Manhattan Star Platter at The Manhattan Fish Market (Northpoint)

Most of us would have heard of The Manhattan Fish Market before. But for those who don't, here's a short introduction. Manhattan Fish Market is a leading seafood casual dining restaurant with presence in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Singapore. In Singapore, Manhattan Fish Market has 14 restaurants outlets with 2 more outlets opening by the end of September.

We visited The Manhattan Fish Market at Northpoint Shopping Centre (opposite Yishun MRT station) for lunch.

There's plenty of seats in The Manhattan Fish Market as they occupy two units in the shopping mall.

The modern, classy environment which gives a big hint that its a seafoodish restaurant.

The menu cover.

Left to right: Tropical Breeze Mocktail, Cala Cala Mocktail

We ordered two mocktails; the Cala Cala and Tropical Breeze. The Cala Cala Mocktail, a combination of calamansi, lemonade and spirit was refreshing. It was accompanied by a citrusy fizzy sensation which was in a way - appetizing. The Tropical Breeze Mocktail, a Hawaiian fruit mocktail had a sweet fizzy sensation.

Soup of the Day - Cream of Mushroom Soup

The Soup of the Day was Cream of Mushroom Soup. There was plenty of fragrant mushrooms bits in it.

Manhattan Star Platter

The main reason why we came to The Manhattan Fish Market.

Well.. The Manhattan Fish Market had just launch its new creation; The Manhattan Star Platter $39.95.

Manhattan Star Platter $39.95

The Manhattan Star Platter consisted of 5 different seafood cooked in 5 different ways. The Garlic Herb Mussels were poached, the Oysters fried, the Calamari grilled, the Prawns were flamed and the Fish was baked! Besides these, there was vegetable and rice.

Manhattan Star Platter $39.95

The Garlic Mussels cooked in their signature Garlic Herb sauce was delectable. We were scrapping off whatever sauce there was and slurping it. The Grilled Calamari was surprisingly well executed (I have always gone for fried Calamari and thought that I will not fancy this). It was cooked perfectly, was soft and well seasoned. It was neither rubbery or hard.  It was grilled till some parts of the exterior had a slight crisp texture with a hint of charred taste which made it just so irresistible. Well done! The Fried Oysters was average while the Garlic Herb Rice underneath the seafood was a tad too hard and dry.

The vegetables consisted of carrots and broccoli. These were most probably boiled - healthy! We thought that it would be hard (not fully cooked..). But it turned out to be a pleasant surprised as it was soft, just the way we preferred.

Manhattan Flaming Prawns

The signature Manhattan Flaming Prawns would need no introduction if you have been to Manhattan Fish Market before. Its bound to attract your attention even if you did not ordered this, as long as someone in the restaurant orders this.

The Manhattan Flaming Prawns was flamed right in front of us. The thick, tasty melted cheese on the prawns complemented the prawns well. Unlike other restaurants or eateries, eating the (prawns) Manhattan Flaming Prawns was a breeze. It was just so easy and there was no need to use hands to peel the shells off (which can be a messy affair). This was because, the prawns were partially deshell (the little details that matters, taken to pamper and enhance customers' experience). I must add that the prawns were fresh and came off the shells easily.

Mediterranean Baked Fish

The Mediterranean Baked Fish; dory fillet baked in a blend of spices, herbs and coriander in a foil was superb. The fish was fresh and well coated with immense flavours from the blend of spices and herbs, resulting in a tantalizing aroma and flavor. The both of us love this.

To sum up, the Manhattan Star Platter was awesome. As you have read, we liked several items in the platter. Do note that this is available till 31 October 2013 only. I wonder if the management will make this a permanent dish on the menu in the future. I can foresee myself coming back and ordering this. Service-wise, the staff were prompt and attentive. In addition, the staff were also knowledgeable; able to describe the taste of the food and were able to recommend the drinks to go along.

Manhattan Star Platter at The Manhattan Fish Market (Northpoint)
#02-06/07 Northpoint Shopping Centre
Yishun Avenue 2
Singapore 769098
Tel: 6257 5507
Opening Hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Website

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Mata Thai (Bishan)

Mata Thai is a Thai restaurant located at Bishan Street 11; a stone throw away from Bishan MRT station and CPF building (Bishan). 

Signature Curry Fish Head Promotion

They are having a promotion for their Curry Fish Head. It cost only $10 instead of $18! Nearly all the tables ordered Curry Fish Head.

Pandan Leaf Chicken $8

The Pandan Leaf Chicken was disappointing. There was no pandan flavour and it was oily.

Signature Curry Fish Head $10

The Signature Curry Fish Head cost only $10, Thai style. The curry was very nice and robust, best eaten with Rice! There were too little curry given! The fish head was very fresh! Despite the fact that only half the head was given and the curry was very little, it was amazingly value for money. 

