Dulcet & Studio (Liang Court)

Earlier this year, the operators of Tampopo Group opened a new Japanese lifestyle concept restaurant with western cuisine called Dulcet & Studio at Liang Court. With this, Tampopo Group now operates three F&B restaurants in Liang Court; Tampopo Restaurant, Tampopo Deli and Dulcet & Studio. Tampopo Group also operates the Tarafuku Japanese Buffet at Somerset 313, 

Dulcet & Studio serves a fusion of japanese and western cuisines such as salad, soup and pasta using Japanese ingredients. For example, Black Pig is used in their Bolognese Fettuccine Pasta. Another interesting  consideration is that they also serves Tampopo's signature desserts such as the Scoop Cake as well as the Matcha Chiffon!  

Wide varieties of cakes and puddings to choose from. Spot the Scoop Cakes and Matcha Chiffons?

Besides dishing out food for customers, the inner half of the dining space is actually a cooking studio where culinary classes can be held . Hence, the name 'studio' in Dulcet & Studio. 

Dulcet & Studio is marketed as a self-service restaurant. Customers place their order at the counter and make the payment. Next, customers are supposed to collect their order and cutlery and sauces from cutlery station. After finishing the meal, customers are supposed to clear their tables. Well, for the record, the food was served by the waitress and while I was enjoying my dessert to arrive, the table was cleared. =)

Cutlery station

The cutlery station where the utensils and sauces are. 

After placing my order, I went back to my table as I was given a queue number. (so much for collecting the orders ourselves)

While waiting for the food to arrive, customers can peek into the kitchen through the glass windows. 

Mushroom Cappuccion $5.50

The Mushroom Cappuccino was served with a piece of bread. The bread was impressive. So ordinary looking, it was served warm and was so soft and fluffy on the inside. I wish that I could have more of this bread. 

Mushroom Cappuccion $5.50

Mushroom Cappuccion $5.50

The Mushroom Cappuccino was unique. It was served in a cup instead of a bowl. In addition, had a layer of foam on top. The soup was full of mushrooms chunks and mushroom essence. 

Bacon & Mushroom Cream Tagliolini Pasta $12

The Bacon & Mushroom Cream Tagliolini Pasta was consisted of pasta with 2 long slices of bacon and lots of fragrant mushroom. It was a pity the bacon was too dry and salty as the pasta and the mushrooms when mix well was delicious.

Fresh Chicken Leg Confit $11

Fresh Chicken Leg Confit $11

The chicken on the Fresh Chicken Leg Confit was on the oily end. It was saved by, the moist and tender meat on inside while its skin was crispy. Best to polish this off immediately before the skin soak up the oil and becomes soggy. The fries served at the side had the hallmark of a good fries. Crispy and solid while soft and fluffy on the inside. It was a pity that we both agreed that it was too salty.

Tea Time Cake $2

Besides food, the desserts here are a must try. After all they are by Tampopo's Deli! You will be spoilt for choice as there is a wide variety of cakes or puddings. We decided to try the Tea Time Cake as we had not tried it before. It was a Hokkaido Chiffon Cake hence costed $2; reasonably priced. Still personally preferred the Scoop Cake as well as the Matcha Chiffon. 

Dulcet & Studio (Liang Court)

177 River Valley Road

#01-41/42 Liang Court

Tel: 6338 9248

Opening Hours: Daily 10am to 10pm

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Poulet French Restaurant (Bugis+)

Poulet is a new alfresco French causal dining restaurant opened by Thai Express in Bugis+ (former iluma). The name of this new restaurant, Poulet is a French word, which means chicken when translated. As you may guess from the name of the restaurant, it specialises in Poulet Roti (Roasted Chicken) served with home-made Mushroom Chardonnay Sauce. In addition, it aims to serve affordable French cuisine to the masses. With a open kitchen concept, diners can watch the chefs in action while they indulge in their meals. 

Country Side Mushroom Soup $5.80

The Country Side Mushroom Soup consisted of cream of Wild Mushrooms and Idaho Potato. It was delectable, full of fragrant mushroom flavour with mushrooms bits in creamy sauce. Remind me of Tao's Restaurant's version. 

