PALETTE - Ten Unique Brands, Multiple Cuisine & A Distinct Dining Concept

Nestled on the basement of Capitol Piazaa, PALETTE is the latest concept of BreadTalk Group that appeals to customers of all ages, background and interests. The food atrium creates an inviting Euro-Perankan atmosphere that includes a full bar and an open layout that appeals to working executives and families alike.

In this multi-concept 400 seat restaurant and bar (food atrium), patrons can treat themselves to ten completely different menus and experiences under one roof. PALETTE offers elements of the quick casual and casual dining restaurant concepts, featuring a flexible service model which allows the guests to "customise" their orders. 

With a variety of brands and multi-ethnic cuisine, this unique concept responds to every foodies' need for selection and choice.

 Pig Liver & Kidney Soup ($7.50) - Balestier Bak Kut Teh 

I was clearly in the mood for bak kut teh, and glad to see the heritage Balestier Bak Kut Teh brand in the restaurant. Haven't had pig liver and kidney soup for a while, the interplay of the herbs, spices and ingredients in the soup reaches its height. It was flavourful and hearty, certainly my cup of tea.

 Butter Garlic Naan ($3.50) - Delhi 6 North Indian Restaurant 

Thinking about the roti I had at Muthu's Curry the other day, I looked at the iPad menu and ordered for myself a Butter Garlic Naan from Delhi 6. My naan came out soft and lightly crisp on the side; I love how the roti was garnished generously with garlic, which added that extra flavour and richness to it.

 Coconut Panna Cotta with Gula Melaka ($8.00) - 90 Gastro Bar

I was a little intimidated by the dessert menu, because there were too many selection of choice. Went for the Italian dessert with an Asian twist, featuring silky smooth cotta topped with coconut shavings and fruits, served with gula melaka. Nothing fancy, but made a right choice as anything with gula melaka is a dish to die for.

Es Cendol ($6.00) - IndoChilli Indonesian Restaurant 

Read some good reviews about IndoChilli, I actually knew that I'd would order another dessert and should not leave without trying IndoChilli's Es Cendol. The Javanese dessert is made of red beans, diced jackfruit and pandan jelly crowning the top of the gula melaka drenched ice. Honestly, it was good but I thought the serving was just too small for the price. 

OVERVIEW
PALETTE is the brainchild of BreadTalk Group showcasing a union of ten unique brands concept under one roof. 

THE RESTAURANT
Taking up 12,000 sq ft on the basement 1 of Capitol Piazza, the casual restaurant and bar (food atrium) can sit up to 400 people. 

THE BRANDS
Ah Koong Fishball Noodle & Yong Tau Foo
Ah Yat Seafood Kitchen
Balestier Bak Kut Teh
Delhi 6
Hok Kee Authentic Hongkong Noodles & Congee
Huat Huat Chicken Wings & BBQ
IndoChilli
Little Nanyang 
Yong Xin Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodles 
90 Gastro Bar 

THE EXTRAS

Wait to be seated, then assigned a table and handed a smart menu iPad that enables you to place orders. Payment is settled at the cashier, just before you leave the restaurant.

THE PROS
Seamless design of ten wholly different concepts under one touch. Multiple cuisine choice with table service provided.

THE CONS
People may see and think that PALETTE is sort of a Food Republic concept, but gone upscaled. The only difference here is there is no need to queue and food gets served to your table. These are hurdles, however. So what are your thoughts?

PALETTE RESTAURANT & BAR
Address: 13 Stamford Road, Capitol Piazza, 

#B1-20/27, Singapore 178905

Opening hours
Daily: 11.00am to 10:30pm

Phone: 6384 3359
Website: http://www.thepalette.com.sg

Singapore Restaurant Month 2015
50 restaurant brands has dedicated a whole month to celebrate the nation's golden jubilee in an culinary way - deliciously and affordably. 

The Singapore Restaurant Month 2015 running from 1 July to 10 August, is launched by the Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS) and partnership with Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA), Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Union Pay. 

See the full list of participating restaurants at end of the page.

Fifty (50) participating restaurants across the city included twelve (12) heritage restaurants which are at least 30 years old like the Red Star Restaurant, Prima Tower Revolving Restaurant, Islamic Restaurant and Fatty Weng Restaurant, as well as popular dining spots like Cafe Iguana, Brewerkz, Timbre, Portico, The Flying Squirrel, Palm Beach Seafood and more, have each come up with a special dish that best highlight the selected local produce (eggs, fish, vegetables).

