So walking along the streets of Ghent, I chanced upon a rather crowded cafe during lunch time. Walked in, and definitely got stared at (because usually tourist do not walk at this part of town).
Got myself settled in, and alas no English menu. So the wait staff recommend me their Christmas menu (a steal at €13), that comes with a soup, and the main. That particular day special was this thick cut pork loin, served in brown sauce, with sides of alfalfa greens, broiled fennel and mashed potato croquettes/sticks.
The meat, while it’s well-cooked is actually very tender, given the fact that there was a single trace of fats. The fennel was my favourite, sweet, and helps to balance the heavy brown sauce.
Bloody good burger, period!
Apparently Europe is trending on the burger craze, and Amsterdam is no better. Popping out at every corner and street, burger joints and Coffeeshops are basically side-by-side. Situated on one of the smaller alley in Amsterdam, lies a small attractive store (right next to a takeaway Chinese noodles store).
Take this naked burger, “The Classic” (€4.95). 200g of Irish beef, compacted and stacked between toasty bun with their signature sauce, pickle, lettuce and tomatoes. So huge-ass that I couldn’t order a side (because by now, we have established that they eat for 2pax). The burger, as naked as it is, the flavour certainly wasn’t naked. Juicy, and well seasoned with just salt and pepper, the bad-ass is cooked to perfection, and slowly too I must add. The Chef (a young chap) takes his time is grilling the patty, making its drool-worthy when it sizzle before your eyes!
Greetings from Brussels. Sitting in the middle of Grand Place, have my meal; Belgium trip.
A Belgian sampler platter of a typical Belgium staple; of meatball, beef stew and chicken stew, together with their famous beer.
The meatball is densely packed with meat and fats, making it flavourful in its own jus m. And yet “airy” to be broken apart. The tomato sauce isn’t anything special to scream about, light and just plain old tomato sauce.
The beef stew somehow reminds me of Mother, and how she always make her stew (could it be that she is Belgian? LOL). Red wine reduction, and with the beef simmered in hours, that the meat just breaks apart so easily! Comfy and delicious.
But my personal favourite is that creamy chicken stew, thick in consistency and bursting with mushroom and cream, this is definitely a winter comfort food. The chicken is simmered down that it’s so soft, that a lazy person (aka me) don’t have to chew much. Hidden in the sauce lies baby chicken balls, compact and feels like out Asian meatball you buy off the frozen shelves.
Overall, it’s certainly a delight.
Hello from Belgium, particularly Ghent. The weather is wet, the snow is melting but I’m still in love with the ancient city. After all that castle, Churches and watchtower visiting, you’ll definitely need a piping hot leige waffle (one of the several type of Belgian waffle). Doughy, and dense, this type of waffle had sugar added into the mix, unlike the Brussels waffles (where it’s crisp on the outside, and ultra light and fluffy on the inside). And topped off with a generous amount of Nutella (everybody scream please!), and you know you’re in chocolate heaven.
Finally arrived in Antwerp; and it’s heavily pouring out.
So what better way to wait out the weather before continuing, is this lovely pot (huge pot, I might add) of Ertensoep (7.50€), while hiding under the thermal lamps.
Typically a winter soup, it’s made out of green beans and bacon. A little tad salty, but perfectly fine to me. The ba browned before adding the green bean soup! Who knew that beans can be used in a savoury dish. Definitely one of the more delicious meal I had for this trip.
The staff thinks that I’m mad to be full on their starters, but really… it’s not your typical 1pax pot.
Apparently they are supposedly to be number one.
Other than this piping hot cone of thick cut fries, gave me the much needed warmth, I can’t say why it’s that good as so all Europeans claimed.
Yes, it’s crisp on the outside and fluffy soft on the inside, but isn’t all the special. And yes, they have a lot of sauces to choose from, but none screamed “SPECIAL”. (Guys, they charged 0.75€ for ketchup).
It’s just fries guys!
Newly opened outlet in cuppage plaza and opened til 5am, it Japanese eatery will be my favourite after 12 eating place. Using charcoal to grill, every meat ordered is perfectly marinated that, there isn’t a need for any dipping or salt&pepper. My personal favourite had to be the beef tongue (thinly sliced), and beef skirt. Oh, if you’re lazy to grill your own meat, they serve amazing yakitori, all grilled to perfection! I swear!
Please do not forgo beers, and go perfectly well with most of the dishes on the menu.
The staff are all Japanese, and the menu too is Japanese 1st, before being translated into English! Every inch reminds me of Japan, simple and understated.
Wonderfully plated, with the chicken being delightfully soft & moist. Silky at its best. The soup, is wonderfully flavoured, I wasn’t expecting the sweet, winter melon soup.
But definitely heavily laden with MSG. I have never felt so thirsty before, make that extremely thirsty! I drown myself with at least 2 bottles of water. It was THAT BAD. I felt like I was in a desert, dying of thirst.
Would I go back again? NEVER.
SHIMA HOKKE TEISHOKU
Grilled Atka Mackerel Set
$14.90 SGD
For those who needs a complete meal, this restaurant (located in various part of Singapore) is the place to be. My personal Favourite is this Shima Hokke set, that is totally value for its money, and utterly moist , flaky and firm. At its price point, you are served with whole fish, grilled to perfection. Smoky and light, perfect for those who is on diet, or healthy living. Do be wary of bones, but a small hazard to an otherwise full meal.
There something so chewy about their pancake, that I absolutely love. "Bready" and dense, this sweet-nothing topped off with berries and a scoop of frozen yogurt hit every point of yummilious. Definitely a plate to share, after having their mains. The hot and cold combo, dance in delight while the sourish berries compote balance well with the sweetness from yoghurt. Definitely great for an afternoon tea!
Gave this a shot, and instantly knew that this plate isn't my Favourite on the menu. The sauce, did not help to mask the fact that the black cod is tough, like rubber-tough. The sauce is on the acidic side, it was only great for a few bites, but I couldn't finish the plate. The crushed potatoes, just make the plating looked messy.
I love the seating arrangement and ambience, and the choice of good Pinot Gris (strong but delicate fruity note was brought out clearly). You know what they say, when you only praise the drinks/coffee. 🙅🏻
Thick slab of aburi slices of fishes on top of a bed of fluffy Japanese rice, is my kind of dinner. And that melt-in-the-mouth beef aburi sushi, certainly hit all the right notes. Thanks Bernard once more.