Thai Style Fried Kangkong $5

The Thai Style Fried Kangkong was a simple but delicious dish! The vegetable was well fried and still had a crunchy bite to it. In terms of flavour, it was light yet tasty. Moreover, there were slices of tiny chillies which provided it with a spicy kick. 

Fried Garlic Squid $10

The Fried Garlic Squid was average.

Tom Yum Prawns $6

Tom Yum Prawns $6

Interesting way to serve the Tom Yum Prawns! Allows the Tom Yum soup to be kept warm constantly.

Tom Yum Prawns

The Tom Yum soup was cloudy and orangey. Although there was no chilli oil, do not be deceived by its appearance. It was quite spicy and sour with lemon-grass fragrant. It was served with prawns and Japanese mushrooms. The Tom Yum soup was delish however, the prawns were not fresh.

Fresh Young Thai Coconut $3

Fresh Young Thai Coconut ideal for cooling down on a warm day.

Carlsberg $6

Carlsberg $6

Carlsberg to cool my friend down from the warm humid day.

Overall, I would say Mata Thai is very value for money. Moreover, the food quality was good too! The Curry Fish Head is a must try! At such a price, where else can you find such quality curry fish head! In terms of service, it was very good. In fact overly-friendly.

Mata Thai (Bishan)
Blk 508 Bishan Street 11, #01-390
Tel: 9276 2629
Opening Hours: Daily 11am to 1030pm
Location

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The Manhattan Fish Market (Marina Square)

This month; February 2012, there seems to be many 'Buy 1 Get 1 Free Deals'. The Manhattan Fish Market is one of those offering a Buy 1 Get 1 Free Deal called the OOHSOME TWOSOME Deal!

OOHSOME TWOSOME Deal (Source: Manhattan Fish Market Singapore)

The OOHSOME TWOSOME Deal allows customers to purchase a combination of any 2 dishes (Small Flame and/or Small Grill) for the price of just $19.90++. This deal is only valid till 8 March 2012.

Visited The Manhattan Fish Market outlet at Marina Square to try out this deal.

Large poster outside The Manhattan Fish Market promoting the OOHSOME TWOSOME Deal. Arrived at 530pm on a Saturday and saw a short queue. Luckily, there was plenty of space and we got a table straight away. I was surprised when the waiter gave us the main menu only, had to request for the OOHSOME TWOSOME menu. Guess it was an oversight as the place was packed.

The OOHSOME TWOSOME Deal allows customers to add Soup of the Day and Mocktail (Drink) for an addition fee (of course). We decided to order 1 Small Flame and 1 Small Grill and top up $9.90 for 2 Soup of the Day and 2 Mocktails.

Soup of the Day (Cream of Mushroom Soup)

The Soup of the Day was Cream of Mushroom Soup. It comes in a very small bowl (wish that more was given). Lots of fragrant mushrooms bits in the soup.

Mocktail (Cala Cala)

The Mocktail which I choose was the Cala Cala which is Sprite with Lime added inside. Very refreshing.

Small Flame

The Small Flame consist of the award winning Flaming Prawns, Battered  Fillet, Garlic Herb Rice, Crispy Chips (Fries), Broccoli and Carrots.

The Flaming Prawns was delicious, the melted cheese on top was thick and cheesy. In addition, the prawn was fresh, firm and not charred. Battered Fillet was yummy, except that I found it on the oily end. Crispy Chips which was fries. The Broccoli and Carrots are steamed, makes this dish looks bright, cheerful and appetising!

Small Grill

The Small Grill consist of grilled Fish Fillet, grilled Calamari, grilled prawns, Garlic Herb Rice, Crispy Chips (Fries), Broccoli and Carrots.

The grilled prawn was good, however I prefer the flaming prawn version. Again, prefer Batter Fillet to Grilled Fillet. The Grilled Calamari was average, I prefer their Fried Calamari which can be ordered in their A La Carte Menu.

Both Small Grill and Small Flame comes with Garlic Herb Rice. They are very generous with the portions especially the Garlic Herb Rice. We were unable to finish our respective orders. If I was to patronise Manhattan Fish Market again, I will order 2 Small Flame instead! This deal is certainty value for money! However, the service could be improved. Many a times, we found it hard to get the attention of the waiter / waitress. When we were leaving at around 630pm, we noticed that there was a long queue outside The Manhattan Fish Market! Luckily we went for an early dinner!

Hurry enjoy the OOHSOME TWOSOME Deal! It is valid till 8 March 2012. Wish that The Manhattan Fish Market and other restaurants can have more of such deals more often!

The Manhattan Fish Market (Marina Square) 
6 Raffles Boulevard
#02-182 Marina Square
Tel: 6333 9965
Opening Hours: Daily 11am - 945pm
Website
Facebook

Ah Loy Thai (Shaw Towers)

Ah Loy Thai is located in Shaw Towers. This post will cover the food that I ate on three different occasions. 