Diners can look forward to an array of delectable dishes that spans traditional, modern, Asian and western concepts which showcase the best of home-grown ingredients and cuisine with a local twist, such as Cafe Iguana, whose chef has created Pibil Pescado in Red Chile sauce featuring the local produce - Seabass pan-seared before being oven baked and served with Mexican rice and salsa, and the sambal chilli sauce with a Mexican twist.

This festive dish is available at Cafe Iguana from 1 July to 10 August 2015, at $30++ inclusive of an SG50 inspired Margarita or Iguana lager.

CAFE IGUANA

Address: 30 Merchant Road, #01-03, 

Riverside Point, Singapore 058282

Tel: 6236 1275

Website: www.cafeiguana.com

One of the most unique dishes created for Singapore Restaurant Month is - the 3 Grain Laksa Risotto with Homemade Seabass Fish Cake at Portico, serving contemporary cuisine with a taste of home. The local produce is Seabass, specially made in the form of a fishcake and paired with chilli paste, then finished with coconut foam. 

Chef's choice of laksa risotto are made from the combination of barley, quinoa and orzo, eaten with other ingredients sourced locally or taken from the edible garden. This dish is part of a five-course SG50 menu at $50++ available throughout the festival.

PORTICO

Address: 991B Alexandra Road, 

#01-10, Singapore 119970

Tel: 6276 7337

Website: www.portico.sg

In addition to promote the use of local produce, Singapore Restaurant Month also highlight a choice of 12 well-respected local institutions that have graced the culinary scene for many decades. Prima Tower Revolving Restaurant, is one of Singapore's longest established restaurant since 1977, serving authentic Beijing fare to its discerning customers.

The mouth-watering dish featured for the special festival is the Sauteed Bird's Nest Egg White ($70), inspired from the traditional Sai Pang Xie (賽螃蟹) which tastes like crab, but Master Chef Chan cleverly replaced scallop with the nourishing bird's nest and added Chinese Jinhua ham (金華火腿) to the egg-white.

This delicate Bird's Nest creation is good for sharing, and available from 17 July to 02 August 2015*, in conjunction with this year's Singapore Food Festival.

PRIMA TOWER REVOLVING RESTAURANT

Address: 201 Keppel Road, Singapore 099419

Tel: 6272 8822

Website: http://pfs.com.sg/restaurants/prima_tower/

One of the city's most venerated seafood powerhouse - Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant located at One Fullerton offers the whole baby Barramundi at an unbelievable price of ($18 per 500gram). Palm Beach will be the only seafood establishment serving baby Barramundi at market price during the Singapore Restaurant Month. 

The baby Barramundi sourced locally is deep fried and served with crispy cuttlefish that has been tossed with honey and kaffir sauce. The whole baby Barramundi is good for sharing 2 to 3 person, but at a whopping low price of $18, I wouldn't mind ordering one just for myself. 

PALM BEACH SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Address: 1 Fullerton Road, #01-09, 

One Fullerton, Singapore 049213

Tel: 6336 8118

Website: www.palmbeachseafood.com

List of Participating Heritage Restaurants (17 July to 02 August 2015)*

1. Bee Heong Palace Restaurant
2. Beng Thin Hoon Kee Restaurant
3. Chin Lee Restaurant
4. Fatty Weng Restaurant
5. Gim Tim
6. Hua Yu Wee
7. Islamic Restaurant
8. Prima Tower Revolving Restaurant
9. Red Star Restaurant
10. Spring Court Restaurant
11. Westlake
12. Zi Yean Restaurant

List of Participating Non-Heritage Restaurants (01 July to 10 August 2015)

1. Brewerkz
2. Cafe Iguana
3. Chui Huay Lim Teochew Cuisine
4. First Culinary Restaurant
5. Forest
6. Hard Rock Cafe
7. JPOT
8. JUMBO Seafood
9. Lao Beijing
10. LingZhi Vegetarian
11. Malcom Bistro
12. Mamanda
13. Osia
14. Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant
15. Peach Garden Restaurant
16. Portico
17. Pu Tien Restaurant
18. RedDot Brewhouse
19. Restaurant HOME
20. Saha Signature Indian Restaurant & Terrace Bar
21. Seoul Garden
22. Seoul Garden Hotpot
23. Seoul Yummy Korean Casual Dining
24. Shih Yeh Restaurant
25. Si Chuan Dou Hua
26. SUFOOD
27. Swensen's
28. Syun
29. The Flying Squirrel
30. The Scholar Chinese Restaurant
31. The Soup Spoon Union
32. Tim Palace
33. Timbre
34. TungLok Seafood
35. TungLok Signatures
36. TungLok Teahouse
37. Yam's Kitchen
38. Yum Cha Restaurant

Singapore Restaurant Month officially begins on 1st July 2015, but deciding where to go is no easy task. This is a good time to try some place you haven't yet tried, but also the perfect time to revisit your old flame you haven't seen for a while. 

