[MEDIA INVITE] New Donburi Specialist, Don Meijin Unveils Spicy Chilli Crab Tendon

Nestled in Ramen Champion Bugis+, Don Meijin offers an assortment of donburi at affordable prices. Be spoilt for choices and tuck into tendon, katsudon, roast beef don and butadon offerings right here.

Don  Meijin’s signature is its voluminous rice bowls prepared using premium quality ingredients with homemade sauces. All rice bowls are served with a bed of short grain Japanese rice that are specially imported from Hokkaido. The rice when cooked glistens and boasts a consistent al dente quality. 

One of  the marquee dishes is  the  local-inspired Spicy Chilli Crab Tendon (S$14.80). Featuring perfectly fried prawns, asparagus, pumpkin, seasonal fish fillet, eggplant and kakiage, it is then drenched in a homemade spicy chilli crab sauce that kicks up the flavour by several notches. The sauce takes more than 4 hours to prepare, and freshly boiled chicken broth is one of the ingredients. Chunks of snow crab are added to it, and the chef has added Japanese soy sauce and mirin to achieve a distinctive flavour. 

The  restaurant  also  doles  out  five  other  tendon  offerings, including Signature Tendon (S$13.80) which can be enjoyed in two ways (with a top-up of $2). Taste the original tendon with crisp-fried tempura offerings. Then, add rice crisp and wasabi together with hot dashi soup over the remaining rice –  this is another popular way of enjoying Tendon in Japan.

The  secret  recipe  to  Don  Meijin’s crispy mainstays was derived after experimenting with numerous versions of tempura batter. The tempura offerings are fried at a specific temperature in a water fryer. The water cleans and helps prevent degradation of the oil as well as filters food residues to keep the oil clear. As such, each tempura boasts a light and non-unctuous texture.

Other than the tendon offerings, Don Meijin also offers several don options such as Mille Feuille Katsu Don, Soft Shell Crab Don, Jumbo Chicken Katsu Don and Roast Beef Don.

Instead of deep-frying a slab of pork loin, the chef uses a total of 14 layers thinly sliced and marinated pork loin for Mille Feuille Katsu Don (S$12.80). The slices are then coated with nama panko: fresh breadcrumbs that are larger than their counterparts, and have yet been dried. The result is an extremely chunky and crunchy exterior.

Another must try is the Pork Shogayaki Don ($12.80), one of the favourite stables amongst Japanese. The flavours of spicy ginger (shoga) and soy sauce with a touch of sweetness from Mirin pair perfectly with steamed Japanese rice.

Don Meijin
Bugis+ 
#04 - 10
Singapore 188607 

[Tasting Invitation] Come have a beer or two on the Entertainer Singapore - Hospoda Microbrewery

Meaning “pub” in Czech, Hospoda is the first and only Czech microbrewery in Singapore. It imports all its ingredients (with the exception of water) from the Czech Republic and brews its beer right on the premises, about once every fortnight, in the method that its original Czech owners taught.

Bohemian Pilsner (250 ml: $10; 500 ml: $14; jug: $28)

A light, slightly cloudy and hay-coloured beer that’s smooth and crisp, with a floral and hoppy aroma.

Bohemian Mix (250 ml: $12; 500 ml: $16; jug: $30)

A 50-50 mix of their pilsner and dark lager. One starts light and the flavour becomes increasingly complex, with notes of coffee, as you reach the dark lager at the bottom of the glass.

Pilsner Urquell ($10/$14)

Said to be the world’s first pilsner, with strong honey notes and a hoppy aftertaste.

BBQ Chicken Chop with fries and salad ($12)

Hospoda Burger with fries ($12)

Hospoda Microbrewery is one of the merchants on the Cheers Singapore and Entertainer Singapore 2017 apps.

Hospoda offers three Cheers vouchers which will give you:

- 2 for 2 on jugs of beer
- 2 for 2 on pints of beer
- 1 for 1 on pints of beer

It is also on the Entertainer app, which gives you three 1 for 1 main menu item vouchers.

The Entertainer Singapore app features more than 1,700 Buy One Get One Free deals across choice merchants in F&B, beauty and fitness, attractions, retail and luxury hotels worldwide. Each app retails at $125 and are available for purchase at https://www.theentertainerme.com

Hospoda Microbrewery

180 Albert Street (Albert Court)

#01-19

Singapore 189971

[Tasting Invitation] Come have a cocktail or two on the Entertainer Singapore - Museo

Museo provides the perfect weekend retreat for all city dwellers, as well as a peaceful sanctuary for working executives craving for a haven to wind down their minds after a long day of work. Sunset dining in the plush and luxurious setting, topped off with the perfect selection of house music and magnificent view of the Marina littered with beautiful yachts, creates a paradisiacal holiday atmosphere that is sure to put all stressed out souls at peace. The venue is also perfect for a romantic first date between budding lovers.

