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Paradise Group, a Singapore-based food and beverage empire specialising in Seafood and Chinese cuisine takes a daring approach by opening its first Thai restaurant - ParaThai, as its debut venture into Asian cuisine. The Thai restaurant is located at Katong Road inside OneKM, alongside the group's two other brands - Paradise Dynasty and Beauty in the Pot. 

 Unlike the usual Thai restaurants, ParaThai bears a modern chic and artistic interiors inspired by the artists whom spent their years of practising art in the vibrant city of Bangkok. Stepping into ParaThai is like walking into a modern art gallery, you can find a display of art pieces from pottery to paintings and photography works inside the Thai restaurant.

 The kitchen is helmed by Thai chef Meaw and his team, whom serve up over 80 authentic Thai dishes using original recipes with high quality ingredients to capture the true essence of the cuisine. The extensive ParaThai menu proffers a list of classic Thai dishes and some interesting small bites and mains that are appreciated by the adventurous and sophisticated palates of diners of today. 
Starting with appetisers, try the mildly sweet Kway Teow Song Kreang ($6.90) - rice noodles stuffed with homemade minced pork and preserved turnip. 
An interesting presentation of the Thai style Otak-Otak or known as Hor Moh Pla ($10.90) in Thai features a spicy souffle of seafood and coconut milk served in a cup. (Actual serving 4 portions) 
A Thai meal cannot be complete without the classic Tom Yam Goong - Tom Yum Soup with Sea Prawns ($7.90 per bowl). Perfecting a great balance of being spicy, sweet and sour all at once, this soup broth is flavourful and packs a powerful punch. The Tom Yam Goong can be also served in a firepot ($19.90) which is good for sharing 3 to 4 persons. 
It is uncommon to find roast duck thai curry in Thailand, as they are mostly served in high-end restaurants. The chefs at ParaThai have reinvented the Thai Red Curry with Chinese influences by adding tender slices of roast duck, pineapple cubes and grapes into the aromatic curry broth that has been concocted with more than 15 types of herbs and spices. The Geang Phed Ped Yang (Roast Duck in Red Curry with Pineapple $14.90) is one of the popular and unique fusion and popular dishes at ParaThai. 
ParaThai offers a good selection of seafood dishes, featuring key items such as sea bass, squid and soft-shell crab. A noteworthy dish would be the Pla Ka Phong Naung Ma Nao (Steamed Seabass with Lime and Chilli $29.90), where the whole fish is steamed to perfect succulence with a special homemade broth including fresh lime juice, garlic, chilli and spring onions. 
In the meat and poultry section, you will be surprised to find a selection of beef dishes at ParaThai, as most Thai restaurants usually serve only pork, chicken or duck. Suer Rong Hai (BBQ Beef Steak with homemade sauce $16.90) is one of the signature and must-try dishes of ParaThai. The dish bears a special nickname - "Crying Tiger" which hides an unique storyline behind its name and recipe. There are many stories as to wear the name “Crying Tiger” for this dish comes from. Some say the sauce is so spicy that it could even make a tiger cry, while some say the tiger ate the wrong cow so it howled. Which story is true, don't ask me and I leave it to you to find out. 
Gai Phad Bai Kra Prow (Stir Fried Minced Chicken or Pork with Basil Leaves $11.90) is one of the meat dishes that are executed well at ParaThai. I certainly enjoyed this dish except that the spiciness was a little overwhelming for me. 
A bright and colourful mix of vegetables makes this dish beautiful as well as savoury. This is Nor Mai Farang Phad Touhu (Stir Freid Mini Asparagus with Egg Beancurd and Mushrooms $12.90), a good option for the healthy green lovers.
Phad Thai is like a national dish of Thailand, it probably is. The Phad Thai Goong Sod (Thai Style Fried Rice Noodle with Prawns $12.90) here is simply a traditional rendition of the delightful Thai dish, which is also one of favourite dish to date. 