This inaugural festival is pretty much a month-long of delicious retreats anyway, but the aim of Singapore Restaurant Month is to encourage culinary creativity and spread awareness about the quality of local produce on both industry and consumer levels.

For more information about the Singapore Restaurant Month and its participating restaurants, click on to www.singaporerestaurantmonth.com 

Ramen's popularity in Singapore has exploded in just a few years, I estimate there are over 105 ramen shops on this tiny island, and some of popular brands, you'll always see a beeline forming outside the shop. 

If you dive deep into the wonderful world of ramen, you will discover a large array of ramen styles and specialities abound with soup, noodles and toppings, all varied according to local tastes. 

YOSHIMARU ramen bar, originating from Hakata, Kyushu is one of the pioneers responsible for the evolution and addition of depth and character to Hakata style ramen since 1994. 

Proudly served with ultra-thin yet springy and firm noodles that is the hallmark of high-quality hakata ramen, YOSHIMARU complements the noodles with a bowl of rich, flavourful and mouthwatering tonkotsu broth that's extracted from pork bones for hours.

Take the Ramen Challenge and win attractive prizes (details at end of the page)*

Karamiso Tonkotsu Ramen (Spicy Miso Ramen $13.90)

Apart from the signature and traditional Hakata Ramen, you can find over 10 different types of ramen styles at YOSHIMARU such as the spicy miso based - Karamiso Tonkotsu Ramen, featuring thick chunks of charsiew, onsen tamago, black fungus and vegetables. 

Karaka Men (Spicy Yuzu Ramen $14.90)

Flavoured with spices and yuzu zest, this Karaka Men is a slightly tangy take on the usual tonkotsu or miso ramen. Accompanied with sheets of seaweed and thinly sliced charsiew, this spicy yuzu ramen has gained praise as one of the most popular ramen at YOSHIMARU. 

Karami Mara Aesoba (Spicy Cold Ramen $13.90)

Sweet, cold and spicy with cucumber and chunks of charsiew will turn out very well, if you fancy something cold yet comforting. YOSHIMARU's own spin on this cold ramen is influenced by its spicy miso ramen, especially for those who like it spicy but can't stomach steamy hot bowl of broth during the day, this cold dish is definitely worth a try. 

Yaki Gyoza Tori / Ebi (Chicken Dumpling $6.00 / Prawn Dumpling $6.80)

It would be uncommon if we do not have any side dish, in addition to our bowl of ramen. Recommended accompaniments include the Tori no Karaage (Fried Chicken $6.00), Agedashi Tofu (Deep Fried Tofu $4.50), or the Yaki Gyoza which contain either chicken or prawn fillings.

Hakata Mini Burger Combination Platter ($10.80)

The only unorthodox dish found on the menu was the Hakata Mini Burgers, which comes in 3 choices - Chicken burger with mayonnaise & teriyaki sauce ($3.50); Mentaiko mayo prawn burger ($4.80); and Japanese spicy braised pork burger ($3.50). Or you can get all three in a combo which saves you a dollar. 

Dessert Ice Cream Yuzu / Goma / Matcha ($3.00 each)

Similarly served at most Japanese ramen shops, desserts were ice-cream which comes in 3 flavours - Yuzu, Goma (Black Sesame) and Matcha (Green Tea). 

If you like to pit your stomach against the tickling clock and let victory serve you a free meal, YOSHIMARU's 3rd year Ramen Challenge is just right for you, as long as you are 18 years of age and meet the requirements.

YOSHIMARU Ramen Challenge 2015 (18 June - 26 July 2015)*

Polish off one super-sized bowl of YOSHIMARU traditional Hakata ramen - two servings of noodles, two eggs, four slices of charsiew and a portion of black fungus and spring onions in a broth, under 4 minutes and 30 second or fork out $25.80++ if you fail the challenge. 