Long queue (Right of picture)

Visited Ah Loy Thai  on a saturday for dinner. It was around 6pm and yet there was already a long queue that stretched down the stairs to where the male toilet is. Notice the white long sleeve shirt man whose image is not clear and back is facing us? Well he is the guy who ensures that patrons queue up and assign them to the tables. So you will not want to offend him.

More seating space

Ah Loy Thai has expanded and taken a unit next to it to cater to the crowd. As a result, their seating capacity has increased around 100%! But my concern will is that the owners increased the seating capacity without increasing kitchen size. How will it cope with serving customers their food and not result in an increase in waiting time? As mentioned in my first post, the waiting time for food was around 40minutes.

Menu

While we were queuing up, we were given a pencil and this slip of paper with all the dishes and prices. We waited close to 20 minutes and had lots of time to decide what to eat.

At last, we had a place to sit. All the way at the back at a cozy corner. Having decided what to order, I went to the cashier and made the payment for my orders with the slip of paper before going to my seat. It will be a 45 minutes wait, that was what the cashier told me.

Thai Pandan Chicken $9.00

Luckily for us, we waited just around 30 minutes. The first dish that was served was the Thai Pandan Chicken. The Pandan Chicken wrapped in pandan leaves was tender, juicy, tasty and well-marinated. The pandan leaves seems to have helped trap and ensure that all the moisture and flavours did not eascape. In addition, pandan flavours were present in the chicken. The chicken were cooked till it was slightly charred. Shiok, delicious! The only down side was, it was oily. Well, for delicious food its worth it.

Thai Fried Keoteow (Phad Thai) $5.90

Having tried the Phad Thai previously, I ordered it again. Phad Thai is the thailand version of fried kway teow. It is fried with prawns, toufu, fried egg and bean sprouts. Accompanied with grinned peanut and lime. The dish was fragrance and tasty! Certainty better than most places.

Tom Yum Soup $6.90

Ah Loy Thai’s Tom Yum Soup looks fiery red with the chilli oil on top. It came with prawns, mushrooms (straw and oyster) and squids. It is a spicy yet sour soup that was balanced nicely such that despite the spiciness (numbing your tongue/sweating), you would find yourself going for more servings. We ordered a bowl of rice to accompany the soup.


On the two other occasions , this was what I ate. 

Pineapple Fried Rice $5.90

To be honest, I was very disappointed when I saw the Pineapple Fried Rice. So different from what I expected, no Chinese sausages, no floss, no cashew nuts and there was very few pieces of pineapples! But omg the moment I ate one mouthful I could not stop. This dish looks so simple and unlike other pineapple fried rice was amazingly delicious! Ingredients include prawns (which were not fresh), chicken, raisins, pineapples (very few pieces) and egg. Sounds like a negative dish? Well, amazingly the chef combined the ingredient and his skills... to cook up a fried rice that was not dry nor hard nor oily. In addition, the killer punch was the amazing wok-hei flavour presence combined with everything else was just heavenly! Certainty, a dish to try! Shiokolicious! 

Thai Green Curry $6.50

The Thai Green Curry was way off expectation. Tasted very different from my visit in 2010. The flavour of coconut was overwhelming.

Fried Butter Calamari $7.50

The Fried Butter Calamari was delicious. Despite a wet look due to the butter, each piece of calamari was still crispy. Great seasoning, very tasty.

Stired Fried Red Basil Leaf with Pork $5.80

 If you love very spicy food. The Stired Fried Red Basil Leaf with Pork is for you. The chilli bits in it had me chocking literally. The spiciness overwhelmed the rest of the flavours. Have your drink on standby! 

Fried Sweet Potato Leaf (Spicy) $4.50

Fried with chilli and garlic. The Fried Sweet Potato Leaf was an average dish. This time, the taste of the spices was not overwhelming. 

Overall, despite the wait time, the food is too good to forgo. After all these visits, the must try items are Thai Pandan Chicken, Phad Thai, Pineapple Fired Rice. If your stomach has space for more food, order Tom Yum Soup and Fried Butter Calamari. Ah Loy Thai is certainty a must try, its Thai food taste great! But do come early if you are planning a dinner as Ah Loy Thai closes at 815pm on weekdays and 715 on weekends.
(I saw several tables having a similar fish dish. Any idea what is their signature fish dish?)

After your meal, you can hop over to Tom’s Palette just opposite Ah Loy Thai for ice cream.

Ah Loy Thai (Shaw Towers)
100 Beach Road
#01-39/40
Tel: 91651543
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri, 12pm to 8:15pm
                          Sat: 1pm to 7:15pm
                          Closed on Sundays

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