NEH NEH POP
Yes, you read right. And no, it is not a vulgarity. It is a line of ice cream pops (ice cream on a stick) produced by chef-owner Bjorn Shen of cafe- restaurant Artichoke at Sculpture Square in Middle Road.
These pops don't come cheap - they are $7 to $8 each - but they are packed with goodies that make each of them worth every cent.
For me, knowing they are made without preservatives is a bonus. Flavours include Strawberry Pockie, Double Chocolate Cone and Rocky Road.
So far, I've tried three flavours and I like them all. The Mango Sticky Rice, made with coconut rice pudding ice cream and fresh mango, is one for fans of the Thai dessert. The lush and decadent pop is coated in white chocolate, toasted white coconut flakes and rice crispies for an extra crunch.
If you love baklava, that nutty, sticky-sweet layered filo pastry dessert that's popular in the Middle East, then opt for the Baklava pop. It is made with orange blossom ice cream dipped in dark chocolate and coated with a nut dukka that includes pistachios. It is a cold and creamy baklava with all the right flavours without being overwhelmingly sweet.
Sneekers is made with smooth and rich peanut ice cream and includes chunks of soft and gooey salted caramel. It is then dipped in dark chocolate and coated with marshmallows and salty pretzels bits. This one is for Snickers bar lovers.
WHERE: Artichoke Cafe & Bar, Sculpture Square, 161 Middle Road MRT: Bras Basah OPEN: 6.30 - 9.45pm (Tue - Fri), 11.30am - 2.45pm, 6.30 - 9.45pm (Sat), 11.30am - 9.45pm (Sun), closed on Mon TEL: 6336-6949 INFO: E-mail social@nehnehpop.com
SINGAPORE'S CULINARY GRANDE DAMES MENU
For a taste of traditional home-style Nonya popiah with handmade egg skins, head to The Clifford Pier from now until the end of the month. The recipe for the popiah, with condiments that range from prawns to blanched beansprouts, is none other than Mrs Lee Chin Koon's, the late founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew's mother.
Mrs Lee's granddaughter, chef, food consultant and cookbook author Shermay Lee, is offering some of her grandmother's dishes, including this must-eat popiah, to celebrate Singapore's Golden Jubilee.
The filling, made with hand-cut turnips and bamboo shoots stewed in prawn stock with slices of pork belly and tau cheo (fermented soya bean), is heady, robust and flavourful. It is also the first time I have seen these soft and sought-after Nonya egg skins in a restaurant. The popiah ($28 for a two-person serving) is by far the best version I've had outside of a Nonya home kitchen.
Ms Lee has curated eight dishes, including heritage recipes from two other iconic cooks and cookbook authors, Mrs Leong Yee Soo and Mrs Ellice Handy. Be sure to save space for dishes such as Fish Kedgeree (above, left); Chicken Curry thickened with almond and cashews and served with nasi kuning; and Itek Sio, stewed duck with a dash of brandy and served with a spiced pineapple-apple chutney.
WHERE: Clifford Pier, The Fullerton Bay Hotel, 80 Collyer Quay MRT: Raffles Place WHEN: Till Aug 31 OPEN: Available for lunch & dinner, noon - 2.30pm, 6.30 - 10pm, daily TEL: 6597-5266 INFO: E-mail cliffordpier@fullertonbay hotel.com or go to www.fullertonbayhotel.com
GORILLA PRESS JUICES
The cold-press juice craze is one many health- conscious people embrace wholeheartedly.
Gorilla Press, a year-old home-grown juice company in Biopolis, offers a long list of healthy drink options (left). For a boost of nutrients and vitamins, I like the organic cold- press green 01 juice ($10), made with kale, cucumber, ginger, apple and spirulina, among other ingredients. It has a pleasant burst of flavour without the bitter taste of leafy greens.
Other refreshing blends include the C3, with grapefruit, watermelon, turmeric and mint ($8); and C4, a subtly spicy nashi pear, lemon and cayenne pepper juice ($8).
Seasonal options ($8 to $10 a bottle) until the end of the month include the Malibu Mambo, a summer drink that includes pineapple juice, coconut water and mint.
Subscription services start at $180 for 24 bottles and delivery is free within the Central Business District and Buona Vista area. Charges apply for other parts of the island.
WHERE: Gorilla Press, 01-06 Neuros building, corner of Biopolis Drive & Biopolis Grove MRT: Buona Vista OPEN: 10am - 6pm daily TEL: 6464-2007/9178-8927 INFO: E-mail feedme@gorillapress.co
MUTHU'S FISH HEAD CURRY
When it comes to South Indian food in Singapore, Muthu's Curry, which has been in operation for 46 years, is an institution. It is also particularly well known for one dish - its signature fish head curry. A small serving of this heritage- style fish head curry is priced at $22. Scoop generous amounts of its spicy and aromatic gravy onto rice to enjoy.
WHERE: Muthu's Curry, 138 Race Course Road MRT: Farrer Park OPEN: 10.30am - 10.30pm daily TEL: 6392-1722 INFO: Go to www.muthuscurry.com