French Onion Soup $5.80

The French Onion Soup was served with caramelised French Onion and Fond De Veau served with Cheese Croutons. I am not an expert in French Onion Soup, felt that it was a tad too sweet for me. But I certainly like the generous amount of caramelised onion given that ensure each mouthful was accompanied by  caramelised onion.

Escargot de Bourgogne $8.80

Escargot de Bourgogne consisted of half dozen Burgundy Snails served with Tomato Fondue and Almond Garlic Butter. At $8.80, it is quite reasonably priced. I felt that the flavour was not strong enough and as the flavour did not infused into the escargot.

Poulet Roti (Whole) $28.80

Poulet Roti, their signature roasted chicken was well executed. The bird was brined for a day in a traditional recipe before being placed in the rotisserie for a slow roast. It was superbly tender and moist. With the creamy home-made Mushroom Chardonnay Sauce, it was lip smacking! Worth a try.

Tiramisu $7.80

Tiramisu an Italian dessert was made from Mascarpone Cheese, Sponge Finger soaked in Espresso and Rum Syrup. The Tiramisu made freshly on a daily basis was served in a glass container. Thumbs up for the  presentation. This is a must order, nicely executed. 

For a restaurant that has opened for just 1 month, I am won over by the food. During my visit on a weekday lunch hour, the restaurant was full. Service wise, there is room for improvement. It was hard to catch the attention of the staff during the lunch period. As for price, I personally thought that it was quite value for money for food of this quality. 

Poulet French Restaurant (Bugis+)

20 Victoria Street

Level 4 Bugis+ (Former Iluma)

Tel: 6509 9411

Opening Hours: Daily 10am to 10pm

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Wild Olives (Changi Airport T2 Staff Canteen)

I did not know of this till recently when my friend brought me to this place. How many of us know that there is a staff canteen hidden in Changi Aiport Terminal 2? Kee Chiu (Raise hands). 

The staff canteen at T2 is huge! Lots of tables and chairs it is like a food court and there are many stalls, more than 10! You are spoilt for variety. In fact, the place looks better than a food court, it was bright, colourful, clean and spacious! 

After a quick walk around, decided to try the western food; Wild Olives. Wild Olives specialises in Western and Italian Cuisine. It does not use Pork and Lard in it's dishes. It's pasta starts at $3.30 (public price)! 

There was a short queue at the stall; one of the stalls with a queue. 

Menu (a)

Menu (b)

I ordered Linguine Alla Vongole. Staff price is $3.80 while public is $4.20. Wow, it is cheap for pasta compared to other hawker centres or food courts. Where else can you find such cheap pasta! In addition, you can add a small Soup / Garden Salad for $1.00 each.

Homemade Mushroom Soup $1.00

Well, I paid just $1 for this bowl of 'small soup' to complete my meal. It's definitely not small! This is their Homemade Mushroom Soup. I added pepper, hence you will notice that there are small black bits on the top of the soup. A big bowl of mushroom soup, the mushroom flavour was mild but addictive. In the end, I finish the whole bowl and found myself longing for more. But still I prefer if the mushroom flavour was stronger and there are chunks of mushrooms in it. 

Linguine Alla Vongole $4.20

Linguine Alla Vongole; linguine(pasta) with clams in white wine sauce. I am impressed by their generous portion of food. Look at the number of clams and amount of linguine given. This cost only $4.20! The clams were fresh and perfectly cooked. The pasta was a tad too dry, that was easily solved by mixing it with the sauce below. The sauce was disappointing as it was not fragrant enough although there were small pieces of garlic in the sauce. This dish would have been much better with more white wine sauce.

I wish that I live at the east side of Singapore. I did not know about this place till now. Well it is better late than never. Overall, I thought that the food (the two items I have tried) could have been better. But let's not forget that it is very cheap! I will not call it cheap and good food, but more of cheap and decent/average food. Hopefully, I will have more chance to explore the T2 Staff Canteen. If you know what's nice here, let me know. 

Wild Olives (Changi Airport T2 Staff Canteen)
Stall 5, Staff Canteen Level 3M
Airport Boulevard, Changi Airport Terminal 2 - Public Area
Staff Canteen Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 7am - 8pm
                                                 Sat, Sun & PH 7am - 9pm
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Tao's Restaurant (PoMo) 2nd Post

Another visit to Tao's Restaurant located at the basement of PoMo (formerly known as Paradiz Centre). Tao's Restaurant is a fushion restaurant that serves a combination of Western and Asian Cuisine. It is well known for its concept of set menu; serving 6 to 7 course meal at affordable prices. 