The staple rice served at ParaThai is not the usual steamed white rice, but a plate of fragrant Pandan Leaf rice ($1.20) which goes well with all the dishes. 
For desserts, you can expect sweet treats such as the classic Tab Tim Krob (Red Ruby with Jackfruit in coconut milk $5.90), Kaow Neow Ma Muang (Mango Sticky Rice $6.90) and Mun Chiem (Sweet Tapioca with Coconut Milk $4.90). 

 While ParaThai is slightly more expensive than some of the popular Thai restaurants in Singapore, most of the items on the menu are priced friendly and considered very affordable for the quality and premium ingredients used. 

 If you happen to be around Paya Lebar area, do check out ParaThai for some authentic Thai flavours. 


ParaThai by Paradise Group
Address: 11 Tanjong Katong Road, #02-23, OneKM Mall, Singapore 437157
Reservations: 6702 2541
Website: https://www.paradisegroup.com.sg

Opening Hours
11am to 10pm (Weekday)
10.30am to 10pm (Weekend and Public holiday)
I think that there aren't that many true hidden gems in Orchard Road serving great Spanish fare, La Taperia is one of those few restaurants that does it well. The 58-seater restaurant is brought to you by the award-winning Les Amis Group and the team led by manager Javier Ordas.

 The restaurant opened in early October last year (2014) bears a casual yet homely ambience from its indoor facade and semi-open kitchen concept; while its outdoor terrace overlooks the quiet Claymore Road where tapas and drinks can be enjoyed alfresco.
La Tapería is focused on offering a holistic dining experience with Spanish signatures, affordable booze, a curated genre of music and late closure. It boast the largest Spanish wine collection in any local restaurant, on top of a plethora of Glendronach single cask whiskies aged in the best Spanish Oloroso casks. 

Heading the team in the kitchen, Chefs Ng Wei Han and Dalton Fong formerly from the group’s Au Jardin and Bistro Du Vin respectively, are injecting their flare of cooking styles to whip up a range of Spanish signatures which include the Piquillo peppers stuffed with tuna and anchovy remoulade; Grilled lamb rib confit glazed with honey mustard; signature Lobster paella and many other spanish repertoire.

Capricho De Santona ($16) 
- Piquillo pepper stuffed with tuna and anchovy remoulade
Huevos Estrellados Con Patatas Paja, Chorizo, Pimiento Del Piquillo Y Champinones ($18) - Fried egg with iberico chorizo, piquillo red pepper, mushroom and straw potato 
Gambas Al Ajillo ($18) 
- Fresh prawns cooked with garlic chilli and extra virgin olive oil
Chuletillas De Cordero ($38) 
- Grilled Welsh lamb rack with piquillo sauce
Super Cochinillo Confit ($46) 
- Suckling pig confit served with calanda peaches, caramelised onions and thick chips
Paella De Bogavante ($66) 
- Lobster paella, saffron, runner bean and tomato
Churros Con Chocolate ($14) 
- Churros with chocolate sauce
Crema Catalana ($10) 
- Catalan cream enriched with mango bits and a la minute crispy caramelised topping 
Marquesa De Chocolate ($14) 
- Chocolate marquise topped with baked almond praline

 My Verdict
La Taperia is one of the latest additions to the tapas scene, although a little hidden, I like the quaint location as it takes me away from the bustling shopping belt of Orchard Road but just 5 minutes to head back.

La Taperia serves up tapas classics like Chorizo and Gambas alongside more rustic small plates. I would recommend like the Gambas Al Ajillo - The prawns are big in size and generally fresh as I could taste the sweetness and crunchy texture. Love the aromatic pieces of fried garlic floating on the oil, but it can be a little spicy for those who are shy with spices.

I like the Champinones Chorizo too - These are mushrooms sauteed with sliced piquillo red pepper and bits of Iberico chorizo in olive oil and topped with a half-cooked egg an straw potato. It is best eaten when hot and mix together for the flavourful texture. 