Museo By The Bay ($22)

This is made with freshly squeezed lemon juice, Apricot liqueur shaken with premium bourbon, egg white, fresh blackberries and topped with a splash of red wine. It was served with Deep Fried Camembert Cheese ($13).

Cucumber Mojito ($16)

A dietary cocktail made with white rum, cucumber, mint, and citrus. This is best served with Tuna Tataki ($12).

Floral Melon Cooler ($18)

Another dietary cocktail made with watermelon flesh, French elderflower liqueur, fresh citrus, and vodka. It was served with Lavender Prawns ($14).

Casa Silva Sauvignon Blanc ($16/glass; $38.80/carafe; $60/bottle)

A fresh, clean white wine with star-bright straw tones with honey hues. It boasts an aroma of fresh apricots and mangoes, and a palate of crunchy white fruits with a subtle honey backbone. It was served with Cold Pasta ($11).

Casa Silva Sauvignon Reserva ($16/glass; $38.80/carafe; $60/bottle)

An expressive red wine with notes of ripe fruits, cherry, strawberry, and chocolate, well-balanced with French oak. It is described as a harmoniously balanced, elegant wine with soft tannins and a long finish. It was served with BBQ Beef Short Ribs ($18).

Chicken Satay

Museo is one of the merchants on the Cheers Singapore and Entertainer Singapore 2017 apps.

Museo offers three Cheers vouchers which will give you:

- 1 for 1 on bottle of house wine
- 2 for 2 on glasses of cocktails
- 1 for 1 on glasses of house beverage

It offers three Entertainer vouchers which will give you:

- 2 for 2 Dine-in-a-Cup items x 2
- 1 for 1 main course

The Entertainer Singapore app features more than 1,700 Buy One Get One Free deals across choice merchants in F&B, beauty and fitness, attractions, retail and luxury hotels worldwide. Each app retails at $125 and are available for purchase at https://www.theentertainerme.com

Museo

Sentosa Cove Quayside Isle European

#01-22

31 Ocean Way

[Media Invitation] Kuro Maguro Offers Largest Range of Maguro Donburi in Singapore

Maguro 3-Cut Sashimi ($38)

Kuro Maguro is a purveyor of the best-value maguro donburi and sashimi offerings in town. The concept is by Misaki Megumi Suisan, a renowned wholesaler of tuna, maguro and fish products in Japan. Hence, Kuro Maguro can curate the top-quality and freshest tuna from the trawler directly, keeping its prices affordable for the masses.

“Kuro Maguro” translates to bluefin tuna. In Japan, the bluefin tuna is consumers’ most beloved fish for sushi and sashimi. It is one of the most expensive varieties - in fact, just recently, a bluefin tuna fetched a 74.2-million-yen price tag at an auction held in Tsukiji market, Tokyo.

Sansyoku Meshi ($32.80)

Toro Aburi Meshi ($32.80)

Kama Grilled ($34)

Kuro Maguro insists on using meat culled from blue fins that weigh a minimum of 280kg. These fishes have a good amount of fat as well as lean meat. The restaurant imports the fish directly from Misaki Port to Singapore via ANA air freight. It also uses a technique called super frozen (超低温) to freeze its maguro. As soon as the fishes are caught on ship, they are kept frozen at – 60 degrees Celsius.  As such, absolute freshness is a guarantee.

At Kuro Maguro, you can enjoy 18 best-value and premium donburi that rival top Japanese restaurants’. There are also delicious sashimi donburi options to choose from.

Kuro Maguro
Tanjong Pagar Centre
#01-04
Singapore 078884 

Hacksaw Ridge Movie Review

HACKSAW RIDGE is the extraordinary true story of Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield) who, in Okinawa during the bloodiest battle of WWII, saved 75 men without firing or carrying a gun. He was the only American soldier in WWII to fight on the front lines without a weapon, as he believed that while the war was justified, killing was nevertheless wrong. As an army medic, he single-handedly evacuated the wounded from behind enemy lines, braved fire while tending to soldiers, and was wounded by a grenade and hit by snipers. Doss was the first conscientious objector awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Hacksaw Ridge was highly recommended by my colleague- Nad. The plot that she shared, attracted me to catch this film.

