Patty-lovers take note. Fatboy’s the Burger Bar (465 Joo Chiat Rd., 6346-6081) has marked a spot over at Joo Chiat with their third and latest outlet. Less than two weeks old, here’s another food option for you lucky folks who live out in the east; so head on down for some of their delish burgers and a pint (or three).
Those of you who work in the CBD and need a morning cuppa to kickstart your day will love Oriole Espresso & Brew Bar (#01-23/23A, Republic Plaza, 9 Raffles Place, 6438-3843). Grab a peanut butter and jelly muffin ($3.50) to go, or swing by during lunch for their roast beef sarnies. I’ve got my eye on The Bishop ($12), with cranberries and blue cheese dressing in ciabatta, and The Egyptian ($12.50), with hazelnut dukkah, feta cheese and pomegranate molasses in a tortilla wrap.
While loads of people are reaching for gourmet coffees (guilty as charged), there’s something I find really comforting about a local cup of joe. Recently, I had myself a marvelous cup of thick and aromatic kopi ($0.90) at the coffeeshop on Keong Saik and Teck Lim road. While sipping on it, I couldn’t resist the free smells from Tong Ah Seafood Restaurant (36 Keong Saik Rd.), a hawker stall housed under the same roof, so I ended up ordering some Malay fried noodles ($4.50). The flat yellow ribbons were treated to a generous dose of chili padi, and concealed prawns, thinly-sliced fish, bean sprouts and tomatoes. Can’t say I’d really call it Malay, but it sure made for a tasty snack of wok-fried goodness.
If you’re one of those non-breakfast types, how about chugging down a liquid one? LINS Smoodees has finally set up a retail store, the newly opened LINS Smoodees Bar & Showroom (#B1-02 Marsh & Mclennan Centre, China Square Central, 18 Cross St., 6448-44233). They still specialize in dairy-free smoothies made from organic leafy veggies and fresh fruits, for a healthy alternative that’s part of (what they hope will be) a mini green revolution.
If you haven’t figured out your CNY plans yet, Paradise Pavilion (#02-01 Ground Plaza, Marina Bay Financial Centre, 8A Marina Boulevard, 6509-9308) is a good bet for that last-minute arrangement. With 10 different dine-in set menus to pick from (from $68/person, min. two persons), they’re offering Prosperity Yusheng with a choice of salmon ($58), swordfish ($68), abalone ($88) and lobster ($98) for those who want to lo hei. Other dishes to try include the wok-fried glutinous rice with dried scallops, mushrooms, shrimps and waxed meat wrapped in lotus leaf, and sake-infused sautéed prawns topped with egg white and tobiko, paired with pan-fried prawns with crisp baby shrimps and garlic.
I’d also like to bid farewell to chef and sommelier Matthew Baker, who leaves Krish (9 Rochester Park, 6779-4644) at the end of this month. Truth be told, I was a little heartbroken when I found out that the man responsible for several of my 2010 gastronomic highlights (remember that ridiculously sinful bone marrow jam?) wouldn’t be around much longer. Thanks for the scrumptious meals and fab wine pairings Matt! I’ve got my fingers crossed that he’ll be back.