For mains, most diners would go for the show-stopper Suckling Pig Confit but my vote goes to the exquisite small treat of Grilled Lamb Rack. The lush, natural pastures of Wales produces what is arguably some of the finest lambs in the world. The welsh lamb that La Taperia chooses has the correct amount of fat cover for succulence and taste. If you are a paella fan, go for the Lobster paella it shares two and you will not regret.

Desserts, however turn out a little disappointing. The Churros came out a little overdone with one of the sticks not at its desired shape and it wouldn't hurt if they could be more generous with the cinnamon sugar. The Crema Catalan dessert tasted too bland when it should be sweet. All hands-down to the Chocolate Marquise, which is an absolute treat for anyone with a sweet-tooth. The contrast of the baked almond praline with its crisp texture set against the rich, thick and decadent chocolate is definitely something I wouldn't miss. 

Overall, the food here is simple and honest with a touch of Spain, nothing crazy except for the challenge of pronouncing the items on the menu in Spanish as we all know that Español is one of the toughest languages to master; but thankful enough there were English translation on the menu, and not forgetting the exemplary service of the team at La Taperia, making sure every customer feel comfort like at home. Well done guys thank you!


La Tapería
Address: 1 Scotts Road, #02-10/11 Singapore 228208
Reservation: 6737 8336

Opening Hours 
Lunch (Daily)
12.00pm to 3.00pm (last order 2.00pm)

Dinner (Sunday-Wednesday)
6.30pm to 11.00pm (last order 10.00pm)

Dinner (Thursday-Saturday & PH Eve)
6.30pm to 1.00am (last order for a la carte is 10.00pm, tapas 12.00am)

Website: http://www.lataperia.com.sg

 If you are wondering what a New York style pizza is like, here are the answers. New York-style pizza is traditionally hand-tossed and consist the basic form of a light layer of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese that's just all. 

New York-style pizza is characterised by large hand-tossed thin-crust pies, and the pizzas are commonly sold in wide slices. The pies at Tony's Pizza are large around 18 inches (45 cm) in diameter, and cut into 8 slices. At Tony's Pizza, you can have your pie by slice, half or even full which is ideal for families. 

To cater to Singaporean's tastebuds, Tony's Pizza has introduced additional toppings to be placed atop the cheese. Read on more to find out what pizza flavours and toppings are available. 


 Tony's Pizza flagship store located at 397 River Valley Road offer customers a quick meal and take-aways. The second outlet at Bugis Junction has a higher sit-in ratio, and provide customers more comfort for dine-in. 

 The dining concept of Tony's Pizza is simple and casual. Firstly, check out the menus available at every table, then order and make payment at the counter, lastly grab a seat and have your orders brought to you. What I like most about Tony's Pizza, is their friendly pricing - what you see is exactly what you pay, there is no service charge and tax making things easy as you will not get frustrated when splitting the bill with your group of friends. 

Buffalo Wings 6 pieces - $5.90 / 12 pieces - $10.90 / 24 pieces - $20

Not limited to pizzas, Tony's Pizza offers a selection of pastas, sandwiches, salad and sides including the signature Buffalo Wings which comes in 6, 12 or 24 pieces. They are deep-fried and tossed in Tony's Pizza special house-made sauce. If you are a buffalo wings warrior, you can challenge yourself to 3 different spicy level - Mild, Hot and Atomic. 

But if you are shy about spicy food (just like me), I will recommend you to go for "Naked" or Barbecue (BBQ) buffalo wings with the blue cheese dressing for dipping.


Tony's Special Meatball Pasta ($12.90)

The meatballs with Tony's Pizza special house-made tomato sauce gives this dish a really wonderful flavour and texture. Kids and adults alike will go mad for this simple meatball tomato sauce pasta, no doubts about it. 
Smoked Duck Black Pepper Cream ($14.90)

For those looking for something with a little punch, you can try the Smoked Duck Black Pepper Cream Pasta. The smoked duck were tender resting on the al dente penne and finished with house-made black pepper cream sauce.
All The Works ($14.90) 

 In addition to the line up of pizzas and sides, Tony's Pizza now offers a selection of burgers - Classic ($8.90), Creamy Cheesy Mushrooms ($9.90) and All The Works ($14.90). 

