grill restaurant. Large and comfortable space with choice of indoor or alfresco dining. Helmed by the gregarious Chef Antonio Cocozza from Naples, one can expect delicious hearty rustic southern Italian dishes with fresh ingredients and seafood. For meat lovers, be thrilled with meats executed expertly from its Josper oven.

menu

bar area

kitchen area

Private and exclusive rooms are also available for functions. At one glance, the large private room is able to seat 20 pax at the table. Its adjacent room could seat about 10 pax.

private room

Bellissima Private Room

If evenings are cooler, the alfresco seats are quite nice. But on hot humid nights, I'd rather be indoors in the cool comfort of airconditioning.

outdoors

If you happen to be outdoors, you'll notice its Josper oven. When the oven is in action, don't be surprised by the delicious smells wafting your way...mmm.

can you find Josper?

Be mesmerized by rows and rows of wine bottles found on-site. Such a pretty sight! Plenty of choices on what to drink.

wine

Grissini means breadstick and expectantly, there are bouquets of breadsticks on the table for diners to munch on. By far, the crispiest breadstick that I've ever tasted in any restaurant. Longish, large and super crunchy sticks. Don't forget about the creamy Japanese mayonaise with sundried tomatoes dip. Yums!

breadstick and dip

For antipasti, the Charcuterie Platter pairs well with wine. If you have a large group of about 8 pax, you might want to consider adding more parma ham to the platter. The default would be 100gms of meat. The platter was served with breadsticks, ubriaco cheese, fig and marmalade jam. The ubriaco cheese or also affectionately known as 'drunken cheese' is a type of artisan hard cheese made from cow's milk bathed in wine from the Northern region of Italy. Crumbly and complex in taste.

Charcuterie Platter (Prosciutto Di Parma) @$16++ for 100gms

Diners are spoilt for choice if you are looking for starters with cheese and greens. For example, the  Smoked Cheese Salad and the Cheese with Parma Ham. Both were well presented.


The parma ham in the Smoked Cheese Salad was flavourful and really loved the dressing of the rockets. The burratina was pillowy soft and subtly light in flavour. The baby rockets had been lovingly drizzled with Sicilian Extra Virgin Olive Oil "Primo" D.O.P. And the scattered olives provided some sudden bursts of saltiness.

Smoked Cheese Salad @$26++

Cheese with Parma Ham @$26++

The pan-fried buffalo mozzarella wrapped in 12 months aged parma ham, will leave diners with a strong impression. Marjoram herb, baby rockets, orange oil and taggiasca olives eaten with the pan-fried melted mozzarella was so tasty. This and a sip of wine would equate to happiness.

The Heirloom Tomato Salad was equally enjoyable too. Again, there's baby rockets, taggiasca olives and Sicilian EVOO and dotted with basil oil. "Cimelio" heirloom tomatoes were used in this dish.

Heirloom Tomato Salad @$24++

After the starters, let's move onwards to Primi or the first course which generally contain hot food.

We had mushroom risotto (meatless) of carnaroli rice which is more traditional as compared to arborio that is considered as more common. Carnaroli is a medium grained rice grown in Northern Italy and has a higher starch content. Liked the way the grains were cooked and the overall creaminess of the risotto.

Mushroom Risotto @$24++

Spaghetti Clams @$24++

If pasta is more of your thing, the Spaghetti Clams is a pretty plate. The slightly plump looking baby clams were very beckoning.

An even prettier plate would be the Boston Lobster Linguine. Its appetizing reddish hue and firm slices of lobster meat sitting atop of a well-sauced swirl of linguine. Premium ingredients presented in a non-complex way. However, its taste was anything but simple. If you like intense smokiness, this might be just what you were looking for. Was quite surprised at its intense and strong smokey flavours.

Boston Lobster Linguine @$36++

The best pasta dish for me, had to be the Tortelli Veal Cheek. Small parcels of flavourful goodness. Highly recommended. Butter, sage, parmigiano reggiano and Alba white truflle oil and the faultless handmade dumpling stuffed with veal cheek. Lovely.

