(Part 2 of 4)

On that day, the Hot Uni Spaghetti was particularly spectacular. Each strand of spaghetti was evenly coated with their rich creamy Uni-infused sauce and topped off with extra Uni for good measure. Relative to the Cold Uni Somen, it tasted richer and more robust and since you can never have too much Uni, I'll definitely recommend the hot version. If not for the need to share, I would have gladly devoured all of it.

Full review at: https://liveeatbless.wordpress.com/2020/02/12/restaurant-review-le-coq-church-street-telok-ayer/

More pictures at: https://www.instagram.com/p/B8d1ILAHMzL/?igshid=1q44cpgcl0jf9

(Part 1 of 4)
To start, the huge prawns atop the pasta were plump, moist, fresh and had no rubbery texture. Dig beneath it and you'll find an ordinary looking pasta, reminiscent of Aglio Olio. In other words, the jackpot. In a world which advocates substance over looks, this pasta must be the epitome of such an ideal. As before, the sauce and spices added into the mix clung on to the noodles really well. Loaded with the taste of Laksa leaves, the pasta gave an explosion of flavours. The closest description to it would perhaps be to boil the best bowl of traditional Laksa you can find down to a nice thick reduction before tossing the pasta in it. Closing my eyes for the next bite, it was honestly difficult to taste the difference between it and the more traditional varieties.

Thanks to Burpple once again for the Eat-up! :)

Full review at: https://liveeatbless.wordpress.com/2020/02/12/restaurant-review-le-coq-church-street-telok-ayer/

More pictures at: https://www.instagram.com/p/B8d1ILAHMzL/?igshid=1q44cpgcl0jf9

(Part 2 of 2)

"Wagyu Patty, Melted Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Juicy Bursting Ikura, Mentaiko Sauce, Onions (Optional)"
Perhaps the most unique out of the 4, I was incredibly satisfied and pleasantly surprised at the generous serving of ikura served within the burger and strong mentaiko flavour provided with every bite. I may not have tried the centre of it which held the bulk of the ikura but my dining companion was incredibly pleased with it despite not being a huge fan of burgers. I would likely come back here again just to give this another shot.
Taste: 9/10

Full review at: https://liveeatbless.wordpress.com/2020/02/08/restaurant-review-the-armoury-craft-beer-bar-south-beach-tower-esplanade/

More pictures at: https://www.instagram.com/p/B8TvvWJnXmq/?igshid=1c76zhgyw566m

(Part 1 of 2)

"Jumbo Wagyu Patty, Bacon, Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Onions (Optional)"
This is perhaps the ultimate rendition of a cheeseburger. With a separate container of nacho cheese and an incredibly thick beef patty, it's all the beef you have ever wanted in a burger with practically unlimited amount of cheese. The bacon was crisp and chunky as well without stealing the limelight from the beef. Spotting a charcoal bun, the sesame seeds on top definitely helped to add another dimension to the burger but it was not as crisp nor fluffy as the traditional brioche buns. Nevertheless, it was still way above average and I would highly recommend if you're looking for the classic.
Taste: 8.5/10

Full review at: https://liveeatbless.wordpress.com/2020/02/08/restaurant-review-the-armoury-craft-beer-bar-south-beach-tower-esplanade/

More pictures at: https://www.instagram.com/p/B8TvvWJnXmq/?igshid=1c76zhgyw566m

(Part 2 of 2)

Nikumori Rich Miso Ramen with Special Full Topping ($19.80++)
While the noodles and the egg were the same, the broth tasted much more umami and of course, less 'meaty'. This broth was simmered for 8h before being mixed with their original blend of miso. And though it was great, as a fan of tonkotsu, it really paled in comparison to the previous bowl. Furthermore, while the stir-fried pork belly slices were thick, they were considerably tougher than the aburi char shu and I would gladly swap the pork belly slices for the char shu any day. Oh, plus points for the copious amounts of onions provided though.
Taste: 8/10

Rice Set
Tarako Onigirazu ($4++)
Topping up an additional $4++ for their rice set, I had their Tarako (Salted Pollock Roe) Onigirazu (Onigiri's rectangular cousin). Simply put it, it tasted like a less satisfying version of mentaiko mixed with a hefty portion of rice which should not be surprising I guess as the roe is not marinated in a mixture of salt and chili peppers. While I'm unlikely to have it again, at least not this flavour, I'll highly recommend dunking it into the broth. Though it'll fall apart instantly, it's akin to dipping bread in soup i.e. They are *meant* for each other.

Needless to say, this meal is perhaps the closest semblance (thus far) to food found in Japan. And if not for the price point, I'll gladly come back to sample everything they have to offer.
Overall (Taste + Ambience + Price): 8/10

More pictures at: https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Q9UhrHx1w/?igshid=j3jazvzudc2t

(Part 1 of 2)
After my disastrous experience at Ajisen Ramen, I've received quite a few other recommendations on legit Japanese food in Singapore. Forgiving myself for my ignorance, we enjoyed an amazing bowl of ramen this time, reminiscent of the ones in Japan. That is, apart from the price point.

Entering Sanpoutei Ramen at Holland Village, I was surprised at how spacious the interior was as it appeared tiny from the front. To get to our seats, we walked past the kitchen where different staff were focused on skillfully cooking just 1 item. As I finally browsed through my favourite book, I began to get increasingly excited, forgetting just how much I've missed Japanese cuisine...