 The All The Works burger features two grilled beef patties, onions, lettuce, tomato, gherkins, tater tots, bacons and tangy mayo sauce. You can complete your meal with a set combo (include side wedges and soft drink) by adding $2 at lunch or $4.90 at dinner. 

Here comes the star of Tony's Pizza, the pizzas of course. There are more than 8 selections of pizzas, namely; Classic Hawaiian, BBQ Supreme, Love For Veggie, All Time Favourite Meat Lover, Spicy Buffalo Chicken, Tony's Signature, or just go classic with Cheese. Prices for a slice of New York-style pizza start from $4.90 for the cheese, $7 for the classic flavours, except for premium flavours at $8 each slice. 

 At Tony's Pizza, you have the flexibility to create your own pizza by adding the toppings you prefer (additional charge from $1.20) to the pizza, or challenge yourself to the full pie 18" ($44-$48) or half 18" ($18.90-$28).

Classic Pizza Flavours and Toppings
  1. Classic Hawaiian - Honey baked ham and pineapples
  2. Tony's Signature - Pepperoni, sausages, onions, bell peppers, black olives, jalapeño peppers
  3. BBQ Supreme - Roast chicken, sausages, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, honey bbq sauce
  4. Love For Veggie - Mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, black olives
  5. All Time Favourite Meat Lovers - Honey baked ham, salami, pepperoni
  6. Spicy Buffalo Chicken - Roast chicken, mushrooms, buffalo wing sauce 
  7. Cheese - Mozzarella cheese
Premium Flavours and Toppings
  1. Seafood Fiesta - Prawns, mussels, squid rings, battered calamari rings, garlic pesto mayo
  2. Truffle - Mushrooms, truffle, mozzarella

While it will always seem like a good idea to keep every last piece of food to yourself, it may work differently when it comes to pizza. I am sure you have figure that out as pizza are perfect for sharing, you can consider getting a larger group of friends the next time you go out to eat. 

Tony's Pizza offers a line of promotions, such as Student special, Lunch Combos, Late Night 1-for-1 and more. Check out their Website and/or Facebook for ongoing promotions*. Terms and Conditions apply*. 

Tony's Pizza (Bugis Junction)
Address: 200 Victoria Street #01-68 Singapore 188021
Opening Hours
11am - 10pm (Sunday - Thursday)
11am - 11pm (Friday and Saturday)

Tony's Pizza (River Valley)
Address: 397 River Valley Road Singapore 248292
Opening Hours
11am - 11pm (Monday - Saturday)
10.30am - 11pm (Sunday)

 Delivery Hotline: 6777-4992 
Chinese New Year is just around the corner! Bakerzin, one of Singapore's most loved dessert artisans might have all your festive needs right here. Bakerzin is proud to present it FIRST Lunar New Year Set Menu which will be available at all outlets island wide (except Bakerzin Terminal One). 

 Create your own 2-course CNY set meal from the selection of two appetisers and two main courses for only $18.80++ which include a complimentary beverage (Iced Lemon Tea) with each set, perfect for that family treat or casual dinner gathering with your friends. 

 Bakerzin customers can enjoy this promotion from 5 February to 5 March 2015 in celebration of the auspicious festival, and the promotion is available to you all day. 
Start off with any one of appetisers - the Prosperous Prawn or the Opulent Salmon, and choose your main course, either the Fortune Yam or the Treasure Chicken. Lastly, complete your meal by adding on desserts from the wide array of delectable cakes and sweets available on Bakerzin's menu. 