• 1st Prize: A Pair of Round-Trip Tickets to Japan
• 2nd Prize: 3D2N Staycation at Movenpick Hotel (Onsen-Suite)
• 3rd Prize: 2D1N Staycation at W Singapore Sentosa Cove
• Best Female Timing: $300 Voucher

Full Details of the Contest - Rules & Regulations can be found at the link below
https://www.facebook.com/notes/yoshimaru-ramen-bar/yoshimaru-ramen-challenge-2015-rules-and-regulations/774844079296942

If you are still in doubt, read more on the FAQ page for the Ramen Challenge 2015. 
https://www.facebook.com/notes/yoshimaru-ramen-bar/yoshimaru-ramen-challenge-2015-faq/774844199296930

YOSHIMARU ramen bar

Holland Village - 21 Lorong Liput 

Singapore 277742

Tel: 6463 3132

www.yoshimaruramen.com.sg

Muthu's Curry started out from a humble stall on Klang Road in the 1960s (known as Muthu Makan shop) has come a long way and is now the go-to destination for authentic South Indian food.

Nothing has changed much, tradition is going strong at this 46-year old restaurant on Race Course Road. The food quality, attention to detail, and creative use of ingredients are still at the forefront.

To cope with the growing customer base of keen following and foreign nationalities, Muthu's Curry underwent major renovations in 2004 and recently added new interior design elements and rustic surroundings inspired by homes and palaces of Chettinad in South India, which is also the birthplace of the brand's late founder Mr Ayyakkannu. 

In celebration of Muthu's Curry 46 delicious years in Singapore, the iconic Indian restaurant introduces a limited-edition, heritage menu named Mannuvasanai - which is Tamil for "Fragrance from the Land", featuring signature and authentic Chettinad dishes that are often enjoyed during meal times at home and elaborate banquets.

Set up by a Chettinad native in the kitchens of Muthu's Curry, the Mannuvasanai menu serves up historically accurate dishes from the Chettinad region. Quality ingredients and traditional presentation meticulously prepared for the Mannuvasanai menu takes diners on a heritage journey to the city of Chettinad.

The Mannuvasanai Menu ($32++ shares two) 

Available all day Monday to Friday only at Race Course Road Restaurant 
From 15 June to 31 October 2015

The limited-edition Chettinad menu is made up of five traditional dishes involving a balanced concept of nutritional contents, textures, colours and precision cutting.

Starting with the first banana dish - Vazhathandu Kootu is made from chopped banana shoots and cooked in a low flame with a mixture of moong dal (yellow split lentis), coconut milk, cumin seeds and green chillies. This palate-awakening dish is rich in fibre and potassium, which adds nutrition (good for the bladder) to our diet. 

A familiar sight at many Indian restaurants - Vendaikkai and Mochai Mandi, a lady's finger tamarind gravy dish cooked in unpolished rice water and tempered with tamarind juice, chilli powder, coriander and whole garlic.

The bold and tangy gravy dish is added with cannellini beans (white kidney beans) for a firm texture and nutty flavour. Apart from the abundant supply of plant-based healthy protein, the rice water used for cooking this dish provides numerous health benefits, one of which is great for cooling the body in hot weather.

The next potassium-packed dish - Vazhakkai Varruval, is also made from bananas but unripened ones. Raw bananas are peeled, and cut into small pieces, then marinated in turmeric, chilli powder, cumin, fennel and coriander before they are lightly battered and shallow-fried in aromatic thadka base of curry leaves, cumin and fennel. 

No one could possibly resist this stir-fry dish that is lightly crisp around the edges, coated with Chettinad spices that brings an unexpected punch of flavours. This dish is really addictive!

Suggest a dish that brings nostalgia memories of grandma's cooking - Milagu Varutha Kozhi, a traditional Masala dish empowered with the fire of chillies, pepper, ginger and the comfort of garlic. 

One hour of simmering is enough to break down the ingredients, meld the flavours and just before the chicken meat falls apart, you might want to standby the homemade buttermilk which is a necessary complement to calm excited tastebuds and balance the spice.
 

The last dish which completes the Mannuvasanai Menu - Vanjaram Meen Kulambu (featured above) is a spicy, flavourful and authentic Chettinad fish curry prepared with only the freshest tenggiri (mackerel) thick-cut fillets and chef's special masala marinade of tangy tamarind juice, turmeric, garlic, ginger, green chills, shallots and savoury tomatoes swimming in the perfectly spiced coconut milk broth.