Modern classy design.

Menu

During my visit last year, I was expecting the price to increase. But to my surprise, there was no increase. Well, this year, there was an increase in price, which was expected. Their new menu now looks so classy!

Lunch: 6 Course Set Meal at $21.80++
Dinner: 7 Course Set Meal at $31.80++

I visited during lunch time with a group of friends (6 to be exact), hence it was a 6 Course Set Meal.

Starter - Bacon & Mushroom Gratin

Bread (2 pieces per person)

Course 1: Starter - Bacon & Mushroom Gratin with toasted bread (soft and fluffy). Bacon & Mushroom Gratin baked with mushroom, bacon and cheese. It was perfect using it as a spread on the bread. Delicious! You can request for more pieces of bread!

Salads - Prawn Roll with Pork Floss

Course 2: Salads - Prawn Roll with Pork Floss. Light, refreshing and sweet. It is akin to popiah. The pork floss inside added unique texture and taste to the prawn roll! I have also tried Top Shell Salad, Farm Boy Splendour and Fruit Salad during my past visits. My favourite is still Prawn Roll with Pork Floss!

Salads - Huai San & Tofu

Course 2: Salads - Huai San & Tofu. Will not comment on those that I did not taste. 

Soups - Cream of Mushroom

Course 3: Soups - Cream of Mushroom. Another of my favourite! This bowl of soup is for mushrooms lovers only, contains 100% mushrooms! Chunks of mushrooms in each spoonful. The whole bowl of soup has a strong essence/flavour of mushroom. Definitely made themselves and different from the ones you get outside from cans. Can't help but notice that the bowl is the same colour as the bowl. 

Soups - Cream of Pumpkin

Course 3: Soups - Cream of Pumpkin. I am a mushroom person! Having said that I am sure you know which soup I prefer. 

Main Entrees - Spicy Stingray

Course 4: Main Entrees - Spicy Stingray. This stingray is different from those at Chomp Chomp, East Coast Park or other restaurants. The stingray was very fresh and well cooked. It was definitely not barbecued or fried. Most likely steamed? The sambal chilli on top was very spicy and certainty complement the stingray well. For those who can't take spicy food, you are strongly advised to avoid this! 

Main Entrees - Grilled Sea Bass with Japanese Sauce

Course 4: Main Entrees - Grilled Sea Bass with Japanese Sauce. During our last visit, the staff actually informed us not to order this dish as the Sea Bass was not fresh. Where else will the staff tell you not to order certain dish as the ingredients are not fresh? So far this is the only place that I know that does this! Kudos to Tao's Restaurant.

Main Entrees - Slow-cooked Pork Back Ribs

Course 4: Main Entrees - Slow-cooked Pork Back Ribs. 

Desserts - Brownie with Ice Cream 

Course 5: Desserts - Brownie with Ice Cream. Nothing to shout about for this dish. 

Desserts - Tiramisu

Course 5: Desserts -  Tiramisu.

Desserts - Yangsheng Poached Pear with Red Dates

Course 5: Desserts - Yangsheng Poached Pear with Red Dates. 

Beverages - Iced Rose Apple Tea (left), Iced Tropical Grapefruit Tea (right)

Course 6: Beverages - Iced Tropical Grapefruit Tea.

Beverages - Iced Rose Apple Tea

Course 6: Beverages - Iced Rose Apple Tea. This is my favourite! Refreshing, light drink with hints rose tea fragrant. Inside, there are pieces of apple (can be eaten) and rose buds.

Beverages - Iced Grassjelly Mint Tea

Course 6: Beverages - Iced Grassjelly Mint Tea. 

Despite the price increase, I still find the lunch at Tao's Restaurant value for money. I especially like the Bacon & Mushroom Gratin, Prawn Roll with Pork Floss, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Iced Rose Apple Tea and Tiramisu. 

*Edited: Tao's has moved to Central #04-86 (Clarke Quay)*

Tao's Restaurant (PoMo) 
1 Selegie Road
#B1-19 PoMo
Tel: 6339 8858
Opening Hours: Daily 1130am - 10pm
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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
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