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$$-Worth Dinner Sets @Yayoiken, Liang Court

As many are aware, Liang Court is like a "mini Japan" where you can expect to see many shops & restaurants catered to the local Japanese community, and even come across Japanese expats & foreigners.  As and when, there will be Japanese food fair or homecare fair to showcase the Japanese goodies and products.  I recalled there was one time, during one of those fairs, there were a female Japanese emcee dressed in kimono and a 'sushi' mascot promoting the fair and playing games with children (of cos' they spoke in Japanese, which I don't fully understand & partly English).  Real fun to watch though!

I can't help taking notice of Yayoiken as it is very long queue each time I passed by or going into the Meidi-ya Supermarket, for it is located right next to the supermarket entrance.  Therefore, on this day, I deliberately head down with my Hubby to Liang Court earlier than the usual dinner timing (Saturday, before 6.30pm).  I was so proud of myself to be the first 3 in the line (cos' I don't really like to queue for food as I'm normally very hungry by then), and to get a table in less than 10 minutes.



Yayoiken
@Liang Court Shopping Centre
177 River Valley Road
Singapore 179030
Tel: 6338 7170

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ THE INTERIOR ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

The interior is nice.  Though it looks rather compact from the top view, it is pretty cosy to sit inside the "cubicle".  Each cubicle is separated by head-high panels, so the guests can enjoy privacy within close seating proximity.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ THE HIGHLIGHT ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I would say, the highlight of this restaurant is their high-tech ordering system.  This reminds me of another Japanese restaurant I had been to in Tokyo.  So cool!  You can keep ordering food at ease and the food comes to you faster than average restaurants, as it saves time for waiter to pass the order to the chef.  Good demonstration of high productivity and efficiency.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ THE TASTE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Mixed Toji Set - This is actually sliced beef, fried prawn and pork cutlet with egg.  My recommended choice if you are a carnivore and like to try the most variety of meat possible in 1 set.  So good you will cleaned the entire pot!  I also like their miso shiru (Japanese soybean soup) for it is less saltish, though I don't usually like miso soup.

 

Wafu Hamburg Set (topped up $1.90 for Kai Jiru, clams in Japanese soybean soup) - The beef patty was really tender, and not at all too meaty that you have to add mustard/sauces to it (better than the one I had @Ma Maison).  Very meaty & stomach-filling choice. 

 

Natto (fermented soybeans) - It was specifically ordered by my Hubby.  For me, it tasted funny, cold and fibrous.  Not quite my thing.

 

Unlike the usual Japanese ginger slice, you get free-flow of pickles.

 

Their dessert menu is nothing out of the extraordinary, playing all safe with scoop ice-cream & matcha pudding.  Nothing to surprise me, but they have an array of fruity smoothies.

This is definitely one restaurant anyone can visit frequently for super affordable (inexpensive) and good Japanese cuisine!

Gathering @Rakuichi Japanese Restaurant, Dempsey Road

We were gathered together for Gladys's birthday, at the restaurant of her choice, Rakuichi Japanese Restaurant @Dempsey.  Thanks to Gladys for the recommendation!  We enjoyed our food and the different twist from the typical Japanese set(s) you can get elsewhere.  I must say, I am pleasantly surprised.

However, it can get slightly cramped and stuffy for big group gathering (especially when the air-con was not functioning very well that day).  Also partly due to their limited seating capacity and the layout of the restaurant.

Rakuichi Japanese Restaurant
10 Dempsey Road
#01-22
Singapore 247700
Tel: 6474 2143

 

Assorted Salad - fried fish skin with fresh veggies.  Kind of an interesting combination.  Gone in split seconds!

 

Raw Fish of the Day - No doubt freshness and appropriate sliced thickness are the key for palatable sashimi.  *grin*

  

Our Choice: "Set C" for 2 persons to share, cos' we had breakfast prior to this.
1 average person can also attempt to finish this entire set for a very hearty brunch/meal.

 

Zooming into the individual dishes..
Cold soba was already put into the light sauce and topped with wasabi and seaweed thin slices when served.  Helped to cleanse my palate and at the same time filling my stomach with the right amount of carbohydrates.