There is no hard and fast rule on which dish to begin with. The 5 different type of dishes can be eaten separately or in sequence, starting from the lighter Vazhathandu Kootu, to the heartier Vanjaram Meen Kulambu, presented in pretty terracotta pots and then served on a banana leaf where you unfold a delightful cultural and culinary experience.

A small spoonful of salt is usually added to the guest's plate to symbolise the bond between host and guest. Finish off the meal with a sweet Payasam - the typical South Indian rice pudding mixed with tenders slivers of young coconut for a refreshing touch.
 

If you are too full after eating the Mannuvasanai meal or leaving in a hurry, make sure you come back for the award winning Fish Head Curry ($22/$27/$32) which is strongly recommended for every curry lovers. The signature fish head curry at Muthu's Curry is served with juicy okra and pineapple chunks in a rich gravy blend of aromatic spices that are unique to Muthu's.
 

The restaurant has created a special retreat for its customers, where one can relish the taste of signature dishes from the Chettinad region. The diverse flavours of all the ingredients and spices used bring an authentic taste of food to every dish which makes the food here very tempting. 

A very commonly made statement is that Indian food is unhealthy. In my opinion, Indian food is just like any other food which can be prepared in a healthy way and an unhealthy way. It really depends on how much you consume and what ingredients are used in the preparation of the dishes.

With an open mind and a little sacrifice in taste, everyone can still enjoy Indian food. 


Flagship Restaurant
138 Race Course Road, #01-01, 
Singapore 218591
Phone: 6392 1722
All Day: 10.30am to 10.30pm

Suntec Branch
3 Temasek Boulevard, Suntec City Mall, 
#B1-1019, Singapore 038983
Phone: 6835 7707
Lunch: 11.30am to 3.00pm
Dinner: 6.00pm to 10.00pm

Dempsey Branch
Blk 7 Dempsey Road, #01-01, 
Singapore 249671
Phone: 6474 5128 

Lunch: 11.30am to 3.00pm
Dinner: 6.00pm to 10.00pm

A 10-day Shizuoka Food Fair which runs until June 28th, is held at the main atrium of Plaza Singapure (level 1). It is organised by Cold Storage and Mr Fusanori Kishiyama - a native of Shizuoka City, home of the iconic Mt. Fuji Japan.

Kishiyama-san made a special trip to Singapore for the opening ceremony of the Shizuoka Food Fair by Cold Storage, I was very privileged to meet him in person and took his picture. He is a third generation food retailer and veteran in the Japanese food business in Shizuoka region for over 50 years.

A curated selection of authentic Shizuoka products, plus other Japanese brand products and gourmet items were specially brought into Singapore and will be on the shelves of selected Cold Storage, MarketPlace and Jasons stores after the fair. 

The Shizuoka Food Fair features over 500 exclusive and authentic Japanese products and specialities all hailed from the Land of the Rising Sun. 

Find all your favourite Japan food and snacks including Japan's best harvested green teas, wasabi and the most luxurious fresh fruits such as musk melons and grapes.

Japanese Noodles, Condiments, Snacks, Confectionery 

Fresh Fruits, Sushi, Seafood

Japanese chefs and specialists will be present at the fair to share some of the Japanese food delights like the popular Japanese street food - Yakisoba ($5.90), which is a speciality of Fujinomiya, Shizuoka. The noodles are steamed (not boiled), then cooked with vegetables on the grill.

Other Japanese snacks include the Uguisu, Sakura Mochi, Shiro and Yomogi Daifuku, all at $2.00 each. 

I also tried the vegetable croquette ($2 each) and some other Japanese snacks. This is the very first time that they are setting up a "live" food station at the fair. Though the selection of food items are limited, they are freshly made on the spot and get sold out fast, so you better be quick if you are at the fair. 

The Shizuoka Food Fair will run for a week long till 28 June and if you missed it, don't worry as you can expect many of the products to be on the shelves of selected stores as below.

• Cold Storage Jelita
• Cold Storage Plaza Singapura
• Cold Storage Great World City
• Cold Storage Takashimaya
• Cold Storage Bugis Junction
• Cold Storage Causeway Point
• Cold Storage Suntec City Mall
• Cold Storage Vivo City
• Cold Storage Kallang Leisure Park
• Cold Storage Tripleone Somerset
• Cold Storage Sime Darby 
• MarketPlace Paragon
• MarketPlace Raffles City
• MarketPlace Hillview
• MarketPlace Katong
• Jasons Orchard

Some of the most authentic and unique Japanese products can never be found at other supermarkets, except at Cold Storage.

