GINZA KAMO SOBA KYUDAIME KEISUKE
Duck is not commonly found in Japanese cuisine. But chef Keisuke Takeda, who started this restaurant, is formally trained in French cuisine, in which duck is a common item.
Opened yesterday, the 32-seat eatery offers five ramen choices, including two variations of duck broth (rich and clear), spicy miso, tsukemen (dipping noodles) and mazesoba (dry ramen) - all served with slices of premium Irish hybrid duck, which is favoured for its ample fat.
Hybrid Duck Broth Ramen in clear or rich soup ($14.90++ to $19.90++) is prepared with whole Irish hybrid duck and kelp.
The clear soup is simmered over low heat for five hours, while for the rich soup, duck bones and herbs are added to the stock and boiled for at least eight hours over a strong fire.
Spicy Miso Hybrid Duck Broth Ramen ($16.50++ to $21.50++, above) builds on the clear soup base with the addition of the chef's secret mix of seven types of miso and a dollop of housemade minced chilli, a chilli oil and an ichimi (red pepper flakes) and sansho togarashi (Sichuan peppercorn) blend.
Diners who prefer rice can order the Kamo Ju ($29.90++), a rice bento with 10 pieces of signature steamed duck.
Where: 16A Lorong Mambong, Holland Village
Open: 11.30am to 2.30pm and 5 to 10pm (weekdays); 11.30am to 10pm (weekends)
Info: Call 6463-4344 or go to www.keisuke.sg or facebook.com/KeisukeTokyoSG
THE BRIGHTSIDE
Cocktail connoisseurs and bar-hoppers on a budget will be delighted with prices at this bar in Duxton Hill.
Cocktails start at $15 (all prices nett) all night and happy hour deals for beer and house pour - Asahi, Connor's Stout, wine, prosecco, Aperol Spritz & Pimms - are $8 before 8pm.
The cocktails are curated and mixed by general manager Rahmat Choo from the Kilo Group.
The best-selling cocktail, Porn Star Martini ($15), is a juicy, refreshing mix of vanilla vodka, lime juice, fresh passionfruit and a separate shot of prosecco.
Bar bites include handmade Thai Fishcakes ($8 for regular/$15 for large) and Beef Noodle Soup ($20).
Other items include Sticky Chicken Wings ($8 to $15), a Mixed Platter (above) or Sausage Platter & Curry Ketchup ($30), Steamed Pork Buns ($18), Fish & Fries ($15 to $23) and Sliced Ribeye Steak, Fries & Dipping Sauce ($30).
On weekdays, The Brightside has a $15 lunch deal from noon offering a burger, taco, Thai Street Chicken or fish (each comes with fries and a drink), or Beef Noodle Soup and a drink.
Where: 37 Duxton Hill
Open: Noon to 11.45pm (Mondays to Fridays); 4 to 11.45pm (Saturdays)
Info: Call or text 8427-1232 or go to www.thebrightsideduxton.com
TORIYARD
This Japanese yakitori joint in Bishan Park offers a menu designed by Tokyo native chef Hasegawa Isao, who has close to 40 years of culinary experience in Japan, France and Malaysia.
Diners can see their meats being cooked at the open-concept grill station.
There are classic tori (chicken) skewers, along with grilled beef, pork, seafood and vegetable, as well as special starters such as Tsukune Ohba Tsutsumi Age (deep-fried chicken ball with perilla leaf) and Onsen Tamago Cocktail ($20++, above), a luxurious combo of onsen egg, foie gras, salmon roe and uni.
For lunch, there are hearty donburi sets, teishoku sets and udon/ porridge sets such as unagi don ($23++) and wagyu foie gras don ($28++).
ToriYard also serves sake and house-flavoured shochu, aged with coffee, yuzu, grape and apple.
Where: Bishan Park 2, 1380 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1
Open: 11.30am to 2.30pm, 6 to 10.30pm (Mondays, Wednesdays to Fridays); 11am to 2.30pm, 6 to 11pm (weekends); closed on Tuesdays
Info: Call 9296-5988 or go to facebook.com/ToriYard
• Opening a restaurant? Send the details to stlife@sph.com.sg