Tortelli Veal Cheek @$24++

The next course would be Secondi and one gets meat! It was time to try the delicacies from the Josper oven. Octopus, chicken and wagyu. Pick a favourite!

a change in utensil is necessary for our secondi

First up, was the pollo or grilled octopus. Such lovely legs. Plump meaty tentacles, lightly grilled and so tender. Chef Antonio shared that the octopus had travelled from Spain. Was a joy to bite into slices of this octopus. Good enough on its own. If you like a bit of variation, can have it with salsa verde sauce too.

Octopus @$36++ per portion

Spring Chicken @$38++

The spring chicken was cute, in a way. A tad smallish in size, and served with ratte potatoes and asparagus. One could taste the natural flavours of the meat. The dip was optional.

Wagyu Ribeye @$78++

The Wagyu Ribeye was as good as expected. Natural flavours, lightly seasoned and served with rockets, tomatoes and parmesan cheese. Thought the dark and thick sauce tasted a tad like marmite though but it should be red wine sauce. Fatty wagyu yums.

gently, softly

As of all meals, eventually, it will come to an end. Chef brought out a tray of artisanal gelato with exotic flavours. Ever tried truffle ice-cream? Not the chocolate truffle mind you, but the fungi truffle version. I never. So this was a first. Or, how about a balsamico ice-cream? Keke, neither have I. Am thinking by now, that Chef Antonio is an adventurous chef!

gelato galore  (front to back)- parmesan, basil, black truffle, balsamic vinegar and cherry tomatoes

Gosh, the black truffle and olives flavour was seriously strong. Truffle lovers rejoice as now you can have your ice-cream and eat it too! This was one true to taste ice-cream. I think I still prefer my balsamico in its liquid form for the breads and salad. The parmesan cheese was distinct as well with its cheesy 'flaky' flavour. For the cheese lovers.

Done being adventurous, I'd prefer the comfort gelato that were the basil and cherry tomato.

cherry tomato gelato @$8++ per scoop

Overall, it was quite fun to taste the new flavours and see how others react to it. Keke! Thus far, it was love, hate or undecided.

There were a lot of firsts for me in this tasting. First time trying Limoncello Tiramisu. Showcasing the lemon liqour from the Amalfi Coast nonetheless. Decorated with lovely crunchy caramelized hazelnuts.

Limoncello Tiramisu @$14++

Or, if you prefer something dark, choose the beautiful Chocolate Tart. Warm hazelnut chocolate tart, served with chocolate ribbons and a bevy of those crunchy caramelized hazelnuts. Nutty, chocolatey and the right sweetness, just the way many of us would like it. Loved the edible flowers with its vibrant contrasting colours.

Chocolate Tart @$14++

Grissini offers something for everybody. Modern and comfortable dining space, with the experienced Chef Antonio bringing us flavours of his hometown with influences from his worldwide stints, a good variety of starters, main courses, highlights from the Josper oven and beautiful desserts, with some fun experimental flavours for the assorted gelato. This is the place to bring your mama and the cheeky cousins to.

Thank you Jennifer, Chef Antonio, Grand Copthorne Waterfront and the friendly service crew of Grissini, for taking care of us. It was an enjoyable meal and experience at Grissini. Not forgetting, special thanks to HGW for the invite.

Buona notte e Buon Appetito!

JB Ah Meng Kitchen 新山亚明小厨 @ 2 Lorong 23 Geylang

It was ripe time again for a zhichar gathering. All it took was for one party to suggest and the rest of us to come to an agreed date and time. Gotta love my foodie pals!

This time round, we explored the foodie haven of Geylang. Ok. The word 'explored' was probably exaggerated as all we did was to convene at this one place; JB Ah Meng.

Took a cab there and discovered that Lorong 23 has 2 stretch of road and hence, was unceremoniously dropped off by taxi uncle as he said he doesn't know where it is. Sure, I just needed to choose one side and walk ahead. Headed towards where the bright lights were (away from the industrial buildings) and soon enough, found the place at the end of Lorong 23.

Imagine dingy backlane, warm stuffy air, hot tasty food and sometimes someone running away from something. Yeah, this is the place to experience all those.

glimpse into the kitchen

I was the last one to arrive and at a good timing too as food was just served and ready to eat. Let's see what we had. Here's our menu for that night:

• J.B San Lou Meehoon (L)
• Salted Egg Prawn Ball (M)
• Crab Roll Fritter (S)
• Snake Beans with Lotus Roots (M)
• Fried Black Hokkien Noodles (M)
• White Pepper Crabs (2 pieces)
• Kurobuta Boneless Pork Collar (S)
• Fermented Bean with Belly Pork (S)

Amazing selection, and am even more amazed as all the above were consumed by just the 6 of us. Two guys and 4 gals. Wow!