These exclusive products include the Sagami Green Tea Jam ($12.80), Sagami Green Tea Dressing ($9.60), Sagami En Green Tea Potato Chips ($6.30), Morata Seicha Green Tea Leaf ($32.10), Yagicho Soup Broth ($16.65), Katayama Seaweed ($4.60), Kobayashi Seimen ($2.95), Kintobi Shiga Dried ($3.60 - $4.30) and a wide variety of Japanese specialities and delicacies. 

As a big fan of the Land of the Rising Sun, I can't help myself but stock up on Japanese snacks even when I'm on a budget. I hope that my stock can last me longer than the previous time, or else I will go broke for sure.

Shizuoka Food Fair: Flavours of Japan 2015
Date: 19 June to 28 June 2015
Time: 10.00am to 10.00 pm
Venue: Main Atrium, Level 1 of Plaza Singapura

If there is an award for "The Most Atmospheric Tea House" in Singapore, I am sure that Arteastiq will be chosen as the gold winner and you probably want to stop by for a hot cup of artisanal tea and a sweet. Nothing to argue about the tasteful interior design of this boutique tea house, and if you have been to this destination, you will know what I am talking about. 

This boutique tea house has much more than just a romantic ambience or a menu of artisanal teas. What is the first thing you think of when you are hungry? Food, of course, naturally. 

The restaurant specialises in an assortment of tantalising appetisers and contemporary mains inspired from cuisines around the world. The refreshed menu is created by three well-travelled chefs - Chef Jason Vito, an author of the Onaka Cookbook; Chef Benson Tong, a celebrity guest judge from Mediacorp cooking variety shows and Chef Jack Tan, formerly the executive chef of Brewerkz.

There are now plenty more dishes and reinterpreted desserts on the new menu to keep things interesting.

Starting with the appetisers, where they called it "The Lighter Sides of Love", try the reliable chef's recommendations - La Quesadilla (Smoked Turkey Ham $15.50), Viva Duck (Smoked Duck Breast $15) or Vegetarian options such as Cyperian Affair (Pan Fried Haloumi $18), Mushroom Soup ($12), and Spanish Dancer Sweet Potato & Rosemary Salad ($16).

If you are a fan of Sweet Potato Fries ($12) or Sweet Potato Rosti ($8), it is not difficult to spot them on the menu. The sweet potato rosti that I had was lightly coated with salt and fried to golden crisp. 



For mains, the menu has been specifically divided into two segments - Ladies' Affair and Gentlemen's Dinner.

This marvellously quirky concept is conceived in the idea that ladies are generally lighter and more sophisticated when it comes to taste; hence wondrous dishes like Aphrodite (Crabcake Benedict $25), Summer In Provence (Seared Foie Gras $28), Tuscan Sun (Porcine et Polenta $20) will be a good option.

A great vegetarian dish would be the Grains of Paradise (Barley Risotto $20) - saffron fennel broth, vegetable glaces and pecorino romano. But we prefer to add in a couple of scallops for the seafood version - Grains of Oasis (Scallop Barley Risotto $25).

The Gentlemen's menu features a more straight forward and robust dishes that include The French Connection ($30) - a 220gram Black Angus Striploin served with sweet potato fries, root vegetables, poached egg and brown sauce; The Prince of Monte Carlo (Short Ribs Croque Monsieur $28); Latin Lover (Frijolles $25) - Baked Pork Bean Stew and more.

My missus shared the Beijing Dynasty (Duck Pancake $28) with me, featuring shredded duck confit wrapped in crepe sheets, cut in pieces and neatly arranged on a platter served with fresh greens and orange caramel sauce for dip. 

Last but not least, on "The Sweeter Sides of Love" are desserts that were reinvented with a modern take. 

The dessert names on the menu sounds really interesting and tempting, I wanted to try everything, but only tried one which was the best - "Airy Fairy" ($13) pairing Valrhona Chocolate Mousse with Vanilla Cream Parfait and Mixed Berries. 

I enjoyed the "Airy Fairy" a lot as it was light and not overly sweet, I can finish the whole dessert by myself, and I want to try all their other desserts.

This leaves me a very good reason to return to Arteastiq for their appetising mains and desserts in the near future.