 

Assorted Semi-Grilled Sushi Platter - I'm not usually a sushi person but it's superb beyond words!  You wish you could gobble down the whole piece of sushi at once!

 

Wagyu Beef Skewer (right) & Chicken Skewer (left) - The wagyu beef skewer was soft and appropriately matched with light black pepper sauce, while the chicken skewer was average.

 

Seafood & Vegetables Tempura - Nothing to nitpick.

 

Dessert was a nice single scoop of kuro goma (black sesame) ice-cream.  One of my favourite Japanese ice-cream flavours, but this one fared alright.  Would prefer something more refined in taste and less grainy in texture.

 

[ My Verdict ]:  Though a little pricey, it is still worth coming back whenever craving for a different flair in Japanese sets.

Fusion 6-Course Dinner @The Clan

To celebrate our 1st Year Wedding Anniversary, my Hubby made a reservation thru' his contact (who happens to be relatives with the restaurant owner).  I was told that it is owned by the same management as Dozo (which I loved it during last visit), so I expected equal standards in their food.
[**Suitable for romantic moments & celebration]


The Clan
(diagonally opp. Majestic Hotel)
18/20 Bukit Pasoh Road
Singapore 089832
Tel: 6222 2084



 

At the beginning, I was taken aback when we were led to an extreme corner table with a Glade refresher placed near the window next to us.  However, after tasting their dishes, I was soon won over by their quality food with exquisite taste and thoughtful, elegant food presentation.
 
Complimentary from the restaurant, Iced Strawberry Sorbet - Very refreshing and yummy (ladies would love it!), that clears your palate to taste the good foods coming ahead..

-- STARTER -- 

Chef's Starter (without prior knowledge what's in store for us).

 

Zooming into the starter served, and eating in recommended sequence accordingly.  So good & tasty, we got nothing to pick on!

#1: Pan-seared scallop

 

#2: Pork block (didn't catch the full name when the waiter introduced)

 

#3: Japanese fried shrimp sushi 

 

-- COLD DISH --
Alaskan King Crab with Home-made Karashi Dressing - Just that 1 king crab leg had so much juicy meat & kept me wanting for me!  Coupled with the salad in Japanese dressing.  Two words: Splendid coldness. 

 

 

Beef Carpaccio with Truffle Teriyaki & Horseradish Sauce - The beef was very thinly sliced.  Remarkable slicing skills & well-balanced sauce did justice to the red meat!  Awesome!

 

-- SIDE DISH --
Herb Crusted Mushroom Escargots - The escargots are removed from its shell and served in a small, tall bowl.  How thoughtful!  Very delicious with succulent escargots blended in little crisps of garlic & mixed herbs. 

 

Steamed Razor Clams, Salmon Trout Roe drizzled with Japanese Sauce - The clams are steamed and minimally prepared with light sauce, kept its original taste, so one can taste its freshness & sweetness.

 

Compliments from the house, which is highly recommended by the Restaurant Manager..Kurobuta Pork Belly Confit.  It tasted like thicker piece of roasted pork to me, but without the crispy skin.  I'm not really a fan of it, but my Hubby gobbled it down.

 

-- SOUP --
Cepes Mushroom with Truffle Paste - One word: Divine.

 

Crab Bisque Cappuccino & Prawn Twister - I just simply like it!

 

-- MAIN --

48-hour Beef Short Ribs on Lava Stone - The luscious meat cooks itself on the lava stone as you consumed your meal.  Totally tantalising without disappointment.  Highly satisfying to your mind and senses.

 

Duck Confit w Plum Mustard, Truffle Mashed Potato & Seasonal Vegetables - This is one of my favourite French dishes.  Rightfully  salted in preservation, giving the sapidness in the dish.  Well done!



-- DESSERT --

Assorted Cheese Platter - A great choice to go with a glass of red wine (if you still have space in your stomach!).

 

Chocolate Lava Cake with Home-made Gelato - Who can resist warm molten cake with vanilla ice-cream & nut bits?!?  I always appreciate when natural vanilla ice-cream is being served to me cos' I know how much effort is required to scrape off the tiny vanilla seeds from whole pod.  Gone in 60s!