Let the feast begin. The plate of beehoon was nondescript. Not as charred nor 'chaotar' as initially thought. There were some greens that was hidden in the mid-section of the dish. Otherwise, it was just charred rice vermicelli with sprouts, eggs and leafy greens.

JB San Lou Meehoon (新山三楼米粉) @$14  (Large)

Crab Roll Friter (蟹冬双拼) @$12 (Small)

The crab roll fritter was quite interesting, especially the crispy stuff. Tapioca? Nah. It was actually deep fried kway teow sheets. Sweet, spicy and the texture of the crab roll was actually soft.

Fermented Bean with Belly Pork (南乳炸花肉) @$12 small)

The deep fried pork belly in fermented bean curd paste was rather light. Pleasant and enjoyable but wished its taste could be stronger.

The deep fried salted egg prawn ball was a pretty huge plate for a medium. The prawns were plump but overly firm. Tasted like pork! So bouncy. Haha! Interesting corn kernels in there but was probably there for crispy texture.

Salted Egg Prawn Ball (咸蛋虾球) @$30 (Medium)

Hokkien Black Noodles @$9 (Medium)

I think we made a mistake in ordering two carbs. But the fried hokkien noodles was rather value for money with a medium sized plate going for just $9! Medium for this is similar to a large plate. It has some pork slices, vege and small prawns in it. If only the sauce was darker, its noodles rounder and perhaps some chicken liver and gizzard in there, plus a bit of lard or two...then it would be even more similar to KL style fried hokkien mee. Well, a girl can only wish...

And for our customary vegetable dish, thought we ordered something interesting as I never had 'snake beans' before. However, it turned out to be....french beans. Oh, alright.... (did you sense the disappointment?)
That aside, I kind of liked this dish. There was french beans, some celery and deep fried lotus roots crisp.
But it was kind of a small plate for $18, so probably not value for money.

Snake Beans with Lotus Roots (蛇豆炒莲藕) @$18 (Medium)

Next up, if you're having white rice, then this next dish would be the perfect combi. The stir-fried kurobuta pork collar in black pepper sauce. Tender slices of pork, in rich strongly flavoured sauce and capsicums. 给我多一碗饭吧！But then, we still have the noodles...oops!

Kurobuta Boneless Pork Collar @$20

Weather was so warm and humid that it demands for some cooling drink. I had the oldenlandia (白花蛇草). An old school favourite with a sprinkling of salt.

drinks, COD

And did you think we were done? Am saving the best for last. My favourite dish of the night, goes to....
Yes, you are right. The white pepper crabs! WooOOhOOo!

White Pepper Crabs @$48

back view

Good sauce, not overpowering, plenty of spring onions and fresh, sweet meaty crab. Not that big in size but it was fresh and sweet. So yummy.

Tummies full, and plates emptied. Backlane eats, our zhichar story. Special thanks goes to foodie gang; Shermaine, Kris, Jennifer, Ivan and Hence. Shared calories, shared memories. Thank you guys!

[Lifestyle] - Singtel CAST

For all Singtel mobile subscribers out there, here is another option for you to enjoy entertainment on-the-go. On 7 July 2016, Singtel has launched Cast, Singapore's first OTT video portal app. According to wikipedia, OTT (Over-The-Top) is the delivery of audio, video, and other media over the Internet without the involvement of a multiple-system operator in the control or distribution of the content.

What is the subscription cost like?
Singtlel Mobile postpaid customers can choose from various content packs such as Kids, Asian Hits, Hallyu content packs for just $4.90/month with 12-months contract or $6.90 per pack without contract.

What about data as watching streamed content on the go means more data is required?
No worries, just add on +$3 per month for an extra 1GB of data.