So I've heard and read comments about the service at Arteastiq before I came. It was evident that service tends to be a little slower during my visit (second time to be exact), but the good food and friendly staffs make up for everything.

Perhaps one can sip and enjoy the refreshing tea over conversations while waiting for the food to arrive. Good things are always worth the wait, don't you agree. 

Looking for something more fulfilling than just brunch. Or perhaps you like to mingle with a like-minded art crowd over tea-time. Arteastiq Social Painting Studio's Popular Art Jamming is one of Orchard Road's hottest hangouts that allows you to take the time to explore your creative side.

Art Jam has become an instant hit with the city's culture lovers and foodies alike. You can organise the one-of-a-kind birthday party, hen's night, or corporate team-building event and enjoy a fun and creativity-inducing Art Jamming session at Arteastiq, then conveniently hop over to the next compound for a scrumptious meal or therapeutic tea experience.

Details for prices & enquiries on Art Jam at Mandarin Gallery can be found at the link below.

http://www.arteastiq.com/artjam.html

Arteastiq Boutique Tea House
Mandarin Gallery, #04-14/15
333 Orchard Road, Singapore 238867

Opens: 11:00 am to 10:30 pm Daily

Arteastiq Cafe De Art
200 Turf Club Road, #02-K70/71
Pasarbella At The Grandstand, Singapore 287994

Opens: Mon to Thu 11am to 7pm
Fri 11am to 9pm; Sat 9am to 9pm; Sun 9am to 7pm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArteastiqSingapore
Website: http://www.arteastiq.com/

Where do you usually go for grocery shopping? The neighbourhood grocery store, mid-market chains such as Giant Hypermarket, Cold Storage, NTUC FairPrice, or upscale supermarkets and speciality stores like the Market Place?

Like most of you, the bulk of my grocery shopping happens in mid-market chains where every aisle has a number and every product has a code. If you actually noticed, even the neighbourhood grocery store isn't really a grocery store anymore. 

All the mid-and-big chains seems to have gone upscale, for example; NTUC had introduced FairPrice Finest and formerly Shop-N-Save stores have already been rebranded into Giant stores to create a better brand focus and maximise sustainability.

JASONS The Gourmet Grocer, owned by the pan-Asian retail conglomerate Diary Farm recently celebrated it's 40th anniversary and the very first thing JASONS want to showcase to its discerning customers is the relaunched of JASONS Orchard with a total facelift and more than 750 exclusive products, including a stellar range of exquisite gourmet offerings are already available in-store.

Some of the products and brands that you might think are hard to find in Singapore, impossible, even. But not anymore, at JASONS Orchard you should be able to discover the most unique and unusual items across seven continents under one roof.

Here are some of the highlights during my tour at the media preview.

WHERE: JASONS FRESH SEAFOOD

BIG NUMBERS: New Zealand King Salmon, Australia King Prawn & Half-Shell Scallops, Oysters of the Month, Boston Lobsters. 

WHAT JASONS DOES BETTER: JASONS provide Fish Filleting service, as well as Oyster Shucking and packing service.

WHERE: JASONS FRUITS AND HERBS GARDEN

BIG NUMBERS: New Zealand Jazz Apples, Aomori apples from JA Tsugaru Mirai, Japan.

WHAT JASONS DOES BETTER: The picks of the crops are not limited to the normal greengrocers' produce. Some of the fruit imports such as the very top grade Shizuoka melon can command an eye-watering price and raise a few eyebrows.

WHERE: JASONS DELICATESSEN

BIG NUMBERS: Exclusive brands such as Comtesse du Barry - has won several awards for its foie gras made from free-range ducks and geese fed on whole grain maize. 

WHAT JASONS DOES BETTER: This section of the store features the widest selection of gourmet delicatessen including a myriad fine pâté and terrines such as the Duck Terrine with Orange and the Gascony Terrine; these are perfectly paired with Guiseppe Crostinis with Rosemary & Sea Salt or Cheese.

WHERE: JASONS CHARCUTERIE

BIG NUMBERS: More than 30 selection of speciality cold cuts. 

WHAT JASONS DOES BETTER: Unparalleled European producers with names such as Joselito Jamon Iberico, Ferrarini (Aged) Parma Ham and Truffle Salami making the hit list.