 

[ My Verdict ]:  What a sumptuous feast with a great array of meat and seafood selection!!  If you are a carnivore (same as me), I would strongly recommend you to try their dishes, for you can enjoy best quality food & wine in a quiet ambience (even when the restaurant is fully booked), at affordable price without burning a big hole in your wallet.  A slice of Cake-of-the-day will be given on the house, as long as you are here for celebration be it birthday/anniversary.  It may not be very fancy but it's the kind gesture that counts.  An absolute plus point, the "only" waiter who was serving my dining area is very professional to provide the attention customers require, and responsive to his surroundings that he can respond almost instantly to your calling.  A very, very rare quality in F&B staff nowadays.

 

Birthday Treats @TCC

The Connoisseur Concerto (TCC) is nowhere new or unfamiliar to the locals, but somehow we don't frequent or rave much about the chain boutique restaurants.  I have the TCC membership card thru' a girlfriend for several years without utilising it.  Until recently I got my new card, I started to use during my birthday month.  I must say they have surprised me with their interesting interpretation and variety of main course - pasta.
FYI: For members during birthday month, get to enjoy 50% off on first visit and 30% off on subsequent visits.  On the other hand, GSS promotion for members is 1-for-1 pasta (valid till 28 July 2013)!  Very worthwhile to try their new dishes (revised every now and then, to create novelty for customers)!

The Connoisseur Concerto (TCC)
*Various location

 

Fried Prawns in Martini Glass - Nice!  Filling portion.

 

 

Seafood Aglio Olio - Ordered by my girlfriend and she finished it all.  It was alright for a typical Italian pasta (but she would prefer Coffee Club's).

 

Tobiko Scallop Pasta - This is a fusion Italian pasta with Japanese influence.  Very yummy, appealing and appetising dish!  Slightly more 'soupy' gravy with a light, non-creamy yet special taste.  There were a generous splash of fresh juicy tobiko (Japanese fish roe), scallops and mushrooms.

 

Devil-misu - Something different from the usual tiramisu.  It was made of espresso and mascarpone cream and I feel it's lack of sufficient rum.  Too much of mascarpone cream, putting more biscotti will be better.  In addition, the pair of brandied cherries was overpowering, but with the nice presentation I deliberately overlooked it.

 

NEW! Tung Lok Xi He Peking Duck

I had my birthday treat with my Family at this newly-opened restaurant at The Grandstand, Tung Lok Xi He Peking Duck.  Came across it few weeks back when I was there to check out Pasar Bella, so when Groupon introduced their offer, I bought it instantly.

Tung Lok Xi He Peking Duck
#01-23/26 The Grandstand
200 Turf Club Road
Singapore 287994
Tel: 6466 3363

Their signature Peking Duck - Slight amount of fats for the duck meat to have almost melted in our mouths.  The crepe skin is very thin thus won't have excessive flour taste but also means it has to be handled with care.
As you can see, there are more choices of sauces (e.g. mashed garlic mud; sugar; sweet sauce; special barbeque sauce) and sides (e.g. slices of carrot, onion & cucumber).

"Shiny" duck skin just makes you want to eat them up!

 

Simply add on the sides and sauces combi to create your own wrap. 

Sour & Spicy Soup (酸辣汤) - Very appetising with many ingredients used.  The spiciness and sourness were well-balanced, each did not overpower the other.

Hot & Sour Soup with Chrysanthemum Tofu - Light and refreshing.  Creative way of presenting the toufu in threads that resembles a flower overall.

Smoked Sliced Fish in Sweet Sauce - Very nicely done.  Extremely crispy and yummy with well-concocted sauce poured over it.

 

[ My Verdict ]:  The standard of the food by Tung Lok is guaranteed.  However the Peking Duck is considered as very pricey, and on top of that, they did not give customers the remaining meat to either cook into noodles or soup (which is usually the norm for most Peking Duck dish) unless customer request for it.  We had to request for it numerous times and waited for a long time to get the remaining meat (cos' the Managers were too busy serving other customers and forgotten about our request!).