Where or how do I sign up?
http://info.singtel.com/personal/apps-tv/apps/cast/subscribe?dispatcher=302

the CAST guide

what's available

Got to know about this app and service at an event recently. It was held at The Arts House and the theme was Hallyu Night. Always wanted that latest Korean drama streamed right to your mobile device with unlimited download, priority viewing with Chinese and English subtitles as fast as eight hours after original telecast, full HD and uninterrupted viewing? Then you'll need Cast and Viu premium service. Just $7.90 per month (with 1GB data bundle).

The Arts House @ Old Parliament

cut hair? nah?

learn more about Cast

We enjoyed the Korean inspired dinner by Timbre and was entertained by Kelly Poon, who sang for us the theme song from DOTS (Descendent Of The Sun). One of my favourites when she was in Project Superstar.

Kelly 潘嘉丽

Had some fun (and easy to play) games and prizes like Korean snacks and facial masks were distributed to the winning teams.

wefie'ing via Oppo phone

Oppo was one of the sponsors, hence there was a short showcase on its phone. The phone was slim and light, and it has a 16MP front camera and 13MP back camera. Its size is slighly bigger than my Samsung S6.

entertainment via Singtel Cast on Oppo phone

Thank you Darryn and Team for the invite. It was informative and fun!

To sign-up for Singtel CAST:
http://info.singtel.com/personal/apps-tv/apps/cast/subscribe?dispatcher=302

Aura Restaurant @ National Gallery

Located at 1 St Andrew's Road, this place is slightly further than Capitol and pretty near Adelphi. Nearest MRT station would be City Hall. Walk into National Gallery and head on straight to the lift. Aura is at Level 5. Reservation is encouraged.

Aura @ Level 5 National Gallery

Was there for a special dinner with fellow foodies and there were 8 of us. The  ala-carte menu for dinner consists of 8 types of pasta dishes and 8 meat dishes for mains. Ask for their 'special' menu and there will be about 3 more pasta dishes and one meat dish to choose from, while stocks lasts. When we were there, the specials were razor clams fettucine ($38++), lobster pasta ($48++), sea urchin pasta ($50++), and Tajima wagyu (meat dish) for $160++. Wine list was pretty interesting and I thought the options for wine by the glass was adequate.

well stocked

wine menu

Read about reviews pertaining to service, and am happy to inform that it was actually quite good. The menu was promptly handed out, while the wine list was upon request. Stools were available for handbags/bags though mine was on the floor. Complimentary drinking water was brought out for each of the guests. Not much of an issue, actually.

while perusing the menu

Once we have placed our orders, the bread (focaccia) was brought out, with a small dish of olive oil and balsamic (one each per guest). More bread is available, should the guests would like to have more.

complimentary focaccia

The focaccia was a tad harder than it looked. Nevertheless, it served its purpose in keeping our hunger at bay.

For wine, we ordered a bottle each for white and red. For the white, we had Kanta Riesling 2012 Egon Muller (@$120++) and for the red, we had the Guidalberto 2012 Tenuta San Guido (Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend). It was a tad challenging to choose the red as one would like to have it more tannic, one preferred spicy and one wanted it mellow. So this was a compromise in the moderate range.

2012 Tenuta San Guido 'Guidalberto' Toscana IGT, Tuscany Italy @$170++

The Riesling was light straw yellow in colour, fruity, dry and leaning towards mineral aftertaste. The Tenuta San Guido is a blend of 60% Cab Sav and 40% Merlot, is very drinkable with deep ruby colour and taste of berries with a hint of spice. Light acidity in the beginning and soft aftertaste.

2012 Egon Muller 'Kanta' Riesling Adelaide Hills

2012 Tenuta San Guido 'Guidalberto' Toscana

Our late dinner began after all the toastings and the appetisers looked pretty. Our appetisers comprised of three cold appetisers and one warm.

The burrata cheese was a small cutesy mound of whiteness, sprinkled with finely chopped black olives, on a bed of greens. Was wondering if burrata is usually this dry, or should it have some olive/balsamic drizzle or perhaps some sea salt sprinkle? Even the greens was without dressing. When slicing the burrata, it wasn't as moist nor as rich or creamy as I imagined it would be. Least favourite of the appetisers.

Burrata Cheese with Cherry Tomatoes and Black Olives @$26++

Parma Ham with Musk Melon @$26++

The portion of parma ham was generous but the musk melon was too thinly sliced and more of an adornment rather than contributing to any sweetness to the dish. The rockets were fresh and peppery but perhaps a little dressing on the rockets would be nice.