Personally, I felt that the show was engaging and compact as a whole. The story build up may appear rather slow-pace but somewhat, it gradually got better with a conducive plot. Glad that certain humour was injected to lighten this heavy-hearted show.

There were good intense and gripping moments which kept me at the edge of my seat. Not to forget, those emotional scenes that was beautifully presented as well. This film also reminded me of God's power, love and grace towards people.

A good inspirational true story indeed.

Ratings: 4.5 / 5

[Media Invitation] Taiwan's Master of Fried Chicken

Fried Chicken Master has amassed the favour of many in Taiwan, so much so that Singapore-based Nine Ventures Pte Ltd saw its potential and signed a franchise agreement with Super Qin Group to bring their delectable fried chicken into the Singapore food scene. An iconic delicacy indispensable to the Taiwanese night markets, the chicken chop style fried chicken is no stranger to the public eye and is beloved by both locals and visitors alike.

As brand under the Taiwan-based Super Qin Group that specialises in the meat and poultry processing industry, Fried Chicken Master prides itself on its 30-year expertise in the selection of the chicken’s best parts, exclusive recipe, as well as operational merit, to produce fried chicken of utmost quality and taste.

Fried Chicken Master stands out from the masses with their unique style of cutting, marinating and succulent texture of their fried chicken dishes.

“Jimbo” is the direct Chinese translation of “treasure”. In the eyes of Fried Chicken Master, the treasure lies within 3 factors: the best parts of the chicken, quality ingredients, and customer service.

Lovely Jimbo is cut into a lovely heart shape, tendorised and marinated to ensure that the breast meat retains all the savoury flavor over specifically-timed soaking and cooking. Running Jimbo is named as such because of relation to the chicken thigh, as with Flying Jimbo because of the wings.

Fried Chicken Master’s standard operating procedures make certain that the chicken is being cooked by the order and that the flesh stays juicy and tender with the outer layer crispy yet crunchy. They will be proceeding with the halal application soon. 

Customers can choose to complement their Jimbo Classics with choices sides and drinks from a list of set meals for a heartier feast. Sides include the Jimbo Rice, Mashed Potatoes, Onion Rings and Crispy French Fries unique texture.

2 of the more popular drinks include the refreshing and tangy Kamquat & Lemon Juice and the Earl Grey Milk Tea brewed from Fried Chicken Master’s very own tea leaves from Sri Lanka. The Roselle and Lychee Black Tea are well-received by customers as well.

Fried Chicken Master

NEX Serangoon

#B2-48A

Singapore 556083

Kung Fu Yoga 功夫瑜伽 Movie Review

Chinese archeology professor Jack (Jackie Chan) teams up with beautiful Indian professor Ashmita and assistant Kyra to locate lost Magadha treasure. In a Tibetan ice cave, they find the remains of the royal army that had vanished together with the treasure, only to be ambushed by Randall (Sonu Sood), the descendent of a rebel army leader. When they free themselves, their next stop is Dubai where a diamond from the ice cave is to be auctioned. After a series of double-crosses and revelations about their past, Jack and his team travel to a mountain temple in India, using the diamond as a key to unlock the real treasure. 

Watched Kung Fu Yoga 功夫瑜伽 with JW at GV Vivocity. 

Personally, I felt that the show was simple and compact on its own. Initially, it may appear dull without much development but somewhat, the plot gradually got better. The story flow presented could have been improved as well.

Jackie Chan's fight scenes never disappoint and it was awesome as before! There were certain nice intense moment which kept me at the edge of my seat too. Great to have some humor element injected for such a show.

Though the finale ended quite abruptly, it was a fun one! Watch it yourself, I shall not be a spoiler. 

Ratings: 3.25 / 5

[Media Invite] Food Tasting tour at the Esplanade Annexe

Esplanade Annexe is a newly refurbished space at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay that includes the Esplanade Annexe Studio (a new performance venue) and several exciting new dining outlets, alongside our familiar foodie haunts. From super foods to sinful grub and from heritage cuisine to innovative eats and comforting desserts, our line-up of food & beverage tenants at Esplanade Annexe promise something for every palate.

1. Alter Ego

 Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich

 Honey Beer

Seafood Gumbo

Alter Ego is the second self of A Poke Theory, dishing out Hawaiian poke bowls by day, craft beer & unapologetically sinful bar grub by night. Situated on Esplanade's waterfront, it's a sweet spot to knock back IPAs under the stars, to an unrivalled view of the Marina Bay. Edgy, underground and an easy go-to for a day's brunch or night's post-work drinks – unleash your alter ego in an uninterrupted space.

