$$-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.

 

Bijin Nabe 美人锅 @Plaza Singapura, New Extension

I always passed by this shop @Plaza Singapura (PS) extension, that is very packed and the waiting list full until they refuse to take in anymore guests for the day.  (Note: They do not take in any reservation)  The restaurant's signature dish is Bijin Nabe.  This dish is a great combination of fresh vegetables, seafood, chicken and healthy dose of collagen (serves minimum 2 pax).

The restaurant's seating capacity is rather small, very limited seating and thus they restrict each table approx. 1.5 hours to dine in.  You will not see any visible long queue outside the shopfront, as the door host will call you when your table is ready and you have to get to the restaurant preferably in 5 minutes.  Thus, make sure everyone arrives before you can take your seat.  I was determined to eat their bijin nabe on one of the Fridays, thus I arrived at the restaurant at 5.30pm to leave my name and contact number, then went shopping around PS.  To manage your expectations, the sweet door host will inform you the waiting time is about 2 hours, but my table was ready in an hour's time.  By that time I returned to the restaurant, their waiting list was already full for the night.  If you can't get your name on the waiting list before 7pm (peak hour), you can forget about eating at their restaurant, and expect to queue elsewhere for your dinner.  So for the moral of this experience, I got to quote this old phrase: "early bird gets to eat the worm!" (早起的鸟儿有虫吃！).

Tsukada Nojo
@Plaza Singapura extension
60B Orchard Road
#03-81 Atrium@Orchard
Singapore 238891
Tel: 6336 5003 (**No reservation is accepted!)
Offical Website: www.apcompan.jp

Standard menu (as shown below).  The set meal per person comes with all the essential ingredients and own choice of noodles (3 types to choose from).  The serving portion is just nice (you will be full even before eating the noodles, but you would want to miss trying out their specially-made noodles you can soaked in the remaining collagen soup), without overeating.  You can also add on and order additional items from this menu.

Look how big are the slabs of collagen pudding!  They're even bigger than my 2 fists add together!!  Y(^o^)Y

The friendly service staff can straightaway tell that we are there the very 1st time.  Without us asking or saying anything, they helped, guided and served us how to eat the bijin nabe as if they are our private butler.  ** Excellent service!!
Otherwise, one can always follow the recommended steps to on "How to eat Bijin Nabe" posters that are sticked onto the wooden planks and "tabe hajimeru" (start eating)! 

2 persons' share was more than satisfying and filling.  The soup base consisted of rich collagen and chicken, that was totally mesmerising!  It was so sweet and well-balanced with the chicken wings and drums hidden underneath the big collagen puddings.  With a metal spoon rolling the bamboo chicken, Tori Tsukune into meatballs.  It was very tender and tasty.
For $25++ per person, this is definitely a wondrous treat to the stomach and skin!


It is recommended by the staff to add in the seaweed paste (purposely made into heart-shape) and yuzu slices separately into one's bowl, instead of putting it into the entire pot of collagen soup.  Indeed, it altered the taste of the soup differently.  Very interesting taste!

Just when we have finished our meal (for about nearly 2 hours), the service staff handed us a namecard each (see below picture) and tell us to write down our name.  Apparently, the restaurant has a very special loyalty programme, which give their customers the job title of Asst. Manager during first visit and "promote" them to Manager on the next visit, with a surprise appetiser by the Chef.  And of cos, you can climb the corporate ladder further with more visits!  *smiles*

 

Before you leave, don't forget to take a picture with their adorable door host (whom I believed is a genuine Japanese and can speak very fluent English)!

High Tea @The Landing Point

[Post-dated, 30 Dec 2012]

Nothing beats a good afternoon tea with great ambience and great company!  So I grabbed my Sister and our "preggy" girlfriend for a high tea at The Landing Point just a couple of weeks before her EDD.
 
Would strongly recommend you to make prior reservation at least 2 weeks beforehand.  Cos of last minute changes to accommodate each other's schedule, we had to reschedule our reservation and give up the sofa seats.  Otherwise, you can early reserve the sofa seats facing the view of the old landing point (previously Clifford Pier was the pier for early settlers and sea passengers to set foot into Singapore) and MBS. 

The Landing Point
@Fullerton Bay Hotel
80 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049326
Tel: 6597 5277

3 persons' share filled up 2 three-tier trays, with a satisfactory selection of sweet and savoury items in bite-size.  One can have 2 beverages from the drinks menu and the TWG tea selection.  Absolutely delectable!!