Scallops Crudo withTruffle and Smoked Quail Eggs @$28++

Hokkaido scallops were sweet and the creamy avocado was nice with the ikura and all. Didn't get a taste of the smoked quail eggs though. But overall, would recommend this for starters. Tasty dish and goes well with the wine.

Next, was the grilled octopus. Its smokey fragrance was pretty enticing. Octopus was nicely tender and there were some yolk that oozed out from the egg for that added creaminess.

Grilled Octopus with Crispy Egg and Corn @$28++

Now, on to the mains. Actually, was pretty stuffed from the breads. Had two squares of focaccia and by the time we sampled a bite out of the four appetisers, the stomach space was already about 80% filled!

Whole Wheat Tagliatelle with Duck & Foie Gras @$32++

Tagliolini with Scampi and Avruga Caviar @$38++

The tagliatelle and tagliolini pictures came out quite good. The tagliatelle with duck and foie gras tasted as how it sounded. Rich, strong flavours and slightly gamey as expected from the duck and foie gras. Good with red wine.

The tagliolini was interesting as the sauce was rather sticky and the taste, was of something familiar to Asian tastebuds. I thought it tasted like hae bee flavour. The scampi was sweet, firm and plump.

If you like foie gras, then go for the Smoked Duck with Foie Gras and young Spinach. The slab of foie gras would surely bring a smile to your face. The taste of the foie gras in this dish was much cleaner and none of the gamey aftertaste. So good!

Smoked Duck with Foie Gras and Spinach @$38++

Pappardelle with Oxtail and Mushrooms @$26++

Burrata Cheese Ravioli with Amatriciana @$26++

The pappardelle was the most al-dente pasta of the night. Chewy and very filling. The sweetest tasting pasta of the night would be the sea urchin pasta.

It was a tad unfortunate that my photos of the specials didn't turn out well.

Razor clams fettucine @$38++

Sea Urchin Pasta @$50++

For myself, I had the Spaghetti with Crab and Porcini. A taste that is closer to home. What's missing was just the chilies. Haha!

Spaghetti with Crab and Porcini @$28++

To end, we had sweets. Tiramisu is a must for any Italian meal. But why stop at one when you can have two desserts?  On hindsight, tiramisu was the better sweets.

Bailey's and Hazelnut Feuillettine @$15++

Tiramisu @$15++

Overall, it was a hearty meal. The place was noisier than expected as we were also seated next to a large group celebrating a birthday. Ours, in a way, was also a celebration of sorts. First time meet-up with an acquaintance whom we had only interacted with, virtually via email and whatsapp.

Expect to spend about $88 to $120 per pax for a 3-course dinner, with a glass of wine.

After dinner, one could adjourn to the Sky Lounge for drinks and to enjoy the night view.

night view

Fix Cafe @ Ah Hood Road

Nestled deep in NS Home Team Clubhouse, this place is actually pretty near my workplace. Met friends for late lunch on a Saturday. Friends had already finished their meal by the time I arrived, so ordered Mexican Fried Chicken and doughnuts as dessert.

But first up, a nice cold drink to quench thirst on a hot humid afternoon. Liked the Earl Grey Lychee Tea!

Lychee Earl Grey Tea @$5++

Fried chicken came in two pieces, so I shared one with a friend. Came with a side serving of salad and a herbed dip. Had mine with leftover chili sauce from friends' earlier fajitas. The chicken was well fried though the seasoning is not that strong. Loved that they gave chicken thigh and drumsticks on that plate.

Mexican Fried Chicken @$14++

Asked the service crew for recommendations on desserts and the answer was donuts. Ok, let's try it.

Donuts with Salted Egg Dip @$6++

Cutesy mini round deep fried balls of dough with some icing sugar. The salted egg dip was rather thick, much more like a custard instead. I liked it especially when the donut was spread with lots of salted egg dip. Yums!

Patrons could choose to sit indoor or outdoors. The indoor seats are much cooler but it was also at the blind spot of the service staff. Perhaps it was because we dined there at odd hours, so the staff did not check on us. Other than that, staff were friendly.