WHERE: JASONS GOURMET CHEESE ROOM

BIG NUMBERS: An exceptional range of 80 varieties of cheese that include the Landana 1000 Days Gouda lauded as the jewel in the crown of Dutch Gouda, Tartufo Truffle Gouda and the rich, unctuous French Delin Cremeux de Bourgogne (Burgundy Triple Crème). 

WHAT JASONS DOES BETTER: Only premium quality Cheese products - rated PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) have been handpicked and can be found at the well designed walk-in Cheese Room, kept at a constant 0 – 4 degrees celsius to help preserve the aroma, texture and condition of the stock. Visitors will also find posters and charts with wine pairing suggestions to go with their cheese selection.

WHERE: JASONS BUTCHERY

BIG NUMBERS: Prime cuts include Angus beef ribeye, Australian grain-fed wagyu and Kagoshima Wagyu from Japan.

WHAT JASONS DOES BETTER: JASONS provide Meat Marinating Service for parties and get-together.

WHERE: JASONS JAPANESE FOOD

BIG NUMBERS: Seasonal sashimi and fresh seafood imports

WHAT JASONS DOES BETTER: A sushi bar with fresh seafood and live sushi prep that could be woe to those Japanese supermarkets.

WHERE: JASON COFFEE - THE ROASTED BLEND

BIG NUMBERS: Close to 20 single origin and custom blend of coffee beans available 

WHAT JASONS DOES BETTER: Customers can purchase the aromatic coffee beans by weight, instead of a standard pre-pack.

WHERE: JASONS BAKERY 

BIG NUMBERS: Over 15 European-style artisanal bread and pastries including two signature breads - Sundried Tomato Ciabatta and Rosemary & Thyme Herb Bread are made fresh everyday and created exclusively at JASONS Orchard.

WHAT JASONS DOES BETTER: The baked goods are crafted by the expert bakers at Nick Vina and run the gamut of traditional loaves such as focaccia, ciabatta and French baguettes.

WHERE: JASONS CONFECTIONERY 

BIG NUMBERS: New Zealand Proper Chips, Mr Filberts Nuts, Monbana Chocolates

WHAT JASONS DOES BETTER: Only to be found at Jasons, some of these exclusive snacks such as the hand-selected and hand-cooked Proper Chips are made from the finest South Island Agria Potatoes and cooked in the finest quality sunflower oil before being seasoned with Marlborough Sea Salt from the Lake Grasmere salt flats.

WHERE: JASONS EXCLUSIVE 

BIG NUMBERS: Tar10 Sticky Iranian Figs; Luscombe Soft Drinks; Aix & Terra Olive Oil, Jam Spread; Casa Paradiso Truffle Polenta, Risotto Grains, and other accompaniments.

WHAT JASONS DOES BETTER: In addition to their extensive offerings, JASONS bring in special produce selection that can be found only in this store.

WHERE: JASONS WINE CELLAR

BIG NUMBERS: More than 1000 wine producers from more than 100 wine regions worldwide, including 250 labels exclusive to JASONS like the 1975 Chateau Croizet Bages Grand Cru Classes, the French Cellar range that has won over 52 awards in major international wine competitions, and over 50 vintage Champagnes spotlighting one - the 2002 Champagne Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Brut Rose which is made with the best fruit sourced from Cremant, Avize, Oger, Le Mesnil, Chouilly and Pierry.

WHAT JASONS DOES BETTER: Customers can expect talks and winemaker dinners showcasing premium and exquisite labels paired with food prepared by stellar restaurants in Singapore. Customers are also welcome to book the cellar for private events with one month's advance notice.

Though it is arguable that JASONS is geared towards expat demands and international palates, you will not be surprised to see more Asians including local Singaporeans shopping at this marketplace for their grocery needs, because the revamped store still support about 30% local and regional brand products.

While others may rate upscale supermarkets and speciality stores like JASONS for profits and efficiency, I actually trust them for quality and selection. JASONS is fast becoming the new top leader in this niche sector; if there were ever an award for grocery store, JASONS customers would certainly love to throw in their votes, and so would I. 


Jasons The Gourmet Grocer Orchard
Address: 1 Claymore Drive, Orchard Towers, 

#01-01, Singapore 229594.

Opening Hours: Daily 8.00am to 10.30pm 

Other JASONS Outlets

Jasons ION - 2 Orchard Turn, #B4-17-19, ION Orchard

Open 10.00am to 10.30am

Jasons Quayside - 31 Ocean Quayside Isle #01-26/27

Open 8.00am to 8.00pm