Appetisers
Prosperous Prawn - Pan seared Tiger Prawns with kumquat marmalade glaze, carrot and green papaya pickle, drizzled with stout reduction.
Opulent Salmon - Smoked salmon rosette with dill cream, carrot and green papaya pickle on homemade bread served with mesclun salad. 
Main Courses
Treasure Chicken - Oven roasted chicken roulade stuffed with glutinous rice with dried shrimp, dried scallop, diced mushrooms, macadamia nuts, served with sauté baby eggplant, zucchini, butternut pumpkin and marmite sauce. 
Fortune Yam - Yam and purple yam abacus with minced pork, sliced shiitake mushrooms, lotus roots, dried shrimp and chilli padi. You can adjust the level of spice, or without chill padi can be requested upon order. Each Chinese New Year set meal comes with a complimentary Iced Lemon Tea. 
Bakerzin Chinese New Year Goodies
Good Luck Cookies Galore* (Assorted 6 Flavours $21.80 / 30 pcs per box)

  • Cashew Nut Cookies - Studded with chopped roasted cashew nuts and a hint of vanilla.
  • Coconut Macadamia Cookies - Sprinkled with dessicated coconut and embedded with baked macadamia nuts.
  • Coffee Cookies - Infused with coffee and a chocolate chip adds the finishing touch. 
  • Ginger Cookies - Chewy bits of candied ginger and lemon zest makes it a must-have with Chinese tea.
  • Green Tea Cookies - Lovely flavour of matcha perfectly matched with light sugar crystals encasing each cookie.
  • Pistachio & Cranberry Chocolate Chips Cookies - Delectable salted butter cookie mixed with roasted pistachios and dried cranberry.


Supreme Pineapple Tarts*
  • Golden Leaf Orange Pineapple Tarts ($23.80 / 21 pcs per box)
Every nugget of golden brown buttery pastry cradles a generous filling of pineapple laced with refreshing orange zest. 
  • Classic Yuan Bao Pineapple Tarts ($23.80 / 21 pcs per box)
Bite into the Melt-in-the-mouth buttery pastry and reveal the unadulterated pineapple filling that is bound to please every traditionalist. 
  • Assorted Pineapple Tarts ($23.80 / 14 pcs yuan bao + 7 pcs golden leaf per box)
*Prices quoted before GST
Every mouthful of these delicious golden brown nuggets (Supreme Pineapple Tarts) will leave you and your guests wanting more. Enjoy Bakerzin's range of premium pineapple tarts with their sweet tanginess. Worried about freshness? Each precious tart are individually wrapped to keep it fresh and perfect for those family visits. 

 OCBC and HSBC card members can enjoy a 15% discount on all pre-orders and Chinese New Year goodies purchased at any Bakerzin outlets from now till 5 March 2015. 

 Visit www.bakerzin.com to find the store nearest to you!


Din Tai Fung 鼎泰豐 is much-loved by the locals and visitors because they know they can never go wrong with its concise menu and consistent food quality. And when someone talks about xiao long bao, the well-established Din Tai Fung 鼎泰豐 will probably be the first restaurant we think of. With its famous signature xiao long baos (steamed pork dumplings) and heart-warming steamed chicken soup, this Michelin star awarded restaurant has been making waves with branches throughout the world, including Singapore, Thailand, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, and USA. 

Din Tai Fung’s cuisine is all about harmony. Utilising the freshest ingredients paired with a relish for simple cooking styles, the recipe selection is never too rich or heavy on the palate, and is a fresh welcome given the increasing preference for healthy cooking. With a wide selection of enticing dishes, diners are destined to tuck into flavourful creations that burst into delight with each and every bite. (abstract from Din Tai Fung)

If you love and frequent Din Tai Fung 鼎泰豐, now is a pretty good time to enjoy their prosperity promotions for the season of the Goat year. 

I will be giving away 3 sets of Din Tai Fung 鼎泰豐 Salmon Prosperity Yusheng (each set worth $32.80), read on to find out how you can win them.