Tonkotsu Ramen w Special Full Topping ($19.80++)
Rich and porky broth filled with creamy goodness, this was thoroughly satisfying and we wished that we could have gotten a refill (Didn't actually try asking though). Soaking up their broth were their firm and springy curly noodles. While I do prefer mine extra firm, it had already exceeded my expectations. Of course, one should not forget their creamy shoyu egg which spotted a surreal sunset orange hue. Without the 12 hour tonkotsu (pork bones) broth, their aburi char shu (BBQ Pork) would have taken centre stage. It had a nice layer of fat, was tender all around and had a smoky flavour which seems to have had eluded other Japanese restaurants I've tried in Singapore.
Taste: 9/10

More pictures at: https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Q9HnLHS_O/?igshid=byugjx48fufo

(Part 3 of 3)

The beef here was nowhere near as tender as the fish but it was not tough either. Lying in a pool of broth / sauce, I initially expected the dish to turn out more like a stew, just like the boiled fish fillets. That being said, there was still a good amount of sauce and to appreciate it to its fullest, try your best to ensure your tongue is not desensitised by the spice. You’ll be rewarded with a rich beefy taste similar to that found in Taiwanese Beef noodles. A sizeable serving of chunky bamboo shoots accompanied the braised beef which can be swapped out for potatoes depending on your preference. Also, there was a good ratio of beef to tendon cut up into bite-size morsels, making it really easy to eat.

More pictures at: https://www.instagram.com/p/B8G0xzqHtGr/?igshid=exdpbvm9oels

Full review at: https://liveeatbless.wordpress.com/2020/02/03/restaurant-review-tianfu-szechuan-cuisine-grantral-mall-clementi/

(Part 2 of 3)

Filled with ‘chopstick-tender’ fish slices, tofu, cabbage amongst other ingredients, I would gladly come back again just for this (Paired with rice).
Likely due to the fish, the broth offered strong umami and flavourful notes which I would have devoured if not for the spice and thick layer of oil resting on top of it. Meanwhile, some of the fish slices could hardly be picked up with one’s chopstick and minimum force must be applied when grabbing it. As usual, a generous portion was provided despite this being their Small portion.

More pictures at: https://www.instagram.com/p/B8G0xzqHtGr/?igshid=exdpbvm9oels

Full review at: https://liveeatbless.wordpress.com/2020/02/03/restaurant-review-tianfu-szechuan-cuisine-grantral-mall-clementi/

(Part 1 of 3)
As an appetiser, we were pleasantly surprised at the size of the dish which was generous enough to be a dish on its own and which came with Pig’s Ears as well, justifying its price. Topped with garlic, roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, onions, scallions and doused in Chinese vinegar and Szechuan chili oil, this was a great prelude for the rest of the evening. Aromatic and nostalgic bursts of Chinese vinegar and numbing sensations overwhelmed me with every bite. I strongly, strongly recommend one to wash it all down with a cup of tea. This was the most numbing dish that night and is a surefire way to start the authentic Szechuan experience – Sweating profusely throughout the meal. :)

More pictures at: https://www.instagram.com/p/B8G0xzqHtGr/?igshid=exdpbvm9oels

Full review at: https://liveeatbless.wordpress.com/2020/02/03/restaurant-review-tianfu-szechuan-cuisine-grantral-mall-clementi/

(Part 2 of 2)

Protein: Chicken
Toppings: Cherry Tomatoes, Egg, Onion, Egg Mayo
Main: Couscous
Base: Romaine Lettuce
Dressing: Mentaiko
On my second visit, they offered a baby spinach wrap as well. There wasn't a discernible difference in taste though. Possibly due to my higher expectations I got from my previous visit, the wrap this time was pretty underwhelming. The mentaiko sauce was far too subtle that it was overwhelmed by the egg mayo. The egg mayo itself, whilst it did satisfy my Japanese 7-Eleven Egg Mayo Sandwich craving, may not have been the best idea as it was cold and made the wrap lukewarm pretty quickly. Unfortunately, I could hardly tell that there was chicken in the wrap as it offered no value in both texture and taste. Overall, this was far more average than the previous one so do choose your ingredients and dressing wisely!
Taste: 6/10

More pictures and menu at: https://www.instagram.com/p/B8DT8FNH9gq/?igshid=1k5gb6rrtcsvi

(Part 1 of 2)

Protein: Beef
Toppings: Tomatoes, Egg, Onions, Chickpeas
Main: Couscous
Base: Romaine Lettuce
Dressing: Wasabi Shoyu
Their not kidding with their Wasabi Shoyu sauce. Every bite hits me right away, leaving me on the verge of tears. It certainly steals the limelight from the rest of the wrap but I'm glad that it was paired with their sukiyaki-style beef which offered a similarly strong burst of flavours, similar to the ones you'll find in a gyudon - soaked and I'm not kidding, dripping with mirin and soy sauce. Their wrap had a great flour / doughy taste and was just thick and firm enough to hold up all the juices from the beef and the dressing, making that last bite akin to ripping into a huge delicious baby diaper. Truly satisfying. :)
Taste: 8.5/10

More pictures and menu at: https://www.instagram.com/p/B8DT8FNH9gq/?igshid=1k5gb6rrtcsvi

(Part 2 of 2)
Their chocolate is basically Nutella spread while their biscoff crumbs were chewy, as though the biscuits were mixed together with some flour (?) to reduce the cost of the ingredients. This was really unfortunate as it made the toast less satisfying. It's still great if you're craving for Nutella I guess, but you can easily and more affordably walk to the nearest supermarket and grab yourself some bread and Nutella.
Taste: 6/10

More information at: https://www.instagram.com/p/B7yH4bhnHOy/?igshid=1jc8z2ric8h42