Big Burgers

First we had: corduroy&finch, the San Francisco-style deli with a trendy interior and bistro food that garnered both fans and critics. 779 Bukit Timah Rd., 6762-0131.

Now we also have: Überburger. Making waves for putting a $101 Wagyu beef foie gras burger on its menu, Überburger is an upscale American diner. While the foie gras burger may be more a novelty than anything else, it has succeeded in drawing attention to the restaurant and customers are flocking to check out the many other types of burgers on the menu, including the 200g beef sirloin burger and the rare tuna steak burger. So far we’ve heard only good reports; the burgers are juicy, thick and come with delicious sides. It’s been said that you cannot find a good burger outside North America—well, this restaurant might just prove that this isn’t true anymore. #01-06 to 10 Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Blvd., 6837-0280.

Buzzing Bistro

First we had: Whitebait and Kale, the Sydney-style restaurant with white walls, a big blackboard menu and trendy Aussie-influenced dishes.
#01-01 Camden Medical Centre, 1 Orchard Blvd., 6333-8697.

Now we also have: Aerin’s. Occupying the anchor position in the newly reopened Raffles Marketplace in the basement of Raffles City Shopping Centre, Aerin’s is a lovely bistro. It’s got the best seat in the house—the escalators that lead down to the basement stop just outside the restaurant and practically pours customers into seats. A noisy fountain that is part of the building sits right in the middle of the restaurant though, so we suggest asking for a seat at the periphery of the restaurant if you don’t want to compete with the water to be heard. The pastas and appetizers are great, and we love the apple and rhubarb pie. In case you’re wondering how this restaurant got its name—it is named after the owner’s daughter.
#B1-11/12 Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Rd., 6337-2231.

Pig Out

First we had: Hog’s Breath in CHIJMES. For those who don’t yet know, Hog’s Breath is an Aussie steakhouse chain—think TGIF and you get the picture. Its restaurant at CHIJMES is its first venture outside Australia, and dishes up the same cuisine of steak, ribs, burgers and salads but in a more elegant setting than most of its native restaurants.
#01-26/27 CHIJMES, 30 Victoria St., 6338-1387.

Now we also have: Hog’s Breath in Holland Village. With CHIMES doing well, Hog’s Breath has opened this second restaurant. Because this is a chain, consistency takes priority over individuality and the Holland Village restaurant is, well, not too different from CHIJMES. Dig into their blackened prime rib, buffalo wings, fish and chips or the Boss Hog Double Burger. Portions are gigantic so roll up your sleeves and get ready. If you want to pass on the heavy meal and just have drinks and snacks, Hog’s Breath Saloon comes well stocked with Aussie beers like Fosters and Victoria Bitter.
267 Holland Ave., 6466-0145.

Make It Fast

First we had: Samy’s on Dempsey Road. We really don’t need to say much about this 30-year-old institution in the Civil Service Club. Everyone knows its stuck-in-a-colonial-time-warp ambiance, curries served on banana leaf, cold beers and slow ceiling fans. 25 Dempsey Rd., 6472-2080.

Now we also have: Samy’s in Marina Square food court. This first branch of Samy’s is a milestone change for the proprietor. His new premises could not be more different from the Civil Service Club. Fast food-like, the Marina Square outlet is convenient, practical and modern. And while it may not have the irreproducible ambiance of the Civil Service Club, it does have Samy’s same great food and a fantastic view of Marina Bay.
Marina Food Loft, 4/F, Marina Square Shopping Centre, 6 Raffles Blvd.

Modern Makeover

First we had: Muthu’s on Race Course Road. Remember the original Muthu’s on Race Course Road in Little India? It was a hole-in-the-wall slopping fish head curry and rice out of aluminum vats onto banana leaves, with no air conditioning and pokey furniture. This main rival to the other banana leaf restaurant (Apollo) on Race Course Road did an about turn and went upscale in its own neighborhood a few years ago with the introduction of a trendy all-black interior and valet parking. 38 Race Course Rd., 6392-1722.

Now we also have: Muthu’s in Suntec City. Maintaining its up-to-date look, Muthu’s in Suntec is all clean, minimalist lines with décor that can hold its own next to any cosmopolitan eatery. The only thing that hasn’t changed is the food. Muthu’s still offers the same spicy yummy curries that made it famous to begin with—only now it draws a younger and more varied crowd.
#B1-056 Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Blvd., 6835-7707.