2. Noosh Halal Noodle Bar and Grill

 Sambal Sira Samosa

 Virgin Daiquri

Smoked Duck Lemak Chili Padi Pasta

Curry Crayfish Noodle

Beef Noodle Soup

 Ondeh Ondeh Cake

A fusion restaurant, Noosh blends modern and tradition flavours in their creation of over 20 noodle and grill dishes. Here, you’ll find all your favourite noodle dishes in the world in one place; Beef Rendang Penne, Smoked Duck Lemak Chili Padi Pasta, Chicken Floss Ramen Crackers and more. That’s not all! Enjoy a variety of desserts from Noosh’s own halal-certified bakery, such as Coconut Mango Rice, Choco Coated Strawberry, Caramel Flan Cake, Panna Cotta, Noosh Choco Cake (just to name a few), for a sweet ending to your dining experience.

3. Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodle and Bistro

Clam Soup

 Check out my previous media tasting post on Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodle and Bistro here

 

Since it was founded in 1951, Wah Kee’s signature dish has been its prawn noodles. The robust soup, gigantic prawns and firm noodles come together perfectly in one dish. Nestled in Pek Kio, Wah Kee's flagship stall has won the hearts of gourmands, including actor Chow Yun-fat from Hong Kong and popular Singapore food blogger Dr Leslie Tay. At its first restaurant at Esplanade, Wah Kee brings its lauded flavours to the civic district.

 

4. Suzette

This little shop is built upon of solid dreams, true passion and an addiction to crafting. Our desserts are familiar and comforting (it’s made to make you happy), but promise me to keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable. The possibilities will feed your soul.

5. Supply & Demand

The Italian Southeast Asian bistro and rooftop bar is a flagship restaurant by Cre8 Group, which serves appetising and affordable Italian favourites from bruschettas to hand-opened pizzas and savoury pastas. There's also a grill menu that changes often at the chefs' discretion, so there's always something new to try! The Southeast Asian flavours are inspired by travel around the region, and include popular dishes such as Burmese Tea Leaf Salad, Singapore Five Spice Rolls and Raw Thai Scallop Tiradito. Chill out at the Rooftop Bar with beers on tap (Peroni from Italy and Mac's Great White from Australia), as well as cocktails such as Pisco Sour and S&D Strawberry Shortcake. Make your reservations at least a week in advance!

Esplanade Annexe

Esplanade Mall

[Singapore Movie Review] TAKE 2 《遇见贵人》

TAKE 2 《遇见贵人》 is a comedy that depicts the lives of 4 misfits determined to turn over a new leaf. The 4 of them start a F&B business together but soon find that it is not as easy as it seems as they encounter some surprises and challenges along the way.

Watched TAKE 2 《遇见贵人》 with parents at Shaw Theatres Century. 

Personally, I thought that the story was refreshing with a focused story-line but somewhat, predictable. Initially, this film appear rather promising with the introduction of 4 misfits. It felt like I'm watching a Hong Kong film.

A pity that the plot itself was weak without a rich content. The story flow presented could have been improved as well. The many humourous scenes certainly liven me up as a viewer. However, some of such elements appear 'trying too hard' for me.  

It educated viewers to let go of the grudges, learn to accept and forgive your loved ones who does their best to turn over a new leaf. It also reminded me the importance of kinship and cherish them dearly

Not a typical Jack Neo's film but one that bring joy to the young and old this Chinese new year.

Ratings: 3 / 5

[Media Invite] Giovanni L & Seattle Pike Chowder

Ichigo Sake ($16)

Giovanni L. is an award-winning gelateria serving the finest flavors of Europe since 1961. Giovanni L. stands for the finest artisanal gelato creations with unique luscious flavours made from high quality ingredients by founder Giovanni Lasagna. Whether it is a wild or delicate concoction, his original gelato temptations are always handcrafted with tradition and passion for taste. 

 Espresso Martini $18

Fruit Salad Sundae ($14.90) 


 Sicilian Pistacio & Black Vanilla

New England Clam Chowder ($8.90)

 Crab Roll ($12.90)

Seattle Pike Chowder serves America’s most talked about chowder from The Pacific Northwest, USA. Made with top-quality seafood and fresh-from-the-market vegetables, each and every batch of chowder is handcrafted in small quantities and brought to a perfect simmer. Visitors from across the states and around the world would brave the harshest weather conditions to line up for the unforgettable Pacific Northwest flavors in every bowl of rich, delicious chowder.

Giovanni L & Seattle Pike Chowder

Parkway Centre
1 Marine Parade Central

Singapore 449408