PROSPERITY PROMOTIONS AT DIN TAI FUNG 鼎泰豐

Prosperity Salmon Yu Sheng 发财鱼生
$32.80 – Standard 小盘 (serves 2 to 3) / $48.80 – Deluxe 大盘 (serves 4 to 6) Available from 26 Jan to 5 March 2015 (for dine-in and takeaway) at all outlets  

Din Tai Fung’s classic yu sheng topped with Norwegian smoked salmon is the one to toss for an illustrious Chinese New Year. Embellishing the traditional delicacy for an extra boost of success and strength are Tian Jin roasted chestnuts and fresh slivers of jellyfish, while twirls of crispy yam, fresh pomelo pulp and white radish signify luck and longevity. Finally, the dish is finished with a drizzle of Din Tai Fung’s homemade sweet and tangy plum sauce for a refreshing hit.

 Customers can also top-up ingredients such as a serving of superior sliced Australian Abalone ($13.80 per serving), Fried Salmon Skin ($4.80 per serving), Sliced Smoked Salmon ($9.80 per serving), Crispy Yam Strips ($3.80 per serving) or Pine Nuts ($2.80 per serving). 

*Citibank cardholders get to enjoy a 15% discount on Prosperity Salmon Yu Sheng set excluding top-up ingredients. 


Peanut & Black Sesame Glutinous Rice Balls 双喜汤圆  
Complimentary with minimum spend*. Available from 1 Jan to 28 Feb 2015 (for dine-in) at all outlets. 
A symbol of familial unity in Chinese culture, this year, Din Tai Fung introduces Peanut & Black Sesame Glutinous Rice Balls, an off-the-menu special exclusively for dine-in customers. Boasting a soft yet buoyant bite, each of the six glutinous rice flour dumplings oozes a nutty fragrance within the peanut soup base they are served in; the white rice balls (three pieces) are filled with ground peanut and white sesame seeds, while the pink ones (three pieces) cradle a luscious blend of ground black sesame. Diners can enjoy a complimentary serving with a minimum spend* of $90 while Citibank cardholders need to spend only $80 (before gst & service charge). 

FESTIVE TREATS AT DIN TAI FUNG 鼎泰豐

Taiwan Songshan Pineapple Cakes 凤梨酥 
$7.50 – box of 3 pcs / $23.80 – box of 10 pcs Available at all outlets, while stocks last 
Make a sweet start to the year with Din Tai Fung’s well-loved pineapple cakes, which will be available at all outlets! Air-flown from Taiwan, these freshly-baked treats are filled with Taiwan’s Songshan pineapples, which are famous for their rich fragrance and low acidity. Free of preservatives and trans-fat, they certainly make a perfect guilt-free snack or gift for friends and family during this celebrated season.


Alainlicious x Din Tai Fung 鼎泰豐 CNY Giveaway
3 sets of Din Tai Fung 鼎泰豐 Salmon Prosperity Yu Sheng (Standard) to be won

1. Like Din Tai Fung’s Facebook page.
2. Follow Din Tai Fung's Instagram account @dintaifungsg (Your account must be public).
3. Come up with a creative CNY message why you like to celebrate the Lunar New Year with Din Tai Fung 鼎泰豐.
4. Email or leave a comment with your entry on my Instagram and/or Blog giveaway post. 
5. Top 3 accurate and most creative entries will walk away with a set of Din Tai Fung Salmon Prosperity Yu Sheng (Standard). 
6. Closing date of giveaway: 10 February 2015 (2359hrs). 
7. Winners will be notified by email and/or Instagram direct message.
8. This giveaway is only open to readers residing in Singapore.
9. Availability of Din Tai Fung's Yu Sheng is until 05 March 2015.

Disclaimer: Photos are for illustration purposes only. Yu Sheng ingredients such as sliced abalone, crispy salmon skin and pine nuts are available for top-up. 

 *Din Tai Fung 鼎泰豐 CNY Giveaway contest is closed (10 Feb 2015).
Photos Credit: Din Tai Fung 鼎泰豐

 Visit www.dintaifung.com.sg to find the restaurant nearest to you!