 
Their scones comes in both plain and with raisins, are served warm and wrapped in the cloth napkins to keep its warmth.  How thoughtful!  It is the one place I had actually finished 2 scones in a roll!  Scones definitely taste better than L'Espresso, sufficiently moist and warm!

 
We are so soooo into their savoury items, which is rare, for most high tea places do not have as much savoury choices to offer.  Hence we keep having refills for them - egg mayonnaise sandwich with truffle; mini burger; salmon wholemeal sandwich topped with caviar & quiche tartlet!  The service staff are so friendly and kind to let us choose whichever 3 top-ups (or more at one time)!

 
Chestnut mont blanc was complimentary on top of the many sweet and savoury items full on our plates.  Sweeeet!! 
[*P.S: You have to ask the staff to serve you top-ups from their horizontal-revolving classy trolley.  Don't be shy at all!  Cos after the 1st request, replenishment will keep pouring in! hehe]
 

Complimentary raspberry mousse served in a shooter glass.  Too sour, not so nice..

Time simply slipped by under such relaxing atmosphere and wondrous treats....

[ My verdict ]: A pity that the salted chocolate caramel tart and chocolate éclair were not available that day..  Nonetheless, still it's worth eating and giving me another reason to go back again!  For they bother to come up with new sweet & savoury items, plus complimentary desserts at certain hour(s) of the day, what you'll get depending on your luck! ;)

Hubby's Birthday 2013 - Part 3 (final) @Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck

Following the next day, to celebrate with the Family, we made a last-minute reservation (1 day in advance) for a table and a duck at the Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck, situated at Paragon.  Despite having reservation, the waiting queue and crowd gathered outside the restaurant on a Sunday morning was scarily huge!  We finally got a table inside the restaurant after nearly 40min of waiting, as we do not want to take the outside seating..!


Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck Restaurant & Bubbles Champagne Bar
@Paragon
290 Orchard Road #05-42/45
Singapore 238859
Tel: 67327838 

After we are seated, another long wait for the duck to be served..which we almost gave up!  Luckily, we ordered some dianxin before the last order for that noon.  Otherwise, we would have collapsed from the prolong wait.

Mini egg tarts taste great and a must-try!  It was luke warm when served to us, with the outer crust soooo crispy and fluffy that it melted in my mouth effortlessly!  The soft egg center is the best thus far I have tried before (as compared to Red Star, Swee Choon etc.), it has rich taste yet not too over.  You can easily eat more than 2 pcs with its bite-size!  You can easily tell it is freshly-made and not frozen overnight.

 

Next on, the mini custard buns (流沙包).  The custard buns are ok, at least meet my benchmark. *hee*

 


At last, the main character of the day "Peking Duck" and braised chicken feet.  The braised chicken feet were very well braised, with the flavoured gravy fully immersed into the feet (many hours must have gone into cooking this dish)!  Nice!!  The first 4 slices (in a separate plate) are suppose to be the "best" part of the duck, sliced from its neck.  This Peking Duck tasted somewhat different from the authentic Peking Duck I have tasted in Quan Ju De (全聚德) and national-awarded restaurant DaDong (大董烤鸭), Beijing.  Perhaps it's the kind of duck you can get in Singapore, it is less fat or more like no fats at all?!?  It did not melt in my mouth, so kind of disappointing..  In short, it is not that bad but cos' I had ate Beijing style, hence Singapore style still have room for improvement.







































The Chef could only sliced the duck from afar,
cos' the interior tables are placed very close to each other





The right way to eat Peking Duck meat is to go with the complimentary crepes (薄饼皮), cucumber strips, onion strips (though more additional ingredients & flavouring e.g. sugar are given in Beijing) and the essential sauce, also allows diners to wrap according to own preference and eat up.  Crepes have too much 'flour' taste, thus also thicker than it should be.
 
To make full use of the whole duck, diners are usually recommended to use the remaining meat to cook fried noodles or make into soup.  We chose to cook with ee-fu noodles, which turned out to be surprisingly nice!

Their service isn't up to standards of normal Singapore restaurants, though I would compliment the service staff who make the efforts to check on us every now and then.  However, they are nowhere to be seen when we needed their assistance or call for bill (how can there be no Supervisor overseeing the floor?!).  Due to their quality dianxin, I would come back again to just try out the full selection of dianxin with my hubby but only when we have plenty of time to wait and laze at the bar top - for a "East meets West" experience.