DECADENT TREAT
Popular Japanese chef Hal Yamashita, known for his contemporary take on Japanese cuisine, has opened his first overseas restaurant at Resorts World Sentosa.
Dinner is good value for money. A five-course meal, which includes appetisers, a choice of wagyu beef or Kurobuta pork shabu shabu, or wagyu beef sukiyaki with sea urchin instead of the usual raw egg, sushi, and two desserts. It is priced at $78 a person for the pork shabu shabu set, $98 a person for the beef shabu shabu and $128 for the beef sukiyaki.
Highlights include the chef's signature Sea Urchin Rolled By Wagyu Beef topped with caviar. It is a decadent mouthful, with a bounty of flavours and textures.
While I think it is a waste to eat both uni and raw wagyu beef together, the simplicity of the ingredients shines through and makes for a surprise on the palate.
Where: Syun, Resorts World Sentosa, Festive Walk MRT: HarbourFront Open: Lunch, noon - 3pm (last order at 2.30pm), dinner, 6 - 11pm (last order at 10.30pm), Tue - Sun, closed on Mon Tel: 6577-6688
YUMMY WAGYU BURGER
On a quiet street in Clementi West is a bistro called W39. It is a popular spot for brunch on weekends, when items served range from Eggs Benedict to nasi lemak.
But I much prefer to head there during the week; it is a little less chaotic and you are also more likely to get a table.
On weekdays, it offers a set menu and a la carte items including a delish Wagyu Burger with caramelised onions, relish, Gruyere cheese, lettuce and tomato.
I like the texture of the soft housemade burger bun, which holds up well even when it soaks up the juices from the succulent meat patty.
Where: W39, 39 Jalan Mas Puteh MRT: Clementi Open: 11am - 10pm (Tue - Fri), 9am - 10.30pm (weekend & public holiday) Tel: 6779-7050 Info: E-mail contact@w39bistro.com or go to www.w39bistro.com
FROZEN IN TOA PAYOH
Mention "frozen" to any child and he is likely to start singing the chorus of the song Let It Go, from Disney's hit animated flick, Frozen (2013). In this case, Frozen is the very apt name of a new frozen yogurt or froyo cafe in Toa Payoh Lorong 1. It is a chain from Melbourne and this is its first Singapore outpost, and I love it.
My favourite flavours are Natural, tart and sweetened with Stevia, a sugar substitute plant extract; Pomegranate; and Mango Soy, which is a good option for the lactose intolerant. The Chocolate and Green Tea flavours are not intense enough for me.
Help yourself to the froyo and toppings, which range from berries to granola to Turkish Delight. The dessert is priced at $3.80 for 100g.
Where: Frozen By A Thousand Blessings, Block 126 Toa Payoh Lorong 1, 01-551 MRT: Toa Payoh/Braddell Open: 11.30am - 10pm (Sun - Thu), 11.30am - 11pm (Fri & Sat) Tel: 6259-8028
CRISPY POTSTICKERS IN ORCHARD
I honestly think this restaurant ought to be crowded, but it isn't. For a place that offers some of the cheapest and tastiest dishes in Orchard Road, it really ought to be attracting queues.
The Palais Renaissance offshoot of Jing Hua Xiao Chi in Neil Road opened late last year, offering another place to enjoy the original's famous potstickers and xiao long bao.
A plate of juicy pan-fried mixed seafood and pork dumplings is priced at $6.50 for six pieces or $9.50 for 10. They come out piping hot, with a nice crispy, golden brown base. Other must-eats are the Chinese Pizza ($10) and the Red Bean Pancake ($10.50).
Where: Jing Hua Xiao Chi, Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Road, B1-04/05 MRT: Orchard Open: 11.30am - 3pm, 5.30 - 10pm, daily Tel: 6733-8231 Info: www.jinghua.sg
